Gyanganj

It was during an impromptu meeting with intellectuals and seekers at Punjabi poet Amrita Pritam's house in Delhi, India, that Sai Kaka casually revealed: "I have been to Gyanganj several times over the past half decade." Or, rather, he is taken there every time by a sage—for spiritual instruction and immortal teachings.

This instruction must be of a high order because the 50-plus, bearded and white-robed Sai Kaka has now been teaching whoever approaches him. The man from Sangli in the south-western Indian state of Maharashtra, who studied with Swami Muktananda and Nisargadatta Maharaj, is always on the move, having chosen not to raise an ashram or an organization.

On questioning, he replies in chaste Hindi that Gyanganj exists on a different plane, a higher dimension—a shambala. But, yes, on the gross level it has parallel locations in known places on earth.

So, is there a secret territory in our midst, which has uncannily escaped all geographical surveys? A place that provides the perfect environment and opportunities for spiritual evolution? A place from where thousands of immortals and faultlessly sage beings plan the evolution of the human race, in fact, of all sentient beings?

Down-to-earth empirical reality or just bad science fiction?

Well, the belief that such a place exists, camouflaged and secluded somewhere in the deep Himalayas, has filtered down through Indian and Tibetan traditions.

Contemporary references to it are plenty, as is the testimony of people like Sai Kaka who declare they have been there. The belief in a sequestered valley of immortals seems to be headed for immortality .

In Tibet, this legendary land of spiritual enlightenment is known as Shambala, a Sanskrit word which to the Tibetans means "the source of happiness". It is not heaven on earth but a mystical kingdom that guards the most sacred and secret spiritual teachings of the world, including the Kalachakra (Wheel of Time), the pinnacle of Buddhist wisdom.

Buddhists trace Shambala to Gautama Buddha who is said to have assumed the form of the Kalachakra deity before his death and delivered his highest teaching to a group of adepts and gods in south India. Among those present was King Suchandra, the first king of Shambala, who wrote down the sermons and took them back with him.

Various Buddhist texts give instructions for finding Shambala, though directions are obscure. It is assumed that only accomplished yogis will find it. The kingdom is hidden in the mists of the snow mountains and can be reached only by flying over them with the help of siddhis or spiritual powers. James Hilton's novel, Lost Horizon, about the lost kingdom of Shangri-La, was inspired by the legend of Shambala. Shangri-La has since come to mean a remote, beautiful, imaginary place where life approaches perfection; utopia, in short.

Shambala was not a figment of the imagination for Madame Blavatsky , founder of the Theosophical Society . She considered it the abode of the mahatmas or spiritual adepts, in the mountains of Tibet, Mongolia and India. They live on through centuries in various incarnations, perpetuating the knowledge of earlier, more spiritually advanced, civilizations like the Egyptian and the Greek, and teach it to worthy pupils.

One of these adepts, Koot Hoomi (or Kuthumi Baba, at least 500 years old) was Blavatsky's guru.

In India, this secret, sacred land is known as Gyanganj or Siddhashram. References to Gyanganj or secret ashrams can be found in Hindu scriptures such as Valmiki Ramayan and Mahabharat. Guru Nanak called it Sach Khand.

Closer to our time, Paramahansa Yogananda, in his celebrated Autobiography of a Yogi wrote about meeting his guru's guru's guru, Mahavatar Babaji, an immortal of great age who looks forever young and continues to live in the Badrinath section of the Himalayas.

Babaji has also appeared to some other advanced seekers and is believed to be connected with Gyanganj. For a comprehensive account of Gyanganj, Sai Kaka directs you to the writings of Gopinath Kaviraj who died in 1976. A former principal of the Government College of Sanskrit in Benaras, Kaviraj wrote a book titled Siddhabhoomi Gyanganj, which has been translated from Bengali into Hindi and published recently by Bharatiya Vidya Prakashan.

Kaviraj's main source of information was his own guru, Swami Vishudhananda, a Bengali who settled down in Benaras, a holy city in India. Vishudhananda is believed to have sojourned many times in Gyanganj where he mastered Surya Vigyan or solar science. Surya Vigyan gave him powers to manifest objects or transform one object into another by manipulating the sun's rays. In his autobiography, Yogananda describes his meeting with Vishudhananda in Calcutta and witnessing his feat of creating any perfume on demand out of thin air. Paul Brunton in his book A Search in Secret India wrote that he not only witnessed Vishudhananda create perfumes, but also bring a dead bird back to life.

Dr Narayan Dutt Shrimali, a Jodhpur-based astrologer-tantrik-guru who publishes Mantra-Tantra-Yantra Vigyan, a Hindi monthly, says he did his sadhana in Siddhashrarn, where his name was Nikhileshwarananda. It is there that he acquired occult powers. Later, his guru told him that they wanted him to return to his householder's life and spread the wisdom of Siddhashram. Literature published by him promises that initiation by him is a passport to Siddhashram. But he refuses to reveal more details of his Gyanganj connection.

Shrimali's and Kaviraj's accounts of Gyanganj are similar. They place it mainly on a flatland to the north of Kailash-Mansarovar in Tibet. It covers an area of many square miles and is surrounded by a lake (or moat) with crystal clear water. There is a bow-shaped drawbridge, which links Gyanganj to our world.

The Gyanganj end of this bridge has a gadget to lift the bridge when desired. This gadget is operated by Surya Vigyan. Kaviraj names many other places, scattered in India, as Gyanganj territory. The area on the banks of Alaknanda river is where the siddhas roam. Mandakini's riverbed is also very mysterious: spiritual giants down the centuries have beheld celestial sights there. Thus, the entire region from Rishikesh to Kailash and Yamunotri to Nandadevi is siddhaland. In Bihar, many Buddhist siddhas frequent the Giridhkoot mountain. The Nilgiris and Srisailam in south India, too, are known to harbor secret ashrams. Arunachala hill in Tamil Nadu, where Ramana Maharshi set up his ashram, is another siddhaland. In the west, Girnaur mountain has seen siddha activity.

Teaching in arts and sciences including medicine, rasayan shastra, music and astrology also goes on here. Indians, of course, do not have a monopoly over Gyanganj. People from other parts of the world, including many Tibetan lamas, live there too.

Sai Kaka adds that Gyanganj functions on all three levels: "On the adhyatmic or spiritual level, it runs the universe. On the adhidevik or celestial level, the earth and water elements are absent, enabling very powerful activity. At this level, Gyanganj impacts on many planes and the beings there.

"On the adhibhautic or the grossest level," he continues, "Gyanganj siddhas provide guidance to human beings to initiate changes in the spiritual and even social fields. Suppose a seeker is stuck somewhere in his path, he could be guided in the form of an intuition, or some kriya triggered in his subtle body or his guru is inspired to do the needful."

Sai Kaka argues from his experience with, and knowledge of, Gyanganj, that all's well with whatever is going on in human affairs. "Earlier the suffering in the world would make me emotional, would pain me and fill me with compassion. Now I realize that right and wrong, good and bad exist on the relative plane—of mind, intellect and ego—and are an interplay of the three gunas.

From God's viewpoint, there is nonduality. Creation and dissolution are part of the continual flow." Though there can be no evolution in a flow, Sai Kaka concedes that Gyanganj is engaged in transforming world consciousness. Maybe with the collective consciousness rising, Gyanganj will become more manifest and easily accessible to human beings.

