Regarding Maha Ganapati Homam / Re-igniting Fire

http://www.VedicAstrologer.org/homam

> > > Spirituality:

> > > Free Jyotish lessons (MP3): http://vedicastro.home.comcast.net

> > > Free Jyotish software (Windows): http://www.VedicAstrologer.org

> > > Sri Jagannath Centre (SJC) website: http://www.SriJagannath.org

> > > --------------------------------

> -

> > >

> > > -

> > > rajarshi nandy

> > >

> > > Thursday, December 04, 2008 12:47 AM

> > > Re: Regarding Maha Ganapati Homam

> > >

> > > Dear Narasimhaji

> > >

> > > Reading your response another question came into my

> mind.

> > You said:

> > >

> > > It is not good if fire is extinguished by rain in the

> > middle of a homam.

> > >

> > > Is it not good that the fire gets extinguished by rain,

> or

> > the fact that the fire is getting extinguished?

> > >

> > > I mean actyually i feel when someone starts doing homa

> > regularly, there can be instances when the homa agni gets

> > extinguished while the homa is still on..happened with me couple

> of

> > times... i seriously dont knbow what to make of it but as one

> member

> > in this list had suggested to me, i relight the fire and keep

> > continuing with the homa.

> > >

> > > -Regards

> > > Rajarshi

> > >

> > > The upsurge (of consciousness) is Bhairava - Shiva Sutra

> > >

> > > --- On Thu, 4/12/08, Narasimha PVR Rao <pvr@> wrote:

> > >

> > > Narasimha PVR Rao <pvr@>

> > > Re: Regarding Maha Ganapati

> Homam

> > >

> > > Cc: " Phanikumar Velaga " <itsverysimple@>

> > > Thursday, 4 December, 2008, 6:48 AM

> > >

> > > Namaste Phani,

> > >

> > > > 1)Can Homam be performed on the roof top of a house

> (3-

> > floors) ? Can a homam

> > > > kundam made by arranging red bricks, with sand base

> be

> > used instead of a

> > > > copper one?

> > >

> > > Yes, you can do it on a rooftop. Doing it in the open

> is

> > actually better than doing it in closed space. But realize that a

> > rain can cause problems. Keep an umbrella around to protect the

> fire

> > if it rains while you are doing homam. It is not good if fire is

> > extinguished by rain in the middle of a homam.

> > >

> > > Yes, you can construct a homa kundam with bricks and

> sand

> > at the bottom. Use a square shaped huma kunda.

> > >

> > > > 2)While performing the Homam using the mp3 audio

> file,

> > should one repeat the

> > > > mantras mentally along with the audio?

> > >

> > > One can repeat mentally while listening attentively

> (not

> > casually). Actually, even listening to mantras with all the

> attention

> > focused is as powerful as saying mantras.

> > >

> > > Suppose person X is chanting a mantra and thinking of

> > some mundane matter in the mind. Suppose person Y is listening to

> it

> > with focus and thinking of the mantra and its deity. Then the

> mantra

> > may do nothing for person X and yet person Y may benefit from the

> > mantra. The word mantra means " one that protects the mind " .. One

> can

> > say a mantra or listen to a mantra, to be protected. The key is

> > control over the mind and keeping the mind focused on the mantra.

> > >

> > > However, there is a difference between meditation and

> > homam. Mantra is submitted in the internal fire in meditation and

> it

> > is submitted in the external fire as well in a homam. So making

> some

> > external sound (even if feeble) is a good idea as opposed to

> silent

> > chanting or just listening. Try to repeat slowly.

> > >

> > > > 3)Can bachelors do Maha Ganapati Homam? Any Other

> > conditions/niyamas that

> > > > should be followed apart from having vegeterain food?

> > >

> > > Yes. Anybody whose upanayanam (sacred thread ceremony)

> > has been performed can do it. Bachelor or married is irrelevant.

> > >

> > > One should follow the yamas and niyamas set by one's

> > guru. Whatever rules one's guru sets, one should follow them

> > strictly. At the minimum, one should eat only vegetarian food on

> the

> > day of homam and take a bath before homam. Another rule I will

> > recommend is to avoid eating any solid food 2 hours before homam.

> > >

> > > By the way, if one without a sacred thread wants to do

> > homam for spiritual progress, I am willing to take responsibility

> and

> > allow them to do it. Such a person can think of me or my guru as

> guru

> > and perform homam. I am willing to take on any karma incurred in

> the

> > process until the person crosses some minimum threshhold of purity

> > through homam and other spiritual practices. Sacred thread or no

> > sacred thread, mantropadesa or no mantropadesa, it does not matter

> > after a while, when the person crosses a threshhold of purity. The

> > goal of upanayanam and other mantropadesa by guru is to speed this

> up

> > and make the person cross the threshhold of purity.

> > >

> > > As long as one desires no specific material benefits

> (and

> > ready to receive whatever god gives) and does homam for spiritual

> > progress, I am willing to help, even if it means some suffering

> for

> > me.

> > >

> > > > 4)Any good date to start the Homam? or any day would

> be

> > fine?

> > >

> > > For Mahaganapathi homam, the best is a Chaturthi

> morning.

> > But any day is fine really.

> > >

> > > * * *

> > >

> > > Mentioning rain and rooftop homam reminded me of my

> India

> > trip.

> > >

> > > When I went to India in May 2008, I and my guru Manish

> > traveled together to several places (on a specific project). We

> ended

> > up doing homam in the morning in several places (wherever we

> were).

> > Before the trip, my guru told me to carry an umbrella with me. As

> > monsoons come only in June/July in India, I did not take it

> > seriously. We were in New Delhi in mid-May.. We proceeded to the

> > rooftop of the apartment complex we were in, to do a homam. Manish

> > told me, " Narasimha, it is going to rain heavily in this city

> after

> > our homam finishes " . I just smiled.

> > >

> > > To my surprise, it did rain as soon as our homas

> > finished. After we offered poornaahuti, it suddenly started

> raining

> > with really big drops. Luckily, there was a small towel/blanket on

> > the rooftop close to us. Together, we held it on top of the two

> small

> > homa kundas, closed our eyes and meditated. We held the cloth

> cover

> > on the homa kundas until fire in the two homa kundas went off and

> > then packed everything and went down. We left for Kurukshetra

> later

> > that day, but we were told that a heavy rain continued for a few

> days

> > in New Delhi. In fact, rain followed us on that trip as we covered

> > the north, east and west of India. It rained in every place we

> went

> > to, as we finished our task in that place and prepared to move on.

> > >

> > > Best regards,

> > > Narasimha

> > > ------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- --

> ---

> > ---- -

> > > Do a Short Homam Yourself: http://www.VedicAst

> > rologer.org/ homam

> > > Do Pitri Tarpanas Yourself: http://www.VedicAst

> > rologer.org/ tarpana

> > > Spirituality: http://groups. / group/vedic-

> > wisdom

> > > Free Jyotish lessons (MP3): http://vedicastro.

> > home..comcast. net

> > > Free Jyotish software (Windows): http://www.VedicAst

> > rologer.org

> > > Sri Jagannath Centre (SJC) website:

> http://www.SriJagan

> > nath..org

> > > ------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- --

> ---

> > ---- -

> > >

> > > ---- Phanikumar Velaga <itsverysimple@ gmail.com>

> wrote:

> > > > Namasthe,

> > > >

> > > > I am interested in doing Maha Ganapati Homam daily,

> and

> > have few questions

> > > > regarding it.

> > > >

> > > > 1)Can Homam be performed on the roof top of a house

> (3-

> > floors) ? Can a homam

> > > > kundam made by arranging red bricks, with sand base

> be

> > used instead of a

> > > > copper one?

> > > > 2)While performing the Homam using the mp3 audio

> file,

> > should one repeat the

> > > > mantras mentally along with the audio?

> > > > 3)Can bachelors do Maha Ganapati Homam? Any Other

> > conditions/niyamas that

> > > > should be followed apart from having vegeterain food?

> > > > 4)Any good date to start the Homam? or any day would

> be

> > fine?

> > > >

> > > > Thanks!

> > > >

> > > > Phani

December 5, 2008

Namaste friends,

Excellent and inspirational writeup Narayan!

* * *

Earlier, I mentioned the Mother's instruction to Manish when She appeared in

front of him at the temple in Chennai during Shata Chandi homam, to spread the

practice of regular homam around the world. However, Manish did not reveal that

incident to me until much later. All he told me at that time was that Narayan

really needed to do homam everyday and that I should teach a simple procedure to

him.

I experimented with homam, started doing occasionally and liked it. I started

doing a quick procedure everyday. After doing it daily for a few months, I

finally got down to the original task - teaching Narayan. I chose to write a

detailed manual for that purpose. In hindsight, I made the correct choice, as

many people in addition to Narayan are able to do homam using the manual now! I

and many other people have benefited (and will benefit). However, as far as my

mind concerned, all this started for Narayan! When it was time for Narayan to

start doing homam, many people across the world started with him. What a

fortunate soul..

* * *

It was probably for a reason that Manish did not tell me at the onset itself

what the Mother asked him to do. My attitude and mental state would've been

different while working on the manual. I would've been more egoistic and also

hurried more. Because the only thing I was told was to teach Narayan, I took my

sweet time, arrived at the correct balance and also wrote it down without many

pretensions. The whole effort ended up being more saattwik and I really

benefited from the exercise. If I had known the full story, it would have had

more rajas given my mental state then and I would not have had made the same

progress I made, while preparing myself to teach homam to Narayan.

Manish told me the full story only when I was better prepared to handle the

information and, of course, I added it to the preface of the manual as asked by

him then.

* * *

A good guru protects a sishya from unnecessary information that can wreak havoc

with the ego. I remember another incident.

One day in the spring of the same year, I decided to spend a whole day

meditating with Gayatri mantra during the coming weekend. The inspiration came

out of nowhere and I immediately latched on to it. When I told Manish, he only

said " good, go ahead and do it " . I started before sunrise and went on till 9:30

pm. Except for 3-4 breaks of 2 min, a 20 min break at noon for bath and a small

lunch and another 10 min break for another bath at dusk, I was basically sitting

in the same place and meditating with Gayatri mantra. It was a very good

experience. I was in a very nice state at the end of the day.

I noticed on the next day that the previous day was Akshaya Triteeya (Vaisakha

Sukla Triteeya). It is considered a very auspicious day and it is believed that

spiritual sadhana on that day is 1000 times more powerful than on other days.

Though I had not noticed it before, I picked a perfect day for the sadhana. I

was excited. When I mentioned this to Manish with excitement a few days later,

he said calmly " I knew it earlier itself. But I did not tell you because knowing

it would've distracted you. You would have been excited at doing the sadhana on

Akshaya Triteeya and that excitement would've changed the mental focus and

brought more rajas into the sadhana. "

He was absolutely right. As such, I was " proud " of doing such a sadhana. The ego

and pride brought rajas and limited the mental focus on the mantra. If I was

aware that I was doing this sadhana on a powerful day, it would've increased the

pride and excitement, brought in rajas and reduced the saattwik focus on mantra

further. Ego is a very dangerous entity. Even after one makes excellent

progress, it can suddenly return and pull one down! After hearing Manish's

words, I introspected and found that my ego was still alive and kicking and that

he was wise not to feed it with more delicious food!

Lucky are those who have a guru who can succintly tell them what is useful

rather than what sounds good. Lucky are those who have a guru (or someone else)

who can go to the heart of their problem and point it out, so that they can weed

it out through further introspection and weaken it through conscious effort.

* * *

I remember one more similar incident. Before the shata chandi homam in early

2006, a priest we respect a lot took me to a Siddha (a perfected/advanced soul).

When he looked at me, he mentioned the name of one of the saptarshis and said

that I very close to him and that I would do some important work in this birth.

When I saw Manish later that day, I mentioned this to him. He immediately became

serious and said " Narasimha, do you need one more identity? Your ego is already

strong with the identity of 'Narasimha, the Sanskrit scholar', 'Narasimha, the

astrologer', 'Narasimha, the engineer', 'Narasimha, the spiritual seeker' etc.

It will take great effort to overcome those identities and find True Self. As if

that challenge is not sufficient, do you really need yet another new identity to

feed your ego further? See, what he said may very well be correct. But it is not

useful for your progress. You have to rise above all identities. "

How true and wise!

* * *

Just as a fat and mighty dog may win over a lean and weak dog and get all the

food given by the master, ahamkara (ego or the sense of " I " ) within us wins over

the spirit of detachment and gets all the energy possible. Just as a good master

may chain the fat dog and feed the lean dog specially, we too must consciously

try to restrain ego and increase detachment.

