#hindu peace symbol

[wolrith]

its very upsetting to me that nazis ruined such an aesthetically pleasing symbol forever. could've been a cool peace symbol but noo

[akhanddiya]

Unveiling the Meaning Behind Akhand Diya Items Used in Worship

[shamballalin]

What Does "OM" ~ "AUM" Mean?

What Does “OM” ~ “AUM” Mean?

This is the Hindu OM Symbol. You can elongate its sound “OM” or “AUM” for vibrational frequency meditation and healing. But what does it mean? The following is from Jet International in India, a wonderful place to get crystals, talisman items, and information regarding the popular “AUM” symbol seen above. I usually use the “OM” interpretation in my public meditations, classes, and writing, but…

[premtattva]

☸ Untangling the Threads of Mahābhārata Concisely...

The Sagacity of Mahābhārata through the Chakra System

Disclaimer: The sole reference of my source has been taken from Paramahansa Yogananda's "The Bhagavad Gita"

Mahābhārata was formerly named Jayasaṃhitā, narrated by a great ancient seer Vedavyāsa(originally named Kṛṣṇadvaipāyana) and penned down by Lord Ganesha himself! Vyāsa is also regarded by many Hindus as a partial incarnation (Aṃśāvatāra ) of Vishnu.

According to Paramhansa Yogananda, the battlefield of Kurukshetra represents our own life. Dhṛtarāṣṭra is the blind and ignorant mind of ours which tends to give rise to 100 sense tendencies and desires. The 100 sons of Dhṛtarāṣṭrā are those sense tendencies. Pāṇḍu represents the wisdom, hence white. Hence Kurukṣetra is the battlefield of our mind, body and senses. It’s the battle of ignorance and wisdom, to find a way to rise up and get the status of Param Brahma.

Draupadī represents the-- Kuṇḍalinī and the Pāṇḍavas-- the five chakras of our body.

 Sehdeva, the base chakra Mūlādhāra, means avoidance of attitude that prevents one from attaining Inner Peace.

 Nakula represents the Svādhiṣṭhāna Chakra, which correlates with "Niyama" and emphasizes the importance of adhering to attitudes that bring inner peace.

The third chakra, Maṇipūra, unequivocally symbolizes Arjuna. In yoga philosophy, the awakening of Maṇipūra instils fiery self-control. Despite a fleeting moment of weakness at the sight of his own people on the battlefield, Arjuna remains an embodiment of self-discipline and courage.

Bhīma represents the Anāhata Chakra, located at the heart. When this chakra is awakened, it brings intense feelings that can lead us towards devotion or emotions. Bhīma embodies this intense feeling in everything he does, whether right or wrong.

Yudhiṣṭhira embodies the Viśuddha Chakra, which, when awakened, is believed to bring a profound sense of tranquillity, devotion, and moral integrity, as illustrated in the Mahābhārata.

The  Āgyā/Ājñā chakra, positioned in the centre of the eyebrows, is associated with intuition and insight. It is believed to be the gateway to higher consciousness and spiritual awakening. During meditation, focusing on this chakra is said to facilitate a deep state of tranquillity and inner peace. In Mahābhārata this chakra is symbolized by none but Lord Kṛṣṇa himself, representing wisdom and divine perception.

The ancient game of dice in the Mahābhārata symbolizes the timeless battle between ego and desire, mirroring the internal conflicts we all face in our lives. The game serves as a profound metaphor, illustrating the precarious nature of spiritual growth. It teaches us that even when we have attained a heightened state of awareness, there is always the potential for regression. This spiritual journey demands unwavering strength, resolve, and a resolute spirit, which are essential for the eventual union with the Divine.

@janaknandini-singh999 @rhysaka @ashru-premika @ramayantika @swayamev

@krsnaradhika @krishnaaradhika @hinducosmos

@hindu-aesth @sanatantemple @bishh-kanya

@mrityuloknative @bharataesthetics @tumharimummykibahu

@bharatiya-naari-sab-pe-bhaari @shyamasundar

@sanatantemple

@ancienthinduism @maithili90-blog-blog

@bishh-kanya @devimayi @viharini @apricitycanvas

[dionysianfreak]

my drawing of Dionysos in a traditional Hindu style. I've felt quite inspired by how the Hindu Deities are represented, especially the diversity in symbolism between each worshiper. I can't remember if I posted this on tumblr or not, but here it is now.