Subtle Body Energies: The Seven Subtle Bodies

here are seven subtle bodies, or layers, around the physical body, which create the auric body system (aura). It is commonly said that these layers are like an onion, and that when you peel one away, you'll reach the next, but this is not true. As you extend inward, the one before is also present within the next aura layer. For example, the outer most body is the causal, or Ketheric body. The next is layer is the celestial body, which contains itself and the causal body. As you go inward, towards the first layer (the etheric) it will be the densest because it holds all seven subtle bodies. And of course, there is the physical body, which is the densest of them all.
The seven subtle bodies can be broken down as follows: There are three physical plane bodies, three spiritual plane bodies and the astral body, which is the bridge between the lower and higher bodies (some teachings claim that the astral is the fourth in the spiritual bodies). The lower three bodies process energies dealing with the physical plane, whereas the upper three process energies from the spiritual planes. Ịt is said that the energies from the higher planes must pass through the "fire of the heart" - the heart chakra-- to reach and be of full use by the lower bodies.
Each level of the aura has its own seven chakras, which are nested within the other auric chakras. As each layer extends outwards, the chakras vibrate at higher rates. So the seven chakras within the etheric body will be vibrating at a much lower frequency then the seven chakras within the causal body. So in actuality, the base chakra, for example, will have 7 major chakras, all vibrating at different frequencies. This way, energy can be transmuted between all bodies to all chakras.
First Layer (The Etheric Body)
This is the closest energy body to the physical. It is what is made evident through Kirlian photography. The etheric body extends one quarter to two inches beyond the physical body and pulsates at about 15-20 cycles per minute. The entire body, including organs, can be perceived but it is made of a bluish (emotional) or gray light (highly active).
Second Layer (The Emotional Body)
Since this is the emotional body, it is associated with feelings. It is more fluid in nature, and does not duplicate the body, as does the etheric body. This body is about one to three inches from the physical body. Unlike the etheric body, which is blue or grayish in nature, this is more like colored clouds that change color depending on what kind of emotions the person is going through. Love, joy, excitement, and even anger will result in very brilliant hues, whereas confused emotions will result in muddy tones. This body contains all the colors in the rainbow.
Third Layer (The Mental Body)
With an even more subtle composition, the mental body holds our thoughts and mental processes. It extends three to eight inches from the body, and generally has a yellow light, which radiates around the head and shoulders, and extends to the body below. This yellow will brighten if a person is deep in thought, or concentrating on mental activities. Although the color associated with this body is yellow, other colors are evident if there is an emotion associated with the thought (stemming from the emotional body).
Fourth Layer (The Astral level)
This is the true bridge to the spiritual plane! When we start to work with this plane, and above, our perception and abilities leap from the physical to the subtle. Here we will begin to perceive energies that are not of this vibrational frequency. The body of the astral is composed of gorgeous clouds of color, which extend six inches or one foot from the body. Not only does it have the same colors of the rainbow like the emotional body, but a pink, or rose hue is often present with these colors, especially if the person is a loving one. The astral plane is also called the "emotional" plane, which ties it strongly to the heart chakra and the second subtle body (the emotional body). Because it is so closely tied to the emotions, when people fall in love, great hues of pink can be seen shooting from their heart chakra. This is also why when we are in the astral, our emotions are greatly enhanced either way. When I am with my love in the astral, it is generally free of any lower body emotions, and our love is able to flow, without restriction.
The Fifth Layer (The Etheric Template Body)
This is what you would call a template for the lower template body (the first body referenced). This is the template that exists before the physical body is formed. Although this co-exists in a different dimension, it also extends one and one half to two feet from the body and can only be seen by clairvoyants and very advanced healers. This is an important layer in healing if the lower etheric body becomes disfigured as this is the true building block to the lower etheric. This template has a dark blue hue to it.
The Sixth Layer (The Celestial Body)
This is the spiritual emotional plane where a person will feel things such as bliss, and spiritual ecstasy. When we reach the place of divine love, interconnectedness (generally through deep meditation) we are touching on this plane, which is felt through our celestial body. When we raise our level of awareness, or consciousness, to the sixth level of the aura, we have allowed a connection to happen from the heart chakra and the celestial chakra. Through this, we can love not only our fellow man (the heart chakra) but do so with divine love (celestial chakra). The colors of this body are very soft in nature (pastel) and glow softly from the body.
The Seventh Layer (The Ketheric Template or Causal Body)
This is the mental level of the spiritual plane (whereas the celestial body is the emotional level of the spiritual plane). This body contains all the other bodies within it and extends up to three and a half feet from the body, often in the shape of an egg. Its structure is made of a gold, or silvery-gold, and appears as a grid type structure, which is very durable. It pulsates and vibrates at a very high speed and within this level; we "know" we are one with God. This body also contains the main Kundalini force that runs up and down the body.
Now while the Ketheric body is the last auric level in the spiritual plane, there are other planes (such as the Cosmic plane) but they do not relate to the aura for they are beyond the aura and a different article entirely.

LIFE AFTER DEATH

Abstract
The innumerable recorded and researched cases of past life experiences clearly point to life after death. In all the recorded cases of reincarnations, it was found that there was a variable time lag between the death of the person and his next reincarnation on Earth. So, where do we go after death till our reincarnation on Earth? Is it a single plane of existence or are there a variety of planes of existence? If so, what are the factors that decide where we go after death? In this article, we present the answers to these and other questions about this topic. These answers are obtained through spiritual research done by seekers of the Spiritual Science Research Foundation (SSRF) with highly developed sixth sense (ESP).
Note: In order to understand this article better, it is recommended that you read the article on the three subtle basic components of Sattva, Raja and Tama.

Table of Contents [show]

1. What happens after death?

Spiritual research has shown that man is comprised of the following four basic bodies:

• Physical
• Mental
• Causal or intellectual
• Supracausal or subtle ego

The picture below is a diagrammatic representation of what a human being is comprised of.

When a person dies the physical body ceases to exist. However, the rest of his existence or consciousness continues. The existence of the person minus the physical body is known as the subtle body (linga-dēha) and it comprises of the mental, causal (intellect) and supracausal (subtle ego) bodies. This subtle body then goes to one of the 13 subtle planes of existence other than the Earth plane.

2. The 14 planes of existence in the Universe

There are 14 main planes of existence in the Universe. Seven of them are positive planes of existence and seven are negative planes of existence. The seven negative planes of existence are commonly known as Hell (Pātāl). There are numerous sub-planes within these main planes of existence.

Righteousness (Dharma) is that which accomplishes the 3 tasks of:

1. Keeping the social system in excellent condition
2. Bringing about the worldly progress of every living being
3. Causing progress in the spiritual realm as well.

 – Shri Adi Shankaracharya

Seven positive planes of existence: The planes of existence occupied mostly by living persons and subtle bodies doing righteous deeds and engaged in spiritual practice according to the positive path of spiritual practice are known as the seven positive planes of existence or saptalok. By positive path, we mean the orientation of spiritual practice is towards God-realisation, which is the ultimate in spiritual growth.
The Earth plane is the only physical plane of existence in the Universe and is also the first plane of existence in the hierarchy of the positive planes of existence in the Universe.
Seven Negative planes of existence: These are planes of existence occupied mostly by subtle bodies that have done unrighteous deeds and are engaged in spiritual practice according to the negative path. By negative path, we mean the orientation of spiritual practice is towards attaining spiritual power, e.g. supernatural powers. This spiritual power is primarily used to enhance one’s control over others or for negative purposes. Thus all subtle bodies that go to any one of the planes of existence of Hell, by virtue of their evil intentions become ghosts.
Refer to the article on, ‘What is a ghost’?
Sub planes of existence of Hell (Narak): Every plane of existence of Hell has a sub-plane known as Narak. For example, the first plane of existence of Hell will have within it a sub-plane that is known as the first Narak. Narak is reserved for the worst ghosts (demons, devils, negative energies, etc.) in Hell. The ghosts (demons, devils, negative energies, etc.) occupying the first Narak face more severe punishment and for a longer duration than those occupying the first plane of existence of Hell.
The diagram below shows the 14 planes of existence in the Universe.

