Raksha Bandhan
The Adiveda Weekly #111
Hari Aum Dear Sadhakas,
The thread, or "sutra," symbolizes a binding connection and is used in various rituals to transmit energy and blessings. The festival of Raksha Bandhan, celebrated on August 19, 2024, embodies this significance, focusing on the protective and sacred bond between individuals, traditionally through a consecrated thread known as a "Rakhi" or “Raksha Sutra”. This festival emphasizes the spiritual commitment to protection and purity, highlighting how a simple act like this can be so binding and meaningful.
We invite our readers to learn more about similar thread ceremonies in Sanatana Dharma like yajnopaveetam, mangal sutra, abhaya sutra and kankana sutram.
-Adiveda Team
The full blog for this week:
Question Of The Week
Q - What is Varna?
A - The ancient Vedic system of the divisions of society comes from the word “varna” which means “colour” and “vri” which means the choice of one’s occupation. There are only four varnas in our society – Brahmana, Kshatriya, Vaishya and Shudra. The duties of the Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, and Shudras are distributed according to their qualities, in accordance with their guṇas (and not by birth).
Do send us your questions via the comment section or through live interaction with Vanamali Mataji on Instagram.
The Hindu Way of Life
Paada Sevanam, or serving the Lord’s feet, is one of the nine forms of devotion or Navadha Bhakti. It embodies humility, devotion, and the acknowledgment of the divine presence. Whether through physical acts of service or through symbolic gestures of respect and surrender, this practice reflects a profound commitment to spiritual growth and connection with the divine.
Reflection of the Week
Suffering often stems from the clash between our desire for permanence and the reality of impermanence. By adjusting our expectations and embracing the natural ebb and flow of life, we can cultivate greater resilience, peace, contentment and make full use of this life.
Ayurvedic health tip of the week
Topical Supports for the Flu
• Hot Epsom salt baths: Put 2 to 3 cups of Epsom salt in a warm bath for a good soak. This helps to decrease muscle soreness and joint pain.
• Hot water bottle: This can be a welcome presence to the patient, especially if they are chilled or sore. It can be moved around to the various areas of pain/soreness and kept as warm as desired.
• Gentle massage: This can be very soothing, as it helps increase circulation and facilitate elimination - both are important processes in their healing and recovery
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
Maa Lakshmi is the goddess of wealth and prosperity. One can offer Kheer ( a sweet dish made from rice and milk) or Mishri which are amongst favorite bhogs of Maa Lakshmi to her. These offerings are believed to bring her blessings and improve financial stability. One can offer Kheer or Mishri on Friday evenings and on Pournima (full moon days).
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
येन बद्धो बली राजा दानवेन्द्रो महाबलः ।
तेन त्वामभिबध्नामि रक्षे मा चल मा चल ॥
yena baddho balī rājā dānavendro mahābalaḥ |
tena tvāmabhibadhnāmi rakṣe mā cala mā cala ||
May this thread that protected the mighty asura king Danavendra Mahabali protect you always.
Important dates this week
✓ IRaksha Bandhan - Gaytri Jayanti - Shravana Pournima - Monday Aug 19, 2024
✓ Kajari Teej - Thursday Aug 22, 2024
Books by Vanamali Mataji:
Hindu Festivals of Bharat
This book goes beyond the celebrations and brings out the esoteric meanings behind festivals and makes us realise how scientific out culture is.
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
There is a wonderful Shiva temple in Rishikesh that Vanamali Mataji visited in March 2024. It is dedicated to the form of Shiva as Virabhadra. Vanamali Mataji shares the known history of this mandir. There is also a beautiful Shiva Linga inside a Banyan Tree outside of the Mandir premises. How and when it was formed or found is shrouded in mystery. Enjoy this wonderful visit and next time you are in Rishikesh, be sure to pay a visit to this beautiful mandir.
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