నవరాత్రి శుభాకాంక్షలు

నవరాత్రి శుభాకాంక్షలు

Lakshmi Narasimha Jayanthi 23-5-13

The fourth and the greatest incarnation of Lord Vishnu amongst his ten prime avataras is Lord Narasimha who emerged out of a pillar as Man-Lion, i.e.,Lion's head on Man's trunk. He devoured Demon-Lord Hiranyakashyapu who was Master Prahalada's father. When Prahalada was in the womb of his mother, Queen Kayaadu, he had the fortune of listening to Devarishi Naradha regarding Lord Vishnu's compassion towards his devotees. Hence right from his birth Prahalada was dedicated to the name of Lord Vishnu.

Hiranyakashyapu who was an arch rival of Lord Vishnu and a symbol of torture to noble souls, could not bear with his son and started torturing young Prahalada in many ways after trying through his henchmen to advice Prahalada that Hiranyakashyapu himself was the prime god and Lord Vishnu stood null in front of Hiranyakashyapu. Young Prahalada denounced such thoughts and stuck to his wisdom that Lord Vishnu was "Purushothama", the supreme. One day, Hiranyakashyapu screamed at Prahalada and questioned him as to where his Lord Vishnu was present and whether he could save Prahalada from death at his own hands.

To this, Prahalada replied that Lord Vishnu is omnipresent. Hiranyakashyapu pointed out at a pillar in his palace and asked Prahalada whether Vishnu was present in it. Prahalada's reply was affirmative. The Demon using his Gadha(Mace) broke open the pillar and there emerged Lord Narasimha who slain the demon using his sharp paws and blessed Prahalad as his topmost devotee on earth.To mark the above incidence and to pay our respect to the Lord, Narasimha Jayanthi is celebrated at several temples.Narasimha Jayanthi falls on 23rd May 2013, this year.

శ్రీ రామ నవమి- 19 ఏప్రియల్ 2013

మానవునిలో ప్రవర్తనలో ఏ శుభలక్షణాలు౦టే లోకకళ్యాణ౦ జరుగుతు౦దో అలా౦టి ఉదాత్త శుభలక్షణ స౦పన్నుడు శ్రీరాముడు. సీతారాములు ఇరువురివి యజ్ఞ స౦బ౦ధమైన జన్మలే. యాగ౦ అ౦టే త్యాగ౦. అదే నిష్కామ కర్మ. అలా౦టి సీతారాముల కళ్యాణ౦ లోక కళ్యాణ౦.

చైత్రశుధ్ధ నవమి పునర్వసు నక్షత్రాన మధ్యాహ్నవేళ, కర్కాటక లగ్న౦లో సూర్యుడు మేష౦లో ఉ౦డగా, ఐదుగ్రహాలు ఉచ్ఛస్థాన౦లో ఉ౦డగా శ్రీరామావిర్భావ౦ జరిగి౦ది. ఒక గ్రహ౦ ఉచ్ఛ స్థాన౦లో ఉ౦డి జన్మి౦చగా సర్వారిష్ట వినాశ౦తో రాజు అవుతాడు. ఐదు గ్రహాలు ఉచ్ఛలో ఉ౦టే లోకనాయకుడు అవుతాడని అర్ధ౦. శ్రీరాముడు లోకోత్తర నాయకునిగా అవతరి౦చాడు. శ్రీరాముడు అవతరి౦చి ఒక కోటి 81 లక్షల 50 వేల స౦వత్సరాలు అయినట్లు ప౦డితులు పరిశోధి౦చి చెప్పారు. అయినా నేటికీ శ్రీరాముని ఆరాధన జరుగుతో౦ద౦టే ఆ అవతార వైశిష్ట్యాన్ని గుర్చి౦చవచ్చు.

ఈరోజు శ్రీరాముని ఆరాధి౦చి ఉపవసి౦చడ౦ ఆచార౦, లేదా ఏకభుక్త౦ చేయవచ్చు. ఈరోజున ఉపవాసవ్రత౦ అత్య౦త ప్రాధాన్యాన్ని స౦తరి౦చుకొన్నది. రామ మ౦త్రోపాసకులు తప్పనిసరిగా ఉపవాస౦ ఆచరి౦చాలని నియమ౦.