Manish has a unique way of looking at things and some simple points he made

brought so much clarity to my thinking and sped up my spiritual evolution in

this life. Even without giving any specific mantra to me, like many spiritual

gurus do, he lit the lamp of knowledge in my heart. He would say the lamp and

light were already there and he simply wiped the dust on the lamp that was

blocking the light. That is what a good guru does. He/She wipes off the thick

layer of dirt (conditioning by gunas) on the glass (ego) that encloses the lamp

(Self) that is lit in the heart. Sometimes, we may be too caught up to notice

that dirt ourselves..

* * *

Homam and other spiritual sadhana tools are very helpful. But one should also

try to introspect and change one's thinking, on an ongoing basis. There is no

magic pill. For most people, this does not take just a single moment or day or

month or year. It CAN take a long time. As Narayan indicated, one should start

walking on the path and not worry about the progress and the distance left. One

who keeps walking without distractions will reach the goal.

The point I want to emphasize is that the external rituals (like homam) and the

internal introspection (to change attitude) should go hand in hand. After a

while, there will be synergy between them and they will start to work together

very effectively.

Best regards,

Narasimha

Do a Short Homam Yourself: http://www.VedicAstrologer.org/homam

Do Pitri Tarpanas Yourself: http://www.VedicAstrologer.org/tarpana

Spirituality:

Free Jyotish lessons (MP3): http://vedicastro.home.comcast.net

Free Jyotish software (Windows): http://www.VedicAstrologer.org

Sri Jagannath Centre (SJC) website: http://www.SriJagannath.org

---- naaraayana_iyer <narayan.iyer wrote:

> Namaste Friends,

>

> Some ramblings ...

>

> Regarding fire getting extinguished (or anything similar to it), it

> happens with all beginners and its only practice which makes one

> perfect. Most of us assume that this is only applicable in mundane

> matters. This is applicable in the path of spirituality too. I know

> there are people who think that any affair/process related to God must

> be done perfectly. Honestly ... unless one is an adept, this is

> impossible and only repeated and sincere attempts makes one an adept.

>

> Reminds me of the great Kalidasa who worshipped Goddess Mahakali for

> nine lives and he was born a dunce in his tenth and she appeared to

> him in his 10th lifetime, when his sadhana was complete and he banged

> his head out of sheer frustration. Imagine!!! In Kaliyuga, along with

> Homa, surrendering to ones chosen deity is the best path for most.

>

> Let me share one incident, when Narasimha's spiritual Guru whom I also

> consider my Guru, asked me (when we were in Chennai for Shata Chandi

> Homa) to learn Mahaganapthi homam, I thought he was really joking!

> When I got back to the US, he called me again and reminded me. It then

> occured to me he was really being serious. So, I started searching on

> the net and I found a really flimsy document, but nevertheless I took

> it up and performed it. But, I was not satisfied. Manishji then

> reminded me of the book he gifted me, but even in that it was entirely

> in Samskrit and illiterate that I am, I couldn't distinguish between

> an instruction and sloka . Around this time, Narasimha occasionally

> performed a longer version of the homam and I particpated in it, but

> never could grasp it. I then asked Narasimha to guide me, which he

> did, but still it did not get through my really dense brains . I

> felt really helpless, but the stars were such that I never gave up,

> instead I made a sincere prayer to Lord Ganesha, that If he really

> intends that I perform the homa, then he should kindly show me the

> way. In around two weeks time, Narasimha told me that he has decided

> to document the Laghu (Short) paddhati of the homa. I just couldnt

> believe my luck and thanked the Elephant-headed omnipotent for his

> grace. Well ... its been exactly 2yrs and I am still at it taking

> baby-steps and making progress everyday.

>

> I thank Manishji, Narasimha and the all the divine forces for helping

> me progress.

>

> My request, pls dont give it up, persist with it no matter what. We

> are humans and prone to mistakes. But then nobody got perfect the very

> first time, unless he has worked on it a lot in his previous lives.

> Its all a continuum. Dont worry about time, we have future lives ...

> plenty of time. These things take their own sweet time, doesnt happen

> overnight. No matter what, complete your homa everyday, that should be

> the primary goal ... nothing else. Pls dont waver from it, whether you

> get or dont get anything. Slowly we'll progress in our Sadhana and

> move on to higher things. I wish all the best. We should really thank

> our stars that people like Manishji and Narasimhaji are here guiding

> us ... what would be life without them!

>

> Thanks for listening.

> Regards

> -Narayan-

>

> , " utpal pathak " <vedic_pathak

> wrote:

> >

> > Namaste Garu !!!

> >

> > >A servant carrying a million dollar check to the bank and cashing it

> > >is NOT superior to a servant carrying a $100 check to the bank and

> > >cashing it. Both are merely doing their master's work and do not own

> > >anything.

> >

> > from where such a telling analogy comes out? it was too good and

> > explains lot of things w.r.t. pride.

> >

> > Namaste Rajarshi ji,

> >

> > today when i offered Purnahuti (Dry Half Coconut) the fire was about

> > to extinguish. when such things happen, i take a couple of Camphor

> > peice (square or round shape) put it in homa kund and light it by

> > some external stick lighted from a ghee-lamp.

> >

> > during Homam- 1) I keep vigile that fire remains always sufficiently

> > blazing.

> >

> > 2) if still in case if it extinguishes, i lit it again with Camphor

> > pieces and carry on without worrying about anything as if nothing has

> > happenned. MahaGanapati for sure will not be unhappy even if such a

> > thing happenned even after careful conduct..but NOT on account of

> > repeated negligence.

> >

> > warm regards,

> >

> > utpal

> >

> > , " Narasimha P.V.R. Rao " <pvr@>

> > wrote:

> > >

> > > Namaste,

> > >

> > > Narayan has already answered aptly.

> > >

> > > It is ideal if the fire does not go off in the middle. But, if it

> > does, don't worry. Re-ignite it as Narayan said, pray to Agni in the

> > mind and continue.

> > >

> > > Suppose a servant is asked by his master to carry a vessel of milk

> > to a place without spilling it on the way. Suppose a little milk is

> > spilled on the way. What should he do? Should he abandon the project

> > or atleast carry the remaining milk to the destination?

> > >

> > > * * *

> > >

> > > As Narayan said, fire going away can signal the bhutagni being weak.

> > >

> > > But, one is better off ignoring those things and not thinking too

> > much about the significance.

> > >

> > > * * *

> > >

> > > I recommend doing homam without worrying about how well or badly it

> > went and what results it brought. Let me give an analogy.

> > >

> > > Think of your favorite deity as the master and yourself as a

> > servant. A servant simply serves the master. Similarly, all the

> > sadhana you do and your other activities are your way to serve your

> > master.

> > >

> > > A rich landlord may be very wealthy and have many big checks

> > everyday to cash and also many big checks everyday to mail others.

> > Yet, he may need a servant to physically carry papers to the bank and

> > do the needful. Similarly, god is capable of doing anything in this

> > world and yet god needs human beings who execute god's agenda in this

> > world. That is why various gods (including Vishnu himself) and

> > various rishis keep coming back to earth every now and then. The

> > supreme god of this world operates through various physical persons

> > present on earth.

> > >

> > > We do homam and other spiritual sadhana, purify ourselves and try

> > to help others, because that is god's work. Just as a servant carries

> > master's papers to the bank, we do such work for god.

> > >

> > > Doing what is applauded by others as good work tends to promote ego

> > and we need to guard against it. A servant carrying a million dollar

> > check to the bank and cashing it is NOT superior to a servant

> > carrying a $100 check to the bank and cashing it. Both are merely

> > doing their master's work and do not own anything. Both are just

> > *instruments* used by the master to carry out his agenda. Similarly,

> > one who does what are considered great deeds in this world and one

> > who does what are considered meagre deeds in this world are both

> > servants of god helping god execute god's agenda in this world.

> > Neither really owns anything. One may consider oneself superior to

> > the other because his/her deeds are considered superior by the world,

> > but he/she is just as foolish as a servant who considers

> > himself/herself superior to another servant carrying something less

> > valuable.

> > >

> > > If this attitude of being a servant of god fully penetrates one's

> > attitude, thinking and instincts, one is safe no matter what

> > situations his previous karmas place one in. One can remain happy and

> > blissful in pleasure and pain, in praise and criticism and in light

> > and darkness.

> > >

> > > Have the same attitude towards your sadhana like homam. It is a job

> > you are doing for god. You do the best you can. But you own nothing.

> > You are doing it for god.

> > >

> > > Best regards,

> > > Narasimha

> > >

> > > Do a Short Homam Yourself: http://www.VedicAstrologer.org/homam

> > > Do Pitri Tarpanas Yourself: http://www.VedicAstrologer.org/tarpana

> > > Spirituality:

> > > Free Jyotish lessons (MP3): http://vedicastro.home.comcast.net

> > > Free Jyotish software (Windows): http://www.VedicAstrologer.org

> > > Sri Jagannath Centre (SJC) website: http://www.SriJagannath.org

> > >

> > > -

> > > rajarshi nandy

> > >

> > > Thursday, December 04, 2008 12:47 AM

> > > Re: Regarding Maha Ganapati Homam

> > >

> > > Dear Narasimhaji

> > >

> > > Reading your response another question came into my mind.

> > You said:

> > >

> > > It is not good if fire is extinguished by rain in the

> > middle of a homam.

> > >

> > > Is it not good that the fire gets extinguished by rain, or

> > the fact that the fire is getting extinguished?

> > >

> > > I mean actyually i feel when someone starts doing homa

> > regularly, there can be instances when the homa agni gets

> > extinguished while the homa is still on..happened with me couple of

> > times... i seriously dont knbow what to make of it but as one member

> > in this list had suggested to me, i relight the fire and keep

> > continuing with the homa.

> > >

> > > -Regards

> > > Rajarshi

> > >

> > > The upsurge (of consciousness) is Bhairava - Shiva Sutra

> > >

> > > --- On Thu, 4/12/08, Narasimha PVR Rao <pvr@> wrote:

> > >

> > > Narasimha PVR Rao <pvr@>

> > > Re: Regarding Maha Ganapati Homam

> > >

> > > Cc: " Phanikumar Velaga " <itsverysimple@>

> > > Thursday, 4 December, 2008, 6:48 AM

> > >

> > > Namaste Phani,

> > >

> > > > 1)Can Homam be performed on the roof top of a house(3-

> > floors) ? Can a homam

> > > > kundam made by arranging red bricks, with sand base be

> > used instead of a

> > > > copper one?

> > >

> > > Yes, you can do it on a rooftop. Doing it in the open is

> > actually better than doing it in closed space. But realize that a

> > rain can cause problems. Keep an umbrella around to protect the fire

> > if it rains while you are doing homam. It is not good if fire is

> > extinguished by rain in the middle of a homam.

> > >

> > > Yes, you can construct a homa kundam with bricks and sand

> > at the bottom. Use a square shaped huma kunda.

> > >

> > > > 2)While performing the Homam using the mp3 audio file,

> > should one repeat the

> > > > mantras mentally along with the audio?

> > >

> > > One can repeat mentally while listening attentively (not

> > casually). Actually, even listening to mantras with all the attention

> > focused is as powerful as saying mantras.

> > >

> > > Suppose person X is chanting a mantra and thinking of

> > some mundane matter in the mind. Suppose person Y is listening to it

> > with focus and thinking of the mantra and its deity. Then the mantra

> > may do nothing for person X and yet person Y may benefit from the

> > mantra. The word mantra means " one that protects the mind " .. One can

> > say a mantra or listen to a mantra, to be protected. The key is

> > control over the mind and keeping the mind focused on the mantra.

> > >

> > > However, there is a difference between meditation and

> > homam. Mantra is submitted in the internal fire in meditation and it

> > is submitted in the external fire as well in a homam. So making some

> > external sound (even if feeble) is a good idea as opposed to silent

> > chanting or just listening. Try to repeat slowly.

> > >

> > > > 3)Can bachelors do Maha Ganapati Homam? Any Other

> > conditions/niyamas that

> > > > should be followed apart from having vegeterain food?

> > >

> > > Yes. Anybody whose upanayanam (sacred thread ceremony)

> > has been performed can do it. Bachelor or married is irrelevant.

> > >

> > > One should follow the yamas and niyamas set by one's

> > guru. Whatever rules one's guru sets, one should follow them

> > strictly. At the minimum, one should eat only vegetarian food on the

> > day of homam and take a bath before homam. Another rule I will

> > recommend is to avoid eating any solid food 2 hours before homam.

> > >

> > > By the way, if one without a sacred thread wants to do

> > homam for spiritual progress, I am willing to take responsibility and

> > allow them to do it. Such a person can think of me or my guru as guru

> > and perform homam. I am willing to take on any karma incurred in the

> > process until the person crosses some minimum threshhold of purity

> > through homam and other spiritual practices. Sacred thread or no

> > sacred thread, mantropadesa or no mantropadesa, it does not matter

> > after a while, when the person crosses a threshhold of purity. The

> > goal of upanayanam and other mantropadesa by guru is to speed this up

> > and make the person cross the threshhold of purity.

