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Showing posts from November 21, 2010


Obama as Nataraja on Newsweek Cover November 22, 2010

The Newsweek cover of November 22, 2010 edition has US President Barack Obama in Nataraja pose – the cosmic dance Hindu God Shiva as Nataraja. The cosmic dance of Shiva as Nataraja represents – Creation, Protection, Destruction, Embodiment and Release. In essence, the cosmic dance symbolically represents the continuous cycle of creation and destruction. This cosmic dance takes place in every particle and is the source of all energy. It represents the Supreme Truth. The Newsweek cover page of November 22, 2010 is headlined as "God of All Things" – Why the modern presidency may be too much for one person to handle. The Newsweek cover suggests that Obama is not God Shiva to solve all issues. But it was unnecessary to bring the Nataraja symbol into American political squabbles as Nataraja Shiva Murti is worshipped by millions of people in Hindu Temples and homes.  It is the unparalleled insight of the ancient Saints of Hinduism that they were able to express the entire cycle of

Qualities of a True Guru or Saint – Sri Krishna in Uddhava Gita

In the Uddhava Gita in the Srimad Bhagavad Purana, Sri Krishna advises Uddhava regarding the qualities of a true guru or saint. Here are the qualities enumerated by Sri Krishna. Gurus are kind to all. They won’t wrong anybody. They have no grudge against anyone. They have endurance, patience, fortitude. They are free from scandals. They take pleasure and pain in the same vein. They are ever ready to help others. They are not enchanted by worldly things. They have tender heart but full command over their sense organs. They are pure, benevolent, detached. They eat only for survival and never for taste. They are totally and always at ease. They are unperturbed. They are devoted to Brahman (Supreme Truth). They are thoughtful. They are alert and conscious. They are serious. They are patient in dangers. They have won over all the six weaknesses – hunger, thirst, pain, lust, old age and death. They give due honor to others. They are skilled and dexterous.