Sri Rama
The Adiveda Weekly #95
Hari Aum Dear Sadhakas,
April 17th, 2024 marked the birthday of Sri Rama - a great historical leader and ruler of Bharat, who was led by dharma and dharma alone. His unwavering commitment to truth and honour have led him to liberation from the mortal coils of human existence.
Today’s blog reveals not only how truth and dharma are intimately connected, it also gives a wonderful glimpse into Sri Rama’s life and how, despite all his trials and tribulations, his life was and still serves as an inspiration for us.
Jai Sri Rama!
-Adiveda Team
The full blog for this week:
Question Of The Week
Q - What is svadharma and how is it related to svabhava?
A - “Svadharma” is one’s own dharma, the duty one owes to oneself, the society and to the Divine. It is based on one’s own personality or “svabhava”. If someone acts in accordance to their svabhava, trusting that the Divine within will guide constantly, one’s svadharma will crystallize and reveal itself naturally. Going against one’s own svabhava will require a lot of effort.
Do send us your questions via the comment section or through live interaction with Vanamali Mataji on Instagram.
The Hindu Way of Life
What is it that makes the sun rise every morning in the east and set every evening in the west? What is it that has birds chirping at the rise of dawn?
It is the Cosmic Dharma or the Universal Law of Nature - the Rishis well aware of this law, modern scientists only in recent years haven been uncovering the interconnectedness of planets, animals, plant and human life. Our Rishis also understood the perfect order and harmony of the Universe and how - without fail - everything has its cycle.
Human beings, equipped with intellect, can discern between good and bad and have a choice on adhering to their own dharma; in turn contributing to the Cosmic Dharma. The less they adhere to their dharma, the less they adhere to the Cosmic Dharma and, as a result, go against Nature.
Reflection of the Week
When we feel a void in our lives, despite all the friends and family and relations that we entertain, who else do we need?
When we have fully surrendered to God or the Divine and know we are fully supported by that energy, who else do we need?
Ayurvedic health tip of the week
Healthy Food is not always Healthy
Any food that your body is unable to digest well is not healthy for you. In Ayurveda, they will even describe such food as creating poison in your body, because of the undigested food matter. So next time you choose salad over dal and sabji for lunch, or hop on to the latest superfood trend, ask yourself first if these are foods that your body is able to digest well. For example, do the foods give you bloating, reflux, lethargy, excess flatulence, diarrhoea, or constipation? If you find any of these to be the case, then the food is not digesting well in your body and you will be better off eating foods that you do digest well. I'd also recommend working with a healthcare practitioner to explore the root cause of your mal-digestion.
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.
Mantra of the Week
श्री राम राम रामेति रमे रामे मनोरमे ।
सहस्रनाम तत्तुल्यं रामनाम वरानने ॥
Sri Rama Rama Rameti,
Rame Rame Manorame;
Sahasrenama tattulyam,
Rama Nama Varanane
The repetition of the name of Rama is equivalent to chatning the 1001 names of the Vishnu Sahasranama.
Important dates this week
✓ Varuthini Ekadashi - Saturday May 4, 2024
✓ Vallabhacharya Jayanti - Saturday May 4, 2024
Books by Vanamali Mataji:
Sri Rama Lila
“Place the name of RAMA as a jewelled lamp at the door of your lips and there will be light both inside and out. Those who repeat this name absorbed in contemplation will acquire supernormal powers. Those who repeat it when burdened with affliction will be freed from all troubles. Those who repeat it with full faith and detachment will enjoy the incomparable felicity of God.” - Ramayana of Sri Tulsi Das
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.
Sri Rama Lila is also available as audio book - narrated by Vanamali Mataji - on Spotify and JioSaavn.
Vanamali Mataji in Satsang
How can we rise from sorrow?
When we are in a state of sorrow and feel like not having anyone or anywhere to turn to, not knowing what to do or whom to ask, we tend to ask the Divine for a way out of the situation. In Arjuna Vishada Yoga, the first Chapter of the Bhagavad Gita, Vanamali Mataji shares how important it is to follow one’s svabhava and svadharma.
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.
Sadhana with Vanamali Mataji
Of the many recommendations Vanamali Mataji has shared when asked about evolving spiritually, the most important one is sadhana: yoga asanas (Surya Namaskar), pranayama and meditation are a must on the spiritual path.
Here is a video to start your day with Surya Namaskar with Vanamali Mataji.
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
Anyone interested in having an authentic Vedic astrology reading, please contact our Adiveda Vedic Astrologer: Amit (+91) 954-841-1670
At your service,
The Adiveda Team