Thaipusam: The Murugan Festival

Thaipusam is an important festival observed by the Hindus of southern India during the Tamil month of Thai (January - February). Outside of India, it is celebrated mainly by the Tamil speaking community settled in Malaysia, Singapore, South Africa, Sri Lanka and elsewhere around the world.

Dedicated to Lord Murugan or Kartikeya Thaipusam is dedicated to the Hindu god Murugan, the son of Shiva and Parvati. Murugan is also known as Kartikeya, Subramaniam, Sanmukha, Shadanana, Skanda and Guha. It is believed that on this day, Goddess Parvati presented a lance to Lord Murgan to vanquish the demon army of Tarakasura and combat their evil deeds. Therefore, Thaipusam is a celebration of the victory of good over evil.

How to Celebrate Thaipusam

On the Thaipusam day, most devotees of Lord Murugan offer him fruits and flowers of yellow or orange color - his favorite colors and also adorn dresses of the same color. Many devotees bear milk, water, fruits and floral tributes on pails hung from a yoke and carry them on their shoulders to various Murugan temples, far and near. This wooden or bamboo structure called 'Kavadi' is covered with cloth and decorated with feathers of peacock - the vehicle of Lord Murugan.

Thaipusam in Southeast Asia

Thaipusam celebrations in Malaysia and Singapore are known for their festive fervor. The most famous Kavadi pilgrimage on the Thaipusam day takes place at the Batu Caves in Malaysia, where a large number of devotees head towards the Murugan temple in procession carrying the 'Kavadi'. This festival attracts over a million people each year at the Batu Caves, near Kuala Lampur, which houses several Hindu shrines and the 42.7 meter high statue of Lord Murugan that was unveiled in January 2006. Pilgrims need to climb 272 steps to access the temple on the hilltop. Many foreigners also take part in this Kavadi pilgrimage. Notable among them are Australian Carl Vedivella Belle, who has been taking part in the pilgrimage for more than a decade, and German Rainer Krieg, who went on his first Kavadi in the 1970s.

Body Piercing on Thaipusam

Many fanatical devotees go to such extent as to torture their bodies to appease the Lord. So, a major feature of Thaipusam celebrations is body piercing with hooks, skewers and small lances called 'vel'. Many of these devotees even pull chariots and heavy objects with hooks attached to their bodies. Many others pierce their tongue and cheek to impede speech and thereby attain full concentration on the Lord. Most devotees enter into a trance during such piercing due to the incessant drumming and chanting of "vel vel shakti vel."

hinduism.about.com - Subhamoy Das

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10, 000 Malaysians Jobless Since Jan 1

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 28 (Bernama) -- More than 10,000 Malaysians have lost their jobs since Jan 1, Malaysian Employers Federation (MEF) executive director, Shamsuddin Bardan, disclosed today.

He told Bernama that more were expected to be jobless in the days ahead as companies particularly in the manufacturing sector struggle to keep their businesses afloat.

In an urgent appeal to the government, he said it was of utmost importance for the second stimulus economic package to be released fast so that companies could know clearly where they stood.

The government released a RM7 billion economic stimulus package last month and Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak had promised a second package soon.
Shamsuddin said the economic downturn this time was much worse than the one in 1997 because it was more widespread and involved the major parts of the world.

-- MORE

JOBLESS-JANUARY 2 KUALA LUMPUR

The situation he said was more critical as almost 600,000 local new job seekers were flooding the job market every year.

This comprised of university graduates, diploma holders, skilled workers and fresh school leavers.

Another factor that added to the woes of the jobless was the presence of 1.5 million to 2 million illegal foreigners who were also vying for the same jobs.

He said the MEF believed that the economic condition would take almost one to two years to improve.

"In the meantime, it would be best for the government to assist businesses and jobless Malaysians to tide over this bad times."

-- MORE

JOBLESS 3 (LAST) KUALA LUMPUR

He suggested that the government as a long term measure deal with the situation in the following way:

+ Repatriate all illegal workers to their country of origin
+ Replace legal foreign workers in stages with Malaysians
+ Freeze foreign recruitment
+ Give job priority to Malaysians.

