2 Yogasanas for Better Digestion

Good digestion is essential for good living. For this, yogasanas help a great deal. A balanced diet and simple yogic poses are ideal for digestion. Any women can get immense benefits from yoga. Here are two yogasanas to help blood circulation and digestion.

Sarvangasana or the Shoulder stand pose

This pose helps to exercise the whole body. Lie on your back with the legs nicely stretched out. Now, lift your legs with the help of both hands, so that the legs are stretched up. Bring your chin close to your chest. The blood flow is reasonably stopped at the chin level. Do this for one minute in the beginning. Gradually, you can increase the time of stay to 5 minutes. After doing this pose, do the Matsyasana or the fish pose. For this, lie on your back with elbows resting on the floor, take your head back and rest it on the floor.




Paschimottanasana-Forward bend

Paschimottanasana or the forward bend pose. Sit with your back straight. Breathe in, then breathe out and raise your hands above your head. Then, bend forward and touch your toes. Place your head on your knees. Breathe normally while in the pose. This pose is ideal for backaches, especially, lower back pain. In adolescents, the practice of this pose helps to make them grow tall.

 

Both poses help in digestion. For those who find it difficult to stay in the pose for one whole minute, do these poses for 15 or 20 seconds in the beginning. Gradually with practice, the duration can be increased to one minute.

 2 Yogasanas for Better Digestion by Sitagita dot com

Top 10 Yoga Music CDs of All time

The undeniable relation between Yoga and music is legendary. Music in yoga creates the magic. Yoga music with its finest devotional tunes form the perfect atmosphere to practice Yoga and meditation. It soothes the mind and helps to relax the body which leads to a higher level of concentration. Spirit Voyage is an online company offering a huge collection of soulful music of deepest thoughts. Here the top 10 must have Yoga music CDs are listed:

1. The Essence by Deva Premal - The best yoga CD one can possess. The unparalleled melodious voice of Deva Premal, the famous Yoga instructor, paired with the surrounding grooves, hand percussion and keyboard make the tracks soothing and out of the world. The Essence is enriched with the Gayatri Mantra and other divine chants which make the best kind of yoga music.

Click Here to Buy Essence by Deva Premal

 2. Door of Faith by Krishna Das - This CD incorporates vulnerable music of devoted prayers by Krishna Das. The music of solitude and innermost feeling flow the heart with ethereal calmness. It is the fusion of Indian inflections and Western base. The soulful tracks like 'Sita's Prayer' or 'Shri Hanuman Chalisha' make it a truly fascinating collection of meditation music.

Click Here to Buy Door of Faith by Krishna Das

3. Om Namah Shivaya by Robert Gass - This series of new age classical devotional music is sure to soothe the mind and soul. The pure Sanskrit chants by the singer takes the listener to the world of Supreme power. Considered as one of the most influential yoga DVDs and CDs, this CD includes a bonus track of exclusive extended Om chant and overtone chantings of Mongolian and Tibetan styles.

Click Here to Buy Om Namah Shivaya by Robert Gass

4. Eternal Om by Robert Slap - Om, the paramount important hymn and the most divine syllable or sound on earth, can create the base of yoga practicing. It invokes the spiritual sense from the core of the human soul. And the deep-sounding choir in the background inspires and uplifts the meditative atmosphere. This CD is a must have for all the yoga practitioners.

Click Here to Buy Eternal Om by Robert Slap

5. Sacred Chants of Devi by Craig Pruess - This Yoga CD features the 'Lalitha Ashtotram' or the 108 sacred names of Holy Mother. These divine chants will take the listener to a world of heavenly trance. Music by the renowned Craig Pruess of 'Bend it like Beckham' fame transforms each tracks into a pure and powerful meditation music.

Click Here to Buy Sacred Chants of Devi by Craig Pruess

6. Savasana by Wah! - From Kundalini yoga to other forms of Yoga, every Yoga practicing session ends with the Corpse pose or Savasana. This CD fills up the air with calm and soothing tunes creating the perfect atmosphere for doing Savasana. The internationally acclaimed Yoga instructor Wah! guides the listeners in deep relaxation and meditation.

Click Here to Buy Savasana by Wah!

7. Grace by Snatam Kaur - Deeply influencing music by Snatam Kaur and Thomas Barquee makes this CD favorite. Snatam's flawless voice flows like a river smoothly in the ears of the audiences. This CD contains spiritual Gurmukhi mantras and English songs and the magical works of gentle flute, nylon string guitar, Indian violin and sublte keyboards.

Click Here to Buy Grace by Snatam Kaur

8. Music for Yoga and Other Joys by Jai Uttal - Soulful harmony of Eastern music and Western tunes by Grammy nominated musician Jai Uttal is the best asset of this devotional CD. It is a great help in practicing any kind of Yoga, be it Hatha or Raja or Kundalini Yoga.

Click Here to Buy Music for Yoga and Other Joys by Jai Uttal

9. Reveal by Girish - Tracks by the renowned percussionist, Girish, offer soulful devotion. By uplifting the spirit and soul, this music CD is perfect for yoga practitioners. The Sanskrit hymns also make it a pleasurable possession for all.

Click Here to Buy Reveal by Girish

10. Dasi-Prayers by Women by Karnamrita - A homage to women power or femininity from Dasi Karnamrita. Its specialty is its composition style in both meditative and dance forms. A collection of women's songs from India in Hindi and Sanskrit which are influenced from Bhajans, chants and Kirtan reflect the true voice of the womenfolk.

Click Here to Buy Desi-Prayers by Women by Karnamrita

Top 10 Yoga Music CDs of All time by Karan Khalsa

5 Easy Yoga Postures to Reduce Stress and Anxiety

The effectiveness of Yoga on our body and mind has already been established, and today people by the dozen are turning to yoga with the hopes of improving the quality of their lives.

Speaking of which, no other factor taints your health and quality of life more than stress and anxiety. Stress has often been compared to a slow moving time bomb that can cause life-altering conditions like diabetes, blood pressure, and heart conditions in a perfectly healthy body within a short span of time.

The good news is that stress can be controlled and gradually eradicated by a person’s own will power, and since yoga works well in soothing your mind and eventually bringing it under your control, it consequently helps to reduce stress and anxiety as well.

Here are 5 yoga poses that has proven to help reduce and prevent stress:

Kapalbhati Pranayama - If you are just starting with yoga, stick to the basic breathing exercise. Pranayama helps to expunge bad air from the body, while simultaneously refilling your lungs and nerves with fresh air. Ideally, you should be doing this early in the morning.

Pranayama is mainly concerned with high breathing, which is centered around breathing through the upper part of your lungs. Sit upright and breathe rapidly while simultaneously pulling your stomach in with every breath you take.

Balasana - Also known as the child’s pose, balasana works by shifting your focus to the sound of your breathing and also reduces back and neck pain through stretching. This position involves basically sitting with your head down, so you’d want to do this on a comfortable surface.

Sit with your knees and top of your heels aligned, your upper thighs should be touching your heels, and your stomach would be pressed against the front of your thighs. Now, bend forward till your head touches the ground or surface and stay put in that position till a count of 30 or till you’re comfortable.



Uttanasana - You might have done the forward bend before where you try to keep your knees straight and bend forward to touch your toes. Uttanasana is a modified version of the same, where you can fold your knees, touch the ground and bring your head as close as you can towards your knees.



Backbends - This asan is best done if you have an exercise ball, as it provides extra grip and support. As the name suggest, lie on the ball facing up and try to touch the ground with your outstretched palms. Some seasoned yogis can do this asan without the ball, but if you are a novice you might want to avoid this for the time being.

Backbends help in stretching your rib cage and also makes the blood flow to the brain. This is great for refreshing the mind and increasing blood flow, thereby reducing stress. Doing a set of backbends preceding pranayama, will double the effect of the breathing exercise
.


 Vipariti Kirani - This is a simplified version of the headstand. Lie with your legs up the wall such that your entire lower body is pressed flat against the wall. Now try to relax your body and breathe slowly, counting every breath you take.



5 Easy Yoga Postures to Reduce Stress and Anxiety by Mulyadi Kurnia

Yoga breathing- learn how to relax and stay calm by yoga breathing

Relaxation and the abolishment of stress is important in everybody lives. This article will teach you yoga breathing exercises to help you relax and de-stress

You really don't want to slide into the stress's of life. You can use yoga breathing to relax, your mind and body. Yoga allows you to re-learn that healthy condition that your entire body and mind want to be in: relaxation.

