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Maximizing the Human Spirit: The Transformative Power of Yoga

There are many ways in which humans seek to connect with their innate spirit. They either delve into various forms of art or try different kinds of spiritual activities to connect with their inner self. By doing so, they hope to rekindle their human spirit and attain nirvana.

In this aspect, Yoga has played a crucial role over the centuries. We’ll learn about Yoga, and its inherent connection with the human spirit below. 

The History of Yoga

Yoga, one of the world's oldest sciences, started in India. According to religious traditions, Lord Shiva was the Adi Yogi, the first to teach yoga. Lord Shiva is regarded as the creator of Yoga. 

Additionally, Yoga was part of the Indus Valley culture, which tried to improve the material and spiritual well-being of the population, according to archaeological evidence dating back to 2700 BC. The history of Yoga is long and diverse. 

The term 'yoga' first appears in the Rig Veda. The term "Yoga" is derived from the Sanskrit word "yuj," which means "to join" or "to unite." It is intended to assist the individual in overcoming pain and spiritually evolving to a state of liberation. As such, the role yoga has played in creating a greater connection with the human spirit. 

Rejuvenation

The sense of rejuvenation imparted by yoga is one of the most immediate and visible effects on the human spirit.  Yoga is mainly known as the union or the merger of mind, body, and spirit, fostering a sense of overall rejuvenation.

Yoga's physical regeneration is frequently accompanied by increased energy and vigor. Yoga poses and sequences stimulate the body's inherent energy centers, known as chakras. 

These energy centers are cleaned and balanced by constant practice, improving vitality. Even after a brief yoga session, practitioners report feeling more aware and active.

Another essential part of yoga is mental refreshment. Many people are continuously overwhelmed by the demands of daily living in today's fast-paced and stressful society. 

Yoga, by calming the mind, provides a respite from this tumult. Incorporating meditation and mindfulness practices with yoga promotes mental regeneration, allowing the practitioner to be present and experience a profound sense of tranquility.

Stability

Yoga, like the firm ground beneath one's feet, provides a foundation of stability to the human spirit. This stability is both physical and mental, serving as a foundation for human development.

Yoga promotes stability by encouraging balance and strength. Asanas or yoga poses emphasize balance and alignment, which not only promote physical stability but also represent the balance that yogis strive for in their lives. The balancing postures such as Tree Pose (Vrksasana) and Warrior III (Virabhadrasana III) foster a sense of steadiness on and off the mat.

Additionally, Yoga's stability enables people to negotiate life's ups and downs with greater ease and grace. It gives them the tools they need to stay grounded in times of uncertainty and to be calm in the face of hardship. 

This sense of security fosters a deep connection between the individual and their spirit, promoting a deeper understanding of oneself and a higher sense of inner power.

Discipline 

Discipline is fundamentally linked with yoga. Yoga takes consistent dedication and self-control. This discipline transcends physical postures, penetrating one's life and nurturing the human spirit.

Yoga promotes self-discipline via frequent practice. As such, discipline naturally becomes a way of life, whether sticking to a regular yoga regimen or practicing breath control and meditation consistently. This fervent discipline teaches the mind and body to act deliberately rather than impulsively, promoting self-awareness and self-mastery.

Moreover, yoga's discipline extends to how people handle their bodies and thoughts. It promotes mindfulness in eating, sleep, and self-care. This mindful approach to well-being improves physical and mental health, ultimately nurturing the human spirit by fostering a harmonious relationship between the self and the external world.

Peace

One of the most desired states of being that yoga assists the human spirit in achieving is peace. Yoga-cultivated serenity is more than just the absence of conflict or upheaval; it is a profound inner tranquility.

Meditation, a key component of yoga, is a powerful tool for achieving inner calm. Meditation leads to pure consciousness and internal tranquility by focusing on the breath and cleansing the mind of clutter. This calm is not contingent on external conditions; it is a permanent interior state that persists even amid adversity.

Yoga's spiritual dimension is inextricably linked to the desire for inner peace. Individuals who do yoga to explore their spiritual selves frequently discover a profound sense of inner contentment that transcends beyond the material and temporal components of life. 

Moreover, the exercise also promotes emotional stability. It provides a structure for dealing with and discharging negative emotions. Practitioners learn to respond to their emotional states with equanimity as they become more aware of them, allowing them to retain emotional calm in difficult situations.

This serenity is transformative, establishing a greater connection with oneself and the cosmos.

Lifestyle

Yoga is more than just a physical or mental practice; it is a way of life. It supports a way of life conducive to balance, harmony, and the well-being of the human soul.

Since diet and nutrition are critical components of the yogic lifestyle, the art promotes a healthy, plant-based diet that feeds the body and the mind. A diet like this not only improves physical health but also improves mental clarity and spiritual awareness.

