Cats and Egypt

 

A gift from the cat

Today morning when my husband and I were moving around in front of our house, a cat came towards us carrying a rat, it left the rat near us and ran away. I was telling about this to my daughter when she said, “Oh my God, do you know that cats give gifts to humans?” I had absolutely no idea. I have seen cats behaving differently in Egypt and after we came back, the cats around our house are behaving in a totally different way with us. I wanted to write an article on this today and when daughter gave me this information I thought I can add this if found true.

So I did a search on the net and I was totally taken aback to find it to be true! When a cat brings you an animal they caught, they consider you a part of their family. Their instincts are telling them this is what they need to do to survive and that they need to pass these important, life-saving skills onto their family.

Moving around and relaxing in groups

While exploring Egypt, I was surprised to see cats moving in groups. In India we see this behaviour in dogs, but I have never seen it among cats. While visiting an artisan’s place in Nubian village, I saw many cats sitting around, relaxing. They were not bothered as we sat next to them. 

Even while visiting monuments, cats will be relaxing or moving around very comfortably among the tourists.

Different behaviour of cats at home

On coming back from Egypt we found a distinct difference in the cats’ behaviour to us. One day we saw a cat sitting on the parapet in front of our house. It had the air of owning this house. It was sitting with eyes closed, when we made some sound, it looked at us, then closed eyes again! Another day, two cats were sitting near the gate, and they would just stay put when we open the gate and come in.

Cats – Magical creatures

Egyptians believed cats were magical creatures, bringing good luck to the people who housed them. These treasured pets were honoured by wealthy families, they were adorned with jewels and fed with treats fit for royalty. When the cats died, they were embalmed, coffined and buried in cat cemeteries, or mummified. On the death of a household cat, the entire neighbourhood mourned for it. The cat was embalmed and mummified and usually buried along with their masters.

 According to Egyptian mythology, Gods and Goddesses had the power to transform themselves into different animals. Only one Goddess named Bastet, had the power to become a cat and a beautiful temple was built in the city of Per-Bast, where people came from all over to experience its splendour.  The Egyptian goddess Bastet had the head of a cat and the body of a woman.

In Ancient Egypt, civilians would suffer severe punishment if they hurt a cat. From at least the year 450 BC if anyone even hurt a cat, the punishment was death. Through their ubiquitous presence in the art, fashion and home ornamentation of ancient Egypt, cats served as an everyday reminder of the power of the gods. Cats were drawn on walls, on ceilings, carved out of stones, sculpted on amulets and painted on clothes.

Cleopatra loved cats

Cleopatra loved cats, and it is claimed that her pet was an Egyptian Mau, one of the first domesticated cats in the world. “Mau” is the sound of the cat and perhaps an ancient Egyptian word. They are spotted short-haired cats with green or amber eyes and tend to be very friendly and loyal.

The cat culture continued for centuries, until 30 AD when Egypt became a part of the Roman Empire. Several pagan rituals were banned by the Romans in the following centuries, thus cat worshipping and religion grew apart. Since then, the affection and significance for cats declined.

 

References:

https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/pages/article/cats-rule-in-ancient-egypt

https://www.history.com/news/cats-ancient-egypt

https://www.thesprucepets.com/cat-hunting-gifts-553946#:~:text

https://visa-for-egypt.com/blog/why-were-cats-important-in-ancient-egypt/

Nile, Me, and the Messages

Spending three nights on the river Nile during cruise was a great spiritual experience for me. While in Sudan for a professional visit years back, we stayed in a hotel overlooking River Nile, and it captivated me then too. On October 13, 14, and 15, I was sitting in our cabin, and looking at the river Nile, absorbing the energy and doing my meditation.  

I'll take off the dark energies

On the first day of meditation, I got a comparison of  river Ganges and Nile. The white frothy water of Ganges had filled me up with bubbling positive energy. Nile told me, "I am different. I am dark water, will remove darkness from you, by taking off all the unwanted energies". I could literally feel that happening. 

Later I came to know from the internet that 59% of the water that reaches Egypt originates from the Ethiopian highlands via the Blue Nile. White Nile and Blue Nile are two tributaries of the Nile that flow from the south into what is referred to as the Nile proper, the longest river in the world. 

Lord Hanumanji and Manasa Devi are here

That was the second message, I thought, 'What?' Then the revelation slowly dawned. I had seen baboons carved in stone during the tour.  They are some of the world's largest monkeys. In ancient Egypt, baboons and monkeys often played a significant and mysterious role in religion and elsewhere.This somehow seems strange, as there are certainly no native monkeys or baboons to Egypt. However, it is clear that prehistoric Egyptians of the fourth millennium BC were familiar with monkeys, including the imposing and dangerous baboons and the African long-tailed monkey. Since that time, they have held a permanent place in ancient Egyptian religion as one of the more important animal forms into which the gods might be transformed. So yes, representatives of Hanumanji are present in Egypt. 

