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January 27, 2012 on 7:15 am
Ask the Spiritual ExplorerDear Spiritual Explorer: I am looking for a wall hanging for my baby’s room that is of a spiritual nature. Can you suggest one? Laura L., Manhasset, VA Dear Laura: The Hanuman Batik Wall Hanging in Ma’s India is very special. As Hanuman ambles along while holding the earth in one hand and a mighty discus to ward off evil in the other hand, he yet appears playful and jovial. In fact, Hanuman appears totally childlike in this wall hanging with his good natured innocence and confidence. If I had a baby, I would love my child to look upon this cheery countenance.  Hanuman Batik As your child gets older and perhaps the crib disappears, the Hanuman hanging is still relevant, but this time you can amuse your child with abundant stories of Hanuman’s exploits and mischievousness as a child. In his teenage years having been entertained by stories of Hanuman through his child years, your child is sure to enjoy Hanuman’s further adventures as a teenager and then finally his entrée into his grown up years as humble and inspirational god. Many times parents paint or decorate their children’s rooms with many objects to instill curiosity or to improve their knowledge. But how wonderful is it to continually convey to your child wonderful qualities of bravery, humility, service and kindness to a child such as epitomized with this great God Hanuman. Hanuman’s birth is celebrated on the full moon of April with the festival of Hanuman Jayante. This can be an important celebration in your child’s life also as you also revere this great God Hanuman. I love the idea of this wall hanging portraying Hanuman as your child’s companion through his formative years. What a wonderful idea! Thanks for writing. Spiritual Explorer If you have a question you would like to ask, send me your question. Ask The Spiritual Explorer
January 25, 2012 on 7:15 am
Ask the Spiritual ExplorerDear Spiritual Explorer: Could you suggest to me a beautiful decal for my room’s window? Beatrice P., Rhine, NY  Sunseal Decal Today as I was shopping at Ma’s India, I gazed upon the particularly beautiful Sunseal Midnight Lotus Decal with that brilliantly white lotus framed against the backdrop of that rarely captured blue midnight color. It’s a stunner and I am particularly anxious to see how the sun comes through the decal in the early morning sun. I asked myself, how the lotus has had such a spiritual significance. I have found out wonderful information. I had always known that one of the primary things about lotuses is that they somehow grow out of mud, pure and clean, like morning dew. That this is a phenomenon of beauty arising out of muck and mud has been the reason for the many inspirational quotations about the lotus. Not only Chinese poets have used lotus flowers to inspire people to continue striving through difficulties and to show their best part to the outside world, no matter how bad the circumstances may be. I think this inspiration has always been part and parcel of other religions also and is integrated into the basic teachings of any spiritual person’s attempt to separate themselves from the more mundane and less worthy aspects of our beings. In Buddhism the lotus flower symbolizes faithfulness. The golden lotus mentioned in Buddhist sutras has two meanings; one is the symbol for the achievement of enlightenment and the other points towards a real flower which is beyond our normal perception. A good lotus flower painting can act as a reminder of the miracle of beauty, light and life. The sacred lotus is an extremely important spiritual symbol in Eastern religions. It represents purity, divine wisdom, and the individual’s progress from the lowest to the highest state of consciousness. And lastly, lotuses are perhaps the most spectacular plants in aquatic environments. The Chinese say that once having seen the growing lotus, you never forget it. The lotus flower has colors from red, pink, pale yellow to brilliant white. “Bathing in the clear water of the spiritual pond, the lotus’ roots dig deep into the soil.” Thanks for writing, Spiritual Explorer If you have a question you would like to ask, send me your question. Ask The Spiritual Explorer
January 20, 2012 on 7:23 am
