Purva Mimamsa or Karma-Mimamsa is an enquiry into the earlier portion of the Vedas, an enquiry into the ritual of the Vedas or that portion of the Vedas which is concerned with the Mantras and the Brahmanas only. The Purva Mimamsa is so called, because it is earlier (Purva) than the Uttara Mimamsa, not so much in the chronological as in the logical sense.

Excerpt from All About Hinduism by Sri Swami Sivananda

Read more here: » Purva Mimamsa: Hindu Philosophy - The Purva Mimamsa

Meditation is an ocean and its benefits will depend on the regularity and continuity you maintain, and on the depths to which you plumb in each practical session. The power of meditation is in its experience.

Meditation is not to be considered as an option in life. Whatever your age, vocation, or role in life, meditation must become a mandatory practice in your daily routine. Just as you brush and bathe each day, take time out to think of God. You owe your Creator a gift; that gift can be willing meditation. Try it and take to it! But meditation is better done without an attitude of expectancy.

(See also: Meditation , Meditation, Meditation for Beginners, Meditation Techniques)

Read more here: » Meditation: Benefits Of Meditation

Meditation can either be on an object, or otherwise, can be objectless. In the initial stages, it is easier if you start by concentrating your mind on a selected object. Later, if you have brought over karma of spiritual practices from the past, you will yourself quickly be led to another technique that might be more appropriate to you inner nature.

The selected object may be a symbol, a flame, an image of a deity, a saint, or if you initially prefer, even an animal or ordinary individual you really love ... This really is the right approach too, for in each and every thing in Nature is the Light of God. What really is essential is that we inherently feel a great drawing towards the chosen object, symbol, image, person ...

(See also: Meditation Techniques , Meditation, Meditation for Beginners, Meditation Techniques)

Read more here: » Meditation Techniques: Meditation on an object

Being alone with yourself and understanding yourself is a way to peace.

Man, as he is and as he lives, is a crowd. He appears to be a single unit, but in reality, a crowd of people lives in him: all his relationships exist in him at the same time. So when he enters within himself, images of all his different relationships come floating to him.

At no point is he able to feel himself in entirety, in purity � just himself. This situation continues through his whole life. Sometimes, in the next life too. He carries with him this load of memories and images � that's what makes him a crowd.

(See also: Essence of Meditation , Meditation, Meditation for Beginners, Meditation Techniques)

Read more here: » Essence of Meditation: Flight Of The Alone

"A Brahmachari should avoid looking at a woman with lustful eyes. He should not have a desire to touch her or go near her with evil intention. He should not play, cut jokes or talk with her. He should not praise a woman's qualities within himself or to his friends."

From "Easy Steps to Yoga" by Sri Swami Sivananda.

Read more here: » Brahmacharya: How to Keep Up Brahmacharya

In the West, there is a widespread fear of losing the ego or personality. Through meditation we find that we can expand the ego, not lose it. We must become large-hearted. We must take in more and more of our fellow beings and the rest of the world rather than identify with the individual, isolated self. We must think of ourselves as travellers temporarily passing through life in this world.

We must realise that we are only using this body, these experiences, these material objects temporarily on loan. They are not ours. We are borrowing them. Sooner or later we will leave them behind. There is nothing to fear; our purpose is not to possess these things but to use them in order to transcend them. This is the truth, which goes beyond the law. We must learn that our actions are not our personal possessions. We need not be attached to them.

(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 Principles: Attachment and Non-Attachment

The mark of Dharma is Achara or good conduct. Achara is the mark of the good. From Achara is Dharma born. Dharma enhances life. Man attains prosperity and fame, here and hereafter, through the practice of Dharma.

Good conduct is the highest Dharma. It is the root of all Tapas or austerities. Righteousness, truth and good works, power and prosperity - all originate from conduct.

Excerpt from All About Hinduism by Sri Swami Sivananda

Read more here: » Hindu Ethics: Ethics in Hindu Darma

In most religious scriptures, Shabd or the Word is referred to as the creator of the universe. It is a current from the ocean of pure consciousness that is characterised by ethereal and sublime sound vibration.

It is the all-pervading manifestation of God, the radiant sound current, and it is the connecting link between God and His creation. All the powers of nature depend on and work through Shabd.

