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Nachiketa
30 July 2007, 09:10 PM
Namaste,
I have been trying endlessly to practise brahmacharya and have failed each time. And with Brahmacharya being one of the requisites to progress up the spiritual path, I am at pains and was wondering if there are any techniques to attain it.
Please advice(any advice will be appreciated)
Thank You
Hari Om

sm78
31 July 2007, 01:46 AM
I'll advice you to consider brahmacharya in the broader sense of Godly conduct, which involves practicing the yamas and niyamas or equivalently developing/practicing the divine attributes as mentioned in Gita in one's character. Focusing the mind on the narrow aspect of preserving one's semen can only lead to more mental agony to those who are unable to do so. Thus such efforts may have counter effect than what we desire. We want our mind to be in equanimity. This will make it more agitated.

Sivaya Subramaniyaswami says that for the worldly man being urdhareta is not quite easy until a certain age, which seems quite rational.

Yes, it is indeed true (at least I believe so) that Brahmajnanam is reserved only for the urdhvareta ~ but that doesn't mean others cannot make progress in the spiritual path (one needs to understand brahmacharya in the broader sense). Once one has made sufficient progress brahmacharya cannot be that difficult ~ i imagine.


About practical advice the few I have heard which help in preserving the brahmacharya in the strict sense are:-

1. Rising up before sunrise
2. Practice of yoga and nitya upasana
3. Bathing 3 times a day and before sleep

and such stuff ....

suresh
31 July 2007, 06:27 AM
One should never consider brahmacharya, unless one wants to renounce the world and become an ascetic. It has nothing to do with spirituality. The pandavas were not brahmacharyas, yet they're considered to be some of the greatest devotees of the Lord.:)

Bottom line, I think this whole idea of BC is overrated. Too much importance is given to it in the name of spirituality. DEvotion to God is more than enough.

Nachiketa
31 July 2007, 07:45 AM
Thank You both, sm78 and Suresh.
I guess it is a question of balance too, and that is what eludes me. Sometimes I feel as if the 2nd chakra is in overdrive.
Will wait for the divine grace.
Hari Om
Nachiketa

sm78
31 July 2007, 08:40 AM
I guess it is a question of balance too

I think it is all about balance and so i hear from persons who are successful at it. Hectic modern life hardly lends itself to any balance. Sometimes too much work, sometimes no work, too much fun, too much boredom...

Nachiketa
31 July 2007, 04:05 PM
I'll advice you to consider brahmacharya in the broader sense of Godly conduct, which involves practicing the yamas and niyamas or equivalently developing/practicing the divine attributes as mentioned in Gita in one's character. Focusing the mind on the narrow aspect of preserving one's semen can only lead to more mental agony to those who are unable to do so. Thus such efforts may have counter effect than what we desire. We want our mind to be in equanimity. This will make it more agitated.

Sivaya Subramaniyaswami says that for the worldly man being urdhareta is not quite easy until a certain age, which seems quite rational.

Yes, it is indeed true (at least I believe so) that Brahmajnanam is reserved only for the urdhvareta ~ but that doesn't mean others cannot make progress in the spiritual path (one needs to understand brahmacharya in the broader sense). Once one has made sufficient progress brahmacharya cannot be that difficult ~ i imagine.


About practical advice the few I have heard which help in preserving the brahmacharya in the strict sense are:-

1. Rising up before sunrise
2. Practice of yoga and nitya upasana
3. Bathing 3 times a day and before sleep

and such stuff ....


Wonder if you could elaborate more on this( and such stuff..........) ?

