Why do we apply Vibhuti or Holy Ash over our body?

Vibhuti (meaning glory) or Bhasma (that by which our sins are destroyed and the Lord is remembered) is the holy ash that Hindus apply over their forehead and body. This holy ash is created by burning cow dung along with milk, ghee, honey, etc. It is a principle sacrament in the worship of Lord Siva, representing His burning away of our ignorance to ashes.

The cow dung is obtained from a cows that are fed sixteen varieties of medicinal leaves. The dung of these cows are collected after allowing sufficient time for digestion. The collected dung would then be formed into flat cakes and dried in the sun. 108 types of herbs, and twigs ['Samithi'] of high medicinal value are used in the homa in which the dried dung cakes are added.

Six types of medicinal leaves are burnt along with these. The significance of using ash from the homa is that the impurities - physical and mental (ego, desires) are burnt off in the fire, and what remains is now pure - and the application of this ash serves as a reminder of this.

The vibhuti we apply indicates that we should burn false identification with body and become free of the limitations of birth and death.
Applying vibhuti is a much more common practice amognst Shivites.

Vibhuti or Bhasma has medicinal properties and is used in many ayurvedic medicines. It absorbs excess moisture from the body and prevents colds and headches.

Ten Important Symbols :-

1. Om (Aum) – the most important Hindu symbol, often used as the emblem of Hinduism (see above).

2. Hands in prayer – a sign of respect for the sacred, that which is dear to the heart (see above).

3. Lotus (padma) – symbol of purity/transcendence. Growing out of the mud, it is beautiful, and though resting on water, it does not touch it.

4. Conchshell – used during arati: one of the four symbols of Vishnu. The others are the lotus, club and disc.

5. Swastika – an ancient solar sign considered to invoke auspiciousnes.

6. Trident (trishul) – the symbol of Shiva; often carried by Shaivite sannyasis (renunciates).
7. Kalasha – coconut circled by mango leaves on a pot. Often used in rituals such as the fire sacrifice.
8. Cow – symbol of purity, motherhood and ahimsa (non-violence).
9. Lotus feet (of guru or deity) – touching the feet of superiors shows an attitude of submission and service.
10. Dipa/lamp – symbol of light.

Shree Hanuman Chalisa :-

SHREE HANUMAN CHALISA

Shree Guru Charan Saroj Raj, Nij Man Mukar Sudhari,
Barnau Raghuvar Bimal Jasu, Jo dayaku Phal Chari

With the dust of Guru's Lotus feet, I clean the mirror of my mind
and then narrate the sacred glory of Sri Ram Chandra, The Supereme
among the Raghu dynasty. The giver of the four attainments of life.

Budhi heen Tanu Janike, Sumirow, Pavan Kumar,
Bal Buddhi Vidya Dehu Mohi, Harahu Kalesh Bikaar

Knowing myself to be ignorent, I urge you, O Hanuman, The son of
Pavan! O Lord! kindly Bestow on me strength, wisdom and knowledge,
removing all my miseries and blemishes.

Jai Hanuman Gyan Guna Sagar
Jai Kipis Tihun Lok Ujgaar

Victory of Thee, O Hanuman, Ocean of wisdom and virtue, victory to
the Lord of monkeys who is well known in all the three worlds.

Ramdoot Atulit Bal Dhamaa,
Anjani Putra Pavansut naamaa.

You, the Divine messager of Ram and repository of immeasurable
strength, are also known as Anjaniputra and known as the son of the
wind - Pavanputra.

Mahebeer Bikram Bajrangi,
Kumati Nivaar Sumati Ke Sangi.

Oh Hanumanji! You are valiant and brave, with a body like
lightening. You are the dispeller of darkness of evil thoughts and
companion of good sense and wisdom.

Kanchan Baran Biraaj Subesaa,
Kanan kundal kunchit kesa.

Shri Hanumanji's physique is golden coloured. His dress is pretty,
wearing 'Kundals' ear-rings and his hairs are long and curly.

Hath Bajra Aur Dhvaja Birjai,
Kandhe Moonj Janeu saage.

Shri Hanumanji is holding in one hand a lighting bolt and in the
other a banner with sacred thread across his shoulder.