He hoped that government would be firm and bold in instituting measures to face the economic reality the nation was now facing.

Bernama - Thursday, January 29 - Sajad Hussein

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Four Days of Festivity

Pongal follows the winter solstice and marks the favorable course of the sun. On the first day, the sun is worshipped, signifying its movement from Cancer to Capricorn. This is also why, in other parts of India, this harvest festival and thanksgiving is called 'Makar Sankranti'. [Sanskrit Makar = Capricorn]

Each day of the four-day festival has its own name and distinct fashion of celebration.

Day 1: Bhogi Pongal

Bhogi Pongal is a day for the family, for domestic activities and of being together with the members of the household. This day is celebrated in honor of Lord Indra, "the Ruler of Clouds and Giver of Rains".

On the first day of Pongal a huge bonfire is lit at dawn in front of the house and all old and useless items are set ablaze, symbolic of beginning a fresh new year. The bonfire burns through the night as young people beat little drums and dance around it. Homes are cleaned and decorated with "Kolam" - floor designs drawn in the white paste of newly harvested rice with outlines of red mud. Often pumpkin flowers are set into cow-dung balls and placed among the patterns. Fresh harvest of rice, turmeric and sugarcane is brought in from the field as preparation for the following day.

Day 2: Surya Pongal

The second day is dedicated to Lord Surya, the Sun God, who is offered boiled milk and jaggery. A plank is placed on the ground, a large image of the Sun God is sketched on it and Kolam designs are drawn around it. This icon of the Sun God is worshipped for divine benediction as the new month of 'Thai' begins.

Day 3: Mattu Pongal

This third day is meant for the cattle ('mattu') - the giver of milk and puller of the plough. The farmer's 'dumb friends' are given a good bath, their horns are polished, painted and covered with metal caps, and garlands are put around their necks. The pongal that has been offered to the gods is then given to the cattle to eat. They are then taken out to the racing tracks for cattle race and bullfight - an event full of festivity, fun, frolic and revelry.

Day 4: Kanya Pongal

The fourth and final day marks the Kanya Pongal, when birds are worshipped. Girls prepare colored balls of cooked rice and keep them in the open for birds and fowls to eat. On this day sisters also pray for their brothers' happiness.

Subhamoy Das - About.com

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Pongal: Great Indian Thanksgiving

Festive Time for a Sunny Harvest!

Seventy per cent of India's population lives in villages, and a vast majority of people solely depend on agriculture. As a result, we find that most Hindu festivals are directly or indirectly linked to agriculture and related activities.

Pongal is one such big festival, celebrated every year in mid January - mostly in the south of India and especially in Tamil Nadu - to mark the harvest of crops and a special thanksgiving to God, the sun, the earth and the cattle.

What's Pongal?

'Pongal' comes from the word 'ponga' which literally means 'boil' and so 'pongal' connotes 'spillover' or that which is 'overflowing'. It's also the name of the special sweet dish cooked on the Pongal day. Pongal continues through the first four days of the 'Thai' month that starts on January 14 every year.

Seasonal Festivity

Pongal is directly associated with the annual cycle of seasons. It not only marks the reaping of the harvest, but also the withdrawal of the southeast monsoons in southern India. As the cycle of season rings out the old and ushers in the new, so is the advent of Pongal connected with cleaning up the old, burning down rubbish, and welcoming in new crops.

Cultural & Regional Variations

Pongal in the state of Tamil Nadu is celebrated during the same time as 'Bhogali Bihu' in the North Eastern State of Assam, Lohri in Punjab, 'Bhogi' in Andhra Pradesh and 'Makar Sankranti' in the rest of the country, including Karnataka, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Bengal.

Assam's 'Bihu' involves the early morning worship of Agni, the god of fire followed by a nightlong feast with family and friends. Bengal's 'Makar Sankranti' entails the preparation of traditional rice-sweets called 'Pittha' and the holy fair - Ganga Sagar Mela at the Ganga Sagar beach. In Punjab, it's 'Lohri' - gathering around the sacred bonfire, feasting with family and friends, and exchanging greetings and pleasantries. And in Andhra Pradesh it is celebrated as 'Bhogi', when each household puts on display its collection of dolls.