Manasa devi is the snake goddess who is worshipped in India in some regions. Mansa is regarded as the sister of the Nāga (serpent) Vasuki. She is also believed to be the daughter of Lord Shiva in his human incarnate. Manasa devi is said to be the mind daughter of sage Kashyapa and kadru. I do chant her mantra since some time. Manasa devi in Egypt? Then it struck me, I had seen medusa in some carvings in Egypt.

Medusa is generally described as a human female with living venomous snakes in place of hair. Those who gazed into her eyes would turn to stone. She was beheaded by the Greek hero Perseus, who then used her head, which retained its ability to turn onlookers to stone, as a weapon until he gave it to the goddess Athena to place on her shield.

Some suggest that the origins of the character Medusa may be rooted in the Egyptian Cobra Goddess Wadjet. Depicted as a snake-headed woman or a cobra she was associated with the land as matron and protector of Egypt; of kings and of women in childbirth. Thus my intellectual mind was satisfied from the revelations during meditation!

References;

1. http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/4027990.cms?utm_source=contentofinterest&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=cppst

2. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medusa 

3.https://www.amantascott.com/medusa#:~:text=Some%20suggest%20that%20the%20origins,and%20of%20women%20in%20childbirth

4. http://www.touregypt.net/featurestories/baboons.htm#:~:text=In%20the%20Hermopolis%20of%20Middle,grouped%20around%20a%20sacred%20lake.

Meditation in an Egyptian Pyramid

Pyramid symbolizes the integration of Self and Soul. The base of the pyramid represents the body, the sides show the spiritual endeavours and the top point symbolises the harmonious union of the human with the God. The ancient Egyptians saw the shape of the pyramids as a method of providing new life to the dead, because the pyramid represented the form of the physical body emerging from the earth and ascending towards the light of the sun.

The four sloping sides of the pyramid have been found to attract powerful bio-energy forces that can help in healing. For Egyptians, the pyramid is a spiritual symbol because it connects electromagnetic energy surrounding the earth with the stars and other planets. 

Egypt is one of the oldest civilizations that used meditation for a considerable period, as ancient Egyptians practiced it 5000 ago.They called meditation "Smi Tawi" which means the union of the lower and upper nature of the human entity.

Nikola Tesla believed that the pyramids were energy generators, capable of producing free, limitless energy.

Meditation inside the pyramid

Recent research suggests that the pyramids may have been built with a specific purpose in mind - to harness and transmit wireless energy. This theory is based on the idea that the pyramid's shape and construction, specifically the use of limestone and granite, allowed them to act as a giant energy conductor.

While meditating inside a pyramid, many people experience feelings ranging from calmness to extreme  euphoria. When you meditate inside a pyramid your meditation is 3 times more powerful. The Cosmic energy gets attracted to pyramids because of its shape. 

Pyramids cause ionization effect within the body. Negative ions enhance the oxygen intake of the human body, thus increasing well-being. Meditation inside a  pyramid  synchronizes the seven chakras of the body.

Join me for a meditation

I have just been to Egypt and experienced the deep, unexplainable energy which gave wonderful, undisturbed, deep sleep on every single day. The quality of sleep was very unique. So come on, join me for a meditation inside an Egyptian pyramid, I will lead you on... And don't forget to give your feedback in the comment section of the video. 

Divinity In Language?

 

A language can cause reduction in your strength?

I was busy doing something when my husband read out that somebody found Sanskrit language maintained physical strength while English caused a weakening through muscle test. I have been doing muscle test since many years and am good at it. This information made me stop whatever I was doing and check its validity immediately. And wasn’t I shocked to see that it was true?

About muscle test

Human body is an intelligent system capable of knowing itself, what is wrong with it and correcting it, provided we give enough rest. Muscle testing is a diagnostic tool that uses body’s nervous system. It gives a form of biofeedback to uncover hidden problems. Once you experience the involuntary weakness during a muscle test, there’s little room for doubt that the body is trying to tell something. Though many critics are deeply sceptical, the evidence base for applied kinesiology is expanding.

Our experiment

I made it a double blind experiment. On two small papers, I wrote A B C D E on one and folded it so that it was not visible. On the other paper wrote क ख ग घ ङ्ग and folded. Now both of us didn’t know what was written in which paper. Then I tested the hand muscle power of my husband. Gave one of the papers in his hand and tested the strength, then the other paper. One showed definite reduction in strength. Then we opened the paper to see which one maintained the strength, and it was Hindi script!

When I posted this finding, there was a question, “Why though, is it because it's not his mother tongue or what??!!

Well, that was a valid question. So I took another paper, wrote letters in Malayalam and folded in a similar way. I tested again with my husband whose mother tongue is Hindi, but not Malayalam. Guess what, there was reduction in strength with English, but with both Hindi and Malayalam he maintained his full strength.

