Naraka Chaturdashi

What is Naraka Chaturdashi ?

Naraka Chaturdashi is celebrated to mark the end of Narakasura named daithya.  It is celebrated on Ashwija Krishna Chaturdashi.

Who is Narakasura?

Narakasura is a daithya born to Bhoodevi and Varahadevaru.   He was the king of Pragjyotisha Nagar (now in Assam).  He had occupied that King’s position after overthrowing danava king Ghatakasura.

Why Krishna & Satyabhama killed Narakasura?

Narakasura in association with Murasura, had brought control of the entire world under his belt.  He went to Swargaloka and attacked Devendra, who had to flew out of Indraloka.  He stole 16100 women (gopikaa stree, who are originally sons of Agni, born as ladies just to marry to Krishna) and had kept them in his Jail.  All gods approached  Srihari with the leadership of Indra, who assured them to put an end to Narakasura.  But Narakasura had a boon that he would face death only at the hands of his mother Bhoodevi. So, Krishna asks his wife Sathyabhama, the reincarnation of Bhudevi, to be his charioteer in the battle with Naraka.

Aditi, the mother of Devategalu approached Satyabhama for help, who in turn approached Srikrishna. Narakasura had 11 Akshohini Sainya,  Krishna went alongwith Satyabhama, attacked Narakasura and his fort, riding on his chariot Garuda.  Naraka’s palace was guarded by the five-headed daithya Murasura.  Murasura hurled countless weapons at Krishna, but  Krishna shot each one down with his bow and arrow. Then Krishna killed him with his Sudarshana dislocating Mura’s five heads.  That is why Krishna got the name “Murari”.

Then a fierce fight went on with Krishna and Narakasura.  Satyabhama also joined in fighting with the daithya.Krishna also killed Narakasura with his Sudarshana Chakra and freed all the 16100 women who were imprisoned by the daithya.   Bhoodevi then sang hymns in praise of Krishna and begged him to take Naraka’s son Bhagdatta under his protection.  Krishna placed Bhagadatta (Narakasura’s son Bhagadatta had fought for Kauravaas in Kurukshetra War)  on the throne and then freed all of Naraka’s prisoners. The devathaas showered Krishna with flowers from the heavens.  Before  dying, the Asura requested a boon that his death anniversary should be celebrated by all people on earth. This day is celebrated as ‘Naraka Chaturdashi’ – the first day of Diwali.

Why oil bath to be taken on Naraka Chaturdashi day?-

It is said Lord Krishna had an oil bath to rid himself off the blood spattered on his body when Naraka was killed. The tradition is followed and people offer prayers on the previous day of the Naraka Chaturdashi to the vessel in which water is being heated for having bath. Hindus light fireworks, which are regarded as the effigies of Narakasura who was killed on this day. Taking OIL-BATH is a must on this day. That Mahalakshmi would be getting from the bed. It has been said to  perform  pooja according to usage and custom.

tailaabhyaMjana snaana saMkalpa -

…………  chaturdashyaaM shubhatithou chaMdrOdayakaalE narakaaMtaka shrI gOpaalakRuShNa prEraNayaa shrI gOpaalakRuShNa prItyarthaM saparivaaraaya shrI gOpaalakRuShNaaya sugaMdhi tailaabhyaMga samarpaNa pUjaaM kariShyE

Srikrishna paramathma has given a blessings on Narakasura that those who does the tailabhyanjana on this Day, i.e., Ashwayuja Bahula Chaturdashi will have putra, poutra, aishwarya and everything.  This is called as “Narakee Chaturdashi”, further they will not fear of “Naraka”.  Abhyanga Snana is a full body massage and ritual bathing on the Narak Chaturdasi day during Diwali. In some regions, Abhyang Snana is performed before sunrise.

Before doing Abhyanga Snaana – first have “Enne shaastra” from sumangali strees.  Then do have normal snaana.

Then do the abhyanga snaana to the idols in your house.  Then remains of the oil used for devata samarpana to be mixed with the oil and to be applied to the other membes of your house.

