A Word to the Wise: Karma

The Vedic Studies Class, "A Word to the Wise," will have its fourth meeting on Monday, April 29th at Shiva Sai Mandir.  The word we will discuss is "Karma." Below follows an introduction to the course so named:

“Like gravity, karma is so basic we often don't even notice it.”

― Sakyong Mipham

“How people treat you is their karma; how you react is yours.”
― Wayne W. Dyer

“Life will give you whatever experience is most helpful for the evolution of your consciousness. How do you know this is the experience you need? Because this is the experience you are having at the moment.”
― Eckhart Tolle, A New Earth: Awakening to Your Life's Purpose

“If you're really a mean person you're going to come back as a fly and eat poop.” 
― Kurt Cobain

“Violence does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls into the pit which he digs for another.”
― Arthur Conan Doyle, The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes

“You made your own bed, and now curse others for putting you there.”
― Wesley Chu, The Lives of Tao



“He was in hell. Worse than that, he was in hell, and someone had set it on repeat.”
― Dennis Sharpe, Destroyer of Worlds



“Everything was illuminated. Everything was connected. Everything was one. Everything was love.”
― H. Raven Rose, Dark Eros

“Situations seem to happen to people, but in reality, they unfold from deeper karmic causes. The universe unfolds to itself, bringing to bear any cause that needs to be included. Don’t take this process personally. The working out of cause and effect is eternal. You are part of this rising and falling that never ends, and only by riding the wave can you ensure that the waves don’t drown you. The ego takes everything personally, leaving no room for higher guidance or purpose. If you can, realize that a cosmic plan is unfolding and appreciate the incredibly woven tapestry for what it is, a design of unparalleled marvel.”
― Deepak Chopra, The Book of Secrets: Unlocking the Hidden Dimensions of Your Life



We will discuss these quotes and the teachings on Karma from the Vedic, Hindu, Buddhist and Jain perspectives in this fourth class tomorrow. If you would like to take part and receive the class materials, as well as access to our class forum,  please let us know by registering for this class at the following link: http://www.vedicstudies.org/a-word-to-the-wise.html — at Shiva Mandir Center for Vedic Studies.

Come Celebrate Hanuman Jayanti with us Tomorrow at Shiva Mandir!

You are invited to celebrate Hanuman Jayanti on Wednesday, April 24, from 7 to 9 pm, with a puja and kirtan.

Hanuman Jayanti is celebrated on the birth anniversary of Lord Hanuman. He is considered to be the greatest devotee of Lord Rama, according to Hindu mythology. Hanuman is the son of Lord Pavana, the God of Wind.
Kabir will lead the Hanuman Chalisa. 

Enjoy the beautiful music, tasty prasad and the bliss of Hanuman’s strength and devotion. Please bring a fruit or flower.

Location: Shiva Sai Mandir, 1391 S. Pennsylvania (and Arkansas), Denver, CO 80210. Questions? 303-722-3658.

Facebook Invitation: https://www.facebook.com/events/270885563048540/

A Word to the Wise: Kama

The Vedic Studies Class, "A Word to the Wise," will have its third meeting on Monday, April 22nd at Shiva Sai Mandir. The word we will discuss is "Kama." Below follows an introduction to the course so named: 

Lord Kama, You are the longing of love, delight of the senses, drama of the play, truth behind the tryst; enjoyment, sorrow and satisfaction. You are King of All Desire.

You ride your parrot across all the realms of existence, shooting arrows of sugar cane from a bow of buzzing bees. Your arrows strike us, stirring our mind and enchanting our senses. You bring happiness and havoc wherever you go.

Oh Lord Kama, how are we supposed to live with you? How are we supposed to live without you? You are the source of beauty, art, power, achievement and glory. You are the source of want, waste, war, loss and heartbreak. In every society, in every era, every one of us has a quandary. Shall we exalt you or disdain you? Codes of conduct, ethics, morality, dictates of fair play, rules for living, philosophy, religion, even civilization itself is nothing but collected strategies to come to terms with you.

Oh Lord Kama, even the gods, or perhaps especially the gods, succumb to your influence and antics. Wherever we are, you are there with us. You are an aspect of our very own nature.

