The Importance Of SEWA

We might have been doing meditation from several ages for several hours a day or might have just started and doing an hour a day or so. The curiosity often arises in the practitioner to know how much one is actually progressing. Practitioner wish to know if there is any barometer of that which can help them to measure them progress or at least get a hint whether they are progressing or not.
I  thought of two factors to examine in order to examine progress in this field.
1. Increase in Stimulus Response Gap (SRG):
This means if a practitioner has developed a capacity to give response to anything rather than react and again the response with firm and thoughtful mind then there is a progress. If a practitioner still reacts i.e. still level of  patience has not increased then there is no progress.

2. Treating everyone like as they are you:
The sense of belongingness or even at a higher level the feeling and sense of oneness should be there. If the sense of oneness has not increased then the practitioner still needs to progress. Loving for one's children is natural, even one's family members and friends is so obvious. Even the animals does that but the important is the same level of feeling with every other person and every being should be there. The sense of Oneness.

The above two factors are in fact the outcome of Meditation and only meditation will not lead us there.
SEWA or the Service , is one of the strongest factor that can lead us there. Let us understand that any act done for other without expecting anything in return is a sewa or service. While we do service to other who are in need our ego dissolves and in course of time we develop compassion.
Whenever we do service our head bends little down, i.e. the Head comes closer to Heart and that is when ego dissolves and compassion evolves.

The Sewa again bears boon, which is in fact even not to be thought about. However, just for sharing, it earns merit and that merit will add positivity to our consciousness and when we meditate we reach to the blissful state in less time or samadhi. The merit helps to calm down our mind so less thoughts come.

Service or SEWA is something that even Nature performs, SUN is doing Sewa without expecting return from us, even the Moon the stars the River, the flower, the plants whatever you see in the nature they are all doing service and that is why everyone praise the nature, loves the nature and want to be with the nature.

That is why Sewa or Service is very important along with meditation if we want to be humane and return to our true nature in fact which we need to achieve in life and is our final destination i.e. to become united with our true nature...For that do more Sewa and Sadhana i.e. Service and Meditation
 :)

Deusi and Bhailo.

Interesting Fact about Deusi and Bhailo...... King Bali during his rule asked specially children, youths and adults to go to others home and praise them to motivate them to donate something. 


A brief introduction of King Bali: 

Demon King Bali, the grandson of Prahlada was a true devotee of Lord Vishnu. With the Lord's blessings,he had become invincible in the battle field and managed to defeat all Devas. The entire heaven, especially Lord Indra, became apprehensive about his increasing strength. At last, Lord Vishnu disguised as Bamana (dwarf), arrived on earth, to rescue Indra and other Devas from their plight. King Bali had the reputation of being a generous and good king. Using this quality, Vamana asked for space which could be covered in three sides.

Surely a dwarf could not cover much ground, thought the King, and agreed to his request. At this point, the dwarf changed into Vishnu and his three strides covered the Earth, the Skies and the whole Universe. As a result, Bali was sent to nether lands. But we all know, Gods are ever generous and cannot see their true devotees suffer. So Lord Vishnu decided to protect Bali and brought him back from nether land. Bali was promised divine protection and immortality till the next aeon, when he will be crowned Indra. Lord Vishnu disguised himself, as Bali's doorman, and protected him from all dangers. As a result, Vainkuntha was devoid of the Lord and Goddess Lakshmi became restless. She descended on earth as a Brahmin woman in an attempt to bring back her love. She told Bali, that her husband has gone away for a long errand and she needed a place to stay. King Bali welcomed her full heartedly and protected her as his own sister. Since the arrival of the Brahmin woman, i.e. , the Goddess herself the entire household of Bali was suddenly blooming with happiness, wealth, and harvest.

Why deusi and Bhailo?


