Hinduism believes in one supreme being that is known by many names. It teaches that all faiths lead to the same truth and that one should accept the good in all religions. The Vedas describe how the universe and all beings were created from a supreme word or energy. Hindu scriptures present the divine as both transcendent and immanent, without qualities yet present in all. The purpose of life is following dharma or universal order to achieve liberation from cycles of rebirth and union with the divine. Good actions and spiritual practices are emphasized over rituals.
An Interactive* Book of Shadows consisting of Gathered Wiccan Daily Devotionals, Rituals, Chants and Incantations, Commandments and More! Never search for that chant, devotional or ritual again!
Check back for updates as the book will be an ongoing thing..... hopefully to become rather big!
*Download and open in a powerpoint viewer to use interactively.
An Interactive* Book of Shadows consisting of Gathered Wiccan Daily Devotionals, Rituals, Chants and Incantations, Commandments and More! Never search for that chant, devotional or ritual again!
Check back for updates as the book will be an ongoing thing..... hopefully to become rather big!
*Download and open in a powerpoint viewer to use interactively.
This is a slide-show which features inspiring quotations from a wide range of mainly religious sources. It is designed to encourage thought and reflection, appreciation of difference and positive relationships between communities.
A reflective slide-show - the latest version of my Interfaith slide show - which combines images and texts to encourage understadning and appreciation of difference and harmony between peoples of all religions and cultures - a oneness world. This is a dream found at the heart of all the great world religions.
A verse by verse commentary on Psalm 104 dealing with praise for God who clothes Himself with splendor and majesty, and wraps Himself in light. It goes on to praise God for all He does as Creator of all nature. It ends with great praise again.
This is a study of Jesus as the agent of resurrection. We were dead in sins, but He paid for them and raised us up from this dead condition to live in Him.
When I give a Relflections On Life Workshop, I design the second Slide Show for a specific group. This version is designed for Inter Faith groups but I adapt it and use slides from it as the \'framework\' for all the workshops. This version is quite \'serious.\' It includes images and quotations not just from the six major religions but also from Bah\'ai, Jain, Rastafarian and Native American sources. I would love to get some feedback and suggestions of other inspiring quotations which I could include.
Many people like watching the original Reflections on Life slide show to de-stress, almost as a meditation. I like to use this version in the same way. It never ceases to inspire me and restore my focus and perspective, especially if things have been getting me down. Life is beautiful. It is mysterious. There is meaning in every incident. We are here to learn and every experience is an opportunity to learn something important and deepen our relationship not just with each other but also with the One from whom we all came and (so I believe) to Whom we will return.
Do send me some feedback, to info@bluelotus.coand invite me to come and give your group or community one of my fantastic workshops.
This is a slide-show which features inspiring quotations from a wide range of mainly religious sources. It is designed to encourage thought and reflection, appreciation of difference and positive relationships between communities.
A reflective slide-show - the latest version of my Interfaith slide show - which combines images and texts to encourage understadning and appreciation of difference and harmony between peoples of all religions and cultures - a oneness world. This is a dream found at the heart of all the great world religions.
A verse by verse commentary on Psalm 104 dealing with praise for God who clothes Himself with splendor and majesty, and wraps Himself in light. It goes on to praise God for all He does as Creator of all nature. It ends with great praise again.
This is a study of Jesus as the agent of resurrection. We were dead in sins, but He paid for them and raised us up from this dead condition to live in Him.
When I give a Relflections On Life Workshop, I design the second Slide Show for a specific group. This version is designed for Inter Faith groups but I adapt it and use slides from it as the \'framework\' for all the workshops. This version is quite \'serious.\' It includes images and quotations not just from the six major religions but also from Bah\'ai, Jain, Rastafarian and Native American sources. I would love to get some feedback and suggestions of other inspiring quotations which I could include.
Many people like watching the original Reflections on Life slide show to de-stress, almost as a meditation. I like to use this version in the same way. It never ceases to inspire me and restore my focus and perspective, especially if things have been getting me down. Life is beautiful. It is mysterious. There is meaning in every incident. We are here to learn and every experience is an opportunity to learn something important and deepen our relationship not just with each other but also with the One from whom we all came and (so I believe) to Whom we will return.
Do send me some feedback, to info@bluelotus.coand invite me to come and give your group or community one of my fantastic workshops.