*** *** ***

We have a discussion going and class material on this subject. Please let us know if you would like to be a part of the class. Materials are available for registered participants. For more information and to register for the class, follow this link: http://www.vedicstudies.org/a-word-to-the-wise.html — at Shiva Mandir Center for Vedic Studies.

This is Victory Day!

Today is Victory Day!

--->

The temple priest has rung his bell.

A cloud of smoke from candles and lamps

Haloes the Goddess, glowing bright

This beat of drums both maddens and dulls.

The incense burns: so heady the musk,

Our senses flounder in the flood.

This endless chant of sacred words

Soon drugs our lips and stuns our minds.

The Goddess, always staring down:

Her painted pupils cut through smoke

And read the secret thoughts we think.

We somehow feel this within our hearts.

To Mother, we know, we bow and pray –

Her form not just this image of clay. 

- Anonymous (from iloveindia.com)

Kali Puja from Vedanta Portland on Vimeo.

The 100 Names of Kali (Adyakali Svarupa Stotra)

Found via WikiCommons
The Goddess Kali (1770) 

 Indian Art Special Purpose Fund

The following 100 names of Kali come from the Mahanirvana Tantra. Each of these names can be recited as a mantra on its own or in succession. A YouTube example of all the names recited together as one mantra is found below the names:  

