Relevance of Karma

What is "KARMA" ?Why do the innocent suffer? Why does God permit evil? Is God helpless to act or does he choose not to? And if He chooses not to act, does that mean he is cruel? Or merely indifferent?
 Human suffering is one of religion's most compelling mysteries: Why do the innocent suffer? Why does God permit evil? Is God helpless to act or does he choose not to? And if He chooses not to act, does that mean he is cruel? Or merely indifferent?

Vedanta takes the problem out of God's court and places it firmly in our own. We can blame neither God nor a devil. Nothing happens to us by the whim of some outside agency: we ourselves are responsible for what life brings us; all of us are reaping the results of our own previous actions in this life or in previous lives. To understand this better we first need to understand the law of karma.

The word "karma" comes from the Sanskrit verb kri, to do. Although karma means action, it also means the result of action. "KARMA" means "action." Every action or thought determines a reaction. In the physical world, the weight of a body creates an opposite force in the ground. At the emotional level, our attitude toward someone (or something) is, consciously or not, reflected back, the other person having the tendency to behave exactly according to our feeling towards him/her. At the mental level this is the well known dynamic interaction between the commanding conscious mind and the executing subconscious mind.

In YOGA Tradition, KARMA has a much deeper meaning. In this vision, KARMA is the accumulation of our past actions. These past actions (triggering actions) are causes which determine other actions (triggered reactions) in exact accordance with the charge of the corresponding past actions.

Each of our physical, emotional or mental movements is the fruit of causes coming from the whole Universe and has its repercussions in the whole Universe.

For instance, if you do a bad or good action toward someone, this triggers a reaction which will be equally bad or good, and which will be directed toward yourself. In this way, you experience the happiness or suffering that you have produced to other living beings. The paramount value of this subtle mechanism is that we learn and accumulate a certain ineffable wisdom that pushes us toward becoming good and perfect. Of course, this is a very simple and mechanical explanation; what really happens has a complexity and profoundness that overcomes even the most imaginative mind.

KARMA is the storage of our actions, recorded with exactitude in a special memory. These recordings are like time bombs that will explode in the future. The sight of an object, the thinking of a thought, the performance of an act, even though very transitory, leave a complex trace in the Cosmic Memory (AKASHA), which lasts beyond time, and leaves also an imprint in the subconscious mind. This subconscious imprint is called SAMSKARA (dynamic impulse). The character of a man, his moral or mental status, his "talents", his "likes" and "dislikes", all are determined by his SAMSKARAS, which are the product of his KARMA (past actions). The SAMSKARAS transmigrate from incarnation to incarnation, being never lost. They act like seeds that will develop according to a specific pattern, which characterize each of them and which is closely related to the charge of the action that produced them.

KARMA has three levels. The first level is the level of the past actions that are waiting to produce a reaction. This is called SANCHITA KARMA, the latent KARMA.

The second level is the level of the past actions whose reactions are fully manifesting, being responsible for our present life and creating its circumstances. This is called PRARABDHA KARMA, active or mature KARMA.

The third level is the level of the actions which will be triggered in the future by our present actions. This is called future KARMA.

Considering the temporal sequence of actions, each action has a feedback effect (going backward in time and therefore affecting all the latent KARMIC seeds that lay in wait) and a direct effect (going forward in time).

The result of an action is greatly influenced by associated ideas. When, for instance, a person practices certain austerities and desires that their fruit should go to the other person for whom he performs them, it is the other that gets the fruit, and not the performer.

If you understand the Law of KARMA, you will realize that there is no destiny besides the human will. Everybody gets exactly what he/she deserves. This is a Cosmic and Inflexible Law. There is a perfect justice, even when our limited human understanding "sees" an "injustice". The human beings build their own destiny through their actions, thoughts and intentions. If these have a positive charge, the destiny will be positive. If the actions, thoughts or intentions have a predominantly negative charge, the destiny will be negative. Notice that you do not necessarily have to do bad things to others for having a bad destiny: people usually do bad things to themselves, and this is enough for creating a negative KARMA. An important thing here is the intention. Remember, God or other Superior Cosmic Entities never punish a creature for being "bad" and never reward it for being "good".