yajvan
31 July 2007, 04:54 PM
Hari Om
~~~~~~


Namaste,

I would like to offer a different view on this matter... please, I am not selling anything here. We all have our values on how to live and I have no agenda here other then to offer diffferent viewpoints for your consideration.

It is important to share different perspectives, yes? Then one can exercise this gift of free will that has been given to us. So, let me do this in two parts below and two ideas. Please comment and give your POV as you see fit.

Part 1
Brahmacharya . What is this? we know that Brahman is fullness, the all, Bhuma. Charya is conduct. So , both put together is the conduct of Brahman.
Many have been taught that brahmacharya is continence, and this is true. Let me add a few dimensions to this. Via continence (or the practice thereof) brings the fruit of tapas and is equal to yajya or yagya, worship. Yet the knower of truth that practices self-control ( another form of brahmacharya, no doubt) attains the same benefits as vedic rituals.

This ritual is sattrayana - Sat ( truth) + trana (safety), another form of continence and self control. Some say Sat is Being + tryana, or the benefits of protection in every way. So, one is protected by Being-Truth, in every way through this vedic yagya and can also be accomplished by [ and therefore equal to dispensing] self-control.

Now, what is of great import to me is the observance of silence, maunam is also = to brahmacharya. Why so? it is silencing of the senses. Now what is the Supreme silience? the contact with Atman. And when can this be done? Sitting quietly, transcending during meditation. Hence, meditation is silence and is = to brahmacharya = yajya. Hence, being in and practicing silence is of great value. This gaining infinite silence within oneself is yajya.

What else? Anasakyana or that of fasting. It too is the silencing of the senses. It is said that if one can contol the tongue, one can master one's self. This anasakyana = self contol = brahmacharya = yajya and all the benefits one can gain from this.

Another? vanaprastha, some say aranyayana or that of forest dwelling, really living alone or seclusion. This is the silencing of the senses (social intercourse) and one gains great benefit. This too is = to self control = brahmacharya=yagya. This can be done at home too during meditation. There is only one, you, going inward and becoming one with turiya, 'giving up' duality for one, this is yajya.

Hence - self control is = to yajya =sattrayana=Brahmacharya (and can be performed while at home). Is it strenuous tapas? I do not think so, Yet choices need to be made, the exercise of freedom to choose. Continence is not always the curtailing sexual driving power, yet one of self control, and the selection thereof.


Part 2 - What does Patanjali say of this? Why would one pursue continence?

[from Discourse II: "Sadhana Pada- On Spiritual Disciplines"] verse 38. BRAHMACARYA-PRATISTHAYAM VIRYA-LABHAH 'When brahmcharya, or sexual continence, is firmly established, vibrant vitality is gained.'

When sexual energy is preserved it is converted into ojas, or spiritual energy. This ojas is such a radiant force that it uplifts all who come into contact with the 'brahmachari'.

I found this to be interesting ...in this society so much attention is put on this part of life i.e. passion and sexual activity ( one only needs to go to the magazine rack these days to see what is on the front covers ). This passion and application draws much energy ( ojas) from the body. Yet in the West - viagra [the product] for impotence is offered and advertised regualarly onTV, rado, magazines.

In Patanjali's sutras he points out "Vairagya" which is the progression of dis-passion , which is the opposite of viagra for "passion" and arousal.
In the highest state Vairagya - there is no desires for any object - either passion/emotion or the desire for objects. Therefore its called Para-Vairagha and is the means for Asamprajnata Samadhi.

This is why brahmacharaya is part of Yama and Niyama - its not a question of sex being bad, its all about building the foundation for Samadhi.





Tarati shokam atmavit - Established in the Self, one overcomes sorrows and suffering...Chhandogya Upanishad

pranams,

Arvind Sivaraman
01 August 2007, 12:22 AM
Namaste,
I have been trying endlessly to practise brahmacharya and have failed each time. And with Brahmacharya being one of the requisites to progress up the spiritual path, I am at pains and was wondering if there are any techniques to attain it.
Please advice(any advice will be appreciated)
Thank You
Hari Om

Om Shirdi Sai Ram.
Namaste Nachiketa.
1)Lord Hanuman (Maruti) is a celibate.
After worshipping Lord Ganesha you may start doing parayan of
Hanuman Chalisa or Sundara Kandam(Sage Valimiki's is the original version.)
Benefits : If you regularly do parayan of the above mentioned scriptures you will also get those thoughts.The more intense your devotion is,the more benefit you will accrue.
2)Read books of Swami Vivekananda or Shri Shirdi Sai Baba.(The name of the book is "Sai Sat Charita").
3)A Guru is a must to guide you.If you unable to find a Guru,you may consider Lord Hanuman as your Guru.

Nachiketa
01 August 2007, 09:24 AM
Namaste,
Many thanks to Yajvan ji and Arvind Sivaraman ji, your advice certainly helps. I will keep trying.

The difficulty arises when you watch movies or TV. Due to family/societal pressures one cannot help it (sometimes) but watch them, as, at this stage of my spiritual evolution I do not want to attract unnecessary attention to this spiritual aspect of my life.

Pranams

yajvan
01 August 2007, 12:48 PM
Hari Om
~~~~~


Namaste,
your advice certainly helps. I will keep trying. Pranams

Namaskar Nachiketa,

nothing says you have to do everything all at once... this brings stress and strain. If you look at the list proposed, or things that Arvind may have suggested, what there is comfortable to start with? It's like building a house , yes? we get a foundation, then the frame, then the walls, etc.

Choose where you want to start... then try. When you fall, we pick ourselves back up and start again.

You will be fine, but the journey only starts when one takes the first step.

pranams,

Nachiketa
01 August 2007, 01:59 PM
Dear Arvind ji
Regarding Paranayam I need a few clarifications:

First we pray, offer camphor, Naivedyam and then start the reading as per the link that you had earlier posted (http://www.geocities.com/ramya475/Para.html ) and then at the end of the parayanam ( which I believe is the last reading on the last day ) offer naivedyam again, am I right?

If not please let me know further.

Thanks once again

Arvind Sivaraman
01 August 2007, 11:39 PM
Dear Arvind ji
Regarding Paranayam I need a few clarifications:

First we pray, offer camphor, Naivedyam and then start the reading as per the link that you had earlier posted (http://www.geocities.com/ramya475/Para.html ) and then at the end of the parayanam ( which I believe is the last reading on the last day ) offer naivedyam again, am I right?

If not please let me know further.

Thanks once again

Om Shirdi Sai Ram.
Namaste Nachiketa.
1)Before starting the Parayanam of Hanuman Chalisa or Sage Valimiki Sundarakandam, please worship the book by applying Sandal Paste and Kumkum.Keep a burning lamp continously till the parayanam ends on that particular day.
2)Offer boiled milk added with Sugar everyday before and after the parayanam.(Not on the last reading day only.BUT EVERYDAY.)This is the best naivedya (offering) to Lord Rama.
3)For Hanuman Chalisa, it is possible to do parayan in a single day.
4)If it is Sage Valimiki Sundarakandam,then there are certain procedures of doing parayanam.There 2 days,3 Days,5 Days,Friday to Friday Parayanam,Nine day parayanam and so forth.If you are further interested in this procedure, do let me know.I will provide with the details as to how many Chapters needs to be recited everyday.
5)There are 68 chapters in Sage Valmiki Sundarakandam.
6)Offering to Lord Rama the Fruit Pomegranate would bring in immense benefits.

Nachiketa
02 August 2007, 06:26 AM
Dear Arvind ji
yes, I would like to do the parayanam of Sage Valimiki Sundarakandam, so kindly let me know the procedure.
And please accept my heartfelt thanks once again

sarabhanga
03 August 2007, 06:19 AM
Namaste,

Good advice has been given, and all of what follows is repeated, but here are some of my thoughts on the matter:

Traditionally, all Brahmanas first enter Brahmacarya.

And traditionally, all Brahmacaris remain celibate and are instructed in Dharma.

Brahmacarya Ashrama certainly is the foundation of all Brahmana Dharma!

