#Master's in Buddhist Studies in India

[somaiya-vidyavihar-university]

Pursue a Master’s in Buddhist Studies in India and explore Buddhist philosophy. Gain career-enhancing expertise with programs at Somaiya Vidyavihar University.

[burst-of-iridescent]

South Asian and Hindu Influences in ATLA (Part 2)

disclaimer: i was raised culturally and religiously hindu, and though i've tried to do my research for this post and pair it with my own cultural knowledge, i'm not an expert on hinduism by any means. should i mess up, please let me know.

please also be aware that many of the concepts discussed in this post overlap heavily with religions such as buddhism and jainism, which might have different interpretations and representations. as i'm not from those religions or cultures, i don't want to speak on them, but if anyone with that knowledge wishes to add on, please feel free.

Part 1

In the previous post, I discussed some of the things ATLA got right in its depictions of desi and hindu cultures. unfortunately, they also got plenty of things wrong - often in ways that leaned towards racist caricatures - so let's break them down, starting with...

Guru Pathik

both the word "guru" and name "pathik" come from sanskrit. pathik means "traveler" or "he who knows the way" while guru is a term for a guide or mentor, similar to a teacher.

gurus were responsible for the very first education systems in ancient india, setting up institutions called gurukuls. students, referred to as disciples, would often spend years living with and learning from their gurus in these gurukuls, studying vedic and buddhist texts, philosophy, music and even martial arts.

however, their learning was not limited merely to academic study, as gurus were also responsible for guiding the spiritual evolution of their disciples. it was common for disciples to meditate, practice yoga, fast for days or weeks, and complete mundane household chores every day in order to instill them with self-discipline and help them achieve enlightenment and spiritual awareness. the relationship between a guru and his disciple was considered a sacred, holy bond, far exceeding that of a mere teacher and student.

aang's training with guru pathik mirrors some of these elements. similar to real gurus, pathik takes on the role of aang's spiritual mentor. he guides aang in unblocking his chakras and mastering the avatar state through meditation, fasting, and self-reflection - all of which are practices that would have likely been encouraged in disciples by their gurus.

pathik's design also takes inspiration from sadhus, holy men who renounced their worldly ties to follow a path of spiritual discipline. the guru's simple, nondescript clothing and hair are reflective of the ascetic lifestyle sadhus are expected to lead, giving up material belongings and desires in order to achieve spiritual enlightenment and, ultimately, liberation from the reincarnation cycle.

unfortunately, this is where the respectful references end because everything else about guru pathik was insensitive at best and stereotypical at worst.

it is extremely distasteful that the guru speaks with an overexaggerated indian accent, even though the iranian-indian actor who plays him has a naturally british accent. why not just hire an actual indian voice actor if the intention was to make pathik sound authentic? besides, i doubt authenticity was the sole intention, given that the purposeful distortion of indian accents was a common racist trope played for comedy in early 2000s children's media (see: phineas and ferb, diary of a wimpy kid, jessie... the list goes on).

furthermore, while pathik is presented a wise and respected figure within this episode, his next (and last) appearance in the show is entirely the opposite.

in the episode nightmares and daydreams, pathik appears in aang's nightmare with six hands, holding what appears to be a veena (a classical indian music instrument). this references the iconography of the hindu deity Saraswati, the goddess of wisdom and knowledge. the embodiment of divine enlightenment, learning, insight and truth, Saraswati is a member of the Tridevi (the female version of the Trimurti), one of the most respected and revered goddesses in the Hindu pantheon... and her likeness is used for a cheap laugh on a character who's already treated as a caricature.

that's bad enough on its own, but when you consider that guru pathik is the only explicitly south asian coded character in the entire show, it's downright insulting. for a show that took so many of its foundational concepts from south asia and hinduism and yet provided almost no desi representation in return, this is just rubbing salt in the wound.

Chakras

"chakra", meaning "circle" or "wheel of life" in sanskrit, refers to sources of energy found in the human body. chakra points are aligned along the spine, with energy flowing from the lowest to the highest point. the energy pooled at the lowest chakra is called kundalini, and the aim is to release this energy to the highest chakra in order to achieve spiritual enlightenment and consciousness.

the number of chakras varies in different religions, with buddhism referencing five chakras while hinduism has seven. atla draws from the latter influence, so let's take a look at the seven chakras:

Muladhara (the Root Chakra). located at the base of the spine, this chakra deals with our basest instincts and is linked to the element of earth.

Swadhisthana (the Sacral Chakra). located just below the navel, this chakra deals with emotional intensity and pleasure and is linked to the element of water.

Manipura (the Solar Plexus Chakra). located in the stomach, this chakra deals with willpower and self-acceptance and is linked to the element of fire.

Anahata (the Heart Chakra). located in the heart, this chakra deals with love, compassion and forgiveness and is linked to the element of air. in the show, this chakra is blocked by aang's grief over the loss of the air nomads, which is a nice elemental allusion.

Vishudda (the Throat Chakra). located at the base of the throat, this chakra deals with communication and honesty and is linked to the fifth classical element of space. the show calls this the Sound Chakra, though i'm unsure where they got that from.

Ajna (the Third Eye Chakra). located in the centre of the forehead, this chakra deals with spirituality and insight and is also linked to the element of space. the show calls it the Light Chakra, which is fairly close.

Sahasrara (the Crown Chakra). located at the very top of the head, this chakra deals with pure cosmic consciousness and is also linked to the element of space. it makes perfect sense that this would be the final chakra aang has to unblock in order to connect with the avatar spirit, since the crown chakra is meant to be the point of communion with one's deepest, truest self.

the show follows these associations and descriptions almost verbatim, and does a good job linking the individual chakras to their associated struggles in aang's arc.

Cosmic Energy

the idea of chakras is associated with the concept of shakti, which refers to the life-giving energy that flows throughout the universe and within every individual.

the idea of shakti is a fundamentally unifying one, stating that all living beings are connected to one another and the universe through the cosmic energy that flows through us all. this philosophy is referenced both in the swamp episode and in guru pathik telling aang that the greatest illusion in the world is that of separation - after all, how can there be any real separation when every life is sustained by the same force?

this is also why aang needing to let go of katara did not, as he mistakenly assumed, mean he had to stop loving her. rather, the point of shedding earthly attachment is to allow one to become more attuned to shakti, both within oneself and others. ironically, in letting go of katara and allowing himself to commune with the divine energy of the universe instead, aang would have been more connected to her - not less.

The Avatar State

according to hinduism, there are five classical elements known as pancha bhuta that form the foundations of all creation: air, water, earth, fire, and space/atmosphere.

obviously, atla borrows this concept in making a world entirely based on the four classical elements. but looking at how the avatar spirit is portrayed as a giant version of aang suspended in mid-air, far above the earth, it's possible that this could reference the fifth liminal element of space as well.

admittedly this might be a bit of a reach, but personally i find it a neat piece of worldbuilding that could further explain the power of the avatar. compared to anyone else who might be able to master only one element, mastering all five means having control of every building block of the world. this would allow the avatar to be far more attuned to the spiritual energy within the universe - and themselves - as a result, setting in motion the endless cycle of death and rebirth that would connect their soul even across lifetimes.

