A few days back there
was a discussion in this group about Bhima ratha Shanthi and not long ago Vaasu
discussed about this with me. He in fact wanted me to put down in writing what
I had to say on this. I had thought about this a few months back and found that
while there on so many comments about what and when to do these shanthis I
could not get anything about why of this. I had some contemplations and written
a diary note on Bio rhythms earlier. I did some more ‘ vicharam ‘s and had come
to the following conclusions which I would like to share with you.
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I append
below the comments recorded in the ‘ Kanchi periava forum “in this regard. By
Sri. Sarma sastrigal Guest
A respected
member of this forum contacted me and wanted to get it clarified whether the
Bhima Ratha Shanthi karma is to be celebrated at the beginning of 70th year or
at the completion of the 70th year. He wished I reply through the forum in some
details. Well, I may say, at the beginning that this doubt is very common now
and people generally gets confused over this particular shanthi karma unlike
Sashtiabdha purthi celebrations. Bhima Ratha Shanthi is scheduled for the date
on which the person starts 70 years of age - Janma Nakshtra to be taken into account.
While on the subject let me give a list of such shanthi karmas hereunderA
respected member of this forum contacted me and wanted to get it clarified
whether the Bhima Ratha Shanthi karma is to be celebrated at the beginning of
70th year or at the completion of the 70th year. He wished I reply through the
forum in some details. Well, I may say, at the beginning that this doubt is
very common now and people generally gets confused over this particular shanthi
karma unlike Sashtiabdha purthi celebrations.
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* One year
old : Abda poorthi Ayush Homa
* Start of 55th year : Bheema Shanthi
* Start of 60th year : Ugra Ratha Shanthi
* Completing 60 years : Sashtiabdha poorthi
* Start of 70th year : Bheema Ratha shanthi
* Start of 72nd year : Eka Shanthi
* 77 years 7 months 7 days : Vijaya Ratha
Shanthi
* Completing 80 years & 8 months :
Satabhisheka
*
Completing 100 which the person starts 70 years of age - Janma Nakshtra to be taken into account. While on the subject let me give a list of such shanthi karmas hereuOf all the Shanthi karmas listed above, Abdha Poorthi, Sashtiabdha Poorthi, Bheema Ratha Shanthi & Satabhishekam are well known and performed by many. Hear I may also add that there is one more Shanthi Karma which is known as Prapouta Shanti which is to be celebrated when a son is born to one's son's son. SRI RUDRA EKADASANI: One more information that every nderyears : Poornabhisheka (Kanakabhisheka
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his mentioned viz
one of may be well aware of. When Sashtiabdha poorthi, Bheema Ratha Shanthi and Satabhisheka functions are done, Sri Rudra Ekadasani also is usually done as a part of the function. Sri Rudra Ekadasani is a prayaschitha karma and it is advisable to carry it out in a elaborate manner. It will do good to the entire family in addition to the individual for whom the shanti karma is intended.
1. Start of the 55th year
2. Start of the 70th year
3. Ending of 6oth year
They all coincide with the meeting of
one of these rhythms with birth day and hence assume importance.
However in my opinion celebration of 80th year or more precisely
82+ years is the joy and achievement of having spotted ‘ 1000’ moons.
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One year old : Abda poorthi Ayush Homa
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* Start of 70th year :BheemaRatha shanthi
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* i
* Start of 72nd year : Eka Shanthi
* 77 years 7 months 7 days : Vijaya Ratha
Shanthi
* Completing 80 years & 8 months :
Satabhisheka
* Completing 100 years : Poornabhisheka
(Kanakabhisheka)
15
March,2019
Today
I just happened to watch a small clip about the prayer one has to say before
leaving the temple after Darshan. #
अनायासेन मरणं विनादैन्येन जीवनं
देहि मे क्रिपय शम्भो त्वयि भक्तिं अचन्चलं
anAyAsena maraNaM vinAdainyena jIvanaM
dehi me kripaya shambho tvayi bhaktiM achanchalaM
An easy death, a life without hardhips, provide me kindly o Lord
Shambhu… unwavering faith/devotion in you.
