Happy Hanuman Jayanti....

Good Friday

Guidance of Bhavan Mahaveer
MySAR for 2nd April

Once Rama asked Hanuman: “Hanuman what attitude do you cherish towards Me?” Hanuman answered: “O Rama, when I think I am the body, You are the Master and I am your servant. When I think I am the jivatman (individual soul), You are the whole and I am a part (but) When I have the knowledge of Reality (Atman), I see that You are I and I am You. No difference at all.” Happy Hanuman Jayanti........ May Hanumanji Bless all of you With Wisdom, Strength, and Prosperity...... http://youtu.be/jLx-uDnO4zs http://youtu.be/ezBURvaP594 http://youtu.be/-WSHW3A9LG4 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- श्रीगुरु चरण् सरोजरज, निजमनमुकुर सुधार । बरणौ रघुबर बिमल यश, जो दायक फलचार ॥ Shrii-Guru Carann Saroja-Raja, Nija-Mana-Mukura Sudhaara | Barannau Raghu-Bara Bimala Yasha, Jo Daayaka Phala-Caara || Meaning: With the Dust of the Lotus Feet of Sri Gurudeva, I Clean the Mirror of my Mind. I Narrate the Sacred Glory of Sri Raghubar (Sri Rama Chandra), who Bestows the Four Fruits of Life (Dharma, Artha, Kama and Moksha). बुद्धिहीन तनु जानिके, सुमिरौं पवन कुमार । बल बुद्धिविद्या देहु मोहिं, हरहु कलेश विकार ॥ Buddhi-Hiina Tanu Jaanike, Sumirau Pavan Kumaar | Bala Buddhi-Vidyaa Dehu Mohi, Harahu Kalesha Vikaar || Meaning: Considering Myself as Ignorant, I Meditate on You, O Pavan Kumar (Hanuman). Bestow on me Strength, Wisdom and Knowledge, and Remove my Afflictions and Blemishes. - 1 - जय हनुमान ज्ञान गुण सागर । जै कपीस तिहुँलोक उजागर ॥ Jay Hanumaan Jnaan Gunn Saagar | Jai Kapiis Tihu-Lok Ujaagar || Meaning: Victory to You, O Hanuman, Who is the Ocean of Wisdom and Virtue, Victory to the Lord of the Monkeys, Who is the Enlightener of the Three Worlds. - 2 - रामदूत अतुलित बलधामा । अंजनि-पुत्र पवन-सुत नामा ॥ Raama-Duut Atulit Bala-Dhaamaa | Anjani-Putra Pavan-Sut Naamaa || Meaning: You are the Messenger of Sri Rama possessing Immeasurable Strength, You are Known as Anjani-Putra (son of Anjani) and Pavana-Suta (son of Pavana, the wind-god). - 3 - महाबीर बिक्रम बजरंगी । कुमति निवार सुमति के संगी ॥ Mahaa-biir Bikrama Bajarangii | Kumati Nivaar Sumati Ke Sangii || Meaning: You are a Great Hero, extremely Valiant, and body as strong as Thunderbolt, You are the Dispeller of Evil Thoughts and Companion of Good Sense and Wisdom. - 4 - कंचन बरण बिराज सुबेशा । कानन कुंडल कुंचित केशा ॥ Kancan Barann Biraaj Subeshaa | Kaanan Kunddala Kuncita Keshaa || Meaning: You possess a Golden Hue, and you are Neatly Dressed, You wear Ear-Rings and have beautiful Curly Hair. - 5 - हाथ बज्र औ ध्वजा बिराजै । काँधे मूँज जनेऊ साजै ॥ Haath Bajra Au Dhvajaa Biraajai | Kaandhe Muuj Janeuu Saajai || Meaning: You hold the Thunderbolt and the Flag in your Hands. You wear the Sacred Thread across your Shoulder. - 6 - शंकर-सुवन केशरी-नन्दन । तेज प्रताप महा जग-वंदन ॥ Shankar-Suvan Kesharii-Nandan | Teja Prataap Mahaa Jag-Vandan || Meaning: You are the Incarnation of Lord Shiva and Son of Kesari, You are Adored by the whole World on account of your Great Strength and Courage. - 7 - विद्यावान गुणी अति चातुर । राम काज करिबे को आतुर ॥ Vidyaavaan Gunnii Ati Caatur | Raam Kaaj Karibe Ko Aatur || Meaning: You are Learned, Virtuous and Extremely Intelligent, You are always Eager to do the Works of Sri Rama. - 8 - प्रभु चरित्र सुनिबे को रसिया । रामलषण सीता मन बसिया ॥ Prabhu Caritra Sunibe Ko Rasiyaa | Raamalassann Siitaa Man Basiyaa || Meaning: You Delight in Listening to the Glories of Sri Rama, You have Sri Rama, Sri Lakshmana and Devi Sita Dwelling in your Heart. - 9 - सूक्ष्म रूपधरि सियहिं दिखावा । विकट रूप धरि लंक जरावा ॥ Suukssma Ruupadhari Siyahi Dikhaavaa | Vikatt Ruup Dhari Lamka Jaraavaa || Meaning: You Appeared before Devi Sita Assuming a Diminutive Form (in Lanka), You Assumed an Awesome Form and Burnt Lanka. - 10 - भीम रूप धरि असुर सँहारे । रामचन्द्र के काज सँवारे ॥ Bhiim Ruup Dhari Asur Samhaare | Raamacandra Ke Kaaj Samvaare || Meaning: You Assumed a Gigantic Form and Destroyed the Demons, Thereby Accomplishing the Task of Sri Rama. - 11 - लाय सजीवन लखन जियाये । श्री रघुबीर हरषि उर लाये ॥ Laay Sajiivan Lakhan Jiyaaye | Shrii Raghubiir Harassi Ur Laaye || Meaning: You Brought the Sanjivana herb and Revived Sri Lakshmana. Because of this Sri Rama Embraced You overflowing with Joy. - 12 - रघुपति कीन्ही बहुत बडाई । तुम मम प्रिय भरतहिसम भाई ॥ Raghupati Kiinhii Bahut Baddaaii | Tum Mam Priya Bharatahisam Bhaaii || Meaning: Sri Rama Praised You Greatly, And said: "You are as dear to me as my brother Bharata". - 13 - सहस बदन तुम्हरो यश गावैं । अस कहि श्रीपति कण्ठ लगावैं ॥ Sahas Badan Tumharo Yash Gaavai | As Kahi Shriipati Kanntth Lagaavai || Meaning: "The Thousand Headed Seshnag Sings Your Glory", Said Sri Rama to You taking you in his Embrace. - 14 - सनकादिक ब्रह्मादि मुनीशा । नारद शारद सहित अहीशा ॥ Sanakaadik Brahmaadi Muniishaa | Naarad Shaarad Sahit Ahiishaa || Meaning: Sanaka and other Sages, Lord Brahma and other Gods, Narada, Devi Saraswati and Seshnag ... - 15 - यम कुबेर दिगपाल जहाँते । कवि कोविद कहि सकैं कहाँते ॥ Yam Kuber Digapaal Jahaate | Kavi Kovid Kahi Sakai Kahaate || Meaning: Yama (god of death), Kubera (god of wealth), Digpalas (the guardian deities), Poets and Scholars have not been able to Describe Your Glories in full. - 16 - तुम उपकार सुग्रीवहिं कीन्हा । राम मिलाय राजपद दीन्हा ॥ Tum Upakaar Sugriivahi Kiinhaa | Raam Milaay Raajapad Diinhaa || Meaning: You Rendered a great Help to Sugriva. You Introduced him to Sri Rama and thereby Gave back his Kingdom. - 17 - तुम्हरो मंत्र विभीषण माना । लंकेश्वर भये सब जग जाना ॥ Tumharo Mamtra Vibhiissann Maanaa | Lamkeshvar Bhaye Sab Jag Jaanaa || Meaning: Vibhisana Followed your Advice, And the Whole World Knows that he became the King of Lanka. - 18 - युग सहस्र योजन पर भानू । लील्यो ताहि मधुर फल जानू ॥ Yuga Sahasra Yojana Para Bhaanuu | Liilyo Taahi Madhura Phala Jaanuu || Meaning: The Sun which was at a distance of Sixteen Thousand Miles, You Swallowed It (the Sun) thinking it to be a Sweet Fruit. - 19 - प्रभु मुद्रिका मेलि मुख माहीं । जलधि लाँधि गये अचरजनाहीं ॥ Prabhu Mudrikaa Meli Mukh Maahii | Jaladhi Laadhi Gaye Acarajanaahii || Meaning: Carrying Lord Sri Rama's Ring in your Mouth, You Crossed the Ocean, no Wonder in that. - 20 - दुर्गम काज जगत के जेते । सुगम अनुग्रह तुम्हरे तेते ॥ Durgam Kaaja Jagat Ke Jete | Sugam Anugrah Tumhare Tete || Meaning: All the Difficult Tasks in this World, Are Rendered Easy by your Grace. - 21 - राम दुआरे तुम रखवारे । होत न आज्ञा बिन पैसारे ॥ Raam Duaare Tum Rakhavaare | Hot Na Aajnyaa Bin Paisaare || Meaning: You are the Gate-Keeper of Sri Rama's Kingdom. No one can Enter without Your Permission. - 22 - सब सुख लहै तुम्हारी सरना । तुम रक्षक काहू को डरना ॥ Sab Sukha Lahai Tumhaarii Saranaa | Tum Rakssak Kaahuu Ko Ddaranaa || Meaning: Those who take Refuge in You enjoy all Happiness. If You are the Protector, what is there to Fear? - 23 - आपन तेज सम्हारो आपै । तीनों लोक हाँकते काँपै ॥ Aapan Tej Samhaaro Aapai | Tiino Lok Haakate Kaapai || Meaning: You alone can Control Your Great Energy. When you Roar, the Three Worlds Tremble. - 24 - भूत पिशाच निकट नहिं आवै । महाबीर जब नाम सुनावै ॥ Bhuut Pishaaca Nikatt Nahi Aavai | Mahaabiir Jab Naam Sunaavai || Meaning: Ghosts and Evil Spirits will Not Come Near, When one Utters the Name of Mahavir (Hanuman). - 25 - नाशौ रोग हरै सब पीरा । जपत निरन्तर हनुमत बीरा ॥ Naashau Rog Harai Sab Piiraa | Japat Nirantar Hanumat Biiraa || Meaning: You Destroy Diseases and Remove all Pains, When one Utters your Name Continuously. - 26 - संकट से हनुमान छुडावै । मन क्रम बचन ध्यान जो लावै ॥ Samkatt Se Hanumaan Chuddaavai | Man Kram Bacan Dhyaan Jo Laavai || Meaning: Hanuman Frees one from Difficulties, When one Meditates on Him with Mind, Deed and Words. - 27 - सब पर राम तपस्वी राजा । तिनके काज सकल तुम साजा ॥ Sab Par Raam Tapasvii Raajaa | Tinake Kaaj Sakal Tum Saajaa || Meaning: Sri Rama is the King of the Tapaswis (devotees engaged in penances). And You (Hanuman) Fulfill all Works of Sri Rama (as a caretaker). - 28 - और मनोरथ जो कोइ लावै । सोइ अमित जीवन फल पावै ॥ Aur Manorath Jo Koi Laavai | Soi Amit Jiivan Phal Paavai || Meaning: Devotees who have any Other Desires, Will ultimately get the Highest Fruit of Life. - 29 - चारों युग परताप तुम्हारा । है परसिद्ध जगत उजियारा ॥ Caaro Yug Parataap Tumhaaraa | Hai Parasiddh Jagat Ujiyaaraa || Meaning: Your Glory prevails in all the Four Ages. And your Fame Radiates throughout the World. - 30 - साधु संत के तुम रखवारे । असुर निकंदन राम दुलारे ॥ Saadhu Sant Ke Tum Rakhavaare | Asur Nikandan Raam Dulaare || Meaning: You are the Saviour of the Saints and Sages. You Destroy the Demons, O Beloved of Sri Rama. - 31 - अष्टसिद्धि नव निधि के दाता । अस बर दीन जानकी माता ॥ Assttasiddhi Nava Nidhi Ke Daataa | As Bar Diin Jaanakii Maataa || Meaning: You can Give the Eight Siddhis (supernatural powers) and Nine Nidhis (types of devotions). Mother Janaki (Devi Sita) gave this Boon to you. - 32 - राम रसायन तुम्हरे पासा । सदा रहो रघुपति के दासा ॥ Raam Rasaayan Tumhare Paasaa | Sadaa Raho Raghupati Ke Daasaa || Meaning: You hold the Essence of Devotion to Sri Rama. You Always Remain as the Servant of Raghupati (Sri Rama). - 33 - तुम्हरे भजन रामको पावै । जन्म जन्म के दुख बिसरावै ॥ Tumhare Bhajan Raamako Paavai | Janma Janma Ke Dukh Bisaraavai || Meaning: Through Devotion to You, one gets Sri Rama, Thereby getting Free of the Sorrows of Life after Life. - 34 - अन्त काल रघुपति पुर जाई । जहाँ जन्म हरिभक्त कहाई ॥ Anta Kaal Raghupati Pur Jaaii | Jahaa Janma Hari-Bhakta Kahaaii || Meaning: At the End one Goes to the Abode of Raghupati (Sri Rama). Where one is Known as the Devotee of Hari. - 35 - और देवता चित्त न धरई । हनुमत सेइ सर्व सुख करई ॥ Aur Devataa Citta Na Dharaii | Hanumat Sei Sarva Sukh Karaii || Meaning: Even without Worshipping any Other Deities, One Gets All Happiness who Worships Sri Hanuman. - 36 - संकट हरै मिटै सब पीरा । जो सुमिरै हनुमत बल बीरा ॥ Sankatta Harai Mittai Sab Piiraa | Jo Sumirai Hanumat Bala Biiraa || Meaning: Difficulties Disappear and Sorrows are Removed, For Those who Contemplate on the Powerful Sri Hanuman. - 37 - जै जै जै हनुमान गोसाई । कृपा करहु गुरुदेव की नाई ॥ Jai Jai Jai Hanumaan Gosaaii | Krpaa Karahu Gurudev Kii Naaii || Meaning: Victory, Victory, Victory to You, O Hanuman, Please Bestow your Grace as our Supreme Guru. - 38 - जोह शत बार पाठ कर जोई । छुटहि बन्दि महासुख होई ॥ Joh Shat Baar Paattha Kar Joii | Chuttahi Bandi Mahaasukh Hoii || Meaning: Those who Recite this Hanuman Chalisa one hundred times (with devotion), Will get Freed from Worldly Bondage and get Great Happiness. - 39 - जो यह पढै हनुमान चालीसा । होय सिद्धि साखी गौरीसा ॥ Jo Yah Paddhai Hanumaan Caaliisaa | Hoy Siddhi Saakhii Gauriisaa || Meaning: Those who Read the Hanuman Chalisa (with devotion), Will become Perfect, Lord Shiva is the Witness. - 40 - तुलसीदास सदा हरि चेरा । कीजै नाथ हृदय महँ डेरा ॥ Tulasiidaas Sadaa Hari Ceraa | Kiijai Naatha Hrday Mah Dderaa || Meaning: Tulsidas who is Always the Servant of Hari. Prays the Lord to Reside in his Heart. पवनतनय संकट हरन, मंगल मूरति रूप । रामलषन सीता सहित, हृदय बसहु सुरभूप ॥ Pavanatanaya Samkatt Harana, Mamgal Muurati Ruup | Raamalassan Siitaa Sahit, Hrday Basahu Surabhuup || Meaning: Sri Hanuman, who is the Son of Pavana, who Removes Difficulties, Who has an Auspicious Form, With Sri Rama, Sri Lakshmana and Devi Sita, Please Dwell in my Heart. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Good Friday....

Guidance of Bhagavan Mahaveer....

