kshama

I am saddened by intolerance such as that shown in the vid. I am not blaming anyone, intolerance is there in every society, culture and religion nowadays. It shows that religious system as beautiful they are, they still lack something. I wonder what it is? All I can hope is the world will be a better place in the coming future. Namaste.

Respected Kaplain2009 Ji, Namaskar. I am glad that you are worshipping god and following your spiritual activities diligently. I see no wrong in praying to the Lord to grant you material success, infact, He is the right person even to ask for. Though His methods of granting them are beyond our comprehension, have faith in Him. Well I am glad that your ultimate motive is to gain liberation. That is good already, and you are in the right mindset. But I hope someone senior in this forum would throw some light and guide you to further strengthening your faith. Namaste.

Raghu Ji, Namaskar. I am not backing or defending Theist. Sometimes I often find myself intiating pointless debate, even though I have a point to make. So I rather hibernate and comeback to reply to post that are valuable. So I beg to differ, that people run away from defending their points. Namaste.

I often wonder that, why people of such traits get involved in religious and spiritual activities? It is saddening to see, read and hear bad reports about people like that in the mass-media, it tarnishes the image of Hinduism. Like Hindustani Ji stated, I do believe any negativity cannot be present when god's name is being chanted. Then again I wonder, what if the chanter him/her self is personifcation of all evil and continues to fool gullible people, why they are still existing? It is just the question that ran through my mind when I read the post. Namaste.

Respected Ronin Ji, I hope I don't sound rude, I do not like the tone of your post. I do respect your views though. I bear no hatred or negativity towards you. All I can say is good luck in your quest, be it spiritually or religiously. May god bless you always. Again I am sorry to offend you by any degree or being an obstruction in your path. Namaste.

Respected Ronin Ji, With due respect kindly change the way you reply to post's of other members . I mean, you have quoted my previous post in ONE quote box which is grey in colour, yet you replied below my statements in orange hue, under the SAME quote box. As there is only ONE quote box, new or some regular members, who frequents this forum might think that, all your replies (in orange hues) are made by me, since you replied to each of my questions in the same ONE quote box. The orange hue might look like you are highlighting the points. I know it is a petty thing, but avoiding confusions are essential for the benefits of all reader. To all members, this is my ORIGINAL post to prior to this very post. Now coming back to the topic, I will try to answer or defend my points ABOVE for each of your questions/or statements BELOW (in orange hue) one by one. Yes, it is true some are living in ignorance. Many people realize it, many people unfortunately don't. But most people do think before they write. Thoughts and in thinking mode is always there unless one calms down and meditate. I am a Hindu. I am not from India, not well-versed in any Hinduism Holy scriptures in their original language. I study (and I am not even finished studying all) their precise translations in English though I admit, some terminology of Sanskrit cannot be expressed in English, so I take initiative to seek help from learned ones near me. They explain it in English or in my mother tongue. I basically try to understand the essence of all Holy Scriptures of Hinduism by this way. I am no less Hindu. The learned ones that I met never chased me away just because I did not know Hindi or Sanskrit. There are many people in this world are Hindus depite their condition. Let me relate. There many people who are born Hindu, might not even held the Holy Gita, they are Hindus too. In the places I live, many Hindus do not know how many Vedas are there, but they are also Hindus. There are some Hindus that cannot even speak their mother tongue, they use English to understand their religion and roots, and they are Hindus too. Hinduism does not need some rigid qualifications in order for the followers to be tagged a Hindu.It is as if that one has to to undergo entrance exam (Hindi&Sanskrit) to be tagged passed as a Hindu, and those who fail are not Hindu. In my humble thinking, it is not like that. Hinduism has mass appeal, as long you have faith in the system. It reaches all without prejudice. From previous post of mine I said: it is very unfair to label someone less-Hindu just because they do not know Hindi or Sanskrit. Many people of different languages are Hindus and practicing well as I claimed by my experience meeting them. To the above stament of mine, you replied the below. Medicine is a science, law is a subject with a system of rules. To practice both training and education in respective fields needed. NO OTHER WAY. Religion and spirituality are to an extent metaphysical and theological, some people are able to relate to them easily and some might not. But then, it doesn't mean they who do not understand are not Hindus. It is very unfair for labelling them less-Hindu if they fail to grasp a part or more of Hinduism. It only needs faith. Anyone can have faith, cultivate their faith, and nourish the faith and these depends on how aware and involved they are in the faith. I give you an eg, some people do not know why they offer water to Lord Surya early morning, all they knew was, their grandparents did it, so did their parents and now they are doing it. But then they too are Hindus, but less informed about the significance of the rituals. Why they are Hindus......because they have faith, if not they would have given up. These people again might know or do not know at all Hindi or Sanskrit. They are just not well informed about the significance of the rituals because they are doing it as a mere routine. These people are Hindus too. So it is in our path to be informed what is the significance of the rituals and etc. Initiative in our part is essential to learn about being a Hindu or practicing Hinduism, and both of these actions can be done without knowing Hindi or Sanskrit. If at all they need to pronounce some lines, mantras, or even reading the Gita, there are some phonetically written text, romanized Sanskrit scriptures with phonetics and correct pronunciation, and even MP3's nowadays. And there are many reputed guru and mahans, that I find, preaching in English and imparting their knowledge without partiality towards anyone. I have no objections towards anyone who wishes to deepen their understanding about being a Hindu or practicing Hinduism by learning Hindi or Sanskrit, it is indeed good, but not a FATAL must. I am quite sure the thread starter had found the answers for his/her or her questions. So the objective of the thread is met. So I think there is no point in dragging the matter further. Ronin Ji, I am sorry for making you read my long reply. I just felt I am obliged to respond to your questions and statements. Thank you for your questions and statements, it paves me way to understand Hinduism even deeper. To other learned members, respected seniors and fellow members of the forum, if you that what I said is wrong, please forgive me. I am learning about Hinduism everyday, for me Hinduism is like the ocean, it will take a life-time for someone like me to really understand it to the maximum. If there are any mistakes or factual errors, do highlight for the advancement of knowledge of fellow readers and myself. I am sorry to all once again. Namaste. **I just realized that many blessed seniors, advanced spiritualists that I know in the forum refrain posting in threads anymore. I have been blessed to talk to one blessed senior from India, he would always say, pointless debate is unhealthy for his spiritual life. He has a point I guess. I am sorry if any members think that I am infact contributing or intiating pointless debate.It is not my intention. I will now only respond to threads/posts that are worth replying to or replying to questions pertaining statements that I made in my past, recently, or in the coming future that might appear hazy. **