Some period of Brahmacarya (not study of the Vedas, but education nonetheless) is also normal for both Kshatriyas and Vaishyas.

Only Shudras have absolutely no rule of Brahmacarya.

Brahmacarya is intended for unmarried students, and Hindu Dharma has always assumed celibacy for such individuals (who would usually be less than 20 years old).

Nowhere is it required that anyone should remain as a celibate student for their whole life, and most Rishis would have passed through all of the Ashramas required by their Dharma. Thus, most Rishis were married and raised a family during their Grihastha Ashrama.

Brahmacarya is primarily “study of the Veda”, and thus (secondarily) “the state of an unmarried religious student”, which subsequently implies “a state of continence and chastity”.

Quite simply: Brahmacarya leads to Brahmajnana ~ i.e. study of the Veda leads to knowledge of the Veda.

The very nature of Brahma is Prajnana ~ so that Brahmacarya ultimately leads to identity with Brahma ~ and such a perfect Brahmacarin, who has followed the path of Brahma to its final destination and source, is now truly a Brahmana.

A great deal of confusion arises from the misunderstanding (and consequent rejection) of Varna or “Caste”. There is only one ultimate Truth, but Dharma is certainly not “one size fits all”.

Ahimsa and Brahmacarya are good examples, with some arguing from a Brahmana perspective, others from a Kshatriya perspective, and others from a general Vaishya perspective. And of course, all of these views are valid in their appropriate place and conditions.

Brahmana Dharma is rather strict, because a Brahman is supposed to have a high degree of understanding, and someone who surely knows the right way and yet turns away from that knowledge and follows the wrong path is the greatest “sinner” who will suffer for his foolish Adharma.

ahiMsA paramo dharma !

satyastha paramo dharma !

brahmacarya paramo dharma !

tadya evaitaM brahmalokaM brahmacaryeNAnuvindanti teSAmevaiSa brahmalokaH |
teSAM sarveSu lokeSu kAmacAro bhavati ||

And that world of Brahman belongs only to those who find it by Brahmacarya ~ and for them there is freedom in all the worlds.

The world of Brahman is found only by following the path of Brahman; and from there, all ways are open!

Brahmacarya (the practice or pursuit of the Brahman) is a basic requirement of Sanatana Dharma.

See also: Marriage (http://www.hindudharmaforums.com/showpost.php?p=8278&postcount=6) and Varnashrama Dharma (http://www.hindudharmaforums.com/showthread.php?p=4468).

Arvind Sivaraman
04 August 2007, 02:21 AM
Dear Arvind ji
yes, I would like to do the parayanam of Sage Valimiki Sundarakandam, so kindly let me know the procedure.
And please accept my heartfelt thanks once again

Om Shirdi Sai Ram.
Namaste Nachiketa.

SAGE VALMIKI SUNDARAKANDAM PARAYANAM PROCEDURE

1)First offer your pranams to Lord Ganesha.
2)Offer your pranams to Goddess Saraswati.
3)Offer your pranams to your Kul Daivait (Family Deity)
4)Offer your pranams to your GURU.(If you do not have a GURU, I would suggest, take guidance from any Punditji for doing the Sundarakandam Paryanam and take HIM to be your GURU.If you still feel that you have not found the right GURU,you may take Lord Hanuman as your GURU.)

SANKALPAM – TO DO PROCEDURE BEFORE STARTING THE SUNDARAKANDAM PARAYANAM. – EVERYDAY.
Shuklaam Bharadaram Vishnum Sashi Varnam Chaturbujam
Prasanna Vadanam Dyayed sarvavigna upshaanthayeth.
(Fold your fingers inwards touching the palms of both hands and then gently pat that place of your forehead which is just behind your eyebrows 5 (five) times.)

Om Bhoohu Om Bhuvaha Om Suvaha Om Mahaha Om Janaha
Om Tapaha Okum Satyam Om Tatsavitur Varenyam Bhargo Devasya Deemahi Diyo Yonah Prochodayath Omapaha jyotirisaha amrutam bramha bhoorbhuva suvarom.
(This is for people who have worn a thread/ Janev (In Hindi.)/poonal(In Tamil).)

Mamo Paaktha Samastha Duridakhestvara sree parameshwara preetyarthyam
Sree Sita Lakshmana Bharata Shatgruna Hanumath Sametha Sri Rama Chandra Prasada Sidyarthyam Sree Sita Lakshmana Bharatha Shatgruna Hanumath Sametha Sree Ramachandra Poojyaam Sri Sundara kaanda parayanam cha karishye.
(Keep the left palm (the outer portion of the hand should touch the right thigh)on the right thigh and then place the right inner palm on the inner left palm)