King Bali had blessing from Goddess Laxmi because of his generous quality so he wanted to encourage the donating habit among his citizen and also wanted the children and youths and adults to drop their ego by asking for donation. So those who donated would get blessing from Goddess Laxmi and those who asked for lose their ego.  The donated amount was again used to feed the poor ones. What a culture we have.....Everything is scientific...heheh smile :)

ZERO- Hollow and Empty

People say nothing can come out of nothing...but the whole world has come out of nothing.....even Stephen Hawking has said. Big Bang resulted out of nothing ... Even the Black-hole is Hollow and Empty but is has everything in it. To me hollow and empty or nothing is ZERO -'0'. Which is a wonder number and is hollow and empty. It is the most powerful number in the world with its distinct characteristic. No matter how big number we add to it, it has the capacity to be that number and even you subtract ZERO from any big number result remains the same number i.e it retains its characteristic as ZERO without affecting the other number. Which implies ZERO is special number which is present in all other numbers but we cannot remove it. So this ZERO will make no change if we add it or Subtract it from any other number. If it has to show its power and it strikes i.e. multiply with another number, it engulf that number and resultant is ZERO, no matter how big or small the another number is. Now the most interesting thing about ZERO is, ZERO is such a number which cannot be divided by any other number to produce any other number except ZERO. e.g. 0  Divided by 1 is also 0, no matter what denominator is result is always ZERO- 0.
We all are numbers in our life but if we know how to use this ZERO then  we can realize our potential. We have to rise with ZERO as a base i.e If We divide any number by this ZERO-0 resultant is Infinity ~.... That is the power of this ZERO...which leads to infinity. The ZERO or Hollow and Empty is the only way to experience the infinity within. Meditation is that ZERO as a denominator to our life with number which would leads us to the Infinity....This ZERO, which is hollow and empty leads us to Infinity...So being hollow and empty means experiencing the infinity within.... Wow..... :)   

Source of Creativity

Creativity is in all of us, its just that some of us fail to give time for it to grow. The question arises about the root of creativity and its source. Is creativity also dependent on anything. Duality persist in my mind but yet have to come to a conclusion.
To be creative we have to go through intense thinking process and most of the time one of the necessary condition for creativity to spur is peace and silence. So silence or rest or settled mind is the fertile soil where creativity can grow. Silence, a form of rest to our mind helps our mind to settle and be in the state of bliss. When the mind is in the state of rest then the creator gets momentum and the thinker can put all the energy or direct all his/her energy in one direction and the result is something creative.
Many scientist and composer be with the nature and they compose something very creative and even administration of  drugs by the singers and even smoking actually leads to temporary state of silent mind however the side effect is always bad in this situation. So the process of settling down the number of thoughts in mind to be in calm mind state to bring something creative sees very co-related.
So from my understanding the source of creativity is the peaceful mind. Disturbed mind can not take part in creativity.

Happie Vijaya Dashami :The 9 Appellations of Durga we worship during Dashain

Goddess Durga is the mother of the universe and believed to be the power behind the work of creation, preservation, and destruction of the world. Since time immemorial she has been worshipped as the supreme power of the Supreme Being and has been mentioned in many scriptures - Yajur Veda, Vajasaneyi Samhita and Taittareya Brahman.

The Meaning of "Durga"

The word "Durga" in Sanskrit means a fort, or a place which is difficult to overrun. Another meaning of "Durga" is "Durgatinashini," which literally translates into "the one who eliminates sufferings." Thus, Hindus believe that goddess Durga protects her devotees from the evils of the world and at the same time removes their miseries.

The Many Forms of Durga

There are many incarnations of Durga: Kali, Bhagvati, Bhavani, Ambika, Lalita, Gauri, Kandalini, Java, Rajeswari, et al. Durga incarnated as the united power of all divine beings, who offered her the required physical attributes and weapons to kill the demon "Mahishasur". Her nine appellations are Skondamata, Kusumanda, Shailaputri, Kaalratri, Brahmacharini, Maha Gauri, Katyayani, Chandraghanta and Siddhidatri.

