Guest guest Posted August 27, 2009 Report Share Posted August 27, 2009 Dear Rao,Thanks for providing this info. In fact, I was expecting criticism/brickbats from some learned members of this group who do not trust the wisdom of our ancestors and in whose household such practices have been thrown to the winds. There are many people who pooh-pooh such practices. They consider it as practice of untouchability at home which is not punishable under Indian laws. I am aware that there are some members who are waiting to pounce on me on my postings.Thanks again.G.Balasubramanianshivashankara rao <shivashankararaogbsubCc: usbrahmins <usbrahmins >Sent: Thursday, August 27, 2009 7:14:02 AMRishipanchami/menstruation in ladies. Please refer to Swami Bharati Krishna Tirtha's book on "Sanatana Dharma" published by Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan wherein he provides details of the research conducted in the United States on several women in Menses.He states that The blood of the woman in menses generally contains a poisonous substances known as "menotoxin" and it harms any one going near her within a distance of 8 feet. Surprisingly this distance is mentioned in the grihya sootras!!!!He also provides of several other researches to prove many other Indian beliefs- like rules of chewing betel leaves, sleeping with head not towards north, fasting during eclipses etc. etc.ShivashankararaoOne blink is all it takes for the world to change. One click and MSN India helps you catch up Try it! start: 0000-00-00 end: 0000-00-00 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 27, 2009 Report Share Posted August 27, 2009 Namaste Shri. Balasubramanian, One more reason for this is the fact that the deities whom we invoke are ethereal beings and eat with their nose (smell). They don't eat with the mouth as we do, and they have a powerful sense of smell and can detect the menses, which irritates them causing them to go, which obviously defeats the purpose of inviting/invoking them! This is also the reason why we were told not to smell the prasad before offering, as this would be akin to soiling it. However, it is not clear why menses (apart from the toxicity of it you just mentioned) is treated differently as opposed to someone who lets say travelled long distance and is sweaty and smelly. Thanks Narayan , G Balasubramanian <gbsub wrote: > > Dear Rao, > Thanks for providing this info. In fact, I was expecting criticism/brickbats from some learned members of this group who do not trust the wisdom of our ancestors and in whose household such practices have been thrown to the winds. There are many people who pooh-pooh such practices. They consider it as practice of untouchability at home which is not punishable under Indian laws. I am aware that there are some members who are waiting to pounce on me on my postings.Thanks again. > G.Balasubramanian > > > > > > ________________________________ > shivashankara rao <shivashankararao > gbsub > Cc: usbrahmins <usbrahmins > > Thursday, August 27, 2009 7:14:02 AM > Rishipanchami/menstruation in ladies. > > Please refer to Swami Bharati Krishna Tirtha's book on " Sanatana Dharma " published by Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan wherein he provides details of the research conducted in the United States on several women in Menses. > He states that The blood of the woman in menses generally contains a poisonous substances known as " menotoxin " and it harms any one going near her within a distance of 8 feet. Surprisingly this distance is mentioned in the grihya sootras!!!! > He also provides of several other researches to prove many other Indian beliefs- like rules of chewing betel leaves, sleeping with head not towards north, fasting during eclipses etc. etc. > Shivashankararao > > ________________________________ > One blink is all it takes for the world to change. One click and MSN India helps you catch up Try it! > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 28, 2009 Report Share Posted August 28, 2009 Dear narayana, Thank you for this knowledge. Satisfactory reason why women during periods are advised to stay away from rituals. I remember sometime back on this list, you insisted on taking bath before Homam. *smell* is the word which is important here. thanks again. Utpal , " naaraayana_iyer " <narayan.iyer wrote: > > Namaste Shri. Balasubramanian, > > One more reason for this is the fact that the deities whom we invoke are ethereal beings and eat with their nose (smell). They don't eat with the mouth as we do, and they have a powerful sense of smell and can detect the menses, which irritates them causing them to go, which obviously defeats the purpose of inviting/invoking them! This is also the reason why we were told not to smell the prasad before offering, as this would be akin to soiling it. > > > However, it is not clear why menses (apart from the toxicity of it you just mentioned) is treated differently as opposed to someone who lets say travelled long distance and