There is no Dosha for Vyateepaata, vaidhruthi, maataapitru Samvatsarika Shraddha also.  Everybody has to take abhyanjana snaana.  Even sanyasi have to take abhyanjana snaana on this day. 

Yamatarpana –  After snaana, ahneeka, pooja, every one have to give tarpana to Yamadharmarajaru.  As Yamadharmaraja has devatva and pitrutva,  all should give tarpana.  Jeevanpitru must give tarpana without using ellu (tila) facing south direction.  Whereas those who are not having father they should give tarpana with apasavya with ellu (tila).

Yamaparpana sankalpa –   Achamana, sankalpa, pranavasya……..chaturdashyaam, shubatithou, mama naraka bhaya nivruttidwaara sri yamaantargata shrI bhaaratIramaNa muKyapraaNaaMtargata shrI lakShmI narasiMha/vEMkatEsha prItyarthaM, narakachaturdashi parvakaala prayuktaM yama tarpaNamahaM kariShyE.

yamaM tarpayaami | dharmaraajaM tarpayaami |

mRutyuM tarpayaami | aMtakaM tarpayaami |

vaivasvataM tarpayaami | kaalaM tarpayaami |

sarvabhUtakShayaM tarpayaami | ouduMbaraM tarpayaami |

daddhnaM tarpayaami | vRukOdaraM tarpayaami |

nIlaM tarpayaami | paramEShTinaM tarpayaami |

chitraM tarpayaami | chitraguptaM tarpayaami |

After Yamatarpana, those who are eligible for pitru tarpana shall give pitru tarpana to their 12 pitrus.

यमं तर्पयामि । धर्मराजं तर्पयामि ।

मृत्युं तर्पयामि । अंतकं तर्पयामि ।

वैवस्वतं तर्पयामि । कालं तर्पयामि ।

सर्वभूतक्षयं तर्पयामि । औदुंबरं तर्पयामि ।

दद्ध्नं तर्पयामि । वृकोदरं तर्पयामि ।

नीलं तर्पयामि । परमेष्टिनं तर्पयामि ।

चित्रं तर्पयामि । चित्रगुप्तं तर्पयामि ।

When Surya is in Tularashi, we have to light of panju.  Because of this, those who have been burnt in your family, those who have been dead out of lightening and thunder, etc will get Sadgathi.  In order to get and to show the path, specially in temples, mutts, gardens, roads, goshala, etc, places are decorated with panju  light in olden days.

Courtesy: Narahari Sumadhwa

GOD AND DOG

 Of  the  84  lakh  species,  man  stands  to  learn  from  every  creation  of  God,  we  are told, in  scriptures.  In  a  recent  edition  of  a tamil  magazine,  it  is  written  that  dog  has  got  the  habit  of  never  looking  back  at  the  place  it slept.  Perhaps  this  is  a good  trait  man  can  emulate,  in not  looking  back  at his  past  and  regretting. 

Prabodhini Ekadashi

Prabodhini Ekadashi is a very special ekadashi also known as Haribhodini Ekadashi.

It is on this ekadashi day the Gods and Brahma woke up Sri Hari from his yoga nidra by performing prabhodotsava, to rescue the Vedas from Asura  Shanka. This results  in the matsya avatara and led to the rescue of the Vedas  by Sri Hari. 

This ekadashi also marks the beginning of Bheeshma Panchaka Vrata. 

This also marks the end of Chaturmasya and end of dwidaLa vrat. 

It is also Uttana Ekadashi leading to Uttana Dwadashi. On Dwdashi day Tulsi pooja  is done with lots of love and devotion. Please make it a point to take care of your Tulsi plant on Uttana Dwadashi. This day is also celebrated as Tulasi Vivah. 

draSHtA spraSHtA tavADHyAtA nAmatastutA | 
rOpitA sEchitA nityaM pUjitA tuLasI shubhA || 

To see, touch a tulasi plant or leaves. To praise, think or medidate 
on Tulasi. To water or do pooja to a tulasi plant To do such nine 
action on Tulasi with devotion leads to Sri Hari's grace. Thats why 
in kartika month we do pooja to Sri Hari with tender Tulasi leaflets. 
This is equivalent to do many yagnas and other austerities. 

