Deepak G. Pawar's Blog, page 3
November 15, 2021
Book conversations: India's Most Fearless
Two things become clear when you read this book on Indian armed forces' operations.
One, Kashmir, or to be more specific, POK, continues to be the white elephant that has drained India's resources in terms of wealth and manpower over the years.Two, our security forces have been engaged in and successful at carrying out Zero Dark Thirty type of operations since ages.
Aroor and Singh present several stories of bravery and sacrifice from the battle frontlines, encompassing all three divisions of the armed forces: army, navy and airforce. These are stories that needed to be told, because, with the exception of Uri and Shershaah, not many make it to mainstream media, save a tiny newspaper report or a posthumous gallantry award.
From these stories one can get an idea as to the mindset of the soldiers who went into combat knowing fully well that the price to be paid was their lives. One can glean this from some of the memorable quotes attributed to the soldiers themselves:
'...he was married to the adrenaline of combat.' (on why a certain soldier took risks in combat)
'Only soldiers who have bled together in combat will understand that.' (on what it is to be injured in combat)
'Lead your life. Don't let life lead you.' (advice given to a soldier by his father while enlisting)
One hopes that the powers that be take timely affirmative steps to address the threat posed by hostile neighbours that we are surrounded by so as to mitigate the loss of lives of our brave soldiers. In addition they also need to look at the threat that is already within the country, thanks to the lax border restrictions and indifferent deportation strategies.
We also live in hope that attacks are prevented rather than fire fought, and if that calls for more surgical strikes, then so be it. Especially so because the perpetrators of some of the major attacks are safely ensconced in havens across the border.
That this book has spawned a second volume of further stories of bravery and sacrifice is testimony to this ongoing threat, which in today's world is covert and subversive.
We wish our armed forces health and safety and all the success in countering the same.
Picture source:https://www.amazon.in/Indias-Most-Fea...
September 2, 2021
I'm always overthinking... Have I got OCD...?!
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, or OCD, is an anxiety disorder that is characterised by obsessions (intrusive and recurrent thoughts, images or urges) and compulsions (repetitive actions such as counting, touching, washing, rearranging and hoarding).
Even though the recurrent thoughts are recognised as being silly or impossible, it is difficult for patients to resist having them. This results in increasing tension, which can only be relieved by carrying out compensatory compulsive acts listed above. Thus begins a never-ending spiral of negative thoughts, stress and irrational actions.
Even though OCD is a neurotic condition, it can be recurring, chronic and debilitating. It can occur on its own, or in combination with panic disorder, depression, drug & alcohol abuse (often as a symptom relieving habit), Tourette syndrome or autistic spectrum disorders.
For carers of people with OCD, it can be a horrendous condition to come to terms with; they may, for instance, struggle to understand the patient's need to wash hands repeatedly.
Timely and ongoing intervention is necessary, and this may entail medication therapy as well as psychotherapy in the form of modifying the patient's thinking/behaviour and response to stress. Cognitive-behaviour therapy and exposure & response therapy, respectively, help in achieving these. Relaxation therapy to reduce the somatic symptoms of anxiety may also be added on.
Patient's partner/spouse may undergo training from the therapist for home management of the symptoms. For example, he/she can help the patient look for alternatives to or even prevent repeated hand washing.
Learn more about this condition and its treatment in this video in three languages:
English: https://youtu.be/YSrct6U237s
Hindi: https://youtu.be/arkbbsvrGL8
Kannada: https://youtu.be/8o-P5zO8gh4
Read more on stress and panic attacks in earlier articles.
Find out more about the medications used in the treatment of OCD.
For a more formal discussion, please see lectures on anxiety disorders and other topics.
Resources:
Background music: Fresh Fallen Snow by Chris Haugen
July 8, 2021
Does my child have ADHD?!
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, or ADHD, is one of those disorders that can exasperate a parent of a child with this condition.
Here I talk about the disorder in three languages:
English: https://youtu.be/YMuc_PFgiP0
Hindi: https://youtu.be/2m2GSMDJIVg
Kannada: https://youtu.be/hd6Xg7NkiNc
Do not forget to read more about ADHD from my earlier article.
More writings on ADHD:
On boloji.com (click on external link): https://dgvpawar.blogspot.com/2014/12/article-on-adhd-energetic-tots.html
And for fun: https://dgvpawar.blogspot.com/2014/08/chhota-bheem-doraemon-and-oggy-indian.html
Resources:
Music: Waterfall, Aakash Gandhi
June 24, 2021
How can I quit SMOKING?!
The torture was beyond human power to bear.
(Sigmund Freud on his attempt to quit smoking)
Smoking and consumption of tobacco products are common in spite of the several media messages and pictorial warnings as to the harm caused by tobacco. Why is this so?
What begins as a peer influenced, 'harmless', 'occasional' behaviour, stays with the person indefinitely, and before he/she realises it, becomes an insurmountable addiction.
People who have tried to quit smoking can vouch for the fact that it is a hopeless situation to remain without the daily nicotine fix - the cravings and withdrawal effects can be unbearable. Ask Freud!
