Lingashtakam

Lingashtakam is an octet of hymns in the praise of Lord Shiva. 

The ashtakam is attributed to Adi Shankaracharya, said to be an avatar of Lord Shiva. 

It addresses the linga aspect of Lord Shiva, that is, the physical representation of the column of Light of Creation.

Released on the auspicious occasion of Maha Shivaratri 2021, the ashtakam is known to bestow peace, fulfilment and salvation to one who chants it regularly.  

It is particularly beneficial to chant this ashtakam on the occasion of Maha Shivaratri, which occurs on the 13th night/14th day of the Phalguna month of the Hindu calendar.

One can chant the ashtakam everyday before dawn or dusk, while physically/mentally focusing on the Shivalinga. 

Watch the video of Lingashtakam here:

https://youtu.be/bSSrVHiQaU0

Here is a transliteration (into English, Hindi & Kannada) and the translation of Lingashtakam:

Atah Lingashtakam

अतः लिंगाष्टकम 

ಅತಃ ಲಿಂಗಾಷ್ಟಕಂ

This is the eight-stanza-hymn of Shivalinga

Brahmamurari surarchita Lingam nirmala bhasita shobhita Lingam

Janmaja dukhavinashaka Lingam tat pranamami Sadashiva Lingam

ब्रह्ममुरारि सुरार्चित लिंगम निर्मल भासित शोभित लिंगम

जन्मज दुःखविनाशक लिंगम तत प्रणमामि सदाशिव लिंगम

ಬ್ರಹ್ಮಮುರಾರಿ ಸುರಾರ್ಚಿತ ಲಿಂಗಂ ನಿರ್ಮಲಭಾಸಿತ ಶೋಭಿತ ಲಿಂಗಂ 

ಜನ್ಮಜ ದುಃಖವಿನಾಶಕ ಲಿಂಗಂ ತತ್ ಪ್ರಣಮಾಮಿ ಸದಾಶಿವ ಲಿಂಗಂ

Worshipped by Brahma, Vishnu and Devas; the pure, resplendent, adorned Linga

That which removes the sorrows of birth/life; I bow to that eternal Shivalinga

Devamuni pravararchita Lingam kamadaham karunakara Lingam

Ravanadarpa vinashana Lingam tat pranamami Sadashiva Lingam

देवमुनि प्रवरार्चित लिंगम कामदहम करुणाकर लिंगम

रावणदर्प विनाशन लिंगम तत प्रणमामि सदाशिव लिंगम

ದೇವಮುನಿ ಪ್ರವರಾರ್ಚಿತ ಲಿಂಗಂ ಕಾಮದಹಮ್ ಕರುಣಾಕರ ಲಿಂಗಂ

ರಾವಣದರ್ಪ ವಿನಾಶನ ಲಿಂಗಂ ತತ್ ಪ್ರಣಮಾಮಿ ಸದಾಶಿವ ಲಿಂಗಂ

Worshipped by Devas and Rishis; that which burns desires, that which is compassionate

That which destroys Ravana's pride; I bow to that eternal Shivalinga

Sarva sugandhi sulepita Lingam buddhi vivardhana karana Lingam

Siddhasurasura vandita Lingam tat pranamami Sadashiva Lingam

सर्व सुगन्धि सुलेपित लिंगम बुद्धि विवर्धन कारण लिंगम्

सिद्धसुरासुर वन्दित लिंगम तत प्रणमामि सदाशिव लिंगम 

ಸರ್ವ ಸುಗಂಧಿ ಸುಲೇಪಿತ ಲಿಂಗಂ ಬುದ್ಧಿ ವಿವರ್ಧನ ಕಾರಣ ಲಿಂಗಂ

ಸಿದ್ಧಸುರಾಸುರ ವಂದಿತ ಲಿಂಗಂ ತತ್ ಪ್ರಣಮಾಮಿ ಸದಾಶಿವ ಲಿಂಗಂ

That which is anointed with fragrant paste; that which grants wisdom

Worshipped by Siddhas, Devas and Asuras; I bow to that eternal Shivalinga

Kanaka mahamani bhushita Lingam phanipati veshtita shobhita Lingam

Dakshasuyagna vinashana Lingam tat pranamami Sadashiva Lingam

कनक महामणि भूषित लिंगम फणिपति वेष्टित​ शोभित लिंगम

दक्षसुयज्ञ विनाशन लिंगम तत प्रणमामि सदाशिव लिंगम

ಕನಕ ಮಹಾಮಣಿ ಭೂಷಿತ ಲಿಂಗಂ ಫಣಿಪತಿ ವೇಷ್ಟಿತ ಶೋಭಿತ ಲಿಂಗಂ

ದಕ್ಷಸುಯಜ್ಞ ವಿನಾಶನ ಲಿಂಗಂ ತತ್ ಪ್ರಣಮಾಮಿ ಸದಾಶಿವ ಲಿಂಗಂ

That which is decorated with gold and gems; that which is adorned with the best of serpents