Padma Puran Part-3 62nd chapter. 

Also on the uttana dwadashi day, sleeping daamodara and tulsi are worshipped with shodasha upachara. Tulasi is decorated with ornaments and damadora is woken up with variety of musical instruments ( vadya ghosha )  

idaM vishnu vichakramE trEtA nidadhE padaM |  
samULhamasya pAmsurE 

iyaM ca dwAdashi dEva prabhOdArthaM vinirmitA | 
tvataiva sarvalokAnAM hitArthaM sheShashAyinA || 

utthiShTOthiShTa gOvinda tyaja nidrAM jagatpatE | 
tvayi suptE jagatsuptaM uttitEchOtThitaM bhavEt ||

Uttaradi Matha and other mathas: Sri moola raama pooja in the evening as well on Uttana Dwadashi day.

Story from Skanda Purana 

Lord Brahma said to Narada Muni, "Dear son, O best of the sages, I 
shall narrate to you the glories of Haribodhini Ekadasi, which 
eradicates all kinds of sins and bestows great merit, and ultimately 
liberation, upon the wise persons who surrenders to Sri Hari. 

"O best of the brahmanas, the merits acquired by bathing in the 
Ganges remain significant only as long as Haribodhini Ekadasi does 
not come. This Ekadasi, which occurs during the light fortnight of 
the month of Kartika, is much more purifying than a bath in the 
ocean, at a place of pilgrimage, or in a lake. This sacred Ekadasi 
is more powerful in nullifying sin than one thousand Asvamedha 
sacrifices and one hundred Rajasuya sacrifices." 

Also from Hari Bhakti Vilasa.( Padma and Skanda Purana ) 

Prabodhini Ekadasi in Kartik: (Sukla paksha) from Hari Bhakti Vilas - 
Vaishnava Smriti. 
PRABODHINIM UPOSYA EVA NA GARBHE VISATE NARAH 
SARVA DHARMAN PARITYAJYA TASMAT KURVITA NARADA 

(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 16/289 from SKANDA PURANA spoken by Lord Brahma) 

Oh Narada Muni, one who fasts on Prabodhini 
Ekadasi, does not enter again into the womb of another mother. 
Therefore, a person should give up all varieties of occupation and 
fast on this particular Ekadashi day. 

DUGDHABDHIH BHOGI SAYANE BHAGAVAN ANANTO 
YASMIN DINE SVAPITI CA ATHA VIBHUDHYATE CA 
TASMINN ANANYA MANASAM UPAVASA BHAJAM 
KAMAM DADATY ABHIMATAM GARUDANKA SAYI 

(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 16/293 from PADMA PURANA) 

One who fasts with one pointed intelligence on the day when 
Sri Hari, Who sleeps on a bed of the enemy of Garuda 
(snake) goes to take rest in the Milk ocean on the bed of Ananta Sesa 
and also the day He gets up, gets all of his desires fulfilled. 

BHAKTIPRADA HAREH SATU NAMNA KSATA PRAVODHINI 
YASA VISNOH PARA MURTIR AVYAKTA ANEKA RUPINI 
SA KSIPTA MANUSE LOKE DVADADI MUNI PUNGAVA 

(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 16/301 from VARAHA PURANA conversation between 
Yamaraja and Narada Muni) 

This Prabodhini Ekadasi is famous for rewarding devotion to Lord Sri 
Hari. Oh best of the sages (Narada Muni), the personality of Ekadasi 
is present on this earthly planet in an unmanifested form of Sri 
Hari. 


CATUR DHA GRAHYA VAI CIRNAM CATUR MASYA VRATAM NARAH 
KARTIKE SUKLAPAKSE TU DVADASYAM TAT SAMACARET 

(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 16/412 from MAHABHARATA) 

A person who observed Caturmasya fast stated in four different ways 
should end his fast on the Dvadasi day on the light fortnight of the 
month of Karttika. 

