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Path to
* தர்ம
News Letter 2
Conte
January 2010
Why do Hindus worship so many Gc Are Hindus idol worshippers? What are the periods of origin of Ve According to viewpoint of Hinduism “The concept of God” is monotheistic What is the process of reincarnation. What is karma in very brief? What are the sixteen sanskars (rituals What are the significant features oft What are the eight rasas refered in N 0. What is meant by Bhaumika, Kudyal
(chithra) painting refered in Silpasas, 11. “Knowledge of the Self is really the of the Veda. The highest wisdom of highest wisdom of Hinduism is “tok you explain this concept simplified b used in villages?
i
கூேடித்திர (வயல் பூரீ முன்னேஸ்வர
Author
Kshethra Vinayaka Temple,Sri M
hot mail; kshethravinayaka.(a)yahoo.com
Sri Sankar P
January 2(
 
 

Dharma
3.
さ செய்தி மடல்
htS
) ஜனவரி
ds?
das, epics and Puranas ? l, explain the whether
2 or polytheistic?
s)?
he plant “tulasi” (Ocimum sanctum)?
atyasastra?
ka, and Urddhvka decorative
Stra? Vedanta, which is, the end, the highest goal Greece was to know ourselves; the now Our Self' is a famous quotation. Can ly ordinary age old proverbs like language
) விநாயக ஆலயம், ம்,சிலாபம்,பூரீ லங்கா. B.S.Sarma,
Munneswaram,Chilaw,Sri Lanka. n: munneswaram(d)yahoo.com
ublications
) 10 ஜனவரி

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Edútorúc
A large number of readers of Path to T. 3Kshethra. Vínayaka Temple, Srí Munne posítívely ín maíntaíníng a hígh acaden Though wide-ranging views are express standard of the publication, a hígh scho sustained. The foremost endeavor of this magazine 3Hindu religion essentially by replies to 2Many have responded to the explanatic Siva, scord Subramanya as good but thes majority of the readres. So, the continua meanings of the astothra of other deitie
I am extremely grateful to the readers providing me colossal advise and moral
TB.S.Sarna, 3Kshethra Vínayaka Temple, Srí Munne Јапиary.2olo
Suggestions from
Dear Sarma,
Thank you for the regular news. In this publication, the bringing of VEDAS by Are you able to shed a light as the what form Aryans. It seems that it was only after the arr Please note that you have got me interested in question above and that are likely to follow a Rather, I am interested in comparing notes w but not limited to versions I hear from Fiji"F India descendants and South India descendan Lankan Tamils (not sure but I think again col and Sri Lankan), South Africa/Guyana/Surin I look forward to your ongoing literature and Kind Regards\.
Indar Rohir Maharaj LLB MBA (La Trobe Lawyer/Practice Manager RAVIJAMES MAHARAJ (BARRISTERS & Level 8,51 Queen Street Melbourne,VICTORIA 3000,Australia Tel:(03)96143588
Fax: (O3) 96209277 email: Rohit. Maharaj@ravijames.com.au

ιικ
arma, the períodical published, by Swaram, Chilaw, Srí Lanka, are responding níc teve of thís magazíne. ed by the readers now and then on the (arty norm of this magazine will be
ís to convey understanding related to the quatms raísed by the anxíous readers. nn and meaníng of astotothra like Lodr e may not attract of the attention of vast tion of the explanation and providing s will not be included in future.
of Path to TDarma, magazine, who are support in bringing out this periodical
Swaram, Chílaw, Srí Lanka.
the readers
the Aryans is mentioned. of Hinduism existed prior to the arrival of the ival of the Aryans, "true" Hinduism started. the history and scope of Hinduism and my *e in no way intended to offend or ridicule. ith various "Hindu" preachings including,
indus" (conveniently divided into Northern it), Indians from various states of India, Sri Inveniently divided into two groups - Indian am/etc - probably more on Fiji lines.
your response to the above question.
} GDICTE (Melb) BA Dip Ed (USP)
SOLICITORS)