We live in a mysterious world, in which we, with our conscious and subconscious mind and belief system, are permanently creating the "reality" in which we live, manifesting that enigmatic power called MAYA SHAKTI, through which we see the world not the way it is, but the way we want it, consciously or not, to be. This is the same power that the Supreme Being uses to create and manifest the worlds, and to hide Itself from them. You have to see and understand deeply this fundamental truth before attempting to understand the law of KARMA.

Counter-acting latent KARMAS

Now, we come to the idea of "changing the destiny". Generally speaking, the ordinary human being supports passively and unconsciously the consequences of his KARMAS (actions). In this state of consciousness, he/she unconsciously generates other KARMAS (actions), which trigger correspondent reactions, and so on. Apparently, this vicious circle has no end.

The YOGA Tradition puts forth clearly that the human being has the power and the right to change his destiny and find an exit from this vicious circle. This is called "escaping the wheel of reincarnations". KARMA itself is called "The Wheel of Eternal Returning".

We have seen that the state of KARMA, when it is asserting itself or is about to assert itself, is called mature KARMA. Once this state is reached, nothing and nobody can stop it from running its course, nothing can impede its fruition.

As opposed to this, there is the other state in which, the circumstances being extremely unfavorable for its growth, a KARMA remains dormant (latent KARMA). The fruition of such a KARMA only can be destroyed by a counter-action such as charity, spiritual practice, etc. The preventive measures against the fruition of latent KARMA are like inoculation to safeguard a person against the attack of a certain disease. And just as inoculation, though effective if it be done long before the attack, is yet useless when the attack has come, i.e., when the KARMA has attained maturity. The mature KARMA is like a boulder slipped from the top of a mountain, which knows no obstruction and must have its course till it reaches the flat land.

The destruction, or burning, of KARMA is one of the most essential antecedent conditions of enlightenment. But this is neither the only condition, nor is this in itself enlightenment.

The main purpose of the Law of KARMA is learning. If, through understanding and consciously changing your life, you learn a lesson, the KARMA that was supposed to teach you that particular lesson through suffering, is automatically burned.

Remember that KARMA is the main cause of our existence in this world. An individual is not only affected by his own KARMA, but also by that of the community or race to which he belongs (collective KARMA). A good or bad KARMA is equally undesirable for he who yearns to liberation, because it enchains the human being on the Wheel of Eternal Returning. In YOGA vision, KARMA is "good" when it permits the human being to realize the spiritual evolution, and it is "bad" when the opposite is the case. "Bad" KARMA means that a lot of lessons have to be learned; "good" KARMA means enough lessons were learned, so the human being can start the conscious work of inner growth. The advanced YOGIN yearns to eliminate any kind of KARMA. Only in this way will he be totally free of any links with the inferior levels of consciousness, being able to merge continuously into the Eternal Bliss of the Supreme Consciousness. From then on, all his Actions will be free of any KARMIC charge. These actions can trigger reactions, but only if the YOGIN desires so. An enlightened master has complete control over the fruition of his KARMAS (actions).

The ageless teachings of the KARMA YOGA system are the following:

(1) Not even for a moment can a human being be without action. Therefore inaction or refraining from action must NOT be the aim of a yogi. Detached and consecrated action is much superior than inaction.

(2) Certain actions are mandatory and therefore have to be done but in a state of perfect detachment and consecrating their fruit to the Supreme Consciousness (God).

(3) We must neither desire nor be afraid of the fruits (results) of our detached actions. We must consecrate these fruits to God. Consecration means offering the fruits of an action to God in a state of humbleness, it means acting for the love of God. This inner attitude of consecration implies a profound respect and attention for the action that is being performed, and a perfect detachment from its fruit. Consecration implies a higher responsibility, because now the quality of the action is a measure of the degree of love for God and of communion with the Cosmic Harmony. In the light of this teaching, no action is to be considered as being without importance, negligible or incompatible with the role we THINK (but don´t know through direct experimentation) we have to play in this life.

