WINTER SOLSTICE CELEBRATION -- Friday, Dec. 21, 7-9 pm.

APOD Astronomy Picture of the Day: December 22, 2007

Is there a moment quite as keen

Or memory as bright

As light and fire and music sweet

To warm the winter night?

- Author unknown

You are invited to a light Supper, Solar puja, and Kirtan to celebrate this Solstice Day! 

RSVP appreciated to Shiva Mandir, 303-722-3658, shivamandir@gmail.com.

… This shortest day, 

As promise awakens in the sleeping land:

They carol, fest, give thanks.

And dearly love their friends, and hope for peace.

And so do we, here, now, 

This year and every year.

Welcome Yule!

--From The Shortest Day 

by Susan Cooper

UNIVERSAL WORSHIP SERVICE -- Thursday, Dec. 20, 7-9 pm.

The Universal Worship Service was given in a Divine transmission to the spiritual luminary Hazrat Inayat Khan as a glorious way to bring together all the streams of religious devotion; to honor and amplify the power of each. 

Chai, sweets and savories will be served.

You, the Ultimate Reality, are All in All.Atheism confesses the ineffability of Your Essence.Polytheism personifies Your manifold Attributes.Monotheism witnesses the unity of Your Being.In every God-Ideal an emanation of You shines forth.The heart receives of You as much as it can contain.When the heart is supple it is capable of every form.Then Your manifestations surpass the limitations of belief.
— Pir Zia Inayat-Khan

The 33 Million Gods

We just found a very good explanation for the western mind about the pantheon of Hindu deities via Huffington Post and wanted to pass it on:


http://www.huffingtonpost.com/gadadhara-pandit-dasa/the-33-million-demigods-o_b_1737207.html?utm_hp_ref=fb&src=sp&comm_ref=false

I’m Rich, Rich, Rich!

As we celebrate Divali today, remember it’s a traditional time to acknowledge our abundance and wealth with a spirit of gratitude. As we send our thanksgiving to Lakshmi, a magnificent Mother of good fortune, beauty and luck, let us not forget all the wealth we truly possess. While we tabulate our monetary and material treasures, let’s also remember our other riches:  

The wealth of friendships

The wealth of opportunity

The wealth of adventure
The wealth of knowledge
The wealth of freedom
The wealth of success
The wealth of happiness
The wealth of love

May your Divali be filled with joy, illumination and generosity.

Namaste,

From Shiva Mandir

Diwali Celebration at Shiva Mandir, Tuesday November the 13th

On the November New Moon, Tuesday, November 13th, from 6 to 9 pm, we will celebrate Divali at Shiva Mandir. 

This is the most festive celebration of the year. Divali is the culmination of the harvest season, a time of thanksgiving for all of our bounty and an opportunity to thank the Divine Mother for all of her gracious gifts. Shiva Mandir’s celebration will include a puja to Lakshmi (the embodiment of abundance and good fortune), a light supper, dessert (the sharing of Prasad), music and gift-giving. Please bring flowers (roses for Lakshmi are preferred) or fruits (pomegranates are especially appreciated) and a dakshina (monetary offering).  

Shiva Mandir is located at 1391 S. Pennsylvania (at Arkansas), Denver, CO 80210, 303-722-3658,shivamandir@gmail.com.

The Story of Divali

Divali (or Diwali), is also known as the festival of lights because the celebration includes lighting the entrances, walls and windows of buildings with candles and decorative lights. In fact, the word “Divali” comes from the Sanskrit “Deepavali,” meaning row of lights. Divali is an ancient celebration observed all around the world including countries in Africa, the Caribbean and Asia. Divali signifies many different things according to the culture and country celebrating it. Divali time comes at the approach of winter, the time of sowing the winter grains; it signifies the renewal of life.

The lights of Divali dispel the increasing darkness of the season.

It is said that Lakshmi, Goddess of wealth, beauty and good fortune, alights on Earth in all Her celestial glory amidst the chanting of Vedic hymns at this time. The lights of Divali illuminate Lakshmi’s way as She walks through the villages, towns and remote places, blessing homes and businesses with prosperity. Traditions of celebration include:

* Forgiving all enmity and creating harmony in relationships.

* Bathing with special oils and fragrances.

* Wearing new clothes and beautiful jewelry.

* Decorating with lights and flowers.