Shankar Suvna Kesari Nandan,
Tej Pratap Maha Jag Vandan.

Oh Hanumanji! You are the emanation of 'SHIVA' and you delight Shri
Keshri. Being ever effulgent, you and hold vast sway over the
universe. The entire world proptiates. You are adorable of all.

Vidyavaan Guni Ati Chatur,
Ram Kaj Karibe Ko Atur.

Oh! Shri Hanumanji! You are the repository learning, virtuous, very
wise and highly keen to do the work of Shri Ram,

Prabhu Charittra Sunibe Ko Rasiya,
Ram Lakhan Sita man basyia.

Sukshma roop Dhari Siyahi Dikhwana,
Bikat roop Dhari Lank Jarawa.

You appeared before Sita in a diminutive form and spoke to her,
while you assumed an awesome form and struck terror by setting Lanka on fire.

Bhim roop Dhari Asur Sanhare,
Ramchandra Ke kaaj Savare.

He, with his terrible form, killed demons in Lanka and performed all
acts of Shri Ram.

Laye Sajivan Lakhan Jiyaye,
Shri Raghubir harashi ur laye.

When Hanumanji made Lakshman alive after bringing 'Sanjivni herb'
Shri Ram took him in his deep embrace, his heart full of joy.

Raghupati Kinhi Bahut Badaai,
Tum Mama Priya Bharat Sam Bahi.

Shri Ram lustily extolled Hanumanji's excellence and remarked, "you
are as dear to me as my own brother Bharat"

Sahastra Badan Tumharo Jas Gaave,
Asa kahi Shripati Kanth Laagave.

Shri Ram embraced Hanumanji saying: "Let the thousand - tongued
sheshnaag sing your glories"

Sankadik Brahmadi Muneesa,
Narad Sarad Sahit Aheesa.

Sanak and the sages, saints. Lord Brahma, the great hermits Narad
and Goddess Saraswati along with Sheshnag the cosmic serpent, fail
to sing the glories of Hanumanji exactly.

Jam Kuber Digpal Jahan Te,
Kabi Kabid Kahin Sake Kahan Te.

What to talk of denizens of the earth like poets and scholars ones
etc even Gods like Yamraj, Kuber, and Digpal fail to narrate
Hanman's greatness in toto.

Tum Upkar Sugrivahi Keenha,
Ram Miali Rajpad Deenha.

Hanumanji! You rendered a great service for Sugriva, It were you who
united him with SHRI RAM and installed him on the Royal Throne.

Tumharo Mantro Bibhishan Maana,
Lankeshwar Bhaye Sab Jag Jaana.

By heeding your advice. Vibhushan became Lord of Lanka, which is
known all over the universe.

Juug Sahastra Jojan Par Bhaanu,
Leelyo Taahi Madhur Phal Jaanu.

Hanumanji gulped, the SUN at distance of sixteen thousand miles
considering it to be a sweet fruit.

Prabhu Mudrika Meli Mukha Maaheen,
Jaladhi Langhi Gaye Acharaj Naheen.

Carrying the Lord's ring in his mouth, he went across the ocean.
There is no wonder in that.

Durgam Kaaj Jagat Ke Jeete,
Sugam Anugrah Tumhre Te Te.

Oh Hanumanji! all the difficult tasks in the world are rendered
easiest by your grace.

Ram Duware Tum Rakhavare,
Hot Na Aagya Bin Paisare.

Sab Sukh Lahen Tumhari Sarna,
Tum Rakshak Kaahu Ko Darnaa.

By your grace one can enjoy all happiness and one need not have any
fear under your protection.

Aapan Tej Samharo Aapei,
Tanau Lok Hank Te Kanpei.

When you roar all the three worlds tremble and only you can control
your might.

Bhoot Pisaach Nikat Nahi Avei,
Mahabir Jab Naam Sunavei.

Great Brave on. Hanumanji's name keeps all the Ghosts, Demons &
evils spirits away from his devotees.

Nasei Rog Hare Sab Peera,
Japat Niranter Hanumant Beera.

On reciting Hanumanji's holy name regularly all the maladies perish
the entire pain disappears.