Deep inhaling and exhaling is both, soothing and invigorating. The energy you sense from a couple of moments of mindful breathe is not anxious or hyper, but calm, continual energy we all require. Slow, regular, and tranquil inhaling and exhaling offers a message to your central nervous system: Be calm, be relaxed!

Training books have been published on yoga breathing techniques. Here is one particular 5-minute Breathing Break. ( Make sure you read through the simple directions a couple of times prior to practice.)

1. Sit down with your backbone as straight as feasible. Use a seat if required, but do not slump or slouch into it. Place your feet flat on the ground with your knees right over the middle of your feet. Use a cushion beneath your feet if they will not rest comfortably on the ground. Place your hands and fingers on the thighs, of your legs.

2. Shut your eyes and let them relax behind the closed eye lids.

3. Consider your ribs, at the front side, backside, and at the sides of your body. Your lungs are encased within those ribs.Breath deeply and naturally.

4. Experience your lungs filling up, your rib cage extending out and up. Experience your lungs emptying, your rib cage returning, back down and in. Do not force the breathing.

5. The initial couple of times you do this, practice it for 2 to 3 minutes, then increase this exercise for up to 5 to 10 minutes. Initially, set to one side, a time at the very least once a day to practice this yoga breathing exercise. When you understand how great it makes you feel, you might want to practice at other times as well.

By practicing this breathing exercise frequently, you will see that every day stress's, become easier to manage and cope with. You will be able to do this simple exercise to slow your breathing and help you become relaxed and calm. For more information of yoga breathing techniques consult a yoga guide or teacher. by following these simple steps your life will become less stressful.

Yoga breathing- learn how to relax and stay calm by yoga breathing by chris barnes

7 Easy Ways to Lose Weight Fast

1. Drink Ice cold water. Okay I know you already know this and you probably already know ice cold water makes your body burn fat to heat the ice cold water back up to body temp, but I keep saying drink water because… A lot of people still don't drink enough water. If you want to lose weight fast… Stop wasting your money on ugly fat-weight gainers like coffee, soda, and juices and pick up a FREE magical weight loss drink called water

2. Eat Peppered beef jerky. I can't explain any science behind this one, but every time I eat peppered beef jerky I seem to shred a little fat and I think this is due to the spices they put in the beef jerky and some studies show that spicy foods increase your metabolism and there's also enough protein in beef jerky to help curb your appetite

3. Kill your cravings. Eating lots of protein (nuts, jerky, fish, and chicken) raw veggies and water will kill your appetite. I promise you the sooner you get used to eating raw veggies you will stop craving for all the junk foods that made you fat in the first place.

4. Drink green tea. Hate drinking water all the time? Then sip on some green tea to increase your metabolism to burn more fat.

5. Limit carbs. This is really an emergency weight loss trick. If you stop eating carbs (or limit your carbs) you can lose 5 lbs or more real quick by burning up all the stored carbs in your body. You have about 1 pound of carbs stored in your body and each pound stored in your body has 3-4 lbs of water attached to it. So if you burn up the stored carbs in your body… The 5 lbs of water will burn up with it

6. Do something in the morning – Wake up and break a sweat for 30min in the morning. I know you hate to exercise but if you do it first thing in the morning guess what… Your body will ONLY BURN FAT because since you haven't eaten anything yet… Your body has no choice but to feed off the stored FAT in your body for energy.

7. Walk for 10 minutes after you eat – Your body burns calories to digest the food you eat and if you walk for 10 minutes after you eat you will increase the amount of calories you burn during digestion and get his… If you eat three times a day you will easily get the 30 minutes of activity you need to lose weight (3 meals x 10 minute walks after each meal).

7 Easy Ways to Lose Weight Fast by adrian bryant

The Origins of Yoga Therapy

What exactly is Yoga therapy, and what are its origins? Should a Yoga teacher consider becoming a Yoga therapist? Where will Yogic therapy go in the future?

If we look at a simplistic definition of what Yoga therapy is, it might be described as: A Yogic practice, which uses breathing techniques (pranayama), postures (asanas), hygienic duties (kriyas), proper diet, meditation, and many more methods, which treat mental, emotional, and physical ailments.

The origin of Yoga is, at least, 5,000 years old, but a contemporary school of therapy can be traced to Sri Tirumala Krishnamacharya, who is often regarded as a teacher of master teachers. Among his students were T.K.V. Desikachar, T.K. Sribhashyam, K. Pattabhi Jois, B.K.S. Iyengar, Indra Devi, and more.

If a Yoga teacher considers becoming a therapist, there are a number of requirements to become competent. One priority is to develop in-depth knowledge of anatomy. This will require extra training and study. Some physical therapists, and physicians, are also Yoga teachers, so the jump to Yoga therapy is a logical one.

However, the average instructor does not have a medical background. Continuing education becomes the next logical step in this case. Another point to mention is that therapy, of any kind, requires compassion.

If compassion is not a natural ingredient built into the personality of an instructor, why pursue teaching Yoga as therapy? The truth is: A personality without compassion should not be teaching classes in any subject. There are a rare few people, who derive pleasure from pushing others into pain. They should not be working with the public in any type of care-giving capacity.

Where will Yoga therapy go in the future? It is only a matter of time for Yoga to be integrated into standard medical therapies. Being cost efficient, and without negative side effects, has made a very strong case for proponents of Yoga therapy. As studies continue to reveal the results of a holistic and pro-active approach to health, standard medicine will evolve.

Yoga, in itself, has always been therapy - in every shape and form. If you look at a promising athletic child, or a student in a wheel chair, you will clearly see healthy results, which are mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual, in nature.

After observing martial artists, gymnasts, dancers, and competitive athletes closely, Yoga practice is much more than a form of cross training. Many of them learned to work around pre-existing injuries and ailments, as a result of practicing Yoga on a therapeutic level.

In the case of children learning proper breathing techniques (pranayama), postures (asanas), proper diet, meditation, and deep relaxation - Yogic methods become a natural form of therapy, and give them valuable life skills. Children need to have the skills to deal with stress, peer pressure, and finding their way throughout life.

The most common form of contemporary Yogic therapy has been relief from an existing ailment. The list of potential ailments seems to be endless. We may naturally think of using a combination of standard medical practices and Yoga therapy for neurological disorders, such as: Multiple Sclerosis, Stroke, Ataxia, and Parkinson's disease. Yet, there are many more neurological disorders, diseases, and ailments.

Students and clients are seeing good results and improvements in their lives. Yogic therapy and medicine can work in harmony to treat any ailment. In the case of postures (asanas): They can be modified for anyone, even if the student is in a hospital bed.

There are so many breathing techniques (pranayama) to choose from; they can also be modified for the particular student. Pranayama and asana are just two aspects of a huge and evolving therapeutic field.

The Origins of Yoga Therapy by Paul M. Jerard Jr.

Basics, Benefits and Poses (method) of Surya Namaskar

Basics, Benefits and Method of Surya Namaskar

Surya Namaskar as its name expresses that it is a worship to Sun, the god of light. Sun salutation is the other name for Surya Namaskar. Surya Namaskar comes in the series of Hatha yoga asana. It is oftenly used as worship of Sun and is in routine prayer in our life. Sun not only gives rational power to our body but also to our astral-body. Either our scientist may call the sun a fire-ball or refer it to a planet but the profound thinker of ancient age understood the many secrets of it and spread the knowledge of the benefits of the sun to the people for their wellbeing. But today the knowledge of sun is extinct. Here we are discussing about the secrets of the sun, so that while doing Surya Namaskar we have regards, devotion and faith for sun and we can be benefited from it. It gives peace to our mind, keeps our body fit and balanced. It prepares our body for any type of workout it can be tiring a lot. Surya Namaskar is very simple with lots of benefits. The only we must keep in mind that it should be done with peaceful mind and in a proper way.

Surya Namaskar has 12 poses (Method) to go through. Every pose have one mantra. Every action has its own benefit. Out of the 12 poses first and last pose salutes to the sun rest 10 poses are yoga poses. We only want to say that if you want a new life, than go for Surya Namaskar . Concept of breathing with the movement of each body part is very important and also must be clear. The basic principle of breathing must be clear that while you are doing backward bending posture its time to inhale and while doing forward bending posture its time to exhale.