Touch Water.
Asmin pustake sri sita lakshmana bharata shatrugna hanumath sametha Sri Rama Chandra dyayaami.Aavahayami.(Bring both the hands together , let the little finger touch each other.After that,bring all the finger towards the chest.(Pointing inwards))Aasanam samarpayami.(Place a wooden seat for welcoming Lord Hanuman.Keep the wooden plank till the parayanam gets over on that particular day.This should be repeated everyday).
Padayoho paadyam samarpayami.(Show a little bit of water at the holy feet of Lord Hanuman and transfer that water to some other vessel.)Argyam samarpayami.(Transfer a little bit of water to another vessel.)Aachamaniyam samarpayami.(Transfer a little bit of water to another vessel)
Snaanam samaparpayami.(Sprinkle very little amount of water on the Sundarakandam book.)Snananantharam aachamaniyam samarpayami. (Transfer a little amount of water to another vessel.)Gandhaan Darayaami.(Apply sandal paste on the Holy Sundarakandam book.)Ghandasyopari Akshataan Samarpayami.(Offer raw (uncooked) rice mixed with Manjal(I think it is Haldi – Yellow colour)).Haridra Kumkum samarpayami.(Apply kumkum above the sandal paste applied on the Sundarakandam book.)
Pushpaani samarpayami.(If Parijata flower is available , offer it to the book.Else offer Rice mixed with Manjal.)
1)Kesavaya namaha.2)Madhavaya namaha.3)Govindaya namaha.4)Trivikramaya namaha.5)Vamanaya namaha.6)Sreedharaya namaha.7)Rishikeshaya namaha.8)Padmanabhaya namaha.9)Damodaraya namaha.(From 1 to 9 offer Raw rice mixed with Manjal after repeating each namaha.)
Naanavidha mantra pushpaani samarpayami.(If Parijatha flower is available , offer the flower else offer Rawrice mixed with Manjal.)Dhoopartham Deepartham Akshataam samarpayami.(Offer Agarbhatthi or Lighted lamp and then offer raw rice mixed with manjal.)Nivedham samarpayami.(Offer milk added with sugar and if need be offer the Fruit Pomegranate also.)Nivedhaanantharam Achamaniyam samarpayami.(Transfer a little amount of water to another vessel.)Karpoora Thamboolam samarpayami.(If possible,offer Paan leaves added with Nuts.)
Neeraajanam Sumaangalyam Koti Surya Samaprabham Aham Bhaktya pradasyami Swee kurushwa dayanidhe.(Meaning – Oh Lord,you are equivalent to a Thousand Suns and I am your Bhakta.Please be compassionate towards me).Samastha Pradakhamartham sarva maangalya praptyartham Karpoora Nirajanam Darshayami.Neerajananthram Aachamaniyam samarpayami.(Tranfer a little amount of water to another vessel.)Rakshaan Darayami.(Offer the Lighted lamp to the Sundarakandam book.)Mantra Pushpam samarpayami.(If Parijatha flower is available, offer it to the book else offer Raw rice mixed with Manjal.)
Yaani Kaani cha paapani janmaantra kritaani cha taani taani vinashyanthi pradakshina pade pade.(Rotate in clock wise direction three times.Not around the book.)
Vaidhehi sahi tam suradrumathale hiame maha mandape
Madhye pushpaka maasane mani maye veerasane Susmitham
Agre Vaachayati Prabhanchanasute Tatvam munibhya param
Vyakyatham Bharathabhi parivritham Raamam bhaje shyamalam.
Vaame bhoomisuta purascha hanuman paschaat sumitra sutaha
Shatrugno bharatas cha paarshva dalayaar vaivadi koneshu cha
Sugrivascha vibhishanashcha uvaraat tarosuto Jaambhavaan
Madhye neela saroja koamalaruchim raamam bhaje shyamalam

Namostu Ramaya sa Lakshmanaya
Daivyai Cha Tasyai Janaakathmajayai
Namostu Rudrendru Maanilebyo
Namostu Chandrarka Marutganebhyaha.

A Suggestion :
1) Buy a Sundara Kandam book of Gorakhpur publication.This book contains Nyasam also. Benefit is, You protect yourself from evil forces by doing nyasam.
You will find a lot of positive vibrations in your body and mind.(I am the proof for it.)
After buying the book you may take guidance from some pundit who regulary does parayanam of Sundarakandam or if it is not possible,then let me know, I will guide you.

2)Buy a Sundarakandam book with translation.It will help you in a finer understanding of the Leela of Lord Hanuman.Also it is mentioned in Srimad Bhagawatham that if scriptures are read with meaning and understood ,then one goes and stays in superior lokas for a longer duration .

I am not listing the nyasam here as it is a little difficult to list it out here.
Also if you have book ,the Sankalpam and Nyasam would be listed in Sanskrit, whereas here ,I am listing it out in English.Thus,the pronunciation which is of importance will tend to vary.


THE PARAYANAM PROCEDURE:

1) SAPTHA SARGA PARAYANAM - For all types of problem to be solved.

Read daily 7(Seven) chapters of Sage Valmiki Sundarakandam.
The procedure has been listed below in Table format.
Eg :
1)On the 1st Day read from Chapter 1 to Chapter 7.
2)On the 10 th Day also you have to complete 7 chapters and hence , From Chapter 64 to 68 (which consists of 5 chapters) and then start from Chapter 1 to 2. and so forth.

The Saptha Sarga Parayanam needs to be completed in 68 consecutive Days.(There should be not be any breaks/ interruptions.If there are any breaks the results will be very bad.).


1st Day - 1-7
2nd Day- 8-14
3rd Day - 15-21
4th Day- 22-28
5th Day-29-35
6th Day- 36-42
7th Day43-49
8th Day-50-56
9th Day-57-63
10th Day-64-68,1-2
11th Day-3-9
12th Day-10-16
13th Day -17-23
14th -24-30
15th-31-37
16th-38-44
17th-45-51
18th-52-58
19th-59-65
20th-66-68,1-4
21st-5-11
22nd-12-18
23rd-19-25
24th-26-32
25th-33-39
26th-40-46
27th-47-53
28th-54-60
29th-61-67
30th-68,1-6
31st-7-13
32nd-14-20
33rd-21-27
34th-28-34
35th-35-41
36th-42-48
37th-49-55
38th-56-62
39th-63-68
40th-2-8
41st-9-15
42nd-16-22
43rd-23-29
44th-30-36
45th-37-43
46th-44-50
47th-51-57
48th-58-64
49th-65-68,1-3
50th-4-10
51st-11-17
52nd-18-24
53rd-25-31
54th-32-38
55th-39-45
56th-46-52
57th-53-59
58th-60-66
59th-67-68,1-5
60th-6-12
61st-13-19
62nd-20-26
63rd-27-33
64th-34-40
65th-41-47
66th-48-54
67th-55-61
68th Day-62-68

Source – 1) Skanda Puranam and 2)Uma Samhitha.