Roots from Sanskrit

I realized that this called for some research. All Indian languages are either evolved from, or enriched and nourished by Sanskrit. Sanskrit (5000 years old), the World's Oldest Language is an ancient and classical language of India in which the first ever book of the world Rigveda was compiled. The Vedas are dated by different scholars from 6500 B.C. to 1500 B.C. Sanskrit language must have evolved to its expressive capability prior to that. Sanskrit originated as Vedic Sanskrit as early as 1700-1200 BCE, and was orally preserved as a part of the Vedic chanting tradition.

Sanskrit is the first script and mother of all languages in the world. Panini is the scholar who standardized the grammar of Vedic Sanskrit to create Classical Sanskrit. He is known as the father of Sanskrit and is considered the earliest known Indian linguist. He wrote the Ashtadhyayi, which can be translated as “eight chapters” or “Eight Chapters on Grammar”.

Even computer language is derived from Sanskrit because every word has a specific meaning and it cannot resemble other word or meaning. The Sanskrit language was termed as Deva-Vani ('Deva' Gods - 'Vani' language) as it was believed to have been generated by the God Brahma who passed it to the Rishis (sages) living in celestial abodes, who then communicated the same to their earthly disciples from where it spread on earth.

Sanskrit and Hindi are written using the same script, Devanagari. Devanāgarī is a compound of deva (देव) and nāgarī (नागरी). Deva means "heavenly", "divine", or "deity". Nāgarī comes from nagara (नगर), a Sanskrit word meaning "town" or "city". Hence, devanāgarī can be translated as "of the city of the gods".  Malayalam is almost 90-95% Sanskrit, followed by Telugu & Kannada at 80-85%. Tamil too has significant Sanskrit.

Attention from IITs

 IIT-Bombay had started a Cell for Indian Science and Technology in Sanskrit. It isn't just Kharagpur and Bhubaneswar that are getting on the Sanskrit bandwagon. IIT-Roorkee plans to teach science and technology in Sanskrit texts along with an inter-disciplinary study of Sanskrit and modern subjects.

This is interesting

When a neuroscientist explored the “Sanskrit effect’, it was found that MRI scans show that memorizing ancient mantras increases the size of brain regions associated with cognitive function. Please read the last reference to get more detail and I am sure you will be considering learning Sanskrit yourself or to teach your children!

References:

https://experiencelife.lifetime.life/article/what-is-muscle-testing-and-how-does-it-work/

https://www.tutorialspoint.com/why-is-sanskrit-known-as-the-mother-of-all-languages

https://blogs.scientificamerican.com/observations/a-neuroscientist-explores-the-sanskrit-effect/

Why Would I Choose pain For Myself??

After I learned past life regression facilitation in 2008 and started doing regression for clients, it was clear to me that we decide the blue print of our life, choose our physical status, parents, place of birth etc., Major events in life are also decided upon. We make contract with other souls in that realm for them to come to our life at particular times to give us happy or sad experiences.

Finishing off karmic debts

Some souls decide to take up many painful experiences because they want to negate a lot of karmic debts in one life time. In their earthly existence there is always pain and suffering, when we don’t know the underlying truth, it is very unsettling to witness such a situation.

When clients come with problems/painful relationships, I try to hint that it was their decision to go through those experiences, but usually it doesn’t cut any ice. Somebody telling them so will not be sufficient for them to believe or trust it.

Moment of realisation

During regression sessions, some clients come to grasp this truth. Recently I had a client who experienced this. She saw her past life where there was pain and suffering. She went silent for some time, then I saw that expression on her face, which told me she is grasping some truth. Those are moments of satisfaction for me as somebody is getting the truth of life.

She asked me in utter disbelief, “But why would I choose pain for myself? It was I who chose that pain and suffering. Why would I do that?”

Why do you choose pain?

One aspect is to negate the karmic debts that were accumulated in different incarnations. Another aspect is that we take lives on Earth to go to the higher realms of experience and understanding. And whether we like it or not, it is only through adverse situations we realise and develop our strengths and qualities, which further our spiritual journey. 

Here Comes An Affirmation!

 

I have been blessed to get  the Universal guidance from very early on how to live life, what spiritual practice to follow, which mantras to chant etc., I had implicit faith and there was never an iota of doubt. I was immensely pleased to get a confirmation on this aspect recently.

I don’t know which God to worship

Recently I had a session and one of her requests was to suggest which God to worship at this moment in her life. Instead of giving straightaway answers I like to let my clients realise the power within them. I had a look at her horoscope to get the answer.

It is not a common knowledge why there need to be so many Gods. Well, actually there is only One Energy and we are all part of it. Just like there are so many programs in a computer to execute varied functions, different Gods can be considered like icons. You are a student and want to excel in studies, pray to Goddess Saraswati. Do this for three months and you will be surprised at the way your brain starts functioning. Like better understanding and grasping of the subjects, better memory and better reproduction (as in writing an exam).

What do you see?

During the session, I asked her to close her eyes and said,” When I say “God”, what is the picture that comes to your mind. Don’t do any thinking or analysing. The moment you hear the word, a picture will drop down into your mind. Tell me what it is.”