Poses (Method) of Surya Namaskar are named as:-

1. Pranamasana (Salutation Pose)
2. Hastha Uttanasana (Raised arm pose)
3.Padahastasana (Hand to foot posture)
4. Ashwa Sanchalanasana (Equestrian posture)
5.Parvatasana (Mountain posture)
6. Ashtanga Namaskara (Salutation with eight limbs)
7. Bhujangasana (Cobra posture)
8. Parvatasana (Mountain posture)
9. Ashwa Sanchalanasana (Equestrian posture)
10. Padahastasana (Hand to foot posture)
11. Hastauttanasana (Raised arm posture)
12. Pranamasana (Salutation Pose)

All 12 poses (Method) done once completes a half cycle of Surya Namaskar. To complete the cycle of Surya Namaskar as in pose 4 and 9 we used our one leg now we will repeat it with our other leg. As if we used our right leg before we will use our left leg now. In this way group of 24 poses completes one cycle of Surya Namaskar.

If you feel tired, relax with inhale and exhale process. Stay active at the time of doing each asana. With full concentration and peaceful mind speak the mantras. The practitioner according to the ability of his/her body must complete 2 or 3 cycles of Surya Namaskar. Early morning is the best time to do the Surya Namaskar. Morning time is best because at this time environment is fresh and the ultraviolet rays also do not harm. Anyhow if you are unable to do Surya Namaskar in morning then do it in evening or either when your stomach is empty. Any person who is above 8 years can do the Surya Namaskar. When you go through the exercise in hurry, you gain physically while if they are done slowly step by step with proper breath techniques you gain mentally and spiritually.

There are certain benefits of Surya Namaskar like fat reduction, expansion of lungs, improved blood circulation, good digestive system without constipation. Hair falling stops and graying is reduced. There are many more benefits of Surya Namaskar which you will go through when you will visit our site. The Surya Namaskar must be avoided by the people suffering from high blood pressure, heart problem, hernia and those who are having backbone problem. Pregnant women must also avoid it after the third month of pregnancy.

Guidelines to be kept in mind before performing Surya Namaskar are:

• Surya Namaskar must be done standing east facing.
• There must be a difference of 2 hrs between your meal taken and Surya Namaskar.
• Mat must be used instead of doing it on the floor.
• Shavasana or Corpse pose must be done at the end of the all poses.
• Breathing is harmonized with the poses.
• One must speak the Mantras while starting the asana.
• Surya Namaskar must be completed in one round.

Basics, Benefits and Poses (method) of Surya Namaskar by Kalpana Joshi

The Divine Glories of Gayatri Meditation

Amongst the many energies of Almighty God Gayatri Super Power is very important and priceless. That scientific method by which one imbibes gigantic amounts of Gayatri is called 'Upasana' or devotional practice. If devotion to Gayatri is based on a sound scientific footing a great deal of Gayatri Super Power can be imbibed by us all. Anybody in this world who gathers more and more wealth (legally), good health, knowledge, skillfulness in art/sculpturing etc is given a high status in society and is looked up to by one and all. Similarly a true Gayatri devotee imbibes so much soul power that he is elevated to sainthood. True saints differ from laymen simply because saints possess infinite divine energy whereas laymen possess only an iota of it.

Gayatri Mantra is the Mother of all the 4 Vedas. All the sciences and knowledge of the world rest in Gayatri and in fact they form only a minor part of Gayatri's Super Power storehouse. As of now there exist mysterious energies which remain undiscovered. A few Gayatri devotees who manage to manifest even an iota of these energies perform such gigantic tasks in the world which amazes one and all. Many saints and sages of the world manifest many divine powers called Ridhi-Sidhi. There is no end to the quantity and variety of these divine powers. The more one dives deep into the recesses of his/her psyche which is taintless and one pointed, the more he/she manifests these powers. Such saintly people after attaining God Realization never return to this mortal world simply because they have attained Moksha or salvation or immortality.

Amongst all Yoga spiritual practices Gayatri meditation is easier to follow, supreme and shows results more speedily. Mere chanting of the Gayatri Super Mantra (Japa) awakens and evolves many powerful and secret Chakras (plexus) that lie in the deep recesses of ones soul. Hatha Yoga involves practices like Kundalini Yoga, Shat Chakra Vedhan, Naadi Shodhan etc and one has to perform many intense austerities. Instead if one chants the Gayatri Mantra with devotion these goals of Hatha Yoga can be achieved with relatively greater ease and speed. Gayatri Mantra chanting subtly influences many Naadis (subtle nerves) and secret Chakras so as to awaken latent divine powers present in that region. And with relative ease a Gayatri devotee marches ahead on the path of both material and spiritual prosperity.

Gayatri spiritual practices reign supreme as far as soul advancement is concerned. Great Yogis and sages perform austerities full of hardships so as to attain spiritual prosperity. As against this Gayatri devotion bestows these very attainments to its devotee with greater ease and speed. I have known many great souls who despite being householders attained great material and spiritual heights due to Mother Gayatri's grace.

Even an ordinary person can overcome mental taints, material problems etc by surrendering to Mother Gayatri. External circumstances faced by human beings are nothing but the reflection of the state of ones mind. A pure and taintless psyche breeds conducive and peaceful circumstances whereas a tainted mind breeds sorrow and pain in ones daily living. Thus if you overcome taints like vile thinking, vile behavior and a lowly viewpoint with the help of Gayatri all your sorrows and hardships will be overcome. Then you will live a life of peace, contentment and self fulfillment. Gayatri's teachings are the supreme gist of all religious scriptures. By imbibing them one fully imbibes true spirituality, purity of heart, sacredness of the soul and deep faith in God. Once all this is imbibed all material requirements automatically come unasked in the life of a Gayatri devotee.

Gayatri spiritual practices have given many material benefits too. And yet the supreme benefit is spirituality or God Realization. There are 3 predominant benefits amongst many others which is attained by a steadfast and mature Gayatri aspirant and they are: 1.Self Realization, Jeevan Mukti (liberation while yet alive) and Brahma Nirvaana or salvation 2.Awakening of divine powers in the deep cave of the soul after ones psyche becomes focused and sacred 3. When ones mental taints like hatred, anger, lust, greed etc are destroyed one earns good merits (Punya) and hence the world starts respecting you and this in turn gives you untold eternal joy. The more ones faith deepens and the more ones mind becomes sacred and focused to that extent one prospers both materially and spiritually. Of course even if ones faith is not so intense even then some minor benefits definitely accrue.

It is my own experience that Gayatri meditation helps one attain God Realization. I have seen many others progress by leaps and bounds after seeking Gayatri's grace. Hence I have imbibed an unswerving faith that just about anybody can benefit both materially and spiritually by humbly serving the lotus feet of Mother Gayatri. Gayatri eulogies have been sung aloud as follows:

'TATDIYRCHAHA SAMO NAASTI MANTROM VEDA CHATUSHTAYAY.
SARVAY VEDAASHCHA DAANAANI CHA TAPANSI CHA.
SAMAANI KALAYAA PRAHURMUNAYO NATADITYRA CHA.'
---------VISHWAAMITRA.

No other Mantra in the Vedas is as supreme as Gayatri Mantra. All the Vedas, Yajnas, charities, austerities etc put together pales in comparison with the greatness of Gayatri. Thus spoke great Munis (deep thinkers) of yore.

THE KEY THAT OPENS THE INFINITE VAULT OF MYSTERIOUS DIVINE POWERS

Since time immemorial many great sages and saints have performed intense penance by adhering to the precepts of Gayatri meditation. Gayatri is the key that opens the vault of all divine powers without exception. Without Gayatri's grace the lock of soul liberation can never open. Many devotees have performed Yoga practices to please and get blessings from Rishis, Munis, Rama, Krishna, Shankar, Vishnu, Brahma, Durga, Surya etc. Many have devoted themselves to the formless God (Niraakaar Brahman). And yet each one of them has had to first devote their mind to Gayatri. Without Gayatri's blessings none of our austerities and spiritual practices has the power to succeed.

Great scriptures proclaim:

'ASYA KASYAAPI MANTRASYA PURASHCHARANAMAARABHAIT.
VYAAHVRITI TRAYA SANYUKTAA GAYATRI CHAAYUTAM JAPAIT.
NRISINHAARKA BARAAHYANAAM KAULAA TAANTRIKAA TATHAA.
BINAA JAPTAVAATU GAYATRI SATSARVA NISHPHALAM BHAVAIT.'

