The important thing to bear in mind, while practicing affirmations, is that because the mind has a tendency to use words while thinking, it is helpful to use them in such a way as to uplift the mind in cooperation with divine inspiration.

Here are some points to remember while you repeat uplifting word-phrases and melodies during the day:

(See also: Life Transforming Affirmations , Affirmations, Practising Affirmations, Life Transforming Affirmations, Essence of Affirmations, Faith and Belief, Peace of Mind, Love and Happiness, Body Mind and Soul)

Read more here: » Life Transforming Affirmations: Music to Uplift Your Consciousness

Takuhatsu: The system that is used by Zen monks who are in training, to beg for their food. This is generally done in groups of ten to fifteen. The group goes through the street single-file, chanting "Ho" (meaning Dharma), and sympathizers come down and fill their alms bowls. This is the monks offering of the Dharma and their lives of guardians of the Dharma to the people. According to Zen tradition, the givers should be grateful (Reps & Senzaki, p. 48).

 (See also: Takuhatsu , Buddhism, Body Mind and Soul)

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Hari-nama - the chanting of the holy names of the Lord. Unless accompanied by the word sankirtana, it usually refers to the practice of chanting the Hare Krsna maha-mantra to oneself on a strand of tulasi beads.

(See also: Hari-nama , Bhakti, Bhakti Yoga, Bhakti Dictionary, Body Mind and Soul)

For more dictionary entries, see » Chanting Dictionary

A Buddhist chant is a form of musical verse or incantation, in some ways analogous to Hindu or Christian religious recitations. They exist in just about every part of the Buddhist world, from the Wats in Thailand to the Lamaist temples of India (re: Tibetan Government in Exile). Almost every Buddhist school has some tradition of chanting associated with it, regardless of being Theravada or Mahayana. Buddhist chant - Chanting. In Buddhism, chanting is the traditional means of preparing the mind for M ...

Including:

• Buddhist chant - Chanting
• Buddhist chant - Adherents

Read more here: » Buddhist chant

ISKCON is actively evangelical. Members try to spread "Krishna consciousness" by, for example, going on the streets to chant their mantra or to sell their books. According to the doctrine of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu one does not need to be born in a Hindu family to take up the practice of Vaishnavism. This openness places ISKCON in strong contrast to many other branches of Hinduism, which may place strong or exclusive stress on hereditary lineage and are non-missionary by nature. Thus there are ISKCON communities around the world with schools, restaurants and farms. Many ISKCON ...

See also:

International Society for Krishna Consciousness, International Society for Krishna Consciousness - The Great Mantra, International Society for Krishna Consciousness - Presence in City Streets, International Society for Krishna Consciousness - Philosophy and History, International Society for Krishna Consciousness - The Seven Purposes of ISKCON, International Society for Krishna Consciousness - Spreading the word, International Society for Krishna Consciousness - ISKCON after Prabhupada's Death, International Society for Krishna Consciousness - Scandal and controversy, International Society for Krishna Consciousness - Points of Philosophical Contention, International Society for Krishna Consciousness - Sources, International Society for Krishna Consciousness - Reform Issues Replies

Read more here: » International Society for Krishna Consciousness: Encyclopedia II - International Society for Krishna Consciousness - Spreading the word

Maryada Purusha , Rama Navami , Rama nama, Rama nama mantra, Rama nama contains the power of all mantras. Just uttering the syllable 'Ra' can purge us of all sin. The following syllable 'Ma' ensures that expunged sins do not return to plague us.

The Rama nama mantra stands for Supreme Reality. Chanting Rama's name produces a rhythmic sound that soothes and relaxes the mental and physical system. Mental recitations are equally, if not more, effective. 'Ra' is taken from the Astakshari Mantra Om Namo Narayanaya and 'Ma', from Panchakshari Mantra, Namah Shivaya . The word Rama stands for one who is always present in the hearts of yogis and makes them feel happy. Rama nama liberates from ego and desires. If you are depressed, the mantra will lift your spirits.

(See also: Rama Navami , Indian Festivals, Spiritual Guidance, God and Religion, Peace on Earth, Peace of Mind, Love and Happiness, Life and Beyond, Body Mind and Soul)

Read more here: » Rama Navami: In Praise of Rama, Maryada Purusha  

Saptah:

(lit., seven) A term introduced by Swami Muktananda to refer to the continuous chanting of the name of God, which also may be accompanied by dancing in a circle in a series of measured steps as an act of devotion and a joyful experience of meditation in motion. Saptahs were often held in the ashram for seven days at a time.

(See also: Saptah , Yoga, Yoga Dictionary, Siddha Yoga, Siddha Yoga Dictionary)

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V X Y Z

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There is no reference to worship of idols in the Vedas. The Puranas and the Agamas give descriptions of idol-worship both in the houses and in the temples. Idol-worship is not peculiar to Hinduism. Christians worship the Cross. They have the image of the Cross in their mind. The Mohammedans keep the image of the Kaba stone when they kneel and do prayers. The people of the whole world, save a few Yogis and Vedantins, are all worshippers of idols. They keep some image or the other in the mind.