* Exchanging gifts and sweets.

* House cleaning and renovating buildings.

* Re-thatching roofs and adorning cattle.

* Holding festivals that celebrate illumination, beauty, devotion and artistic expression.

The famous poet Rabindranath Tagore describes the significance of Divali in these beautiful lines:

“The night is black. Kindle the lamp of love with thy life and thy devotion.”

Do Your Friends Know How to Decharge?

Photo courtesy of Sara Mesmer

USING THE ELEMENTS OF NATURE TO RELIEVE STRESS, DECHARGE AND RENEW YOUR ENERGY

Saturday, October 13, 1-3 pm. Location: Shiva Mandir, 1391 S. Pennsylvania Street, Denver, CO 80210

Cost: You will receive some class materials. We ask a donation for your participation. A suggested donation is $10 to cover our expenses. Any amount is appreciated.

In this short, entertaining and hands-on class, you will learn how:

- Every human gets stress and strain from others

- To reduce stress effectively and instantly at home and work

- To identify the symptoms that decharging is needed

- To learn how to use the elements of nature to dissolve stress

- To restore balance and calm in your life

RSVP to Shiva Mandir, shivamandir@gmail.com, 303-722-3658.

Can’t attend at this time? Contact us and we’ll make a special appointment with you.

New Fall Class Announcements! Registration Deadlines Fast Approaching!

We are excited to announce that Shiva Mandir Center for Vedic and Yogic Studies will begin its third semester, September 22 -December 22, 2012. 

The Science of Yoga and the Art of Devotion with Nafeeah Kim, Channing Johnson and Sara Mesmer. 

For class overview, visit: http://www.vedicstudies.org/vedic-studies.html  

For class schedule and course description, visit:  http://www.vedicstudies.org/class--schedule3.html.

Nada Yoga, Raga and Divine Singing with Kabir. 

For class overview, visit: http://www.vedicstudies.org/nada-yoga--raga.html 

For class schedule and course description, visit the following page: http://www.vedicstudies.org/class--schedule.html 

Kundalini Yoga with Hukum Singh

For class overview, visit: http://www.vedicstudies.org/kundalini-yoga.html 

For class schedule and course description, visit the following page: http://www.vedicstudies.org/class--schedule2.html

Sai Shakti Bhajans with Sara Mesmer

For class overview, visit: http://www.vedicstudies.org/bhajan-singing.html 

For class schedule and course description, visit the following page: http://www.vedicstudies.org/class--schedule1.html

The Divine Mother with John (Yamajit) Mayer

For class overview, visit: http://www.vedicstudies.org/divine-mother.html 

For class schedule and course description, visit the following page: http://www.vedicstudies.org/class--schedule4.html

To register, contact Shiva Mandir by email or by phone:
shivamandir@gmail.com
303-722-3658.

Saturday, Aug. 25, 2-5 pm. THE TRUE MEANING OF THE YOGA SUTRAS with Henry Herzberger

Shiva Mandir will host a seminar on the Yoga Sutras on Saturday, August 25th from 2-5pm. The essential meanings of the sutras will be discussed in their original Sanskrit. There will be a break between each hour as to allow participants to stretch, and relax.

Maharishi Patanjali compiled the Yoga Sutras Teaching which forms the foundation of all of Yoga Philosophy and practice. All the practices of Yoga Meditation, Breathing exercises, Yoga Asanas, and Right Action are based on Patanjali's Yoga Sutras.

In this seminar we will analyze a number of key sutras of each of the Four Chapters of the Yoga Sutras. Participants will not only have a clearer idea about the field of Vedic Psychology, but also have knowledge about the practical applications of the sutras and Yoga. A number of commonly mistranslated sutras will be discussed and their true inner meaning will be revealed.

Dr. Henry Herzberger has a degree in Vedic Psychology. He is an expert in Vedic recitation and yagya. He travelled internationally as a Jyotish consultant, Vedic priest and teacher. Dr. Herzberger’s desire is to help his clients and students rise to the highest possibilities of happiness, success and spiritual development.

~Sekhmet Anna West.

Kali-Shiva Yagya, Monday, Aug. 20, 7 pm, 103 Ruxton Ave., Manitou Springs (Shiva Mandir South). 