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Dear Mr.Sarma, Editor, “Path to Darma”,
Thank you very much for sending me regular the print outs and their photostat to share the interested in this field of study.
You are actually helping in a huge way to the cultural-religious-ritual-philosophical system.
May Almighty God bless with a long healthy With kind regards,
K.Arun Shankar,Bhoopasunrda, Bangalore-9
Dear Editor, “Path to Darma”,
I and my friends go through the valuable mag send me via E-mail.
We all appreciate your immense services rend public, who are really in thirst of knowledge a
The section “Tales from Panchatantra appea by many of my friends. We expect more of thi
Thanking you, S.Nanda Kumar, Navalar Road, Jaffna. 5"Ja
Inspirational q
You may discriminate a thousand times, yet the Iw regard me with devotion is a very good thing. To the human form, meaning that the Supreme Divinity B individuals take a form, they express through thatf individual.
- from Ran
Worship does not mean the memorization of mantr and other objects. Worship is an attitude of respect, selfishness.
- from S
The fruit of the attempt to satisfy desire is either kn satisfy a desire we produce action. All action yields ego, the identification of individuality, or strengthe have knowledge, which is communion, or ignoranc
- from Th

ly every month “ Path to Darma” which I get
knowledge with my friends who are
Hindus who are concerned in knowing our
life to serve the Hindu devotees.
4.S.India. 3"Jan 2010
gazine “Path to Darma’every month which you
lered without any expectation in return to the bout the philosophy of our religion.
red was a good series which was appreciated is type.
in 2010
uotations
ho is the thinker does not leave. For devotees to 2 devotees I am the Supreme Divinity embodied in a eyond Form has taken on qualities. When orm, and God listens to the prayers of a pure
nakrishna: The Nectar of Eternal Bliss
as, or even the proper placement of the flowers of dedication, of devotion to the exclusion of
Siva Puja and Advanced Kajna
owledge or ignorance. Whenever we attempt to either the fruit of ignorance, strengthening the ning of unity, surrender of the ego. Either we
e, which is division.
le Guru and the Goddess

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1. Why do Hindus worship so many Gods
Hindu religion is prehistoric and very remote in c are also primitive. Since the deities are eternal an independent, really they are facets of the same B1 Saint Sri Ramakrishna says “there can be as man and similarly there can really be as many Gods as emotions and social background of the devotees' in London says that “It is not known for certain w relate the nature of God,which is formless and in comprehended by the layman. The search for an unfathomable, unknowable nature of the divine p instances in later Hinduism, the deity can be desc
2. Are Hindus idol worshippers?
Hindus do not worship idols in the sense it is imp statues. Hindus invoke the presence of great soul. images and experience the presence of divinity th images of a God, they invoke the physical presen one of the ultimate attainments is that they go be invoke God in the temples of the sanctum into thi rituals by highly qualified priests and they invok Sat Gurus who teach yoga. Yoga refers to yoke ( intimates that the image is only the support forth in images, Images are ment for the imagination of We can hardly understand how, at so early a date sound decidedly modern. As the Vishnu samhita how can God be meditated upon? If (He is) withc When there is nothing for the mind to attach itsel glide into a state of slumber. Therefore the wise v however, that the form is a superimposition and r
3. What are the periods of origin of Veda
According to O'Flaherty W (p. 171975-Hindu Myths, Study of Hinduism.trans. Wendy O'Flaherty) the appr Rig Veda: 1200 BC; Atharva Veda: 900 BC; Brahma BC;Mahabharata:300BC-AD 300;Ramayana:200 B. The Puranas are just as difficult to date, but she gives Agni: AD 850; Bhagavata: AD 950;Bhavishya: AD 50 -950;Brahmavaivarta: 750-1550;Brhaddharma:1250: 650;Devibhagavata:850-1350; Garuda:900;Harivamsa 850;Linga:600-1000;Mahabhagavata: 1100;Markande 500;Padma:750;Sambha:500-800;Saura:950-1150;Siv 900;Varaha:750;Vayu:350;Vishnu:450
4. According to viewpoint of Hinduism, e.
monotheistic or polytheistic?

