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Krishna is only mention in the puranas so what is the value of Krishna in the Vedas?

Rastafarianism has no link to Hinduism. What the shadus pratice is Tantraism which is part of the Vedas while rastafarianism originated form Babylon and differ alto from Hinduism. I hope you would not confuse yourself and bel;ief in what your heart tells you to do. Every path leads to a destination and hope your too would have one.

Rastafarians acknowledge that their religion is the blending of the purest forms of both Judaism and Christianity; they also accept the Egyptian origins of both these religions. In affirming the divinity of Haile Selassie, Rastafari rejects the Babylonian hypocrisy of the modern church. The church of Rome, and even the council of Rome, are considered to be particularly Babylonian: was it not from this city that Mussolini invaded the holy land of Ethiopia in 1935? Religions always reflect the social and geographical environment out of which they emerge, and Jamaican Rastafari is no exception: for example, the use of marijuana as a sacrament and aid to meditation is logical in a country where a particularly potent strain of 'herb' grows freely.

Because I believe the Supreme Brahma is within me and so is Mother Durga who is always there to help me whenever I need her: "yaa devie sarvabhuuteshhu maatru roopineh sansthitaah”. ”yaa devie sarvabhuuteshhu shakthi roopineh sansthitaah” ”yaa devie sarvabhuuteshhu shaanti roopineh sansthitash” ”namastasyaih namastasyaih namastasyaih namo namaha" O mother, who is present everywhere, who is embodiment of Universal Mother, O mother, who is present everywhere, who is embodiment of Power and Energy, O mother, who is present everywhere, who is embodiment of Peace, I bow to thee, I bow to thee, I bow to thee. Sree Durga Dhyanam sarva sroop-eh sarveseh sarva shakthi smanvidhey payepyas thrahi noh devi durga devi namohsthuthey Sree Durga Astottara Shatanamavali Om Drugayai namah Om Shivayai namah Om Maha-lakshmyai namah Om Maha-gouryai namah Om Chandikaye namah Om Sarva-gynayai namah Om Sarva-lokeshayai namah Om Sarva karma-phala-pradayai namah Om Sarva teerdha-mayai namah Om Pun-yayai namah Om Deva-yonaye namah Om Ayoni-jaayai namah Om Bhume-jaayai namah Om Nirgu-nayai namah Om Aadhara-shaktyai namah Om Aanee-shvaryai namah Om Nirgu-nayai namah Om Niramham-karayai namah Om Sarva-garva-vimar-dhinyai namah Om Sarva-loka-priyayai namah Om Vaanyai namah Om Sarva-vidyadhi-devataayai namah Om Parvatyai namah Om Devamatre namah Om Vanee-shayai namah Om Vindya-vasinyai namah Om Tejo-vatyai namah Om Maha-matre namah Om Koti-surya-sama-prabhayai namah Om Deva-tayai namah Om Vahni-rupayai namah Om Sate-jase namah Om Varna-rupinyai namah Om Guna-shayayai namah Om Guna-madhyayai namah Om Guna-traya-vivarji-tayai namah Om Karma-gynana-pradayai namah Om Kantayai namah Om Sarva-samhara-karinyai namah Om Dharma-gynanayai namah Om Dharma-nistayai namah Om Sarva-karma-vivardhi-tayai namah Om Kamakshmai namah Om Kama-samhartyai namah Om Kama-krodha-vivarji-tayai namah Om Shan-karyai namah Om Sham-bhavyai namah Om Shan-tayai namah Om Chandra-suryagni-lochanayai namah Om Suja-yayai namah Om Jaya-bhumi-shtayai namah Om Jaahnavyai namah Om Jana-puji-tayai namah Om Shastrasyai namah Om Shastra-mayyai namah Om Nityayai namah Om Shubhayai namah Om Chandhrardha-mastakayai namah Om Bharatyai namah Om Bramaryai namah Om Kalpayai namah Om Karalyai namah Om Krushana-pingalayai namah Om Bramhai namah Om Narayanyai namah Om Roudryai namah Om Chandra-mruta-pari-srutayai namah Om Jyeshtayai namah Om Indirayai namah Om Maha-mayayai namah Om Jagat-grushtya-dhika-rinyai namah Om Bramhanda-koti-samsdha-nayai namah Om Kaminyai namah Om Kamalaa-layayai namah Om katya-yanyai namah Om Kalaa-teetayai namah Om Kala-samhara-karinyai namah Om Yoga-nishtayai namah Om Yogi-gamyayai namah Om Yogi-dyeyayai namah Om Tapa-svinyai namah Om Gynana-pupayai namah Om Niraka-rayai namah Om Bhakta-bhishta-phala-pradayai namah Om Bhutatme-kayai namah Om Bhuta-matre namah Om Bhute-shyai namah Om Bhuta-darinyai namah Om Svadhayai namah Om Naree-madhya-gatayai namah Om Shada-dharadi-vardhinyai namah Om Mohitam-shubha-dayai namah Om Shubhrayai namah Om Sukshmayai namah Om Matrayai namah Om Nirala-sayai namah Om Nimna-gayai namah Om Neela-samka-shayai namah Om Nitya-nandayai namah Om Harayai namah Om Paraayai namah Om Sarva-gynana-pradayai namah Om Anamtayai namah Om Satyayai namah Om Durlabha-rupinyai namah Om Sarasvatyai namah Om Sarva-gatayai namah Om Sarva-bheeshta-prada-inyai namah

He is everywhere and in every living creatures. He is in me and you for without his presence you and I will not breath. Take my word and look around you surely you too can feel his presence.

Hindu Beliefs Hinduism Today, April 1993 On Creation: The universe exists in endless cycles of creation, preservation and destruction. There is no absolute end to the world. On The True God: There is but one true and absolute Self, Supreme Being. God is pure Love. On Paths to God: Man is free to choose his form of worship, for all paths lead ultimately to God. Sin is only of the mind; Soul is pure. On Man's Plight: Man's suffering is but his soul's immaturity. He is on a progressive path which leads from ignorance to knowledge, from death to immortality. On Evil: There is no intrinsic evil. All is good. All is God. On Virtue and Salvation: Virtuous conduct and light belief are the foundation of religious life. Liberation requires knowledge and personal attainment. On Doctrines: Doctrines tend to be subtle, complex and even paradoxical. Freedom to worship and to believe in a variety of ways is predominant. On Enlightenment: The goals of enlightenment and liberation are to be found in this life, within man himself. On Sainthood: The path to saintliness is through self-discipline, purification, concentration, and contemplation. Value is placed on ascetic ideals, individual sadhana, and yoga. On Worship: Worship is individualistic, highly ritualistic and meditative, centering around the temple and home shrine all days of the week.

Thank you my friend for a beautiful answer. These four sentences is equal to billions. I could not have said better.

Dear Guest, I'm sorry that you are hurt by the slander of Islam in this forum but did you visit the Muslim fanatic forums? You should and than you will know why this is happening here. The whole problem is Islam is against all other belief and now they are trying all means to convert the whole world. I know there are some good moderate Muslims who are sympathic towards non Muslims but they cannot help in any way coz they fear the fatwa in Islam. The whole problem lieds with the spread of Islam by force during the early centuries. The atrocities committed by the early Muslim invaders in countries like Afghanistan, Persia now known as Iran and India. Due to their invation now India has lost a territory now known as Pakistan. Why do you think the Hindus hate the religion so much. Infact Hindus are the who believe all religions lead to the same path of godhead but with different approach. Now, does Islam believe the same? No, they believe that only Islam is the true religion of God and all others are false. They even believe that Hindus pray to the devils. What can you say about that? Hindus did not start this whole scenario but the early muslim invaders. I have many Muslim friends but none dare not discuss any of this issue with me coz they fear the truth might be spilled. I know how it feels when the whole world is against Islam but who is the cause of it all. The Muslims can blame the west for invading their holy land but when did India invade Arabia and converted Muslims into Hinduism? The answer is no in the history of mankind. But Muslims invaded India and looted all its treasures and destroyed historical temples and changed the whole history of India. I know we cannot change history but the Muslims in India can change the situation. As far as they know Islam is not their original religion and their forefathers were only converts by force and can now make it right by converting back to Hinduism and than they would enjoy a better life than what they have now. Nothing is impossible and the Muslims in India would create history if they do it before it gets out of hand.