is sweaty and smelly. > > Thanks > Narayan > > > , G Balasubramanian <gbsub@> wrote: > > > > Dear Rao, > > Thanks for providing this info. In fact, I was expecting criticism/brickbats from some learned members of this group who do not trust the wisdom of our ancestors and in whose household such practices have been thrown to the winds. There are many people who pooh-pooh such practices. They consider it as practice of untouchability at home which is not punishable under Indian laws. I am aware that there are some members who are waiting to pounce on me on my postings.Thanks again. > > G.Balasubramanian > > > > > > > > > > > > ________________________________ > > shivashankara rao <shivashankararao@> > > gbsub@ > > Cc: usbrahmins <usbrahmins > > > Thursday, August 27, 2009 7:14:02 AM > > Rishipanchami/menstruation in ladies. > > > > Please refer to Swami Bharati Krishna Tirtha's book on " Sanatana Dharma " published by Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan wherein he provides details of the research conducted in the United States on several women in Menses. > > He states that The blood of the woman in menses generally contains a poisonous substances known as " menotoxin " and it harms any one going near her within a distance of 8 feet. Surprisingly this distance is mentioned in the grihya sootras!!!! > > He also provides of several other researches to prove many other Indian beliefs- like rules of chewing betel leaves, sleeping with head not towards north, fasting during eclipses etc. etc. > > Shivashankararao > > > > ________________________________ > > One blink is all it takes for the world to change. One click and MSN India helps you catch up Try it! > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 28, 2009 Report Share Posted August 28, 2009 Actually, a woman's prana shakti is much stronger during her time of menses. If a woman does manasika japa during this time, it is multiple orders more powerful. In certain paths of sadhana (Matangi worship, for example), woman is at her most auspicious when she is menstruating. So to compare this state to a person being smelly or sweaty is, I think, a mischaracterization. Yes, there are elements of ritual impurity. But it is also true that the time of menstruation is a time ofi inner purification and cleansing (on a physicial and spiritual level) for women that men (unfortunately for them) do not have access to. In a way, external sadhana is required for men to obtain the fruits of the automatic purification women attain through menstruation. That is another reason why women are advised to take complete rest during their menses--not that they're going to contaminate everything around them, but the process of cleansing going on within is a subtle and sensitive process that is optimized when a woman can fully rest. Also, a woman's work never ends, so this practice is a way of ensuring women get their much needed rest, including rest from sadhana. I just wanted to add this, because I think sometimes women get the wrong impression that they are somehow debased or otherwise inauspicious during their time of menstruation and therefore kept away fromthe privilege of doing worship. But that is a very crude view and I think the more nuanced understanding that our ancient rishis (and yoginis) had was that this is a special time for women when external sadhana is not required since internal cleansing is going on and a time when her energies and kundalini are naturally sensitized and heightened, so special care should be taken. Also, there is no restriction on doing manasika japa (without moving the lips) for a woman during this time. On Fri, Aug 28, 2009 at 10:29 AM, vedic_pathak <vedic_pathak wrote: Dear narayana,Thank you for this knowledge. Satisfactory reason why women during periods are advised to stay away from rituals. I remember sometime back on this list, you insisted on taking bath before Homam. *smell* is the word which is important here. thanks again.Utpal , " naaraayana_iyer " <narayan.iyer wrote:>> Namaste Shri. Balasubramanian, > > One more reason for this is the fact that the deities whom we invoke are ethereal beings and eat with their nose (smell). They don't eat with the mouth as we do, and they have a powerful sense of smell and can detect the menses, which irritates them causing them to go, which obviously defeats the purpose of inviting/invoking them! This is also the reason why we were told not to smell the prasad before offering, as this would be akin to soiling it. > > > However, it is not clear why menses (apart from the toxicity of it you just mentioned) is treated differently as opposed to someone who lets say travelled long distance and is sweaty and smelly. > > Thanks> Narayan> > > , G Balasubramanian <gbsub@> wrote:> > > > Dear Rao,> > Thanks for providing this info. In fact, I was expecting criticism/brickbats from some learned members of this group who do not trust the wisdom of our ancestors and in whose household such practices have been thrown to