Agni
June 10, 2007
One of my favorite verses in the Katha Upanishad:
“This is that” - thus they recognize the supreme ineffible happiness.
How will I then discern “it”? Does it shine or does it reflect light?
There the sun does not shine, nor the moon or stars,
lightning does not shine there, much less this fire.
All things shine as reflections of his shining
and this whole world is bright with his light.
The experience of sitting by the yagya fire, as seen above, is to feel that inner light. There is a sense of connection with the divine that is uniquely different from any other spiritual practice. And in the long run, that experience is very purifying. All the blockages that restrict our daily experience from something higher are gradually, but permanently eliminated.
Abishekam
June 9, 2007
Because Shiva is always hot…being the Lord of Destruction involves a lot of heat…traditionally, he is fond of a cooling ritual called Abishekam. Here you can see the preparations for an abishekam in a small Varanasi temple. Note the Nandi in the background.
The ingreditents are arranged and ready to go. Mostly the offerings are liquid; water, milk, yogurt curd, sandal, etc. Afterward a nice puja is performed with flowers, fruit, coconuts, etc.
The ritual typically involves the recitation of Rudram and Chamakam from the Yajur Veda.
Afterwards, the Shiva lingam is dressed in a new dhoti and decorated with scented vibhuti (sacred ash) while final mantras are chanted..
Milk into Ganga
June 8, 2007
We have recently had a number of yagyas performed for the goddess Ganga who appears on as the Ganges river. In contrast to some of the yagyas that we perform, which are all about power, the Ganga yagyas bring such a deep sense of calm and coolness.
For those who practice TM, you may know the story of Guru Dev leaving his home as a child and walking along the Ganga with only water to drink for several days until someone gave him a cup of milk. In spite of his hunger, he poured half of the milk back into the river to thank her for supporting him with her water to drink.