Guru Purnima
The Adiveda Weekly #107
Hari Aum Dear Sadhakas,
In Sanatana Dharma , the role and significance of a guru is paramount. The guru holds a revered position as a conduit of spiritual wisdom and guidance, playing a crucial role in the spiritual and personal growth of the disciples. On this auspicious day of Guru Purnima, we throw some light on the Guru tattva which helps to bridge the gap between the individual soul (atman) and the universal consciousness (Brahman). Such is the importance of Guru that Saint Kabir said - “गुरु गोविन्द दोऊ खड़े काके लागू पाय | बलिहारी गुरु आपने गोविन्द दियो बताय ।।” meaning If the seeker is in a situation where both Guru and God are present then whom should the seeker show his reverence first. As per Saint Kabir it is the Guru who should be respected first because it is he who showed who is God to the seeker.
Jai Guru deva!
-Adiveda Team
The full blog for this week:
Question Of The Week
Q - What are mudras ?
A - Mudras are symbolic hand gestures used in Santana Dharma and allied religions like Jainism, Buddhism etc. They are often employed during meditation, religious rituals, and in classical dance forms. Each mudra has a specific meaning and purpose, influencing the flow of energy in the body and the mind. Mudras are believed to channel “prana” or life force” energy) within the body and mind, aiding in concentration, meditation, and spiritual practices. They are also integral to various forms of classical Indian dance, where they convey emotions and narratives through intricate hand gestures and expressions.
Do send us your questions via the comment section or through live interaction with Vanamali Mataji on Instagram.
The Hindu Way of Life
Navadha Bhakti - Nava-vidha refers to the nine forms of devotion or ways to cultivate devotion towards the divine as described in Shrimad Bhagvatam. The nine forms of devotion are: Shravanam – Hearing the names and glories of the Lord, Keertanam – Chanting His glories, Smaranam – Remembering the Lord, Paada sevanam – Serving the Lord’s feet, Archanam – Worshiping the Lord, Vandanam – Offering obeisance unto the Lord, Daasyam – Serving the Lord as His servant, Sakhyam – Developing friendship with the Lord, and Aatma Nivedanam – Total surrender of oneself to the Lord
Reflection of the Week
By cultivating awareness, mindfulness, and a willingness to learn, we can gradually shift from reactive patterns to more responsive ways of engaging with life's challenges. This approach fosters deeper understanding, resilience, and ultimately, greater fulfillment in our journey of self-discovery.
Ayurvedic health tip of the week
Fever
Your body's fever is a sign your immune system is working. In Naturopathic Medicine we say that when you are an adult, the stronger the fever, the stronger your vitality and innate immune response. Strong fevers are thereby helpful: they are your body's act of defense against a pathogen and suppressing your fever can thereby cause deleterious effects to your healing process. Instead, support the fever by fasting as much as possible, taking adequate rest, sipping on broths, dilute fresh fruit juice, and taking immuno-supportive/protective herbs like tulsi, garlic, and certain types of mushrooms. (If you are unsure of this process, please work with your Naturopathic Doctor to guide you along.)
Our trusted Naturopath is: Dr. Poorna Menon, Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine
Disclaimer: Please note this is not medical advice - please follow the advice of your practitioner before you make any changes that could impact your health.
Astrology Tip of the Week
The month of Shravan is dedicated to Lord Shiva, offering a highly auspicious period to seek His blessings. During this time, performing Shiva Abhishekam using different fluids and items gives various benefits. Benefits of Shiva Abhishekam with #Water – Purity, #Rice powder – Frees from debts, #Turmeric power – Wellness and Healing, #Panchamritam – Long life and Wealth, #Orange Juice – Victory, #Mango Juice – Destruction of Long ailments, #Pomegranate Juice – Fertility and Prosperity, #Milk – Longevity and Happiness, #Yoghurt – Vitality, Blessing for children, #Honey – Physical Vigor, Good voice, Wealth, #Sugarcane Juice – Destruction of sorrow, Abundance of Wealth, #Coconut Water – Prosperity, #Chandan – Prosperity of children, Grace of Goddess Lakshmi, #Ghee – Wealth, Get rid of all illness, #Sugar – Removes enemity, #Bel Patra or Bilwa Leaves –Surrendering of the three Gunas- Sattva, Rajas and Tamas.
To receive your personal reading you can contact Amit on WhatsApp - (+91) 954-841-1670
Golden Opportunity to learn Sanskrit
Sanskrit is one of the oldest living languages in the world. Studies done abroad show that children who learn Sanskrit are brighter and more intelligent and have better memories than other children. It is also known to be the best suited for Computers.