Please note:
1. For the sake of simplicity, though we have shown the planes of existence one on top of the other in this diagram, in reality they are around us in all directions. It’s just that Earth being the physically tangible plane is seen; whereas the other planes are progressively more and more subtle and hence invisible to the gross eye. In fact different people, though living on the Earth plane experience thoughts and emotions corresponding to the different planes of existence as per their spiritual level or thoughts. For example Saints, i.e. spiritually evolved people beyond the 70% spiritual level, lead an existence corresponding to the positive planes of existence of Heaven and beyond. In contrast a person planning theft experiences thoughts corresponding to the 1st plane of Hell, one planning some act aimed at harming others at 2nd plane of Hell and so on and a person planning murder experiences thoughts corresponding to the 7th plane of Hell. However no 2 planes of existence can be experienced simultaneously, i.e. a person cannot experience thoughts corresponding to 2 different planes, e.g. Heaven and Mahārlok.
2. The Nether region (Bhuvarlok) to be precise is a region that is aligned away from God. We have however depicted it as a positive plane as subtle bodies from this region still have a chance to be born on Earth to progress spiritually.
Once subtle bodies regress to any of the regions of Hell, then there is a remote possibility of their being born on Earth and progressing towards God.
An explanation behind the colour scheme used

• Earth is depicted reddish as it represents action (i.e. subtle basic Raja component), as it is the only plane where we have the physical body to do something.
• Heaven has been depicted in pink, which represents an abundance of happiness.
• Yellow represents spiritual knowledge and an increase in the subtle basic Sattva component. It finally becomes almost white at the highest stage, which represents the close proximity to the unmanifest God principle.
• The regions of Hell are represented by darker shades to black, as there is an increase in the subtle basic Tama component.

3. Heaven and the other positive planes of existence in the Universe

Plane of existence1	Spiritual Level %	Proportion of Sattva component	Type of person	Predominant body6	Predominant emotion
Satya	90	95	Nearly completely knowledgeable	Subtle ego /Supracausal	Sattvik happiness (5%) Bliss & Serenity (95%)
Tapo	80	90	Highly knowledgeable	Intellect/Causal	Sattvik happiness (25%) Bliss & Serenity (75%)
Jana	70	85	More knowledgeable	Intellect/Causal	Sattvik happiness (50%) Bliss & Serenity (50%)
Mahar	605	80	Knowledgeable	Intellect/Causal	Sattvik happiness9(75%) Bliss & Serenity (25%)10
Superior Heaven	50	75	More Merits	Intellect/Causal	More happiness
Inferior Heaven	404	60	Fewer Merits	Mental body	Less happiness8
Nether (Bhuvarlok)2	25	40	Average	Desires part of the mental body	Unhappiness7
Earth	203	33	Average	Physical	Happiness/Unhappiness

Footnotes (based on the numbers in red in the above table):

1. Each positive and negative plane of existence beyond the Earth (physical) plane of existence becomes more and more subtle. By subtle, we mean, that which is beyond the comprehension of the five senses, mind and intellect. Satyalok is the subtlest positive plane, and therefore is the most difficult to perceive or comprehend unless the highest sixth sense (ESP) level is attained.
2. Due to lack of spiritual practice and a higher proportion of demerits (sins), most people in the current era go to either the Nether world or one of the planes of existence of Hell. We generally go to the Nether world after death when the proportion of demerits (incurred due to wrong doings on Earth) is approximately 30%. Demerits typically include malice towards others and a lot of desires. The likelihood of being attacked in the Nether world by higher-level ghosts from the lower plane of existence of Hell is almost certain.
3. Earth is the only plane of existence where there is an amalgamation of people with varying spiritual levels. However, after death we go to the precise plane of existence corresponding to our spiritual level.
4. The minimum spiritual level required to attain Heaven after death is 40%. Please refer to the article, which describes what spiritual level is and the breakdown of the world population in 2016 according to spiritual level. Basically from the Spiritual science perspective, meritorious acts to attain Heaven or the higher positive planes of existence are those acts done without expectation with the objective of God-realisation. The following three criteria can be applied:
   • Acts done without doership, i.e., with the outlook that God Himself is getting it done from me and hence I cannot lay claim to any credit.
   • Done without expectation of acclaim or appreciation.
   • Done without expectation of results. More than the acts per se, it is the attitude or outlook behind the acts that counts more.
   It is important to note that subtle bodies at the borderline of just 40% and thereabouts often get pulled back by negative energies and hence remain in the Nether world (Bhuvarlok).
5. To attain a higher plane of existence that is beyond Heaven, one needs to be at a spiritual level higher than 60%. This can only be achieved by consistent spiritual practice according to the six basic laws of spiritual practice along with a major reduction in ego.
6. By predominant body, we mean the body that is most active, i.e., mental, intellect or the subtle ego. For example, in the Nether plane of existence (Bhuvarlok), the subtle bodies still have a lot of desires and attachments. As a result, quite often they become ghosts trying to fulfil some desire of theirs through their descendants or people on Earth. This leaves them open to higher-level negative energies from the lower regions of Hell; who take advantage of their cravings so as to affect people on Earth.
7. In the Nether world plane of existence, subtle bodies experience only unhappiness as desires cannot be fulfilled.
8. In the plane of existence known as Heaven, subtle bodies experience an overabundance of happiness. This happiness is much beyond the happiness experienced on Earth in quantity, quality and duration. As we go up the positive planes of existence, there is an increase in the quality of happiness and no unhappiness.
9. Sāttvik happiness means happiness derived from helping others without any expectations or strings attached. When ego is involved in the act, it becomes rājasik.
10. Serenity is a higher spiritual experience than Bliss.

3.1 Positive planes of existence and reincarnation on Earth

From the subtle planes of existence below Maharlok, people need to be reincarnated on the Earth plane of existence in order to settle their destiny and complete their give-and-take accounts. If after one’s death one attains higher regions such as Maharlok or Janalok due to higher spiritual level, one does not need to be reincarnated as all of the individual’s remaining destiny (accumulated account) can be worked out from these planes themselves. However, these evolved subtle bodies may choose to be born of their own will. They do so because of their expansive nature primarily to act as spiritual guides for humanity and to help society grow spiritually.

In some circumstances people who pass away even below the spiritual level of 60% can attain Maharlok. Here the person’s potential for further spiritual growth is considered. Through spiritual research we have found that that there are 5 factors that influence this potential for further spiritual growth.

• Having a high amount of spiritual emotion (bhāv),
• Having a low ego,
• Having an intense desire for spiritual growth,
• Doing regular spiritual practice of increasingly higher levels,
• Affected or not affected by negative energies. Being affected/possessed by negative energies can severely obstruct the ability for spiritual growth. In the afterlife such affected subtle bodies even if they are at a spiritual level of 60% can be obstructed from reaching the higher subtle regions of the Universe by negative energies.

3.2 The importance of the Earth plane of existence

The Earth plane of existence is very important. It is the only plane of existence where we can make rapid spiritual growth and settle our give-and-take account in the shortest period of time. The main reason for this is that with the help of the physical body, we can do many things to enhance our spiritual growth and spiritual level and reduce the basic subtle Tama component.
Other than Earth, spiritual growth is mostly likely to occur only in the regions beyond Heaven such as Maharlok etc. This is because in Heaven, the subtle bodies run the risk of getting caught up in the unending pleasures it offers. In the Nether and Hell planes of existence, the punishment is so severe and also the distress from the other higher-level ghosts is such that it becomes very difficult to rise above the suffering to undertake any spiritual practice of value.

4. What is Hell, who goes to Hell and what is Hell like?

• As one goes to lower planes of existence of Hell, as the subtle basic Sattva component progressively reduces the environment becomes less conducive to the experience of happiness.
• Within the planes of existence of Hell, there are some ghosts who do certain types of spiritual practice to gain spiritual power. The highest in the hierarchy of ghosts are sorcerers from the seventh plane of existence of Hell. They have immense spiritual power almost equivalent to a Saint at the 90% spiritual level. They control all the other types of ghosts with lesser spiritual power.
• As one goes deeper into the various planes of existence of Hell, i.e. from 1st to 7th, the extent of happiness experienced by the subtle bodies therein goes on decreasing and the extent of unhappiness goes on multiplying. The minimal experience of happiness is also due to being engrossed in memories of past positive events, pleasant memories of wealth in a past life, etc. The experience of unhappiness is due to memories of physical pain and insulting events, memories of unfulfilled desires, e.g. regarding education, house, career, expectation of happiness from children in past life.
• The extent of punishment/pain to be endured in the various planes of existence of Hell and their associated Narak goes on increasing with the subsequent plane of existence of Hell. Also, the period of punishment to be endured in each Narak is in excess compared to the corresponding plane of existence of Hell. If we consider the punishment in first plane of existence of Hell as 100%, then the punishment in the corresponding first Narak region is 50% more, i.e. 150%.

