Karmanye Vadhikaraste Ma Phaleshu Kadachana..

Karmanye Vadhikaraste Ma Phaleshu Kadachana..

"Karmanye Vadhikaraste Ma Phaleshu Kadachana,
Ma Karma Phala Hetur Bhurmatey Sangostva Akarmani"

Translation :

"You have a right to perform your prescribed action,

but you are not entitled to the fruits of your action.

Never consider yourself the cause of the results of your activities,

and never be associated to not doing your duty."

 

How simple and how relevant even today.I think if Bhagavadgeetha is universally renowned as the jewel of India's spiritual wisdom , Most of us today have forgotten about this part and always take things as business deals. Be it friendship, love or even marriage. We always impose conditions before doing anything so that we benefit from it in the end. Thats exactly what Krishna says here.Always do your best without expecting the results and you will be happy.
How beautiful...

Some short explanations
http://www.yogaville.org/Integral_Yoga/Karma/Karma.php
http://www.sivananda.org/teachings/karma/karmayoga.html

The book
http://www.thekrishnastore.com/Detail.bok?no=360

Mudras or Gestures. (part 2 with picture)

Mudras
The physical body is made up of five elements namely - Air, Water, Fire, Earth and Aakash (ether - the tiny intercellular spaces in the human body). Imbalance of these elements disrupts the immunity system and causes disease. Deficiencies in any of these elements can be made up by connecting one part of the body with another in a particular manner through Mudras.
When a finger representing an element is brought into contact with the thumb, that element is brought into balance. Therefore the disease caused by the imbalance is cured. Mudras start electromagnetic currents within the body which balance various constituting elements and restore health. The joining of fingers creates an effect on the human body.	Five Fingers for Five Elements * Thumb Fire * Index Air * Middle Aakash * Ring Earth * Little Water
Mudras for Benefits:
Gyan Mudra Effective in cases of mental ailment, imparts happiness, the intellect develops, memory is sharpened. Method Join the tips of the index finger and thumb and keep the other 3 fingers stretched and joined. Shoonya Mudra Relief in diseases and pains relating to the ear. Method Press the middle finger on the base of the thumb and keep the thumb on middle finger. Keep the other three fingers straight.. Apaan Mudra Helps in clearing the body by elimination of waste matter from the mouth, eyes, ears, nose etc. Helps when urine is obstructed, reduces constipation. Method Join the tip of the thumb with the tip of middle and ring finger, keeping the other finger straight. Prana Mudra Helps in pumping the life force into your body. Beneficial for all types of diseases. Imparts special power to the eyes. Method Join the tip of the thumb with tip of little and ring finger. Keeping other two fingers straight. Vayu Mudra Helps in diseases like arthritis, trembling in Parkinson's disease. Better results obtained if practices after Prana mudra. Method Press the index finger on the base of thumb and keep the thumb on the index finger. Let the other fingers be straight. Prithvi Mudra Makes body sturdy. One experiences happiness. Method Join the tip of the thumb and ring finger. Varun Mudra Improves the deteriorated quality of blood due to shortage of water & gives freshness to the body. Method Join the tip of the thumb and little finger. Surya Mudra Reduces weight of your body. Method Put the tip of ring finger at the base of thumb, with thumb gently pressing on it. Ling Mudra Produces heat in the body and helps in curing cold and cough. Method Interlock the fingers of both hands together. Keeping the left thumb up (encircled by right thumb and index finger) i.e. left thumb should be vertically straight and right thumb around it.
When to do? Can be practiced at all times while sitting, lying, standing, walking or even talking. For good results should be practiced for 24 minutes continuously. Can be practiced for 4-5 minutes also at one time. If a mudra cannot be made in both hands, you may do it in one hand only

Mudras or Gestures.

Prithvi Mudra (Earth)

Popularly known as Prithvi mudra, this mudra increases the Prithvi (earth) element with in the body. At the same time, it decrease the Agni(fire) element. Therfore, it can also be called Agni-

shaamak mudra.

Method: This mudra is formed by joining together the tips of the ring finger and the thumb.

Effects : Prithvi-vardhak mudra increase the Prithvi(earth) element within the body but decrease the Agni(fire) element within the body.