She said, “Lord Shiva.”

You can’t imagine my happiness to hear that. It was Lord Shiva that she needs to worship at this time, as I saw from her horoscope. I told that her intuition and inner sense was very much active. She only needs to trust it.

Possible for everybody?

The question comes whether it is so easy. The answer is, it is not. A few may be naturally blessed, from the sadhana done in previous incarnations. But this girl has been a Reiki practitioner for many years. Reiki awakens the intuition and inner sense of knowing big time. It is not that only Reiki can help you. Any other serious spiritual sadhana will also take you there. But Reiki is the simplest and easiest one to practice daily.

Koel and Lotus Shaped Mogra

 

Koel trying to get attention

When we go for our yoga practice early morning, the moment we put on the light in the hall, birds outside will start a symphony. A female koel’s voice used to be outstanding. I used to enjoy the birds’ orchestra, but it seems the female koel wanted special attention.

Two days later I was at home when I heard some bird sounds in our lawn. 

When I checked,  bulbuls were trying to chase off a female koel sitting on the parijat tree. Most bulbuls are monogamous and territorial; often the pair-bond is maintained year after year. The bulbul family considers our home theirs and they have hatched their young ones multiple times in their nests on our trees and window. But the koel was very cool. When I looked out, she made eye contact with me and transferred a message. We were looking at each other for quite some time, I thanked her for the message and for the song that I hear every day morning at the yoga hall. Then she flew off and the bulbuls became quiet.

More about koels

The Asian koel (Eudynamys scolopaceus) is a member of the cuckoo order of birds, the Cuculiformes. Koel is a cuckoo, male is black with red eye, female has brown and white bars. In Indian folklore, the koel is considered a lucky bird. It is believed that good fortune would come if you heard one while out walking, and a child born on the day of the first cuckoo in spring would be lucky for all its life. Koels  are known for their loud, rich sounds and can easily be recognized by the subtle nuances of their calls. What makes these birds truly unique is their complex relationship with humans: from noisy alarm clocks to cultural folklore and religious symbology, koels have held a special place in our lives since time immemorial.

Spiritual meaning

Koel or cuckoo holds great symbolism in Eastern cultures. Furthering its symbolic nature as a bringer of news rather than joyous music, people usually say, “the Koel is calling,” instead of “the Koel is singing,” In Hindu mythology it is a significant symbol of divine love. It serves as an emblem of divinity in India, with many sects worshipping it as they believe the koel is linked with Lord Krishna himself.

It embodies a number of themes, such as patience and fidelity in Christianity. The poetic cry of the female koel has been said to resemble that of Mary calling for Jesus, with her song being interpreted as ‘Come come my beloved!’ – a beautiful representation for Christians everywhere.

Celtic symbolism portrays the koel bird as a symbol of transformation and self-exploration. Its migratory behavior signifies the idea of putting one’s energy to good use. The koel is seen as a reminder to consciously traverse the path of life with greater awareness, growth, and insight. Koel is linked with a range of goddesses who, in turn, can provide guidance, strength, and power to people embarking on journeys of personal growth, and it stands for creative independence.  The soul mates concept seen in so much African folklore mirrors that of the koel, which pairs up with its mate for years at a time.

In many South Asian cultures the Koel bird is an enduring symbol of spiritual enlightenment. Its melodious  voice is thought to open up the mind of the listener and encourage mindfulness.  Since it is believed to be a messenger of God carrying wisdom to man, to hear it means receiving inner knowledge. Some mythologies believe that hearing the melodious singing of a Koel is believed to cleanse any negative energy in their presence.

 In Tibetan mythology, it is said to be an old soul connecting humans to divinity. The Koel is a symbol of patience, peace, and resilience. Its spiritual meaning can remind us to be patient in difficult times and trust that things will get better with time and effort.

Mogra resembling a lotus

A couple of days later while I was gathering mogra flowers, one of them attracted my attention as it closely resembled that of a lotus. 

I was so fascinated by this and tried to get the message. The lotus is a symbol for purity, beauty, fertility, prosperity, and eternity. It also represents spiritual enlightenment, symbolizing  how to transcend material wealth for spiritual progress. It gives us the lesson that the ultimate aim of human beings is to perform karma without bothering about the external factors. Lotus has been regarded as a symbol of vairagya (detachment), so essential for remaining in God-consciousness.

A white lotus flower symbolizes purity and spiritual perfection, while a pink lotus flower symbolizes love, compassion, and purity of the heart.  Miraculously growing in the murkiest of conditions, the lotus is a lucky symbol that's revered for its resilience, considered a reminder that one can grow, share good karma and stay unchanged as a person.  

I have been into some serious sadhana recently and was happy to receive these messages from the Universe!