2) 9 (NINE ) COSECUTIVE DAYS PARAYANAM –
FOR UNMARRIED PEOPLE (PARTICULARY FOR FEMALES.)
AND
FOR FAMILY WELL BEING.


DAY CHAPTER FROM CHAPTER TO
1 1 5
2 6 15
3 16 20
4 21 26
5 27 33
6 34 40
7 41 52
8 53 60
9 61 68

Source – UMA SAMHITHAI

3) ONE DAY PARAYANAM –
START THE PARAYANAM IN THE MORNING AND FINISH THE WHOLE SUNDARAKANDAM BY 13.00 HRS (1.00 PM AFTERNOON)

Source – UMA SAMHITHAI

4) TWO CONSECUTIVE DAY PARAYANAM –

DAY CHAPTER : FROM – TO
1 1-36 (ANGULIA PRADANAM)
2 37-68

Source – UMA SAMHITHAI

5) THREE CONSECUTIVE DAY PARAYANAM –

DAY CHAPTER : FROM – TO
1 1 – 27 (TRIJATA DREAM)
2 28 – 40
3 41 - 68

Source – UMA SAMHITHAI

6) FIVE CONSECUTIVE DAY PARAYANAM –

DAY CHAPTER : FROM – TO
1 1 – 15 (SITA DARSHANAM)
2 16 – 27 (TRIJATA DREAM)
3 28 – 40 (CHOODAMANI PRADANAM)
4 41 – 54 (LANKA DAHANAM)
5 55 - 68

Source – UMA SAMHITHAI

7) FRIDAY TO FRIDAY PARAYANAM – CONSECUTIVE 8 DAYS
FOR SPIRITUAL AND MATERIAL WEALTH.

DAY CHAPTER : FROM – TO
1 (FRIDAY) 1 - 9
2 10 - 18
3 19 – 27
4 28 - 36
5 37 - 45
6 46 - 54
7 55 - 63
8 (FRIDAY) 64 - 68


Source – UMA SAMHITHAI

PLEASE NOTE :

IN ALL THE CASES , AFTER THE VALMIKI SUNDARAKANDAM PARAYNAM IS COMPLETED, YOU SHOULD RECITE THE “SRI RAMA PATTABHISHEKAM CHAPTER” WITHOUT FAIL.

Ie; The 131st Chapter of the Yuddha Kandam is Sri Rama Pattabhishekam

Madhavan
04 August 2007, 04:14 AM
Good post by Arvind. In the Uma Samhita the benefits of reciting Ramayana and Sundara Kandam in particular have been elaborated.

In times of acute crisis, Sundara Kandam may be read in a single day without pause ( takes 7-10 hours) and Rama Pattabhishekam performed on the same day. It can bring forth miracles through the grace of Anjaneya. Infact anything unimaginable can happen within 41 days of doing this. The process can be repeated until the Lord hears your call.

Whoever can do the above 68 times can overcome any obstacle in life and also gain spiritual upliftment , supernatural forces will directly manifest if done with devotion. Most likely Lord Hanuman who is a chiranjeeevi will appear before you and lead you into yoga.

As an alternative amidst the modern day busy lives Sarga 31 or 58 may be recited repeatedly everyday.

Nachiketa
04 August 2007, 08:03 AM
Thank You Arvind ji
a very helpful attitude indeed. Will get back to you if I need any further advice
Hari Om

Arvind Sivaraman
06 August 2007, 12:22 AM
Good post by Arvind. In the Uma Samhita the benefits of reciting Ramayana and Sundara Kandam in particular have been elaborated.

In times of acute crisis, Sundara Kandam may be read in a single day without pause ( takes 7-10 hours) and Rama Pattabhishekam performed on the same day. It can bring forth miracles through the grace of Anjaneya. Infact anything unimaginable can happen within 41 days of doing this. The process can be repeated until the Lord hears your call.

Whoever can do the above 68 times can overcome any obstacle in life and also gain spiritual upliftment , supernatural forces will directly manifest if done with devotion. Most likely Lord Hanuman who is a chiranjeeevi will appear before you and lead you into yoga.

As an alternative amidst the modern day busy lives Sarga 31 or 58 may be recited repeatedly everyday.

Om Shirdi Sai Ram.
Namaste Madhavan.

Please go through the site :
http://www.divyadesamonline.com/hanuman/navaratna-mantra-maala/sundara-kaandam.asp

It may be of help to you.

Arvind Sivaraman
08 August 2007, 03:22 AM
Namaste,
I have been trying endlessly to practise brahmacharya and have failed each time. And with Brahmacharya being one of the requisites to progress up the spiritual path, I am at pains and was wondering if there are any techniques to attain it.
Please advice(any advice will be appreciated)
Thank You
Hari Om

Om Shirdi Sai Ram.
Namaste Nachiketa.