[niteshade925]

April 12, Xi'an, China, Daci'en Temple/大慈恩寺 and the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda/大雁塔 (Part 3 - History):

The entrance to the Xuanzang Memorial Hall:

Xuanzang/玄奘 (602 - 664 AD; birthname Chen Yi/陈祎) was a famous Chinese monk, scholar, and translator who journeyed throughout Central Asia and India to bring Buddhist sutras from India and translate them into Chinese. He was also the founder of the Consciousness-Only School/唯识宗 of Chinese Mahayana Buddhism.

A statue of Xuanzang in the memorial hall:

Xuanzang's 17-year journey from Chang'an (Xi'an) to India and back drawn out on a map. The route he took to India is in red, and the return route he took back to Chang'an is in green. On his way he traveled through many kingdoms in Central Asia and India, and he would later compile his experiences into the work known as Records of the Western Regions/《大唐西域记》. This work is still very important for historians and archaeologists studying Central Asian and Indian history, because it gives locations of important sites, such as the ruins of Nalanda monastery (phonetically translated as 那烂陀寺 in Chinese) in modern day Bihar. The Ming-era novel Journey to the West/《西游记》 was also very loosely based on this work; more specifically, the novel was based on folk tales about Xuanzang's travels, which was in turn loosely and partially based on Xuanzang's experiences recorded in this book.

(Metal?) wall murals and a giant wood relief depicting Xuanzang's early life and his journey to India and back (generally viewed in order from left to right since it's a continuous narrative):

Biography of the Tang Dynasty Buddhist Tripitaka Master Xuanzang of the Great Ci'en Temple/《大慈恩寺三藏法师传》 (alternatively translated simply as "The Life of Xuanzang"), written by Xuanzang's disciple Huili/慧立 in 688 AD.

An artifact not strictly related to Xuanzang: Ritual Confession of Mercy Temple/《慈悲道场忏法》, a Buddhist repentance work/忏文 written for Emperor Wu of Liang (464 - 549 AD) for the purpose of conducting a "ritual of transcendence" (called 超度; I could not find an English translation for this so this is my own translation) for the emperor's deceased wife. This particular version was printed in Ming dynasty in 1608.

Ceiling of the memorial hall, decorated with Sanskrit characters:

The second exhibition hall also has wall murals and a giant wood relief, this time depicting Xuanzang's life after returning to China:

Xuanzang has stated that the purpose of his journey was to bring back Buddhist sutras in their original Sanskrit, so that the integrity of the original texts may be better preserved in future translations and a more faithful interpretation of the sutras may be achieved. When he returned from India in 645 AD, he brought back with him 657 Buddhist texts in Sanskrit, and with support from Emperor Taizong of Tang, he proceeded to translate these texts into Chinese with his team of translators.

Daci'en Temple still preserves less than 20 leaves of the original palm leaf manuscript/贝叶经 brought to China by Xuanzang. I didn't get to see these artifacts myself, but just for reference, here are some potato quality pictures I've found online:

Below is a part of a (Ming-era? Not sure) printed copy of the Mahā-prajñāpāramitā Sūtra (《大般若经》 or 《大般若波罗蜜多经》 in Chinese), which was translated into the Chinese text seen here by Xuanzang and his team:

Part of Complete Translations by Master Xuanzang/《玄奘法师译撰全集》:

A view of the exhibited part of the collection of works that were either by Xuanzang or written about Xuanzang. Being an aspiring translator myself and knowing that these were works connected to a great translator who lived 1300+ years ago, there is just a feeling of awe here that can't be described properly in words...

There's also the twin steles associated with Xuanzang at the foot of the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda. The stele on the west (below left) was written from right to left, composed by Emperor Taizong of Tang Li Shimin/唐太宗 李世民, while the stele on the east (below right) was written from left to right, and was composed by Emperor Gaozong of Tang Li Zhi/唐高宗 李治 (the two emperors are father and son). The calligraphy for both steles was provided by Chancellor Chu Suiliang/中书令 褚遂良. Both steles gave an account of Xuanzang's life and praised him for his achievements, and both were erected in 653 AD. Since I didn't go into the pagoda, I didn't see these two steles (I believe one of them isn't at the pagoda anymore? It might be at Beilin Museum now), so here are pictures of the ink rubbings from Open Museum (open in new tab to view the full image):

And finally, some fun souvenirs from the gift shop! These are tiny incense pellet holders topped with the twelve zodiac animals

A funny greeting card that translates to "And We miss you too" (朕 is a first person pronoun used exclusively by emperors to refer to themselves; today many people use 朕 to jokingly refer to themselves)

[crazycatsiren]

Chakras - What they really are

(I managed to salvage this post written by @rue-cimon from an old deactivated account. I copied it down here because this was too good a post to lose.)

Chakra literally means "wheel" or "circle" in Sanskrit. The concept of chakras originates from Hinduism in ancient India. These are focal points used in a variety of ancient meditation or yoga practices. These practices are collectively called "tantra".

Although the concept is frequently found in early traditions of Hinduism and are often mentioned in the Vedas, beliefs around chakras differ between various Indian religions. Buddhist texts consistently mention 5 chakras, whereas Hindu texts and sources speak of 6 or 7 chakras.

Early Sanskrit texts speak of them both as meditative visualizations combining flowers and mantras and as physical entities in the body. Within kundalini yoga, various breath exercises, visualizations, mudras, kriyas, and mantras are focused on manipulating the flow of subtle energy through chakras.

Chakras are also present in Ayurvedic traditions.

The belief behind chakras is that human life simultaneously exists in two parallel dimensions, one is the physical body and the other is psychological, emotional, mind, non physical (the subtle body).

The aforementioned subtle body is energy, while the physical body is mass. The psyche or mind plane corresponds to and interacts with the body plane, and the belief holds that the body and the mind mutually affect each other. The subtle body consists of energy channels connected by nodes of psychic energy called chakras.

The chakras - in Hindu and Buddhist texts - are said to be arranged in a column along the spinal cord, from its base to the top of the head, connected by vertical channels. Tantric traditions strive to awaken, master, and energize these chakras through yoga and often with the help of a teacher.

The esoteric traditions in Buddhism generally teach four chakras. In some early Buddhist sources, these chakras are termed as manipura (navel), anahata (heart), vishuddha (throat), and ushnisha kamala (crown). However, a system of five chakras is common among classes of tantra in Tibetan Buddhism. These five chakras are basal, abdominal, heart, throat, and crown, and each chakra corresponds with an element, a Buddha, and a bija mantra.

The more common and most studied chakra system incorporates six major chakras along with a seventh center generally not regarded as a chakra.

The chakras are traditionally considered meditation aids. The yogi starts from lower chakras and progresses to the highest chakra located in the crown of the head, in the journey of spiritual ascent.

