Shri Maha Lakshmi Ashtakam Stotram

It is said that anyone who recites the Mahalakshmiashtakam with sincerity and devotion will be rewarded with all material and spiritual bliss. By reciting it once during the day, all your sins will be destroyed; two times during the day, and it'll make you wealthy, and if it is recited a third time, there will be success in eliminating trials and overwhelming challenges, no matter how powerful they are. Sing and the Goddess blesses!

Here is another neat video we found on Youtube that also has translations and more information about Lakshmi herself: 

WE ARE IN THE MIDST OF A SERIES OF LIFE-CHANGING ECLIPSES

What is the energetic influence of eclipses?

Solar eclipses take place on Full Moons when the Moon passes between the Earth and the Sun. This blocks the governing, active and protective influences of the Sun and interrupts the nurturing, restorative and intuitive energies of the Full Moon. The next solar eclipse is May 9th.

Lunar eclipses take place on New Moons. During a lunar eclipse the shadow of the Earth falls on the Moon. This blocks the renewing and germinating potential that the New Moon energy brings. There is a lunar eclipse on May 26th.

The influence of an eclipse extends for weeks, months, and in some cases for years. In ancient times, eclipses were considered so important that the reputation or perhaps even the lives of astrologers were on the line for accurate predictions.

Why don’t we perform lunar homas during an eclipse?

Homas are Vedic fire ceremonies that activate and amplify the subtle cosmic energies in nature. Lunar homas amplify energies of lunar cycles. During an eclipse, the beneficial solar and lunar energies are obscured, blocked and even reversed. Performing a homa during an eclipse amplifies these adverse energies.

Are the influence of eclipses always bad?

The influence of an eclipse cannot be categorically regarded as adverse. Solar eclipses are associated with new beginnings and lunar eclipses are associated with completion. Eclipses portend shifts in global destiny and the collapse of decaying organizations and systems of governance.

How can we make use of this powerful eclipse energy?

To make best use of the influence of an eclipse, go inward: meditating, resting and doing spiritual practices during the time of the eclipse. Showering or bathing after the eclipse is an action of cleansing and releasing the old energy that the eclipse has severed. General recommendations during an eclipse are to stay out of the “astronomical weather.” During the actual time of the eclipse (approximately half an hour) avoid watching the eclipse and avoid traveling. Do not make major changes or decisions on the day before, during or the day after an eclipse. Resolve to welcome the energy that the eclipse is bringing into your life. The specific influences of the eclipse will depend on your individual astrological chart.

The eclipses of this May are part of a cluster of three (lunar eclipse, April 25th; solar eclipse, May 9th; and lunar eclipse, May 26th). These eclipses are bringing powerful new influences for renewal and rebirth in the midst of disintegration of the old. The stage is set for revolutionary change. This is a very significant pattern of cosmic influence that will impact individual and global concerns for years to come.

For specific astronomical information, here is a link to a NASA website on the subject.

A Word to the Wise: Samsara

Samsara

Oh! I watch this wonderful game in a lonely park.
A millionaire strikes a small ball with his iron club
And it flies to infinity, 
He goes behind that happily.
The poor sinner caddy too crawls towards him
with a heavy bag that [is] full of debts on his oblique shoulder[s].

--Nimal Dunuhinga

We will discuss the implications of this poem and the following in our fifth class on May 6th, at Shiva Mandir. 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.

Excerpt from The Turning Seasons of Hell: 

I was an actor on Shakespeare’s stage, and there composed the best of his lines

I was a poet in France and walked across the Alps

I was a singer in Milan, where my reputation was ruined

I was a painter on my back daubing plaster and bright scenes on chapel ceilings day and night

I was a sculptor in stone and clay, making hands and feet for the master

I signed the documents to set this country free

I fought alongside Sitting Bull and killed Custer’s men,

I slept under a tree, and out in the open field,
I contemplated, I practiced,
I slept sitting up, I slept in cemetaries,
I laid down and stayed wherever I happened to be,
I starved my body and my mind and lived on mud and insects,
I ate everything at once, I stopped eating at 5:00 every day
I mastered the sciences of language, logic and philosophy, of medicine and of arts

I was a soldier in a war of the most horrific demise,

a sailor who drowned before the sharks circled in,

a seer who touched the face of the sun,

a prophet, a scoundrel, a rebel and a rat.

A bubble, a lightning flash, a grand revelation, a disco ball, a star and a starship sailing through galaxies, the moon in the water, a pure purple, red, then white, then black, then white, then red, nothing.

a reflection, a reflection, an emanation, an emanation.

-By Caroline Kroll

Akshaya Tritaya, Day of Lasting Achievement Monday, May 13, 6-7 pm.

Akshaya Tritaya, Day of Lasting Achievement
Monday, May 13, 6-7 pm.

The meeting of Rama and Parasurama, painted by Manohar (Mewar school, 1649), Found: columbia.edu

Akshaya Tritaya or the Day of Lasting Achievement is a most important day in the Vedic calendar. Whatever is inaugurated, commenced or honored on this day will have maximum support from the laws of nature for success and longevity. This day celebrates the birth of Lord Parasurama, an incarnation of Vishnu and the birth of Annapurna Devi, the embodiment of nourishment, abundance and satisfaction.  This day also honors when Vyasa and Ganesh began to write down the story of the Mahabharata and when Lord Krishna protected Draupadi’s honor. The cosmic energies support business success, wealth and prosperity on this day.

Traditionally, observances include:
- Giving charitable donations;
- Beginning to plow fields
- Inaugurating business, educational and community endeavors
- Performing Vishnu, Kubera and Lakshmi pujas
- And purchasing gold, silver and precious jewelry.

Please join Shiva Mandir’s celebration of Akshaya Tritaya on Monday, May 13th, for a puja from 6 to 7 pm MDT. 

You are encouraged to bring a symbol of some endeavor you would like blessed (business plan, sample of a product, picture of your place of business, etc.). If you live far away, please send an email or a Shiva Mandir Facebook message of what you would like blessed in the puja by Monday morning (before noon), May 13th, shivamandir@gmail.com.

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.