Dear Blessed Members of the Forum, It is very sad to see the patterns of thinking here. A Hindu is a term to classify one who practices Hinduism. It is an eternal religion, so beautiful that it doesn't limit the freedom of people practicing whatever paths or rituals that they follow. It is open to all that believe and have faith in Hinduism. I strongly believe, anyone can be a Hindu, with or without knowing Hindi or Sanskrit. Yes, I am aware most Hindi and Sanskrit speakers are Hindus. But then, I have come across many Hindus that speak Tamil, Indonesian, Kannada, Malayalam, Telugu, and many other Indian regional languages as well as people who speak English and many more foreign languages, without knowing an iota of Hindi language or Sanskrit. So are they less Hindu? I do not think so. They are practicing Hinduism really well for your information. It is so unfair to label someone without even researching. It is better to focus this very short lifespan of ours to know god. That is more fruitful in my opinion, rather than branding or labelling other less-Hindu, neo-Hindu or whatever terms that comes to the mind. I felt compelled to channel my thoughts in this thread. It is not my intention to offend anyone or preaching you how to lead your life. I apologize in advance for those who think so. Namaste.

Confused1974 Ji, I am not the right person to pin-point or tell how to find your guru. I must say, I am glad that you are in a search of a guru. This is indeed a good way to understand and cultivate as well as nourish your faith. There are many respected seniors here and learned members who both are advanced in spirituality. I am sure god will send someone to guide you in this thread. Until then, keep reading and contribute your thoughts. Good luck, namaste.

Respected Melvin Ji, I am well aware of the consequences of what happens to heavy smokers who stop smoking drastically and the cytological changes that ensues soon after. Thank you for the information, in a way, let it be a reminder to anyone out there, that a bad thing has lot's of bad consequences and we have limited healthy choices to make, once any sort of deterioration of health happens. To all people out there, smoking is not a fashion statement, hip and happening habit, a symbol of glamour nor a reputed lifestyle. Excuses can be given anytime to support the habit. Think before you leap, the choice is yours. I am sorry to if I sound too harsh. This will be the last post by me in this particular thread, in respect to maintain the objective of the thread started by the dots_dashes Ji. And again I am sorry to take so much space explaining things that are not relevant or substantial to the aim of the thread starter. Namaste.