1. Kalakarshini Conqueror and/or Destroyer of Time
2. Karali Tremendously Terrific one
3. Kalyani Bestower of Peace and Happiness
4. Kalavati Possessor of all the (64) Arts
5. Kamala Who enjoys and is herself enjoyed
6. Kalidarpaghni Destructress of Pride
7. Kapardisha-kripanvita Kind and Devoted to Him with the Matted Hair (Shiva)
8. Kalika Devourer of him who Devours (Shiva), the goddess of the Kalika Purana
9. Kalamata Mother and Destructress of Time
10. Kalanala-samadyuti Brilliant as the Fires of the final Dissolution
11. Kapardini Lover of Him with the Matted Hair (Shiva)
12. Karalasya Thou of Formidable Countenance with Teeth like Fangs
13. Karunamrita-sagara Ocean of the Nectar of Compassion
14. Kripamayi Truly Merciful
15. Kripadhara Vessel of Compassion
16. Kripapara Whose Mercy is without Limit
17. Kripagama Attainable Only by Her Compassion
18. Krishanu Thou Art Fire
19. Kapila Tawny-colored One
20. Krishna Black of hue as is Krishna
21. Krishnananda-vivardhini Who Increases Joy and Bliss of Krishna
22. Kalaratri Night of Darkness
23. Kamarupa Thou Who Art the Form of Desire
24. Kamapasa-vimocini Liberator from the Bonds of Desire
25. Kadambini Dark as a bank of rain-clouds
26. Kaladhara Bearer of the Crescent Moon and all Female Energy
27. Kalikalmasa-nasini Destructress of Evil
28. Kumari-pujanaprita Pleased by the Worship of Virgin-Girls
29. Kumari-pujakalaya Refuge of all Virgin-Worshippers
30. Kumari-bhojanananda Pleased by the Feasts and Gifts to the Virgins
31. Kumari-rupadharini Who is in the Form of a Virgin
32. Kadamba-vanasamcara Wanderer in the Kadamba-Forest
33. Kadamba-pushpasantosa Taking Delight in the Kadamba-Flowers
34. Kadamba-vanavasini Who lives in the Kadamba-Forest
35. Kadamba-pushpamalini Wearing a Garland of Kadamba-Flowers
36. Kishori Thou Who Art Ever Youthful
37. Kalakanthi With a soft and Deep-throated Voice
38. Kalanada-ninadini Sweet as the Chakravaka-Bird
39. Kadambari-panarata Who drinks the Kadamba-Flower Wine
40. Kadambari-priya Excited and Pleased with the Kadamba-Wine
41. Kapalapatra-nirata Drinking from a Skull-Cup
42. Kamkalamalya-dharini Wearing a Garland of Bones
43. Kamalasana-santushta Lover of the Lotus Flower
44. Kamalasana-vasini Delighted to be Seated within the Lotus
45. Kamalalaya-madhyastha Abiding in the Center of the Lotus
46. Kamalamoda-modini Pleased and Intoxicated by the Scent of Lotus
47. Kalahamsa-gati Moving and Swaying as a Swan
48. Klaibyanasini Destroying all Fears
49. Kamarupini Assuming any Form She Desires
50. Kamarupa-kritavasa Who Lives in the place of Sexual Desire
51. Kamapitha-vilasini Playing at the Kamakhya Pitha
52. Kamaniya Beautiful One
53. Kalpalata Creeper who Provides every Desire
54. Kamaniya-vibhushana Beauty is Thy Ornament
55. Kamaniya-gunaradhya Adorable Image of all Tenderness
56. Komalamgi Delicate and Tender-Bodied
57. Krishodari Slender of Waist
58. Karanamrita-santosha Pleased with the Nectar of Purified Wine
59. Karanananda-siddhida Giver of Success to those Who Enjoy that Wine
60. Karanananda-japeshta Deity of those who Worship with Wine
61. Karanarcana-harshita Glad to be Worshipped with Purified Wine
62. Karanarnava-sammagma Immersed in an Ocean of Wine
63. Karanavrata-palini Protecting those Who Perform Ritual with Wine
64. Kasturi-saurabhamoda Gladdened by the Scent of Musk
65. Kasturi-tilakojjvala Luminous One with a Mark of Musk on Her Forehead
66. Kasturi-pujanarata Excited by Worship with Musk
67. Kasturi-pujakapriya Loving those Who Worship Her with Musk
68. Kasturi-dahajanani Mother of those who Burn Musk as Incense
69. Kasturim-rigatoshini Who is fond of the Musk-Deer
70. Kasturi-bhojanaprita Who is pleased to Eat Musk of the Musk-Deer
71. Karpuramoda-modita Whom the Scent of Camphor Gladdens
72. Karpura-malabharana Adorned with Garlands of Camphor
73. Karpura-candanakshita Body Painted with Camphor and Sandal-Paste
74. Karpura-karanahlada Pleased with Purified Wine flavored with Camphor
75. Karpuramrita-payini Drinker of Nectar Flavored with Camphor
76. Karpura-sagarasnata Bathing in the Ocean of Camphor
77. Karpura-sagaralaya At Home in the Ocean of Camphor
78. Kurchabija-japaprita Pleased by Worship with the mantra 'hum'
79. Kurchajapa-parayayana Threatening and Conquering Demons with 'hum'
80. Kulina Embodiment of the Kula teachings
81. Kaulika-radhya Adored by Kula Tantrics
82. Kaulika-priyakarini Benefactress of the Kula
83. Kulacara Observant of the Kulacara
84. Kantukini Joyous One
85. Kulamarga-pradarshini Revealing the Kula-Path to Seekers
86. Kasishvari Queen of the Sacred City (Benares, i.e. Varanasi)
87. Kashtahartri Allayer of all Suffering
88. Kasishvara-dayini Giver of Blessings to the Lord of Varanasi (Shiva)
89. Kasishvara-kritamoda Giver of Pleasures to the Lord of Varanasi
90. Kasishvara-manorama Beloved of Shiva Who Overwhelms His Mind
91. Kalamanjira-carana Whose Toe-bells Sound Sweet Melodies
92. Kvanatkanci-vibhusana Whose Girdle-bells Tinkle Ever so Sweet
93. Kancanadri-kritagara Residing in the Golden Mountain (Meru)
94. Kancanacala-kaumudi Shining Moon-Beam on the Mountain of Gold
95. Kamabija-japananda Excited to Hear 'klim' (mantra of sexual union)
96. Kamabija-svarupini Embodiment of the mantra 'klim'
97. Kumatighni Destructress of all Evil Inclinations
98. Kulinarti-nasini Destructress of the Kula's Afflictions
99. Kulakamini Lady of the Kula
100. Kalakantaka-ghatini Destructress of the Fear of Death

Resources:

The Adyakali Stotra: http://yoniversum.nl/daktexts/kalistotra.html

Here is an example of the 100 Names recited together as one mantra: 

In Praise of Mother Kali

On this eighth day of Navaratri, we would like to share a poem we found about Ma Kali: 

In Praise of Mother Kali

"Hindu Goddess with Many Arms Statue"
 on the Wall of the Sri Senpaga Vinayagar Temple
Photo Credit Unknown, found @ featurepics.com

Oh mysterious Kali, cremation grounds are Your great delight,

for there you release Souls from mundane existence.
I have transformed my Heart
into a cremation ground
so you will be attracted here to dance
in ceaseless liberating bliss.
Oh Goddess of Wisdom,
my limited desires have been consumed
on the vast pyre of renunciation.
Oh Goddess of Freedom,
I am surrounded by the ashes
that were my conventional world,
waiting for you to come.
Please manifest in the brilliant midnight hour
from this renouncing heart.