When nicotine enters the bloodstream it activates what is known as the dopamine reward mechanism as shown here:
Dopamine is the 'feel good' brain chemical that activates the reward circuitry in the brain as follows: 
And so on it goes, until it becomes a vicious circle.
This makes tobacco/nicotine one of the most addictive substances in the world - the reason why quitting smoking is such an onerous task, fraught with relapses after periods of abstinence.
However, breaking this reward circuit by associating less harmful substances (such as caffeine) with the pleasurable feeling, may work in some cases.
Or, one could also try associating nicotine with unpleasant consequences such as odourous breath or health issues such as coughing/breathlessness.
Yoga, pranayama and meditation, if done under guidance, can help break this vicious circle by helping one focus on larger issues rather than resort to smoking as a coping mechanism.
I talk about smoking addiction, complications due to long-term smoking, and treatment of smoking addiction in these videos in three languages:
English: https://youtu.be/OQmymTjteyg
Hindi: https://youtu.be/eCks5TGFfuk
Kannada: https://youtu.be/mhLfLL1xvl8
Please read more about smoking and what works in the treatment of its addiction in my earlier articles (click on the links from these pages to external site):
Harmful effects of tobacco and 10 ways to quit smoking. And a similar article on alcohol addiction.
Resources:
Music: Bed and Breakfast, The 126ers
Pictures:
https://researchoutreach.org/wp-conte...
June 14, 2021
Lakshmi Nrusimha Karuna Rasa Stotram
Sri Adi Shankaracharya composed this hymn to address Lord Lakshmi-Narasimha (God Narasimha along with his divine consort, Goddess Lakshmi).
Lord Narasimha is the fourth avatara of Lord Vishnu who appeared in the court of King Hiranyakashyapu to help His bhakta, Prahlada. He is known to be the angriest avatara of Lord Vishnu who ripped apart Hiranyakashyapu.
He could be placated only by the ardent supplication of Goddess Lakshmi and Prahlada.
Adi Shankara himself is said to have been saved by the Lord when a kapalika sought to behead him.
In this stotra Adi Shankara takes the position of a supplicant who is beseeching the Lord to guide him through the temptations and travails or samsara, or worldly existence.
Each of the seventeen verses ends with the refrain, Give me Thy hand O Lord! Hence it is also called Lakshmi-Nrusimha Karavalambam Stotram.
Reciting this stotra regularly is said to reduce anger and related negative vibrations, leading one to bhakti and peace.
For the literal meaning of the stotra please visit the websites listed below.
References:
Meaning:
http://www.hindupedia.com/en/Sri_Laks...Music: Tratak, Jesse Gallagher
Pictures:
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedi...April 8, 2021
Mahalakshmyashtakam
The Mahalakshmyashtakam, or Maha Lakshmi Ashtakam, is on octet sung in the praise of the Goddess of Grace and Prosperity, Maha Lakshmi, the Divine Consort of Maha Vishnu.