> > >

> > > As long as one desires no specific material benefits (and

> > ready to receive whatever god gives) and does homam for spiritual

> > progress, I am willing to help, even if it means some suffering for

> > me.

> > >

> > > > 4)Any good date to start the Homam? or any day would be

> > fine?

> > >

> > > For Mahaganapathi homam, the best is a Chaturthi morning.

> > But any day is fine really.

> > >

> > > * * *

> > >

> > > Mentioning rain and rooftop homam reminded me of my India

> > trip.

> > >

> > > When I went to India in May 2008, I and my guru Manish

> > traveled together to several places (on a specific project). We ended

> > up doing homam in the morning in several places (wherever we were).

> > Before the trip, my guru told me to carry an umbrella with me. As

> > monsoons come only in June/July in India, I did not take it

> > seriously. We were in New Delhi in mid-May.. We proceeded to the

> > rooftop of the apartment complex we were in, to do a homam. Manish

> > told me, " Narasimha, it is going to rain heavily in this city after

> > our homam finishes " . I just smiled.

> > >

> > > To my surprise, it did rain as soon as our homas

> > finished. After we offered poornaahuti, it suddenly started raining

> > with really big drops. Luckily, there was a small towel/blanket on

> > the rooftop close to us. Together, we held it on top of the two small

> > homa kundas, closed our eyes and meditated. We held the cloth cover

> > on the homa kundas until fire in the two homa kundas went off and

> > then packed everything and went down. We left for Kurukshetra later

> > that day, but we were told that a heavy rain continued for a few days

> > in New Delhi. In fact, rain followed us on that trip as we covered

> > the north, east and west of India. It rained in every place we went

> > to, as we finished our task in that place and prepared to move on.

> > >

> > > Best regards,

> > > Narasimha

> > > ------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- -----

> > ---- -

> > > Do a Short Homam Yourself: http://www.VedicAst

> > rologer.org/ homam

> > > Do Pitri Tarpanas Yourself: http://www.VedicAst

> > rologer.org/ tarpana

> > > Spirituality: http://groups. / group/vedic-

> > wisdom

> > > Free Jyotish lessons (MP3): http://vedicastro.

> > home..comcast. net

> > > Free Jyotish software (Windows): http://www.VedicAst

> > rologer.org

> > > Sri Jagannath Centre (SJC) website: http://www.SriJagan

> > nath..org

> > > ------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- -----

> > ---- -

> > >

> > > ---- Phanikumar Velaga <itsverysimple@ gmail.com> wrote:

> > > > Namasthe,

> > > >

> > > > I am interested in doing Maha Ganapati Homam daily, and

> > have few questions

> > > > regarding it.

> > > >

> > > > 1)Can Homam be performed on the roof top of a house(3-

> > floors) ? Can a homam

> > > > kundam made by arranging red bricks, with sand base be

> > used instead of a

> > > > copper one?

> > > > 2)While performing the Homam using the mp3 audio file,

> > should one repeat the

> > > > mantras mentally along with the audio?

> > > > 3)Can bachelors do Maha Ganapati Homam? Any Other

> > conditions/niyamas that

> > > > should be followed apart from having vegeterain food?

> > > > 4)Any good date to start the Homam? or any day would be

> > fine?

> > > >

> > > > Thanks!

> > > >

> > > > Phani

December 6, 2008

namaste

Namaste Bharati !!!

I too thought about it the same way as you mentioned. but as you and

Narasimha Garu Mentioned, God'll decide our worth and why should we

bother about that. we should be doing just HER work without any sense

of pride and It is Much much much more difficult to achieve than

said.

Narasimha has really made the difference with me and i am sure with

many others as well. he has clarified some really nagging doubts. He

has effectively convinced me that Pride is the one what needs to be

controlled and finally annihilate. in my case, whenever i did some

sadhana, i would feel some pride which used to go unnoticed by me

most of the times. Now atleast i've started acknowledging it and

that, in my opinion is the first step. once you acknowledge some

errors then only you can take a corrective steps.

He has also blew away a big burden from my heart and that is the

burden of Longing for subtle experiences.

and there are some other things which was clarified very effectively

which i would mention some other time.

the following sentences of his would be really inspirational for many

>Don't worry about mundane things like respect, disrespect,

>silliness, smartness, eloquence, disorganized writings etc. We are

>not here to impress anyone, including our gurus or sishyas. We are

>here to do sadhana, become pure, realize our mission, finish the

>mission and then give up the body.

some ligther thought from me: During Havan, it is you and

MahaGanapati (or some other deitiy). so even if some unwanted things

happens, you can talk to the deity and say " it is you who is

performing through me so i need not worry. it is you who needs to

worry about that afterall. I eat, drink and make marry as thakur

would say..Tension leneka nahi...Tension deneka lekin Homam karate

raheneka. "

Warm Regards,

Utpal

warm regards,

Utpal

, Narasimha PVR Rao <pvr

wrote:

>

> Re: Regarding Maha Ganapati Homam / Re-igniting Fire

>

> --------------------------

> Namaste,

>

> You are absolutely right. From God's point of view, different

people have different mental conditioning and suitable for different

tasks.

>

> But, from our point of view, we should only look at ourselves as a

servant and strive to be a more loyal servant.

>

> A servant who does not care whether there is a check or cash for

one million dollars or one hundred dollars in the bag, loyally

considers the bag in his possession his master's property, fights to

keep the bag safe despite all obstacles, irrespective of what's

inside, and does not even open the bag to check what's inside, is the

ideal servant that can entrusted to carry a bag containing anything.

>

> Best regards,

> Narasimha

>

> Do a Short Homam Yourself: http://www.VedicAstrologer.org/homam

> Do Pitri Tarpanas Yourself: http://www.VedicAstrologer.org/tarpana

> Spirituality:

> Free Jyotish lessons (MP3): http://vedicastro.home.comcast.net

> Free Jyotish software (Windows): http://www.VedicAstrologer.org

> Sri Jagannath Centre (SJC) website: http://www.SriJagannath.org

>

> ---- malladi_bharathi <malladi_bharathi wrote:

> > Namaste Utpal,

> >

> > I liked Narasimha's analogy a lot. But I also think that a master

> > just doesn't give a million dollar check to a servant to bring

cash

> > from bank, if he doesn't have faith in his servant. To another

> > servant, he may just give a $100 check. In order to get the

> > confidence from God, to do some good things, we all need to prove

> > ourselves worthy by doing lot of sadhana etc and we should be

ready

> > to serve others as per His agenda.

> >

> > Best Regards.

> > Bharathi

> >

> > (somehow, I couldn't post my earlier mail and sending a similar

> > mail).

> >

> > , " utpal pathak "

> > <vedic_pathak@> wrote:

> > >

> > > Namaste Garu !!!

> > >

> > > >A servant carrying a million dollar check to the bank and

cashing

> > it

> > > >is NOT superior to a servant carrying a $100 check to the bank

> > and

> > > >cashing it. Both are merely doing their master's work and do

not

> > own

> > > >anything.

> > >

> > > from where such a telling analogy comes out? it was too good

> > and

> > > explains lot of things w.r.t. pride.

> > >

> > > Namaste Rajarshi ji,

> > >

> > > today when i offered Purnahuti (Dry Half Coconut) the fire was

> > about

> > > to extinguish. when such things happen, i take a couple of

Camphor

> > > peice (square or round shape) put it in homa kund and light it

by

> > > some external stick lighted from a ghee-lamp.

> > >

> > > during Homam- 1) I keep vigile that fire remains always

> > sufficiently

> > > blazing.

> > >

> > > 2) if still in case if it extinguishes, i lit it again with

> > Camphor

> > > pieces and carry on without worrying about anything as if

nothing

> > has

> > > happenned. MahaGanapati for sure will not be unhappy even if

such

> > a

> > > thing happenned even after careful conduct..but NOT on account

of

> > > repeated negligence.

> > >

> > > warm regards,

> > >

> > > utpal

> > >

> > > , " Narasimha P.V.R. Rao "

<pvr@>

> > > wrote:

> > > >

> > > > Namaste,

> > > >

> > > > Narayan has already answered aptly.

> > > >

> > > > It is ideal if the fire does not go off in the middle. But,

if

> > it

> > > does, don't worry. Re-ignite it as Narayan said, pray to Agni

in

> > the

> > > mind and continue.

> > > >

> > > > Suppose a servant is asked by his master to carry a vessel of

> > milk

> > > to a place without spilling it on the way. Suppose a little

milk

> > is

> > > spilled on the way. What should he do? Should he abandon the

> > project

> > > or atleast carry the remaining milk to the destination?

> > > >

> > > > * * *

> > > >

> > > > As Narayan said, fire going away can signal the bhutagni

being

> > weak.

> > > >

> > > > But, one is better off ignoring those things and not thinking

> > too

> > > much about the significance.

> > > >

> > > > * * *

> > > >

> > > > I recommend doing homam without worrying about how well or

badly

> > it

> > > went and what results it brought. Let me give an analogy.

> > > >

> > > > Think of your favorite deity as the master and yourself as a

> > > servant. A servant simply serves the master. Similarly, all the

> > > sadhana you do and your other activities are your way to serve

> > your

> > > master.

> > > >

> > > > A rich landlord may be very wealthy and have many big checks

> > > everyday to cash and also many big checks everyday to mail

others.

> > > Yet, he may need a servant to physically carry papers to the

bank

> > and

> > > do the needful. Similarly, god is capable of doing anything in

> > this

> > > world and yet god needs human beings who execute god's agenda

in

> > this

> > > world. That is why various gods (including Vishnu himself) and

> > > various rishis keep coming back to earth every now and then.

The

> > > supreme god of this world operates through various physical

> > persons

> > > present on earth.

> > > >

> > > > We do homam and other spiritual sadhana, purify ourselves and

> > try

> > > to help others, because that is god's work. Just as a servant

> > carries

> > > master's papers to the bank, we do such work for god.

> > > >

> > > > Doing what is applauded by others as good work tends to

promote

> > ego

> > > and we need to guard against it. A servant carrying a million

> > dollar

> > > check to the bank and cashing it is NOT superior to a servant

> > > carrying a $100 check to the bank and cashing it. Both are

merely

> > > doing their master's work and do not own anything. Both are

just

> > > *instruments* used by the master to carry out his agenda.

> > Similarly,

> > > one who does what are considered great deeds in this world and

one

> > > who does what are considered meagre deeds in this world are

both

> > > servants of god helping god execute god's agenda in this world.

> > > Neither really owns anything. One may consider oneself superior

to

> > > the other because his/her deeds are considered superior by the

> > world,

> > > but he/she is just as foolish as a servant who considers

> > > himself/herself superior to another servant carrying something

> > less

> > > valuable.

> > > >

> > > > If this attitude of being a servant of god fully penetrates

> > one's

> > > attitude, thinking and instincts, one is safe no matter what

> > > situations his previous karmas place one in. One can remain

happy

> > and

> > > blissful in pleasure and pain, in praise and criticism and in

> > light

> > > and darkness.

> > > >

> > > > Have the same attitude towards your sadhana like homam. It is

a

> > job

> > > you are doing for god. You do the best you can. But you own

> > nothing.

> > > You are doing it for god.

> > > >

> > > > Best regards,

> > > > Narasimha

> > > > -----------------------------

---

> > -

> > > > Do a Short Homam Yourself:

> > > > Do Pitri Tarpanas Yourself:

> > http://www.VedicAstrologer.org/tarpana

> > > > Spirituality:

> > > > Free Jyotish lessons (MP3): http://vedicastro.home.comcast.net

> > > > Free Jyotish software (Windows):

http://www.VedicAstrologer.org

> > > > Sri Jagannath Centre (SJC) website:

http://www.SriJagannath.org

> > > > -----------------------------

---

> > -

> > > >

> > > > -

> > > > rajarshi nandy

> > > >

> > > > Thursday, December 04, 2008 12:47 AM

> > > > Re: Regarding Maha Ganapati Homam

> > > >

> > > > Dear Narasimhaji

> > > >

> > > > Reading your response another question came into my

> > mind.

> > > You said:

> > > >

> > > > It is not good if fire is extinguished by rain in

the

> > > middle of a homam.

> > > >

> > > > Is it not good that the fire gets extinguished by

rain,

> > or

> > > the fact that the fire is getting extinguished?

> > > >

> > > > I mean actyually i feel when someone starts doing

homa

> > > regularly, there can be instances when the homa agni gets

> > > extinguished while the homa is still on..happened with me

couple

> > of

> > > times... i seriously dont knbow what to make of it but as one

> > member

> > > in this list had suggested to me, i relight the fire and keep

> > > continuing with the homa.

