Both are actually same. But when it is pursued with a particular purpose or objective, it is called penance (tapas). The effort one puts in to uplift oneself is called meditation (dhyana). Meditation means trying to understand the Self (atma).
April 3, 2017 archive
Permanent link to this article: https://puttugam.com/what-is-the-difference-between-mediation-dhyana-and-penance-tapas/
It is always said that we should hold our God or Guru whom we worship in high esteem. How logical is it?
In case a person does not have a feeling that ‘My God is very powerful or my Guru is the greatest’ then it is impossible to have complete reverence and regard towards his/her Guru. While praying to one God if you get the feeling that some other God is greater, then is it possible to continue your prayer with a firm mind full of faith? Therefore it is very important to hold your Guru in high esteem.
However while it is important to have complete regard and respect towards your Guru, it is also important to remember that it is applicable only to you. ‘Your God is greatest, your Guru is supreme’ but to whom does it apply? Only to you. Therefore you have no right to ridicule or criticize any God or Guru that others may be worshipping. Even commenting about it is wrong.
Permanent link to this article: https://puttugam.com/it-is-always-said-that-we-should-hold-our-god-or-guru-whom-we-worship-in-high-esteem-how-logical-is-it/
What are the traits of a worthy devotee?
Willingness to sacrifice (renunciation), constant striving to uphold the truth, highest reverence and respect towards his Guru are the traits of a worthy devotee.
Permanent link to this article: https://puttugam.com/what-are-the-traits-of-a-worthy-devotee/
Why is important to take Mantrōpadesha (initiation into a mantra) directly from a Guru? Why can’t one accept the mantra found in books as their personal mantra?
Before I answer this question, I will give a small example. With this you will understand with more clarity. Suppose you need a LIC (Life insurance) policy. There are many ways of buying it. You can go personally to the counter and get it or you can approach an agent. If you go through an agent, then he can guide you better. He would explain in detail about the various types of policies, the returns of investment on each of them as well as the one best suited to your needs. In addition, he will make sure your money is deposited properly into your account. Can you get all this services if you go personally to the counter?
In the recitation of the mantra, clarity, inhalation, exhalation, proper splitting of the words, arohana (ascending sequence of notes), avarohana (descending sequence of notes) etc. are extremely important. When the mantra is chanted exactly as per the stipulated pattern it generates a tremendous energy in the person. This chanting procedure cannot be learnt from books. That is why a mantra has to be taken from a Guru.
There is another reason too. Didn’t I say that the repetition generates a type of energy? It is important that this energy is not misused; it needs to be channeled properly. If this is misused, the sin would fall on the Guru who initiated the person. That is why the Guru assesses the person thoroughly before initiating him.
The third reason is the most important one. While initiating, the Guru transfers some of his energy to his student! Just as a mother shares her body, blood etc. for a baby’s growth in her womb, a Guru shares his power of penance (tapas shakti), his spiritual knowledge (Jnana) with his disciple. Now you understand why it is necessary to approach a Guru for mantra!
Permanent link to this article: https://puttugam.com/why-is-important-to-take-mantropadesha-initiation-into-a-mantra-directly-from-a-guru-why-cant-one-accept-the-mantra-found-in-books-as-their-personal-mantra/
Who is a Sadguru? Which category does Swamiji come under?
Guru : One who teaches worldly knowledge.
Sadguru: One who teaches Self- knowledge (atma Jnana).
Parama-guru: One who by his mere darshan can bestow spiritual knowledge (Jnana) and liberation (mukti).
I am Guru- Sadguru- Paramaguru !!
Permanent link to this article: https://puttugam.com/who-is-a-sadguru-which-category-does-swamiji-come-under/
Guinness World Record
Puttu Gam App