Sankat Te Hanuman Chhudavei,
Man Kram Bachan Dhyan Jo Lavei.

Those who rembember Hanumanji in thought, word and deed are well
guarded against their odds in life

Sub Par Ram Tapasvee Raaja,
Tinke Kaaj Sakal Tum Saaja.

Oh Hanumanji! You are the caretaker of even Lord Rama, who has been
hailed as the Supreme Lord and the Monarch of all those devoted in
penances.

Aur Manorath Jo Koi Lave,
Soi Amit Jivan Phal Pave.

Oh Hanumanji! You fulfill the desires of those who come to you and
bestow the eternal nectar the highest fruit of life.

Charo Juung Partap Tumhara,
Hai Parsiddha Jagat Ujiyara.

Oh Hanumanji! You magnificent glory is acclaimed far and wide all
through the four ages and your fame is radianlty noted all over the
cosmos.

Sadho Sant Ke Tum Rakhvale,
Asur Nikandan Ram Dulare.

Oh Hanumanji! You are the saviour and the guardian angel of saints
and sages and destroy all the Demons, you are the seraphic darling
of Shri Ram.

Ashta Siddhi Nau Nidhi Ke Data,
Asa Bar Din Janki Mata.

Hanumanji has been blessed with mother Janki to grant to any one any
YOGIC power of eight Sidhis and Nava Nidhis as per choice.

Ram Rasayan Tumhare Pasa,
Sadaa Raho Raghupati Ke Dasa.

Oh Hanumanji! You hold the essence of devotion to RAM, always
remaining His Servant.

Tumhare Bhajan Ramko Pavei.
Janam Janam Ke Dukh Bisravei.

Oh Hanumanji! through devotion to you, one comes to RAM and becames
free from suffering of several lives.

Anta Kaal Raghubar Pur Jai,
Jahan Janma Hari Bhakta Kahai.

After death he enters the eternal abode of Sri Ram and remains a
devotee of him, whenever, taking new birth on earth.

Aur Devata Chitt Na Dharai,
Hanumant Sei Sarva Sukh Karai.

You need not hold any other demigod in mind. Hanumanji alone will
give all happiness.

Sankat Kate Mitey Sab Peera,
Jo Sumirei Hanumant Balbeera.

Oh Powerful Hanumanji! You end the sufferings and remove all the
pain from hose who remember you.

Jai Jai Jai Hanuman Gosai
Kripa Karahu Gurudev Ki Naiee.

Hail-Hail-Hail-Lord Hanumanji! I beseech you Honour to bless me in
the capacity of my supreme 'GURU' (teacher).

Jo Sat Baar Paath Kar Koi,
Chhutahi Bandi Maha Sukh Hoi.

One who recites this Hanuman Chalisa one hundred times daily for one
hundred days becames free from the 111111111 of life and death and
enjoys the highest bliss at last.

Jo Yah Padhe Hanuman Chalisa,
Hoy Siddhi Sakhi Gaurisa.

As Lord Shankar witnesses, all those who recite Hanuman Chalisa
regularly are sure to be benedicted.

Tulsidas Sada Hari Chera,
Keeje Nath Hriday Mah Dera.

Tulsidas always the servant of Lord prays. "Oh my Lord! You enshrine
within my heart.!

Pavan Tanay Sankat Haran, Mangal Murti Roop.
Ram Lakhan Sita Sahit, Hriday Basahu Sur Bhoop.

O Shri Hanuman, The Son of Pavan, Saviour The Embodiment of
blessings, reside in my heart together with Shri Ram, Laxman and
Sita.

Duty is God, Work is Worship

God's NaMe

God’s name said from the heart cleanses you of all negativity instantly. Carry the name of your chosen God at all times in your heart…while you think…before you speak…and as you are about to do. The name of the Holy One and your faith will bring your “Self” to surface above all negativity.

Chandra Grahan 26th June 2010

A Chandra Grahan, a partial lunar eclipse, will take place on June 26, 2010. According to NASA, the Chandra Grahan is a partial lunar eclipse and is visible mainly in the pacific and eastern parts of Australia and for a greater extent in the western parts of USA and Canada. The partial eclipse will happen at moon rise in India, Nepal, Singapore, Malaysia and other places in eastern parts of Asia. The Chandragrahan will be taking place in India between 15:46 and 18:30 and will be slightly visible in northeastern parts of India.