(4) We must never be attached to action itself.

(5) We must never consider ourselves as being the authors of our actions. We must keep in mind that God is the one who acts through us. Therefore, BEFORE starting an action (this detail is essential !!), invoke with fervor the presence of God and offer Him in a state of humbleness both that action and its fruits.

(6) Any action realized in the spirit of KARMA YOGA (i. e., respecting the above five precepts) does not create any KARMIC chains.

KARMA YOGA makes a clear distinction between:
 (a) The INTENT of an action (the state of mind at the time of an action);
 (b) The action itself;
 (c) The fruits of the action;
 Out of these three elements, only the intent creates new KARMA (enchains us to the Wheel of Birth and Death). To avoid this, the intent has to be detached and consecrated to God.

Whatever you identify yourself with, controls you; you control whatever you dis-identify yourself with.

Here, "identification" has to be understood as ego-involvement; therefore, the lower the level of ego-involvement, the higher the level of satisfaction.

Hinduism, How it is A Special One

Prayer For the Well Being of all

Sarve Bhavantu sukhena

Sarve santu niraamyaa

Sarve Bhadraani pashyantu

Ma kashchit dukhbagh bhavet

O God, grant happiness to all  May all be free from misery  May all possess good things in life  Let no-one suffer from any sorrows

Demographics

Hinduism is found in nearly every corner of the globe. Hindus are estimated at 500,000,000 worldwide.

According to the CIA, the largest concentration of Hindus are in India (81% of population) and Nepal (86%). Countries with the fewest Hindus include Thailand (95% Buddhist), Malaysia, Singapore, Oman, Yemen, Pakistan (mainly Islamic). Nepal is the only state in the world that is officially Hindu.

A large number of Hindus also reside in South America and the Caribbean, including in the countries of Guyana, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago. The small island of Mauritius off the coast of South Africa (near Madagascar) is 54% Hindu. Britain and the United States have significant, but relatively small, Hindu populations.

I.: What is Special in Hinduism?

1. Hindu Religion is the world's oldest faith. It was followed by the ancient civilization of the Indus valley, Ganges valley, Deccan and Cauveri delta, as well as other parts of India all over the Indian peninsula and surrounding areas of Asia. Hinduism, is as much a "way of life" as a religion and affects every aspect of life for Hindus from birth throughout their life. It is followed by the devout Hindu in every aspect of life and activity, and not just in a prayer only.

2. With Hinduism you can have whatever you want. If you want to live a hedonistic lifestyle Hinduism will show you a way to live it without hurting yourself or others.

3. If you want to dedicate your life to worldly successes Hinduism will show you the way to do so within limitations. If all you want to do is your responsible duty to your neighbors, go ahead and do it. If what you want is liberation you can be shown the way.

4. Hinduism is a very philosophically thought out religion that essentially gives an answer for any question that you might have about your life. With each answer Hinduism gives a reason and a possibility of strengthening your understanding of the answer.

5. Hinduism is guided by the teachings of the Vedas, also believed to be the Revealed words by the Divine Powers. The Vedas are said to be older than the creation of the Universe and were given to the Ancient Sages by God as their intuition during their meditation. The Great Seers and Rishis of ancient times recited these Vedas, obtained by their meditative powers, as the teachings of God. These teaching are very ancient and were memorized and recited by generations of Sages, Teachers and their disciples until they were written down as texts and codified as the Four Vedas by Sage Vyasa. It is further explained by subsequent texts written by Seers and religious leaders based on these Vedas. Hinduism is also guided by these Upa-Vedas, Vedangas, Upanishads, Ithihasas and Puranas, which contain the prayers, Philosophy, rituals and mythology, all in one, to suit everyone's cultural and mental development. While the learned person reads about the qualities of the all-powerful Brahman, the illiterate one is taught the same principle by mythological stories and simple forms of prayers to His manifestations.

