Vibhut:

Vibhut(h)i (Udi): Baba has often spoken of the significance of this Vibhuti. Since it is materialized out of nothing and since the Ash is specifically associated with Siva, it is reverentially known by devotees as Kailasa Vibuthi the sacred Ash of Siva who resides on Mount Kailasa. It is named Vibhuti since it endows one with prosperity; Bhasma - "ashes" because it burns away all sins; Bhasitam - "brightened" because it increases one's spiritual splendor; Ksharam - "destruction" since it removes danger; and Raksha - "protector" for it is an armor against the machinations of evil spirits (SSS). Shirdi Sai Baba gave this ash and Sathya Sai Baba materializes the ash out of His hand to His devotees as a token of blessing or for other purposes. (SSS-II)

(See also: Vibhut, Hinduism, Hinduism Dictionary, Sanskrit Dictionary, Body Mind and Soul)

Bhagavan:

Bhagavan: (Bhagavatha Vahini) Divinity; term of reverential address; Sathya Sai Baba is called Bhagavan by his devotees. (BV-30), (BV-36). Bha meant "creation," Ga meant "protection" and Va meant "change" or "transformation." "Bhagavan is capable of all three (SSS-I)

Bhagavan: means 'one endowed with Bhaga'; Bhaga means according to ancient Sanskrit lexicographers:

(See also: Bhagavan, Hinduism, Hinduism Dictionary, Sanskrit Dictionary, Body Mind and Soul)

Narada Bhakti sutra by sage Narada distinguishes eleven forms based on the different relationship to God that the devotee can assume. Prahlada, as explained in Srimad Bhagavatam, enunciates Nine Expressions of Bhakti. Adi Shankara, in his verse #61 of Sivanandalahari lists Five analogies of Bhakti. See Five Graded Analogies of Bhakti. Sathya Sai Baba, talks about Three stages of Bhakti, namely, External Worship (“Bahya bhakti”, like worshipping in temples and holy places), Exclusive Worship of one deity (“Ananya bh ...

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Bhakti, Bhakti - Concept of God, Bhakti - Brahman the Ultimate, Bhakti - Two schools the Absolutist and the non-Absolutist, Bhakti - Ishwara the all-powerful Almighty, Bhakti - Names and Forms, Bhakti - Favourite deity worship, Bhakti - Six traditional favourites, Bhakti - All-encompassing eclecticism, Bhakti - Classifications of Bhakti, Bhakti - Example of Towering Giants of Bhakti, Bhakti - Theory of Grace, Bhakti - Take the first step, Bhakti - One Purpose of prayer and worship, Bhakti - Sources

Read more here: » Bhakti: Encyclopedia II - Bhakti - Classifications of Bhakti

Contemporary persons who perform many acts that they claim are miracles include the Indian gurus Sathya Sai Baba and Swami Premananda. However some of the miracles are alleged to range from sleight of hand to elaborate magic tricks. Some modern religious groups claim ongoing occurrence of miraculous events. While some miracles have been proven to be fraudulent (see Peter Popoff for an example) others (as the Paschal Fire in Jerusalem) have not proven susceptible to analysis. Some groups are far more cautious about proclaiming apparent miracles genuine than others, although official sanction, or the lack t ...

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Miracle, Miracle - Miracles as supernatural acts, Miracle - Aristotelian and Neo-Aristotelian views of miracles, Miracle - Non-literal reinterpretations of miracles, Miracle - Transcendent and nontranscendent miracles, Miracle - Miracles as a product of creative art and social acceptance, Miracle - Miracles as commonplace events, Miracle - Miracles as viewed by different religions, Miracle - Miracles as described by the Bible, Miracle - Christian views of miracles, Miracle - Catholic views of miracles, Miracle - Islamic view of miracles, Miracle - Hindu views of miracles, Miracle - Jewish views of miracles, Miracle - Contemporary miracles, Miracle - Notes and References

Read more here: » Miracle: Encyclopedia II - Miracle - Contemporary miracles

Andhra Pradesh is the home of many religious pilgrim centers. Tirupati, the abode of Lord Venkateswara, has the richest and most visited Hindu temple in India. Srisailam, the abode of Sri Mallikarjuna, is one of the twelve Jyothirlingams in India and Yadagirigutta, the abode of an avatara of Vishnu, Sri Lakshmi Narasimha. Puttaparthi hosts the ashram of popular guru Sri Sathya Sai Baba. The Ramappa temple at Warangal is famous for some fine temple carvings. The state has numerous Buddhist centers at Amaravati, Bh ...

