Sloka 136
What Is the Holy Namasivaya Mantra?
Namasivaya is among the foremost Vedic mantras. It means "adoration to Siva," and is called the Panchakshara, or "five-letters." Within its celestial sounds and colors resides all of the intuitive knowledge of Saivism.
Sloka 137
How Is Namasivaya Properly Chanted?
The Panchakshara Mantra, Namasivaya, is repeated verbally or mentally, often while counting a mala of rudraksha beads, drawing the mind in upon itself to experience Lord Siva's infinite, all-pervasive presence.
Sloka 138
Is Initiation Necessary to Perform Japa?
The most precious of all Saivite mantras, Namasivaya is freely sung and chanted by one and all. Mantra initiation bestows the permission and power to do japa, regularly repeating Namasivaya 108 times. Without initiation, its repetition has less benefit.
Sloka 139
What Is Saivism's Affirmation of Faith?
The statement "God Siva is Immanent Love and Transcendent Reality" is a potent affirmation of faith. Said in any of Earth's 3,000 languages, it summarizes the beliefs and doctrines of the Saivite Hindu religion.
Sloka 140
How Is this Affirmation of Faith Used?
When we say the affirmation of faith, we positively assert that God is both manifest and unmanifest, both within the world and beyond it, both personal Divine Love and impersonal Reality.
Thursday, March 8, 2007
Secondary Scripture
Sloka 131
Do Smriti and Sacred Literature Differ?
Hindu sacred literature is full of hymns, legend, mythology, philosophy, science and ethics. From this vast body of writings, each lineage recognizes a certain portion as its secondary scripture, called smriti.
Sloka 132
What Texts Amplify Vedas and Agamas?
Many texts support the Vedas and Agamas. Vedangas detail conduct, family rituals, astrology and language. Upavedas explain politics, health, warfare and music. Upagamas and Paddhatis elaborate the Agamic wisdom.
Sloka 133
Does Hinduism Have Epics and Myths?
The Mahabharata and Ramayana are Hinduism's most renowned epic histories, called Itihasa. The Puranas are popular folk narratives, teaching faith, belief and ethics in mythology, allegory, legend and symbolism.
Sloka 134
Are there Other Types of Sacred Texts?
India's lofty philosophical texts expound diverse views in profound, exacting dialogue. Yoga writings unveil the mysterious path to ultimate mystical experiences. Heart-melting devotional hymns disclose the bliss of Divine love.
Sloka 135
What Is the Source of This Catechism?
The philosophical basis of this catechism is the monistic Saiva Siddhanta of the Kailasa Parampara as expressed in the Vedas, Saiva Agamas, Tirukural, Tirumurai, Tirumantiram and contemporary scripture.
Do Smriti and Sacred Literature Differ?
Hindu sacred literature is full of hymns, legend, mythology, philosophy, science and ethics. From this vast body of writings, each lineage recognizes a certain portion as its secondary scripture, called smriti.
Sloka 132
What Texts Amplify Vedas and Agamas?
Many texts support the Vedas and Agamas. Vedangas detail conduct, family rituals, astrology and language. Upavedas explain politics, health, warfare and music. Upagamas and Paddhatis elaborate the Agamic wisdom.
Sloka 133
Does Hinduism Have Epics and Myths?
The Mahabharata and Ramayana are Hinduism's most renowned epic histories, called Itihasa. The Puranas are popular folk narratives, teaching faith, belief and ethics in mythology, allegory, legend and symbolism.
Sloka 134
Are there Other Types of Sacred Texts?
India's lofty philosophical texts expound diverse views in profound, exacting dialogue. Yoga writings unveil the mysterious path to ultimate mystical experiences. Heart-melting devotional hymns disclose the bliss of Divine love.
Sloka 135
What Is the Source of This Catechism?
The philosophical basis of this catechism is the monistic Saiva Siddhanta of the Kailasa Parampara as expressed in the Vedas, Saiva Agamas, Tirukural, Tirumurai, Tirumantiram and contemporary scripture.
Revealed Scripture
UPANISHAD TEN: SACRED SCRIPTURE
Sloka 126
What Are Hindu Revealed Scriptures?