In the Hindu kundalini and Buddhist candali traditions, the chakras are pierced by a dormant energy residing near or in the lowest chakra. in Hindu texts she is known as Kundalini, while in Buddhist texts she is called Candali or Tummo.

Some terms and definitions:

Tantra: Esoteric traditions in Hinduism and Buddhism that developed in India mainly during the middle of the 1st millennium CE. The term tantra, in the Indian traditions, also means text, theory, system, method, instrument, technique, or practice. A key feature of these traditions is the use of mantras.

Kundalini yoga: A type of yoga focused on channeling energy through the chakras.

Mudra: A symbolic or ritual gesture or pose in Hinduism, Jainism, and Buddhism. Mudras have meaning in many forms of Indian dance and yoga. In hatha yoga, mudras are used in conjunction with pranayama (yogic breathing exercises), generally while in a seated posture, to stimulate different parts of the body involved with breathing and to affect the flow of prana and is associated with consciousness in the body. Mudras are also used in tantric practices.

Kriya: Practice within a yoga discipline meant to achieve a specific result. The Yoga Sutra of Patanjali defines three types of kriya, namely asceticism, study, and devotion. Such yoga is called kriya yoga. Kriya is a Sanskrit word that literally means "to do" or "to work".

Mantra: A sacred utterance, a sound, a syllable, word, or phonemes, or group of words in Sanskrit, Pali, and other languages. They hold spiritual and religious significance. At its simplest, the word "om" serves as a mantra. It is believed to be the first sound which was originated on earth. It creates a reverberation in the body which helps the body and mind to be calm. In more sophisticated forms, mantras are melodic phrases with spiritual interpretations such as a human longing for truth, reality, light, immortality, peace, love, knowledge, and action. Not all mantras have literal meanings but rather are simply uplifting.

Ayurveda: An alternative medicine system with historical roots in ancient India.

[journeytothewestresearch]

Hi! You seem to be the JTTW expert and I was wondering if you could clarify something for me; If I understand correctly, Wujing ate 9 of Tripitaka’s previous incarnations, right? If so, shouldn’t he be super-powered by all of them? After all, the reason the demons want to eat him is because Tripitaka cultivated power in his previous lives, which will give them immortality and power. Didn’t that apply to the previous monks?

The 13th-century oral JTTW openly states that Sha Wujing's antecedent has continually eaten Tripitaka:

Deep Sand said: "I am the one who devoured you twice before, monk. Slung from my neck are all your dry bones!" (Wivell, 1994, p. 1190). 深沙云：「項下是和尚兩度被我吃你，袋得枯骨在此。」

And since Tripitaka is the tenth reincarnation of Master Golden Cicada and Sha claims to have eaten nine previous scripture pilgrims (Wu & Yu, 2012, vol. 1, p. 210), it's reasonable to assume that Sha has eaten the monk's past nine lives. However, to my knowledge, JTTW never openly states that the Buddhist master had made previous attempts in his past lives to travel to India, or that he had been eaten by Sha in the process (someone please correct me if I'm wrong).

It's important to remember that Tripitaka, better known as Xuanzang (玄奘, 602-664), is not the only Chinese monk who has traveled to India for scriptures. Another famous scripture pilgrim is Faxian (法顯, 337- c. 422). So, the novel could be referring to other such monks.

But if we were to view the aforementioned nine monks as Tripitaka's past lives, I think the reason why Sha Wujing isn't empowered by their flesh is because their compounding life-long austerities only results in the tenth and final reincarnation being holy.

Fun Fact: The "Deep Sands" demon mentioned above is actually a vilified version of a spirit said to have originally helped Xuanzang in his 7th-century biography. This figure came to be worshiped as Jinja Taishō (深沙大將, “General of the Deep Sands”), a minor protector deity in Japanese Buddhism. One 11th-century Japanese source claims that the General manifested before Faxian in a wrathful form. Most importantly, the skulls around his neck are said to be those of demons, not monks (Dudbridge, 1970, p. 20)!

A 13th to 14th-century Japanese Kamakura carving of the General of the Deep Sands.

Sources:

Dudbridge, G. (1970). The Hsi-yu chi: A Study of Antecedents to the Sixteenth-Century Chinese Novel. Cambridge: Cambridge Univ. Press.

Wivell, C.S. (1994). The Story of How the Monk Tripitaka of the Great Country of T’ang Brought Back the Sūtras. In V. Mair (Ed.), The Columbia Anthology of Traditional Chinese Literature (pp. 1181-1207). New York: Columbia University Press.

Wu, C., & Yu, A. C. (2012). The Journey to the West (Vols. 1-4) (Rev. ed.). Chicago, Illinois: University of Chicago Press.

[mybeingthere]

Recent paintings (2022 - 2024) by Domenico Zindato, born 1966, Reggio Calabria, Italy.

Lives and works in Cuernavaca, Mexico.

A native of southern Italy’s Reggio Calabria province, Domenico Zindato studied theater design in Rome, before withdrawing from university to devote his time to art. In the 1980s, Zindato lived and worked in Berlin, where his interests in photography, theater, music, performance, and image-making came together in multi-media events he organized for the emblematic venues of Berlin’s post-Punk nightlife. After leaving Europe, he traveled throughout India and Mexico, finally settling in Mexico City. After a decade in the Mexican capital, Zindato moved to his current residence in Cuernavaca.

A master draftsman, Zindato has developed a labor-intensive, meticulously detailed drawing technique, using nib pens and fine-haired brushes on paper, to create semi-abstract images packed with mysterious motifs and elaborate patterns. Set against brightly colored backgrounds, Zindato’s drawings read, from a distance, as abstract. Viewed closely, however, they reveal the artist’s intricate pattern-making, with its dynamic swirls, eddies, and enigmatic symbols: eyeballs, floating heads, wave-like ripples and hand-drawn letters. At once extremely precise in its execution and meditative in spirit, Zindato’s art suggests affinities with pre-historic cave paintings, aboriginal art, Buddhist mandalas and Native-American decorative patterns. Zindato’s palette has absorbed the colors of his travels in India and Mexico…vivid ochres, blues, greens and pinks.

https://www.instagram.com/domenicozindato/

https://www.theparisreview.org/.../thirty-one-from-oaxaca/

[santoschristos]

"All religious forms are manifestations of the great cosmic, universal, infinite religion latent in every atom of the cosmos." --Samael Aun Weor - The Perfect Matrimony

Any genuine religion, mystical tradition, or type of spirituality is an attempt to communicate something of value and importance, which is that there is a purpose to life that one can experience for oneself.

The main traditions that we study here are Hinduism, Judaism, and the reform of those religions which came later, which are Buddhism and Christianity. We study all religions, but these are the four main ones we are interested in.

There are people all over the world that study the religion that they grew up with, or the religion that they became attracted to during their life. All of those traditions are very beautiful and have a great deal of knowledge that they express to humanity.

But unfortunately, people do not see religions for what they truly are. Over many centuries, religions have become a mere belief, something that people follow, respect, study and believe in, but rarely experience. It is very rare, sadly, to find anyone who has true experience of what the religions are teaching. Yet, that is their purpose: to guide us to experience what they teach.

