Meaning of AUM/OM

by
Akshit Kapoor-

Most of us have heard the word “AUM” or more popularly known as “OM”, but do we know what it really means ? Why it is considered the most sacred sound in Eastern religions ? Why is it chanted in meditation ? 

The answers can be found in Mandukya Upanishad, which are shortest of the Upanishads, the scriptures of Hindu Vedanta consisting of twelve verses written around 800BC. Aum is said to be the essence of all mantras and Vedas, the highest of all mantras or divine words, symbolizing the infinite Brahman (the Ultimate and the Absolute) and the entire universe.

A stands for Creation, representing Brahma
U stands for Preservation, representing Vishnu
M stands for destruction of dissolution, representing Shiva

Aum stands for the Supreme Reality. It is the symbol of what was, what is, and what shall be. It also represents what lies beyond past, present and future.

The Upanishads explain that “AUM” has four states of consciousness:

Vaishvanara: the waking state, consciousness with senses turned outwards, awareness of the external world.

Tijasa: the dreaming state, consciousness with the senses turned inwards.

Prajna: deep sleep, consciousness with no mind, no dreams and no desires, the source and end of all.

Turiya – super consciousness, beyond the senses and the intellect, represented by AUM.

To sum it up on one sentence, AUM is the primordial vibration of the consciousness which created the universe.

Why Lord Vishnu has four arms

by
Akshit Kapoor-

The classical explanation is "Lord Vishnu represents the aspect of perseverance and sustenance of the Supreme Reality. A human body with four arms generally symbolizes Vishnu. The four arms of his indicate his omnipresence and omnipotence. His two front arms show his activity in the physical world and his two back arms signify his activity in the spiritual world." But I was looking for a more esoteric and cosmic meaning which I want to share with you.

Rishi Kumar Sharma in his book ‘The Ultimate Dialogue’ says; “The Sanskrit word mahima means the ‘dignity, magnitude or majesty’ of an individual. .., The word ‘individual’ refers to every single entity in the cosmos which has a manifest identity; that is name , form and function. In its technical usage, mahima means a sphere of radiance emanating from each individual.”

Every manifestation from an atom to the galaxies is endowed with this radiance which is a spherical beam of rays all around it, which makes it visible and gives a specific identity. This 360 degree of radiance can be divided into four quadrants of 90 degrees each. The entire cosmos posses this spherical radiance and each part of the four quadrants is called ‘swastika’. Since all manifestations are of divine origin and are contained within the Divine, Lord Vishnu as the sustainer is represented with four arms.

The four arms thus represent the four dimensional domain of space-time in which all the manifestations of the Divine takes place and the very space-time fabric itself being the implicate order which forms the sustaining potential of the unmanifest Divine.
The swastika has a similar attribute from four different frames of reference which have a common origin and this origin remains same irrespective of the plane of emanation of the four quadrants. Swastika has a 90 degree rotational symmetry and represents the cyclic nature of Divine action.

For me the conch represents emanation (material birth) and the Sudarshan Chakra represents termination (physical dissolution or death). Beyond these is the operation or action of consciousness in the divine realm. We can see this in all the episodes in Puranas, especially the Chakra being used by lord Vishnu to annihilate. The mace representing the action of subjugation or conditioning of the ego and the lotus represents divine wisdom, through which true self realization takes place and these two representations are the operation or action of the consciousness in the manifest realm.

A clear link is to be established between the above iconic representation and the mental model that could elevate one’s consciousness to a higher level.

The Cosmic quadrants are in space-time and are purely in the realm of the manifest or in the domain of the human perception. The Akashic world can not be comprehended as the Gita says in chapter 11 verse 48: “O best of the Kuru warriors, no one before you has ever seen this universal form of Mine, for neither by studying the Vedas, nor by performing sacrifices, nor by charity, nor by pious activities, nor by severe penances can I be seen in this form in the material world.”

The reason we need a deeper interpretation is that though there could be metaphysical dimension from which we arrive at a particular symbolism as has been explained above, but we need a psychic dimension for a specific archetype as this is the route through which the Vedic seers and sages attempt to communicate the unmanifest, to the limited consciousness of common man, through a subconscious path.

The Divine manifestation can be grasped at the deeper psychological level through the understanding of the AQAL (All Quadrant All Lines) model of Ken Wilber, a contemporary American philosopher and psychologist. This model is the more esoteric interpretation of the swastika and the four arms of Lord Vishnu. (see the figure at the top)

The most desired representation which evokes a very meaningful symbolism is Lord Vishnu reclining in the ocean of universal or cosmic consciousness and his four arms in various positions, representing the actions in the manifest consciousness.

Bhaskaracharya – The Crown Jewel of Mathematics and Astronomy

by
Akshit Kapoor-

The period between 500 and 1200 AD was the golden age of Indian Astronomy. In this long span of time Indian Astronomy flourished mainly due to eminent astronomers like Aryabhatta, Lallacharya, Varahamihir, Brahmagupta, Bhaskaracharya and others. Bhaskaracharya, or Bhaskara II (1114 – 1185) is regarded almost without question as the greatest Hindu mathematician of all time and his contribution to not just Indian, but world mathematics is undeniable. He was born near Bijjada Bida (in present day Bijapur district, Karnataka state, South India) into the Deshastha Brahmin family. Bhaskara was head of an astronomical observatory at Ujjain, the leading mathematical centre of ancient India. His father Maheshwar taught him mathematics and astronomy.

Some of Bhaskara's contributions to mathematics include the following:

-Bhaskara is the first to give the general solution to the quadratic equation ax2 + bx + c = 0, the answer being x = (-b ± (b2 - 4ac)1/2)/2a.

-He also gives the (now) well known results for sin (a + b) and sin (a - b).

-Stated Rolle's Theorem, a special case of one of the most important theorems in analysis, the mean value theorem. Traces of the general mean value theorem are also found in his works.

-Solutions of indeterminate quadratic equations (of the type ax² + b = y²).

-Bhaskara also goes deeper into the 'differential calculus' and suggests the differential coefficient vanishes at an extremum value of the function, indicating knowledge of the concept of 'infinitesimals'

Bhaskaracharya wrote Siddhanta Shiromani in 1150 AD when he was 36 years old. This is a mammoth work containing about 1450 verses. It is divided into four parts and each part can be considered as separate book. The numbers of verses in each part are as follows, 1. Lilawati has 278 2. Beejaganit has 213 3. Ganitadhyaya has 451 4. Goladhyaya has 501 verses.

One of the most important characteristic of Siddhanta Shiromani is, it consists of simple methods of calculations from Arithmetic to Astronomy. Essential knowledge of ancient Indian Astronomy can be acquired by reading only this book. Siddhanta Shiromani has surpassed all the ancient books on astronomy in India. After Bhaskaracharya nobody could write excellent books on mathematics and astronomy in lucid language in India.

Lilawati is an excellent example of how a difficult subject like mathematics can be written in poetic language. Lilawati has been translated in many languages throughout the world. Lilavati covers the topics of definitions, arithmetical terms, interest computation, arithmetical and geometrical progressions, plane geometry, solid geometry. Bhaskara's method of solving was an improvement of the methods found in the work of Aryabhata and subsequent mathematicians.

