vedicnotes

While I can not come up with a comprehensive list, selected forms of Brahman have become traditionally associated with selfless worship in the Hindu world: Vishnu (Rama and Krishna), Shiva, Mother Goddess (Durga), Ganesha, Katikaye, Hanuman, Savita (Gayatri mantra) To respect all followers of Sanatana Dharma, we should atleast refrain from using "demigod" (even "deva" with an inferior meaning) for any of these forms. We all have to understand that each Purana presents similar spiritual tales from different perspectives. Puranas for Krishna assume that He is the Supreme Soul. Similarly, literature for Ganesha shows that He is the Lord. Yet they were all written by the same author (Ved Vyas). The beauty of Sanatana Dharma is that it gives us a choice to make our own spiritual model. We can even worship all these forms together (without specifying an ista-devata) with the belief that the same Brahman manifests in all these forms. And we can also opt for an Impersonal God.

As we create a wish list of finite objects while worshipping, we do not try to connect to the One Who is Absolute Truth, Consciousness, and Infinite Bliss but apply for the blessings of a finite potency that can fulfill our dreams. In Hindu spirituality, this concept becomes explicit as certain expressions of divinity have become culturally associated with specific objects or gains that they can bestow upon us. While the principal forms of God, including Lord Krishna and Lord Shiva, are worshipped selflessly by followers as the manifestations of Brahman (the Absolute Reality), the lesser forms (demigods) are traditionally remembered only when their followers need a specific object in life. In the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna promises that whenever we desire something due to our ignorance and select a demigod to achieve it, He fixes our faith on the selected form so that our wishes may be easily fulfilled (VII: 20-21). Along these lines, the thousands of demigods in Hindu mythology, all elements of the same divinity, can also be understood as God’s reciprocation to our own desires. (excerpted from my article at vedic.notes.googlepages.com/wishlist.htm)

The spiritually advanced jiva is commonly compared to the lotus, which rises from the mud (materialism) but still remains unaffected by it. This makes the lotus the most spiritual flower in Hinduism. While Saguna manifestations of Brahman also live within the universe and incarnate on earth for the jiva, they are not bound by the three gunas of nature. Their proximity to the lotus in Puranas emphasizes this transcendental quality of God.

Hi Aussie, Let me begin with the disclaimer: I am not into 'predictive' Vedic astrology but only celebrate its interactions with spirituality. So neither should I be taken seriously in astrology nor can I suggest a remedy.<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> But we can try to work on your lagna till an expert responds.<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> (1) If you are Aq Lagna, your lagna lord has mutual reception (Ve-Sa) with the 9th house. With Ma already in the Lagna, this may pull you towards technical stuff in life (engineering, mechanics, technology, gadgets, technical design, etc.) Even though you are spiritual (you are already visiting a spiritual forum), you'll need a logical explanation to believe your guru. Does this aptitude sound familiar?<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> (2) If you are Pisces, you again have your lagna lord in 9th. This time it aspects your lagna along with Moon. This is about traditional spirituality, idealism, and thorough learning (non technical) as a major focus in life. If you find a guru, you may follow his advice with folded hands. Is this more like you?<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> By the way, either chart can support a career in communications/ computers. (Try not to use astrology to make the final decision about your profession. Instead, follow your inner voice.) <o:p></o:p>

Hi Milly, The divine play of the Lord is difficult for us to comprehend. When we experience something like this, we should try to remain calm and let Him complete his explanation (this may take some time). All we can do is -- surrender our spiritual path to Shiva/ Krishna for further guidance. Advice from fellow beings can partially help but only Brahman knows what he wants to teach you. The real answer will come from Him. Your experience may create some extra worry if Radha-Krishna and Shakti-Shiva are two different “individuals” in your mind. Though many Hindu scriptures portray them as being separate (one superior than the other), Brahman, in his form as Shiva, may be teaching you His actual relationship of Oneness with Krishna (or His being “Krishna’s Heart” if he has chosen Vaishnavism for you). By the way, your question reminds me of Rishi Markandeya, who, in spite of being very spiritually advanced, was once surprised when Shiva showed up in his mind without a formal invitation (Srimad Bhagavat Purana; Canto 12; Chapter 10). Shiva suddenly appeared in the sage’s mind while he was meditating only to give him a few blessings. Though this story may not answer your question, it can be an interesting read. And if you decide to read this, do remember that the Srimad Bhagavat presents Hindu spirituality through a Vaishnava lens.

Hi again, Just wanted to let you know that excerpts from this book are now available at mukulshrigoel.com You can also find a chapter by chapter outline on this site. -Mukul

From the first moment we utter a name of God with a wish to reach him, we trigger our spiritual evolution. As we eventually reach the peak of spirituality, we no longer desire liberation but aspire to love God forever. How does this self-growth occur in the devotional stream? How do our professional decisions, spiritual likings, and interactions with our environment influence our refuge in God? My new book, Devotional Hinduism: Creating Impressions for God, answers these questions. Devotional Hinduism perceives the path of surrender as the continual formation of karmic impressions for God in our mind so that we may eventually be blessed with pure love to realize our eternal relationship with him. It is a journey to a new reality where God is the “real doer” who continually guides us towards himself. While explicating Hindu beliefs, techniques for remembering the Personal God, and our relationship with Nature, Devotional Hinduism offers tips to college students and employees seeking to incorporate Eastern wisdom in their professional lives. This original presentation of Hindu spirituality, knowledge from the Gita, and commonly circulated thoughts from the Bhakti Saints also shares my personal beliefs. The book, published by iUniverse, is available at Amazon, iUniverse, and Barnes & Noble. ISBN: 0-595-50524-4 Regards, Mukul S. Goel

God is the eternal, infinite, imperceptible ocean of bliss Who knows how to reflect our love, one of His own attributes, by appearing before us in the form we select for Him. Needless to say, He transcends pretty much everything we think about.