rigin, and accordingly the Gods of Hinduism d even if they appear to be diverse and ahman, the Supreme God. y spiritual paths as there are spiritual aspirants
there are devotees to suit the moods, feelings, . Blurton, R, in his Hindu Art. (1992) published then the intellectual struggle was determined to finite to a finite, tangible form, which can be appropriate means of reflecting the resumably continued in Hinduism. In some ribed by what the deity in not'.
lied. They do not venerate or worship stones or s living in superior consciousness into stone ereby God. Although Hindus worship stone ce of the God in the stone image.For Hindus yond the need of all form and symbol.Hindus e worshipping idol, where they pray through e God within themselves through highly skilled oneself to God within. The Jabala Upanishad e beginner;Yogins see siva in the soul and not
the ignorant. , the Hindus had developed ideas which to us , a ritual agama text puts it: “Without a form, out any form, where will the mind fix itself? f to, it will slip away from meditation or will will meditate on some form, remembering, lot a reality.
s, epics and Puranas ?
Harmondsworth.(p.51988 ed. Tetual Sources for the oximate dates for the texts are as follows: nas; 900-700 BC:;Upanishads:700
C-AD200;.
them this rough chronology: 0 -1200;Brahma: AD 900 -1350; Brahmanda: AD 350 Brhannaradiya:750-900;Devi:5501:450;Kalika 1350;Kalki 1500-1700:Kurma:550ya:250;Matsya:250-500;Narasimha:400va:750-1350;Skanda:700-1150;Vamana:450
xplain the whether the concept of God is

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The philosophical impressions of Hindus at Div perceptions of God, inquiring minds of Hindust God, the belief in God as personal Lord and Cre Hinduism offers the liberty to experience and a challenging conformity to any dogma. This free richest in all the world's religions.
According to viewpoint of Hinduism, the conce henotheistic (the belief in or worship of one Go religion. Hindus accept in one supreme God wh Consciousness. Hindus were never polytheistic. pervasive God which energizes the entire unive Hinduism shows that God is not very far away, each and every soul. Experiencing the Supreme goal of Hindu theology. Hence God is the Life (
5。 What is the process of reincarnation?
The term reincarnate signifies to "reenter the fle and keeps on reentering a fleshy body time to ti find out all the lessons life in the material world explains the natural way the soul evolves from i performed in the process of reincarnation by sci finally recognized the truth in the viewpoint anc
The course of action of reincarnation shows tha never returns. The soul just after leaving the ph subtle body known as the astral body. The astr called the astral plane. Here the soul continues t again in another physical body as an infant. The Subsequent step of maturation.
6. What is karma in very brief?
The expression karma gives the meaning of "c If this energy is produced through thoughts (ver the source (in time) by otherpeople. The proces levels-physical, mental and spiritual (which is k universe. Time could be considered as curved a karma is one of the natural laws, it is also equal
We ourselves create our own karma by deeds. E done something awful in the past to somebody, Good karma in this life means that we have don doing something good to us now.
7. What are the sixteen sanskars (rituals
These are various rituals prescribed in Hindu rit These samskaram are applied during different p

inity vary. The affluence of the ancient believe only in the formless Absolute Reality as atOr. pproach God in ones personal way, exclusive of will makes the concept of God in Hinduism the
pt of God is both a monotheistic and a il without denying the existence of others.) o created the universe and who is worshipped as Hindus recognize to the fact that there is one all
[Se. living in a inaccessible heaven, but is inside of
God in the personal and practical way is the of our lives,
'sh." Hindus accept as true the soul is immortal me in sequence to resolve experiences and thus
has to offer.Concept of reincarnation also mmaturity to spiritual illumination. Researches entists, psychiatrists and parapsychologists and l perception of reincarnation.
t, as soon as the soul leaves the physical body it ysical body „does not die but lives on in another al body lives on another plane of consciousness o have experiences until it (that soul) is reborn
soul chooses a family which can best fulfill its
ause and effect. "Karma is fundamentally energy. bally or by deeds), to others and it comes back to is of action and reaction is experienced on all arma. ).Karma is one of the natural laws of the s space. This ultimately makes a circle. Since
in re-payment.
Bad karma in this life means that, since we have
now someone else is doing something bad to us. e something good in the past and now others are
)?
uals which are necessary for a Hindu way of life. hases of life. These are:

