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Hindus Of UniverseHinduism ArticlesSignificance of number 108 in HinduismThe Hindu rosary or set of mantra counting has 108 beads. 108 has been a sacred number in the Indian Subcontinent for a very long time. This number is explained in many different ways. The ancient Indians were excellent mathematicians and 108 may be the product of a precise mathematical operation (e.g. 1 power 1 x 2 power 2 x 3 power 3 = 108) which was thought to have special numerological significance. Powers of 1, 2, and 3 in math: 1 to 1st power=1; 2 to 2nd power=4 (2x2); 3 to 3rd power=27 (3x3x3). 1x4x27=108 Sanskrit alphabet: There are 54 letters in the Sanskrit alphabet. Each has masculine and feminine, shiva and shakti. 54 times 2 is 108. Sri Yantra: On the Sri Yantra there are marmas where three lines intersect, and there are 54 such intersections. Each intersections has masculine and feminine, shiva and shakti qualities. 54 x 2 equals 108. Thus, there are 108 points that define the Sri Yantra as well as the human body. 9 times 12: Both of these numbers have been said to have spiritual significance in many traditions. 9 times 12 is 108. Also, 1 plus 8 equals 9. That 9 times 12 equals 108. Heart Chakra: The chakras are the intersections of energy lines, and there are said to be a total of 108 energy lines converging to form the heart chakra. One of them, sushumna leads to the crown chakra, and is said to be the path to Self-realization. Marmas: Marmas or marmastanas are like energy intersections called chakras, except have fewer energy lines converging to form them. There are said to be 108 marmas in the subtle body. Time: Some say there are 108 feelings, with 36 related to the past, 36 related to the present, and 36 related to the future. Astrology: There are 12 constellations, and 9 arc segments called namshas or chandrakalas. 9 times 12 equals 108. Chandra is moon, and kalas are the divisions within a whole. Planets and Houses: In astrology, there are 12 houses and 9 planets. 12 times 9 equals 108. Gopis of Krishna: In the Krishna tradition, there were said to be 108 gopis. 1, 0, and 8: 1 stands for God or higher Truth, 0 stands for emptiness or completeness in spiritual practice, and 8 stands for infinity or eternity. Sun and Earth: The diameter of the sun is 108 times the diameter of the Earth. Numerical scale: The 1 of 108, and the 8 of 108, when added together equals 9, which is the number of the numerical scale, i.e. 1, 2, 3 ... 10, etc., where 0 is not a number.
10 Reasons to choose Hinduism
The Sethusamudram Ship canal project involves the cutting of a ship canal across Rameswaram island near Kothandaramaswamy temple to connect Gulf of Manner in the Palk Bay so that the ships moving between eastern and western coast of India need not go around Srilanka. This will save about 400 nautical miles of sailing for ships between east and west coast. Lord Rama’s heritage, including the holy city of Rameshwaram is in danger with the launch of the Sethusamudram Ship Channel Project by the Indian Government (dredging work started Dec. 1, 2006). The visual proof from the google and NASA satellite images clearly depict the presence of a bridge connecting India and SriLanka as described in the most revered Hindu scripture “The Ramayana”. Any damage to the Rama’s Bridge is an insult to the religious sentiments of over one billion people. NASA experts are of the firm belief that the bridge was made of a chain of shoals, 30 km long, in the Palk Straits between Dhanuskoti and Srilanka. The historical bridge was built by Vanara architect Nala and it is believed to be the most ancient, longest and widest bridge in the world. This bridge once used by Sri Rama, Lakshmana, Hanuman, Sugriva and the Vanara Sena has become a point of pride and worship for the crores of the people living in India and is thousands of year old. Despite of this known facts, it is believed that the Sethusamudram project was hastily started without enough awareness and consultations of the Hindu people around the world. This project will have far-reaching implications and detrimental effects for all Hindus. Just like some of the classical Greek and Egyptian treasures and heritage are being excavated in the West from below the sea, there is a strong possibility for excavation of the Poompuhar heritage. But this will be lost by the Sethusamudaram Ship Channel. Experts have also argued that the design of the Channel is likely to invite a tsunami type of effect that could wash out Rameshwaram, which is one of the holiest city for Hindus, that will get submerged like Dhanushkodi, which got submerged in the 1960s and like Poompuhar, which got submerged in the Sangam period. In the assessment of Dr.T.S.Murty, leading tsunami expert, the Sethusamudram project could cause a tsunami with drastic consequences for the entire shoreline extending from Dhanushkodi to Ernakulam, and from the Delft Island to Colombo. Furthermore, destroying the barrier between the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea is likely to result in a severe climatic changes such that the very pattern of monsoon rainfall in India could get altered for the worse. This will have an enormous disastrous effect on India’s climate that will result in destruction of crops and ecological treasures. Despite of the warnings by the experts, the project got a green light to go ahead. This clearly indicates that government had set its mind to destroy the world heritage. Taking into account the historical, cultural, economical, and religious sentiments associated with Rama’s Bridge, we are making an earnest appeal to the Honorable President of India and members of the Indian Government to immediately abandon the Sethusamudram project and direct the authorities concerned to stop the destruction of Rama’s Bridge. We must all arise to protect our culture, traditions, religious sentiments, and monuments in India and around the world.
