Charaiveti Charaiveti - March along! :Aitareya Upanishad

"Charanbai madhu vindati charantsvadu mudambaram.
Suryasya pasya sreemanam yo na tandrayate charan.
Charaiveti, charaiveti."
Aitareya Upanishad, 7.15
["The honey bee, by its motion, collects honey, and birds enjoy tasty fruits by constant movement. The sun is revered, by virtue of its constant shining movement; therefore, one should be constantly in motion. Keep moving, keep moving on!"]

चरैवेति! चरैवेति!

Inter caste marriages - who has said what!

While the search for a right partner is on...various questions traverse mind...

One dominant one is Intercaste marriage, how appropriate is it in the backdrop of social conditioning to abstain from it.

Right or Wrong who could answer, Since i know Science or western philosophies are not too mature on question of life , i thought of checking out on much relaible indian ancient scriptures and what they have to say about it...

In Bhagvat Geeta Verse 40 : Arjuna has touched base on the topic of  intercast mariages in the below shloka:

  

adharmabhibhavat krsna
pradusyanti kula-striyah
strisu dustasu varsneya
jayate varna-sankarah

When irreligion is prominent in the family, O Krsna, the women of the family become corrupt, and from the degradation of womanhood, O descendant of Vrsni, comes unwanted progeny

questions further go on in more following verses of chapter 1. 

I per say was curious to know what Shri Krishna responded, and thy responds in chapter 2, verse 2

sri-bhagavan uvaca
kutas tva kasmalam idam
visame samupasthitam
anarya-justam asvargyam
akirti-karam arjuna

The Supreme Person [Bhagavan] said: My dear Arjuna, how have these impurities come upon you? They are not at all befitting a man who knows the progressive values of life. They do not lead to higher planets, but to infamy.

Source: http://www.asitis.com/2/2.html

 hence it was getting clear to me, that Varna system referred in Bhagwat Geeta is not our cast system, it rather personality of an idividual, it further dawns upon me that in a family of Brahman's there's pretty much a possibility of a demon taking birth (one in jail we have is infamous  Manu Sharma of jessica lal murder case)

Then we have Mother Teresa highest order of seva a 'brahmin' could ever achieve...world is full of examples from Gandhi, Einstein, Patel, Nelson Mandela and count goes on..they were not all brahmins but have explored life and achieved in respective streams.

So to summarise Varna remains an individual trait rather than something deriving hereditary, however may be chances remain high that a brahmin takes birth in a brahmin family and a sudra taking birth in a sudra family but in no way that is the only possibility.

Would like to share another extract from Gautam Budha's life :



A young boy approached Gautama Muni and begged to become his student. It was customary that only respectable brahmanas would be accepted for such spiritual training. Gautama therefore asked, "Who is your father?" "That I do not know," the boy replied. "So, please ask your mother." The boy's mother subsequently admitted, "My dear son, I have known many men. I do not know who is your father." The boy returned to Gautama Muni and relayed the embarrassing message, "Sir, my mother also does not know who my father is." Gautama Muni concluded, "Yes, you are a brahmana. I accept you because you are thoroughly honest."

from the Jabala Upanishad

Source : http://hinduism.iskcon.org/lifestyle/901.htm

Atma-Shatakam / Nirvana Shatakam The Song of the Self

The Song of the Self by Adi Shankaracharya addresses
"Who Am I"

while explaining the question, the song also tells explains various aspects of being or the projected being, how far the seer has gone, its useful to understand the meaning of each word used hereby in details.

Sanskrit - English

मनो बुद्धि अहंकार चित्तानी नाहं

नच श्रोत्र जिव्हे नच घ्राण नेत्रे

Mano Buddhi Ahankara Chitta NinahamNacha Shrotra Jihve Na Cha Ghrana Netre

I am not mind, nor intellect, nor ego,
    nor the reflections of inner self (chitta) 
I am not the five senses. 
I am beyond that.

नच व्योम भूमि न तेजो न वायु

चिदानंद रूपः शिवोहम शिवोहम ||1||

Nacha Vyoma Bhoomir Na Tejo Na Vayu
Chidananda Rupa Shivoham Shivoham

I am not the ether, nor the earth,
    nor the fire, nor the wind (the five elements).
I am indeed,
    That eternal knowing and bliss, Shiva,
    love and pure consciousness.