His work Bijaganita is effectively a treatise on algebra and contains the following topics: - Positive and negative numbers.
- Zero. - The 'unknown'.
- Surds.
- Kuttaka (modern indeterminate equation of first order)
- Simple equations (indeterminate of second, third and fourth degree).
- Simple equations with more than one unknown.
- Indeterminate quadratic equations (of the type ax2 + b = y2).
- Quadratic equations.
- Quadratic equations with more than one unknown.
- Operations with products of several unknowns.

Ganitadhyaya and Goladhyaya of Siddhanta Shiromani are devoted to astronomy. All put together there are about 1000 verses. Almost all aspects of astronomy are considered in these two books.

Bhaskara has given a very simple method to determine the circumference of the Earth. According to this method, first find out the distance between two places, which are on the same longitude. Then find the correct latitudes of those two places and difference between the latitudes. Knowing the distance between two latitudes, the distance that corresponds to 360 degrees can be easily found, which the circumference of the Earth.

He also showed that when a planet is farthest from, or closest to, the Sun, the difference between a planet's actual position and its position according to "the equation of the centre" (which predicts planets' positions on the assumption that planets move uniformly around the Sun) vanishes. He therefore concluded that for some intermediate position the differential of the equation of the centre is equal to zero.

A Glance at the Astronomical Achievements of Bhaskaracharya

1. The Earth is not flat, has no support and has a power of attraction.
2. The north and south poles of the Earth experience six months of day and six months of night.
3. One day of Moon is equivalent to 15 earth-days and one night is also equivalent to 15 earth-days.
4. Bhaskaracharya had accurately calculated apparent orbital periods of the Sun and orbital periods of Mercury, Venus, and Mars. There is slight difference between the orbital periods he calculated for Jupiter and Saturn and the corresponding modern values.
5. Earth’s atmosphere extends to 96 kilometers and has seven parts.
6. There is a vacuum beyond the Earth’s atmosphere.

There have been several unscrupulous attempts to argue that there are traces of Diophantine influence in Bhaskara's work, but this once again seems like an attempt by European scholars to claim European influence on (all) the great works of mathematics. These claims should be ignored. Particularly in the field of algebra, Diophantus only looked at specific cases and did not achieve the general methods of the Indians.

The Meaning Of Pilgrimage

by

Akshit Kapoor-

Pilgrimages are intentionally difficult journeys of devotion. By making a long journey to these powerful places, pilgrims achieve a degree of personal growth. The act of pilgrimage serves as a bridge between the known realm of earth, nature, society, and the unknown world of divine beings, from the ephemeral and illusory to reality and eternity.

A place of pilgrimage is known as a ‘tirtha sthana’ – ‘which is associated with or inhabited by sages deserving reverence, who are without desire, egoism or delusion and who have been purified by a performance of penance’ says the Garuda Purana. A tirtha refers to ‘crossing the ford’ – to cross is to be transformed. Among the holiest Hindu tirthas are sacred rivers, especially the Ganges. Its entire length is sacred, yet at some points t is believed that its sanctity comes to a focus. One of these points is Kashi. A tirtha is directly experienced as an intensification of the sacred or supernatural power in time and space. It is there – to be seen, to be felt, to enter, rather as the hearth is the centre of the home, to which all who enter naturally gravitate. And this, despite the fact that home and tirtha are essentially opposites.....

The pilgrim makes a transformative journey to a tirtha in order to see, to have darshan – which means ‘seeing’: Kashi darshan, Vishwanath darshan, Himalaya darshan. All nature is capable of revealing itself as cosmic sacrality. An integral religious society like India’s, searches for identity in the cosmos. The cosmos in its entirety can become a hierophany – a ‘divine showing’. The struggle to overcome difficulties of journey opens up to pilgrims deeper realities and resources of their own being and of the surrounding world. Pilgrimage brings together inner and outer worlds, the physical landscape serving as a mirror for the inner one. The pilgrim is cast from the relatively closed home world onto the vastness of nature.... Indian pilgrimages.... reflects a belief that there is something close to the essence, to beauty and truth in the landscape through which the seeker journeys. Pilgrimage is metaphysical sightseeing....

Eliade points out, man does not ‘choose’ these places: they are merely ‘discovered’ by him. Such tirthas, to which the faithful have made pilgrimage since time immemorial, usually possess palpably ‘magical’ atmosphere and physical beauty..... The sheer size of the subcontinent has traditionally provided little stimulus to venture abroad. But the need of the landlocked to break out, to get up and go, abandon stale routine for a while and be free spirits, has fostered the urge to undertake pilgrimage on an unprecedented scale.

To attract large numbers, the tirtha sthana must both be an accessible crossway and yet distant enough to be reached from afar by an arduous journey – like Mecca, Jerusalem, Delos Compostella, Benaras, located at a territorial midpoint, at the intersection of transcontinental trade routes.... The essence of pilgrimage is movement outwards and away from the home base. Even those who are permanently resident in places of pilgrimage have the same urge to take off on a journey to some distant tirtha.

Pilgrimage is a universal feature in the religious life of man – and even those who profess no religion still feel the urge to make an arduous journey to some distant and elevating goal that transcends the normal parameters of their lives. To benefit from the spiritual and moral qualities of a holy place both pilgrims and secular-intentional seekers must approach their goal in the right frame of mind.

What is the significance of Mauli/Kalava

by
Akshit Kapoor-

A red thread known as Mauli or Kalava or Charadu is tied on wrist by Hindus before the beginning of a religious ceremony. The thread is tied on the right hand by males and on the left hand by females. The thread is tied to invoke the blessings of the Hindu deities especially of the particular deity to whom the puja is dedicated.

There is also a popular belief that the sanctified red thread with blessing of the deity protects a person from diseases, enemies and other dangers.

By tying 'Mauli/Kalava' it is said that blessings of Trideva - Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh and Tridevis - Saraswati, Lakshmi and Durga are received. From the blessings of Brahma we get fame, from the blessings of Vishnu we get defending power from evil and by the blessings of Shiva we get the power to destroy our own bad and negative qualities. By the blessings of Saraswati we get knowledge, by the blessings of Lakshmi we get wealth and from Durga we get power.

In ancient times it is said that God Vaman tied 'Raksha Sootra' (defending thread) in the form of 'Mauli', for the immortality of great chertiest demon king Bali. Since then custom of tying 'Mauli' is continued. It is also said in 'Shastras' that :

Yen baddho bali raja danvedro mahabalah|
Ten tvamanubadhnaami rakshe maachala maachala||

The literal meaning of mauli is 'above all'. Here the reference is to the head that stands high. With the moon perched on top of Shiva's head he is referred to as Chandramauli.

The thread can also be called a raksha or rakhi, and is put on the brother by the sister to show the sister’s familial love. The knots in the thread are said to hold the love of the sister when she tied the knot. Thus, the brother wears the rakhi as a sign of his sister’s love and wishes for protection. In other arrangements, the knots tied in the rakhi as the red strings are given to guests or tied around their wrists before a special ceremony or reception is also considered to hold the goodwill of those who offer it.