The mental image also is a form of idol. The difference is not one of kind, but only one of degree. All worshippers, however intellectual they may be, generate a form in the mind and make the mind dwell on that image.

Excerpt from All About Hinduism by Sri Swami Sivananda

Read more here: » Hindu Worship: An Introduction to Hindu Worship

Have you seen how peacefully a child sleeps in the lap of his parent, even in a noisy, crowded local train? The hustle-bustle disturbs everyone, but not the child, due to his implicit faith in the protection of his parent.

All of us strive diligently to overcome our many fears: financial, familial, social, academic and physical. However, the necessary security measures like insurances, helmets, buzzer alarms and health check-ups fail to free us from a disconcerting sense of insecurity within us. Why?

All fear originates in an unbalanced, unrealistic material conception of life. The material aspect of our life has its importance; we need to feed, clothe, house and provide for ourselves and our loved ones.

(See also: Metaphysics, Metaphysical Principles, Definition of Metaphysics, Metaphysical Techniques, Miracles, Creating Miracles Faith and Belief, Spiritual Guidance, Peace of Mind, Life and Beyond, Body Mind and Soul)

Read more here: » Metaphysical Inspirations: Be Cool, Draw Energy From Spiritual Devotion

Mantras & Yantras: Types of Yantras

These five types of yantras are classed according to the different puja (worship) conducted. Bhu Prisht Yantras, Meru Prisht Yantras, Patel Yantras, Meru Parastar Yantras and Ruram Prisht Yantras. Each yantra has a separate and distinct purpose to gain a particular objective for the aspirant. Some yantras are worshipped in temples, some worshipped by individuals at home and some are worn on the body. According to how the yantras are used they are further classified into seven divisions Sharir Yantra, Dharan Yantra, Asana Yantra, Mandala Yantra and Puja Yantra.

Read more here: » Mantras Yantras: Types of Yantras

Buddhism Holydays: Holy days and Festivals in Buddhism

Festivals play a big part in the lives of many Buddhists. Most Buddhists, with the exception of the Japanese, use the Lunar calendar. The dates of Buddhist festivals and the way they are celebrated vary from country to country, and between Buddhist traditions. The most important holy days are: Wesak, Dharma Day, Sangha Day, Parinirvana Day and Losar

Read more here: » Buddhism Holydays: Holy days and Festivals in Buddhism

Hinduism Lexicon on B

From backbiting to buddhi chitta.

Read more here: » Hinduism: Hinduism Lexicon on B

Yellow Bamboo is a Balinesian White Magic type of Martial Art and Spiritual practice that are becoming more wellknown in the West the last couple of years. This article by Dr Alvin G. Donovan III, Yellow Bamboo Master, gives a personal first-hand report about how he first got to know about this system.

Read more here: » Yellow Bamboo - Balinese White Magic

Every year on Makara Sankaranthi , a unique phenomenon takes place at Sabarimala, the popular pilgrim centre on the Kerala-Tamil Nadu border. A light of extraordinary brightness appears on the horizon in the north-eastern side of an adjacent mountain top called Kantamala. The beacon, called Makara Jyoti , lasts 15 to 20 minutes and marks the climax of the 41 days of the Sabarimala pilgrimage.

This 'light' miracle, in fact, follows yet another unexplained annual event. The ornaments of Lord Ayyappa, presiding deity of Sabarimala, are kept in the custody of the erstwhile Prince of Pandalam in his palace, 90 km from the temple. These are taken to the temple every year in a three-day-long procession. As the procession approaches the temple, an eagle is seen hovering over it, guiding it towards the sanctum sanctorum. Once the ornaments reach the temple, the eagle mysteriously disappears.

(See also: Makara Jyoti , Indian Festivals, Spiritual Guidance, God and Religion, Peace on Earth, Peace of Mind, Love and Happiness, Life and Beyond, Body Mind and Soul)

Read more here: » Makara Jyoti: Unique Makara Jyoti In Sabarimala Hills  

Suryanamaskar is the salutation to Sun God which is one of the major sources of prana in this creation. Prana being "The Force" in the universe, that which is responsible for creation, maintenance and transformation in the physical.

The sun's energy vibrates at innumerable frequencies manifesting in the physical as various food/ prana for various living things like trees, leaves, animals, humans etc.

Instructions and benefits for:

-       Surya Pranam Asana

-       Hasta Uthaan Asana

-       Padhasta Asana

-       Ashwa Sanchalan Asana

-       Parvat Asana

-       Ashtanga Namaskar

-       Bhujang Asana

(See also: Suryanamaskar , Yoga, Yoga and Health, Yoga Systems, Yoga Positions)

Read more here: » Suryanamaskar: Yogi Ashwini ji of Dhyan Foundation

The following lines are from the Mahabharata and are quoted portions from the text. Believers believe that regular chanting of the hymn can accrue benefits. On avoiding evil, succeeding in battle, and gaining affluence, pleasure, happiness, and offspring: Bhisma said, "Even thus have I recited to thee, without any exception, the thousand excellent names of the high-souled Kesava whose glory should always be sung. That man who hears the names every day or who recites them every day, never meets with any evil either here ...