MEANING: One may chant any Mantra and yet its Vyahvriti should be done alongside Gayatri Mantra chanting. One may worship Nrisingha, Surya, Vaaraha etc or one might perform Kaul Tantrik exercises of the Vaam Path and yet without Gayatri's blessings none of them can bear fruit.

Gayatri is the Divine Mother of all the 4 Vedas. Without her help none of the Dakshina Path austerities (Vedic in nature) can succeed truly. Tantriks, Kauls, Avadhootas, Kaapaalikas, Aghoras etc of the Vaam Path require certain powers and their roots lie in none other than Gayatri. Many master the Shabar Mantra without Gayatri's grace. Hence for a short time span they show momentary 'miracles' but later all their powers come to naught. Only that devotee who manifests Divine Powers from their very source attains them ceaselessly and eternally. Mantra chanting without devotedly serving Gayatri can never give long lasting joy and soul power.

Ancient history and mythology (Puraanaas) maintain that Rishis, Munis etc of yore who performed various Yoga based penance did so with the blessings of Gayatri. Lord Krishna in the Bhagwad Geeta says: Gayatri Chhanda Saamaham meaning I (God) am Gayatri manifest. No other Mantra is as suitable as Gayatri to meditate on the Almighty Lord.

In this book it is not possible for me to give a detailed biography of great saints like Vashishtha, Yaajnavalkya, Atri, Vishwaamitra, Bharadwaaj, Naarada, Kapil, Kanaad, Gautam, Vyaas, Shukadeva, Dadheechee, Vaalmiki, Vana, Shankha, Lomus, Taiteraiya, Jaabaalee, Uddaaalaka, Vaishampaayan, Duravaasaa, Parshuraama, Pulista, Dattatreya, Agastya, Sanat Kumaras, Kanva, Shaunaka etc to show how their austerities succeeded only after devoting their minds at the holy feet of Mother Gayatri. It was the power of Gayatri imbibed by great Rishis which helped them perform gigantic tasks for world welfare. Respected readers are hereby encouraged to read ancient spiritual history of India along with Puraanaas (Mythology) and find more details of the lives of the great Rishis mentioned above.

A few decades back there was a great saint who evolved his soul radiantly with the help of Gayatri. Of course there is a possibility that his idol, ideals and principles were different yet everyone had great faith in the Mother of the Vedas viz. Gayatri. Initially he had imbibed the divine energy of Gayatri and thus later he became a great saint. It was due to Mother Gayatri's blessings that Shankaracharya, Samarth Guru Ramdas, Narsinha Mehta, Dadu Dayal, Saint Jnaneshwar, Swami Ramanand, Gorakhnath, Machindranath, Haridas, Tulsidas, Ramanujacharya, Madhavacharya, Ramkrishna Paramhans, Swami Vivekanand, Ramtirth, Yogi Aurobindo, Maharshi Raman, Gauranga Mahaprabhu, Saint Ekrasanand and other revered saints attained divinity or God Realization.

There are man contemporary saints who either live in society or other mysterious places like mountain caves, forests etc so as to perform austerities. All of them are unswerving devotees of Gayatri. Mahatma Gandhi, Mahatma Malviya, Rabindranath Tagore, T.Subbarow, Sir Radhakrishnan, Jagadguru Shankaracharya, Swami Shivanand and other great spiritual preceptors have given their valuable message on the deep import of Gayatri. Thus we all can benefit tremendously by reflecting meditatively on their message. The founder editor of Akhand Jyoti magazine (our revered author) had devoted his sacred life to Gayatri meditation and had thus exalted his spiritual stature gigantically.

Whether they were Rishis-Munis of ancient civilization or whether they are great contemporary saintly beings, one thing is common to all of them and that is their spiritual goals were achieved due to Gayatri's holy blessings. All great scholars of various scriptures and Yogic spiritual seekers always were first initiated into Gayatri meditation. After that they were free to choose their idol (Krishna, Shiva, Rama etc) and mode of penance. From the very commencement of creation Gayatri has been the leader amongst all Yoga practices. No other spiritual endeavor is as easy, straightforward, less time consuming and which reaps sure success when one compares them with Gayatri practices. It is only the boat of Gayatri practices that helps us cross the river of this world of pain bestowing dualities (joy-sorrow, profit-loss, good-bad etc). Gayatri is that holy wish fulfilling cow (Kamdhenu) who bestows material and spiritual bliss equally on householder devotees or mendicants who renounce their home and hearth in search of spiritual joy. Both these class of human beings can avail the divine powers as blessings from Mother Gayatri.

The most special characteristic of Gayatri meditation is that those spiritual goals attained by Rishis, Munis, Yogis etc living in forests, mountain caves etc (far away from the humdrum of society) are attained by those Gayatri devotees who live a householder's way of life i.e. living in a fast paced world. A definite goal attained by Gayatri worshippers is purification and focus of their psyche. Any Gayatri devotee who chants the Gayatri Mantra with one pointed faith and devotion will attain purity of thought word and deed. Vile qualities start diminishing in their psyche and positive, wholesome qualities wax day in and day out. Just as you wash a dirty vessel with soap water so that it starts glistening, just as you wipe of the thick layer of dust on a mirror so that you can see your face clearly reflected in it, just as you remove the thick layer of ash in a coal furnace so that the fire blazes forth brightly in the same way Gayatri cleanses the psyche of its devotee and this helps the devotee's previously latent divine powers manifest in full strength. Thus not only does the devotee prosper both materially and spiritually but he/she becomes a very important instrument of Almighty God to usher in world peace and brotherhood. Anyone who drinks the divine milk from the sacred bosom of Divine Mother Gayatri (whether a man of renunciation or a householder living in the thick of things) will attain both bodily and mental sanctity.

GAYATRI MEDITATION OVERCOMES ALL SORROWS OF THE WORLD WITHOUT EXCEPTION

Man is not only the rightful heir of Almighty God but is a royal prince too. The individual soul is a part and parcel of the cosmic soul whom laymen call God. This royal prince (man) has all the qualities of his royal father (God) albeit in seed form. A small spark of a gigantic inferno has the same qualities of the inferno from where it emanated. Despite this it is very clear that man lives a very demeaned life today i.e. despite possessing divine qualities he lives a downfallen life. Why is this so? The answer is obvious and that is these divine powers are present in only their seed form. These latent powers have yet not been activated or awakened.

The Lord is Sat (eternal existence) but we human beings (God's heir) undergo the vicious cycle of birth and death. God is Chit (divine light) and human beings swim in this terrible ocean of spiritual darkness/ignorance. God our Holy Father is divine bliss manifest and we wallow in the ocean of sorrow and pain. Hence a serious question arises in the mind of a deeply thinking person: Why this anomaly? God (King of this cosmos) sent his prince (mankind) in this world so as to live life royally and look upon it as a divine sport (Lila). And yet the bare reality is that man today is living a life of hell and strife. The little joy that he gets is transient and sure enough after a short time span hardships and anguish rule the roost. Why is it that that eternal (divine) bliss eludes mankind and thus forces him to wallow in pain and agony?

Fire by its very nature is full of heat and light. When this blazing fire slowly gets doused its upper region gets covered with a thick layer of ash. Thus the 2 qualities of fire viz. heat and light get covered by ash and cannot be seen or experienced by us. Fire covered by ash will not emit much heat nor light and lies listlessly. The burning fire full of brilliance can be demeaned to a lowly and useless state by a thick layer of as that covers its potential light and heat. Now suppose this thick layer of ash is removed totally the fire lying underneath will blaze forth terrifically and will also manifest its heat and light qualities fully.

Almighty God is Sat-Chit-Ananda or Existence-Consciousness-Bliss in nature. Hence his princely heir i.e. mankind too should be eternal bliss in nature. While living a life of divine sport (Lila) man should experience bliss and only bliss in this heavenly garden called world. And yet this divine bliss has been totally veiled by a lowly and vile intellect. A lowly intellect breeds nothing but strife and sorrow in life. Just as mentioned above when ash covers a blazing fire's quality of heat and light so too a vile and tainted intellect covers man's true nature which is eternal bliss oozing with divinity. It is a lowly intellect that perforce induces man to live a hell like life akin to penal servitude.