The Vedas and Agamas, revealed by God, are Hinduism's supreme scriptures, called sruti, "that which is heard." Their timeless truths are expressed in the most extraordinarily profound mystical poetry known to man.
Sloka 127
What Is the Nature of the Veda Texts?
The holy Vedas, man's oldest scripture, dating back 6,000 to 8,000 years, are a collection of four books: the Rig, Sama, Yajur and Atharva. Each has four sections: hymns, rites, interpretation and philosophical instruction.
Sloka 128
How Are the Vedas Significant today?
The Vedas, the ultimate scriptural authority, permeate Hinduism's thought, ritual and meditation. They open a rare window into ancient Indian society, proclaiming life's sacredness and the way to oneness with God.
Sloka 129
What Is the Nature of the Holy Agamas?
The Agamas, Sanatana Dharma's second authority, are revelations on sacred living, worship, yoga and philosophy. Saivism, Shaktism and Vaishnavism each exalts its own collection of Agamas, many over 2,000 years old.
Sloka 130
How Are the Agamas Significant Today?
While the Vedas, with a multitude of Deities, bind all Hindus together, the Agamas, with a single supreme God, unify each sect in a oneness of thought, instilling in adherents the joyful arts of holy worship.
Sloka 126
What Are Hindu Revealed Scriptures?
The Vedas and Agamas, revealed by God, are Hinduism's supreme scriptures, called sruti, "that which is heard." Their timeless truths are expressed in the most extraordinarily profound mystical poetry known to man.
Sloka 127
What Is the Nature of the Veda Texts?
The holy Vedas, man's oldest scripture, dating back 6,000 to 8,000 years, are a collection of four books: the Rig, Sama, Yajur and Atharva. Each has four sections: hymns, rites, interpretation and philosophical instruction.
Sloka 128
How Are the Vedas Significant today?
The Vedas, the ultimate scriptural authority, permeate Hinduism's thought, ritual and meditation. They open a rare window into ancient Indian society, proclaiming life's sacredness and the way to oneness with God.
Sloka 129
What Is the Nature of the Holy Agamas?
The Agamas, Sanatana Dharma's second authority, are revelations on sacred living, worship, yoga and philosophy. Saivism, Shaktism and Vaishnavism each exalts its own collection of Agamas, many over 2,000 years old.
Sloka 130
How Are the Agamas Significant Today?
While the Vedas, with a multitude of Deities, bind all Hindus together, the Agamas, with a single supreme God, unify each sect in a oneness of thought, instilling in adherents the joyful arts of holy worship.
Knowers of God
Sloka 121
Who Are Hinduism's Spiritual Leaders?
The saints, sages and satgurus who commune with God and Gods through devotion and meditation are Hinduism's holy men and women. We revere them and strive to follow their example and words of wisdom.
Sloka 122
What Is a Saint, a Sage and a Satguru?
Saints, devoid of ego, reflect the peace, humility and purity of a devout life. Sages, though perfectly liberated, may outwardly appear detached and ordinary. Satgurus, also fully enlightened, guide others on the path.
Sloka 123
Are There Other Terms for Holy Ones?
Many terms name Hindu masters, teachers and aspirants including: jivanmukta, rishi, muni, siddha, mahatma, guru, swami, sannyasin, tapasvin, yogi, sadhu, sadhaka, pandita, acharya, shastri, pujari, shishya and brahmachari.
Sloka 124
What Is the Nature of Guru Protocol?
Guru protocol, as outlined in the Kularnava Tantra and Guru Gita, defines the traditional ways of relating to one's spiritual master to draw forth his wisdom and blessings and fully understand his inner nature.
Sloka 125
What Is the Satguru's Special Function?
To transcend the mind and reach the ultimate goal of God Realization, seekers need the guidance of a satguru, an enlightened master who has followed the path to its end and can lead them to the Divine within themselves.
Who Are Hinduism's Spiritual Leaders?
The saints, sages and satgurus who commune with God and Gods through devotion and meditation are Hinduism's holy men and women. We revere them and strive to follow their example and words of wisdom.