6. The philosophy of Hinduism, as Divine revelations, is for all times, as old as creation and as modern as tomorrow. The Vedas have given us the rituals in various forms as a ladder to raise our faith and understanding. The Agamas and Puranas give us the incarnations and manifestations of 'God' in popular forms to condition our thoughts to the faith. It allows and accepts varying forms of worship with a tremendous tolerance of other religious faiths and beliefs. Though one may not agree that the other paths are better or perfect, every one is allowed to follow his own path. Often a devotee is urged to study all the paths and variations to fully understand his own faith.

7. This is the most important and valuable specialty of Hinduism that it has not closed itself inside any contours, but is the realistic representation of the limitlessness of knowledge and experience. It is absolutely open minded. This is the religion that calls Let the good things come from all the directions of the world (aa no bhadrAH kratavo yantu vishvataH). Thus this religion nurtured the good concepts with a neutral mindset. Hinduism is a dharma (discipline) than a religion. Various religions stand over this dharma. In general this is not the religion of just postulations. 

8. Very naturally this religion does not force even the acceptance of God to the followers. The Hindus are not threatened that they would be punished for not praying/believing the God, whereas the major scriptures advice the followers to hold to the God in order to get liberated from the rough road of pleasures and pains! Even those things undergo a very healthy debate. Nothing is unquestionable. The Hindu scriptures instead of defining the way, in which the Hindus should live, in a better way, act as supporting material for the individual to decide the course of life and stand by that. 

9. Hinduism, unlike most religions, has no founder and no one scripture. Hindus do not have one "Holy Book" like many other religions, but many texts including the four Vedas along with their Upanishads, called the "Sruti", several Dharma Sasthras or Smrutis, Ithihasas and Puranas including the Mahabharata and the Ramayana. The Bhagavad Gita, or "Song of God", comes as part of Mahabaratha, is an essence of the message of the Upanishads and Hindu Philosophy and is considered to be a guide on how we should live as told by Lord Krishna to Arjuna. 

10. Hindus believe that as all streams and rivers lead to the same ocean, all genuine religious (spiritual) paths lead to the same goal; worship of every form of "GOD" and celestial forces leads to the same good. So we do not try to convert others to our religion. (Another example-path to top of mountain may differ but the view from the top of the mountain will be the same.) 

11. Hindus believe in one God, beyond form, space and time and beyond human comprehension. They believe that God is Transcendant and Immanent at the same time and will create Itself according to everyones desire and needs to protect the pious, to detroy the evil and establish the Divine Rule of Law and Justice. 

12. Most Hindus, needing a form on which to concentrate, worship that one God in different forms, worshiping one aspect of that One Divine Supreme Truth. -- Hindus see God in masculine as well as in feminine forms and also like a family. At the same time, they all understand the True nature of the Supreme.

13. In the masculine forms, Hindus see that One God as Brahma - the creator, Vishnu - the protector and maintainer, and Shiva as Siva-Nataraja - the destroyer and recreator. -- In the female forms, Hindus see that One God as Sakthi or Durga, - provider of energy and power, as Lakshmi, - provider of prosperity and wealth and as Saraswathi, - provider of knowledge and intelligence. 

14. These are the major forms of Hindu "Gods" worshipped, which takes the form as created by the supreme God Paramathma for the benefit of the Human creations to easily comprehend Him as He is. Please understand that many of the sects of Hindus following the various forms of philosophy and worship, visualise this same Paramathma - the Supreme God - as Narayana [Vishu], or as Paramasiva [Siva] and Paraasakthi [Sakthi or Durga].

15. Here please note that unlike the other major world religions, Hindus also see the Supreme as Mother, including as Sri Meenakshi, as Visalakshi, as Kamakshi and as many other names of Sakthi. He is also seen as Father as in Siva in various forms in several Hindu Temples. -- The Temple in which they are worshipped is not just a congregation hall but a palace of the Supreme God [as the Queen or King].

16. Hindu Rituals and Worship take into account the capacities and inclinations of different individuals. --Types of worship include Ritualistic worship (temple or home), offering (directly or through the priest) flowers, coconut, fruits, incense, flames of oil lamps and camphor, chanting of prayers in Sanskrit (or their mother tongue), etc.