- Ramprasad

Divine Mother as Vasundhara

Vasundhara: Rare Burmese Marble Statue

19th Century, Burma, 

Picture by Lopburi Arts and Antiques (Singapore): 

found: http://www.flickr.com/people/13509597@N03/

We often say, “Mother Earth,” as one of the names of Divine Mother. In Vedic Tradition, there is a name for Mother Earth and it is Vasundhara. As Vasundhara, Mother Earth creates all the creatures on Earth and all of their instincts and traits. Then she provides them with everything they need to grow and flourish. She causes all of the plants to Be and to propagate.

She is the essence of the mineral kingdom; every jewel and crystal, every bit of ore and all the soil she has made. She stirs the oceans and causes the winds to blow. She orchestrates every storm, sunbeam and season. She is the animator and the cause of the Five Elements. She creates all desires, all movement of the mind and the will to perform action.

She is the beauty we must capture in a poem, painting or photograph of nature. She is what we love when we must return back home to the forest, mountain, desert, ocean or whatever it is we long to be near. She is the shifting sands, the roll of the tidal wave, the brief glory of a sunrise or sunset. She is who we adore when we say we love Nature.

Take some time to find Mother Earth today. Find the Nature, in the wind, the clouds, the movement of water, and however you might find her. Even if you are in the city, you can find Vasundhara and her workings. She is everywhere!

A Word to the Wise: YUGA

The Car of History Clock, by Carlo Franzoni (1819)

The Vedic Studies Class, "A Word to the Wise," had its second meeting on Monday, Apr. 15, at Shiva Sai Mandir. The word that we discussed was Yuga. Below follows an introduction to the course so named:  

Imagine a chariot of time, flying through space. The chariot has two wheels with a common axis. The axis of the chariot’s wheels is also the axis of the earth’s rotation.

This axis is also that of earth’s destiny as enlightenment expands and contracts and earth’s civilizations rise and fall. The rotation of this axis is calculated by the astronomers who ride this chariot of time. They observe the starscape’s change as the chariot flies through space.

Each rotation of the chariot’s axis is also figured as epochs of time where humanity turns from bruteness to radiant near-immortality and back again. This is the eternal rotation of evolution and dissolution.

We have a discussion going and class material on this subject. Please let us know if you would like to be a part of the class. Materials are available for registered participants. For more information, follow this link: http://www.vedicstudies.org/a-word-to-the-wise.html

 — at Shiva Mandir Center for Vedic Studies.

Mother, May i?

Oh Mother Divine,

Devi mine
Murti, Sati, Buddhi
Bhakti, Shraddha, Shakti
Gaia, Mahamaya

You are every power, grace and goodness.
You are every wrath and tumult, source of fear

You call everything into being,
Come to fullness and then disappear

All I ask is let me see You
and adore You.
Please let me draw near

  - KSJ

Today is the Fourth Day of Navaratri

Today is the fourth day of Navaratri and we are looking at the interplay of consciousness and energy, father and mother, heaven and earth, intelligence and creation.

Vedic science has delineated two foundational forces in the universe. The interplay of these forces gives rise to the inception, maintenance, and dissolution of creation. These forces are beyond concepts of gender and personality though that is in part where we begin so that we may understand these concepts. Representation through personification is used as a teaching method.

Below follows a poem which celebrates these two foundational forces:

Oh Mother, You are Shakti 

and your consort is Shiva 

Oh Mother, You are Ever Changing

and your Consort is Eternal 

Oh Mother, You are Darkness

and your Consort is Light 

Oh Mother, You are Chaos

and your Consort is Order 

Oh Mother, You are Earth

and your Consort is Heaven 

Oh Mother, You are Passion

and your Consort is Reason 

Oh Mother, Give birth to Me

and Everything that will ever be. 