That which destroyed Daksha's grand yagna; I bow to that eternal Shivalinga

Kunkuma chandana lepita Lingam pankajahara sushobhita Lingam

Sanchitapapa vinashana Lingam tat pranamami Sadashiva Lingam

कुंकुम चन्दन लेपित लिंगम पंकजहार सुशोभित लिंगम

सन्चितपाप विनाशन लिंगम तत प्रणमामि सदाशिव लिंगम

ಕುಂಕುಮ ಚಂದನ ಲೇಪಿತ ಲಿಂಗಂ ಪಂಕಜಹಾರ ಸುಶೋಭಿತ ಲಿಂಗಂ

ಸಂಚಿತಪಾಪ ವಿನಾಶನ ಲಿಂಗಂ ತತ್ ಪ್ರಣಮಾಮಿ ಸದಾಶಿವ ಲಿಂಗಂ

That which is anointed with saffron and sandal; that which is decorated with lotus garlands

That which destroys accumulated sins; I bow to that eternal Shivalinga

Devaganarchita sevita Lingam bhavairbhaktibhireva cha Lingam

Dinakara koti prabhakara Lingam tat pranamami Sadashiva Lingam

देवगणार्चित सेवित लिंगम भावैर्भक्तिभिरेवच लिंगम 

दिनकर कोटि प्रभाकर लिंगम तत प्रणमामि सदाशिव लिंगम

ದೇವಗಣಾರ್ಚಿತ ಸೇವಿತ ಲಿಂಗಂ ಭಾವೈರ್ಭಕ್ತಿಭಿರೇವಚ ಲಿಂಗಂ 

ದಿನಕರ ಕೋಟಿ ಪ್ರಭಾಕರ ಲಿಂಗಂ ತತ್ ಪ್ರಣಮಾಮಿ ಸದಾಶಿವ ಲಿಂಗಂ

That which is worshipped by Devas and Ganas; that which grants emotion of bhakti

That with the splendour of crore suns; I bow to that eternal Shivalinga

Ashtadalopari veshtita Lingam sarvasamudbhava karana Lingam

Ashtadaridra vinashana Lingam tat pranamami Sadashiva Lingam

अष्टदलोपरि वेष्टित लिंगम सर्वसमुद्भव कारण लिंगम 

अष्टदरिद्र विनाशन लिंगम तत प्रणमामि सदाशिव लिंगम

ಅಷ್ಟದಲೋಪರಿ ವೇಷ್ಟಿತ ಲಿಂಗಂ ಸರ್ವಸಮುದ್ಭವ​ ಕಾರಣ ಲಿಂಗಂ

ಅಷ್ಟದರಿದ್ರ ವಿನಾಶನ ಲಿಂಗಂ ತತ್ ಪ್ರಣಮಾಮಿ ಸದಾಶಿವ ಲಿಂಗಂ

That which is surrounded by flowers of eight petals; that which is the cause of all creation

That which destroys the eight types of poverty; I bow to that eternal Shivalinga

Suraguru suravara pujita Lingam suravana pushpa sadarchita Lingam

Paratparam parmatmaka Lingam tat pranamami Sadashiva Lingam

Tat pranamami Sadashiva Lingam tat pranamami Sadashiva Lingam

सुरगुरु सुरवर पूजित लिंगम सुरवन पुष्प सदार्चित लिंगम 

परात्परम परमात्मक लिंगम तत प्रणमामि सदाशिव लिंगम 

तत प्रणमामि सदाशिव लिंगम तत प्रणमामि सदाशिव लिंगम 

ಸುರಗುರು ಸುರವರ ಪೂಜಿತ ಲಿಂಗಂ ಸುರವನ ಪುಷ್ಪ ಸದಾರ್ಚಿತ ಲಿಂಗಂ 

ಪರಾತ್ಪರಂ ಪರಮಾತ್ಮಕ ಲಿಂಗಂ ತತ್ ಪ್ರಣಮಾಮಿ ಸದಾಶಿವ ಲಿಂಗಂ

ತತ್ ಪ್ರಣಮಾಮಿ ಸದಾಶಿವ ಲಿಂಗಂ ತತ್ ಪ್ರಣಮಾಮಿ ಸದಾಶಿವ ಲಿಂಗಂ

That which is worshipped by Brihaspati and the best of Gods; that which is worshipped by Flowers from Celestial Gardens