Sloka 122
What Is a Saint, a Sage and a Satguru?
Saints, devoid of ego, reflect the peace, humility and purity of a devout life. Sages, though perfectly liberated, may outwardly appear detached and ordinary. Satgurus, also fully enlightened, guide others on the path.
Sloka 123
Are There Other Terms for Holy Ones?
Many terms name Hindu masters, teachers and aspirants including: jivanmukta, rishi, muni, siddha, mahatma, guru, swami, sannyasin, tapasvin, yogi, sadhu, sadhaka, pandita, acharya, shastri, pujari, shishya and brahmachari.
Sloka 124
What Is the Nature of Guru Protocol?
Guru protocol, as outlined in the Kularnava Tantra and Guru Gita, defines the traditional ways of relating to one's spiritual master to draw forth his wisdom and blessings and fully understand his inner nature.
Sloka 125
What Is the Satguru's Special Function?
To transcend the mind and reach the ultimate goal of God Realization, seekers need the guidance of a satguru, an enlightened master who has followed the path to its end and can lead them to the Divine within themselves.
Monastic Life
UPANISHAD NINE: HOLY MEN AND WOMEN
Sloka 116
What Is the Hindu Monastic Tradition?
In the Hindu tradition there have always existed a few men for whom the world held no attraction and karmas had almost gone away. Some of these great souls live alone. Others reside with their spiritual brothers in monasteries.
Sloka 117
What Are the Goals of Renunciate Life?
The two main objectives of sannyasa are to promote the spiritual progress of the monastic, bringing him into God Realization, and to protect and perpetuate the religion through his illumined leadership.
Sloka 118
What Is the Sannyasin's Inner Path?
The sannyasin balances within himself both the male and female energies. Complete unto himself, he is whole and independent and thus becomes a knower of the known.
Sloka 119
What Is the Sannyasin's Initiation Rite?
Young, unmarried men of the Hindu faith may qualify for renunciation rites. These may be given by any sannyasin, but the most potent initiation comes from a satguru. Rites include head shaving, vows of nonpossession and receiving robes.
Sloka 120
What are the Holy Orders of Sannyasa?
The holy orders of sannyasa are lifetime vows of poverty, obedience and chastity, never to be given up or taken back. The sannyasins are the religious leaders, the strength of the Sanatana Dharma.
Sloka 116
What Is the Hindu Monastic Tradition?
In the Hindu tradition there have always existed a few men for whom the world held no attraction and karmas had almost gone away. Some of these great souls live alone. Others reside with their spiritual brothers in monasteries.
Sloka 117
What Are the Goals of Renunciate Life?
The two main objectives of sannyasa are to promote the spiritual progress of the monastic, bringing him into God Realization, and to protect and perpetuate the religion through his illumined leadership.
Sloka 118
What Is the Sannyasin's Inner Path?
The sannyasin balances within himself both the male and female energies. Complete unto himself, he is whole and independent and thus becomes a knower of the known.
Sloka 119
What Is the Sannyasin's Initiation Rite?
Young, unmarried men of the Hindu faith may qualify for renunciation rites. These may be given by any sannyasin, but the most potent initiation comes from a satguru. Rites include head shaving, vows of nonpossession and receiving robes.
Sloka 120
What are the Holy Orders of Sannyasa?
The holy orders of sannyasa are lifetime vows of poverty, obedience and chastity, never to be given up or taken back. The sannyasins are the religious leaders, the strength of the Sanatana Dharma.
Love of God
Sloka 111
Is Temple Worship Only for Beginners?
Temple worship is for all men and women at every level of spiritual development. Our understanding and experience of it deepens as we grow and mature through the four stages of service, devotion, meditation and enlightened wisdom.
Sloka 112
How Do Devotees Prepare for Worship?
We visit a Siva temple after bathing, dressing in clean clothes and preparing an offering. This offering can be as simple as a few flowers or fruits. We bring the mind to the holy feet of the Deity even while preparations begin.
Sloka 113
How Do Our Prayers Reach the Gods?
Through temple worship, the three worlds become open to one another, and the beings within them are able to communicate. Through the mystical practice of puja, the three worlds work together, and prayers are received.