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Andhra Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh - History, Andhra Pradesh - 17th Century, Andhra Pradesh - The Colonial Era, Andhra Pradesh - Post-Independence, Andhra Pradesh - Other articles about Andhra Pradesh History, Andhra Pradesh - Geography, Andhra Pradesh - Regions, Andhra Pradesh - Languages in Andhra Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh - Important Cities/Towns, Andhra Pradesh - Districts, Andhra Pradesh - Politics, Andhra Pradesh - The Beginning of Multi-Party Politics, Andhra Pradesh - Economy, Andhra Pradesh - Recent Economic Progress, Andhra Pradesh - Urban Centers of Economic Importance, Andhra Pradesh - Culture, Andhra Pradesh - Language, Andhra Pradesh - Movies, Andhra Pradesh - Music, Andhra Pradesh - Literature, Andhra Pradesh - Dance, Andhra Pradesh - Cultural Institutions, Andhra Pradesh - Newspapers, Andhra Pradesh - Other elements of Culture, Andhra Pradesh - Festivals, Andhra Pradesh - Food, Andhra Pradesh - Tourism, Andhra Pradesh - Famous personalities from Andhra Pradesh

Read more here: » Andhra Pradesh: Encyclopedia II - Andhra Pradesh - Tourism

Puttaparthi:

Puttaparthi: Name of the village in South-India where Sathya Sai Baba was born.

Radha: Is the adhar (basis) for the dhara (continuous stream) of aradh (worship). That is to say, Radha is the created universe which has to be used by man for discovering the Divinity immanent in it, the Divinity that is revealed as beauty, truth and goodness, as Sath Chith and Ananda, as Sathyam Sivam and Sundaram. (SSS-II) Eternal companion of Krishna, personal form of His inner happiness-energy. She embodies the perfect love and devotion to the Lord.

(See also: Puttaparthi, Hinduism, Hinduism Dictionary, Sanskrit Dictionary, Body Mind and Soul)

Andhra Pradesh is the home of many religious pilgrim centers. Tirupati, the abode of Lord Venkateswara, has the richest and most visited Hindu temple in India. Srisailam, the abode of Sri Mallikarjuna, is one of the twelve Jyothirlingams in India and Yadagirigutta, the abode of an avatara of Vishnu, Sri Lakshmi Narasimha. Puttaparthi hosts the ashram of popular guru Sri Sathya Sai Baba. The Ramappa temple at Warangal is famous for some fine temple carvings. The state has numerous Buddhist centers at Amaravati, Bh ...

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Andhra Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh - History, Andhra Pradesh - The Colonial Era, Andhra Pradesh - Post-Independence, Andhra Pradesh - Other articles about Andhra Pradesh History, Andhra Pradesh - Dynasties, Andhra Pradesh - Geography, Andhra Pradesh - Regions, Andhra Pradesh - Languages in Andhra Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh - Important Cities/Towns, Andhra Pradesh - Districts, Andhra Pradesh - Politics, Andhra Pradesh - The Beginning of Multi-Party Politics, Andhra Pradesh - Economy, Andhra Pradesh - Recent Economic Progress, Andhra Pradesh - Urban Centers of Economic Importance, Andhra Pradesh - Culture, Andhra Pradesh - Language, Andhra Pradesh - Movies, Andhra Pradesh - Music, Andhra Pradesh - Literature, Andhra Pradesh - Dance, Andhra Pradesh - Cultural Institutions, Andhra Pradesh - Newspapers, Andhra Pradesh - Other elements of Culture, Andhra Pradesh - Festivals, Andhra Pradesh - Food, Andhra Pradesh - Tourism, Andhra Pradesh - Famous personalities from Andhra Pradesh

Read more here: » Andhra Pradesh: Encyclopedia II - Andhra Pradesh - Tourism

Like the inimitable Kabir of 15th century Benares, Shri Shirdi Sai Baba eschewed narrow communalism and embraced a philosophy that sought to unite seemingly disparate religious communities, those of Muslim and Hindus. His followers believe that Sai Baba had miraculous powers and that he will be ever active and continue to do miracles from his tomb. The most important holy book of the Sai Baba movement is the Shri Sai Satcharita written by Govindrao Raghunath Dabholkar whom Sai Baba blessed and titled Hemadpant. The book ...