Subhamoy Das - About.com

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Happy New Year 2009!

Another year, another chance
To start our lives anew;
This time we’ll leap old barriers
To have a real breakthrough.


We’ll take one little step
And then we’ll take one more,
Our unlimited potential
We’ll totally explore.


We’ll show off all our talents
Everyone will be inspired;
(Hmm…while I’m writing this,
I’m getting very tired.)


We’ll give up all bad habits;
We’ll read and learn a lot,
All our goals will be accomplished,
Sigh...or maybe not.


Oh well, Happy New Year anyway!


New Year’s Reality Check - Joanna Fuchs


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ThirupPaavai

In this section, all the 30 Paasurams of the great ThirupPaavai rendered by Sri Andal is given with explanation. For all 30 days of Margazhi month, daily 1 Paasuram should be sung and each Paasuram explains the greatness of Sriman Narayanan. These Paasurams can be sung daily but is said to be special if we chant the 30 Paasurams for each day of this Margazhi month and each Paasuram has its own explanations and greatness. So, chant 30 Paasurams - each 1 Paasuram for 30 days.

All the Paasurams are easy to learn. So, chant the Paasuram and get the blessing of the Perumal and Kodhai completely. People, who can't chant, can visit any of the temples nearby, hear the ThirupPaavai said in the temples and get the blessings of the Perumal and SoodikKodutha Sudar Kodi - Sri Andal.

The explanation of each Paasurams is explained as Sri Andal is explaining to her friends.

ThirupPaavai Pasasuram (click on the italic phrase of each Paassuram to view)

Paasuram 1 : Maargazhi Thingal
Paasuram 2 : Vayyathu Vaazhveergal
Paasuram 3 : Oangi Ulagalandha
Paasuram 4 : Aazhi Mazhai Kanna
Paasuram 5 : Maayanai Mannu
Paasuram 6 : Pullum Silambina
Paasuram 7 : Keesukeesu
Paasuram 8 : Keezh Vaanam
Paasuram 9 : Thoomani Maadam
Paasuram 10 : Notrucchuvakkam
Paasuram 11 : Katrukkaravai
Paasuram 12 : Kanaithu
Paasuram 13 : Pullin Vaai
Paasuram 14 : Ungal puzhakkadai
Paasuram 15 : Yelley Ilangiliyae
Paasuram 16 : Naayaganaai
Paasuram 17 : Ambaramey
Paasuram 18 : Undhu Madhakalitraan
Paasuram 19 : Kutthu Vilakku
Paasuram 20 : Muppathu
Paasuram 21 : Yeatra kalangal
Paasuram 22 : Angan Maagnalan
Paasuram 23 : Maari
Paasuram 24 : Andrivvulagam
Paasuram 25 : Orruthi
Paasuram 26 : Maaley
Paasuram 27 : Koodarai
Paasuram 28 : Karavaigal
Paasuram 29 : Sitram
Paasuram 30 : Vangam

Divyadesamonline.com - ThirupPaavai

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Margazhi Month Prayers

The Tamil Margali Masam, or Margazhi Month, is the month of Bhakti and Music. The importance of Margali Masam was announced by none other than Lord Krishna in the Bhagavad Gita when says Maasanam Margasheershoham - among the twelve months, I am Margazhi. Rendering of Tiruppavai and Tiruvembavai, religious discourses and music festivals are the major highlights during the period. In 2008, Margazhi month begins on December 16 and ends on January 13, 2009.

Chanting of the Tiruppavai of Andal is the most important event in the month. Tiruppavai consists of 30 verses and a verse is chanted on each day of Margali. Another major highlight in the month is the drawing of kolams (rangoli) daily in front of houses.

The most important festivals in the Margali month are Vaikundha Ekadasi, Hanuman Jayanthi and Arudara Darshan. The month also marks the end of the pilgrimage season in Sabarimala.
The month is also of great significance in the Srirangam Sri Ranganatha Temple. Apart from the Vaikunta Ekadasi, the Srirangam temple during the month witnesses the Pagal pathu and Rapathu – the chanting of Tiruvaimozhi.

