10 life lessons from teachings of Prophet Muhammad

Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was the last and final messenger of Allah, who was sent to guide humanity to the right path. He was not only a preacher of Islam, but also a role model for all Muslims. His life, actions, and words are full of wisdom and inspiration for us to follow. Here are some of the top 10 life lessons that we can learn from the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH):

1. Always speak the truth: Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was known as al-Sadiq (the truthful) and al-Amin (the trustworthy) even before he received his prophethood. He never lied or cheated in his dealings with anyone. He taught his followers to always be honest and truthful, as lying is a sign of hypocrisy and a major sin in Islam. He said, "Truthfulness leads to righteousness, and righteousness leads to Paradise. And a man keeps on telling the truth until he becomes a truthful person. Falsehood leads to Al-Fajur (i.e. wickedness, evil-doing), and Al-Fajur (wickedness) leads to the (Hell) Fire, and a man may keep on telling lies till he is written before Allah, a liar."

2. Think beyond narrow borders: Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was a universal messenger, who came with a message for all mankind. He did not discriminate between people based on their race, color, language, or nationality. He taught his followers to respect and appreciate the diversity of Allah’s creation, and to treat everyone with justice and kindness. He said, "O mankind, indeed We have created you from male and female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another. Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you. Indeed, Allah is Knowing and Acquainted."

3. Wish good for others: Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was a compassionate and generous person, who always wished good for others and prayed for their well-being. He taught his followers to love for others what they love for themselves, and to avoid harming or envying anyone. He said, "None of you will believe until you love for your brother what you love for yourself." He also said, “The believer does not slander, curse, or speak in an obscene or foul manner.”

4. Help and strengthen one another: Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was a leader who united his followers under the banner of Islam. He taught them to cooperate and support one another in times of difficulty and ease. He encouraged them to help the poor, the needy, the oppressed, and the oppressed. He said, “The believers are like one body; if any part of it aches, the whole body reacts with sleeplessness and fever.” He also said, “The best of people are those who are most beneficial to people.”

    

   
   
    

5. Do not be unfair: Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was a just and fair person, who never oppressed or wronged anyone. He taught his followers to uphold justice and fairness in all their affairs, and to stand up against injustice and oppression. He said, “O you who have believed, be persistently standing firm in justice, witnesses for Allah , even if it be against yourselves or parents and relatives. Whether one is rich or poor, Allah is more worthy of both. So follow not [personal] inclination, lest you not be just. And if you distort [your testimony] or refuse [to give it], then indeed Allah is ever, with what you do, Acquainted.”

6. Treat neighbours with kindness: Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was a good neighbour who treated his neighbours with kindness and respect. He taught his followers to be good neighbours as well, and to fulfill their rights and duties towards them. He said, “He will not enter Paradise whose neighbour is not secure from his wrongful conduct.” He also said, “Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day should not harm his neighbour.”

7. Be kind to every living being: Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was a merciful person who showed kindness to every living being, including animals and plants. He taught his followers to be merciful as well, and to avoid harming or abusing any creature of Allah. He said, “There is a reward for serving any animate (living being).” He also said, “Whoever kills a sparrow or anything bigger than that without a just cause , Allah will hold him accountable on the Day of Judgment.”

8. Do not criticize others: Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was a modest person who avoided criticizing or mocking others. He taught his followers to refrain from backbiting, gossiping, or slandering others, as these are sins that damage the reputation and honor of people. He said, “O you who have believed, avoid much [negative] assumption. Indeed, some assumption is sin. And do not spy or backbite each other. Would one of you like to eat the flesh of his brother when dead? You would detest it. And fear Allah ; indeed, Allah is Accepting of repentance and Merciful.”

9. Seek, learn and question: Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was a seeker of knowledge who always asked questions and learned from others. He taught his followers to seek knowledge and wisdom from every possible source, and to never stop learning and questioning. He said, “Seeking knowledge is an obligation upon every Muslim.” He also said, “Ask questions, for asking questions is the cure for ignorance.”

10. Do good deeds (and smile): Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was a doer of good deeds who always smiled and spread happiness. He taught his followers to do good deeds as well, and to smile and be cheerful with others. He said, “The most beloved people to Allah are those who are most beneficial to the people. The most beloved deed to Allah is to make a Muslim happy, or to remove one of his troubles, or to forgive his debt, or to feed his hunger.” He also said, “Do not belittle any good deed, even meeting your brother (Muslim) with a cheerful face.”