Respected Melvin Ji, We have the capacity to change what we are in this life. Well I agree there are many things in life are far worst than smoking. I believe changes be it, small or big, in making a healthy lifestyle, it a sign of a good progress. It is up to the person. Melvin Ji, I hope I don't sound rude, but let us end this conversation here, dots_dashes Ji started this thread to find help for her condition and seek some methods to tune in better with her inner voices, let this be her platform seeking those. Namaste.

Dear Confufused1974 Ji, Now I have understood your situation a bit better, as you opened up. Well you are indeed a good doctor and care about your patients. That is good enough. Is there any more better criteria than this? Maybe there is, but not as good as the aforementioned trait. Well, as I said, be content of what you are. You are already in a blessed profession. Running away from problems to an extent helps but we would stumble into the starting point again and again. The whole thing will repeat, agitation, heaviness and depression. Why not resolve it, take time to rejuvenate yourself, start things afresh? I am sure you will be in the best state of mind and body. Keep up the good work, leave the rest to god. May god bless you always. Good luck, Namaste.

Respected Melvin Ji, A doctor should be a role model in promoting a healthy lifestyle. I am not dictating how a doctor should be. I connot fathom, why he does not practice what he preaches. The loss is his side. That is why awareness should come from within, ignorance is so great in this life, we are only aware (not in spiritual context) until when it is too late. The choice of making healthy life style is ours. I cannot make judgements on the example you gave above, it isn't fair for me and to him, furthermore, I am not an iota of being knowledgable like you guys doctors. I am sorry if I offended anyone reading this. Namaste.

Respected Boricua Ji, You have asked that should one be born Hindu to be Hindu? Well the answer is NO. It is not necessary. What is a Hindu? One who practices Hinduism, by logical thinking, called a Hindu. But what is Hinduism? Hinduism is nothing, but a way of life. So in this context anyone can become a Hindu. Respected seniors and blesssed members of the forum, please do correct wherever necessary and add in some input to help Boricua Ji and even myself to learn. I am sorry for any confusion caused. Namaste.

Respected confused1974 Ji, First of all I welcome you to this forum. You have come to the right place, as it is a platform to meet and hear the opinions of many blessed souls. I am not as educated as yourself and I am also not spiritually or religiously proficient as many members of this forum are. So I hope I do not sound vain or rude. We are judged by many people in this world, some have biased, partial or even really true judgements of ourself. From what I read, you have acknowledged 'something' that YOU know is wrong and the YOUR conscience said refrain from it. Now this is a huge breakthrough. So nobody can judge you better except God and to an extent yourself. So if you think your action by not being part of IT, is fair, ethically right, and something god would encourage, then stand still and proud that you have made the right decision. Yes, I must say I am not in your shoes, I cannot fathom what are you going through. You would probably reason, it is easier said and done. I am not accusing, but it is the normal thought process. I am sorry if you feel so. You mentioned you are a doctor. You know, being a doctor paves way to accumulate good karma each time you treat and say even nice things to soothe the pain of patients. So I think you are already blessed by god to be in this profession. Not all can be doctors no matter how they try. I am not wise enough to quote verses from Gita, so I won't do that. But I can tell you one thing for sure, follow your Dharma whatever you do, leave the fruits of the actions to god. You are merely a blessed instrument of god, so you are not the doer. I hope spiritually advanced or proficient members can guide you with how to strengthen your faith in god and being spiritual,thus giving clear methods to follow the faith of your choice. Namaste.

Respected Astrologers and Karishma Ji, I am sorry to butt in your thread. I did some research and found out that, Jher is a village or city in Kheda which is a(district/town/municipality). It is located in the state Gujarat, India. I could only locate the co-ordinates of Kheda, geographical coordinates of Kheda: 22° 45' 0" North, 72° 41' 0" East. I cannot verify the accuracy of the co-ordinates that I stated above. Depends on your software or the maps that you guys refer too. My research reference are: 1) http://www.india.tm/php/showVillage.php?state_name=Gujarat&district_id=56870&district_name=Kheda 2) http://www.convertunits.com/distance/city/Kheda,+India As Amateur Ji stated, it is better to use google maps. Again, I know it is very improper for me to butt in, but the case here seems tough, so I came forward to give a hand. Sorry if I offend anyone. And if any case I am wrong about the location, please forgive me, I am not from India, so I am not really knowledgeable about the locations in India. Kshama

Respected dots_dashes, Congrats. You have taken a good step towards healthy living by quitting smoking. Make sure you stick by your decision. Well, I do not have adequate amount of knowledge about spirituality or issues pertaining karma, so it is unjust for me to give you half-boiled opinions of mine. There are many members here that are advanced in their spiritual side and are of profound knowledge of the matters that you seek clarifications. Maybe they know what is it. Health-wise, whatever IT is, it made you make a good decision, thank god for that and may god bless you always.