1. An introduction to philosophical thinking as such through a presentation of the work of Socrates; 2. A narrative description of the world in which Socrates lived, the society of classical Athens; 3. An application of Socratic ideas in later developments of Philosophy, particularly today. A few words about each of the components: 1. What is Philosophy? The literal translation of the Greek word "philosophia" is "love of wisdom" (from "philos"= love, and "sophia"= wisdom). That origin of the word is still highly relevant, as will be seen, but not quite sufficient for a definition of what Philosophy is. Obviously, one needs to know what constitutes wisdom before one can know what a lover of it is. The word "wisdom" can have several meanings. In ancient Greece it could mean, for example, the thorough knowledge of such things as mathematics, astronomy, literature, and music. A wise man in that sense was a person who knew a great deal more about these things than most other people. The wisdom that is relevant for Philosophy, however, is somewhat different. It is a special kind of thoughtfulness--a thoughtfulness that can be described as follows: When people think about themselves in a serious way they often take, as it were, a step back from themselves and their lives and ask such questions as: Is this the person I ought to be? And does what I do most of the time ultimately make sense? Is what I live a real life? (Time and again inquisitive people have wondered whether there is real life before death ....) Widening their inquiry from personal matters to broader concerns, thoughtful people will ask: Is this society, of which I am an active or passive part, the society I want it to be? Is it a good society? Is it just? Are there meaningful alternatives to our way of life? And what exactly is justice, anyway? Widening their awareness still further, people develop such questions as: What are the ultimate goals of humanity? What is the meaning of life? Is there any meaning to life? The pursuit of these questions will quickly bring up such related questions as: How can one find valid answers? What can we really know? What exactly is knowledge? Organized religions and social traditions have shaped most of the moral concepts and rules by which people live. Different religions and different societies often seem to differ, however, in what they consider to be good or bad. What is good in one society is often considered evil in another. A thoughtful person will not want to be naiv or arbitrary about any such moral convictions; a thoughtful person will ask for convincing reasons why the moral demands of this or any other society should be accepted by free and intelligent beings. Philosophy is the activity of seriously asking such questions, and of possibly answering them. Philosophers are individuals who do not blindly pursue their everyday purposes within the confines of unquestioned beliefs and established practices, but who look beyond everything that is given in order to inquire about ultimate purposes and justifications. They are not content with what people usually accept as justifications, but try to go beyond such convictions to determine whether accepted justifications are in fact sound. To be a philosopher is foremost to raise critical questions where most people simply believe and accept. It is to be a professional skeptic--and to accept answers (if at all) only after an intensive investigation of all reasons for doubting generally accepted convictions. Philosophy, one could say, is the art of doubting what most people rarely or ever doubt: the foundations of their everyday lives. The first well-known thinker who explicitly and systematically introduced this kind of questioning into Western civilization was Socrates. The basic principle of his activity as a lover of wisdom was his often quoted statement "The unexamined life is not worth living." Socrates thus defined Philosophy as critical self-examination, as the will to not just live life, but to constantly question and evaluate it at the same time. Life, according to this conception, does not consist in simply existing in the world, but in developing a conscious relationship to this existence. Human beings should not be just doers, but should exist more as knowers, as knowers of themselves and their world. They should not pursue their practical goals like the instinct-driven creatures of an ant hill, but rather deliberately and reflectively--with a comprehensive understanding of what their lives and activities are ultimately about. Socrates thus set new standards for what it is to be human. The teachings of Socrates imply that people can fail, and fail utterly, to be human beings. By systematically and persistently asking such questions as "What is (true) virtue?", "What is (true) justice?", or "What is (true) knowledge?", i.e., by casting doubt on commonly accepted notions of virtue, justice, or knowledge, Socrates more or less created Philosophy as we know it. After Socrates his friend and disciple Plato did not have to do much more than to add some more questions, and to attempt some famous and infamous answers, to delineate the body of concerns that constitute the core of Philosophy to this day. After reviewing the work of the philosophers that contributed their efforts during the twenty-four hundred years, the 20th century philosopher A. N. Whitehead concluded: "The safest general characterization of the European philosophical tradition is that it consists of a series of footnotes to Plato." Socrates's work has never become outdated (in the way in which ancient Greek astronomy, for example, has become outdated). Socrates's questions and teachings are as relevant today as they were in 5th century Athens. It is for this reason that an introduction to Socrates's thoughts and activities is as pertinent an introduction to Philosophy as an account of more recent philosophical endeavors. To understand Socrates is to understand Philosophy--at least in its Western form. 2. To start the study of Philosophy with Socrates does not only have the advantage of clarifying an important beginning of Western thought, but also of providing an insight into the reasons why Philosophy ought to be pursued. In studying the discussions that Socrates had with his friends and opponents we learn not only what philosophers think, but also what prompts their arguments and pronouncements. Philosophy rarely exists in a social vacuum; it usually emerges in response to problems and challenges that come from the outside world. In the case of Socrates that becomes particularly clear, as all his thoughts are not the result of writing in solitude, but of discussions with others--of direct social interaction. Plato (the main biographer of Socrates) provides a great deal of social context for the thoughts of his teacher, even if some of his descriptions are fiction. He presents a fascinating picture of the society that brought about Western philosophy. Since Plato could presuppose a great deal of knowledge of classical Greece that later became lost, however, further historical material has been added here. The history of Athens at the time of Socrates is a significant and suspenseful story, a story that can be reconstructed from the writings of Plato's contemporaries, particularly from the histories written by Thucydides and Xenophon. These histories, as will be seen, add much meaning to the philosophical deliberations of Socrates. 3. For Socrates Philosophy was a matter of how to live one's life. In subsequent centuries the love of wisdom became a great deal more academic, something that could be as remote from people's practical concerns as a game of chess. One reason was the increasing degree of specialization that befell Philosophy as much as any other area of knowledge. Professional philosophers could fill volumes on the question of whether a falling tree makes a sound if nobody is around to hear it--without being able to say how an answer to this question would make any difference to anyone. Philosophers can argue such a question from nine to five and then live as unphilosophical a life as anyone else. Another reason is the growing historization of Philosophy, the tendency to painstakingly research what others have thought about a problem, and then consider the result as an accomplished task of Philosophy. "There are nowadays professors of philosophy, but not philosophers," Thoreau writes in Walden. And he adds: "To be a philosopher is not merely to have subtle thoughts, nor even to found a school, but so to love wisdom as to live according to its dictates, .... It is to solve some of the problems of life, not only theoretically, but practically." There would be not much sense in studying the thought of Socrates if one could not learn something important from it for one's own existence. Philosophy should make a difference in people's lives, and not exhaust itself in the contemplation of quaint puzzles or the satisfaction of an antiquarian curiosity. An application of Socratic ideas to situations of our own century is therefore an essential part of the present Introduction to Philosophy, an application that will actually highlight the very meaning of statements that would otherwise be nothing but cultural window dressing in an otherwise barren and uninspired life.