The following table is a description of examples along with the average intensity of happiness and unhappiness we experience in the various planes of existence of Hell.

5. Movement between subtle planes of existence in the Universe

One is assigned that plane of existence which matches one’s basic nature in terms of Sattva, Raja and Tama. This is also a function of one’s spiritual level. Hence, subtle bodies from lower positive planes of existence cannot go to higher positive planes of existence and those from first or second negative planes of existence cannot go to the deeper planes of existence Hell. This is similar to how people living in the planes find breathing difficult at higher altitudes, but people staying at higher altitudes manage fine.

6. What decides where we go after death?

At the time of death, as the physical body becomes inactive the vital energy used for the functioning of the physical body is liberated into the Universe. This vital energy at the time of death propels the subtle body away from the Earth region. Just as the weight of a projectile decides how far a rocket will propel it, similarly the weight of the subtle body decides which plane of existence it goes to in the subtle planes of existence in life after death.
The ‘weight’ of the subtle body is primarily a function of the amount of the subtle basic Tama component in our being.

The 3 subtle basic components: Each one of us is made up of three subtle basic components or guṇas. These components are spiritual in nature and cannot be seen but they define our personalities. They are:

• Sattva: Purity and knowledge
• Raja: Action and passion
• Tama: Ignorance and inertia In an average person in the current era, the basic subtle Tama component is as high as 50%.

Please read the article on the 3 subtle basic components
The more we are filled with the Raja and Tama components the more we display the following characteristics which add to our ‘weight’ and impact which plane of existence we go to in our life after death:

• More attachment to worldly things and selfishness
• More unfulfilled desires
• Feelings of revenge
• Higher amount of demerits or wrong-doings
• Higher amount of personality defects such as anger, greed, fear, etc.
• A higher amount of ego: By ego we mean how much a person identifies himself with his body, mind and intellect as opposed to the soul within
• Resulting in lower spiritual level

A permanent reduction in the proportion of the subtle basic Tama component and the related characteristics mentioned above come about only with sustained spiritual practice according to the six basic laws of spiritual practice. Psychological improvements with self-help books or trying to be nice are at best superficial and temporary.

6.1 Importance of the mental state at the time of death

The mental state at the point of death, apart from what has been mentioned above, is very important. Our mental state is generally relative to the proportion of the subtle basic components in our being.
If a person is actually doing his spiritual practice such as chanting the Name of God at the time of death then the influence of desires, attachments, ghosts, etc. are minimal possible for that person compared to his state when not chanting. This makes his subtle body lighter. Hence, if he passes away while chanting, he attains better plane of existence among the sub-planes than what he would have attained were he to pass away without chanting.
At the time of death, if a person is chanting the Name of God and is also in a state of surrender to God’s will, then he attains an even better plane of existence in his life after death and his sojourn is undertaken with lightening speed. This is because the person being in a state of surrender on Earth plane of existence itself, has very less chance of increasing his ego in his life after death. Also, the entire responsibility of his well-being in his life after death is undertaken by his evolved spiritual guide (Guru).

6.2 Who goes to Hell?

The following are the types of deeds in our life on Earth that typically land us in one of the planes of existence of Hell.

The extent, duration and intention behind the wrong-doings are important factors deciding the planes of existence of Hell attained after death rather than just the action itself.

7. Suicide and the after life

There are two types of death with regards to its timing.
Destined final death: This is the time of death that no one can escape.
Possible death: This is where a person can possibly die. Each person may undergo a possible death wherein one comes close to death but may be saved due to his or her merits.
For more information on the types of death please refer to our article – Time of Death
In cases where a person is going through insurmountable crisis in his life or has severe personality disorders, he may think of taking his own life in a depressed state. Ghosts (demons, devils, negative energies, etc.) also fuel the depression of a suicidal person and sometimes are instrumental in pushing a person over the edge into committing suicide. However, in most cases, suicide remains a wilful act that happens when a person is going through a possible death phase as per their destiny.
Life on the Earth plane of existence is precious and is given to us primarily for spiritual growth. When we kill others, we create/settle a karmic give-and-take account with them. However by committing suicide, we squander away the opportunity for spiritual growth and hence incur demerits or sin. The gravity of sin can vary depending on the circumstances under which a person commits suicide. Invariably the subtle-body of an average suicide case will go to Bhuvarlok. However for greater sins incurred during their life and the circumstances under which they commit suicide they can go to the lower regions of Hell.

• Killing a Saint incurs the maximum amount of sin and on a scale of 0-100, it is 100.
• Killing an ordinary person incurs 40 on the same scale
• Killing oneself incurs 30% sin as opposed to killing another person of average spiritual level. Generally people who commit suicide are at a lower spiritual level. Their spiritual level gets eroded due to continuous depression.

Cause	Sin incurred	Merits	Comments
Where only oneself is involved
Physical: If one is experiencing severe pain or terminally ill due to illness and cannot take the pain any more voluntary euthanasia.	30% of killing another person of average spiritual level	–	Refer to the article on Euthanasia – Section 4.2
Psychological: Severe depression, psychiatric patient	30% of killing another person of average spiritual level	–
Spiritual: Taking one’s life when totally under the command of negative energies	0	–	The subtle body-continues to be under the influence of negative energies after death. Intense spiritual practice helps to come out of the clutches of demonic possession.
Where others are involved
Sacrificing oneself to save others selflessly	0	Varies	Depends on who one is sacrificing for. If sacrificing oneself for an evil person then one in fact incurs demerits and not merits.
Sacrificing oneself to save a Saint’s life	0	100	Saving a Saint’s life accrues the highest amount of merits.
Suicide bomber (killing oneself and others)	Varies	Varies	As per cause. For example if a soldier were to kill Hitler in a suicide mission to save millions of lives and rid the world of a menace, then merits would be accrued. Alternatively if a suicide bomber killed innocent adults and children then only demerits would be incurred.

8. Why is there a time lag between two reincarnations?

In the course of research by using hypnotic trance to trace the past lives of the person, it has been found that the time lag between two reincarnations on Earth could be on average 50 to 400 years. The reasons for this time lag are as follows:

• The subtle body remains in the Heaven or the Nether plane of existence for variable periods of time to undergo its merits and demerits (sins).
• Circumstances on Earth plane of existence need to be favourable to complete the give-and-take account from previous births with various people. This is in accordance with the law of Karma. The reincarnation of the subtle body is postponed until the time various other people who they have a give-and-take account with are also preparing to take reincarnation.
• Sometimes in past life regression, a person does not report a reincarnation in the trance state. The reason for this is that a certain reincarnation has been very uneventful or brief and the person may not remember any details of it.

In the case of subtle bodies that have been relegated to the deeper planes of existence of Hell, the time lag between two reincarnations may be thousands of years. They stay in their respective plane of existence of Hell until such time they have completed their punishment. In most cases, this means languishing in plane of existence of Hell in their life after death till the dissolution of the Universe.