There are other versions of this prayer-
“Anayasena maranam
Vina dainyena jeevanam
Dehimey krupaya Shambho
Anthathah tawa sannidhao”
#
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8BqPEReNCWI
The
slokha indicates three things or Boons to ask for from the Presiding Deity of the temple before taking
leave of Him that Day.
They
are 1. Death without suffering or infact Effortless Peaceful Death
2. Living without any misery & Hardship and
3. Unwavering Faith
in you till death.
I
could not help but marvel at the focused thinking of our elders. They knew what
matters in this mundane world and What
scares people the most. For everyone who is born in this world, one and
probably only thing which is certain from day one is Death. It is also the
thing which scares people the most. Except for the few Enlightened souls, it is
the most scariest matter or loss for everyone.
The Vedas prepares everyone, who follows
them for this eventuality. The agni which was initiated at the time of
Upanayanam is nurtured by Samidadhaana every day three times and aupasana *,
which is used for his marriage and then again for his funeral pyre. (This may
also be practiced to keep the Agni going which is difficult to maintain
otherwise in those days.) Thus reminding
him of the eternal truth and preparing him for that eventuality reminding him
everyday. It is also interesting to note that this ritual is practiced by all
varunas and also by women who are otherwise not allowed to perform any ritual (
but only partake with her husband) But most of the practitioners do not do this
ritual and therefore lose the focus and consequently look at Death frightfully.
What else one can ask the Deity but for a peaceful and less frightful Passage
to the next leg of the eternal Journey.
Although the Elders have catalogued the
things they want in their life as a prayer to GOD in CHAMAKAM, they are tutored
to live a life of austerity. Confining
to Brahmins, “ the learned and teacher “, they are expected to live frugally on
alms. Then how they can be expected to ask for a life without dependence? It is
also ordained for others to
support such individuals willingly and whole heartedly. It also goes to prove
that a life of contentment need not be a life of plenty and bounty. It is the
mindset that leads to contentment and peace, which eventually takes out the
misery of living struggling.
The different versions indicate the third boon
differently. However the essence of all is that is the desire to have an
unwavering faith in the presence of the Almighty “ The BRAHMAN” at all times
more so in the ending moments.
· http://www.kamakoti.org/hindudharma/part19/chap2.htm
“ Hara Hara Sankara, Jaya Jaya Sankara
21 March, 2019
After
a long break, I have attempted to pen down my thoughts again. It is due to
sheer laziness, I could not do this, but kept my “ Vicharams “ on like before.
In this connection, I recollect the ‘ Pancha lakshanams’ and failings of a
Vidhyarthi
or seeker of knowledge.
“ Bhagha Thyanam, Kagha Sheshta,Suvana Nitra
thathaivacha
Alphahaari Graha thyaghi Vidhyarthim Pancha
Lakshanam “
&
Aalasysaya kutha Vidhya, Avidhyasya Kutha Dhanam
Adhanasyasya Kutha Mitram , Amitrasyasya Kutha
Sukham “
Laziness
and procrastination are the main reasons for failure,It may be due to inherent
nature or acquired. But it should be realized that this can be overcome. Human
mind ( Brain) is a Biological marvel. I consider that this one part of human
body stretches over three domains. Of the five “ Kosas”. It is physiologically
in Annamaya Kosa as a part, in Manomayaa Kosa as creator, controller
of emotions and also part of the Vigyana
maya Kosa enjoying the experiences of life and chronicling them for future.
Human
Brain is Factory producing Neurons.
A neuron (also called neurone or nerve
cell) is a cell that
carries electrical impulses.[1] Neurons
are the basic units of the nervous
system.
Every neuron is made of a cell body (also
called a soma), dendrites and an axon.[1] Dendrites
and axons are nerve fibres. There are about 86 billion neurons in the human
brain, which comprises roughly 10% of all brain cells. The neurons are
supported by glial cells and astrocytes.
Neurons are connected to one another and
tissues. They do not touch and instead form tiny gaps called synapses.
These gaps can be chemical synapses or electrical synapses and
pass the signal from one neuron to the next. The
largest part of the human brain by far is the neocortex. It has
at least~1010 neurons[4] which stay
with us from cradle to grave https://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neuron
It is estimated
that there are 100 Billions of them in our body. They help us in everyday’s ife
to use all our Gyana ,Karma Indriyams to perform karmas.
