--> Skip to main content

Posts

Showing posts from February 6, 2010


Kula Mangalbar Ritual

Kula Mangalbar is observed in certain parts of eastern India especially in some parts of Bengal . As the name ‘Mangalbar’ indicates, the ritual is observed on Tuesdays. The Kula Mangalbar ritual is partly dedicated to Surya or Sun God and to two of his sons who are part of regional folklore.  Interestingly, none of the gods from Hindu Pantheon are worshipped on the day. The main Kula Mangalbar ritual involves pujas with seventeen pumpkins and seventeen pumpkin leaves. The pumpkins and the leaves are placed on a copper vessel smeared with red sandalwood paste. An interesting story of Surya or Sun God having twin sons is read or listened to by those performing the ritual.

Swami Viditatmananda Thoughts on Violence or Ahimsa

The word ahimsa is derived from the Sanskrit verb ‘hims’ which means to kill, to injure, or to hurt. The absence of these violent tendencies is ahimsa. The practice of non-violence calls for an understanding of violence and its cause. The principal cause of violence is ignorance of the true nature of the Self that is characterized by happiness, peace and completeness. This ignorance results in insecurity, selfishness, hatred, aggression and competition. Ignorance propels a person to resort to violence to fulfill his egocentric needs. It is for this reason that scriptures advice: “Do not harm any living being.” Why, because I do not want to be harmed. I should not do unto others what I do not want done unto me. In this way, ahimsa becomes a universal law to safeguard the order of the universe. Violence occurs at three levels in deeds, words and thought. The more we increase our needs and the more extravagant we are, the more the violence. An awareness of this would require one