नच प्राण संज्ञो न वै पञ्चवायुः

न वा सप्तधातु: नवा पञ्चकोशः

    Na Cha Prana Samjno Na Vai Pancha Vayu
Na Va Saptadhatur Na Va Pancha Koshah

Neither can I be termed as energy (prana),
    nor five types of breath (vayus),
nor the seven material essences,
    nor the five coverings (pancha-kosha)

न वाक्पाणिपादौ न च उपस्थ पायुः

चिदानंदरूप: शिवोहम शिवोहम ||2||

Na Vak Pani Padau Na Chopastha Payu
Chidananda Rupa Shivoham Shivoham

Neither am I the five instruments of elimination,
    procreation, motion, grasping, or speaking
I am indeed,
    That eternal knowing and bliss, Shiva,
    love and pure consciousness.

नमे द्वेषरागौ नमे लोभ मोहौ

मदों नैव मे नैव मात्सर्यभावः

    Na Me Dvesha Ragau Na Me Lobha Mohau
Mado Naiva Me Naiva Matsarya Bhavah

I have no hatred or dislike,
    nor affiliation or liking,
    nor greed,
    nor delusion,
    nor pride or haughtiness,
    nor feelings of envy or jealousy.

न धर्मो नचार्थो न कामो न मोक्षः

चिदानंदरूप: शिवोहम शिवोहम ||3||

Na Dharmo Na Chartho Na Kamo Na Mokshah
Chidananda Rupa Shivoham Shivoham

I have no duty (dharma),
    nor any money,
    nor any desire (kama),
    nor even liberation (moksha).
I am indeed,
    That eternal knowing and bliss, Shiva,
    love and pure consciousness.

न पुण्यं न पापं न सौख्यं न दु:खं

न मंत्रो न तीर्थं न वेदों न यज्ञः

    Na Punyam Na Papam Na Saukhyam Na Dukham
Na Mantro Na Teertham Na Vedo Na Yajnaha

I have neither merit (virtue),
    nor demerit (vice).
I do not commit sins or good deeds,
    nor have happiness or sorrow,
    pain or pleasure.
I do not need mantras, holy places,
    scriptures (Vedas), rituals or sacrifices (yagnas).

अहम् भोजनं नैव भोज्यम न भोक्ता

चिदानंद रूप: शिवोहम शिवोहम ||4||-->

Aham Bhojanam Naiva Bhojyam Na Bhokta
Chidananda Rupa Shivoham Shivoham


I am none of the triad of
    the observer or one who experiences,
    the process of observing or experiencing,
    or any object being observed or experienced.
I am indeed,
    That eternal knowing and bliss, Shiva,
    love and pure consciousness.

नमे मृत्युशंका नमे जातिभेद:

पिता नैव मे नैव माता न जन्म

    Na Me Mrityu Shanka Na Me Jati Bhedah
Pita Naiva Me Naiva Mata Na Janma

     I do not have fear of death,
    as I do not have death.
I have no separation from my true self,
    no doubt about my existence,
    nor have I discrimination on the basis of birth.
I have no father or mother,
    nor did I have a birth.

न बंधू: न मित्रं गुरु: नैव शिष्यं

चिदानंद रूप: शिवोहम शिवोहम ||5||

Na Bandhur Na Mitram Gurur Naiva Shishyah
Chidananda Rupa Shivoham Shivoham

I am not the relative,
    nor the friend,
    nor the guru,
    nor the disciple.
I am indeed,
    That eternal knowing and bliss, Shiva,
    love and pure consciousness.

अहम् निर्विकल्पो निराकार रूपो

विभुर्व्याप्य सर्वत्र सर्वेन्द्रियाणाम

    Aham Nirvikalpo Nirakara Roopaha
Vibhur Vyapya Sarvatra Sarvendriyanam

I am all pervasive.
I am without any attributes,
    and without any form.
I have neither attachment to the world,
    nor to liberation (mukti).

सदा मे समत्वं न मुक्ति: न बंध:

चिदानंद रूप: शिवोहम शिवोहम ||6||

Sada Me Samatvam Na Muktir Na Bandhah
Chidananda Rupa Shivoham Shivoham

I have no wishes for anything
    because I am everything,
    everywhere,
    every time,
    always in equilibrium.
I am indeed,
    That eternal knowing and bliss, Shiva,
    love and pure consciousness

Source: http://www.swamij.com/shankara-atma-shatakam.htm

Ojas! - converting sexual energy...