MySAR for 2nd April

Good Friday Good Friday is a Christian tradition to mark the day of crucification of Jesus, whom they believe to be the Son of God as well as his Messiah or messenger. Jesus was arrested, tried and sentenced by Pontius Pilate, to be executed on a cross. Jesus was arrested following the famous Last Supper with the Twelve Apostles, then flogged, and mocked by Roman soldiers for being the King of Jews. Collectively known as the Passion of Christ, the suffering and death of Jesus by crucifixion represent the central theme of Christian theology, including the doctrines of salvation and atonement. Christians also believe his suffering was foretold in the Hebrew Bible, in Psalm 22, and songs of the suffering servant of Isaiah. Why is it called Good Friday? The term Good Friday may be derived from God Friday in the same way that the word goodbye is derived from God Be With Ye. The good about Good Friday is that the barrier of sin was broken by Jesus dying on the cross and coming back from the dead. What happened on Good Friday? On a Friday, also called Black Friday, Jesus was arrested and tried in a mock trial. He was then handed over to the Roman soldiers to be beaten and flogged with whips. A crown of long, sharp thorns was thrust upon his head. Then, he was forced to carry his own cross to a place on top of Skull Hill, on the outskirts of the city. There, he was nailed to the cross. A sign pinned above him read The King of the Jews. According to the Bible, Jesus was nailed to the cross at 9 AM. By 12 PM, as his suffering intensified, the skies darkened even though it was just noontime. At 3 PM, when Jesus died, the darkness left the sky. All these miracles added to the faith of his followers that Jesus was no ordinary mortal. The main traditions of Good Friday Some Christians go without food on Good Friday. This helps them remember the sacrifice Jesus made for them on the day of crucifixion. Others take part in a procession by carrying a cross through the streets. Many churches hold a special service, a prayer in the afternoon and a communion service in the evening. In some churches, statues are covered with a cloth to symbolise a time of mourning. Good Friday was called also called Long Friday The Anglo-Saxon name for Good Friday was Long Friday, due to the long fast lasting an entire day imposed upon this day. Superstitions of Good Friday Like every festival of faith, Good Friday too comes with its share of rituals and superstitions. Here are some: 1. A child born on Good Friday and baptised on Easter Sunday has the gift of healing. 2. Many fishermen do not set out for fishing on Good Friday, regarding it as inauspicious. 3. Bread or cakes baked on this day will not go mouldy. 4. Eggs laid on Good Friday will never go bad. 5. The planting of crops is not advised on Good Friday as an old belief warns against any iron entering the ground. 6. Having a haircut on Good Friday will prevent toothaches for the the rest of the year! Why do we eat hot cross buns on Good Friday? It is traditional to eat hot cross buns on Good Friday. The cross icing on top of the buns symbolises and reminds Christians of the cross that Jesus was killed upon.The buns were traditionally eaten at breakfast time, hot from the oven. A popular old song goes: Hot cross buns, Hot cross buns, One a penny, Two a penny, Hot cross buns. Hot cross buns and luck There are unique superstitions associated with hot cross buns. First of all, they are supposed to have magical powers, so people eat them and even wear them! Secondly, there is a belief that a hot cross bun baked on Good Friday remains fresh for an entire year. Thirdly, that hardened hot cross buns protect a house from fire! Sailors of yore took hot cross buns to sea to prevent shipwrecks. What is Easter? Two days after Good Friday comes Easter Sunday. The day has huge significance for followers of the Christian faith as it was on Easter Sunday that Jesus came back to life, proving that he was indeed the Son of God. it represents the victory of good over evil. What does the name Easter mean? Pagan traditions give us the English word Easter, which comes from the word Eostre. The Anglo-Saxon word for April was Eostre-monath, or the month of openings. However, it should be remembered that Christians celebrated the resurrection of Christ long before the word Easter was used, and the word they used for the celebration was Pascha, which is derived from and linked to the Jewish festival of Passover. No wonder, in many European languages, the name Easter comes from the word Passover, as in Pascha in Greek and Latin, Pasqua in Italian, Paques in French and Pascua in Spanish. What are the traditions of Easter Sunday? On Easter Sunday, Christians gather together for a sunrise service. Some Christians take part in an Easter vigil, lighting a new fire outside the church early Sunday morning. The Paschal candle, decorated with studs to celebrate Christ's wounds, may be lit from the fire and carried into the church where it is used to light the candles of the worshippers. The Easter Eucharist is a particularly