Aditi Chaturvedi Vedic Past of Pre-Islamic Arabia - Part 2 In 570 AD, the year of Muhammad's birth, Arabia was a thriving, rich and varied Vedic culture. Although monotheism in the forms of Christianity and Judaism were known to the people of Arvasthan, they were undeterred in their uncompromising faith to the religion of their ancestors: Hinduism . Every household had an idol of a Hindu god or goddess. There were hundreds of sacred groves, places of pilgrimage, and temples which were sanctuaries containing images of the entire range of Vedic gods. The temples in addition to being the religious focus of the Arabs, were also the cultural centres of learning. It was the temples that were the venues of literary and poetry competitions, of glorious festivals. The virtues most highly prized by people of Arvasthan were bravery in battle, patience in misfortune, loyalty to one's tribe, and generosity to the needy and the poor. They proudly upheld the value of tolerance in matters of religious practice and belief. The respect they showed towards other people's religions was fully in keeping with their Vedic spiritual tradition. The status of women was that of pride and equal respect. How could it be otherwise with a people whose chief deity was the goddess Durga (Alla). Women married men of their choice and were financially independent. They were entrepeneurs, artisans, poets and even warriors! Later on Muhammad would marry Khadija, who was not only a wealthy merchant but also in the position to choose her own husband. This clearly demonstrates the level of freedom women enjoyed in Vedic Arabia. Hind, who was the wife of Muhammad's chief enemy Abu Sufyan, herself participated in the battlefield. Hind opposed Muhammad tooth and nail. She followed her husband to the battlefield and when Abu Sufyan surrendered Mecca to Muhammad without a fight she caught hold of him in the marketplace and cried: "KILL this fat greasy bladder of lard! What a rotten protector of the people" When Muhammad tried to baptise her & asked her not to commit adultery , She spat out the bitter words: "A free woman does not commit adultery!" How proud this woman was of the rights and privileges that her Vedic society had invested to her! It was Islam that extinguished the light of knowledge in Vedic Arabia. It is ironic that the man who brought about such darkness himself belonged to the Qurayshi Tribe of Mecca. The Qurayshi were particularly devoted to Allah (Durga) and the famous Shivling of the Kaaba Temple. The fact that the Shivling remains to this day in the Kaaba is solely due to the fact that it happened to be the Qurayshi tribe's faceless Family Deity. As I mentioned before Muhammad's name itself came from Mahadeva, which is another cognate for Lord Shiva. Muhammad's own uncle, Umar-Bin-E-Hassham was a staunch Hindu and fervent devotee of Lord Shiva. He was a renowned poet and wrote many verses in praise of Shiva. One of these has survived on page 235 of Sair-Ul-Okul and reads as follows: Kafavomal fikra min ulumin Tab asayru Kaluwan amataul Hawa was Tajakhru We Tajakhayroba udan Kalalwade-E Liboawa Walukayanay jatally, hay Yauma Tab asayru Wa Abalolha ajabu armeeman MAHADEVA Manojail ilamuddin minhum wa sayattaru Wa Sahabi Kay-yam feema-Kamil MINDAY Yauman Wa Yakulum no latabahan foeennak Tawjjaru Massayaray akhalakan hasanan Kullahum Najumum aja- at Summa gabul HINDU which translates as: The man who may spend his life in sin and irreligion or waste it in lechery and wrath If at least he relent and return to righteousness can he be saved? If but once he worship Mahadeva with a pure heart, he will attain the ultimate in spirituality. Oh Lord Shiva exchange my entire life for but a day's sojourn in India where one attains salvation. But one pilgrimage there secures for one all merit and company of the truly great. Muhammad's uncle was one of the resident priests of the Shiv temple known as "Kaaba". This sacred sanctum was decorated in an extremely rich and beautiful fashion. The Kaaba was astronomically oriented to face the winds. The minor axis of the rectangular base of the Kaaba was solistically aligned towards summer sunrise and winter sunset. It contained 360 statues of Vedic deities and was a shrine primarily associated with sun worship. The temple was an architectural representation of an interlocking set of theories covering virtually all creation and comprehending chemistry, physics, cosmology, meteorology and medicine. Each wall or corner of the Kaaba was associated with a specific region of the world. Thus this glorious Hindu temple was made to symbolically represent a microcosm of the universe. The Arabs would face east when praying. This representation of a microcosm demonstrated by the eight directional structure was derived from the Tantric pattern (Refer to Figure 1) of Hinduism. Right at the centre of the Kaaba was the octogonal pedestal of Bramha the creator. Today this very pedestal is called Maqam-E-Ibrahim by the Muslims. <CENTER>../../../images/archives/revelation/oldimages/tantra.gif <FONT SIZE="-1">Figure 1. Figure 1. A tantric pattern which defines the structure of Kaaba However, more significant was the fact that the Kaaba was an extremely rich and ornate temple. On its walls hung innumerable gold plaques commemorating the winners of the annual poetry competition known as the Okaj fair. There were gold, silver and precious gems everywhere. It is no wonder that Muhammad armed with his facade of a new brand of religion set out to capture the immense wealth of the Vedic shrine of Mecca. After plundering the riches of the Kaaba, the wealth enabled him to systematically destroy all traces of the religion that threatened him so directly. It is an indisputable fact that money will make any low criminal devoutly religious in a hurry. Despite the fact that Muhammad had to destroy all traces of Hinduism in order to make his "new religion" work, he knew that in order to fool people convincingly he would have to borrow from the Vedic culture that surrounded him. Being illiterate he picked out rituals and symbols that he didn't understand and distorted and falsified them for his own ends. Here is a list of these distortions: Muhammad destroyed all 360 idols, but even he could not summon the courage to completely obliterate the Shivling in the Kaaba. He entered the temple and kissed the black stone. The Shivling was so sacred that the man who so detested idol- worship ended up kissing the largest idol in the Kaaba. Later his followers in a fit of piety broke the Shivling and then out of remorse repatched it together again. Today it lies broken at seven places and held together by a silver band studded with silver nails, bearing the name "Sangey Aswad" which came from the Sanskrit Ashwet meaning non-white or black stone. He jumbled up the Sanskrit words Nama and Yaja (which meant "bowing and worshipping" respectively) into a combination word Namaz and used that to describe his prescribed method of prayer. Because the Vedic custom was to pray facing the East, in his hatred for all things Hindu, he directed his followers to pray facing only the west. The method of circling around a shrine seven times in a clockwise direction is an ancient Vedic custom. Muhammad with his lack of originality decided that the 7 ritual perambulations should be retained but again in his hatred of all things Vedic decided the direction of the perambulations should be anti-clockwise. With his phobia of all things Vedic, Muhammad knew that the greatest reminder and threat to his forced brand of religion were the beautiful Vedic idols of Arabic temples. Thus he destroyed every idol he could find and made idol worship the greatest crime for a Muslim. Such a man could never have comprehended how an abstract concept can be conveyed through a symbolic representation in the form of an image. Thus he made all image representation a sin as well. Vedic religion is known for its ancient oral tradition. It is well known that the Vedic culture emphasized oral debate and expression far more than the written word. In adition the oral recitation of Vedic scriptures was always done in a lyrical fashion, utilizing music and thus reaching a height of expression. In fear of this musical tradition Muhammad decided to forbid Music. All Arabic copies of the Koran have the mysterious figure 786 imprinted on them . No Arabic scholar has been able to determine the choice of this particular number as divine. It is an established fact that Muhammad was illiterate therefore it is obvious that he would not be able to differentiate numbers from letters. This "magical" number is none other than the Vedic holy letter "OM" written in Sanskrit (Refer to figure 2). Anyone who knows Sanskrit can try reading the symbol for "OM" backwards in the Arabic way and magically the numbers 786 will appear! Muslims in their ignorance simply do not realise that this special number is nothing more than the holiest of Vedic symbols misread. Figure 2. Read from right to left this figure of OM represents the numbers 786 There are many such instances where the symbols and rituals of Vedic culture were completely distorted and falsified by Muhammad in his bid to "create" his brand new religion. However in his haste to deceive and because of his ignorance and illiteracy, thousands of Vedic symbols still remain. Although they have been distorted beyond imagination, they still remain as solemn reminders of Arabia's glorious Vedic past. They can never be supressed. In fact the rise of Islam put a full stop to all the previous knowledge of Arabia. The imperialistic message of Islam diverted all energies into raiding, looting and destruction. The incentive to learn and preserve the Vedic wisdom that had thrived in Arabia for so many centuries, was wiped out by the brutal pressure of Islam. Making easy money through loot and massacre was far more appealing than upholding the tenets of ancient knowledge. Gone were the schools, teachers, libraries, poets, artists, philosophers and scholars that had littered the Vedic landscape of Arabia like stars. Everyone had to become a raider if not from choice then for the sake of surviving the absolute intolerance of dissenters, that Islam preached. Thus was the light of learning extinguished in Arabia. All that remained was the Koran, the Kalma and the murderous hatred of anything Non-Muslim. In my next article I will explore how the Arabs fought to keep the integrity and pride of their Vedic culture alive in the face of the violent, unjust and murderous destruction caused by the followers of Islam. Note: Works of P.N. Oak, Sita Ram Goel, Arun Shourie, Jay Dubashi, Harsh Narain and Ram Swarup have been used to compose this article.

Siva What is the difference between the soul and the mind? The soul is the consciousness or the knowing principle in man. The mind belongs to the category of matter. Siva is the soul and Parvati is the mind. The consciousness is the Reality, the unchanging, unmoving, all pervading soul. Mind being matter is changeable and unreal. We perceive objects through the organs of sense perception. The soul enables the organs to perceive the objects. The soul exists in all living beings as consciousness. It is the light of the soul that makes the sense-organs and the mind appear alive and luminous. Siva is the unchanging consciousness – Nirguna or without form or shape. This unchanging consciousness-Siva – becomes saguna or with form, when Maya Shakti, which is Siva’s illusive power appears as mind and matter. This phenomenon is known as Ardhanarishwar. (See Page ‘Ardhanarishwar’ in the column on the left.) Siva’s Maya-Shakti is known by various names such as Uma, Parvati, Kali, Durga etc. This Maya-Shakti or power inheres in Siva just as the burning power inheres in fire, sweetness in sugar, whiteness in milk and meaning in the words. Siva stands for the Absolute, the unchanging, static background, of which Kali, the Shakti (power) is the dynamic expression. We call this Shakti or power Mother or Goddess. Goddess Kali combines in herself creative dynamism, destructive terror and redemptive grace. God’s power that is enveloped by Tamo-guna-pradhana is Lord Siva. Siva’s trishul or trident (the three pointed javelin like weapon) represents the three gunas –Sattwa,Rajas and Tamas. The Trishul is the emblem of sovereignity. Lord Siva wields the world through these three gunas, which is the composition of Maya-Shakti or mind and matter. In other words, if one were able to analyse the composition of Maya-Shakti, it will be found to be made of the combination of the three Gunas (Sattwa-Rajas-Tamas). Siva is Trilochana, the three- eyed one, in the centre of whose forehead is the third eye, the eye of wisdom (gnana-chakshu). The burning power of the wisdom of the third eye destroys desires for worldly objects. Sensual desire and lust is represented by Kamadev, the god of love (Eros or Cupid). When a person reaches a state of perfect renunciation- he is said to have burnt all his desires. Siva’s third eye burnt to ashes Kamadev- the god of love. The eye of wisdom leads to transcendental vision of the Supreme Reality. We recite regularly the following Maha Mrityunjay Mantra from the Sukla Yajurveda Samhita III. 60. Om Trayambakam Yajaamahe Suganghim Pushtivardhanam, Urvaarukmiva Bandhanaan Mrityor Mokshiya Mamritaat [The meaning of the Mantra is as follows:] I worship thee, O sweet Lord of transcendental vision (the three -eyed one or Lord Siva). O giver of prosperity to all, may I be free from the bonds of death, even as a melon (or cucumber) is severed from its bondage or attachment to the creeper. The word Siva signifies the auspicious. The good Lord Siva roots out sin and terror, and is the bestower of earthly happiness, promoter of good and auspiciousness. Siva is also called Samkara which means doer of good. Siva takes one beyond the three bodies (Tripura), gross, subtle and causal that envelope the Jiva or the embodied soul. He is hence the Hara or the remover of all evil and the ideal of renunciation. Therefore we hail ‘Hara hara Mahadeva.’ In the Rigveda (x,121,4) it is written: Yasya ime himavanto mahitva. That the snow capped Himalayas appear as if they are meditating (dhyayativa), and they are the concrete symbol of the glory of the Supreme. Hence it is no wonder that most of its attributes are transferred to Siva. Kailash (mountain) in the Himalayas is the abode of Lord Siva. The snowy Himalayas are white and Siva’s body is also white – Gauranga (gauri = light complexioned). Karpura gaura = camphor hued white. Siva’s body is smeared with bhasma or ashes to indicate renunciation, whitenes and purity. Amazing! Lord Siva is present in the Kailas mountain. The most sacred symbol in Hinduism AUM imprinted with snow and ice on the face of the mountain by nature.

In Gita also bhagwan Sri Krishna declares : omitykaaksharam brahm vyaharnmamanusmaran yaa prayati tyjandeham sa yati parma gatim (Gita 8/13) The one who understandsAUM and chants it thinking it as my name, he gets the highest abode, after leaving the body.