EVAM YA ACARET PARTHA SOBHANAM DHARMAM APNUYAT 
AVASANE TU RAJENDRA VASUDEVA PURAM VRAJET 

(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 16/433 from BHAVISYA UTTARA PURANA) 

Oh son of Prtha, Oh best of the kings, one who follows his vows 
properly as it is stated here achieves the highest merit and at last 
goes to the home of Sri Hari ( Vaikunta). 

from Padma Puran: 

In the month of Kartika, 
1. If we don't eat outside its equal to Chandrayana vrata. 
2. Study Vedas and Vedantas, debate, sharavana etc., is equal to 
performing to 10000 yagnas. 
3. If we even recite a single shloka from Bhagvata purana infront of 
Keshava its equivalent to hundreds of GodAna ( cow donation ) 
4. Listening to Sri Hari's stories and honour the pravachnakara its equal to 
akshyaloka prapti. 
5. Perform pravachana, SharavNa of Bhagvadgeetha no rebirth. 

In Kartika month people perform the following.. 
1. Sri Hari's pooja with devotion 
2. Offer various fruits 
3. Offer Arghya to Sri Hari via Shanka 
4. Gurupooja, AnnaDAna, dAna dhkshina 
5. Bhagvata purAna shravana, manana, paTaNa. 
6. Pooja to Sri Hari with flowers like Kedhige, agastikusuma, 
munipushpa and tulasi leaves 

Uthana Dwadashi

It is the day when chaturmasya ends. Its also end of all Vratas. Its the day when Lord Sri Hari is awakened after four months of sleep start the day with the mantra "Uttista Uttista Govinda Uttista Garudhadhwaja. Uttista Kamalakanta. ..." 

Its a day for Sri Krishna and Sri Tulasi Vivaha. 

Rituals and short storyTulsi Vivah : This is perhaps the most sentimental but not the least important festival which falls on the 11th day of the bright half of Kartik. This story from padma Puram revolves round Tulsi, the plant Ocimum Sanctum which in her former birth was Vrinda, the daughter of a giant named Nemi, and the faithful wife of demon Jalandhar. Being born in water Jalandhar claims sovereignty over the ocean and demands the 14 treasures churned out of the ocean in Vishnu's second incarnation. He declares war and becomes a cause of danger to the gods. More so because of a boon that he would be free drom death till his wife Vrinda was chaste. As a last resort to kill Jalandhar, Vishnu beguiles Vrinda by assuming her husband's form. Vrinda in her wrath cruses and turns Lord Vishnu into a Black stone (Salagram) for his deceit. Vishnu too retaliates but in admiration of her impeachable chastity and piety, he transfers her into the sacred Tulsi plant and promises tomarry her annuallyon this day of Kartik. The origin of the ammonite black stone or Salagram found on the bed of the river Gandaki may be attributed to their legend.As a consequence, all devout Hindu women worship the Tulsi plant with flowers and milk assuming Lord Krishna to be present on it on this auspicious day. Literally a mock marriage is performed between the Tulsi and the Salagram. The belief is that one who performs this ceremony of giving away Tulsi considering them to be one's own daughters, gets the credit as making a Kanyadan which is regarded as an extremely meritorious act in pur religion. This sacred ceremonial day marks the auspicious opening of the annual marriage season of the Hindus. 

Utthana Dwadashi is a festival unique to South India. It is observed as Tulasi Vivaha-the marriage of Tulasi Devi with Lord Vishnu. Devotees celebrate the occasion by conducting a ceremonious marriage of Tulasi Devi with Lord Vishnu in the form of Saligrama Shila. If the family does not possess a Saligrama Shila, a Gooseberry (amla) plant represents Lord Vishnu.. The Brindavana – a special altar of the Tualsi Plant - a common feature in almost all south Indian homes is decorated with flowers and lamps and devotees visit each other’s houses exchanging gifts and prasadam.