 

Reference:

https://spiritandsymbolism.com/koel-spiritual-meaning-symbolism-and-totem/

https://www.hindu-blog.com/2011/04/cuckoo-bird-koel-in-hindu-tradition.html

Yama And Niyama, Pillars Of Your Life

To live a peaceful life, it is important to know about Yoga. The word yoga was first mentioned in Rig Veda. The Sanskrit word ‘Yoga’ is translated as “yoke” or “union.” To yoke means to draw together, to bind together; or to unite. Its aim is to yoke or create a union of the body, mind, soul, and Universal consciousness. Majority live not in union with the Universal consciousness, but a fragmented life, which seems like a burden every single moment. Yoga is a balanced state of the body and mind, a balanced state of emotions, a balanced state of thoughts and intellect, and a balanced state of behaviour.

The “Eight limbed path”

Patanjali is considered the father of Yoga. He organized the practice of yoga into an "eight limbed path" containing the steps and stages towards obtaining Samadhi or enlightenment. The eight limbs of yoga are:

1. Yama (abstinences),

2. Niyama (observances),

 3. Asana (yoga postures),

4. Pranayama (breath control),

5. Pratyahara (withdrawal of the senses),

6. Dharana (concentration),

7. Dhyana (meditation) and

8. Samadhi (absorption)."

Yama and Niyama

Let us understand yama and niyama (yoga’s ethical guidelines), which form the pillars to build a balanced life. They are like a map to guide you on your life's journey. Basically, yamas are things not to do(restraints), while the niyamas are things to do(observances). The Yoga Sutra describes five different yamas,  Ahimsa (non-violence), Asteya (non-stealing), Satya (truthfulness), Aparigraha (non-possessiveness), and Brahmacharya (celibacy or fidelity). It is a common tendency to write off these qualities as “They are not possible to be followed in modern era. I will be foolish to adhere to them and definitely I’ll be a loser” But even in these times, there are people who follow them and its power can be detected in their auras. And mind you, they are not losers!

What is normally not known is that following these can bring tremendous rewards, with constant practice. Let us see what the rewards for the yamas are.

Rewards of Yama

1.       Ahimsa- Friendship with all living beings. We have heard of saints walking in the forest with lions accompanying them

2.       Satya- When you speak only the truth, over time, whatever you speak,  will become true

3.       Astheya- All your needs will be met by the Universe. It is amazing to see that by not stealing from others, whatever you need or whatever thought to have something comes to your mind, they will be delivered.

4.       Brahmacharya- provides tremendous mental strength. This is a very powerful gift. For those who think that sex is a ‘biological need’ and believe in multiple partners and one night stands, this may seem unachievable. But with multiple partners, with the intense mingling of aura, there will be tears in the aura and sometimes even a dark energy is palpable.

5.       Aparigraha- helps in spiritual journey

Niyama

Following Niyama practice helps us maintain a positive environment in which to thrive. It gives us the self-discipline, humility, and inner-strength necessary to progress along the path of yoga. ‘Saucha’ is the first of the five niyamas. It is the personal practice of cleanliness – of body, mind and spirit. At the physical level, saucha applies to our surroundings and environment as well as our bodies.

Then there are ‘Santosha’ – contentment (being happy with whatever one has), and gratitude.

‘Tapas’ – Self-discipline or “burning enthusiasm”.

‘Svadhyaya’ –  self study and self-reflection.

‘Isvara Pranidhana’  – devotion, and surrender, and always thinking of God.

Rewards of Niyama

1.       Cleanliness -  helps us to attain detachment

2.       Contentment - mental peace

3.       Tapas- Siddhis or psychic powers. As we move along this path, we gain control over elements.  Highly skilled, advanced practitioners attain Siddhis. Those who do have the higher Siddhis very seldom reveal their accomplishment. The eight siddhis are Anima, Mahima, Garima, Laghima, Prapti, Prakamya, Ishatva and Vasitva.

a) Anima: This is the ability to shrink one's body size, even to the size of an atom. A common example of anima is when Lord Hanuman reduced his size when searching for Sita in Sri Lanka.

b) Mahima: The complete opposite of Anima, Mahima is becoming larger than the largest. Lord Hanuman also assumed this form to set Lanka ablaze, and to fight Kumbha Karna.

c) Garima: This is the ability to become very heavy by will that one is rendered immovable by anyone, or anything. This is documented when Lord Hanuman made his tail so heavy that even the extremely strong Bhim couldn't lift it.

d) Laghima: Laghima originates from the root word "laghu", which means small, or light. This siddhi can make one's body weightless. Levitation and flying are the extended powers of this siddhi.

e) Prapti: This is the ability to obtain anything, anywhere.

f) Prakamya: The ability to obtain anything desired, and realising dreams. It is also the powers that enable one to live in water, and the power to enter the body of another person. For example, Sri Sankara entered the body of Raja Aamruka of Benares, and Tirumoolar entered the body of a shepherd using this siddhi.

g) Isatva: Referring to the "power of Lordliness", this siddhi is about power of absolute lordship over the entire creation. One of the greatest siddhis, Isatva enables crossing over the laws of nature and it overlaps the other siddhis. For example, this enables one to separate their soul from their body at will.

h) Vasitva: This is the ability to have anything under control, especially the physical manifestation of the five elements. This is the siddhi that can conquer any/or all beings in the universe.

