Hindu Gods. Universal Symbolism. Mind needs a form to: get connected, begin interaction and be inspired, stay focused on the

Transcription

1 Gods Forms are as inspiring as Gods Name for Efficient action & welfare. Religious communities are Inspired from Prayers and Forms of Gods. Mind needs a form to: get connected, begin interaction and be inspired, stay focused on the path of action for welfare. Symbolism of Gods - Forms provide customized support for this. Hindu Gods Universal Symbolism Dr. B.V. Venkatakrishna Sastry Gods are Manifest Custodians of Dharma. Visual forms of Hindu Gods are Universal Inspiration for Dharma Practice. Hindu Mandir is the Abode of Gods. Prayers and Gods define unique Religious Identity of Community. Next Generation needs to be groomed for a right understanding and practices in this regard. The integral nature of Dharma is shown in the form of Lotus. The petals stand for values. Dharma Practice is an integral observance of these values for holistic welfare. Any action, thought that violates these values and /or integrity of values for welfare at any level and relation For Self, Family, Society, State and Cosmos is Not Dharma. Dharma Practice is efficient action to ensure Integrated welfare. Dharma is one catch all term covering all Universal values of human rights, ethics, relations and responsibilities for spiritual and material welfare. Each form of God worshipped by Hindus is an inspiration for at least one aspect of Dharma anchored welfare.

2 Name Foreword Introduction Ganesha Hanuman Navagraha Shiva Vishnu Satyanarayana TABLE OF CONTENTS Page Sri Venkateswara Sri Rama Sita Sri Radha Krishna Lakshmi Sarasvati Gayatri Gita More reading materials Mind needs a form to: get connected, begin interaction and be inspired, stay focused on the path of action for welfare. Symbolism of Gods - Forms provide customized support for this. The Sanskrit expression for this approach is Pratima roopa Prateekataa

3 One Supreme Divinity Brahman is the source of Several forms of Gods having several manifest forms. Every manifestation is UNIQUE, with a Name and Form, with a Purpose and best relation. There is a seamless continuity and relation between the source seed and manifest forms. All This is That! All THAT is in This! All This leads to THAT. Seed at the Root to Seed at the Fruit One Brahman in continuum of Transformation Your Name: Personalize this book with: Gifted by: On /At :

4 Copy Right Notices /Acknowledgement /Foreword Some of the images used in this document are taken from the web and are acknowledged to the source. The redistribution of such images as a part and parcel of this document and integral of this in the context are governed by the rights of the original owners. The text and conceptual model of presentation of the subject is copyright of author. It is permitted for legitimate use to further the cause for which this document is addressed to. Please contact the author through the publishers for any further requirements. For whom this book is addressed? How to use this document? This document is meant for providing a pluralistic faith tolerant presentation of forms of Hindu Gods as presented in Hindu places of worship. The document also addresses the relevance of form and inspirational message it presents for any one who contemplates on just the form. There can be several other forms and strands of explanation of form of Gods coming from the sources of Purana and Tantra et al; they are meant for advanced users and not for the first session. The suggested way of using this document is to present the form of the God and explain the visual symbolism without getting in to the details of mystic cultural yogic terminology rich elaboration. For example, explaining in two minutes of visit and sustaining the attention-appreciation of the form of Ganesha as a God, with an elephant head, a heavy form riding on a small mouse, as presented in the place of worship in the conventional way is found to be difficult to present for visitors and younger generation, without getting in to the overflowing explanation that it is all god and be evasive. If some how one completes the explanation of Ganesha, the explanation of feminine forms of Gods with multiple hands and weapons is seen to pose the next difficulty! Therefore, the recommended approach is connect the form of God with the Dharma functionality and universal welfare directives. This seems to bring out the large accommodative vision of Hinduism and relevance of worship in a personalized way, beyond a faith format. The form-symbolism Dharma connection and functional inspiration of Gods forms also help in meditative contemplation. This document can be used in several ways : as a class room material / education supplement / Mandir tour guidance material / hand outs for distribution.

5 How Hindus Connect to God Recognize Gods Presence Forms and Relations Recognizing and respecting Gods Goddesses Any one who follow these guidelines in practice is a Hindu. 1. Maatru Devo Bhava : Recognize and bow down to Divinity in the form of Mother; Recognize and bow down to all mothers respecting them as Divine. Respect for the complimentary nature of opposite gender is to be noted here. 2. Pitru Devo Bhava: Recognize and bow down to Divinity in the form of Father; Recognize and bow down to all Fathers respecting them as Divine. 3. Acharya Devo Bhava: Recognize and bow down to Divinity in the form of Masters; Recognize and bow down to all Masters respecting them as Divine. All students are in a way the children of Master. 4. Atithi Devo Bhava: Recognize and bow down to Divinity in the form of Guests; Recognize and bow down to all Guests respecting them as Divine. 5. Jeevo Devah Sanaatanah : Recognize and bow down to Divinity in the form of manifest and dormant life forms; Recognize and bow down to all manifest and dormant life-forms respecting them as Divine. Hinduism is Pro-Life. It is reflected in the recommended food practice of non-vegetarianism. Temple with a Deity is like Body with life. Body is a Temple, the abode in which Gods reside. Treat body with respect and care.

6 Hindu Prayer of connecting with Gods God (devataa, Ishwara) is NOT unquestionable concept in Hinduism. The standards of expectations, the relations for recognition of presence of Gods is stated upfront. The following prayer summarizes the essence of Hindu approach to One Supreme Divine expressing in several formats and relations for the convenience of the devotees. Tvameva maataa cha pita tvameva, tvameva bandhuscha sakhaa tvameva, tvameva vidyaa dravinam tvameva, tvameva sarvam mama deva deva. ** Oh Supreme Divine, Thou are every thing to me. I recognize Thy presence, action, guidance, blessings in several relations and formats and designate it as Gods, the finite tangible expressions of Thee. Thou art my mother, father, parent, relative, friend, master and guide. You are internal and integral with me as my knowledge. You are with me in the external form as my possessions and wealth; Thou are every thing to me, everything with me and everything interacting with me. The first visual recognition, the eye connection and comprehension of Hindu Gods covers the following : 1. Gender /Age: Male /Female 2. Form: Human form or Human/Animal mixed form, Animal form, Nature, Standing or sitting 3. More number of hands and heads compared to a normal human form: 4. Associated animal 5. Weapons in hand 6. Color of the material of the object of worship 7. Together ness of Male /Female forms in a form what the medieval European culture describes as obnoxious /provocative /sexual display 8. Public display of slaying indicative of violent moods and responses, even in feminine 9. Dress and Jewelry 10. Facial expression of smile, meditation. These First impressions interpreted in the frame of non-vedic religious background leads to an inaccurate understanding of the Vedic tradition and Hinduism. Many times many of these details might not be fully noticed in a superficial observance. Attention needs to be drawn during explanation to specific details. The education about the Universal symbolism of Hindu Gods is for removing some of the misunderstandings associated with these form representations and stories associated with this as explanation and recognize the inspirational message of Dharma for achieving excellence in action. With this as guiding philosophy for establishing the relationship for each devotee with the expressions of the One Supreme Divine Brahman as various forms of Devataa Gods worshipped by Hindus, the following limitations does not exist: The technicality of the concept of VISHWAROOPA AVATAARA in Bhagavad-Gita and Patanjali s definition of Ishwara is clear in this regard. 1. Gods are worshipped in Feminine forms, Animal forms, All forms of nature including animals, trees and elements. Mixed forms of worship is not anything to be abhorred at. 2. Gender and sex are not limitations for expression of Divine or recognition of relation of Human and Divine. 3. The object of worship is not stone, wood or metal; It is the form of the Divine through a medium facilitating Devotee-Divine Communion. The following pages provide more detail on the other points and universal symbolism and inspiration of these forms.