That which is supreme to all; I bow to that eternal Shivalinga

I bow to that eternal Shivalinga; I bow to that eternal Shivalinga

Lingashtakamidam punyam yah pathet Shivasannidhou

Shivalopkamavapnoti Shivena saha modate

लिंगष्टकमिदम पुण्यम यः पठेत शिव सन्निधौ

शिवलोकमवाप्नोति शिवेन सह मोदते 

ಲಿಂಗಾಷ್ಟಕಮಿದಂ ಪುಣ್ಯಂ ಯಃ ಪಠೇತ್ ಶಿವಸನ್ನಿಧೌ

ಶಿವಲೋಕಮವಾಪ್ನೋತಿ ಶಿವೇನ ಸಹ ಮೋದತೇ

One who recites the eight-stanza-hymn of Shivalinga in the proximity of Lord Shiva

Attains the Abode of Lord Shiva and enjoy His Bliss forever

Or/या/ಅಥವ

 

Lingashtakamidam punyam pavitram papanashanam

Gnyanasiddhikaram shuddham sakshanmokshaika sadhanam

लिंगाष्टकमिदम पुण्यम पवित्रम पापनाशनम 

ज्ञानसिद्धिकरम शुद्धम साक्षान्मोक्षैक साधनम

ಲಿಂಗಾಷ್ಟಕಮಿದಂ ಪುಣ್ಯಂ ಪವಿತ್ರಂ ಪಾಪನಾಶನಂ

ಜ್ಞಾನಸಿದ್ಧಿಕರಂ ಶುದ್ಧಂ ಸಾಕ್ಷಾನ್ಮೋಕ್ಷೈಕ ಸಾಧನಂ

This eight-stanza-hymn of Shivalinga is virtuous, pure and destroyer of sins

This grants wisdom and purity, and is a means of attaining Salvation 

Iti Shrimat Paramahamsa Parivrajakacharyasya

Shri Govinda Bhagavatpujyapada shishyasya

Shri Machchankara Bhagavatah krutou

Lingashtakam sampurnam

इति श्रीमत प्रमहंस परिव्राजकाचार्यस्य​

श्री गोविन्द भगवत्पूज्यपाद शिष्यस्य 

श्री मच्छंकर भगवतः कृतौ

लिंगाष्टकम संपूर्णम 

ಇತಿ ಶ್ರೀಮತ್ ಪರಮಹಂಸ ಪರಿವ್ರಾಜಕಾಚಾರ್ಯಸ್ಯ 

ಶ್ರೀ ಗೋವಿಂದ ಭಗವತ್ಪೂಜ್ಯಪಾದ ಶಿಷ್ಯಸ್ಯ 

ಶ್ರೀ ಮಚ್ಛಂಕರ ಭಗವತಃ ಕೃತೌ

ಲಿಂಗಾಷ್ಟಕಂ ಸಂಪೂರ್ಣಂ

Thus ends Chief among Paramahamsa Parivrajakacharyas

Shri Govinda Bhagavadpada's disciple

Shri Adi Shankaracharya's composition

The eight-stanza-hymn of Shivalinga

References/resources:

Background music: Spirit of Fire, Jesse Gallagher

Pictures:
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/b9/Lingam.svg/1200px-Lingam.svg.png
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/ab/Trishool_A4.svg/41px-Trishool_A4.svg.png
https://i.stack.imgur.com/zyIeq.jpg
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/bf/Tripundra.PNG

Meaning of ashtakam:
https://greenmesg.org/stotras/shiva/lingashtakam.php
https://www.artofliving.org/mahashivratri/shiva-ashtakam
https://www.sringeri.info/titles
http://www.anaadifoundation.org/blog/featured/the-ardent-discipleship-of-shri-adi-shankara-bhagavatpada/

Significance of ashtakam:
https://amritayoga.com/yoga-talks/lingashtakam/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maha_Shivaratri#:~:text=There%20is%20a%20Shivaratri%20in,the%20Great%20Night%20of%20Shiva%22.
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/religion/rituals-puja/maha-shivaratri-2020-date-time-significance/articleshow/74186599.cms

Shivashadakshara Stotram

The Shivashadakshara Stotram eulogizes Lord Shiva, one of the Holy Trinity of Sanatana Dharma.  It is taken from the Rudrayamala, a pre-tantric text that elaborates upon the Kundalini Yoga.  