the winds. There are many people who pooh-pooh such practices. They consider it as practice of untouchability at home which is not punishable under Indian laws. I am aware that there are some members who are waiting to pounce on me on my postings.Thanks again. > > G.Balasubramanian> > > > > > > > > > > > ________________________________> > shivashankara rao <shivashankararao@>> > gbsub@ > > Cc: usbrahmins <usbrahmins >> > Thursday, August 27, 2009 7:14:02 AM> > Rishipanchami/menstruation in ladies. > > > > Please refer to Swami Bharati Krishna Tirtha's book on " Sanatana Dharma " published by Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan wherein he provides details of the research conducted in the United States on several women in Menses. > > He states that The blood of the woman in menses generally contains a poisonous substances known as " menotoxin " and it harms any one going near her within a distance of 8 feet. Surprisingly this distance is mentioned in the grihya sootras!!!! > > He also provides of several other researches to prove many other Indian beliefs- like rules of chewing betel leaves, sleeping with head not towards north, fasting during eclipses etc. etc.> > Shivashankararao > > > > ________________________________> > One blink is all it takes for the world to change. One click and MSN India helps you catch up Try it!> >> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 28, 2009 Report Share Posted August 28, 2009 Namaste Smt Aditi, Well said! Agree with all your points. My point on *smelly* was not pertaining to the menses but to the fact that if devatas are indeed repelled by the odor of menses, then why is it not applicable to people who are not really clean/hygiene. Menses are indeed powerful and in some aghora sadhanas has its use. Thanks & Regards Narayan , Aditi Banerjee <banerjeea wrote: > > Actually, a woman's prana shakti is much stronger during her time of menses. > If a woman does manasika japa during this time, it is multiple orders more > powerful. In certain paths of sadhana (Matangi worship, for example), woman > is at her most auspicious when she is menstruating. So to compare this state > to a person being smelly or sweaty is, I think, a mischaracterization. > > Yes, there are elements of ritual impurity. But it is also true that the > time of menstruation is a time ofi inner purification and cleansing (on a > physicial and spiritual level) for women that men (unfortunately for them) > do not have access to. In a way, external sadhana is required for men to > obtain the fruits of the automatic purification women attain through > menstruation. > > That is another reason why women are advised to take complete rest during > their menses--not that they're going to contaminate everything around them, > but the process of cleansing going on within is a subtle and sensitive > process that is optimized when a woman can fully rest. > > Also, a woman's work never ends, so this practice is a way of ensuring women > get their much needed rest, including rest from sadhana. > > I just wanted to add this, because I think sometimes women get the wrong > impression that they are somehow debased or otherwise inauspicious during > their time of menstruation and therefore kept away fromthe privilege of > doing worship. But that is a very crude view and I think the more nuanced > understanding that our ancient rishis (and yoginis) had was that this is a > special time for women when external sadhana is not required since internal > cleansing is going on and a time when her energies and kundalini are > naturally sensitized and heightened, so special care should be taken. > > Also, there is no restriction on doing manasika japa (without moving the > lips) for a woman during this time. > > On Fri, Aug 28, 2009 at 10:29 AM, vedic_pathak <vedic_pathakwrote: > > > > > > > Dear narayana, > > > > Thank you for this knowledge. Satisfactory reason why women during periods > > are advised to stay away from rituals. I remember sometime back on this > > list, you insisted on taking bath before Homam. *smell* is the word which is > > important here. > > > > thanks again. > > > > Utpal > > > > <%40>, > > " naaraayana_iyer " <narayan.iyer@> wrote: > > > > > > Namaste Shri. Balasubramanian, > > > > > > One more reason for this is the fact that the deities whom we invoke are > > ethereal beings and eat with their nose (smell). They don't eat with the > > mouth as we do, and they have a powerful sense of smell and can detect the > > menses, which irritates them causing them to go, which obviously defeats the > > purpose of inviting/invoking them! This is also the reason why we were told > > not to smell the prasad before offering, as this would be akin to soiling > > it. > > > > > > > > > However, it is not clear why menses (apart from the toxicity of it you > > just mentioned) is treated differently as opposed to someone who lets say > > travelled long distance and is sweaty and smelly. > > > > > > Thanks > > > Narayan > > > > > > > > > <%40>, G > > Balasubramanian <gbsub@> wrote: > > > > > > > > Dear Rao, > > > > Thanks for providing this info. In fact, I was expecting > > criticism/brickbats from some learned members of this group who do not trust > > the wisdom of our ancestors and in whose household such practices have been > > thrown to the winds. There are many people who pooh-pooh such practices. > > They consider it as practice of untouchability at home which is not > > punishable under Indian laws. I am aware that there are some members who are > > waiting to pounce on me on my postings.Thanks again. > > > > G.Balasubramanian > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > ________________________________ > > > > shivashankara rao <shivashankararao@> > > > > gbsub@ > > > > Cc: usbrahmins <usbrahmins <usbrahmins%40> > > > > > > > Thursday, August 27, 2009 7:14:02 AM > > > > Rishipanchami/menstruation in ladies. > > > > > > > > Please refer to Swami Bharati Krishna Tirtha's book on " Sanatana > > Dharma " published by Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan wherein he provides details of > > the research conducted in the United States on several women in Menses. > > > > He states that The blood of the woman in menses generally contains a > > poisonous substances known as " menotoxin " and it harms any one going near > > her within a distance of 8 feet. Surprisingly this distance is mentioned in > > the grihya sootras!!!! > > > > He also provides of several other researches to prove many other Indian > > beliefs- like rules of chewing betel leaves, sleeping with head not towards > > north, fasting during eclipses etc. etc. > > > > Shivashankararao > > > > > > > > ________________________________ > > > > One blink is all it takes for the world to change. One click and MSN > > India helps you catch up Try it! > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 28, 2009 Report Share Posted August 28, 2009 Dear Narayan, I am confused here when i see you previous message and the latest message. >>My point on *smelly* was not pertaining to the menses...if devatas >are indeed repelled by the odor of menses, then why... regards, Utpal , " naaraayana_iyer " <narayan.iyer wrote: > > Namaste Smt Aditi, > > Well said! Agree with all your points. My point on *smelly* was not pertaining to the menses but to the fact that if devatas are indeed repelled by the odor of menses, then why is it not applicable to people who are not really clean/hygiene. > > Menses are indeed powerful and in some aghora sadhanas has its use. > > Thanks & Regards > Narayan > > , Aditi Banerjee <banerjeea@> wrote: > > > > Actually, a woman's prana shakti is much stronger during her time of menses. > > If a woman does manasika japa during this time, it is multiple orders more > > powerful. In certain paths of sadhana (Matangi worship, for example), woman > > is at her most auspicious when she is menstruating. So to compare this state > > to a person being smelly or sweaty is, I think, a mischaracterization. > > > > Yes, there are elements of ritual impurity. But it is also true that the > > time of menstruation is a time ofi inner purification and cleansing (on a > > physicial and spiritual level) for women that men (unfortunately for them) > > do not have access to. In a way, external sadhana is required for men to > > obtain the fruits of the automatic purification women attain through > > menstruation. > > > > That is another reason why women are advised to take complete rest during > > their menses--not that they're going to contaminate everything around them, > > but the process of cleansing going on within is a subtle and sensitive > > process that is optimized when a woman can fully rest. > > > > Also, a woman's work never ends, so this practice is a way of ensuring women > > get their much needed rest, including rest from sadhana. > > > > I just wanted to add this, because I think sometimes women get the wrong > > impression that they are somehow debased or otherwise inauspicious during > > their time of menstruation and therefore kept away fromthe privilege of > > doing worship. But that is a very crude view and I think the more nuanced > > understanding that our ancient rishis (and yoginis) had was that this is a > > special time for women when external sadhana is not required since internal > > cleansing is going on and a time when her energies and kundalini are > > naturally sensitized and heightened, so special care should be taken. > > > > Also, there is no restriction on doing manasika japa (without moving the > > lips) for a woman during this time. > > > > On Fri, Aug 28, 2009 at 10:29 AM, vedic_pathak <vedic_pathak@>wrote: > > > > > > > > > > > Dear narayana, > > > > > > Thank you for this knowledge. Satisfactory reason why women during periods > > > are advised to stay away from rituals. I remember sometime back on this > > > list, you insisted on taking bath before Homam. *smell* is the word which is > > > important here. > > > > > > thanks