It is said to be composed by Indra, the King of Devas, and is present in the Padma Purana, one of the 18 Puranas that recount the anecdotes of Gods, Goddesses and Kings of yore.
When chanted on occasions of new beginnings, the Ashtakam is said to invoke the Goddess's blessings upon the event and its participants.
The Ashtakam hails Goddess Lakshmi as the Mother of Universe, and makes explicit all the benefits of chanting it regularly in the Phalashruti - the final 3 stanzas of the Ashtakam.
Here's the link for the video, and the transliteration and translation of the Ashtakam:
Atah Sri Mahalakshmyashtakam
अतः श्री महालक्ष्म्याष्टकम
ಅತಃ ಶ್ರೀ ಮಹಾಲಕ್ಷ್ಮ್ಯಾಷ್ಟಕಂ
This is the eight-stanza-hymn of Goddess Maha Lakshmi
Indra uvacha
इन्द्र उवाच
ಇಂದ್ರ ಉವಾಚ
Indra said
Namastestu Mahamaye Shripithe Surapujite
Shankha Chakra Gadahaste Malakshmi namostute
नमस्तेस्तु महामाये श्रीपीठे सुरपूजिते
शंख चक्र गदाहस्ते महालक्ष्मी नमोस्तुते
ನಮಸ್ತೇಸ್ತು ಮಹಾಮಾಯೇ ಶ್ರೀಪೀಠೇ ಸುರಪೂಜಿತೇ
ಶಂಖ ಚಕ್ರ ಗದಾಹಸ್ತೇ ಮಹಾಲಕ್ಷ್ಮೀ ನಮೋಸ್ತುತೇ
Salutations to Mahamaya, who resides in Her Transcendental Abode, worshipped by Gods
The Bearer of Conch, Discus and Mace, I bow to Thee Maha Lakshmi
Namaste Garuda rudhe Kolasura Bhayankari
Sarva papahare Devi Mahalakshmi namostute
नमस्ते गरुडा रूढे कोलासुर भयंकरी
सर्व पापहरे देवी महालक्ष्मी नमोस्तुते
ನಮಸ್ತೇ ಗರುಡಾ ರೂಢೇ ಕೋಲಾಸುರ ಭಯಂಕರೀ
ಸರ್ವ ಪಾಪಹರೇ ದೇವೀ ಮಹಾಲಕ್ಷ್ಮೀ ನಮೋಸ್ತುತೇ
Salutations to One who has Garuda as vehicle, One who terrifies Kolasura
The Destroyer of all sins, I bow to Thee Maha Lakshmi
Sarvagne sarva varade sarva dushta Bhayankari
Sarva dukha hare Devi Mahalakshmi namostute
सर्वग्ने सर्व वरदे सर्व दुष्ट भयंकरी
सर्व दुःख हरे देवी महालक्ष्मी नमोस्तुते
ಸರ್ವಗ್ನೇ ಸರ್ವ ವರದೇ ಸರ್ವ ದುಷ್ಟ ಭಯಂಕರೀ
ಸರ್ವ ದುಃಖ ಹರೇ ದೇವೀ ಮಹಾಲಕ್ಷ್ಮೀ ನಮೋಸ್ತುತೇ
Salutations to the All-Knower, the Granter of all boons, the Terrifier of wicked tendencies
The Destroyer of all sorrows, I bow to Thee Maha Lakshmi
Siddhi buddhi prade Devi bhukti mukti Pradayini
Mantra murte sada Devi Mahalakshmi namostute
सिद्धि बुद्धि प्रदे देवी भुक्ति मुक्ति प्रदायिनी
मंत्र मूर्ते सदा देवी महालक्ष्मी नमोस्तुते
ಸಿದ್ಧಿ ಬುದ್ಧಿ ಪ್ರದೇ ದೇವೀ ಭುಕ್ತಿ ಮುಕ್ತಿ ಪ್ರದಾಯಿನಿ
ಮಂತ್ರ ಮೂರ್ತೇ ಸದಾ ದೇವೀ ಮಹಾಲಕ್ಷ್ಮೀ ನಮೋಸ್ತುತೇ
Salutations to the Bestower of accomplishments and intelligence, worldly riches and Moksha
The One who exists subtly forever in Mantra, I bow to Thee Maha Lakshmi
Aadyanta rahite Devi Adishakti Maheshwari
Yogaje yoga sambhute Mahalakshmi namostute
आद्यंत रहिते देवी आदिशक्ती महेश्वरी
योगजे योग समभूते महालक्ष्मी नमोस्तुते
ಆದ್ಯಂತ ರಹಿತೇ ದೇವೀ ಆದಿಶಕ್ತೀ ಮಹೇಶ್ವರೀ
ಯೊಗಜೇ ಯೊಗ ಸಂಭೂತೇ ಮಹಾಲಕ್ಷ್ಮೀ ನಮೋಸ್ತುತೇ
The One without beginning or end, the Great Goddess of Primordial Shakti
The One born of Yoga and united in Yoga, I bow to Thee Maha Lakshmi
Sthula sukhsma maha Roudre maha Shakti Mahodare
Maha papahare Devi Mahalakshmi namostute
स्थूल सूक्ष्म महा रौद्रे महा शक्ती महोदरे
महा पापहरे देवी महालक्ष्मी नमोस्तुते
ಸ್ಥೂಲ ಸೂಕ್ಷ್ಮ ಮಹಾ ರೌದ್ರೇ ಮಹಾ ಶಕ್ತೀ ಮಹೋದರೇ
ಮಹಾ ಪಾಪಹರೇ ದೇವೀ ಮಹಾಲಕ್ಷ್ಮೀ ನಮೋಸ್ತುತೇ
The Indweller of gross and subtle forms, the Great Rudrani, the Great Shakti
The Destroyer of great sins, I bow to Thee Maha Lakshmi