In Chapter 13, entitled "Kshtra Kshtrajna Vibhaga Yoga" Sri Krishna reveals the distinct difference between the physical body & the immortal Soul. Characteristic of both are described in detail. He explains that the physical body is transitory & perishable, while the Soul is Immutable & Eternal. This chapter contains some of the most beautiful Sanskrit verses of the whole Gita. A proper understanding of the physical & the spiritual will lead to liberation.
Chapter 10-VIBHUTI YOGA of Bhagavad Gita is being interpreted here by Mahatma Gandhi. Here, Sri Krishna describes himself as the Unborn, the Beginning-less & the Supreme Lord of all creatures. He says that all the qualities like knowledge, freedom from delusion, truth, self-restraint, pleasure, pain, birth, death, fear, courage, contentment austerity, non-violence etc. emanate from Him. Upon request from Arjuna He gives a long list of examples of His manifestations, which shows that God is omnipotent,& His creation contains both good & evil
Chapter 9 of Bhagavad Gita, entitled "Raja Vidya Raja Guhya Yoga"is interpreted here by Mahatma Gandhiji. In this chapter Sri Krishna tells Arjuna that He has explained the highest knowledge & expounded the highest mystery. The union of Yoga is to be achieved with the Lord. All that is needed is fixed determination to realize God. He whom we seek dwells in our hearts, & the holy temple in which He sits opens only by the means of prayer. He says: I am the author & sustainer of all, I am the friend, I am the source, the cause of existence & of the final destruction. I am all that there is. I alone never perish. If you wish to not perish, come to My world by surrendering your whole mind to Me.
Chapter 9 of Bhagavad Geeta, entitled "Rajavidya Rajaguhya Yoga" discusses the Royal Knowledge of Pure Consciousness, in whose light all conditioned-knowledge are made possible. Krishna Himself calls this Science of the Absolute "the most secret (profound) Science". It is promised in the beginning itself that both speculative & practical aspects of this Knowledge will be told here. Not only the theory of self-perfection but also the logic behind it all are discussed in this chapter. This is the profound Knowledge combined with experience, having known which there is nothing more to be known, & one shall be free from the sorrows of life.
"Oh Shama, this book is very valuable and efficacious, so I present it to you, you read it. Once I suffered intensely and My heart began to palpitate and My life was in danger. At that critical time, I hugged this book to My heart and then, Shama, what a relief it gave me! I thought that Allah Himself came down and saved Me. So I give this to you, read it slowly, little by little, read daily one name at least and it will do you good."
- Sri Shirdi Sai Baba
(Ref Chapter XXVII Shri Shiridi Sai Satcharitra)
Vishnu Sahasranaama by Sri M.S.Subbalaksmi:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5NkfF3ZVCIo
"The sun does not illumine it, nor the moon nor the fire; That is My Supreme State reaching which they do not return."
- Bhagavad Gita
from the book: The Message That Comes From Everywhere: Exploring The Common Core of the World’s Religions, by Gary L. Beckwith the Harmony Institute ♦ P.O. Box 242 Jonesville, VT 05466 ♦ theharmonyinstitute.org
1. One God“The Lord is our God, The Lord is One” - Shema, Hebrew Prayer“Allah is One” - Koran, 112:1“The One is Lord of all the moves” - Rig Veda III.54.8 (Hinduism)“There is only One God.” -Chief Seattle.
Chapter 15 of Bhagavad Gita entitled "Purushothama Yoga"is being interpreted here by Mahatma Gandhi. The chapter begins with the Supreme Lord citing the Ashvatha or banyan tree as a metaphor to symbolise the material manifestation- this world- as a place of bondage & enslavement for the immortal Soul trapped as a Jiva in the perpetual cycle of birth & death.
2 Peter 3: Because some scriptures are hard to understand and some will force them to say things God never intended, Peter warns us to take care.
https://youtu.be/nV4kGHFsEHw
Exploring the Mindfulness Understanding Its Benefits.pptxMartaLoveguard
Slide 1: Title: Exploring the Mindfulness: Understanding Its Benefits
Slide 2: Introduction to Mindfulness
Mindfulness, defined as the conscious, non-judgmental observation of the present moment, has deep roots in Buddhist meditation practice but has gained significant popularity in the Western world in recent years. In today's society, filled with distractions and constant stimuli, mindfulness offers a valuable tool for regaining inner peace and reconnecting with our true selves. By cultivating mindfulness, we can develop a heightened awareness of our thoughts, feelings, and surroundings, leading to a greater sense of clarity and presence in our daily lives.
