From Unreality to Reality

From Unreality to Reality

By Mahadeo Foundation2 Comments
From Unreality to Reality: The Brihadaranyaka Upanishad's Invocation for Truth: Asatoma sad gamaya To listen to this article as a podcast, please visit https://youtu.be/zgzT2crRNtk This ancient mantra is from the Brihadaranyaka Upanishad (1.3.28). It is called Pavamaana mantra, that is, a purification mantra (pavamaana means being purified). This unique mantra comprises three powerful lines, each a plea for guidance from a state of limitation to one of expansive reality. It is a profound invocation that encapsulates the very essence of the human spiritual quest. In its philosophical depth, it transcends mythological interpretations to offer a timeless prayer for enlightenment and…
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I am blessed – Part II

I am blessed – Part II

By Mahadeo Foundation2 Comments
अनुगृहितोऽसि – You are Blessed.अनुगृहिता अस्म्यहम् – I am Blessed. This is Part II of "I am blessed" You can listen to this episode by clicking here. The Upanishads favor us with a powerful concept, तत्त्वमसि (Tat-tvam-asi). In simple terms, this means "That I am." This unique and powerful statement, at one level, allows us to reflect on God, contemplate Godly qualities, and inculcate them into our lives and lifestyles. Let us consider for a moment - each of us has a spark of that supreme consciousness that has given:- life to this body made of lifeless matter,- energy to…
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I am blessed – Part I

I am blessed – Part I

By Mahadeo Foundation1 Comment
अनुगृहितोऽसि – You are Blessed.अनुगृहिता अस्म्यहम् – I am Blessed. During this month of February 2025, we contemplate the blissful nature of God and try to appreciate how truly and massively blessed we all are. God is bliss; he blesses us all the time. His Creation of the sun, earth, moon, planets, stars - and all of nature - provides a basis for our very existence - and He gave us the gift of life! The Yajur Veda (40.1) and the 1st verse of the Isha Upanishad remind us that He has created the world and everything in it for…
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Gems from the Upanishads

A collection of inspiring verses from various Upanishads. [glossary_exclude] Aapyaayantu mamaangaani - Kena, ChhandogyaMay God never abandon meApaaṇi-paado javano - Shvetaashvatara Without any form he does everythingAsatoma sadgamaya - BrihadaaranyakFrom darkness to lightBhadram karnebhih - Mundaka, Prashna, etcSpiritual filter to my sensesDharmo vishvasya jagatah - MahanarayanDharma is our foundationKeneshitam papati - Kena Who is it that gave us everything?Na samdrishe tishthati - ShvetaashvataraFormless, invisible, omniscientPoornamadah poornamidam - Ishopanishad, BrihadaranyakaPerfect Creator, perfect creationRitam cha svaadhyaaya - TaittireeyaRules for blissSahanaa vavatu - Kathopanishad, Shvetashvatara etcProtect us O lordSarve kaamaa mano - ParamhansaWhen all desires ceaseSatyam Vada - Taittireeya Speak the truthSatyameva jayate - MundakaOnly truth prevailsShanno mitraah…
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Speech

The Scriptures all advise us to control our thoughts, words, and actions. Our interactions and cohabitation with the world are very much dependent on our words and manner of speech. The Manusmriti proclaims, for example, speak the truth and speak it sweetly, and thus, great focus is placed on control of the mind and control of speech. The great sages have advised the practice of mauna vrata, or a vow of silence. While silence is a must for aspirants, everyone should undertake a vow of silence whenever convenient. This allows for the reconciliation of mind (intent) and words. The two verses below are…
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