(See also: Peace on Earth, Peace of Mind, Love and Happiness, Life and Beyond, Body Mind and Soul)

Read more here: » Peace of Mind: The Wavelength Of Celestial Sound

This is a world of diversity. Intellects are different. Faces are different. Religions are different. Sounds are different. Faiths are different. Colours are different. Faculties are different. Tastes and temperaments are different. But one thing is common in all. Everyone of us wants Nitya Sukha (eternal happiness), infinite knowledge, immortality, freedom and independence. These things can be obtained by knowledge of the Self alone.

From "Easy Steps to Yoga" by Sri Swami Sivananda.

Read more here: » Self-Knowledge: Who Am I?

Destiny and the dynamics of living often remove us from the place we belong to, from what we refer to as our hometown. Living away, we tend to get "hometown-sick".

We split ourselves, and suffer a 'body here, mind there' syndrome. Interestingly, this can happen not just to an individual or a family, but even collectively to a whole people.

(See also: Life and Death, Life and Beyond, Death and Dying, Body Mind and Soul)

Read more here: » Life and Death: Freedom From Exile  

What is the Law of Attraction?

Law of attraction has many different labels, "Success consciousness", "Law of Magnetism", "Power of Thought" etc.

What it says is; all your thoughts, all images in your mind, and all the feelings connected to your thoughts will later manifest as your reality. In other words; everything you have in your life - now - has been attracted to you thru your mind.

This means that both the things you are happy with and those you are not - is your own creation.

Most importantly it means; you can from now on create your life consciously. You can start attracting only those circumstances that creates happiness for you - and leave out those you do not desire.

As The Law of Attraction is the most important law in the universe - there is a lot to say about it! Here you will find over 100 links to articles related to the Law of Attraction sorted under different topics. Indulge in all the knowlwdge and inspiration and learn how to become your own Creator!

(See also: Law of Attraction)

Read more here: » Law of Attraction: The Ultimate Guide to the Law of Attraction

Call to your guru in meditation. At the start of your meditation, ask one of these great souls to help you in your meditative efforts.

After your practice of the techniques, ask him to help you go deep in the Spirit, or to give you a clear perception of truth, or a solution to some spiritual problem.

Above all, pray to him, "Introduce me to God." Draw from him, by the magnetic power of your devotion, the power to become like him - an awakened child of the Infinite.

(See also: Meditation for Beginners , Meditation, Meditation for Beginners, Meditation Techniques)

Read more here: » Meditation for Beginners: Meditation on the Guru

Who is a good human being? Charles Dickens said people were good and bad. But he couldn"t figure out what made them that way. Unfortunately, Dickens missed - by about 50 years - the revolution in psychology brought about by Sigmund Freud.

Freud believed an individual'spersonality was shaped in his infancy, with later influences having only a negligible impact. However, Freud erred in focusing on natural instincts to the exclusion of social structures.

(See also: Peace on Earth, Peace of Mind, Love and Happiness, Life and Beyond, Body Mind and Soul)

Read more here: » Peace of Mind: Goodness, a Lighter State of Being

The Bhagavad Gita has been universally hailed by the learned as truly reflecting the essence of all the Vedas. Its depth, richness and rationality of philosophy have universal appeal.

It teaches man that the true goal of life is union with God or the Supreme Impersonal-Personal Brahman, and the principal means to attain it are the four paths of karma or work, jnana or knowledge, yoga or psychic control and bhakti or loving devotion.

(See also: Bhakti Yoga , God and Religion, Peace on Earth, Peace of Mind, Love and Happiness, Life and Beyond, Body Mind and Soul)

Read more here: » Bhakti Yoga: Krishna's Choice - Bhakti Yoga  

The word - Sankhya - means - number -. The system gives an enumeration of the principles of the universe, twenty-five in number. Hence the name is quite appropriate. The term - Sankhya - is used in the sense of - Vichara - or - philosophical reflection - also.

In the Sankhya system, there is no analytical enquiry into the universe as actually existing, arranged under topics and categories. There is a synthetical system, starting from an original primordial Tattva or Principle, called Prakriti, that which evolves or produces or brings forth (Prakaroti) everything else.

Excerpt from All About Hinduism by Sri Swami Sivananda

Read more here: » Sankhya: Hindu Philosophy . The Sankhya

Sanskrit is one of the oldest languages in the World. The mundane understanding of sound and language is that it is only used for communication between two or more people. But at another level, the science of sound and language is a huge field of wisdom that affect many aspects of life, not the least our spiritual wellbeing. This article explain in detail the science of sound and language and how this wisdom has been an imbedded key component of the ancient sciences of India for thousands of years. Yoga, chanting and the use of mantras are all closely connected to the conscious use of sound and language for healing and spiritual awakening.

