#divine destiny Ramayana

[compassionmattersmost]

Ramayana No. 18: The Curious Case of Rama Hearing His Own Story: Reflections on the Ramayana

Inspired by Chapter 1.4 of the DeBroy Translation of the Ramayana When reading ancient texts, one often encounters moments that seem to defy the logic of modern storytelling. One such moment came to me while reading Chapter 1.4 of Bibek Debroy’s translation of Valmiki’s Ramayana. In this passage, something quite strange happens: Rama, the hero of the Ramayana, listens to the story of his own…

[poemshubs]

What Sort of Social Order Produces Epic Poetry?

Epic poetry has been a foundational element in many cultures’ literary traditions. Often grand in scale, epic poems have been used to tell stories of heroism, mythological battles, and the triumphs and failures of civilizations. These poems have persisted through history and continue to captivate readers today. But what sort of social order produces such monumental works of literature? What are the underlying conditions that lead to the creation of epic poetry? In this article, we will explore the characteristics of the social orders that give rise to epic poetry, examining historical examples, the role of the epic poet, and the cultural and political forces that shape such works.

The Role of Social Structure in Shaping Epic Poetry

1. Hierarchical Societies and the Need for Legends

A common feature of many societies that produce epic poetry is their hierarchical social structure. In these societies, there is often a defined division between the elite ruling class and the common people. Kings, warriors, and gods typically occupy elevated positions within these societies, making them prime subjects for epic poetry. The structure of such a society often places a high value on honor, valor, and the protection of traditions.

In these environments, epic poetry serves several functions. It glorifies the deeds of rulers and warriors, turning them into larger-than-life figures who embody the virtues of the society. This process helps to solidify the social order by creating an idealized model of leadership and courage. It also reinforces the hierarchy of society by elevating the nobility and their heroic deeds to legendary status.

2. Cultural Cohesion and National Identity

Epic poetry also plays a crucial role in fostering cultural cohesion and national identity. In many cases, the epic poem is a vehicle for establishing a common narrative for a people. It unites the disparate members of a society under a shared set of values, beliefs, and historical experiences. For example, the Iliad and Odyssey by Homer helped establish a common cultural foundation for the Greeks, uniting various city-states under a narrative of shared gods, heroes, and myths. In this way, epic poetry can act as a tool for creating a unified sense of national or ethnic identity, particularly in societies that are expanding or consolidating their political power.

In the case of the Aeneid by Virgil, the epic poem was used to forge a connection between the Roman Empire and its legendary Trojan origins. Through such poems, a society can trace its lineage to the divine or heroic, reinforcing the idea that its people are destined for greatness. The epic poet becomes an essential figure in constructing a collective memory that elevates the society’s cultural significance on the world stage.

3. The Role of Oral Tradition in Epics

The social order that produces epic poetry is often one that maintains a strong oral tradition. In societies where written language is not yet widespread or literacy is reserved for the elite, epic poetry is often passed down through generations by oral storytellers. These oral traditions are not only a method of preserving history, but they are also an important vehicle for reinforcing social norms and values.

In such societies, the poet (or bards, minstrels, or griots) occupies a unique position. These storytellers are responsible for both preserving and interpreting the past, often recounting the deeds of the gods and heroes that shaped the society’s present. The structure of these oral poems, with their reliance on repetition, formulas, and mnemonic devices, reflects the social value placed on memory and tradition. The social importance of the oral poet as a keeper of history is evident in works like the Mahabharata and the Ramayana, where the oral poet is central to the society’s understanding of its identity and destiny.

The Political Climate and Epic Poetry

4. Wars and Conquests: A Catalyst for Epic Narratives

The political climate of a society is often a key factor in the creation of epic poetry. Societies that experience large-scale wars, conquests, or invasions often produce epic poetry as a way of documenting these turbulent periods. In the wake of conflict, epic poetry offers a means of interpreting and processing the effects of war. It becomes a vehicle for reflecting on the sacrifices, tragedies, and triumphs that come with violent social upheavals.

For example, the Aeneid by Virgil was written during a time when Rome was consolidating its power following centuries of internal strife and external wars. The epic serves as both a narrative of the Roman people’s struggle for dominance and as a legitimizing force for Augustus’ rule. It reflects the political realities of the time, using the legend of Aeneas’ journey to Rome as a symbol of the perseverance and determination required to overcome adversity.

Similarly, the Iliad and the Odyssey were born from a world of constant warfare, with the Trojan War serving as the central event that both shaped the social order of the Greeks and provided a backdrop for the stories of heroism and tragedy. Epic poetry in such contexts serves to immortalize the deeds of warriors, but it also allows society to grapple with the costs of war and the complexities of leadership and loyalty.

5. The Role of Rulers and Patronage

Rulers have historically played a significant role in the production of epic poetry. Monarchs, emperors, and other figures of political authority have often commissioned epic works as a means of consolidating their power, promoting national unity, or justifying their rule. In many cases, the epic poet serves not only as a storyteller but also as a kind of courtier who is expected to write in praise of the ruler’s virtues and accomplishments.

The Aeneid once again provides a useful example of this phenomenon. Virgil wrote the poem under the patronage of Augustus, the first emperor of Rome. Augustus sought to use the poem as a way of legitimizing his reign by linking it to the divine ancestry of Aeneas. Similarly, many other epics, such as the Shahnameh by Ferdowsi, were created in response to the political needs of the time. The Shahnameh was written in part to preserve the national identity of the Persian people during a time of foreign occupation, using the stories of Persian kings and heroes to strengthen the resolve of the population.

Epic poetry, then, can be seen as a tool for political legitimacy. Rulers commission these works not just as artistic expressions but as instruments for consolidating power, reinforcing political authority, and promoting the values and goals of their regimes.

The Intellectual and Cultural Forces Behind Epic Poetry

6. Philosophy and Religion as Drivers of Epic Poetry

The intellectual climate of a society also influences the development of epic poetry. In societies where philosophy, theology, and cultural philosophy are integral parts of the social structure, epic poetry often reflects the intellectual concerns of the time. The epic poet becomes not just a chronicler of history, but also a philosopher and theologian who engages with the broader questions of existence, morality, and the divine.

For example, the Iliad and the Odyssey are deeply philosophical works, exploring themes such as fate, free will, and the nature of heroism. The Mahabharata, a Hindu epic, not only recounts a grand narrative of warfare and divine intervention, but also includes long philosophical discourses, most famously the Bhagavad Gita, which addresses questions of duty, ethics, and the nature of the soul.

Similarly, the Divine Comedy by Dante Alighieri is an epic that addresses both political and religious themes. Written during a time of significant political upheaval in Italy, Dante’s work serves as a critique of the social and political orders of the time, while also reflecting the religious and philosophical ideas that dominated medieval Europe.

7. Artistic Expression and Cultural Flourishing

Epic poetry is often a product of cultural flourishing. Societies that encourage artistic expression, intellectual growth, and the exploration of the human condition often produce epic poetry. The arts, and especially literature, serve as a reflection of a society’s values, aspirations, and anxieties. In times of peace and prosperity, when resources are available to support artists and intellectuals, epic poetry can emerge as a prominent form of cultural expression.

The Greek and Roman civilizations provide prime examples of cultures that encouraged artistic and intellectual pursuits. The patronage of the arts by wealthy individuals and rulers created an environment where epic poetry could thrive. Similarly, during the Renaissance in Europe, there was a revival of classical epic poetry, as writers like John Milton drew on classical traditions to create their own versions of the epic.

In these societies, the poet is elevated to a position of importance, as their works not only entertain but also provide a moral and philosophical framework for the society. Epic poetry becomes both a form of art and a form of social commentary.

Conclusion

Epic poetry does not emerge in a vacuum. It is deeply intertwined with the social, political, intellectual, and cultural forces that shape a society. The hierarchical structures of society, the demands of war, the role of rulers in fostering artistic production, and the intellectual climate all contribute to the creation of epic poetry. Through these works, societies seek to preserve their history, establish their identity, and affirm their values.

While the form and content of epic poetry may vary across cultures, the underlying conditions that give rise to it are remarkably similar. Whether in ancient Greece, Rome, India, or Persia, epic poetry reflects the concerns, aspirations, and values of the society that produces it. In this way, epic poetry remains a powerful tool for understanding the complex relationship between literature and social order.