Ask the Spiritual ExplorerDear Spiritual Explorer: Could you write more about the Hindu God Vishnu? Corky P., Baltimore, MD  Vishnu Statue Dear Corky: Thank you for asking that question. I have been remiss in not speaking of Vishnu and hope to make it up to you in this article. I think perhaps I have ignored Vishnu a bit because of his position as Preserver in the Hindu Holy Triad. I must confess Vishnu just never seemed as interesting to me as Shiva, the Destroyer, being an iconoclast myself, or Brahma, the Creator. Perhaps I am not so much at fault since it appears that most people seem most to ask about the gods that emanate from Vishnu’s lineage, Krishna and Rama. Krishna and Rama are quite popular in Hindu mythology and about whom myriad myths and stories abound. I went to look at the Vishnu Statue that Ma’s India carries. Contrary to my ignorance, it is said in the Bhagavat Purana that the most benefit can be had from worshiping Vishnu. It is perhaps that Vishnu is the embodiment of goodness, mercy and compassion, three qualities that people are desperately seeking in this Yuga. Along these lines, the Bhagavat Gita also mentions that the purpose of this holy triad is to rejuvenate dharma and vanquish negative forces. I love the idea of rejuvenating dharma; it sounds so nonjudgmental and clever. I am not here to change dharma, restructure dharma or even purify dharma; I am here to rejuvenate it. Wonderful! The name Vishnu means one who permeates, or one who has entered into everything. Talk about a mystic’s dream. Vishnu’s consort is Lakshmi, the goddess of beauty and fortune. Vishnu has four arms indicating his omnipresence and omnipotence. In his right hand he holds a discus, symbol of the wheel of time; his lower right hand holds the conch, symbol of the sound of Om. Vishnu holds the bow in his other hand, the symbol of arising of the universe. In his upper left hand, he holds a lotus, the symbol of the loving universe and all things that are good. His lower left hand holds his mace, a symbol of the option of individual existence. Most importantly for our understanding, it appears that Vishnu helps souls survive the cycle of birth, death and rebirth, a good reason for paying homage to this god. This particular statue of Vishnu is made from an ivory-like subtle material that contains microscopic glass beads for shine. The Vishnu statue is very comely and inviting and will make a wonderful addition to your puja. Om Sri Vishnu Ki Jai! If you have a question you would like to ask, send me your question. Ask The Spiritual Explorer
January 18, 2012 on 7:22 am
Ask the Spiritual ExplorerDear Spiritual Explorer: I am going to India this summer and am anxious to find suitable shirts to wear. Raul P., Kissimmee,FL  Cotton Mantra Shirts Dear Raul: Ma’s India Indian Cotton Mantra Shirts are not only suitable but very comfortable in the hot weather of India. Unlike that old saying of carrying coals to Newcastle, referencing bringing the obvious to a place known for mining coal, or extending the analogy, bringing Hershey Bars to Hershey, Pa., you can don’t have to worry about being de rigueur by bringing these 100% Indian Cotton Mantra Shirts to India. While they are made in India, you can’t be sure that you will be able to find these particular Indian Cotton Mantra Shirts once you get there. Buying your Indian Cotton Mantra Shirts now will of course save you last minute shopping. I particularly like Indian Cotton Mantra Shirts because of their lightweight feel. They are capable of absorbing moisture and once the air hits the cotton, you are immediately cooled off. People I have questioned who have traveled to India tell me that they absolutely love their Indian Cotton Mantra Shirts because of the gorgeous colors they come in: orange, a great sannyasin color, white, for purity, blue for peace and harmony and yellow to mirror the sun. In case you don’t know the meaning of “sannyasin,” it is a wandering mendicant, beggar or just spiritual seeker. These Indian Cotton Mantra Shirts are also wonderful gifts to give, so stock up on Indian Cotton Mantra Shirts for gift giving for those summer birthdays! There is a different deity pictured on each of these gaily colored Indian Cotton Mantra Shirts. One of the best qualities of the Indian Cotton Mantra Shirt is that it is collarless, thus again adapting itself to the hot Indian sun. And then the piece de resistance of the Indian Cotton Mantra Shirts: they are covered in mantras; you not only can be reminded to say your mantra, you wear your mantra. This is “double indemnity,” an insurance term which means you can be reaping rewards twice. Forgive the play on words and my sense of humor. These Indian Cotton Mantra Shirts are feeding my mantra madness! If you have a question you would like to ask, send me your question. Ask The Spiritual Explorer
January 13, 2012 on 7:00 am