BLESSINGS TULASI DEVI WILL BESTOW

Whoever will be moistened or anointed with the water that has been sanctified by Tulasi leaves, will reap the benefits of having bathed in all the sacred rivers and performed all kinds of sacrifices."Lord Hari will not be as pleased with the gift of a thousand jars of honey as with one Tulasi leaf."Offering one such leaf as a gift will bring the same reward obtained by offering millions of cows."If one offers Tulasi leaves during the month of Kartika, he gets the same rewards as those just mentioned."If, at the time of death, one drinks or gets the Tulasi-leaf water, one will be freed of all his sins and proceed to Vaikuntha."Whoever drinks the Tulasi-leaf water daily will be redeemed in his lifetime and receive the benefit of a dip in the Ganges."Whoever plucks a Tulasi leaf, keeps it on his person, and then leaves his body in a holy place, will go to Visnuloka."Anyone who worships Me with this leaf daily will reap the blessings of a hundred thousand horse sacrifices."Anyone who leaves his body holding a Tulasi leaf in his hands will be saved from all sins."Anyone who wears a necklace composed of Tulasi wood, will surely, at every step, get the reward of a horse sacrifice."Whoever breaks his promise while holding the Tulasi leaf will go to the Kalsutra hell for as long as the sun and moon last."Anyone who gives false evidence in the presence of the Tulasi leaf, will go to the Kumbhipaka hell for as long as the lifespans of fourteen Indras."Whoever at the time of death drinks or gets a little Tulasi-leaf water will certainly proceed to Vaikuntha, leaving in a jewelled airplane."Lord Hari will decapitate that person who, on the day of the new moon or the full moon, or on the twelfth or last day of the lunar month, or after being anointed with oil just before taking a bath, or at noon, night, daybreak or sundown, or in a state of impurity or in one's night dress--will cull or pluck the Tulasi leaf."O chaste one, even if such a leaf is kept for three nights and becomes dry, it can still be employed in connection with funeral ceremonies, vows, gifts, consecration of temples and the worship of demigods."If Tulasi leaves that were offered to Lord Visnu have fallen on the ground or on water are then properly washed, they may still be used for other sacred purposes."You will always be the presiding deity of the Tulasi plant here on Earth, and at the same time you will always sport with Sri Krsna in solitude in Goloka. You will also be the presiding deity of the Gandaki River, and thereby shower India with religious merit. You will further be the wife of the ocean of salt, which is My partial expansion. O chaste goddess, you will always remain personally by My side and enjoy My company, as Laksmi does.

WORSHIP OF TULASI DEVI

Whoever worships Tulasi Devi with her eight names and their meanings--Vrinda, Vrindavani, Viswapavani, Visvapujita, Tulasi, Puspasara, Nandini, and Krsna Jivani--and properly sings this hymn of eight verses, acquires the merit of performing an Ashvamedha (horse) sacrifice.Because Tulasi was born on the lunar day of the full moon in the month of Kartika, Lord Hari prescribed this day for her worship.Whoever worships her on this day will be freed from all sins and go to Vaikuntha.Whoever, out of reverence, gives Lord Visnu a Tulasi leaf in the month of Kartika, will gain the same benefit obtained by giving the gift of ten million cows.By hearing or recalling the Tulasi hymn, a son will be born to the sonless woman, a wife will be obtained by the wifeless man, health will be restored to a diseased person, freedom will be given to a prisoner, fearlessness will be bestowed upon the terrified, and salvation will be given to the sinners.In the Kanva Sakha branch of the Vedas, the method of worshiping and meditating on Tulasi Devi is described. Without invoking the goddess, one can reverentially meditate on her and adore her with sixteen ingredients in the following way:"Of all flowers, Tulasi is the best. She is worshipable and beautiful, and burns up the fuel of sins like a flame of fire. Of all the goddesses, she is the most sacred. Because no one can compare to her, she is called Tulasi. I worship this goddess who is entreated by all. She is placed on the heads of all, desired by all, and makes the universe holy. She bestows liberation from this world and devotion to Lord Hari. I worship her."After this meditation and worship, the wise should read her praises and bow down to her. 