The human brain has some 1011 (one hundred billion)
neurons with on average 7,000 synaptic connections to other neurons. It has
been estimated that the brain of a three-year-old child has about 1015 synapses
(1 quadrillion). This number declines with age, stabilizing by adulthood.
Estimates vary for an adult, ranging from 1014 to 5 x 1014 synapses
(100 to 500 trillion).
The Brain and the heart, the two most important body parts
which sustain life are often perceived
intertwined. When we feel emotions, we attribute them to the Heart. But to me
it is only a mechanical pump circulating the blood and so the Vayus across the
body. Except injury to itself, it does not feel anything. But yet we attribute
our Happiness, Sadness, hurt and anger to the Heart. The consequences of our
actions or Karmas and doing them per se and end results are perceived by the
Brain due to the neuro transmitters,
receptors excitory or inhibitory neurons.
It is these neurons and their
functions are responsible for our state of Body, mind and eventually the Soul.
Dopaminergic and serotonergic neurons are responsible for Tama and Sattva
Gunas.
Like
in today’s information technology NAND and NOR gates, the response of the Brain
is ALL or NONE. The conduction of nerve
impulses is an example of an all-or-none response. One major complication of the humans suffering is the
Bi-Polar syndrome which reflects the alternating Manic and Depressive states
and findings indicate it is due to lack of Seritonin ( or Satva guna.)
Our great
ancestors have indicated that the human existence or karmas thrive based on
THREE Basic GUNAS right from Birth.
These three makes up the composition of human existence. All three are
absolutely needed but in balance. Normally they chanhe according to ones life
cycle. The three are RAJAS,SATVA and TAMAS.
At Birth, it
is SATTVA and TAMAS, in Adulthood, It is TAMAS and RAJAS and in Later Life it
is again SATVA and TAMAS. Any mismatch on this, leads to a turbulent life
style.
It would be childish on my
part to dvelve more on this when the
Greatest teacher, Sri Krishna has talked at length in his Gita which are
captulated under Chapetr 14 Guna thrya vibhaga Yoga.
Also definition
of these three Gunas are also succinctly explained by Sri.Adi Sankaracharya in
his “VIVEKA CHUDAMANI “
113. Avriti or the veiling power is the
power of Tamas, which makes things appear other than what they are. It is this
that causes man’s repeated transmigrations, and starts the action of the
projecting power (Vikshepa).
111. Rajas has its Vikshepa-Shakti or
projecting power, which is of the nature of an activity, and from which this
primeval flow of activity has emanated. From this also, mental modifications
such as attachment and grief are continually produced.
112. Lust, anger, avarice, arrogance,
spite, egoism, envy, jealousy, etc., -- these are the dire attributes of Rajas,
from which the worldly tendency of man is produced. Therefore Rajas is a cause
of bondage.
116. Ignorance, lassitude, dullness,
sleep, inadvertence, stupidity, etc., are attributes of Tamas. One tied to
these does not comprehend anything, but remains like one asleep or like a stock
or stone.
117. Pure Sattva is (clear) like water,
yet in conjunction with Rajas and Tamas it makes for transmigration. The
reality of the Atman becomes reflected in Sattva and like the sun reveals the
entire world of matter.
118. The traits of mixed Sattva are an
utter absence of pride etc., and Niyama, Yama, etc., as well as faith,
devotion, yearning for Liberation, the divine tendencies and turning away from
the unreal.
119. The traits of pure Sattva are
cheerfulness, the realisation of one’s own Self, supreme peace, contentment,
bliss, and steady devotion to the Atman, by which the aspirant enjoys bliss
everlasting.
120. This Undifferentiated, spoken of as
the compound of the three Gunas, is the causal body of the soul. Profound sleep
is its special state, in which the functions of the mind and all its organs are
suspended.
121. Profound sleep is the cessation of
all kinds of perception, in which the mind remains in a subtle seed-like form.
The test of this is the universal verdict, "I did not know anything
then".
Bhagawat
Gita indicates the places in which these three Gunas reside in a human body.