Tungnath - World's Highest Hindu Pilgrimage

by
Akshit Kapoor-


The Tunganath (literal meaning: Lord of the peaks) is the world’s highest Hindu pilgrim Temple dedicated to Shiva. Tungnath situated in the height of above 12000ft in Rundraprayag district of Uttarakhand, India. The temple is believed to be 1000 years old and is the second in the pecking order of the Panch Kedars.

It has a rich legend linked to the Pandavas, heroes of the Mahabharata epic. It is said that the Pandavas, after the Great War at Kurukshetra, wished to atone for the sins of fratricide and the killing of Brahmins. They were directed to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva. The Lord, however, was in no mood to pardon them as he was angry at the magnitude of their sins. Taking the form of a bull, the Lord hid from the Pandavas at Guptkashi in the Garhwal Himalaya. But later Shiva’s body in the form of bull’s body parts rematerialized at five different locations that represent the “Panch Kedar” where Pandavas built temples of Lord Shiva at each location, to worship and venerate, seeking his pardon and blessings. Each one is identified with a part of his body; Tungnath is identified as the place where the bahu (hands) were seen: hump was seen at Kedarnath; head appeared at Rudranath; his navel and stomach surfaced at Madhyamaheshwar; and his jata (hair or locks) at Kalpeshwar.

It is an ancient temple built in the North Indian style of temple architecture. It is small in size and can barely accommodate ten people in the sanctum. The temple opens for worship after winter snows melt in June and remains open until late October when snowfall cuts off access to the temple. At this time the deity is moved ceremoniously to the Ukhimath, thousands of feet below.

Besides its majestic location against a backdrop of cliffs, peaks and snow-clad mountains, Tungnath is also popular with trekkers, who make it a point to witness the sunrise from Chandrashila, a nearby peak at 13,123 feet. The 4 km (2.5 mi) trek starts from Chopta (9,600 ft (2,926 m)), the nearest place on the NH 58. Chopta is 63 km (39 mi) from Rudraprayag towards Karnaprayag and is reached from Rishikesh via Devprayag, Srinagar and Rudraprayag.

Yoga Hand Mudra Meanings, Explanations and Benefits

by
Akshit Kapoor-

While at yoga class or watching a yoga video, you may have noticed certain hand movements that are held while in a pose or during meditation. These are called Hand Mudras, and they have a specific and deliberate purpose. In this post, I’ll demonstrate various mudras and explain their meanings and benefits.


What is a Mudra?
Mudra is Sanskrit for seal, mark, or gesture. Typically, mudras are used during meditation or pranayama as a way to direct energy flow in the body. According to yoga, different areas of the hand stimulate specific areas of the brain. By applying light pressure to these areas of the hand, you will “activate” the corresponding region of the brain.

In addition to the “reflexology” aspect of hand mudras, these positions symbolize various feelings, emotions, and states of being. Hand positions play a part in many societies and religions. The Christian church uses many hand movements during mass – all of which symbolize various important ideas. Even in modern Western culture we have hand movements that are associated with a meaning: clapping, flipping the bird, or holding the hands up and palms open to signify surrender.

The mudras described below are an ancient part of the Buddhist and Hindu traditions. Although they were developed thousands of years ago – their meaning is still understood and relevant today.

Gyan Mudra
Description: The index finger and thumb are lightly touching at the tips. The remaining three fingers are held out gently (not ridged). This is one of the most recognized and commonly used mudras. In many depictions of the Buddha, you will notice he holds this mudra.

Meaning: This hand mudra is also known as the “seal of knowledge.” The thumb represents fire and divine nature and the index finger represents air and individual human consciousness. When the two fingers are placed together in Gyan Mudra, it is meant to symbolize and encourage Wisdom and Expansion.

Benefits: When used during meditation or pranayama, Gyan mudra can help ease drowsiness, inspire creativity, and increase concentration.

Shuni Mudra
Description: The middle finger and thumb are lightly touching at the tips. The remaining three fingers are held out gently (not ridged).

Meaning: This hand mudra is also known as the “seal of patience.” The middle finger represents Aakash and courage to hold duty and responsibility. The thumb represents fire and divine nature. When the two fingers are placed together in Shuni Mudra, it is meant to symbolize and encourage Patience, Discernment, Focus and Discipline.

Benefits: When used during meditation or pranayama, Shuni Mudra can help encourage patience and the courage to fulfill one’s responsibilities. It also helps to develop noble thoughts and turn negative emotions into positive ones.

Surya Ravi Mudra or Prithvi Mudra
Description: The ring finger and thumb are lightly touching at the tips. The remaining three fingers are held out gently (not ridged).

Meaning: This hand mudra is also known as the “seal of life” or “seal of the sun.” The ring finger represents earth, energy, strength and endurance. The thumb represents fire and divine nature. When the two fingers are placed together in Surya Ravi Mudra, it is meant to symbolize and encourage energy, balance, health, and vitality.

Benefits: When used during meditation or pranayama, Surya Ravi Mudra can give you energy, positivity, intuition, and help encourage positive change in your life. It also helps to build and invigorate the bodily tissues.

Buddhi Mudra or Varun Mudra
Description: The little finger and thumb are lightly touching at the tips. The remaining three fingers are held out gently (not ridged).

Meaning: This hand mudra is also known as the “seal of mental clarity.” The little finger represents water and communication. The thumb represents fire and divine nature. When the two fingers are placed together in Buddhi Mudra, it is meant to symbolize and encourage openness and fluid communication.

Benefits: When used during meditation or pranayama, Buddhi Mudra can encourage clear and effective communication. It also helps balance the water element in the body, activating the salivary glands and moistening dry eyes and skin.

Be a Good Receiver

by
Akshit Kapoor-

Are you a good receiver? It might sound like a funny question but it is an important one that each of us should ask ourselves. 

Strangely, most of us are better givers than we are receivers. We give to our children, our spouses, our friends, charities and, contrary to what we might think, most of us are actually very good at giving. But receiving; now that is another matter. We often feel subtly uncomfortable when receiving. Even compliments get deflected when they come our way. Someone pays us a compliment for helping them move or clean up the house and we say, “Ah, it was nothing.” Or someone compliments us on an outfit we are wearing and we feel inclined to mention how we bought it at a discount instead of simply enjoying the compliment and letting it nourish us. The compliment is a gift to us, and when we don’t receive it properly we are dishonoring the giver.

Receiving is actually harder to do than giving. Giving is easy, as there is much pleasure in giving, but receiving is an art that takes practice. To be a good receiver requires intimacy, allowing others in our life, however momentarily. It is always a pleasure to be in the presence of a good receiver, to enjoy the way they receive. Being a good receiver is honoring the giver and giving them back something.

Many relationships are suffering not because people are not giving to each other, but because they are not receiving from each other. We should receive the love, respect compliments, and acknowledge one another every time giving occurs. We should practice receiving all the pleasures that happen to us daily, not take anything for granted. Think of how many simple everyday gifts from life we are constantly being given: the beauty of nature, the sound of children playing, art, stimulating conversations. Are we truly receiving them when they happen to us, or are we busy, preoccupied with other matters, not noticing? We should master the art of receiving, be a good receiver and accept the gifts life offers us.