9. Life after death – in summary

The above facts about the various planes of existence give us a fair idea of the possible consequences in our life after death of how we live our lives. Only with spiritual practice or with extreme meritorious deeds can one go to the higher planes of existence and thereby avoid unhappiness and punishment and enjoy higher levels of happiness. There are also better chances of a reincarnation on Earth plane of existence in circumstances conducive to spiritual practice. This is so that one moves further up in the subtle planes of existence in the Universe. As we go further into the current Era of Strife (Kaliyug), there is lesser likelihood of people going to the higher planes of existence.
Once we go to the lower planes of existence such as the Nether plane of existence or other planes of existence of Hell, we stay there and experience severe unhappiness for centuries until we completely pay for our demerits (sins) by suffering the intense punishments meted there and get a chance to be reincarnated on Earth.
To do consistent spiritual practice on the Earth plane of existence according to the 6 basic laws of spiritual practice is like swimming against the tide in the current era. However, it is also a guaranteed way of advancing to higher planes of existence in our life after death.

WHICH RELIGION IS OLDEST ON THE EARTH

In ancient times the word religion was linked to mythology, but it really has more to do with how the world was created, what exactly a human’s place in this world is, what happens after death, and how you get through this experience and the next life without having to suffer. No matter what the religion, the people who follow it have created a god that reflects their own image and likeness. But which is the oldest religion?

The Oldest Religion—Hinduism

Even though Hinduism is considered the oldest religion on record, it is actually not one single religion. Hinduism is a combination of Vaishnavism, Shaivism, and Shaktism. It was based on the morality of the times and adheres to dharma, karma, and other social norms. Unlike many organized religions it is more open to philosophical and intellectual ideas. 

Origin

The religion of Hinduism began more than 5,000 years ago. There is a river in northern India called River Indus. At the time it was called the Sindhu. There was an influx of Persians into India and they called the river Hindu. They referred to the land as Hindustan and the people who lived there Hindus. This created the shift from Sindhu to Hinduism.
At one time, it was thought that Hinduism was based on the beliefs of the Aryans who found their way to the Indus Valley Civilization around 2000 BC. This was later attributed to be a myth. The three phases of Hinduism are the ancient times (6500 BCE to 1000 AD), medieval times (1000 to 1800 AD) and the religion as it is followed today, considered the modern period.

Scriptures

The scriptures that make up Hinduism are called “Shastras.” They are a group of spiritual rules that were created by several different sages and saints over the history of its inception. Long before the tenets of this religion were documented, the beliefs were considered heard, of Shruti, and memorized, or Smriti. As time went on, they were written in Sanskrit. Currently the religion follows the Bhagavad Gita, the epics of Ramayana and Mahabharata, and the Upanishads.

Tenets

The main tenets of Hinduism have to do with reincarnation, dharma, moksha, karma, and idol worship. The ideals of which this religion is based upon is truthfulness, compassion, self-control, non-violence, generosity, fortitude, and purity.
Some of the phrases that help to depict the major truths of Hinduism are bhakti, or devotion, yoga, which means discipline, and dharma, which translates to what is right. There are four stages of human life in Hinduism with the appropriate rituals and rites that go with each stage.
There are two lifelong dharmas in traditional Hinduism: Grihastha Dharma which means domestic religion and Sannyasin Dharma, or ascetic religion. There are four goals of the Grihastha Dharma and they include sensual pleasure, the laws of life, liberation from the cycle of births, and wealth and prosperity.

Beliefs

There are nine beliefs that Hindus adhere to. They are:

• They believe in one Supreme Being who is the Creator of things and one who unmanifests reality.
• The Hindu religion follows the “divinity of the four Vedas” which is considered the oldest scripture in the world. They consider this the word of God and the basis of the eternal religion, Sanatana Dharma.
• It is believed by followers of this religion that the universe goes through many phases of preservation, creation, and dissolution.
• Karma is one of their main beliefs which has each person being responsible for his or her destiny based on their words, thoughts, and actions.
• Another strong belief has to do with reincarnation. All beings go through reincarnation until they have resolved their karma and arrive at the point where they have been freed of being born again.
• It is believed that there are divine beings living in other worlds unseen. Worshipping in the temple, certain rituals, personal devotionals, and sacraments help them work together with these beings.
• You must become enlightened in order to be familiar with the Transcendent Absolute. The traits required to become enlightened include good conduct, personal discipline, meditation, purification, self-inquiry, pilgrimage, and surrender in God.
• All Hindus respect life and feel that all life is revered and sacred. This is why they practice to not injure anyone with their words or actions. This is called ahimsa.
• It is the Hindu belief that there is no religion that is superior to another. They feel that all roads lead to God and that each one is a reflection of God’s light and should be respected and tolerated.

Other Oldest Religions

Although Hinduism is touted the world’s oldest religion, there are others that have been around a long time as well. Judaism, Taoism Buddhism, and Jainism are religions that are still being practiced today. A few older style religions are Zorastrianism, Confucianism, and Pantheism.

1

Polytheism

This religion is based on the existence of gods and goddesses. Their deities included mother goddesses, water deities, creator deities, and love deities. The Egyptians, Greeks, Romans, Celts, and Chinese followed this religion during ancient times. Each practiced a little differently, but there was a common thread that brought it all together.

2

Judaism

Judaism is still practiced today and has a history that spans more than 4,000 years. This religion believes that there is one God. Followers go by the first five books of the Old Testament and recognize it as the Torah. The tenets of this religion encompass family relationships, criminal justice, social responsibility, and personal values. It is referred to as Halachah.

3

Buddhism

As an offspring of Hinduism, Buddhism was founded in the 6th century BCE by Siddhartha Gautama, one of the oldest religions. He is referred to as the awakened one. Divided into two groups, Buddhism has a conservative branch called Theravada and a more liberal branch called Mahayana. The tenets include the Four Noble Truths – suffering, the cause of suffering being desire, the end to suffering, and the existence of ending suffering.

4

Jainism

Jainism is also from the 6th century BCE. Their main tenet is that every living things has a soul and everything should be done to not cause injury to any life form. There are two groups – the Svetambaras, who wear white clothing, and the Digambaras who wear no clothing at all. The monks that belong to this religion wear pieces of cloth across their mouths so they do not accidentally cause any harm by breathing in.

5

Taoism

The origins of Taoism date back to the 3rd or 4th century BCE which is when the main tenets of Taoism were dated. The tenets behind this religion are for followers to live in the flow of everything. Living in accordance of “the way” effortlessly and in conjunction with humility, compassion, and moderation is what is expected of those who live by the Tao.

How to Dissolve Bad Karma 0f Past Life

It is commonly believed that our present life on this planet earth is being lead by our past life Karmas, (Karmaashaya, cumulative actions of our past life or if one may call in contemporary terms, bank balance in our saving accounts, accumulated by us in previous lives). There are three types of Karma; Shukla meaning white or in other words, good deeds, Krishna meaning black or in other words, bad deeds and Shukla-Krishna, meaning mixed deeds, which are both good and bad. If someone intentionally or accidentally kills a snake in order to save another person or animal even with selfless motive, he is said to have committed a Shukla-Krishna karma as though saving one life is a good deed, killing another is bad. Most good human beings, who wilfully refrain from committing themselves to bad deeds, unfortunately get trapped into committing Shukla-Krishna Karma for which they remain answerable in their next life. ‘Prarabdha’ means the resultant package of all good and bad experiences which we must face in the current life as a result of our Karmas in the past life.

More than 80% of our problems; stress, strain, frustrations, sufferings etc., that all of us face in current life can be categorize in  3 types;
       a. Wealth and Carrier related, Job, Profession, finance, Money, Property, vehicles etc.
        b. Health and Medical related, diseases, accidents etc
        c. Relationship related –among immediate family members, Friends, relations, society etc.
We try our best within our capability, put in endeavour, time, and energy and yet the results we achieve are contrary to our expectations. Most of the people feel let down, get de-motivated and surrender to the circumstances.

Sometime we think why these things happen to “me only”??

Most people start consulting astrologers etc., to get a peep into their future. But most of the times it proves to be a futile exercise for majority of the people, Sometimes gets an unsolicited advice from his friends and others that all what is happening is due to the Karmas of the past, so, enjoy the life as it comes.  We move ahead regardless and continue to lead our lives in a mechanical, routine and boring manner; feeling frustrated internally and also feeling handicapped, unable to change our present circumstances.