The beauty of the stotra lies in the fact that first syllable of each shloka collectively spells out the mantra, Om Nama Shivaya, meaning 'I bow to Lord Shiva'.  This is also why the stotra is called shadakshara, meaning six-syllabled, implying the six syllables that spell out the mantra (indicated in red in the video).  

For the meaning of each of these syllables, read the earlier post on Om Nama Shivaya.  Read and watch Lingashtakam, the octet of praise of Lord Shiva. 

Watch the video of Shivashadakshara Stotram here:

https://youtu.be/6I0genD5eWY

The transliteration into three languages (English, Hindi & Kannada) and the translation (into English) of this stotra is as follows:

Atah Shivashadakshara Stotram

अतः शिवशडक्षर स्तोत्रम

ಅತಃ ಶಿವಶಡಕ್ಷರ ಸ್ತೋತ್ರಂ

This is Shiva's six-syllabled stotra 

Omkaram bindu samyuktam nityam dhyayanti yoginaha

Kamadam mokshadam chaiva omkaraya namo namaha

ओमकारम बिन्दुसम्युक्तम नित्यम ध्यायन्ति योगिनः

कामदम मोक्ष्दम चैव ओमकाराय नमो नमः

ಓಂಕಾರಂ ಬಿಂದುಸಂಯುಕ್ತಂ ನಿತ್ಯಂ ಧ್ಯಾಯಂತಿ ಯೋಗಿನಃ

ಕಾಮದಂ ಮೋಕ್ಷದಂ ಚೖವ ಓಂಕಾರಾಯ ನಮೋ ನಮಃ

Omkara with the dot, meditated upon by the yogis

Bestower of wishes and moksha, salutations to Omkara Shiva 

Namanti rushayo deva namantyapsaraso ganaha

Nara namanti devesham nakaraya namo namaha

नमंति ऋषयो देवा नमंत्यप्सरसो गणाः

नरा नमंति देवेशम नकाराय नमो नमः

ನಮಂತಿ ಋಷಯೋ ದೆವಾ ನಮಂತ್ಯಪ್ಸರಸೋ ಗಣಾಃ

ನರಾ ನಮಂತಿ ದೆವೇಶಂ ನಕಾರಾಯ ನಮೋ ನಮಃ 

To Whom the rishis, devas, and apsaras bow reverentially

Lord of devas to Whom humans bow reverentially, salutations to nakara Shiva 

Mahadevam mahatmanam mahadhyanaparayanam

Mahapapaharam devam makaraya namo namaha

महादेवम महात्मानम महाध्यानपरायणम 

महापापहरम देवम मकाराय नमो नमः

ಮಹಾದೇವಂ ಮಹಾತ್ಮಾನಂ ಮಹಾಧ್ಯಾನಪರಾಯಣಂ

ಮಹಾಪಾಪಹರಂ ದೇವಂ ಮಕಾರಾಯ ನಮೋ ನಮಃ

The great God and Soul, the Supreme Meditator

The great Destroyer of sins, salutations to makara Shiva 

Shivam shantam jagannatham lokanugrahakarakam

Shivamekapadam nityam shikaraya namo namaha

शिवम शांतम जगन्नाथम लोकानुग्रहकारकम

शिवमेकपदम नित्यम शिकाराय नमो नमः

ಶಿವಂ ಶಾಂತಂ ಜಗನ್ನಾಥಂ ಲೋಕಾನುಗ್ರಹಕಾರಕಂ

ಶಿವಮೇಕಪದಂ ನಿತ್ಯಂ ಶಿಕಾರಾಯ ನಮೋ

Shiva is peaceful Lord of universe, He is the bestower of welfare of world

Shiva the word is eternal, salutations to shikara Shiva

Vahanam vrushabho yasya vasuki kanthabhushanam

Vame shaktidharam devam vakaraya namo namaha

वाहनम वृषभो यस्य वासुकी कंठभूषणम 

वामे शक्तिधरम देवम वकाराय नमो नमः

ವಾಹನಂ ವೃಷಭೋ ಯಸ್ಯ ವಾಸುಕೀ ಕಂಠಭೂಷಣಂ

ವಾಮೇ ಶಕ್ತಿಧರಂ ದೇವಂ ವಕಾರಾಯ ನಮೋ ನಮಃ

He who rides the bull, He who wears the serpent as garland

He who has Goddess Shakthi on his left, salutations to vakara Shiva

Yatra yatra sthito devah sarvavyapi maheshwaraha

Yo guruh sarvadevanam yakaraya namo namaha

यत्र यत्र स्थितो देवः सर्वव्यापी महेश्वरः

यो गुरुः सर्वदेवानाम यकाराय नमो नमः

ಯತ್ರ ಯತ್ರ ಸ್ಥಿತೋ ದೆವಃ ಸರ್ವವ್ಯಾಪೀ ಮಹೇಶ್ವರಃ

ಯೋ ಗುರುಃ ಸರ್ವದೇವಾನಾಂ ಯಕಾರಾಯ ನಮೋ ನಮಃ

Where the devas reside, the Great God pervades all

He is the Guru of all devas, salutations to yakara Shiva