We are taught that it is better to give than receive, but this is wrong. It is better to give and receive. Give and receive. If we think it is better to give than receive, this suggests that there is something wrong with receiving. There is nothing wrong with receiving; in fact we want to receive more, let life shower us with gifts, pleasures, joys, surprises, both large and small, and we want to show our appreciation for all these things. The more we can receive, the more we can give back, but the reverse it not true. Giving more does not necessarily mean we can receive more. We must remember that it is harder to receive than give, and work on this part of ourselves so that we become good receivers and givers, with both in balance.

Be a good receiver and let life’s many blessings nourish you deeply. Notice how much there is to receive and don’t be selfish or distracted; receive it generously and abundantly, showing your appreciation every opportunity you can. This gratitude will send out vibrations of energy that will attract even more blessings to you. This is the alchemy of mastering the art of receiving. This practice will nourish you well.

Sushruta---Father of surgery

by
Akshit kapoor-

Sushruta was a surgeon and teacher of Ayurveda who flourished in the Indian city of Kashi by the 6th century BC. Sushruta served as a surgeon in Kashi, where he practiced medicine and identified the treatment and origin of several diseases. He is well recognized for his innovative method of rhinoplasty, extra capsular lens extraction in cataract, anal and dental surgeries. However, little is known regarding his vivid description of diabetes (madhumeha), angina (hritshoola) and obesity (medoroga).

He was a disciple of Dhanwantari, who is recognized as the Lord deity of Ayurveda (science of life) the Indian system of medicine. He was identified as the son of the Vedic sage Visvamitra.

The medical treatise Sushruta Samhita—compiled in Vedic Sanskrit—is attributed to him. The Sushruta Samhita refers to the eight branches of Ayurvedic medicine. The text is divided into six sections and 184 chapters. Sushruta details about 650 drugs of animal, plant, and mineral origin. In addition, it describes more than 300 kinds of operations that call for 42 different surgical processes and 121 different types of instruments. Other chapters in Sushruta make clear the high value put on the well-being of children, and on that of expectant mothers. Sushruta's coverage of toxicology (the study of poisons) is more extensive than that in Charaka, and goes into great detail regarding symptoms, first-aid measures, and long-term treatment, as well as classification of poisons and methods of poisoning. His samhita discusses in minute detail how to perform prosthetic surgery to replace limbs, cosmetic surgery on different parts of the body, cesarean operations, setting of compound fractures, and even brain surgery.

Sushruta details about 125 surgical instruments used by him, mostly made of stones, wood and other such natural materials. Use of shalaka, meaning foreign body (rods or probe), is also mentioned by Sushruta. Some classifications found in the Sushruta Samhita are not even traced by modern medical science. He is the first surgeon in medical history who systematically and elaborately dealt with the anatomical structure of the eye.

Sushruta described diabetes (madhumeha) as a disease characterized by passage of large amount of urine, sweet in taste, hence the name “madhumeha” — honey like urine. He goes on to say that diabetes primarily affects obese people who are sedentary and emphasized the role of physical activity in amelioration of diabetes.

Though the discovery of circulation is attributed to William Harvey; it is interesting to note that Sushruta had the knowledge of a structure like heart and its role in circulation of “vital fluids” through the ‘channels’. His vivid account of angina (“hritshoola “, meaning heart pain) is marvelous, though he did not use the exact term as angina. It embodies all the essential components of present day definition, i.e. site, nature, aggravating and relieving factors and referral. According to him angina is chest pain which is precordial, temporary, exertional, emotional, burning like and relieved by rest. He also linked this kind of pain to obesity (medoroga). Besides these, he has also described the symptoms of “vatarakta” which are similar to that of hypertension.

Sushruta describes the day-to-day life of the physician in ancient India, who made the rounds of patient's residences and also maintained a consulting room in his own home, complete with a storeroom of drugs and equipment. According to him, although doctors could command a good living, they might also treat learned brahmins, priests and the poor for free. Sushruta describes the ideal qualities of a nurse, and suggests that doctors may have been required to have licenses.

Sushruta extols the benefits of clean living, pure thinking, good habits and regular exercise, and special diets and drug preparations. A plant called soma that is described in the early texts but has never been clearly identified was recommended as a treatment for rejuvenating body and mind. Sushruta explains the need of all living creatures to sleep and to dream as a function of two principles of the mind that give glimpses of previous existences or warn of future ill health. When both principles are weakened, results in coma.

Sushruta is also the father of Plastic Surgery and Cosmetic Surgery since his technique of forehead flap rhinoplasty that he used to reconstruct noses that were amputated, is practiced almost unchanged in technique to this day.

Sushruta had become very famous and his work was translated first into Arabic. Subsequently it reached Europe through Latin and English. Long before the so-called modern medicine and its surgical wing acquired its professional dimensions, Sushruta had traversed a long way ahead of the rest of the world of medical practice and training.

Because of his seminal and numerous contributions to the science and art of surgery he is also known by the title "Father of Surgery”.

Sushruta’s name is synonymous with India’s surgical inheritance, as correctly summarized by the ‘Legacy of Sushruta” (by Dr. M.S. Valiathan) and in proclaiming the greatness of India’s great heritage of its culture.

32000 year old Idol of Narasimha

by
Akshit Kapoor-

32000 year old Idol of Narasimha (Lord Vishnu’s Avatar) found in Germany

Many news about prehistoric founds and their possible meaning reached the world in the last decades. One of them, found in South Germany, puts scientist around the world in amazement. The centerpiece is the “lion man”, an idol that is made from the tusk of a mammoth in the form of a human body with a lion head. Amazingly it is dated back 32,000 years from now.
This discovery brought a lot of attention in the archaeological circles in Europe. In Excavations around 1930-35 at the Lonetal area near Ulm, German scientist already found an immense cave system with lots of prehistoric artifacts in it.
First, only representations of birds, horses, turtles and even single lions where found but not a morphological combination of men and animal. Naturally the “lion man” was quite outstanding and unique. It became also clear during the later examinations that the “lion-men” was used for ritual purposes, unlike the other items which seemed to have accompanied the dead and so on.
The Idol was found exactly at the place in the cave where day and night meet, about 20 meters away from the entrance and buried 1,20 meter deep under the ground. Many parts of the figure were broken and where found a little away in this area. Therefore it took some time to finish the work of completing and reconstructing the figure and to see it as a whole.