Slide 3: Benefits of Mindfulness for Mental Well-being
Practicing mindfulness can help reduce stress and anxiety levels, improving overall quality of life.
Mindfulness increases awareness of our emotions and teaches us to manage them better, leading to improved mood.
Regular mindfulness practice can improve our ability to concentrate and focus our attention on the present moment.
Slide 4: Benefits of Mindfulness for Physical Health
Research has shown that practicing mindfulness can contribute to lowering blood pressure, which is beneficial for heart health.
Regular meditation and mindfulness practice can strengthen the immune system, aiding the body in fighting infections.
Mindfulness may help reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes and obesity by reducing stress and improving overall lifestyle habits.
Slide 5: Impact of Mindfulness on Relationships
Mindfulness can help us better understand others and improve communication, leading to healthier relationships.
By focusing on the present moment and being fully attentive, mindfulness helps build stronger and more authentic connections with others.
Mindfulness teaches us how to be present for others in difficult times, leading to increased compassion and understanding.
Slide 6: Mindfulness Techniques and Practices
Focusing on the breath and mindful breathing can be a simple way to enter a state of mindfulness.
Body scan meditation involves focusing on different parts of the body, paying attention to any sensations and feelings.
Practicing mindful walking and eating involves consciously focusing on each step or bite, with full attention to sensory experiences.
Slide 7: Incorporating Mindfulness into Daily Life
You can practice mindfulness in everyday activities such as washing dishes or taking a walk in the park.
Adding mindfulness practice to daily routines can help increase awareness and presence.
Mindfulness helps us become more aware of our needs and better manage our time, leading to balance and harmony in life.
Slide 8: Summary: Embracing Mindfulness for Full Living
Mindfulness can bring numerous benefits for physical and mental health.
Regular mindfulness practice can help achieve a fuller and more satisfying life.
Mindfulness has the power to change our perspective and way of perceiving the world, leading to deeper se
Why is this So? ~ Do Seek to KNOW (English & Chinese).pptxOH TEIK BIN
A PowerPoint Presentation based on the Dhamma teaching of Kamma-Vipaka (Intentional Actions-Ripening Effects).
A Presentation for developing morality, concentration and wisdom and to spur us to practice the Dhamma diligently.
The texts are in English and Chinese.
Discover various methods for clearing negative entities from your space and spirit, including energy clearing techniques, spiritual rituals, and professional assistance. Gain practical knowledge on how to implement these techniques to restore peace and harmony. For more information visit here: https://www.reikihealingdistance.com/negative-entity-removal/
The Good News, newsletter for June 2024 is hereNoHo FUMC
Our monthly newsletter is available to read online. We hope you will join us each Sunday in person for our worship service. Make sure to subscribe and follow us on YouTube and social media.
The Book of Joshua is the sixth book in the Hebrew Bible and the Old Testament, and is the first book of the Deuteronomistic history, the story of Israel from the conquest of Canaan to the Babylonian exile.
In Jude 17-23 Jude shifts from piling up examples of false teachers from the Old Testament to a series of practical exhortations that flow from apostolic instruction. He preserves for us what may well have been part of the apostolic catechism for the first generation of Christ-followers. In these instructions Jude exhorts the believer to deal with 3 different groups of people: scoffers who are "devoid of the Spirit", believers who have come under the influence of scoffers and believers who are so entrenched in false teaching that they need rescue and pose some real spiritual risk for the rescuer. In all of this Jude emphasizes Jesus' call to rescue straying sheep, leaving the 99 safely behind and pursuing the 1.
The Chakra System in our body - A Portal to Interdimensional Consciousness.pptxBharat Technology
each chakra is studied in greater detail, several steps have been included to
strengthen your personal intention to open each chakra more fully. These are designed
to draw forth the highest benefit for your spiritual growth.
The Chakra System in our body - A Portal to Interdimensional Consciousness.pptx
Hinduism v1
1. Hinduism
When I read the Bhagavad-Gita and reflect about how God
created this universe everything else seems so superfluous
Albert Einstein
The Bhagavad-Gita calls on humanity to dedicate body,
mind and soul to pure duty and not to become mental
voluptuaries at the mercy of random desires and
undisciplined impulses.