joyful service. It is a popular time for baptisms and renewal of baptism vows. How did the Easter bunny hop into the picture? An Anglo-Saxon legend relates to the Easter bunny and eggs. It talks of how the Saxon goddess Eostre found a wounded bird and transformed it into a hare, so that it could survive the winter. The hare found it could lay eggs, so it decorated these each Spring and left them as an offering to the goddess. Easter and eggs Now that we know how Easter came to be connected with eggs, let us explore the ande ka funda. The first eggs given at Easter were eggs of birds. These eggs were painted in bright colours to give them the look of a gift. Even today, Easter eggs, normally made of chocolate, are painted or decorated. Around 80 million chocolate eggs are eaten around Easter in the UK. Special food for Easter After the lean months of winter and the fasting weeks of Lent, food at Easter comes as a special treat. Easter, like Christmas, is associated with a special menu. The Simnel cake is a rich fruitcake covered with a thick layer of almond paste or marzipan. A layer of marzipan is also traditionally baked into the middle of the cake, sprinkled with currants and flat Easter biscuits. Eleven balls of marzipan are placed around the top to represent the eleven true disciples of Jesus. Easter biscuits contain spices, currants and lemon rind. The traditional Easter pudding is custard tart. Boiled eggs are traditionally served at breakfast, after which Easter cards and gifts are exchanged. How to bake Simnel cake Here is the recipe to bake Simnel cake. Begin by toasting almonds to give them extra crunch and flavour. Spread them out on a baking sheet and pop them in the pre-heated oven for 8-10 minutes. Remove the almonds and when cool, chop them roughly. Next unwrap the marzipan, cut the block into two halves, re-wrap one of them for use later and chop the remaining half into ½ inch (1 cm) cubes. Toss them in 1 tablespoon of the flour from the cake. Now for the cake. Take your largest mixing bowl, sift the flour, baking powder and spice in, then simply place all the ingredients, except the marzipan, icing sugar, icing, redcurrant jelly and egg yolk, into the bowl. Then, take an electric hand whisk or a wooden spoon, and give everything a good mix. Finally, gently fold in the squares of marzipan and any remaining flour. Bake for 2¾-3¼ hours at the lower temperature of gas mark 2, 300°F (150°C). After the cake is done, you may decorate it with eleven balls of marzipan. How to bake hot-cross buns Sift the white bread flour and salt into a large mixing bowl. Rub in the butter until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs.Stir in the spices (1tsp ground cinnamon, 1tsp ground mixed spice and 1/4tsp grated nutmeg), 50 g unrefined sugar, dried fruit, candied peel and yeast. Make a well in the centre. In another bowl, beat the milk and eggs together and pour into the flour. Mix well, then pour onto a floured surface and knead for about 10 mins until smooth and elastic. Place in an oiled bowl, cover with clingfilm and leave in a warm place for about 45 mins to rise. Divide into 14 pieces and shape into buns. Place well apart on greased baking sheets, cover loosely with clingfilm and leave in a warm place until it doubles in size. Cut a cross in the top of each bun with a sharp knife. Mix flour to pour into the the crosses. Bake for 15-20 mins at 200ºC/400°F. Meanwhile, heat the ingredients for the glaze in a small pan and simmer for 2 minutes until syrupy. The games of Easter There are a lot of sporting traditions associated with Easter celebrations in England. Egg rolling is one such popular sport, where hard-boiled eggs are rolled down a hill. Some say the egg rolling represents the rolling of the stone from the tomb of Jesus. Another game that is played on Easter is the playing of a game with eggs known as jarping. It is a bit like playing conkers, with players tapping the eggs of their opponents until one breaks. The winner goes through to the next round, until there is only one egg left unbroken. The Easter basket The Easter bunny is known for delivering sweet treats to young children, so it is no surprise that Easter baskets often feature a chocolate bunny, besides the customary candies and sweets. Easter celebrations in other countries In Brazil, which has the famous Christ statue, there a tradition of beating up Judas, the apostle who betrayed Christ. People make straw men representing Judas, hang them on the streets, then destroy them. In Sweden, Easter resembles Halloween. Children dress up as witches with a broom and go around local houses asking for sweets. In the Philippines, Easter involves little girls dressed as angels. The message of this holy weekend I wish to conclude this blog by saying that let us take time to reflect on the huge message of this holy weekend. The message is that death, represented by Good Friday, is not the end. The spirit is eternal, as represented by Easter Sunday, when Jesus rose from the dead and gave mankind hope. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------