OM, not just a word

        "  …..of words, I am the mono-syllable OM….. Bg. 10.25"

 Bhagavan Krishna says that amongst words, I am the monosyllable OM. It is by this word that all manifestations of God become accessible whether it is by invocation or by communion. Invoking OM brings the revelation of truth of all things including the innermost state and conditions of the mind. It has the power to dispel illusions and present more objective aspects of human life. Relative existence is composed of the syllable OM because it absorbs all things within itself and can also manifest all things again. It is like the planet earth which absorbs all things present on it and again manifests it at will.

 OM is not merely a medium of spirituality but it is also powerful energy that is capable of transforming the physical human body. Its invocation causes the invoker to function at a higher level of consciousness which reflects on the thought process, the way one expresses oneself and ultimately by actions performed. This is actually what constitutes the philosophy of yoga. Vedic philosophy teaches that when two pieces of wood are rubbed together long enough, the friction causes fire to manifest from the wood itself. Likewise, when OM which is cosmic energy creates friction with the inner consciousness of human beings by the “silent” chanting of this monosyllable word and by meditation on it, then that which is hidden becomes manifest and that which is unseen becomes seen. The result here is the flame of enlightenment.

 Considering carefully what Bhagavan Krishna says in the above verse it can be clearly seen that He is the universal fire or energy that produces all creation. He is the one into which all creation is ultimately absorbed. He is truth itself, He is Para Brahman. Knowing OM is to know Him which is to know God. Om is both the seed and the fruit; it is the beginning and the end of all. OM is the resonance of sound; it forms the connection between atma and Paramatma. It is the medium by which one ascends to the state where ego is tamed and the dualities of joy and sorrow is no longer of any significance. That is the state of the Absolute.  OM is the eternal light of divine wisdom and the essence of the Vedas.  It is the supreme mantra in the yoga tradition which allows us to go deep into the sound to the point of silence. When the mind attains this degree of silence, it is only then that pure consciousness is achieved. It is when this pure state of consciousness is achieved that one can truly understand that OM is God.

email: trinihindu@lycos.com

Narsimha, the 4th Avatara

 The festival of Holi brings to the forefront a couple of names that are unforgettable because of the significance it holds on the festival itself. Prahalad, Holika and Hiranyakashipu are pivotal characters associated with the festival however, there is one other important name that comes to mind when the story of Prahalad and Hiranyakashipu is told. While this name does not bear specific significance to the actual festival of Holi, it does have a very important role in the account of events related to the father son duo of Hiranyakashipu and Prahalad. The name is Narsimha, the fourth avatar or incarnation of Vishnu. In this avatar Vishnu appeared as a half man half lion.

 Hiranyakashipu the father of Prahalad appeared on this earth by a curse but even though that is the case, he was also blessed by Brahma with powers that no other being in his time possessed.  Prahalad was steeped in devotion to Vishnu and would be rewarded by Him on a very personal scale. The appearance of an avatar is directly associated to the Time Spirit and appears at defined points in the cosmic cycle. Not only does the avatar appears to restore Dharma or righteousness,  but also to protect those devoted to God, as is the case with Prahalad.

 The avatar Narsimha appeared in this fierce form of the half man half lion to crush and destroy the cruelty of Hiranyakashipu which he meted out to Prahalad. To protect his devote and to restore nature’s balance Narsimha destroyed the negativity which permeated not just the kingdom but society as a whole. Narad Muni said to Emperor Yudishtira that the heavens trembled when Narsimha appeared from a pillar in the palace. Prayers were offered in the heavens as it was offered on earth to pacify Him. Having seen the humility of his devote Prahalad He blessed him with long live and assured him success and peace of mind.  

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Maha Shivaraatri

Maha Shivaraatri is one of Hinduism’s most unique festivals. It is celebrated at night time but all the preparations are made during the day time. On this night of Maha Shivaraatri prayer and worship is offered to the Shiva Lingam and various articles of worship are offered during the actual pooja. Bail leaves or the leaves from the wood apple tree are one of the principal articles of worship.

The Lingam or the Linga as it is most commonly called is actually an abstract form of Lord Shiva. Representing the Nirguna Brahmana or the formless aspect of God, this symbol is the only form of the great Lord Shiva that should be worshipped on the night of Maha Shivaraatri.

There are various legends associated with Maha Shivaraatri and Lord Siva in the Puranas. Varied as these legends are the benefits that can be derived from listening to them are very enlightening. It is believed that on this night Lord Shiva is easily pleased when his devotees worship him with simplicity and devotion.

email: trinihindu@lycos.com