Margali Masam is also the time of the winter solstice when the days are shorter and the nights are longer. This Margazhi month has another speciality also. This month is considered and should be considered as the divine and highly spiritual month because in all the other months, there are lots of festivals and happy occasions fall. The main reason why there are no festivals in this month is mainly because of mind and soul should completely think only towards the perumal and this is the only month in which all the 30 days should be dedication towards the perumal.

There is also a scientific meaning, which explains the greatness of the Margazhi month. During this month, the ozone layer will be lowered a little bit and because of this, any disease will reduce and gives a healthy body.

Margazhi Month is also considered the dawn period of Devas. Uttarayana Punayakalam begins in mid January – the daytime of Devas. One year of ours is a day for the Devas. The night time of Devas begins during Dakshinayana Punyakalam.

hindu-blog.com - Margali Masam

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Girivalam

Girivalam; ; Circumambulation of Arunachala Hill

Girivalam (also called Giri Valam) spiritual festival observed on every full moon day at Tiruvannamalai for sacred Mountain Annamalai.In tamil language, "Giri" means mountain and "Valam" means circumambulation. People with spiritual seeking choose to walk around the mountain and worship Aruanachala temple of Tiruvannamalai on pournami day called Girivalam.

Girivalam is connected to the hill Annamalai , considered as a deity and god Shiva temple called Arunachaleswarar an Tamil ancient massive shrine found at the bottom of the Tiruvannamalai hill. This Arunachaleswarar temple named after "The mountain of fire" . The god who lives there also called by the same name. In sanskrit "Arunam" stands for fire with red colour, "asalam" can be read as "malai" or hill. In fact the mountain is red in color, stand high for 2668 feet with 16 KM in diameter (approximately).

During the Girivalam (Giri valam) circling, people visit eight siva lingams located around the Arunachala mountain. Each lingam represent one direction, if you watch closely Tiruvannamalai town itself structured around this lingams in octagonal dimension. Each lingam has its own name Indra Lingam, Agni Lingam, Yama Lingam, Niruthi Lingam, Varuna Lingam, Vayu Lingam, Kubera Lingam and Esanya Lingam.

Indian spiritual history has it that even today a number of siddhars are living on the hill. During the fullmoon Maha Girivalam (Giri Valam) or Deepam festival day of Karthigai month It siddhars movement would be there and the whole atmosphere would be filled with perfumes of herbal plants. This will provide peace of mind and good health to body. It is a proven fact that Tiruvannamalai girivalam pulls 100,000 of devotees to circumambulate the Arunachala mountain and obtain seeken wish comes true by praying to siva Annamalai.The giri valam circumambulation path has been well maintained with rows of sodium lights around the hill.People can walk round the clock 24 hours a day without any fear or getting lost. To improve the devotees experience, Tiruvannamalai town government has established many road side stores as well as strict vigilant Police patrol around the mountain

Girivalam Circumambulation Tips

Normally people start just before dawn or after sunfall. As Tiruvannamalai is rocky place day time may not be suitable because of hot sun and dry humidity weather.

As per custom full day fasting is required before you circle the mountain. People eat only after completing the walk around mountain.

Walking around the hill is kind of walking meditation where you supposed concentrate your steps and chanting your preferred mantra. You hear many different slogans and chanting like arunachala arunachala, annamalaikku arohara, siva siva, muruga muruga, ramanana, Krishna Krishna yogi ramsuratkumara, yesuvey yesuvey, jesus Christ and buddham saranam kachaami etc. As per my guru Yogi ramsuratkumar, which ever mantra you like to chant which ever god you like to pray , whomever you want to follow as a guru doesn't matter. What count is remembering god and being spiritual.

Good to keep a bottle of distilled water with you and first aid medicine like glucose in case your body experience the low sugar because of fasting. You see people serving free water, milk and juices throughout the girivalam path, you can try if you want but remember you don't break the fasting until you finish mountain circling.

Keep ample of 1 rupees and 50 paise coins so you can ration to anyone who is in need. By doing this you are actually helping your karma to curb it's previous sins (local saying).

