Ashram Yoga : India's Spiritual Tradition » children

Christmas at Seon Ashram (INDIA)

admin — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 17:03:11 +0000

The Omkareshwar Ashram School

admin — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 14:39:12 +0000

Bringing education and new opportunities to some of the poorest children in India, this video gives an overview of the Omkareshwar Ashram School, one of the wonderful projects sponsored by Shantipuri Friends Foundation. Visit www.shantipurifriends.org for more information, or to offer support.

Art Of Living – Knowledge Sheet 13 – Book 1 – A LIAR IS INNOCENT

admin — Sun, 21 Aug 2011 14:40:28 +0000

This is from An Intimate Note to the Sincere Seeker Book 1 by Art of Living. The knowledge I am reading was given by Sri Sri Ravi Shankar on 06 Sep, 1995 in Bangalore Ashram, India. — A LIAR IS INNOCENT A dear person whom you trust lies to you and gets caught. What do you feel? 1. Sadness 2. Anger 3. Cheated 4. Disappointment 5. Compassion 6. Let down 7. Loss of respect 8. Wonder 9. Shock 10. Embarrassment Recently when someone lied to me, I felt happy and more love, for they were not a good liar. Had they been a good liar, they would not have been caught. I thought they were so innocent that they could not even lie properly. They lie and get caught. If they had not been caught, how would you know they were a liar? So . . . you can never know a good liar. The person you call a liar is not a good liar and they are innocent. Aren’t they? And so . . . ha ha (laugh). You need not go through all the listed mental gymnastics. Instead melt and dissolve in Love. — Jai Guru Dev