మహిమాన్విత శ్రీరామనామ౦:

ర - ఆత్మ, మ - మనస్సు

ర - సూర్య బీజ౦ - అజ్ఞానాన్ని పోగొడుతు౦ది

అ - చ౦ద్ర బీజ౦ - తాపాన్ని పోగొడుతు౦ది్

మ - అగ్ని బీజ౦ - పాపాన్ని భస్మ౦ చేస్తు౦ది

రా - అ౦టే పురుషుడు, మ - అ౦టే ప్రకృతి

పురుషుడు ప్రకృతి కలిస్తేనే ఈ సర్వ ప్రప౦చ౦ ఏర్పడి౦చి. ఈవిధ౦గా రామ శబ్దానికి నిత్య సత్యమైన పరబ్రహ్మ౦ అని అర్ధ౦. విశ్వమ౦తా పరబ్రహ్మస్వరూపమే కాని మరొకటి లేదు. సమగ్ర ఐశ్వర్య౦, ధర్మ౦, కీర్తి, స౦పద, జ్ఞాన౦, వైరాగ్య౦ ఈ ఆరు గుణాల సమన్విత రూప౦ ధరి౦చినవాడే ఆ శ్రీరామచ౦ద్రమూర్తి. సకల సద్గుణ కరమై౦ది శ్రీరామనామ౦. రామోచ్ఛారణే సర్వపాప నివారక హేతువని విజ్ఞులు పలికారు. అ౦దుకని సర్వులూ ఆ స్వామి నామాన్ని జపి౦చి తరి౦చాలి. అ౦తేకాక ’రామ’ లో రా అ౦టే రావణ అని, మ అ౦టే మర్దన అని అర్ధ౦ స్ఫురిస్తో౦ది. అ౦టే రావణ మర్దనుడే రామ అన్నమాట. రావణుడ౦టే కామక్రోధాది దుర్గుణ స్వభావ౦. కనుక ఆ దుర్గుణాలను పోగొట్టేది శ్రీరామ పవిత్రనామార్ధ౦ అని మన౦ స౦భావి౦చుకోవచ్చు.

’రా’ అనే అక్షర౦ పలుకగానే నోరు తెరుచుకొని మనలోని దోషాలు, పాపాలు వెలికిపోతాయి. ’మ’ అనే అక్షర౦ పలుకగానే నోరు మూసుకొని మనల్ని దోష రహితులుగా చేస్తు౦ది. అ౦దుకే రామ అనేది బీజాక్షర యుక్తమైన మ౦త్ర౦.

రాముని వ౦టి ఏకపత్నీవ్రతుడు, రాముని వ౦టి కొడుకు, రాముని లా౦టి భర్త, రాముని లా౦టి అన్న, రాముని లా౦టి స్నేహితుడు, రాముని లా౦టి రాజు ఈ విశ్వప్రప౦చ౦లో నాటిను౦డి నేటి వరకు లేడ౦టే అతిశయోక్తి లేదు.

శ్రీమద్రామాయణానికి ర౦గుల హరివిల్లు శ్రీరాముని గుణ ఔన్నత్యమే. సీతమ్మ తల్లిని తప్పి౦చి స్వప్నమ౦దైననూ అన్య స్త్రీ ఆలోచన ఆ అవతార పురుషునికి వచ్చినట్లు ఎక్కడా లేదు తన భార్య కాక మిగిలిన స్త్ర్రీల౦దరూ మాతృసమాన౦గా ఆదరి౦చబడ్డారు శ్రీరామునిచే. అ౦దుకనే శ్రీరామ చ౦ద్రుని వ౦టి భర్త రావాలని ప్రతి కన్య ఆశ పడుతో౦ది.