ऊर्ध्वं गच्छन्ति सत्वस्था मध्ये तिष्ठन्ति
राजसा: |
जघन्यगुणवृत्तिस्था
अधो गच्छन्ति तामसा: || 18||
ūrdhvaṁ
gachchhanti sattva-sthā madhye
tiṣhṭhanti rājasāḥ
jaghanya-guṇa-vṛitti-sthā adho
gachchhanti tāmasāḥ
However, in my limited capacity, I will attempt to link these
gunas with modern medicine and try to
find a common base. After perusing many documents, research papers and indings,
I come to the conclusion ( in my mind)
that these three gunas are controlled by three major neuro transmitters
( whatever they are called- amines etc etc) namely Dopamine, Serotonin and
Norephneprine (Epinephrine) I give some information on these as below
Outside the nervous system, dopamine functions in several parts of the body
as a local chemical messenger. In the blood vessels it inhibits norepinephrine
release and acts as a vasodilator; in the kidneys it increases sodium excretion
and urine output; in the pancreas it reduces insulin production; in the
digestive system it reduces gastrointestinal motility and protects intestinal
mucosa; and in the immune system it reduces the activity of lymphocytes.
The dopamine
naturally produced by your brain makes you feel good. You get a rush of
dopamine in response to pleasurable activities like food or sex.[1] On the other hand,
without enough dopamine, you may feel sluggish, depressed and uninterested in
life. Here are some different methods to boost your dopamine levels if you're
feeling a little low.
Dopamine Life Style, Meditation and
Exercises
In terms of exercise vigorous aerobic exercise in
general is good for dopamine but intensive strength-training (weight-training)
is especially beneficial. For beginners the risk of injury from
heavy-weights is high so seek instructions from a personal trainer. If
you’re out of shape consider couple of months of Pilates to tone/stabilise your
core before you start.
Fast passed pranayama (breathing) meditations that
especially that emphasise the right nostril boost dopamine
(uni-polar depression), alternate nostril breathing balancesdopamine
(manic-depression).
Kundalini yoga has it all, aerobic, stress poses and
vigorous breathing. It is great for keeping dopamine levels up after you
have kick-started them with supplements. Recovering addicts could try
transferring their addictive personality to kundalini yoga. Done intensively
enough it can make you high!
Your physiology determines
which things can increase your brain dopamine levels, but after that your psychology influences
which if any of these things you may use, abuses or become addicted
to. So for example in one individual it may sex or gambling or cocaine
that strongly counters a low dopamine state, but becoming a sex or gambling or
drug addict may not be at all compatible with their individual
psychology.
Dopamine:
the molecule behind all our most sinful behaviors and secret cravings.
https://slate.com/technology/2013/07/what-is-dopamine-love-lust-sex-addiction-gambling-motivation-reward.html
Serotonin.
Approximately 90% of the human body's total serotonin
is located in the enterochromaffin
cells in the
alimentary canal (gut), where it
is used to regulate intestinal movements.[7][8] The remainder is
synthesized in serotonergic neurons of the CNS, where it
has various functions. These include the regulation of mood, appetite,
and sleep. Serotonin also has some cognitive functions, including memory and
learning. Modulation of serotonin at synapses is thought to be a major action
of several classes of pharmacological antidepressants.
Serotonin secreted from the enterochromaffin cells
eventually finds its way out of tissues into the blood. There, it is actively
taken up by bloodplatelets, which
store it. When the platelets bind to a clot, they release serotonin, where it
serves as a vasoconstrictor and helps to regulatehemostasis and blood clotting.
Serotonin also is a growth factor for some types of cells, which may give it a
role in wound healing.
Epinephrine (also known
as adrenaline or adrenalin)
is a hormone and a neurotransmitter.[1] Epinephrine has many
functions in the body, regulating heart rate, blood vessel and air passage
diameters, and metabolic shifts; epinephrine release is a crucial component of
the fight-or-flight response of the sympathetic nervous system.[2] In chemical terms,
epinephrine is one of a group of monoamines called the catecholamines. It is
produced in some neurons of the central nervous
system, and in the chromaffin cells of the adrenal medulla from the amino acids phenylalanine andtyrosine.[3]
Your gut releases extra serotonin when you eat
something containing harmful bacteria or an allergen. The extra serotonin makes
the contractions in your gut move faster in order to get rid of the harmful
food, usually through vomiting or diarrhea
Low serotonin in your gut, on the
other hand, is associated with constipation..