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1. Garbhadhan Sanskar (Conception) 2. Punsavan Sanskar (Protection) 3. Simantanayan Sanskar (Bringing Happiness 4. Jatakarm Sanskar (Child Birth) 5. Namakaran Sanskar (Naming of Child) 6. Nishkraman Sanskar (First outdoor visit) 7. Annaprashan Sanskar (First food feeding) 8. Chudkaram Sanskar (Haircutting) 9. Karnavedh Sanskar (Ear piercing) 10. Upnayan (Sacred thread wearing) 11. Vedarambh Sanskar (Study starting) 12. Samavartna Sanskar (Education completion 13. Vivah Sanskar (Marriage) 14. Vanprasth Sanskar (Preparation for renounc 15. Sanyas Sanskar (Renouncing) 16. Antyesti Sanskar (Funeral)
8. What are the significant features of the pl
A very detailed account of the plant “tulasi (Oc earlier magazine which is given bolow as an atta The Thulsi plant has many medicinal propertie large number of common sicknesses. Drinking t soaked in, will reduce the stress. Tulasi is a divine sacred plant according to Hinc how the herb Tulasi came into existence and co1 worshipping. The traditional Hindu legend, Sam Ocean," elucidates, that Lord Vishnu spawned T medicinal basil for all mankind. More legends describe how the Goddess Hersel important allegory shows that the plant as the fo Tulasi at the beginning of the presentage, the K Generally, worshipers of Lord Vishnu will envi. Vrinda; devotees of Lord Rama may view Tulas Her as Goddess Vrinda, Goddess Radha or God In Sanskrit the term Tulasi that which is incomp Impressed by her devotion and adherence to rig was blessed by Lord Krishna that she would be incomplete without the offering of Tulasi. She a wish a righteous life also worship Tulasi. The qualities of Tulasi are: 1) Kalyani - Normally poisonous snakes and mc smell that it emits. That explains why it is a mu cure for several diseases like malaria, cold, feve Mala, a rosary for worship of Lord Vishnu and throat. 2) Visnu Priya - Tulasi is normally expressed as and Tulasi helps the health of human beings anc

to mother)
ing)
lant “tulasi” (Ocimum sanctum)?
imum sanctum) was already given in one of the achment.
S. The holy basil is also a herbal medicine for a he water, in which some sacred Tulasi leaf was
lu religion. There are plenty of legends to narrate nsidered as a sacred aromatic plant worthy of hudramathana, the "Churning of the Cosmic
ulasi from the turbulent ocean as a vital
f came to reside on Earth as Tulasi. Another Furth incarnation of the Goddess who appeared as aliyuga. Sage Tulasi as Goddess Lakshmi or Goddess si as Sita; while Lord Krishnabhakthas revere dess Rukmani. parable and the most sacred is called Tulasi. hteousness, Tulasi the wife of a celestial being worshipped by all, offerings would be lso symbolises Goddess Lakshmi. Those who
)squitos do not come close to it due to some st in every house. The leaves as well roots are a :r, acidity. The wood of this plant is used for japa when worn in the neck it prevents diseases of the
the beloved of Lord Vishnu as he is the creator l animals, prevents soil erosion.

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3) Moksha prada - While maintaining the body and free of worries enabling us to concentrate of mind. Tulsi, along with all other species of basil, possi properties. Tulasi has been praised in Indian scr. as an herb that cures blood and skin diseases. Al a curative for kidney disease and arthritis, a pre purifier of polluted air. Tulasi is used to maintain ritual purity, to purify the mouth of the dying to insure passage to heav ingested and also placed in cooked food and sto pyres often contain Tulasi wood to protect the s demons. Tulasi leaves and sprigs are hung in the spirits, and the mere presence of the Tulasi shrir and harmonious. Scientific studies have established and the result significance of this herb which are summerised a
The juice of Tulasi with a small quantity The juice of Tulasi with honey, push out The juice of Tulasi leave could be used t Chewing Tulasi leaves provides a incred Goggling by the Tulasi boiled water reli A few drops of the juice of KrishnaTula The paste of Tulasi roots is commenly u Chewing Tulasi leave will rescue from t Appling Tulasi paste reduces the pains
Tusi Sthothram
Yenmoole Sarvatheerthaani Yenmadhye Sarvadevu Yadagre Sarva Vedaascha Thulaseem-tham Nama, Meaning: X I bow down to the Tulasi at whose base are all t on whose middle are all the Vedas.
Attachment.: Tulasi (Ocimum sanctum) is one of the most sacred treatment. Tulasi gives Satwa,( positivity) and heal mind, increases the sense of spiritual love, and e addition it helps to develop pure awareness. The juice of the leaf of Tulasi helps to enhance the c (blood), Maja Dhatu (bone marrow and nerves) as offerings in a ritual would be incomplete without usi and is used to cure various ailments, including the con The decoction of the green Thulsi leaf obtained by bi sore throat in aurvedic treatment. The juice of Thu diseases. It has also been tried successfully by some n: The decoction of the green Thulsi leaf helps in activa an important constituent of many Ayurvedic cough S. bronchitis and asthma. Chewing Thulsi leaves reliev