Today people are gradually getting addicted to sex.Cinema,media encourage it.You have 5 year olds watching porn movies.9 year old children getting pregnant.Youth have become accustomed to using sexually explicit foul language.Elderly people as well as the youth have started visiting prostitutes.There is an increase in extra marital affairs.Rapes are becoming common.5-10 year olds have started masturbating.

The causes are not difficult to find.
1. In schools there is no training and proper knowledge related to sex.Modern Sex education from the western world encourages promiscous behavior.They tell you the biological information but don't build strong character.
2. With cinemas,Internet reaching every household porn material is increasingly accessible.Young school children discuss sex in their free time in schools.So they know about it at an early age.

Today almost all people have started asking why should we stay away from sex.Why should we not enjoy?What is so bad in that?We must have free sex just like in the western countries etc.

So what are the bad effects of sex?I would quote Swami Vivekananda-

Ojas is a Sanskrit word which literally means "vigor". According to the principles of Ayurveda, it is the essential energy of the body which can be equated with the "fluid of life". Those who practice Ayurveda say that Ojas is the sap of one's life energy which, when sufficient, is equated with immunity and, when deficient, results in weakness, fatigue and ultimately disease.

"Part of the human energy which is expressed as sex energy, in sexual thought, when checked and controlled, easily becomes changed into Ojas.It is only the chaste man or woman who can make the Ojas rise and store it in the brain; that is why chastity has always been considered the highest virtue.The "Ojas" is that which makes the difference between man and man. The man who has much Ojas is the leader of men. It gives a tremendous power of attraction. Ojas is manufactured from the nerve - currents. It has this peculiarity: it is most easily made from that force which manifests itself in the sexual powers. If the powers of the sexual centres are not frittered away and their energies wasted (action is only thought in a grosser state), they can be manufactured into Ojas."

Dissipation of creative energy is weakening and a cause of disease and premature old age- Paramahansa Yogananda

By observance of unbroken Brahmacharya in thought, word and deed for a period of full twelve years, one is bestowed even with the vision of God, if one aspires for it. He can solve the most abstruse and complicated problems easily.

Know that in this world there is nothing that cannot be attained by one who remains from birth to death a perfect celibate... In one person, knowledge of the four Vedas, and in another,perfect celibacy - of these, the latter is superior to the former who is wanting in celibacy. - The Mahabharata

To the celibate who conserves the semen with great efforts, what is there unattainable in this world? By the power of the composure of the semen, one will become just like myself. - Lord Sankara

So what is to be done to those sex desires?The first thing is avoiding impure thoughts.Next the answer Rishis say is sex sublimation exercises.Following are some of the exercises;

--Using the energy in sports and strenous physical exercise.
--Transmuting the creative energy by engaging the mind in creative work(artistic, business etc) whichever is most interesting.This leads to tremendous success in work as stated by Napolean Hill in his book 'Think and grow rich"
--Deep Inhalation and Exhalation.Pranayama will also help.
--Practice of Yoga asanas like Siddhasana,Padangushthasana,Sarvangasana,Maha mudra etc.Link to these exercises can be found here--> www.frankreport.com/Manmaking/Chastity/HathaYoga.ht ml
--Another Yogic exercise-Draw a deep breath,simultaneously pull the energy from the genitals from the coccyx upward through the spine to the point between eye brows.Absorb the energy there.Exhale and imagine freeing yourself from the bad instincts.

These exercises are good for both males and females.
Unmarried people can practise these exercises and attract the right marriage partner as per the laws of personal magnetism.Dissipation will attract wrong ones.

Married people can practise moderation using these exercises and gradually get over this instinct.It is helpful for good health and spiritual advancement.

During pregnancy if thoughts of both father and mother are pure, great souls are born.

Importance of Banning Cow Slaughter in India

Hi

I stumbled upon interesting arguments between pro and anti cow slaughter view, and am too happy that Pro cow slaughter guy couldnt survive too long....