The element earth is a vital component of bodily tissues like bones, cartilage, skin, hair, nails, flesh, muscles, tendons, internal organs, etc, Practice of Prithvi-vardhak mudra builds and invigorates these tissues. In other words, this mudra increases the kapha humor within the body. Therefore, this mudra can be used to overcome disorders caused by kapha deficiency. However, it should be practiced in moderation by people who already have and excess of kapha in their bodies.

The element Agni(fire) is concerned with body temperature and metabolism. Since Prithvi-vaardhak(+Agni-shaamak)_ mudra reduces fire, it can be used to pacify an overactive Agni and overcome disorders of Agni-excess like emaciation, fever, inflammation, etc.

The element fire is also a component of bodily humor Pitta.

Therefore, Prithvi-vardhak(+Agni-shaamak) mudra is an excellent mudra for people with a pronounced Pitta constitution. They can regularly use this mudra even to avoid illness.

Benefits: Prithvi-vardhak mudra can be used to treat the following disorders:

1. Cronic fatigue, general debility, convalescence,

2. Lack of Stamina or endurance,

3. Inexplicable, weight-loss, emaciation,

4. Osteoporosis osteomalacia (diminished bone-density, rickets,)

5. Fracture(to expedite union),

6. Degeneration of articular cartilage(Osteo –Arthritis),

7. Weak, atrophied muscles myopahties,

8. Paresis, paralysis, poliomyelitis,

9.dry,cracked, burning ,mature skin,

10.Brittle nails,

11. Hair-loss, premature graying of hair,

12. Burning in eyes, stomach(acidity), urine, anus, hands, feet, head,

13. Aphthous ulcers in the mouth,

14. Ulcers in the stomach, intestines,

15. Inflammatory diseases (disease whose names end with 'it is'),

16 . Jaundice,

17. Fever,

18. Hperthyroidism.

Duration: 45 minutes every day, either at one stretch or in 3 parts(i.e, for 15 minutes, thrice a day).

However, people with kapha deficiency can do it even for longer periods.

Ideal time: though Prithvi-vardhak mudra can be performed at anytime of the day, practicing it at any time 6.00 to 10,00 am/pm gives better results.

Precaution : People with a pronounced kapha constitution should perform this mudra in moderation, if at all.

(Ref.: http://complete-education.blogspot.com/2008/12/prithvi-vardhak-or-prithvi-mudra.html)

Surya Mudra (Fire)

Popularly known as Surya mudra this mudra increases the Agni(fire) elemnt within the body. It can, therefore, be called Agni-vardhak mudra, too. At the same time, this mudra decreases the Prithvi(earth) element with in the body.

Method: This mudra is formed by first placing the tip of the ring finger on the base of the thumb and then bringing gentle pressure of the thumb upon this finger. This amounts to suppression of element earth (residing in the ring finger) by element fire (residing in the thumb). The earth element thus suppressed, fire is able to rage unopposed.

Effect: Prithvi-shaamak or Agni-vardhak mudra increases the Agni(fire) element within the body but subdues the Prithvi(earth) element.

The element Agni (fire) is associated with body temperature and matbolism. Practice of Pritvi-shaamak or Surya mudra helps to maintain the body-temperature and keeps the metabolism going.

The element agni is also connected with vision. Hence, regular practice of surya mudra helps to strengthen weak eyes and improve vision.

Agni is also a component of bodily humor Pitta. Practice of Prithvi-shaamak or Surya mudra increases the Pitta humor within the body. Therefore, this mudra can be used to overcome disorders caused by Pitta deficiency. However, it should be used only in moderation by people having an excess of Pitta.

Prithvi-shaamak mudra decreases the element Prithvi(earth) in the body. It is, therefore, excellent for people having an excess of element Prithvi in their bodies .

The element earth is also a component of bodily humor kapha. Therefore , Prithvi-shaamak mudra is an excellent mudra for people with a pronounced kapha constitution. They can regularly practice this mudra even to prevent illness.

Benfits: Prtivi-shaamak (Agni-vardhak; Surya) mudra can be used to treat the following disorders:

1.Abnormally low body-temperature,

2,Coldness of skin, body, limbs, hands, feet, etc.