శ్రీరామునిలో మరో సుగుణమేమ౦టే శరణుకోరిన వారిని క్షమి౦చడ౦. అన్యధా శరణ౦ నాస్తి అనే వారిని వారి పూర్వాపరాలు విచారి౦చక, క్షమి౦చి, కోరిన వరాలిస్తాడు. విభీషణుడు శరణు వేడితే క్షమి౦చి, గౌరవి౦చి, స్నేహితునిగా స్థానమిచ్చి రాజ్యాభిషిక్తుని చేస్తానని వరమిచ్చి ఆప్రకారమే చేశాడు.

యజ్ఞపురుషుడు ప్రసాది౦చిన పాయసఫల౦గా శ్రీరామచ౦ద్రుడు అవతరిస్తే, యజ్ఞ నిర్వహణకై భూమిని శుద్ధి చేసేటప్పుడు నాగేటి చాలులో దర్శనమిచ్చిన పరమపావని సీత ఆమె జనకుని తనూజకాదు. ’జనకాత్మజ, అయోనిజ.

యాగరక్షణకోస౦ విశ్వామిత్రుని అనుసరి౦చిన శ్రీరాముడు ఆ మహర్షి వె౦ట మిథిలానగానికి వెళ్ళాడు. అక్కడ జనక మహారాజు విశ్వామిత్రునికి, శ్రీరామలక్ష్మణులకు శివధనస్సును చూపి, దాని విశేషాలను తెలియజేస్తాడు. దానిని ఎక్కుపెట్టినవానికి తన కుమార్తెను ఇచ్చి పెళ్ళి చేస్తాన౦టాడు. విశ్వామిత్రుని ఆదేశ౦తో శ్రీరాముడు శివధనుస్సును ఎక్కుపెట్టే ప్రయత్న౦ చేశాడు. అలా ఎక్కుపెట్టిన విల్లు ఫెళ్ళుమని విరిగి౦ది. సీతారామ కళ్యాణానికి మార్గ౦ సుగమ౦ అయి౦ది.

శివధనస్సు అనేది మాయకు ప్రతీక. శ్రీరామ చ౦ద్రుడు ఆ ధనస్సును నిలిపి తాను మాయను భరి౦చగలనని నిరూపి౦చాడు. ఆ ధనస్సును త్రు౦చి తాను మాయను లోబరచుకొన్నవాడు మాధవుడు. మాయను జయి౦చిన మానవుడు మాధవుడౌతాడు. అతనిలో దాగియున్న దివ్యత్వ౦ అప్పుడు ఆవిష్కరి౦పబడుతు౦ది. యజ్ఞపరమైన కార్యాచరణ దివ్యత్వానికి ఫల౦. అ౦దువల్ల లోకకళ్యాణ౦ జరుగుతో౦ది.

శుభాకాంక్షలు

విజయ నామ సంవత్సర ఉగాది శుభాకాంక్షలు

Impartance of Makar samkranthi

Makar Sankranti is a major harvest festival celebrated in various parts of India. According to the lunar calendar, when the sun moves from the Tropic of Cancer to the Tropic of Capricorn or from Dakshinayana to Uttarayana, in the month of Poush in mid-January, it commemorates the beginning of the harvest season and cessation of the northeast monsoon in South India. The movement of the earth from one zodiac sign into another is called Sankranti and as the Sun moves into the Capricorn zodiac known as Makar Makar Sankranti is of great significance to a devote Hindu and is one of the most important dates in the Hindu Calendar. Lord Surya (Sun God) is worshiped on this day. Every living and non-living being merges with the Brahman and Sun is the Pratyaksha-Brahman or the Brahman that can be seen. Makar Sankranti also heralds the arrival of spring.The importance of Sun to earth and to the living beings was understood by Hindus from the very beginning. And the importance of it can be found in the Gayatri Mantra chanted to Sun (Surya) daily.

Makar Sankranti signals the end of winter and the onset of spring throughout the northern hemisphere. The period is referred to as Uttarayan Punyakalam and is considered auspicious. For the next six months, the days are longer and warmer. Legend has it that the Devas wake up after a six-month long slumber during this period.

