Importance and Relevance of Homa as a Spiritual Sadhana
The "vedic-wisdom" yahoogroup is dedicated to discussing matters related to spirituality, Sanatana dharma and understanding the true meaning of the teachings of rishis on dharma and spirituality. The following is a sampling of some of my writings there.
A Parable: Realization, Religion, Pseudo-wisdom & Sadhana Message 8561
On many identities, who am I really: Message 7084
What articles are required in an "ideal pooja room": Message 830
On the deeper meaning of Mantra Pushpam: Message 7015
On multiple spiritual paths (a detailed analogy): Message 361 and Message 367
I wrote bits and pieces on Kundalini here and there before, but wanted to capture key points in a single writing
I want to put Adwaita (non-dualism) and Dwaita (dualism) in perspective today, using an analogy. More here.
I want to share a parable related to self-realization, heaven, religion, pseudo-wisdom, sadhana etc. More here.
It has been more than a month since my father left this plane. I want to write a few words about him. More here.
On curses on powerful mantras and curse relieving mantras: More here.
Someone asked in a different thread how to recognize a "Realized Guru". I'll give my 2 cents on this.. More here.
Many people mistake "detachment" as aversion for the world. Aversion is a negative *attachment*, i.e. NOT detachment. More here.
Some people believe that mantras have an inherent power and make things happen magically. Though there is some truth to it, it is not entirely accurate. More here.
On Rishi, Chhandas, Beeja, Shakti, Keelaka & Nyasas: More here.
Hidden Meaning of Bhrigu's story: More here.
Worship of "Formless": More here.
Puranic stories as external metaphors for internal realities: More here.
Weapons of Deities in Hindu Iconography: More here.
Many well-intentioned people are doing their best to "eat healthy" and yet suffering, simply because there is much misinformation about "healthy food" out there in our pop culture. I'll try to give some basic guidelines on healthy eating in simple lingo. Link: More here.
On the very important nasal cycle and swara shastra: More here.
On the nuances of Vastu shastra: More here.
A discussion between Sage Suka and King Janaka in "Devi Bhagavatam" is a classic. When Suka did not want to marry, his father Vyasa sent him to Janaka and Janaka dispelled the notion that marriage and children are a bondage. Link: More here.
On what Dasa Mahavidyas represent: Message 8427
On how [not] to judge spiritual progress: Message 7948
On the stages in spiritual sadhana: Message 8244
Why meditate on sound patterns like beejaaksharas and mantras: Message 832
On how mantras work (good to read after message 832 above): Message 498 and Message 956
On the wasting of prana (life force): Message 7860
On why certain associate deities are worshipped in Satya Narayana pooja: Message 7795
An example of mystical experiences given by mantras: Message 951
How different mantras work and fail (an analogy): Message 922
On technicalities that block people's spiritual progress: Message 381
On keeping the mind focused during meditation: Message 1172
On what really matters in spiritual sadhana: Message 964
On the exchange between external & internal worlds: Message 8016
On ownership vs caretakership: Message 7989
On the Gayatri mantra and true purpose of spiritual sadhana: Message 711
On the meaning of seven tongues of fire in homa: Message 1174
On creation, god, karma and karmaphala: Message 534
On new karmas vs resisting the fruits of past karmas: Message 394
On the working of Veda mantras vs other mantras in today's times: Message 892
On the problem of pride even in spiritual sadhana: Message 733
On the role played by a guru (includes a personal account): Message 382 and Message 391
One example of the symbols in rituals: Message 756
On looking for tangible results and mystical experiences: Message 648 and Message 632
On the challenge of brahmacharya: Message 578
On mixing up duality and non-duality: Message 671
Why worship planets and deities instead of one supreme god: Message 126
On mystical experiences and not being distracted: Message 611
On the pronunciation of mantras and accompanying thoughts: Message 615
On moksha as an end vs moksha as a continuum: Message 438
On ladies performing funeral rites: Message 8033
On the nuances of personal dharma: Message 437