A tainted intellect is also called Maya, spiritual blindness/ignorance, demonic nature, Avidya etc. The thicker this veil of taints in our intellect and psyche greater are the hardships and dire situations faced by that individual. The more ones physical body is covered by a cake of filth the more one will feel itchy and emit a foul stench. If this dirt is reduced the itchiness and foul smell too will reduce correspondingly. If the body is devoid of dirt and filth it will remain in good health and less disease prone. But the more this filth attacks our body and settles on it the more one is prone to diseases that maybe fatalistic too. A tainted intellect and psyche can be compared to filth settling on the physical body. It induces unwholesome characteristics like fear, restlessness, agitation, stress, worry etc in our inner personality.

Today the world over, people are full of stress and tension. Some are unhappy because of illnesses, some face marital anguish, some are childless, some face business losses, some do not get job promotions, some are apprehensive of failure, some face false court cases, some fear their enemy, some face struggle due to injustice, some face disloyalty in friendship, some fear dowry problems, some are painfully separated from their dear ones etc. Thus as Lord Budha had declared: Everywhere there is sorrow and pain. Even our religious, financial, social, political and international aspects of life are full of tension and misery. Assuming that a person is more mentally alert even then at some point in time the widespread taints and misdeeds of others influence his psyche and thus his peace is destroyed. Thus his goal of attaining bliss remains unfulfilled.

Sorrow may be individual or at a macro level; their roots lie in a tainted intellect and psyche. Today this material world is so full of sense pleasures and comforts that it logically seems our entire lives should be full of joy and nothing but joy. Man possesses a priceless body, mind and intellect which logically should extract a lot of joy from these sense pleasures. In fact a gross viewpoint tells us that this joy should exceed even that present in heaven. And yet the bare reality experienced by world humanity says that everyone is in agony for some reason or the other, life seems dry and meaningless in the long run and virtually everyone experiences life to be burdensome and hence wait listlessly for death to take over. Our minds are bombarded with worry, tension, fears of future, taints and agitation. Is this not very similar to the description of hell described in ancient mythology like Puranas etc?

In reality this world indeed is beautiful and there is not an iota of ugliness in it. This world is a play ground of divine sports (Lilas) and has no place for worry, fear, tension etc. This precious human life is actually an eternal fount of the bliss of nectar and has no place for sorrow or anguish. 'Swargaadapi gareeyasee'-this world is even more nectarine than heavenly pleasures because all those principles are present that pave the way for manifesting zest in our minds and hence daily lives. This rare and precious human body has been designed in such a manner that if it touches anything that object becomes beautiful and radiant. The Lord's prince (humans) enters this world to revel in divine sports. He has been given a chariot called this rare body, servants in the form of sense organs and a minister in the form of an intellect so that he revels in this beautiful garden called the world. This prince is meant to taste and touch the nectarine beauty of this world. And yet if man is not experiencing nectar in this world it his vile and tainted intellect that is totally responsible for the pain and agony of worldly life faced by him.

Good health both mental and physical is our very true nature whereas mental and physical illness is not our nature. This is because physical and mental strife is the result of our own erroneous thinking and living. Birds and animals that live their lives in accordance with nature's laws made for them do not fall sick day in and day out. Majority of the times they experience a fit and healthy body. As against this, man is actually inviting mental and physical agony by foolishly adhering to a lifestyle that goes against the very grain of natural laws laid down for world humanity. If only man sticks to nature's laws while performing his daily activities he would be in a much better shape both physically and mentally. Similarly a sacred intellect is the very nature of all human beings. A pure and taintless intellect/psyche is God's gift to mankind and hence is divine, our very birth right and nectar bestowing. When God sends every individual in this world he gives us a sacred mind and intellect so that it can in turn give us nothing but bliss while contacting this world of objects. And yet because spiritual ignorance and blindness take over our intellect it results in a psyche and intellect that thinks and acts erroneously and in an undesirable manner. In this manner at the mental level too we actually invite tension, agitation and turmoil simply because we harbor taints like lust, greed, avarice, criminal leanings, unethical thoughts etc in our psyche. Our psyche adheres to the law of 'ALL OR NONE RESPONSE'. It means either our mind harbors wholesome thoughts or insists on foolishly thinking in an undesirable manner. In short both unwholesome and wholesome qualities cannot exist together. Thus it is for each individual to decide whether he/she wishes to nurture sacredness or lowliness in their minds and intellects. A vile intellect breeds sorrow and strife in abundance and a sacred mind, oozes with bliss and serenity that is devoid of even an iota of tension.

Gayatri verily is synonymous with a sacred intellect. In this Super Mantra a devotee prays to God for attaining a taintless and pure intellect. The 24 letters of Gayatri give us 24 priceless spiritual lessons and are direct manifestations of a sacred intellect. If these spiritual lessons are fully imbibed ones very viewpoint in life will be transformed in a sacred manner. Our previous tainted thinking, which was the root cause of our misery, now renounces these taints so as to attain purity. The Gayatri Super Mantra's designing is so scientific that it helps activate innumerable latent powers in the psyche of a mature Gayatri devotee. Gayatri has that rare capacity to attract divine cosmic powers and store them in the psyche of its steadfast devotee. In this manner Gayatri definitely destroys ones tainted intellect from its very foundation so as to replace it with a pure and focused intellect. The more these taints (anger, lust, greed, fear, worry etc) are overcome greater is peace and bliss experienced by the aspirant. Gayatri is that eternal torch of divine light which destroys our spiritual ignorance that manifests as a tainted intellect. Thus man attains his true supremely divine state which was the reason why he took birth in this world of names and forms.

A person wearing spectacles with green colored lens will see all external objects as green. If the color used is yellow everything appears yellow. Similarly if we wear the spectacles of a vile intellect external circumstances will appear sorrowful and dire whereas these same circumstances will appear joyful for the one wearing spectacles of a sacred intellect. When a person's brain experiences dizziness he/she visualizes external objects (house, trees, roads etc) as though they too are revolving when in reality they are not. A fearful man will 'see' ghosts while traveling in a dark alley where there are none in actuality. Know for sure that if our mind is tainted merely rectifying external situations will not diminish your woes. It is only when the psyche is cleansed and made focused that external situations, however dire will not destroy your inner serenity and mental balance. If a person wears yellow tinted sunglasses and wants to see external objects other than yellow in color you may keep changing external objects but they will continue to appear yellow in color. Some illnesses render a bitter taste in the patient's taste buds and hence even if you give him delicious cakes, pizzas, mouth watering fruits etc he/she will get only a bitter taste. If a tainted intellect has induced lowly and unwholesome thinking in ones psyche it does not matter whether you live in palatial homes or for that matter heaven too, one will experience sorrow and nothing but sorrow even in such exotic surroundings.

Thus the chief task of Gayatri Super Mantra is to destroy ones taints present in the intellect and mind. A true Gayatri devotee is one who makes a firm resolve (Sankalpa) to overcome his inner taints and replace them with sacred qualities like love, compassion, integrity, values, ideals etc. Such devotion to Gayatri reaps success both materially and spiritually with greater ease and speed. Anyone who lays stress on imbibing purity of mind and intellect prospers both materially and spiritually. Thus infinite eternal bliss is at such a person's beck and call for eternity.

And yet not for a moment should one err by thinking that Gayatri meditation is merely a psychological method of transforming ones life. In reality its philosophy and underlying scientific principle is so powerful that along with overcoming of worldly problems it also hastens activation of potent energy centers in the devotee's body. These centers called Chakras, plexuses etc are so full of potent energy that an aspirant starts manifesting Sidhis (divine powers) like Animaa, Garimaa, Mahimaa etc. mentioned in Yogic scriptures. Activation of these energy centers makes man's personality so potent that he prospers both materially and spiritually in life.

Work outs in gyms and other physical exercises keep our body fit and healthy. Regular studies augment our knowledge and wisdom. Hard work helps us earn wealth. Good deeds give us desirable fame. Developing wholesome qualities helps make trustworthy friends. In the same way devotional and other spiritual practices awaken latent divine powers in the psyche of the devotee. These divine powers are so potent that they augment ones material and spiritual well being by leaps and bounds. It is very natural that divine light manifests in a big way in the soul of a true Gayatri devotee. A radiant and divine psyche breeds success in all spheres of ones life.