In this tradition, the experience of religion is our primary goal. Our primary interest is learning the practical value of each religion.

Now in the case of Buddhism, Hinduism, Judaism and Christianity, all of them in their essence teach exactly the same thing. On the surface they can appear different, but in their heart they are exactly the same.

They are attempting to convey the experience of a higher way of living, something that cannot be communicated in words. Each religion is like the expression of direct mystical experience with the divine.

Jesus was a vessel for that spirit which came in order to teach the same thing, the same religion, the same truth in different places. As an example: in India we find the Lord Krishna, who taught the same truth, in different levels of course, according to its own vessel. The vessel of Krishna who is one with that Spirit and is that same Spirit itself is the Bodhisattva; the Bodhisattva of Krishna is of course Arjuna, who we find in the Bhagadvad Gita.

Arjuna is the one who is talking to the Lord Krishna in the Bhagavad Gita, but you have to understand that Arjuna is the bodhisattva of Krishna. So, Krishna is the master of Arjuna. Krishna is the master and Arjuna is the Bodhisattva, who is learning from him and is at the same time teaching to others through the same.

The thing is that when we talk about this spiritual prophecy, or this intelligence that is able to incarnate in many places in order to establish the religion or the way to union with God of that time and place, this concept is understood in the western world, through the Bible, but in a very incomplete way.

Indeed, in the West there is a lot of ignorance related with this spirit, because in many different places this spirit has received many names. Among the Tibetans, for instance, Christ is known as Avalokiteshvara; you find that name in the Buddhist Pantheon.

Among the Taoists you find Kwan Yin. Kwan Yin is of course, according to the Tao, the “subtle voice,” or the “sweet voice,” in other words, the verb, the word, Logos.

Among the Mayans, they call this spirit, Kukulkan. The word “Kukul” means bird and “Kan” means serpent. So, when you say Kukulkan, this means the “bird-serpent.” That spirit, the “bird-serpent” in Aztec language or Nahua, is Quetzalcoatl.

There among the Peruvians, the Incas of Peru they call him Viracocha. Viracocha is the same Vishnu, the Lord. Of course, Chokmah חכמה, in the Kabbalah as you know means “Wisdom” and this is related with this spirit of wisdom.

All religions are precious stones strung on the golden thread of Divinity.

All religions conserve the eternal values. False religions do not exist.

All religions are necessary; all religions fulfill their mission in life.

It is absurd to state that our neighbor’s religion is useless and that only ours is authentic. If the neighbor’s religion is not good then my religion is not good either because the values are always the same.

It is stupid to state that the religion of the indigenous tribes of America is idolatry because they too have the right to say that our religion is idolatry. If we laugh at them, they can also laugh at us. If we say that they adore or that they adored idols, then they too can say that we adore idols.

We cannot discredit the religion of others without discrediting ours as well because the principles are always the same. All religions have the same principles.

Under the sun, every religion is born, grows, develops, multiplies into many sects, and dies. This is how it has always been and will always be.

Religious principles never die. The religious forms can die, but the religious principles, in other words, the eternal values, can never die. They continue; they are re-dressed with new forms.

Religion is inherent to life in the same manner that humidity is to water.

It is worthwhile to study all religions. The comparative study of religions leads one to comprehend that all religions conserve the eternal values, that no religion is false, that all are true.

The word religion comes from the Latin word religare, which implies “to link or bind or union of the Soul to God."

"As the blazing fire reduces wood to ashes; similarly, the fire of Self-knowledge reduces all bonds of karma to ashes..." --Krishna - Bhagavad-gita 4:36-37

The eternal values embodied in the world's religions express the essential requirements for the consciousness to enter into the light and fully realize the purpose of living.

In other words, the heart message of every religion seeks to awaken the consciousness and eliminate suffering, so that the eternal light may be known through our own direct experience.

"Truth is one; sages call it by various names." -- Rig Veda

Original Post by Mac Fion

[yoga-onion]

The Quest for Buddhism (118)

Buddhist cosmology

[Spinoff] Transcendental Meditation – One of the modern meditation methods.

As a comparison and contrast to Vipassana meditation (Ref) as an alternative medicine, we would like to mention Transcendental Meditation of Hindu origin.

Transcendental Meditation (TM) is a form of silent mantra meditation technique derived from the Vedas, made known in the mid-1950s by Indian Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. Maharishi summarised and presented the Vedic teachings in a form that was understandable to Westerners, using scientific language.

Advocates of the Transcendental Meditation movement (TM) claim that the technique promotes a state of relaxed awareness, stress relief, and access to higher states of consciousness, as well as physiological benefits such as reducing the risk of heart disease and high blood pressure.

Transcendental Meditation is said to foster a higher consciousness and improve one's luck (described as receiving nature's support). When done in groups, it is said to promote very powerful attunement, creating harmony and positive influences in the environment (making the world a better place).

The connection between mantra and meditation is considered a "scientific technique" and is called the "science of creative intelligence. It is said to develop latent abilities, drawing out vitality, intelligence, and fulfillment, and even "transcending" thought. Maharishi states that "transcendence" is the transcendence of the mind over thought, the turning of the mind inward, beyond thought, beyond the conscious mind, to experience pure consciousness which being absolute bliss consciousness, totally unchanging and eternal. The "ultimate goal" of transcendental meditation is "God-realisation," the realisation of the value of "God" within oneself, and the attainment of God-consciousness.

Building on the teachings of his master Brahmananda Saraswati (known honorifically as Guru Dev), the Maharishi taught thousands of people during a series of world tours from 1958 to 1965, expressing his teachings in spiritual and religious terms.

Many celebrities and celebrities such as the Beatles studied Transcendental Meditation during this period, and its influence on the subculture was significant. It is known to have had a major influence on musicians during the Flower Movement, and among hippies in the 1960s, 'meditation' and 'zen' were seen as techniques that could provide similar psychedelic experiences without the use of drugs.

They were loved by hippies as a method for 'mental expansion' and so-called 'opening the doors of perception', with Transcendental Meditation being described in the rock media as the most 'effective' and known amongst young rock lovers.

Beginning in 1965, the Transcendental Meditation technique has been incorporated into selected schools, universities, corporations, and prison programs in the US, Latin America, Europe, and India. The technique has still been included in a number of educational and social programs around the world.

