Bhakti

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      Which Yoga Should I Follow? - Publisher's Desk

      Satguru Bodhinatha Veylanswami reads his editorial from the Jul/Aug/Sep 2012 edition of Hinduism Today magazine. In this edition Bodhinatha focuses on the four main types of yoga,namely, Kama yoga, Bhakti ...

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      Spiritualizing Temple Leadership HMEC 2012

      Presentation on "Spiritualizing Temple Leadership," given to the Hindu Mandir Executives' Conference on August 18, 2012, by Hinduism Today assistant editor Sannyasin Senthilnathaswami. In this presentation, Sannyasin emphasises the importance of maintaining ...

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      Which Yoga Should I Follow

      Satguru Bodhinatha Veylanswami gives a presentation on a topic which festured in the July/August/September 2012 Hinduism Today edition entitled "Which Yoga Should I Folow?" In this presentation, Bodhinatha outlines the nature and purpose of ...

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      Drawing Close to Ganesha

      Satguru Bodhinatha Veylanswami reads his editorial from the January/February/March 2016 edition of Hinduism Today magazine. "How sincerely approaching Him as a real being can deepen your relationship with the Lord of Obstacles." Lord Ganesha is the most accessible, easily contacted Deity whose blessings and shakti elevate ...

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      Who Am I and Where Did I Come From?

      Bodhinatha introduces the new Himalayan Academy book "Path to Siva." "By seeing the life energy in all creatures and in all people we are seeing God Siva in action." The life energy within you is the closest thing to you. The basic challenge is overcoming anger. With enough bhakti, love ...

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      Karma Yoga

      Wouldn't it be wonderful if we had a way to turn our ordinary work into a spiritual practice, a contemplative art that could transform drudgery into acts of concentrated, worshipful ...

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      How Can We See God?

      The divine is in everyone. "See everyone as God." Even in the terrorist, even in the criminal, the seed of divinity is there. Over many lifetimes that divinity is supposed to grow. Bring ...

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      Lord Ganeshas 2016 Birthday Party

      The April/May/June 2017 Edition of Hinduism Today ran a short feature story on the annual Ganesha Visarjana held in India with a fabulous series of photos by Arun K Mishra. ...

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      What Are the Three Worlds?

      "The temple enables us to feel the presence of God, Gods and devas." We use our inner eyes to see what's going on in the temple, the three worlds. In the temple we're being good dvaitists in the dimfi perspective, focused in ...

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      What is Bhakti?

      Gurudeva teaches that in our tradition there is always pure devotion/bhakti for God but it deepens as we progress as a calm, intelligent expression of love. Theism leads to monism. ...

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      Divine Grace Sweeps Over

      English Verson of Siva Yogaswami's Natchintanai. ...

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      Behold the Sacred Lotus Flower - Publisher's Desk

      Satguru Bodhinatha Veylanswami reads his editorial from the Apr/May/Jun 2012 edition of Hinduism Today magazine. Bodhinatha uses the analogy of a bud blossoming into a beautiful lotus flower in order ...

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      God of Fear/God of Love - Publisher's Desk

      Satguru Bodhinatha Veylanswami reads his editorial from the Jul/Aug/Sep 2013 edition of Hinduism Today magazine. "Love is the basis of worship in all Hindu denominations, expressed through bhakti yoga toward one's chosen Deity." Bodhinatha clarifies that Hinduism is a joyous religion characterised by an outpouring of love ...

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      Drawing Close to Ganesha

      Bodhinatha's presentation is based on the Jan/Feb/Mar 2016 Hinduism Today edition and is entitled "Drawing Close to Ganesha". Bodhinatha explains the shaktis of Lord Ganesha who is the guardian of dharma, lord ...

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      Surrender is Central to All Yogas

      Satguru Bodhinatha Veylanswami reads his editorial from the Jul/Aug/Sep 2017 edition of Hinduism Today magazine. "Individuals who are not religious make progress toward achieving their goals in life by self-effort. Whatever they accomplish is, from their perspective, solely the result of what they do to achieve it." In order to unfold spiritually, one must relinquish his free instinctive nature and surrender ...

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      Prathama Sumara Shri Ganesha

      From a collection of popular (and open source) traditional Ganeha bhajans, sung by renowned singer, the late Jagjit Singh. He was famed for his romantic movie ghazal songs (love songs ...