> > > >

> > > > -Regards

> > > > Rajarshi

> > > >

> > > > The upsurge (of consciousness) is Bhairava - Shiva

Sutra

> > > >

> > > > --- On Thu, 4/12/08, Narasimha PVR Rao <pvr@> wrote:

> > > >

> > > > Narasimha PVR Rao <pvr@>

> > > > Re: Regarding Maha Ganapati

> > Homam

> > > >

> > > > Cc: " Phanikumar Velaga " <itsverysimple@>

> > > > Thursday, 4 December, 2008, 6:48 AM

> > > >

> > > > Namaste Phani,

> > > >

> > > > > 1)Can Homam be performed on the roof top of a

house

> > (3-

> > > floors) ? Can a homam

> > > > > kundam made by arranging red bricks, with sand

base

> > be

> > > used instead of a

> > > > > copper one?

> > > >

> > > > Yes, you can do it on a rooftop. Doing it in the

open

> > is

> > > actually better than doing it in closed space. But realize that

a

> > > rain can cause problems. Keep an umbrella around to protect the

> > fire

> > > if it rains while you are doing homam. It is not good if fire

is

> > > extinguished by rain in the middle of a homam.

> > > >

> > > > Yes, you can construct a homa kundam with bricks

and

> > sand

> > > at the bottom. Use a square shaped huma kunda.

> > > >

> > > > > 2)While performing the Homam using the mp3 audio

> > file,

> > > should one repeat the

> > > > > mantras mentally along with the audio?

> > > >

> > > > One can repeat mentally while listening attentively

> > (not

> > > casually). Actually, even listening to mantras with all the

> > attention

> > > focused is as powerful as saying mantras.

> > > >

> > > > Suppose person X is chanting a mantra and thinking

of

> > > some mundane matter in the mind. Suppose person Y is listening

to

> > it

> > > with focus and thinking of the mantra and its deity. Then the

> > mantra

> > > may do nothing for person X and yet person Y may benefit from

the

> > > mantra. The word mantra means " one that protects the mind " ..

One

> > can

> > > say a mantra or listen to a mantra, to be protected. The key is

> > > control over the mind and keeping the mind focused on the

mantra.

> > > >

> > > > However, there is a difference between meditation

and

> > > homam. Mantra is submitted in the internal fire in meditation

and

> > it

> > > is submitted in the external fire as well in a homam. So making

> > some

> > > external sound (even if feeble) is a good idea as opposed to

> > silent

> > > chanting or just listening. Try to repeat slowly.

> > > >

> > > > > 3)Can bachelors do Maha Ganapati Homam? Any Other

> > > conditions/niyamas that

> > > > > should be followed apart from having vegeterain

food?

> > > >

> > > > Yes. Anybody whose upanayanam (sacred thread

ceremony)

> > > has been performed can do it. Bachelor or married is irrelevant.

> > > >

> > > > One should follow the yamas and niyamas set by

one's

> > > guru. Whatever rules one's guru sets, one should follow them

> > > strictly. At the minimum, one should eat only vegetarian food

on

> > the

> > > day of homam and take a bath before homam. Another rule I will

> > > recommend is to avoid eating any solid food 2 hours before

homam.

> > > >

> > > > By the way, if one without a sacred thread wants to

do

> > > homam for spiritual progress, I am willing to take

responsibility

> > and

> > > allow them to do it. Such a person can think of me or my guru

as

> > guru

> > > and perform homam. I am willing to take on any karma incurred

in

> > the

> > > process until the person crosses some minimum threshhold of

purity

> > > through homam and other spiritual practices. Sacred thread or

no

> > > sacred thread, mantropadesa or no mantropadesa, it does not

matter

> > > after a while, when the person crosses a threshhold of purity.

The

> > > goal of upanayanam and other mantropadesa by guru is to speed

this

> > up

> > > and make the person cross the threshhold of purity.

> > > >

> > > > As long as one desires no specific material

benefits

> > (and

> > > ready to receive whatever god gives) and does homam for

spiritual

> > > progress, I am willing to help, even if it means some suffering

> > for

> > > me.

> > > >

> > > > > 4)Any good date to start the Homam? or any day

would

> > be

> > > fine?

> > > >

> > > > For Mahaganapathi homam, the best is a Chaturthi

> > morning.

> > > But any day is fine really.

> > > >

> > > > * * *

> > > >

> > > > Mentioning rain and rooftop homam reminded me of my

> > India

> > > trip.

> > > >

> > > > When I went to India in May 2008, I and my guru

Manish

> > > traveled together to several places (on a specific project). We

> > ended

> > > up doing homam in the morning in several places (wherever we

> > were).

> > > Before the trip, my guru told me to carry an umbrella with me.

As

> > > monsoons come only in June/July in India, I did not take it

> > > seriously. We were in New Delhi in mid-May.. We proceeded to

the

> > > rooftop of the apartment complex we were in, to do a homam.

Manish

> > > told me, " Narasimha, it is going to rain heavily in this city

> > after

> > > our homam finishes " . I just smiled.

> > > >

> > > > To my surprise, it did rain as soon as our homas

> > > finished. After we offered poornaahuti, it suddenly started

> > raining

> > > with really big drops. Luckily, there was a small towel/blanket

on

> > > the rooftop close to us. Together, we held it on top of the two

> > small

> > > homa kundas, closed our eyes and meditated. We held the cloth

> > cover

> > > on the homa kundas until fire in the two homa kundas went off

and

> > > then packed everything and went down. We left for Kurukshetra

> > later

> > > that day, but we were told that a heavy rain continued for a

few

> > days

> > > in New Delhi. In fact, rain followed us on that trip as we

covered

> > > the north, east and west of India. It rained in every place we

> > went

> > > to, as we finished our task in that place and prepared to move

on.

> > > >

> > > > Best regards,

> > > > Narasimha

> > > > ------------ --------- --------- --------- ---------

--

> > ---

> > > ---- -

> > > > Do a Short Homam Yourself: http://www.VedicAst

> > > rologer.org/ homam

> > > > Do Pitri Tarpanas Yourself: http://www.VedicAst

> > > rologer.org/ tarpana

> > > > Spirituality: http://groups. / group/vedic-

> > > wisdom

> > > > Free Jyotish lessons (MP3): http://vedicastro.

> > > home..comcast. net

> > > > Free Jyotish software (Windows):

http://www.VedicAst

> > > rologer.org

> > > > Sri Jagannath Centre (SJC) website:

> > http://www.SriJagan

> > > nath..org

> > > > ------------ --------- --------- --------- ---------

--

> > ---

> > > ---- -

> > > >

> > > > ---- Phanikumar Velaga <itsverysimple@ gmail.com>

> > wrote:

> > > > > Namasthe,

> > > > >

> > > > > I am interested in doing Maha Ganapati Homam

daily,

> > and

> > > have few questions

> > > > > regarding it.

> > > > >

> > > > > 1)Can Homam be performed on the roof top of a

house

> > (3-

> > > floors) ? Can a homam

> > > > > kundam made by arranging red bricks, with sand

base

> > be

> > > used instead of a

> > > > > copper one?

> > > > > 2)While performing the Homam using the mp3 audio

> > file,

> > > should one repeat the

> > > > > mantras mentally along with the audio?

> > > > > 3)Can bachelors do Maha Ganapati Homam? Any Other

> > > conditions/niyamas that

> > > > > should be followed apart from having vegeterain

food?

> > > > > 4)Any good date to start the Homam? or any day

would

> > be

> > > fine?

> > > > >

> > > > > Thanks!

> > > > >

> > > > > Phani

>

December 6, 2008

Dear Utpal

some ligther thought from me: During Havan, it is you and MahaGanapati (or some other deitiy). so even if some unwanted things happens, you can talk to the deity and say "it is you who is performing through me so i need not worry. it is you who needs to worry about that afterall. I eat, drink and make marry as thakur would say..Tension leneka nahi...Tension deneka lekin Homam karate raheneka."

Beautifully said -.

-Regards

Rajarshi

The upsurge (of consciousness) is Bhairava - Shiva Sutra--- On Sat, 6/12/08, utpal pathak <vedic_pathak wrote:

utpal pathak <vedic_pathak Re: Regarding Maha Ganapati Homam / Re-igniting Fire Date: Saturday, 6 December, 2008, 4:38 PM

namasteNamaste Bharati !!!I too thought about it the same way as you mentioned. but as you and Narasimha Garu Mentioned, God'll decide our worth and why should we bother about that. we should be doing just HER work without any sense of pride and It is Much much much more difficult to achieve than said. Narasimha has really made the difference with me and i am sure with many others as well. he has clarified some really nagging doubts. He has effectively convinced me that Pride is the one what needs to be controlled and finally annihilate. in my case, whenever i did some sadhana, i would feel some pride which used to go unnoticed by me most of the times. Now atleast i've started acknowledging it and that, in my opinion is the first step. once you acknowledge some errors then only you can take a corrective steps.He has also blew away a big burden from my heart and that is the

burden of Longing for subtle experiences.and there are some other things which was clarified very effectively which i would mention some other time.the following sentences of his would be really inspirational for many>Don't worry about mundane things like respect, disrespect, >silliness, smartness, eloquence, disorganized writings etc. We are >not here to impress anyone, including our gurus or sishyas. We are >here to do sadhana, become pure, realize our mission, finish the >mission and then give up the body.some ligther thought from me: During Havan, it is you and MahaGanapati (or some other deitiy). so even if some unwanted things happens, you can talk to the deity and say "it is you who is performing through me so i need not worry. it is you who needs to worry about that afterall. I eat, drink and make marry as thakur would say..Tension leneka nahi...Tension

deneka lekin Homam karate raheneka."Warm Regards,Utpalwarm regards,Utpal, Narasimha PVR Rao <pvr wrote:>> Re: Regarding Maha Ganapati Homam / Re-igniting Fire> > ------------ --------- -----> Namaste,> > You are absolutely right. From God's point of view, different people have different mental conditioning and suitable for different tasks.> > But, from our point of view, we should only look at ourselves as a servant and strive to be a more loyal servant.> > A servant who does not care whether there is a check or cash for one million dollars or one hundred dollars in the bag, loyally

considers the bag in his possession his master's property, fights to keep the bag safe despite all obstacles, irrespective of what's inside, and does not even open the bag to check what's inside, is the ideal servant that can entrusted to carry a bag containing anything.> > Best regards,> Narasimha> ------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- -> Do a Short Homam Yourself: http://www.VedicAst rologer.org/ homam> Do Pitri Tarpanas Yourself: http://www.VedicAst rologer.org/ tarpana> Spirituality: http://groups. / group/vedic- wisdom> Free Jyotish lessons (MP3): http://vedicastro. home.comcast. net> Free Jyotish software (Windows): http://www.VedicAst rologer.org> Sri Jagannath Centre (SJC) website: http://www.SriJagan nath.org> ------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- -> > ---- malladi_bharathi <malladi_bharathi@ ...> wrote: > > Namaste Utpal,> > > > I liked Narasimha's analogy a lot. But I also think that a master > > just doesn't give a million dollar check to a servant to bring cash > > from bank, if he doesn't have faith in his servant. To another > > servant, he may just give a $100 check. In order to get the > > confidence from God, to do some good things, we all need to prove > > ourselves worthy by

doing lot of sadhana etc and we should be ready > > to serve others as per His agenda. > > > > Best Regards.> > Bharathi> > > > (somehow, I couldn't post my earlier mail and sending a similar > > mail).> > > > , "utpal pathak" > > <vedic_pathak@ > wrote:> > >> > > Namaste Garu !!!> > > > > > >A servant carrying a million dollar check to the bank and cashing > > it > > > >is NOT superior to a servant carrying a $100 check to the bank > > and > > > >cashing it. Both are merely doing their master's work and do not > > own > > > >anything.> > > > > > from where such a

telling analogy comes out? it was too good > > and > > > explains lot of things w.r.t. pride.> > > > > > Namaste Rajarshi ji,> > > > > > today when i offered Purnahuti (Dry Half Coconut) the fire was > > about > > > to extinguish. when such things happen, i take a couple of Camphor > > > peice (square or round shape) put it in homa kund and light it by > > > some external stick lighted from a ghee-lamp.> > > > > > during Homam- 1) I keep vigile that fire remains always > > sufficiently > > > blazing.> > > > > > 2) if still in case if it extinguishes, i lit it again with > > Camphor > > > pieces and carry on without worrying about anything as if nothing > > has > > > happenned. MahaGanapati for sure

