The Rishis
The Adiveda Weekly #124
Hari Aum Dear Sadhakas,
The ancient rishis of India were more than just spiritual figures; they were visionaries and sages who reached the pinnacle of human consciousness long before recorded history. With minds sharpened through intense meditation, they unlocked profound insights into the cosmos, life, and the nature of existence. Their wisdom, encapsulated in the Vedas, transcended the material world and explored the depths of the inner self, offering a holistic understanding of the universe that modern science is only beginning to appreciate. This blog delves into the extraordinary lives and teachings of these spiritual giants, who shaped the foundation of Sanatana Dharma and left an eternal legacy for humanity.
-Adiveda Team
The full blog for this week:
Question Of The Week
Q - Does spirituality need to include belief in a higher power or God? Can it be about personal growth without religion?
A - In Sanatana Dharma, spirituality does not require belief in a specific higher power or God; it emphasizes the pursuit of self-realization and understanding of the Atman (soul) as one with Brahman (universal consciousness). While devotion to deities (Ishvara) is a key path, spiritual growth can also be achieved through practices like yoga, meditation, and selfless service without rigid religious dogma.
Do send us your questions via the comment section or through live interaction with Vanamali Mataji on Instagram.
The Hindu Way of Life
The ocean's ever-changing waves remind us of the importance of detachment—to live like the waves, gracefully accepting change and impermanence. The ocean is both powerful and peaceful, embodying the balance between action and stillness, much like the concept of karma yoga (the yoga of action) and jnana yoga (the yoga of knowledge).
Reflection of the Week
A holistic form of education is about drawing out one's potential, creativity, and intuition, helping individuals discover their own truths. When we look inward, we can connect to deeper levels of understanding that transcend facts and figures.
Astrology Tip of the Week
Affirmations for each Zodiac Sign
Aries: "I embrace clarity." Taurus: "I am healing." Gemini: "I trust wisdom."
Cancer: "I embrace growth." Leo: "I create boldly." Virgo: "I trust balance."
Libra: "I seek harmony." Scorpio: "I release fear." Sagittarius: "I expand freely."
Capricorn: "I embody strength." Aquarius: "I trust visions." Pisces: "I follow intuition."
To receive your personal reading you can contact Amit on WhatsApp - (+91) 954-841-1670
Yogic Living
The "Sacred Breath: 10 Days of Traditional Breathwork" program, offered by Hub of Yoga, is a transformative journey that guides you through ancient breathwork practices to enhance physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. Over the course of 10 days, you'll explore time-tested techniques that promote deep healing, inner peace, and vitality. Whether you're new to breathwork or looking to deepen your practice, this program offers a structured path to harness the power of breath for holistic transformation.
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
Ayurvedic health tip of the week
Fasting
Fasting is a cornerstone of Nature Cure and some of our religious practices. However, fasting is not suitable for anyone so if you are thinking of fasting, please speak with your Naturopath first. This aside, fasting can be very useful in some of the following situations: when you have developed a fever, Nature Cure suggests fasting till the fever breaks. When you have an autoimmune gastrointestinal condition and you are in a flared state, a water fast can be helpful. When you have diverticulosis and they are inflammed (diverticulitis) and you have a flare in symptoms, a water fast can be very helpful, till symptoms subside. Amongst other things, the body's digestive system is getting a break during fasting, so its energy can be expended on the proper detoxification and cleaning up of cells (autophagy). This is why some fasting therapies are used in conditions like even cancer. Depending on a person's toxic load though, one should proceed very cautiously. A very toxic load will cause a lot of dumping of toxins into the bloodstream, which can make a person more ill. If you're interested in looking at successful fasting therapies used in the United States, look into the work of Dr Alan Goldhammer.
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
गुरुर्ब्रह्मा गुरुर्विष्णुः गुरुर्देवो महेश्वरः । गुरुः साक्षात् परब्रह्म तस्मै श्री गुरवे नमः ॥
gururbrahmā gururviṣṇuḥ gururdevo maheśvaraḥ
guruḥ sākṣāt parabrahma tasmai śrī gurave namaḥ
I bow to that Guru, who is Brahma, Vishnu and Maheshwara. He is indeed the Parabrahman.
Important dates this week
✓ Kaal Bhairav Jayanti - Friday Nov 22, 2024
Books by Vanamali Mataji:
The Rishis
This book explores the lives and teachings of revered sages who have profoundly influenced spiritual thought and practice. It further celebrates their diverse philosophies, offering readers a rich tapestry of wisdom that continues to inspire seekers today. Also available as audio book.
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 has a series of talks on the Uddhava Gita . 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. These talks are available both on Instagram and Youtube.
Learning with Vanamali Mataji
Chapter 18 of the Bhagavad Gita is a comprehensive chapter and summarizes the teachings of the Discourse. In this excerpt, Vanamali Mataji shares the Gita's answer to the question that has many wondering - which is superior, a sanyasi or a tyagi? Will a sanyasi have easier access to enlightenment than a householder or a tyagi?
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
Were any of the ancient Rishis female?