Idol of Lord Narasimha
From the viewpoint of Vedic culture of ancient India, Lord Vishnu appeared in a divine human form with a lion face to protect his devotee and to stop religiousness. A description of a standing idol form of this lord is found in the agama silpa shastra and is called “kevala narasimha”. In India still many ancient temples exist, where deities of Sri Narasimha Bhagavan are worshiped, often at special locations like on high mountain peaks or in caves.
Many ancient, highly developed cultures had some kind of idols or pictures of lions with a human face or torso. A purely ritualistic Relic, like for example the Sphinx of gizeh or the Egyptian goddess of war sekhmetm, with a lion head, or Mithra, the Sun god of Persia, with a lion face, the Assyrian Gate Guardians of Babylon or the Etruscan lion with wings at the entrance of the Temple mountain at Troy are well known examples for this.
An now this amazing discovery in Lonetal in a deep cave which is directed to north east towards the little river lone. Extraordinary is also the exact position of the found of the lion-man. It immediately reminded me of the ancient story from the Puranas, known to all devotees of LordVishnu, where Hiranyakashipu, the great demon, achieved nearly immortality by the blessings of Brahma. This demon asked for the boon that he could not be killed by a beast or man, nor in the sky or on earth, not inside or outside a house, not in the day or in the night, not with weapons or by hand and so on. Lord Vishnu then appeared out of a column to kill this demon. But to fulfill the boon Brahma gave, he appeared at dusk and killed him on the doorsteps of his palace with his sharp nails.
It is off course difficult or maybe impossible to finally judge if this idol was a part of a global Vedic civilization but nonetheless our visit of the exhibition, where one can see the figure in a cave like hall, and our later trip to the original place of discovery where very breathtaking and mystical and made us meditate deeply about our predecessors and ancient times long ago where god was present directly on earth, or later in his idol form in many temples all around the world.

Seva / Sewa - Selfless Service

by
Akshit Kapoor-

We define the terms "selfless "as that which is not performed primarily for ones own benefit and "work" analogous to "useful service" simply as any physical act resulting in gain. 

Though defined the grasp and depth of sewa is far more implicit. Naturally it leads to questions such as "Why?", "How?" and "To whom?" amongst many others. These are important questions that have been considered, debated and contested in depth. The answers have come from and have led to some of the most fundamental aspects of dharma.

Why Sewa?

The motives that inspire human beings to do an act of Sewa have been varied and many. The feelings of compassion, feeling of humanity, and sympathy are usually mentioned as reasons why human beings do Sewa. The cardinal principle is that God is residing in all beings human, animal, bird or plant. The same God who is present in me is also present in other beings. Therefore serving man and other beings is serving God.

To Whom?

As mentioned, this extends to all beings whether human, animal, birds, plants or any other. It also includes the environment and living in harmony with nature.

To What Extent?

This is a very difficult question. To what extent should a person give his time, efforts and wealth in charity? Is there a limit charity? All wealth is given by God and a person receiving or collecting it should not go on accumulating or hoarding it. To hoard more wealth than what a man needs is a sin. The wealth not needed by man should be given to others for use. One can amass wealth with hundreds of hands but distribute the same with thousands of hands.


Scriptures :

Paropakaraya Punyaya, Papaya Parapeedanam
"What ever conduces to the good of others is noble deed and should be followed"

Iswarah Sarva Bhutanam Itruddesha Arjuna Tishtati
"The same God who is present in me is also present in other human beings."

Shatahasta Samahara, Sahasrashasta Sankira
"Earn with hundreds of hands, and distribute with thousands."

Datavyamiti Yaddanam Deeyatenupa KarineDeshe Kale cha Patercha Taddanam Sattvikam Smarutam
"That gift which is made to one who can make no return, with the feeling that it is one's duty to give, and which is given at the right place and time and to a worthy person, that gift is held sattvik." 

Why do we put tilak,bindi or red dot on our forehead

by
Akshit kapoor-

A Bindi is an auspicious mark worn by young girls and women in India. The name is derived from “Bindu”, a Sanskrit word for “point” or “dot” and is usually red in color made with vermillion powder which is worn by women between their eyebrows on the forehead.

The origin of the bindi can be found in ancient times but has lost this significance in modern life and is mostly worn all over the world as an accessory. However, bindis have a special significance even today in the Indian tradition. There are different colors worn for different occasions and stages in life, although most women these days don't follow these rules of color anymore. Men also wear a Tilak during pujas (prayers) or religious ceremonies in India. There are many reasons as to why this practice started.


SIGNIFICANCE OF A BINDI FOR A MARRIED WOMAN:
If a woman wears a red bindi it shows that she is married and signifies true love and prosperity. Widows in India do not wear bindi normally, but they are allowed to wear a black coloured one in Southern India, showing their loss. However, young girls are free to wear bindi of any color.


USE OF THE BINDI IN A SPIRITUAL WAY:
In a spiritual view, bindi plays the most important role in Hindu culture. Every morning a Hindu takes a bath and sits in prayer just to seek the absolute truth through every prayer. However, it is true that one cannot sit in prayer the whole day. So when you leave the prayer room, you are expected to put some mark on your forehead, to remind you throughout the day about all the activities and the purpose of life. It is obvious you cannot see the mark on your own forehead every time so whenever you see it on another face, you will get a chance to recall the purpose of your life. The idea is to remember that all the things you are doing are dedicated towards the achievement of this supreme goal of self realization.


USE OF BINDI IN THE SOCIETY:
Society has always wanted to categorize or tag people in groups and the bindi performed a similar function in the 'Social' realm. The social purpose was to ward of the evil eye of the young unmarried girl by making her wear a 'black' Bindi. The married women wore a red Bindi. The 4 castes wore different coloured tilak though this is not followed except in very conservative families in the villages.

1. The Brahmins who were priests or academicians wore a tilak of white sandal wood signifying purity.

2. The Khatriyas (Kings, Warriors and Administrators) wore red tilak to signify valor.

3. The Vaishyas (Business men) wore a yellow tilak signifying prosperity.

4. The Sudra (service class) wore black tilak to signify service to the other classes.


USE OF WEARING BINDI FROM A HEALTHY VIEWPOINT:
From a health point of view, the bindi is worn between the eyebrows where the pineal gland lies. This is an important nerve center and applying sandalwood or ash keeps the nerves cool and so keeps one cool and conserves energy. In the past the bindi was made from the yellow and red sandalwood, red and yellow turmeric, saffron, various flowers, ash, zinc oxide. All these had cooling properties in nature. Today people wear bindis made with glue or glass and doesn't benefit in any way but is more of an accessory.

SPIRITUAL SIGNIFICANCE OF A BINDI:
The Ajna Chakra is considered to be the place of the "Third Eye" where one applies the Bindi. The Ajna Chakra is the site where one finally loses Ahamkara (ego or sense of individuality) when one achieves self-realization or reaches a higher level of spirituality. It is a way to remind one another in the society to see through the mind's eye and see the bigger picture of the “Universe as One”. 

For That Spiritual Experience

by
Akshit kapoor-

There are five aspects of spirituality – the objective, the why of spirituality, the means for attaining the objective, who pursues spirituality and when.

Objective of spirituality is to transcend the limited bodily identity and experience the oneness of the single whole that this creation is.

Why should, or rather, why does, one pursue spirituality? We can start by saying that one gets a desire to pursue spirituality and hence goes ahead with it. Then comes the question, why does one person get that desire and why don’t thousands of others get it? The only answer to this question can be that the Creator wants it that way.

The means of attaining the objective can vary from one person to another. But they must essentially serve the purpose of transcending the physical world. And physical world and our bodily identity are two sides of the same coin. Many tend to argue that spirituality cannot be divorced from worldly living as spirituality basically entails living normally, albeit with an attitude that i am something more than the physical body. While this may make sense to most spiritual seekers, there is a danger that it will amount to nothing more than hypocrisy. One may continue to merrily indulge in worldly pursuits and simply keep telling himself now and then that there is a soul beyond the body. That will be self-deception. It is unlikely to bring any spiritual experiences to such a person.