will not be unhappy even if such > > a > > > thing happenned even after careful conduct..but NOT on account of > > > repeated negligence. > > > > > > warm regards,> > > > > > utpal> > > > > > , "Narasimha P.V.R. Rao" <pvr@> > > > wrote:> > > >> > > > Namaste,> > > > > > > > Narayan has already answered aptly.> > > > > > > > It is ideal if the fire does not go off in the middle. But, if > > it > > > does, don't worry. Re-ignite it as Narayan said, pray to Agni in > > the > > > mind and continue.> > > > > > > > Suppose a

servant is asked by his master to carry a vessel of > > milk > > > to a place without spilling it on the way. Suppose a little milk > > is > > > spilled on the way. What should he do? Should he abandon the > > project > > > or atleast carry the remaining milk to the destination?> > > > > > > > * * *> > > > > > > > As Narayan said, fire going away can signal the bhutagni being > > weak.> > > > > > > > But, one is better off ignoring those things and not thinking > > too > > > much about the significance.> > > > > > > > * * *> > > > > > > > I recommend doing homam without worrying about how well or badly > > it > > > went and what results it brought. Let me give

an analogy.> > > > > > > > Think of your favorite deity as the master and yourself as a > > > servant. A servant simply serves the master. Similarly, all the > > > sadhana you do and your other activities are your way to serve > > your > > > master.> > > > > > > > A rich landlord may be very wealthy and have many big checks > > > everyday to cash and also many big checks everyday to mail others. > > > Yet, he may need a servant to physically carry papers to the bank > > and > > > do the needful. Similarly, god is capable of doing anything in > > this > > > world and yet god needs human beings who execute god's agenda in > > this > > > world. That is why various gods (including Vishnu himself) and > > > various rishis keep

coming back to earth every now and then. The > > > supreme god of this world operates through various physical > > persons > > > present on earth.> > > > > > > > We do homam and other spiritual sadhana, purify ourselves and > > try > > > to help others, because that is god's work. Just as a servant > > carries > > > master's papers to the bank, we do such work for god.> > > > > > > > Doing what is applauded by others as good work tends to promote > > ego > > > and we need to guard against it. A servant carrying a million > > dollar > > > check to the bank and cashing it is NOT superior to a servant > > > carrying a $100 check to the bank and cashing it. Both are merely > > > doing their master's work and do not own anything.

Both are just > > > *instruments* used by the master to carry out his agenda. > > Similarly, > > > one who does what are considered great deeds in this world and one > > > who does what are considered meagre deeds in this world are both > > > servants of god helping god execute god's agenda in this world. > > > Neither really owns anything. One may consider oneself superior to > > > the other because his/her deeds are considered superior by the > > world, > > > but he/she is just as foolish as a servant who considers > > > himself/herself superior to another servant carrying something > > less > > > valuable.> > > > > > > > If this attitude of being a servant of god fully penetrates > > one's > > > attitude, thinking and instincts, one is

safe no matter what > > > situations his previous karmas place one in. One can remain happy > > and > > > blissful in pleasure and pain, in praise and criticism and in > > light > > > and darkness.> > > > > > > > Have the same attitude towards your sadhana like homam. It is a > > job > > > you are doing for god. You do the best you can. But you own > > nothing. > > > You are doing it for god.> > > > > > > > Best regards,> > > > Narasimha> > > > ------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ----> > -> > > > Do a Short Homam Yourself: http://www.VedicAst rologer.org/ homam> > > > Do Pitri Tarpanas Yourself:

> > http://www.VedicAst rologer.org/ tarpana> > > > Spirituality: http://groups. / group/vedic- wisdom> > > > Free Jyotish lessons (MP3): http://vedicastro. home.comcast. net> > > > Free Jyotish software (Windows): http://www.VedicAst rologer.org> > > > Sri Jagannath Centre (SJC) website: http://www.SriJagan nath.org> > > > ------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ----> > - > > > > > > > > ----- Original

Message ----- > > > > rajarshi nandy > > > > > > > > Thursday, December 04, 2008 12:47 AM> > > > Re: Regarding Maha Ganapati Homam> > > > > > > > Dear Narasimhaji> > > > > > > > Reading your response another question came into my > > mind. > > > You said:> > > > > > > > It is not good if fire is extinguished by rain in the > > > middle of a homam.> > > > > > > > Is it not good that the fire gets extinguished by rain, > > or > > > the fact that the fire is getting extinguished?> > > > > > > > I mean actyually i feel when

someone starts doing homa > > > regularly, there can be instances when the homa agni gets > > > extinguished while the homa is still on..happened with me couple > > of > > > times... i seriously dont knbow what to make of it but as one > > member > > > in this list had suggested to me, i relight the fire and keep > > > continuing with the homa.> > > > > > > > -Regards> > > > Rajarshi> > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > The upsurge (of consciousness) is Bhairava - Shiva Sutra> > > > > > > > > > > > --- On Thu, 4/12/08, Narasimha PVR Rao <pvr@> wrote:> > > > > > > > Narasimha PVR Rao <pvr@>> > > > Re:

Regarding Maha Ganapati > > Homam> > > > > > > > Cc: "Phanikumar Velaga" <itsverysimple@ >> > > > Thursday, 4 December, 2008, 6:48 AM> > > > > > > > > > > > Namaste Phani,> > > > > > > > > 1)Can Homam be performed on the roof top of a house> > (3-> > > floors) ? Can a homam> > > > > kundam made by arranging red bricks, with sand base > > be > > > used instead of a> > > > > copper one?> > > > > > > > Yes, you can do it on a rooftop. Doing it in the open > > is > > > actually better than doing it in closed space. But realize that

a > > > rain can cause problems. Keep an umbrella around to protect the > > fire > > > if it rains while you are doing homam. It is not good if fire is > > > extinguished by rain in the middle of a homam.> > > > > > > > Yes, you can construct a homa kundam with bricks and > > sand > > > at the bottom. Use a square shaped huma kunda..> > > > > > > > > 2)While performing the Homam using the mp3 audio > > file, > > > should one repeat the> > > > > mantras mentally along with the audio?> > > > > > > > One can repeat mentally while listening attentively > > (not > > > casually). Actually, even listening to mantras with all the > > attention > > > focused is as powerful as saying

mantras.> > > > > > > > Suppose person X is chanting a mantra and thinking of > > > some mundane matter in the mind. Suppose person Y is listening to > > it > > > with focus and thinking of the mantra and its deity. Then the > > mantra > > > may do nothing for person X and yet person Y may benefit from the > > > mantra. The word mantra means "one that protects the mind".. One > > can > > > say a mantra or listen to a mantra, to be protected. The key is > > > control over the mind and keeping the mind focused on the mantra.> > > > > > > > However, there is a difference between meditation and > > > homam. Mantra is submitted in the internal fire in meditation and > > it > > > is submitted in the external fire as well in a

homam. So making > > some > > > external sound (even if feeble) is a good idea as opposed to > > silent > > > chanting or just listening. Try to repeat slowly.> > > > > > > > > 3)Can bachelors do Maha Ganapati Homam? Any Other > > > conditions/niyamas that> > > > > should be followed apart from having vegeterain food?> > > > > > > > Yes. Anybody whose upanayanam (sacred thread ceremony) > > > has been performed can do it. Bachelor or married is irrelevant.> > > > > > > > One should follow the yamas and niyamas set by one's > > > guru. Whatever rules one's guru sets, one should follow them > > > strictly. At the minimum, one should eat only vegetarian food on > > the > > > day of homam and take a bath

before homam. Another rule I will > > > recommend is to avoid eating any solid food 2 hours before homam.> > > > > > > > By the way, if one without a sacred thread wants to do > > > homam for spiritual progress, I am willing to take responsibility > > and > > > allow them to do it.. Such a person can think of me or my guru as > > guru > > > and perform homam. I am willing to take on any karma incurred in > > the > > > process until the person crosses some minimum threshhold of purity > > > through homam and other spiritual practices. Sacred thread or no > > > sacred thread, mantropadesa or no mantropadesa, it does not matter > > > after a while, when the person crosses a threshhold of purity. The > > > goal of upanayanam and other mantropadesa

by guru is to speed this > > up > > > and make the person cross the threshhold of purity.> > > > > > > > As long as one desires no specific material benefits > > (and > > > ready to receive whatever god gives) and does homam for spiritual > > > progress, I am willing to help, even if it means some suffering > > for > > > me.> > > > > > > > > 4)Any good date to start the Homam? or any day would > > be > > > fine?> > > > > > > > For Mahaganapathi homam, the best is a Chaturthi > > morning. > > > But any day is fine really.> > > > > > > > * * *> > > > > > > > Mentioning rain and rooftop homam reminded me of my > > India > > >

trip.> > > > > > > > When I went to India in May 2008, I and my guru Manish > > > traveled together to several places (on a specific project). We > > ended > > > up doing homam in the morning in several places (wherever we > > were). > > > Before the trip, my guru told me to carry an umbrella with me. As > > > monsoons come only in June/July in India, I did not take it > > > seriously. We were in New Delhi in mid-May.. We proceeded to the > > > rooftop of the apartment complex we were in, to do a homam. Manish > > > told me, "Narasimha, it is going to rain heavily in this city > > after > > > our homam finishes". I just smiled.> > > > > > > > To my surprise, it did rain as soon as our homas > > > finished. After we offered

poornaahuti, it suddenly started > > raining > > > with really big drops. Luckily, there was a small towel/blanket on > > > the rooftop close to us. Together, we held it on top of the two > > small > > > homa kundas, closed our eyes and meditated. We held the cloth > > cover > > > on the homa kundas until fire in the two homa kundas went off and > > > then packed everything and went down. We left for Kurukshetra > > later > > > that day, but we were told that a heavy rain continued for a few > > days > > > in New Delhi. In fact, rain followed us on that trip as we covered > > > the north, east and west of India. It rained in every place we > > went > > > to, as we finished our task in that place and prepared to move on.> > > > > >

> > Best regards,> > > > Narasimha> > > > ------------ --------- --------- --------- -----------> > ---> > > ---- -> > > > Do a Short Homam Yourself: http://www.VedicAst > > > rologer.org/ homam> > > > Do Pitri Tarpanas Yourself: http://www.VedicAst > > > rologer..org/ tarpana> > > > Spirituality: http://groups. / group/vedic-> > > wisdom> > > > Free Jyotish lessons (MP3): http://vedicastro. > > > home..comcast. net> > > > Free Jyotish software (Windows): http://www.VedicAst > > > rologer.org> > > > Sri Jagannath Centre (SJC) website: > > http://www.SriJagan > > > nath..org> > > > ------------ --------- --------- --------- -----------> > ---> > > ---- -> > > > > > > > ---- Phanikumar Velaga <itsverysimple@ gmail.com> > > wrote: > > > > > Namasthe,> > > > > > > > > > I am interested in doing Maha Ganapati Homam daily, > > and > > > have few questions> > > > > regarding it.> > > > > > > > > > 1)Can Homam be performed on the roof top of a house> > (3-> > > floors) ? Can a homam> > > > > kundam made by

arranging red bricks, with sand base > > be > > > used instead of a> > > > > copper one?> > > > > 2)While performing the Homam using the mp3 audio > > file, > > > should one repeat the> > > > > mantras mentally along with the audio?> > > > > 3)Can bachelors do Maha Ganapati Homam? Any Other > > > conditions/niyamas that> > > > > should be followed apart from having vegeterain food?> > > > > 4)Any good date to start the Homam? or any day would > > be > > > fine?> > > > > > > > > > Thanks!> > > > > > > > > > Phani>

Add more friends to your messenger and enjoy! Invite them now.

December 6, 2008

Dear Utpal,

Pride of vidya maya (the illusion of knowledge) is far better than pride of

avidya maya (the illusion of ignorance). One who learns vedas, upanishad and

vedangas and is proud of one's knowledge and one who engages in rituals and

is proud of one's rituals, are better than many people who are in utter

ignorance and yet proud of this or that. However, my point is that both are

far away from realization.

True knowledge is one that makes one lose pride. True knowledge is one that

increases the surrender. True knowledge is one that does not bind further,

but liberates one.

As you correctly pointed out, recognizing the problem of pride is the first

step in improving. As you said, pride does not leave one even during

spiritual sadhana! One may be proud of one's sadhana, even without fully

realizing it consciously. One does not have to dig deep. One needs to only

scratch the surface of one's mind, thoughts and instincts to see the lion of

ego alive, kicking and roaring.

As long as one recognizes the problem and *consciously* tries to take the

" sarvam krishaarpanamastu " statement at the end of rituals seriously and

literally, one is on the right path and one will eventually overcome.

Manish keeps telling me, " Narasimha, do not underestimate anyone. Each being

in this universe has a birth right to liberation. If She wishes, a split

second is enough to liberate one. Do not have any bias. There is a divine

spark in *everyone*. Try to light that spark in people. Leave the rest to

Her. " Every person has a potential. Just some conscious effort is needed to

fulfil that potential.

