Category: Spirituality
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What are Gregorian Chants?
The Roman Catholic Church considers Gregorian chants are appropriate to Roman liturgy or worship and therefore given priority during liturgical services. This is based on the Vatican Council II or Second Ecumenical Council Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy. Gregorian chant is the ritual music of the Catholic Church that accompanies holy mass text as well…
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Festival of Diwali
May the joy and cheer of this divine festival surround you forever.May the happiness that this season brings brighten your life.Hope the year brings you luck and fulfills all your dreams!Happy Narak Chaturdashi and Happy Diwali! Naraka Chaturdashi is celebrated on the second day of the five day-long celebration of Diwali. This festival commemorates the victory of Lord Krishna over Narakasur. It is…
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Vegan Diwali Recipes
Vegan Coconut Barfi/Fudge Ingredients:2 cups Grated coconut1.5 cups Powdered Unrefined Brown organic sugar Instructions: 1.Add enough water (1/4th cup) to powdered sugar and mix well 2.Put that sugar water in a heavy bottom pan and bring it to a 1 string consistency (220 deg F approx) 3.Add shredded coconut and mix well on…
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What is Kundalini Yoga?
Kundalini Yoga is a merger of three kinds of Yoga: Bhakti (devotion and chanting), Raja (mediation or mental and physical control) and, Shakti (manifestation of power and energy). If you attend a Kundalini Yoga class, it feels like having therapy or engaging in a fulfilling workout in the gym. Kundalini Yoga provides a means where you…
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What is Soham Chanting?
Soham, So Hum, Hansa, or Hamsa refers to Sanskrit terminology with special connotation in Vedic philosophy. This mantra is frequently given to new practitioners of Yoga and meditation. Soham means distinguishing oneself with ultimate existence or the universe. For those who want to meditate, the first word SO is inhaling, and HAM is exhaling. Put…
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Meditation and Chanting: What is the Difference?
The practice of modern meditation helps soothe our minds and acts as stress reliever. By meditating, we become more focused and relaxed. Religious Guru Nichiren (1222 – 1282), who founded a Japanese Buddhist sect, practiced intense meditation for two decades as he investigated the practice that brings about enlightenment. Nichiren concluded that chanting “Dharma of…
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10 Easy Mantras to Memorize
You can choose from numerous mantras for yoga and meditation. Here are 10 most important mantras that you should consider and memorize. OM Om or AUM is the first sound when the universe was created. You can feel the sound’s energy coming from your pelvic floor muscles going up to the top of your head…
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Importance of Silence in Meditation
Too much noise and disruption in this modern environment can become exasperating. Finding a quiet place to reflect on our lives can be a good respite. We need to contend with the noise that causes physical, mental, and spiritual distractions. Silence does not only provide relief. It also helps us to meditate properly. Peace and…
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A Mantra from Yoga-Sutra: Heyam Dukham Anagatam
Heyam Dukham Anagatam: In English, it means “The pain that is yet to come can be avoided.” Another popular translation is “Avert the danger that has not yet arrived.” The root word “Dukha” is Pali, Sanskrit, and Tibetan translated as Suffering in the English language. Sufferings are part of our lives which come in a…
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What is Inner Peace?
In Hinduism and Buddhism, discovering inner peace encompasses serenity or rest in the midst of physical and mental stress. Material solutions are only temporary. Meditation that leads to a blissful life is one way of achieving this goal. Buddhists say inner peace is associated with mental tranquility. The physical stage is not as important if…