 

4.       Svadhyaya  –  Showers us with blessings beyond imagination

5.       Isvara Pranidhana –  Takes us towards God realization.

Start early

Ultimately we need to embrace Yoga, which is the restriction of the fluctuations of consciousness. The practice begins by sitting and calming the fluctuations of the body, breath, and senses, and then the more elusive whirlings of consciousness

Spiritual foundation helps one to go through the ups and downs of life without losing balance. When one has spent years totally involved in materialistic things, it is impossible to turn spiritual in the old age. Spiritual attitude should be a life process, which means it has to start from birth. So children need to be trained, parents should realize this great responsibility.

Reference:

https://astroulagam.com.my/lifestyle/eight-most-powerful-yoga-siddhis-155919

https://blog.cosmicinsights.net/hanuman-sita-siddhi-nidhi/ 

Spirits And Spirituality Don't Go Together

Beyond your senses

The essence of spiritualty is something that cannot be understood through your five senses, it has to be experiential. For that expereintial awareness, something beyond the five senses needs to be developed within you. This will take years of intense sadhana. We are lucky in this age to have access to Reiki healing, which shortens this time drastically. The problem is, people find it hard to stick onto daily practice as it becomes a 'boring' ritual, with no 'tangible' exciting experiences for a period of time.  The question is "Are you ready to take a leap of faith and stick on to daily healing practice till a whole new world of experiences beyond the five senses develop?"

Spirits and Spirituality

Alcohol lowers human vibration, it actually lowers the dopamine levels after the initial buzz. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), alcoholism can alter one's personality because of its effects on an individual's brain function especially when there is too much alcohol intake. 

According to the writer Jason Christoff- “In alchemy, alcohol is used to extract the soul essence of an entity”. Hence it’s use in extracting essences for essential oil and the sterilization of medical instruments. By consuming alcohol into the body, it in effect extracts the very essence of the soul, allowing the body to be more susceptible to neighboring entities most of which are of low frequencies. That is why people who consume excessive alcohol often black out, not remembering what happened. This happens when the good soul leaves because the living conditions are too polluted and too traumatic to tolerate.

The good soul jettisons the body, staying connected to a tether, and a dark entity takes the body for a joy ride around the block, often in a hedonistic and self serving illogical rampage. Our bodies are cars for spirits. If one leaves, another can take care for a ride. Essentially when someone goes dark after drinking alcohol or polluting themselves in many other ways, their body often becomes possessed by another entity.

So if we have been doing a lot of sadhana and have taken our vibration to a higher level, consumption of alcohol can negate that hard earned state. 

References: 

1. https://madhavuniversity.edu.in/spiritual-consequences-of-alcohal-consumption.html

Do Planets Discriminate In Their Blessings?

 I received an interesting and intelligent question regarding my article “The planets(Stars) And You”. It read:

“This was an excellent read, ma'am. Very well written, as usual and was very informative as well.

I understand about Karma and its effect and also understand that the future is written in pencil and can be changed.

What I don't understand is about the influence of planets. This is where my ignorance takes over and I am in total darkness about the influence of planets and their effects on us.

Ma’am are the planets really influencing us in real time or they are just used as archetypes or representations of certain influences to make us understand. Are the planets and their influences used only for the purpose of illustration or they have a real impact?

Planets are heavenly bodies and should their presence not have an equal influence on all humans irrespective if their date of birth? For example the gravitational pull of the moon is on all water bodies equally why would it be different of different people based on their date or time and place of birth. Yes, the planets are in a different and unique position at the birth but as the person grows and others grow around him or her won't the influence of the planets start getting more and more equal for all people. After all the position of the planets is similar in relation to the earth at a given time hence for everyone on earth for that matter.

What about animals. Do they have a horoscope too and are influenced by planets at the time of their birth.

Can you please shed some light to dispel my ignorance, please.”

Gravitational pull of Moon on water

Gravitational pull of Moon on water happens everywhere. But are the effect same on the water inside a well, a river, a lake and an ocean? Similarly, the effect varies on different individuals based on their birth chart.

Yes, the planets influence us in real time

The planets have real time influence on all the beings on the earth. On full moons, the nectar of moon resides in the head region, which is why it is a great time for meditation for one on spiritual path.

Ancient authorities like Aristotle, Paracelsus, and Pliny the Elder thought some humans were driven crazy by the full Moon. The Latin name for the Moon—Luna—is the root of modern words like “lunacy,” “lunatic,” and even “loon,” as in “crazy as a loon.” Even today, many doctors, nurses, EMTs, police officers, and elementary school teachers agree that full Moons will bring out bizarre behavior—43 percent of healthcare professionals believe in what some call “the lunar influence,” as do 81 percent of mental healthcare specialists.