I'm unsure if I'll ever color it. for now, i love it as it is. enjoy, and happy Dionysia !

symbolism, left to right :

a snake coiled around Their arm. the snake is sometimes considered sacred to Dionysos. it holds onto Them similarly to the snake of Asklepios, representing the healing of both body and mind

the thrysos gripped in their hand. the thrysos is a widely recognized, unique symbol of Dionysos. it represents my personal relationship with Them as I have a thrysos tattooed on my left arm.

Their hand extended in Gyan Mudra. this Mudra is often associated with wisdom or sharpening the mind. it represents the knowledge and peace of mind Dionysos grants us

a bundle of grapes cradled in their palm. wine grapes are very sacred to Dionysos, representing fruitfulness and being a little "fruity". it also encompasses Their connection with agriculture and the earth.

a pitcher of wine endlessly pouring. i can't do a symbolism-heavy drawing without including wine. it represents abundance and divine intoxication, the gift of alcohol that They have given humanity.

a shallow cup that does not spill a single drop. this represents the deliverance of prosperity, the lack of wastefulness, and shows that They reward the worthy and strike down the bigoted.

They sit peacefully with us, a God who is close and personal with Their followers.

there is a sun on Their forehead because i associate Them with the warmth and radiance of sunlight

top surgery scars show Them to be the God of transsexuals and a welcomer of all who live outside any "norm". a God who discriminates against no one.

[xclowniex]

I've been seen a few posts going around where a known antisemite is saying that when people graffiti a swastika, they actually mean a Buddhist symbol for peace.

And I like I beg people who genuinely think that to actually talk to a Buddhist.

I would like to preface that i will refer to the symbol as a buddhist sumbol as the name for the symbol differs between language, in Hindu it is called Manji but other languages have different words for it.

I've mentioned it before so some of yall probably already know that my partner is a Buddhist. Born in a Buddhist country and raised Buddhist.

When I've talked with him about this before, his viewpoint is "it's terrible that the symbol was bastardized to be a hate symbol and that hate is now the main meaning of it. What the symbol means is dependant on context. Buddhists aren't known for graffiti so if it graffiti-ed, it's pretty much always going to be a hate symbol. In Buddhist temples, homes, events, etc, it's not going to mean a hate symbol."

He also told me that pretty much most Buddhist have that viewpoint.

(going back to my own opinions now)

There is no excuse for people to call graffiti swastikas a Buddhist symbol for peace unless the person who placed it is confirmed to be a Buddhist.

Calling something which is very obviously a swatstika, a Buddhist symbol is antisemitic

[talonabraxas]

Surya Om Bhur Bhuvah Svaha Tat Savitur Varenyam Bhargo Devaysa Dhimahi Dhiyo Yo Nah Prachodayat Om Shanti Shanti Shanti Om, O Thou existence Absolute Creator of the three dimensions We contemplate upon thy divine light Stimulate our intellect and bestow upon us true knowledge Om Peace, Peace, Peace Surya (also known as Aditya) is the Hindu god of the Sun. He is considered the creator of the universe and the source of all life. He is the supreme soul who brings light and warmth to the world. Each day he travels across the sky in his golden chariot pulled by seven horses and driven by red Aruna, a personification of Dawn.

Sun Yantra. Ram Yantra. Just as each planet has a mantra, a special sound energy; there is special energy pattern for each planet, a Yantra. Yantra is a special geometric design, which is the visible form, the energy body, of the mantra, and the planet to which it corresponds. Yantra sometimes supplement the power of mantra and can become as strong as the mantra itself. The sun is a phenomenal symbol to tap into when we need love, warmth, acceptance and healing in our lives.The Sun Yantra carries with it incredible power, and it's just waiting for you to utilize what it has to offer.

[hindulivesmatter]

Never saw someone as stupid as Janaknandini Singh and here's why -

No ram mandir isn't built on "destroyed mosque" it is built on destroyed mandir, so you can let the guilt go.

"does this deserve to be celebrated?"

Yup, we have our ancestors fight for it for 500 years, it didn't come easy, it cost our blood. The original demolition of Ram Mandir - must've costed a lot lot lot more. Babri wasn't meant to be a scared site bruh it was the symbol of victory over us infidels, according to that genocidal maniacs own word - "I have come to this land to fight the holy war against infidels" - babarnama. That mosque wasn't supposed to be there anyway. It was ram Janambhoomi, always has been, always will be.

"would ram ji would've wanted it"

Hell yes.

Standing up and asking ONE temple is causing you to lose your sense of identity, take on more guilt, wish it were the same with invaders and their fans who KNOW 40 thousand to 60 thousand hindu and jain temples have been razed to the ground.

That entire thing was embarrassing, peace and coexistence is important but Hindus shouldn't be the one bending and breaking their backs offering it. It shouldn't be us people compromising. All the damn time. It doesn't happen that way grow a damn backbone

Nice, anon. Spitting facts today. I like it.