Many believe that spirituality means living in a noble way – by practicing honesty, integrity, charity, selflessness and other such noble qualities. These are, no doubt, an important preparation towards attaining the ultimate objective. As gurus say, such ‘satkarmas’ lead to accumulation of shuddha punya, credit for good deeds. However, this is not the be-all-end-all of spirituality for it would confuse means with the end. If one falls into that trap, it may amount to walking on a tread mill when, in fact, one wants to reach a destination! Yes, he will get the side benefit of shedding some unnecessary fat. But he won’t be progressing towards the ultimate goal. Without vairagya or detachment, it might not lead to the ultimate goal of Self-realisation.

Now about the “who” part. Satkarmas leading to accumulation of shuddha punya are like a walk towards the gate to the ultimate destination. However, for the ultimate experience, one has to enter the other side through the gate. Now, it is Here an element of divine grace is required. The reason to bring in the aspect of divine grace is because how the selection is made is not known to us, nor can it be understood.

When does one go on to the spiritual path? It may depend on many complex factors, including past karma. So, an easy answer would be that it depends on the sovereign plan of the Creator.

Spiritual experiences cannot be had through one or more of our five bodily senses. They are the kind that can be perceived directly from inside in one’s consciousness. For this to be possible, one has to have a really intense desire for it. He has to switch the physical world off completely for as long as possible. Only then can he make himself eligible for receiving spiritual experience. 

Sacred Shankha (Conch Shell)

by
Akshit Kapoor-

Religious & Scientific Significance...

The conch shell is a major Hindu article of prayer, used as a trumpet and in order to get rid of negative energy and evil spirits. It is also used as a container for holy water ( shankha teertham ). The shankha (conch shell) mudra is also used during various tantric rituals and meditation. "Shankha" is considered to be one of the most auspicious objects that emerged from the sea during the Ksheera Sagara Samudra Manthan.

Our Ancestors knew that when a Shankh is blown its cosmic vibrations can cure diseases. Shankh or Shankham in sanskrit means “a conch holding the sacred water”. Earliest written documentation of Shankh can be traced back to Vedas and other Holy Hindu texts like Bhagwad Gita and Vishnu Purana. They are widely used in many Hindu rituals from bathing of a deity to the starting and ending of a holy ritual.

Religious Significance
-------------------------
In Indian mythology, the Shankha is regarded sacred and very auspicious. To initiate religious ceremonies, a shankha (conch shell) is blown. It is a major Hindu article of prayer. God Vishnu, the God of Preservation, is shown with a shankha in one hand and a disc or a chakra in the other.

Each hindu shankha has a specific name. Vishnu's shankha is called "Panchajanya" . It is believed that when it is blown, it announces the victory of good over evil. In the epic war, Mahabharata, the conch shell held a significant place. Arjuna's shankha was called "Devdutta" , Bhima's "Paundra", Yudhisthira's "Anantavijaya", Nakula's "Sughosa" and Sahadeva's was known as "Manipushpaka".

The sacred conch shell is an integral part of Hindu symbolic and religious tradition. Even today, all Hindus use the conch as a part of their religious practices. Whenever the conch shell is blown, it is said to purify the environment from all evil effects.

Scientific significance
-------------------------
Leaving aside the mythology part, the conch shell's significance can also be corroborated by science. If you try holding a shankha near your ear, the sound of the gently humming ocean can be heard. This is actually the natural vibration or cosmic energy of the Earth which gets magnified on entering the conch shell.

The vibrations from these conch shells can overpower evil forces from the Earth and at the same time also clear environmental pollution including healing the hole in the ozone layer which causes global warming. According to science, the blowing of a conch shell enhances the positive psychological vibrations such as courage, determination, hope, optimism, willpower, etc. in the blower as well as those around him.

Following type of Shankhas are considered very sacred and pure in Hinduism :-

Dakshinavarti Shankha
Vamavarti Shankha
Gaumukhi Shankha
Ganesha Shankha
Kauri Shankha
Moti Shankha
Heera Shankha

Chakras - The wheels of LIFE

by

Akshit Kapoor-

Regular chakra meditation can transform your life by clearing out and enlivening your vital energy centers. This is the most direct way I know to heal ourselves on all levels of our being – physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually. This facilitates awakening to the Truth Of Who We Are and floods our entire being with wellbeing.

An aura is the energy field surrounding all life forms, including the human body, often described as egg shaped. Light energy is drawn into this egg, which acts like a prism and breaks the light into its component colour elements called “Chakras”.

The word “Chakra” comes from the Sanskrit world for “wheel” or “disk”. Their origin stems from the yoga system, more specifically from the Vedas. This system dates back as far as 2500BCE. There are hundreds of chakras on the body but in its basic form it embodies seven major energy centres that are arranged vertically along the spinal column, starting at the coccyx and proceeding upward towards the crown of the head.

Chakras allow the free flow of energy, which promotes good health and vitality. If an energy blockage arises, this may cause physical ailments that correspond to the area of the blockage. By working with the chakras, a balance of energy can be maintained.

As we can see in the illustration, each chakra is also represented with its own colour. You may notice that these colours are the colours of the spectrum, each of progressively higher vibration as we move up the chakra system.

The energy systems of the subtle bodies respond to thoughts, and by using directed meditation it is possible to adjust the energy flow. With the chakras open, one is able to connect to the life force that permeates all of life, often referred to as “Prana” or “Chi”. As one begins working with these subtle energies, it is likely that they will not notice any physical sensation, however, as one continues practising, their senses will develop and they will soon be able to feel the energy moving throughout their system.

The bottom three chakras allow healing energies from the earth to enter the body and the top three chakras allow healing to enter from above. At the centre is the heart chakra that allows for balance between these two energy types.

The chakras are clearly visible in auric photography and reveal a great deal about a person. Unfortunately, to see the chakras using the naked eye is not too easy. Some lucky individuals are able to see the chakra system; others can develop their auric sight using certain exercises.

The Seven Chakras:

Root Chakra – Muldhara:
Earth, physical identity, orientation to self-preservation.

Sacral Chakra – Svadhisthana, sweetness:
Water, emotional identity, oriented to self-gratification.

Solar Plexus Chakra – Manipura, lustrous gem:
Fire, ego identity, oriented to self-definition

Heart Chakra – Anahata, unstruck, unhurt, fresh, clean:
Air, social identity, oriented to self-acceptance

Throat Chakra – Vishuddha, purification:
Sound, creative identity, oriented to self-expression

Brow Chakra – Ajna, perception:
Light, archetypal identity, orientation to self-reflection

Crown Chakra – Sahasrara, thousandfold:
Thought, universal identity, oriented to self-knowledge

What is Dharma

by
Akshit Kpoor-

Dharma is perhaps the key term for the great spiritual traditions of India and East Asia, Hindu and Buddhist, whether relative to their understanding of the outer world of nature or the inner realm of consciousness. It is the basis of India’s vast and diverse culture and its deep commitment to Yoga and meditation as tools of self-realization for all. A respect for Dharma is said to be more important even than a belief in God, because it implies certain values and a way of life that promotes truth, unity and respect for all life above ideas or emotions.