This yagya is to honor the 10 aspects of Kali and Shiva and honor the 5 aspects of elemental Shiva to enliven cosmic creative intelligence and the absolute consciousness of the Divine in us. Please bring fresh fruit, flowers and a cup of rice for offering. Dakshina (a monetary offering) is greatly appreciated and will bring material blessings to the donor. Any amount is appreciated and helps further Dr. Herzberger's work worldwide.

Dr. Herzberger will be in Colorado Springs from Aug. 16 through Aug. 21. He will be available for Jyotish consultation by appointment.

Dr. Herzberger will be in Denver from Aug. 23 through the 26th. He will be available for Jyotish consultation in Denver from Aug 23-26.

He will be offering a Yoga Sutras workshop on Saturday, Aug. 25, from 2-5 pm at Shiva Mandir in Denver, 1391 South Pennsylvania Street, Denver 80210.

The essential meanings of the sutras will be discussed using the original Sanskrit the sutras were written in. There will be a break between each hour so as to allow participants to stretch, relax etc.

Maharishi Patanjali compiled the Yoga Sutras Teaching which forms the foundation of all of Yoga Philosophy and practice. All the practices of Yoga Meditation, Breathing exercises, Yoga Asanas, and Right Action are based on Patanjali Yoga Sutras.

In this seminar we will analyze a number of key sutras of each of the Four Chapters of the Yoga Sutras. Participants will not only have a clearer idea about the field of Vedic Psychology, but also have knowledge about the practical applications of the sutras and Yoga. A number of commonly mistranslated sutras will be discussed and their true inner meaning will be revealed.

Dr. Herzberger will be in Boulder, CO from Aug. 28 to 30 and in Ft. Collins, Aug. 31-Sept. 3.

To make an appointment or for more information on any of his activities, contact him at herzberger4@aol.com.

***

Dr. Henry Herzberger has a degree in Vedic psychology. He is an expert in Vedic recitation and yagya. He travelled internationally as a Jyotish consultant, Vedic priest and teacher. Dr. Herzberger’s desire is to help his clients and students rise to the highest possibilities of happiness, success and spiritual development.

~Nafeeah Kim Johnson.

Fall Classes Starting at the Shiva Mandir Center for Vedic Studies

We are excited to announce that the Shiva Mandir Center for Vedic and Yogic Studies will begin its third semester. 

Classes will begin in mid-September. Watch for the announcements of these upcoming courses:

  The Science of Yoga and the Art of Devotion
  with Nafeeah Kim, Channing Johnson and Sara Mesmer

  Nada Yoga, Raga and Divine Singing with Kabir

  Kundalini Yoga with Hukum Singh

  

  Sai Shakti Bhajans with Sara Mesmer

  The Divine Mother with John (Yamajit) Mayer

~Nafeeah Kim Johnson.

CELEBRATION OF LORD KRISHNA’S BIRTHDAY

Saturday, Aug. 11, 6-9 pm

Shiva Mandir, 1391 South Pennsylvania Street, Denver 80210, 303-722-3658

 

We will be celebrating Krishna's Birthday to enliven pure devotional Love, Wisdom and Higher Consciousness. We are most honored that Dr. Henry Herzberger will be in Denver and will conduct the ceremony.

Our celebration will include a kirtan. RSVPs are appreciated. Please bring some flowers or whole sweet fruit like apples, bananas or oranges.

A light supper and prasad will be served after the puja.

Donations help support Dr. Herzberger’s work around the world.

Lord Krishna is considered an Avatar of Vishnu (Omnipresence of Love) in India as well as King of Dwaraka, a Vedic Kingdom of 1000's of years ago (3000-5000 years ago). He represents Enlightenment and pure Love. Krishna's Nature also included good humor and playfulness. Playfully Lord Krishna would destroy demonic forces and would bring even the aggressors to Enlightenment.

Lord Krishna was the teacher of the Pandavas. The Bhagavad Gita forms the substance of His teaching to Arjuna the great warrior during the Mahabharata War. Krishna is said to be Yogeshwara, Lord of Yogis, in that His teaching is so simple and pure, "Just Be!"

All are welcome.

***

Dr. Henry Herzberger has a degree in Vedic Psychology. He is an expert in Vedic recitation and yagya. He travelled internationally as a Jyotish consultant, Vedic priest and teacher. Dr. Herzberger’s desire is to help his clients and students rise to the highest possibilities of happiness, success and spiritual development.