[mariacallous]

The war would be over by Christmas. That was what everyone said, when Britain, France, and Germany went to war in August 1914. Maybe that’s why, by the start of December, with no victory in sight, there was a pause in the fighting along parts of the Western Front stretching from Belgium through France. And maybe that’s why, when singing broke out in the trenches on Christmas Eve, soldiers on both sides decided to risk a walk up into no man’s land and even, in one recorded case, a soccer kickabout. Troops on both sides sang “Silent Night” as snow began to fall.

The truce was never formally declared by any power. Although Pope Benedict XV had called for a cease-fire earlier in the month, it had been rejected by all parties. France and Belgium had little appetite for a truce with an invading army. And in a war between global, multiethnic empires, there was little agreement about the timing or the meaning of a Christmas truce for soldiers who were Muslim, Sikh, Jewish, Hindu, or Shinto. Even for Eastern Orthodox troops on the Eastern Front, Christmas would be a few weeks later.

Instead, there were spontaneous truces along the front lines. While both sides engaged in singing, many Germans had reportedly decided not to take any action from Dec. 25 to 27. In France, near Laventie, German soldiers started putting up Christmas trees along their trenches on the 23rd and their officers requested a meeting with their British counterparts. In their book, Christmas Truce, Malcolm Brown and Shirley Seaton report that the German officers “proposed a private truce for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day” that the British officers accepted. Similar informal arrangements were made up and down the front lines, with different results in different sectors.

The informal nature of the truce meant that not everyone participated. This is partly why the truce has now attained a mythical quality—many who were on the front did not experience it and so doubted that it had taken place. Even where peace seemed to prevail, officers worried that “the truce will probably go on until someone is foolish enough to let off his rifle.”

Across the Western Front, the Christmas truces came to an end at different points. By the 27th, rain had resumed and the soldiers were once again knee-deep in mud. Along some parts of the line, fighting resumed in January. But one soldier wrote home that part of the front near Ploegsteert in Flanders didn’t really see any action from the Christmas Truce until mid-March. The Battle of Neuve Chapelle in March 1915 definitively shattered the peace. Attempts for an Easter truce in early April were largely ignored.

The Christmas Truce that took place in the first December of World War I has transcended historical curiosity to become a feature of popular memory. Pop songs, TV shows, and even ads have all made reference to the events of December 1914. Why has it adhered in this way? What has it come to symbolize, more than 100 years on?

Regular truces were a typical part of pre-modern warfare. Staged battles left time for clearing the field, burying the dead, and regrouping. Informal encounters between soldiers did not always lead to fighting, and impromptu Christmas truces occurred in the U.S. Civil War and the South African War in 1899. In a way, the Christmas Truce appeals because it seems to point to the last moment of an older form of warfare. Given the horrors of the war to come, it seems poignant in its innocence.

The popularity of the Christmas Truce of 1914—even though it was not repeated for the rest of World War I—was not just as a token of nostalgia, though. It was also responsible for creating something new: the idea that there should be a Christmas truce.

One of the enduring legacies of World War I was the shift from an approach to humanitarian principles and human rights that was “episodic, empathic, and voluntary” to, as one scholar put it, a “permanent, professionalized, and bureaucratic” responsibility of states operating in a transnational network. Alongside these developments in humanitarian organizing, truces moved out of the realm of improvised, informal agreements between soldiers. Instead, they were called for and negotiated by states and transnational peace organizations. And they did so with the Christmas Truce of 1914 as a model.

For instance, in 1965, in the midst of the escalating Vietnam War, the Viet Cong proposed a Christmas cease-fire. Meant to parallel the cease-fire that had accompanied the Vietnamese Lunar New Year celebrations earlier in the year, it was embraced back at home and internationally by the peace movement. The truce was arranged with some skepticism on the ground. Even more so given the previous year’s Christmas Eve bombing of a hotel where many U.S. officers were staying. The truce was agreed to and formally communicated to both sides.

A newspaper report from the cease-fire explicitly echoed the coverage of the 1914 truce. “It was quiet—the guns of war were stilled by a Christmas truce for the first time in almost a year,” the paper reported. “And from the top of the hill, the words of ‘silent Night’ wafted down” as the men rested their rifles on their foxholes and contemplated what the Viet Cong forces made of the song.

At the end of the 48-hour pause, both sides accused each other of violating the cease-fire. Radio Hanoi reported that “in complete disregard for their proclaimed Christmas truce, the U.S. imperialists Sunday sent many flights of aircraft.” The U.S. argued that these were reconnaissance flights, rather than bombing raids, and that the “Communists had launched at lease 60 small attacks.”

