maabaglamukhidivyalok

संस्कर (Sacraments)

Hinduism is essentially a spoken tradition, and sound is the primary means of spiritual expression. Speech is personified as Vak, a form of goddess Sarasvati. As the deity of scholarship and the arts, Sarasvati symbolises the intimate relationship within Hinduism between culture and religion, which until recently were practically inseparable. There are 64 traditional arts, which comprise a wide variety of skills, crafts, and artistic activities including music, painting, sculpture, singing, cooking, architecture, creating colourful patterns, applying cosmetics, producing perfumes, flower arranging, and caring for trees. Their variety and the inclusion of practical crafts suggest art is an integral part of life, rather than a vocation aimed at pleasing the elite. These arts were part of the process of spiritual culture, of refining and uplifting the tastes, values, and sentiments of human society. The word for culture is Sanskriti, "refinement," suggesting a means for extracting the spiritual essence of life (Brahman). "Sanskrit" similarly means "the most refined language." The similarity of the two words reflects the close relationship between religious scholarship and culture as a vehicle of spiritual expression.

About the Vedas

The Veda refers to a collection of vedic mantras in vedic Sanskrit. Vedas are eternal in nature and hence self-evident. These matras were also known as Shruti and Amnaya. Veda mantra is not manmade, in the sense that it is not born of human intellect, imagination, or speculation.

Mantras are deep spiritual truths and phenomena revealed by the Devatas (Vedic Spiritual Gods) to the rishis (sages) in their deep meditation. Each mantra is a verse revealed to men and women of wisdom known as rishis. All of them were not revealed at the same time.

The rishis numbered over 500, including women such as Vaak, Ambrini, Apara, Lopamudra, Turya, Ghosha, etc. They were preserved orally for a long time. Only about 5000 years ago, they were committed to writing by Vyasa (Krishna Dwaipayana Vyasa).

These mantras are the earliest literary or poetic works of entire humanity. There are 3 types of mantras with the names of Rk Mantra, Yajus Mantra, and Saman Mantra. In course of time, around 4000 BCE, the single collection of mantras was divided into 4 collections based on their use:

Rg Veda: Mantras to invoke Vedic Gods
Yajur Veda: Mantras to perform Yajnas
Sama Veda: Mantras for Chanting
Atharva Veda: Mantras for Administration of Vedic Yajna

उत्सव (Festivals)

Hindus observe sacred occasions by festive observances. All festivals in Hinduism are predominantly religious in character and significance. Many festivals are seasonal. Some celebrate harvest and birth of God or Heroes. Some are dedicated to important events. Many are dedicated to Shiva & Parvati, Vishnu & Lakshmi and Brahma & Saraswati. Hinduism is rich in its unique festivals and customs which are being celebrated through centuries. From Diwali the festival of lights to Holi, Bengali New Year, the festival of colors to Rakshabandhan, a special festival for brothers and sisters, Hindu festivals are colorful, fun yet with a deep social and religious significance. 'Utsava' is the Sanskrit word for Hindu festivals, meaning 'to cause to grow Upward'. A festival may be observed with acts of worship, offerings to deities, fasting, feasting, vigil, rituals, fairs, charity, celebrations, Puja, Homa, aarti, etc. They celebrate individual and community life of Hindus without distinction of caste, gender or class.

देवालय (Temples)

Hindus observe sacred occasions by festive observances. All festivals in Hinduism are predominantly religious in character and significance. Many festivals are seasonal. Some celebrate harvest and birth of God or Heroes. Some are dedicated to important events. Many are dedicated to Shiva & Parvati, Vishnu & Lakshmi and Brahma & Saraswati. Hinduism is rich in its unique festivals and customs which are being celebrated through centuries. From Diwali the festival of lights to Holi, Bengali New Year, the festival of colors to Rakshabandhan, a special festival for brothers and sisters, Hindu festivals are colorful, fun yet with a deep social and religious significance. 'Utsava' is the Sanskrit word for Hindu festivals, meaning 'to cause to grow Upward'. A festival may be observed with acts of worship, offerings to deities, fasting, feasting, vigil, rituals, fairs, charity, celebrations, Puja, Homa, aarti, etc. They celebrate individual and community life of Hindus without distinction of caste, gender or class.