First recognize pride and ego in your actions, thoughts and instincts. Then

make a conscious effort to overcome it.

Best regards,

Narasimha

Do a Short Homam Yourself: http://www.VedicAstrologer.org/homam

Do Pitri Tarpanas Yourself: http://www.VedicAstrologer.org/tarpana

Spirituality:

Free Jyotish lessons (MP3): http://vedicastro.home.comcast.net

Free Jyotish software (Windows): http://www.VedicAstrologer.org

Sri Jagannath Centre (SJC) website: http://www.SriJagannath.org

-

" utpal pathak " <vedic_pathak

Saturday, December 06, 2008 6:08 AM

Re: Regarding Maha Ganapati Homam / Re-igniting Fire

> namaste

>

> Namaste Bharati !!!

>

> I too thought about it the same way as you mentioned. but as you and

> Narasimha Garu Mentioned, God'll decide our worth and why should we

> bother about that. we should be doing just HER work without any sense

> of pride and It is Much much much more difficult to achieve than

> said.

>

> Narasimha has really made the difference with me and i am sure with

> many others as well. he has clarified some really nagging doubts. He

> has effectively convinced me that Pride is the one what needs to be

> controlled and finally annihilate. in my case, whenever i did some

> sadhana, i would feel some pride which used to go unnoticed by me

> most of the times. Now atleast i've started acknowledging it and

> that, in my opinion is the first step. once you acknowledge some

> errors then only you can take a corrective steps.

>

> He has also blew away a big burden from my heart and that is the

> burden of Longing for subtle experiences.

>

> and there are some other things which was clarified very effectively

> which i would mention some other time.

>

> the following sentences of his would be really inspirational for many

>

>>Don't worry about mundane things like respect, disrespect,

>>silliness, smartness, eloquence, disorganized writings etc. We are

>>not here to impress anyone, including our gurus or sishyas. We are

>>here to do sadhana, become pure, realize our mission, finish the

>>mission and then give up the body.

>

> some ligther thought from me: During Havan, it is you and

> MahaGanapati (or some other deitiy). so even if some unwanted things

> happens, you can talk to the deity and say " it is you who is

> performing through me so i need not worry. it is you who needs to

> worry about that afterall. I eat, drink and make marry as thakur

> would say..Tension leneka nahi...Tension deneka lekin Homam karate

> raheneka. "

>

> Warm Regards,

>

> Utpal

>

> warm regards,

>

> Utpal

> , Narasimha PVR Rao <pvr

> wrote:

>>

>> Re: Regarding Maha Ganapati Homam / Re-igniting Fire

>>

>> --------------------------

>> Namaste,

>>

>> You are absolutely right. From God's point of view, different

> people have different mental conditioning and suitable for different

> tasks.

>>

>> But, from our point of view, we should only look at ourselves as a

> servant and strive to be a more loyal servant.

>>

>> A servant who does not care whether there is a check or cash for

> one million dollars or one hundred dollars in the bag, loyally

> considers the bag in his possession his master's property, fights to

> keep the bag safe despite all obstacles, irrespective of what's

> inside, and does not even open the bag to check what's inside, is the

> ideal servant that can entrusted to carry a bag containing anything.

>>

>> Best regards,

>> Narasimha

>>

>> Do a Short Homam Yourself: http://www.VedicAstrologer.org/homam

>> Do Pitri Tarpanas Yourself: http://www.VedicAstrologer.org/tarpana

>> Spirituality:

>> Free Jyotish lessons (MP3): http://vedicastro.home.comcast.net

>> Free Jyotish software (Windows): http://www.VedicAstrologer.org

>> Sri Jagannath Centre (SJC) website: http://www.SriJagannath.org

>>

>> ---- malladi_bharathi <malladi_bharathi wrote:

>> > Namaste Utpal,

>> >

>> > I liked Narasimha's analogy a lot. But I also think that a master

>> > just doesn't give a million dollar check to a servant to bring

> cash

>> > from bank, if he doesn't have faith in his servant. To another

>> > servant, he may just give a $100 check. In order to get the

>> > confidence from God, to do some good things, we all need to prove

>> > ourselves worthy by doing lot of sadhana etc and we should be

> ready

>> > to serve others as per His agenda.

>> >

>> > Best Regards.

>> > Bharathi

>> >

>> > (somehow, I couldn't post my earlier mail and sending a similar

>> > mail).

>> >

>> > , " utpal pathak "

>> > <vedic_pathak@> wrote:

>> > >

>> > > Namaste Garu !!!

>> > >

>> > > >A servant carrying a million dollar check to the bank and

> cashing

>> > it

>> > > >is NOT superior to a servant carrying a $100 check to the bank

>> > and

>> > > >cashing it. Both are merely doing their master's work and do

> not

>> > own

>> > > >anything.

>> > >

>> > > from where such a telling analogy comes out? it was too good

>> > and

>> > > explains lot of things w.r.t. pride.

>> > >

>> > > Namaste Rajarshi ji,

>> > >

>> > > today when i offered Purnahuti (Dry Half Coconut) the fire was

>> > about

>> > > to extinguish. when such things happen, i take a couple of

> Camphor

>> > > peice (square or round shape) put it in homa kund and light it

> by

>> > > some external stick lighted from a ghee-lamp.

>> > >

>> > > during Homam- 1) I keep vigile that fire remains always

>> > sufficiently

>> > > blazing.

>> > >

>> > > 2) if still in case if it extinguishes, i lit it again with

>> > Camphor

>> > > pieces and carry on without worrying about anything as if

> nothing

>> > has

>> > > happenned. MahaGanapati for sure will not be unhappy even if

> such

>> > a

>> > > thing happenned even after careful conduct..but NOT on account

> of

>> > > repeated negligence.

>> > >

>> > > warm regards,

>> > >

>> > > utpal

>> > >

>> > > , " Narasimha P.V.R. Rao "

> <pvr@>

>> > > wrote:

>> > > >

>> > > > Namaste,

>> > > >

>> > > > Narayan has already answered aptly.

>> > > >

>> > > > It is ideal if the fire does not go off in the middle. But,

> if

>> > it

>> > > does, don't worry. Re-ignite it as Narayan said, pray to Agni

> in

>> > the

>> > > mind and continue.

>> > > >

>> > > > Suppose a servant is asked by his master to carry a vessel of

>> > milk

>> > > to a place without spilling it on the way. Suppose a little

> milk

>> > is

>> > > spilled on the way. What should he do? Should he abandon the

>> > project

>> > > or atleast carry the remaining milk to the destination?

>> > > >

>> > > > * * *

>> > > >

>> > > > As Narayan said, fire going away can signal the bhutagni

> being

>> > weak.

>> > > >

>> > > > But, one is better off ignoring those things and not thinking

>> > too

>> > > much about the significance.

>> > > >

>> > > > * * *

>> > > >

>> > > > I recommend doing homam without worrying about how well or

> badly

>> > it

>> > > went and what results it brought. Let me give an analogy.

>> > > >

>> > > > Think of your favorite deity as the master and yourself as a

>> > > servant. A servant simply serves the master. Similarly, all the

>> > > sadhana you do and your other activities are your way to serve

>> > your

>> > > master.

>> > > >

>> > > > A rich landlord may be very wealthy and have many big checks

>> > > everyday to cash and also many big checks everyday to mail

> others.

>> > > Yet, he may need a servant to physically carry papers to the

> bank

>> > and

>> > > do the needful. Similarly, god is capable of doing anything in

>> > this

>> > > world and yet god needs human beings who execute god's agenda

> in

>> > this

>> > > world. That is why various gods (including Vishnu himself) and

>> > > various rishis keep coming back to earth every now and then.

> The

>> > > supreme god of this world operates through various physical

>> > persons

>> > > present on earth.

>> > > >

>> > > > We do homam and other spiritual sadhana, purify ourselves and

>> > try

>> > > to help others, because that is god's work. Just as a servant

>> > carries

>> > > master's papers to the bank, we do such work for god.

>> > > >

>> > > > Doing what is applauded by others as good work tends to

> promote

>> > ego

>> > > and we need to guard against it. A servant carrying a million

>> > dollar

>> > > check to the bank and cashing it is NOT superior to a servant

>> > > carrying a $100 check to the bank and cashing it. Both are

> merely

>> > > doing their master's work and do not own anything. Both are

> just

>> > > *instruments* used by the master to carry out his agenda.

>> > Similarly,

>> > > one who does what are considered great deeds in this world and

> one

>> > > who does what are considered meagre deeds in this world are

> both

>> > > servants of god helping god execute god's agenda in this world.

>> > > Neither really owns anything. One may consider oneself superior

> to

>> > > the other because his/her deeds are considered superior by the

>> > world,

>> > > but he/she is just as foolish as a servant who considers

>> > > himself/herself superior to another servant carrying something

>> > less

>> > > valuable.

>> > > >

>> > > > If this attitude of being a servant of god fully penetrates

>> > one's

>> > > attitude, thinking and instincts, one is safe no matter what

>> > > situations his previous karmas place one in. One can remain

> happy

>> > and

>> > > blissful in pleasure and pain, in praise and criticism and in

>> > light

>> > > and darkness.

>> > > >

>> > > > Have the same attitude towards your sadhana like homam. It is

> a

>> > job

>> > > you are doing for god. You do the best you can. But you own

>> > nothing.

>> > > You are doing it for god.

>> > > >

>> > > > Best regards,

>> > > > Narasimha

>> > > > -----------------------------

> ---

>> > -

>> > > > Do a Short Homam Yourself:

>> > > > Do Pitri Tarpanas Yourself:

>> > http://www.VedicAstrologer.org/tarpana

>> > > > Spirituality:

>> > > > Free Jyotish lessons (MP3): http://vedicastro.home.comcast.net

>> > > > Free Jyotish software (Windows):

>> > > > Sri Jagannath Centre (SJC) website:

>> > > > -----------------------------

> ---

>> > -

>> > > >

>> > > > -

>> > > > rajarshi nandy

>> > > >

>> > > > Thursday, December 04, 2008 12:47 AM

>> > > > Re: Regarding Maha Ganapati Homam

>> > > >

>> > > > Dear Narasimhaji

>> > > >

>> > > > Reading your response another question came into my

>> > mind.

>> > > You said:

>> > > >

>> > > > It is not good if fire is extinguished by rain in

> the

>> > > middle of a homam.

>> > > >

>> > > > Is it not good that the fire gets extinguished by

> rain,

>> > or

>> > > the fact that the fire is getting extinguished?

>> > > >

>> > > > I mean actyually i feel when someone starts doing

> homa

>> > > regularly, there can be instances when the homa agni gets

>> > > extinguished while the homa is still on..happened with me

> couple

>> > of

>> > > times... i seriously dont knbow what to make of it but as one

>> > member

>> > > in this list had suggested to me, i relight the fire and keep

>> > > continuing with the homa.

>> > > >

>> > > > -Regards

>> > > > Rajarshi

>> > > >

>> > > > The upsurge (of consciousness) is Bhairava - Shiva

> Sutra

>> > > >

>> > > > --- On Thu, 4/12/08, Narasimha PVR Rao <pvr@> wrote:

>> > > >

>> > > > Narasimha PVR Rao <pvr@>

>> > > > Re: Regarding Maha Ganapati

>> > Homam

>> > > >

>> > > > Cc: " Phanikumar Velaga " <itsverysimple@>

>> > > > Thursday, 4 December, 2008, 6:48 AM

>> > > >

>> > > > Namaste Phani,

>> > > >

>> > > > > 1)Can Homam be performed on the roof top of a

> house

>> > (3-

>> > > floors) ? Can a homam

>> > > > > kundam made by arranging red bricks, with sand

> base

>> > be

>> > > used instead of a

>> > > > > copper one?

>> > > >

>> > > > Yes, you can do it on a rooftop. Doing it in the

> open

>> > is

>> > > actually better than doing it in closed space. But realize that

> a

>> > > rain can cause problems. Keep an umbrella around to protect the

>> > fire

>> > > if it rains while you are doing homam. It is not good if fire

> is

>> > > extinguished by rain in the middle of a homam.

>> > > >

>> > > > Yes, you can construct a homa kundam with bricks

> and

>> > sand

>> > > at the bottom. Use a square shaped huma kunda.

>> > > >

>> > > > > 2)While performing the Homam using the mp3 audio

>> > file,

>> > > should one repeat the

>> > > > > mantras mentally along with the audio?

>> > > >

>> > > > One can repeat mentally while listening attentively

>> > (not

>> > > casually). Actually, even listening to mantras with all the

>> > attention

>> > > focused is as powerful as saying mantras.