What the soldiers of World War I accidentally stumbled on was a new form of propaganda. Christmas cease-fires build morale among the troops, but also more widely. A key feature in the rhetoric of war is convincing your side that the opposing side is not just wrong, but bad. Truces and cease-fires play into this: The side proposing the cease-fire paints itself as humane. Violations of the cease-fire are fodder for arguments that the violators are inhumane.

In foreign policy, the Christmas Truce endured because it turned out to be good for both international and domestic public relations. But as a result of this realization, Christmas cease-fires also became more top-down. While the soldiers were responsible for organizing spontaneous truces along the front lines in 1914, the Christmas truces of the Vietnam War and other more recent conflicts have been ordered by leaders, often in response to international pressure. In Vietnam, despite suspicion among U.S. troops that the Viet Cong “took advantage of the truce” to rearm and resupply its forces in the south, the Christmas truce was often implemented. While this provided respite and a chance for point-scoring in the media, some U.S. soldiers were left asking, “What good would it do?”

And they asked that with good reason. Christmas—and other religious holidays—have been just as likely to mark the beginning of a campaign, taking advantage of the enemy’s hope for some respite. George Washington crossed the Delaware River on Christmas 1776, surprising the British-allied Hessian troops in Trenton. During the Tet Offensive in the Vietnam War, the Viet Cong took advantage of the Lunar New Year in 1968 to attack while many of South Vietnam’s soldiers were on holiday leave. And then-U.S. President Richard Nixon broke the expected Christmas Truce tradition in 1972 when the U.S. launched its largest B-52 raid on North Vietnam in the course of the war. The Yom Kippur War in Israel began on the Jewish holiday in 1973. Operation Ramadan in the Iran-Iraq War launched to coincide with the holy month in 1982.

This explains the unease of the leadership in December 1914. In Laventie, one group of British soldiers was about to withdraw from the trenches on the 26th when a German deserter, taking advantage of the truce, crossed to warn them that an attack was imminent. The British soldiers fired artillery at the German trenches and then lay in wait for the attack. But it never came. And the Germans, put on alert by the artillery fire, similarly had spent the night in anticipation of a British attack.

In fact, while the 1914 Christmas Truce saw soldiers sharing tobacco and wine, Christmas puddings and songs at scattered locations along the trenches in Belgium and France, the Germans dropped their first aerial bomb on Britain, at Dover on Christmas Eve. On Christmas Day, the British used seaplanes to attack the Imperial German Navy, stationed in the harbor of Cuxhaven.

The 1914 Christmas Truce in particular has been read in popular culture as a moment when soldiers rejected their officers’ orders and rejected the nationalist propaganda that they had been exposed to, which demonized their opponents. The Christmas Truce appeals to the idea that ordinary people would get along if only they weren’t ordered to fight each other by their governments. In 1914, soldiers ignored officers and took risks to make human connections with people they were supposed to hate.

Christmas truces have subsequently become a regular prop in international diplomacy. In conflicts ranging from the Philippines to Colombia, Sudan to Ukraine, it’s hard not to see the Christmas Truce as having retained its mythical status precisely because of its usefulness as propaganda. Perhaps it would be better to remember the Christmas Truce as one poem concluded in January 1915: “God speed the time when every day/Shall be as Christmas Day!”

[reasoningdaily]

Terrence Howard Talks About the 6000-Year-Old Secret of The Flower of Life

The Flower of Life has mystified civilization for more than 6000 years. Terrance Howard explains the physics, math and logic behind this ancient tool. Existential Knowledge like this from Terrance Howard is surprising, since we never knew he was a physics buff.

Watch This and learn how this Beautiful symbol clarifies Life and Energy as Existence.

What is the flower of life?

The flower of life is one of the most recognized symbols in the ancient and modern world. The sacred geometric pattern consists of 19 intersecting circles spaced evenly from each other that reveal an intricate pattern of overlapping symmetrical flowers. 

The striking visual is meant to represent creation, the sacred masculine and divine feminine, and cycles of life, death, and rebirth. Some believe the flower of life is also a key that can unlock hidden knowledge of time and space within its petal-like structures. 

"At baseline, it is a geometric form of perfect—and some would say divine—proportion," intuitive energy healer and author of Energy Work for the Everyday to Elite Athlete Cyndi Dale tells mindbodygreen. "The flower of life is a beautiful and ancient symbol that has been depicted in many cultures across time. It's found in Egyptian, Hindu, Christian, Buddhist, Muslim, and Judaic artwork, religious structures, and manuscripts," she adds.