The Word If you go through Christian scriptures, in the Fourth Gospel of the New Testament you will find a verse as follows: "In the beginning was the Word And the Word was with God And the Word was God" 2. There also a verse in the Vedas that reads as follows : "Prajapati vai idam agre aseet Tasya vag dvitiya aseet Vag vai paramam Brahman" "In the beginning was Prajapati, the Brahman With whom was the Word And the Word was the Supreme Brahman" 3. The New Testament does not tell us what the Word is, but in the Maitrayana Upanishad we are told that the Word is AUM. 4. Today we shall try to look at some aspects of this sacred syllable AUM. 5. Before trying to understand AUM, it is relevant for us to try to understand who we are. Hum hain kaun? Who am I? Basically we are little droplets of soul or Atman that have been showered into the Universe during its creation. These droplets of soul originated from the transcendental Godhead, which is the Supreme Soul or Paramatman. We are provided with a temporary material abode, called the body, and also certain tools such as the heart and the intellect. Lost in this material world, the Atman hops from one body to another, its fate determined by the Laws of Karma, its ultimate goal being to return to and reunite with the Supreme Soul. The soul or Atman within us is the eternal True Self. Unfortunately we tend to become too attached to this illusory material world and develop the mistaken notion that our temporary material body is our True Self. We also tend to misuse the tools like the heart and the intellect. Certain negative elements, like our ego, lust, ignorance and submission to the physical senses, act as obstacles to our final goal of reunification with the Supreme Soul. Realisation of the True Self replaces these unfavourable qualities with unconditional devotion and surrender to the Lord. 6. So where does the Word come into the picture? There is a philosophy derived from the Vedas called the Sphota-Vada or the philosophy of the Word. According to this philosophy, at the time when the Universe is created, the Brahman or Impersonal God first manifests Himself as a Word or Logos called the Sphota and then, through the power of the Word, the perceptible Universe comes into being. This Sphota is an eternal inexpressible word. It is the essential basis from which all ideas and names are derived. The eternal Sphota is symbolised and expressed by the sacred word AUM. The syllable AUM is not something that was invented by man. It was revealed directly by God to our ancient rishis in the same way that the ancient Vedic language and philosophy were revealed. AUM is accepted as the sound manifestation of Brahman. The sound of AUM is a medium linking Man with God. AUM is also variously referred to as Omkara or Pranava. Pranava means "that which runs through the prana or breath". The Sound 1. It is a scientific fact that matter and energy are interchangeable. All material things in existence are, at the level of the atoms and molecules, made up essentially of vibrating, pulsating energy. This primal, or fundamental, energy is manifested in our hearing awareness as a continuous humming sound within and around everything. This is the sound of the Universe and in Sanskrit this sound is called Anahata Nada or Unstruck Sound. The audible sound that most resembles this Unstruck Sound is the sound of the syllable AUM. 2. AUM is the most natural and universal sound that can be uttered - for example: "Oh my God!" : an English exclamation of shock "Umumum" : a baby's first words "Omni-" : English prefix meaning "all" or "completely", derived from the Latin word "Omnis" meaning "all", it sounds and means like the word AUM "Amen" : Hebrew, Arab and Christian prayers usually end with this word which remarkably resembles the word AUM 3. When we chant the mantra AUM, the process covers the full range of vocal elements that produce the sounds of any language. The sound commences in the vocal cords as A then proceeds through the palate area as U, producing a sense of vibration and it ends humming at the gently closed lips as M, resonating in the mouth and nose, and buzzing throughout the head We must not forget the fourth sound, the sound of the silence, which begins and ends the audible sound and surrounds it. There is no such thing as absolute silence. Silence is only relative and best appreciated in relation to audible sound. The silence is the word behind the word. Even when the audible sound ends the silence remains. The Meaning 1. There is no literal meaning of the syllable AUM that can be translated into the English language. But there is a tremendous amount of meaning and philosophy behind the sacred word. 2. The syllable AUM constitutes the central theme of the Mandukya Upanishad. This Upanishad analyses AUM in terms of the different states or planes of consciousness in which the individual can exist: The sound A represents the waking state (jaagrata-avasthaa) individual is in the material universe subject and object exist as separate entities the level of mechanics, science and logical reason matter exists on a gross level, is stable and slow to change soul + body + heart + intellect The sound U represents the dream state (svapna-avasthaa) individual is in the inner world subject and object are intertwined in awareness and both are contained within the individual the level of spirits (the astral plane), divinities, imagination matter becomes subtle, more fluid and rapidly changing soul + body + heart The sound M represents the deep-sleep state (sushupta-avasthaa) the individual is in the unknown world neither subject nor object exists all things are beyond the comprehension of the intellect the ultimate aim of Yoga is to enter this state while awake soul + body The silence represents the state of transcendental consciousness (turiya-avasthaa) the individual is in a state of Perfect Bliss, recognising his identity with the Supreme neither observing subject nor observed object exists all things are one and everything is perceived as it is, infinite only pure consciousness exists pure soul 3. Thus AUM, in a single syllable, represents the totality of Atman-Brahman, which is the Supreme Reality, the Pure Consciousness and the Ultimate Truth. AUM is knowledge absolute, existence absolute and bliss absolute. 4. AUM symbolises the whole Universe, encompassing all planes of being and all phases of existence. 5. In the individual, AUM represents the Atman or True Self that pervades the three-fold existence of the waking state, dream state and deep sleep state. 6. AUM also represents all the Vedanta and all Hindu philosophy. Practical Application 1. The chanting of AUM brings the mind under control, creating a state of mental peace and tranquility, a state in which the individual becomes one with God. 2. AUM brings relief from pain, expresses mental moods and brings peace and harmony to the mind even when uttered in distorted forms. So you can imagine the power of AUM when chanted in its true undistorted Vedic form. 3. The sacred word AUM is found at the beginning of most Vedic Mantras e.g. Om Namasivaya, Om Namonarayana. It is also by itself a Mantra. Many hymns commence with AUM e.g. Om Jai Jagdish Hare. 4. From early Vedic times AUM has been an aid to meditation. Invoking AUM inevitably invokes the Supreme Absolute. Conclusion 1. AUM, when chanted with a feeling of total surrender to the Supreme Brahman, takes us through all the planes of consciousness, from the waking state through the dream state and the deep sleep state to the state of Pure Consciousness and oneness with the True Reality, Brahman. 2. AUM is the most powerful and most sacred sound, syllable and symbol in the Universe. 3. The mantra AUM provides the individual with a direct path to God and a direct line for communicating with God. So, if you wish to contact the Supreme Godhead, just dial A-U-M and ask for the Lord. HARI OM TAT SAT

Yes, Om and Realization of Brahman is the ultimate truth in Hinduism but many are still not aware of it. This person had discovered the truth and is sharing his experience with others. Where does it hurt you?

My postings here are for Hindus as most do not actually understand their own religion and that is why we find many converting to other faith. I post here not to influence non Hindus but Hindus themselves. Many and lost sheep and hope to make them return to the folk. Please do not misunderstand me, I am not against SB but what I wish to see is SB being part of Hinduism and not a separate body. HC's would like to see their body as a separate body and not part of Hinduism. My wish is to see India a Hindu state but not a Hindu fanatical state.