[bunnyandbooks]

Kaikeyi by Vaishnavi Patel

A feminist retelling inspired by the Ramayana, focusing on Rama's step-mother figure, Kaikeyi. Most of the novel focuses on Kaikeyi's early years as opposed to strictly following the story of the Ramayana, Rama and Sita don't even show up until the later half of the novel and explores what shapes Kaikeyi's character and drives her to do the act for which she is forever remembered in infamy.

I should preface that I don't know much of the Ramayana. I watched Sita Sings the Blues years and years ago, but it obviously took some liberties with the source material. And I'm cognizant of the fact that this story is akin to scriptures to some, so I was eager to read a take by a Hindi author.

To prep myself for the story, I just did a quick wiki search on the figure of Kaikeyi and was surprised to see that at the end of her story, Rama forgives her when he returns from exile, which is a marked departure from Western treatment of the evil stepmother figure in folklore. The book wastes no time in setting up that Kaikeyi is not an "evil" or malicious figure from the beginning to the end, but she's akin to a cosmic plaything so often found in classical mythology like Oedipus. Like Oedipus, she's fated to commit the horrific act of betrayal (the banishment of Rama) by the gods, who conversely withhold any blessings, help, or guidance from her precisely because she's going to betray Rama. The cards are stacked against her from the beginning, much like her own mother who was banished for failing her father's impossible test.

I also appreciated Kaikeyi is an ace protagonist, which I haven't really seen in much YA. It takes away the sexual dimension with which to malign her, and put emphasis on her mutual respect and friendship with her husband (until Rama's influences overtakes him, that is). And she's explicitly set up as Rama's mother, not his stepmother, as the sisterhood of Dashareth's sisterwives take equal ownership of each others' sons. You really do get a sense that she wouldn't have chosen to exile Rama without good reason to.

All-in-all, it's a fairly effective retelling from Kaikeyi's perspective that matches the beats of the original story but isn't afraid to add its own embellishments. A lot of the blame is placed on destiny and Rama's own divinity that he didn't know how to wield, but if there's a villain at all, it's the conservative religious figures who ignore the value of progress and maintain the status quo. Ironically, we're ultimately shown they are right, Rama is meant to cleanse the world of evil, but the blame rather lies in giving him such narrow instruction that he fails to see the world beyond his own perceived glorious purpose. We never do get to see Rama's return, but she's forgiven by the rest of her family save her husband.

[venkateshuppalapati]

Once upon a time, in the sacred city of Ayodhya, there lived a dedicated and powerful monkey god named Hanuman. Known for his unwavering devotion to Lord Rama, Hanuman played a crucial role in the epic tale of Ramayana. Centuries later, when the idea of constructing a grand temple dedicated to Lord Rama emerged, Hanuman's divine presence became instrumental in the realization of this sacred endeavor.

The story begins with the decision to build the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, the birthplace of Lord Rama. The city echoed with the sounds of devotion and determination as people gathered to contribute to the construction. However, the task proved to be challenging, with various obstacles hindering the progress.

Amidst the struggles, the chief architect dreamt of a divine monkey god guiding him in the construction. Recognizing the significance of this dream, the people of Ayodhya sought the blessings of Hanuman to overcome the hurdles in building the Ram Mandir.

Hanuman, ever devoted to Lord Rama, manifested his divine presence at the construction site. His mighty form inspired the workers, and his unwavering dedication infused a newfound energy into the project. Hanuman, with his incredible strength, assisted in lifting massive stones and clearing obstacles from the construction site.

As the construction progressed, Hanuman's devotion to Lord Rama became the guiding force for the workers. His tales from the Ramayana, depicting valor, righteousness, and devotion, inspired a sense of purpose and dedication among all involved.

The tags associated with this story reflect its essence and themes. Hinduism and Ramayana highlight the religious and cultural context, while Hanuman and Ram Mandir emphasize the central characters and the sacred location. Devotion and Construction underscore the spiritual dedication and the physical efforts involved. Lastly, Divine Intervention speaks to the miraculous presence of Hanuman, shaping the destiny of the Ram Mandir.

In the end, with Hanuman's divine intervention and the collective dedication of the people, the Ram Mandir stood tall in Ayodhya, a testament to faith, devotion, and the enduring legacy of Lord Rama and his devoted monkey god, Hanuman.

[theparentz]

A Symphony of Stories: Decoding the Magic of Hindu Baby Names

For Hindus, the arrival of a child is not just a biological event, but a cosmic dance of hope, blessings, and the echo of ancient lore. And at the heart of this celebration lies the naming ceremony, where a symphony of stories unravels with the bestowment of a name. Hindu baby names are not mere labels; they are threads woven into the tapestry of a child's destiny, carrying whispers of mythology, invocations of divine virtues, and aspirations for a fulfilling life.

Echoes of Gods and Heroes:

Hindu names often draw inspiration from the vibrant pantheon of deities. A child named Surya (sun god) is imbued with the promise of radiance and strength, while Durga (warrior goddess) carries the blessings of courage and resilience. These names are testaments to faith, serving as constant reminders of the divine forces that guide and protect.

Virtues as Guiding Lights:

Hindu names can be portals to ethical values. Names like Dharma (righteousness), Shanti (peace), and Daya (compassion) are not just labels, but guiding lights, reminding the child of the importance of living a life aligned with moral principles. They act as constant inspiration, encouraging them to embrace a path of goodness and understanding.

Nature's Whispers:

Hinduism celebrates the interconnectedness of life, and so it's no surprise that nature finds its expression in names. A child named Nila (blue) reflects the serenity of the sky, while Tara (star) embodies the light of hope and guidance. These names foster a sense of connection with the natural world, reminding the child of their place within the grand tapestry of existence.

Mythological Narratives:

Hindu names can be gateways to captivating myths and stories. A child named Ramayana (epic poem) carries the legacy of courage and devotion, while Draupadi (heroine) embodies strength and resilience. These names are not just labels; they are invitations to explore the rich tapestry of Hindu mythology, fostering cultural awareness and a sense of belonging.

Beyond Labels, a Celebration of Uniqueness:

Ultimately, a Hindu baby name is not just a static label; it's a celebration of the child's unique essence. Parents often consider astrological alignments, numerological significance, and personal preferences when choosing a name, ensuring it resonates with the child's individual spirit.

Finding Your Perfect Verse:

Choosing a Hindu baby name can be a daunting yet delightful journey. Parentz offer comprehensive lists of names with meanings, origins, and even numerological interpretations, helping you find the perfect verse for your little one's story. Remember, the most important aspect is to choose a name that resonates with you and your family, reflecting your hopes, aspirations, and the unique melody of your child's existence.

So, embark on this beautiful quest for the perfect Hindu baby names. Let it be a lullaby of love, a whisper of blessings, and the first line in the epic poem of your child's life. May this name guide them towards a path of fulfillment, righteousness, and a connection to the divine.

[mannverma098]

Sita’s Swayamvar

In the grand tapestry of Hindu mythology, the tale of Sita's Swayamvar stands as a testament to the enduring power of love and the mysterious workings of destiny. It is a story that has captivated hearts for centuries, inspiring countless retellings, paintings, and even cinematic adaptations.

Sita, the radiant princess of Mithila, was not an ordinary maiden. Her beauty and virtue were renowned throughout the land, attracting suitors from far and wide. Yet, it was not just her physical attributes that made her exceptional. Sita's unwavering devotion to Lord Rama, her destined soulmate, set her apart.

The Swayamvar, a ceremony where a bride chooses her groom from a gathering of eligible princes, became the stage for an extraordinary display of love and destiny. Rama, an incarnation of the god Vishnu, emerged as the ideal suitor. He famously lifted the divine bow of Lord Shiva, a task deemed impossible for any mortal. Sita's heart recognized him as her true love, and the bow shattered, sealing their union.

Sita's choice defied societal norms and caste distinctions, reaffirming that love transcends all boundaries. Her courage to follow her heart made her an emblem of strength and devotion. The Ramayana, one of India's most revered epics, chronicles their journey together, highlighting their unbreakable bond.

Sita's Swayamvar exemplifies the belief that love, when pure and destined, can overcome any obstacle. It serves as a reminder that we are not the sole architects of our lives, for destiny has a role to play. Love, they say, is a force that can move mountains, and the story of Sita and Rama's union is a testament to this ageless truth.

In the end, Sita's Swayamvar is not just a myth; it is a celebration of love, choice, and destiny—a tale that continues to touch our hearts and remind us that when true love calls, it is impossible to ignore.