仏教の探求 (118)

仏教の宇宙論

[番外編] 超越瞑想 〜 現代瞑想法の一派

代替医療としてのヴィパッサナー瞑想（参照）との比較対照として、ヒンデゥー教由来の超越的瞑想について触れておきたい。

超越瞑想 (ちょうえつめいそう、ﾄﾗﾝｾﾝﾃﾞﾝﾀﾙ･ﾒﾃﾞｨﾃｰｼｮﾝ:TM) は、インド人のマハリシ・マヘーシュ・ヨーギーによって1950年代に知られるようになった、ヴェーダに由来するマントラ瞑想法である。マハリシはヴェーダの教えを、西洋人にも理解しやすい形で、科学的な言葉を使って要約し紹介した。

超越瞑想運動 (TM) の提唱者は、このテクニックがリラックスした意識状態、ストレス解消、より高い意識状態へのアクセスを促進し、心臓病や高血圧のリスク軽減などの生理学的効果もあると主張している。

超越瞑想を行うことで、より高次の意識が育まれ、運がよくなる (自然の支援を受ける、と表現される) という。グループで行うと、非常に強力な同調を促し、環境に調和と肯定性の影響が生み出される (世界がより良くなる) という。

マントラと瞑想の結びつきは「科学的テクニック」とされ、「創造的知性の科学」と呼ばれる。これによって潜在的な能力を開発し、活力、知性、充足感を引き出し、さらには思考を「超越」させるという。マハリシは、「超越」とは、思考を超えた心の超越であり、意識を超え、純粋意識を体験するために心を内側に向けること、純粋意識は絶対至福意識であり、全く不変であり、永遠であると述べている。超越瞑想の「究極の目標」は「神の実現」であり、自らの内にある＜神＞の価値に気づき、「神意識」に到達するとされる。

マハリシは、師である��ラフマナンダ・サラスワティ (敬称はグル・デヴ) の教えを基に、1958年から1965年までの一連の世界ツアーで何千人もの人々に教え、その教えを精神的、宗教的な用語で表現した。

この時期、ビートルズなど多くの有名人や著名人が超越瞑想を学び、サブカルチャーに与えた影響は大きい。フラワームーブメントの時期のミュージシャンに大きな影響を与えたことが知られており、60年代のヒッピーの間では、「瞑想」や「禅」は薬物を使用せずに同様のサイケデリック体験ができるテクニックとして捉えられていた。

「精神拡張」、いわゆる「知覚の扉を開く」ための方法としてヒッピーたちに愛好され、中でも超越瞑想が最も「効く」とロック系のメディアで語られ、ロックを愛好する若者の間で知られていた。

1965年以来、超越瞑想法は、アメリカ、ラテンアメリカ、ヨーロッパ、インドの特定の学校、大学、企業、刑務所などのプログラムに取り入れられている。この技法は、現在も世界中の数多くの教育・社会プログラムに取り入れられている。

[mahayanapilgrim]

Today, April 13th, marks the anniversary of Kalu Rinpoche, a revered master in Tibetan Buddhism. Let's honor his legacy and profound contributions to the spread and preservation of the Dharma.

Kalu Rinpoche, born in 1905 in a remote hermitage near Bengen Monastery, Tibet, was a significant figure in Tibetan Buddhism. Before becoming a monk, he was part of a devout family, with his father being a disciple of renowned Buddhist masters Jamgon Kongtrul and Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo. Kalu Rinpoche's early life was marked by signs of his future spiritual importance, attracting attention from various monastic communities who wished to claim him as a reincarnated lama. Despite these requests, his father chose to keep him close, allowing him to grow up away from monastic life initially.

Kalu Rinpoche received a rigorous religious education, taking novice vows at thirteen and later becoming fully ordained. He studied extensively under various teachers, learning key Buddhist texts and practices. Notably, he spent over a dozen years in isolated meditation retreats, honing his spiritual practice and achieving profound insights.

Kalu Rinpoche was known for his mastery of the Shangpa Kagyu tradition, among others, and was recognized for his contributions to preserving and teaching Buddhism. He traveled extensively, teaching and establishing retreat centers, even after being forced to flee to central Tibet due to political unrest. Eventually, he moved to Darjeeling, India, where he founded Samdrub Dargye Choling monastery, continuing his work as a teacher to many, including high-ranking lamas and international students.

Throughout his life, Kalu Rinpoche was celebrated for his deep understanding of Buddhist teachings, his commitment to spiritual practice, and his role in transmitting valuable Buddhist teachings to future generations.

[darkmessiah2000]

My OC Backstory Part 4:

So Naomi returned to Earth first, she started off simple learning the ways of European swordsmanship (but not the current ways of the rapier or the saber, but the older ways of the Broadsword) after mastering the ways of the broadsword, Jordan had a special broadsword made just for her, composed of an alloy composed of angelic steel (which she was able to procure thanks to Countess Valentine) demonic iron, and earthly silver, which it was forged in Hellfire, and cooled In Holy Water, and later blessed by nearly all the faiths of man, afterwards she traveled all over the world, in Brazil where she learned Capoeira, on the American frontier she learned sharpshooting from the frontiersmen, Tomahawk/Knife fighting, tracking, horseback riding, & archery from the Apache, Navajo, Comanche, Crow, Mohawk, & Lakota tribes, in Mongolia she learned traditional mounted combat, when she went south into the China, she started learning wushu, then she came to the Shaolin temple where she learned the martial arts from the monks, in all honesty, Jordan felt quite at home with the monks (who took a instant liking to her) not just being intrigued by their martial arts, but by their Buddhist faith too, while Jordan did considered her Christian, she also did start to adopt the Buddhist philosophy as well, soon enough she learned all she could to point she was pretty much a master, and had to continue her journey, but before she left the Abbot of the Shaolin Temple gave her a gift to remember them by, an obsidian pendent with a depiction of Siddhartha Gautama, the Buddha himself, which she put on right beside her black cross, making her to Thailand she learned Muay-Thai, Kali in the Philippines, In India aside from learning Gatka, she discovered how the humans worship her mother,her grandfather, and her uncles, studying the different Hindu schools of thought as well the Sikhs, seeing their perspectives of the universe, eventually making her way to Africa where she learned the fighting styles of both the Zande & Zulu tribes, as well as the Dohemy tribes all-female warriors the Agojie. For the next few years, Naomi would continue to travel the earth, and learn many different things from its cultures, the final stop her training took her back to Asia to an island off the coast of China, Japan which was renowned for the skills of its warrior class the Samurai, of course learning the ways of the Katana was probably the hardest part of Naomi’s Journey, not because of the difficulty of Kenjitsu itself, but because of the society it inhabits, since Japan around this time was extremely isolationist and didn’t allow foreigners in (or barbarians as they call em) all trade was extremely limited and focused to a small island in the Nagasaki bay called Dejima, and even in her human form Jordan still stuck out, through a lot of trouble she eventually managed to find a Kenjitsu master, one who had studied nearly the forms of the art, a direct descendant of the legendary samurai Miyamoto Musashi, although Naomi was a prodigy with the way of the sword, she still had difficulty with the mental side of it, since all of this training was so she would face her mothers killers, it went against the zen like philosophy of Kenjitsu, although she manage to get over this blocks, as she realized this wasn’t just about revenge for her mothers this was about making sure those monsters could never hurt anyone again, soon enough she managed to complete her training, and like with the forging of her broadsword at the beginning of her training tour, she would have a katana forged at the end, in the same way using the alloy, as well as receiving the same blessings, she bid farewell to Master Miyamoto, and promised to face her murders not for the sake of revenge but in the name of holy justice. Naomi returned to Hell to finally join the Vishakanya of Kali.

[visagurukulcom]

Does Indian government provide scholarships for studying abroad?