Sri Krishnarpanamastu

Na Aham Karta Hari Karta

Hanumad Vrata

Srimad Hanumad Vrata is observed on Margasheersha Shukla Trayodashi every year for good health and Prosperity.

Srimad  Hanumad Vrata keeps us healthy, free from all fears, psychological tensions and leads to success in studies. It is observed by married couples, unmarried devotees, children and elders.  

Late Shree Krishnarao Deshapande of Bilagi (Bagalkot Dist)  popularly known as Bilagi  Dasaru dedicated his life for Seva of  Shree Yantrodharak Mukhya Pranadevaru.  He lived at Shree Yantrodharak Mukhya Pranadevara Sannidhi all through his life and performed Shree HanumadVrata every year there. Now his Son  Shree Vithal K Deshapande popularly known as  Anand Vithala Dasaru is continuing the seva of 

Shree Yantrodharak Mukhya Pranadevaru.

This is the first and most important shrine dedicated to Hanuman called Yantrodhara  Mukhya Prana Devaru installed by Shree Vyasarajaru. The Yantrodhara Anjaneya is an unique image of Hanuman in a meditative sitting posture inside an amulet and number of monkeys carved around this amulet like the hour markers in a clock dial (locally called Yantra and hence the name). This religiously active shrine remains open during the morning & evening hours in normal days.

Sri Krishnarpanamastu

Na Aham Karta Hari Karta

Guidelines of Good Life

In the course of explanation of sankhya and yoga, Gita lays down very useful guidelines for good life. These could be followed by everyone irrespective of religious and philosophical affiliation. These guidelines are given while describing sthita-prajna, gunatita, and bhakta. The ideal man envisaged by Gita is described while depicting these three. The main features of an ideal man delineated here are elaborated throughout Gita. The concepts of Daivisampat and Asurisampat also bring out these features. Chapters 16th, 17th and 18th lay down detailed guidelines in respect of food, action, speech, and thought. We may notice a few points here.

The most important point for a man to function as a good man and a good member of society is the refinement of his emotions. He has to lift himself from animal level to human level. Passions, anger, hatred, greed etc. have to be tamed and the mind has to be directed in the right direction. Therefore, Gita repeatedly states that one should develop equanimity of mind and should not give room to wrong emotions. ‘Indriyaani niyamya’, Advestaa sarvabhutaanaam’, ‘Nirvairah Sarvabhutesu’, Sukhaduhkhe samekrtva’, Siddhi asidhyoh samo bhutvaa’ and many other similar observations of Gita hammer the idea that one should not allow his emotions to have a sway over his reason. Gita puts the characteristic of such a person as ‘one who does not provoke any one nor himself is provoked by any one’ (Yasmaan na udvijate lokah lokaat na udvijate cha yah). This is the foundation of all good conduct.

Such taming of emotions requires good analysis of the nature of men and matter. Therefore, Gita elaborately analysis the saattvika, raajana, and taamasa nature of men and matter. Enlightenment, activity and dullness are the three important aspects of man. These are reflected in the behavior, food, thought, attitudes, actions, purposes, associations, ambitions and all other aspects of life. These are all minutely analyzed in Gita. This analysis helps one to interospect and improve.

With the correct understanding of the nature of men and matter, and taming of emotions, one is qualified to pursue an active and meaningful life. Work is life. One has to discharge one’s duty courageously and faithfully. ‘Yogah karmasu kausalam’. 

The philosophy of action propounded by Gita has three important aspects: 

1. Do your duty courageously and faithfully. 
2. Do not transgress into other’s duty. 
3. Do not withdraw from your duty out of the fear of failure, incompletion or any other extraneous consideration.

These guide-lines laid down in Gita are universal and very simple to imbibe. The spiritual and theistic framework in which these guidelines are laid down has enriched their appeal much more.