>> > > >

>> > > > Suppose person X is chanting a mantra and thinking

> of

>> > > some mundane matter in the mind. Suppose person Y is listening

> to

>> > it

>> > > with focus and thinking of the mantra and its deity. Then the

>> > mantra

>> > > may do nothing for person X and yet person Y may benefit from

> the

>> > > mantra. The word mantra means " one that protects the mind " ..

> One

>> > can

>> > > say a mantra or listen to a mantra, to be protected. The key is

>> > > control over the mind and keeping the mind focused on the

> mantra.

>> > > >

>> > > > However, there is a difference between meditation

> and

>> > > homam. Mantra is submitted in the internal fire in meditation

> and

>> > it

>> > > is submitted in the external fire as well in a homam. So making

>> > some

>> > > external sound (even if feeble) is a good idea as opposed to

>> > silent

>> > > chanting or just listening. Try to repeat slowly.

>> > > >

>> > > > > 3)Can bachelors do Maha Ganapati Homam? Any Other

>> > > conditions/niyamas that

>> > > > > should be followed apart from having vegeterain

> food?

>> > > >

>> > > > Yes. Anybody whose upanayanam (sacred thread

> ceremony)

>> > > has been performed can do it. Bachelor or married is irrelevant.

>> > > >

>> > > > One should follow the yamas and niyamas set by

> one's

>> > > guru. Whatever rules one's guru sets, one should follow them

>> > > strictly. At the minimum, one should eat only vegetarian food

> on

>> > the

>> > > day of homam and take a bath before homam. Another rule I will

>> > > recommend is to avoid eating any solid food 2 hours before

> homam.

>> > > >

>> > > > By the way, if one without a sacred thread wants to

> do

>> > > homam for spiritual progress, I am willing to take

> responsibility

>> > and

>> > > allow them to do it. Such a person can think of me or my guru

> as

>> > guru

>> > > and perform homam. I am willing to take on any karma incurred

> in

>> > the

>> > > process until the person crosses some minimum threshhold of

> purity

>> > > through homam and other spiritual practices. Sacred thread or

> no

>> > > sacred thread, mantropadesa or no mantropadesa, it does not

> matter

>> > > after a while, when the person crosses a threshhold of purity.

> The

>> > > goal of upanayanam and other mantropadesa by guru is to speed

> this

>> > up

>> > > and make the person cross the threshhold of purity.

>> > > >

>> > > > As long as one desires no specific material

> benefits

>> > (and

>> > > ready to receive whatever god gives) and does homam for

> spiritual

>> > > progress, I am willing to help, even if it means some suffering

>> > for

>> > > me.

>> > > >

>> > > > > 4)Any good date to start the Homam? or any day

> would

>> > be

>> > > fine?

>> > > >

>> > > > For Mahaganapathi homam, the best is a Chaturthi

>> > morning.

>> > > But any day is fine really.

>> > > >

>> > > > * * *

>> > > >

>> > > > Mentioning rain and rooftop homam reminded me of my

>> > India

>> > > trip.

>> > > >

>> > > > When I went to India in May 2008, I and my guru

> Manish

>> > > traveled together to several places (on a specific project). We

>> > ended

>> > > up doing homam in the morning in several places (wherever we

>> > were).

>> > > Before the trip, my guru told me to carry an umbrella with me.

> As

>> > > monsoons come only in June/July in India, I did not take it

>> > > seriously. We were in New Delhi in mid-May.. We proceeded to

> the

>> > > rooftop of the apartment complex we were in, to do a homam.

> Manish

>> > > told me, " Narasimha, it is going to rain heavily in this city

>> > after

>> > > our homam finishes " . I just smiled.

>> > > >

>> > > > To my surprise, it did rain as soon as our homas

>> > > finished. After we offered poornaahuti, it suddenly started

>> > raining

>> > > with really big drops. Luckily, there was a small towel/blanket

> on

>> > > the rooftop close to us. Together, we held it on top of the two

>> > small

>> > > homa kundas, closed our eyes and meditated. We held the cloth

>> > cover

>> > > on the homa kundas until fire in the two homa kundas went off

> and

>> > > then packed everything and went down. We left for Kurukshetra

>> > later

>> > > that day, but we were told that a heavy rain continued for a

> few

>> > days

>> > > in New Delhi. In fact, rain followed us on that trip as we

> covered

>> > > the north, east and west of India. It rained in every place we

>> > went

>> > > to, as we finished our task in that place and prepared to move

> on.

>> > > >

>> > > > Best regards,

>> > > > Narasimha

>> > > > ------------ --------- --------- --------- ---------

> --

>> > ---

>> > > ---- -

>> > > > Do a Short Homam Yourself: http://www.VedicAst

>> > > rologer.org/ homam

>> > > > Do Pitri Tarpanas Yourself: http://www.VedicAst

>> > > rologer.org/ tarpana

>> > > > Spirituality: http://groups. / group/vedic-

>

>> > > wisdom

>> > > > Free Jyotish lessons (MP3): http://vedicastro.

>> > > home..comcast. net

>> > > > Free Jyotish software (Windows):

> http://www.VedicAst

>> > > rologer.org

>> > > > Sri Jagannath Centre (SJC) website:

>> > http://www.SriJagan

>> > > nath..org

>> > > > ------------ --------- --------- --------- ---------

> --

>> > ---

>> > > ---- -

>> > > >

>> > > > ---- Phanikumar Velaga <itsverysimple@ gmail.com>

>> > wrote:

>> > > > > Namasthe,

>> > > > >

>> > > > > I am interested in doing Maha Ganapati Homam

> daily,

>> > and

>> > > have few questions

>> > > > > regarding it.

>> > > > >

>> > > > > 1)Can Homam be performed on the roof top of a

> house

>> > (3-

>> > > floors) ? Can a homam

>> > > > > kundam made by arranging red bricks, with sand

> base

>> > be

>> > > used instead of a

>> > > > > copper one?

>> > > > > 2)While performing the Homam using the mp3 audio

>> > file,

>> > > should one repeat the

>> > > > > mantras mentally along with the audio?

>> > > > > 3)Can bachelors do Maha Ganapati Homam? Any Other

>> > > conditions/niyamas that

>> > > > > should be followed apart from having vegeterain

> food?

>> > > > > 4)Any good date to start the Homam? or any day

> would

>> > be

>> > > fine?

>> > > > >

>> > > > > Thanks!

>> > > > >

>> > > > > Phani

December 6, 2008

Hare Rama Krishna

Dear Narasimha,

These are my thoughts.Hope no one takes offense.

The problem with " I ness " is that just by focusing on

it, one becomes more aware of sense of self.

The real cure for " I ness " is to serve others, focus

on others.

Serve God , be the servant of God , instead of

oneself.

Then.. the person is " self less " - which is the cure

for too much " I ness "

When one loves someone they spend all their mind and

heart thinking and serving that person. If a person

is focusing constantly on the " I ness " and on

themselves it is pretty self oriented , the opposite

of what is needed.. However sometimes, one has to

realize how much " I " is there.

When a person thinks he is so pure that the Lord talks

to him personally,and that they are a direct vehicle

to serve the Lord.

that is good indication the person is suffering from a

certain level of delusion/maya. In fact the world is

full of people who are either deluding themselves or

trying to delude others.

But it doesn't matter because the Supreme Lord knows

what is in everyones heart and has the perfect plan

for our purification and realizations.Of course there

are many paths to the same end.

Here is one verse/quote from Lord Caitanya-

" One should chant the holy name of the Lord in a

humble state of mind,

thinking oneself lower than the straw in the street;

one should be more tolerant than a tree,

devoid of all sense of false prestige,

and should be ready to offer all respect to others.

In such a state of mind one can chant the holy name

of the Lord constantly.

Best wishes

Lakshmi

--- " Narasimha P.V.R. Rao " <pvr wrote:

> Dear Utpal,

>

> Pride of vidya maya (the illusion of knowledge) is

> far better than pride of

> avidya maya (the illusion of ignorance). One who

> learns vedas, upanishad and

> vedangas and is proud of one's knowledge and one who

> engages in rituals and

> is proud of one's rituals, are better than many

> people who are in utter

> ignorance and yet proud of this or that. However, my

> point is that both are

> far away from realization.

>

> True knowledge is one that makes one lose pride.

> True knowledge is one that

> increases the surrender. True knowledge is one that

> does not bind further,

> but liberates one.

>

> As you correctly pointed out, recognizing the

> problem of pride is the first

> step in improving. As you said, pride does not leave

> one even during

> spiritual sadhana! One may be proud of one's

> sadhana, even without fully

> realizing it consciously. One does not have to dig

> deep. One needs to only

> scratch the surface of one's mind, thoughts and

> instincts to see the lion of

> ego alive, kicking and roaring.

>

> As long as one recognizes the problem and

> *consciously* tries to take the

> " sarvam krishaarpanamastu " statement at the end of

> rituals seriously and

> literally, one is on the right path and one will

> eventually overcome.

>

> Manish keeps telling me, " Narasimha, do not

> underestimate anyone. Each being

> in this universe has a birth right to liberation. If

> She wishes, a split

> second is enough to liberate one. Do not have any

> bias. There is a divine

> spark in *everyone*. Try to light that spark in

> people. Leave the rest to

> Her. " Every person has a potential. Just some

> conscious effort is needed to

> fulfil that potential.

>

> First recognize pride and ego in your actions,

> thoughts and instincts. Then

> make a conscious effort to overcome it.

>

> Best regards,

> Narasimha

>

> Do a Short Homam Yourself:

> Do Pitri Tarpanas Yourself:

> http://vedicastro.home.comcast.net

> Spirituality:

>

> Free Jyotish lessons (MP3):

> Free Jyotish software (Windows):

> Sri Jagannath Centre (SJC) website:

>

> -

> " utpal pathak " <vedic_pathak

>

> Saturday, December 06, 2008 6:08 AM

> Re: Regarding Maha Ganapati

> Homam / Re-igniting Fire

>

> > namaste

> >

> > Namaste Bharati !!!

> >

> > I too thought about it the same way as you

> mentioned. but as you and

> > Narasimha Garu Mentioned, God'll decide our worth

> and why should we

> > bother about that. we should be doing just HER

> work without any sense

> > of pride and It is Much much much more difficult

> to achieve than

> > said.

> >

> > Narasimha has really made the difference with me

> and i am sure with

> > many others as well. he has clarified some really

> nagging doubts. He

> > has effectively convinced me that Pride is the one

> what needs to be

> > controlled and finally annihilate. in my case,

> whenever i did some

> > sadhana, i would feel some pride which used to go

> unnoticed by me

> > most of the times. Now atleast i've started

> acknowledging it and

> > that, in my opinion is the first step. once you

> acknowledge some

> > errors then only you can take a corrective steps.

> >

> > He has also blew away a big burden from my heart

> and that is the

> > burden of Longing for subtle experiences.

> >

> > and there are some other things which was

> clarified very effectively

> > which i would mention some other time.

> >

> > the following sentences of his would be really

> inspirational for many

> >

> >>Don't worry about mundane things like respect,

> disrespect,

> >>silliness, smartness, eloquence, disorganized

> writings etc. We are

> >>not here to impress anyone, including our gurus or

> sishyas. We are

> >>here to do sadhana, become pure, realize our

> mission, finish the

> >>mission and then give up the body.

> >

> > some ligther thought from me: During Havan, it is

> you and

> > MahaGanapati (or some other deitiy). so even if

> some unwanted things

> > happens, you can talk to the deity and say " it is

> you who is

> > performing through me so i need not worry. it is

> you who needs to

> > worry about that afterall. I eat, drink and make

> marry as thakur

> > would say..Tension leneka nahi...Tension deneka

> lekin Homam karate

> > raheneka. "

> >

> > Warm Regards,

> >

> > Utpal

> >

> > warm regards,

> >

> > Utpal

> > , Narasimha PVR

> Rao <pvr

> > wrote:

> >>

> >> Re: Regarding Maha Ganapati Homam / Re-igniting

> Fire

> >>

> >> --------------------------

> >> Namaste,

> >>

> >> You are absolutely right. From God's point of

> view, different

> > people have different mental conditioning and

> suitable for different

> > tasks.

> >>

> >> But, from our point of view, we should only look

> at ourselves as a

> > servant and strive to be a more loyal servant.

> >>

> >> A servant who does not care whether there is a

> check or cash for

> > one million dollars or one hundred dollars in the

> bag, loyally

> > considers the bag in his possession his master's

> property, fights to

> > keep the bag safe despite all obstacles,

> irrespective of what's

> > inside, and does not even open the bag to check

> what's inside, is the

> > ideal servant that can entrusted to carry a bag

> containing anything.