Based on Assyrian relics, historians can date the flower of life to 645 B.C.

Beyond its earliest origins, author of Sacred Geometry: How To Use Cosmic Patterns To Power Up Your Life Jemma Foster shares that the flower of life can also be found in countless temples and sacred sites across the globe, like the 5,000-year-old walls of the Osirian temple in Egypt, where it is burned into the stone as if by laser. 

Meaning and symbolism of the flower of life.

"The flower of life represents the cycle of creation and the interconnectedness of all life," Dale says. Spiritually, the symbol can be used as a focus for attaining a sense of enlightenment and the awareness of peace. "It can also be used symbolically as a pathway to seek our personal and unique purpose within the greater universe," she adds.

Beyond its spiritual implications, Dale explains the flower of life also has associations with the chakra system—the main energy centers of the body. When there are no blockages and energy can effortlessly course throughout the entire body, it enables balance to exist between the mind, body, and soul. When looking at the geometric symbol, she says the image is seen to contain the seven chakras aligned in the middle. 

"The reason that we typically link a lotus with a chakra—with different chakras shown with different numbers of petals—is that chakras are energetic. Based on nerve plexuses, they each spin at a different rate. Each chakra manages a specific bandwidth of energy, measured by color or sound," she says. 

As such, we can work with these sacred patterns to boost our energetic health. Because the flower of life is the visual connection between all living things, it's said to have many benefits. And to reap those benefits, some recommend meditating on the image or wearing the symbol as jewelry to raise your vibration or even as a form of protection. 

The flower of life in sacred geometry.

"Sacred geometry is the underlying form or geometry in nature—and not only the environment on Earth but in the cosmos," Dale explains to mindbodygreen, elaborating that the flower of life is considered sacred because these formations are considered one of the most significant patterns in the universe. 

If you peer closer at the flower of life, inside you'll see many sacred forms nestled within. Dale notes the structure includes the tree of life systems, a universal code known as the Fibonacci sequence, the Golden Ratio of Phi (a mathematical radio that shows up constantly in nature), and Megatron's cube—which carries the five platonic solids, or foundational shapes of all organic life. 

"It is thought that the flower of life holds a secret within it—a circle, which in many cultures, is considered the 'zero point' or the 'origin' of us all," Dale says. "This is the Oneness that ties us together."

What makes the flower of life so meaningful is how it potentially supports emerging scientific theories today. "Recent offshoots of quantum and 'spiritual' physics are suggesting that the universe is conscious, sort of a quantum information field with awareness and that all the energy or data that have ever existed is stored in geometric forms within it," she continues. "We are composed of these same forms and can exchange data with the universe because of it."

How to use the flower of life.

The flower of life is a reminder of unity. To add more connection to your life, Foster suggests drawing the flower of life since the art can be activating for meditation and processing. It also acts as an invitation to resonate at its frequency on a deep cellular level.

"The flower of life is a key ally in raising and protecting the energetic quality that you and your environment are operating at," Foster says. 

To mobilize its creative energy, Foster also advises placing the flower of life in your space or onto objects. "This means to come into coherence and to move out of dissonance. [It] brings the surrounding area or object into greater coherence, for example, to restructure water, or to help negate some of the negative dissonances of a laptop," she adds.

[vertigoblockbuster]

Info Dump: Ardra Nakshatra

In vedic astrology, Rudra is the ruling deity of Ardra nakshatra, the 6th lunar mansion in the Hindu zodiacal system. Rudra is a form of Lord Shiva the Destroyer. Within Hinduism Shiva is one of three principle deities, the other two being Lord Vishnu and Lord Brahma. In extremely simple terms, Brahma is the creator of the universe, Vishnu is the preserver of it, and Shiva destroys it to recreate a new universe.

Rudra is very different from the other gods. Rather than desiring nice clothing and adornments, Rudra prefers to wear animal skin and tree bark. A graveyard is his preferred dwelling place over a peaceful home. He doesn't wash or cut his hair and searches for a deeper meaning that he values above all earthly comforts. One who has Rudra nakshatras (Ardra, Mula, and the two Bhadrapadas) prevalent in their birth chart has the power to unleash their anger onto untrue, impure things. Lies, harmful people, and corrupt institutions are the types of animals Rudra hunts. Evil is washed away by his storms and a clean slate is made available for good things to manifest.