Ask the Spiritual ExplorerDear Spiritual Explorer: Could you recommend an after-holiday gift, not too large, but still unique. Rose S., Eastchester, NY  Tibetan Juniper Incense Dear Rose: I always look to see what new item Ma’s India is serving up, especially for the New Year. They haven’t disappointed me with the Tibetan Juniper Incense. This is not only a novel gift; it is one that claims to have undertones and overtones such as found in a sommelier’s repertoire. This Tibetan Juniper Incense burns slowly and sweetly with a mellow scent for about an hour and after this top scent disappears, the base undertone of a woody scent lingers. How about that for getting a big bang for your buck? This will certainly appeal to any sophisticate desiring subtlety within the scent of incense. These Tibetan Juniper Incense sticks are about half an inch in diameter and burn for about an hour each. One might therefore think that they would give off not only profuse smoke, but a very redolent aroma. Au contraire. This Tibetan Juniper Incense is low smoke incense with a very mild, evanescent smell, so mellow it is sometimes difficult to catch the scent as it were. I can’t remember too many smokeless or low smoke Tibetan types of incense I have encountered in all my years of lighting incense. The true smell of juniper is balsamic, woody and fresh and that can certainly be detected in Tibetan Juniper Incense. The most valuable medicinal qualities of the juniper berries and flowers are as an antiseptic, especially in treating cystitis and kidney problems, a diuretic and digestive aid and anodyne for easing muscular or joint pain in chronic conditions such as gout, arthritis and rheumatism. Tibetan Juniper Incense can also be used to purify sick rooms, be appropriate for meditative states and interestingly enough, Tibetan Juniper Incense has historically been used as an incense or “smudge” in most rituals of purification, including the blessing of houses and other buildings. When I moved into my new offices, I dedicated them by lighting this wonderful and magical Tibetan Juniper Incense. So reasonably priced for such quality, sometimes I feel apologetic that I have not spent enough money for a gift. However, the unique qualities of Tibetan Juniper Incense override those feelings of being penurious. You will indeed be happy with your choice of this unusual and novel incense. Happy New Year. You are the first person to whom I have extended this greeting this year! Spiritual Explorer If you have a question you would like to ask, send me your question. Ask The Spiritual Explorer
January 11, 2012 on 7:00 am
Ask the Spiritual ExplorerDear Spiritual Explorer: Do you have anything one can wrap around oneself sitting before the fire on these cold nights? Mary B., Aspen, CO  Saraswatic Tapestry Blanket Throw Dear Mary: I chose the Saraswati Tapestry Throw Blanket for you because it is artistically beautiful and spiritually inspiring. The name Saraswati means “she who has flow.” So Saraswati is symbolic of the flow of knowledge; her flow is like a river and knowledge becomes supremely alluring like a beautiful woman. Saraswati is typically shown as seated on a white lotus. Saraswati holding her veena, a most ancient string Indian instrument, is cast against a backdrop of a royal blue and sky blue setting in this Tapestry Throw Blanket. The veena incidentally is known for its mellow tonal quality which is capable of evoking a meditative atmosphere. This ethereal portrait of Saraswati, the Goddess of knowledge, art, music and beauty has been drawn by Dutch Master Artist Pieter Weltevrede. Other Tapestry Throw Blankets portray Ganesh, Lakshmi, Radha and Krishna and a Chakra representation. What is also enticing to me about these Tapestry Throw Blankets is the clear delineation of the art against the cotton background. This warm and comfy, 100% cotton Saraswati Tapestry Throw Blanket is 52 inches by 68 inches, certainly expansive enough to enfold you with its warmth. Another remarkable factor about the Tapestry Throw Blankets is that they are completely made in the United States. Go, made in the U.S.! Just throw your Saraswati Tapestry Throw Blankets in the washing machine with cool water and the colors emerge just as bright as ever. What is also interesting to me is the juxtaposition of grace and subtlety of the Goddess Saraswati drawn on a cotton blanket, combining beauty and grace with strains of practicality. You might also want to hang this Saraswati Tapestry Throw Blanket as art décor on your walls. Thanks for writing, Spiritual Explorer If you have a question you would like to ask, send me your question. Ask The Spiritual Explorer
January 6, 2012 on 7:42 am