Shadaksharamidam stotram yah pathet Shivasannidhau

Shivalokamavapnoti Shivena saha modate

शडक्षरमिदम स्तोत्रम यः पठेत शिवसन्निधौ

शिवलोकमवाप्नोति शिवेन सह मोदते 

ಶಡಕ್ಷರಮಿದಂ ಸ್ತೋತ್ರಂ ಯಃ ಪಠೇತ್ ಶಿವಸನ್ನಿಧೌ

ಶಿವಲೋಕಮವಾಪ್ನೋತಿ ಶಿವೇನ ಸಹ ಮೋದತೆ

Whoever chants this six-syllabled stotra, in the proximity of Shiva

Such a person will attain the Abode of Shiva, and be happy with Shiva

Iti Shri Rudrayamale Umamaheshwarasamvade Shivashadakshara Stotram sampurnam

इति श्री रुद्रयामले उमामहेश्वरसंवादे शिवशडक्षर स्तोत्रम सम्पूर्णम 

ಇತಿ ಶ್ರೀ ರುದ್ರಯಾಮಲೆ ಉಮಾಮಹೇಶ್ವರಸಂವಾದೆ ಶಿವಶಡಕ್ಷರ ಸ್ತೋತ್ರಂ ಸಂಪೂರ್ಣ್ಂ

Thus ends Shri Rudrayamala's Parvathi-Shiva's conversation of 

Shiva's six-syllabled stotra

Resources:
Music: Maestro Tlakaelel, Jesse Gallagher
Pictures:
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/e3/Kailash_north.JPG/1200px-Kailash_north.JPG
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/b/bb/Breathtaking_scenery_on_way_to_Amarnath_Cave.JPG
References:
Meaning:
http://www.hindupedia.com/en/Shiva_Shadakshara_Stotram
https://greenmesg.org/stotras/shiva/shiva_shadakshara_stotram.php
https://stotram.co.in/shiva-shadakshara-stotram/
http://www.stutimandal.com/poemgen.php?id=54
https://shaivam.org/scripture/Marathi/395/shiva-shadakshara-stotram
Significance: http://www.shivashakti.com/rudrayam.htm

Om - Mantra for meditation

ॐ

Sarvadvaraani samyamya mano hrudi nirudya cha

Moordhnyaadhaayaatmanah praanam aasthito yogadhaaranaam

Omityekaaksharam Brahma vyaaharanmaamanusmaran

Yah prayaati tyajandeham sa yaati paramaam gatim

[When one] closes all the gates of the body, confines the mind within the heart,

Fixes the life-energy in the head, engages in steadfast yoga

[When one] utters the monosyllable Om that is Brahma, focuses on Me [Supreme Soul],

[One] leaves the body thus, and attains the Supreme Goal

{Bhagavad Gita, Chapter 8, Verse 12-13}

Om is the Primordial Sound of the Vedas, Pranava of the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, and Brahman of the Bhagavad Gita.

Uttered at the beginning and end of shlokabhyasa (shloka practice) and yogabhyasa (yoga practice), Om is made up of three basic sounds: A-U-M, which represent the following:

	Planes	Gods	Vedas
A (aa)	Physical	Brahma	Rig
U (oo)	Mental & astral	Vishnu	Yajur
M (mm)	Deep-sleep	Shiva	Sama

Several studies have revealed the health benefits of chanting and meditating on Om: mental alertness and physical relaxation, along with cardiac rhythm synchronization (see references below).

108 is considered to be a significant number in yoga, Vedic mathematics, astrology and numerology.  For instance, the distance of sun and moon from earth is said to be 108 times their respective diameters.  There are said to be 108 Upanishads and 108 tirthsthals (places of pilgrimage).  In yoga, 108 suryanamaskars (sun salutations) are performed during Rathasaptami (sun festival).   

In this video Om has been repeated 108 times, at the rate of about four per minute.  

