Unveiling the Truth: Debunking Myths About Menstruation
The Adiveda Weekly #139
Hari Aum Sadhakas,
Menstruation, a natural process unique to women, has long been shrouded in myths and taboos, often misunderstood as impure or shameful in male-dominated societies. Drawing from ancient wisdom like the Puranas, which liken the human body to a city of nine gates, we see elimination—including menstruation—as an essential cleansing mechanism. Yet, while bodily functions like sweating or spitting are accepted without question, menstruation bears the weight of superstition and stigma. It’s time to unravel these misconceptions, exploring the scientific and cultural truths behind this vital process, and empower women to embrace it as a symbol of strength and purity.
-Adiveda Team
Newsletter Contents - This newsletter contains the following sections in given order:
1 - Weekly Blog , 2 - Question of the week, 3 - The Hindu way of Life,
4 - Reflection of the week, 5 - Mantra of the week, 6 - Important Dates of the week,
7 - Books by Vanamali Mataji, 8 - Satsang by Vanamali Mataji, 9 - Understanding with Mataji, 10 - Learning with Mataji,
11 - Astrology Tips, 12 - Ayurvedic Tips, 13 - Yogic Living, 14 - Prenatal Yoga and
15 - Contacts
Weekly Blog
Question Of The Week
Q - How does Sanatana Dharma reconcile the conflicts between personal duties (svadharma) and universal duties?
A - Sanatana Dharma reconciles the conflict between personal duties (svadharma) and universal duties by emphasizing context and intent, guided by the principle of dharma. Svadharma - duties tied to one’s role, stage of life, and abilities - aligns with universal duties like truth, non-violence, and compassion when performed selflessly for the greater good. The Bhagavad Gita illustrates this through Arjuna, who balances his warrior duty with universal ethics under Krishna’s guidance, showing that harmony arises when personal actions serve a higher cosmic order. Thus, dharma integrates individual and collective responsibilities into a unified path toward righteousness and liberation.
Do send us your questions via the comment section or through live interaction with Vanamali Mataji on Instagram.
The Hindu Way of Life
The principle of ahimsa (non-violence) in Sanatana Dharma encourages individuals to cultivate compassion in thoughts, words, and actions, shaping daily practices like vegetarianism and meditation. Rooted in the belief that all life is interconnected, ahimsa fosters harmony with nature and society, guiding Hindus toward a life of purity, self-discipline, and spiritual growth. This principle reflects the pursuit of dharma, balancing personal conduct with universal well-being.
Reflection of the Week
Reality is perceived through the lens of one’s mind, shaped by states like ignorance, attachment, or clarity. The concept of maya - the illusion that veils ultimate truth - suggests that our mental conditioning, influenced by past karma and current emotions, colors how we experience the world. For instance, a mind clouded by anger might see conflict where another, steeped in peace, finds harmony. This ties to the Hindu way of life, where practices like meditation and self-inquiry aim to purify the mind, aligning perception with the unchanging reality of Brahman, beyond subjective distortions.
Mantra of the Week
ॐ सर्वमंगल मांगल्ये शिवे सर्वार्थसाधिके | शरण्ये त्रयम्बके गौरी नारायणी नमोस्तुते॥
Om sarvamaṅgalamāṅgalye śive sarvārthasādhike
śaraṇye tryambake gauri nārāyaṇi namo’stu te
I bow to the divine mother, Narayani who bestows auspiciousness on all of us
Important dates this week
✓ International Women’s Day - Saturday Mar 8, 2025
Books by Vanamali Mataji:
The Rishis
This book explores the lives and teachings of the revered sages or Rishis who have given us the incredible “Dharma” known as “Sanatana Dharma”. 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
In Her Bhagavad Gita Discourse, Vanamali Mataji shares beautiful insights from every chapter. She allows our minds to understand this ever relevant guidebook and thus helps us to navigate our own daily battles. The introduction video is available in full on YouTube and gives the background information of Shri Bhagwad Gita.
The entire Discourse, shared chapter by chapter, was professionally recorded and is made available on a donation basis. For those interested in receiving the recordings on a weekly basis, please contact vanamalibhagavadgita@gmail.com.
To follow along the Discourse, Vanamali Mataji recommends reading Vanamali’s “Srimad Bhagavad Gita”, as well as the 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
Vanamali talks on Sanatan Dharma in this video
Astrology Tip of the Week
Every year, International Women’s Day invites us to honor the women who shape our world—those who lead, love, create, and endure. This year, as the stars align on March 8th, I’ve been thinking about how the zodiac reflects the diverse, powerful essence of womanhood. Each sign carries its own flavor of feminine energy, a celestial mirror to the strengths we see in women everywhere. Let’s explore how each zodiac sign… Read More
To receive your personal reading you can contact Amit on WhatsApp - (+91) 954-841-1670 .
Ayurvedic health tip of the week - Anti-inflammatory Habits to Reduce the Side Effects of Reflux
Anti-inflammatory habits to help minimize the irritation to the esophagus:
● Consume 7-10 servings of colorful fruits and vegetables per day
o Green leafy vegetables, cabbage family, onions, berries, cherries, citrus fruits, and
pomegranates are particularly anti-inflammatory
● Eat a Low Glycemic Diet
o Refined carbohydrates like white flour, sugar, and soda can be pro-inflammatory
Balance meals with high-quality protein, fat, and fiber to slow the digestion of carbohydrate,
keeping blood sugar balanced
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.
Yogic Living - Sacred Breath Challenge!
Regular practice of Asana & Pranayama is a must for any sadhaka on the path of yoga. Even at the age of 85 Vanamali Mataji practices Surya Namaskar, Yoga Asanas & Pranayama everyday without fail. The "Surya Namaskar Challenge" is a 12 day introductory course offered by Hub of Yoga in which you will learn the sequence step by step, practice with correct breathing and invocation of mantras, and gradually build up to 12 full rounds by the final day. The Program started from Monday, 27th January 2025! and available to all yoga Sadhakas on donation basis, sign up here "Surya Namaskar Challenge"
Joining prenatal yoga classes is a wonderful way to enhance physical well-being, reduce stress, and prepare the body for childbirth. These classes offer emotional support, improve flexibility, and promote relaxation, fostering a stronger mind-body connection during pregnancy. Contact for more details - (+91) 832-796-6554
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