आश्रम - मट (Ashrams/Math)

Traditionally, an ashram (Sanskrit/Hindi: आश्रम) is a spiritual hermitage. Additionally, today the term ashram often denotes a locus of Indian cultural activity such as yoga, music study or religious instruction, the moral equivalent of a studio or dojo. An ashram would typically, but not always, be located far from human habitation, in forests or mountainous regions, amidst refreshing natural surroundings conducive to spiritual instruction and meditation. The residents of an ashram regularly performed spiritual and physical exercises, such as the various forms of Yoga. Other sacrifices and penances, such as Yajnas were also performed. Many ashrams also served as Gurukuls or residential schools for children. Sabarmati Ashram where Gandhi stayed. Ashrams have been a powerful symbol throughout Hindu history and theology. Most Hindu kings, until the medieval ages, are known to have had a sage who would advise the royal family in spiritual matters, or in times of crisis, who was called the rajguru, which literally translates to royal teacher. A world-weary emperor going to this guru's ashram, and finding solace and tranquility, is a recurring motif in many folktales and legends of ancient India. Sometimes, the goal of a pilgrimage to the ashram was not tranquility, but instruction in some art, especially warfare. In the Hindu epic Ramayana, the protagonist princes of ancient Ayodhya, Rama and Lakshmana, go to the Rishi Vishvamitra's ashram to protect his Yajnas from being defiled by emissary-demons of Ravana. After they prove their mettle, the princes receive martial instruction from the sage, especially in the use of Divine weapons, called Divyastras (Sanskrit Divya: Divine + Astra: missile weapon; the Sanskrit word 'astra' means missile weapon, such as an arrow, as opposed to 'shastra', which means a hand-to-hand weapon, such as a mace.) In the Mahabharata, Lord Krishna, in his youth, goes to the ashram of Sage Sandipani, to gain knowledge of both intellectual and spiritual matters.

" Food Donation for the Poor "

Food donation for the poor is a powerful way to address hunger and provide essential support to those in need. Many individuals and families around the world struggle to access basic food items due to poverty, unemployment, or unforeseen circumstances. By donating food, we can offer hope and alleviate some of the burdens they face. Various organizations, local communities, and individuals organize food drives and donate meals to ensure that no one has to go hungry. This act of kindness not only meets immediate nutritional needs but also fosters a sense of solidarity and compassion in society, encouraging others to contribute to the well-being of the less fortunate.

"House Maintenance for Poor People: Supporting Safe and Stable Living Conditions"

House maintenance for poor people is an important aspect of ensuring that vulnerable families have safe, secure, and comfortable living conditions. Many low-income households struggle with maintaining their homes due to financial limitations, leading to issues such as leaking roofs, broken windows, or inadequate sanitation. Providing house maintenance services, such as repairing damaged infrastructure, ensuring proper ventilation, or upgrading basic utilities, can significantly improve the quality of life for these families. Organizations and communities that offer such services help reduce the risks associated with unsafe living conditions, creating a healthier environment for individuals and families to thrive. By supporting house maintenance for the poor, we can contribute to a more equitable and compassionate society.

"Clothes Donation"

Clothes donation is an effective way to support individuals and families in need, providing them with essential clothing they may not be able to afford. Many people, especially those living in poverty or facing difficult circumstances, struggle to access basic clothing. Donating gently used clothes not only helps alleviate this need but also promotes sustainability by reducing waste. Various organizations collect and distribute clothes to those in need, ensuring that everyone, regardless of their economic situation, has access to suitable clothing. This simple act of kindness can have a significant impact, offering warmth, dignity, and comfort to those who may be struggling.

"Medical Help for Poor People: Ensuring Access to Healthcare for All "

Medical help for poor people is a crucial aspect of addressing health inequalities and ensuring that everyone, regardless of their financial situation, has access to necessary healthcare. Many individuals in impoverished communities struggle to afford medical treatment, medication, or even basic healthcare services. Providing free or subsidized healthcare, organizing medical camps, and offering health insurance support can make a significant difference in improving their health and quality of life. Voluntary organizations, hospitals, and healthcare professionals often play a vital role in delivering medical assistance to underserved populations. By focusing on healthcare for the poor, we can reduce the burden of illness, improve long-term health outcomes, and empower individuals to live healthier, more fulfilling lives.