Additionally, the yogic way of living also prioritizes mental and emotional well-being. Practitioners are urged to establish positive thought patterns, a calm and serene mind, and emotional resilience. These mental and emotional habits produce a favorable atmosphere for spiritual development.

Furthermore, mindfulness in everyday tasks is a crucial component of Yoga. It encourages being in the moment, whether when eating, walking in nature, or engaging with others. This attentiveness strengthens the individual's connection to their environment, developing a profound sense of unity with the world!

Conclusion 

Yoga is a comprehensive practice that has a tremendous effect on the human spirit. It revitalizes the body, mind, and emotions, fosters discipline, fosters inner peace and becomes a way of life that promotes balance and harmony. 

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Dusherra: Ideas to Decorate Your Home in a Festive Mood

For nearly a millennium, festivals have been an inherent aspect of Indian society. These festivals have conjoined cultures and created a substantial safe space where different communities can cohabit. Numerous festivals are celebrated in the Indian subcontinent, each with distinct features and rituals.

No other event or celebration is as significant as the holy festival of Dusherrea, which celebrates the triumph of good over evil. For the Hindu community, this is a time of great delight and significance, which is celebrated with much fanfare. Home decoration is an inherent part of the festival.

This article will review some decoration ideas you can use for Dusherra this year to liven the atmosphere!

Decluttering

The common phrase, "Cleanliness is next to godliness," isn't just a statement; it becomes necessary during festivities. Decluttering essentially relates to establishing a happy and calm environment, not merely clearing up or organizing your living area according to your whims.

This practice becomes more pronounced during Dusherra as it sets the tone for a promising and fresh start and goes beyond appearances; it ideally improves your mental health during the festive period.

Additionally, clutter and stress have had a significant relationship with mental health. It's no surprise that a congested atmosphere can cause anxiety and disorganization. You must avoid these problems because Dussehra is a time for introspection and replenishing positive energy.

Decluttering your home can mimic this rejuvenation by producing a sense of emotional well-being, which is much needed during this period. Using the festival as an excuse to clear away superfluous objects can be soothing, as can letting go of goods that no longer serve a purpose.

Moreover, festival or not, having a decluttered and organized area helps your home run smoothly, mainly when homes are often full of relatives and guests. Some other benefits of decluttering are

Positive Energy Flow,

Aesthetic Enhancement,

Mindful Consumption

Room Reorganization

Dusshera festivities can be a great time to indulge in home decor, and reorganizing your rooms becomes a highly essential task. This process generally entails optimizing the overall layout of the room, furniture rearrangement and additions, and changes in the room's general design to produce a functional, visually acceptable, and celebratory environment that Dusshera demands.

Additionally, The operational flow of any living area or sector is drastically improved by room reorganization. Since homes frequently host parties and celebrations during Dussehra, ensuring the rooms are well-equipped to accommodate your guests adequately becomes very important.

Rearranging furniture to create clear passageways and sitting combinations that encourage family and friend interaction just alleviates the mood of any place.

Consider using classic furniture and decor items usually kept for special occasions to make the event more memorable. Frequently passed down through generations, these items can provide a sense of heritage and warmth to your home.

You can reposition these items as focus points according to the room's requirements, which may become a great conversation starter. Other advantages of room reorganization during Dusherra include:

Accessibility and Convenience

Balanced Aesthetics

Comfort and Coziness

Creation of lasting memories

Floral arrangements

Flowers have historically played an essential role in Dussehra home decoration as they instantaneously infuse the beauty and aroma of nature into your living spaces.

Flowers play an essential role in Indian culture and spirituality. They represent purity, auspiciousness, and the fleeting quality of life. Marigolds and mango leaves are especially important during Dussehra.

Since flowers symbolize purity, auspiciousness, and the temporary nature of existence, they are perfect objects to beautify your room and give it a festive look. As such, Marigolds and mango leaves are particularly important during Dussehra because of their auspicious nature.

When it comes to the decoration, you can always include floral arrangements in your dining area. Filling tiny vases or bowls with flowers and placing them on your dinner table can alleviate the room's aura.

Additionally, flowers add sophistication to the surroundings and provide a pleasant dining atmosphere that complements the festive mood.

Moreover, Floral arrangements are essential to Dussehra house decoration because they signify nature's grace while bringing freshness, color, and aroma to your living areas. The aspects of purity, positivism, and the fleeting aspect of life are inherent in the festivities of Dusherra; they fit right with the theme!

Wall Decor

It is often said that your wall decor says a lot about you. And wall decorations are pivotal during any festival, especially during Dussera. Through wall art, you can bring festive spirit into every room, creating a visually appealing and culturally rich ambiance for everyone to see.