Dr. Herzberger is available for Jyotish consultations at Shiva Mandir from Sunday, Aug. 12, through Thursday, Aug. 16. Contact him by email at herzberger4@aol.com.

~ Sekhmet Anna West. 

Ayurveda & the Art of Spicing

picture credit: http://ripe6.net/2012/06/06/indian-cuisine-correct-blend-of-spices/ (accessed July 31, 2012)

Often times we think of our spices as merely tools in our cooking to bring out certain flavors in foods. For thousands of years spices have been used as medicine in many families and particularly in Ayurveda. Spicing our foods becomes our first line of defense, and savvy spicing with intent becomes medicine, as we learn how to balance our imbalances at the root – the digestion. Spices that were used as folk remedies are also part of the Materia Medica of ancient medical texts of India, China and Tibet. Profound scientific data has emerged and shown the effectiveness of common household spices which have the ability to help treat a range of health problems ranging from heart disease, arthritis, IBS, psoriasis, Alzheimer’s, and various cancers.

Consider exploring the realm of spices in your own cooking and begin to consider which spices are the best for your constitution (Prakrati), and any symptoms or imbalance you may be working with (Vikruti), as medicine directly prescribed for you. Spices can help balance foods that are otherwise not recommended for certain doshas as well as treat post-meal upset and even early signs of colds, flues and allergies.

Enjoying in abundance the vast array of spices are by far the easiest, fastest and most natural way of returning to balance. Spices are the scent of health and healing. 


Happy Spicing!

Peacefully,

~ Lance Roehrig AHP, CYT

"Know that by knowing which everything is known." --Mundaka Upanishad 1.1.3

Do you remember anytime in your meditation when you feel moments of inner silence and stillness, when you are beyond all thoughts? Are these moments associated with the feeling of inner expansion or happiness? There is an underlying state of consciousness, pure consciousness, that allows us to experience this inner stillness and happiness. Pure consciousness is non-changing. It is pure awareness itself, that which supports all other states of awareness.

It is possible to experientially locate this state of pure consciousness. It is present in between each thought. It is present in the moments of still silence during meditation. It is present in the junctures between waking, sleeping, and dreaming. It is possible to "catch a glimpse of pure consciousness" in any of these circumstances. At these moments, our attention catches the shine of this underlying awareness, just when it is not veiled by other states of consciousness or a barrage of thoughts. The human mind experiences this contact of pure awareness as a "gap," a timeless interlude of nothingness that leaves us feeling deeply relaxed, peaceful, and expanded.

Why does direct contact with pure consciousness give us these experiences? The answer is that pure consciousness, although without any qualities itself, contains the essence of SAT-CHIT-ANANDA. SAT is pure existence, wholeness, truth. CHIT is consciousness, wakefulness, and awareness. ANANDA is bliss, happiness, and contentment.

In these moments when we are in direct contact with pure consciousness, we know that knowing by which everything is known.

--Nafeeah Kim Johnson.

Let's Get Started

Science endeavors to be objective, but poets have recognized the universality of consciousness through their own subjective awareness. Below follows one example from the poem "Tintern Abbey" which was written by the poet William Wordsworth:

“… and I have felt 

a presence that disturbs me with the joy

of elevated thought; a sense sublime

of something far more deeply interfused,

whose dwelling is in the light of setting sun,

and around oceans and the living air,

and the blue sky, and the mind of man:

a motion and a spirit, that impels

all thinking things, all objects of all thought,

and rolls through all things.”

A Dip into Consciousness

picture resource: http://maharishi-programmes.globalgoodnews.com/vedic-astrology/research.html (accessed July 1, 2012)

Modern science has not as of yet declared consciousness as the basis of creation, but reflect on these words by renowned British astrophysicist Sir Arthur Eddington:

“All through physical worlds runs that unknown content which must surely be the stuff of our consciousness. Here is a hint of aspects deep within the world of physics, and yet unattainable by the methods of physics.


And, moreover, we have found that where science has progressed the farthest, the mind has regained from nature that which the mind put into nature. We have found a strange footprint on the shores of the unknown. We have devised profound theories, one after another, to account for its origin. At last we have succeeded in reconstructing that creature that made the footprints. And lo! It is our own.”


– Sir Arthur Stanley Eddington