The stream of happenings, come and go irresistibly around and above you, and that which gives the balance to face them steadily is prayer. – Swami Chinmayananda What is Prayer Prayer or worship is a technique by which the entire thought processes in the worshipper are mobilized and directed to flow towards a perfect point of…
Handloom – A Timeless Tradition
What is Handloom? Handloom refers to wooden frames of different types which are used by skilled artisans to weave fabrics usually from natural fibers like Cotton, Silk, Wool, Jute etc. It is a cottage industry where the entire family is involved in the production of cloth. Right from spinning the yarn, colouring, to weaving on the…
Samskaras – Why they are important in a Child’s Life
What are Samskaras? Samskaras or sanskaras (Sanskrit: संस्कार) can be defined as “mental impression, recollection, psychological imprint”. Samskaras (impressions) are embedded in the subconscious mind. An experience in the sense-plane sinks down into the depths of the subconscious mind and becomes there a ‘Samskara’. These Samskaras manifest as tendency, karmic impulse, subliminal impression, habitual potency or innate dispositions. Thus, Samskaras are guiding principles…
Rama – Indeed a Man of Perfection!
Lord Rama is seen carrying His bow and arrow at all times and that symbolises His preparedness and strength to maintain peace and justice both within and without… He is the ideal of ‘aggressive goodness’…. He would not passively accept anything that is inconsistent with or contrary to morality and righteousness. – Swami Chinmayananda Lord…
Understanding the True Power of Namaste or Namaskar
Since childhood we all have seen and learnt to greet one another with a Namaste. Do you know why we join our palms, bow the head and say “namaste”? Namaste can be a formal or informal greeting, a cultural habit, or an act of worship. However, there is much more to it than what meets…
Why do we Worship Tulsi (Holy Basil)?
In Hindu tradition, Tulsi or the Holy Basil is considered as a mother. It is one of the most sacred plants and is known to be self-purifying. Many stories and legends in the Indian Mythology beckon the reasons why Tulsi is worshipped: Story – Tulsi cursed Lord Vishnu One such story states that, once Tulsi…
Why do we Celebrate Holi?
In India, the festival of Holi marks the arrival of spring, the season of joy. Prominently known as the festival of colors, it spans over three days and is a celebration of the triumph of good versus evil, love, fertility, and color. On Day 1, i.e. the full moon day (Holi Purnima) colored powder and…
This is the Reason You Should Have Pooja Room at Home
Beautiful life just doesn’t happen; It is built by prayer, humility, sacrifice, and hard work – Swami Chinmayananda A prayer room is an integral part of every house be it big or small. We should have a prayer room because, it serves as a gateway between us and the supreme power. This spiritual arena in…
Why do we celebrate Maha Shivratri?
Shivaratri means “The Great Night of Lord Shiva.” As per Hindu calendar, it is celebrated in Varanasi in the dark fortnight or Krishna Paksha at the 13th night or 14th day of Maagha or Phalguna, i.e., February or March in reverence of Lord Shiva. This year Maha Shivratri will be celebrated on 4th March. It…
Do you know why is Vibhuti or Holy Ash applied?
Vibhuti, Bhasma, Thiruneer, or Holy Ash when applied to the forehead and the body is believed to destroy the sins and revere the Lord. It is obtained from a sacrificial fire by burning together herbs, cow dung, milk, ghee, and honey. It is a sacred act performed while worshipping Lord Shiva. Why is Lord Shiva…