Dharma in Sanskrit comes from the root ‘dhri’ meaning ‘to uphold’ and is symbolized by a pillar. It refers to the spiritual, ethical and natural principles that uphold the entire universe. Dharma has always been linked to Veda or vidya, which refers to an inner capacity to perceive the nature of things. It reflects a higher awareness pervades and underlies all existence.

Dharma is a very difficult term to define and eventually must be understood in its own right. To provide a basis for this, we could say that Dharma indicates both the nature of reality at a universal level as well as the proper place for each thing in the universe according to its particular qualities and capacities. There is a specific dharma relative to each creature and every aspect of nature, as well as to the whole of existence. Dharma indicates the harmony both of the totality and the individual, which are complementary and interdependent. According to a dharmic view, the entire universe is present in each object and in every creature, which in some way embody or express the totality.

There is a dharma or natural way of working behind the great forces of nature, the five elements of earth, water, fire, air and ether, the seasons, the three worlds as earth, atmosphere and the heavens, and the different aspects of the cosmos as matter, energy, and light, which follow interrelated laws and patterns.

There is a dharma or unique quality and energy in every plant and animal which serves to make it what it is. Everything has its place in the Dharma, which reflects its role in the cosmic order. And there is a special dharma or role on Earth for the human being, which is to seek to embody a higher truth and work to promote a higher consciousness in the world. The universe is an organically connected vibratory field in which all things are linked together into a greater network of harmony, beauty and vitality. This is the universal ‘web of dharma’.

There is dharma or way of right action relative to all aspects of human life and culture: a dharma of art, a dharma of business, a dharma of communication, a dharma of relationship, a dharma of science, a dharma of religion, and so on – each of which requires its own examination. What is done according to dharma is performed with grace, intelligence and respect for the natural order. Each different domain of our lives has certain principles and practices necessary to unfold its full potential, which constitute its dharma. If we follow the dharma in what we do, we will not only be successful, but will act so in a way that promotes the well-being of all.

We have our own individual or ‘svadharma’ that reflects our capacities and aspirations in life. Yet this is not something that divides us from others. Each person has similar potentials that we must honor.

Why you cannot understand Meditation

by
Akshit Kapoor-

There are seven levels to our existence, from gross to subtle they are: Body, Breath, Mind, Intellect, Memory, Ego, Self.

The Body and breath are the manifest aspects of ourselves, the rest are unmanifest. We cannot touch, taste, smell, see or hear the others, but we know they exist.

We are all familiar with the body and the breath. Would be pretty tough reading this if you didn’t have a body, or were not breathing 

The mind is that which perceives the world through the five senses. While reading this, are your eyes reading it or are YOU reading it? When you hear something, what hears, your ears? Or You? If you wish someone to pay attention to you, would you say “Make your ears listen to me!?”. You will appeal to that aspect of their consciousness that perceives the world. This we call the mind.

We understand stuff with the intellect. The intellect is the discriminatory aspect of ourselves. It decides right, wrong, good, bad, pleasant, unpleasant. The memory is the storehouse of all our past experiences. These two play with each other and make you want or not want something.

The memory remembers fire = burn = painful. So the intellect warns you when you are near fire to be careful. The memory remembers Gulab Jamun = tasty = feel really good. So the intellect says go ahead eat it! They make you averse to something or crave something. So the intellect and memory decide how you respond or react to external stimuli.

You are not a random collection of cells, muscles, tissues put together for someone’s entertainment. There is someone sitting in here, in this body. As you read this, notice “YOU” are reading this. This “youness” is Ego. The Ego is the sense of “I am”. “I exist”.

The Self is that aspect of You which remains untouched by anything. The unchanging aspect of Your system.

The first great Sentence is that “Everything is changing”. But to recognize change, there needs to be some place stable, unchanging from where change can be percieved. This is the Self, and this is where all meditators aspire to get to and rest within.

There are four states of consciousness. The first is Awake state where mind, memory, intellect and ego are all active.

In the Sleep and Dream state, the mind and intellect shut down, the memory and ego are still working. That’s where the dreams come from and that’s how you do all sorts of crazy stuff in your dreams, because you don’t have the intellect telling you good, bad right, wrong… There is no discriminatory impulse in a dream. But you know YOU are dreaming or that YOU are sleeping. So the Ego is still active.

However in the Meditative state of consciousness, the mind, intellect, memory are all inactive. They all shut down. A very faint Ego remains – Just an almost imperceptible sense of I am here - and an absolutely euphoric experience of Bliss, of utter relaxation. This experience of the Infinite while still being in the very finite body is meditation.

But understanding meditation?
For understanding anything, the intellect has to be active. To understand what you are reading right now, your intellect has to be on. Notice how you go yes/no to what’s written here according to the stuff stored in your memory.

To understand the majesty and grandeur of the Self, you would require the intellect to be active. By definition, to meditate, the intellect needs to shut down.

So, it would be an exercise in sheer futility to try to understand meditation.

Ironical huh?
Anyone can meditate. No one can understand what it is!

Diseases of woman and astrology pointers

by
Akshit Kapoor-

Factors

Ascendent--- General body and vitality

6th  house- diseases
Jupiter- Tumors and liver.
Rahu- infectious diseases, undignostic diseases,poision ,phobias and mental disorders.
Mars-- Bleeding,abortion and miscarriage ,surgeries,hemorrhoids, diseases of the uterus
Saturn: obstruction, acid, chronic, incurable diseases, glands, depression, injuries after the fall, the various forms of cancer tumors.
Zodiac sign cancer and its lord -- Moon- Menstrual disorders,diseases of the uterus and hormonal problems ,asthma,breast,cancer,organs of reproduction,anemia and nervous system,glands and blood.
Saturn in Scorpio ·, placed eighth in house of genital diseases causes trouble  throughout the life.
Venus-- indication of the uterus and ovaries, inflammation of the uterus and ovaries, ovarian diseases, venereal complaints, typhoid,reproductive organs, diabetes, hormonal disorders of reproductive organs, venereal diseases of the internal generative organs, causing discomfort caused by excessive sexual pleasure.
Ketu- accidents,injuries,fevers and unknown diseases.
Malefic · With  lords of houses 6 and 8, guarantees the presence of venereal disease or other disorders of the reproductive system
 Mars in the sixth house is a symptom of genital disease (bleeding and inflammation)
your ascendant/6th, in conjunction with Mercury and Rahu is a reliable indicator of women's disorders
Venus in 6th/8th/12th indicates the abnormality of female genital
Saturn in Scorpio ·, placed eighth in house of genital diseases causes trouble  throughout the life.

Blocked Fallopian tubes.

Venus / Moon affected Saturn / Rahu is blocked fallopian tubes.