There is also a symbolic meaning to Makara Sankranti. ‘Makar’ meanscrocodile. Sankranti means ‘to cross into or change.’ The ‘Makara’ or crocodile represents the materialistic world and ‘Sankranti’ gives an opportunity to get away from the clutches of the crocodile or the materialistic world.

The six month long Uttarayana begins on the Makar Sankrant day. From this day, the harshness of winter subsidizes and the days get longer. Symbolically, the Sun slowly removes darkness and ushers in the light of knowledge. Uttarayana is also the daytime of the Devas and therefore auspicious activities takes place during this period.

Religious  Significance:

There are also numerous legends and myths which add to the importance of Makara Sankranti.

One of the most important myths is the death of Bhishma Pitamaha in the Mahabharata. Bhishma chose the Uttarayan period. (Bhisma had got a boon from his father that he will only die when he wishes.) It is believed that people who die during Uttarayana merges with the Brahman, thus ending the cycle of rebirth.

Legend also has it that Lord Vishnu buried Asuras on this day beneath theMandara Mountain. It signifies the end of evil and the dawn of righteousness.

 From Uttarayana starts the ‘day’ of Devatas, while dakshinayana is said to be the ‘night’ of devatas, so most of the auspicious things are done during this time. Uttarayana is also called as Devayana, and the next half is called Pitrayana.

 Another legend is that King Bhageeratha brought Ganges down into Patala on Makara Sankranti day. This was to get salvation to his ancestors who were cursed by Sage Kapila and turned into ashes. On this day millions of people take bath in the Ganges. Makara Sankranti is also an important bathing date during Kumbh Mela and Magh Mela.

 There is another spiritually symbolic aspect of this story. The 60,000 cursed son of Maharaj Sagar represent our thoughts, who become dull & dead-like because of uncultured & blind ambition. Redemption of such people is only by the waters of Gangaji, brought down ‘to’ & later ‘from’ the Himalayas with great tapasya. This represents dedicated hard work to get the redeeming Brahma-Vidya, which alone enlightens, enthuses & enlivens the life of anyone.

The Puranas say that on this day Sun visits the house of his son Shani, who is the swami of Makar Rashi. These father & son do not ordinarily get along nicely, but inspite of any difference between each other Lord Sun makes it a point to meet each other on this day. Father in fact himself comes to his son’s house, for a month. This day symbolized the importance of special relationship of father & son. It is the son who has the responsibility to carry forward his fathers dream and the continuity of the family. The co-relation of cosmic events with individual life and values is one of the most astounding traits of Hindu Masters. Once this co-relation is brought about thereafter these cosmic events become instrumental to remind us the best which we cherish & value. Of all the cosmic bodies Sun is the most glorious & important, thus every sun-centric cosmic event became very important spiritual, religious & cultural events. On Makar Sankranti day the Sun begins its ascendancy and journey into the Northern Hemisphere, and thus it signifies an event wherein the Gods seem to remind their children that 'Tamaso Ma Jyotir Gamaya'. May you go higher & higher - to more & more Light and never to darkness.

Astrological Significance:

Makar means Capricorn and Sankranti is transition. There is a sankranti every month when the sun passes from one sign of the zodiac to the next. There are twelve signs of the zodiac, and thus there are twelve sankranti's as well. Each of these sankranti's has its own relative importance but two of these are more important - the Mesh (Aries) Sankranti and the most important, the Makar (Capricorn) Sankranti. Transition of the Sun from Sagittarius to Capricorn, during the winter solstice in the northern hemisphere is known as Makar Sankranti. From this day begins the six-month long Uttarayana, considered very auspicious for attaining higher worlds hereafter. While the traditional Indian Calendar is basically based on lunar positions, but sankranti is a solar event, so while dates of all festivals keep changing, the english calendar date of Makar Sankranti is always same, 14th January. Makar Sankranti is celebrated in the Hindu Calendar month of Magha. There is another significance of this day, after this day the days start becoming longer & warmer, and thus the chill of winter in on decline.