in healthycondition, it keeps the mind healthy h worship of the Ultimate Reality with peace of
asses remarkable physical and spiritually healing ptures and lore since the time of the early Vedas hcient treatises extol it as an antidote for poisons, sentative for mosquito and insect bites, and a
if polluted and to ward off evil. A leaf is kept in 'enly realms. During an eclipse, leaves are red water to ward off psychic pollution. Funeral pirit of the deadas Bhutagni, destroyer of 2 entryways of homes to keep away troublesome he is said to keep the entire home pure, peaceful
Is show the importance and the medicinal is follows;
when taken reduces the Blood Cholesterol the kidney stone o lower the temperature of the fever. ible relief from cold and flu. eves the sore throat. lsi leaves in eyes will soothe the sour eyes. sed as a remedy for insect bites he mouth infections.
like headache.
atha myaham
he holy places, at whose top reside all deities and
plants in the Hindu worship rituals and in aurvedic ing power. It smoothns the heart beat, refreshes the nhances devotion, faith, compassion and clarity. In
quality of Rasa Dhatu (nutrient plasma), Rakta Dhatu
well as Shukra Dhatu (reproductive fluids). All the ng the leaf. The tulasi leaf has great medicinal value hmon cold. oiling basil leaves in water is taken as a medicine for lsi leaves is very valuable for the treatment of skin aturopaths in the treatment of leucoderma. ating the function of the kidneys. The leaf of Thulsi is yrups and expectorants. It helps to mobilize mucus in 2s cold and flu.

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The leaves are considered as a stimulant for nervous encourage the elimination of the catarrhal wastes a strengthen the stomach and induce bountiful perspir colds, fever, diarrheas vomiting etc. respond satisfacto The leaves are very effective against all the infections dengue fever are widely prevalent, tender leaves, boile and is used in villages as follows; A handful of Thuls. of water and this decoction is used to bring down the treatment of teeth problems. The Thulsi leaves are dr. be mixed with mustared oil to make a paste and used teeth disorders according to aurvedic treatement The herb is useful in the treatment of respiratory di ginger is an effective remedy for bronchitis, asthma, i cloves and common salt also gives immediate relief i liter of water till only half the water is left and add t eyes which is generally caused by deficiency of vitam type of Thulsi leaves are put into the eyes for a few da Thulsi leaf has a favorable effect in cardiac ailme blood. A decoction of the of the Thulsi leaves ca leaves mixed with sandalwood paste could be app is a prophylactic or protective and curative agai1 juice of the Thulsi leaves is applied repeatedly on of the Thulsi plant is also considered as effect regarded as an anti-stress agent. Anyone may che will definitely prevent stress.
9. What are the eight rasas refered in Ni The Natyasastra referes to eight rasa, and to 108 itself divided in the Natyasastra into sentiments
i. reotic (srngara). ii. comic(hasya) iii. pathetic(karuna), iv. furious(raudra)
10. What is meant by Bhaumika, Kudyak
painting refered in Silpasasstra? According to Bhattacharya(1947), the chirais divi reference to their position in the house. Bhaumik be painted using powdered or tinctured colours, ir on the walls were called kudyaka, and those on chitra. Thses classifications could be applied to pa
11. “knowledge of the Self is really the Ve
the Veda. The highest wisdom of Greece was
Hinduism is to know our Self.’ is a famous
simplified by ordinary age old proverbs likel