The entire teaching of Gita is beautifully summed up in a Gita verse:

mathkarmakRith mathparamah madhbhakthah saNgavarjithah | nirvairah sarvabhootheshu yah sa maamEthi pANdava || XI-55 

Reference: Gita Bhashya & Tatparya

Philosophy of Duty

One is enjoined to perform one’s duties only; but not with the expectation of results. No duty be undertaken with the motivation of results. Nor, one should be indifferent towards one’s duty on the ground that he is not interested in the results (II-47).

This philosophy of duty is a turning point in Indian cultural history. It is directly in contrast with the view of vedavaadaratas mentioned above. While the Vedavaadaratas or those who went by superficial meaning of the Vedas insisted that deeds are to be taken for the respective results, the philosophy of duty held by Gita insists that deeds that are svadharma be undertaken as svadharma without the motivation of results. Performance of one’s duty in dedication to God with deep devotion is an end by itself and not a means excepting the knowledge and grace of God. 

This theory of deeds is known as nishkaamakarma theory or nivrttakarma theory as against kaamykarma theory of mimamsakas. 

Three important points are involved in this theory: 
1. One has to undertake one’s duty because it is a duty. 
2. Results should not be the motivation for undertaking any deed. 
3. None should give up or be indifferent towards his duty on the grounds that he is not interested in the results or there are no results. Such performance of duty has to be in dedication to God with deep devotion to him. 

This is the Gita theory of Nishkaamakarma. 

Reference: Gita Bhashya & Tatparya

How Meditation Helps You Being Better!

There are different people, different perspectives, and different demands in life. But with all the hustle-bustle, one thing is common: each one of us strives for betterment in life. We need growth in all spheres of life. Certainly, parties and friends are always there to rejuvenate and recharge you; however, mental peace, inner satisfaction and clarity of thoughts is what makes you stronger and better.

 

There isn’t any one method for obtaining the inner peace and strength which is reflected in your work and makes you the best. Different things work for different people. We need to discover for ourselves what works for us. The way to do this is through meditation. While meditating, you will find the answers to your problems on your own.

 

Meditation takes you within yourself. It allows you to spend some time with yourself. When you see life from an bigger perspective, you will craft better plans for a life that is best for you. Here are some of the ways in which meditation can improve your life.

 

1. It increases concentration.

If you can practice focusing on your breath or focusing on a particular thought, with time, you will have increased your ability to concentrate while working at the office or listening to your kids. This will increase your efficiency. The less time you take to get things done, the better your time management becomes.

 

2. You learn to live in the present moment, which is often referred to as “mindfulness.”

Mindfulness allows you to have better relationships and also creates a work-life balance. Meditation allows you to live in the moment. This allows to leave your office stress at the office and enjoy time spent with your family. Your mind gets trained to shift from office to home and vice-versa.

 

3. It reduces stress.

Stress: the word that almost all psychologists hear about over and over again. One study suggests that continuous practice of Meditation reduces stress levels.

 

4. It can help you fight depression.

A new study reveals that mediation proves very effective in curing depression. Depression and anxiety can be reduced to a good level with even a little training in meditation, as per the research. Hence, persistent meditation practice proves to be as effective as anti-depressants while fighting depression.

 

5. It leads to numerous health benefits.

Harvard scientists have explained that meditation helps in relieving pain. This is the reason why many doctors are asking their patients to practice it. Also, many healing centers now have mediation rooms.

 

6. Meditation gives you peace and bliss within your own existence.

 

Meditation allows you to enjoy your own existence. When the mind is quiet, you experience the divine bliss. You feel more connected to the universe. You start appreciating life with its tokens of love.

 

7. It makes you more creative.

 

Nishkama Karma

The Gita gives paramount importance to action-performance of duty-; Lord Krishna, the Supreme Ruler of the Universe, makes it mandatory for everyone; so much so, that He even warns us of punishment for its non-performance. No doubt, action, discharge of duty enjoined upon us, as it is meant, assures one progress and happiness, but it also binds one to the material world by the operation of the universally accepted law of action which is invariably followed by reaction of equal proportion; and it is diametrically opposite to the very purpose of human life, which, as every religion of the world says, is to seek release from the world and not to get entangled in it. Lord Krishna recommends the same thing-action-, but with a difference, for the release from the world; action performed without expectation for its results (nishkama karma) leads one from the bondage, He says. 

