In the Indian ethos, we encounter symbolism everywhere – in our shastras, in our celebrations and festivals, in the way we live. Symbolism has a language of its own. It is not necessarily meant to be cryptic or secretive, but it is meant to make on think, to ask questions. Why do we celebrate our festivals the way we do? Why are Hindu gods multi-armed, each one specific and distinct from the other? What is the significance of their individual vehicles and the weapons they carry? Pujya Gurudev, Swami Chinmayananda, sometimes spoke about symbolism and sometimes wrote about it. His style was unique and always to the point. The articles in this book have been compiled by Swami Nityananda (formerly R.S. Nathan), who was driven by a desire to share Gurudev’s wisdom with all. There are articles by others too, and they have been included because each one of them touches on one or the other aspect of symbolism. And if anybody is buzzing with questions, pick up this book and read on.

A practical text explaining the allegorical significance of gods and goddesses; rituals and festivals; invocations and prayers. It educates a spiritual aspirant with the philosophical aspect of religious practices.

Hinduism Is Not Merely A Religion But A Way Of Life. Hinduism, In Its Traverse Of Four Thousand Years, Has Accumulated Many A Belief And Practice, Which Encompass The Whole Socio-Religio-Cultural Life Of A Devout. Since The Mythological Past, Hinduism Is Studded With Varied Signs And Symptoms, Which Are Mystic In Character And Symbolic In Nature, And Are Also Sacred Symbols Of Spiritualism As Well. These Symbols Are The Sacred Rivers; Mystic Mantras Like Om And Gayatri; The Auspicious Symbol Of Swastika; The Shivalinga, Salagram Shila Or Sacred Stone Objects; Tripundra Tilaks Or Urdhapundra Tilaks- The Process Of Besmearing The Body With Different Marks Of Sandal Pastes; The Sacred Conch Or Sankha And Venerated Trees Which Have Medicinal Value And Spiritual Ethos Like Tulsi, Vata, Rudraksha, Etc. All These Are Part Of Modern Hinduism But To Many Devouts And Observers These Symbols Stand Enigmatic! Thus This Book Attempts To Explore And Unearth The Hidden Philosophy Of These Signs And Gauge The Socio-Scientific Base And Tries To Find Out The Real Meaning Of Ritualistic Methodologies Of These Symbols, Which Are The Great Objects Of Veneration Of The Hindus Down The Ages.

Hinduism is more than a religion; it is a way of life. Its rich and multicoloured history has made the structure of its mythical and philosophical principles into a highly differentiated maze, of which total knowledge is a practical impossibility. This volume cannot offer a complete survey of the meaning of Hinduism. It is an extensive compilation of important deities and their divine manifestations, so that modern students can understand the significance of the Hindu pantheon.

Introduces the major symbols of Hinduism and what they mean; discusses the Hindu gods, worship, rites of passage, and religious festivals; and shares folktales, recipes, and crafts from the Hindu tradition.

Swami Chinmayananda'S Vision Of Teaching Values To Children Through The Scriptures

Mudra is a word derived from Sanskrit known as "Gesture" or "Seal". 5 Elements of universe are in your hand and cosmic power of the universe is in your 7 chakras, know how to use them and get what you need by using this secret knowlwdge of Ancient Hindu

Handbook of Hinduism in Europe portrays and analyses how Hindu traditions have expanded across the continent, and presents the main Hindu communities, religious groups, forms, practices and teachings. The Handbook does this in two parts, Part One covers historical and thematic topics which are of importance for understanding Hinduism in Europe as a whole and Part Two has chapters on Hindu traditions in every country in Europe. Hindu traditions have a long history of interaction with Europe, but the developments during the last fifty years represent a new phase. Globalization and increased ease of communication have led to the presence of a great plurality of Hindu traditions. Hinduism has become one of the major religions in Europe and is present in every country of the continent.