About Navaratri 

Every year during the lunar month of Ashwin or Kartik (September-October), Hindus observe ten days of ceremonies, rituals, fasts and feasts in honor of the supreme mother goddess. It begins with the fast of “Navaratri”, and ends with the festivities of “Vijayadashami.” and “Dusshera” 

Nava – that also means 'new' – denotes 'nine' the number to which sages attach special significance. Hence, we have Nava-ratri (9 nights), Nava-patrika (9 leaves / herbs / plants), Nava-graha (9 planets), and Nava-Durga (9 appellations).

Here is information on the 9 manifestations of Goddess Durga. Each goddess has a different form and a special significance. Nava Durga, if worshipped with religious fervor during Navaratri, it is believed, lift the divine spirit in us and fill us with renewed happiness.

All the nine names of goddess are narrated in ‘Devi Kavacha’ of the ‘Chandipatha’ scripture.

Why Nine Nights & Days?

Navaratri is divided into sets of three days to adore different aspects of the supreme goddess. On the first three days, the Mother is invoked as powerful force called Durga in order to destroy all our impurities, vices and defects. The next three days, the Mother is adored as a giver of spiritual wealth, Lakshmi, who is considered to have the power of bestowing on her devotees the inexhaustible wealth. The final set of three days is spent in worshipping the mother as the goddess of wisdom, Saraswati. In order have all-round success in life, we need the blessings of all three aspects of the divine mother; hence, the worship for nine nights. 

 The 9 Appellations of Durga we worship during

1. Shailaputri

Shailaputri literally means the daughter (putri) of the mountains (shaila). Variously known as Sati Bhavani, Parvati or Hemavati, the daughter of Hemavana - the king of the Himalayas, she is the first among Navadurgas. Her worship takes place on the first day of Navaratri – the nine divine nights. The embodiment of the power of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva, she rides a bull and carries a trident and a lotus in her two hands.

2. Bharmacharini

She is worshipped on the second day of Navaratri and is the second form of Mother Goddess. Bharmacharini means one who practices devout austerity. She enlightens us in the magnificent embodiment of Durga with great powers and divine grace. She holds a rosary in her right hand and a water utensil in her left hand. She is blissful and endows happiness, peace, prosperity and grace upon all devotees who worship her. Filled with bliss and happiness, she is the way to emancipation - Moksha.

3. Chandra Ghanta

The third facet of Goddess Durga is ‘Chandraghanta’, who is worshipped on the third day of Navaratri, for peace, tranquility and prosperity in life. She has a ‘chandra’ or half moon in her forehead in the shape of a ‘ghanta’ or bell. That is why she is called ‘Chandraghanta’. She is charming, has a golden bright complexion and rides a lion. She has ten hands, three eyes and holds weapons in her hands. She is the apostle of bravery and possesses great strength to fight in the battle against demons.

4. Kushmanda

Kushmanda is the fourth form of the mother goddess and is worshipped on the fourth day of Navaratri. The meaning of the name ‘Ku-shm-anda’ is as follows: ‘Ku’ = a little; ‘ushma’ = ‘warmth’; ‘anda’ = ‘the cosmic egg’. So she is considered the creator of the universe. The universe was no more than a void full of darkness, until her light spreads in all directions like rays from the sun. Often she is depicted as having eight or ten hands. She holds weapons, glitter, rosary, etc., in her hands, and she rides a lion.

5. Skanda Mata

The fifth aspect of the Mother Durga is known as ‘Skanda Mata’ - the mother of Skanda or Lord Kartikeya, who was chosen by gods as their commander in chief in the war against the demons. She is worshipped on the fifth day of Navaratri. She is accompanied by the Lord Skanda in his infant form. Skanda Mata has four arms and three eyes, holds the infant Skanda in her right upper arm and a lotus in her right hand which is slightly raised upwards. The left arm is in pose to grant boons with grace and in left lower hand which is raised also holds a lotus. She has a bright complexion and often depicted as seated on a lotus.

