Showing results by author "Kiran Atma" in All Categories

It is widely acknowledged that Hinduism is one of the world's major religious traditions. Yet, this is only partially true. Although while it is one of the most widespread religions, Hinduism really encompasses a wide range of traditions that all have origins in the Indian sub-continent. Hinduism requires a disclaimer because, although being a single worldwide religion, it is really a conglomeration of several systems that share certain characteristics. These religions also go by the identities Vaishnavism, Shaivism, and Shaktism among others. This book seeks to re-examine the evolving ...

Much of today's uncertainty over mantras stems from the debate about their intrinsic meaningfulness or meaninglessness. The source of the issue is our prevalent modern conception of language. Language is regarded to be really and most completely experienced in its oral form in Indian tradition, but the modern approach tends to limit language to the recorded word and then examine it for a one-to-one connection with objective reality. In this book, we review instances of ancient Hindu philosophy of language that was used to investigate the nature of ceremonial utterances against the backdrop ...

Saraswati is the Hindu goddess of learning, music, art, speech, wisdom, and knowledge. She is one of the Tridevi, or Triple Goddesses, with Lakshmi and Parvati. In the Rigveda, the name Saraswati refers to both a river and a prominent god. From the Vedic era to the present time of Hindu religions, she has remained prominent as a Goddess. Sarasvati evolves from "waters that purify" to "that which purifies", "vach or speech that purifies", "knowledge that purifies", and finally into a spiritual concept of a goddess that embodies knowledge, arts, music, melody, muse, language, rhetoric, ...

The Hindu religious complex may be summed up in one word: Dharma. It alludes to that continuous entity at the heart of the world's revolutions, keeping it in place; the thing that governs the path of change by not participating in it—by being constant. This book introduces the reader to the notion of dharma, its practical expression in a Hindu society, and provides a brief examination of the numerous types of dharma that are vital to Hindu thinking and practice.

The fundamental sense of the Goddess is behind all the major mantras of the Vedic seers. The mantras are her changes that bring the Gods to life. Her rhythms are mystical mantras and chants that unveil the names and natures of the Divine. She dances, and the Gods appear, as the narrative of her dance evolves. She is their hidden power, the actual inner force that operates without external display or personal attribution. This tribute to the Goddess is the foundation of all creative growth. In this book, we summon the seeds of Her infinite knowledge like the first rays of Dawn which ...

The four Vedic Samhitas (Rig Veda, Sama Veda, Yajur Veda, and Atharva Veda) are Hindus' most revered writings. .The Vedic Samhitas are typically regarded as shruti, or divinely given. 'Shruti' literally means 'that which is heard,' therefore the composers 'heard' these passages, given to them from some holy source. The Samhitas themselves tell diverse stories about their mysterious origins. In this book we overview and examine the ritualistic context, content, and meaning of the four Samhitas.

This work briefly examines the meaning, origins, historic and contemporary usage of the linguistic sound and religious symbol that is Om. In Indian traditions, the sound of Om or Aum is a revered spiritual emblem. It denotes the essence of ultimate reality, Atman or awareness. In Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism, it is a syllable that is recited either alone or before a spiritual recitation.

One among the ten Mahavidyas or Goddesses of Wisdom, Matangi is considered to be the Tantric form of Saraswati, with whom she shares many traits. Though both govern learning and speech, Saraswati represents the orthodox knowledge of the Brahmins while Matangi, the wild and ecstatic outcast, embodies the "extraordinary" beyond the boundaries of mainstream society, especially inner knowledge. She is thus widely worshiped by aspirants from all strata of Hindu society who seek occult abilities and mastery. Although Matangi is often associated with pollution, especially left-over or partially ...

Kalidasa: The Great Poet and Playwright of Ancient India is a concise non-fiction book that explores the life and work of one of the most celebrated poets and playwrights in Indian history. Kalidasa's work is known for its beauty, insight, and enduring relevance. His plays and poems are still performed and studied today, and his influence can be seen in a wide range of fields, from literature and art to philosophy and religion. This book provides a comprehensive overview of Kalidasa's body of work, including his famous plays Abhijnanashakuntalam and Vikramōrvaśīyam, as well as his epic ...

Reclaim the Magic of Spring with Ostara: Our Rising Dawn! Feeling disconnected from nature? Longing for deeper meaning and connection? Ostara: Our Rising Dawn is your guide to unlocking the vibrant energy of Ostara, the Pagan and Wiccan celebration of spring's awakening. ✨ Immerse yourself in: ✨ The ancient origins of Ostara: Explore the fascinating history and mythology behind this powerful goddess. ✨ Ostara's captivating journey: Discover her evolution through time, from pagan reverence to her modern interpretations. ️✨ ✨ The sacred egg: Unravel the symbolism and significance ...

