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Showing posts from April 29, 2008


Hindu Vrat: Benefits of Fasting in Hinduism

Fasting, known as Vrat or Vratam, is an integral part of Hindu religion. Each day of a week is dedicated to a particular deity in the Hindu pantheon and depending on personal choice a devotee can fast on any day . Apart from this there are Ekadasi and Shasti in a month, which are fasting days. Fasting is also associated with important festivals like Navratri, Teej etc. The main aim of all fasting days associated with Hinduism is to rise above the mundane materialistic nature and understand the all encompassing and blissful nature of Brahman. Some Benefits of Fasting on Spiritual Level Fasting purifies the mind. It controls passion. Checks emotions. Controls the senses. For many it is also a sort of penance as it provides a window to escape from sins. Fasting controls the tongue, which when let loose is the greatest enemy of man. Benefits of Fasting to the Physical Body Fasting overhauls the respiratory, circulatory, digestive and urinary systems. Impurit

Quotes and Teachings from Prasnottara Ratna Malika of Adi Shankaracharya - Simple Teachings of Adi Shankara

Prasnottara Ratna Malika of Adi Shankara in Sanskrit is a collection of 67 verses (question and answers). It tries to answer questions that arise in the mind of common man who is new to the spiritual world. Who can be considered as a Guru? That one who knows the truth, who lives in and as truth and who always strives for the good of his disciple. What is the seed of the tree of liberation (moksha)? The attainment of perfect and true knowledge and its application in everyday life. What is the root cause of fear? Death. Who is an intelligent person? That one who is endowed with the power of discrimination. Who is the enemy? Idleness. What is the essence of this life that we are leading? The understanding that it is only transitory and will not last forever. What can be considered as the dearest thing for a man? The leading of a life that is entirely devoted to the good of himself and others. What spoils the mind and brings down its efficiency? Love