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Sai Baba of Shirdi, Sai Baba of Shirdi - His life, Sai Baba of Shirdi - His religion philosophy and practices, Sai Baba of Shirdi - His legacy, Sai Baba of Shirdi - Bibliography

Read more here: » Sai Baba of Shirdi: Encyclopedia II - Sai Baba of Shirdi - His religion philosophy and practices

Like the inimitable Kabir of 15th century Benares, Shri Shirdi Sai Baba eschewed narrow communalism and embraced a philosophy that sought to unite seemingly disparate religious communities, those of Muslim and Hindus. His followers believe that Sai Baba had miraculous powers and that he will be ever active and continue to do miracles from his tomb. The most important holy book of the Sai Baba movement is the Shri Sai Satcharita written by Govindrao Raghunath Dabholkar whom Sai Baba blessed and titled Hemadpant. The book ...

See also:

Sai Baba of Shirdi, Sai Baba of Shirdi - His life, Sai Baba of Shirdi - His religion, philosophy and practices, Sai Baba of Shirdi - His legacy, Sai Baba of Shirdi - Bibliography

Read more here: » Sai Baba of Shirdi: Encyclopedia II - Sai Baba of Shirdi - His religion, philosophy and practices

Mudhras:

(Hasta) Mudhras: Hand-gestures.

 Seven Mudhras of Sathya Sai Baba:

1. First is the Abhaya Mudhra. It is the gesture of the raised right hand allaying fear and assuring protection to the devotees.

2. Second is the Varadha Mudhra. It is the downward pointed right palm bestowing gifts and boons to the devotees.

3. Third is the Anugraha Mudhra. It is the gesture of raising both hands indicating blessings for the progress and welfare of the mass of devotees. It may also be called 'Yoga Kshema Mudhra'.

4. Fourth is the Srujana Mudhra. It is the gesture of the circular waving of the right palm pointed downwards for materialising spiritually charged articles (e.g. sacred ash).

5. Fifth is the Thirodhana Mudhra. It is the gesture of circling the right palm in an outward direction driving away impurities or negativity in the surroundings. Alternatively, it may imply the dematerialization of articles created.

6. Sixth is the Shakthipatha Mudhra. It is the gesture of placing the right palm on top of the head of a devotee for the descent or activation of his spiritual energy.

7. Seventh is the Tharjani Mudhra. It is the gesture of writing in the air with the index finger, or holding up the hand with fingers extended. This may indicate communication with extra terrestrial forces. The significance of these mudhras is that they are for the welfare of the devotees. The descent of an Avathar is always for the enhancement of the spiritual life of people and for the promotion of the practice of Dharma (right conduct).

See also: Mudra, Mudras)

(See also: Mudhras , Hinduism, Hinduism Dictionary, Sanskrit Dictionary, Body Mind and Soul)

For more dictionary entries, see » Sathya Sai Baba Dictionary

Today a widely beloved saint in India, his face seen adorning the shrines, lockets, billboards and even cars of Hindus and Muslims alike, Shri Shirdi Sai Baba has a large following. While he is recognizable throughout India, his devotees are especially numerous in the state of Maharashtra, the place of his birth. The Samadhi Mandir where he is buried marks a well-known pilgrimage. There are several religious teachers, groups and organizations that promote his teachings, and devotion to him. One prominent organization that does so and also takes care of the shrines and temp ...

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Sai Baba of Shirdi, Sai Baba of Shirdi - His life, Sai Baba of Shirdi - His religion philosophy and practices, Sai Baba of Shirdi - His legacy, Sai Baba of Shirdi - Bibliography

Read more here: » Sai Baba of Shirdi: Encyclopedia II - Sai Baba of Shirdi - His legacy

As a Freedom Fighter HN is among the people who have had an opportunity to interact with the Mahatma. For a staunch Gandhian, the crowning point of his life and a cherished memory must have been the moment when he translated Mahatma Gandhi’s Hindi speech into Kannada, when the latter visited the National High School here. Quenching scientific thirst with a Spirit of inquiry “Do not accept anything without questioning”was his way of life. Keeping with this, his office is adorned with a quotation of Albert Einstein o ...