3. Intolerance to cold, shivering,

4. Under activity of the thyroid gland causing slow metabolism,

5.Obesity, progressive weight-gain,

6.Loss of appetite, indigestion, constipation,

7.absence of sweating,

8. Ceratin vison/eye problems, especially cataract.

Duration: 45 minutes every day, either at one stretch or in 3 parts(i.e, for 15 minutes, thrice a day).

Ideal time: though Prithvi-vardhak mudra can be performed at anytime of the day, practicing it at any time 6.00 to 10,00 am/pm gives better results.

Precaution: over performance of this mudra may cause undue heating of the body.

http://complete-education.blogspot.com/2008/12/prithvi-shaamak-or-surya-mudra.html

Aakash shaamak or shoonya mudra

Popularly known as shoonya mudra, this mudra decrease the Aakaash(space) element with in the body .

Method: this mudra is formed by first placing the tip of the middle finger on base of the thumb and tehn bringing gentle pressure of the thumb upon this finger. The amounts to suppression of element space(residing in the middle finger) by element fire(residng in the thumb).

Effects: aakaash-shaamak mudra decrease the Aakaash(space) element with in the body. It can, therefore, be used to treat disorders (enlisted below) caused by an abnormal increase of space within the body. The element space is associated with ears.

Therefore Aakaash-shaamak mudra helps certain ear disorders. In fact, it is an almost fail proof remedy for ear-pain.

The decreased internal space restricts the rest of the four bodily elements i.e, vaayu(air), agni(fire), jal(water) and pirthvi(earth). Therfore, aakaash-shaamak mudra can be beneficially combined with Vaayu-shamaak, Agni-shammak, Pritvi-shammak and jal-shammak mudras.

The element aakaash is also a component of bodily humor Vaata. The decrease of space in the body form the practice of Aakaash-shammak mudra pacifies the (aggravated) Vaata. Therfore, this mudra is especially suitable for people having a pronounced Vaata constitution (Vaata dosha).

Benefits: Aakash-shamak mudra can be used to treat the following disorders:

    Feeling of emptiness or numbers in the body or body parts like the head, the chest, the abdomen, etc.,

2. Ear ailments like pain, tinnitus(noises), vertigo and acquired deafness.

duration: In case of acute ear-pain, incapacitating vertigo or severe numbness, perform this mudra continuously till the disorder subsides. For chronic ear ailments or numness perform this mudra for 45 minutes either at one stretch or in 3 parts(i.e., for 15 minutes thrice a day).

Ideal time: for chronic disease, this mudra should, if possible be performed at anytime other than 2.00 to 6.00 am/pmgives better results.

Precaution : Experienced doctors believe that the practice of this mudra should be discontinued as soon as the disease has been overcome.

  http://complete-education.blogspot.com/2008/12/aakaash-shaamak-or-shoonya-mudra.html

Aakaash-vardhak or Aakash mudra

Popularly known as Aakaash mudra this mudra increases the (inactive) Aakaash(ether or space) element with in the body.

Method: This mudra is formed by joining together the tips of the thumb and middle finger.

Effects: Aakaash-vardhak mudra increases the aakash(space0 element with in the body. Since the space within the body is a part of the outer space (aakaash or cosmos), practise of the mudra enables the individual(aatmaa) to reunite with the collective consciousness(Paramaatmaa or God). Negative emotions like fear, anger,sorrow, etc. are replaced by positive emotions and thoughts.

The above- mentioned increase in internal space is effected by the elimination of metabolic wastes from the body. Thus Aakaash-vardhak mudra is a detoxifying mudra.

The increased internal space enables the rest of the four bodily elements:vaayu(air), agni(fire), jal(water) and prtihvi (earth) to increase , affording them a room to act. Thus , Aakaash-vardhak mudra can be beneficially combined wiht mudras that increase the other four elements(i.e, Vaayu-vardhak mudra, Prithvi vardhak mudra, Agni-vardhak mudra and jal-vardhak mudra).

In general, Aakaash-vardhak mudra is an excellent mudra that stimulates noble thoughts and helps the practioner to take rapid strides along the path to moksha(salvation).It also helps a person who wishes to scale great heigths in the art of meditation.