7th/8th ·  afflicted by Saturn and Rahu is blocked fallopian tubes

Uterus disorders

Eighth lord / house  / debilited / set / Hammed between evil / bad aspect of the joint and identify the uterus problems

The eighth ruler · / house and the Moon if  affected by Saturnand Rahu indicate uterine cancer
Eighth lord in  6th/12 eighth place in the house and aspect of Saturnand Rahu indicate uterine cancer
 sixth lord in 8th/12 and aspect of Saturn and Rahu indicate uterine cancer
· Moon / 8 house affected by the Scorpio Ketu indicates uterine disease 

Santhana Gopala Mantra

by
Akshit Kapoor-

Santhana Gopala Mantra (For childless couple)

Santhana Gopala Mantra

Om Devaki Sudha Govinda
Vasudeva Jagath Pathe
Dehimey Thanayam
Krishna Thwamaham
Saranam
Kadhahaa Deva Deva
Jagannatha
Gothra Vridhi Karap Prabho
Dehimey Thanayam Sheegram
Ayushmandham Yashashreenam !

It would be helpful to child less couples. Make a prayer to Santhana Gopala by chanting the following mantra 108 times a day for 108 days after bath. This Mantra protects the expectant mother against miscarriages and ensures safe delivery of the baby. The Mantra would bless the couple with children, good health and prosperity.

Astrological significator

Jupiter is known significator of children and so is the 5th House and 5th Lord. Apart from various astrological considerations, the first look on the horoscope has to be on 5th house, planets in the 5th house, 5th lord, planets aspecting the 5th lord , strength of 5th lord and the known benefic planet – Jupiter. Apart from sons and grandsons, Jupiter also take in its ambit grandfather and great-grandfather. Thus at times, not getting a child is attributed to Pitri-dosha.

Denial significators

For denial of children, we have ‘Sarpasapa yogas and premature death of children is also indicated by these yogas. In addition we have ANAPATHYA YOGA. The simple constitution of this yoga is attributed to the weak Jupiter, lagna Lord, 5th Lord and 7th Lord. If this combination exists, particularly in the both the charts of husband and wife, the native may not have any child. Jupiter and the Lagna Lord 7th and 5th Lords have to be weak. If the Jupiter and 5th Lord gets strong, the yoga gets modified to some extent and chances to have a child would brighten – depending on the totality of horoscope.

Birth of children is considered to be a great blessing and feelings of those not having a child can better be imagined than described. Now a reference is made to Sarpasapa Yogas:
5th should be occupied by Rahu and aspected by Mars or the 5th should be a sign of Mars and occupied by Rahu.

5th Lord in conjunction with Rahu and Saturn in the 5th house aspected by or associated with the Moon.

Jupiter-Karka of children in association with Mars, Rahu in Lagna and 5th Lord in ‘dusthana’ gives to rise to Sarpasapa Yoga.

5th house being sign of Mars must be conjoined by Rahu and aspected by or associated with Mercury.

Beeja & Kshetra Sphuta-The Astrology of Sperm & Ovary

by
Akshit Kapoor-

The method has been detailed in Shri Bepin Behari's book "Astrology Simplified." The details under the heading "SPHUTA" are given below, from Page 187 SPHUTA [Sphuta = opening, blossoming]. Calculations relating to the possibility of having an offspring. Three important sphutas are considered in this regard: (i) Beeja (seed) sphuta, (ii) Kshetra (field) sphuta, and (iii) Putra tithi (opportune date for impregnation) sphuta. Beeja sphuta is obtained by adding the longitude of Sun, Venus and Jupiter in the husband's chart. The sum indicates a sign and its Navamsa. If both of these are in odd signs, virility is present and the chances of an offspring are good. If both are in even signs, virility and the chance of progeny are both absent. If one is odd and the other is even, the progeny may be delayed. Kshetra sphuta is worked out by adding the longitudes of Jupiter, Moon and Mars in the wife's natal chart. If the sign and Navamsa thus obtained are both in even signs, fertility and chances of progeny are assured. In case both are in odd signs, the progeny will be delayed or even denied. If one is odd and the other is even, there may be a delay but the progeny can be expected.

Putra tithe sphuta is decisive in progeny prediction. It is determined as follows: Multiply the longitudes of natal Moon and Sun separately by 5, subtract the result obtained from Sun from that of Moon, and convert the result into degrees, minutes, etc. Divide it by 12. The quotient plus 1 gives the tithe required. If this is less than 15, it is deemed to be in the dark half ,and if the remainder is less than 6, the tithe is in the first half. If it is more than 6, it would be in the second half.Impregnation during this period has greater chance of fertilization.

A Horoscope Vol.1 by Dr. B. V. Raman”



***** Page 221 mentions this as

Though the 5th house maybe strong and all indications for birth or children maybe present, there will be no issues if there is no strength or vitality for Beeja and Kshetra. Beeja is the seed of the male and Kshetra is the bed of the woman. In other words Beeja and Kshetra represent, not exactly the sperm and the ovum, but the element that really makes the male and female fluids fertile.------------ if the Beeja and Kshetra in their horoscopes are not strong, when judged according to astrological rules, they will not bring forth any issues.
When the Beeja (male) is weak and Kshetra (female) is strong, then children may be born late in the life after undertaking the necessary remedial measures. The strength to cause pregnancy is controlled by the Sun – lord of vitality – in general. Venus governs the seminal fluid. These two must have favorable positions in the horoscope particularly in odd signs. Similarly, in the case of a female, Mars governs the nature of blood and the Moon
controls the strength to bear children. These two planets should preferably occupy even signs. In case of a male, add together the longitude of Sun, Venus and Jupiter. Expunge
multiples of 360 degrees. The sign arrived at indicates what is called “Beeja Sphuta” or longitude of seed. Similarly in a female horoscope add together the longitude of Mars, Moon and Jupiter. Expunge multiples of 360 degrees. The sign arrived at represents the
longitude of the bed or “Kshetra Sphuta”

 For males, flow of seminal fluid is controlled by Venus and power to help in causing pregnancy is governed by the Sun who is the lord of vitality. These two planets must have good placements preferably in odd signs with benefic associations and aspects for males—for females, it will be worthwhile to mention that Moon gives strength to conceive and bear the children and also regulates and controls the flow and cycle of menstruation; whereas Mars, in case of females, plays very important role and is responsible for quality and superiority of blood. As such for females, the Moon and Mars should preferably find good placement in their horoscopes in even signs with benefic associations and aspects. Jupiter who is a natural significator for issues for both males and females should find good placement in horoscopes. Considering the above facts, Beeja Sphuta for males is worked out from the longitudes of Sun, Venus and Jupiter; and, in case of females, Kshetra Sphuta is worked out from the longitudes of Moon, Mars and Jupiter.
      Following table will be useful and enable the readers to work out Beeja Sphuta and Kshetra Sphuta for forecasting the results regarding issues:

In case of	Add Longitude of natal planets	Resulting Sign/Navamsa	Results
males	Jupiter, Sun & Venus	both odd	virility assured
	Expunging 12 signs	odd/ even	mixed results
		even/odd	doubtful
		both even	virility nil
females	Jupiter, Moon & Mars	both even	fecundity assured
	Expunge 12 signs	even & odd	children after
		odd/ even	great efforts
		both odd	fecundity nil