Study abroad can be an exciting prospect, but the financial aspect can often be a concern. Fortunately, the Indian government recognizes the importance of education and strives to support students in pursuing their academic dreams beyond national borders. In this article, we will explore the various scholarships offered by the Indian government to make studying abroad more accessible.

MEA Scholarships:

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in India provides scholarships for students aspiring to study abroad. Under the MEA scholarship program, financial assistance is offered to students from economically weaker sections who wish to pursue higher education overseas. This initiative aims to ensure that financial constraints do not hinder the academic aspirations of talented individuals.

Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan (CSFP):

The Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan is a significant initiative that allows Indian students to study in Commonwealth countries. Administered by the Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD), this scholarship covers a wide range of subjects and provides opportunities for both master's and doctoral programs. The CSFP is an excellent avenue for Indian students to explore educational opportunities in countries like the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia.

ICCR Scholarships:

The Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) plays a pivotal role in fostering cultural exchange and educational collaboration. ICCR scholarships cater to international students as well as Indian students interested in studying abroad. These scholarships cover various academic disciplines and are available for undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs.

AICTE Scholarships:

The All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) offers scholarships to Indian students pursuing technical and engineering courses abroad. This initiative aims to enhance the skills and knowledge of students in the field of technology and engineering, making them globally competitive.

Nalanda University Scholarship:

Nalanda University, an international institution located in India, provides scholarships for students pursuing higher education in subjects related to environmental studies, historical studies, and Buddhist studies. This scholarship encourages academic excellence and supports students committed to making a positive impact in their chosen fields.

Conclusion

Study abroad scholarship opens up a world of opportunities, and the Indian government recognizes the importance of making this experience accessible to all. Through various scholarship programs, the government aims to alleviate financial barriers, allowing students to focus on their education and future careers. Aspiring students should explore these opportunities and take advantage of the support available to turn their dreams of studying abroad into a reality.

[somaiya-vidyavihar-university]

Exploring Opportunities in Buddhist Studies: A Path to Spiritual and Academic Growth

Buddhist philosophy has shaped the world’s spiritual, cultural, and intellectual landscapes for centuries. For those interested in delving deeper into this ancient wisdom, pursuing a Buddhist Studies MA can be a transformative experience. This program offers an opportunity to explore the profound teachings of Buddhism, its history, and its relevance in contemporary society. In this article, we’ll discuss the benefits of studying Buddhism, the scope of a Master in Buddhist Studies in India, and why this field is gaining attention from students globally.

Why Study Buddhism?

Buddhism is more than a religion; it’s a way of life that encourages personal growth, compassion, and mindfulness. By studying Buddhism, you gain access to a wealth of knowledge that transcends spiritual practices, encompassing philosophy, psychology, ethics, and history. Students who embark on this path often reflect on the practical application of Buddhist teachings in modern life. Whether you’re seeking personal enlightenment or a career in academia, understanding Buddhism provides tools for inner peace, critical thinking, and cultural awareness.

Pursuing a Buddhist Studies MA

A Buddhist Studies MA program is designed for individuals who are passionate about understanding the intricacies of Buddhism from both a theoretical and practical perspective. This postgraduate degree covers various aspects of Buddhist literature, philosophy, meditation practices, and its historical development across different regions. Students also explore the role of Buddhism in contemporary global issues, such as environmental sustainability and social justice.

By enrolling in a Masters in Buddhist Studies in India, students can immerse themselves in a culture that has been deeply influenced by Buddhism for centuries. India, being the birthplace of Buddhism, offers a rich and authentic setting for the study of this ancient tradition. Institutions that provide this program focus on a comprehensive curriculum that encourages a deeper understanding of the subject, combining traditional teachings with modern academic rigor.

Career Prospects and Growth Opportunities

A Buddhist Studies MA can open doors to various career paths. Graduates can pursue roles in academia, research, and teaching, both in religious and secular institutions. Additionally, the skills gained from studying Buddhism such as critical analysis, cross-cultural communication, and ethical reasoning are valuable in fields like counseling, international relations, and community development. The study of Buddhism also prepares individuals for roles in religious leadership or becoming meditation instructors, contributing to personal and societal well-being.

Somaiya’s Role in Buddhist Studies

If you’re considering a master’s in Buddhist Studies in India, Somaiya Vidyavihar University is an excellent example of an institution that offers an immersive and holistic approach to Buddhist studies. Somaiya combines academic excellence with spiritual growth, allowing students to explore the profound teachings of Buddhism while engaging in modern academic discourse. The university’s well-structured programs, expert faculty, and access to historical sites of Buddhist significance make it a unique place to pursue your passion for Buddhist Studies MA.

Conclusion

Studying Buddhism provides a gateway to understanding one of the world’s most influential spiritual traditions. Whether you’re interested in deepening your spiritual practice or pursuing an academic career, a Masters in Buddhist Studies in India offers rich opportunities. Institutions like Somaiya Vidyavihar University provide students with the tools and knowledge to explore Buddhism from a scholarly perspective while fostering personal growth. With a Buddhist Studies MA, you can engage in meaningful work that contributes to both personal fulfillment and societal betterment.

[admissionexperts]

Chemical Colleges in Patna, Mechanical Engineering in Patna - Admission Experts

Chemical Colleges in Patna, Mechanical Engineering in Patna - Admission Experts Patna once is otherwise called Pataliputra is the capital city and biggest in the Province of Bihar in India. In view of the Unified Countries, as of the year 2018, Patna was home to 2.35 million, which makes it the nineteenth biggest town in India. It covers 250 square kilometers (97 sq miles) and has more than 2.5 million occupants. There are Buddhist, Hindu, and Jain journey places situated in Vaishali, Rajgir, Nalanda, Bodh Gaya, and Pawapuri inside a brief distance. Patna City is a consecrated city for Sikhs since the tenth Sikh Master Gobind Singh was brought into the world around here.

B.Tech Synthetic Designing in Patna is a 4-year undergrad program. It is partitioned into eight semesters. Competitors who have finished twelfth grade or an identical in any Science stream might seek after a course at B.Tech Synthetic Designing in Patna . The course gives an establishment in Substance Designing and a commonsense and hypothetical comprehension of Compound administration and extraction. Compound Designing Rudiments and Substance Plant Planning and Tasks are only a couple of the numerous regions covered by this B.Tech course in Synthetic Designing.

B.Tech Synthetic Designing Patna acquaints researchers with the norms of science connecting it to designing that permits you to give a clarification to the difficulties stressed in the assembling and utilization of synthetics. The worry draws in an association among innovation and its product to creation areas. Applicants are built up in their administration abilities, issue fixing capacities, and planning of assignments from starting to stop level.