Padmasana sthite Devi Para Brahma Swarupini
Parameshi jagan Matah Mahalakshmi namostute
पद्मासन स्थिते देवी पर ब्रह्म स्वरूपिणी
परमेशी जगन मात: महालक्ष्मी नमोस्तुते
ಪದ್ಮಾಸನ ಸ್ಥಿತೇ ದೇವೀ ಪರ ಬ್ರಹ್ಮ ಸ್ವರೂಪಿಣೀ
ಪರಮೇಶೀ ಜಗನ್ ಮಾತಃ ಮಹಾಲಕ್ಷ್ಮೀ ನಮೋಸ್ತುತೇ
The One with the Lotus Seat, the Embodiment of Supreme Brahman
The Supreme Goddess, the Mother of Universe, I bow to Thee Maha Lakshmi
Shwetambara dhare devi nanalankara bhushite
Jagat sthite jagan matah Mahalakshmi namostute
श्वेतामबर धरे देवी नानालंकार भूषिते
जगत स्थिते जगन मातः महालक्ष्मी नमोस्तुते
ಶ್ವೇತಾಂಬರ ಧರೇ ದೇವೀ ನಾನಾಲಂಕಾರ ಭೂಷಿತೇ
ಜಗತ್ ಸ್ಥಿತೇ ಜಗನ್ ಮಾತಃ ಮಹಾಲಕ್ಷ್ಮೀ ನಮೋಸ್ತುತೇ
The One dressed in white, the One adorned with various ornaments
The One who abides in the Universe as its Mother, I bow to Thee Maha Lakshmi
Maha-Lakshmy-ashtakam stotram yah pathed bhakti mannaraha
Sarva siddhi mavapnoti rajyam prapnoti sarvada
महालक्ष्माष्टकम स्तोत्रम यः पठेद भक्ति मान्नरः
सर्व सिद्धि मवाप्नोति राज्यम प्राप्नोति सर्वदा
ಮಹಾಲಕ್ಷ್ಮ್ಯಾಷ್ಟಕಂ ಸ್ತೋತ್ರಂ ಯಃ ಪಠೇದ್ ಭಕ್ತಿ ಮಾನ್ನರಃ
ಸರ್ವ ಸಿದ್ಧಿ ಮವಾಪ್ನೋತಿ ರಾಜ್ಯಂ ಪ್ರಾಪ್ನೋತಿ ಸರ್ವದಾ
One who recites the Maha Lakshmi Octet with bhakti
Accomplishes everything and gains prosperity forever
Eka kale pathe nityam maha papa vinashanam
Dwikalam yah pathe nityam dhana dhanya samanvitaha
एक काले पठे नित्यम महा पाप विनाशनम
द्विकालम यः पठे नित्यम धन धान्य समन्वितः
ಏಕ ಕಾಲೇ ಪಠೇ ನಿತ್ಯಂ ಮಹಾ ಪಾಪ ವಿನಾಶನಂ
ದ್ವಿಕಾಲಂ ಯಃ ಪಠೇ ನಿತ್ಯಂ ಧನ ಧಾನ್ಯ ಸಮನ್ವಿತಃ
If recited once a day, one will be absolved of great sins
If recited twice a day, one will be granted with money and grains
Trikalam yah pathe nityam maha shatru vinashanam
Mahalakshmir bhave nityam prasanna varada shubha
त्रिकालम यः पठे नित्यम महा शत्रु विनाशनम
महालक्ष्मिर भवे नित्यम प्रसन्ना वरदा शुभा
ತ್ರಿಕಾಲಂ ಯಃ ಪಠೇ ನಿತ್ಯಂ ಮಹಾ ಶತ್ರು ವಿನಾಶನಂ
ಮಹಾಲಕ್ಷ್ಮಿರ್ ಭವೇ ನಿತ್ಯಂ ಪ್ರಸನ್ನಾ ವರದಾ ಶುಭಾ
If recited thrice a day, great enemies/inner demons will be destroyed
One attains the Grace, boons and the Auspiscious Form of Maha Lakshmi
Iti Indrah krut Sri Mahalakshmyashtakam sampurnam
इति इन्द्रः कृत श्री महालक्ष्माष्टकम सम्पूर्णम
ಇತಿ ಇಂದ್ರಃ ಕೃತ ಶ್ರೀ ಮಹಾಲಕ್ಷ್ಮ್ಯಾಷ್ಟಕಂ ಸಂಪೂರ್ಣಂ
Thus ends the Indra-composed eight-stanza-hymn of Goddess Maha Lakshmi
Resources/references:
Background music: Spirit of Fire, Jesse Gallagher
Meaning & significance:
https://greenmesg.org/stotras/lakshmi...March 10, 2021
Lingashtakam
Lingashtakam is an octet of hymns in the praise of Lord Shiva.
The ashtakam is attributed to Adi Shankaracharya, said to be an avatar of Lord Shiva.
It addresses the linga aspect of Lord Shiva, that is, the physical representation of the column of Light of Creation.
Released on the auspicious occasion of Maha Shivaratri 2021, the ashtakam is known to bestow peace, fulfilment and salvation to one who chants it regularly.
It is particularly beneficial to chant this ashtakam on the occasion of Maha Shivaratri, which occurs on the 13th night/14th day of the Phalguna month of the Hindu calendar.
One can chant the ashtakam everyday before dawn or dusk, while physically/mentally focusing on the Shivalinga.