M.K. Gandhi
2. One Truth In Many Names
As men approach Me, so I receive them. All paths, Arjuna, lead to Me.
Bhagavad-Gita 4.11
They have called him Indra, Mitra, Varuna, Agni, and the divine fine-winged Garuda
They speak of Indra, Yama, Matrarisvan: the One Being sages call by many names.
Rig Veda 1.164.46 (Hinduism)
3. Like the bee, gathering honey from different flowers, the wise man accepts the essence
of different scriptures and sees only the good in all religions.
Srimad Bhagavatam 11.3
4. The Creation
This, [in the beginning] was the only Lord of the Universe. His Word was with him.
This Word was his second. He contemplated. He said, "I will deliver this Word so that
she will produce and bring into being all this world."
Tandya Maha Brahmana 20.14.2
From the bosom of the sacred Word he brought forth the world.
On high, below, he abides in his own laws.
Atharva Veda 4.1.3
5. Universal Order and Truth were born of blazing spiritual fire,and thence night was born,
and thence the billowy ocean of space. From the billowy ocean of space was born
Time--the year ordaining days and nights, the ruler of every moment. In the beginning,
as before, the Creator made the sun,the moon, the heaven and the earth,
the firmament and the realm of light.
Rig Veda 10.190.1-3
6. There was no death then, nor yet deathlessness; of night or day there was not any sign.
The One breathed without breath, by its own impulse.Other than that was nothing else at
all. In the beginning Love arose,which was the primal germ cell of the mind.
The Seers, searching in their hearts with wisdom,discovered the connection of Being in
Nonbeing.
Rig Veda 10.129
7. The Dual Characteristic of GOD
He is the one God, hidden in all beings, all-pervading, the Self within all beings,
watching over all works, dwelling in all beings, the witness, the perceiver, the only
one, free from qualities.
Svetasvatara Upanishad 6.11
Eye cannot see him, nor words reveal him; by the senses, austerity,
or works he is not known. When the mind is cleansed by the grace of wisdom,
he is seen by contemplation—the One without parts.
Mundaka Upanishad 3.1.8
I am Father and Mother of the world.
Bhagavad-Gita 9.17
8. The Universal Prime Force
My material world is eightfold, divided into earth, water, Fire, air, ether, mind, the
faculty of meditation, and self-awareness. This is the lower nature. My higher nature
is different. It is the very life that sustains the world. Do not forget that this is the
source of all existence. I am the genesis and the end of the entire world. There is
nothing higher than I am, O Conqueror of Wealth! The world is strung on me like
pearls on a string.
Bhagavad-Gita 7.4-7
9. The Great Principle, the Divine, is my womb; I cast the seed into it;
There is the origin of all creatures Whatever forms originate in any wombs
The real womb is the Divine, the Great Principle.
I am the Father that gives the seed.
Bhagavad-Gita 14.4
10. The Great Blessings
The first blessing
Truly do I exist in all beings, but I am most manifest in man. The human heart is My
favorite dwelling place.
Srimad Bhagavatam 11.2
He, indeed, is the great Purusha, the Lord, who inspires the mind to attain the
state of stainlessness. He is the Ruler and the imperishable Light.
Svetasvatara Upanishad 3.12
Truth is said to be the one unequalled means of purification of the soul.
Truth is the ladder by which man ascends to heaven, as a ferry plies from one bank of a
river to another.
Narada Dharma Sutra 1.210
11. How shall the Infinite rest anywhere but in itself?
"The infinite is below, above, behind, before, to the right, to the
left. I am all this. This Infinite is the Self. The Self is below, above,
behind, before, to the right, to the left. I am all this. One who knows,
meditates upon, and realizes the truth of the Self--such a one delights in
the Self, rejoices in the Self. He becomes master of himself, master of
all worlds. Slaves are they who know not this truth."
Chandogya Upanishad 7.23-25
12. At whose behest does the mind think? Who bids the body live?
Who makes the tongue speak? Who is that effulgent Being that directs the
eye to form and color and the ear to sound?
The Self (Atman) is ear of the ear, mind of the mind, speech of speech. He is also breath
of the breath, and eye of the eye. Having given up the false identification of the Self with
the senses and the mind, and knowing the Self to be Brahman, the wise, on departing
this life, become immortal.
Kena Upanishad 1.1-2
13. Second Blessing
I am He, you are She;
I am Song, you are Verse,
I am Heaven, you are Earth.