In 2017, a renowned psychiatrist called Thomas Wehr published a paper describing 17 patients with rapid-cycling bipolar disorder – a form of the illness where people switch between depression and mania more quickly than usual, showed an uncanny regularity in their episodes of illness.  These rhythms appeared to correlate with certain gravitational cycles of the Moon.

When Mercury goes retrograde, we experience an increase in delays, frustrations, miscommunications and even technological mishaps.

Planetary influence

The nature, for that matter, the whole Universe is always with us, showering blessings on us every second. For example, for every person in India (it is not same for all the countries, as the angle of the Sun’s rays has the effect) who exposes himself/herself to the early morning Sunlight, the eyesight will improve or be maintained. Also, the body will get enough Vitamin D, keeping the bones healthy.

Now imagine, a person is sleeping in a dark air conditioned room at the time of Sunrise. Will he benefit? Another lady is standing with Sunscreen lavishly applied on the body. The Sunlight will hasten the absorption of all the chemicals into the body, leading to deleterious effects. Because our body doesn’t recognize human manufactured chemicals, whether taken orally or applied on the body.

Influence of Planets on all humans equal?

Depending on the birth time and place, the planets are positioned in different areas of our birth chart. For example, Sun in a particular area of the chart can make one very egoistic; Jupiter in another position can make a person interested in occult sciences.

It is easy to understand with the example given above, like the person sleeping at the Sunrise. The position of a planet in one’s birth chart may act like the closed room, not giving benefits. In another person’s chart, the planet is positioned in such a favourable position that he/she benefits tremendously.

Animals and planetary influence

If the planetary influence is same for all animals, either all dogs should be getting killed in accidents on the road, or all dogs should be travelling on chartered planes with their owners. What do you think? 

And yes, there’s pet astrology which tells that pets born under Cancer (a water sign ruled by the moon) tend to be very sensitive and moody.

References:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5524624/ 

https://www.almanac.com/can-full-moon-affect-your-mood

https://www.everydayhealth.com/pet-health/pet-astrology-are-you-your-pet-compatible/

The Planets (Stars) And Us

I was fascinated by astrology since childhood. Some people think it is just superstition and others think it is pure mathematics. My father and an uncle (his brother) had a reasonable knowledge of Vedic astrology and three decades back I took some lessons from them. During college days, I read from cover to cover Linda Goodman’s “Sun sign” and “Star signs”.

Then twenty years back my Rakhee brother gave me “How to judge a nativity” by Alan Leo, a book on western astrology of 353 pages, to read and return. I took down notes from the whole book.  Even with all this background knowledge, it was still very confusing to me and I never practiced reading charts in a big way.

Two years back I came to know of “Falit Jyotish” Vedicastrology lessons in Hindi by Sri. Shrawan Jha “Ashutosh”  from my daughter. From then on I am listening to his online lessons and making notes. He is too good, very thorough in his knowledge, makes complicated concepts simple and easy to remember.  

Reading charts- is it all predetermined?

Last year I started reading charts and was astonished at the effect of planets on our lives. It is amazing how it can help us to make decisions and find peace in any prevailing situation. A common belief in those who believe in astrology is that we are helpless victims of the planets and the only way out is to chant mantras and do remedies to pacify the planets having malefic influence on us.

Opening of the inner eye

As per Jha sir’s recommendation, I was reading “Phaldeepika Bhavartha Bodhini “, a translation by Jha & Jha yesterday. The first few pages and a lightning struck my inner eye. It is written, “Astrologers know that the karma of a person in the past lives has resulted in the present birth. We are here to bear the brunt or to enjoy the effects of stars. Still the God Almighty has given us a Will to improve or tarnish our destiny.” WHAT! We can improve or tarnish our destiny? How?

Example of Ravana and Rama

He takes up the example of Ravana and Rama to illustrate this. The difference between their horoscopes is that the Rising Sign of Ravana was Aries and that of Rama was Cancer.

Ravana was a person who could never be defeated, surrounded by good counsellors and was a Brahmin of the highest class. Exalted Saturn in 7^th house gave Ravana a faithful, good looking wife. Exalted Mars in the 10^th house made him conquer the world, the Moon and Jupiter in the 4^th house in Cancer gave him the throne of Shri Lanka, the city of gold.

But he strayed from the path of religion and wanted Sita for himself. No sooner he left the path of morality, religion and ethics, than he became arrogant and his stars lost the lustre and power. They became incapable to help him. He kicked his brother Vibhishan out, reducing the effects of Mars, bringing about his fall and death. He would not listen to his wife and older people of his court and his exalted Saturn lost the power to protect him.

Rama was the incarnation of Lord Vishnu, but Ravana had the blessing of lord Shiva. Just because his father desired him to leave- Rama did and so he improved his Sun. Love and support of his brother Lakshman strengthened his Mars. Respect for spiritual and religious people improved his Jupiter and Saturn. Therefore with almost parallel horoscopes Rama triumphed and Ravana did not.