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      Karma Management Part 2

      Review of part 1 plus... Fifth principle: create no negative karmas. Refrain from actions that will create negative karmas. Promise to. Sixth principle: Mitigate past karma. As long as we're ...

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      Karma Management Part 3

      Seventh principleaccelerate karma. Saivite Shastras talk about this in terms of monastic 36-year pattern for training. Within his life he goes through four lifetimes of karma. One in first 12, ...

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      Valentine's Day to Lord Siva

      We received an invitation to give a blessing at the County Council meeting tomorrow. It'll be Valentine's Day. But what is Valentine's Day to a Hindu monk? We can turn ...

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      Cultivating Bhakti, or Devotion

      The beginning of Bhakti is our understanding of the temple and Deities and the three worlds. The goal is to become good friends with the Gods. You open up to ...

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      Mirabai's Soulful Love of God

      In the pages to follow, Mirabai's dramatic life story is unraveled and the path she took in life is documented, along with temples and museums that honor her life. Her ...

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      Foundation of Bhakti

      Cybertalk: Bodhinatha reads from and gives bhashya on today's Master Course lesson of the Day from Gurudeva's trilogy, Dancing with Siva, Living with Siva and Merging with Siva. Lord Ganesha ...

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      Karma Management and Ganesha

      With karma management it is important to apply our philosophical understanding to our life in order for it to really benefit us. A new concept is"divinely influence karma." Through the ...

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      God and Gods of Hinduism

      Devotion to God and the Gods of Hinduism is known as Bhakti. It is an entire realm of knowledge and practice unto itself, ranging from the childlike wonder of the ...

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      The Songs of Tayumanavar

      "The hymns of Thayumanavar bring high solace to life; to hear them is to elevate life and soul. To live them is to enjoy the highest Bliss in spiritual consciousness. They are dynamic song-thrills that spark out of the Bliss-centre. Even a song a day will do to elevate human life towards Divine transcendence. Thayumanavar, is an out and out scripture for Saints and Yogins. It covers the entire field of Yoga and Jnana. It brings high solace to house-holders purifying their mind and heart. It feeds the flames of inner communion in real Yogins. There is not a single Tamilian who does not sing Thayumanavar and find joy in it. Every home cherishes it. Every mother puts her child to bed with its sweet symphony. The hymns of Thayumanavar are sublime music of the Soul, the song of the inner Spirits, and sparks of Divine Essence. It is very difficult to render them into another language. Any how I have ventured to do it during my silent hours of inner Communion with the immortal Spirit of the Saint. Now readers, imagine that the Saint is sitting in your heart while reading these rhythmic lines in deep ingathered tranquillity. They will exalt your thoughts and emotions to Supernal heights of peace and bliss." Dr. B. Natarajan of Chennai (Madras), India (1978) ...

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      Karma Management Day 3, Part 4

      Bodhinatha talks about the Seventh Principle: We can lessen the karma we are carrying by doing Karma Yoga. Bhakti yoga: Devotion, worship that is intense enough to recieve the grace ...

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      Talk for Mauritius on God Siva p2

      Bodhinatha continues with highlights from a talk he is preparing for Mauritius on God Siva, talking about the nature of God Siva. He is the supreme parent, and each of ...

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      Bringing a Gift for the Temple

      Continuing with highlights from his talk on God Siva, Bodhinatha talks about Gurudeva's admonition that devotees should never come to the temple empty-handed, even if the only offering they have ...

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      Gurudeva Mahasamadhi Observance Sneak Peak

      We're beginning to think about the upcoming first anniversary observance of Gurudeva's mahasamadhi. Bodhinatha tells us of the phase full of activities we'll be having for the many pilgrims who ...

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      Experiential Faith

      Bodhinatha compares faith based on belief with the faith that comes from one's personal experience of God. Three stages in the development of faith are presented and Bodhinatha then gives ...

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      Standing in God's Presence

      In the normal process of prayer, sometimes, our thoughts are not that clear, concentrated or powerful. Written prayer is clear, easy to be received in the Inner Worlds. Benefits of ...

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      Prapatti and Bhakti Yoga

      Devotion is a calm, intelligent expression of love for the Deity. Emotion means excitement. Create a closeness to the Deity and an effective mechanism is developed. Meditation requires a proper ...

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      What Is Yoga?