The B.Tech Synthetic Designing in Patna program contains homeroom study, lab practice, and ventures alongside tasks, by which understudies are given a top to bottom comprehension Of the field buying skill of improvement, compound blossoms activity, running of framework used in substance handling blossoms, etc, which in this way will we up-and-comer benefit a broad demeanor of functions applicable in private and public areas. https://admissionexperts.org/engineering-course

[shaolinquan]

Shaolin Kungfu

Shaolin Kung Fu was introduced  by  Indian monk  named Tat Moh, who is also known as Boddhidharma. He began his  life as a prince in Pallava Kingdom  southern India, but became a devoted Buddhist, renouncing his royal heritage to take up the simple lifestyle of a monk. He spreaded Buddhism and his teachings  widely eventually he rose to become the 28th patriarch of India.

 It was common for Indian monks to travel to China on those days where their Buddhist teachings were eagerly received. In the year 520 A.D. Tat Moh made a travel through India and China, finally settling at the monastery called Shaolin - which means ‘little forest’. He was disappointed, to find the monks very weak and unable to withstand the austere ways of Buddhism - a life which often consisted of long fasts and frugal living.

Tat Moh therefore returned into a cave and meditated in isolation in order to find a solution to the problem. When he emerged after nine years of hard study, he had found a set of exercises for the monks. These were similar to some Indian exercises such as yoga and were intended to regulate and strengthen the monks chi flow. Their intention was to strengthen the monks and increase their health and vitality and this they did, so successfully that Tat Moh’s Chi exercises are still practiced to this day. They form the basis of the Shaolin Arts.

It seems that in China there was more than one temple named ‘Shaolin’. In this history we will discuss only the Shaolin temple in Fukien Province.

In the history of China there was much lawlessness. Bandits and villains were surrounded vulnerable to attack Shaolin Temple, as were monks who traveled the country teaching the ways of Buddhism. So as to protect themselves, the monks developed a system of fighting based on the exercises taught by the founder master - Tat Moh.

Buddhist monks are very gentle and good natured. Their fighting system was developed only to defend themselves against harm. This system was called the ‘Lohon’ style after the monks in the temple (Lohons) who developed it. The Lohon style is a very basic form of Kung Fu which emphasizes low stances and strong body posture. It proved very successful.

The monks of the Shaolin temple practiced  very hard to increase their martial arts skills and were constantly striving to improve their art. A great step forward came with the evolution of the third Shaolin style, called the Tiger style - Tai Chor in Chinese. This was developed by a Chinese emperor, who had his royal position to adopt the austere ways of Buddhism. He finally settled at the Shaolin temple where he studied deeply in the martial arts, eventually developing the Tai Chor style. For this reason, Tai Chor is sometimes also known as the emperor’s style. It uses strong but mobile stance which we use in the Tiger-Crane combination, and which we call the ‘walking stance’. It also emphasizes a very strong twisting punch. In fact, the straight punch which ends with a twist of the fist has become a hallmark of Shaolin Kung Fu. The Tai Chor style develops great power and was, therefore, able to defeat the Lohon style.

No style is unbeatable. Every move has a counter similarly, another style was later developed which could counter the Tiger style. This was the monkey style, known in Chinese as Tai Sheng. Monkey is a very fast, deceptive style. It tends to close in on his opponent, strike and retreat all in one rapid sequence. Hence, the powerful Tiger may be unable to hit his tricky, constantly moving opponent. If the monkey misses with a strike, he will still move away from his opponent so as not to allow them the chance to counter him. The monkey’s strikes are accurate, more than powerful and are delivered with fingers or the open palm. Grabbing is also a favorite of this technique. The monkey likes to crouch and often attacks the lower body. He especially favours targeting the groin. For male opponents this can result in serious loss!

Because the monkey style consists of much crouching and rolling, it is best suited to people who are short. It is often considered monkey possibly be countered? The answer is by the techniques of the white crane! The white crane style was the last and most technically advanced style to be developed in the Fukien Shaolin Temple. Even to this day, the crane style is regarded with great respect and is protected in secretly by its masters.

[sirinpasin]

关于鲁士来历的一段历史（20230708）

Lersi History

The Lersi; The Ruesi, or ‘Pra Rasi’ – Also called in India, the “Rishi”

Lersi is a word used to call people who possess mind powers, who practice the development of mind and it’s powers in various aspects.

Even the Lord Buddha Himself received teachings from the Lersi. All the different Lersi Hermit Sages are to be documented and added to this section.

Sidhatta only left the schooling philosophy of the Ruesi, because it wasn’t going to lead him to Enlightenment,rather only to a higher level of the heavenly realms, a favorable rebirth that leaves one reborn as an Angel or an Archangel Buchiwagoemarapat was the healing Master Ruesi who served as doctor to the Buddha Sakyamuni.

​

The Ruesi are known to have attained various supernatural mind powers, such as;

The Ability to Float and See the Future, Heal with Forest Herbs, Voice Powers (Incantation and Prana), talk with animals, read minds, and even Teleportation, Manipulation of the Elements, Alchemy and other Miraculous forms of Mastery of the Environment.

Another translation for the word Ruesi, would be “Seer” -the author suggests also the word Wizard, as the Ruesi also made use of Magic Spells using a stick to cast with,just as does the Wizard who is to be found in Western Mythologies.

The word Ruesi is associated with the thought of a secretive, mysterious hermit-like person who lives a solitary existence and dwells in a cave, the forest or in the mountains. The real meaning of the word Ruesi, is “Seer”, meaning one with special abilities to see things that normal humans cannot perceive, such as vision of the three times (Past, Present & Future events).

Such an ability is called Trigalachan, meaning “he who knows the three time spheres. the oldest Sanskrit Myths and texts do not record how far back the existence of the Ruesi goes, but the Buddhist texts have a record known referring to the Buppaeniwaasaanusathiyan – of the Ruesi and that of the Buddha, and how they differ (Buppaeniwaasaanusathiyan means the ability to remember previous incarnations).

Lersi in The Vedas

There are four Vedas, the Rig Veda, Sama Veda, Yajur Veda and Atharva Veda. The Vedas are the primary texts of Hinduism. They also had a vast influence on Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism. Traditionally the text of the Vedas was coeval with the universe.

Scholars have determined that the Rig Veda, the oldest of the four Vedas, was composed about 1500 B.C., and codified about 600 B.C. It is unknown when it was finally committed to writing, but this probably was at some point after 300 B.C. The Vedas contain hymns, incantations, and rituals from ancient India. Along with the Book of the Dead, the Enuma Elish, the I Ching, and the Avesta, they are among the most ancient religious texts still in existence. Besides their spiritual value, they also give a unique view of everyday life in India four thousand years ago. The Vedas are also the most ancient extensive texts in an Indo-European language, and as such are invaluable in the study of comparative linguistics.

​

3500 to 5000 years ago, the Lersi composed texts, prayers, incantations and spells to invoke the Angelic beings. This was due to the fact that the Ruesi had practiced training their minds and raised their consciousness to the Samabhabhati level of Jhana. They could see things on higher planes that the normal human cannot, including being able to hear sounds from other dimensions that any normal person will never get to hear.

This made listening to the Angelic Beings accessible. when a Ruesi enters meditation and Samadhi, he will naturally experience visions and sounds that are created for him as a communication means by the Angelic Being that wishes to communicate with him. The words in the texts of the Rigveda, however, are not the words invented by the Ruesi; they are the words given to the Ruesi by the Gods or Angelic Beings, as the Ruesi were in the meditative state.