Interesting significance of Lord Ganesha appearance and symbols

Lord Ganesha is one of the most popular and revered deities in Hinduism. He is the son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, and the god of wisdom, success, and auspiciousness. He is also known as the remover of obstacles and the patron of arts and sciences. He has a human body and an elephant head, and he is often depicted with various attributes that symbolize his qualities and powers. In this article, we will explore the meaning behind some of the most common symbols of Lord Ganesha.

• Elephant Head: Lord Ganesha’s elephant head represents his superior intelligence, wisdom, and insight. It also symbolizes his ability to overcome any obstacle with grace and dignity. According to one legend, Lord Ganesha got his elephant head when his father, Lord Shiva, beheaded him out of anger and then replaced his head with that of the first living creature he encountered, which was an elephant 
  

•  Trunk: Lord Ganesha’s trunk is a symbol of his versatility, adaptability, and efficiency. It can perform various functions, such as lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, smelling, drinking, and blessing. It also represents his discrimination between the real and the unreal, as well as his power of destroying evil.
   
• Tusks: Lord Ganesha’s tusks are a symbol of his strength, courage, and balance. One of his tusks is broken, which signifies that he sacrificed it to write the Mahabharata, an epic poem that contains the essence of Hindu philosophy. The broken tusk also represents his acceptance of imperfection and duality in life.
   

 

• Ears: Lord Ganesha’s ears are a symbol of his keen sense of hearing and listening. They indicate that he listens to the prayers and requests of his devotees with compassion and attentiveness. They also represent his ability to discern between the truth and the falsehood, as well as his willingness to learn from others.
   
• Eyes: Lord Ganesha’s eyes are a symbol of his vision and foresight. They reflect his omniscience and omnipresence, as well as his awareness of the past, present, and future. They also represent his compassion and love for all beings.
   
• Big Belly: Lord Ganesha’s big belly is a symbol of his generosity and contentment. It signifies that he can digest anything, whether it is good or bad, pleasant or unpleasant. It also represents his ability to accommodate everything in the universe without any discrimination or judgment.
   
• Four Arms: Lord Ganesha’s four arms are a symbol of his power and authority. They indicate that he can perform multiple tasks at the same time with ease and efficiency. They also represent his four aspects: mind (manas), intellect (buddhi), ego (ahamkara), and consciousness (chitta).
   
• Hands: Lord Ganesha’s hands are a symbol of his actions and blessings. He usually holds four objects in his hands: an axe (parashu), a rope (pasha), a lotus (padma), and a sweet dumpling (modaka). The axe represents his ability to cut off attachments and ignorance; the rope represents his ability to bind and liberate; the lotus represents his purity and enlightenment; and the sweet dumpling represents his reward for spiritual seekers.
   
• Mouse: Lord Ganesha’s mouse or rat (mushika) is a symbol of his humility and service. It also represents his control over the mind, ego, and desires that can cause obstacles in life. The mouse or rat is also a symbol of destruction and greed, which Lord Ganesha subdues with his wisdom and compassion.
   
• Snake: Lord Ganesha’s snake (vasuki) is a symbol of his power to remove obstacles. The snake is a powerful symbol that can represent both cunning and intelligence. It can also symbolize fertility, sexuality, and danger. The snake around Ganesha’s stomach shows his ability to overcome danger and achieve success2. According to one legend, Lord Ganesha once ate so much food that his belly burst open. He quickly grabbed a snake nearby and tied it around his stomach to prevent further damage. This also shows his resourcefulness and humor.
   

These are some of the main symbols of Lord Ganesha that convey his attributes and teachings. By understanding their meaning, we can appreciate his greatness and benevolence more deeply. We can also learn from him how to overcome obstacles in life with wisdom, courage, and devotion.

Swami Ayyappa temple - the 18 spiritual steps

One of the most revered and visited temples in India is the Swamy Ayyappa Temple, a sacred shrine dedicated to Lord Ayyappa, the son of Shiva and Vishnu. The temple is situated on the Sabarimala hill, a part of the Western Ghats mountain range in Kerala. Every year, millions of pilgrims undertake a rigorous 41-day penance and trek through the dense forests to reach the temple, especially during the Makaravilakku festival that marks the winter solstice.