That's because
Serotonin is nature's own appetite suppressant. "This powerful brain
chemical curbs cravings and shuts off appetite. It makes you feel satisfied
even if your stomach is not full. The result is eating less and losing
weight," according to researcher, Dr. Judith Wurtman in The
AntiDepressant Diet.
Basically
we have seen that Rajas,Tamas and Sattva gunas are the driving forces behind
human existence and the three basic or base instincts are Food, Sleep and Sex.
Let
us examine how these three instincts are affected by the three gunas and or the
three neuro transmitters.
First
we take Food. Hunger and appetite are although initiated by “Ghrelin”, it
signals release of Dopamine. Eating is also considered as a pleasureable
activity or rewarding response and dominated by Dopamine. After eating food,
when satiated, the serotonin is released which is a natural inhibitor for
dopaminergic reaction. It signals cessation of release of Dopamine.
Many brain neurotransmitters affect appetite, especially dopamine and serotonin
Then comes the next base instinct “
Sex”. Desire for sex and the act are result of Rajas and Tamas. This results
due combination of Dopamine and
Ephinephrine(Norephinephrine). Infact of almost absence of or reduced levels of
Serotonin.
Serotonin may actually be involved in
the "love versus sex" divide. When serotonin is low, researchers say,
it also tends to increase sex drive; whereas higher serotonin levels are also
associated with an increase in oxytocin, the so-called "love"
hormone.-
CONCLUSION:
Serotonin over activity is a
putative cause of sexual dysfunction in patients with HSDD. The unique
pharmacologic profile of flibanserin tones down inhibitory serotonergic
function and restores dopaminergic and noradrenergic function
Nearly all pleasurable experiences — from eating a
good meal to having sex — involve the release of dopamine.
These
are produced and so controlled by the food
we consume. So in ancient times it is said that “ You are what you eat.
“ These three neuro transmitters shapes our thoughts and hence actions.
So
our ancestors have devised elaborate ‘ Meal plans “ for various occasions
interspersed with absence of food partaking to keep the Kosas in good stead and
resultant activities. Some are classified as wholly Sattvic foods fit enough
for some occasions / activities with religious connotations and foods for
joyous occasions where materialistic connotations surround. These meal plans are age related and activity
related too.
Over a period of time we have
forgotten the meanings or practices and swayed by the beliefs , imported and
thrust y the invaders, which has resulted in overall deterioration of the
systems, health and well-being of humanity.
Like
it is described in Mandhukya Upanishad,
the fourth state of “Tureeyam” which elevates souls to the highest plane, all
these three Gunas are conquered and helps to achieve cessation of /or atleast
break in the cycle of births and rebirths.
Sharing of thoughts
on the Brainwaves during the four stages are also due/
समदु:खसुख: स्वस्थ: समलोष्टाश्मकाञ्चन: |
तुल्यप्रियाप्रियो
धीरस्तुल्यनिन्दात्मसंस्तुति: || 24||
मानापमानयोस्तुल्यस्तुल्यो
मित्रारिपक्षयो: |
सर्वारम्भपरित्यागी
गुणातीत: स उच्यते || 25||
sama-duḥkha-sukhaḥ
sva-sthaḥ
sama-loṣhṭāśhma-kāñchanaḥ
tulya-priyāpriyo dhīras
tulya-nindātma-sanstutiḥ
mānāpamānayos
tulyas tulyo mitrāri-pakṣhayoḥ
sarvārambha-parityāgī guṇātītaḥ sa
uchyate
Those
who are alike in happiness and distress; who are established in the self; who
look upon a clod, a stone, and a piece of gold as of equal value; who remain
the same amidst pleasant and unpleasant events; who are intelligent; who accept
both blame and praise with equanimity; who remain the same in honor and
dishonor; who treat both friend and foe alike; and who have abandoned all
enterprises – they are said to have risen above the three guṇas.
“ Sri
Krishna Krishna “
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