17. Also Hindu religion advocates Worship through service of one's fellow man (charity) and by one's activity; -- Worship through the service to fellow human and devotion to the Supreme; --Worship through meditation with physical and mental discipline and through understanding first the inner self then the divine that is everywhere.

18. Hinduism has also defined concept of Yogas. Jnana yoga is for people who are reflective and seek knowledge find their divinity through rationality and spirituality. Bhakti yoga is the path to God through love and devoted service. It insists on God's otherness and teaches love of God through adoration. Karma yoga is the path to God through work. Be productive and strive to work towards high rewards and work unselfishly.Raja yoga is known as the path to reintegration, a way to God through psychophysical experiments. Self-searching could be one way of describing Raja Yoga. Looking inward to discern the humanness from the Godness and bringing them together. It involves meditation and self discipline.

These and many more specialties of Hinduism make it a harmonious and worth religion, which is suitable for any time in present or future, for any land or creed.

Sri Sathya Sai Baba Passes Away

Director of ‘Shri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Sciences’ has declared today that Sathya Sai Baba is No More in this World. Sai Baba Go to heaven at 7:40 am today. Baba was 86 year old.

All devotees of Baba around the world were worried about Sai Baba’s health since one month, when he admitted hospital following problems related heart and respiration. And today devotees get huge shock to listen news that they will not get Baba’s ‘Ashirvaad’ more.

Sathyanarayana Raju (23 November 1926 – 24 April 2011) was a popular Indian guru, spiritual figure and educator. He is described by his devotees as an Avatar, god man, spiritual teacher and miracle worker. The apparent materializing of vibuthi (holy ash) and small objects such as rings, necklaces and watches by Sathya Sai Baba has been a source of both fame and controversy – skeptics consider these simple conjuring tricks, while devotees consider them evidence of divinity.Sathya Sai Baba has claimed to be the reincarnation of the great spiritual guru, Sai Baba of Shirdi, whose teachings were an eclectic blend of Hindu and Muslim beliefs.

Sathya Sai Baba and his organizations support a variety of free educational institutions, hospitals, and other charitable works in India and abroad. The number of active Sathya Sai Baba adherents was estimated in 1999 to be around 6 million, although followers' estimations are far higher. Since there are no formal ties of membership, the actual figure may never be known. The Sathya Sai Organization reports that there are an estimated 1,200 Sathya Sai Baba Centers in 114 countries worldwide.In India itself, Sai Baba draws followers from predominantly upper-middle-class, urban sections of society who have the "most wealth, education and exposure to Western ideas." A cultural icon in his home country, Sai Baba has attracted presidents and prime ministers from India and beyond who have become his devotees; in 2002, he claimed to have followers in 178 countries

Sree Chakra

Ishti -Giving Ceremony to the poor and needy

Giving Ceremony to the poor and needy
To understand the meaning of 'ISHTI' we must know something about Yagas amd Yajnas(sacared rituals done to appease God, Performed during vedic period.
vedic EraThis was the period when people used to adhereto the path of Dharma and Saints and Sagas, who showed the world the way of penance, guided the mass to righeousness.
There were no Temples and the offering to God was done through yagas and Yagnas. No discrimination whatsoever by way of caste, creed or wealth was made. All were treated equally eligible to worship God. The criteria to become Brahmin was theintense guest for knowledge and realisation of truth, the readiness to serve others foregoing their own comforts, the determination to observe penances and true devotion to poor and needy. Not even belief in God was a must. No Superiority was assigned to anybody born in higher caste or creed. The degree of superiority was determined according to the correct observance of Dharma or righteousness.
Stipulations in vedasNo 'Achari' who participates in the conduct of Yaga was allowed to have any share of the offerings submitted by devotees. They met their personal expenses from the income earned through their work. All the offerings received by way of Yaga were distributed among poor and needy after completion of Yaga and this ceremony was called 'ISHTI'
Deterioration of HinduismAfter the Vedic period, the Spirit of Yagas dwindled and Temples started to come up. Acharyas become luxury minded. They shed the way of penance and instead of conducting 'Yaga' for the betterment of society, used this as a tool to enforce the supremancy of caste and creed. Scruptures were distorted to suit the conveniences of higher castes and the right to conduct Yagas became hereditory. The terms Brahmin became associated to birth in a certain caste and no importance was assigned to leading a righteous life.
Hinduisms started to deteriorate. What once was a beacon of truth, man became a mere show of luxury and meaning less rituals.