 

As a matter of fact, God, the All Loving, the All Caring Lord of the Universe wants everyone to lead a happy life while on the material plane, and therefore mandates performance of duty. He also wants everyone to attain the state of eternal bliss at His Lotus Feet, for which, He recommends nishkama karma; He says one who conscientiously discharges the duty enjoined upon him, with no sense of doer ship and with no expectation for result (nishkama karma), and offers the duty thus performed to the Lord, one is led to the path of liberation. The Lord also recommends acquirement of divine knowledge, and of devotion to Him. In other words, the Lord recommends Jnana yoga, karma yoga and bhakti yoga for the attainment of liberation. 

 

Different scholars and saints have recommended different yogas for the attainment of liberation, although they agree on the importance of performance of nishkama karma. While some have recommended jnana yoga, others have recommended karma yoga and bhaktiyoga. Saints in particular rely heavily upon bhakti yoga; they recommend the simplest method of the recitation of God’s name, which, they say, gets strengthened, if continued, and transforms itself into total devotion to God, with the passage of time, and ultimately leads one to God Himself.

 

Shri Madhwacharya presents fusion of all three approaches; all the yogas are interdependent, he says. Karma yoga (nishkama karma) leads to jnana yoga and jnana yoga to bhakti yoga; nishkama karma paves the way to jnana which leads one to bhakti; and total devotion to the lord ultimately leads one to God-realization or enlightenment that promises liberation.

 

Shri Madhwacharya fully commends the exhortation of Lord Krishna, and says that nishkama karma is the very basis of liberation process. The term Nishkama karma is not merely confined to the performance of the duty enjoined upon one or to the allotted one, but it encompasses the entire spectrum of positive life; such nishkama karma is param dharma which, if observed, entitles one to the Lord’s prasada and the ultimate moksha; and one is able to lead the life of param dharma only with the integrated approach of all the three yogas, says Shri Madhwacharya.

 

There are, however, some people who assign every action, every piece of work, howsoever insignificant, to God; man acts as per the wish of the Lord and has no freedom to act on his own, and, therefore, the question of one making conscious efforts to engage oneself innishkama karma is superfluous, they say. However, Shri Madhwacharya says that God has given everyone a little freedom (datta-swatantrya) to act on his own; it is called jeeva kartutwa.

 

Poojya Shri Vidyasimhacharya elucidated the integrated approach, the synthesis of the Gita, and said that one should make conscious efforts to take to the path of param dharma which begins with shravana.

 

The Power of Vishnu Sahasranama

Vishnu Sahasranama is the medicine for all diseases. Vaidya Sastra freely invokes Sahasranama japa for curing dire diseases, generally known to be incurable, `Mantra Sastra' suggests Sahasranama japa for achieving the odds and ends of worldly life, `Karma Vibhagam' prescribes the Sahasranama japa for all the ailments plaguing mankind and of-course Sri Visnusahasranama is a medicine for the disease of birth, death and re-birth, which is far more dreadful than the worst of bodily ailments.

 

That man who with devotion and perseverance and heart wholly turned towards him, recites these thousand names of Vasudeva every day, after having purified himself, succeeds in acquiring great fame, a position of eminence among his kinsmen, enduring prosperity, and lastly, that which is of the highest benefit to him (viz., emancipation Moksha itself). Such a man never meets with fear at any time, and acquires great prowess and energy. Disease never afflicts him; splendour of complexion, strength, beauty, and accomplishments become his. The sick become hale, the afflicted become freed from their afflictions; the frightened become freed from fear, and he that is plunged in calamity becomes freed from calamity."

The man who hymns the praises of that foremost of Beings by reciting His thousand names with devotion succeeds in quickly crossing all difficulties. That mortal who takes refuge in Vasudeva and who becomes devoted to Him, becomes freed of all sins and attains to eternal Brahman. They who are devoted to Vasudeva have never to encounter any evil. They become freed from the fear of birth, death, decrepitude, and disease.