THE BRAHMA-GAYATRI MANTRA WORD BY WORD Aum Bhur Bhuvah Svah Tat Savitur Varenyam Bhargo Devasya Dhimahi Dhiyo Yo Nah Prachodayat The following discussion will analyze the Brahma-gayatri mantra word by word: AUM AUM is the Mother of the creation of the 3DPMU, the energy that is capable of the manifestation of the spiritual, mental, emotional and physical planes that we are all familiar with. It is the very sound of the Supreme Personality's Purposiveness looking to form reality. It forms the very fabric and womb within which all of life emerges. And it moves from the spiritual realm and ultimately finds final expression in the material. If we consider spiritual higher than, then we would say that AUM is moving downward into creation and that is was formed just before existence came into being. It does not reside in the rarified realm of the Godhead as the Original vibration, but rather is a stepped down force that makes its presence known one level below the Brahma-gayatri mantra. In truth, the spiritual plane (from our perspective is accessed by going within, not out) and hence we would say the movement is going from within to without. But, alas, this is the limitation of language (particularly the English language) that is inadequate when used to describe these ancient concepts. Sanskrit may be the only language that exists that was designed to be able to convey the subtleties of philosophical concepts throughout a realm of subtly varying degrees of the same concept. It is a phonetic language, one that is sung rather than spoken and can be likened to a powerful form of poetry. Hence the mantras that we use in our Gayatri Reiki curriculum carry within them expressions of incomprehensible concepts and connections to unseen by archetypal powers. The sound vibrations themselves are utterances of true power. And the first such mantra is that of AUM. The meaning of the sound vibration omkara (AUM) is present in the Gayatri Mantra. This sound vibration omkara is the root of Vedic knowledge and is known as maha-vakya, or the supreme sound. Whatever meaning is in that supreme sound omkara is further understood by reciting the Gayatri Mantra. In the fabric that was spun by the sound of the flute of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, a web, or what might be considered an infinitely thin and infinitely vast expanding world sheet was created. This sheet, the zero plane accretion disk and its domain is similar to the impersonalist concept of the void or the Supreme Mind. Yet, to consider this as the topmost level of reality (or pre-reality if you will) is an error. There is a reality that precedes this as I have described in the Background Discussion of Gayatri Reiki and it is this realm you must connect with to find true and pure satisfaction and meaning in life. The Vedic pantheon is an extremely sensitive and insightful method of discussing these pre-creation and early creation concepts in such a way that the energies make sense and the levels can be identified and utilized through the use of personalities. This is why we are working with the ancient insights of the Vedic rishis and sages. What they were given through their years of dedicated research are real energies and are described in proper and beautifully flowing ways. In fact, their insightful descriptive methodology is probably the most powerful that could ever be designed for the use of conscious human beings. We connect best on a personal level and relating with these esoteric energies through the use of empowered personalities is a technique and utter gift of immeasurable proportions. So in the spirit of the rishis, we use the Vedic description to examine the meaning of AUM. If you read some of the quantum physics books about the first few milliseconds before the Big Bang, you will gain a wonderful description of what early post creation might have been like. The First Three Minutes, written by Steven Weinberg (who received the 1979 Nobel Prize in Physics), is one of the best books that I have found that will allow a glimpse of how science views these simplified yet fully empowered Vedic concepts. What amazes me is how could these rishis and sages have touched upon these mathematical and cosmology principles without the benefit of the tools of our modern mathematics and sciences. Yet they did. Their sourcing capability has to have come directly from their right brain and its capability for intuitive insight. Their ability to see definitely was a real conceptualizing ability, but was driven by not just their brain, but by a higher level of consciousness that was able to speak through them. My most sincere goal is to eventually find that you have accessed these same realms through the techniques shared within Gayatri Reiki and its intimate connection with The Mother's Temple. One last insight into AUM is the scientific fact that through modern sound research and the development of an instrument called a tonescope, AUM was enunciated into the electronic device and an intricate pattern was displayed. This is the same pattern of the Yantra that we will be using in our one-day hands on class. It is the very shape of AUM itself. The rishis had possession of this shape thousands of years ago. There was no way that they could have used an electronic instrument and found this shape in any similar manner. Rather, they themselves became instruments and did receive tremendous knowledge and insight that only today we are able to verify is absolutely correct and true and representative of the background of all of life. Meaning of the Vyahrtis - Bhur, Bhuvah, Svah The vyahrtis were made at the beginning of creation and represent the seven planetary systems including Bhur, Bhuvah, Svah, Maha, Janah, Tapah, and Satyalokas. Besides denoting the seven worlds, the vyahrtis denote the seven planes of consciousness. And, in the cosmology of The Mother's Temple, the vyahrtis are represented by the 7 levels of Creation which expand themselves into the position of the nine numbers. More about this will be shared in a later work. The mantras are prayers directed to the elemental forces on the seven planes (or kingdoms as we will later describe them). These elemental forces are manifestations of the Para Brahman itself. The seven worlds are embodied in the trinity of bhur, bhuvah, and svah. Bhur or bhu represents earth or the physical plane. Bhuvah represents the sky or the astral plane. Svah represents heaven or the mental plane. Maharloka represents a higher plane. Janah represents the place of birth, a still higher plane. Tapah represents the mansion of the Blessed, an even higher plane. Styam represents the abode of truth, the highest plane. Bhur, bhuvah, and svah indicate the totality of all levels of existence in the universe, which is the effect of the Supreme cause, the original cause of everything. Meaning of Tat The word tat in the Brahma-gayatri denotes the Para Brahma (beyond Brahma - the Supreme Personality of the Godhead). Meaning of Savitur In the Gayatri Mantra, we chant Aum bhur bhuvah svah tat savitur varenyam. Above the Bhuloka planetary system is Bhuvarloka and above that is Svargaloka, the heavenly planetary system. Savita, the sun god, controls all of these planetary systems. By chanting the Gayatri Mantra just after rising early in the morning, one pays his or her respects to the sun god. The actual life and soul of all living entities within this universe is the sun. This makes the sun a worshipable symbol. Surya is the life and soul of this universe, and there are innumerable universes for which a sun-god is the life and soul, just as the Supreme Personality of the Godhead is the life and soul of the entire creation (all universes). As the sun arises, you should chant the Vedic mantra beginning with the Gayatri. The sun is the symbolic representation of the eyes of the Supreme Lord. Savita (who actually is Lord Vishnu who resides in the sun planet) can be seen by pure meditation and spiritual vision. By the mercy of the Brahma-gayatri, a practitioner may gain this vision of Lord Visnu. Savita denotes the Supreme Lord Visnu, and the word savitur means the energy of the Lord which is Sri Laksmi-devi, the Goddess of Fortune, who reveals or gives Savita (Lord Vishnu). Thus Savitur means the soul of the world whose effulgence and residence is maintained by the Supreme Personality of the Godhead as the presiding Deity of the sun. The Vedic sastras conclude that Brahma-gayatri is not merely a meditation on the sun or the impersonal Brahman, but rather a meditation on the Supreme Personality of the Godhead, Lord Visnu, and His consort Sri Laksmi. Meaning of Varenyam Varenyam (a qualifying word for the word bhargo) means praiseworthy, worshipable, or the best among all personalities. In others words, the best choice of all choices - the ultimate and the shelter for all. Not only is He above all the luminescent objects in this universe, but also His divine effulgence is the very source of all illumination in creation. Meaning of Bhargo The world bhargo means brilliant, full of life and energy. It signifies the independent, self-effulgent source. Thus bhargo means self-illuminated light that is always fully pure, beyond the material world, and eternally conscious. Bhargo also refers to Brahma who is beyond material contamination, full of all power and knowledge. Bhargo means divine essence. It represents the supreme light, the essence of Para Brahman. The Brahma-gayatri, however, does not indicate sun worship, which is material, but rather worship of the ultimate, spiritual source of all light and life - the light of Consciousness. That light is Lord Vishnu, the source of the origin, preservation, and dissolution of the universe. The light mentioned in the Gayatri does not refer to that which dwells in the physical sun alone, for the word varenya (most excellent) indicates that its application extends as far as the majesty of Lord Krsna. The light is simply the jyoti or effulgence of the Supreme Lord. Thus we can say that we meditate on that worshipable light of the Savita Devata, the sun-god or the Super Soul which incites our buddhi (intelligence) and directs all of our activities. Meaning of Devasya Devasya refers to a personality who is divine, glowing, and transcendental to the dull material world - the Supreme Personality of the Godhead Vishnu or Sri Krsna. Meaning of Dhimahi The word dhimahi means to obtain or to meditate. It comes from the root dhi - to hold. Thus dhimahi means, I meditate upon that supreme illuminating power to get liberated and attain Him. Meaning of Dhiyo yo nah In the phrase dhiyo yo nah, the word nah means that our buddhi (intelligence) inspires us to do good work. Meaning of Pracodayat Pracodayat means, May Lord Vishnu inspire, and impel us forward. He is the independent one who should bless us and guide us on the correct path of action in the world - to act only for His pleasure. Summary Meaning of Brahma-gayatri Mantra Let me meditate on the worshipable effulgence of the Divine sun who enthuses my meditation. The Purpose of the Brahma-gayatri Mantra The purpose of reciting the Brahma-gayatri is to realize the all-powerful, omniscient Lord and to act with that realization in daily life, in full consciousness of the Supreme. With this powerful connection, we will proceed to re-direct this connection in our one day hands on class and learn how to utilize the Manifestation Process itself to literally create heaven on earth. Much more about this will appear in the future materials on our web site and in our Course manuals.