Ask the Spiritual ExplorerDear Spiritual Explorer: During these holidays, I would appreciate if you gave equal time to the Jewish holidays and especially what has become my favorite symbol, The Star of David. Robyn P., New York, NY  Star of David Dear Robyn: It is my pleasure to comment on the Star of David Pendant which we are proud to carry at Ma’s India. In modern times, the Star of David is the foremost Jewish symbol. The Star of David is a hexagram, made of two interlocking triangles, found on mezuzahs, menorahs, and tallis bags, to name a few sacred symbols. I remember a time when saying the words mezzzuzah or menorah and for that matter, tallis, was a unique thing to do since not everybody was as familiar with these Jewish symbols. Thank God in our diverse society, we are fast becoming familiar with and hopefully honoring other religion’s sacred symbols. Interestingly enough for me, long involved in occult matters, I have found the six pointed Star of David with its interlocking triangles to represent what the occultists say, “As above, so below.”As an erstwhile member of the Order of Golden Dawn, an esoteric group founded around the end of the 20th century, this statement referred to the aspiration of linking one’s earthly desires to spiritual ones and vice versa. One’s soul was meant to flow into one’s earthly being and one’s earthiness was to be permeated by the divine. We shall never forget that the Star of David was also a sad symbol of the Holocaust where men, women and children, were forced to expose their Judaism through the wearing of big yellow stars on their cloth or wrists. A shameful time indeed in the evolutionary history of man, which shame continues to reverberate and casts shadows into this century. We shall never forget those innocent men, women and children whose valuable contributions have been lost to us by their demise. Let us pray during this season that such atrocities never occur again in our lifetime, and that men and women shall courageously rise up with consciousness to decry such violence towards a people. Let us now bow our heads and acknowledge by gazing upon the Star of David these people’s bravery and courage as they have continued to perservere proudly and contribute far more than their numbers might speak towards historical, medical, philosophical, scientific, and literary advances. L’chaim…to life, my friends, to eternal life! If you have a question you would like to ask, send me your question. Ask The Spiritual Explorer
January 4, 2012 on 7:40 am
Ask the Spiritual ExplorerDear Spiritual Explorer: Do you have any apparel for children? Maeve R., Dublin, IRELAND  Nirvana Mama Onesie Dear Maeve: Ma’s India is happy to announce that we will be carrying children’s apparel from a start-up of a new sustainable and original business for children. As an example, I proudly direct you to our Buddha Baby One-Piece by Nirvana Mama., created by the imaginative and environmentally conscious entrepreneur Tara Dickinson. This piece of clothing was crafted from 100% ring-spun cotton that has been combed for softness and comfort. It is designed for both boys and girls and has reinforced triple-seat snaps for bottom/diaper closure. Conceived by Tara Dickinson the CEO of Nirvana Mama, she tells the Spiritual Explorer that Nirvana Mama was born during a meditation session in collaboration with another artistic friend, Jaya Frank. It is fitting that these baby clothes herald a greener future for any infant lucky enough to wear them. Ms.Dickinson further tells me that the fabrics chosen are made with 100% certified organic yarns grown from non-genetically altered seeds and nourished without the use of chemical fertilizers. What a wonderful gift to give to your newborn. Originally, children were considered lucky to be born with a silver spoon in their mouths. Now it is considered lucky to embrace your child in clothing that is sustainable, organic and in the case of Nirvana Mama, cotton that is of the softest, most luxurious quality. I have to say that I have never felt such sublime softness and pure essence in the cotton of these fabrics. I don’t know of a name more fitting for these clothes than Nirvana Mama. Even two of the earliest design figures chosen by Nirvana Mama, that of Ganesh and Buddha, are designed with baby in mind. Ganesh has long been thought of the deity that blesses all new ventures. How appropriate that a baby should start life by wearing an outfit that blesses not only the beginning of his life, but throughout its course. Likewise, I love the Buddha figure also imprinted on the other outfit as its purpose is to impart the wisdom and serenity. I think of this time of the Three Wise Men bringing gifts to Jesus of frankincense, gold and myhrr. Likewise, we are gifting these infants wonderful spiritual gifts to sustain them throughout their lives.What a great gift to give at a baby shower. A young, attractive woman, of spiritual and ecological aspirations, Ms.Dickinson has not let the downward economic clime depress her intentions or ambitions. In fact, she is doing what all our young people in these United States should be encouraged to do at this time. Not standing in the shadows, she has stepped up daring to be an inspiration for other intrepid and innovative entrepreneurs, thus fulfilling what we have long known about young people of our country:they too are capable of great invention and enterprise. Go Tara Dickinson, we wish you a successful future with this great sustainably ecological and innovative product confirming our country’s steadfast tradition of innovation! Most importantly,Nirvana Mama clothes express what children’s clothes should be: comforting, loving, beautiful, safe and healthy. Thanks for inquiring, Spiritual Explorer If you have a question you would like to ask, send me your question. Ask The Spiritual Explorer