6. Katyayani

The sixth form of Mother Durga is known as ‘Katyayani’, who is worshipped on the six day of Navaratri. The legend behind her name goes thus: Once upon a time, there was a great sage called Kata, who had a son named Katya. Kata was very famous and renowned in the lineage of saints. He underwent long austerities and penance in order to receive the grace of the Mother Goddess. He wished to have a daughter in the form of a goddess. According to his wish and desire the Mother Goddess granted his request. Katyayani was born to Kata as an avatar of Durga.

7. Kaal Ratri

This is the seventh form of Mother Durga and is worshipped on the seventh day of Navaratri. She has a dark complexion, disheveled hair and a fearlessness posture. A necklace flashing lightning adorns her neck. She has three eyes that shine bright and terrible flames emanate from her breath. Her vehicle is the donkey. Her raised right hand always seems to grant boons to all worshippers and all her right lower hand is in the pose of allaying fears. Her left upper hand holds a thorn-like weapon, made of iron and there is a dragger in the lower left hand. She is black like Goddess Kali and holds a sparkling sword in her right hand battle all evil. Her gesture of protection assures us of freedom from fear and troubles. So she is also known as ‘Shubhamkari’ – one who does good.

8. Maha Gauri

She is worshipped on the eighth day of Navaratri. Her power is unfailing and instantly fruitful. As a result of her worship, all sins of past, present and future get washed away and devotees get purified in all aspects of life. Maha Gauri is intelligent, peaceful and calm. Due to her long austerities in the deep forests of the Himalayas, she developed a dark complexion. When Lord Shiva cleaned her with the water of the Ganges, her body regained its beauty and she came to be known as Maha Gauri, which mean extremely white. She wears white clothes, has four arms, and rides on a bull. Her right hand is in the pose of allaying fear and her right lower hand holds a trident. The left upper hand holds a ‘damaru’ (a small rattle drum) and the lower one is in the pose of granting boons to her devotees.

9. Siddhidatri

 Siddhidatri is the ninth form of Goddess. She is worshipped on the ninth day of Navaratri. Siddhidatri has supernatural healing powers. She has four arms and she is always in a blissful happy enchanting pose. She rides on the lion as her vehicle. She blesses all Gods, saints, yogis, tantrics and all devotees as a manifestation of the Mother Goddess. In ‘Devi Bhagvata Purana’ it is mentioned that Lord Shiva worshipped her and was blessed with all Siddhis (supernatural powers). By her blessings his half body became female and other half body male in the avatar of Ardhnarishvara.

Ego Not...Just Love

Ego is the weapon of the weak

Ego is the courage of the those who fear

Ego is the way of life to those who don't have confidence

Ego is the that poison which is sweet but will never lose its characteristics

Why don't you try Love as it  can even make Ego bow down.

Realize it soon else it might be too late...

Just Love 

Losing is Gaining

Always involved in activity and finally after getting tired taking rest for few hours either in the form of a sleep or meditation was a regular part of my life. It was in June 2010 at Nagarkot when i first experienced and enjoyed the Silence where i got the opportunity to be with silence. In those four days of silence i felt it was a real going home to take rest. I'd a motive to find myself to understand myself and with so many other agendas to explore. At the end of the fourth day when i was suppose to break the silence i felt, I've lost something and found something. I was there to find myself and but I end up losing myself. I was completely into the silence where i even forgot what i want to have or what i was seeking.That feeling of not seeking anything was losing myself being in bliss and was something which i felt like void but yet containing fullness. I'm enchanted by the silence. Now i listen to the silence and become its witness losing everything. It made me realize that achievement is not in gaining but having the capacity to lose and even after that  remaining blissful or being in contentment. Don't know what is it, but i just know i love losing myself with no agenda to seek for. So i'm again going to lose myself for the third time enjoying being with the silence, being just hollow and empty and vacuum i.e. losing myself and i love this... Losing which is in fact Gaining the contentment  it brings :)