Shiva is eternal and therefore is not literally "born," instead he is an embodiment of an energy that existed in Brahma first. The story of Rudra's "birth" from Brahma goes like this: Brahma worked hard to create beings to help him in forming the universe. When they disobeyed him because they did not want to mingle with lower earthly things, Brahma understood their reasoning but was simultaneously furious at their disobedience. His rage built up between his eyes (think of how we scrunch our faces when we become angry) and when he pulled it out of his head it took the form of a howling baby that was purple and androgynous, Rudra.

To help Brahma in his creation of the universe, Rudra was instructed to separate his male and female forms and make eleven copies of himself so that they could reproduce together. These beings formed from Brahma's fury were full of anger and threatened to destroy the world that he was attempting to create. Brahma instructed Rudra to control his anger by meditating. Rudra threw himself into yoga to conquer his mind and become peaceful. Brahma was pleased with the work that Rudra had done on himself and renamed him Shiva. Literally translated, Rudra means the "howler" or the "most frightening one" while Shiva means "calm" or "benevolent." Rudra's self-mastery through yoga is why he is revered as one of the original masters of the practice, another being Brahma. Rudra is perhaps a more notable yogic master because of the inner rage he had to conquer within himself. His path to self-control was more challenging because he is the embodiment of Brahma's anger.

When used unhealthily, this destructive force is inflicted on innocent people and things around the native with Rudra influencing their chart. It can also be turned inward by the native onto themselves. Here we can see the archetype of the tortured bad boy or the tragic bad girl. No superficiality is tolerated (at least not comfortably) at this point in the zodiac and must be destroyed, including one's own character.

Some of the symbology associated with Ardra includes the color green (Ardra translating to mean moist one or fresh one), a jewel, a human head and a teardrop. The color green reminds us of the rich landscape of a forest after a storm. After a violent downpour the plant life is hydrated, nourished, and rejuvenated. Here is a reminder that storms, while frightening experiences best avoided from a superficial standpoint, are not only beautiful on a deeper level but necessary for growth. This same principle can easily be extended to human beings and is the major lesson we learn from Ardra nakshatra: Anger is not bad. We need anger. The challenge is directing it properly.

The symbol of the jewel evokes ideas of the formation of diamonds. It is commonly known that tremendous heat and pressure are required to form diamonds, and that they are held around the world to be extremely valuable. Again, we are brought back to the idea of using our turbulent, angry emotions (think of the heat and pressure required for a diamond to form) as tools to create a life that we truly value (the diamond itself).

The human head and teardrop are associated with Ardra because it is a nakshatra of intellect, deep reflection, and also of anguish and suffering. Crying has been said to be a remedy for those with prominent Ardra placements in their chart because it releases pent up emotions. After crying we are left with a clean emotional slate and there is now space to recreate ourselves.

-----------------

I credit Vic Dicara for the information on the story of Rudra/Shiva. Please check out his YouTube channel Vic Dicara's Astrology if you are interested in learning about vedic astrology.

[fantasyinvader]

I think we've been limiting ourselves with the Buddhism takes. While Buddhism does play a part in Houses, it's not the only symbolism the game uses. There's the easy Christian stuff, elements relating to the tarot, there's the names of ancient greek philosophers, it invokes Napoleon and even the nickname El refers to ancient Sumeria as a title/name for a god.

Nirvana isn't just from Buddhism, it's origins are from Hinduism where it's not the ultimate goal. In Buddhism, Nirvana is achieving a form of enlightenment portrayed as extinguishing of the self. The ultimate goal of Hinduism is elevating ones consciousness so that it becomes part of the universal truth, indistinguishable from the creator god Brahma. When you die, you return to the energy that created the universe.

If you want a very scary version of this, someday I'll explain Getter Robo and what exactly is Getter Emperor.

The Nirvana class seems to be a reversal of the Hindu version. Byleth gains Nirvana when the Creator Goddess Sothis fuses with them, extinguishing herself for Byleth's benefit. The deity fuses with Byleth, fading into Byleth's subconscious and from there Byleth gains their power (Hopes admittedly fucks with this as Sothis fuses to save Byleth, but can take over if pushed). Even the fact Byleth is male by default but is referred to as a spiritual mother in the ending points to the Hindu version, complete with Flayn trying to figure out his pronouns in the S support, a combination of male and female like Brahma.

While the game does seem to support the Buddhist takes of extinguishing the poisons/flames, for Byleth extinguishing themself seems to be the problem. They grow during White Clouds, eventually defaulting to siding against Edelgard. Byleth's flag, the supposed Fire Emblem of the game, reflects a belief in Byleth themself. But by altering the story, by going against Byleth's choices and characters thereby extinguishing Byleth as a character, in the words of the devs it's about believing in something else entirely and instead Byleth becomes subservient to El (a false god figure). The Japanese explains the Crest Stone disappearing at the end of Flower by saying it "shattered," Byleth's actions were bad enough it broke the heart of the Goddess and caused her to unfuse with them thus Byleth loses Nirvana.