We two shall here together dwell,
becoming parents of children.
Atharva Veda 14.2.71
Sweet be the glances we exchange,
our faces showing true concord.
Enshrine me in your heart and let
one spirit dwell within us.
I wrap around you this my robe
which came to me from Manu,
so that you may be wholly mine
and never seek another.
Atharva Veda 7.36-37
14. He found no joy; so even today, one who is all alone finds no joy. He yearned for a
second. He became as large as a man and a woman locked in close embrace. This self
he split into two; hence arose husband and wife. Therefore, as Yajnavalkya used to
observe, "Oneself is like half of a split pea." That is why this void is filled by woman. He
was united with her, and thence were born human beings.
Brihadaranyaka Upanishad 1.4.3
15. Third Blessing
Rama, whose arms reached to his knees, the powerful elder brother of Lakshmana, ruled
the earth in glory and performed many sacrifices with his sons, brothers, and kinsfolk. No
widow was ever found in distress nor was there any danger from snakes or disease
during his reign; there were no malefactors in his kingdom nor did any suffer harm; no
aged person ever attended the funeral of a younger relative; happiness was universal;
each attended to his duty and they had only to look to Rama to give up enmity. Men lived
for a thousand years, each having a thousand sons who were free from infirmity and
anxiety; trees bore fruit and flowers perpetually; Parjanya sent down rain when it was
needed and Maruta blew auspiciously; all works undertaken bore happy results and all
engaged in their respective duties and eschewed evil. All were endowed with good
qualities; all were devoted to pious observances, and Rama ruled over the kingdom for
ten thousand years.
Ramayana, Yuddha Kanda 130
16. The mode of living which is founded upon a total harmlessness towards all creatures or
[in case of actual necessity] upon a minimum of such harm, is the highest morality.
Mahabharata, Shantiparva 262.5-6
To love is to know Me,
My innermost nature,
The truth that I am.
Bhagavad-Gita 18.55
17. The relationship between God and man
God! Give us wisdom as a father gives to his sons.
Guide us, O Much-invoked, in this path.
May we live in light.
Rig Veda 7.32.26
That breast of Thine which is inexhaustible, health-giving,
by which Thou nursest all that is noble,
containing treasure, bearing wealth, bestowed freely;
lay that bare, Sarasvati [divine Mother], for our nurture.
Rig Veda 1.164.49
18. Purpose of Life
Truth is victorious, never untruth.
Truth is the way; truth is the goal of life,
Reached by sages who are free from self-will.
Mundaka Upanishad 3.1.6
Sweet blows the breeze for him who lives by Law, rivers for him pour sweets.
So [as we live by Law] may the plants be sweet to us!
Pleasant be our nights, pleasant dawns, and pleasant the dust of the earth!
Pleasant for us be Father Heaven!
Rig Veda 1.90.6-7
Those who live in accordance with the divine laws without complaining,
firmly established in faith, are released from karma. Those who violate these laws,
criticizing and complaining, are utterly deluded, and are the cause of their own suffering.
Bhagavad-Gita 3.31-32
19. Spirit World
Meet the Fathers, meet Yama, and meet with the
fulfillment of wishes in the highest heaven;
casting off imperfections, find anew thy dwelling,
and be united with a lustrous body.
Yama was the first to find us our abode,
a place that can never be taken away,
where our ancient Fathers have departed; all
who are born go there by that path, treading their own.
Rig Veda 10.14.2,8
20. Giving no pain to any creature, a person should slowly accumulate spiritual merit for the
sake of acquiring a companion in the next world....
For in the next world neither father, nor mother, nor wife, nor sons, nor relations stay to
be his companions; spiritual merit alone remains with him.
Laws of Manu 4.238-39
What is here [the phenomenal world], the same is there [in Brahman]; and what is there,
the same is here. Katha Upanishad 2.1.10
Editor's Notes
The Bhagavad-Gita calls on humanity to dedicate body, mind and soul to pure duty and not to become mental voluptuaries at the mercy of random desires and undisciplined impulses.
M.K. Gandhi
They have called him Indra, Mitra, Varuna, Agni, and the divine fine-winged Garuda; They speak of Indra, Yama, Matrarisvan: the One Being sages call by many names.
From the bosom of the sacred Word he brought forth the world. On high, below, he abides in his own laws.