Watch the video of Lingashtakam here:
Atah Lingashtakam
अतः लिंगाष्टकम
ಅತಃ ಲಿಂಗಾಷ್ಟಕಂ
This is the eight-stanza-hymn of Shivalinga
Brahmamurari surarchita Lingam nirmala bhasita shobhita Lingam
Janmaja dukhavinashaka Lingam tat pranamami Sadashiva Lingam
ब्रह्ममुरारि सुरार्चित लिंगम निर्मल भासित शोभित लिंगम
जन्मज दुःखविनाशक लिंगम तत प्रणमामि सदाशिव लिंगम
ಬ್ರಹ್ಮಮುರಾರಿ ಸುರಾರ್ಚಿತ ಲಿಂಗಂ ನಿರ್ಮಲಭಾಸಿತ ಶೋಭಿತ ಲಿಂಗಂ
ಜನ್ಮಜ ದುಃಖವಿನಾಶಕ ಲಿಂಗಂ ತತ್ ಪ್ರಣಮಾಮಿ ಸದಾಶಿವ ಲಿಂಗಂ
Worshipped by Brahma, Vishnu and Devas; the pure, resplendent, adorned Linga
That which removes the sorrows of birth/life; I bow to that eternal Shivalinga
Devamuni pravararchita Lingam kamadaham karunakara Lingam
Ravanadarpa vinashana Lingam tat pranamami Sadashiva Lingam
देवमुनि प्रवरार्चित लिंगम कामदहम करुणाकर लिंगम
रावणदर्प विनाशन लिंगम तत प्रणमामि सदाशिव लिंगम
ದೇವಮುನಿ ಪ್ರವರಾರ್ಚಿತ ಲಿಂಗಂ ಕಾಮದಹಮ್ ಕರುಣಾಕರ ಲಿಂಗಂ
ರಾವಣದರ್ಪ ವಿನಾಶನ ಲಿಂಗಂ ತತ್ ಪ್ರಣಮಾಮಿ ಸದಾಶಿವ ಲಿಂಗಂ
Worshipped by Devas and Rishis; that which burns desires, that which is compassionate
That which destroys Ravana's pride; I bow to that eternal Shivalinga
Sarva sugandhi sulepita Lingam buddhi vivardhana karana Lingam
Siddhasurasura vandita Lingam tat pranamami Sadashiva Lingam
सर्व सुगन्धि सुलेपित लिंगम बुद्धि विवर्धन कारण लिंगम्
सिद्धसुरासुर वन्दित लिंगम तत प्रणमामि सदाशिव लिंगम
ಸರ್ವ ಸುಗಂಧಿ ಸುಲೇಪಿತ ಲಿಂಗಂ ಬುದ್ಧಿ ವಿವರ್ಧನ ಕಾರಣ ಲಿಂಗಂ
ಸಿದ್ಧಸುರಾಸುರ ವಂದಿತ ಲಿಂಗಂ ತತ್ ಪ್ರಣಮಾಮಿ ಸದಾಶಿವ ಲಿಂಗಂ
That which is anointed with fragrant paste; that which grants wisdom
Worshipped by Siddhas, Devas and Asuras; I bow to that eternal Shivalinga
Kanaka mahamani bhushita Lingam phanipati veshtita shobhita Lingam
Dakshasuyagna vinashana Lingam tat pranamami Sadashiva Lingam
कनक महामणि भूषित लिंगम फणिपति वेष्टित शोभित लिंगम
दक्षसुयज्ञ विनाशन लिंगम तत प्रणमामि सदाशिव लिंगम
ಕನಕ ಮಹಾಮಣಿ ಭೂಷಿತ ಲಿಂಗಂ ಫಣಿಪತಿ ವೇಷ್ಟಿತ ಶೋಭಿತ ಲಿಂಗಂ
ದಕ್ಷಸುಯಜ್ಞ ವಿನಾಶನ ಲಿಂಗಂ ತತ್ ಪ್ರಣಮಾಮಿ ಸದಾಶಿವ ಲಿಂಗಂ
That which is decorated with gold and gems; that which is adorned with the best of serpents
That which destroyed Daksha's grand yagna; I bow to that eternal Shivalinga
Kunkuma chandana lepita Lingam pankajahara sushobhita Lingam
Sanchitapapa vinashana Lingam tat pranamami Sadashiva Lingam
कुंकुम चन्दन लेपित लिंगम पंकजहार सुशोभित लिंगम
सन्चितपाप विनाशन लिंगम तत प्रणमामि सदाशिव लिंगम
ಕುಂಕುಮ ಚಂದನ ಲೇಪಿತ ಲಿಂಗಂ ಪಂಕಜಹಾರ ಸುಶೋಭಿತ ಲಿಂಗಂ
ಸಂಚಿತಪಾಪ ವಿನಾಶನ ಲಿಂಗಂ ತತ್ ಪ್ರಣಮಾಮಿ ಸದಾಶಿವ ಲಿಂಗಂ
That which is anointed with saffron and sandal; that which is decorated with lotus garlands
That which destroys accumulated sins; I bow to that eternal Shivalinga
Devaganarchita sevita Lingam bhavairbhaktibhireva cha Lingam
Dinakara koti prabhakara Lingam tat pranamami Sadashiva Lingam
देवगणार्चित सेवित लिंगम भावैर्भक्तिभिरेवच लिंगम
दिनकर कोटि प्रभाकर लिंगम तत प्रणमामि सदाशिव लिंगम
ದೇವಗಣಾರ್ಚಿತ ಸೇವಿತ ಲಿಂಗಂ ಭಾವೈರ್ಭಕ್ತಿಭಿರೇವಚ ಲಿಂಗಂ
ದಿನಕರ ಕೋಟಿ ಪ್ರಭಾಕರ ಲಿಂಗಂ ತತ್ ಪ್ರಣಮಾಮಿ ಸದಾಶಿವ ಲಿಂಗಂ
That which is worshipped by Devas and Ganas; that which grants emotion of bhakti
That with the splendour of crore suns; I bow to that eternal Shivalinga
Ashtadalopari veshtita Lingam sarvasamudbhava karana Lingam