Read more here: » Spirituality & Science: Sanskrit - a divine Language?

The doctrine of reincarnation or transmigration of souls is a fundamental tenet of Hinduism. The word reincarnation literally means embodiment again, coming again into a physical body. The individual soul takes again a fleshy covering. The word transmigration means passing from one place to another - passing into a new body.

Excerpt from All About Hinduism by Sri Swami Sivananda

Read more here: » Reincarnation: The Doctrine Of Reincarnation

While prostitutes and their clients represent all sexes and all sexual orientations, the majority of clients are male. Prostitution is rejected by most modern religions as being improper or sinful, and prostitutes are considered to be shameful or individuals of low standing in most societies; in some cultures, their customers are typically also looked down upon but are usually tolerated to a greater degree than the prostitute. The English word whore, referring to (female) prostitutes, is taken from the Old English word hōra ...

See also:

Prostitution, Prostitution - Overview and definitions, Prostitution - Types of prostitution, Prostitution - Street prostitution, Prostitution - Escort/Out-call Prostitution, Prostitution - Socio-economic and legal status of prostitution, Prostitution - Legality of selling sex, Prostitution - Advertising prostitution, Prostitution - Regulated prostitution, Prostitution - Prostitution of children, Prostitution - Prostitution and illegal immigration, Prostitution - Sex tourism, Prostitution - Violence against prostitutes, Prostitution - Human or sex trafficking, Prostitution - Medical situation, Prostitution - How common is prostitution?, Prostitution - Politics, Prostitution - Legal issues, Prostitution - Feminism, Prostitution - History

Read more here: » Prostitution: Encyclopedia II - Prostitution - Overview and definitions

After he renounced his princehood, he spent the next twelve and half years in deep silence and meditation and took on the discipline of conquering his desires, feelings, and attachments. He carefully avoided harming or annoying other living beings including animals, birds, and plants. He also went without food for long periods. His enduring calm and peaceful character against all unbearable hardships presence the influence of his title, Mahavir (a Sanskrit word, meaning very brave and courageous), given to him by his peers. During thi ...

See also:

Mahavira, Mahavira - Overview of Mahavira's life, Mahavira - Awakening and enlightenment, Mahavira - Honours, Mahavira - Quotes, Mahavira - Footnotes

Read more here: » Mahavira: Encyclopedia II - Mahavira - Awakening and enlightenment

Festive bonhomie apart, many myths, legends and spiritual insights are woven around the customs and rituals associated with Diwali.

Celebrations commence a day before amavas on Naraka Chaturdasi , which marks the vanquishing of the demon Naraka by Lord Krishna and Satyabhama. According to the puranas , demon king Naraka had acquired immense power through penance and had imprisoned the gods. He had also held captive 16,000 celestial princesses.

(See also: Diwali , 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: » Diwali: It's Time to Light Lamps of Wisdom - about Diwali  

Karma means not only action, but also the result of an action. The consequence of an action is really not a separate thing. It is a part of the action, and cannot be divided from it. Breathing, thinking, talking, seeing, hearing, eating, etc., are Karmas. Thinking is mental Karma. Karma is the sum total of our acts both in the present life and in the preceding births.

Any deed, any thought that causes an effect, is called a Karma. The Law of Karma means the law of causation. Wherever there is a cause, there an effect must be produced. A seed is a cause for the tree which is the effect. The tree produces seeds and becomes the cause for the seeds.

Excerpt from All About Hinduism by Sri Swami Sivananda

Read more here: » Karma: The Law Of Karma

The approaches to the path are many and different personalities are satisfied by different techniques and methods. Each one of us may be advised to experiment with the variety of streams and then to choose to stay with the one that seems most comfortable. Of course, the more fortunate may intuitively be drawn to a select method fairly early in their search and can thus take off from where they left off in a past incarnation.

The many systems are like rivers that lead into the one sea. All will finally lead to the One goal. Yet, some techniques take you across slowly as with a boat, while others get you to the far side by plane.

(See also: Meditation Techniques , Meditation, Meditation for Beginners, Meditation Techniques)

Read more here: » Meditation Techniques: Meditating Scientifically