Rise of BudhaThis was the time when Budha came to the world and showed the world the path of Dharma. Many people started to realise their mistake and took to the way of Budhism.
Buat with passage of timeBudhisms also reverted to hollow customs and lost the spirit envisaged by Budha.
AdiSankara`s Mission
The division by way of caste and creed is so strong in Hinduism even today. AdiSankaracharya who advocated 'Advaita' was opposed by higher castes and haunted throughout his life. Sankara was treated with disdairs by Brahmins, though he belayed to their caste. The so called protectors of Hindu Dharma not even cooperated in the burial of his beloved mother.
After the death of AdiSankara colourful stories were propogated and Ashrams said to be establised by him started to flourish, but the main message given to the world by AdhiSankara was forgotten in toto.
Gurubaba - Avatar of KaliyugaNever ready to sacrifice an inch of Vedic Stipulations, Gurubaba shunned publicity and preferred to remains annonymous. He know that the main opposition for him will be from his own religion, which has deviated much from the true Vedic tradition.
But destiny forced Gurubaba to set up Ashram and save devotees, who even after years of Temple worship, now faced nothing but darknesss. They came back to life with the correct observance of 'Amvasyopasana' as advised by Gurubaba.
Amavasyopasana is the base of all type of temple / idol worship. Any offering or pooja without observance of Upasanas are meaningless and will not bear fruit. This truth is slowly coming to light with undesirable experioences of devotees of Gurubaba.
According to ScrupturesAll the Yagas and Yagnas conducted at Gurubaba Ashram are strictly according to Vedic traditions. Nobody participating in the conduct of Yaga will be given any 'Dakshina' or renumeration. All the offerings received by way of Yagas will be distributed among poor and needy in different places throughout Kerala. No discrimination is made by way of caste, creed or religions and only their suffering is taken into account.
The Photos show distribution of 'ISHTI' among poor in various centres on specified days and time as stipulated in vedas. The distribution is done by Acharyas who observe 'Amvasyapasana' and lead a righteous life.

Gurubaba - Signs of a real ascetic

Lord Gurubaba is rich. Rich in the sense that he is having two sets of dhothies, which is torn with number of holes and stitches on them. Lord Gurubaba believes that in a country like India where majority of the population is below poverty line and were young men and women donot even have sufficient clothes, spiritual leaders should avoid new and expensive dresses. They should try to sacrifice their passion for luxurious items. As 1/3 of the population of our country faces starvation every year a true spritual leader should observe fasting for 120 days that is 1/3 of the year. But Lord Guru Baba who makes his life an example of patriotism and spiritualism, fasts 3/4 th ofthe year that is 270 days and that too even without a drop of water.

Amavasyopasana or Full Moon / New Moon Fasting a scientific Approach

Observance of Amavasyopasana- a scientific Approach.

Principles of AmavasyopasanaHow to Observe Amavasyopasana How to cook Anna Prasadam Most Important Benefits from observing Amavasayopasana Conclusion The main difference between the view points of western scientists and India Ascetics lies in their way of approach to truth. While the western view the world through telescopes / Indian Rishis preferred to look them through Microscope. The Macrocosmic view of the world is like searching outside for solutions and there by lack depth and insight while the Micro – cosmic view of Indian Rishis searching inside themselves for one and only truth brought the invaluable gems of knowledge to the world.