Ashtadaridra vinashana Lingam tat pranamami Sadashiva Lingam
अष्टदलोपरि वेष्टित लिंगम सर्वसमुद्भव कारण लिंगम
अष्टदरिद्र विनाशन लिंगम तत प्रणमामि सदाशिव लिंगम
ಅಷ್ಟದಲೋಪರಿ ವೇಷ್ಟಿತ ಲಿಂಗಂ ಸರ್ವಸಮುದ್ಭವ ಕಾರಣ ಲಿಂಗಂ
ಅಷ್ಟದರಿದ್ರ ವಿನಾಶನ ಲಿಂಗಂ ತತ್ ಪ್ರಣಮಾಮಿ ಸದಾಶಿವ ಲಿಂಗಂ
That which is surrounded by flowers of eight petals; that which is the cause of all creation
That which destroys the eight types of poverty; I bow to that eternal Shivalinga
Suraguru suravara pujita Lingam suravana pushpa sadarchita Lingam
Paratparam parmatmaka Lingam tat pranamami Sadashiva Lingam
Tat pranamami Sadashiva Lingam tat pranamami Sadashiva Lingam
सुरगुरु सुरवर पूजित लिंगम सुरवन पुष्प सदार्चित लिंगम
परात्परम परमात्मक लिंगम तत प्रणमामि सदाशिव लिंगम
तत प्रणमामि सदाशिव लिंगम तत प्रणमामि सदाशिव लिंगम
ಸುರಗುರು ಸುರವರ ಪೂಜಿತ ಲಿಂಗಂ ಸುರವನ ಪುಷ್ಪ ಸದಾರ್ಚಿತ ಲಿಂಗಂ
ಪರಾತ್ಪರಂ ಪರಮಾತ್ಮಕ ಲಿಂಗಂ ತತ್ ಪ್ರಣಮಾಮಿ ಸದಾಶಿವ ಲಿಂಗಂ
ತತ್ ಪ್ರಣಮಾಮಿ ಸದಾಶಿವ ಲಿಂಗಂ ತತ್ ಪ್ರಣಮಾಮಿ ಸದಾಶಿವ ಲಿಂಗಂ
That which is worshipped by Brihaspati and the best of Gods; that which is worshipped by Flowers from Celestial Gardens
That which is supreme to all; I bow to that eternal Shivalinga
I bow to that eternal Shivalinga; I bow to that eternal Shivalinga
Lingashtakamidam punyam yah pathet Shivasannidhou
Shivalopkamavapnoti Shivena saha modate
लिंगष्टकमिदम पुण्यम यः पठेत शिव सन्निधौ
शिवलोकमवाप्नोति शिवेन सह मोदते
ಲಿಂಗಾಷ್ಟಕಮಿದಂ ಪುಣ್ಯಂ ಯಃ ಪಠೇತ್ ಶಿವಸನ್ನಿಧೌ
ಶಿವಲೋಕಮವಾಪ್ನೋತಿ ಶಿವೇನ ಸಹ ಮೋದತೇ
One who recites the eight-stanza-hymn of Shivalinga in the proximity of Lord Shiva
Attains the Abode of Lord Shiva and enjoy His Bliss forever
Or/या/ಅಥವ
Lingashtakamidam punyam pavitram papanashanam
Gnyanasiddhikaram shuddham sakshanmokshaika sadhanam
लिंगाष्टकमिदम पुण्यम पवित्रम पापनाशनम
ज्ञानसिद्धिकरम शुद्धम साक्षान्मोक्षैक साधनम
ಲಿಂಗಾಷ್ಟಕಮಿದಂ ಪುಣ್ಯಂ ಪವಿತ್ರಂ ಪಾಪನಾಶನಂ
ಜ್ಞಾನಸಿದ್ಧಿಕರಂ ಶುದ್ಧಂ ಸಾಕ್ಷಾನ್ಮೋಕ್ಷೈಕ ಸಾಧನಂ
This eight-stanza-hymn of Shivalinga is virtuous, pure and destroyer of sins
This grants wisdom and purity, and is a means of attaining Salvation
Iti Shrimat Paramahamsa Parivrajakacharyasya
Shri Govinda Bhagavatpujyapada shishyasya
Shri Machchankara Bhagavatah krutou
Lingashtakam sampurnam
इति श्रीमत प्रमहंस परिव्राजकाचार्यस्य
श्री गोविन्द भगवत्पूज्यपाद शिष्यस्य
श्री मच्छंकर भगवतः कृतौ
लिंगाष्टकम संपूर्णम
ಇತಿ ಶ್ರೀಮತ್ ಪರಮಹಂಸ ಪರಿವ್ರಾಜಕಾಚಾರ್ಯಸ್ಯ
ಶ್ರೀ ಗೋವಿಂದ ಭಗವತ್ಪೂಜ್ಯಪಾದ ಶಿಷ್ಯಸ್ಯ
ಶ್ರೀ ಮಚ್ಛಂಕರ ಭಗವತಃ ಕೃತೌ
ಲಿಂಗಾಷ್ಟಕಂ ಸಂಪೂರ್ಣಂ
Thus ends Chief among Paramahamsa Parivrajakacharyas
Shri Govinda Bhagavadpada's disciple
Shri Adi Shankaracharya's composition
The eight-stanza-hymn of Shivalinga
References/resources:
Background music: Spirit of Fire, Jesse Gallagher
Pictures:https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedi...
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedi...
https://i.stack.imgur.com/zyIeq.jpg
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedi... of ashtakam:
https://greenmesg.org/stotras/shiva/l...
https://www.artofliving.org/mahashivr...
https://www.sringeri.info/titles
http://www.anaadifoundation.org/blog/... of ashtakam:
https://amritayoga.com/yoga-talks/lin...