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H. Narasimhaiah, H. Narasimhaiah - Career, H. Narasimhaiah - A Man of Simplicity, H. Narasimhaiah - Contributions, H. Narasimhaiah - Awards

Read more here: » H. Narasimhaiah: Encyclopedia II - H. Narasimhaiah - Contributions

Since the late 1970's, Hinduism has been going through what the Hindu community calls a "Hindu Renaissance". British rule in India and western cultural influence had weakened the faith, but the popularity of Hinduism in the West and activism of certain influential leaders, such as Satguru Sivaya Subramuniyaswami, reversed this trend. Instead, today Hindus who live in foreign countries are building temples for G ...

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Contemporary Hindu movements, Contemporary Hindu movements - The Hindu Renaissance

Read more here: » Contemporary Hindu movements: Encyclopedia II - Contemporary Hindu movements - The Hindu Renaissance

Besides the ten traditional avatars of Hinduism, some other Indian Hindus are considered to be avatars by themselves or by others. Some of these include: Chaitanya (1486-1534) is claimed to be an avatar of Krishna by the Gaudiya Vaishnavism sect. He is also known as the 'Golden Avatar'. His appearance is predicted in the latter texts of the Srimad Bhagavatam. For more information, see Gaudiya Vaishnava Theology. Ayya Vaikundar (1809-1851) According to Akilattirattu Ammanai, the religious book of Ayyavazhi, Lord Vaikunda ...

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Avatar, Avatar - Teachings and significance, Avatar - The ten Avatars or Dasavatara, Avatar - The 24 Avatars of the Puranas, Avatar - Types of avatars, Avatar - The Ninth Avatar: Balarama or Buddha?, Avatar - Symbolism, Avatar - List of other people considered to be avatars, Avatar - Other Uses

Read more here: » Avatar: Encyclopedia II - Avatar - List of other people considered to be avatars

On May 22, 1984 the European Parliament passed a resolution with the title "New Organizations Operating Under the Protection Afforded to Religious Beliefs" that expressed the parliament's concern about the recruitment and treatment of the members of these new organizations. [5] On March 1997, a "Resolution on cults in Europe" by the European Parliament, reaffirmed its attachment to the basic principles of democracy and the rule of law, such as tolerance, and freedom of conscience, religion, thought, association and assembly, as well a ...

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Cults and governments, Cults and governments - Belgium, Cults and governments - China, Cults and governments - Council of Europe, Cults and governments - European Union, Cults and governments - France, Cults and governments - Germany, Cults and governments - Switzerland, Cults and governments - United Kingdom, Cults and governments - United States

Read more here: » Cults and governments: Encyclopedia II - Cults and governments - European Union

In the United Kingdom a charity named INFORM was founded in 1988 by professor Eileen Barker of the London School of Economics, with the funding from the Home Office and the support of mainstream Churches. According to their website, their primary aim is "... to help people through providing them with accurate, balanced, up-to-date information about new and/or alternative religious or spiritual movements." [9] INFORM patrons includes Bishop Kallistos of Diokleia (Greek Orthodox Church) and Bishop Charles Henderson (Roman ...

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Cults and governments, Cults and governments - Belgium, Cults and governments - China, Cults and governments - Council of Europe, Cults and governments - European Union, Cults and governments - France, Cults and governments - Germany, Cults and governments - Switzerland, Cults and governments - United Kingdom, Cults and governments - United States

Read more here: » Cults and governments: Encyclopedia II - Cults and governments - United Kingdom

Narasimhaiah was born on June 6, 1921 in Hosur, a village near, Gouribidanooru in karnataka, India. His parents were poor, illiterate and belonged to a disadvantaged caste. Upon completion of elementary education, he left for Bangalore where he joined the National High School, Basavanagudi, in 1935. He received his B. Sc. (Honors) and Master's degree in Physics with first class from Central College, Bangalore (1946). The same year Narasimhaiah started his academic career as ...

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H. Narasimhaiah, H. Narasimhaiah - Career, H. Narasimhaiah - A Man of Simplicity, H. Narasimhaiah - Contributions, H. Narasimhaiah - Awards

Read more here: » H. Narasimhaiah: Encyclopedia II - H. Narasimhaiah - Career

Puranas list twenty-five avataras of Vishnu. A description of these is found in the Bhagavata Purana, Canto 1. 1) Catursana 2) Narada 3) Varaha 4) Matsya 5) Yajna 6) Nara-Narayana 7) Kapila 8) Dattatreya 9) Hayasirsa 10) Hamsa 11) Prsnigarbha 12) Rsabha 13) Prithu 14) Narasimha 15) Kurma 16) Dhanvantari 17) Mohini 18) Vamana 19) Parasurama 20) Raghavendra (Rama) 21) Vyasa 22) Balarama 23) Krishna 24) Kalki ...