 But if one sincerely desires, to be happy, to lead a comfortable life full of joy, free of disease, he can achieve his objective right now. One only needs to believe in him / herself and keep patience for the next 21 Days.

The purpose of following techniques and procedure is to establish a balance in our body, mind and soul and tune it to the harmonic vibrations of the universe. This will enable you to live happily & joyfully in the most natural way, till your  visa to this planet earth expires. This will also enable you to write yours Prabadh afresh to ensure pleasant experiences in your next life. If one is able to free himself of all his bad Karmas, he may be  eligible for Moksha, the ultimate Goal for his Soul  as explained in “The Bhagwat Geeta”.

Scientific discoveries are all based on uncovering of natural laws that govern the functioning of this universe. By understanding and practically applying these natural laws, we have been able to develop various machines & gadgets to improve our lifestyle. Quite a few observations in experimental Quantum Physics directly point towards some of the Unknown Universal & Natural Laws. However, these laws have been recognized and proven a number of times in Spiritual domain.

In a similar manner more one become aware of the natural laws governing this universe, he is able to lead a happy, joyful & comfortable life. In legal language it’s said that Ignorance of law is no excuse. If one wants to continue to suffer the rest of his life, it is only him who is going to be responsible for it and none else. The Natural State of any entity has to be in a state of equilibrium for healthy & peaceful existence.

Our purpose is to live happily and in Harmony with our own ecosystem.
We also know that Happiness is our Primary Goal among all other Goals in our life.
Foremost is our Intention and Determination to take control of our own life.
 Soul (our Own Consciousness) Orders, Thought Follows;
Thought Orders, Energy Follows;
Energy Orders, Blood Follows (In our body & we are Healed);
Energy Orders, Manifestations happen (In our Physical World);
Energy Orders, Relationships Improve (In our emotional World).
If Energy Stagnates, we suffer by way of Diseases, money, relationships etc. and blame either ourselves or others.
There  are very effective techniques and exercises to increase our Energy Level  that Enriches our everyday life. While doing these exercises one should have the following attributes:-

1. Peaceful and calm mind
2. Trust one’s own self , I am sure everyone can trust his own self
3. Do it with a detached attitude, without keeping any expectations in mind. Just Do it.
4. Follow a Law of Power of Practice:  Can you Learn Driving, Swimming or any kind of skill, just by reading its manual or by observing others?  If you want to go to Swarg – only you have to die!!  Practice is a Key to unlock the hidden vaults of treasure that you want.

If you believe that in your present life you are suffering due to Past Life Karmas and you desire to have a better future, following the procedure herein will help you definitely in dissolving you bad past life karmas. I can also provide the rationale and scientific facts behind these procedures.

1. Make Jal Neti * a daily routine procedure, similar to brushing teeth in the morning.  You can Google out and Search for the term “Benefits of Jal Neti“. Watch its Video on youtube and  Learn it from any Yoga teacher in your neighbourhood. If you know swimming, it will be very simple for you.

2. Follow the White Light Meditation.**  With this White Light Meditation you will be able to Increase your Pranic / Chi  Energy flow in your body and Clean all your biological  cells , mental body & etheric body.

3. Take 2 sheets of paper and on one you write :-

             -       (a) Names of people and all the wrongs they have done to you in any order of your choice, it will be very
             -             easy and   simple,

          -         (b) On second sheet of paper you write names of all the persons / animals etc.  to whom you have done anything
           -                -    wrong, it could be difficult and complicated , but it’s most  essential.

4. If you are seriously interested in Dissolving your past life Karmas for your better future, want to utilize your time effectively  till your Visa Expires for this Planet Earth,

Do the above consciously and diligently for at least 21 days and you will know the difference.

5. (a). Now Start Forgiving all the Persons whose name you have written on First Sheet and forget what all bad things they have done to you , during your While Light Meditation.

        -        (b). To all the Persons whose name is on Second sheet of Paper, ask for their Forgiveness and resolve in your
             -          mind that you will never again hurt them or harm them in manner during White Light Meditation.  

With just above simple steps as mentioned above you will be able to :-
1.      Dissolve your bad / negative Past Life Karmas in this life time
2.      You can Change your Future as per your desire in complete harmony with natural
          Universal system
3.   You will be able to lead Happy, Joyful, Peaceful & Comfortable life.
4.   Remember, only your actions alone have a power to change your future and none else.

5. Understand the Power of Practice. Just by reading this article will not dissolve your Past Life Karmas. You have to take a pro active action.
6. If you are Delhi / NCR region, you can meet me individually or in a group for White Light Meditation Practice.  Details of this technique and its proper procedure is given below.
7. My Services and advice is free of any monetary consideration for your spiritual advancement.

*WHY JAL NETI -
The purpose of Jal Neti is to harmonize and bring into equilibrium your breathing pattern, in a most natural manner.  The yogic breathing exercises (Pranayam etc.)  also give the same effect and increase our energy levels. Jal Neti assist you to do it more effectively , naturally , efficiently and effortlessly throughout the day. Your ida, pingla & shusuhmana nadi’s will have balanced energy flow, when breathing pattern  is harmonized after clearing of nasal passage.  This will  result in increasing your physical & mental health, vitality and pranic / chi energy levels.  Thereafter when you are doing white light meditation, it will be very easy for you to concentrate and increase  awareness  level. This will again increase your energy levels. With heightened energy levels,  you will be able to wash out / decrease all kinds of negative emotions, memories, traumas etc. associated with your past life karmas.
** HOW TO DO WHITE LIGHT MEDITATION –

1. Sit comfortably on a Chair in a mildly lit room, legs uncrossed, Eyes Closed, Eye balls rolled up, free of all distractions. Just Imagine and Visualize from your mind’s eye that a ray of white light is entering in your body from the centre point on top of your head (  Crown Chakra ). If you aren’t able to SEE a Light , just FAKE it, that it’s theirs, till you make it. Now Visualize that its entering in  each and every part of your body , both internal and external organs and body parts.  While passing through your body, its Cleaning, Rejuvenating, Healing and Energizing all  your body parts and organs at cellular level. When you reach at the your feet level,  Visualize that White Light has become little dirty due to absorption of all kinds of negativity  from your cells, organs and body parts.  It’s leaving your body and going deep inside Earth.  When you see and feel that clear light is now exiting from your feet, slowly come out of the meditative state. Second  time when doing White Light Meditation mentally recall the names of people as mentioned in 5(a) above. Third time recall the names of people as mentioned in 5(b) above.  This will Complete your 3 exercises, 7 times , total 21 days. It will take less than 30 minutes per day.  Total approximately   11 Hours of your this life. That’s it.
2. You can also imagine Sun Ray’s entering your body, while in front of Sun after Sun rise and before Sun set, instead of White Light.
3. You can also Imagine and Visualize that a Milky White Water, instead of White Light &  is entering your body while having a shower and its cleaning your body at Cellular level. 

Amazing Scientific Reasons Behind Hindu Rituals

1.  Joining Both Palms together to Greet

In Hindu culture, people greet each other by joining their palms – termed as “Namaskar.” The general reason behind this tradition is that greeting by joining both the palms means respect. However, scientifically speaking, joining both hands ensures joining the tips of all the fingers together; which are denoted to the pressure points of eyes, ears, and mind. Pressing them together is said to activate the pressure points which helps us remember that person for a long time. And, no germs since we don’t make any physical contact!

2. Why do Indian Women wear Toe Ring

Wearing toe rings is not just the significance of married women but there is science behind it. Normally toe rings are worn on the second toe. A particular nerve from the second toe connects the uterus and passes to heart. Wearing toe ring on this finger strengthens the uterus. It will keep it healthy by regulating the blood flow to it and menstrual cycle will be regularized. As Silver is a good conductor, it also absorbs polar energies from the earth and passes it to the body.