Throughout India Makar Sankrati is in a way associated with harvest. So people pray for a good harvest on this day. Cows - which is an integral part of agriculture – is bathed and worshipped. Another important aspect is ‘Daan’ or Charity. Charity does not merely confirm to money but a person donates what he/she is able to like food, Moong Dal, rice, ghee, Til etc.

There is slight variation in the festivities in different states

Makar Sankranti, apart from a harvest festival is also regarded as the beginning of an auspicious phase in Indian culture. It is said as the 'holy phase of transition'. It marks the end of an inauspicious phase which according to the Hindu calendar begins around mid-December. It is believed that any auspicious and sacred ritual can be sanctified in any Hindu family, this day onwards. Scientifically, this day marks the beginning of warmer and longer days compared to the nights. In other words, Sankranti marks the termination of winter season and beginning of a new harvest or spring season.
All over the country, Makar Sankranti is observed with great fanfare. However, it is celebrated with distinct names and rituals in different parts of the country. In the states of northern and western India, the festival is celebrated as the Sankranti day with special zeal and fervor. The importance of this day has been signified in the ancient epics like Mahabharata also. So, apart from socio-geographical importance, this day also holds a historical and religious significance. As it is the festival of Sun God and he is regarded as the symbol divinity and wisdom, the festival also holds an eternal meaning to it. Makar Sankranti is celebrated throughout India in different names and in South India it is an important harvest festival.
In 2013, Makar Sankranti will be celebrated on 14 January 2013.

What is hinduism ?

 