Rather than purchasing commercial art, you can decorate your walls for Dussehra by commissioning local painters and creating your distinct wall art. These murals can depict scenes from the Ramayana, the central theme associated with Dussehra, or other festival-related topics.

Moreover, Tapestry and antique fabric can be used to decorate walls. Rangolis is also a great option. Art featuring traditional themes, texts, or Dussehra-themed designs can be easily incorporated to get the best aesthetic features. Overall, these wall art pieces infuse your decor with a sense of heritage and spirituality, transforming walls into visual storytelling canvases!

Diyas

No other artifice has a more profound symbolism with the festive season than Diyas. The beauty of Diyas lies in the fact that they can be used through many artistic designs throughout your home.

Traditional clay diyas are the most common and inexpensive type of diyas. However, you can always choose stylish metal or glass options for a more modern look. Arranging them on side tables, windowsills, or mantelpieces to create a welcoming environment is widespread during the festive season.

Moreover, Diyas are an excellent ornamental item due to their easy usage. Installing diyas in the staircase in your home is widely preferred and has substantial cultural and religious connotations.

Diyas improved the overall looks of your home for generations and created a well-lit and safe path for everyone during religious events.

Conclusion

For millions of believers, Dusherra is the culmination of the holiest month, and the festivities usually finish with the spectacular celebration of Diwali.

Accordingly, the decorations should always be appropriate for the occasion to enhance the grandeur. Depending on the requirements of your house and overall capabilities, you can easily beautify your house using the abovementioned ideas!

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Fact about Vishnu-The Versatile and his role in Hinduism

Many scholars believed that Hinduism started back in history between 2300 BCE to 1500 BCE. But still no exact date is found. Hinduism has no founder as per the research. It is a diverse religion which has beliefs, traditions and cultures of the Indian region. It is believed to be the oldest religion on Earth. Its origin and development ranges from pre-Vedic period to contemporary times. Hinduism is believed to be set on the shoulders of the trinity of gods. Hinduism has four major sects, Shaivism, Vaishnavism, Shaktism and Samaritans. Vaishnavism is the predominant sect prevalent majorly all over India and abroad. Under this, devotees and followers of Vishnu learn and follow the path shown by Vishnu in different incarnations like Krishna and Rama.

This trimurate of God has Brahma as creator, Vishnu as preserver and Shiva as destroyer. Vishnu is also known to people as Hari and Narayan. 

Appearance and its significance

Lord Vishnu has blue colored skin which depicts the vastness of sky. He is a four-armed god who has four things: sudarshan chakra (discuss), gada (mace), shankha (conch) and lotus. Shankha stands for five elements: the sound of AUM, salagram, goddess Lakshmi, purity, waters and perfection. Chakra stands for protection and vanishing all the evils. Gada represents the power of knowledge. And lastly, the lotus stands for purity, beauty, harmony and self realisation.

Vishnu idols and pictures depict different poses and moods. These idols come in a variety of materials and designs like bronze, brass, copper, wooden and marble. One can easily order them online with great ease. One can spot Vishnu idols and images in standing and sleeping pose. For a unique Vishnu idol, you can also visit our website

 In the standing pose, he is seen as a four-armed god standing on a lotus. Vishnu is seen in a sitting pose where he has Garuda as his vehicle( vahan). Garuda is a giant Eagle. While in resting position he is lying down on coils of a giant serpent, Adishesha with thousands of heads. Goddess lakshmi sits beside her. The image is seen with the ocean in milky colour. This shows vaikunth (paradise of lord Vishnu). Oceans represents bliss and consciousness while the serpent stands for desires, time and illusion. It is said in holy text that when Vishnu was in deep sleep (yog nidra) and when he woke up he got a stir in his belly button, out of which a lotus flower bloomed. This flower was the place where lord Brahma sat.

It is believed that Vishnu has the 10 avatars(incarnation) as per the requirement of time and universe. All of his incarnations have taught the world a lesson of wisdom, knowledge, chastity, chivalry, rightfulness, strength, will to win the right over wrong and conquering the world with only and only truth and right values in mind. Every time mankind faced a threat from demons, Vishnu came to Earth with a new incarnation to kill the demon.

He has then 24 avatars on Earth but mainly 10 incarnations are most popular and talked about.

His first avatar was matsya avatar(fish) where he saved the world and four vedas from the flood.

His second incarnation was Kurma(turtle) who helped the world by supporting it on its back.

His third incarnation was of Varah (Boar) who saved Earth from flooding water and took it on its tusks.

His fifth incarnation was of Narsimha (half lion and half man) to kill the demon.

His sixth incarnation was Vaman (dwarf saviour) who saved the universe in only three steps.

The seventh incarnation of Vishnu was of Parshurama, who destroyed the warrior caste of society.