Please note 14 km of walking around the arunachala mountain must be done with bare foot and no shoe wearing. Occasionally you will be pinched by small pebble on the path or others may step on your toe giving you refreshment and acupuncture effect, you find enjoy walking. On karthikai month (November) you see enormous crowd more than a million dashing, it is better in crowd and walk carefully.

The most remarkable thing you notice during the girivalam is people who is walking along with you. People from Europe/America/asia and Africa will be walking along for some mysterious reason and seeking. The reason they choose to walk with you on this specific day, because both of your karma has some kind of contact, that connection pulled both of you to cross again. Nice isn't, but thats what spiritual seekers says. So be gentle in case someone step on your toe while walking.

Thiruvannamalai Girivalam - tiruvannamalai.yogiramsuratkumar.net

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Kartigai Deepam

ON THE full moon day of the month of Kartigai (November-December) which falls on the ascension of the Kritigai star, the Hindus celebrate the Kartigai Deepam. It is on this day that the huge beacon is lit on the holy hill Arunachala, in South India.

Once Lord Shiva assumed the form of a hill at Tiruvannamalai in South India. Here He quelled the pride of Brahma and Vishnu who were quarelling as to their relative greatness. One day, when Lord Shiva was in meditation, Parvati left Him and went to the hill of Arunachala. There She performed penance. She was the guest of the sage Gautama. It was during Her penance here that Mahishasura was killed by Durga hidden by Parvati. Parvati saw Shiva as Arunachalesvara. She was taken back by the Lord to His side, and made His Ardhangini once more, that is, She occupied half of the body of the Lord.

Arunachalesvara is Tejo Lingam. Arunachala or the Tiruvannamalai Hill is the place that represents the fire element. (The five elements are represented by five holy places in India.)

When the light on the top of the Tiruvannamalai Hill is unveiled on the Kartigai Deepam day, people see the big light and worship it. They recite again and again in a loud voice "Harohara". The esoteric meaning is that he who sees the light of lights that is burning eternally in the chambers of his heart through constant meditation attains immortality. The light on the Arunachala brings the message to you that the Self or Lord Shiva is self-effulgent, He is the light of lights.

On the Kartigai Deepam day in South India, people make bonfires in front of temples in the evening. It is said that Lord Shiva burnt the chariots of several demons who were torturing sages and celestials. This bonfire symbolises this legend.

People place rows of earthen lamps in front of their houses on the evening of Kartigai Deepam and worship the Lord. They also light a variety of fireworks.

Annihilate the three impurities, namely, egoism, selfish action and delusion. Burn the mind, senses and the desires in the fire of knowledge of the Self or Shiva-Jnanam. Attain full illumination and behold the light of lights, which illumines the mind, intellect, sun, moon, stars, lightning and the fire. This is real Kartigai Deepam.

May the light of lights illumine you all! May Lord Shiva bless you with more light! May you merge in this supreme light and attain the eternal abode of bliss and immortality!

Hindu Fasts & Festivals - Sri Swami Sivananda

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Survival

Even memory is not necessary for love. There is a land of the living and a land of the dead and the bridge is love, the only survival, the only meaning.

Author: Thornton Wilder

Survival is nothing more than recovery.

Author: Dianne Feinstein

The more we exploit nature, The more our options are reduced, until we have only one: to fight for survival.

Author: Morris K. Udall

Moderation is the secret of survival.

Author: Manly Hall

In a world where change is inevitable and continuous, the need to achieve that change without violence is essential for survival.

Author: Andrew Young

It is not necessary to change. Survival is not mandatory.

Author: W. Edwards Deming

The rhythm of life is intricate but orderly, tenacious but fragile. To keep that in mind is to build the key to survival.

Author: Shirley Hufstedler

The ability to delude yourself may be an important survival tool.

Author: Jane Wagner

The ultimate value of life depends upon awareness, and the power of contemplation rather than upon mere survival.

Author: Aristotle

The planet's survival has become so uncertain that any effort, any thought that presupposes an assured future amounts to a mad gamble.

Author: Elias Canetti

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Different Ways of Living

Some animals live in families. Some live in great big groups. And others live mostly by themselves. Animals have to find the right way of living together so they can stay safe, take care of their babies, and find food.