December 30, 2011 on 7:30 am
Ask the Spiritual ExplorerDear Spiritual Explorer: I once heard that prayer shawls were referred to as “mantles of caring.” Can you speak of that? Laura P., Big Sur, CA  Prayer Shawls Dear Laura: For centuries, women have been creating mantles of caring or prayer shawls through their knitting, sewing and weaving. They have gathered together while working to care and learn from each other, all the time producing practical and beautiful prayer shawls. It is a practice going back to antiquity. I am much heartened by organizations such as Kiva that gives money to women in developing countries to enable them to once again come together under another umbrella of caring. These women have the opportunity through a minimal donation from people worldwide to start their own businesses, humble though they may be. Some of these small businesses run by women are organized around the sewing of wonderful prayer shawls similar to the Prayer Shawl by Deity. These particular Deity shawls, in bright luminescent colors reflect eight different deities: Durga, Ganesh, Hanuman, Kali, Lakshmi, Radha, Krishna and Shiva. How privileged to be able to choose paying homage to any of these wonderful, powerful deities by just a mere wearing of the prayer shawls. Made of rayon fabric with finished edges, these prayer shawls are long lasting and designed specifically for Ma’s India. What is it about prayer shawls that are similar to being held or protected by a simple piece of cloth? I know that when I wear a Prayer Shawl by Deity, it is as if I am wrapped up in the loving arms of any deity to which I am currently praying. When I was in Rome, I saw many devoted men and women approaching St. Peter’s Basilica all wearing prayer shawls. The Jews have a shawl called a “tallis,” which men, women and children don as they enter their temples for prayer. Some people unaware of the true significance of wearing a prayer shawl in a church or synagogue do not grasp how the wearing brings about both a feeling of humility and grace. As the shoulders become rounded to embrace the prayer shawl, a particular openness to open one’s soul to the grace and strength within the religious practice occurs. Sometimes I have heard people express that prayer shawls can be created to give to someone who needs to feel wrapped in God’s love. Whatever your religion, as you light your candles, burn your incense or wear your prayer shawls, you are announcing to God or Spirit your intention to connect with them for spiritual grace and blessings. Thanks for writing, Spiritual Explorer If you have a question you would like to ask, send me your question. Ask The Spiritual Explorer
December 28, 2011 on 7:30 am
Ask the Spiritual ExplorerDear Spiritual Explorer: Can you suggest a symbolic relic for my puja table? Keisha P., New York, NY  Bell & Dorje Dear Keisha: I would suggest a Bell & Dorje. A dorje represents the “thunderbolt of enlightenment,” an abrupt change in human consciousness that accompanies an extraordinary episode in the lives of mystics and saints. This transformational happening has long been spoken of in various traditions. We are all familiar with the conversion of St.Paul on the way to Damascus and that of Muhammad on the mountain which is fundamental to Moslem belief. For Buddhists the dorje moment is what occurred to the historical Buddha as he experienced kensho-satori, the dropping away of self or disappearance of the ego. Tibetans refer to the dorje moment as the Great Death to differentiate it from physical death to which we are all vulnerable. Vajra, a Sankrit word meaning both thunderbolt and diamond is another word for dorje. As you can see from the accompanying picture, it appears to be a short metal weapon. Its symbolic nature is two-fold: a diamond that can cut any substance and not be cut itself, and the thunderbolt, capturing irresistible force. It is therefore obvious that the dorje/vajra represents firmness of spirit and spiritual power. The dorje is the ritual object that is held in the right hand of a Lama during various religious ceremonies. I remember seeing a picture of Nawang Tenzing Zangpo, Head Lama of a monastery in the Everest region of Nepal. In front of him was the bell and dorje he was shortly to use. Interestingly, I have also discovered that Dorje is a commonly used name for Tibetan men. If you have a question you would like to ask, send me your question. Ask The Spiritual Explorer. |  Previous Posts
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