Fasting is observed nowadays as per the western point of view. The word “Fasting ” is derived from Greek term “FASTEN” which means foregoing food. AS per the western point of view fasting means either foregoing or limiting food for personal and religious reasons and many wrongly call this as “Upavasa”. Naturopathic treatment includes fasting for various diseases which are also also wrongly called as UPAVASA. some other observe fastiing as a protest and part of their agitational programme and call it Upavasa. We must now know the difference between fasting and Upavasa.

Upavasa includes two words, ‘Upa’ which means Near and ‘Vasa’ which means Sitting. Thus the meaning of Upavasa is sitting near. The Rishis viewed Upavasa or True fasting as a way to lead us to God. Or in other words one who observes Upavasa in its true sense is becoming one with the nature and reaches near God and thereby is able to escape from the sorrows and problems of his life. It is a worship of God, and to be observed as longg as you breath and dine, at specified days as per the advice of a true Guru.

‘Amavasyopasane’ forms the basis of all kinds of worship. Limiting or foregoing food in the western style of fasting may bring physical benefits but ‘Amavasyopasana’ takes you to the spiritual heights and brings prosperity by influencing the ‘Navagrahas’ that is nine celestial planets

OBSERVANCE OF AMAVASYOPASANA – A SCIENTIFIC APPROACH.

There is a plant called somalatha in India which is inevitable for doing yagas and yagnas. The plant starts growing for the next day of Amavasi and attains full growth on Pournami. Thereafter it slowly starts shedding its leaves and becomes inert on Amavasi. This continues through out the life of this plant. This happens due to the influence of moon and sun on this plant. The same way Sun, Moon and other celestical bodies influence human beings also.

Accidents and untimely deaths are more common on new moon / full moon days or days nearer to these. Diseases such as Asthma get worse on these days. People get affected by incurable diseases, and small illness sometime get worse during this time. Pet animal shows behavioral abnormalities and shows inclination to mating in the same period.Natural calamities such as earth quake, Storms, Tsunami etc strike earth on large scale on new moon / full moon days. We have the examples of Lathur earth quake which demolished many villages. and Tsunami of Dec 26th by which the world was immersed in grief. Both happened on full moon days.

Now, Guru Baba by his intense Tapa or penance and the blessing of Almighty has given to mankind a precious gem of knowledge to over come evil celestial afflictions. This is called Amavasyopasana.

70% of earth is water, mainly oceans / seas. The celestial planets and stars even light years away has got influence on every drop of water in the ocean.
Tides and refluxes in ocean happen due to the attraction of sun and moon. Sun is 27 millions times greater in size than moon. Still the attraction of moon is greater since it is nearer to earth. The influence of moon is greater on new moon / full moon days.

Though the moon attracts the earth and brings tides it is not uniform through out the world. At some places the tides vary from 40-50 feet. At some other place it is 10-20 feet and certain places it is only inches. For example, at the Atlantic end of Panama canal the tides usually rise up to 2 feet only where as just 40 miles away in Pacific end the tides vary from 12-16 feet.We have a great lesson from this. Similar to 70 percent of water in earth, our human body is also having 70 percent of water. As the influence of moon brings tides, in the same way the influence of celestial planets brings happiness and sorrows to human beings. And the influence certainly varies form person to person. That is why some one born on the same day on which prime mister is born is struggling for his lively hood, while some other person is leading a luxurious life.
The afflictions of 9 celestial planets(Nava Graha) on your birth chart is the major cause of good and bad events in your life. The surest and infallible way to thwart the “Nava Graha Doshas” or evil influence of 9 celestial planets is nothing but Amavasi Upasana. If one can reduce the water content of the body below 50 percent of the normal level on new moon and full moon days, we can escape from the bad effects of evil planets and obtain the blessing of good planets.