It is a fact that despite many potent energy centers being present albeit latently in man's psyche let alone awakening them, man is totally ignorant about their very existence. No doubt a lot of research is being carried out in the fields of Psychology and Psychiatry. Despite this these respected research scientists accept that their findings are barely 2 percent of information pertaining to the human psyche potential. Hence about 98 information related to the human mind yet remains undiscovered. In the same way brain anatomy researchers opine that they have barely unraveled 8 of the information pertaining to the human brain potential. The human brain truly is an astonishing vault of miracles. Apart from being capable of thinking and understanding the human brain possesses such magnetic principles which are capable of attracting potent divine energies that exist in the cosmos. Thus it can help us attain both material and spiritual success in our day to day lives. We can influence people to behave in a desirable manner. Gayatri devotion activates the force of magnetism in our psyche for useful and wholesome purposes. When our mental potential/will power augments manifold certain subtle electrical energies activate latent centers of the mind that are magnetic in nature and thus we can attract both material and spiritual well being in our lives. In daily parlance they are called Ridhis, Sidhis or divine powers and glories.

Holy Mother Gayatri blessed her devotee with Sidhis and success since she was pleased with her devotee's pure hearted penance. This is the viewpoint of a sentimental Gayatri devotee. This same viewpoint if looked at scientifically tells us that when spiritual practices are carried out with a disciplined mind it augments ones will power in leaps and bounds. This will power or soul force in turn awakened latent energy centers along with their force of magnetic pull. This magnetic pull helped attract material and spiritual powers in abundance from the cosmos and thus success in all fields becomes part and parcel in the life of a Gayatri aspirant. Man albeit potentially is a divine being. All divine powers are present in his psyche but in seed form. These powers are present both within and without i.e. in the external world too. These external divine powers are immersed in their own appointed tasks. They are hence incapable of looking after the requirements of innumerable spiritual aspirants who seek their blessings. Therefore the divine powers present in the psyche of all human beings only can help each individual devotee. These divine powers exist in a latent or seed form and hence each individual of the world should awaken/activate them via spiritual practices and penance. Only then can these activated powers solve the material and spiritual requirements of a devotee.

Gayatri devotion and meditation is that royal path which radiates both the inner personality of its follower and also the external circumstances so as to make them conducive for overall well being. External changes made speeds up external progress and yet without an inner transformation of ones personality these changes do not last long. In the lives of laymen it is seen that external problems like attack of diseases, death of a beloved one, job loss, business loss etc rattle their minds so much that they wallow in agony for a fair length of time. As against this a person who purifies and focuses his psyche via self control, penance, meditation etc faces the above problems in a very calm and poised manner and ultimately overcomes them from their very roots. A scientific spiritual practice executed with a pure heart can definitely help attain material and spiritual joy. And it goes without saying that Gayatri meditation is supreme amongst all other spiritual practices prevalent in the world.

Scriptural scholars in voice have proclaimed aloud that Gayatri's divine energy, nature and utility value is supreme. Following are proofs elucidated from various scriptures:

'SARVAYSHAAM JAPASOOKTAANAAM RICHAANSCHA YAJUSHAAM TATHAA.
SAAMNAAM CHAIKAAKSHARAADEENAAM GAYATRI PARAMO JAPAHA.'
................BRIHAD PARAASHAR SMRITI

MEANING: Gayatri Mantra reigns supreme amongst all Japa Sootras, all Vedic Mantras and other single lettered seed Mantras (Beej).

'ITI VEDA PAVITRAANYA BHIHITPANI AIBHYA SAAVITREE VISHISHYATAY.'
....................SHANKHA SMRITI

MEANING: By themselves all Vedic Mantras are sacred and yet Gayatri Mantra is supreme amongst them all.

'SAPTA KOTI MAHAAMANTRAA GAYATRI NAAYIKAA SMRITAA.
AADI DEVAA HYUPAASANTAY GAYATRI VEDA MAATARAM.'
.........................KURMA PURANA

MEANING: Gayatri is like the supreme general of an army and demigods ceaselessly worship Holy Mother Gayatri. Gayatri is the Mother of all the 4 Vedas.

'TADITYARICHAA SAMO NAASTI MANTRO VEDACHATUSHTAYAY.
SARVAYVEDAANSCHA YAJNAANSCHA DAANAANI CHA TAPAANSI CHA.
SAMAANI KALAYAA PRAAHURMUNAYO NA TADITYARIK.'
..........................YAAJNAVALKYA

MEANING: Gayatri is supreme amongst all Vedic Mantras. Great Rishis opine that all the Vedas, Yajnas, charities, austerities etc put together are not equivalent to even an iota of the priceless nature of Gayatri Mantra. 

'DURLABHAA SARVAMANTRAYSHU GAYATRI PRANAVAANVITAA.
NA GAAYATRYADHIKAM KINCHIT TRAYEESHUPARIGEEYATAY.'
.........................HAAREETA

MEANING: In the entire world no other Mantra is as potent and rare as Gayatri. Nothing is more supreme in the Vedas apart from Gayatri Super Mantra.

'NAASTI GANGAA SAMAM TEERTHAM NA DEVA KESHAVAATPARAHA.
GAYATRYAASTU PARAM JAAPYAM NA BHOOTAM NA BHAVISHYATI.'
..........................ATRI

MEANING: Amongst all pilgrim spots, Ganga is supreme and amongst all gods Keshava is supreme. In the past there has been no greater Mantra than Gayatri and in future too none will be greater than it.

'GAYATRI SARVAMANTRAANAAM SHIROMANISTATHAA STHITAA.
VIDYAANAAMAPI TANAITAAM SAADHANAY SARVASIDHAYAY.
TRIVYAAHYATIYUTAAM DEVEEMOMKAARYUGASAMPUTAAMA.
UPAASYACHATURO VARGAANSAADAYAYDYO NA SONDHADHEEHA.
DEVYAA DVIJATWAMAASAADYA SHREYASAYNYARAITAASTU YAY.
TAYRATNAANIVAANCHANTI HITVAA CHINTAAMANI KARAAT.'
.............................MAHAA VAARTIKA

MEANING: Gayatri is the crest jewel amongst all Mantras and knowledge. With its help the sense organs are mastered. Weak minded are those who fail to undergo Gayatri meditation so as to attain spiritual values, wealth, fulfillment of wholesome aspirations and salvation. Those Dvijas (twice born) who insist on performing spiritual practices not related to Gayatri devotion are most unfortunate because it is like throwing away a precious jewel and instead running after stones of no significance.

'YATHAA KATHAM CHA JAPTAISHAA TRIPADAA PARAM PAAVANEE.
SARVAKAAMAPRADAA PROKTAA VIDHINAA KIM PUNARNRUYA.'

MEANING: O King! Mother Gayatri is known to fulfill the wholesome desires of even that Gayatri devotee who is very irregular in doing his/her spiritual practices. Hence what to say about the nectarine material/spiritual bliss attained by those who devote themselves to Gayatri ceaselessly and steadfastly!!!

'KAAMAANDUGDHAY VIPRAKARSHATYALAKSHMEE.
PUNYAM SOOTAY DUSHKRITAM YA HINASTI.
SHABDAAM SHAANTAAM MAATARAM MANGALAANAAM.
DHAYNUM DHAURAAM GAYATRIMANTRAMAAHUHA.'
.........................VASHISHTHA

MEANING: Gayatri fulfills all our desires just like Kaamadhenu-the wish fulfilling cow of yore. It destroys our ill fate, hardships etc. It destroys our sins and augments our good merits. Hence this Divine Super Power which blesses us with supreme peace and well being is called Gayatri by Rishis of ancient times.

In ancient times great Rishi-Munis had performed intense austerities and Yogic practices so as to attain divine glories like Anima, Mahima etc. Indian Mythology is full of descriptions with reference to the miraculous powers attained by these Rishis. Hence Rishi-Munis have ordained all of us to perform Gayatri based practices. Gayatri devotion and meditation should be executed on a daily basis. It is called Trikaal Sandhya wherein at dawn, noon and dusk one meditates and chants the Gayatri Mantra.

In Indian Mythology called Puranas again and again various examples have been given wherein Gayatri devotion has given both material and spiritual success to its devotee. Even in today's times there have been quite a few Gayatri devotees who have attained a lot of material success along with name and fame in the world. Some examples appear a bit strange and yet even they point at the supreme attainments of Gayatri meditation. Any one who mentally dwells in close proximity to divinity attains supreme material and spiritual success.

GAYATRI MENTIONED IN MANY SPIRITUAL TEXTS

In the Yajurveda Gayatri has been strangely symbolized as a bull-
'CHATVAARISHRUNGAA TRAYO ASYA PAADAA,
DVAY SHEERSHAY SAPTA HASTAASOASYA.
TRIDHAA BADHO VRISHABHO RORAVEETI,
MAHAADEVO MARTYAA AAVIVESHA.'
...............................YAJURVEDA (17/19).