How to Keep Up Brahmacharya - By Swami Sivananda

1. A Brahmachari should avoid looking at a woman with lustful eyes. He should not have a desire to touch her or go near her with evil intention. He should not play, cut jokes or talk with her. He should not praise a woman’s qualities within himself or to his friends. He should not talk to her secretly. He should not think of a lady. He should not have a carnal desire to have sexual enjoyment. A Brahmachari should, without fail, avoid sexual intercourse. If he breaks any of the above rules, he violates the vow of Brahmacharya.
2. For protecting the semen, it is essential to wear always a strip of (black-coloured) cloth over the private part; for there will be no night emission and growth of testicles. It is befitting for a celibate to wear always wooden sandals as thereby the semen will be conserved, eyes will be benefited, life prolonged and holiness and lustre will increase.
3. The vow of celibacy will give you sure protection against temptation. It is a strong weapon to attack lust. If you do not take a vow of celibacy, the mind will tempt you at any moment. You will have no strength to resist the temptation and you will become a sure victim. He who is weak and effeminate is afraid of taking the vow. He brings in various excuses and says: “Why should I be bound by a vow? My will is strong and powerful. I can resist any sort of temptation. I am doing Upasana. I am practicing will culture.” He repents in the long run. He has no control over the senses. That man only in whom the subtle desire for the object to be renounced lurks in the corners of his mind brings in such sort of excuses. You must have right understanding, discrimination and dispassion. Then only your renunciation will be lasting and permanent. If renunciation is not the outcome of discrimination and dispassion the mind will be simply waiting for an opportunity to get back the object that has been renounced.
4. If you are weak, take a vow of celibacy for a month and then extend it to three months. You will gain some strength now. You will be able to prolong the period to six months. Gradually you will be able to extend the vow for one or two or three years. Sleep separately and do rigorous Japa, Kirtan and meditation daily. You will hate lust now. You experience freedom and indescribable joy. Your partner in life also should do Japa, meditation and Kirtan daily.
5. You may be able to stop copulation for months and years, but there should not be any sexual craving or attraction for ladies. Evil thoughts also should not arise when you look at a lady, when you are in the company of ladies. If you succeed in this direction, then you are established in perfect Brahmacharya. You have crossed the danger zone. There is no harm in looking at a woman, but you must have a chaste look. You must have Atma Bhava. When you look at a young lady you can think within yourself: “Prostrations unto thee, O mother. Thou art an image or manifestation of Mother Kali. Do not tempt me. Do not allure me. I have understood now the secret of Maya and Her creation. Who has created these forms? There is an omnipotent, all-pervading and all-merciful Creator behind these names and forms. This is all decaying false beauty. The Creator or God is Beauty of beauties. He is an embodiment of undecaying beauty. He is fountain-head of beauty. Let me realise this Beauty of beauties by meditation.” You will have to cultivate feelings of devotion, admiration and awe when you look at a beautiful form by remembering the Creator of this form. Then you will not be tempted. If you are a student of Vedanta, think and feel: “Everything is Self only. The names and forms are illusory. They are Mayaic pictures. They have no independent existence apart from the Self.”
6. Aspirants should not indulge in talk about ladies. They should not think about ladies. Bring the image or your Ishta Devata in your mind, if thought of a lady crops up. Repeat the Mantra vigorously. If sexual feelings arise in your mind when you look at the mating of animals and birds or at the bare bodies of ladies it indicates that lust is still lurking in your mind.
7. Even advanced aspirants who have made great progress in Yoga should be very careful. They should not mix freely with ladies. They should not foolishly imagine that they have become great adepts in Yoga. A great saint of repute had a downfall. He freely mixed with ladies made lady disciples and allowed them to shampoo his legs. As the sex-energy was not completely sublimated and turned into Ojas, as lust was lurking in a subtle form in his mind, he became a victim. He lost his reputation. The sexual desire was only suppressed in him and when a suitable opportunity came, it again assumed grave form. He had no strength or will-power to resist the temptation.
8. Another great soul who was regarded by his disciples as an Avatara became a Yoga-bhrashta. He also freely mixed with ladies and committed serious crimes. He became a prey to lust. What a sad misfortune! Aspirants climb with great difficulty by the ladder of Yoga and they are irrecoverably lost for ever on account of their carelessness and spiritual pride.
9. Remembrance of the skeleton and dead body of a woman, will induce Vairagya in your mind. The body has come out of the filthy discharge. It is full of impurities. In the end it is reduced into ashes. If you remember this, Vairagya will dawn in your mind. Attraction for ladies will gradually vanish. If you place before your mind the sickly figure of a lady, or the picture of a very old lady you will develop Vairagya. Remember pains of Samsara, the unreality of objects and the bondage that comes from attachment to wife and children. Try any method that suits you best.
10. One should try to get Viveka or discrimination between the real Self and the unreal, impure body. He should hammer the mind and point out to the mind the defects of a sexual life, viz., loss of energy, innovation of senses, disease, birth and death, attachment and various sorts of miseries, etc., the parts of the body of a woman, viz., flesh, blood, bone, excrete, urine, pus, phlegm, etc. He should always think of the ever-pure immortal Atman and the glory of the spiritual life, viz., the attainment of immortality, eternal bliss, supreme peace. Gradually the mind will be weaned from looking at a woman however beautiful she might be. The mind will shudder to look at her with evil thought.
11. An aspirant complains: “As I continue meditation. layer after layer of impurities are rising from the subconscious mind. Sometimes they are so strong and formidable that I am bewildered as to how to check them. I am not perfectly established in truth and Brahmacharya. The old habits of speaking lies and lust are still lurking in me. Lust is troubling me vigorously. The very idea of women agitates my mind. My mind is so sensitive that I am not able to hear or think of them. As soon as the thought comes in the mind, my Sadhana gets disturbed and also the peace of the whole day is spoiled. I advise my mind, coax it, frighten it, but it is of no avail. My mind revolts. I do not know how to control this passion. Irritability, egoism, anger, greed, hatred, attachment, etc., are still lurking in me. Lust is my chief enemy and it is a very strong one too. I request you to be kind enough to advise as to how to destroy the same.”
12. When the impurities emerge from the subconscious mind and come to the surface of the conscious mind with formidable force, do not try to resist them. Repeat your Ishta Mantra. Do not think of your defects or evil qualities much. It is enough if you introspect and find out your defects. Do not try to attack the evil qualities. Then they will show their long faces. Do not worry yourself often: “I have got so many defects and weaknesses.” Cultivate Sattvic virtues. Through meditation and by the development of positive qualities, through Pratipaksha Bhavana method all the negative qualities will die of themselves. This is the right method.
13. Passion will subside by protracted Japa and meditation and Chintana on Atman. Do not try to run away from ladies. Then Maya will chase you terribly. Try to see the Self in all forms and repeat the formula ‘Om Eka Satchidananda Atma’ often. Remember that the Atman is sexless. Mental repetition of this formula will give you strength.
14. You should remain far away from ladies in the beginning of your practice. After you are perfectly moulded and well-established in Brahmacharya, you should test your strength by moving with ladies very cautiously for some time. If your mind is very pure now also, if there is no sex-idea, if the mind ceases to act through the practice of Uparati, Sama and Dama, remember you have gained real spiritual strength and made considerable progress in your Sadhana. You are safe now. You should not stop your Sadhana thinking that you are a Jitendriya Yogi. If you stop it you will have a hopeless fall. Even if you are a Jivanmukta and a dynamic Yogi, you should be very careful when you move with worldly persons.
15. Thirsty aspirants who are treading the path of Self-realisation who are householders and forty years of age should give up contact with the partners in life. They should observe perfect physical Brahmacharya, if they want rapid spiritual progress and Self-realisation in this very birth. There are no half way measures in the spiritual path.