--KSJ

*** *** ***

 We will host a sunset puja over the next days of Navaratri. Please join us: 

http://www.shivamandir.org/ai1ec_event/day-1-of-navaratri-puja/?instance_id=3834087

This is the End of the Third Day of Navaratri

A conversation about Shiva and Shakti in this image (artist unknown): https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10200365259967183&set=t.1300224436&type=3&theater

God’s the Mother and the Father. 

Where does your power come from?

Beyond the image of lingam and yoni

Within the symbol of peace pipe’s stem and bowl

Inside the story of the sword and chalice

Found in Wiccan’s broom and broomstick

Union; joined together and made whole.

The mystery is more than penetration

Power and submission or even primal force.

Not just womb and vessel can claim creation’s source.

It’s there in fission and fusion, longing and veneration 

Life’s arc and alternating current is its origin and eternal course.

- KSJ

We will host a sunset puja over the next days of Navaratri. Please join us: 

http://www.shivamandir.org/ai1ec_event/day-1-of-navaratri-puja/?instance_id=3834087

Where is Divine Mother's throne? (Celebrating the second day of Navaratri)

The Throne of Astarte from the shrine at Ain Ba'al
located at the department of antiquities in Beirut
found in the book: The Levant: History and 
Archaeology in the Eastern Mediterranean (Art & Architecture)

Where is Divine Mother’s throne
Her most glorious place?

Is it on the most majestic mountain?
Or in the cathedral of the tallest forest tree?
Is it in the vastness of a canyon’s grace
Or somewhere in the limitless sea?
Was it built by human hands,
an impeccable marble altar?

If I search this earth,
all domain and lands,
I will never find it.
I need only look inside to see
where She most wants to be.

Her throne is there, was always there
In the heart space inside of me.

- KSJ

The Vedic Studies Class, "A Word to the Wise" has Begun!

The Vedic Studies Class, "A Word to the Wise," started on Monday, Apr. 8, at Shiva Sai Mandir.

The first lesson is on “Kala,” Sanskrit Word for Time. We think of time as immutable and irrefutable. We live it on a line; our “timeline” with a “deadline.” We run the line through a grid and we box ourselves into a calendar.

But nature shows us that time is not a line but a circle, a cycle. Buddha learned that time is a rotating circle, the Kalachakra. Buddha discovered what the mystics of old and the scientists of now know. Time is a wheel of possibility, a circle dance of probability. There is nothing immutable at all, time is much more changeable than the mind. Which reminds me -- Past, Present and Future walked into a bar…it was a little tense.

We have more about this conversation. Please let us know if you would like to be a part of the class. Materials available. For more information, please follow this link:http://www.vedicstudies.org/a-word-to-the-wise.html

 — at Shiva Mandir Center for Vedic Studies.

Mother Divine is Walking on Earth

"Presence of Gaia" by Josephine Wall

Navaratri is the glorious nine-day celebration of the Divine Mother. It progresses from April 11th through April 19th this year. 

“Nava” means nine, “ratri” means night or “Lunar Day.” From Moonrise to Moonset for nine days at the change of seasons, Mother Divine is honored. The Spring celebration of Navaratri is called “Vasant Navaratri.” 

It is said that when the leaves unfurl, the sprouts break through the earth and the buds open, Mother Divine is walking on earth.  

May you feel Mother’s presence and love as we celebrate the first day of Navaratri. We will host a sunset puja over the next days of Navaratri. Please join us: 
http://www.shivamandir.org/ai1ec_event/day-1-of-navaratri-puja/?instance_id=3834087

VEDIC STUDIES -- “A WORD TO THE WISE”. SPRING SESSION

Mondays, April 8, 15, 22 & 29, 7-8:30 pm

In each lesson we will examine a single Sanskrit word and the philosophy and significance behind it. We will include commentaries from different Vedic masters on the teachings behind the word. The classes will be led by Anjana Rao and Mairead Kerr, certified teachers of Swami Kaleshwar. This is the first class of the Spring session. The word for this lesson is “Kala,” the eternal impermanence.

Conference call option, 1-712-432-0900, participant code 915326#; call 1-712-432-0990 for a recording. If you would like the presentation notes emailed to you, please contact us at shivamandir@gmail.com.

Donations of any amount are appreciated and go toward our temple building fund. For more information about the course, go here: http://www.vedicstudies.org/a-word-to-the-wise.html. to donate to the temple fund, please follow this link: http://www.saioutreach.com/.