The highlight of the pilgrimage is the ascent of the 18 golden steps that lead to the sanctum , where the idol of Ayyappa is enshrined. These steps, known as Ponnu Pathinettampadi, are not just physical steps, but spiritual ones. They represent the various stages of human life and evolution, and the challenges and virtues that one has to face and cultivate along the way. Only those who carry a sacred bundle called Irumudi on their head, symbolizing their offerings and surrender to Ayyappa, are allowed to climb these steps. They have to chant the Pathinettam Padi, a devotional song that glorifies each step and its significance.

 

The meaning of each step is open to interpretation, but here is one common version that explains them in a simple and profound way:

• The first step signifies ignorance or illiteracy, which can be overcome by learning from those who are wiser and more knowledgeable than us.
• The second step signifies false prestige, which can be eliminated by realizing that we are not better or worse than anyone else, but equal in the eyes of God.
• The third step signifies ego, which can be subdued by surrendering to the divine will and accepting whatever happens as God’s grace.
• The fourth step signifies karma, which can be accepted as the consequence of our own actions and choices, and not blame others or fate for our situation.
• The fifth step signifies maya, which can be transcended by seeing through the illusions of the world and recognizing the reality behind them.
• The sixth step signifies desire, which can be controlled by following the path of righteousness and not succumbing to temptations that lead us astray.
• The seventh step signifies anger, which can be calmed by practicing patience and forgiveness, and not letting our emotions cloud our judgment.
• The eighth step signifies greed, which can be curbed by being content with what we have and not coveting what others have.
• The ninth step signifies lust, which can be purified by observing celibacy and devotion, and not letting our senses dominate our mind.
• The tenth step signifies attachment, which can be detached by renouncing worldly pleasures and possessions, and not clinging to anything that is impermanent.
• The eleventh step signifies hatred, which can be replaced by love and compassion for all beings, and not harboring any ill will or malice towards anyone.
• The twelfth step signifies fear, which can be overcome by having faith and courage, and not being afraid of anything that is unknown or uncertain.
• The thirteenth step signifies jealousy, which can be eliminated by being happy for others’ success and well-being, and not feeling envious or inferior to anyone.
• The fourteenth step signifies selfishness, which can be eradicated by being generous and altruistic, and not thinking only about ourselves or our own interests.
• The fifteenth step signifies pride, which can be humbled by acknowledging our faults and limitations, and not being arrogant or boastful about our achievements or abilities.
• The sixteenth step signifies arrogance, which can be crushed by respecting others’ opinions and feelings, and not being rude or dismissive towards anyone.
• The seventeenth step signifies cruelty, which can be changed by being kind and gentle, and not being harsh or violent towards anyone.
• The eighteenth step signifies wisdom, which is attained by merging with the supreme consciousness of Ayyappa, who is also known as Hariharasudhan (the son of Hari and Hara), Sastavu (the teacher), Manikandan (the one with a bell around his neck), Shasta (the ruler), Dharma Shasta (the upholder of dharma) and Sabarinath (the lord of Sabari hill).

By climbing these 18 steps with devotion and discipline, the pilgrims are believed to achieve spiritual enlightenment and liberation from the cycle of birth and death. They also get a glimpse of the divine beauty and grace of Ayyappa, who blesses them with peace and happiness

10 important teachings in common from the Bhagavad Gita , The Quran and The Bible

The Bhagavad Gita, the Quran and the Bible are three of the most sacred books in the world. They contain the teachings of Hinduism, Islam and Christianity respectively. Although these religions have many differences, they also share some common values and principles that can inspire and guide people of all faiths. Here are 10 important teachings that are common in these three holy scriptures.

1. The Oneness of God

All three scriptures affirm the oneness of God, who is the supreme creator and sustainer of everything. They also reject the worship of idols or anything besides God.

- The Bhagavad Gita says: "There is nothing else besides Me, like a string of pearls on a thread." (7.7)
- The Quran says: "He is Allah, [who is] One, Allah, the Eternal Refuge. He neither begets nor is born, nor is there to Him any equivalent." (112:1-4)
- The Bible says: "Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one." (Deuteronomy 6:4)

2. The Love of God

All three scriptures describe God as loving, compassionate and merciful. They also urge people to love God with all their heart, soul and mind.