CHANDRA Chandra is one of the many stars visible in the sky. Indian astrology treats Chandra as a planet. Physics classifies Chandra as a satellite. Purusha Sooktam (Rgveda) describes Chandra as born from the intelligence of the almighty. That is why Chandra is the controller of the mind according to astrology. Human mental status also fluctuates just like the changes that take place in Chandra during the full moon and new moon fortnights. Bhaagavata Puranam, Maarkandeya Puranam, Matsya Puranam, Varaaha Puranam, Bhaaratam, Vinaayaka Charitam, Brahma Vaivartaka Puranam give some information about Chandra. Maarkandeya Puranam: Great Sage Atri and his consort Anasuya were together when the Marharshi’s semen was spilled on to the earth. Vaayudeva, the wind god made it into three parts and one of the parts entered maharshi Atri’s eyes. The reason for Chandra’s birth is the transfer of Brahma’s ‘Amsha’ to the saintly couple Atri and Anasuya, so it is said that Chandra is born to Atri and Anasuya with the Amsha of Brahma. Matsya Purana : Sage Atri was ordained by Brahma to construct the worlds and Maharshi went into deep meditation. Divine light emanated from the eyes of Atri. The Dikpaalakaas could not bear the light and threw it into the sea. Lord Brahma bestowed masculinity to that light. When the Devas and Daanavaas churned the sea of milk, Chandra and Lakshmi took birth out of the sea. Thus Chandra is the brother of Lakshmi. He is also described as the left eye of Lord Vishnu. Bhaaratam: During the churning of the sea of milk (as above) elixir had also come out. Lord Vishnu, in disguise as Jaganmohini, distributed the elixir among the gods. Two daanavas by name Rahu and Kethu stealthily joined the gods and tried to drink the elixir. At that time Chandra hints to Lord Vishnu about the cheating of Rahu and Kethu and Lord Vishnu beheaded the both with his Sudarshana Chakram. That’s why Rahu and Kethu entertain a grudge on Chandra and trouble him on some fullmoon days by eclipsing him. Chandra’s family: According to Brahma Vaivartaka Puranam the 27 stars, Aswani, Bharani, ete.., are the daughters of Daksha Prajaapati (one of the 9 Brahmas) and were married to Chandra. Chandra was differentiating amongst them and loved Rohini more. When Daksha came to know of it, he cursed Chandra to deteriorate indefinitely. Chandra went to Lord Shiva praying for immunity from the curse. Lord Shiva wears Chandra on his head. Daksh Prajaapati approaches Lord Shiva and requests him to release Chandra for which Lord Shiva refuses. Shiva and Daksha started to quarrel. At that juncture, Lord Vishnu appears there and evolves a formula which satisfies the curse of Daksha as well as the promise of the grace of Lord Shiva don’t go waste. Accordingly Chandra was divided into two parts. One part adores the head of Lord Shiva and the other part suffers the demission and growth, and progressively every fortnight. These two fortnights make up one month and are known as Shuklapaksham and Krishnapaksham and make up the month of the Hindu calendar. From then on Chandra of 16 phases i.e the steps of decline or growth with the net 15 phases comprises of the two halves of the month. Chandra was a student of Brihaspati, the preceptor of gods. Brihaspati’s wife Tara fell in love with this student, Chandra, and begot a son. The name of the son is Budha (one of the 9 planets). Wednesday is known after his name as Budhavaaram. Varaaha Puranam: When Daksha Prajapati cursed Chandra, Chandra also retaliates and curses Daksha to get destroyed. He himself disappears and hides inside the sea. Due to the disapperance of the moon i.e Chandra, the growth of herbs, crops ete.., was hampered and religious austerities came to a stand still. All the gods got worried and approached Lord Brahma requesting him to reveal where Chandra was hiding. Brahma informs them the whereabouts of Chandra and suggests them to churn the milky ocean to get Chandra out. Accordingly Chandra takes birth at the time of the churning of the milky ocean. Once Chandra was attending a big Yagnam (religious austerity) being performed by Daksha Prajaapati. Lord Shiva and his followers destroyed the Yagnam. Chandra comes under the feet of Lord Shiva in the ensuing melee. Then he shouts for grace and spontaneously Lord Shiva saves him and wears him on his head. Once Lord Ganapathi (son of Lord Shiva) was unable to prostrate before his father due to his big belly. Chandra who was on the head of Lord Shiva laughs at the plight of Ganapathi and as a consequence of that evil sight, Ganapathi’s stomach burst and all the eatables inside were strewn around the place. Goddess Parvathi, annoyed at the plight of her son, gives a curse that anybody who sees Chandra on the Chaturdhi in Bhaadrapada will face false allegations. Later on when all the gods requested her that the curse would be very severe, she modified the curse exempting the people who listen to the birth story of Ganapathi, from the curse. Astrology: Chandra is one of the 9 planets and is situated in the north west direction of the almanac in the shape of square. Pearl is the gemstone attributed to him. He is the Lord for Monday and the Lord of Cancer (Karkataka Raasi), Taurus (Vrishaba Raasi) is his state of exalting. People worship Chandra on Mondays. Chandra Dasa (span) in the horoscope is for 10 years. People wear Pearl to beseech him. An austerity by name Chaandrayana Vratam is also performed. The person who performs the Vratam eats only that number of morsels of food on that number of the day according to ‘Chandra phase’ and fasting on the new-moon day is the procedure of this Vratam. Some precious stones named Chandrakaantha Mani, which turns frosty (in moonlight) was used in the olden days in the construction of sit outs in places. The pleasing nature of moonlight is well known to be described. Sea exhibits very high ebb and tide on the full-moon day. Appearance and natures of Chandra : Chandra the king of Yamuna Desam is white and wears a white umbrella. He circles around Meru Parvata. He has a chariot drawn by 10 horses. Chandra was born on the full moon day the month of Kaarthika falling on a Monday. His gotram was Aatreyasa and he is the controller of Karkataka raasi. Silver is his favourite metal. It is suggested to donate rice to appease him. Chandra is very fair and white in colour. His clothes are white, his chariot and his horses are also white and he wears a golden crown and a necklace of pearls. One of his hands carries a mace and the other hand symbolises Vara Mudra (to bless). Lord Krishna was born in his dynasty. (Chandra Vamsam). Brahma has entrusted Chandra with the lordship on crops, herbs, water and Brahmins. The devotees worship Chandra on full moon day with boiled rice mixed with honey and sugar in a copper vessel and dedicate it to him. Chandra’s chariot has three wheels. He is the consort of the 27 stars. He travels with each star on one day during his encircling the earth, which takes 28.5 days. This period comprises of one month based on the moon’s transit and is known as Chaandramaanam (Lunar System). Lunar eclipse occurs yearly twice that too on full moon days. Astrologically if Chandra is not favourable in the almanac, that person will suffer from lack of mental peace and respiratory diseases. Somavaara Vratham, worship of Lord Shiva, wearing pearls on the body, donating rice, white clothes, silver, white sandal, sugar, oxen etc., should be done. Chandra is one of the most handsome gods. In Indian literature a woman’s face is compared to that of full moon and her fore head to a part moon. His is the second place amongst the nine planets. If Chandra occurs in the eighth house in horoscope it is said that the person will suffer from ill health from his child hood. ‘Aum Shraam Shreem Shroum Saha Chandraaya Namaha’ is Chandra’s Beejaakshara mantram. Scientifically Chandra is perceived as a satellite to the Earth. His orbit is at a distance of 50425 yojanaas (one yojana is equal to eight miles). He is the closest planet to the earth.

Surya Bhagavaan In the serene blue sky the eternal star that sheds its light in the morning is the Sun. The solar light tones dam to a pleasant moon light in the nights. Nearly eight thousand stars can be seen with the naked eye at night. Surya according to Vedas: Sankarshana is the manifestation of Vasudeva Para Brahma. Sankarshana fathered Aniruddha. Vasudeva and Sankarshana are beyond form whereas Aniruddha is imperceptible. He is referred to as Hiranyagarbha in the Vedas. As he is the primordial form, he is also worshipped as Aaditya, Savithaa and Paranjyothi. These are the different names that go to describe effulgent Sun. Hiranyagarbha resides in the orb of rigveda whose beams are said to be the Saamaveda, the form of Yajurveda. The god who adorns vedas is also worshipped as time. He is said to have made the whole universe as his chariot and rides on the wheel of year with the seven types of vedic metres(Sapta chandas) as horses. Hiranyagarbha created Brahma who in turn created the universe. As he started creating the universe, moon emerged out of his mind and sun from his eyes. Later the five elements surfaced. From fire came Angaaraka(Mars), earth issued out Budha (Mercury), sky surfaced out Brihaspathi (Jupiter), water gave out Sukra (Venus) and air brought in Shani (Saturn). Later the circle of sky was divided into 12 zones presided over by the zodiac signs. Lord Brahma manifested himself into 27 stars (Nakshatraas). Surya according to Puraanaas: More information about Surya can be found in Brahmaanda puraana, Markandeya puraana, Rgveda, Uttara Ramayana, Kashi Khanda and Mahabharata. Surya was born to Kashyapa Prajaapathi, one among Navabrahmas and Aditi, a celestial maiden. According to Markandeya puraana, Surya is considered as the creator, the Brahma. From this ancient supreme god the whole world evolved. He is looked upon as the creator, the sustainer and the destroyer of the whole universe. Surya is the chief among the Navagrahaas. When the cosmic egg cracked in, to give birth to Brahma, there was Pranava Naada or Omkara flowing out of his mouth and filling the whole world. Surya is considered to be the physical version of Omkara. Surya shines with the effulgence of the vedas and Omkaara. Surya born out of Aditi’s womb (Aaditya) is also looked upon as a rescuer of gods who were humiliated by the demons. Form and nature of Surya: The red-coloured Surya sits on a lotus holding two lotuses in his two hands. He shines brightest with a gold coronet and a necklace of diamonds round his neck. His chariot is run on a single wheel with seven horses. He climbs up the chariot and moves round the Meru Parvata driven by his charioteer Anoora. Lord Hanuman and Yaagnyavalkya learnt veda from Surya. Surya is married to Sangnya Devi, the daughter of Viswakarma the legendary architect. Vaivaswatha Manu was born to Surya. Sangnya Devi could not stand the celestial splendour of Surya and shut her eyes. Angered at this gesture, Surya cursed his wife that she would give birth to a child who would control life. Then Yama was born. Later when she had cast a capricious look on Surya, she gave birth to a shifty, capricious girl child Yamuna. Later as his wife flees in fear leaving her shadow behind. Thus Chaaya, the other name for Sangnya Devi, gave birth to Sani ( Saturn), Saavarni and a daughter Tapati. Surya comes to know that Sangnya Devi is in hiding and he approaches in the form of a horse. There Aswini devataas or the physicians of paradise, as they are described, are born. Brahma makes an effort to reduce the splendour of Surya and through the light shed out, Vishnu’s chakra, Siva’s shoola and the conches of Ashtavasuvus are made. At the instance of Surya’s sign, Vishnu mutilates Rahu during the distribution of Elixir and he emerges as Rahu and Ketu to devour Surya during the solar eclipse. Among Lord Shiva’s three eyes, one of them is Surya. Surya is the friend of Lotuses. Surya fathered Vashistha, Sugreeva and Karna. SURYA IN ASTROLOGY Surya presides over Leo in zodiac sign. He resides in each zodiac sign for a month and thus travels all the 12 signs in a year. The twelve spokes of his chariot wheel signify twelve months. It is believed that sixty thousand Vala Khilya sages walk behind his chariot chanting Swasthi vachanaas, while a whole range of celestial Rishis, Gandharvaas, Apsaraas and Naagaas, Yakshaas worship him. Lord Surya adorns disc, whip goad and mace as his weapons. SURYA-MODE OF WORSHIP In any horoscope, Surya reigns over a period of six years. To appease the lord, one should offer water (Arghya). Surya likes ruby, one of the nava ratnas. It is also important to donate wheat to appease the Sun god. If cow with a calf, jaggery, copper, gold and red coloured clothes are donated, they ward off the malefic influence of the Lord. To pacify the Sun god, it is required to chant the mantra 6,000 times or Aditya Hridayam of Valmiki. Chanting the Suryaashtaka Stotra will keep diseases off. During the Surya Dasa, it is advisable to donate golden lotus. Surya hora is said to be favourable time to perform surgeries. He is bestower of good health. The Surya Mahaa Mantra’s Beejaaksharaas run thus: ‘OM HRAAM, HREEM HROUM SAHA SURYAAYA NAMAHA’ Rudraabisheka, a Ruby studded ring and homam with Jilledu (Calotropis) samidhas is efficacious to appease the Lord. Surya Namaskaaras are a valuable imperative to promote good health. Surya favours red clothes, red sandal powder and red flowers. In the nine-planets galaxy, Surya is positioned East ward. Surya was said to be the lord of Kalinga desha, born into Kasyapasa gotra in Prabhava, Maghamasa on the seventh day of the full moon on Sunday with Aswani as the birth star (zodiac sign-Leo). Surya is worshipped on this day of Ratha Sapthami with an offering of sweet rice made out of milk, sugar and rice. The seven colours that emanate from the Sun are the VIBGYOR, which are symbolically described as the seven horses of his chariot. This star is a potent source of life around and vitamin D is found in Sunlight. The Uttarayana or the first six months from January are considered to be auspicious when the Surya is said to be in Makara raasi. Those who breath their last during these six months, mythology says, go to heaven. The entire stretch of India is dotted Surya temples beginning from Kashmir, Konark in Orissa, in Gujarat, Kumbakonam in Tamil Nadu and Arasavilli in Andhra Pradesh. The Lord that shines above and bestows his grace on all life organisms is devoutly worshipped in India and abroad too to attain all round prosperity.