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maha_Sh....
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/r...
February 17, 2021
My spouse���s mood changes all the time... Is she/he BIPOLAR..?!
More prevalent in the higher socioeconomic population, it is a chronic, potentially lifelong illness that needs constant care and attention. People with BPAD are prone to mood swings, although not the circumstantial dysphoria and irritability that people usually make the mistake of attributing to the illness (as in labelling someone 'bipolar'). That is to say, the mood changes occur subtly over several days, and not dramatically within minutes.
BPAD, to me, underscores the fact that everything in the universe is in a state of balance: too much or too little of anything is unsustainable.
So it is with the human body and mind. Too much of blood sugar is termed diabetic, and too little, hypoglycemic. Too much of sadness is depressive, and too much of happiness is manic.
BPAD often affects creative people, and patients even attribute some of their creative outbursts to the early phases of mania when thoughts are racing through the mind, and there is a restless need to create.
Everyone experiences highs and lows of mood, but the extremes of BPAD affect quality of life and relationships, and therefore require intervention. Indeed, if a patient develops mania, it is the family that seeks professional help because the patient lacks insight into the seriousness of his/her mental condition.
I talk about the signs and symptoms, risks associated, and the treatment of BPAD in this video in three languages:
English: https://youtu.be/l2tpxeEiOHg
Hindi: https://youtu.be/qk4D5unqe28
Kannada: https://youtu.be/icB_KSBpDWk
Also read my review of the book on BPAD, Em and the Big Hoom .
Resources:
Background music: 7th Dimension,
Pictures: https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8451/79...
My spouse’s mood changes all the time... Is she/he BIPOLAR..?!
More prevalent in the higher socioeconomic population, it is a chronic, potentially lifelong illness that needs constant care and attention. People with BPAD are prone to mood swings, although not the circumstantial dysphoria and irritability that people usually make the mistake of attributing to the illness (as in labelling someone 'bipolar'). That is to say, the mood changes occur subtly over several days, and not dramatically within minutes.
BPAD, to me, underscores the fact that everything in the universe is in a state of balance: too much or too little of anything is unsustainable.
So it is with the human body and mind. Too much of blood sugar is termed diabetic, and too little, hypoglycemic. Too much of sadness is depressive, and too much of happiness is manic.
BPAD often affects creative people, and patients even attribute some of their creative outbursts to the early phases of mania when thoughts are racing through the mind, and there is a restless need to create.
Everyone experiences highs and lows of mood, but the extremes of BPAD affect quality of life and relationships, and therefore require intervention. Indeed, if a patient develops mania, it is the family that seeks professional help because the patient lacks insight into the seriousness of his/her mental condition.
I talk about the signs and symptoms, risks associated, and the treatment of BPAD in this video in three languages:
English: https://youtu.be/l2tpxeEiOHg
Hindi: https://youtu.be/qk4D5unqe28
Kannada: https://youtu.be/icB_KSBpDWk
Also read my review of the book on BPAD, Em and the Big Hoom .
Resources:
Background music: 7th Dimension,
Pictures: https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8451/79...
February 8, 2021
Shivashadakshara Stotram
The Shivashadakshara Stotram eulogizes Lord Shiva, one of the Holy Trinity of Sanatana Dharma. It is taken from the Rudrayamala, a pre-tantric text that elaborates upon the Kundalini Yoga.
The beauty of the stotra lies in the fact that first syllable of each shloka collectively spells out the mantra, Om Nama Shivaya, meaning 'I bow to Lord Shiva'. This is also why the stotra is called shadakshara, meaning six-syllabled, implying the six syllables that spell out the mantra (indicated in red in the video).
For the meaning of each of these syllables, read the earlier post on Om Nama Shivaya.