A giant panda mainly eats bamboo, and it takes lots of bamboo to fill up a panda! To make sure there's enough bamboo for everyone, each panda has a territory where it lives alone, except during mating time or when a mother is rearing her cub.

Some Animals Live Alone

Tigers are stealthy hunters who sneak up on prey such as deer or wild pigs-then pounce! But hunting is hard. It can take 10 tries before a tiger nabs a meal. Living alone means there's enough prey to eat and makes quiet hunting easier.Lions are hunters, too. But they live in groups called prides. On the African plains, finding enough wildebeest, zebra, and antelope to eat is no problem. But catching them is. Lions have better luck when they hunt together, surrounding a herd and then flushing out their prey.

Others Like a Little Company

Eagles live and hunt together in lifelong pairs. A male and female both help to build a nest of sticks and twigs, lined with soft grasses. When the eggs hatch, one parent stays home to protect the young eaglets while the other searches for mice or fish to eat.

This herd of muskoxen is huddled together for protection. If a wolf comes too close, cousins, aunts, and uncles form a tight circle, with their sharp horns facing outward and their young safe inside.

What's bringing these ladybugs together? It's time to hibernate for the winter. By bunching together, the ladybugs keep each other warm.

And Some Really Love a Crowd!

Sea lions gather when it's time to mate. They meet at the same beach year after year.

And sometimes people, too, like to come together to have a good time with lots of friends!

Carus Publishing Company Feb 2004 - ProQuest Information and Learning Company

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How To Pray?

The scriptures indicate that there are seven (7) techniques of successful prayer:
1. When you pray just talk to God as a little boy would to a father or mother whom he loves and with whom he feels in harmony. Tell Him everything that is on your mind and in your heart.
2. Talk to God in simple everyday speech. He understands every language. It is not necessary to use an exaggerated formal speech. You would not talk to your father or mother that way, would you? God is your heavenly father (or mother). Why should you be formal to Him or Her? This will make your relationship with Him more natural.
3. Tell God what you want. You might as well be factual. You want something. Tell Him about it. Tell Him you would like to have it if He thinks it is good for you. But also say and mean it that you will leave it to Him to decide and you will accept His decision as best for you. If you do this regularly it will bring to you what you ought to have, and thus fulfill your own destiny. It will be possible for God to give you things that you should have-wonderful things. It is really unfortunate, the marvelous things we miss, things God wants to give us and cannot because we insist upon something else, something only a fraction as fine as He wants to give us.
4. Practice praying as many times during the day as possible. For example, when you are driving your car, instead of the aimless thoughts that go through your mind, talk to God as you drive. If you have a companion in the front seat, you would talk to him or her. Would you not? Then, imagine the Lord is there and in fact He is, so just talk to Him about everything. If you are waiting for the subway train or bus, have a little chat with Him. Most importantly say little prayer before you go to bed. If it is not possible, get into bed, relax and then pray. God will lull you to a wonderful carefree sleep.
5. It is not always necessary to say words when you pray. Spend a few moments just thinking about Him. Think how good He is, how kind He is and that He is right by your side guiding and watching over you.
6. Don't always pray for yourself. Try helping others by your prayers. Pray for those who are in trouble or are ill. Whether they are your loved ones or your friends or neighbors, your prayer will profoundly affect them. And...
7. Last but not the least whatever you do, do not make all prayers into the form of begging God for something. The prayer for thanksgiving is much more powerful. Make your prayer consisting of a listing of all the fine things you possess, or all the wonderful things that have happened to you. Name them over, thank God for them and make that your whole prayer. You will find that these prayers of thanksgiving grow.

In the final analysis, please do not pray to God to run after you to satisfy your selfish desires. You are supposed to do your work as efficiently and skillfully as possible. With faith in God and using the above techniques of prayer you will have success in every walk of life.

Hinduism.About.Com - Shri Gyan Rajhans

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Why Pray?

Many of you, I'm sure, are confused about the underlying philosophy of prayer. Consequently, often your prayers are not answered. Here, I attempt to provide some insights into the success of prayers.