Principles of Amavasyopasana

It is believed that all the wealth is created by God. If that is true, He must have created it for the benefit the whole world and for all who breathes.
But we see, majority of the world starving and struggling and minority living in luxury. This is nothing but contempt of God and is equal to defeating the purpose of God. To get the blessing of God, every human being whether he believes in God or not, should take a vow to help his fellow beings and work for the betterment. By way of reducing his food proportionate to the poverty level of the world Lord Guru Baba has shown the right way to help the poor. By foregoing or limiting food intake on specified days as advised by Lord Guru Baba you are in fact helping the poor and the world..
You may have doubts how you are to going to feed the poor by foregoing good for one or two days in a month. Many drops of water only makes an ocean. When a large number of people observe Upavasa or True Fasting and donate the saving from this to the poor, it sure will go a long way in alleviating poverty.
Some people believe that the best way to get blessing of God is distribution of food in temples. But any offering done without limiting your luxury and restraining your full fledged life will not bear fruit.
It is much the same as treating diabetes without reducing sugar. You cannot cure diabetes by simple taking high doses of medicine, but only by limiting or foregoing sugar.

How to Observe Amavasyopasana

Amavasyopasana is fasting without water and cooked food for 2 nights and 1 day on Amavasi (New moon day)) and Pournami (Full Moon day). It starts at 6 pm on the previous day of new moon / full moon days. Up to 6 pm you can eat anything you want.. From 6 to 9 pm slowly you must come to Upavasa. For this you can take prasadam at 7 pm and 8 pm in small quantities after offering to God. The best is Sree Mookambika Annaprasadam.

How to cook Anna Prasadam

First cook green gram with water and turmeric powder. After some time put raw rice, either equal to the quantity of green gram or 2:3 proportion. After some time add scraped coconut and salt. After finishing cooking add jeera and keep it close for some time. While cooking do japa praising your Guru. At 9 pm you can take salty lime juice.
From 9 pm onwards you should not take water and cooked food till 3 am on the next day of new moon / full moon days. To get the full benefit it is better to avoid non – cooked food also. Aged people / children / physically exhausted persons can take fruits and raw vegetables during day time till 3 pm. Spend the full day of Amavasi praying God. Vow of silence is most beneficial. Go to sleep early.

Get up the next morning at 3 am. Take bath and light a lamp to Guru Baba. Prepare salty lime juice and drink slowly minimum 3 glasses to maximum 6 glasses. At 4 am and 5 am you can have Anna prasadam in small quantity. These are to be served only after offering to God. From 6 am onwards you can have any food you like.

MOST IMPORTANT

With in 10 days for observing the Upavasa, an amount equal to the value of cooked food forgone, depending on the life style of the individual should be sent to your Guru`s abide that is Guru Baba Ashramam, Guruvayur for mass feeding of poor.
Benefits from observing Amavasayopasana
1. To thwart evil planetary influences and to obtain the blessings of good planets2. To retrieve lost prosperity and to maintain prosperity.3. To enter wed lock for persons having bad planetary afflictions in their birth chart like “Chova dhosham”4. to attain unfulfilled aspirations.5. To sustain nuptial bliss.6. To do away with ‘Doshas’ from previous births and bad actions of this birth.7. To protect from evil forces and bad elements of nature8. As a remedy to incurable diseases and maintain health.

CONCLUSION

Many people belongs to a Hindu religion who had become atheists or had turned to other religions due to various setbacks of loss and failures in their life, were advised by Lord Gurubaba to observe the 'Amavasi Upasana'. The 'AMAVASOPASANA' had made unbelievable changes and brightened the lives of the devotees. It is undeniable truth that all who had properly observed the 'Amavasi Upsana' had succeeded in life. This is the base of all type of Temple worship. Any type of Idol worship is meaningless unless it is accompanied by 'Amavasi Upsana'. During Vedic periods Hindus and most of the sages or Rishis followed 'Amavasi Upasana'. It was a time when there was prosperity and happiness in the society. Later on, when spiritual leaders get attracted themselves to the luxuries of the world and moved away from righteous ways, Hindu religion suffered setbacks. The only way to regain the lost glamour and position is by following the precious 'Amavasi Upasana'. 'Amavasi Upasana' or New Moon fasting is the surest and infallible way to relieve ourselves from planetary evils (Navagraha Doshas). Those who observe this and donates the savings from fasting for the poor through Guruababa Ashrams will always prosper in life.