MEANING: Gayatri Super Mantra like that 4-horned, 3-legged, 2-headed, 7-handed (bound in 3 places) bull moos aloud so as to become divine and then it blesses its devotee infinitely.

The 4 Vedas are the 4 horns of a bull. The 3 legs of the bull correlate to the 8x3=24 letters of the Gayatri Mantra. Wisdom and scientific knowledge are its 2 head. The 7 hands are the 7 Vyahvrittis that bestow 7 divine powers. It is tied to 3 places represented by wisdom, action and devotion to Almighty God. Thus divine situations of divinity manifest. Anyone who dwells in close proximity to it attains all material and spiritual gains.

The 24 letters of Gayatri Mantra have been symbolized as the 24 daughters of Daksha Prajapati or divinity. These daughters got married to Dharma or righteousness as written in the scriptures. Thus it gives us all a hint that a person of ethics, integrity and spiritual leanings can benefit stupendously from the Super Divine Power of the 24 lettered Gayatri Mantra.

'CHATURVISHATI KANYAASHCHA SRISHTAVAANA DAKSHA UTTAMAHA.
SHRADHA LAKSHMEERDHUTISTUSHTIHA PUSHTIRMEDHAA KRIYAA TATHAA.
BUDHIRLAJJAA VAPUHA SHAANTIRRIDHIHA KEERTIRSWAYODASHEE.
PATNYARTHA PRATIJAAGRAHA DHARMO DAAKSHAAYANAHA PRABHUHA.'
.................................GARUDA PURAANA

MEANING: Daksha Prajapati sired 24 daughters called shradha, Lakshmi, Dhriti, Pushti, Tushti, Medha, Kriya, Budhi, Lajja, Vapu, Shanti, Ridhi, Kirti etc. Dharma married these 24 daughters.

Devi Bhagwat describes Anudan in the Ashwapati story as follows:

'TATAHA SAAVITRYUPAAKHYAANAM TANMAY VYAAKHYAATUMARHASI.
PURAA KENA SAMUDRABHUTAA SAA SHRUTAA CHA SHRUTAYHA PRASAHA.
KENA VAA POOJITAA LOKAY PRATHAMAY KAISHCHA VAA PARAY.
BRAHMANAA VEDAJANNANEE PRATHAMAYM POOJIVAA MUNAY.
DVITEEYAY CHA VEDAGANAISTATPASHCHAADISHAAM GANAYHA.
TADAA CHAASHWAPATIRBHOOPAHA POOJAYAAMAASA BHAARAT.
TATPASHCHAATPOOJAYAAMAASUVARNAASHCHTVAAR EVA CHA.'
..............................DEVI BHAGWAT (SAVITRI UPAAKHYAAN).

Sage Naradaji asked God: It is well known that Shrutis emerged from Gayatri and hence please throw more light on how Gayatri came into being.

Almighty God replied: Gayatri, the Holy Mother of the Vedas, was first worshipped by Brahmaji (creator) and then the demigods too worshipped Gayatri regularly. They were later followed by great scholars, men of austerities etc. King Ashwapati worshipped Gayatri in a very special way and thus all the 4 Varnas (Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas and Shudras) too commenced daily Gayatri worship.

In the Vana Parva of epic Mahabharat a discussion has been made wherein Goddess Savitri manifests from the sacred fire of Agnihotra and when the King worshipped Savitri with devotion and penance she blessed him with a divine boon. Its details are as follows:

'ROOPINEE TU TADAA RAAJAN DARSHAYAAMAASA TAM NRIPAM.
AGNIHOTRAAT SAMUTTHAAYA HARSHAYNA MAHATAANVITAA.
UVAACHA CHAIINAM VARDAA VACHANAM PAARTHIVAM TADAA.
SAA TAMASHWAPATIM RAAJAN SAAVITREENIYAMOSTHITAAM.'
...............................MAHABHARAT (VANA PARVA).

MEANING: O King! At that time Goddess Savitri tangibly manifested from the Agnihotra fire and lovingly gave her Holy Darshan (vision) to King Ashwapathy. While giving a boon to the King who had performed great penance with devotion Goddess Savitri said:

'BRAHMACHARYENA SHUDHENA DAMANAY NIYAMAYNA CHA.
SARVAATMANAA CHA BHAKTYAA CHA TUSHTAASMI TAVA PAARTHIVA.'

MEANING: Savitri said: O King! I am very pleased with you pure hearted sexual continence, sense organ mastery, mental control and large hearted devotion.

In this very story Maharshi Parashar had given a detailed explanation of Gayatri's deep import and method of meditation to King Ashwapathy. Further it has been said here that the King's consort whose womb was barren previously now gave birth to a pious child. Also the royal couple was blessed with immense material and spiritual prosperity.

Devi Bhagwat also describes incidences wherein famine was warded off due to Gayatri Super Power's grace. For this the revered Maharshi carried out a congregational worship and meditation program with Gayatri as its basis. Following are the details:

'KADAACHIDATH KAALAY TU DASHAPANCHASAMAA VIBHO.
PRAANINAAM KARMAVASHATO NAVAVARSHA SHATAKRATUHA.
ANAAVRISHTAYAATIDURBHIKSHAMBHAVATKSHAYAKAARAKAM.
GRIHAY-GRIHAY SHAVVANAAM TU SANKHYAA KARTU NA SHAKYATAY.
BRAHHMANAAHA BAHAVASTATRA VICHAARAM CHAKRUHA RUTTAMAMA.
TAPADHANO GAUTAMOSTI SA NAHA KHEDAM HARISHYATI.
SARVAYMILITVAA GANTAVYAM GAUTAMASYAASHRAMAYDHUNAA.
GAYATRIJAPASANSAKTAGAUTAMASYAASHRAMAYDHUNAA.
ITI SARVAANSAMAASHWAASYA GAUTAMEE MUNIRAT TADAA.
GAYATRI PRAARTHAYAAMAASA BHAKTISANNADHACHAYTASAA.
POORNAPAATRA DADAU TASMAI YAYNA SYAATSARVAPOSHANAM.
UVAACHA MUNI MAMBAA SAA YAM KAAMAM TWAMICHASI.
TASYA POORTIKARAM PAATRAM MAYAA DATTAM BHAVISHYATI.
ITYUKTVAANTARADADHAY DEVO GAYATRI PARAMAA KALAA.
ANNAANAAM RAASHAYASTASMAATRIRGATAAHAA PARVATOPAMAAHAA.
ITTHAM DWAADASHAVARSHAANIPUPOSHA MUNIPUNGAVAAN.
PUTRAVANMUNIRAANGARVAGANDHAYNA PARIVARJITAHA.
YATRASARVAYRMUNIVARAIHA POOJYATAY JAGADAMBIKAA.
TRIKAALAM PARAYAA BHAKTYAA PURASHCHARANAKARMABHIHA.'
..................................DEVI BHAGWAT

Sage Vyasa told Janmayjaya: Once there was no rain for 15 years. As a result a terrible famine set in. Innumerable creatures died of hunger and thirst. Their corpse rotted in their homes.

At that time pure hearted individuals got together and decided to approach a great devotee of Gayatri called Gautama who also was known for his intense penance. They all felt that Gautama was the right person to solve this dire problem. Hence they spoke to Gautama about the deadly famine faced by everyone.

Rishi Gautama humbly gave solace to everyone and started praying to Super Power Gayatri so as to overcome this harsh famine.

Holy Mother Gayatri was pleased by Rishi Gautama's devoted plea and hence gave him a 'Poorna Paatra' (vessel) that could feed all hungry beings suffering due to the famine. Mother Gayatri said: All your desirable yearnings will be fulfilled by this divine vessel. Saying this she became invisible. Due to the grace of this divine vessel mountains of food grains and other requirements manifested.

Rishi Gautama told everyone that Gayatri is a supreme pilgrim spot. And hence everyone commenced Gayatri Purashcharana (special worship and meditation program) with devotion and intense faith.

The Divine Glories of Gayatri Meditation by Yuga Rishi Shriram Sharma

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Yoga offers many things to many people. It can leave you supple and toned or even, according to some teachers, spiritually enlightened.

It's the latest thing, and has reshaped the stars from Madonna to Sting.

There are many different forms of yoga - some more physical, some highly spiritual. Overall, yoga is good for stress-related illness, fatigue, migraine, depression, PMS, arthritis, back pain, ageing, and mobility problems.