Please note that the grahan is not visible in Gulf, Europe and Africa.

The following map shows the detail view of the Chandra Grahan on June 26, 2010 around the world

Chandra Grahan and Hindus

Usually during a Chandra Grahan, a fast (Upvaas) is observed by certain communities in Hindu religion. The fast begins about 9 hours before the beginning of Chandra Grahan.

People also take a bath in cold water and chant mantras dedicated to Lord Vishnu or Shiva like the Ashtakshara Mantra or Mrityunjaya Mantra. This is done whenever Surya and Chandra are under the influence of Rahu. Pregnant women chant the Santana Gopala Mantra.

Note: There is no need to follow any rituals for this grahan as it is not visible in India. Panchangs and Calendars have ignored this grahan mostly.

Saibaba's Sayings

• 
  
• Whoever puts his feet on Shirdi soil, his sufferings would come to an end.
• The wretched and miserable will rise to joy and happiness as soon as they climb the steps of the mosque
• I shall be ever active and vigorous even after leaving this earthly body.
• My tomb shall bless and speak to the needs of my devotees.
• I shall be active and vigorous even from my tomb.
• My mortal remains will speak from my tomb.
• I am ever living to help and guide all who come to me, who surrender to me and who seek refuge in me.
• If you look to me, I look to you.
• If you cast your burden on me, I shall surely bear it
• If you seek my advice and help, it shall be given to you at once.
• 11. There shall be no want in the house of my devotee

Sayings of shirdi saibaba :-}

If you are wealthy, be humble. Plants bend when they bear fruit.

Spend money in charity;be generous and munificent but not extravagant.

Whatever creature comes to you,human or otherwise, treat it with consideration.

See the divine in the human being.

There is a wall of separation between oneself and others
and between you and me. Destroy this wall!

I get angry with none.
Will a mother get angry with her children?
Will the ocean send back the waters to the several rivers?

What is our duty?
To behave properly. That is enough.

God is not so far away. He is not in the heavens above,
nor in hell below. He is always near you.

If you cannot endure abuse from another,
just say a simple word or two, or else leave.

I stay by the side of whoever repeats my name.

Do not be obsessed by egotism,
imagining that you are the cause of action:
everything is due to God.

Do not fight with anyone,
nor retaliate, nor slander anyone.

All gods are one. There is no difference
between a Hindu and a Muslim.
Mosque and temple are the same.

When you see with your inner eye. Then you realize
that you are God and not different from Him.

To God be the praise.
I am only the slave of God.

Choose friends who will stick to you till the end,
through thick and thin - Shirdi Sai Baba

The giver gives, but really he is sowing the seed for later:
the gift of a rich harvest. - Shirdi ke Sai Baba

DESTINY

Destiny is the divine law of will which guides one and all from the starting point of evolution to the ultimate goal, God-realisation.
There is a course of experience through which every being must pass to realise God...
In fact, there is nothing such as happiness and misery, virtue and vice, or good and bad. Only bliss exists. The experiences of happiness, misery, virtue, vice, good and bad are nothing. But they are the necessary stepping-stones on the course to higher things, which, though illusory, everyone has to pass through.
Only the Sadguru can alter, divert or destroy this course. That is, he can change the course of a person's destiny. This automatically occurs once a person comes in contact with such a Master. Unless all the experiences and sanskaras of this course are wiped out totally, there is no chance of Realisation for the disciple; and only a Perfect Master can do that.