      Gurudeva stresses the importance of cultivating devotion to Siva incorporating the yamas and the niyamas, performing atmartha puja. Through meditation and devotion, step outside of ahamkara (ego). Sit without moving ...

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      False Concepts About the Spiritual Path

      As is true in many areas of life, there are more false concepts about something than true concepts, and this is certainly true regarding the spiritual path. Here Bodhinatha speaks ...

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      Mahasivaratri, 2003, Part 1, Meditation

      Mahasivaratri, Part 1 of 3Meditation and Mahasivaratri. Bodhinatha remarks how special Gurudeva's talk was which we played tonight, then goes on to give a wonderful upadesha about how the inner ...

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      Progressive Stages of Practice

      The progressive practice of karma, bhakti and raja yogas. Suffering is caused by our own improper, unwise action, bending the rules of dharma. True wisdom, in our tradition, comes from ...

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      Uphold Behavior Twenty-Four Hours a Day

      Don't let down. Success comes with consistency of conduct. Improve and control our mind and behavior standards twenty-four hours a day. Monistic Theism, our tradition, is a dual approach. Worshiping ...

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      Sadhana: Establish Daily Practice

      In the past forty years temples and priests have come over to the U.S. from India. The daily spiritual practice of Hinduism, has been left behind. In youth it is ...

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      Bhakti, Devotion, the Key to Meditation

      It's easier to meditate after puja. If you try and practice meditation without devotional practice you can build up the ego and spiritual pride. External and internal worship. Give up ...

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      Resentment; Control of Speech; Responding Kindly

      "Realize That God Is Love." Resentment is a barrier in spiritual life. Accept the Hindu point of view, that whatever happens to us is our karma to experience even if we are mistreated. Resentment ...

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      The importance of bhakti

      Growing up in the west is challenging as devotion and humility are foreign to the culture. Striving for our inner perfection while working through outer imperfection without getting discouraged, realizing ...

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      God Ishvara, In Patanjali's Yoga Sutras

      The ideal of pure awareness, pure devotion. With devotion become open, sensitive to the grace of Siva. "Parameshvara as the original, uncreated soul, the creator of all other souls." Theism. The benefit of Saivism: Ishvara has the ability to communicate, provide ...

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      Guru Parampara and Responsiveness

      A class given by Paramacharya Sadasivanathaswami during the 2014 Mauritius Innersearch. He discusses the importance of this particular innersearch as well as the power of the Guru Parampara. He talks ...

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      Sadasivanathaswami Innersearch - guru bhakti

      A class given by Paramacharya Sadasivanathaswami during the 2014 Mauritius Innersearch. He discusses the power of the Guru and guru bhakti, and invites a guest swami, Swami Parameshananda, to give ...

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      Devotion Is a Prerequisite for Realization

      Acquire, cultivate and perfect devotion to God before sitting to meditate. Meditation is intense, dynamic when approached in its depth. Theism leads us into Monism, realizing our inner Oneness with ...

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      How Do We Strengthen Our Temple?

      Satguru Bodhinatha Veylanswami reads from Lesson 62 of the Himalayan Academy publication Path To Siva, discussing our ability to strengthen our Hindu temples by how we approach them ...

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      How Can We Strengthen Our Temple?

      "Blessed with the knowledge that the temple is the home of God and the Gods, we visit often for they are our dear friends." Bhakti yoga is an important part of our practice. The more we visit the temple the more sensitive we become to the experience of the spiritual energy, the darshan, ...

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      How Do We Celebrate Festivals?

      Festivals are times of intimate devotion and communion with God and the Gods. The shakti of the Deity is stronger during festivals. Take advantage of the best time to get ...

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      Bhakti, Giving Prana to the Deity

      During puja the pujari, the devotion and worship of the devotees and the auspiciousness of the day combine to help the Deity manifest and bless everyone. The prana we give ...

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      Karma, the Natural Law: Categories Of Karma

      Satguru Sivaya Subramuniyaswami reads this chapter from his book Merging with Siva ...

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      The Fine Art of Meditation: Meditation Is a Fine Art

      Satguru Sivaya Subramuniyaswami reads this chapter from his book Merging with Siva ...

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      Singing to the Gods

      Here Gurudeva gives the esoterics of singing to the Gods. He explains that the Gods live within their microcosm that can be accessed though supplication and bhajana. However, it is ...