This would also carry implications about Byleth's karma. Hindu belief is based on the caste system, where if you have good karma you'll be reborn in a higher caste, a form of spiritual meritocracy where your good deeds benefit you in your next life, such as being born into wealth and privilege because you earned it in your last life, and even plays a role in achieving Enlightenment. Buddha rejected this, believing that anyone can achieve Nirvana regardless of class. But considering that Flower is called the animal path, it's ultimately about Byleth's demerit.

Flower Byleth might fight so that Fodlan can know “true peace,” but they need to ignore the fact that Edelgard is invading other nations post-war in the Japanese script or having anyone who challenges her rule offed from the shadows in the English all while using Slither tech. Byleth is a soup sandwich if they submit to Edelgard. Meanwhile, fighting Edelgard might be hard now but it bears fruit in the future, as that way Fodlan doesn't suffer her tyranny, which does tie into Eastern beliefs.

Also noticed this in Wind's ending, the Japanese makes it out Byleth's goal is to make a world where everyone can hold hands regardless of nation or ethnicity. Bloodlines don't figure into it, likely that change was to support the change where Edelgard's ideals aren't too far off from what Claude and Byleth support in Wind in English.

But, as a whole, this just illustrates a problem with Houses and it's writing. The game loves it's symbolism and uses one set of symbols to reinforce another. But when you don't understand those symbols, or mistake one for another, it can throw the reading off even before Treehouse got their hands on the script.

[skylarsblue]

If it’s ok could you do some more of the names/reps but some for taller people (some for tell!fem ) if that’s ok I can’t think of any at all and I loved your other ones 😭

(To be honest, it’s hard to come up with names that are based purely on height, but I can give some names that make me think of someone with a more intimidating/imposing figure. Which I associate with being taller. I did my best.)

Liberty; Big lady that symbolizes freedom and peace. Also, ‘merica

Eris; A female goddess of chaos. Could make for an unhinged female König, of sorts.

Kali; A Hindu goddess of time, doomsday, and death. She wears a skirt of arms and a necklace of men’s heads. And though associated most with death & destruction, she’s also associated with motherly love and the creation of the universe.

Oak: Gender neutral for a character that’s just, fucking tall. Like a tree. Also bonus! Perhaps they’re really good with camouflage, kinda like Peta in the Hunger Games. (I haven’t watched/read it since I was like…well, awhile ago, so if I’m remembering wrong I don’t wanna hear it.)

Kong: A kaiju!

Godzilla: A LIZARD kaiju!

Ymir: Also a mythology one for an older male character(most likely). A Norse giant created from the drops of water that formed when the ice of Niflheim met the heat of Muspelheim. He’s fucking MASSIVE. But he was also seen as evil, so-

Damasen: A giant son of Gaia who was seen as rather peaceful, but, destroyed a dragon that was ravaging their country. (Which could make for a very interesting backstory. Perhaps someone who started a resistance of single handedly killed a tyrant in their home country, which gains them attention from Laswell or Price).

Ingens/Immanis: Literally (roughly) “huge”. Though Ingens is “huge” with synonyms of vast, tremendous, gigantic. And Immanis has synonyms of immense, savage, monsterous, and enormous.

[thegenderfluidgokenin]

READ THIS!!!

The Swastik is an ancient Hindu-Buddhist symbol of eternal peace. It has been used for centuries by many different religions, far before the brutal Nazi regeime. It is also an extremely prevalent part of Japanese history, being used from temples to Samurai crests.

The Japanese government has been trying faze out this symbol for a while now, and it concerns me as even i have been attacked on other platforms for using a symbol dear to me as both a student of Yamato's history and a Buddhist.

We cannot let a decade of hell destroy thousands of years of sacred worship, we cannot let Facism taint the most tolerant religion in the world, and by Gods we cannot let it drown out asian history.

THAT'S WHAT HITLER WOULD HAVE WANTED.

[neotrances]

Will forever hate the people who say "the swastika isn't bad" like shut the fuck up!! You're not cool or quirky or whatever for trying to find excuses for people who ARE using it as a hate symbol. You're just annoying

like they’re just being purposefully obtuse like was the symbol based on something that wasn’t originally hateful sure but the current symbol is and has been for its entirety of usage a flagging of hate and white supremacy stop acting dense, like im sorry but most of the ppl using the swastika are not and do not have the idea of peace in their minds and that’s bc they literally aren’t using the original hindu one. they’re using the one that represents white supremacy can we be serious like can we be fr

[anchalgrav]

Narmadeshwar: The Divine Stones of the Narmada

Narmadeshwar, commonly known as Narmada Shiva Lingam or Narmada stones, holds profound spiritual significance in Hinduism. These unique stones are found in the riverbed of the Narmada River, one of the seven holy rivers in India, revered for its purifying properties and association with Lord Shiva, the deity of transformation and destruction.