How did Hinduism begin? Hinduism or Sanatana Dharma ("eternal spiritual path") began about 4000 years ago in India. It was the religion of an ancient people known as the Aryans ("noble people") whose philosophy, religion, and customs are recorded in their sacred texts known as the Vedas. These texts were initially handed down by word of mouth from teacher to student. It was not until much later that they were actually written down. Archeological evidence from the Indus Valley civilization of northwestern India helps to establish Hinduism as the world's oldest living religion. Today, worldwide, there are almost one billion people professing some aspect of Hinduism. The fundamental teachings of Hinduism, which form the foundation of all its different sects, are contained in the concluding portion of the Vedas, and are therefore known as the Vedanta (the "end or concluding portion of the Vedas"). This part of the Vedas is also known as the Upanishads. Definition In the holy text the Merutantra, the word ‘Hindu’ is defined as 'Hinani Gunanidushyati iti Hindu.' Meaning that which destroys or dushyati the inferior Raja-Tama components or guns (subtle spiritual components) is a Hindu. Thus, to be a Hindu is to follow a way of life that enhances the spiritually pure Sattvacomponent and Sattva predominant qualities like love, humility, courage, expansiveness, etc. and overcomes the spiritually impure Raja-Tamapredominant attitudes like anger, attachment, jealousy, greed, lust, pride etc. What do Hindus believe and practice? The fundamental teaching of Hinduism, or Vedanta, is that a human being's basic nature is not confined to the body or the mind. Beyond both of these is the spirit or the spark of God within the soul. This spirit is within us and also within everything we see. All beings and all things are really, in their deepest essence, this pure or divine spirit, full of peace, full of joy and wisdom, ever united with God. This is not just theory, but it can actually be experienced. Anyone who takes the trouble to undergo the necessary training to purify and refine the mind and senses can begin to feel the truth of this. This training can take various forms and is known as yoga ("union"- union of the individual self with this inner spirit). There are four main types of yoga, meant for the four main types of human temperaments: •Karma Yoga or the discipline of right actions is for those of active temperament, striving to eliminate selfishness, and to cultivate universal sympathy by seeing the divine reality in all. •Bhakti Yoga is the path of devotion to God whose presence can be felt in all things. God can be worshipped as present in an image in a Temple. God can be worshipped also as present in suffering humanity by service. •Jnana Yoga, preferred by those of analytical bent of mind, is the discipline of trying to see the divine reality within all things directly, by mentally brushing aside all the obstructing physical and mental coverings that hide it. •Raja Yoga is the process of mental control, purity, and meditation to make the mind very calm and quiet. In that profound quiet, the inner divine light reveals itself. What are the manifestation(s) God in Hinduism? What are the different sects of Hinduism?  The general name for God in Hinduism is Brahman. The name of the divine essence within us is Atman. They are one and the same, infinite and eternal. However, God is also present in all creation. God's manifestation in creation goes by many names. It is the one infinite, eternal, Divine Being that is manifesting in countless ways. It is like a person at the same time being called "father" by his son, "friend" by his friend, "son" by his own father, "husband" by his wife, etc. A special relationship goes with each name. So the same Divine Lord has been addressed as Shiva, Vishnu, etc and as Divine Mother, Kali, Durga, etc. God can also manifest as an extraordinary being in human form, who is then known as an incarnation of God, such as Krishna, Rama, etc. Since it is the one infinite God alone that is being looked at in different ways, all these manifestations can be prayed to for help and protection. This is the underlying principle behind all the different sects of Hinduism. Those who prefer a particular manifestation of the divinity will form a sect devoted to the contemplation and worship of that manifestation. All the sects, however, will accept the ancient teachings of the Vedas and the Vedanta as the foundation of their practice What is reincarnation? In this world every cause must have its effect. We are responsible for the results of our actions. Long ages ago, human beings first asked themselves, why are some people born in happy circumstances, whereas others are born to suffer all their lives? The events of this present life are not enough to account for such suffering. To reasonably explain an excess of suffering or of enjoyment in this life, it was assumed that we all have had previous existences, and that we are now reaping the results of those previous actions. It must also be true then that we can take charge of our destiny right now. We can create a better tomorrow by resolving do better actions today. However, as long as desires remain in the mind, the tendency toward rebirth will exist. What is Maya? In this life we do not see things very clearly. We are constantly faced with contradictions. Though we know what is right, we have trouble doing it. Our thoughts soar high, but our actions cannot rise to the level of our thoughts. The world is full of misery and injustice; as quickly as we remove some, more seems to rush in to take its place. We are told by the saints, and we also feel, that a loving God is at work in this creation, but we cannot reconcile this with what we see around us. This complex situation in which we find ourselves is called maya. The way out of this, according to Hinduism or Vedanta, is that we are not really seeing the world properly. If we saw it properly, we would see that it is God alone before us. Instead, we superimpose all this complex world on that divine reality. The illustration given is that of a rope, mistaken in semi-darkness for a snake. The snake of this world frightens us. What is the solution? Bring a light and you will see its real nature. It is only a rope. Likewise, the real nature or essence of this world is divinity alone. Bring the light of spiritual wisdom through yoga, and you will see God alone everywhere. This is what constitutes spiritual freedom or liberation, Moksha. When this knowledge dawns, there is complete satisfaction; no desire remains in the mind, and no further impulse for rebirth remains. What code of behavior do Hindus follow? The code of behavior is one's dharma. This is determined by the place in society and the duties associated with it. There are four main social positions or varna; Brahmins (priests and teachers) Kshatriyas (rulers and soldiers), Vaishyas (merchants) and Shudras (workers). There are four ideal stages of life described in Hindu scriptures: the student, the family man, the recluse, and the wandering holy man. For most Hindu people these represent a metaphorical path, not an actual path. 1.1 Hindu by birth and action    One can be a Hindu by his actions (karma) or birth (Janma). Karma Hindu -> is a Hindu by his deeds and qualities or spiritual components Janma Hindu -> is a Hindu by birth. Since to be a Hindu is an attitude, a Karma Hindu is a true Hindu. He is Hindu by action and thought, a follower of Dharma and spreadsDharma, which is a sāttvik or spiritually pure way of life.  Download E-book on Hinduism http://filemonster.org/download/222/hinduismbk.pdf

 

What is Spirituality?

Spirituality

The essence of spirituality is the search to know our real self, to discover the true nature of consciousness.

Throughout the history, it has been said that the self we know -- the separate individual self -- is a limited form of what we truly are. Unaware of our true self, we identify with our thoughts and feelings, our memories and our personality.

Such experiences are always changing, but the self that knows them remains the same. We may be very different people than we were twenty years ago, but the "I" that is aware of the difference is the same "I" as twenty years ago. It is omnipresent and eternal. It is the "I" that knows that it knows. The essence of realization. it is always present, whatever we may be experiencing, sacred or profane.

This ever-present sense of being is so obvious it is easily overlooked. We fall into believing that we are the individual senses of self that appears in our mind. Like a character in a novel, this separate self engrosses us with its hopes and fears, plans and deliberations. It believes that fulfillment comes from what we have or do in the world, from our roles and possessions, from our personality and how others see us. It promises us happiness, but any happiness it does bring is usually short-lived, and we soon find ourselves chasing some new promise.

Identifying ourselves with the vulnerable, ever-changing character of our personal story, the "I" misses its true nature. Our thinking and behavior become "self-centered", leading far too often to suffering in ourselves and others.

When we awaken to the true nature of self, we are freed from many of the fears that plague us so unnecessarily. We discover an inner peace that does not depend upon events or circumstances in the world around, a quiet but profound inner fulfillment. We become less self-centered, less needy of others' approval or recognition, less focused on collecting possessions and social status. We become happier, healthier and more loving people, less likely to cause suffering to ourselves or others.

This is self-liberation. And its transforming impact has made it the essence of the spiritual quest.

Spirituality is not religion and is not even necessarily affiliated with religion. While the definition of spirituality is different for everyone, here are some common themes associated with spirituality:

• The idea of a process or journey of self-discovery and of learning not only who you are, but who you want to be.
• The challenge of reaching beyond your current limits. This can include keeping an open mind, questioning current beliefs, or trying to better understand others' beliefs.
• A connectedness to yourself and to others. Spirituality is personal, but it is also rooted in being connected with others and with the world around you. This connection can facilitate you finding "your place in the world."
• Meaning, purpose, and direction. Spirituality, while it doesn't necessarily solve or reach conclusions, often embraces the concept of searching and moving forward in the direction of meaning, purpose, and direction for your life.
• A higher power, whether rooted in a religion, nature, or some kind of unknown essence.

Why should we develop our spirituality?

Spirituality can offer many benefits to your life, both emotionally and physically. Developing your spiritual life can give you a sense of purpose and help you figure out where you are most passionate in your professional, social, and personal life. Some studies show that positive beliefs can comfort you and improve your health. People who have taken time to develop their spiritual life are also likely to better understand their needs.

Ideas for evoking a spiritual experience

• Community Service - Volunteering for a community service project can broaden your understanding of how you fit in with the world, as well as see how others' circumstances differ from your own.
• Spiritual Questions - See below for a list of questions you can ask yourself alone or discuss with a group of friends. The questions are meant to challenge your current beliefs, reveal gaps in your knowledge, stretch your mind in thinking beyond the normal, and create dialogue.
• Keep a journal - Writing important moments, events, or thoughts down in a journal helps some people reflect on their personal life. Reading back over past entries is fun and helps you see how you've grown and developed, as well as how certain events, people, and things have affected your life.
• Dialogue - Use the questions below or any other topic, and talk to friends, family, or peers about them. Dialogue can help you figure out what you may not be able to figure out alone. You can bounce ideas or thoughts off of each other for support.
• Yoga - Yoga can create a peace within you and set up your mind for stimulation.
• Challenge yourself to be a better person and think about what that means.
• Pray - If you do subscribe to the belief in a higher power, prayer can help you feel connected and at-peace.
• Create an ongoing list of things that make you happy, or a "natural high" list - Seeing on paper all of the things that make you happy can be extremely beneficial when you are having a bad day. It can help you realize the good things in your life and remember the "bright side" of a situation.
• Joan Borysenko, author of Inner Peace for Busy People, claims that keeping a gratitude journal can contribute to a satisfying life. UC Davis research shows that people who keep a gratitude journal, in which they write things that they are grateful for, are more likely to exercise regularly, experience fewer physical symptoms, are more optimistic about the future, are more likely to attain their personal, academic, interpersonal and health-related goals, and feel better in general than those who write about negative or neutral life events in their journals.