Contemplation is a recommended practice and falls in the category of svadhyaya (engaging in the mode of seeking). The fourth step of pancha kriya kala is to… Read more “111. Time for contemplation”
Author: Vasishta
110. Significance of a bell during worship
ganta nadam or sound a bell is a recommended practice and falls in the category of ijya (engaging in the mode of worship) Hindu practices, temples, and… Read more “110. Significance of a bell during worship”
109. Performing Aarathi
It is a common practice for a morning or evening worship ritual to end with an aarathi. This is the practice of having a small silver or… Read more “109. Performing Aarathi”
101. The Simple Morning Worship Ritual
A worship ritual in the morning can be simple yet authentic and fit the busy schedule of today’s life. Let us review the steps leading to the… Read more “101. The Simple Morning Worship Ritual”
108. Naivedyam and Prasadam
The significance of offering naivedyam and receiving prasadam. As a child, I went to temples to enjoy the sumptuous food served at the end of a ritual… Read more “108. Naivedyam and Prasadam”
106. Offerings during worship – flowers, fruits, water, and much more. Are they really needed?
The worship of a deity can be an external or internal action. In external worship, a deity or vigraha provides you with a semblance of comfort. It… Read more “106. Offerings during worship – flowers, fruits, water, and much more. Are they really needed?”
107. The Lighting of the Lamp
Why should one light a lamp and what does it signify? In the Upanishadic times, spirituality was the focus. It was all about recognizing who we are… Read more “107. The Lighting of the Lamp”
105. The Morning Invocation, Sandhyavandanam – is it necessary?
Across the various traditional beliefs and the dictates of theism, a morning invocation is often stressed as a practice to follow. In Hindu practices, it is Sandhayvandam.… Read more “105. The Morning Invocation, Sandhyavandanam – is it necessary?”
104. Morning Ablutions – Handling of the Sacred Threads (Yagnopaveetham or Mangalasutram)
Understanding the sacred threads: At the age of seven, boys undergo an upanayanam or a thread ceremony ritual. This ritual signifies a transition point in a boy’s… Read more “104. Morning Ablutions – Handling of the Sacred Threads (Yagnopaveetham or Mangalasutram)”
103. Divinity during Morning Ablutions
The joy of interacting with individuals on spirituality is boundless. It is a two-way street, I share the learnings from our scriptures, and I learn from others.… Read more “103. Divinity during Morning Ablutions”