Bathing Bathing is an integral part of daily routine in every Indian's life. Special occasions call for holy dips in sacred rivers and lakes as enumerated by the scriptures. That a bath keeps us healthy through personal hygiene is a well known fact. But there are other aspects as well that are not well known. Polygraphic studies proved that water enhances electro-magnetic activity. In the context of this finding, the religious practices like washing hands and feet before entering temples and taking bath everyday, worshipping with wet clothes and offering prayer standing in the middle of water chest-deep in rivers and tanks etc., seem to be more scientific than a mere act of cleanliness. Human body is centre of electric currents and impulses. A continuous process of generation and consumption of electric energy takes place in the human body. Maharshi Vaatsyaayana has described the various power centres in human body. More energy is generated in our body whenever we are excited and battle various emotions as well as indulge in intense physical activity. However, at night when we retire until the next morning this generation and consumption level of power drops drastically. This is the reason why we feel so lethargic on waking up in the morning. We are neither active physically non mentally. Washing our face immediately clears the cobwebs of drowsiness. A bath certainly freshens up completely and puts us in our best shape. This happens due to the fact that water consumes the electricity in our body. This is known as Electro-magnetic activity. Physics describes this in detail. Therefore, taking bath has more to do with such scientific reasoning than merely cleanliness. The Scriptures define five kinds of bath. Panchasnaanaani Vipraanaam Keertitaani Maharshibhihi Aagneyam Vaarunam Braahmam Vaayavyam divyamevacha ( Source : Padmapuraana) The application of vibhuti etc is aagneya; bathing with water is known as Vaarunam; Sprinkling water on the head chanting the following mantra is known as Braahmam - Om aapohishtaamayo bhuvah | taana Oorjedadhaatana | Maheranaayachakshase | Yovassivatamorasah | Tasyabhaajayatehanah | Usateerivamaatarah | Tasmaa aranga maamavah | Yasyakshyaaya jinvatha aapojanayathaachanah; Applying or moving about in the dust from the hooves of cows at dusk is known as Vaayavya; a bath in a sudden shower even while the sun blazes away in known a divya. The Padmapuraana glorifies the importance of morning bath as follows: Praatah Snaanam mahaapunyam sarvapaapa pranaasanam | Yah kuryaat satatam vipro vishnuloke maheeyate || A morning bath is very meritorious. All sins are destroyed due to this and the man given to practice of taking bath daily in the morning attains the holy abode of Lord Srimahaavishnu. CIRCUMBULATION ( PRADAKSINAA) One should perform pradakshina and salutations after worshipping the deity. The scriptures enjoin one circumbulation for Lord Vinaayaka, two for the Sun, three for Lord Shiva, four for Lord Vishnu and seven for the peepal tree. While offering salutations one should recite the sloka - Aparaadha Sahasraani … seeking the pardon of the lord for all the sins committed consciously or unknowingly. This is an age-old Hindu tradition which can be likened to the not so ancient Christian practice of confession. The reason for cicumbulations before salutations is that the sudden activity of bending down, bowing etc may cause spasm and burden the heart. It is common knowledge that the blood supply need increases whenever a particular limb is used more. For example the legs while running; the arms while chopping wood. The heart pumps purified blood to various limbs through the aorta. Circumbulation is a kind of warm up enabling easy limb movement during the offering of salutations. We circumbulate from right to left. This eases the supply of purified blood as the aorta is situated to the right of the heart. Salutations : A salutation involves eight parts of the body and the execution of at least three yogic exercises namely. The Shavaasana, bhujangaasana and the adhomukhasvaasaasana. All parts of the body relax in Shavaasana. The practice of bhujanagaasana removes back pain, constipation, thyroid deficiencies, anxiety and cheers up the person. All the abdominal organs gain good exercise due to the practice of adhomukhasvaasaasana. Hands and legs too are exercised well. Women are advised to offer salutations in marjaalaasana (cat position). This also tones up their reproductive organs. Such activities can well be called mild forms of physical exercise. We know that the body temperature increases due to physical exercise. Research suggests regular exercise can ward off infection by raising body temperature thus coping the germ fighting effects of fever. Our seers recognised this scientific truth long ago and incorporated a few forms of physical exercises in religious practices to make man more healthy. Gange cha Yamunechaiva Godaavari Saraswati Narmade Sindhu Kaaveri jalesmin sannidhimkuru One must recite the above verse while taking bath. A bath should be neither taken with many clothes on nor completely nude. One should avoid bathing in small and unknown ponds and lakes. Taking bath in rivers is the best. It is, however, not advisable in rainy seasons, during the months of Sraavana and Bhaadrapada in the rivers as the water turns muddy and unhealthy. One should bathe facing the sun standing against the current of the stream in the rivers, in lakes and at home. A bath cleanses and invigorates the body. Taking a dip in the sea is highly beneficial as it contains iodine. The scriptures proclaim that the early morning bath is the best. This enhances beauty, strength, lustre, hygiene, life, austerity, health and intelligence. Greed and nightmares are destroyed. The sun and the moon are instrumental in attaining the above mentioned ten benefits. Throughout the night the benign rays of the moon and stars fortify water, whereas, the sunrays, during the day make it potent. Innumerous germs and bacteria that settle down at night begin to come to surface as the sun goes up. It is, therefore, good to take bath early morning. Snaanam pavitramaayushyam srama swedamataapaham A bath makes the body from sweat, bad body odour, dispels tiredness and bestows good health, improves the longevity of life and purifies man. Hence, one should bathe everyday. Vaata vyaadhim harati kurute sarvagaatreshu pushtim Drishtim mandaamapi vitanute vainateyopamaamcha! Nidraam soukhyam janayati, jaraam hanti, saktim vidhatte Datte kaantim kanakasadrus’am, nityamabhyangayogaat!! Oil-massage (Abhyanga snaanam) destroys the problems arising from wind, strengthens eyesight, induces sound sleep and bestows a golden lustre to the skin. Tathaa s’areeramabhyangaat drudah satvak prajaayate! Prasaanta maarutou baadhyam kles’aa vyaayaam sansaham!! Oil-massage dispels fatigue, makes the body strong, smoothens the skin-texture, and invigorates the whole system, external as well as internal, entering through the pores. An unmarried youth must bathe once a day. Others can take bath twice daily – ie., morning and afternoon. Taking bathe in a river, lake or sea during night is prohibited. However, safety is the main reason for this prohibition. But bathing during night at one’s own place is allowed for the married. A dip in rivers on days such as Amaavaasya, festivals, when pushyami or one’s own birth star arises or during the Vyatipaata and Vaihdruti yoga is most beneficial. Especially, everyone should take regular morning bath during the month of Maagha. Monday, Wednesday and Saturdays are good for head-bath. One should avoid the same on Tuesday, Thursday and Sundays. The Bhaavaprakaas’ika says that a bath with Aamla powder applied on head and body keeps baldness, whitening of hair at bay and enhances life span to a hundred years. Avoiding soaps is best. Instead a bathing powder comprising of Bengal gram, Green gram and sheekakai powder should be used. One should, without fail, take oil-bath, at least once a week.

ABHISHEKAM Abhishekam is an important part of idol worship. Normally, abhishekam, or bathing the idol, is performed to the gods (in the form of idols) with Panchaamrita. It is a mixture of cow milk, curds, pure ghee, sugar and honey. Devotees also mix banana and coconut water in Panchaamrita. After completing the abhisheka, the panchaamrita used for the purpose is consumed by the devotees as teertha. It is said that panchaamrita, being the mixture of various milk products, has medicinal values and will provide health and nourishment to the body. However, since it is used for worshipping the god, there are spiritual values too attached to this teertha. For non-believers, the fact that it adds to the health would convince them to consume it. Milk: Cow milk gives memory and strength to the body. It can be digested easily. It also gives lustre to the body. Doctors prescribe milk as an alternative to food as it contains three types of proteins, 19 amino acids, 11 types of fats, six vitamins, eight enzymes, 25 elements, sugar and others. Milk provides the required calcium and phosphorous to the body. Curds: Curds consists of cream, butter and ghee. It increases memory and eliminates the heat in the body. The medicinal values present in curds may cure few types of fever. It is advisable not to take curds in the night. Ghee: Ghee increases memory, intelligence, strength, life span, eye sight and heat in the body. According to scriptures one should not eat food without ghee. It also gives lustre to the body. It contains carotine and vitamin ‘A’. Honey: Honey, according to aayurveda, would neutralize the poisonous material, which might have entered the body unknowingly. Honey also stops vomiting sensation and is good for the eyes. It can be digested easily and gives great energy. Honey contains iron, calcium, magnesium, manganese, ‘B’ and ‘C’ vitamins. It is good for anemia patients.