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Avatar, Avatar - Teachings and significance, Avatar - The ten Avatars or Dasavatara, Avatar - The 24 Avatars of the Puranas, Avatar - Types of avatars, Avatar - The Ninth Avatar: Balarama or Buddha?, Avatar - Symbolism, Avatar - List of other people considered to be avatars, Avatar - Other Uses

Read more here: » Avatar: Encyclopedia II - Avatar - The 24 Avatars of the Puranas

Tenrikyo's prophet, Miki Nakayama or Oyasama [1], is believed by Tenrikyoans to have been a kind of microphone of God, as God spoke through Oyasama, directly, to whomever was in the vicinity. She had three aspects: the Shrine of Tsukihi (the body of the woman was occupied by the mind of God), The Parent of the Divine Model (Oyasama taught the people by instructions and examples), and The Truth of the Everliving Oyasama (she continues to watch humanity develop, even after shedding her body). ...

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Prophet, Prophet - Sociological taxonomy of prophets, Prophet - Pagan Greek and Roman oracles, Prophet - Prophets in the Tanakh Hebrew Bible, Prophet - Prophets in Jewish thought, Prophet - Christian concepts of a prophet, Prophet - Latter-day Saint concept of prophets, Prophet - Jehovah's Witnesses concepts of a prophet, Prophet - Unification Church, Prophet - The Islamic concept of prophet, Prophet - The Bahá'í concept of prophet, Prophet - The Direct Worship concept of prophet, Prophet - Tenrikyo concept of prophet, Prophet - Other prophets, Prophet - Assessment of the prophet's authenticity and false prophets, Prophet - Jewish views, Prophet - Christian views, Prophet - Muslim views, Prophet - Prophets in science-fiction and fantasy

Read more here: » Prophet: Encyclopedia II - Prophet - Tenrikyo concept of prophet

The common masses indulge in bhajan-singing without realizing that such traditional methods of invoking the divine can have a tremendous stress-removing impact. Bhajan mandalis, or gatherings, that have existed in the Indian villages since the beginning of the Bhakti era, have proved to be great social levelers, where individuals unhesitatingly participate in the singing, relegating their petty differences to the background. This participatory action elicits recreation and consequently a kind of mental relaxation. They close their eyes to ensure that they concentrate and thereby meditate on this near ecstasy ...

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Bhajan, Bhajan - History and Origin, Bhajan - Types of Bhajans, Bhajan - Kirtan in Sikhism, Bhajan - Ragas in Sikh Kirtan, Bhajan - Tala in Sikh Kirtan, Bhajan - Meaning According to the SGGS, Bhajan - Great Exponents, Bhajan - Popularity with the Masses, Bhajan - Modern Forms, Bhajan - Usage in Surat Shabd Yoga

Read more here: » Bhajan: Encyclopedia II - Bhajan - Popularity with the Masses

An extreme form of measures against "cults" is the case of Falun Gong in China. The government of the People's Republic of China consider Falun Gong a dangerous cult and seeks to dismantle it; Falun Gong followers have been jailed, and occurrences of torture have been reported. Many anti-cult activists feel that, even if Falun Gong deserves the negative connotations associated with the term cult (which is not a judgement on which there is any clear consensus), the Chinese government violated the human rights of Falun Gong members in a cr ...

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Cults and governments, Cults and governments - Belgium, Cults and governments - China, Cults and governments - Council of Europe, Cults and governments - European Union, Cults and governments - France, Cults and governments - Germany, Cults and governments - Switzerland, Cults and governments - United Kingdom, Cults and governments - United States

Read more here: » Cults and governments: Encyclopedia II - Cults and governments - China

While the US constitution allows no legislation on religion, the European view is different: The Council of Europe to which 46 European nations belong, has since 1953 a "Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms" in force, which defines religious freedom and sets certain limits to it: Article 9 Freedom of thought, conscience and religion 1. Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion; this right includes freedom to change his religion or belief and freedom ...

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Cults and governments, Cults and governments - Belgium, Cults and governments - China, Cults and governments - Council of Europe, Cults and governments - European Union, Cults and governments - France, Cults and governments - Germany, Cults and governments - Switzerland, Cults and governments - United Kingdom, Cults and governments - United States

Read more here: » Cults and governments: Encyclopedia II - Cults and governments - Council of Europe