Origin and Formation

Narmadeshwar Shivling are naturally formed lingams, believed to have been shaped over millions of years by the continuous flow and sacred currents of the Narmada River. They are primarily composed of cryptocrystalline quartz, also known as chalcedony, which imparts them their characteristic smoothness and unique patterns. These stones are typically dark grey to black in color, sometimes with natural markings resembling the iconic third eye of Lord Shiva.

Spiritual Beliefs and Legends

According to Hindu mythology, the Narmada River is considered as holy as the Ganges and is believed to have originated from the sweat of Lord Shiva as he meditated for the well-being of all beings. Consequently, the stones found along the Narmada River are believed to be manifestations of Lord Shiva himself. They are therefore venerated by devotees and are considered sacred and powerful symbols of the divine.

Characteristics of Narmadeshwar Stones

Narmadeshwar stones vary in size, ranging from small pebbles to larger lingams. Each stone is unique, with its own natural patterns and markings that are believed to carry the spiritual vibrations and energies of Lord Shiva. These stones are often found in oval or cylindrical shapes, with a naturally polished surface due to years of being tumbled by the river's currents.

Significance in Worship and Rituals

Devotees of Lord Shiva use Narmadeshwar shivling for worship and rituals, particularly in temples dedicated to the deity. The stones are often placed in the sanctum sanctorum and are bathed with water, milk, or holy substances in a ritual known as abhishekam. It is believed that performing abhishekam on these sacred stones invokes divine blessings, purifies the soul, and helps in spiritual upliftment.

Benefits and Healing Properties

Beyond their spiritual significance, Narmadeshwar stones are also believed to possess healing properties. It is said that keeping these stones at home or wearing them as jewelry can harmonize energies, promote peace of mind, and protect against negative influences. They are considered potent talismans for spiritual protection and personal well-being.

Authenticity and Identification

Genuine Narmadeshwar Shivling are identified by their smooth texture, natural polish, and specific markings that resemble symbols associated with Lord Shiva, such as the Trishul (trident) or Damru (drum). These stones are sourced directly from the riverbed of the Narmada River in central India, where they are carefully harvested by local artisans and devotees.

Popular Uses and Cultural Impact

Narmadeshwar Shivling are highly sought after by spiritual seekers and devotees of Lord Shiva worldwide. They are used in meditation practices to enhance focus and spiritual connection, as well as in sacred ceremonies and rituals. Many people believe that keeping these stones in their homes or personal altars brings prosperity, happiness, and spiritual fulfillment.

Conservation and Preservation Efforts

Due to their religious significance and increasing demand, efforts are underway to sustainably source and preserve Narmadeshwar Shivling. Local communities and organizations promote responsible harvesting practices to protect the natural environment of the Narmada River and ensure the continued availability of these sacred stones for future generations.

Economic Impact and Trade

The trade of Narmadeshwar stones supports local economies along the Narmada River, providing livelihoods for artisans and communities involved in their extraction, polishing, and sale. This trade also fosters cultural exchange and appreciation for Hindu spiritual traditions globally.

Conclusion

Narmadeshwar stones, with their deep spiritual roots and natural beauty, symbolize the devotion and reverence of millions towards Lord Shiva in Hindu culture. Whether used for worship, healing, or spiritual practice, these divine stones from the Narmada River continue to inspire awe and faith among believers around the world.

FAQs

Are Narmadeshwar stones natural or man-made?

Narmadeshwar stones are naturally formed over millions of years in the Narmada River.

What are the spiritual benefits of Narmadeshwar stones?

They are believed to purify energies, promote spiritual growth, and bring blessings from Lord Shiva.

Where can I buy authentic Narmadeshwar stones?

Authentic stones can be sourced from authorized sellers or directly from regions along the Narmada River in India.

How do Narmadeshwar stones differ from other stones?

They are revered in Hinduism as sacred symbols of Lord Shiva and are believed to carry divine energies.

Can Narmadeshwar stones be used for meditation?

Yes, many practitioners use these stones to deepen meditation and spiritual connection. 

Which is the best site to purchase original shivling?

https://shivanshnarmadashivling.com/ Here’s the best website for purchasing Narmadeshwar  Shivling