- The Bhagavad Gita says: "I am the most dear friend... [to everyone]" (9.18)
- The Quran says: "And He is the Forgiving, the Affectionate." (85:14)
- The Bible says: "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." (John 3:16)

3. The Service of God

All three scriptures teach that people should serve God by doing good deeds, following His commands and submitting to His will.

- The Bhagavad Gita says: "Whatever you do, whatever you eat, whatever you offer or give away, and whatever austerities you perform - do that as an offering to Me." (9.27)
- The Quran says: "And I did not create the jinn and mankind except to worship Me." (51:56)
- The Bible says: "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind; and love your neighbor as yourself." (Luke 10:27)

4. The Equality of All Beings

All three scriptures affirm the equality of all beings before God, regardless of their race, gender, caste or status. They also promote justice, fairness and human rights for everyone.

- The Bhagavad Gita says: "He is a perfect yogi who, by comparison to his own self, sees the true equality of all beings, in both their happiness and their distress, O Arjuna!" (6.32)
- The Quran says: "O mankind, indeed We have created you from male and female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another. Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you." (49:13)
- The Bible says: "There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus." (Galatians 3:28)

5. The Peacefulness of All Beings

All three scriptures encourage people to live peacefully with each other, avoid violence and hatred, and forgive those who wrong them.

- The Bhagavad Gita says: "A person who is not disturbed by the incessant flow of desires - that enter like rivers into the ocean which is ever being filled but is always still - can alone achieve peace..." (2.70)
- The Quran says: "And if they incline to peace, then incline to it [also] and rely upon Allah..." (8:61)
- The Bible says: "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God." (Matthew 5:9)

6. The Purpose of Life

All three scriptures reveal that the purpose of life is to know God, love Him and serve Him in this world and attain His bliss in the hereafter.

- The Bhagavad Gita says: "Abandon all varieties of religion and just surrender unto Me. I shall deliver you from all sinful reactions. Do not fear." (18.66)
- The Quran says: "And whoever does righteous deeds, whether male or female, while being a believer - those will enter Paradise and will not be wronged, even as much as the speck on a date seed." (4:124)
- The Bible says: "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." (Matthew 6:33)

7. The Moral Values

All three scriptures prescribe moral values that guide people to live ethically, honestly and responsibly. They also warn against the consequences of sin and evil.

- The Bhagavad Gita says: "One who is self-controlled and unattached and who disregards all material enjoyments can obtain, by practice of renunciation, the highest perfect stage of freedom from reaction." (18.49)
- The Quran says: "Indeed, Allah commands justice, good conduct, and giving to relatives and forbids immorality, bad conduct, and oppression. He admonishes you that perhaps you will be reminded." (16:90)
- The Bible says: "Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good." (Romans 12:21)

8. The Spiritual Knowledge

All three scriptures impart spiritual knowledge that enlightens people about the nature of God, the soul, the world and the ultimate reality. They also invite people to seek the truth and use their reason and intellect.

- The Bhagavad Gita says: "This knowledge is the king of education, the most secret of all secrets. It is the purest knowledge, and because it gives direct perception of the self by realization, it is the perfection of religion. It is everlasting, and it is joyfully performed." (9.2)
- The Quran says: "And those who have been given knowledge see that what is revealed to you from your Lord is the truth, and it guides to the path of the Exalted in Might, the Praiseworthy." (34:6)
- The Bible says: "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding." (Proverbs 9:10)

9. The Divine Grace

All three scriptures acknowledge that God's grace is essential for people to attain salvation, forgiveness and happiness. They also encourage people to pray to God, trust in Him and rely on His help.

- The Bhagavad Gita says: "But those who always worship Me with exclusive devotion, meditating on My transcendental form - to them I carry what they lack, and I preserve what they have." (9.22)
- The Quran says: "And whoever relies upon Allah - then He is sufficient for him..." (65:3)
- The Bible says: "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith - and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God..." (Ephesians 2:8)

10. The Universal Brotherhood

All three scriptures emphasize that all people are children of God and brothers and sisters to each other. They also call for harmony, cooperation and respect among different faiths and cultures.

- The Bhagavad Gita says: "The humble sages, by virtue of true knowledge, see with equal vision a learned and gentle brahmana, a cow, an elephant, a dog and a dog-eater [outcaste]." (5.18)
- The Quran says: "O mankind, indeed We have created you from male and female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another..." (49:13)
- The Bible says: "There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus." (Galatians 3:28)

These are some of the common teachings that can be found in the Bhagavad Gita, the Quran and the Bible. They show that these scriptures have much in common and can inspire people to live in peace, harmony and love with each other.