s disorders. It increases memory power. The leaves nd phlegm from the bronchial system. The leaves ation. Ordinary pediatric problems such as coughs, rily to the decoction of the Thulsi leaves.
of the mouth In the rainy season, when malaria and :d with tea, act as a preventive against these diseases, i leaves are boiled with cardamom powder in 500 ml 2 body temperature. The Thulsi leaf is useful for the ied powdered and used for brushing teeth. It can also as toothpaste. It is also useful in pyorrhea and other
sorders. A decoction of the leaves, with honey and influenza, cough and cold. A decoction of the leaves, in case of influenza. They should be boiled in half a hen taken.Basil juice is an effective remedy for sore hin A. A few drops of the juice taken from the black ys to over come this problem.
nts. This leaf reduces the cholesterol level of the n be taken for painful headache. Minced Thulsi lied on the forehead to cure a headache.The herb nst insect stings (bites). A small quantity of the the wound for a few hours. A paste of fresh roots ive for the bites of leeches. Thulsi leaves are W up a few leaves of Thulsi leaves, daily, which
atyasastra?
kinds of hand poses used in dancing. The rasa is or tastes; eight
v. heroic(vira),
vi. terrible(bhayankara), Vii. odious(bibhatsa), viii. marvelous(adbhuta
a, and Urddhvka decorative (chithra)
ded into the Bhaumika, Kudyaka,and Urddhvka with a chitra ment decorations on the floors which might laid with coloured stones and gems. The decorations the top of pillars, beams and celings as Urddhvaka
intings as well as sculpture
danta, which is, the end, the highest goal of
to know ourselves; the highest wisdom of quotation. Can you explain this concept
anguage used in Villages?

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A few statements are listed below: "As two logs of wood meet upon the ocean and t meet. "Family, wife, children, our very body and our w us. What then is ours? Our good and our evil dec "When thou goes away from here, no one will fo they will follow thee wherever thou goest. "Whatever act, good or bad, a man performs, of "According to the Veda the soul (life) is eternal, the body is destroyed, the soul departs elsewhere "If I know that my own body is not mine, and ye both mine and thine, no harm can happen then. "As a man puts on new garments in this world, t even so the Self of man puts on new bodies whic "No weapons will hurt the Self of man, no firew it up. "It is not to be hurt, not to be burnt, not to be mo unchanging, and immovable, without beginning. "It is said to be immaterial, passing all understar man to be all this, grieve not. "There is nothing higher than the attainment oft "All living creatures are the dwelling of the Self and spotless. Those who worship the Self, the in immortal. "Despising everything else, a wise man shoulds “knowledge of the Self is really the Vedânta, tha highest wisdom of Greece was "to know ourselv know our Self."
Siva is the Guru of all Gurus, and the five lettered m
block of all Sanskrit sadhana. From the five-lettered
mantra with eleven syllables, and so on. It grows and
various qualities that a seeker will want to increase
five-lettered mantra if you don't have a Guru. If you
appropriate for your personal development.
-js
Worship does not mean the memorization of mantras
other objects. Worship is an attitude of respect, of de
— from Siv,
Show respect through your every action. If you serve
the truth then you will attain divine strength.
— from Gen

hen separate again, thus do living creatures
fealth, they all pass away. They do not belong to ds. llow thee. Only thy good and thy evil deeds,
that by necessity he receives the recompense. but the body of all creatures is perishable. When , fettered by the bonds of our works. it that the whole earth is mine, and again that it is
hrowing aside those which he formerly wore, h are in accordance with his acts. vill burn it, no water moisten it, no wind will dry
istened, not to be dried up. It is imperishable,
lding, and unchangeable. If you know the Self of
he knowledge of the Self. who lies enveloped in matter, who is immortal, movable, living in a movable dwelling, become
trive after the knowledge of the Self." it is, the end, the highest goal of the Veda. The es;" the highest wisdom of Hinduism is "to
antra (Om Namah Sivaya) is the most basic building
mantra, we go to the nine-lettered mantra, to the
d grows in complexity, sophistication and in the
as he or she proceeds along the path. Start with the
worship Siva, He will send the Guru who is
rom Before Becoming This
, or even the proper placement of the flowers and
dication, of devotion to the exclusion of selfishness.
a Puja and Advanced Yajna
truth, even disregarding all temptation to forsake
ns of Wisdom