[thexplanet]

Unveiling the Nagas: Rediscovering Ancient Indian Civilizations through Mahabharata

Dive into the mesmerizing world of the Nagas and the enigmatic ancient civilizations of India as we embark on a captivating journey through the epic story of the Mahabharata. In recent times, a surge of new studies and latest research has shed light on the pivotal role of Nagas within this legendary saga, offering fresh insights into the intricate tapestry of India's past.

The Mahabharata, an epic of unparalleled significance, has long fascinated scholars and enthusiasts alike. Beyond its riveting tales of heroes and gods, this timeless narrative also unveils the fascinating realm of the Nagas, a semi-divine serpent race intertwined with the destinies of its mortal counterparts. These serpent beings, often depicted as shape-shifters, have captured the imagination of generations.

Recent research has ushered in a new era of understanding regarding the Nagas' role in the Mahabharata. Scholars have meticulously dissected the ancient texts, unearthing hidden gems that highlight the profound impact of Nagas on the unfolding of events. Their alliances, conflicts, and interactions with other characters offer a fresh perspective on the epic, enriching our comprehension of the narrative's intricate dynamics.

But the intrigue doesn't stop there. The realm of the Nagas extends beyond the pages of the Mahabharata. New studies have ventured into the realms of the Ramayana as well, delving into the presence and significance of Nagas within its storied verses. This holistic approach to ancient texts provides a more comprehensive understanding of the interconnectedness of these legends and the overarching narratives they weave.

One of the most intriguing aspects of the Nagas' ancient civilization lies in their utilization of advanced tools. From their legendary "hapeshifter" abilities to their mastery over enigmatic artifacts, the Nagas' technological prowess is a testament to their advanced culture. Archaeological discoveries have unearthed remnants of their ancient tools, offering a glimpse into their innovative mindset and skillful craftsmanship.

As we immerse ourselves in this riveting exploration, it becomes evident that the Nagas were not merely mythical creatures, but integral components of a rich and diverse ancient Indian civilization. The symbiotic relationship between mortals and Nagas, their shared histories, and the significance of their interactions paint a vivid portrait of a society deeply rooted in spiritual beliefs and interconnectedness.

In conclusion, the latest research and new studies centered around the Nagas and their presence in the Mahabharata and Ramayana have unveiled a treasure trove of insights into the ancient civilizations of India. Through meticulous analysis and a multidisciplinary approach, scholars are rewriting the narratives of the past, offering a fresh lens through which to view these epic tales. As we continue to unearth the mysteries of the Nagas, we also unravel the intricate tapestry of India's rich heritage, one thread at a time. Visit: https://www.thexplan.net/article/676/The-Book-About-Nagas-and-Ancient-Civilizations-of-India/en

[srbachchan]

DAY 5234

Kheu, Hyds                       June 11,  2022                  Sat 11:24 AM

The night was disjointed , inclined to ignore the test of writing , to drive away into the confines of the self less , to be un enthusiastic , to avoid , to just allow the temperament to ride before , to feel compelled to be un compelled .. to just ..

SHUT UP .. !!! 🤐🤐🤐

But the morn has been alive .. drifting through the library of books behind me and randomly did pick one that has letters of Babuji collected and printed by them that have been able to gather several from several sources .. and for a while spent time in rushing through its pages , until after many that gave reason, sense, learnings , I found messages that gave reverence to Hanuman, just when I received images on my mobile of the deity , and quite by coincidence, came across this portion of a letter Babuji had written in response to a query by a letter writer .. 

Apart from the religiosity of the matter and content, which really is not the intention - has never been on this platform - there were some aspects which were universal .. 

The moments in his life when he was a non believer , an atheist , a nastik  and then a change again .. 

“Destiny has a brighter side to it as well .. religious belief is a gift of your upbringing your ‘ संस्कार ‘ sanskaar , the parental or generational up bringing .. it is difficult to get rid of it .. even when I was an atheist , I was a theist in some form or the other ..  what we believe in, quite honestly, we ourselves do not know ..”

“Hanuman is the devta ‘देवता ‘  a divine presence , of will power .. nothing is impossible in the power of his will .. he is humble in front of God .. ‘मैं सेवक सचराचर’ .. mai sevak sacharachar .. I the server of the universe ( is the quote in his mention of him )  ..  I believe in Hanuman .. on the Tuesday’s, the day of Hanuman, I do not eat , I fast .. in his  ‘उपासना’ .. upasana , his worship his reverence , I believe I find strength and increased will power .. he is humble in front of God .. he sees the presence of the Almighty in ‘चर-अचर’ char-achar ..  the moveable and the immoveable .. there is a very exalted sateek ‘सटीक’  description of him - Hanuman - in the Ram Charit Manas .. ‘रामचरितमानस’  .. ‘the lake of the good deeds of Ram’ “

(Ramayana was written by sage Valmiki in Treta Yuga in the Sanskrit language. Sage Valmiki was a contemporary of Lord Ram.

RamCharitManas was written by great Awadhi poet Goswami Tulsidas in Kaliyuga in Awadhi language. Tulsidas lived in the 15th century AD (1511–1623). The word Ramayana is made of two words — Ram and Aayanam (Story), thus the meaning of Ramayana is Ram’s story.

The word RamCharitManas is made of three words — Ram, Charita (good deeds) and Manas (lake), thus the meaning of RamCharitManas is Lake of good deeds of Ram.)

“In this World, for a struggling person like me , there is ever the need for will power .. and at the same time , humility ..really, how much there is to respect and praise the ‘मनीषा’ - thought , wisdom, intelligence .. of an Indian a Bharatiya .. he created or made the बानर ‘baanar’ , the animal monkey, a symbol, a प्रतीक prateek  of will power .. his, the baanar , will power is the power strength that is  ‘pashwik’ , पाशविक - pertaining to or characterising animals, bestial .. but he, Hanuman, was deputed in the service of Ram, Lord Ram ..” 

“There was will power in Hitler and Gandhi too .. but Gandhi’s will power was designated, assigned for higher principles ..” 

 “Each one of us should choose our उपास्य upaasya ..  that which is worthy of adoration, reverence , according to our nature .. perhaps our reverence bends towards it , on its own  ..” 

“I do not know why I found myself closer to Hanuman ..” 

                            ~ Harivansh Rai Bachchan

                               👣👣👣👣👣👣👣 .. 🙏🙏🙏 ... 🚩🚩🚩

In the mode of rest and moderation ..

Amitabh Bachchan

[diversegaminglists]

Games where you can play as nobility and royalty

If a game appears on more than one list, it’s because there are multiple protagonists or a choice of protagonists.

Emperors/Empresses:

Breath of Fire IV (You switch between two protagonists, one of which is an Emperor)

Civilisation Franchise

Dishonored 2

Emperor: Rise of the Middle Kingdom

Empress of the Deep Franchise

Reigning Kings:

Civilisation Franchise

Crusader Kings Franchise

Dragonsphere

Final Fantasy VI (Edgar)

Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: My Life as a King

Kingdom & Kingdom: New Lands

Little King’s Story

Medieval: Total War

No King No Kingdom

Pharaoh and Cleopatra

Reigns

The Sims Medieval (Monarch)

Reigning Queens:

Civilisation Franchise

Coconut Queen

Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: My Life as a Darklord

Guenevere

Kingdom & Kingdom: New Lands

Moonchild

Pharaoh and Cleopatra

Queendom (VR)

The Sims Medieval (Monarch)

Summoner 2 (Maia)

Queen Consort:

Reigns Her Majesty

Princes:

Al-Qadim: The Genie's Curse

Aurion: Legacy of the Kori-Odan

Bloody Bride

Deadly Towers

Disgaea: Hour of Darkness

Divinity: Dragon Commander

Divinity: Original Sin 2 (The Red Prince)

Dragon Age: Origins (Dwarf Noble Origin)

Dragon Warrior II

Fable III (becoming King/Queen is one of the main plots of the game)

Final Fantasy IV (Cecil is technically the Crown Prince)

Final Fantasy XV (Noctis)

Fire Emblem: Shadow Dragon (Marth)

Fire Emblem Fates

Fire Emblem: Genealogy of the Holy War

Fire Emblem: The Sacred Stones

Fire Emblem: Thracia 776

Katamari Franchise

King's Bounty: Warriors of the North

The Lost Heir: The Fall of Daria

Medieval Moves: Deadmund's Quest

Odin Sphere

Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time Franchise

Ramayana

Scarlet Nightfall

Skeleton Warriors

Suikoden V

Super Smash Bros

Valhalla Franchise

Your Royal Gayness

Princesses:

Achievement Hunter: Princess

Amazing Princess Sarah

Awakening Franchise (Sophia)

Battle Fantasia (Olivia)

Battle Princess Madelyn

The Charming Empire

Child of Light

Chop Chop Princess!