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      Attaining the Ultimate

      Hindu scripture: The knowledge God has put into all souls. In meditation go deep enough to have realization of the deepest truths. The experience of Satchidananda is available right now. ...

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      How Do We Celebrate Festivals?

      Satguru Bodhinatha Veylanswami reads from Lesson 64 of the Himalayan Academy publication Path To Siva, discussing Hindu festivals. ...

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      Shankar Panchbandan

      With the kind permission of Umakant and Ramakant Gundecha brothers we are including this inspired track from the Shiva Bhaktimala II album. ...

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      Shambho Mahadeva

      With the kind permission of Umakant and Ramakant Gundecha brothers we are including this inspired track from the Shiva Bhaktimala II album. ...

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      Mahakal MahaDeva

      With the kind permission of Umakant and Ramakant Gundecha brothers we are including this inspired track from the Shiva Bhaktimala II album. ...

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      Mahadeva Deva

      With the kind permission of Umakant and Ramakant Gundecha brothers we are including this inspired track from the Shiva Bhaktimala II album. ...

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      Shiva, Shiva, Shiva

      With the kind permission of Umakant and Ramakant Gundecha brothers we are including this inspired track from the Shiva Bhaktimala II album. ...

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      Bodhinatha discusses the seven chakras, the pranic body, the San Marga and the 52 character qualities

      A class given by Satguru Bodhinatha Veylanswami during the 2014 Mauritius Innersearch. He discusses the seven chakras, the pranic body, the San Marga and the 52 character qualities. ...

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      South India's Bhakti Saints

      Singing their heart and soul to the divine, dedicating every verse as an offering, visiting the most auspicious of temples, recounting their personal encounters with the Lord, and living a ...

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      Hindu Duty

      The question put to Gurudeva is, "What is my duty as a Hindu?" Gurudeva answerslearn your religion, practice what you have learned, and everything else will come automatically, leading you into the progressive stages of unfoldment ...

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      Escaping the External World; Why the cow knocked Satguru Sivayogaswami?

      Cyberspace devotee wonders if the reading of religious books and the listening to religious music is an escape from the world. Gurudeva says it is an escape from the external ...

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      How to love the Gods?

      A cyberspace devotee wants to know how one can learn to love the Gods. Gurudeva says to have love in your heart you have to get rid of all the ...

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      Karma Management Seminar Part 2

      Karma Management Seminar day 2 given to pilgrims and devotees at the 9th Annual Mahasamadhi Celebration preliminary to the presentation in Malaysia with questions and answers. ...

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      Theism and Monism in Saiva Siddhanta

      In Gurudeva's teachings both approaches, monism and theism, are found in one tradition: monistic Saiva Siddhanta. Keep them aligned properly. Theism in the temple: the concept of the three worlds. ...

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      How God and Gods Come Into the Murti During Puja; Jivana Ritau

      Three varied Hindu views regarding the Gods and temple images. Gurudeva's perception: During the high point of puja the Deity manifests through the murti for a short or protracted time ...

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      Bhakti, the Foundation, Leads to Humility

      Attainment beyond anava marga. Acknowledging and coming closer to the Deities. True humility and devotion result from sincere temple worship. Charya involves shutting out anger with love. Dancing with Siva ...

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      Four Stages of Vedanta Versus Siddhanta

      Gurudeva blends the practices of Vedanta and Siddhanta together in his teachings. Charya, kriya, yoga and jnana: the progressive pada of Saiva Siddhanta. "Jnana is the blossoming of wisdom, of enlightened consciousness, of true being." What makes one a jnani, in ...

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      Engal Gurunathan - French

      Ce Natchintanaii fait l'loge de la grandeur et de la puissance mystique dun Satguru. Chaque phrase voque un attribut du Guru qui inspire le disciple se rapprocher davantage du Matre. ...

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      Seven Indian Women Luminaries.

      "Hindu scriptures hold women in high esteem because of their ability to engage in bhakti more effectively than everyone else," states Sri Krishnapremi Swamigal of Paranur. "Why? Because their heart, mind and body are gentle and ...

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      Natchintanai - 73 Spiritual Songs

      This song book is dedicated to Satguru Sivaya ­Subramuniyaswami, affectionately known as Gurudeva. He gave us these instructions regarding the heritage of songs from his guru, Siva Yogaswami of Jaffna, ...