7 Ganesha This form of God is worshipped by Hindus at the beginning of all activities, seeking successful, speedy completion free from all impediments. Ganesha means Leader of the group. Third Eye - Inward Spiritual Focus Crown-Jewels - Royalty and Power Small Eyes - Worldly Focus, Concentrate Short Axe /pounding weapon Right tools for cutting off all difficulties Big Head - Think Big Large Ears - Listen More Rope with a noose - Catch, Connect, Capture, Control Broken Tusk - Judge, Retain Good, Discard waste Snake as a belly belt - Everything has a use Large belly Content - Digest peacefully all good and bad in life; Be Full,not empty! Sacred thread - Studies Scriptures Sweet Fruit /Modaka - Reward for Right work Attitude if you know how to manage-maintain Mouse in total surrender - Desire, unless under control can cause havoc. Ganesha rides the mouse ; So shall ye ride your desires and keep it under check What meets the eye in the form of Ganesha? Unique features * A human body with elephant head Big head, seated * A fat belly * Crown-Jewels - a symbol of royalty * Weapons in upward hands, Sweet in left lower hand, Broken tusk in right lower hand * A mouse at the feet * A snake (enemy of mouse) as a belt * Sacred thread across the shoulder * A third eye on the forehead This is a Fusion of Human and Animal form energies to become Divine.

8 Hanuman This form of God is worshipped by Hindus seeking good health, devotion, courage, freedom from fears. Hanuman means one with a high chin. There are several forms of Hanuman used for specific prayer worship needs. Crown-Jewels - Royalty and Power Meditating Eyes - Looking beyond World, Deep Vision Raised Tail / pounding weapon One of the Bodypart used as a Weapon, when needed; Other wise, Tail to be controlled and not wagged! Musical instrument in hand - God in heart leads to Divine Music ; Realize your god at your heart Human face with a high chin simulating a monkey face Face Shape is no bar for Meditation, Prayer chanting, God realization Third Eye masked by facial mark - Inward Spiritual Focus is not for exhibition! Gods Name and place - Inspiration for holy land pilgrimage Weapon by side Prayer and Spirituality does not mean a life of helpless surrender or meekness! What meets the eye in the form of Hanuman? Unique features * A strong muscular human body with monkey face, surrounded by bright aura, meditating, * A raised tail * Crown-Jewels - a symbol of royalty * Weapon by the side * Singing, musical ecstasy of prayer chants * God in the heart * Royal palace at the back with an aura * Garland * A facial mark covering the third eye on the forehead This is a Fusion of Human and Animal form energies to become Divine. Questions to ponder : 1. Am I any where close to a God-Realized Monkey in practice Or Am I Monkeying in the name of / for God Realization? 2. Do I allow my mind-tail to be wagged during prayer-chant-meditation?

9 This feminine form of God is worshipped by Hindus on Durgaa all occasions and activities, seeking energy for action, inspiration for planning, and protection from all evil forces which obstruct successful, speedy completion of endeavors. Durgaa means that which is like a protected fort, well protected, well guarded. Third Eye - Aura Inward Spiritual Focus radiating energy Lotus can also be a weapon Right tools for cutting off all difficulties Patience, Softness like lotus can also be good weapons. Don t Fear Gesture - Carrying weapon does not preclude compassion What meets the eye in the form of Durgaa? Unique features Crown-Jewels - Royalty and Power Lion / Tiger Subdued - Wild and ferocious desires, unless under control can cause havoc. Durgaa rides the wild animal ; So shall ye ride and control your desires without fear and ride over them. * A female body riding a ferocious animal like tiger/lion ; several hands with weapons * A calm and composed facial expression * Crown-Jewels - a symbol of royalty * Varieties of Weapons in both hands * One hand holds lotus * One hand holds a gesture of Don t be Afraid (Abhaya mudra) * Comfort of seating with one leg down * A third eye on the forehead This is a Female Form expression of Human energies become Divine. Weapons of varieties some for short strike and some for long strike - Skill is needed in all formats of defense and offense Planning for defence / offence needs to be with a big picture and plan. Questions to ponder : 1. Am I discriminating disrespecting disconnected any where from the feminine form of expression of Divine and appropriate relation to it in my spiritual / worldly practice? 2. Do I recognize Gods Feminine forms of expressions and keep respectful relations? 3. Gender is not a weakness! Is it?

10 Nava-Graha These are nine sets of Gods worshipped by Hindus as a representation of Cosmos, Time Cycles and Cosmic luminaries influencing every aspect of life, Human relations, prosperity and destiny. Popularly called as Nine planets, these are not representation of solar space objects! In the chart below, the central figure represents the Deity. The bound box gives the NAME and the VALUE for which they stand for. The RED ARROW indicates the Facing Direction of the deity. Sun at the CENTER is the SOUL SELF DOER influenced by different forces pulling in different directions impacting the EFFICIENCY OF ACTION. Name: Shani Stands for:suffering, Laziness Name: Rahu Stands for : Fear, Enemies Name: Ketu Stands for : Doubts, Procrastination Name: Mangala Stands for : Courage, Self confidence, Action Name: Chandra Stands for : Emotions, Inclination Name: SUN Stands for : SELF, Soul Name: Guru Stands for : Intelligence, Elders Name: Budha Stands for : Business Sense, Trade, Gain calculation Name: Shukra Stands for :Comfort, Desires, Question to ask: What aspect in the above needs to be strengthened to make my action efficient? What meets the eye in the form of Nava-rahas? Unique features * A 3 x 3 arrangement of nine divinities, all standing, facing different directions * Weapons in upward hands, Royal signs This is a representation of Human Mind set for relations and actions inspired to be in harmony with Natures forces of Time and Desires Pull us forward for Action. Sense of Gain supports this. The Mind looks for Self-Confidence for positive action. Intelligence guards cautiously. Doubts and enemies try to push away the action from right course. Result is suffering, laziness and set back!

11 Shiva This form of Shiva as God is worshipped by Hindus seeking a balance of material and spiritual welfare: by family persons or as yogis! Shiva is represented in several modes : with form and without form, male and/or half male-half female, as a king with royal family or as an ascetic moving in cemeteries, a Guru teaching sages or wanderer, calm or ferocious, cosmic dancer or Yogic meditator. Shiva is a vedic word. Literal meaning of Shiva is auspicious. Linga, literally meaning the pointer sign to follow, the direction indicator, the proof ) is a stone shape - elliptical or cylindrical stone, literally shapeless and face less) is one of the popular representations of Shiva. Worshipping Shiva in this representation is wrongly interpreted as phallus worship. Shiva-Linga means pointer of auspicious. Holy water spring from Head Ganga Stands for : Knowledge resulting from Meditation for welfare Crescent Moon Stands for : Cool Temperament Snake Garland Stands for : Evil transformed to be friendly Divine Sign of Abhaya Don t Be Afraid Stands for : Compassionate Refuge to devotees Drum for dance-music Stands for : Love of music and Dance Third Eye Focus of meditation Stands for : Power of Knowledge, Transcendent Vision Trident Weapon Stands for : Power, Three cosmic energies Guna s controlled Water gourd Stands for : Calmness in everything that is finite Tiger skin seat Stands for : Historic proof of courage Finger pointed to earth and feet Stands for : Realize ground reality; Meditation is NOT forgetting ground reality! What meets the eye in the form of Shiva? Unique features A muscular well built body Male human form in meditation * A trident weapon by side Snakes and Rudraksha rosary beads on body *Tiger skin seat * Crescent Moon on head Fountain of water coming out of matted hair over head *Calm nature and water stream background This is a representation of how Yoga-meditation transforms Human to Perfection of Divine. Meditation helps to gain composure of Body and Mind! Meditation helps to overcome fears! Even Gods meditate! During Meditation there is no recognition or repulsion of tiger skin or fear of snake.

12 Sri Vishnu Is the God worshipped by Hindus as a part of the Trinity of Gods. Vishnu is responsible for maintenance of order in creation. Vishnu has several forms and incarnations. Question to ask: How am I, as the executive handling the management of institution / enterprise? Am I balanced in power of protection, punishment, compassion and spiritual connectivity? Do I recognize and control the multi head snake and still control it for holistic welfare? Multi headed Snake Stands for : Operational environment in any society Disc weapon Sands for: Power to protect and punish Crown Stands for: Power Conch Stands for: Sound of Sacred meditation Om, Spiritually inclined ruler, practitioner of Spiritual traditions even when in power and charge Mace another weapon Stands for : Alternative weapons in case of need Lotus Stands for : Compassion, softness where it is right and due God in the shadow of Snake Stands for : Fearlessness ; God also controls the Snake with his feet on its tail! What meets the eye in the form of Sri Vishnu? Unique features * One male - four hands great snake hood with multiple heads * weapons in hand * Calm facial expression This is an ideal representation of royal personality and a leader who is in charge of ensuring protection and safety. Protection and Maintenance calls for a blended vision of past and present for future welfare! Without the knowledge of history, the current decisions can not be done properly. Without awareness of contemporary ground reality, future can not be planned. And without a vision for future, present can not be guided. This leadership model needs an inner courage, vision born out of meditation and contemplation. Leader is not afraid of snake; Leader manages it in such a way that it provides the shade and at the same time controls it at his feet / sleeps on it as a couch! Am I leader like Vishnu?

13 Sri Satyanarayana Satya Narayana is one form of Vishnu, the god amongst Trinity responsible for order maintenance and protection. In this specific form, Vishnu looks for protection of Truth, adherents of Truth! And this also involves punishment for the other wise doers. This is important for maintenance of Dharmic welfare and order in society. Compromising on TRUTH Standard is the beginning of down fall from Dharma observance and suffering! Question for Introspection: Am I following Truth as per Dharmic standards or compromising on Truth under the camouflage of rule compliance, practical convenience? Conch Stands for : Purity, Propagation of Truth, Sage Narada (Brahmin) Stands for : Vedic Worship Family (Universal Men/ Women) Stands for : Cultural modes of preference for worship, Tradition Sacred Pot abstract form of God Stands for : Body Mind Soul Name: Mangala Stands for : Courage, Self confidence, Action Disc weapon Stands for : Power to Protect and Punish King( Ruler Universal, Kshatriya; Vaishya trader ) Stands for : Society and Adminsitration bound by Gods words Priest (Universal) Stands for : Relgious Advisor/ Religious service provider What meets the eye in the form of Sri Satyanarayana? Unique features * A Divine Personality with four hands manifest behind a pot with coconut * Four different categories of personalities in worship: Sage, King, Family Priest This is a representation of command for stead fast adherence to TRUTH (SATYA) for spiritual and Material Welfare for EVERY ONE. Truth is God; God is experienced in life by practice of Truth. Being with Truth is being with God. Satya is the Sanskrit word for Truth. Narayana is the name of the Supreme Divinity and also the name of God responsible for protection and maintenance of Truth. Maintenance of Truth also means Protection of Truth by protecting the adherents to the path of Truth and punishing those who violate Truth. All violations of Truth are violations of cosmic law and system, leading to consequence of pain, injury and suffering. Practice of Truth is the royal path for realizing the Divine. Satya is an integral part of following Dharma, Yoga and worship. SatyaNarayana Vrata / pooja model of worship is a traditional recommendation to remember this guidance from Vedas.

14 Sri Venkateswara (Bala-ji, Srinivasa, Govinda) is a God worshipped by Hindus as a special incarnation avatar of Mahavishnu for blessing and helping devotees in this age! He is also called the God of Seven hills, with a main stay at Tirupati in India. Crown Stands for : Royalty, Power Disc weapon Stands for : Power to protect /punish Eyes blocked by religious symbol of Yoga symbolism Stands for : God sees from inner vision, Not physical appearance Snake form of jewellery Stands for : Yoga- Kundalini Power Mahalakshmi Goddess of wealth, Wife Stands for : position of Spiritual Power and Welfare in Gods form Pointing Hand to Feet Stands for : Value of Devotion and Surrender Feet Stands for : Point of surrender Conch Stands for : Purity, Sacred Om sound Bhu-Devi (Andal) Stands for : Devotees place, Material welfare in Gods form Waiting hand on waist Stands for : God waits for Devotee to come out of Ego before helping What meets the eye in the form of VENKATESWARA (Bala ji)? Unique features * Richly decorated royal personality standing * Eyes prominently blocked * Disc in right hand and conch in left upturned hands * Right lower hand pointing down to feet * snake jewellery on two hands * two feminine deities on either side of heart * This is a representation of BALANC- ING Spiritual and Material Welfare for FAMILIES as per guidance from Divine. Spirituality, is not necessarily isolated from Society and family life! God looks inward for the intention beyond the appearances before making a judgment! Value of Surrender and Devotion in life needs to be recognized. Sri Venkateswara shows the balance of Spiritual and material welfare from a higher vision through his form. Introspective Question : Am I balancing, positioning and viewing my spiritual and material welfare as suggested in Gods form?

15 Sri Rama-Sita Family Sri Rama is the ideal of family values in Dharmic frame for every Hindu! Sita is the ideal wife; Lakshmana is the ideal brother; Hanuman is the ideal minister, trusted servant, executive and devotee. This ideal family of Sri Rama representation is used for worship as Gods family. Sri Rama is a leader by Life example. Royal Umbrella above Crown Stands for Dharmic Traditions guarding Family values, Culture, Faith ; King as a crown occupant needs to obey Dharma and lead an ideal life. Lakshmana, younger brother of SriRama Stands for : Intelligence, Executive Power, Brotherly affection, Inhertied Parental relations and obligations Hanuman Stands for : Service, Trust, Obedience Sri Rama, King, Elder brother Stands for : Self, Representative of Dharma Sita, Wife of Sri Rama, Queen Stands for : Love, Compassion, Emotions, Life partner, Relations / Obligations originating from Marriage, Feminine aspect of personality, Family and successive generations, children What meets the eye in the form of Sri Rama Family? Unique features A royal family two male, one female in front of throne * weapons in hand of male members Blessing gesture of female * A servant with a weapon by side, displaying an attitude of devotion and surrender at the feet in front of the elder member of the family, * This is a representation of VALUES - BALANCING and PRIORITIZING, Guarding and Shielding, in family, enterprise and personal life as per guidance from Divine. Question to ask: How am I maintaining my balance of following relations in the Dharmic frame work? Am I having imbalances or disproportionate preferences or isolation? Parental Inheritance Personal Life Professional life Society (Lakshmana) (Sita) (Hanuman) (Crown) Are these domains isolated or integrated? Are the domains protected properly and at deserving places?

16 Sri Radha-Krishna Radha is the devotee and lover of Lord Sri Krishna! The relation between male and female is beyond the physical attraction and charms of age. Sri Krishna transforms the feeling of love starting with physical appeals to transcend to the level of Divine love. Question to ask: How am I handling the attractions of opposite gender beyond limits of body? Am I really in Love or am I caught up in a temporary attraction masquerading as Love? Love is spiritual. Attraction is at the level of emotional mind and physical sensual tickling! Have I transcended this stage? Am I in Love with God Or afraid of God? Love is to share; not to make barter or demand! Lord Sri Krishna Stands for : God, Soul, one half of gender identity Flute blowing by Lord Stands for: God breathing life and music to dead wood piece Peacocks dancing Stands for : Nature in harmony when God sings Expression of peaceful inner joy in face of Radha in proximity of Lord Stands for: Surrender, Love causing inner joy to come out Confidence and trust in proximity Stands for : Trust, Devotion needed in Love Gods dancing on flowery ground Stands for : Response of earth to Gods dance What meets the eye in the form of Sri Radha Krishna? Unique features * Two young persons one male and one female, well dressed, enjoying music and together with confidence * expression is one of Love and not seduction or lust! * Joyous nature in the background with peacocks dancing * This is an ideal representation of stead fast adherence to LOVE and COMPAS- SION, Togetherness beyond lust and seduction of physical attractive forms and age. Love is not sin; it is a path way for Spiritual union. LOVE does not mean a camouflaged personal sensuousness or gratification! Love demands patience, tolerance, devotion and Dharma binding. Physical pleasure is not the only thing possible or to be looked at between genders! Senior generation need to guide the youngsters to distinguish between attractions of age and maturity of Love. Love may spring instantaneously; but it needs proper nurturing to sustain and grow to become spiritually beneficial!

17 Sri Maha Lakshmi Mahalakshmi is the feminine form of all forms of wealth. She is worshipped as the wife and power of Maha Vishnu. She has different forms in each incarnation of Mahavishnu ( as Sita with Rama ; Padmavati with Venkateswara). Question to ask: How am I handling different manifestations of wealth? Am I really managing wealth OR am I being consumed by my wealth? Wealth is just not limited to tangible assets and bank balances, land and building! Wealth is spiritual as much as it is material. Misappropriation and mismanagement of wealth is disrespectful of Goddess. Lotus on right upturned hand Stands for : Mystic symbolism of Spiritual realization with the right use of wealth Money flowing out of right hand turned down Stands for :Give and Share for prosperity ; If you become the agent for right deployment of wealth, it finds its own way in to water in the pond! don't deploy Crown Stands for : Royalty, Power Lotus on left upturned hand Stands for: Mystic transcendental dimension of wealth Punya Pot of nectar Stands for: Secret of spiritualizing wealth God standing on lotus with tender stalk in water Stands for : Wealth always rests on fleeting dynamic foundation. It is and can not be made to be static and locked down! Locked wealth perishes.. Wealth needs to be in motion-deployment to be productive. What meets the eye in the form of Sri Lakshmi? Unique features * Royal female standing on a lotus * four hands * elephants showing respect * Money flowing out from the right lower hand * This is an ideal representation of WEALTH management according to DHARMA. Wealth and money is not sin! Right use of it is a path way for Spiritual and Social welfare. According to vedic revelation, Nature is wealth; Next generation is the wealth; current society is wealth; time and energy is wealth. Recognize the power of Divinity in wealth and use it for balancing welfare at all levels. Greediness corrupts use of wealth. The mode of earning, maintaining and deployment of wealth is to be respectful of its Divinity. Don t make wasteful expenses.

18 Sri Sarasvati Is the goddess of all knowledge and fine arts She is worshipped by Hindus seeking education. Question to ask: How is our current educational system and institutions functioning to train the next generation? Am I helping society and seekers through welfare from perspective of education and transmission of authentic traditional knowledge, validated by resources?? Humans not initiated to right education is no better than animals, the only difference being the external shape and food input! Crown Stands for : Knowledge is Power Rosary for meditation Stands for: Spiritual Practices are an integral part of eduction-training Standards and validation. Firm seat for delivering transmission-validation of education Stands for : Financial, Social, autonomy of Education system : Harmnious togetherness of State and Education system Happy peacock Stands for : Respect for nature and other forms of life Veena Musical instrument Stands for: Integrating sciences with humanities Book in hand Stands for: Respect for traditons, authority, Reference. Flowing River -Solid mountain Stands for : Need for a proper natural setting for educational institution, Ecological harmony, Education is not a fixed mountain or flowing water. It is nature covering all this. What meets the eye in the form of Sri Sarasvatii? Unique features * Feminine form four hands firmly seated * calm background of joyous nature This is an ideal representation of LEARNING ATMOSPHERE and EDUCATION System. It is a balance of all dimensions of knowledge: Material, philsophies, fine arts theory and practice for spiritual and material welfare. Education and Knowledge progress needs calm environment and contemplation! Knowledge is not a piece meal acquisition; It needs to be acquired in totality and assimilated through integrating practice, including meditation and harmony with tradition. Question to ask: What will be my next generation and society? Humans, Humans elevated to be Gods through education, Humans down fallen to the level of savages and animals by wrong use/ abuse/lack of proper education? How did my elders train us?

19 Sri Gayatri Devi Gayatri is the name of the Goddess of Vedic Knowledge! She is also the deity of a vedic revelation seeking Right spur intelligence to follow Dharma. The feminine form of Gayatri is symbolic of many yoga meditation instructions. Literal meaning of the word Gayatri is Goddess who protects person chanting the sacred revelation. Five Heads Stands for : Pluarlistic perspectives for holistic understanding Gesture of Don t be afraid Stands for : Don t be afraid to seek-speak Knowledge Lotus Stands for : Purity, Responds to Sun-Light, light of Soul Gayatri Mantra in Devanagari script Stands for: Scripted Scripture, Sacred Language of religion and Meditation Crowns on all heads Stands for : Respect, Honor, Accommodate each perspective irrespective of color of face speaking it Whip Weapons Stands for : Knowledge needs protection and security for purity, Right use, Prevent abuse, set right and punish abusers What meets the eye in the form of GAYATRI? Unique features Feminine Divine form of Revelation and Scriptures * Five faces of different color, crowned Ten hands Weapons of different type in five hands, conch, lotus, Bowl, blessing and giving gestures Seated on a big lotus in a pond This is a representation of perspectives of Welfare from Vedic Traditions for Protection, Knowledge enhancement, Introspection and interpretation for a KNOWLEDGE SOCIETY. Meaning of Gayatri Mantra: We adore and meditate on the resplendent Divine Light of That Ultimate Reality called Savitru, who inspires our intelligence to stay focused on Dharma; the light of the Divine that illumines our intellect.

20 Gita Teacher Sri Krishna This is the famous visual representation of the context in which the Hindu Sacred Text Bhagavad-Gita discourse was made by Lord SriKrishna to Arjuna. Arjuna is symbolic of a leader who succumbs to untimely depression and delusion under the influence of a wrong perspective of values of tradition. Arjuna refuses to do the right action befitting of a leader and wants to totally back out. Lord SriKrishna, represented as the charioteer functions as the Guru-Guide-God and helps Arjuna perform the skillful action and get excellent results. This visual can be understood in several inspirational ways depending upon the symbolism associated to each element in the Visual. Arjuna Depressed Hero needing Guidance 02 Confused Executive, lacking drive for action Weapons 07 Right tools for effective action Wheels of Action -Motion 08- Foot prints of Journey, history track creators Single Command 03 Firm Direction Lord Sri Krishna, Driver of the Chariot 01 Controller of Chariot Destination, Direction & Drive Reins of Control 04 Total Control on Action Execution Four Horses 05 Control on all executionresoruces Road to Go 06 Mastery of Navigation by Leader What we see in this visual is a Charioteer addressing and inspiring a depressed warrior for Right Action. The depressed warrior is symbolic of ones individuality which is getting turned away from right action giving all kind of reasons, away from the Guiding / Inspiring charioteer who is God-Guru Advisor. The chariot is symbolic of various resources of action that needs to be controlled for success. The Transformation of a Depressed warrior to a Leader, Human to Divine, Failure to Success : The Individual is now determined to strive for Excellence, Success, Leadership, Balanced togetherness of Peace and Prosperity with Divine as Leadership Companion. When this transformation takes place in the human realm, God leads and works with the Doer. The result is success and welfare. This is the partnership of Human and Divine.

21 Gita Teacher Sri Krishna 01 Lord Sri Krishna: God Guides, Commands and Drives Every Human; God helps every one to come out of all kinds of depression and achieve excellence, success through a Divine Leadership. Each Individual has a choice to Accept God or turn away and suffer depression. God takes where you want to Go; You have the choice of Going with God or other wise. 02 Arjuna : Each Individual failing to Recognize-Listen-Acknowledge Act upon the Divine Leadership and Voice of Inner Consciousness gets in to Depression which hurts and ends in inaction or wrong action.03-single Command : The Single raised finger shows a clarity of mind and guidance for specific action. God has no confusion in giving directives. But God waits for the individuals conscious participation in action. God wants the individual to take the credit for doing right action standing by right advise - Dharma 04 Control of Reins is in the hand of God: The journey is regulated by a proper control of reins. The resting of reins in the hands of the God guides us to surrender to the Divine to control our action energies, senses which are the horses drawing the chariot the Body using which the journey takes place. A skilful charioteer controls even bad horses (senses) by right use of reins and makes the journey safe and successful. All the horses need to go together in harmony. 05 Four Horses : The four horses are symbolic of four values of Human Society: Dharma ensuring Sustenance; Artha ensuring prosperity; Kama ensuring Satisfaction; Moksha ensuring compliance with Ethical and Divine guidance. Success is balancing these four parameters in action and achievement. If individual takes control of reins, the horses (senses) may not listen to the controlling commands! 06 Road of Journey : When God takes the responsibility of guiding, the condition of Road does not concern the traveler. God Knows the road, road condition and the safety steps, when to rest and when to pick up speed! 07-Weapons get power from the courage of the user. The same weapons are of no use to a depressed person; while a motivated warrior makes best use of them. Confiding in God brings courage 08- Wheels should move and leave the traces of journey (History, Action, Track record ) made if Individual has understood and acted on the message of God guiding the Individual. This is the history of success and foot prints of right action. Arjuna : (Chapter 1 Before beginning of Lord s Discourse and advise) I shall Not perform,,even at the cost of my life and reputation! This is MY DECISION. The Transformation of a Depressed warrior to a Leader, Human to Divine, Failure to Success is a result of DIVINE VISION OF GOD S FORM The Individual is now determined to strive for Excellence, Success, Leadership, Balanced togetherness of Peace and Prosperity with Divine as Leadership Companion. Arjuna : (chapter 18 73; After Lords advise completion) Lord, Gone is My Depression, Confusion, Ego of MY DOING, and Suffering due to depression. This is a result of Thy Grace and Wise Teaching. I have regained the right memories and discretionary understanding, resulting in enthusiasm and purpose for my action. I SHALL OBEY Thy command, without any wavering mind.

22 Bhagavad-Gita Health care Arjuna Stressed Person needing Guidance 02 Confused Executive, lacking drive for action Weapons 07 Right tools for effective action Wheels of Action -Motion 08- Foot prints of Journey, history track creators Single Best Advise 03 Clear Directions Lord Sri Krishna, Master Health care Guide 01 Integral Advice on all aspects of health and welfare, Life Style Reins of Control 04 Total Control on Action Execution Four Horses 05 Aspects of regulation Food, Conduct, Profession, Thought Road to Go 06 Healing Path Inspiration for Life Health : Discipline the four forces drawing this Body: The four horses-forces of life are: Food, Breath, Thought, Senses. These four horses are controlled by the reins of Mind, using the right Yoga, under the guidance of right master enlightening the intellect. Medicine works effectively for health only if the four horses are disciplined to work harmoniously. Good health is a result of right action based on right understanding. Failure to be so ends in depression and suffering. The right question to ask: What is guiding my actions in the matter of Food, Breath, Thoughts, Sensuous pursuits? How are decisions in these matters impacting my health and well being? Am I Yoga standards complaint from Health perspective? The questions to deliberate: (a) What if the control of horses were in the hands of patient? (b) What if right advise is implemented only partially? (c ) What if each life force-horse were not to work harmoniously, lacking Yoga of togetherness, balance? Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. ( Preamble to the Constitution of the World Health Organization as adopted by the International Health Conference, New York, June, 1946; signed on 22 July 1946 by the representatives of 61 States (Official Records of the World Health Organization, no. 2, p. 100) and entered into force on 7 April 1948.) HEALTH CARE is defined as: The prevention, treatment, and management of illness and the preservation of mental and physical well-being through the services offered by the medical and allied health professions (-The American Heritage Medical Dictionary )

23 Bhagavad-Gita Life Style Guidance Arjuna Stressed Person needing Guidance 02 Confused Executive, lacking drive for action Weapons 07 Right tools for effective action Wheels of Action-Motion 08- Foot prints of Journey, history track Single Best Advise 03 Clear Directions Lord Sri Krishna, Master Health care Guide 01 Integral Advice on all aspects of health and welfare, Life Style Reins of Control 04 Yoga, Total Control on Action Execution Four Horses 05 Aspects of regulation Road to Go 06 Healing Path Inspiration for Life Style : Discipline the four domains of relations impacting life style. The four horses-forces influencing life-style are: Issues with Focus on Self, Family, Society, Cosmos. These four horses are controlled by the reins of Time lines stretching to past and future through present. These need to be balanced using the right Yoga, under the guidance of right master enlightening the intellect. Good life-style is a result of right action based on right understanding of this integral nature of forces. Failure to recognize this ends in imbalances leading to stress, depression and suffering. The right question to ask: What is guiding my life-style pursuits? How are value-decisions filtered / prioritized in these matters of deploying resources? Am I Yoga standards complaint from life-style welfare needs? The questions to deliberate: (a) What if the control of horses were in my hands instead of a higher energy like God? (b) What if right advise is implemented only partially? (c ) Is my life style giving the desired harmony and comfort to all involved? Is there a Yoga of togetherness, and balance? The visual representation of Hindu Gods and Goddesses in forms used for worship and meditation are symbols and standards of inspirational guidance for all to strive for achieving the cherished values of humanity, measured by (a) Excellence of values of vision (b) Success of Leadership through diligent implementation. The balanced togetherness of excellence and success should get reflected in peace and prosperity for individuals, families and global communities.

24 Arjuna Sick Person needing Guidance 02 Confused Executive, lacking drive for action Weapons 07 Right tools for effective action Wheels of Action-Motion 08- Foot prints of Journey, history track Bhagavad-Gita Leadership Guidance Single Best Advise 03 Clear Directions Lord Sri Krishna, Master Health care Guide 01 Integral Advice on all aspects of health and welfare, Life Style Reins of Control 04 Yoga, Total Control on Action Execution Four Horses 05 Aspects of regulation Road to Go 06 Healing Path Inspiration for LEADERSHIP : Discipline the four forces-horses of leadership: The four horses-forces of Leadership are: (a) Corporate Vision Local Mission, (b) Resources of People-Time-Money (c ) Conviction for Long term and Commitment for local action (d ) Enthusiasm in Self and Creating an ambient Environment of Confidence of Success. These four horses are controlled by the reins of Business Plans, using the right Yoga, under the guidance of right leadership enlightening the team. Production and Marketing works effectively for healthy business only if the four horses are disciplined to work harmoniously. Good Business health is a result of right action based on right Leadership understanding these elements. Failure to be so ends in social, economic and business depression and loss of valuable resources, ending in suffering. The right question to ask: What is guiding my directives for action in the matter of a) Vision Mission (b) Motivation and deployment of resources (c ) Continuing Conviction & Commitment goal achievement (d ) Enthusiasm in Self and Creating an ambient Environment of Confidence of Success for the team? How are my leadership decisions in these matters impacting health of enterprise and socio-economic well being? Am I Yoga standards complaint from Business Health perspective? The questions to deliberate: (a) What if the controls of horses were in the wrong hands? (b) What if right advise is implemented only partially? (c ) What if each force-horse were not to work harmoniously, lacking Yoga of togetherness, balance? What is the corrective step? The questions to deliberate: (a) Am I being guided by the Values symbolized by the Divine charioteer OR Am I directing where the chariot needs to be taken on the model of chauffer driven vehicle? What am I trusting in the exploration? b) What if right advise is implemented only partially and half way like a child conceived but aborted before the full development? Have I taken all the care that was necessary for a normal healthy deliverance? Did I hurry and hurt the process? (c ) What is guiding the course of the wheels drivers will, Masters control, the forces of the horses? How is the progress measured?

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26 Religious Technical Terms of Hinduism Deva is the Vedic Sanskrit word for Hindu Gods. Devi is the feminine representation of Hindu Gods. Deva/Devi s are finite manifestations of Supreme Divine ONE Para- Brahman. Hindus recognize DIVINITY in all forms of NATURE Human, Animal, Flora and Fauna, Cosmic events. Murthy is the material shell form of Deva /Devi. Devaalaya /Deva-Sthaana, Mandir is the place where devotees make communion with the Hindu Gods. These are also the pool of community religious resources. Hindus recognize several forms and relations of devotees with the Divine. Every one can choose their preferred form of God and relation. Some connect to God/s as Father, some as mother, some as Master, Some as Friend, Some as land and wealth, some as knowledge. Which ever and what ever way one connects to the Divine, it is their personal form of God, ISHTA DEVATAA. Dharmachakra is a symbolic representation of Dharma as the wheel with number of spokes ranging from eight to thousand. The wheel is generally positioned at places of worship. The Dharmachakra wheel symbolizes the Masters responding to the dynamics of society and guiding the progress of wheel of Truth or Law. The Gods are protectors of the wheel and the course of wheel. Gurus are the directors providing the energy for keeping the wheel- Turning. A Hindu is one who keeps course with the motion of Dharma-chakra, the cycle of teachings in motion and in consequential changes in the course of destiny. Dharma is also represented by various other symbols such as the Bodhi Tree, the footprints of Gods and Gurus etc. Aarathi: Light service ; Prasad: Blessed food Charanamrutham /Teertham: Blessed Water, Energized water, Sacred water ; Purohita/Pundit / Archaka: Hindu Priest ordained for conducting spiritual and religious services ; Sanyasi /Dharmacharya : A religious person with life style of renunciation as life style with strict regulations and practices of spirituality.

27 Hindu Greeting Namaste This broad window of Dharma finds its first expression in the Hindu Greeting Namaste and its inspirational symbolism. Join Palms facing each other. Bring it to the level of heart, with thumbs towards your heart. Bend the head respectfully. (Body bending is optional). Some place the joined palms in the heart center. Some place joined palms on the head, symbolic of total surrender to God Namaste is one of the special Sanskrit words commonly recognized as a Hindu Greeting. In the West, it is often used to indicate South Asian culture in general. "Namaste" is particularly associated with aspects of South Asian culture such as vegetarianism, yoga, ayurvedic healing, and Hinduism. Namaste is a Vedic Sanskrit word used in Yajurveda. In recent times, and more globally, the term "namaste" has come to be especially associated with yoga and spiritual meditation all over the world. In this context, it has been viewed in terms of a multitude of very complicated and poetic meanings which tie in with the spiritual origins of the word. Some examples: "I honor the Spirit in you which is also in me." "I honor the place in you in which the entire Universe dwells, I honor the place in you which is of Love, of Integrity, of Wisdom and of Peace, When you are in that place in you, and I am in that place in me, we are One." "I salute the God within you." "I recognize that we are all essentially Divine." "The entire universe resides within you." "The divine peace in me greets the divine peace in you." "Your spirit and my spirit are ONE." "That which is of the Divine in me greets that which is Divine in you." "The Divinity within me perceives and adores the Divinity within you". How to Greet Choices? Hand shake, Hug, Kiss, Namaste? Hindus prefer Namaste! Thumb the smallest finger is towards me doing the salutation. It means I am the smaller one. The pointing /accusing finger is hidden - I don't blame you! I recognize and bow down to the Divinity in You.

28 Understanding Gods in a Hindu Temple Tradition The form of Gods in a Hindu temple are made as per rules of iconography to represent sacred forms of Divine. These forms are not a freedom of creative passion of representation of a painter or a sculptor of any historic period or current period. Each element of the visual form representation of God/s has a SYMBOLIC meaning. Thee meanings come and guidelines come from the texts of religion called the Aagama Purana-Tantra works. This symbolism extends over a model of multi-planar and multidimensional interpretation, primarily meant for meditation and spiritual goals. The forms also carry the mystic, mythical and cultural wrap around the basic representation of the deity. These wraps are seen in the dress code, the worship ritual formats, the prayers used and the prayer language. The form of the God/s is not restricted to the human alone model! The forms of Gods can and do come in with: many hands, heads, eyes, hybrid of human, nature and animal forms, male-female androgynous forms, demonic forms, weapons, vehicles, ornaments, decorations. These are not meant for creating any fear or awe in the devotee. These are recognition of various powers of God. One of the traditional guidance about the special forms of Gods reads: The special forms of Gods shall not be openly displayed or discussed. In a Hindu temple, the diversity of faith, the diversity of form-representation of Divine, the plurality of prayer texts and languages is well recognized and accepted reality. In the introductory level, the understanding of HINDU GODS is to be presented for their universal symbolic meaning and values for which they stand for. The explanations related to the other aspects, meant for spiritual, yoga, tantra and ritual practices are not necessary to be deliberated in an out of context way, leading to inaccurate presentation and understanding of the traditions. The following approaches are extremely inadequate to explain the complexity of the Hindu religious traditions: Approaches based on Freudian Psychology, Para and Psychoanalytical techniques, anthropological models of understanding culture interpreting Hindu religion in the backdrop of tribal cultural practices, Drawing limited parallels from Other religions in a narrow window of explanation. Such efforts have ended up in yielding perverted aberration formats of explaining the sacred Hindu traditions. The Symbolic meaning of the God/s forms and representation in the Hindu Temple ( and art forms) need to be seen in several layers as below: - The pure spiritual form of iconographic model as per rule book. This is used for worship purposes. This is RITUAL SPECIFIC. - The cultural format as per epic, as seen in the reliefs of the temple, calendars and photos. These visuals emerge as a representation of a sacred story or a simplified explanation of the iconographic form, for the lay public. This form, if isolated from the context of the religious source, would look an aberration of art representation. But when viewed in the true symbolic perspective, the visual representation of Gods is a path leading to the goal of spiritual experience., God realization and Self realization. This is FAITH SPECIFIC. - The universal symbolism. This is GLOBAL UNIVERSAL VALUE SYSTEM. NOTE: One can not and should not expect that every Hindu who worships a deity or goes to a temple has all the expert knowledge and comprehensive information of the above subject. Each Hindu carries one or the other personally customized way of getting connected to the God /Supreme and uses one of the selected explanations sufficient for their purpose. In the religious grooming of the children, several stories of the God/s are used to communicate the values and symbolism, providing a ground for further exploration. This initial ground provided is not the last line of exploration or understanding. It is preferable to start the understanding of Hindu Gods from the GLOBAL UNIVERSAL VALUE SYS- TEM in the beginning phases and then move to the other two models and then integrate them.

29 Hinduism is unique amongst world religions in its presentation of Gods in the backdrop of a wider window of Life cycles and Goals of Life. The word God does not carry the same meaning across the religions. The model of One God/ Only form of God /Only relation possible with God inbuilt in the present usage and meaning of God - word does not truly resonate the Hindu concepts of Divine /Sacred and Supreme. The closest technical word of Hinduism for god in this understanding would be Kula- Devataa - Divinity worshipped as God by the community for group identification. Hinduism presents Several Gods in multiple forms, genders, shapes and sizes as manifestation of One Supreme Divine. There is a freedom for choice of personal Divinity (devataa) by individual needs, contextual needs, community needs and special needs. Gods are called Devataa. The Single source of all Gods is called Brahman. Hindus worship Devataa s for tangible worldly welfare, characterized by (i) Freedom from suffering (b) Seeking fulfillment of desires for happiness. In this aspect, Devataa s are Dharma authorities fulfilling devotees needs. Hindus worship Brahman through the Devataa s for Spiritual welfare, characterized by (i) Total Freedom from all sufferings for having been caught up in the life transmigration cycles and violation of Dharma (ii) Self realization (iii) God/s realization (iv) Realization of Supreme Divine (v) Knowledge of Dharma sustaining the entire creation and processes of universe. In this aspect, same Devataa will be the lead to the Supreme Divine Brahman. This is devotee going beyond God to the source of all Gods. The worshipful forms of Hindu Gods contains symbolic items covering all these domains of understanding and inspiration for right action at all levels. The meaning of form is context sensitive and culturally significant. Seed at the Root to Seed at the Fruit One Brahman in continuum of Transformation

30 Universal prayer of Hinduism May every life form be Happy and free from Suffering May every life form be free from sufferings of Body, Mind and Spirit at all places and times May every life form be blessed with Peaceful prosperity founded on Love and Trust, enriched with dignity and mutual respect which free from fear and mistrust Let none be a target of any suffering and pain. Om, Peace, Peace, Peace Sarvepi sukhinah santu, sarve santu niraamayaah; sarve bhadrani pashyantu, maa kaschit dukhabhaak bhavet, Om Shantih, Shantih, Shantih. To be a Hindu is to lead a life style in accordance with Dharma. Hindu gods are symbolic representation of Dharma values. Hindu Mandirs are House of Gods, where Human meets representations of Divine. Worship Prarthana of Gods in Hindu Mandir is an act for reaffirmation of : (a)faith in the efficacy of Dharma upholding universal values of Humanity, Justice, Compassion, Equality, Ethics, Essential Divinity of all life (b) Trusted Continuity of cultural heritage of family worship traditions, classical languages (c ) Providing a public face and voice, a Religious identity for community (d) A place where the next generation is Gifted, introduced and groomed to the religious traditions and identities by elders discharging their responsibilities. The suprabhata seva daily prayer for waking up of Gods carries the expression Trailokye mangalam kuru - meaning Please ensure establishment of Dharmic welfare in all the worlds.

31 What is common to all Hindu Gods? ॐ Forms of all Hindu Gods are expressions of Dharma values. - Dharma has ten main attributes. A given form of God may represent one or more of the Dharma values. Any one who subscribes to Gods in the Dharma values through their form representation for welfare of humanity, religious identity, connecting with Supreme Divine, ethical life style, dispensing of law order and justice, refinement of human relations, discharge of responsibilities and obligations comes under the fold of HINDU IDENTITY. The scale of operation is not the determining factor; the subscription by value and principle through practice is the criterion. ॐ Form representation of Gods for Dharma value can be Specific purposive forms, Formless, Special forms. The essence does not change. - The form of Gods is a cover for the core essence of Dharma. Just as a body is needed to recognize the unique identity of a life form, a form and designation is needed for getting connected to the core of Dharma value. The form of Gods is a facilitator in this. The form is not a limitation. The debate of : God with form, God with specific form, God with purposive form, God with only form Saakaar visheshaakaar, God with no form Niraakaar - are all accommodated in this broad vision. ॐ All Gods support Dharma practice and proliferation of welfare through Dharma. ॐ All Gods abhor violation of Dharma and / or misinterpretation of Dharma. Such acts are punished. ॐ All Gods are bound by law of Karma. ॐ All Gods are amenable for prayers. Through prayers the devotee gets connected to the God/s. ॐ Dharma is more than religious faith (mata= opinion interpretation). The forms of Gods representing Dharma values can be grouped in to the following categories: - God with Specific form - God with Desirable form (Human form included) - Gods with special forms - Gods with a combination of several values and forms - Gods with no tangible specific form ( light, air, space, time, Life energy, Speech, Death, Intelligence) ॐ All Gods are intermediaries between Individual and Supreme Divine! - the source of all. All Gods are transparent to this TRUTH. All Gods facilitate the serious seeker to transcend them and reach the Supreme Divine!.

32 More about Forms of Gods and representation! Here are some more details on special forms of Hindu gods with specific focus! Lakshmi, Sarasvati, Ganesha all combined in one frame. The desire is to seek knowledge, wealth without any obstructions coming in the way. Lakshmi, Sarasvati, Durga all combined in one frame. The desire is to seek knowledge, wealth without any obstructions coming in the way. The difference from previous model is: here it is all feminine goddesses. River Goddess Ganga Tulsi plant Vishnu sleeping on Snake in the ocean Kamadhenu holy cow Vishnu riding on Garuda bird vehicle

33 These are some special forms of Gods. Left Top: Kaalee Left Second: Dattatreya Left Third: Hanuman carrying Mountain Right Top: Shiva dancing Right middle: Hanuman with five incarnations integrated Right bottom: Shaastaa Ayyappa bhoota naatha Each form has a purpose, story behind it for saving Dharma.

34 These are special forms of Gods. Left Top: Narasimha Left Second: Sharada devi Left Third: Jagannatha Right Top: Matsya Fish form of Vishnu Right middle: Tortoise form of Vishnu Right bottom: Boar form of Vishnu Each form has a purpose, a sacred story behind it for saving Dharma. Sri yantra Geometric form of Gods form

35 Buddha Sri Veda Vyasa Sri Shankaracharya Mahaveera Swamy Sri Basaveswara Historic Masters of Hinduism Visual representation Sri Ramanujacharya Sri Madhvacharya Sri Swaminaryan Maharaj Guru Nanak

36 Baba Maataa Sharada Devi Sri Ramakrishna Ramana Maharshi Swamy Yogananda Contemporary recognized Masters of Hinduism There is a continuing stream.. Swamy Vivekananda Swamy Muktananda Swamy Sivananda

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38 Hindus Don t worship gods! Hindus worship several expressions of One Supreme Divinity! There is Only One supreme Divinity, the expressions of whom are all the Gods and Goddesses! The expressions My God!, In God we Trust, God Bless you have special significance and connotation to Hindus. A form is a visual puzzle and also a road map. The forms-images are not what they first appear to be by a limited perspective. The message is hidden in the image! When mind plays tricks on the eye, the essence of image is lost!

39 Cat or Mouse? Mountain or Monks? How many eyes per face? the eye chooses what it wants to see"...'da vinci code' R Langdon An optical illusion is an optical phenomenon that results in a false or deceptive visual impression, characterized by visually perceived images that are deceptive or misleading. The information gathered by the eye is processed by the brain to give a percept that does not tally with a physical measurement of the stimulus source. Just as Language decoding needs training, the visual form decoding needs training, especially in Symbolism and Spirituality.

40 Gods of Hindus Universal Symbolism Form of God is as Inspirational as the Name of God. Tangible, purposive and unique forms of Gods are used in Hindu worship seeking Dharmic welfare. Human mind needs a tangible, custom form of Supreme Divine for a context specific need, welfare, relief, inspiration. When in difficulty or ecstasy of devotion, the human mind gets connected more with the visible form of Gods than the intangible abstractions of qualities and greatness. Therefore, the technique of getting inspiration by connection-contemplation on gods form needs to be educated to the religious community. Gods are not objects for curiosity of observance as museum pieces ; Gods are a reflection of Self, aspirations of self, and goal to be achieved by self in seeking the Supreme Divinity. Gods form is the anchor of comfort and confidence for those seeking welfare, relief, healing of Body Mind and Soul. The form is an inspiration for (i) leadership (ii) valuestandards for efficient action planning/ execution (iii) visual guidance for excellence in performance in all worldly endeavors (iv) directive for achieving stress free human relations. The universal symbolism of Hindu Gods brings out these inspirational message in a visual media, accommodative of many inter and intra-faith boundaries, language limitations and contextual needs. Dr. B. V. Venkatakrishna Sastry community religious education gift presented to you by: Contact For More Copies, Information, courses: Yoga-Samskrutham University* Fostering Yoga-Samskrutham Language Excellence