Hinduism and Yoga
Hinduism or Sanatana dharma is just not a religion - it includes spiritual, cultural and philosophical beliefs that make for an extremely meaningful life. Yoga, Ayurveda (Veda of Life/medicine), Indian music and dance forms all forms of Hinduism. Yoga practices or yogasanas help the disciplines to achieve freedom from the limitations of the flesh and lead to the fulfillment of knowledge. The goal of Yoga is not to achieve peace within, channeling, or the working of miracles, but the acquirement of knowledge. In fact, the Yoga doctrine insists that physical and mental training should be used only as a means to spiritual needs. The benefits of Yoga are numerous. In terms of energy Yoga is like a universe in itself. Some of the important Yoga benefits include anti-ageing, balance and flexibility of body, increase in knowledge and wealth, improvement in mental health and development of personal and social values. This is not the end of story; Yoga also helps in improving strength, sexual life and reducing weight. Yoga makes you feel good. Yoga is relaxing. It's energizing. It's strengthening. Healing benefits of Yoga are so great that you feel better at the end of every Yoga session than before you began and life runs effortlessly when you keep up a steady discipline than when you don't. Yoga enhances your understanding of life. Yoga changes an individual's perspective about life. After coming in the fold of Yoga a person finds himself taking up a broader view of life. Yoga helps a person to know who he is, how life works, who is God and so on. One starts looking at things differently, with less confusion. It helps in more peace of mind, better health, more keenness for life, and an ever-growing sense of internal well-being. As one practices Yoga, positive effects of Yoga begin to show. The sense of feeling good envelops around the individual. This feeling is so natural and so genuine that it goes entirely in an individual's life. In this way it helps clarify deepest cravings, motivations and aspirations, thereby restoring confidence, hope, meaning and rationale to life. Yoga practice forms a ladder to perfect knowledge through eight stages: self-control, religious observance, postures, regulation of the breath, restraint of the senses, steadying of the mind, meditation, and profound contemplation. Surya Namaskar or Salutations to the Sun, Surya namaskar steps and mantraSun or Surya is the generator and sustainer of Life in this Universe. The Surya Namaskar is a set of yoga poses for well being of humans. Regular practice of Surya Namaskar will ward away many common diseases and keep you fit. Please do the Surya Namaskar with the following mantras dedicated to Surya and facing the Sun in the morning.
Hinduism Tulsi Tulsi is a divine plant according to Hinduism. There are lots of legends and village stories relate how Tulsi came to grow and be worshiped on Earth. The classic Hindu myth, Samudramathana, the "Churning of the Cosmic Ocean," explains that Vishnu spawned Tulsi from the turbulent seas as a vital aid for all mankind. More common are legends that describe how the Goddess Herself came to reside on Earth as Tulsi. A complex legend in Orissa views the plant as the fourth incarnation of the Goddess who appeared as Tulsi at the beginning of the present age, the Kali yuga. Generally, worshipers of Vishnu will envision Tulsi as Lakshmi or Vrinda; devotees of Rama may view Tulsi as Sita; while Krishna bhaktas revere Her as Vrinda, Radha or Rukmani. The Tulsi is the most sacred. In Sanskrit that which is incomparable is called Tulasi. Impressed by her devotion and adherence to righteousness, Tulasi the wife of a celestial being was blessed by Lord Krishna that she would be worshipped by all, offerings would be incomplete without the offering of Tulsi. She also symbolises Goddess Lakshmi. Those who wish a righteous life also worship Tulsi. It symbolises, 1) Kalyani - Normally poisonous snakes and mosquitos do not come close to it due to some smell that it emits. That explains why it is a must in every house. The leaves as well roots are a cure for several diseases like malaria, cold, fever, acidity. The wood of this plant is used for japa Mala, a rosary for worship of Lord Vishnu and when worn in the neck it prevents diseases of the throat. 2) Visnu Priya - Tulsi has been described as the beloved of Lord Vishnu since he is the creator and Tulsi helps the health of human beings and animals, prevents soil erosion. 3) Moksha prada - By keeping the body healthy, it keeps the mind healthy and free of worries enabling us to concentrate on worship of the Ultimate Reality in comfort. Tulsi, along with all other
species of basil, possesses remarkable physical and spiritually healing
properties. Tulsi has been praised in Indian scriptures and lore since
the time of the early Vedas as an herb that cures blood and skin
diseases. Ancient treatises extol it as an antidote for poisons, a
curative for kidney disease and arthritis, a preventative for mosquito
and insect bites, and a purifier of polluted air. Generally prepared in
medicinal teas and poultices, Tulsi's widespread contemporary use in
India as an aid to internal and external organs suggests these
traditions are based upon practical efficacy.
Why you should have a Tulsi/ Tulasi plant at homeThe presence of Tulsi in a house brings much harmony and health to the family. Opens the heart and mind. Bestowing the energy of love and devotion. Lord Sri Krishna is very pleased to have a Tulsi garland or a puja by tulsi leafs. No other sacred flowers or equal to this sacred leaf. Pouring water for a Tulsi Plant will eliminate all the sin, even brahmahatya. Drinking the water, in which some sacred tulsi leaf was soaked in, will reduce the stress. Scientific studies are established and the results are showing the importance and the medical significance of this herb.
In any point of view, growing a Tulsi plant at the home will be very helpful. Being as a indoor plant, a tulsi plant can be kept in a small pot in the kitchen window or at the balcony or in the center hall. The tulsi plant acts as a purifying agent in house. If you are a devotee of Sri Krishna, you should prepare a garden of this sacred plant in your courtyard. Tulsi Shlokam
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