Chronotopia

Cinderella Phenomenon

Dark Cloud 2 (Monica)

Dead or Alive (Kasumi)

Destiny's Princess: A War Story, A Love Story

Disney’s Brave

Disney’s The Little Mermaid

Disney Princess: Enchanted Journey

Disney Princess: My Fairytale Adventure

Disney’s Tangled

Dragon Age: Origins (Dwarf Noble Origin)

Fable III (becoming King/Queen is one of the main plots of the game)

Final Fantasy V (Several)

Final Fantasy IX (Garnet)

Final Fantasy XII (Ashe)

Fire Emblem Echoes: Shadows of Valentia

Fire Emblem Fates

Fire Emblem: The Sacred Stones

Giants: Citizen Kabuto (Delphi)

Gladius (Ursula)

Golden Axe Franchise

Hyrule Warriors

IKEMEN Royal Palace ～Midnight Cinderella～

King’s Bounty: Armoured Princess

King's Bounty: Crossworlds

King's Quest IV: The Perils Of Rosella

King’s Quest VII: The Princeless Bride

The Knife of the Traitor

Lads in Distress

Libra of the Vampire Princess

Long Live the Queen!

The Lost Heir: The Fall of Daria

Magical Otoge Ciel

Mica: Apoptosis

Miranda’s Choice

Mortal Kombat (Kitana, Mileena)

Mushihimesama

My World, My Way

Oceanic Hearts

Odin Sphere

Panel de Pon

Pairs (Lek Noiya)

Piggy Princess

Princess Arthur

Princess Battles

A Princess’ Tale

The Princess’ Heart

Princess Isabella Franchise

Princess Kaguya: Legend of the Moon Warrior

Princess Natasha: Student Secret Agent Princess

Princess in Love aka It’s a Girl Thing! Princess in Love

Queen at Arms

Queen’s Crown

Princess Edge - Dragonstone

Princess Remedy in a World of Hurt

Pyrite Heart

The Second Reproduction

Seven Kingdoms: The Princess Problem

Shall we date?: Sengoku Darling -Choose your Destination-

Soul Calibur (Hilde von Krone)

Skullgirls (Parasoul)

Street Fighter (Elena)

Super Smash Bros

Super Princess Peach

Valkyrie Profile 2 (Alicia)

Without a Voice

Yggdra Union (Yggdra)

Zelda: The Wand of Gamelon

Zelda's Adventure

General Nobility:

Agarest: Generations of War

Assassin’s Creed 2, Brotherhood, & Revelations

Blackguards

Castle Crashers

Crusader Kings Franchise

Darkest Dungeon

Dracula: Love Kills

Dragon Age: Origins (Human Noble Origin)

Dungeon Defenders

Final Fantasy Tactics (Ramza)

Fire Emblem: The Blazing Blade

Fire Emblem: The Blinding Blaze

Fire Emblem Echoes: Shadows of Valentia

Gemfire

The Grand Ball

King’s Bounty: The Legend

The Last Story

My Lady

Masquerada: Songs and Shadows

Masques and Murder!

Patrician Franchise

Regency Solitaire

Robin Hood: The Legend of Sherwood

Rome: Total War

Tales of Graces

Sacred/Sacred Gold (Vampiress)

Serafina’s Crown

Shovel Knight

Suikoden III

Suikoden IV

Trine Franchise (The Knight)

Vampire: The Masquerade - Redemption

Games where you can become nobility/royalty:

Affairs of the Court: Choice of Romance

Celestian Tales Franchise

Cute Knight & Cute Knight: Kingdom

Dragon Age: Origins

Dragon Age 2

Dragon Quest III

Fable II

Fire Emblem Awakening (if you marry into it)

For Honor

The Guild Franchise

Hero of the Kingdom II

Jade Empire

King’s Quest Franchise

Lords of the Realm

Neverwinter Nights 2

Ogre Battle: March of the Black Queen

Prince of Persia (The original 2D ones)

Princess Debut

Princess Maker Franchise

Princess of Tavern

Quest for Glory Franchise

Tears to Tiara Franchise

Adults Only:

Age of Barbarian

A Dance of Rogues (NWN Modules)

Eiyu*Senki - The World Conquest

Katahane

Kuro no Tsuki ~ Darkness of the Moon

Mamatoto ~A Record of War~

Melty’s Quest

Words Worth

Needs More Research:

Might and Magic VII: For Blood and Honor

Touhou

[aspiringwarriorlibrarian]

Finn, Rey, and the Epic Romance

Star Wars loves its tropes. The original trilogy was deliberately the archetypal hero’s journey, the prequel was the archetypal birth of a villain. The sequel trilogy has not yet revealed its full archetype yet, but going from TFA, it’s clear there’s one archetype it loves: the epic romance.

The epic romance is one that transcends cultures, millennia, gender conventions and even heterosexuality. It’s tropes are well known and resonant even against cultures that would not be so accepting otherwise. From tall tales of Abraham Lincoln to the Odyssey, from Shakespeare to the Ramayana, the epic romance’s tropes seem stuck in our conscious minds.

The tropes employed by TFA are thus: equality among the incredible, the red string of fate, the tragedy of loss.

Equality among the incredible is one of the most ubiquitous tropes despite the long history of misogyny. Pecos Bill meets his wife when she’s riding a catfish the size of a whale, proving to be just as legendary as him. Penelope tricks her suitors twice, first in weaving a shroud that she destroys each night, then in setting impossible tasks, showing cleverness equal to her legendary husband Odysseus.  No one can beat Atalanta at the foot race save Melanion. The epic hero is impossibly gifted, blessed by the divine....and their lover is their equal or at the very least legendary themselves. Whether or not Finn is Force-sensitive himself, the narrative repeatedly equates him and Rey. Finn and Rey both wield the lightsaber. They both fight Kylo Ren. Their first act is to make an impossible shot with a broken gun together. Rey is the chosen one, but Finn is remarkable himself, the rebellious stormtrooper, the only one cunning and strong enough to take down Starkiller Base. The only fit companion for a hero is a hero himself.

Then there’s the red string of fate, the idea that the lovers are meant to be together. Despite an origin in Chinese legend, love at first sight is another ubiquitous trope. Finn, against impossible odds, is drawn to the town where Rey is. After their first fight together, we get a moment of tenderness when they look into each other’s eyes and give their names, a sense of awe and discovery about the scene immediately establishes their chemistry. Finn and Rey are practically joined from this point on, working together as though they have for years, holding hands and becoming wise to each others quirks. When both turn their backs on their heroes’ journey, it reflects onto their relationship and separates them. Fate is being denied. But when both realign, they reunite. At then end even with Finn in a coma, Rey says “We’ll see each other again.” The red string may tangle or be lost, but it will never break. Their destiny is together.

Finally, the loss. When a hero loses their lover, something is fundamentally wrong and they are on the verge of shattering themselves. First Finn turns on Kylo, even managing to wound him with a lightsaber (something no other non-Force sensitive has been able to do.) And then Rey rises as the hero and fully takes the role of the hero who’s lost their love. She is Achilles with Patroclus dead, the vengeful lover, driven from apathy to supernatural violence by the loss of her friend. She attacks Kylo Ren fiercely despite her earlier fear, channels her great gifts to defeat him, impossibly powerful. She overwhelms him by exploitng the arm Finn wounded, and is only stopped from killing him by the planet breaking. With the immediate enemy beyond her reach, she is now Jason after Medea’s betrayal, Romeo in Juliet’s crypt. With her lover lost, she does not seek an escape but goes by his dying body and lays down, crying.

The epic romance is old, but it survives for a reason. The egalitarian lovers, both distinct from each other and inseparable. The fate that guides the hero also guides them together. The immediate violence and pain when the lover is lost, as though something irreplaceable has happened. It’s the idealized romance, the epic expression of the mundane that any story thrives on Finn and Rey will be separated at least temporarily in The Last Jedi, discovering more about themselves, before reuniting. Love is complicated, and who knows whether they’ll be driven apart or come closer than they’ve ever been.