Madhavan
09 August 2007, 12:21 PM
It has been mentioned that there have been only been two people who are considered as the perfect model for brahmacharya - Lord Hanuman and Bhishma. I am a celibate and I have found these very helpful to keep the mind free of any unwanted desires.

1. Regular reciting of Sundara Kandam. Very thought of Hanuman will eradicate all such thoughts.

2. Worship and meditation of Lord Hanuman - we need his blessings to observe this.

3. To the extent allowed by the freewill, think of all women as mother or sister, or even better the mother goddess Shakti. That will eliminate all lustful tendencies. Would you ever get lustful feelings while praying to Mother Shakti, after all she is portrayed as an attractive woman? Why is that? Think about it - it is just a mental state.

4. Dont wrestle with the mind in an attempt to acheive everything overnight. Allow the mind to wander and gently bring it down - focus your attention on Lord Hanuman and think of his vow. Pray for guidance.

5. I could not agree with everything Swami Sivananda has said: - it is impracticable not to see women or even think about them unless you live somewhere in a forest. Such avoidance might have a recoil effect. No emotions must be suppressed otherwise they might burst forth without warning. All desires must be controlled very gradually.

Brahmacharya is not so essential in the early stages of spiritual development so a person need not be so concerned. What is really needed is the desire for self realization, devotion and faith - rest will follow as ordained by God.

Nachiketa
10 August 2007, 05:47 PM
Thanks Madhavan ji
I am sure this is going to be an ongoing process. Difficult but none the less enriching(both the method and the result). I only pray that I am mentally strong enough; for which I look forward to Hanuman ji's grace.
So long
Hari Om

Arvind Sivaraman
26 August 2007, 11:59 PM
[quote=Madhavan;14367]Good post by Arvind. In the Uma Samhita the benefits of reciting Ramayana and Sundara Kandam in particular have been elaborated.

In times of acute crisis, Sundara Kandam may be read in a single day without pause ( takes 7-10 hours) and Rama Pattabhishekam performed on the same day. It can bring forth miracles through the grace of Anjaneya. Infact anything unimaginable can happen within 41 days of doing this. The process can be repeated until the Lord hears your call.

Om Shirdi Sai Ram.
Namaste Madhavan.

May I know the source wherein it is mentioned as 41 days?
If possible , please let me know the book where it is mentioned.
1)The name of the book.
2)Which publication.
3)Whether it is mentioned in Uma Samhitha or Skanda Purana?OR is it some other source.

Madhavan
27 August 2007, 04:54 AM
Om Shirdi Sai Ram.
Namaste Madhavan.

May I know the source wherein it is mentioned as 41 days?
If possible , please let me know the book where it is mentioned.
1)The name of the book.
2)Which publication.
3)Whether it is mentioned in Uma Samhitha or Skanda Purana?OR is it some other source.

Namaste.

It is held that all remedial mesures (parihAram) suggested in the karma vibhAga ( of the karma kANDa of the vedas) bear fruit immediately, within a maNDala( 41 days) or within an year. I am not sure of the source of the view, my guess would be it is from a brAhmana text. It might also be found in some purANas, many of which have multiple recensions and may be hard to trace. You should most definitely be able to find the source in sAyanAcArya's commentary of the vedas, viz., Vedarta Prakasha or in one of his minor Sudhanidhis.( probably in the 'prayaschitta' work). Ramayana, being considered to have vedic authority - must have the same rules applicable. as well.

yajvan
27 August 2007, 09:14 AM
Hari Om
~~~~~

Namaste.

It is held that all remedial mesures (parihAram) suggested in the karma vibhAga ( of the karma kANDa of the vedas) bear fruit immediately, within a maNDala( 41 days) or within an year.

Namaste Madavan,
Can you help? I have been taught that a mandala [ मण्डल maṇḍala ] = 10 , or divison of 10. Can you help me understand how 4 groups of 10 ( dashmi) + 1 applies to mandala.

Thank you... as I have been researching 40 and 41 for a 'fasting number' you may have an answer.


pranams,

Madhavan
27 August 2007, 11:19 PM
Namaste yajvan,

One maNDala duration is 41 days. Have you heard of the maNDala puja held at Sabarimala? That means your question as such remains unanswered. I cannot give an explanation on why the 41 - although I think it is connected with the siderial period of the moon. ( one and half times the lunar cycle?)

maNDala normally means a circle.

yajvan
30 August 2007, 07:36 PM
Hari Om
~~~~~

Namaste yajvan,

One maNDala duration is 41 days. Have you heard of the maNDala puja held at Sabarimala? That means your question as such remains unanswered. I cannot give an explanation on why the 41 - although I think it is connected with the siderial period of the moon. ( one and half times the lunar cycle?) maNDala normally means a circle.