> >>

> >> Best regards,

> >> Narasimha

> >>

>

> >> Do a Short Homam Yourself:

> >> Do Pitri Tarpanas Yourself:

> http://vedicastro.home.comcast.net

> >> Spirituality:

>

> >> Free Jyotish lessons (MP3):

> >> Free Jyotish software (Windows):

> >> Sri Jagannath Centre (SJC) website:

>> http://www.VedicAstrologer.org/homam

>

=== message truncated ===

December 7, 2008

Dear Lakshmi,

You made very good points. Nice quote from Chaitanya Mahaprabhu.

I want to say more on one statement:

> When a person thinks he is so pure that the Lord talks

> to him personally,and that they are a direct vehicle

> to serve the Lord.

> that is good indication the person is suffering from a

> certain level of delusion/maya.

That is a good indication but not a conclusive proof.

Someone like Ramakrishna Paramahamsa may mention many times that Kali told

him this or Kali told him that. At a casual observation, he may seem like a

proud person suffering from delusion. But he may have no such pride.

Similarly, someone else may talk very humbly and very sweetly. But all that

may be a facade. The person may be internally quite proud of his purity and

even proud of how humble and saattwik he thinks he is. At a casual

observation, he may seem like a very humble and saattwik person. But he may

not be.

Let me give a simple analogy. One who watches a movie and narrates its story

to another person is not necessarily deluded by the movie. He may have

watched the movie impassionately and be simply narrating the story to one

who is curious. On the contrary, someone else may claim " oh, it's just a

movie. It's not real. Don't take it seriously " and yet secretly feel

excitement in some scenes, fear in some scenes and sadness in some scenes

etc.

One's detachment and one's ego cannot be judged from one or two actions.

Only a careful observation over a period of time can reveal what motivates

one, what one's agenda is, how one thinks and potentially give clues

regarding one's purity level. Actually, even after a long observation, one

may not be able to judge others. The best thing is not to judge the

spiritual purity of others.

As I said before, we should focus internally. Each of us can analyze our own

mind and its motivations. We should try to weed out pride from our actions,

thoughts and instincts. Irrespective how we appear to the world and what

others think about is, each of us should be able to recognize pride with

some conscious intrpspection. We know what is going on in our mind.

Best regards,

Narasimha

Do a Short Homam Yourself: http://www.VedicAstrologer.org/homam

Do Pitri Tarpanas Yourself: http://www.VedicAstrologer.org/tarpana

Spirituality:

Free Jyotish lessons (MP3): http://vedicastro.home.comcast.net

Free Jyotish software (Windows): http://www.VedicAstrologer.org

Sri Jagannath Centre (SJC) website: http://www.SriJagannath.org

-

" Lakshmi Kary " <lakshmikary

Sunday, December 07, 2008 1:12 AM

Re: Re: Regarding Maha Ganapati Homam / Re-igniting

Fire

> Hare Rama Krishna

> Dear Narasimha,

> These are my thoughts.Hope no one takes offense.

> The problem with " I ness " is that just by focusing on

> it, one becomes more aware of sense of self.

> The real cure for " I ness " is to serve others, focus

> on others.

> Serve God , be the servant of God , instead of

> oneself.

> Then.. the person is " self less " - which is the cure

> for too much " I ness "

> When one loves someone they spend all their mind and

> heart thinking and serving that person. If a person

> is focusing constantly on the " I ness " and on

> themselves it is pretty self oriented , the opposite

> of what is needed.. However sometimes, one has to

> realize how much " I " is there.

> When a person thinks he is so pure that the Lord talks

> to him personally,and that they are a direct vehicle

> to serve the Lord.

> that is good indication the person is suffering from a

> certain level of delusion/maya. In fact the world is

> full of people who are either deluding themselves or

> trying to delude others.

> But it doesn't matter because the Supreme Lord knows

> what is in everyones heart and has the perfect plan

> for our purification and realizations.Of course there

> are many paths to the same end.

>

> Here is one verse/quote from Lord Caitanya-

>

> " One should chant the holy name of the Lord in a

> humble state of mind,

> thinking oneself lower than the straw in the street;

> one should be more tolerant than a tree,

> devoid of all sense of false prestige,

> and should be ready to offer all respect to others.

> In such a state of mind one can chant the holy name

> of the Lord constantly.

> Best wishes

> Lakshmi

>

> --- " Narasimha P.V.R. Rao " <pvr wrote:

>

>> Dear Utpal,

>>

>> Pride of vidya maya (the illusion of knowledge) is

>> far better than pride of

>> avidya maya (the illusion of ignorance). One who

>> learns vedas, upanishad and

>> vedangas and is proud of one's knowledge and one who

>> engages in rituals and

>> is proud of one's rituals, are better than many

>> people who are in utter

>> ignorance and yet proud of this or that. However, my

>> point is that both are

>> far away from realization.

>>

>> True knowledge is one that makes one lose pride.

>> True knowledge is one that

>> increases the surrender. True knowledge is one that

>> does not bind further,

>> but liberates one.

>>

>> As you correctly pointed out, recognizing the

>> problem of pride is the first

>> step in improving. As you said, pride does not leave

>> one even during

>> spiritual sadhana! One may be proud of one's

>> sadhana, even without fully

>> realizing it consciously. One does not have to dig

>> deep. One needs to only

>> scratch the surface of one's mind, thoughts and

>> instincts to see the lion of

>> ego alive, kicking and roaring.

>>

>> As long as one recognizes the problem and

>> *consciously* tries to take the

>> " sarvam krishaarpanamastu " statement at the end of

>> rituals seriously and

>> literally, one is on the right path and one will

>> eventually overcome.

>>

>> Manish keeps telling me, " Narasimha, do not

>> underestimate anyone. Each being

>> in this universe has a birth right to liberation. If

>> She wishes, a split

>> second is enough to liberate one. Do not have any

>> bias. There is a divine

>> spark in *everyone*. Try to light that spark in

>> people. Leave the rest to

>> Her. " Every person has a potential. Just some

>> conscious effort is needed to

>> fulfil that potential.

>>

>> First recognize pride and ego in your actions,

>> thoughts and instincts. Then

>> make a conscious effort to overcome it.

>>

>> Best regards,

>> Narasimha

>>

>

>> Do a Short Homam Yourself:

>> Do Pitri Tarpanas Yourself:

>> http://www.VedicAstrologer.org/tarpana

>> Spirituality:

>>

>> Free Jyotish lessons (MP3):

>> http://vedicastro.home.comcast.net

>> Free Jyotish software (Windows):

>> http://www.VedicAstrologer.org

>> Sri Jagannath Centre (SJC) website:

>> http://www.SriJagannath.org

>>

>

>>

>> -

>> " utpal pathak " <vedic_pathak

>>

>> Saturday, December 06, 2008 6:08 AM

>> Re: Regarding Maha Ganapati

>> Homam / Re-igniting Fire

>>

>> > namaste

>> >

>> > Namaste Bharati !!!

>> >

>> > I too thought about it the same way as you

>> mentioned. but as you and

>> > Narasimha Garu Mentioned, God'll decide our worth

>> and why should we

>> > bother about that. we should be doing just HER

>> work without any sense

>> > of pride and It is Much much much more difficult

>> to achieve than

>> > said.

>> >

>> > Narasimha has really made the difference with me

>> and i am sure with

>> > many others as well. he has clarified some really

>> nagging doubts. He

>> > has effectively convinced me that Pride is the one

>> what needs to be

>> > controlled and finally annihilate. in my case,

>> whenever i did some

>> > sadhana, i would feel some pride which used to go

>> unnoticed by me

>> > most of the times. Now atleast i've started

>> acknowledging it and

>> > that, in my opinion is the first step. once you

>> acknowledge some

>> > errors then only you can take a corrective steps.

>> >

>> > He has also blew away a big burden from my heart

>> and that is the

>> > burden of Longing for subtle experiences.

>> >

>> > and there are some other things which was

>> clarified very effectively

>> > which i would mention some other time.

>> >

>> > the following sentences of his would be really

>> inspirational for many

>> >

>> >>Don't worry about mundane things like respect,

>> disrespect,

>> >>silliness, smartness, eloquence, disorganized

>> writings etc. We are

>> >>not here to impress anyone, including our gurus or

>> sishyas. We are

>> >>here to do sadhana, become pure, realize our

>> mission, finish the

>> >>mission and then give up the body.

>> >

>> > some ligther thought from me: During Havan, it is

>> you and

>> > MahaGanapati (or some other deitiy). so even if

>> some unwanted things

>> > happens, you can talk to the deity and say " it is

>> you who is

>> > performing through me so i need not worry. it is

>> you who needs to

>> > worry about that afterall. I eat, drink and make

>> marry as thakur

>> > would say..Tension leneka nahi...Tension deneka

>> lekin Homam karate

>> > raheneka. "

>> >

>> > Warm Regards,

>> >

>> > Utpal

>> >

>> > warm regards,

>> >

>> > Utpal

>> > , Narasimha PVR

>> Rao <pvr

>> > wrote:

>> >>

>> >> Re: Regarding Maha Ganapati Homam / Re-igniting

>> Fire

>> >>

>> >> --------------------------

>> >> Namaste,

>> >>

>> >> You are absolutely right. From God's point of

>> view, different

>> > people have different mental conditioning and

>> suitable for different

>> > tasks.

>> >>

>> >> But, from our point of view, we should only look

>> at ourselves as a

>> > servant and strive to be a more loyal servant.

>> >>

>> >> A servant who does not care whether there is a

>> check or cash for

>> > one million dollars or one hundred dollars in the

>> bag, loyally

>> > considers the bag in his possession his master's

>> property, fights to

>> > keep the bag safe despite all obstacles,

>> irrespective of what's

>> > inside, and does not even open the bag to check

>> what's inside, is the

>> > ideal servant that can entrusted to carry a bag

>> containing anything.

>> >>

>> >> Best regards,

>> >> Narasimha

December 7, 2008

Hare Rama Krishna

Dear Narasimha.

Yes, I agree, it is impossible to know the hearts and

mind of pure devotees.The simple phrase, " actions

speak louder than words " , can often times make things

clear, over time, great personalities are revealed.

Even when Krishna was on the planet how many were

aware of him?

Or the " proof is in the pudding " : )

I also agree it is best not to make judgments on

others spiritual lives.

And what maybe good for one person , might not be

suitable for another.

Most important thing is that people are on SOME path!

If you come to San Jose area, please let me know,I

like to video tape you doing a havan etc.

Thanks

Lakshmi

--- " Narasimha P.V.R. Rao " <pvr wrote:

> Dear Lakshmi,

>

> You made very good points. Nice quote from Chaitanya

> Mahaprabhu.

>

> I want to say more on one statement:

>

> > When a person thinks he is so pure that the Lord

> talks

> > to him personally,and that they are a direct

> vehicle

> > to serve the Lord.

> > that is good indication the person is suffering

> from a

> > certain level of delusion/maya.

>

> That is a good indication but not a conclusive

> proof.

>

> Someone like Ramakrishna Paramahamsa may mention

> many times that Kali told

> him this or Kali told him that. At a casual

> observation, he may seem like a

> proud person suffering from delusion. But he may

> have no such pride.

>

> Similarly, someone else may talk very humbly and

> very sweetly. But all that

> may be a facade. The person may be internally quite

> proud of his purity and

> even proud of how humble and saattwik he thinks he

> is. At a casual

> observation, he may seem like a very humble and

> saattwik person. But he may

> not be.

>

> Let me give a simple analogy. One who watches a

> movie and narrates its story

> to another person is not necessarily deluded by the

> movie. He may have

> watched the movie impassionately and be simply

> narrating the story to one

> who is curious. On the contrary, someone else may

> claim " oh, it's just a

> movie. It's not real. Don't take it seriously " and

> yet secretly feel

> excitement in some scenes, fear in some scenes and

> sadness in some scenes

> etc.

>

> One's detachment and one's ego cannot be judged from

> one or two actions.

> Only a careful observation over a period of time can

> reveal what motivates

> one, what one's agenda is, how one thinks and

> potentially give clues

> regarding one's purity level. Actually, even after a

> long observation, one

> may not be able to judge others. The best thing is

> not to judge the

> spiritual purity of others.

>

> As I said before, we should focus internally. Each

> of us can analyze our own

> mind and its motivations. We should try to weed out

> pride from our actions,

> thoughts and instincts. Irrespective how we appear

> to the world and what

> others think about is, each of us should be able to

> recognize pride with

> some conscious intrpspection. We know what is going

> on in our mind.

>

> Best regards,

> Narasimha

>

> Do a Short Homam Yourself:

> Do Pitri Tarpanas Yourself:

> http://vedicastro.home.comcast.net

> Spirituality:

>

> Free Jyotish lessons (MP3):

> Free Jyotish software (Windows):

> Sri Jagannath Centre (SJC) website: