About the Stotram and the pilgrimage to the 12 Jyotirlingas: Is it true that if you chant the Stotram twice a day, you are relieved of your Karma for 7 lifetimes? Can visiting the 12 Jyotirlingas liberate a person?
To which I respond:
It is also said, something to the effect that, if you hold your hands over your head long enough, you gain supernatural powers. Some have done that to the point where their arms are no longer functional. Perhaps a correct technique, but not this Yuga.
The laws of nature change over time. Some Mantras are said to enable things to levitate, but not now—not this Yuga. Standing on one foot for 10,000 years (something like that) is supposed to work too, but I suggest you do not try it.
Certainly, the things you mention are very good influences. Just keep in mind that everything is in the Veda, but some things are Yuga dependent. I would go with what Adi Shankara, who was here this Yuga, suggested: discernment, proper meditation, etc.
As I said, the rest of what you mention is fine. I intend to visit all the Jyotirlingas myself. I go to the temple every day. However, techniques and results are Yuga dependent.
Everything in this world is interconnected. “I am that. Thou art that. All of this is nothing but that.” Said in terms of modern physics: Everything is, in its essence, the unified field. It follows then, that all knowledge of everything is contained deep within anything, because after all, anything is one with everything. That infinite limitless interconnection is difficult for most to comprehend, let alone accept. At the same time, it logically follows from understanding that everything is, in its essence, the One thing that is the source of all that is. Even time collapses down to oneness. In other words, the past, present, and future are one—again difficult to understand, let alone accept.
So knowledge of anything contains the knowledge of everything. This is the key to not only Jyotish (Vedic astrology), but includes the Jyotish knowledge of omens and numerology. So, the question is not whether astrology, numerology, and omens are real. The question is whether or not a person is able to interpret/read them. The Vedangas tell us that the culmination of human evolution is Jyotish. Jyotish means light. Essentially then, evolution continues until we eventually ‘see the light’. Of course, after we ‘see the light’, refinement of that continues. It is as if we go from darkness into a room where the lights are on. Though we then see the light, it takes time for the eyes to adjust, for perception to refine.
Through life experience, refinement continues. If we resist learning, the process takes longer. Omens are everywhere. Everything is an omen. Some are more ‘readable,’ more fathomable, than others. Knowledge of all that too is everywhere—even in the dust under your bed. The question is: Who can see it? Who can read it?
Of course, our conditioning (i.e., our biases, limitations, distortions, mindsets, belief systems, etc.) comes into play. To really ‘see the light’ is no small thing! However, if you monitor your life experiences, you can develop a feel for the insights that Jyotish (astrology, numerology, omens, etc.) provides. There will be those times when you feel certain something must be an omen, but it is usually understood only in hindsight, if at all. The art of reading omens is a subtle art that easily slips through the fingers. It is more often than not ignored or misused. However, the Jyotish mechanics of creation are there and valid. The only question is the ability of the reader.
So, if you choose to explore that arena, do so with wisdom and discernment. Better to leave it alone than to embrace it foolishly. On the other hand, to explore it wisely is to open the door to deep understanding of life and existence. Yet, so few approach the subtleties of life and existence with the requisite wisdom and discernment.
All my life, I pursued knowledge of the foundation of existence. Physics (which I totally love and respect) does the same, but I looked to Vedic Knowledge for a fuller and deeper understanding. I see physics and Vedic Knowledge ultimately, as seamlessly merged, but with very different approaches. We could say that physics is a subset of Veda. To even begin to understand Vedic Knowledge, it is essential to understand cognition. It is quite natural to identify with one paradigm (for example, physics) or another. However in a larger sense, I view Vedic Knowledge as the vessel that holds all paradigms, yet is dedicated (or lost) to none. Nature (the Tao) is not lost to any paradigm, but lies beyond the reach of them all. Its foundation is transcendental, Ishwara.
I have confidence in the technology of Vedic science. Studies at universities have shown that on a small scale, the technology works. Statistical p-values make its validity undeniable. Yet, because Vedic technology is not consistent with the way people have been indoctrinated into thinking, it is usually ignored. Instead, people cling to their current perspectives, even when those perspectives are limited or even flawed.
For example, in spite of the contradictions, many physicists cling to their current perspective on the Big Bang. Many biologists realize that evolution of species happened too fast to stand alone as valid, yet they do not update their theories. Vedic knowledge offers the solution to these contradictions. Yet, people have a hard time changing their beliefs, even when the proof is there.
The Vedic technology to bring about world peace is available. It is a technology as precise as any scientific technology in the world. Mount Soma (like everything else) can be viewed from different perspectives. Though it is so much more, Mount Soma can be viewed as a research ‘laboratory’ which adheres to the precise principles of Vedic technology to create a source that radiates peace and harmony to the world.
People marvel over the fabulous ancient ruins around the world: civilizations with phenomenal technologies we today cannot comprehend. They are technologies that have been lost to time. However, what perhaps makes Vedic Knowledge unique is that its knowledge has been passed on in the Vedic Literature and preserved by the Vedic Pandits.
Mount Soma is a place where we intend to complete the implementation of the Vedic technology for world peace. It is not based upon superstition, blind faith, or dogma. It is developed with the same (or even more) rigor as seen in Western science.
The technology is there, available in the Vedic literature. So, why would we not research it? Why would we not try it out? Even great physicists in the West, like Einstein, Oppenheimer, Schrodinger, Heisenberg, etc., studied it. So let’s build it and see!
A Vedic expert (Sthapati) from India visited Mount Soma. He began to cry with tears of joy about what we are building here. He said that such a place exists nowhere else in the world.
At first I questioned him saying, “How could that be? There are so many magnificent temples in India!”
He insisted that the aspect of Vedic technology we are employing was not used there.
I thought for a moment, and then with confidence, responded, “Do you know why?”
He looked at me inquisitively.
Then I said, “Kali Yuga.”
He smiled and nodded.
Kali Yuga is the Age of Ignorance.
The science was there, but nobody would believe that Marconi’s radio could work until he built it. Scientific evidence supports that the technology to build what we are building at Mount Soma will work. Together we can build it. We have only to make it happen!! Why would we not give it our best?!
We have a total lunar eclipse taking place at Mount Soma, starting Sunday, January 20 at 9:36 pm, and ending Monday, January 21, at 2:48 am. Click here to see the details and to find the eclipse dates/times for your location.
The sun and moon’s rays have an effect on the earth. Normal sun and moon shine create a normal environment for the earth. Physical earth is made up of the five elements and those five elements have a certain balance under normal conditions. The same is true with our physiology.
The eclipse affects the sun and moon rays, creating an abnormal environment for the earth. This also upsets the balance of the five elements, upsetting our environment on earth and also our physiology, including our mind and emotions. Scientists have done research and found that during an eclipse, there is an increase in bacteria and viruses.
Because there is imbalance physically, it is suggested that people not eat or drink because the body does not process food and water correctly. It is a little bit like avoiding certain foods when a person is sick. Some do not eat from sunset to sunrise that night and others just avoid eating near the time of the actual eclipse. Because there is an imbalance mentally and emotionally, it is suggested that if people are not sleeping, they go inward and meditate or chant Mantras.
It is advised not to look at eclipses. Even if you do not look at the eclipse, the effects of an eclipse last 3-6 months. It states in the Vedas that as a result of an eclipse, there can be changes in nature and natural disasters can occur.
During the whole lunar eclipse, it is best to stay inside and not look outside or even allow moonlight in. Wait to shower, drink, and eat until after the eclipse.
This lunar eclipse begins and ends in Pushyami Nakshatra. People whose Moon is in Cancer in their Jyotish chart are most affected by this eclipse. Those who have Moon in Gemini, Leo, or Capricorn in their Jyotish chart are also particularly affected. All of these people should make sure to follow the eclipse guidelines. For maximum positive outcome from this eclipse, it is suggested to sponsor the daily Rudrabhishekam for three months.
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"This blog helps bring the reader to a level of understanding that few are willing to take the time to comprehend. It is extremely important to be very attentive to the subtle difference between what you have learned in the past and what is being said here, and not allow things to get blurred. Vedic Knowledge is a profoundly beautiful topic – my life is one of dedication to pure Knowledge." – Michael Mamas