3. Throwing Coins into a River

The general reasoning given for this act is that it brings Good Luck. However, scientifically speaking, in the ancient times, most of the currency used was made of copper unlike the stainless steel coins of today. Copper is a vital metal very useful to the human body. Throwing coins in the river was one way our fore-fathers ensured we intake sufficient copper as part of the water as rivers were the only source of drinking water. Making it a custom ensured that all of us follow the practice.

4. Applying Tilak/KumKum on the Forehead

On the forehead, between the two eyebrows, is a spot that is considered as a major nerve point in human body since ancient times. The Tilak is believed to prevent the loss of “energy”, the red ‘kumkum’ between the eyebrows is said to retain energy in the human body and control the various levels of concentration. While applying kumkum the points on the mid-brow region and Adnya-chakra are automatically pressed. This also facilitates the blood supply to the face muscles.

5. Why do Temples have Bells

People who are visiting the temple should and will Ring the bell before entering the inner sanctum (Garbhagudi or Garbha Gruha or womb-chamber) where the main idol is placed. According to Agama Sastra, the bell is used to give sound for keeping evil forces away and the ring of the bell is pleasant to God. However, the scientific reason behind bells is that their ring clears our mind and helps us stay sharp and keep our full concentration on devotional purpose. These bells are made in such a way that when they produce a sound it creates a unity in the Left and Right parts of our brains. The moment we ring the bell, it produces a sharp and enduring sound which lasts for minimum of 7 seconds in echo mode. The duration of echo is good enough to activate all the seven healing centres in our body. This results in emptying our brain from all negative thoughts.

6. Why We Start with Spice & End with Sweet:

Our ancestors have stressed on the fact that our meals should be started off with something spicy and sweet dishes should be taken towards the end. The significance of this eating practice is that while spicy things activate the digestive juices and acids and ensure that the digestion process goes on smoothly and efficiently, sweets or carbohydrates pulls down the digestive process. Hence, sweets were always recommended to be taken as a last item.

7.  Why Do We Applying Mehendi/Henna on the Hand and Feet

Besides lending color to the hands, mehndi is a very powerful medicinal herb. Weddings are stressful, and often, the stress causes headaches and fevers. As the wedding day approaches, the excitement mixed with nervous anticipation can take its toll on the bride and groom. Application of mehndi can prevent too much stress because it cools the body and keeps the nerves from becoming tense. This is the reason why mehndi is applied on the hands and feet, which house nerve endings in the body.

8. Sitting on the Floor & Eating

This tradition is not just about sitting on floor and eating, it is regarding sitting in the “Sukhasan” position and then eating. Sukhasan is the position we normally use for Yoga asanas. When you sit on the floor, you usually sit cross legged – In sukhasana or a half padmasana  (half lotus), which are poses that instantly bring a sense of calm and help in digestion, it is believed to automatically trigger the signals to your brain to prepare the stomach for digestion.

9. Why you should not to sleep with Your Head towards North

Myth is that it invites ghost or death but science says that it is because human body has its own magnetic field (Also known as hearts magnetic field, because the flow of blood) and Earth is a giant magnet. When we sleep with head towards north, our body’s magnetic field become completely asymmetrical to the Earth’s Magnetic field. That cause problems related to blood pressure and our heart needs to work harder in order to overcome this asymmetry of Magnetic fields. Apart from this another reason is that Our body have significant amount of iron in our blood. When we sleep in this position, iron from the whole body starts to congregate in brain. This can cause headache, Alzheimer’s Disease, Cognitive Decline, Parkinson disease and brain degeneration.

10. Why We Pierce Ear

Piercing the ears has a great importance in Indian ethos. Indian physicians and philosophers believe that piercing the ears helps in the development of intellect, power of thinking and decision making faculties. Talkativeness fritters away life energy. Ear piercing helps in speech-restraint. It helps to reduce impertinent behavior and the ear-channels become free from disorders. This idea appeals to the Western world as well, and so they are getting their ears pierced to wear fancy earrings as a mark of fashion.

11. Surya Namaskar

Hindus have a tradition of paying regards to Sun God early in the morning by their water offering ritual. It was mainly because looking at Sun rays through water or directly at that time of the day is good for eyes and also by waking up to follow this routine, we become prone to a morning lifestyle and mornings are proven to be the most effective part of the day.

12. Choti on the Male Head

Sushrut rishi, the foremost surgeon of Ayurveda, describes the master sensitive spot on the head as Adhipati Marma, where there is a nexus of all nerves. The shikha protects this spot. Below, in the brain, occurs the Brahmarandhra, where the sushumnã (nerve) arrives from the lower part of the body. In Yog, Brahmarandhra is the highest, seventh chakra, with the thousand-petalled lotus. It is the centre of wisdom. The knotted shikhã helps boost this centre and conserve its subtle energy known as ojas.

13. Why do we Fast

The underlying principle behind fasting is to be found in Ayurveda. This ancient Indian medical system sees the basic cause of many diseases as the accumulation of toxic materials in the digestive system. Regular cleansing of toxic materials keeps one healthy. By fasting, the digestive organs get rest and all body mechanisms are cleansed and corrected. A complete fast is good for heath, and the occasional intake of warm lemon juice during the period of fasting prevents the flatulence. Since the human body, as explained by Ayurveda, is composed of 80% liquid and 20% solid, like the earth, the gravitational force of the moon affects the fluid contents of the body. It causes emotional imbalances in the body, making some people tense, irritable and violent. Fasting acts as antidote, for it lowers the acid content in the body which helps people to retain their sanity. Research suggests there are major health benefits to caloric restriction like reduced risks of cancer, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, immune disorders etc.

14. The scientific explanation of touching Feet (charan sparsh)

Usually, the person of whose feet you are touching is either old or pious. When they accept your respect which came from your reduced ego (and is called your shraddha) their hearts emit positive thoughts and energy (which is called their karuna) which reaches you through their hands and toes. In essence, the completed circuit enables flow of energy and increases cosmic energy, switching on a quick connect between two minds and hearts. To an extent, the same is achieved through handshakes and hugs. The nerves that start from our brain spread across all your body. These nerves or wires end in the fingertips of your hand and feet. When you join the fingertips of your hand to those of their opposite feet, a circuit is immediately formed and the energies of two bodies are connected. Your fingers and palms become the ‘receptor’ of energy and the feet of other person become the ‘giver’ of energy.

15. Why Married Women apply Sindoor or Vermillion

It is interesting to note that that the application of sindoor by married women carries a physiological significance. This is so because Sindoor is prepared by mixing turmeric-lime and the metal mercury. Due to its intrinsic properties, mercury, besides controlling blood pressure also activates sexual drive. This also explains why Sindoor is prohibited for the widows. For best results, Sindoor should be applied right upto the pituitary gland where all our feelings are centered. Mercury is also known for removing stress and strain.

16. Why do we worship Peepal Tree

‘Peepal’ tree is almost useless for an ordinary person, except for its shadow. ‘Peepal’ does not a have a delicious fruit, its wood is not strong enough for any purpose then why should a common villager or person worship it or even care for it? Our ancestors knew that ‘Peepal’ is one of the very few trees (or probably the only tree) which produces oxygen even at night. So in order to save this tree because of its unique property they related it to God/religion.

17. Why do we worship Tulsi Plant

Hindu religion has bestowed ‘Tulsi’, with the status of mother. Also known as ‘Sacred or Holy Basil’, Tulsi, has been recognized as a religious and spiritual devout in many parts of the world. The vedic sages knew the benefits of Tulsi and that is why they personified it as a Goddess and gave a clear message to the entire community that it needs to be taken care of by the people, literate or illiterate. We try to protect it because it is like Sanjeevani for the mankind. Tulsi has great medicinal properties. It is a remarkable antibiotic. Taking Tulsi everyday in tea or otherwise increases immunity and help the drinker prevent diseases, stabilize his or her health condition, balance his or her body system and most important of all, prolong his or her life. Keeping Tulsi plant at home prevents insects and mosquitoes from entering the house. It is said that snakes do not dare to go near a Tulsi plant. Maybe that is why ancient people would grow lots of Tulsi near their houses.