Respected Dots_dashes, Welcome to the forum. I cannot comment on spirituality. Being in health-care field, I do feel you should stop smoking. It does harm zillion times than hardly any good. I know it might sound cliche. Why depend on inner-voices to quit smoking, the transformation should come by YOU and backed by strong will power. There are many therapies that you could follow. Please consult your GP or doctors near you I am sure, they would willingly help you get over this habit. I have studied cases similar to your experience pertaining conscious and unconscious mind and some erratic behaviours. I think again you should consult a doctor, relate your experiences well. He might refer you to the proper channels. The treatments are many, one of them is behavioural therapy. Sometimes we are confused what we are actually going through. Seek medical help first. Nothing to be scared. It is a quite common problem. I would like to apologize if I offend you anyway by my suggestions and for me offering cliched comments. Thank you.

Respected Ahara Ji, I am not from India too. I understand your feeling about the inability to find the guru due to your geographical location. Please correct your assumption that it is easier for people in India to find their spiritual path just because there are a lot of gurus here. It is the same like elsewhere. As blessed the people of India are, not all of the population are enlightened. Not all are leading a spiritual life. What you see or hear may not be necessarily true. What matters is your freewill and the level of ability to take the pain and hurdles in your quest in searching a spiritual life. Anyone can make transformation in their life, wherever they are, by the grace of god, and if your intentions are pure enough. Coming back to the topic, in your case, it is wise for you to read up a a lot about Lord Ganesh. The book that you are currently reading too, is good. Now, after you have choosen the image of the Lord, of your choice, please be in touch with learned people here. Start a thread with precise title, eg How to Worship Lord Ganesh or How to Do Ganesh Sadhana. I am sure there are blessed seniors, learned people or people of similiar path you have chosen would respond in this forum. Do look up in the internet too. Again, I should repeat, it is beneficial to find a guru. But then.....what you feel inside is important rather than following eloborate procedures of worship as a mere routine. Again, I still have to acknowledge that, I am not the right person to tell you all these. There are many blessed members in this forum that could help you. Keep trying. Good luck. *I apologise for any remarks made by me above that might offend any people in this forum*

Exactly. You are free to choose whatever form of the Lord that you feel strong connection with. Again the prime thing is do consult a guru or a priest to explain about the relevant sadhana and worship procedures that are suited to your capacity. In my humble thinking, bhakti and diligence in your sadhana are far more important. Namaste.

Ahara Ji, Eventhough I lack of experience and knowlege, I feel I have to write a reply to your query. I reckon you are into Lord Ganesh worship, as the blessed member of the forum said, there are many representations of Lord Ganesh in images. I really feel that, you should choose whatever picture that you can connect to. Then maybe you can seek a guru to learn about the proper way of worshipping Lord Ganesh. I cannot suggest more, and I live it to the seniors and learned ones here. Namaste.

Respected Adiyen Dasan, Welcome to the forum. It is nice to have a person like you contributing thoughts in this forum. I do think day by day, there are lesser substantial discussions here. And advanced sincere apologies to anyone that are offended by my statements. May god bless us all.

Respected Ashtamaguru Ji, I cannot answer most of your questions because I am of no profound knowledge or wisdom on that matter, so it is very unjust for me to even comment. But I can relate to your one query....which is why do we need to pray to god. In my humble opinion, even though most of our lives are pre-destined, we need strength and wisdom to face the adversities of life. Who can grant all these,of course god. So it is wise to pray to god and hope for the best in all situations and minimize the adversities. Yet again, it is all up to god to fulfill our prayers. Namaste.

Respected members of the forum, Yes I do agree with Ashi2001. Self-control is important in loosing wieght. Perserverence, knowlege about healthy diet habits are vital to lose weight. Please do not hesitate to get help from doctors, dieticians or any kind of help. There are many methods of losing weight right now, be sure that method you choose is healthy and do not give way to other adverse health effects. Namaste.

Respected Kali_upasaka Ji, Thank you for posting the link. It was very informative.

Respected Sambya Ji, Your points are noted and appreciated. Thanks.