See also:

Vishnu sahasranama, Vishnu sahasranama - Etymology, Vishnu sahasranama - Interpretation, Vishnu sahasranama - Pronunciation and Merits of Recitation, Vishnu sahasranama - Prayer, Vishnu sahasranama - Shlokas, Vishnu sahasranama - Recitation and aggregation, Vishnu sahasranama - Tradition of recitation, Vishnu sahasranama - Inclusion of other deities, Vishnu sahasranama - Quotes about Vishnu Sahasranama, Vishnu sahasranama - Benefits of chanting Vishnu Sahasranama, Vishnu sahasranama - Books

Read more here: » Vishnu sahasranama: Encyclopedia II - Vishnu sahasranama - Benefits of chanting Vishnu Sahasranama

Shivaratri is a festival of fasting, worship and prayer. Fasting is undertaken to get rid of one's ego. Once the ego is destroyed, the Shiva hidden within gets revealed.

Sri Ramana Maharshi often said that Shiva signifies the Great Dissolution. Where things dissolve, there they must originate. Hence Shiva is the source of the entire creation, including Brahma and Vishnu.

(See also: Shivaratri , Indian Festivals, Spiritual Guidance, God and Religion, Peace on Earth, Peace of Mind, Love and Happiness, Life and Beyond, Body Mind and Soul)

Read more here: » Shivaratri: Lord of Destruction Also Protects Life - about Shivaratri  

Havan: a fire ritual accompanied by the chanting of the sacred Vedic mantras for a communal or common purpose. In the Vedic age, Havans were performed to give offerings of ghee, milk or grain to please the deities. With the later philosophical development of Hinduism, their purpose evolved into a method of practicing renunciation.

(See also: Havan , Hinduism, Yoga, Body Mind and Soul)

For more dictionary entries, see » Chanting Dictionary

The simplest chant is just the name of the team shouted over and over again, often with clapping in the gap; e.g. "Tottenham" (clap clap clap); "Tottenham" (clap clap clap). Chants being nothing if not competitive, opposing supporters may respond by shouting an insulting word in the gap, most commonly used is shit. The next simplest chant, used when your team is ahead, is just the score repeated, e.g. "two nil; two nil", particularly if one the teams has scored recentl ...

See also:

Football chant, Football chant - Common chants, Football chant - Songs associated with football teams, Football chant - List of football teams whose chants are described in within their article, Football chant - Chant Laureate, Football chant - Other sports, Football chant - Chants in North American sports, Football chant - Rugby union, Football chant - Cricket

Read more here: » Football chant: Encyclopedia II - Football chant - Common chants

Mentalphysics (Science of Mentalphysics): practical, wholistic, futuristic science and super yoga founded in 1927 by Rev. Edwin J. Dingle, an English journalist and publisher who died in 1972.

Mentalphysics brings out the hidden meaning of the Bible, includes astral travel, and embraces aura reading (aura study), chanting, Guided Meditation, Jin Shin Jyutsu, pranayama, Pranic Therapy, reflexology, shiatsu, and individualization of diet according to chemical type.

(See also: Mentalphysics , Body Mind and Soul, Alternative Health, Alternative Health Dictionary)

For more dictionary entries, see » Chanting Dictionary

babaji

one who devotes the major portion of his life to solitary devotional practices, especially chanting the Lord’s names.

(See also: babaji , Bhakti, Bhakti Yoga, Bhakti Dictionary, Body Mind and Soul)

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Gayatri Mantra: (Sanskrit)

1) Famous Vedic mantra used in puja and personal chanting. Om (bhur bhuvah svah) tat savitur varenyam, bhargo devasya dhimahi, dhiyo yo nah prachodayat. "(O Divine Beings of all three worlds,) we meditate upon the glorious splendor of the Vivifier divine. May He illumine our minds." (Rig Veda 3.62.10 VE). This sacred verse is also called the Savitri Mantra, being addressed to Savitri, the Sun as Creator, and is considered a universal mystic formula so significant that it is called Vedamatri, "mother of the Vedas."

2) Any of a class of special tantric mantras called Gayatri. Each addresses a particular Deity. The Siva Gayatri Mantra is: Tryambakam yajamahe sugandhim pushtivardhanam, urvarukamiva bandhanan mrtyormukshiya mamrtat. "We adore the fragrant three-eyed one who promotes prosperity. May we be freed from the bondage of death as a cucumber from its stalk, but not from immortality." This is a famous verse of the Yajur Veda (from Rudranamaka, or Sri Rudram), considered an essential mantra of Siva worship used in all Siva rites.

(See also: Gayatri Mantra , Hinduism, Body Mind and Soul)

For more dictionary entries, see » Chanting Dictionary