Shankh: The Sacred Conch
Since the mythological past, the Conch or Shankh
has remained as integral part of Hindu socio-religious ethos. It symbolises the cosmic space of which the attribute is sabda
or sound. Moreover it symbolises a shape or rupa, rhythm and evolves into an elaborate iconography which dates back to its
manifestation of divinities in the Vedas. The resounding musical notes of sacred conch rent the air when it is blown during
religious ceremonies and thus the devouts emotions get expressed. The sacred Sankhais found in abundance along the side of
Bay of Bengal or Eastern Ghat of Indian peninsula like in Puri, Madras, Rameshwaram and finally at the coast of Sri Lanka
where Indian ocean finds its shore. Mythologically speaking there are three main types of Shankh: Vamavarta (left side open,
it should be counted from the tip) or Uttar Mukhi, the second is Dakshinmukhi or Dakshinavarta (one that opens up on right
from the tip); and finally the third type is called Ganesha Shankh. The most common amongst them is Vamavarta. Dakshinmukhi
and Canesha all in the rare category. However the Ganesha Shankh distinguishes itself with its vermilion outer and inner surface
and its short tail. According to the Puranasthe Dakshinmukhi Sankhah the weapon or ayudha of Vishnu and thus this Shankh often
symbolises as sustainer of the Universe which is the role of God Vishnu in the divine trinity of the Hindus. The Dakshinmukhi
Shankh also signifies consciousness inseparable from the mudra. From arts and aesthetics point of view Shankh often symbolises
Vishnu himself. Ancient sculptures give this evidence where one finds Vishnu or Narayana with a Shankh held elegantly in one
of his hands. From the ancient scriptures we find there were two types of Dakshinmukhi Sankhasone is male or Rurusa and the
other is female Scankhinii distinguishable with its characteristic variations. The purusa got a thicker crust than the finer
Sankhini.
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| Swastika |
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Swastika
Second in importance only to the Om, the Swastika,
a symbol which look like the Nazi emblem, holds a great religious significance for the Hindus. Swastika is not a syllable
or a letter, but a pictorial character in the shape of a cross with branches bent at right angles and facing in a clockwise
direction. A must for all religious celebrations and festivals, Swastika symbolizes the eternal nature of the Brahman, for
it points in all directions, thus representing the omnipresence of the Absolute.The term 'Swastika' is believed to be a fusion
of the two Sanskrit words 'Su' (good) and 'Asati' (to exist), which when combined means 'May Good Prevail'. Historians say
Swastika could have represented a real structure and that in ancient times forts were built for defense reasons in a shape
closely resembling the Swastika. For its protective power this shape began to be sanctified.
| MANTRA-TANTRA |
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The gesture Namaste or Namaskar represents
the belief that there is a Divine spark within each of us that is located in the heart chakra. The gesture is an acknowledgment
of the soul in one by the soul in another. "Nama" means bow, "as" means I, and "te" means you. Therefore, Namaste literally
means "bow me you" or "I bow to you." We bring the hands together at the heart chakra to increase the flow of Divine love.
Bowing the head and closing the eyes helps the mind surrender to the Divine in the heart. One can do Namaste to oneself as
a meditation technique to go deeper inside the heart chakra; when done with someone else, it is also a beautiful, albeit quick,
meditation. For a teacher and student, Namaste allows two individuals to come together energetically to a place of connection
and timelessness, free from the bonds of ego-connection. If it is done with deep feeling in the heart and with the mind surrendered,
a deep union of spirits can blossom.
Avataars-Of Vishnu - Avtaars of Vishnu Narayan Krishna Ram Buddha
Krishna - Krishna Radha Arjuna Gita Bhagvad Gita Kriya yogi Sppiritual teachings
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