Decide why you want to start yoga and then choose an appropriate form. The principles of yoga is fairly simple - relax, switch off and stretch, and you'll feel better.

If you want to get fit…

* Hatha yoga - based on controlled stretching, with an emphasis on developing a flexible spine. Good for all level of fitness.



* Vini yoga - usually taught individually by a teacher call Desikachar. Vini yoga is safe and gentle and this is exceptionally good for older people.




 If you want to get physical…

* Lyenger yoga - focuses on correct postures and often uses blocks and ropes to maintain these.



* Sivananda yoga - suitable for all ages, it covers a wide range of poses from simple to complex.




* Ashtanga yoga - known as power yoga. This form is very demanding and is suitable only for the very fit. But if you want ultra-toned muscles like Madonna, give it a go! ;)




If you want to get spiritual…

* Raja yoga - also known as royal yoga. Tis is more concerned with the mind




* Dru yoga - group yoga which concentrates heavily on breath work



* Jnana yoga - concentrates on yoga's philosophical aspects and is heavily meditative and spritual. This is for those seeking a deeper leve to life.



Which Type of Yoga is Best? by Organic Passion

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Choosing What Time of Day to Do Yoga

Whether you are just starting yoga or you have been doing it for a while, you may need to decide when during the day to do your yoga routine. Most people who have practiced yoga for a long time have probably changed the time they do yoga each day. We all adjust our daily schedules now and then. Let's explore some of the different times of day you can do yoga.

Morning - You can do yoga in the morning if you want. Doing yoga in the morning will help wake you up fully and prepare you for the day. Also, assuming you usually shower in the mornings, you can use your morning shower to wash off after yoga practice. Unfortunately, if you have to go to work early in the mornings, you will probably need to get up earlier. Also, you may have trouble squeezing in breakfast with your yoga practice. You want to eat when you wake up before doing yoga, but you also probably do not want to do yoga immediately after eating.

Afternoon - Trying to do yoga in the afternoon may not work if you have a busy schedule. You may not find time for it. Even if you do find time, you may find yourself feeling rushed and stressed during your yoga practice, which may ruin it for you. On the plus side, doing yoga in the afternoon may help you avoid doing yoga when you are tired in the morning or at night. Many people find that they are at their physical and mental peak during the afternoon. Also, afternoon yoga may act as a stress-relieving break from your daily activities.

Evening and Night - You can do yoga during the evening or at night. This would probably include any time from when you get home from work until you go to bed. By waiting until nighttime, you can do your yoga without having to worry about your daily chores and getting to work on time. On the downside, you may feel tired at night, which can negatively impact your yoga routine. Also, if you are worn out from the day, that may cause you to skip your yoga practice. Some people may also find that doing yoga at night hinders their ability to fall asleep.

Obviously, the best time for you to do yoga depends on your personal schedule and preferences.

People who take yoga classes at a studio or gym may be have less options because they have to go at the set time of the class. Although, many studios and gyms offer at least some selection between different classes during the day. People who do yoga on their own at home will have more leeway in choosing the time.

With the options you do find for yourself, try to choose the time that will help you get the most out of your yoga practice. You want to be at peak condition to perform yoga, but you also do not want the practice to disrupt the rest of your day.

Whatever you do, good luck and have fun!

Choosing What Time of Day to Do Yoga by Scott Hughes

Yoga for Beginners Tips

Here discussed are some excellent yoga ideas for newbies:

Find a design of yoga that is best for you.

There are lots of types of yoga for newbies. In case you do not appreciate a particular, certainly there are several various other you may wish to test out. As an example, Hatha yoga centers on physical aspects, while Kripalu is a greater meditative variety, and Kundalini puts an importance on breathing activities.

Start with the less complicated poses.

The positions contained in yoga are actually called asanas. Constantly remember to start off your training by having the much easier asanas then only go ahead to the more challenging ones whenever you feel very good concerning the even more simple ones.

Don't believe you have to find yourself in great shape to start yoga.

In case you find a really good and compassionate instructor, you could show up with every one your imperfections and pains. Having his or her help, yoga will help you to be more comfortable with yourself.

Know your personal limits.

Practicing yoga implies understanding to appreciate your limits. Your resolution reveals when you keep the exercise working, certainly not when you stretch outside your comfort level and encounter pain.

Do not become annoyed when there is no visible development.

Whenever you execute routinely, adjustments will definitely happen minus your awareness. You unwittingly strengthen muscles that you could neither feel nor see.

Exercise without shoes.

Practicing without any shoes and socks not just makes you seem more grounded and linked to the earth; it even makes your feet more powerful and much more pliable. In harmonizing postures, it serves to familiarize exactly how you distribute and spread your mass. When changing positions, it assists you smoothly progress from one position to the next.

Meditate.

Yoga was originally created to support meditation and spiritual development. For that reason, don't neglect time prior to and also right after the positions which are traditionally dedicated to unwind your head and anatomy.

Know how to inhale.

Here, yoga for newbies is no different from yoga for the knowledgeable. The breathing ought to be an essential element of your yoga habit. Breathing in by means of your nostrils, fill your lungs through each inhalation. Whenever you keep postures, your breath should help settle it. When shifting from a single position to the following, you ought to synchronize your breathing appropriately.

Do not hold your breath throughout asanas.

Even though you feel tempted to hold your breath while holding a tough pose, don't. Strive to take a breath slowly and profoundly with your mouth shut. It will assist your position and provide you toughness.

Do not stress regarding how lengthy you may keep a posture.

Yoga isn't a test of stamina or durability. As a matter of fact, some of the most essential aspect of exercise is your breathing. Focus on inhaling regularly to help you to strengthen the posture.

Maintain a healthy and balanced diet.

Getting a proper diet plan is one of the principles of yoga. So as to nourish both your thoughts and anatomy, just what you eat must be well-thought-out and healthy.

Relinquish aspiration.

Bring your attention off how you are performing your exercise. As an alternative, focus on finding yourself in the exercise. The true significance of yoga gets forfeited if you get connected to outcomes.

Focus between the poses.

You should understand each and every motion. The activities between are equally crucial as attaining a certain pose.
Yoga for Beginners Tips by Sterling Welpy

Concept and Principles of Karma Yoga

Yoga in all forms is escalation of consciousness and progression. Karma yoga is one of the preparatory stages of Hatha yoga. Karma means action, while karma yoga is a way to take these actions to the path of salvation. Karma yoga is primarily based on the teachings of holy book of the Hindu’s the Bhagavad-Gita and is meant with the “discipline of action”. The essence of Karma yoga lies in eulogizing action regardless to the fruit of action. Karma yoga is believed to be one of the four pillars of yoga.

Background of Karma yoga-
In the Bhagavad-Gita there is a chapter on the entire process of karma yoga. The dialogue takes place between Arjuna and lord Krishna. In this episode the lord explains and enlightens him of all the yoga systems including Karma yoga. The Hindu philosophies comprehend on karma and samskar. Hindu’s believe that every individual’s are born with definite karma, positive or negative. The cycle of life and past life continues till the individual arrives at zero balance and they are then believed to have reached liberation.

Concept of Karma yoga-
“Karma” is a Sanskrit derivative from “kri” means “to do”. Yoga transforms with the “union”. The literal meaning of karma yoga is “course of union through action”. Even Adi Shankaracharya has said that with practice of karma the mind purifies. Karma yoga is first step to Jnana Yoga and finally towards salvation.

Principle rules of karma yoga-
The key rules of karma yoga lie in two decrees yama and niyama. Yama deals with conduct towards others while, niyama is meant with conduct in ourselves.

Benefits of Karma yoga-
The selfless service purifies one’s heart. The individual becomes karma yogi with the development of kindness, love, mercy, sympathy and waning of hatred, self-centeredness, jealousy etc.

Karma yoga brings closer to the god. With development of tolerance and oneness he/she feels unified with all creation. The attainment of spiritual powers is the next step in karma yoga. A true karma yogi serves people selflessly and is respected in the society. This happens with practice of karma yoga and can be felt. One of the greatest karma yogi of all times is Gautama Buddha.

Practicing karma yoga-
Like it is said “charity begins at home.” Similarly one can practice karma yoga in everyday life in simple ways, by showing compassion to the poor or needy. Take delight in serving the destitute, this simple karma will evolve you one step more towards moksha.

Concept and Principles of Karma Yoga by Jay Franco