One who does not want others to be killed, has control on his/her senses (behaviour and mind) and earns his living in a  righteous manner, always follows the rules and principles laid down in the scriptures, the planets remain pleased and are always favourable.

Hold onto moral principles

Many people with economic securities forget the line of demarcation, forget the moral principles of life, they earn their wealth without any adherence to how they do it, cast their lustful looks left and right, then other evil creep in.

When Ravana could not accomplish his desires because it was against the structure of the society of that time then how can a frail person of modern times attain it? Even if for a moment it is gained, against all odds, it is a temporary gain and ends in mental anguish. Then they go to astrologers and ask for remedies, without realising that because of their karmas their stars have already lost their hue, lustre, and power.

By one bad action, all good effects of planets are washed out and by one good deed even debilitated planets show effects like exalted planets. So, Astrology is great, mathematical interpretations are fine, but unless we follow a moral path and keep the planets happy, good results will not come from a horoscope.  Such is the deep impact of your Karma!

Getting Charged Up In The Forest

Deep into the forest

After attending the Hornbill Festival in Dandeli on 11^th and 12^th of February 2023, we decided to stay inside the forest for a day. After lunch at the festival venue, we drove down to the place of stay. The room had many netted windows overlooking the forest. The cool wind was blowing in and after the heavy lunch, the body was induced into a deep afternoon nap.  Such a rejuvenating nap!

Dusk and night in the lap of Nature

We went out and had some snack and tea, came back to the room and was ready to spend the time till our sleep watching the surrounding and   blending with Nature. The silence around was so therapeutic. I could hear the sound of falling dried leaves on the ground! Can you imagine how soothing it was to the inner space?

The lizard’s message

We decided to do meditation inside the room before going out to sit in the verandah late into the night. As I sat, I had a question in my mind and looked around for the answer (I am so used to this). And I spotted a huge lizard on the roof, and I got my answer. It was not the usual lizard we see in our houses. It was darker in color, the body was broader and the tail was a short one. Excitedly I showed it to my husband who noticed that it was not moving at all. He told it was dead, we watched it continuously for a good amount of time and saw absolutely no movement at all. I wanted to take its photograph, but he told since it is dead, we will do that in the morning (which I regretted badly later). We finished our meditation and then I looked up to find that the lizard had disappeared.

                                         This closely resembles the lizard we saw in the room

The Night out

We went into the verandah, pulled two chairs and watched the sky and surrounding. As I kept looking at the sky, in a clearance between the canopy of tree leaves, suddenly the aura of all those leaves appeared, moving from the outline of the leaves towards the central clearance. It was such a divine, elevating experience; I wish I could transfer that feeling to those who read this!

As it started becoming darker, stars began to appear in the sky. In a short time, the sky was totally star studded, hardly any clear space between the stars was seen. Then the moon came out. It was a half size moon, but it shone so bright. The moon light flooding the verandah resembled that of a full moon.

To supplement the experience, there was a cool breeze caressing our body and face, soaking us with pure, heavenly energy. We sat there to our heart’s content and then went inside to have a deep, peaceful sleep.

We were blessed with the view of a beautiful Sun rise in the morning.

Energies from the sea vs forest

It is our habit to go and spent time near the sea quite often. I felt that the way the body was energised and rejuvenated in the forest was different from the sea. The intellectual mind started analysing. When I sit and watch the sea for hours, it begins to energise my body from outer to inner layers. But in the forest, in one sweep, the body and mind are lifted to another dimension.

I have to mention another aspect too. When we are near the sea, we have access to the internet, but here, we were totally cut off from those external vibrations.  This is one thing I would like everyone to experience once in a while, to keep the divinity within you active!

Meditation For Those Who Cannot Imagine Or Visualize

‘I cannot imagine’

Recently, after a healing session I advised a client to listen to one of my meditation videos. When I asked his feedback after a few days, his answer was, ‘I cannot imagine’. I know of people who can’t imagine or visualise and it is a drawback during meditations when one is asked to imagine. But his answer somehow made me feel so helpless that I really wanted to do something to help such people.

One the full moon day morning meditation, I got guidance to do that and in the evening I conducted online meditation according to that.

An amazing experience for me

As I was guiding the participants through the meditation, I had a great experience, the first of its kind. I felt a heavy burden leaving me and the lightness I felt was unimaginable. And I could also sense that coming from many of the participants.

Later I was describing my experience to my husband when he asked me, ‘Do you also go through the meditation every time while guiding others?’ To my answer ‘Yes’, he asked, ‘Then what was the difference this time?’

That set me to thinking deeply. Yes, what was the difference?

Got the clue

During routine meditations, I am taking the participants through their visualizations to the subconscious minds. And part of the time, I too access my subconscious mind and feel the relaxed state. But to guide them through, I have to get in touch with my conscious mind and then the flow is broken for me. In the current technique, there was no obstruction to the flow and I could have the total experience. 

To experience the Meditation  CLICK HERE