Meditate to the sacred sound of Om:

https://youtu.be/3fpCsxx-l1Q

If you are not keen on meditative process, you could try relaxation therapy: lie down, close your eyes, take deep breaths, and relax your muscles while listening to the sound of Om.  The duration of this video will amount to less than half-hour of your daily relaxation therapy. 

References & resources:

Significance of Om:

The Bhagavad Gita, Trans. Swami Chidbhavananda, Sri Ramakrishna Tapovanam, Tirupparaitturai, Fourth Edition, 1989

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2952121/

http://www.hindupedia.com/en/Om
https://wanderlust.com/journal/108-yogas-sacred-number/
https://www.yogajournal.com/yoga-101/the-number-108

Background music: Satya Yuga, Jesse Gallagher

Pictures of Om:

http://www.pngall.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Om-PNG-Picture.png

http://www.pngall.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Om-PNG-HD.png

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/8a/Creative-3D-Om-Shining-HD-Wallpaper-Free.jpg/1280px-Creative-3D-Om-Shining-HD-Wallpaper-Free.jpg

Prarthana shlokas

A shloka is a rhythmic verse recited as a prayer or as part of a meditative process.  A mantra is a phrase like a formula that is repeated to invoke spiritual fervour.  A stuti or stotra is a collection of shlokas recited as a eulogy of ishta devta (chosen deity). 

My daughter and I are students of Sanskrit through shlokabhyasa (shloka classes).  With the blessings of our Guruji, we humbly present to you mantras/shlokas/stotras that we have learnt. 

In this video prarthana (prayer) shlokas are presented that are recited at the beginning and end of shlokabhyasa: 

https://youtu.be/DdtYz01xjOc 

The meaning of each of the shloka presented in the video is given below:

Gurure vagatihi Gurume vabhaje

Gurunaiva sahasmi namo Gurave

Na Guror paramam shishurasmi Guroho

Mati rasti Gurau mama pahi Gurau

Guru is my refuge, I pray to Guru

I prostrate in front of my Guru, I chant Guru’s name

I am an immature child without my Guru

I beseech Guru to save me from my ignorance

Agajanana padmarkam

Gajananam aharnisham

Anekadamtam bhatkanam

Ekadantam upasmahe

Just as lotus blooms in sunlight

Goddess Parvathi’s face lit up looking at Ganesha

The giver of boons to devotees

I meditate upon the Lord with single tusk

Vakratunda mahakaya

Kotisurya samaprabha

Avighnam Kurume deva

Sarva karyeshu sarvada

O Lord of the curved trunk and great body

One with the effulgence of a crore suns

Always remove all the obstacles

From all the tasks I undertake

Saraswathi namastubhyam varade kamarupini

Vidyarambham karishyami siddhir bhavatu me sada

Salutations to Goddess Saraswathi, who bestows boons

As I commence my studies, bless me with accomplishments

Namaste sharade devi kashmira puravasini

Tvamaham prarthaye nityam vidyam-buddhimcha dehi me

I bow to you Goddess Sharada (Saraswathi) whose abode is Kashmira

I pray to you ever that you may bestow upon me knowledge and wisdom

Hayagriva Hayagriva hayagriveti yo vadet

Tasya nihsarate vani jahnu kanyapravahavat

Upon repeated chanting of the name of Hayagriva (avatar of Lord Vishnu)

One’s speech flows mellifluously as the sacred Ganga

Asadhya sadhaka swamin asadhyam tava kim vada

Ramadhuta dayasindho matkaryam sadhayaprabho

O accomplisher of impossible tasks, truly what is impossible to you?

O benevolent emissary of Lord Rama, make my task possible to accomplish

Asatoma sadgamaya

Tamasoma jyotirgamaya

Mrityorma amrutangamaya

Om shantih shantih shantihi

O Lord, take me from lies to truth

Take me from darkness to light

Take me from death to immortality

Let there be peace, peace, peace

Kalevarshatu parjanyaha

Prithavi sasyshalinim

Deshoyam kshobharahitam

Sajjana santu nirbhayaha

May there be timely monsoons

May the Earth be green and productive

May the land be free of all problems

May the good citizens and sages be fearless

Sarve janah sukhino bhavantu

Samasta sanmangalani bhavantu

Om shantih shantih shantihi

May all be happy

May everything be auspicious

May there be peace, peace, peace

As can be gleaned from the meaning of shlokas presented, Sanatana Dharma (Hinduism) recognizes the importance of satya (truth), dharma (righteousness), personal development, wisdom, oneness of all humanity, and the welfare of all living beings.  

We hope that this presentation will help you in your own learning of mantras, shlokas, stotras and Sanatana Dharma.   