Namaste Madavan,
Yes we are both in agreement on mandala i.e. circle, completion...
My note on 10 was if I had to apply it to a number, I have been taught the number 10 and the logic thereof.

So, I have been researching a bit and still come up empty on any audit trial leading me to the number 40 or 41. Yet I have no doubts on applying mandala for the completion of the puja's in Sabarimala; yet find no root reason for 41 being associated with mandala.

If you have any interest on the association for 10, there is a post
http://www.hindudharmaforums.com/showpost.php?p=13877&postcount=6 that suggests the import of 10 with Purusha. Ten representing full-ness, completion hence associated with mandala.

Thank you for your help on this...if I find anything with '41' I will post it.

pranams,

Atman
05 September 2007, 08:34 AM
Sorry about this- I have been feeling very down and depressed. I need purity quickly. I was on my 46th week when it happened- I don't want ever to have another relapse- I even felt minorly suicidal- or like torturing myself.

satay
05 September 2007, 12:53 PM
I even felt minorly suicidal- or like torturing myself.


WHoA! Please talk to someone close to you and seek professional help.

yajvan
05 September 2007, 02:41 PM
Hari Om
~~~~~~

there are some things best unsaid...

Atman
07 September 2007, 01:51 PM
WHoA! Please talk to someone close to you and seek professional help.

Julian Lee.

Znanna
07 September 2007, 07:41 PM
Namaste,

Perhaps things are different from a girlz point of view ... and bear in mind this is ZN who's doing the talking hahah ...

To me, intense meditation is better (no physical limitations) than physical ever was, and in my young and even crazier days there was never a restriction for me :)

When there is no boundary (as in physical) then there is no allowance for pulling back ... everything is blended, the same ...

To me it is not conservative at all to move on the non physical planes, quite the contrary!


Love,
ZN
/lush

Atman
08 September 2007, 12:38 PM
From a males point of view semen is considered more precious- when the male has his orgasm- he loses this- where as the females do not lose much fluid- having said that- it can have bad effects too- so don't give in to it if you can help it.
Julian refers to the male orgasm as 'the period.' One of his associates doesn't mince his words on his page- when he says compulsive wankers!!:eek:

yajvan
08 September 2007, 02:25 PM
From a males point of view semen is considered more precious- when the male has his orgasm- he loses this- where as the females do not lose much fluid- having said that- it can have bad effects too- so don't give in to it if you can help it.


Nasmte Atman,

In the Mahabharata, this is how Drona was born! The rishi Bharadwaji saw a beautiful apsara and was fullied with desires. He lost his balance and vital fluid was released. He took this fluild and put it in a vessel called a drona. Dronacharaya then sprung from this vessel.

pranams,

Atman
08 September 2007, 05:57 PM
Interesting- you learn something new each time- and I am an avid reader of Mahabharata.

Nachiketa
08 September 2007, 10:52 PM
Originally posted by Yajvan
" In the Mahabharata, this is how Drona was born! The rishi Bharadwaji saw a beautiful apsara and was fullied with desires. He lost his balance and vital fluid was released. He took this fluild and put it in a vessel called a drona. Dronacharaya then sprung from this vessel".

Namaste,
some in the recent times, think that this process refers to IVF(in vitro fertilization) where-in sperms and ovum are fertilized under artificial conditions in a "pot".

Many would know that this is quiet common nowadays, though the resulting embryo has to be transferred back to the mothers womb to develop further.
Gives an inkling of the level of technical advancements of those days.
Pranams

Znanna
09 September 2007, 06:37 AM
From a males point of view semen is considered more precious- when the male has his orgasm- he loses this- where as the females do not lose much fluid- having said that- it can have bad effects too- so don't give in to it if you can help it.
Julian refers to the male orgasm as 'the period.' One of his associates doesn't mince his words on his page- when he says compulsive wankers!!:eek:


Namaste,

I am NityaklinnA :P

SHE has commanded me "do not restrict the Flow"; having learned this, I have found that my paltry reflection is nothing compared to the Niagara Falls which I am capable of channeling (like a riverbed) whilst in meditative trance.


Love,
ZN

Atman
09 September 2007, 10:02 AM
Are you male then?

Znanna
09 September 2007, 10:07 AM
Are you male then?

Generally speaking I inhabit a female body, however I am not limited by forms. Why do you ask?


ZN

Atman
09 September 2007, 01:34 PM
Because we males have a hard job preserving our semen.

Znanna
09 September 2007, 03:03 PM
Because we males have a hard job preserving our semen.


Well, I don't know if it works for you males, but I've found that moving the focal point up to ajnA (from the lower chakras) allows for expression in a more balanced manner.


Love,
ZN

Atman
10 September 2007, 05:36 AM
That's nice. Well the sexual energy has to be transmuted upwards, and this increases the power of meditation. It also improves your outer world- so I'm going to test it out for myself.

Arjuna
07 November 2007, 11:28 AM
Because we males have a hard job preserving our semen.

Then take up sannyasa ;). If U really think that Kaundinya was right in saying that woman is evil.

Semen is just body secretion unless it is used ritually with mantras and combined with female discharge, then it becomes amrita. Preserving semen may have some effect on health (but in most cases negative) but not on spirituality.
Meditation, prayer, purifying of one's motivations, nurturing bliss and love, following Guru's instructions and one's Svadharma – these are spiritual practice. And only for vaidika sannyasins celibacy is a necessary part of Svadharma.

sarabhanga
08 November 2007, 11:21 PM
But remember this: http://www.hindudharmaforums.com/showpost.php?p=14339&postcount=14

Atman
01 December 2007, 06:11 AM
Nice advice, I think the hardest period (pun not intented) is during sleep and dream states. Alot of dreams can be of a sexual nature, causing wet dreams, or even without them, itching of the testicles and backside when waking up in dream state in the morning- then sleeping again and waking up, but with more control when fully awake and up.