[jose-a-perez]

It is in the life of Lord Rama that we see the divinely perfect role-models for each type of relationship. Sri Rama was a king endowed with great strength, nobility, spiritual wisdom, mastery of human relations, and earthly powers. He used his skills with grace, truth and gentleness for the benefit of all creation without a trace of selfishness. Thanks @instashivatribe Sri Rama is an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. The holy meaning of Rama’s name is as follows: “R” means the subtle body, “A” measures universal consciousness, “M” means the culmination or perfection. Therefore, “Rama,” means “the Manifestation of Perfection in the subtle body of Consciousness.” The story of Sri Rama is called the Ramayana. In the Ramayana, all of the characters exemplify ideal personality traits in every relationship. We see the perfect king, the perfect wife, the perfect brother, the perfect servant, the perfect devotee, the perfect father, the perfect mother, and an ideal kingdom. Even the character of Ravana, the personification of pure evil, is perfectly represented in the Ramayana. However without Maa Sita, bhakti of Lord Ramas would be considered greatly inadequate. Sri Sita Devi is considered a reincarnation of Goddess Laxmi just as Lord Rama is a reincarnation of Lord Vishnu. In Ramayana the tale behind Sita Devi is best remembered about her tapasya to find her perfect marriage partner. Literally thousands of kings turned up at her father, King Janaks palace to lift the auspicious danush baan to earn the right to marry Sri Sita Devi. It was her father, King Janak's condition that whoever could lift the divinely dhanush baan - given by Lord Shiva will marry her daughter. However, as Sita's destiny has it - only her own choice would be able to lift Lord Shiva's dhanush baan and actual break it. And her choice was made after years of her tapasya to Devi Parvati. Maa Sita Devi is also remembered in the Ramayana as setting role model for Hindu society especially in her devotion and commitment to Lord Ram during his time in 14-year exile. Born as Janki - Sita was given to King Janak by Mother Earth whilst he was on his farm during a prolonged drought period in Treta Yuga. https://www.instagram.com/p/B3ags2dIpIF/?igshid=100sxbs3h7uwn

[mumbaiastrologer]

Vedic Medical Astrology

To know more about Medical Astrology and to take the advantage of Medical Astrology, consult Mumbai Astrologer Ajatt Oberoi today.

Vedic Medical Astrology is a part of Vedic Astrology and is a science that requests information of both Astrology and Medicine. It takes long stretches of gaining visionary and therapeutic ability. 

Prologue to Vedic Astrology: 

Vedic Astrology, or Jyotish, started from The Vedas (Vedic Scriptures) going back more than 6,000 years. The world's most antiquated sacred texts give proof of a culture wealthy in expressions of the human experience, reasoning, medication, religion, and science. Jyotish was first referenced in the Rig Veda, and references were additionally made in the old-style Indian legends, the Ramayana, the Mahabharata, and the great Bhagavad-Gita. 

The Vedas are considered by numerous individuals to be the most tremendous and complete arrangement of learning in the world, and Jyotish is worshipped as one of the most significant appendages of the Vedas. Jyotish, a Sanskrit word, means Divine Light. It is the eye of perfect information, which is inescapable, transcendent, unadulterated, preeminent, and commended. 

Jyotish, is accepted to have been brought about by the antiquated sages in higher conditions of awareness, which enabled them to cognize life past reality, past, present and future. In this super-cognizant state, they perceived the vigorous beams of the planets as reflectors or transmitters of light vitality. This sun powered and planetary radio-like waves, conveyed at different edges, apparently bore impact on everything enliven and lifeless, influencing people on both organic and mental levels. It is said that the sages watched and explored different avenues regarding their perceptions so as to arrange into standards of galactic figuring’s, which eventually turned into the laws by which Jyotish is drilled. 

The galactic virtuoso shown by the Vedic Seers is recommended by the way that these antiquated space experts considered cosmological issues that have stayed reliable with the suffering revelations of science to the present day. It is intriguing to take note of that, though medieval Europe still accepted that the earth was stationary, Vedic stargazers of olden times established a framework which expressed that the clear rising and setting of the planets and the stars were because of the development of the earth. 

The Vedas are a composite or all-encompassing information, coordinating each part or part of learning to the entirety. Every one of the parts are seen in setting of Vedic way of thinking to such an extent that the sciences are predictable and strengthen the direction of masterful articulation; drug is steady with religion, etc. This incorporated philosophical direction to life contradicts the long famous logical view grasped by Western culture that has compartmentalized life in a consistently moving concentration or distraction with some section. This divided way to deal with life brings about the different controls of learning being in strife with each other, to such an extent that the craftsman is seen inconsistent with the researcher, religion, and reasoning are conflicting with one another, science is at war with religion, etc. 

For the individual, consciousness of the between relatedness of all wonders enables one to see one's very own life with regards to the more noteworthy entire, prompting the Vedic idea of karma. It is said that no idea, word or deed gets away from a definitive, inevitable equity of the universe, referred to just as karma. The comprehension of the law of circumstances and logical results, or karma, is communicated in logical law as pursues for each activity, there is an equivalent and inverse response. In different religious and profound writings, it is proposed in axioms like," As you sow, so will you procure", or suggested in colloquialisms like, "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you." But no place is the law of karma more crucial as a way of thinking of life than in the Vedic writing. 

The idea of karma addresses your obligation regarding yourself in the most significant terms. You could state that the horoscope offers a method for surveying one’s karmic way so as to turn out to be increasingly cognizant, or mindful, and, as a result, all the more effectively in charge of your activities. 

A tyke is conceived on a given day and that hour when the heavenly beams are in numerical agreement with his/her individual karma. The horoscope is a difficult picture uncovering their unalterable past and its likely future outcomes. The outline indicates what we are currently a result of what we have thought and done previously. Crystal gazing, by furnishing us with an outline of our connections, difficulties, abilities, and mental inclinations, offers us a method for not just acknowledging in a particular feeling of what our karma is, and helping us work with these encounters inside and without, yet in addition a method for starting to transcend and increase a point of view on our fate. 

Medical Astrology isn't a control that advances an uninvolved acknowledgment of destiny; rather crystal gazing assesses your qualities and shortcomings and different propensities, with the possibility that through mindfulness, one can turn out to be increasingly aware of the selections of activities accessible. 

Medical Astrology is a method for considering your inward/external condition, propensities, difficulties and regular assets so one may live more carefully, tuned in to their very own karma or educational encounters. 

As a science and as an artistic expression, crystal gazing is the investigation of the unpretentious energies that make up our reality. When we assess a horoscope, we are taking a gander at simply the mixing of energies, which can join in an endless assortment of ways. As enthusiastic creatures, every single one of us is involved a mix of energies, which makes up the whole of our self. The truth of the matter is that every one of us is made by a specific mix of planetary gravitational pulls applied in various degrees, from various points, and in various amounts. The huge number of potential mixes represents the assortment of characters, attitudes, builds, just as the enthusiastic and scholarly constitutions that we find here on earth.

[kendrixtermina]

Kenny Reacts to: Ramayana (& Hindu Mythology in General)

So, for those who don’t know, “Ramayana” is one of the big epics of Hindu Mythology, comparable to the Illiad or other legendary Kings such as David or Arthur, centering around Prince/King Ramchandr, one of the Avatars of Vishnu

My boyfriend (who happens to be Indian) introuced me to a TV show based on it, and I, being a mythology nerd, couldn’t resist...

Since a lot of people actually believe in this as a religion, first a disclaimer: I’m a complete atheist with no belief in the supernatural whatsover, but I’m a huge believer in the value of storytelling (and a writer - the more mythological references the better, at least if you’re aiming for as much of an ‘universal’ flavor as possible) and do hold that myth holds an important place in the human experience. I will be approaching this completely from a literature perspective. 

My boyfriend is not a believer either, though he used to be an actual Hindu growing up & still has it as a cultural background (I know myself that the stories you’re brought up on do influence you just by the archetypes and poetic shorthands they make available to you) - apparently he found it quite interesting to see me react to it & see it properly from start to finish. (though it has actually caused a resurgence in childhood song earworms)

So, with that out of the way, let’s get to the actual “review”

What did I watch

It’s a somewhat older show from the 80s or 90s so the special effects could have been better - but I say that only because with a concept like “Demons versus monkey people” and “battles with dark sorcery and vaguely described divine weapons” there is a lot of potential for creative visuals. 