His eighth incarnation was Rama, hero of Ramayana who taught the world victory of good over evil.

His ninth incarnation was Krishna, mischievous god and revered deity of Bhagwad Gita.

His tenth awatar is Kalki who is yet to be born on Earth to perish all bad under his foot.

Also read: Story of Magnificent Satyanarayan Pooja and Vrat Katha

How to worship Vishnu

Vishnu idols or pictures should be placed at the North East corner of the house.

It should be clean. The idol should be placed on a table or altar to show respect with flowers and incense sticks.

Holy Basil (tulsi) is an integral part of worshipping Vishnu. All the Vaishavaites have tulsi in their home and temples. As it is considered purest and pious plant which is considered as avatar of Lakshmi.

While worshipping always chants his mantras.

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How to celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi at home in a simple way?

Ganesh Chaturthi, commonly known as Vinayaka Chaturthi is a prestigious Hindu Festival, celebrated every year all over the country. On this day Lord Ganesha's birthday is celebrated, as it is believed that Lord Ganesha came to earth from Kailash Mountain with his mother. 

It is a ten days festival which is celebrated with a grand gala, where large public pandals are set up with massive Lord Ganesha Idols. People visit these places to offer their reverence and seek blessings. People bring idols of Lord Ganesh to their homes for worshipping and seeking his divine blessings. 

But due to the pandemic; It is wise to avoid mass gatherings and offer prayer to Lord Ganesha at home. Let's find out how we can celebrate this Ganesha Chaturthi at home.

 IMPORTANCE OF GANESH CHATURTHI

Lord Ganesha, the God of good fortune, is worshipped to ward off all evil and negative energies around them and to seek his blessings for attaining success in all their endeavours.  

But due to the present Pandemic period, people have been advised to refrain from social gatherings. Still, keeping in pace with the current situation, you can seek blessings by installing a Ganesh idol at home during these auspicious days and pray for them regularly.

WORSHIPING OF LORD GANESHA AT HOME:

In this pandemic period, you may not go out to visit the vast pandals set up for worshipping Lord Ganesha. Instead, you may purchase a Ganesh idol online and install the same at your home for praying and seeking blessings.

The Idol's height should be in accordance with the place where it has to be kept in the house. Before bringing the Lord Ganesha's idol to home, the home should be cleaned.

All family members should collectively and cheerfully welcome the lord, which has been brought for installing at their home. Worshipping Lord Ganesh has the following significance :

Wishing you happiness - as big as Ganesh's appetite, 

Life - as long as his trunk, 

Trouble - as small as his mouse 

Moments - as sweet as modaks.

POOJA-VIDHI:

Ganesh Chaturthi falls on 22nd August 2020 this year (during the Sthapana time of 11.06 AM to 1.42 PM). The idol purchased online should be kept on a raised platform, with a red cover beneath it in the North-East zone of the home.

Ensure to place Lord Ganesha's Idol at a position from where it is visible to all. The idol before installing should be given a panchamrit snan (i.e. bath with a mixture of five elements – Gangajal, Water, Ghee, Curd, and Honey).

After that, the idol should be given a bath with clean water. New clothes should be offered to the deity, followed by offerings such as Turmeric Powder, vermicelli powder, Chandan, durva, flower garland, coconut, 21 modaks and red hibiscus flowers.

A red coloured sandalwood tilak should be placed on Ganpati's forehead. Then, Light Agarbatti / Dhoop / Diya with Desi Ghee in front of Lord Ganesha Idols. Worship the Almighty with utmost devotion by singing mantras and aarti.

During these ten days, treat Lord Ganpati as a divine guest at home, and anything prepared at home should be first offered to him as a mark of respec

DO’S & DON'TS

During these ten days, Lord Ganesh's idol is not left alone at home.

One should refrain from using Non-vegetarian food and alcohol during this time.

Never sleep in front of a Ganesh idol or have your feet pointing towards the idol.

Donate all the money and gifts offered in Ganesha's feet to a temple or needy.

Remember to serve all food/dishes to Lord Ganesha first and only after his bhog ceremony, the same shall be served to other members of the family.

Refrain placing Ganesha's idol near the washroom facilities.

GANESHA VISARJAN:

At the end of the ten days pooja, request Lord Ganesha to forgive you for any mistakes inadvertently done during the pooja. On the 11th day, immerse the Ganesha idol in water. It signifies that Lord Ganesha has gone back to Kailash after taking away all difficulties of their devotees. Alternatively, you can also keep the Ganesh Idols at their homes and worship them endlessly.

CONCLUSION:

Welcoming and worshipping the Ganesh Idol as detailed above shall remove all obstacles from your life, and the Almighty shall shower his blessings and make your life more healthy, wealthy and wise.