Resources & references:

Background music: The Inner Sound, Jesse Gallagher

Pictures:

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/e3/Raja_Ravi_Varma_-_Sankaracharya.jpg

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/d2/Namaste_namaskar.jpg

https://c4.wallpaperflare.com/wallpaper/830/15/623/ganesh-chaturthi-lord-ganesha-vinayaka-ganapati-wallpaper-preview.jpg

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwHnfMKFN4JPWWRs2D80JHOOZqGZiC2gV402exO95gC-WjyohViWWFO1TdoNEq82zcx74yRSA5QcyUAFz6pOzbDkIUgUB6-XSB3hUZIwA4vpmj6sK8k6PzP_Bu97ftXzAZ1ZhDsrd2xNb7/s1600/104_001.jpg

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/0b/Hayagreeva.jpg/250px-Hayagreeva.jpg

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/38/Hanuman_showing_Rama_in_His_heart.jpg

Meanings: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zaiakE3LNso

http://www.dattavani.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/Ganesh-Sapthaham-Full-com.pdf

https://www.templepurohit.com/mantras-slokas-stotras/ganpati-stotra/agajanana-padmarkam-ganesha-stotram/

https://www.templepurohit.com/mantras-slokas-stotras/powerful-ganesh-mantra/

https://ommrudraksha.com/vakratundamahakaya

https://www.devshoppe.com/blogs/articles/shri-ganesha-mantra-with-meaning-shree-vakratunda-mahakaya

https://www.templepurohit.com/mantras-slokas-stotras/saraswati-mantra-knowledge-wisdom/

http://aumamen.com/prayer/saraswati-namastubhyam-lyrics-in-english-sanskrit-meaning-in-english

https://greenmesg.org/stotras/saraswati/namaste_sharade_devi.php

https://meerasubbarao.wordpress.com/2008/08/29/hayagreeva-sampada-stotra/

https://www.gurushakti.org.in/729/deities/vishnu/hayagriva-sampada-stotram

http://mantrashlokas-madhuri.blogspot.com/2011/07/hanuman-mantra_24.html

https://greenmesg.org/stotras/vedas/om_asato_ma_sadgamaya.php

https://www.amritapuri.org/3731/asatoma.aum

https://tamilandvedas.com/tag/kale-varshatu/

Re Osho: book & film conversations

Was Osho killed?  Murdered by the US government?  

That's the thought that remains with you as you finish Osho's 'autobiography'.  Although Osho has been credited as the author of Autobiography of a Spiritually Incorrect Mystic, it has been put together by his followers.  I was interested in finding out about the life of the man behind all those seemingly outrageous opinions and meditative techniques.  And it makes for a fascinating read.

Equally fascinating, and some might say, titillating, are the 2 Netflix documentaries on Osho: Wild Wild Country and Guru: Bhagwan, His Secretary & His Bodyguard.

From these readings and viewings, the philosophy of the most charismatic spiritual leaders of our times becomes apparent - somewhat.  It is not possible to glean his entire thought process and methodology even if you happened to be a close confidante.

Perhaps, in many ways, it is meant to be that way.  Spiritual mystics are meant to be inscrutable and unfathomable - one of Osho's methods was to shock/titillate his followers into some kind of awakening.

Hence you find him, at various times, being jovial, being disinhibited, being cantankerous, lashing out at religious practices, advocating dynamic meditation, advising followers to have sexual contact with each other, owning a fleet of Rolls Royces, using drugs, etc, etc. 

But at no other time was his controversial philosophy debated, abhorred and targeted more than during his disastrous stay in America.  This is addressed very well in the 2 documentaries, especially in the 6-part Wild Country. 

One can't help wondering, in hindsight, why his secretaries ever select this place for his commune?  Did they honestly believe that the conservative Christian local population would put up with such practices as personal meditation and sexual expression (as opposed to repression)?  

Promptly, the Americans - both the general public and the legal/administrative leaders - reacted as they continue to do towards anything that they see as a threat to their faith, culture and nationhood (remember WMD?).  They came down like a ton of bricks on the nascent community with multiple legal proceedings and forced Osho to agree to flee US.  

His commune did not help its own cause with its in-your-face attitude and infighting - mostly by Osho and his two groups of close confidantes.  When it mattered most, Osho himself could have practised silence, as he most often did in his commune.  But he came out with allegations against his secretary, Ma Ananda Sheela, which opened the doors to the final, decisive legal proceedings.  