again. > > > > > > Utpal > > > > > > <%40>, > > > " naaraayana_iyer " <narayan.iyer@> wrote: > > > > > > > > Namaste Shri. Balasubramanian, > > > > > > > > One more reason for this is the fact that the deities whom we invoke are > > > ethereal beings and eat with their nose (smell). They don't eat with the > > > mouth as we do, and they have a powerful sense of smell and can detect the > > > menses, which irritates them causing them to go, which obviously defeats the > > > purpose of inviting/invoking them! This is also the reason why we were told > > > not to smell the prasad before offering, as this would be akin to soiling > > > it. > > > > > > > > > > > > However, it is not clear why menses (apart from the toxicity of it you > > > just mentioned) is treated differently as opposed to someone who lets say > > > travelled long distance and is sweaty and smelly. > > > > > > > > Thanks > > > > Narayan > > > > > > > > > > > > <%40>, G > > > Balasubramanian <gbsub@> wrote: > > > > > > > > > > Dear Rao, > > > > > Thanks for providing this info. In fact, I was expecting > > > criticism/brickbats from some learned members of this group who do not trust > > > the wisdom of our ancestors and in whose household such practices have been > > > thrown to the winds. There are many people who pooh-pooh such practices. > > > They consider it as practice of untouchability at home which is not > > > punishable under Indian laws. I am aware that there are some members who are > > > waiting to pounce on me on my postings.Thanks again. > > > > > G.Balasubramanian > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > ________________________________ > > > > > shivashankara rao <shivashankararao@> > > > > > gbsub@ > > > > > Cc: usbrahmins <usbrahmins <usbrahmins%40> > > > > > > > > > Thursday, August 27, 2009 7:14:02 AM > > > > > Rishipanchami/menstruation in ladies. > > > > > > > > > > Please refer to Swami Bharati Krishna Tirtha's book on " Sanatana > > > Dharma " published by Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan wherein he provides details of > > > the research conducted in the United States on several women in Menses. > > > > > He states that The blood of the woman in menses generally contains a > > > poisonous substances known as " menotoxin " and it harms any one going near > > > her within a distance of 8 feet. Surprisingly this distance is mentioned in > > > the grihya sootras!!!! > > > > > He also provides of several other researches to prove many other Indian > > > beliefs- like rules of chewing betel leaves, sleeping with head not towards > > > north, fasting during eclipses etc. etc. > > > > > Shivashankararao > > > > > > > > > > ________________________________ > > > > > One blink is all it takes for the world to change. One click and MSN > > > India helps you catch up Try it! > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 28, 2009 Report Share Posted August 28, 2009 Namaste Aditi ji, Thank you very much for sharing this knowledge. Out of what all you've mentioned, i was aware of only 'Rest' part. Though one question comes in my mind after reading your message. on physical level, do the Men really require cleansing every month as the women require it? may be not? I am not sure of Spiritual cleansing you mentioned for women. may well be true or may not be. any ways, it was a fresh read. Best Regards, Utpal , Aditi Banerjee <banerjeea wrote: > > Actually, a woman's prana shakti is much stronger during her time of menses. > If a woman does manasika japa during this time, it is multiple orders more > powerful. In certain paths of sadhana (Matangi worship, for example), woman > is at her most auspicious when she is menstruating. So to compare this state > to a person being smelly or sweaty is, I think, a mischaracterization. > > Yes, there are elements of ritual impurity. But it is also true that the > time of menstruation is a time ofi inner purification and cleansing (on a > physicial and spiritual level) for women that men (unfortunately for them) > do not have access to. In a way, external sadhana is required for men to > obtain the fruits of the automatic purification women attain through > menstruation. > > That is another reason why women are advised to take complete rest during > their menses--not that they're going to contaminate everything around them, > but the process of cleansing going on within is a subtle and sensitive > process that is optimized when a woman can fully rest. > > Also, a woman's work never ends, so this practice is a way of ensuring women > get their much needed rest, including rest from sadhana. > > I just wanted to add this, because I think sometimes women get the wrong > impression that they are somehow debased or otherwise inauspicious during > their time of menstruation and therefore kept away fromthe privilege of > doing worship. But that is a very crude view and I think the more nuanced > understanding that our ancient rishis (and yoginis) had was that this is a > special time for women when