Maharishi Valmiki

admin — Sun, 04 Jul 2010 11:39:00 +0000

Maharshi Valmiki Sri Rama and Seetha. Who has not heard these two names in our country, from the Himalayas to Kanyakumari? Ramanavami is a sacred festival. People observe the Ramotsava and listen to the stories of Rama and Seetha again and again. They worship Rama and Seetha with great devotion. The journey of Rama through life is the ‘Ramayana’ (Ramasya ayana – Rama’s journey). It is remarkable that Sri Rama himself listened to the story of the Ramayana’ and was pleased. Lava and Kusha sang the story before Rama very sweetly; Rama did not know that they were own sons! The poet who composed ‘Ramayana’ and taught the song and story to Lava and Kusha, was a great sage by name Valmiki. How this man became a sage and a singer-poet is itself a very interesting story. Valmiki’s Ramayana is in the Sanskrit language. It is a very beautiful poem. Long poem narrating the story of a very great hero is called an epic. Valmiki’s ‘Ramayana’ is the very first such poem in Sanskrit. Therefore, it is also called the ‘Adi-Kavya’ or – the First Poem; Valmiki is also known as the ‘Adi-Kavi’, which means the First Poet. Valmiki’s ‘Ramayana’ can be sung. It is delightful to the ear like the sound of the cuckoo. Valmiki has been described as a cuckoo on the tree of poetry, singing sweetly. Those who read the ‘Ramayana’ bow to the great Valmiki first and then turn to the epic. Out of the Ant-hill Valmiki was not the name that his parents chose for the poet. His real name was Ratnakara. The word ‘Valmika’ in Sanskrit means an ant-hill. Since he came out of an ant-hill, he got the name of Valmiki. But how strange! How did he come out of an ant-hill? Now, that is a wonderful and delightful story. Valmiki also lived in the age of Sri Rama – called the ‘Treta Yuga’ (the Age of Treta). In those days, there was a thick forest all along the banks of the river Ganga. Many sages built their hermitage in that forest for their ‘tapas’ ; that means they meditated on God. Among them was a sage by the name of Prachetasa. He had, a son called Ratnakara. When he was very young boy, one day he went into the forest. While playing he lost his way and began to cry. Just then a hunter came there looking for a prey. He saw the chubby boy and fondled and pacified him. The hunter had no children. He took the boy to his hut in the midst of the jungle. Ratnakara’s father searched for his son all around the hermitage, but could not find him. Finally he and his wife thought that the boy had become the prey of some wild beast. Both wept very much. The hunter and his wife brought up the lad with great love. Ratnakara forgot his parents. He took the hunter for his father and the hunter’s wife for his mother. He was taught how to hunt by the father. Ratnakara was a clever boy and learnt it quickly. He became a hunter with a sure aim. To the birds and beasts of the forest, he became verily Yama, the God of Death. When he came of age, his foster father searched for a bride and celebrated his marriage with a beautiful girl from a hunters family. In a few years she gave birth to some children. Thus Ratnakara’s family grew in size. It became very difficult for him to provide food and clothing to his large family. So he took to robbery. He began to attack people going from one village to another, frighten them and to away all that they had. If they opposed him, he killed them. One day Ratnakara was sitting by the side of a road waiting for a victim. It happened that the great sage Narada was passing that way. Narada had his favorite musical instrument, a Veena, in his hands. As he played on the Veena, he was singing a song in praise of God. When he was thus lost in joy, suddenly Ratnakara rushed at him. He lifted the stout staff in his hands and shouted, “Look here! Hand over all you have or else I’ll break your head.” But Narada was not an ordinary man. He was a divine sage, and one who wandered all over the Earth, the Heaven and the Underworld. He was not frightened by the loud shouts of Ratnakara. He smilingly, “My dear man, all that I have only this old Veena and the rags I wear; If you want them, you can certainly take them. Why should you break my head for these?” Ratnakara was astonished at these words. He looked up at Narada’s face. There was neither fear nor anger; there was only peace. And how bright was that face! He was surprised to see a face tender and innocent like that of a child. He had never seen such a lovely face. As he gazed, his cruel mind melted into tenderness. Narada sat beneath a tree and as played on the Veena, sang a song in praise of God. It was sweet like the song of cuckoo. Ratnakara was deeply moved. Noticing the change, the sage Narada paused in his song and said, “Brother, stealing is a sin. Killing animals is also sinful. Why do you do such evil?” “Sire, what can I do Ratnakara replied, I have a large family. There are my old parents and my wife and children, They partake of my happiness and my troubles. I have to provide them with food and clothing. Hunting and stealing are all I know. What else can I do?” The sage smiled and said, “My friend, will any member of your family partake of your sin also? Go and ask them, and bring back their reply.” Ratnakara thought that Narada was trying a trick to make his escape. Narada understood it and again said, “Well, child, if you do not trust me, you can tie me to this tree and then go.” Ratnakara thought that was all right. He tied Narada to a tree and went home. On reaching home, he first went to his father and said, “Father, I rob people to get food and clothing for you all. It seems that is a sin. Do you not share in that sin?” His father was angry and said, “You sinner, you should not do such bad things. Am I to share your sins? No, never. You have to suffer for what you do.” Ratnakara went to his mother and said, “Surely, mother, you will share my sin, won’t you?” But she also scolded him and sent him away. He then went to his wife and said, “Do you know how I earn to provide you and your children with food and clothing? It is by robbery. But I steal for your sake. Therefore you are also partners in my sin. Isn’t that so?” The wife was displeased and said, ‘What are you saying? What have we to do with your sin? You are my husband, and my children are your children. It is your duty to look after us and give us food and clothing.” Ratnakara’s eyes were opened. He realized that he alone was responsible for all his sins no one else would share his sin. As soon as it was clear to him, he ran to Narada. He untied the sage and amidst weeping, narrated to him all that had happened in his home. Falling at Narada’s feet he asked the sage, “Oh, sire now what of me? How can I atone for all the sins I have committed? You are my only savior.” Narada lifted him up and wiped his tears. He consoled him saying, “Do not be afraid. I shall teach you a way to wash off your sins.” So he taught Ratnakara the sacred name of Rama – ‘Rama Nam’. He made him sit beneath a tree and asked him to go on repeating the sacred name of Rama. He said, I shall come here again, Till then you should not get up and go away.” Then the sage departed. Ratnakara continued his ‘tapas’ chanting the name of Rama. His eyes were closed. His whole mind was concentrate on the chanting of the name of the Lord He forgot his existence. He had neither food nor sleep for days and days. And in this way quite a few years passed. An ant hill grew all around and above him. He could not even be seen by anybody. At last one day the sage Narada again came that way. Of course, he knew that Ratnakara was inside the anthill. Very carefully he cleared that anthill still Ratnakara was wholly lost in his ‘tapas’ and did not wake up to the world around him. Narada chanted the name of Rama in his ears. Then he opened his eyes and saw the sage standing before him. He saluted him from where he was sitting. Narada helped him to get up. He also gently touched him all over. Ratnakara felt new life flowing through him. He touched the sage’s feet; Narada lifted him up and embraced him. He said to him, “Ratnakara, you are blessed. God is pleased with your ‘tapas’. You are now a sage of the highest order, a Brahmarshi. As you are now reborn from a Valmika (the ant-hill), will here after be famous as Valmiki.” Tears of joy welled up in Valmiki’s eyes at these words. He prostrated before Narada again and said, “Sire, all this is your kindness. The company of good men uplifts man. I am myself a proof of this.” Narada blessed him and went his way. The sage, Valmiki, now formed his ashrama or hermitage near the river Ganga. His fame spread every – where Many other sages went with their families and settled down in his ashrama. This sons became the disciples of Valmiki. One day Sri Rama with his wife Seetha and brother Lakshmana came to Valmiki’s ashrama. Valmiki’s joy knew no limit. With the help of his disciples he waited on them with great enthusiasm. His disciples brought them water to wash their hands and feet, and spread mattresses for them to sit upon. They offered the guests fresh milk and tasty fruits. After resting a while, Sri Rama narrated his story. He had come to the forest so that his father’s promise might be fulfilled. Valmiki was very pleased to hear it. He said, “Ramachandra, there is none so truthful as you are. You have given up your kingdom so that your father’s promise may be kept. Giving up a king’s throne, you have come to the forest. You are not an ordinary man but the Almighty Himself. The power of your name is such that I have changed from a sinful hunter to a sage, a Brahmarshi. Your grace is great.” Sri Rama smiled. Then he said to Valmiki, “O great sage, we have come here to live near your hermitage. Please show us a suitable spot.” There was a hill very near Valmiki’s hermitage. It was called Chitrakuta. It was a beautiful place with many kinds of plants full of flowers and trees bearing fruits. Valmiki guided Rama to that hill. Sri Rama lived for a while on the hill with his wife and brother.