What's not shown in the documentaries (but is mentioned in the book) is that Osho was hounded by the US, and had to move from country to country after his legal settlement in US because he was denied asylum wherever he landed.  Sadly, he experienced this even in India, thanks to the bullying tactics by the 'Policeman of the World'.  It is particularly disgusting to know how the US president arm-twisted the president of the one country that did give him asylum - Uruguay (by threatening to impose sanctions), and compelled him to expel Osho.  

As if that weren't enough, it is also said that Osho died from the effects of thallium poisoning carried out by the US state during his incarceration in US jails.  I wouldn't be surprised if the Vatican influenced the US government in persecuting Osho, as later media reports speculated.  

Coming to more positive findings from my Osho study.  Osho's philosophy struck me as being crystal clear with regards to what matters and what does not in spiritual life.  This is evident even from his early life experiences.  In the book, he gives a vivid description of his enlightenment moment.  

There are also hilarious anecdotes of how the child Osho confronted a Jain monk at his grandparents' house with unanswerable questions; and how he conducted his classes when he later became professor at a college - very informally and irreverently, much to the chagrin of his exasperated principal.  He also gives rational explanations to most of his seemingly outlandish whims and fancies. 

Osho dedicates a chapter to understanding mental health issues, as they are studied and practised in the West.  He says, 'Sigmund Freud introduced psychoanalysis into the world.  It is rooted in analyzing the mind.  It is confined to the mind... The goal of Freudian psychoanalysis is not very great.  The goal is to keep people normal.  But normality is not enough...'  Instead, Osho advocates standing out of one's mind - or ecstasy, or transcending the mind itself.  

Broadly, I agree with two particular philosophies of Osho: his critique of organised religions, and the need to address repressed emotions and sexual impulses.  

Osho is unsparing in his criticism of organised religions; none of the major religions of India and the world escape his irreverence towards them.  And here's the thing - his criticism does not feel exaggerated; indeed one would be hard-pressed to come up with an acceptable counter-argument to his criticism.  Basically, Osho advocates stripping Faith of all its unhelpful coverings - rituals, rigidities and falsehoods - leaving only the spiritual core that really matters. 

For repressed emotions, he advocates (among many others) a meditative technique that involves 'boiling up' oneself through rapid breathing, letting go of pent up and repressed emotions through crying/yelling/thrashing out, and finally observing a period of silence.  

He rightly points out that it is only after these repressed emotions are sublimated, the mind becomes conducive to meditation, which requires stillness and silence from within. 

 

Some of the other Osho gems that I picked up from the book are given here:

On learning:

• Why is every language called the mother tongue?  Because the mother speaks and the father listens - and that's how the children learn.  That's how I learned.

On living life:

• Once you are ready to say, "I don't care about respectability," then the society is absolutely impotent to do anything against your will.

On religion:

• All holy books are corpses, dead flowers and nothing else... Truth, the living truth, has to be discovered by each individual by himself.  Nobody can give it to you.

• The moment truth is organized, it becomes a lie.  An organized religion is nothing but a hidden politics, a deep exploitation by the priesthood.  They may be shankaracharyas, imams, rabbis, or popes - it makes no difference.

• True religion has no name, it cannot have any name.  Buddha lived, Jesus lived it - but remember Jesus was not a Christian and Buddha was not a Buddhist, he had never heard of the word.  The truly religious people have been simply religious, they have not been dogmatic.  

• ...Christianity has not developed the science of meditation in any way.  It has remained a very mediocre religion; so is Judaism.

On meditation:

• Enlightenment is a very individual process.  Every person passes through different phases, because every person in many lives has gathered different kinds of conditionings.

• You cannot do meditation, you can only be in meditation... Dhyana is dropping all contents of the mind and just being.

Osho's message:

• I am an incurable dreamer.  But I can say to you that whatever I have dreamed in my life, I have managed it without doing anything.  Just a proposal to existence.

• Be in the world, but don't be of it.  Live in the world, but don't allow the world to live in you.  That's my message...

So, here's what I have to say:

Osho may have been killed.  But Osho-hood continues to thrive, and draw in adherents by the millions; his message lives on.  You can adore Osho; you can hate Osho.  But ignore him and his message at your own peril.

Image sources: 

https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/61695TrLHJL.jpg

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/a/a8/Wild_Wild_Country.png

https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BNTYwMTg0NTk0N15BMl5BanBnXkFtZTcwMTMwNDk5Mw@@._V1_.jpg

https://realization.org/img/osho.3.1500.jpg

Article on meditation and ageing

Can including meditation in your daily routine delay the signs of ageing?  Find out in this medical educational article...

http://www.mapsofindia.com/my-india/health/can-meditation-slow-ageing