external sadhana is not required since internal > cleansing is going on and a time when her energies and kundalini are > naturally sensitized and heightened, so special care should be taken. > > Also, there is no restriction on doing manasika japa (without moving the > lips) for a woman during this time. > > On Fri, Aug 28, 2009 at 10:29 AM, vedic_pathak <vedic_pathakwrote: > > > > > > > Dear narayana, > > > > Thank you for this knowledge. Satisfactory reason why women during periods > > are advised to stay away from rituals. I remember sometime back on this > > list, you insisted on taking bath before Homam. *smell* is the word which is > > important here. > > > > thanks again. > > > > Utpal > > > > <%40>, > > " naaraayana_iyer " <narayan.iyer@> wrote: > > > > > > Namaste Shri. Balasubramanian, > > > > > > One more reason for this is the fact that the deities whom we invoke are > > ethereal beings and eat with their nose (smell). They don't eat with the > > mouth as we do, and they have a powerful sense of smell and can detect the > > menses, which irritates them causing them to go, which obviously defeats the > > purpose of inviting/invoking them! This is also the reason why we were told > > not to smell the prasad before offering, as this would be akin to soiling > > it. > > > > > > > > > However, it is not clear why menses (apart from the toxicity of it you > > just mentioned) is treated differently as opposed to someone who lets say > > travelled long distance and is sweaty and smelly. > > > > > > Thanks > > > Narayan > > > > > > > > > <%40>, G > > Balasubramanian <gbsub@> wrote: > > > > > > > > Dear Rao, > > > > Thanks for providing this info. In fact, I was expecting > > criticism/brickbats from some learned members of this group who do not trust > > the wisdom of our ancestors and in whose household such practices have been > > thrown to the winds. There are many people who pooh-pooh such practices. > > They consider it as practice of untouchability at home which is not > > punishable under Indian laws. I am aware that there are some members who are > > waiting to pounce on me on my postings.Thanks again. > > > > G.Balasubramanian > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > ________________________________ > > > > shivashankara rao <shivashankararao@> > > > > gbsub@ > > > > Cc: usbrahmins <usbrahmins <usbrahmins%40> > > > > > > > Thursday, August 27, 2009 7:14:02 AM > > > > Rishipanchami/menstruation in ladies. > > > > > > > > Please refer to Swami Bharati Krishna Tirtha's book on " Sanatana > > Dharma " published by Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan wherein he provides details of > > the research conducted in the United States on several women in Menses. > > > > He states that The blood of the woman in menses generally contains a > > poisonous substances known as " menotoxin " and it harms any one going near > > her within a distance of 8 feet. Surprisingly this distance is mentioned in > > the grihya sootras!!!! > > > > He also provides of several other researches to prove many other Indian > > beliefs- like rules of chewing betel leaves, sleeping with head not towards > > north, fasting during eclipses etc. etc. > > > > Shivashankararao > > > > > > > > ________________________________ > > > > One blink is all it takes for the world to change. One click and MSN > > India helps you catch up Try it! > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 28, 2009 Report Share Posted August 28, 2009 I didn't mean that men need physiological cleansing--I was referring to the internal purification that goes on for a woman on the level of the sukshma sharira / subtle body automatically through the menstrual cycle and (half-jokingly) pointing out that men have to attain this subtle body purification through external sadhana. As I understand it, during menses, a woman's body is cleansed of toxins, not just physical toxins but also negative energy and other spiritual/psychical impurities. I think these things need to be studied more closely, especially as more and more women are beginning to take contraceptive pills that allow them to have menses only 4 times a year or that trigger artificial menstrual cycles. It is not only a question of whether such pills are bad for a woman's physical health but also whether it is deleterious to her spiritual vigour. Warm regards,AditiOn Fri, Aug 28, 2009 at 10:28 PM, vedic_pathak <vedic_pathak wrote: Namaste Aditi ji, Thank you very much for sharing this knowledge. Out of what all you've mentioned, i was aware of only 'Rest' part. Though one question comes in my mind after reading your message. on physical level, do the Men really require cleansing every month as the women require it? may be not? I am not sure of Spiritual cleansing you mentioned for women. may well be true or may not be. any ways, it was a fresh read. Best Regards, Utpal , Aditi Banerjee <banerjeea wrote: > > Actually, a woman's prana shakti is much stronger during her time of menses. > If a woman