In this implementation the style of costumes was more “historical” overall, but great care was taken nonetheless. 

Indeed, though childhood nostalgia filter my boyfriend likes this particular version because it was made by an 80 year old dude who dreamt all his life of making a TV show out of this story & worked hard to make everything ~just right~ - there have been never, fancier interpretations since but they tend to be more generic & plasticy in terms of the actual screenplay (my boyfriend, though biased by childhood exposure, says that “You don’t get the feeling that you’re looking at Ram, you’re looking at a supermodel”) whereas in this one, the director took great care to write all the songs & handpick the actors - 

Which, with those mythical, ‘archetypical’ characters is quite important, they have to have the right ‘aura’, ‘presence’ or ‘atmosphere’ around them to connect to the larger-than-life timeless ideas they’re intended to embody. They made sure to cast tall, wry dudes as the monkey people, had some really good acting, made sure supposed relatives actually look alike etc. 

This adaptation (at least insofar as I’ve watched it) seems to have gone with the “good ending”, that is, the version where the Prince & his wife live happily ever after returning to their home city (for a change, the original/older one... though it makes little sense to debate about the true version of a myth, it’s their very nature to be passed around & reinterpreted and for each listener & reteller to put their own spin on it) - there’s a second one that’s much more anal about social divisions, harder on the mysoginy and ends with him disowning her ass, though there’s some ring to the idea of the Princess returting to whence she came (mother Earth) in humiliation. It depends on what sort story you want though it doesn’t seem to fit with Ram’s characterization as the type who always looks to resolve things peacefully & reasonably & think before acting, & he may lose some of what makes him interesting if you take that away. 

Indeed the director saw the need to sanitize even the orginal “chastity test by fire” scene - more than I would have done even if I wanted the Prince to keep looking heroic, I suppose, a lot like how many Christians will explain away many inconsistencies in the bible (and pretty much everything in the book of Judges) because they need their headcanon to be consistent with what they associate with the deities. 

The Cosmology

One of the interesting parts about this particular ‘verse that got me more interested in it beyond my initial watching of that show is the rather complex makep of the world -

In most places religion has gone though certain discrete stages in accordance to the civilization that thought it up, with the various ideas (animism, polytheism, dualism, monotheistm etc.) all influecing each other subtly by the need to react to each other but in this case you had this evolution happening gradually without the previous being completely discarded.

So you have river spirits, sacret trees, elemental monsters, demons,  titan/jötnar like entities, your basic greek style deities,  a big head honcho lord of the universe, concepts of self-enlightenment and pantheist universal unity all coexisting in the same setting.

It’s basically a religion kitchen sink. (and I mean that in a good way, though I get why some may prefer the more ‘streamlined’ ideas of modern Christianity or Islam)

Impressions & Surprising things

Very interesting - because of my familiarity with mythic universals & certain shared cultural roots ( They even have their own wandering handsy thunder god! -  though he’s squarely in the middle of the cosmic hierarchy and seems to be the designated Worf Effect recipient) , I could count down all the tropes and see a lot comming but because of different cultural ideals there were many points where I REALLY didn’t know what was going to happen next

Also, it was a veritable soap opera and I did not expect the feels. The heroes were more adorable than I’d ever have thought. 

The level of “Honor Before Reason” and “Because Destiny Says so” is about comparable to the ancient greeks, but the “humble sinless all-loving hero come to earth for an ardurous mission” might remind one of Jesus, especially in the conception that “The Hero”, in the most archetypical sense, is to be not just badass but moral - though rather, Jesus resembles Ramayana because Ramayana came several centuries first; Just a sign IMHO that there myths come from the human mind and humans everywhere are more similar than different.

Funny thing is, since christian apologetics have this complex to prove how “special” their religion is (I mean it is unique in that no one has the exact same combination of traits but that’s true of every religion and the elements are universal), they spend a lot of time dismantling Islam (often with bonus racism) but usually completely dismiss Hinduism because “Well, they’re polytheists” when the two religions actually have a lot of ideas in common - indeed a lot of beievers will speak of the Hindu Trinity (or their favorite part thereof) or the Mother Godess much like the average dualist or monotheist would talk of their god, like, “O supreme being that dwells in all goodness” etc.

Unlike Jesus (who, despite his popular interpretation,  in the original bible had quite a temper) Rama’s patience & forgiveness is a bit less of an informed ability, though you do get the sense that this comes from a warrior culture as well as a very stratified society where living up to your given social role (including that of a wife) is everything - in a Western work Ram probably would’ve seized the city with the support of the citizens. XD

One could comment that Ram & his brothers are still royalty & that the focus is on that whereas Jesus deliberately took the shape of an ordinary dude, though Ram still gets to spend years as a hermit & Jesus is still convolutedly made to be descended from David - the Jesus myth being the way it is probably has more to do with the political circumstances of its origin (conquest by rome) than the nobler meanings ascribed to it later. 

Another, subtler/ less apparent aspect of the destiny trap thing is that if everyone has their fate, no one can be blamed all too badly. (Deathbed redemptions galore) Nonetheless, as the prover goes, “karma is a bitch” and these people invented it.

That said, tough still a simplistic story (that purtports there’s only one clear universal law everywhere and that the good guys always win - That’s an air castle if there ever was one, we need to work for that) I was actually surprised by the sophistication of morals & politics at times, it went into specific questions (hypocrite accusations, hypocratic oaths, how to charioteer, what a good king should be like etc. )

This is probably an artefact of being written from the PoV of royals & warriors, or just an indication of the great asian civilizations having existed so long & relatively unbroken compared to the many shifts in where things where going on in the nothwest. 

This is the first time in ANY mythical story that I’ve seen anyone raise the concern of preserving the innocent citizens of the enemy faction and how to stabilize the political situation afterwards (after dethroning the local evil overlord, they put in his turncoat brother who joined the good guys for damage control), something that I haven’t seen a SINGLE time in the Bible (and I’ve read the whole thing), though the heroes steer clear of the line to “simplistic stupid good” if you discount the “honor before reason” parts.

There’s 4 ways you can do ‘archetypical’ characters: Wholly & completely stick to the simple archetype, bring the archetype to full circle & detail while milking it for maximum symbolism, “not what they seem/contrast” and giving them depht without having them ever stop to be their archetype - it’s the latter that was done magnificiently here, especially in terms of 3Dimensional antagonists, they have enough redeeming qualities for it all to strike you as a tragic waste of life, but not enough to let go of their pride and avert the divine punishment. 

(The “wicked cultured” Dark Sorceror Evil Overlord being interesting is a given, but of all characters, the cocky big mouthed Demon Prince was the last one I expected to have hidden dephts)

[aruneshgoyal]

T

TEN INSPIRATIONAL THOUGHTS  

INSPIRATION 1:  

Pride, Ego, Anger DOWNFALL 

Time spent in company of GOD (Sat_Sang) is Time well spent! 

Control DESIRES 

God’s LOVE IS MATCHLESS! 

If you have to yearn for anything, Aspire for HIM “Only & Always”! 

Don’t allow your Divinity to Rust in Sensual Pleasures! 

“AS YOU SOW, SO SHALL YOU REAP” Good Actions ------------- Good Results &  Bad Actions --------------- Bad Results (Shrimad_Bhagvad_Geeta ordains this Principle.) 

N.B Do all actions in the spirit of service & devotion.

Name of God & Love of God Sustains Life {In fact, is the life breath} [Sole Wealth, which can easily be trusted upon] 

LOVE ALL, SERVE ALL! 

Life is a pilgrimage from Self to Self in which God is the Candle Light to tear apart the dark thorny bushes & hurdles along the way! 

INSPIRATION 2: (It’s Christmas Time!!!)   

Women Mothers Make the Destiny of their families and, whence the country Should teach noble virtues& lives of great men of yesteryears Thereby, fostering the spirit of love and compassion, so much required in this Kalyuga.   Even in enemies, spirit or soul is the same! Whence, what a man does may be wrong! But, how can a man, A spark of the Divine, Himself be ever wrong? 

Self Control is the key! (Less Desires /   Less Luggage)  More Comfort!! ) 

Humility, Patience, Reverence o Just bywords of yesteryears! Who cares? 