It gives us immense pleasure to introduce Atul Srirag who is Shiksha Shashtri and well qualified to teach the divine language of Sanskrit. He can be contacted at athulshriragkr@gmail.com
Mantra of the Week
नमोस्तुते व्यास विशाल बुद्धे फुल्लारविन्दायतपत्रनेत्र ।
येन त्वया भारत तैल पूर्णः प्रज्वलितो ज्ञानमय प्रदीपः ।।
Namosthuthe Vyasa vishala buddhe, phullaravindayatha pathra nethra
Yena tvayaa Bhaarata thaila poorna prajvalito jnanamayah pradeepah.
I bow to Sage Vyasa, of great intellect whose eyes are like the petals of lotus, whose scripture the mahabrata is the oil which has lighted the lamp of knowledge within us.
Important dates this week
✓ Guru Purnima / Ashadh Purnima - Sunday July 21, 2024
Books by Vanamali Mataji:
Sri Ram Lila : The Story of the Lord's Incarnation as Sri Rama
This book bridges the gap between Ramayan, the ancient scripture and the modern mind with its engaging and eloquent style and helps the contemporary readers resonate with the timeless wisdom of the life story of Shri Rama.
To celebrate Ramayana Masam, also know as Karkkidakam in Kerala we are excited to offer an exclusive discount on “Shri Ram Lila”.
This book is available for purchase and can be delivered worldwide. If you are interested in purchasing copies of any of Vanamali’s books, please contact vanamali2@gmail.com.
Also available as audio book are Sri Rama Lila and Sri Hanuman Lila. Narrated by Vanamali Mataji, listen to them on Spotify or JioSaavn.
Vanamali Mataji in Satsang
The knowledge of the Rishis and how it relates to us
This excerpt from Day 7 of the Vanamali Bhagavad Gita Discourse, Vanamali Mataji talks about the universal knowledge of the Rishis and their understanding of our interconnectedness. Why is it important to think good thoughts and how we treat one another?
Click here to watch the video on Vanamali Mataji’s YouTube channel.
If you would like to learn more about the Bhagavad Gita and join Vanamali Mataji’s Online Discourse, please contact vanamalibhagavadgita@gmail.com. The Discourse is shared on donation basis and recordings are sent weekly. Every week, one chapter is addressed.
To deepen the teachings of the Discourse, Vanamali Mataji recommends reading along Vanamali’s “Srimad Bhagavad Gita” and commentary “Nitya Yoga”. If you would like to purchase a copy, please contact vanamali2@gmail.com. Books ship internationally.
Understanding with Vanamali Mataji
Vanamali Mataji started explanation of the Uddhav Gita on Friday 7th. Talks will continue every Saturday from 11 AM to 12 PM on Instagram - Vanamali Krishna. Lets uncover the secrets of Uddhava Gita which emphasizes the importance of detachment, devotion, and self-realization, guiding individuals on their spiritual journey towards enlightenment and ultimate union with the divine.
Pilgrimage with Vanamali Mataji
Vanamali Mataji visits the Sri Mariamman Temple in Chinatown Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia in May 2024. Initially a private family temple, it was later made available to the public. It is the oldest temple in Malaysia and dedicated to Goddess Mariamman, known for curing epidemic diseases and illnesses. The most notable feature of the temple is that it is built in the shape of a human body lying on her back. Take a walk through the temple together with Vanamali Mataji. Jai Sri Maa.
How to connect with Mataji & Trusted Contacts
Instagram: VANAMALIKRISHNA
EVERY Sunday at 11am IST Mataji will host a live Q&A on Her Instagram page!
YouTube: Vanamali Mataji’s Youtube
To purchase Vanamali’s Books: vanamali2@gmail.com
For Adiveda Retreats & Classes: Adiveda Website | (+91) 816-991-5870
Learn Sanskrit from expert - Please contact Athul Shrirag - (+91) 906-165-3308 - athulshriragkr@gmail.com
For an authentic astrology reading with our Adiveda Vedic Astrologer Amit, please contact: (+91) 954-841-1670
At your service,
The Adiveda Team
Dear Vanamali Mataji and the Adiveda Team, Where I live there is no Sanatana Dharma study groups, let alone an authentic Guru, to be found. I practice, study, chant mantra on my own, (Oregon, US). Support is found through the Adiveda Newsletter and from the books I read. Over and over again, I hear that having the guidance of a Guru is crucial to progressing along my chosen path. For now, I must trust that if a Guru's guidance is meant for me, the Guru will appear when the time is right. With Love and Appreciation, Marlena