does manasika japa during this time, it is multiple orders more > powerful. In certain paths of sadhana (Matangi worship, for example), woman > is at her most auspicious when she is menstruating. So to compare this state > to a person being smelly or sweaty is, I think, a mischaracterization. > > Yes, there are elements of ritual impurity. But it is also true that the > time of menstruation is a time ofi inner purification and cleansing (on a > physicial and spiritual level) for women that men (unfortunately for them) > do not have access to. In a way, external sadhana is required for men to > obtain the fruits of the automatic purification women attain through > menstruation. > > That is another reason why women are advised to take complete rest during > their menses--not that they're going to contaminate everything around them, > but the process of cleansing going on within is a subtle and sensitive > process that is optimized when a woman can fully rest. > > Also, a woman's work never ends, so this practice is a way of ensuring women > get their much needed rest, including rest from sadhana. > > I just wanted to add this, because I think sometimes women get the wrong > impression that they are somehow debased or otherwise inauspicious during > their time of menstruation and therefore kept away fromthe privilege of > doing worship. But that is a very crude view and I think the more nuanced > understanding that our ancient rishis (and yoginis) had was that this is a > special time for women when external sadhana is not required since internal > cleansing is going on and a time when her energies and kundalini are > naturally sensitized and heightened, so special care should be taken. > > Also, there is no restriction on doing manasika japa (without moving the > lips) for a woman during this time. > > On Fri, Aug 28, 2009 at 10:29 AM, vedic_pathak <vedic_pathakwrote: > > > > > > > Dear narayana, > > > > Thank you for this knowledge. Satisfactory reason why women during periods > > are advised to stay away from rituals. I remember sometime back on this > > list, you insisted on taking bath before Homam. *smell* is the word which is > > important here. > > > > thanks again. > > > > Utpal > > > > <%40>, > > " naaraayana_iyer " <narayan.iyer@> wrote: > > > > > > Namaste Shri. Balasubramanian, > > > > > > One more reason for this is the fact that the deities whom we invoke are > > ethereal beings and eat with their nose (smell). They don't eat with the > > mouth as we do, and they have a powerful sense of smell and can detect the > > menses, which irritates them causing them to go, which obviously defeats the > > purpose of inviting/invoking them! This is also the reason why we were told > > not to smell the prasad before offering, as this would be akin to soiling > > it. > > > > > > > > > However, it is not clear why menses (apart from the toxicity of it you > > just mentioned) is treated differently as opposed to someone who lets say > > travelled long distance and is sweaty and smelly. > > > > > > Thanks > > > Narayan > > > > > > > > > <%40>, G > > Balasubramanian <gbsub@> wrote: > > > > > > > > Dear Rao, > > > > Thanks for providing this info. In fact, I was expecting > > criticism/brickbats from some learned members of this group who do not trust > > the wisdom of our ancestors and in whose household such practices have been > > thrown to the winds. There are many people who pooh-pooh such practices. > > They consider it as practice of untouchability at home which is not > > punishable under Indian laws. I am aware that there are some members who are > > waiting to pounce on me on my postings.Thanks again. > > > > G.Balasubramanian > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > ________________________________ > > > > shivashankara rao <shivashankararao@> > > > > gbsub@ > > > > Cc: usbrahmins <usbrahmins <usbrahmins%40> > > > > > > > Thursday, August 27, 2009 7:14:02 AM > > > > Rishipanchami/menstruation in ladies. > > > > > > > > Please refer to Swami Bharati Krishna Tirtha's book on " Sanatana > > Dharma " published by Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan wherein he provides details of > > the research conducted in the United States on several women in Menses. > > > > He states that The blood of the woman in menses generally contains a > > poisonous substances known as " menotoxin " and it harms any one going near > > her within a distance of 8 feet. Surprisingly this distance is mentioned in > > the grihya sootras!!!! > > > > He also provides of several other researches to prove many other Indian > > beliefs- like rules of chewing betel leaves, sleeping with head not towards > > north, fasting during eclipses etc. etc. > > > > Shivashankararao > > > > > > > > ________________________________ > > > > One blink is all it takes for the world to change. One click and MSN > > India helps you catch up Try it! > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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