Cheers

Nitin

here go the aruments :

-------------------------------

HARSH Says:
what do you think about banning cow-slaughter in India? Swami Ramdev has been consistently rallying against cow-slaughter in India. He explains it well, "These politicians have no limit of wickedness. They ban the slaughter of tigers (which are carnivore), and allow free killing of cow (which are herbivore, and which have been considered as mother since ages). No animal should be allowed to be killed in Bharat Varsha, for all of them have the right to live."
He emphasizes the importance of cow not merely on the religious basis, but on moral and well as scientific grounds. Moral ground: They provide us milk. Until we are a certain age old, our biological mother breast-feeds us. And after that age, our cow feeds us with milk. So, they are are second-mother, and deserve to be respected. Scientific ground: Cow manure has been used as a beneficial fertilizer in farms. Cow urine helps us cure many diseases of the body. For example, the pH value of cow urine is 8-10 so it is a sure shot medicine for indigestion. Cow urine is anti-neoplastic which helps to cure cancer. These are just a few of the many benefits. Thus, cow should be given better if not less importance.
This, I strongly believe, is a legitimate reason raised by Swamiji. I fear we might not be on the same page, so far as this matter is concerned. Note that this has to do least with "organized religion," for conscience surely dictates that ALL beings have the right to live.

Sajiv Says:
Dear Harsh
My view is very simple. The cow is food in all parts of the world (except for a few Hindus and Jains in India), and Hindus ate the cow for thousands of years till the influence of the Jains made them change their mind.
Regardless of that, I don't expect the state to dictate what food a person may or may not eat. I don't expect it to create a law that you SHOULD eat beef, for instance.
The ONLY reason the state can impose its views on such matters is if you harm others in this process, or if doing so will harm the environment.
The cow is not a scarce animal. Plenty of cows exist and plenty more can be produced as needed. The tiger is a genuine scarce animal and being at the top of the ecological food chain of the jungle, the dying out of tigers can severely damage the natural environment. For instance if tigers die then all forests will be ravaged and destroyed by plant eating animals. Hence for tigers a different policy applies.
But the policy on tigers (see my article on the environment) does not ask that you don't kill tigers. It asks for tigers (indeed jungles) to be privatised and reared just like any other animal. Wherever wildlife has been privatised (Coase theorem will show you how it works), it has flourished.
There are innumerable instances of the truth of this theorem. There is, for instance, no threat of extinction of crocodiles in Australia since crocodile farms are licensed to grow them and sell their meat and skin. It is a highly profitable business. Eg. see this.
I respect yours or Baba Ramdev's right NOT to eat beef IF you so feel (on any ground, call it moral if you wish), but I REFUSE to have you impose your will through the state on this matter. That involves the TOTAL DESTRUCTION of freedom.
You will first have to prove to me that eating beef is harmful. The entire world except a few Hindus in India eats beef, and they haven't died. Note that Indians ate beef for thousands of years till the Jain influence grew strong. They didn't die. And I know of MANY MANY Indians who eat beef outside India. They aren't dying. So what's the problem? Food is supposed to nourish. What you or I or anyone else puts into our own mouths is none of the business of others.
If eating beef is not lethal and it doesn't kill others, then there is no cause to interfere in the freedoms of others to eat beef. I think Baba Ramdev is trying to impose HIS version of morality on the rest of the world. That amounts to dictatorship. Let him learn to respect others.
He is welcome not to kill cows for food. But let him please learn the basics of freedom.
Regards
Sanjeev