The element Aakaash is also a component of bodily humor Vaata. Therfore, Aakaash-vardhak mudra reinforces the Vaata humor of the body. It should be djone in moderation by people of Vaata constitution.

Benfits: Practice of Aakaash-vardhak mudra helps -

·  to develop noble, elevated thoughts,

·  to develop intuiton and extra sensory powers(ESP),

·  to detoxify the body by the elimination of metabolic wastes(thorugh exhaled air, Sweat, urine and stools),

·  to overcome a feeling of fullness/heaviness in the body or body-parts,

·  to overcome discomfort caused by over-eating

·  to relieve congestion (and pain) in the head (due to migraine or sinusitis), ear/s (due to infection) , chest (due to infection/asthma), etc.

·  Hight blood pressure, irregular heart-beats, angina pectoris, etc.

Duration: 45 minutes every day, either at one stretch or in three parts(i.e for 15 minutes, thrice a day)

Ideal time: Though Aakaash-vardhak or gyaan mudra can be performed at any time of the day, practising it at any time between 2.00 to 6.00 am/pm gives better results.

Precaution: People with a pronounced Vaata prakruti(constitution) should perform this mudra in moderation, if at all.

http://complete-education.blogspot.com/2008/12/aakaash-vardhak-or-aakash-mudra.html

 The following weblink enlists disorders and corrective mudras for each:

http://complete-education.blogspot.com/2008/12/diseases-that-can-be-cured-by-mudras.html

Please refer to the attached files for pictures of the mudras. Just in case you cannot view the pictures please access the weblinks mentioned.

Meaning of "yada yada hi dharmasya glanibhabati bharata abhyuthhanam dharmsya tadatamnan".

yada yada hi dharmasya
glanir bhavati bharata
abhyutthanam adharmasya
tadatmanam srjamy aham

Whenever there is discrepancies in the discharge of natural laws of God, then God incarnates. Either He incarnates Himself, or He sends His bona fide representative, or He sends His powerful representative, like that. So whenever there is incarnation of God, it is to be understood that there is discrepancies in the matter of discharging the laws made by God. And the laws made by God is called dharma, dharma, or religion.

So religion, you cannot manufacture; I cannot manufacture. Just like there are so many religions now, manufactured by laymen. Oh, they are not religion. Dharmam tu saksad bhagavat-pranitam: "Dharma means, religion means, which is made by God." Or His representative. Not by anyone. Not that you make a club or association, you manufacture some idea and it becomes religion. No. Dharmam tu saksad bha... Therefore God incarnates. Yada yada hi dharmasya glanir bhavati. Glanir means when there is discrepancies. In that law, which is given by God, when there is discrepancies and people are disturbed, especially the devotees are disturbed, when there is satanic influence, there is, devotees are very much disturbed. So paritranaya sadhunam. When incarnation comes, now, paritranaya sadhunam, the first business is to give protection to the devotees. There is no necessity of God's coming here to settle up things. There is no necessity. He has got omnipotential power. He can do without His presence. But when His devotees become very much disturbed, He comes personally. He comes personally, sends His representative. Paritranaya sadhunam. Sadhunam means devotees. Paritranaya and vinasaya ca duskrtam. And, simultaneously, when He comes, all these miscreants, they are killed. They are annihilated. Vinasaya ca duskrtam. Dharma-samsthapanarthaya, and reestablishing the principle of religion. Yuge yuge sambhavami. The Lord says, "I come in different millenniums."


It is to demonstrate this truth of the universality of God's perfection and the ideal inclusiveness of everything that this incarnation shone on earth. "Yada yada hi dharmasya glanir bhavati Bharata; Abhyutthanam adharmasya tadatmanam srijamyaham. Paritranaya sadhunam vinasaya cha dushkritam; Dharma-samthapanarthaya sambhavami yuge yuge." "Whenever the balance of the universe is disturbed by external interference from any of its parts, then I reveal Myself as the Power of eternal balancing. For the protection of those who are in harmony, and the rectification of everything disharmonious, I incarnate Myself at every juncture of time."