Ghantaanaadam (Ringing the bell) Ghantaa or bell is a common sight in any temple. Bell has a signficant place in the process of worship. While the bell made of gold and silver produce mild sound it is said that the bells made of copper, brass help in controlling the evils and germs. Padma Samhitaa says: Udghaatane kavaatasya prastute poojane tathaa Aavaahanaarghye swapane pushpe dhoopecha deepake Neeraajane yavanikaasamuddhaare nivedane Homa bhootabalau karmanyudvaahe chalanam maneh The Bell has to be rung while opening the temple doors, praying, worshipping, invoking Gods, offering Arghya, performing the bath to Gods, offering flowers, lamp, Dhoop stricks and neeraajana, opening the curtain, offerings or Nivedana, performing homa, offering Bhootabali and while performing Kalyaana or marriage to Gods. Naarada Samhitaa says: Ghantaayaam vaasudevancha jihvaayaantu saraswateem Taadanam vanhi daivatyam dandechaivatu bhaaskaram Naadantu eeshwaram proktam ghantaayaamadhi daivataah Vaasudeva is the lord for the bell, Saraswathi for the handle at the centre, Agni for ringing, Sun for the tip of the handle and Shiva for the sound produced are the other lords. Padma samhitaa says: Utsaadanam pishaachaadeh preenanamcha hareh param Sannidhaanamamartyaanaam ghantaayaaschaalanaadbhaveth Bell has to be rung for driving away the evils, please Lord Vishnu and invite the Gods who give prosperity to the human beings.

Termaric to Threshold Even this is an age-old practice in every house according to the Hindu culture and tradition. Applying Turmeric on the threshold is as important as having bath in every Indian house. Again, every one knows the reason. But the modern Indian has a habit of ridiculing all such practices and branding them as blind beliefs or meaningless practices. It is beyond doubt that turmeric has anti-septic characters. It is an anti-bacterial too. While the green festoon hanging on the top of the main door frame stops insects and other visible but small flying objects from entering the room, turmeric applied on the door sill stops bacteria or other microscopic organisms from making their way into the house. Turmeric checks every invisible organism. In addition, the yellow color makes the main door colorful and is an aesthetic combination for the green festoon on the top of the doorframe. Festoon (Toranam) Decorating the main door of the houses, temples or any other place, where some ritual is performed, with a festoon (Toranam or a string of mango leaves) is part of the Indian culture. Normally, this kind of decoration is done during festivals or celebrations. Though there is a scientific reason behind this festoon decoration, this has become a part of the tradition and majority does not even bother to know the actual reason behind doing so. Indians use a festoon made of fresh and green mango leaves. However, leaves of other species like Neem are also used for this purpose. Most of us know that the green leaves absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen. This helps in keeping the surrounding atmosphere clean and hygienic. Keeping, the aesthetics in view, mango leaves are preferred, since their shape adds to the ambience. However, all other advantages of having a festoon revolve around this basic reason. According to a theory, the air filled with carbon dioxide, which is lighter than the pure air, gets purified immediately while passing through the festoon. In addition, insects get attracted to the green leaves. This stops the insects from entering the room. This practice of decorating the main door with the festoon is supported by a strong scientific reasoning and is certainly not a blind belief. Any body, who has minimum knowledge of science, understands the value of green leaves and same is the case with any body who has minimum aesthetic sense. However, it is said, in the Indian villages, dry mango leaves are used for treating certain ailments. The ash of dry mango leaves is used in the first aid for cuts and fresh wounds. This ash is applied directly on the wound or after mixing it with coconut oil. Dry mango leaves’ ash has the capacity to check the bleeding. The dry leaves in the festoon come handy for providing first aid in such cases. It is also a scientifically established fact that the green colour keeps a person mentally fresh and even the modern day medicine advises the modern day man, who comes under severe stress during his normal working hours, to spend some time amidst greenery to freshen his mind and soul. A festoon provides this facility at your doorsteps. Even this is an age-old practice in every house according to the Hindu culture and tradition. Applying Turmeric on the threshold is as important as having bath in every Indian house. Again, every one knows the reason. But the modern Indian has a habit of ridiculing all such practices and branding them as blind beliefs or meaningless practices. It is beyond doubt that turmeric has anti-septic characters. It is an anti-bacterial too. While the green festoon hanging on the top of the main door frame stops insects and other visible but small flying objects from entering the room, turmeric applied on the door sill stops bacteria or other microscopic organisms from making their way into the house. Turmeric checks every invisible organism. In addition, the yellow color makes the main door colorful and is an aesthetic combination for the green festoon on the top of the doorframe.

Braahmi Muhurtham The time 90 minutes prior to sunrise is called Braahmi Muhurtham. This time is good for academics, purohits and the time where in the later hours, the night the last 48 mins. (2 ghadi) is called Braahmi Muhurtham. 'Braahmi' means Saraswathi, the Goddess of intellect. The above specified time is auspicious for gaining and sustaining intelligence and knowledge, owing to which it is called Braahmi Muhurtham. It is during Braahmi muhurtham that Sun god spreads his rays just as a peacock spreading its feathers. He starts spreading his light and energy throughout the world. The light rays from the Galaxies influence the human brain. The nascent sun spreads thousand arms in the form of rays across the sky, which emit light-blue devine rays. These rays bring to life the cells and the brain. Lord Surya or the sun god is also the god of life. If the man can synchronise his senses with these rays during this hour he will be empowered with unchallengeable energy. This observation was endorsed by sages. This is the time when the life under the sun still remains in deep sleep supported by the tranquil and pleasant environment, the sages and munis spread the power of penance, which comes out in the form of high powered electrical and magnetic charge, for the upliftment of the living creatures on the earth. If one keep awake during these hours, it is possible to benefit from this charge. The Western pandits have this to say: Tyndall teaches that every mechanical action on face of the earth, every manifestation on power, organic or inorganic, vital and physical, is produced by the Sun which is the reservoir of the electrical, magnetic and vital forces required by our system, which are taken in by all men, animals, vegetables, minerals and by them translated in to various life-forces. Get as much Sunshine as possible in to yourself. Sunshine contains vitality. Admit lots of Sunshine into your house. (Capt. Walter Carey) James Allen is an American scientist. He opines that "each of you think scientifically rising early is good for health. It increases blood circulation. Body gains energy. This energy helps him spend the entire day enthusiasticallly. Waking at down blossoms the intellect. Solution can be found for any kind problems since one can examine the problem analytically during those hours. The brain remains calm and whatever is read is firmly understood and remembered. Early in the mornings the weather is tranquil. Oxygen is present in greater ratio. Lungs get healthy air. When the warm rays of the sun fall on the skin there will be no skin diseases. Sweat pores will be activated. Digestion will improve. Thus say physiologists. There are other advantages of waking up at Braahmi Muhurtham. Throughout the night the wind takes unimaginable amounts of Amrutham (elixir) from the rays of the moon and the stars. This wind provides a healthy cover in the atmosphere at dawn. The air during Braahmi Muhurtam is called 'Veeravayu'. The Veeravayu helps the body maintain good health, increases the facial glow, inspires the mind and sharpens the intellect. At dawn, it is said, manes in the other world are at peace and gain strength. This strength spreads across the world.

[but, can that right to worship, allow them to claim "property rights" for everything they worship] The Hindus are not claiming property rights but the original rights. You have been misguided by false preaching. Who gave the Muslims[Mogul]right to invade India? If today India invade the Muslim nations would the UN close its eye? Just because there was no controlling body in the world during the 8th or 9th century Muslim leaders invaded the neighbouring countries without mercy. Surely it is the Hindus right to claim what is rightfully theirs as India is a republic. I don't think it is wrong but as most Hindus are very cordial and open minded, they had forgiven and forgotten the atrocities committed my the Muslim invaders but there are some hardline Hindus who cannot forget or forgive the barbaric Muslims who had demolished Hindu temples and errected Mosque upon them. So, I feel it is their right to claim what was forcefully taken away from them. If the present Muslims want to built a new Mosgue elsewhere than they could apply for such in replacemnt for the demolished mosque. As for the Kaaba no Hindus have claimed that the Kaaba is theirs but the prove is there that once the Kaaba was a Shiva temple and we as Hindus are proud that Mohammed's father was a Hindu once and became a convert after his son founded a new religion called Islam which religion assimilated most of the Jewish and Hindu scriptures..

Sorry, that would not happen coz Srimad-Bhagavatam is only part of the Vedas and not the whole. Morever imposing one's belief onto others is not the practice of Hinduism. If one believe he can embrace with own freewill but not by force like what the Muslims did in India. As far as I am believe the whole world is Hinduism as all other religions are branch or shall I say assimilated Hinduism one way or other. If we read the Torah we will find most of the laws of Manu and so is the Koran. As for Buddhism it is also a branch of Hinduism and many other faiths. So I feel deep down the whole world is Hinduism.