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How to Follow Excellence in Hinduism

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Excellence in Hinduism is deeply rooted in the pursuit of self-realization, dharma (righteous living), and spiritual growth. It involves aligning one’s thoughts, actions, and intentions with higher principles of truth, compassion, and wisdom. Here is an expanded guide to embracing and practicing excellence in Hinduism.

1. Core Principles for Excellence

  • Dharma (Righteousness): Live according to ethical and moral codes. Each individual has a unique dharma based on their stage in life and responsibilities.
  • Satya (Truth): Practice honesty and integrity in all actions.
  • Ahimsa (Non-violence): Cultivate kindness and avoid harm to others in thought, word, and deed.
  • Self-Discipline: Regular meditation, worship, and self-restraint lead to mastery over the mind and senses.

2. Simple Prayers for Daily Worship

Morning Prayers:

  1. Shiva:
    "Om Namah Shivaya"
    Meaning: I bow to Lord Shiva, the Auspicious One who bestows peace and liberation.

  2. Vishnu:
    "Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya"
    Meaning: I offer my obeisance to Lord Vishnu, the sustainer of the universe.

  3. Durga:
    "Ya Devi Sarva Bhuteshu Shakti Rupena Samsthita
    Namastasyai Namastasyai Namastasyai Namo Namah"
    Meaning: I bow repeatedly to the Goddess who manifests as power in all beings.

  4. Ganesh:
    "Om Gam Ganapataye Namah"
    Meaning: I bow to Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles.

  5. Hanuman:
    "Om Hanumate Namah"
    Meaning: I bow to Hanuman, the embodiment of devotion and strength.

  6. Saraswati:
    "Om Aim Saraswatyai Namah"
    Meaning: I bow to Saraswati, the goddess of knowledge and wisdom.

  7. Lakshmi:
    "Om Shreem Mahalakshmyai Namah"
    Meaning: I bow to Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity.

  8. Vishwakarma:
    "Om Vishwakarmane Namah"
    Meaning: I bow to Vishwakarma, the divine architect.

  9. Jagannath:
    "Jai Jagannath"
    Meaning: Glory to Lord Jagannath, the Lord of the Universe.

3. Simple Steps for Daily Puja

  1. Preparation:

    • Choose a clean, quiet space for worship.
    • Wear clean clothes, ideally in white, yellow, orange, or red for auspiciousness.

  2. Arrange Items:

    • A lamp (diya), incense sticks, flowers, water in a small pot, fruits, and sweets.

  3. Purify Yourself and the Space:

    • Sprinkle water around the altar and on yourself while chanting "Om."

  4. Lighting the Lamp:

    • Light the lamp and incense sticks as a symbol of awakening the divine presence.

  5. Offer Prayers:

    • Chant mantras and offer flowers, fruits, and incense to the deities.

  6. Meditation:

    • Sit quietly for a few minutes, visualizing the deity and seeking blessings.

  7. Aarti:

    • Perform aarti by circling the lamp around the deity while singing or playing devotional songs.

  8. Prasad:

    • Share the offered food as prasad among family members.

4. Clothes and Color Guidance

  • White: For peace and purity, ideal for Saraswati or Vishnu worship.
  • Yellow: Represents prosperity, wisdom, and is auspicious for Ganesha or Lakshmi worship.
  • Red: Symbolizes energy and is perfect for Durga or Hanuman worship.
  • Saffron/Orange: Signifies spirituality and is associated with Shiva.
  • Blue: Represents vastness and depth, suitable for Vishnu or Jagannath.

5. Ideal Deities for Worship

  • Shiva: For transformation and liberation.
  • Vishnu: For preservation and protection.
  • Durga: For strength and overcoming challenges.
  • Ganesha: For success and removing obstacles.
  • Hanuman: For courage and devotion.
  • Saraswati: For wisdom and learning.
  • Lakshmi: For wealth and prosperity.
  • Vishwakarma: For creativity and innovation.
  • Jagannath: For universal well-being and love.

6. Mantras for Special Purposes

  • For Prosperity:
    "Om Shreem Mahalakshmyai Namah"

  • For Wisdom:
    "Om Aim Saraswatyai Namah"

  • For Success:
    "Om Gam Ganapataye Namah"

  • For Strength:
    "Om Hanumate Namah"

  • For Inner Peace:
    "Om Namah Shivaya"

7. Rare Facts

  • 108 as a Sacred Number: The number 108 is significant in Hinduism, representing the universe’s wholeness (1=universe, 0=emptiness, 8=infinity).
  • Vishwakarma Puja: Known as the divine architect, Vishwakarma is celebrated by engineers, craftsmen, and designers.
  • Jagannath Rath Yatra: This grand chariot festival in Puri signifies unity and equality.

8. Practical Steps for Modern Times

  1. Simplify Worship: Adapt shorter rituals if time is constrained but maintain regularity.
  2. Daily Practices: Dedicate a specific time for prayer or meditation, even if brief.
  3. Digital Resources: Use apps or videos for chanting mantras and learning rituals.
  4. Community Participation: Join local temples or online groups for festivals and discussions.
  5. Eco-friendly Puja: Use biodegradable materials and avoid plastic for offerings.
  6. Selfless Service (Seva): Volunteer for causes like feeding the poor or teaching underprivileged children.
  7. Balance Material and Spiritual: Integrate spiritual values into work by practicing integrity and kindness.

Excellence in Hinduism is achieved by living a life of balance, devotion, and discipline. It’s not about perfection but striving towards the divine within oneself and in the world. By integrating ancient wisdom with modern practices, one can walk the path of spiritual and worldly success.