Purify yourself and your body, mind, and everything 

Ray of hope! God’s Grace Depth of Devotion! 

Body Utilized for Sacred Purpose! 

See and visualize the same immortal spark of the Divine in everybody and everything, tangible or intangible both! 

Devotion Highest form of Love & Worship! 

INSPIRATION 3:  

Sanctification / Purification  LOVE, PEACE, NON-VIOLENCE (The innate attributes of man)  

SELF-REALIZATION  PROSPERITY  Good Thoughts Good Actions  Meditating & Contemplating upon God   o Good Life  Be always happy, afraid of sin, and keep steady faith with discipline in God!  Cleanse yourself of lust, anger, greed, attachment, pride, and malice. Then, you will be unaffected by honor or dishonor, profit or loss, joy or grief etc.!  

LOVE: Universal without any distinctions…. Divine 

Physical ……..Root cause of all that is evil in the world. It must be confined to its boundaries lest it may destroy you!

NO triumph more praiseworthy than “Complete Surrender” to God! Then, everything (good / bad) becomes a gift from Him!  

The world is His play (Cosmic Drama / ‘Leela’). You can enjoy it only when you have faith in Him with the spirit of surrender& devotion.  

Reduce your wants and consumption as resources on the earth are limited and whence, precious.  

You can have bliss (ananda) if you turn your vision inwards towards God.  

Joy of giving is much more than joy of taking.  

Jesus said – “Ask and you will get it!” Similarly, yearn & pine for God and you will get Him! Life’s foundation must be based on Dharma (righteousness). Earn your bread following the path of Dharma.  Happiness by Controlling desires  (Not fulfilling them but limiting and starving them)  

Contentment Bliss  No use searching for the Divine vainly externally. 

Spirit (consciousness) is the God inherent that lights the body! 

N.B: Be in harmony with yourself and nature (prakriti).  

You must learn the art before teaching anybody else. Can a blind man show the way to others? One who has a cataract must first remove it from his eye before giving grand sermons and lectures to everybody else.  

One must recognize the Brotherhood of mankind and the Fatherhood of God!  

Help Ever, Hurt Never!  Faith in God; Contemplation on God; and Constant prayer to God; Are the vital links in reducing the distance between man and God!  

God permeates everything and everybody. 

Try to do something good every day, howsoever, big or small, it may be! This way, you shall redeem your life; God gives us the Guarantee Card!  

Give up bodily attachment. Live eternally present in the consciousness. What has happened in the past and what future holds doesn’t matter. Try to live in the present. Be contented with what you have and don’t lament over what you do not!  

Self-confidence is the key to peace of mind.  Time is precious; don’t waste any of it!  How can the world be reformed? First and foremost, reform yourself, then your immediate environment, and then, the world at large!  

Love is the Atmic principle. Live in love. Cherish sacred good thoughts.  

Selfishness is the root cause of all afflictions plaguing man today. Try to be selfless. Cherish noble human values discarding evil qualities like jealousy, hatred, hypocrisy etc.  Have clarity of vision and goals. Ultimate goal has to be self-realization. Make strenuous efforts for that by clearing the clouds of doubt & confusion and instilling the feelings of love, faith, compassion, and service.

There is a Golden saying – “Help Ever, Hurt Never!” Try to help anybody in dire & genuine need.  Fill your heart with Divine Universal Love.  Only God can be a TRUE and trustworthy Friend (sakha). His love and compassion is matchless. In his company, everything is Divine. HE is the ONE behind all Zeros. Without Him, there is NOTHING!  

Your thoughts must be good. Good thoughts harbor good and meritorious deeds and actions. Thought power guides our lives. So, be positive in your good and noble thoughts. 

INSPIRATION 4: 

Faith Eliminates Jealousy & Hatred

Love/Grace of GOD Bestows Equal Vision Fleeting nature of worldly pleasures!

Learning from Jesus Taking both criticism and praise as gifts from GOD, loving both friends/foes equally by praying for both of them to grant them ‘Good Life/Gyan’ in equal measure!! 

Five vital things:- True Renunciation Fear of sin Morality in society Gratitude Good conscience

Fearlessness

Do work in society ……. But, Hands in society, head in forest! Maintain poise, balance & equanimity; With a feeling of detachment; Get hold of GOD. 

Man breathes 21, 600 times a day and repeats ‘So-HAM’ WITH EACH BREATH unknowingly; 

Devotion (Bhakti) doesn’t mean a journey of comforts; We must express our gratitude to the Divine constantly for whatever we have and keep on trying for what we don’t, leaving the results to the Almighty Lord; 

Feelings of Mine & Thine (Mamkaar) have to be given up. 

Depression by any unexpected loss or calamity can be overcome by remembering the Lord, i.e. Namasmarna; 

Difficulties must be borne with steadfastness, valor & spirit; 

Don’t get annoyed when people laugh at you; rather, pray for them as they are ignorant of the ways of the Divine;

  A woman brings a pot of water on her head, all the time talking with others but keeping her attention on the pot only; a dancer keeps attention in dance & just keeps on moving his limbs; similarly, keep your Focus on GOD and keep doing work in society as per its laws. 

Bhaj GovindamMoodh Mate! Bhajans/Devotional songs help in softening the cobra like senses and still their fangs and passions. Become a master of your senses, not their slave. 

Finding faults in each & everything makes life useless, listless, and meaningless; eliminate this tendency and lead a worthy life. 

Activity is sacred if it does not promote bondage&greed.

Spirituality means living in spirit of love & brotherhood; rooting out the animal nature, violence, et al. Don’t seek happiness outside; seek within! Search for GOD/Atma within, not outside! 

The greatest Triumph is “Complete Surrender” to GOD! 

Lamp remains same; its users are many in many ways; Culture is not different from Spirituality; they are one and the same thing! 

Intelligence doesn’t mean cunningness but cleverness that bestows wisdom and all noble virtues and must flow from the heart outwards!         World + Divinity = Spirit! Sugar has to be thoroughly mixed water to make it sweet; similarly, the nectar of Divinity has to be thoroughly mixed with worldly chores to turn it into Spirituality! 

One who has conquered Desire is the Master-Mind! 

AS you Deposit your money with a bank, so should you deposit all your wisdom etc. with GOD! This sacred money shall continue to grow forever and you can draw upon it anytime in need! 

Whatever happens is GOOD! 

LOVE is selflessness! 

Life is a Challenge; you cannot meet it without the Grace/Love of GOD! 

Strive to earn the LOVE of GOD; it’s the most important wealth that one can have! 

Remember, real education is not one that Binds; rather, it is one that Liberates! 

Do rightful acts in the Present; Past has gone and Future, you can’t perceive! Fulfilling your desires can never give you absolute satisfaction; limiting & consciously starving them can; put a ceiling on your desires AS ‘Less Luggage; More Comfort’!! 

Never pray for the sake of praying; do it sincerely with a feeling of “Complete and TOTAL Surrender”!

Full Work Full Pay; Half Work Half Pay;

Full Grace of GOD, Complete & Full Surrender

Seek good and holy company AS Company determines who you are!

GOD is the resident & indweller of every being; love everybody with no hatred/ill-will towards anybody!

Keep Mind In Control Along the Right Path!

How can you ever forget your parents who have brought you up through so many trials & tribulations? Especially, the mother who has borne you in her womb for nine months! 

You have to pay four debts: Mother, Father, Guru/Teacher, & GOD With a feeling of togetherness and LOVE towards everybody! 

Sectarian tendencies have to be checked and wiped out! 

Foundation of everything has to be LOVE!

Live for others; not for yourself!

Bear actions of past births with a smile!

Life is Expansion of LOVE; Contraction is Death!

HAPPINESS & PROSPERITY [With] Only one Religion - Religion of LOVE! &  Only one Caste - Caste of Humanity! 

INSPIRATION 5: 

Body is meant to cross the ocean of transmigration, not to fulfill sensual pleasures overboard;

The main problem plaguing the world today is “EGOISM”. Unless and until one gets rid of his ego, self-realization is just not possible. Even Lord Ram had to give up and sacrifice His ego to establish Ram_Rajya.

Individuality Humanity Divinity

the need of the hour is to think about others, not just for one’s own sake; as in the Ramayana.

No Sacrifices; NO Ram_Rajya

For any relationship to last, it must be founded on Love & Truth.

Righteousness {Dharma} [Basis for] Peace & Bliss!