Harsh Vora says:
August 15, 2010 at 12:18 pm
Sanjeev — I am glad you wrote this as a separate blog entry. This will create a proper ground for further discussion. Let me first humbly point out that you are misdirected. Let me start with this point you made: The cow is food in all parts of the world (except for a few Hindus and Jains in India), and Hindus ate the cow for thousands of years till the influence of the Jains made them change their mind. Here's where you are misinformed. Mr. Jha's Myth of the Holy Cow has been in controversy since it was published. After then, there have been numerous books countering the arguments that Mr. Jha has made. One such book is Steven Rosen's Holy Cow. While it is true that a few Brahmins (mainly, those who were worshippers of Kali) sought to animal sacrifices, most of them were strong adherents of vegetarianism. To write in brief, Mr. Rosen explains that in Satya Yuga, there were no animal sacrifices. Slaughter of animals began by a few Brahmins from Treta Yuga onwards. Even then, sacrifices were done ONLY after certain mantras were chanted to ensure near-painless death and after life (Rig Veda, 1.162.21) Kausheetaki Brahmana, 11.3; Shatapatha Brahmana, 11.6.1; and Jaimaniya Brahmana, 1.42-44; The Laws of Manu, 5.55 — all echo the fact that "the creature whose flesh I am eating here and now will eat me in next life." Hence, the notion that Hindus ate beef is entirely misinterpreted or misinformed. While a few Brahmins (and other demonic beings) sacrificed animals in Treta Yuga (after chanting mantras), most sattvic (in the mode of goodness) beings abstained from it. We must keep in mind that the Mogul and British invasions have increased slaughter in India. Before 9th CE, it was much, much less. Having quoted a few references, let me humbly ask you: Should freedom be limited to a certain part of creation only? Research shows that mother-cow feel the same psychological pain as humans when their calves are separated from them. They feel the same physical pain as humans when they are slaughtered. While plants are living-being as well, their structural built-up is much more different. One cannot deny the fact that there is a vast difference between slitting the throat of a cow (or goat or chicken) and chopping a tomato. Let me ask you a simple, logical question: If you can allow the slaughter of animals, then why don't you allow the murder of a man? As I said, most pains that we, as humans feel, are known to animals. Again, let me ask you: If you are willing to eat a cow, why not eat a dog, and other animals as well? Just because a dog is a domestic, pet animal in Australia and America, and a cow is not? This points out to the problem of Carnism: The inherent psychological behavior that allows us to eat some animals and not the rest. ANY meat is ultimately harmful for health — this, any doctor knows. Let me talk about one specific reason: When we kill an animal, it dies in fear. The subtle vibrations that emanate from the slaughtered animal when it dies in fear, enter our bodies when we eat them. This influences our mental and psychological structure. As a result, non-vegetarians are usually more violent in nature — they are much more short-tempered and restless in mind. It takes time for them to evolve in spirituality. (Please read Steven Rosen's Holy Cow for more such arguments) Before striving to make ANY policies for India, one should consider what the basis of Indian heart is (and has been). One must consider what the basis of Indian humanity and culture is. Our basis has been, and still is, non-violence. This non-violence, we prefer to extend not only to humans, but to ALL possible creatures, to the MOST possible extent. Only a person who understand this, truly deserves to transform India's map. If a policy-maker will not consider these points, then he will make India into another Australia, or America, or Japan. We want to progress, but by keeping our ancient culture (of peace and tolerance through non-violence) intact and thriving, not by dwindling them. For our Vedic culture is what makes us unique. And to ensure that these principles (essence of India) do not dwindle completely in a few hundred years, we have to formulate policies that protect them. That tigers need to be protected from extinction is an obvious fact, we all understand. But my point is, we, as Indians, shouldn't allow ANY slaughter — be it of tigers, or cows. We have stood as an example for the entire world — as epitomes of non-violence. And making policies that allow violence (for no valid reason but self-pleasure) is a grave mistake. This type of freedom is called "limited freedom" — limited only to humans, and not to ALL beings, for ALL have the right to live.

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you may also want to see full conversation at

http://sabhlokcity.com/2010/08/baba-ramdevs-irrational-demand-to-prohibit-cow-slaughter/

Life: Gross and Subtle

Life is complex, its nature is duality, it's complicated, unpredictable, and it's multi-dimensional. But more than that, life is a combination of the subtle and the gross. The gross, though easy to comprehend, has its own set of problems and the subtle is difficult to comprehend.

For example, the body is gross, the mind is subtle. Again, the mind is gross in comparison to the soul, or being. While moving from thoughts to words to actions, we are moving from subtle to gross. Actions and words are such that anyone can understand and control them, but thoughts are difficult to control or understand. Emotions, feelings, and intuition belong to the subtle world, while doing is usually of the gross world. Even in emotions, anger, jealousy, greed, and worry are gross and easy to acquire, while love, patience, honesty, forgiveness and altruism are subtle, and difficult to cultivate.

