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The
Universe began with the sound of 'Aum'. The sound, which is termed
Brahmnada, is a symbol of the supreme Brahma. It is considered the
most powerful word-symbol used for meditation. The Vedas are the
most ancient scriptures of the Hindus and the great Rishis who created
them, recognised Om as the symbolic representation of the Ultimate
Reality and therefore started all the mantras with the symbol of
Om. These great seers who by complete detachment from the world
of matter, domination of the senses and inner purification, conquering
the self, reached heights of Self-Realisation and gave humanity
the Truth, which is Dharma. These great Rishis who performed all
actions as acts of sacrifices for the well being of humanity, recognised
the significance and power of Om.
In
this way, of all the mantras, the Omkar mantra is considered to
be the most significant. It is called the pranav mantra. Pranav
means something that pervades life or runs through prana or breath.
Just as the body depends on prana for survival, the world depends
on the sun for its existence. Therefore, It is the practice to worship
both these through the power of Om. The symbol stands for the pure
consciousness, which pervades the three states of waking, dreaming
and deep-sleep. Therefore by recitation of the Omkar mantra, all
these states are purified and man's activities at the mental, speech
and action levels become powerful and enlightened bringing peace
and well being to all.
In
all religious activities and ceremonies as also Yajna's performed
for humanity's welfare, the recitation of the Omkar mantra will
be seen invariably. It is a one-syllable mantra but has tremendous
power. By using it in meditation to attain inner harmony and dharma,
dhyana and samadhi many aspirants have reached the state of Self
Realisatlon. Om brings the light of knowledge on the aspirant's
path of realisation.
However,
one must earn the right to the use of this holy mantra by being
completely unselfish and detached. Those who are selfish and only
desire personal fulfillment do not benefit from this mantra. In
olden days, only those Rishis who had withdrawn from the outer world
of senses and conquered the inner enemies like passion, anger, attachment,
greed, jealousy, etc. by proper understanding were allowed the practice
of this mantra for humanity's welfare.
Omkar
is therefore a symbol of Parabrahim. In it is the complete essence
of the divine wisdom - which leads one from attachment to detachment,
from ignorance to knowledge, from darkness to light. May it inspire
all to the path of Dharma and God-consciousness.
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SHREE
FAL (COCONUT)
Shree Fal or the coconut plays a significant role in the personal.
social. religious and spiritual life of Hindus. Being a symbol of
wealth, prosperity and respect, it is considered to enjoy the top
position in all fruits. On auspicious or religious days, the coconut
is inevitably used since many religious rites and rituals require
its use.
Coconut
palms grow near the coast and are sometimes termed "Kalpataru"
meaning the one that fulfils our desires. Coconut gives us copra.
which is used in making various kinds of food. It is highly nutritious
and although nourished by the salty waters of the sea, the coconut
gives us cool, sweet water. A coconut tells us to digest the 'salty'
experience and present the world with sweet happiness.
In
the olden days animals and sometimes men were sacrificed in the
yagna. But this violent practice was stopped when the Shree Fal
was used as a sacrifice Instead. At the end of such a religious
ceremony, to offer a sacrifice was most essential to ensure the
proper ritual conclusion.
Shree
Fal passes the message to men that no attention should be paid to
external beauty, it is always the internal beauty that counts.
There
are other symbolic meanings of the Shree Fal but if we inculcate
its message in our lives, we will certainly lead a better life.
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SWASTIK
(SATHYO)
Keeping in mind the welfare of its people, Hindu culture has given
a gift of many symbols to its people. With the help of these symbols,
an ordinary person can tread the path of liberation. Narshinh, Meera,
Valmiki, Kabir, Tulsi, Ramkrishna were all ordinary people but they
climbed great heights in life. Not only did they make their lives
worthwhile, but also left behind a legacy and inheritance for us.
If in life, the deeds done are for human welfare and if the faith
is unmoved, then the distance between man and God vanishes.
In
the olden days, under the guidance of learned pandits, many rites
and rituals were performed. These pundits lived exemplary lives
and lived their life for the welfare of others. Such learned priests
became the beacons of our lives and thus we were able to have the
religious roots for our lives.
During
a marriage ceremony, a swastik is painted on the wall or entrance
of the house to wish the well-being and happiness of the newly weds.
The newborn baby is also blessed by having the swastik painted on
his new white gown on the 6th day of his life. During the Chopada
Poojan' ceremony, on Diwali day, the swastik is drawn on the new
books of accounts so that the New Year proves fruitful. Many women,
daily put the sign of the swastik at the threshold of their homes
so that happiness peace and love may be established in their household.
The
swastik is usually found in the temple, symbolizing the four directions
making it universal. It sends out pure vibrations outwards for universal
peace and prosperity. The lines turning inwards show that each individual
being a part of the Universe has to turn inwards in order to attain
salvation. Each person has to strive for his or her self-realisation
by turning inwards.
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