Kumarasambhava, Kalidasa's second epic poem, is often regarded as his finest work and a defining example of kavya poetry. The style it used to express spring would go on to dominate nature metaphors in Indian literature for ages to come. This work translates select cantos from the original poem that narrates and celebrates the union of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, the birth of their son Kumara or Kartikeya, and concludes with the slaying of Taraka.

Have you ever wondered how the world was created? In Hinduism, the creator god is Brahma. But why is he so often overlooked? Brahma is one of the three main gods in Hinduism, along with Vishnu and Shiva. He is often depicted as a red or golden complexioned bearded man with four heads and arms, born in a lotus and rising from Vishnu's navel. His four heads, which point to the four cardinal directions, signify the four Vedas. His vahana or mount is a hamsa or swan, and he is sitting on a lotus. Brahma is a complex and fascinating figure, and his story is full of symbolism and meaning. But why...

Contemporary Paganism is a tradition that may be dated back to the mid-twentieth century in England; however, the origins of the movement and its rites, as pointed out by English historian Ronald Hutton, reach considerably farther back to Europe between 1800 and 1940. Between the beginning of the nineteenth century and the mid-twentieth century, when modern Paganism "officially" emerged, aspects started to emerge that would grow and become important in Neo-Paganism and Wicca, notably in the field of ritual. Rituals in many ways continue to serve as a cornerstone in both experiential faith ...

The Vedas include the foundational texts of theistic Hinduism, which are reflected in Vaishnavism, Shaivism, Shaktism, and other minor religious traditions. In the intractable pages of the Epics, Hindu beliefs started to really take root, and in the Puranas, their roots became more pronounced. With the works of the great early Hindu sages, they at last reached their apogee. The benefits of Hindu practice were developed on the foundation of this cumulative heritage. The most revered instructors of the tradition maintain that the truths contained in the "latter" texts are inherent in the ...

Wiccan Moon Rituals: Ceremonial Spiritual Practices for a Witch's Lunar Cycles is a concise guide to understanding and performing Wiccan moon rituals. This book provides everything you need to know to harness the power of the moon for your own spiritual growth and development. The moon has long been associated with witchcraft and magic. In fact, many Wiccan rituals are centered around the moon's phases. In this book, you will learn how to perform moon rituals for each phase of the moon, from the new moon to the full moon and everything in between. You will also learn about the history and ...

India is a spiritually rich country blessed with listless Rishis, mendicants, and holy men. Rishis, their wives, and their families are prominently featured in Hindu mythology. They are credited with the authorship of several sacred Hindu scriptures or Vedas. Many of these divine sages acted as catalysts, assisting Devas, Asuras, celestial creatures, divine deities, and ordinary humans in releasing their karma and restoring goodness, pleasure, and harmony to their lives. Even to this modern day, rishis may be seen meditating in the Himalayan mountains and some of the Gangotri and ...

Discover the fascinating history and evolution of the Great Goddess, one of the most important deities in Hinduism. This book explores the complex and multifaceted nature of the Great Goddess, drawing on both Brahmanical and non-Brahmanical religious traditions. It examines how the Goddess's identity has evolved over time and how she has been associated with a variety of cosmogonic principles, such as sakti, maya, and prakrti. This book is essential reading for anyone interested in Hinduism, the Great Goddess, or the role of goddesses in world religions. It is also a valuable resource for ...

Unravel the Mysteries of Hinduism's Origins Do you want to learn more about the origins of Hinduism, the world's oldest religion? Do you want to understand its key concepts, beliefs, practices, and rituals? In Hindu Beginnings, you will explore the latest theories on the origins of Hinduism, from its roots in the Indus Valley Civilization to the arrival of the Aryans. You will also learn about the key concepts and beliefs of Hinduism, as well as its diverse practices and rituals. This book is perfect for anyone who wants to learn more about Hinduism, whether you are a student, a researcher,...

The Goddess Tara is one of the most powerful and beloved deities in the Buddhist and Hindu traditions. She is known as the "Mother of Liberation," and she is said to help her devotees overcome obstacles and achieve enlightenment. In this book, we will explore the unique attributes of Tara, the Buddhist and Hindu traditions that have evolved around her, and the many ways in which she is worshiped. We will also discuss her symbolism, her mythology, and her temples. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced practitioner, this book will provide you with a comprehensive introduction to the ...

The Vedas are often regarded as ceremonial writings. Both ritual and sacrifice play an essential role in this. Vedic religion is first and foremost a liturgy, and only secondly a mythical or philosophical system; we must therefore analyze it as a liturgy. This book introduces the reader to the various Vedic ceremonies, including many that are still practiced today in India.