Q. What is destiny, luck, fate, etc.?

Baba answers:
Destiny means the divine will guiding the lines of sin and virtue, resultant in suffering and happiness, experienced by the soul from the beginning of its evolution till its end in Realisation. Fate or luck is the means or process of spending the impressions the soul gathers while passing through innumerable evolutionary stages, which, in other words, is the law of karma, or the automatic forming of luck or fate in the next life, according to the sanskaras in this life. The impressions of each life build the fate of the life coming after.
As a simile, suppose every soul has to bear a burden of 700 tons, i.e. a certain amount of suffering and happiness, which every soul has to pass through from the beginning of its evolution till the end in Realisation. But as the burden of these 700 tons varies in kind and form, the impressions of lives vary too, and the fate of every new life is formed according to the impressions gathered in the past life.
Thus the soul's present experiencing of the impressions of the past life means fate. The soul has to pass through a number of lives and forms, but as the experiences of every life vary, so the fate varies. Hence, destiny is one, but fate or luck is different.
God is not kind, he is the ocean of mercy. But it is all according to law. And law is not complicated, it is simple. You sow a seed, you water it, you have a plant that grows - it is so simple. Law gives you all this from one seed, because all this was latent in the seed.
Law deals individually, and also in multitudes of the same type. Your taking birth at a certain time, your giving up the body at a certain time, is all according to law, which shapes your actions. You are not responsible.

But what about those who all die at one and the same moment, like thousands in an earthquake? Law gathers all of the similar types in one country, and ends it in one time.
When the plant grows into a big tree, it is not conscious of it, not responsible, but law shapes it, brings out of it what is there. When you were a baby, you were not conscious how you grew up. It is so natural because law does it. From childhood to old age, you feel the same yourself. Only when you look in the mirror, you know it (that you are old), and most of the time you forget you have got old.
This law so establishes itself that there is no escape. It grows into a habit which can never be shaken off. Law asserts itself as soon as you are born. The puppy does not open its eyes when it is born. It feels hungry and searches for its mother's milk.
Law's grip is eternal till you go beyond law. Then you are free.
You think binding to a Master is binding, and all life is free to do what you like. But you are bound by hunger, sleep, etc., and have the body-binding, the greatest binding. But this one binding of faith and love to the Master is sure to free you from all universal bindings.
Being good is a good binding. You must either be good or bad. Bad is like bound wrists. Good is like bound feet. Kabir writes beautifully about this: "Good keeps your hands free, so that you can even unbind your feet."

Be good. It pays. Bad makes you mad (insane). Good takes you to God. And the best way to become good is to serve others and try to make others happy. The climax of good is loving. Bad is anger, getting excited. Good is forgiving. Biting is bad, but to be bit is good. If you offer your cheek, knowing you could easily wring their neck, that is excellent.
The growth of the physical body is worked out by the operation of natural laws. Whereas the progress of the aspirant towards self-knowledge is worked out by the operation of the spiritual laws pertaining to the transformation and emancipation of consciousness.
The physical body of the child grows very gradually, and almost imperceptibly. And the same is true of the spiritual progress of the person who has once entered the Path. The child does not know how its physical body grows. The aspirant also is, in the same way, often oblivious of the law according to which he makes headway towards the destination of his spiritual progress.
Before karma is created, the individual has a sort of freedom to choose what it shall be. But after it has been accomplished, it becomes a factor which cannot be ignored, and which has either to be expended through the results which it invites, or counteracted by fresh and appropriate karma.
The pleasure and the pain experienced in the life on earth, the success or failure which attend it, the attainments and obstacles with which it is strewed, the friends and foes which make their appearance in it, are all determined by the karma of past lives.

Karmic determination is popularly designated as fate. Fate, however, is not some foreign and oppressive principle. Fate is man's own creation pursuing him from past lives. And just as it has been shaped by past karma, it can also be modified, remoulded, and even undone through karma in the present life.
If the nature of the karma in earthly life is determined by the impressions stored in the ego-mind, the impressions stored in the ego-mind are, in their turn, determined by the nature of karma in earthly life. The impressions in the ego-mind and the nature of karma are interdependent. The karma on earth plays an important part in shaping and reshaping the impressions in the ego-mind and giving it a momentum which decides the future destiny of the individual.
It is in the arena of earthly existence that creative and effective karma can take place, through the medium of the Gross body. The proper understanding and use of the law of karma enables man to become a master of his own destiny through intelligent and wise action.
Each person has become what he is through his own accumulated actions. And it is through his own actions that he can mould himself according to the pattern of his heart, or finally emancipate himself from the reign of karmic determination which governs him through life and death.

Good actions lead to good results, and bad actions lead to bad results. Law is good. This universe is based on the divine law of love, which pervades all existence.

Sai Ram

M BABA Vol 1.1