Know the reasons why lighting of lamp or diya at various occassions

Hinduism is a religion that is rich in rituals, symbols, and traditions. One of the most common and sacred practices in Hinduism is the lighting of lamp or diyas. A diya is an oil lamp made from clay or metal with a cotton wick dipped in oil or ghee. Diyas are lit for various occasions, such as prayers, festivals, ceremonies, and auspicious events. They are also used as decorative items in homes and temples.

Symbolism of Lighting Lamp or Diyas

Lighting lamp or diyas has a deep spiritual meaning in Hinduism. It represents the following aspects:

• Light: Light symbolizes knowledge, wisdom, enlightenment, purity, and goodness. It dispels the darkness of ignorance, evil, and sin. It guides the seeker to the ultimate truth and reality. It also signifies the presence of God, who is the source of all light and life.
• Fire: Fire symbolizes energy, power, transformation, and sacrifice. It burns away the impurities and attachments of the mind and the ego. It also signifies the devotion and dedication of the worshipper, who offers his or her prayers and offerings to God through the fire.
• Oil or Ghee: Oil or ghee symbolizes the fuel that sustains the light and the fire. It represents the material resources and wealth that are used for spiritual purposes. It also signifies the devotion and generosity of the worshipper, who shares his or her blessings with others.
• Wick: Wick symbolizes the individual soul that is connected to the oil or ghee and the flame. It represents the life force and consciousness that animates the body and mind. It also signifies the surrender and humility of the worshipper, who submits his or her will to God.
• Lamp or Diya: Lamp or diya symbolizes the whole creation that is illuminated by God’s light and fire. It represents the harmony and balance of the elements: earth (clay or metal), water (oil or ghee), fire (flame), air (wind), and ether (space). It also signifies the gratitude and joy of the worshipper, who celebrates God’s grace and glory.

 

 

Occasions for Lighting Lamp or Diyas

Lighting lamp or diyas is a common practice in Hinduism for various occasions, such as:

• During Puja: Puja is a ritual worship of God or a deity in a temple or at home. Lighting lamp or diyas is an essential part of puja, as it invokes God’s presence and blessings. It also expresses the love and reverence of the worshipper for God. Different types of lamps or diyas are used for different deities, such as a single-wick lamp for Ganesha, a five-wick lamp for Shiva, a nine-wick lamp for Durga, etc.
• When Starting a Program: Lighting lamp or diyas is also done when starting a program, such as a cultural event, a social function, a business meeting, etc. Lighting lamp or diyas is considered auspicious and beneficial for the success and prosperity of the program. It also shows respect and honor for the guests and participants of the program.
• During Festivals: Lighting lamp or diyas is also done during festivals, such as Diwali, Karthikai Deepam, Dhanteras, etc. Lighting lamp or diyas is a way of celebrating God’s grace and mercy in various forms, such as Rama’s victory over Ravana, Krishna’s protection of his devotees, Lakshmi’s abundance and prosperity, etc. Lighting lamp or diyas also creates a festive atmosphere of joy and happiness among people.

Benefits of Lighting Lamp or Diyas

Lighting lamp or diyas has many benefits for the individual and society, such as:

• Spiritual Benefits: Lighting lamp or diyas helps to enhance one’s spiritual awareness and connection with God. It helps to purify one’s mind from negative thoughts and emotions. It helps to increase one’s faith and devotion to God. It helps to attract God’s grace and guidance in one’s life.
• Mental Benefits: Lighting lamp or diyas helps to calm one’s mind from stress and anxiety. It helps to improve one’s concentration and memory. It helps to boost one’s confidence and creativity. It helps to inspire one’s positive attitude and outlook.
• Physical Benefits: Lighting lamp or diyas helps to improve one’s health and well-being. It helps to cleanse one’s environment from germs and pollutants. It helps to regulate one’s body temperature and blood pressure. It helps to enhance one’s beauty and charm.
• Social Benefits: Lighting lamp or diyas helps to strengthen one’s relationships and bonds with others. It helps to promote peace and harmony among people. It helps to spread joy and happiness among people. It helps to foster a sense of community and culture among people.