Watch the video of Shivashadakshara Stotram here:
https://youtu.be/6I0genD5eWY
The transliteration into three languages (English, Hindi & Kannada) and the translation (into English) of this stotra is as follows:
Atah Shivashadakshara Stotram
अतः शिवशडक्षर स्तोत्रम
ಅತಃ ಶಿವಶಡಕ್ಷರ ಸ್ತೋತ್ರಂ
This is Shiva's six-syllabled stotra
Omkaram bindu samyuktam nityam dhyayanti yoginaha
Kamadam mokshadam chaiva omkaraya namo namaha
ओमकारम बिन्दुसम्युक्तम नित्यम ध्यायन्ति योगिनः
कामदम मोक्ष्दम चैव ओमकाराय नमो नमः
ಓಂಕಾರಂ ಬಿಂದುಸಂಯುಕ್ತಂ ನಿತ್ಯಂ ಧ್ಯಾಯಂತಿ ಯೋಗಿನಃ
ಕಾಮದಂ ಮೋಕ್ಷದಂ ಚೖವ ಓಂಕಾರಾಯ ನಮೋ ನಮಃ
Omkara with the dot, meditated upon by the yogis
Bestower of wishes and moksha, salutations to Omkara Shiva
Namanti rushayo deva namantyapsaraso ganaha
Nara namanti devesham nakaraya namo namaha
नमंति ऋषयो देवा नमंत्यप्सरसो गणाः
नरा नमंति देवेशम नकाराय नमो नमः
ನಮಂತಿ ಋಷಯೋ ದೆವಾ ನಮಂತ್ಯಪ್ಸರಸೋ ಗಣಾಃ
ನರಾ ನಮಂತಿ ದೆವೇಶಂ ನಕಾರಾಯ ನಮೋ ನಮಃ
To Whom the rishis, devas, and apsaras bow reverentially
Lord of devas to Whom humans bow reverentially, salutations to nakara Shiva
Mahadevam mahatmanam mahadhyanaparayanam
Mahapapaharam devam makaraya namo namaha
महादेवम महात्मानम महाध्यानपरायणम
महापापहरम देवम मकाराय नमो नमः
ಮಹಾದೇವಂ ಮಹಾತ್ಮಾನಂ ಮಹಾಧ್ಯಾನಪರಾಯಣಂ
ಮಹಾಪಾಪಹರಂ ದೇವಂ ಮಕಾರಾಯ ನಮೋ ನಮಃ
The great God and Soul, the Supreme Meditator
The great Destroyer of sins, salutations to makara Shiva
Shivam shantam jagannatham lokanugrahakarakam
Shivamekapadam nityam shikaraya namo namaha
शिवम शांतम जगन्नाथम लोकानुग्रहकारकम
शिवमेकपदम नित्यम शिकाराय नमो नमः
ಶಿವಂ ಶಾಂತಂ ಜಗನ್ನಾಥಂ ಲೋಕಾನುಗ್ರಹಕಾರಕಂ
ಶಿವಮೇಕಪದಂ ನಿತ್ಯಂ ಶಿಕಾರಾಯ ನಮೋ
Shiva is peaceful Lord of universe, He is the bestower of welfare of world
Shiva the word is eternal, salutations to shikara Shiva
Vahanam vrushabho yasya vasuki kanthabhushanam
Vame shaktidharam devam vakaraya namo namaha
वाहनम वृषभो यस्य वासुकी कंठभूषणम
वामे शक्तिधरम देवम वकाराय नमो नमः
ವಾಹನಂ ವೃಷಭೋ ಯಸ್ಯ ವಾಸುಕೀ ಕಂಠಭೂಷಣಂ
ವಾಮೇ ಶಕ್ತಿಧರಂ ದೇವಂ ವಕಾರಾಯ ನಮೋ ನಮಃ
He who rides the bull, He who wears the serpent as garland
He who has Goddess Shakthi on his left, salutations to vakara Shiva
Yatra yatra sthito devah sarvavyapi maheshwaraha
Yo guruh sarvadevanam yakaraya namo namaha
यत्र यत्र स्थितो देवः सर्वव्यापी महेश्वरः
यो गुरुः सर्वदेवानाम यकाराय नमो नमः
ಯತ್ರ ಯತ್ರ ಸ್ಥಿತೋ ದೆವಃ ಸರ್ವವ್ಯಾಪೀ ಮಹೇಶ್ವರಃ
ಯೋ ಗುರುಃ ಸರ್ವದೇವಾನಾಂ ಯಕಾರಾಯ ನಮೋ ನಮಃ
Where the devas reside, the Great God pervades all
He is the Guru of all devas, salutations to yakara Shiva
Shadaksharamidam stotram yah pathet Shivasannidhau
Shivalokamavapnoti Shivena saha modate
शडक्षरमिदम स्तोत्रम यः पठेत शिवसन्निधौ
शिवलोकमवाप्नोति शिवेन सह मोदते
ಶಡಕ್ಷರಮಿದಂ ಸ್ತೋತ್ರಂ ಯಃ ಪಠೇತ್ ಶಿವಸನ್ನಿಧೌ
ಶಿವಲೋಕಮವಾಪ್ನೋತಿ ಶಿವೇನ ಸಹ ಮೋದತೆ
Whoever chants this six-syllabled stotra, in the proximity of Shiva
Such a person will attain the Abode of Shiva, and be happy with Shiva
Iti Shri Rudrayamale Umamaheshwarasamvade Shivashadakshara Stotram sampurnam
इति श्री रुद्रयामले उमामहेश्वरसंवादे शिवशडक्षर स्तोत्रम सम्पूर्णम
ಇತಿ ಶ್ರೀ ರುದ್ರಯಾಮಲೆ ಉಮಾಮಹೇಶ್ವರಸಂವಾದೆ ಶಿವಶಡಕ್ಷರ ಸ್ತೋತ್ರಂ ಸಂಪೂರ್ಣ್ಂ
Thus ends Shri Rudrayamala's Parvathi-Shiva's conversation of
Shiva's six-syllabled stotra
Music: Maestro Tlakaelel, Jesse Gallagher
Pictures:
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedi...
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedi...
References:
Meaning:
http://www.hindupedia.com/en/Shiva_Sh...
https://greenmesg.org/stotras/shiva/s...
https://stotram.co.in/shiva-shadaksha...
http://www.stutimandal.com/poemgen.ph...
https://shaivam.org/scripture/Marathi...
Significance: http://www.shivashakti.com/rudrayam.htm