The gross elements in life are useful, but without the subtle elements, their use is limited or is accompanied by much pain and sorrow. For example, any medicine that doctors use to cure an illness is a gross thing. While medicines do their job quickly and efficiently, they also cause a lot of side effects, and can even prove fatal. The same effect or cure can be achieved by going deep into the mind, using positive thoughts, energies, emotions and feelings to boost one's own immunity and fight the disease. This subtle level treatment is without any side effects, but takes time, and is not possible for everyone. Only those who are highly meditative and who can see inward, can harness their subtle energies and bring them together in a strong manner, to achieve this. But one can at least combine both, to get better results.

Once we are aware that life has these components, we can literally feel the days when the body is loaded with negative energy, and is feeling unmotivated, lethargic, tired, listless, and futile. Such are the periods when you need to sit quietly and meditate, go deep into your inner recesses, and find your innermost being or soul, which is a powerhouse of energy. If we don't, then these frustrations will eventually act on our appetite, sleep and our immunity, making us victims of disease — stress, acidity, hypertension, insomnia, diabetes and cancer.

A rose is the gross element. Its fragrance is the subtle element. A flower is incomplete without fragrance. Similarly, human beings can exist as physical bodies for 70 or 80 years, but they can be fruitful, or life can be meaningful, and they can be existentially successful only if they are able to discover their fragrance. A human being is declared as being alive or dead only on the basis of the presence or absence of his sukshma sharira or subtle energy. Apart from this subtle energy running through us, there is no difference between someone alive or dead.

Our aim should be to acknowledge and get in tune with this subtle force or energy, what is known as prana, or soul or atma. It is by connecting to this that we get an inkling of the subtle elements, and can harness unlimited potential and energy, to live our lives with joy, happiness, good health and peace. Otherwise, we will go on living at the gross level, finding life only good in phases, often finding life meaningless and frustrating.

Read more: Life, gross and subtle - The Times of India http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/spirituality/speaking-tree/Life-gross-and-subtle/articleshow/6200962.cms#ixzz10f2NFfzd

Rewire Brain - Eight Tips

We exercise for a good bod, we take treatments to enhance beauty but what do we do for our brain? Cracking a puzzle or a game of Whac-a-Mole can actually help enhance your brain but this is not enough. There is some extra effort which one needs to put in, to get the winners brain.


According to the authors of a new book, ‘The Winner’s Brain’, the brain of successful people function differently from those of the average.


Assistant neuroscience professor Mark Fenske, claim that one can actually rewire his/her brain and even physically change it.

They sought input from other brain experts and of individuals whom they categorized as, “winners” and have put down eight “win factors.”

They claim that these eight points can graduate ones brain from average to winning brain.

Eight tips for winning brains:

Observation: Observation is one of the key identification of one's brain ability. To check yours, try and interpret people’s facial expressions and body language by watching scenes from a movie on mute. Then turn on the volume and match your interpretation with the movie.With this practice you can actually enhance your observation skills.

Motivation: A huge task is capable enough of demotivating you. At this time even if you finish the job, it surely will be of worst quality. The same work if broken up in parts, will look easy. If a work seems tiring to you, break it up and finish it. Extend the division of work over time. This heightens your brains capacity.

Focus: Never force your brain. Concentration is important but sometimes excess of concentration makes your brain stop working. At such a time, take a break and give your brain time to rejuvenate and you will notice that solution to problems coming automatically.

Emotional balance: At the time of a crisis, emotions take over your thinking capabilities. You should practice managing your emotions by changing your perspective of the situation. If you take the crisis as a challenge, things will look easy.

Memory: Like you edit mistakes while writing, edit your brain memory. An unpleasant event, a unfavorable situation or a dark past, just shed them and say 'I will never think of you again.' This will give space to your brain to do more important tasks.

Resilience: When you’re in a tough situation, think of a “resilience role model,” like a parent, teacher or mentor. Try imagining what they would have done in a similar situation. You will be surprised to see, how solutions pour in.

Adaptability: To adapt to a new surrounding, one needs peace of mind. This peace can only be received by regular Yoga and meditation. Try a few minutes of meditation in a day to calm your brain. Studies prove that regular practice increase cortical thickness in as little as eight weeks.

Brain care: 30 minutes of moderate physical activity, three times a week, will also workout your brain. Exercise regulated the blood circulation in the brain thus making your nerves active.

Take these eight steps, to win over over brain and life.