Sloka 114
Do Saivites Worship Only in Temples?
One can worship God anywhere and be in contact with the inner worlds--in the temple, in the home shrine and in the yogi's meditation. But it is in the holy Siva temple that the three worlds most perfectly communicate.
Sloka 115
What Is the Home Shrine's Significance?
Every Saivite has a shrine, which ideally is the most beautiful room in the house. An extension of the temple, it is a special room for Deities and devas, and for us it is a holy, quiet place for daily worship and meditation.
Is Temple Worship Only for Beginners?
Temple worship is for all men and women at every level of spiritual development. Our understanding and experience of it deepens as we grow and mature through the four stages of service, devotion, meditation and enlightened wisdom.
Sloka 112
How Do Devotees Prepare for Worship?
We visit a Siva temple after bathing, dressing in clean clothes and preparing an offering. This offering can be as simple as a few flowers or fruits. We bring the mind to the holy feet of the Deity even while preparations begin.
Sloka 113
How Do Our Prayers Reach the Gods?
Through temple worship, the three worlds become open to one another, and the beings within them are able to communicate. Through the mystical practice of puja, the three worlds work together, and prayers are received.
Sloka 114
Do Saivites Worship Only in Temples?
One can worship God anywhere and be in contact with the inner worlds--in the temple, in the home shrine and in the yogi's meditation. But it is in the holy Siva temple that the three worlds most perfectly communicate.
Sloka 115
What Is the Home Shrine's Significance?
Every Saivite has a shrine, which ideally is the most beautiful room in the house. An extension of the temple, it is a special room for Deities and devas, and for us it is a holy, quiet place for daily worship and meditation.
Temple Rites
Sloka 106
What Is the Inner Importance of Puja?
The traditional ceremony of worship, called puja, is a sacred act of the highest importance for the Hindu. It is how we call on God Siva and the Gods and express our heartfelt love, devotion and surrender.
Sloka 107
What Is the Special Rite Called Archana?
Archana is a shortened form of temple puja in which the name, birth star and spiritual lineage of a devotee are chanted to the God by the priest to ask for special, individual, family or group blessings and assistance.
Sloka 108
What Is the Nature of Image Worship?
Through the ceremony of puja, we worship and draw close to God Siva and the Gods, who by their infinite powers spiritually hover over and dwell within the image, or murti. We revere the holy image in the temple or shrine as their temporary body.
Sloka 109
Who Are the Priests of Siva Temples?
Holy priests, called Adisaivas, are the hereditary pujaris who care for the temple and conduct its varied rites and rituals as humble servants of God Siva. They are trained in the complex arts of worship, generally from a young age.
Sloka 110
What Does the Pujari Do During Puja?
During the puja, through chants, hand gestures and mystical ritual, the priest calls upon the Deity. All observances are precisely detailed in the Agama texts. Every act, every spoken syllable is rich in secret meaning.
What Is the Inner Importance of Puja?
The traditional ceremony of worship, called puja, is a sacred act of the highest importance for the Hindu. It is how we call on God Siva and the Gods and express our heartfelt love, devotion and surrender.
Sloka 107
What Is the Special Rite Called Archana?
Archana is a shortened form of temple puja in which the name, birth star and spiritual lineage of a devotee are chanted to the God by the priest to ask for special, individual, family or group blessings and assistance.
Sloka 108
What Is the Nature of Image Worship?
Through the ceremony of puja, we worship and draw close to God Siva and the Gods, who by their infinite powers spiritually hover over and dwell within the image, or murti. We revere the holy image in the temple or shrine as their temporary body.
Sloka 109
Who Are the Priests of Siva Temples?
Holy priests, called Adisaivas, are the hereditary pujaris who care for the temple and conduct its varied rites and rituals as humble servants of God Siva. They are trained in the complex arts of worship, generally from a young age.
Sloka 110
What Does the Pujari Do During Puja?
During the puja, through chants, hand gestures and mystical ritual, the priest calls upon the Deity. All observances are precisely detailed in the Agama texts. Every act, every spoken syllable is rich in secret meaning.
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