Through these verses of the Bhagavad Gita, Sri Krishna proclaims the meaning of his descent for the ascent of the spirit of man. God's incarnation is a perpetual act, an eternal occurrence. It is not merely a historical event that took place centuries back and is not taking place now. The words, 'Yuge yuge', imply every juncture of time. At a great juncture and critical moment and crisis, God manifests Himself to dissolve that crisis and conflict. The perpetual incarnation of God is taking place every moment of time, which is the work of Vishnu, the Sustainer, who is ever vigilant in maintaining the harmony of all creation, which gets disturbed by an excess of rajas and tamas, distracting desires in the direction of objects of sense and torpidity due to excessive fixity caused by dark natures, clouds of unknowing.

Om Namah Shivaya

The Siddha lineage and practioners,  use a mantra that works directly on the elements themselves, rather than on the chakras. They reason that mastery of the elements that rule the chakras will accomplish the goal achieved by saying the seed sound of the chakras and much more besides. The Siddha lineage uses this basic mantra 'Om Namah Shivaya'.

Om – Mind

Na – Earth

Ma – Water

Shi – Fire

Va – Air

Ya – Ether

The above from  Chakra  Mantras –by Thomas Ashley Ferrand

Shiv Panchakshara stotram:

(the hymn of the 5 letter of Shiva)

Nagendra Haraya Trilochanaya,

Bhasmanga ragaya Maheshwaraya,

Nityaya Shuddhaya Digambaraya,

Tasmai Nakaraya NamahShivaya,

Salutations to the letter 'Na', which is Shiva,

Who wears as garland the king of snakes, (signifies the earth element)

Who has three eyes,                                                                                            

Who wears ash all over him, (this too signifies the earth element)

Who is the greatest lord,

Who is eternal, immaculate

And who wears directions themselves as clothes.

Mandakini salila chandana charchitaya,

Nandeeshwara pramatha natha maheshwaraya,

Mandara pushpa bahu pushpa supujitaya,

Tasmai Makaraya Namah Shivaya

Salutations to the letter 'Ma', which is Shiva,

Who is bathed by the water of the Ganges, (signifies the water element)

Anointed with  sandal paste,

Who is the Lord of Pramatha (a type of being in Lord Shiva's retinue) and Lord Nandi,

Who is the greatest Lord

And who is worshipped by Mandara and many other flowers

Shivaaya gauri vadanaravinda,

Suryaya dakshaya dwaranashakaya,

Sri neel kanthaya vrisha dhwajaya ,

Tasmai Shikaraya Namahshivaya

Salutation to the letter 'Shi', which is Shiva,

Who is peace personified,

Who is like a Sun to the lotus face of Gauri (another name for Parvati, Shiva's consort), (signifies fire element)

Who destroyed the fire sacrifice of Daksha,  (this too mentions the fire element)

Who has a blue neck, (signifies fire element)

And who has a bull in his banner.

Vashishthakumbhodbhava gautamarya,

Munindra devarchita shekharaya,

Chandrarka vaishvanara lochanaya,

Tasmai Vakaraya Namah Shivaya

Salutation to the letter 'Va', which is Shiva,

Who is worshipped by great sages like Vashishtha, Agastya , Gautam and gods,

And who has Sun, Moon and Fire as his three eyes.  (sky or air element)

Yaksha swaroopaya jata dharaya,

Pinaka hastaya sanaatanaya,

Divyaya devaya digambaraya,

Tasmai Yakaraya Namahshivaya

Salutations to the letter 'Ya', which is Shiva,

Who has the nature of Yaksha (the lord of Riches, kubera),

Who has matted locks,

Who is armed with the Trident, Pinaka,

(Siva's trishul or trident (the three pointed javelin like weapon) represents the three gunas –Sattwa,Rajas and Tamas. The Trishul is the emblem of sovereignity. Lord Siva wields the world through these three gunas, which is the composition of Maya-Shakti or mind and matter. In other words, if one were able to analyse the composition of Maya-Shakti, it will be found to be made of the combination of the three Gunas (Sattwa-Rajas-Tamas). (ethereal qualities)

Ref.: http://www.hinduism.co.za/siva.htm

Who is peace and a divine god,

Who wears directions themselves as dress.