Maybe the most important and sacred of all the scriptures and incantations written down as they were heard by the Ruesi whilst listening to the higher dimensional realms, is the “Srut”, meaning “That which was heard from the Deities”. This great work differs from the legends written by the Ruesi after the Vedas. The difference being, that the later books (known as Samarueti, meaning “that which was written from memory”), were not written as words that have been directly heard from the mouth of the deities, rather, the words are taken from what the first generation of Ruesi had already documented. The later texts therefore, are not directly transmitted.

Other Types of Lersi Classifications

Apart from the aforementioned 4 types of Lersi, there are many other Special subdivisions of Lersi, depending on local belief systems.These are divided into seven types and a further three are added to make ten. These were created by Pra Bprachaabadii

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Pra Koedom

Pra Paratawaach

Pra Wisawaamitr

Prachomtasanii

Pra Wasit

Pra Gasop (Gasabpa)

Pra Athri

Ruesi Pra Bprajaetas

Pra Parueku

Pra Narot

Pra Gasop – common folk tend to think that Pra Gasop Ruesi is a ghostly/phantom-like being, which is a wrong view of this classification of Ruesi. Pra Gasop eventually became incarnated in the Human world, and is considered to have been the first ever Ruesi to have appeared in the realm of Human Beings.

Thai local villagers call them “Phee” (ghosts). If they were really ghosts, then they would have a lower status like the Asuras (monsters/jealous gods). This Lersi Sage was first created by the Divinity Brahma in the same phase as he created the Asura beings.

[myflighttrip]

A tour guide to the history and culture of Varanasi

The city of Varanasi is located in the state of Uttar Pradesh. It is a holy city in the epicenter of Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain philosophy, located on the banks of the River Ganga. One of the world's oldest continuously inhabited towns, Varanasi is a center for the study, of literature, and the arts. Varanasi has prospered throughout its existence while preserving its importance. It is one of the world's oldest continuously inhabited cities. Its distinctive geographic setting has ensured that it is a vibrant center for trade and education. Varanasi has survived the ravages of time although rulers have come and gone. If talking about tourism, the Varanasi Sarnath tour package is the most preferred among tourists, giving people a chance to travel to the spiritual centers of India.

Know about the history of Varanasi:

Varanasi is the oldest city in the world and a revered pilgrimage spot for Hindus. Those who die in Varanasi are believed to attain salvation from the cycle of birth and rebirth. The city is home to Lord Shiva and Parvati, but its origins are unknown. River Ganga in Varanasi is considered sacred and has the power to purify mortals of their sins.

Varanasi has been a hub of learning, culture, and religion for over 3000 years. It is believed that the holy Ganga river originated from the tresses of Lord Shiva in Varanasi. The city is also famous for being the place where Buddha gave his first sermon after achieving enlightenment in nearby Sarnath. Varanasi has been a center for the Hindu Renaissance and a pilgrimage site for Jains, who believe it to be the birthplace of their twenty-third Tirthankar, Parsvanath. Throughout the centuries, the city has developed knowledge, philosophy, arts, crafts, and devotion to gods.

Varanasi is known for promoting spiritualism, mysticism, Sanskrit, yoga, and Hindi language. It is considered the cultural capital of India and has nurtured many famous authors, including Prem Chand and Tulsi Das. The city is also home to talented musicians and dancers, such as Ravi Shankar and Ustad Bismillah Khan. Book online Varanasi tour packages with My Flight Trip today to gain more in-depth knowledge about this ancient city.

The art and culture of Varanasi:

Varanasi is known as the cultural capital of India due to its unique art and culture. It is a blend of archaeology, mythology, geography, art, and history. Although Hinduism and Buddhism are the main religions, there are glimpses of other beliefs and worship practices. Varanasi offers a diverse range of primitive worship cults. It serves as a museum of Indian art and culture and showcases changing patterns and movements throughout history. The city is famous for its folk art, master craftsmen, and handicrafts such as beautiful sarees, textiles, toys, ornaments, metalwork, clay, and woodwork.

The city is home to numerous educational institutions, including universities, colleges, schools, and traditional Guru Shishya Pathshalas. The literary tradition is still thriving with various languages, dialects, newspapers, magazines and libraries. Varanasi also has a unique cultural and social fabric with a diverse ethnic population. You can explore the city's rich history and traditions, including its famous Benarasi pans, Thandai, and so on while you visit Varanasi.

Some of the tourist places in Varanasi:

Tourists from across the globe travel to Varanasi to understand and explore the rich culture and history of this place. This city is also famous for several touristy places, below mentioned are some:

Kashi Vishwanath Temple: This temple has one of the 12 Jyotirlingas, dedicated to Lord Shiva, and is considered as an important pilgrimage site for hindus. The temple is famous for its 800 kg gold-plated tower.

Dashashwamedh Ghat: The Ganga Aarti held every evening makes this Ghat popular, attracting many visitors daily. Witnessing the Aarti is an indescribable experience that should not be missed during a visit to Varanasi.

Assi Ghat: Assi Ghat is a popular spot in Varanasi, where people gather to enjoy stunning views of the sunrise and sunset over the Ganges. It's a central location in Varanasi where tourists and long-term visitors reside.

Banaras Hindu University: Banaras Hindu University is a huge campus of 5.4 square kilometers in the city. It is the largest residential university in the continent, with almost 30,000 students living on campus.

Ramnagar Fort: Ramnagar Fort is a historic monument in Varanasi. Built by Raja Balwant Singh in 1750, it follows the Mughal style of architecture. Despite the abolition of the king's system in the region, Maharaja PeluBhiru Singh currently lives in the fort.

Tulsi Manasa Temple: The Tulsi Das Temple has a Shikhara architectural style and showcases inscriptions from the Ram Charit Manas on its walls. During the months of Saawan (July-August), the temple presents a special display of Ramayana-themed puppets, which is a fun experience for visitors.

A brief about Sarnath:

10 km northeast of Varanasi is the town of Sarnath, where the Buddha traveled to impart his teachings on nirvana and enlightenment. As the alleged birthplace of Shreyansanath, the Eleventh Tirthankara of Jainism, with a temple in his honor, it is also a significant destination for Jains. Sarnath is also well recognized for being a significant Buddhist site. It is situated where the Varuna and Ganges rivers converge.Witness this popular destination for spiritual seekers with the same day Varanasi Sarnath tour. You can visit the Sarnath’s numerous tourist sites as well.

The well-known busy marketplace, ghats, and temples of the city are all listed in My Flight Trip's comprehensive tour packages. These packages include everything from lodging to transportation to a guide for a city tour. Depending on how long you plan to stay, you may select from a number of packages, ranging from a day trip to a week-long vacation.

You need not worry about transfers as My Flight Trip provides smooth and seamless Varanasi Airport to Varanasi hotel transfer services at minimal cost but with great facilities. My Flight Trip is here to make your Varanasi trip a memorable one.