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Maharishi Valmiki

Bagavatham.Org

adam — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 14:20:00 +0000

Dear All this is a web site created by a grandson for his grand father, please read the lovely stories of Bagavatham in the web site created by Mr.Natarajan the grand son.Incidentally Mr.Natarajan is maths teacher in Beharain. http://www.bagavatham.org/ You are now about to begin your mystical journey. This adventure will take you through powerful gods,terrorizing demons,Noble kings,benevolent saints and some just ordinary people. These stories sparkle not only in adventure,romance and intrigue but also have timeless wisdom and deep spiritual meaning. A tip on how to use this website You may first go the page of contents where there is a brief discription of each story. You may then go to the respective chapter and have a detailed reading. Enjoy every word of this classic and be blessed. Parents can also read these aloud for their children. you can sign our guestbook by clicking right here====================> About The Author: Sri P.S.Krishna Iyer was a mathematics teacher in the Government Trainning College , Trichur. He retired from the Government college Madapally in 1964 . At an age of ninety two he started writing the book ” Tales From The Bhagavatham” Retold For children and completed it in two years. Presently he resides at Palaghat , Kerala He has written this book when he was 95. > He is now 101 and resides at palaghat

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Bagavatham.Org

Makar Sankranti

adam — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 06:40:00 +0000

Makar Sankranti is one of the most auspicious occasions for the Hindus, and is celebrated in almost all parts of the country in myriad cultural forms, with great devotion, fervour & gaiety. It is a harvest festival. Makar Sankranti is perhaps the only Indian festival whose date always falls on the same day every year i.e. the 14th of January. Makar Sankranti is the day when the glorious Sun-God begins its ascendancy and entry into the Northern Hemisphere and thus it signifies an event wherein the Sun-God seems to remind their children that ‘Tamaso Ma Jyotir Gamaya’, may you go higher & higher, to more & more Light and never to Darkness. To Hindus, the Sun stands for knowledge, spiritual light and wisdom. Makar Sankranti signifies that we should turn away from the darkness of delusion in which we live, and begin to enjoy a new life with bright light within us to shine brighter and brighter. We should gradually begin to grow in purity, wisdom, and knowledge, even as the Sun does from the Day of Makar Sankranti. The festival of Makar Sankranti is highly regarded by the Hindus from North to down South. The day is known by various names and a variety of traditions are witnessed as one explores the festival in different states.

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Makar Sankranti

Indian Children From Chilianolya Christmas Singing In Babaji Ashram Haidakhan India 2007

admin — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 19:53:25 +0000

Indian Children from Chilianolya [The Anand Puri Babaji Ashram in Ranikhet] perform their Christmas program in Haidakhan singing a local Indian song on Christmas eve 24 December 2007. Each year the Birth of Christ is observed in Haidakhan for the many hundreds of guests that come to celebrate with us. … Haidakhan Christmas babaji ashram india children singing

Haidakhan Kids/Children Sing HANUMAN CHALISA Babaji Ashram India

admin — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 09:51:25 +0000

Here some of the Local kids in Haidakhan sing The Hanuman Chalisa, or attempt to…Only two of them will make through to the end Everybody has too much fun when theres a camera on, well that’s not entirely true, the playhouse gang is always having fun camera or not !!! This was 4 June 2008

Local Indian Kids/Children Playing Around In Haidakhan Babaji Ashram India

admin — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 14:40:32 +0000

Here’s the playhouse gang, having fun again, that’s Bharat, Neraj, Neha, & Kavita

Some Mozart maybe, for the children of Devkrupa Ashram, India

admin — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 14:40:47 +0000

jestefeste.posterous.com These children are from families of indigenous IDPs of Devkrupa Ashram in Gujarat, India. I was worried that the children would be bored and just start making noise or run around. but i guess it is true; mozart works magic on children.