To begin with we must understand as to why do we pray? There are basically 12 reasons for prayer:

1. We pray to depend on God for help in distress.

2. We pray for asking God for enlightenment.

3. We pray for communion with God through single-minded devotion.

4. We pray for asking for peace from God when the mind is restless.

5. We pray for surrendering ourselves to God completely.

6. We pray to God for giving us the ability to comfort others.

7. We pray for thanking God for his blessings.

8. We pray for expecting God to decide what is best for us when we are in a dilemma.

9. We pray for making friendship with God.

10. We pray for melting the mind and ego in silence in God.

11. We pray for requesting God to give strength, peace and pure intellect, e.g. Gayatri Mantra.

12. We pray for asking God to purify the heart and make us abide in Him forever.

In essence, what the above 12 reasons convey to us is that a prayer has two parts: one is soliciting a favor from the Almighty and the other is surrendering ourselves to His will. While the first part is practiced by most of us on a daily basis, the second part is the real and ultimate goal because it implies dedication. Dedication means feeling the light of God within your heart. If your heart is devoid of divine light, you will not be happy, cheerful and successful in your lives.

Remember, your success depends on the inward state of your mind. Your mind will create hindrance in your work if it is not in communion with God because He alone is the permanent abode of peace. Yes, I agree that most of us want to have riches, healthy lives, nice children and prosperous future. But if we always approached God with a begging attitude then we are treating Him as our bearer to supply the things required by us at once. This is no devotion to God but devotion to our own selfish desires.

Hinduism.About.Com - Shri Gyan Rajhans

ABOUT THE AUTHOR - Gyan Rajhans, M.Sc. (Eng.), P.Eng, CIH, ROH, is a pioneering scientist with the Ontario Ministry of Health, Canada. He is also the producer/broadcaster of Vedic Religion Radio Program since 1981 on CJMR 1320 AM every Sunday (6:30 - 7:30 p.m.). He partakes in volunteer work for the Hindu community every weekend, and delivers discourses on prayer and meditation every Sunday at various temples.

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5 Principles & 10 Disciplines

The Basics of Hinduism

5 PRINCIPLES

1. God Exists: One Absolute OM. One Trinity: Brahma, Vishnu, Maheshwara (Shiva)Several divine forms

2. All human beings are divine

3. Unity of existence through love

4. Religious harmony

5. Knowledge of 3 Gs: Ganga (sacred river), Gita (sacred script), Gayatri (sacred mantra)

10 DISCIPLINES

1. Satya (Truth)

2. Ahimsa (Non-violence)

3. Brahmacharya (Celibacy, non-adultery)

4. Asteya (No desire to possess or steal)

5. Aparighara (Non-corrupt)

6. Shaucha (Cleanliness)

7. Santosh (Contentment)

8. Swadhyaya (Reading of scriptures)

9. Tapas (Austerity, perseverance, penance)

10. Ishwarpranidhan (Regular prayers)

Subhamoy Das - About.com

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Operasi Khidmat Sosial (OPKIS) 2008

Tempat: Ladang Pulau Carey, Banting, Selangor
Tarikh: 28-30 Nov 08 (Persediaan Awal) - 30-07 Dec 08 (Program Berlangsung)

Operasi Khidmat Sosial (OPKIS) ialah satu program yang dianjurkan oleh Jawatankuasa Kebajikan Siswa/I (JKMI) sejak dari dahulu lagi. Program ini merupakan satu program keluarga angkat.

Selama berlangsungnya program ini, kita akan menjalankan pelbagai aktiviti untuk setiap penduduk di ladang tersebut. Selain itu, kita juga dapat mendalami asam garam kehidupan mereka sebagai seorang warga ladang di mana sebelum ini tidak pernah terlintas di fikiran kita.

Apakah yang pernah kita sumbang kepada masyarakat sebagai seorang mahasiswa/I?

Apa tunggu lagi? Sertailah OPKIS untuk berbakti kepada masyarakat!

Untuk maklumat lanjut, sila hubungi:

Tel: 017-618 7120
E-mail: jkmi1987@yahoo.com

Blogspot - jkmi1987.blogspot.com

қαvї - கவி