18. Why do we worship Idol

Hinduism propagates idol worship more than any other religion. Researchers say that this was initiated for the purpose of increasing concentration during prayers. According to psychiatrists, a man will shape his thoughts as per what he sees. If you have 3 different objects in front of you, your thinking will change according to the object you are viewing. Similarly, in ancient India, idol worship was established so that when people view idols it is easy for them to concentrate to gain spiritual energy and meditate without mental diversion

19. Why do Indian Women wear Bangles

Normally the wrist portion is in constant activation on any human. Also the pulse beat in this portion is mostly checked for all sorts of ailments. The Bangles used by women are normally in the wrist part of ones hand and its constant friction increases the blood circulation level. Further more the electricity passing out through outer skin is again reverted to one’s own body because of the ring shaped bangles, which has no ends to pass the energy outside but to send it back to the body.

20. Why should we visit temple?

Temples are located strategically at a place where the positive energy is abundantly available from the magnetic and electric wave distributions of north/south pole thrust. The main idol is placed in the core center of the temple, known as “*Garbhagriha*” or *Moolasthanam*. In fact, the temple structure is built after the idol has been placed. This *Moolasthanam* is where earth’s magnetic waves are found to be maximum. We know that there are some copper plates, inscribed with Vedic scripts, buried beneath the Main Idol. What are they really? No, they are not God’s / priests’ flash cards when they forget the *shlokas*. The copper plate absorbs earth’s magnetic waves and radiates it to the surroundings. Thus a person regularly visiting a temple and walking clockwise around the Main Idol receives the beamed magnetic waves and his body absorbs it. This is a very slow process and a regular visit will let him absorb more of this positive energy. Scientifically, it is the positive energy that we all require to have a healthy life.

The Essence Of Life (5 elements)

The word 'panchatatva' originates from Sanskrit, where "panch" stands for five and "tatva" indicates elements. Following the universal law of life, every thing on this planet is composed of five basic elements or the "panchamahabhutas". These are :  Akash (Sky or Space), Vayu (Air), Jal (Water), Agni (Fire) and Prithvi (Earth).

Body as Earth:

The earth - solid as it is - houses the soil, landscape, flora and fauna. With its tremendous magnetic fields and gravitational force, it keeps every living and non-living thing grounded to the earth.

Right from the birth we try to perceive everything in this world in material "form" or Body. Even using the word "I", we refer to our Physical body. The same happens when we look outside to the World, identifying to all the forms of physical entities. We cannot relate to anything without a physical "Body" or structure. Even those things we cannot perceive with our sense organs, we try to objectify as an image with our imagination. So our world is only full of objects, bodies, entities and images.

We connect to the world outside through our body Sense organs. The five sense organs are Ears, Skin, Eyes, Tongue and Nose which help to perceive five physical attributes of this Universe, which are Sound, Touch, Sight, Taste and Smell.

In summary, we owe our existence to our physical body. This is why the ancient people referred the Body as the  Earth element, because our life is on Earth. Anything that is gross, solid, inert , the ancient's referred to as Body or Earth. This Earth is symbolized as the little finger of the hand.

Water as Mind:

Water is the source of life - and it flows within all of us. 70% of the earth is water and the same goes for the human body.

Does our Sense organs really perceive the physical world?. No. There is something subtler than the body that is involved in perception. This is the Mind or Mana. The physical eyes may be looking at an object, but if we are not mentally connected to the physical organ , there is no perception of that object.

So it is the mind that brings reality to the body or the physical world. Without the mind there is no Body. This we experience in sleep or when we are unconscious due to brain injury or anesthetized. So it is the mind that gives the body a reality.

However this mind is not solid like the Body. The mind can change rapidly and flow or alternate between various sense perceptions. The mind also can flow backward in time and leap forward in time. Because of this fluid nature, the ancient's attributed the Mind to the water element.

The Vedic Scholars says that like the fluid water solidifies into a solid block of ice, the Body is nothing but the solidified energy of the mind. The mind is represented by the ring finger. Wedding is the symbolic of the joining of two minds and hence a wedding ring is worn on the "Mind" finger!

Fire as Intelligence:

Fire is the source of energy and light. Light is important for making the beauty of the world visible to all of us - in all its radiant colours.

The sensory signals received by the body-sense-organs is perceived or translated as thoughts. Each thought refers to an object or image and we generate infinite number of such thoughts. The constant flux of thoughts is called as the mind. Interestingly ,the thoughts are stream-lined into a logical information pattern by a subtler aspect called Intelligence or Buddhi.

Without Intelligence, Mind would just be a random flow of thoughts without any logic in it. In other words, Intelligence illuminates the path for the Mind to flow logically. Hence the ancients associated the fire element with Intelligence.

Our mind, is droplets of thoughts flowing like a river and cannot be still. It flows forward to the future or backwards to the past. The most important attribute of Intelligence is that, it pulls the mind inward to the present moment, the Being, the Awareness. The intelligence ignites or fuses the Mind to the inner Awareness. Thus Intelligence is the middle man between the Mind and the inner Awareness and hence symbolized as the middle finger.

Air as Awareness:

Air, which can also be linked to space and atmosphere is a powerful life source that is important to sustain life.

Only when we are alive we can feel our Body, Mind and Intelligence. That Aliveness is known as Awareness. Without Awareness, we are dead. It is the Awareness that enlivens all the three, the Body, Mind and Intelligence. Like the air is needed for the fire to burn, Awareness is needed for the fire of intelligence to propel the functioning of the Mind and the Body. Hence the ancients rightly called the Awareness as the Air element.

According to the Ancient Vedic Science, Awareness which we feel as liveliness is the most subtlest Energy form. Like the water vapor that condenses to form fluid water and finally solidifies to ice form, Awareness-energy condenses to form the fluid Mind and solid Body. The Sum total of Awareness, intelligence, Mind and Body is called as energy. Modern Quantum physics arrives at this same conclusion that the material world (matter) is only condensed Energy.

Sky as Consciousness:

The sky is the vast open space that accommodates everything. The clear blue sky above us acts as a shelter to the earth in the day, while at night it serves as a gateway to the starry galaxies that exist light years ahead of us.

The puzzlingly fact is that we lose the Awareness of the Body, Mind and intelligence during the dream-less deep sleep state. This state is called as Consciousness by Vedic Scholars. So in deep sleep state, the Awareness of Consciousness is never lost at any time because it is the Consciousness that is manifested as Awareness, Intelligence, Mind and Body. Being in Awareness without being Aware of Intelligence, Mind and Body is known as Consciousness. In other words Consciousness is Unconditional Awareness (without any form).

Without Consciousness nothing can exist. Everything exists in Consciousness, the living , the dead, the moving the immobile, the small the big. Like everything exists in space , all existence come into "Being due to Consciousness. This is why the ancients associated Consciousness to the space element.

Like the thumb finger needed for all the other fingers to function, without Consciousness nothing can exist and function. So Consciousness is symbolized as the thumb finger.

Like the thumb that remains untouched yet needed for other fingers, so is Consciousness remains undisturbed by Awareness, Intelligence, Mind and Body. Consciousness like thumb does not depend on the other four, but all the four cannot function or exist without Consciousness. All the four, the Awareness, intelligence, Mind and Body can be experienced, but not the Consciousness, because it is the experiencer itself. This Truth is not obvious to our normal state of mind and hence the ancients termed this Truth to be secretive (Guhya) or mystical. Unfortunately common man took the statement literally and thought this Truth should not be revealed to anyone. All revelations that people experience is this Self-revealing Truth or Knowledge.

Hope you will understand relation, these five aspects of Consciousness, Awareness, Intelligence, Mind and Body are the fundamental to all attributes in this Universe. This is mirrored in every walk of life.