Thoughts; Actions

Bad Thoughts; Bad Actions 

Good Thoughts; Good Actions 

INSPIRATIONS 6-10:  One must have the uncanny ability to differentiate between one’s desires and needs; Less luggage more comfort Less desires more happiness

Body should be taken care of till one fulfills the mission of his life, viz. Self realization/God-realization/Moksha/Nirvana or Kingdom of God, as it is said.

Love lives by giving & forgiving.  You must be able to derive happiness from even a state of misery!

Silence is the ‘golden’ language of the heart; we should try and observe silence at least for one hour each day.

In ‘Kal_yuga’, “Name” of God (Nama_Smarna) is the source of liberation! 

What we want from others, we should try and do unto them ourselves first!

We must try to see the world as God_Swarup (Krisanmay).

We should neither worry about finishing our work nor about the results thereof!

You cannot always oblige; but you can surely speak obligingly!

Contentment o Equanimity

“Rama_Nama (name of God) is the Divine Nectar”!

God Helps Those Who: o Help Themselves o Help Others. o (The Choice Is Yours!)

Remain unaffected by gain/loss, praise/blame, positive(s)/negative(s) with steadfast faith in God and engage in good deeds constantly to attain Divinity!

Don’t meet hatred with hatred, anger with anger; meet them with love & prayer, with brotherhood & fellowship, for the betterment of everybody to build a ‘harmonious’ society; start now from this moment on!  

True Leadership entails Service to Mankind!  Prayer reaches God only when it carries the Stamp of Bhakti, Devotion, and Sincerity!  Love shall carry you on the road to God!  

| Faith  o Love |  

Bad is bad & good is good; nobody can question the bona fides of good/bad. Even if one person is speaking the truth, and a thousand others are speaking lies, ‘truth’ shall always remain “truth”!  

Devotion comes easily through the Rambaan Medicine of Kalyuga – Naamasmarna (repetition of Lord Rama’s name)!  

Contentment and a firm resolve to attain the Divine are quintessential for SelfRealization!  

Even if you wish to reap only the fruits of good actions, your bad actions have to be borne by you!  

Develop proximity to God; treat Him as you best friend, philosopher, and guide; and, you shall never have any reasons to complain/repent about this.  

Be like the light of a lamp moving upwards and banishing darkness (read ‘ignorance’)!  Grace of God only can burn your sins! It can be won only by complete and ‘true’ surrender at His feet!  Use your art of Viveka/Discrimination lest the insects of desire, anger etc. might harm you!  

Man is wandering aimlessly in worldly goals forgetting the real ‘Spiritual Goal’, i.e. “Merger with the Divine”! 

GOD always protects the righteous & the virtuous; detachment is one of the sweetest virtues!  

Have reverence for your elders; friendship with those equal to you; and, affectionate love for those younger to you!  

Forgetting worldly concerns, one should cling to the Divine; thereby making sure that he shall attain Divinity some day!  

GOD is above everything; place HIM right on TOP of your Agenda! 

Love should be for Love’s sake only without any motive; Love is Selflessness! o (“Love KO Love HI REHNE Do; KOI NAAM NA Do”! - {‘KHAMOSHI/Silence’} even our film-makers portray this!)

Be always alert lest there be some avoidable mistakes!

LET THY WILL BE Done!

Things & Persons are not the Cause of Bondages; rather, Attachment to them IS! Things are better than Money, Persons better than Things, Wisdom/Detachment better than Persons; GOD is the BEST, better than even Wisdom/Detachment! 

The Root of Evil is the Desire of ‘Sensual Pleasures’!

How can the Company of Perishable things make/render you Imperishable/Immortal? 

That what is for everyone is ours too; and, ‘That’ what is for No one cannot be ours at any cost!

GOD IS OMNIPRESENT; only, One Needs the Eyes to Perceive & Feel HIM!

WE ADORE STATUES OF God BUT IGNORE LIVING BEINGS IN WHOM THE SPARK OF THE SAME Divine IS LATENT! 

NO Penance Higher than Fortitude; NO Happiness Higher than Contentment; NO Merit Higher than Mercy; NO Weapon Higher than Patience!

Body is the Field, Good Deeds are the seed, Heart is the Root; you have to Cultivate the Name of the Lord in order to Reap the Harvest – the Lord HIMSELF!

| Effort  o Experience |

Always be engaged in “true” satsang! Pray to GOD always & for everything!

Spirit is Love of Spirituality! Knowledge of MANY is ‘False’; Knowledge of ONE is ‘True’!

The external world is very tempting but hollow from inside; on the other hand, the soul within is fulfilling and lasting.

Without Faith you cannot prosper; if you allow the seeds of doubt to sprout, they shall bite you into abject misery!

Laziness is rust & dust; self-realization is must & best! 

Main use of a tree is the fruit it bears; similarly, the primary aim/use of the human body is God-Realization; the rest is all accidental & illusionary!  

God is LOVE!, Love is GOD! [Properties are same.] 

God is ‘HridayNivaasi’; you are a devotee only when you receive an ACK from HIM!

Love can melt the Hardest of Rocks! Self-confidence is the key!

|Expect Respect from Others Learn to Respect Them First |

Sugar is present in all Candies; likewise Ishwar_Tattwa is present in all Individuals!

Love is vital for Peace and Peace is vital for Happiness!

Each religion is a part of the Elephant created by man; the Real ‘Religion’ is that one of “humanity”!

Reduce your desires progressively in Life; the Key is to control your eyes and tongue, keeping them in check, constantly on the vigil!

The spirit of worship must emanate from the Heart.

Wherever there is egoism, God’s Grace cannot flow; humility and discipline with goodwill towards all are the essential prerequisites to earn the Grace of God!

Karma & Upaasana must move hand in hand away from the field of ‘Sensual Pleasures’ as much as possible!

What is Meditation? [It is the process of focusing your scattered thoughts at one point/goal – the Divine!] 

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[THINGS to REMEMBER, in general, for an Article]:

1. Creating a suitable title ……………………………………………… ……………………………… 2. Using sub-headings wherever possible (as it attracts the readers) ……………………………………………… ……………………………..… 

3. Headings & sub-headings to be properly put in bold ……………………………………………… ………………………………. 4. Points to be numbered or bulleted ……………………………………………… ………………………………… 5. Underlining all the keywords 

……………………………………………… …………………………………. 6. Using keywords throughout the content and not just in the beginning Paragraphs ……………………………………………… ………………………………….

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[stonesandenergy]

Page of Animals - Deer

Quiet solitude amidst danger- Listen closely for the dawn! Heed my warning, For I am never wrong! I have never seen this animal used in an aggressive way save in the Ramayana. A Demon leads Rama astray so that his divine mate is captured. And so the deer is key to all Karmic intrigue of the story. Without the deer Rama could never fulfil his destiny.

[shivabhairava-blog]

Famous Indian Vedic Astrologer

I welcome you to the world of Jyotisha, the ancient astrological science of India—a world in which a magnificent order in the cosmos is revealed, and where free will and the law of action and reaction combine to weave a web of individual destiny present at birth and “written in the stars.”

More commonly known in the west as “Vedic Astrology,” this form of astrology is entirely based on a spiritual point of view. Succinctly stated, this view is that your soul is moving along an evolutionary pathway through a series of reincarnations, each determined by your thoughts and actions in prior lives. The fruits of your past actions are your “karma,” and this is what your astrological birth chart reveals. The emphasis therefore in Vedic astrology is on understanding your soul’s karma in this lifetime.

Vedic astrology originally comes to us from the Rig Veda, the oldest of the four Vedas, the spiritual Bible of ancient India. The Vedas were an oral tradition passed down from family to family, generation to generation. These works contain the spiritual teachings of Hinduism. Much later in their history the Vedas were put in a written form, and so it is with Jyotisha as well. We also find astrological references abound in the great oral Epics of India, the Mahabharata and the Ramayana, particularly in the most famous portion of the Mahabharata, the Bhagavad-Gita. Such ancient works as the Vedanta Jyotish and the Surya Siddhanta shed further light on both the astronomy and astrology of ancient India.

In the spiritual tradition of ancient India, astrology is considered a sacred science. The Sanskrit word Jyotisha means “Science of Light,” as it is this science that sheds light on the fruits of your past actions. By revealing to you the state of your soul, it can serve as a guiding light in your life and ultimately light the way out of the illusory world of forms and back to the Divine.