What are you thinking most of the time? Are you fearful? Many people claim that they are happy and/or that they are truly spiritual, they believe in a divine wisdom and so on.

But if they were to truly observe their thoughts, they would realize that even if they feel they claim to be spiritual and believe in a higher consciousness, their thoughts are filled with fear, doubts and other negative emotions! 
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And such negative emotions are not the sign of true faith, surrender or devotion.  

How are you leading your day? Are you living it consciously- making the appropriate choices and carrying out the required actions in a truly involved but not attached manner, i.e. as Karma Yoga? Is your heart immersed in faith and devotion? Not just on special festive days or when you visit a temple, but each day. 

It is important to be aware and conscious of how you are living each day, which will lead to a lifetime of set patterns and these patterns (samskars 'or' karmic tendencies) will not only determine the final outcome but also thereafter. 

Each moment of each day is important and complete in its own right and when lived in an appropriate manner with proper attention and heartfelt intension, ensures a lifetime of happiness and a glorious thereafter.

Yantra is the symbolic, physical form of Mantra carrying the subtle effect of Mantra.  It is basically an instrument with symbols drawn comprising of geometrical shapes which has the power to make the mind focus or concentrated. In traditional way, it is drawn in a metal sheet, especially in copper metal sheets.  Best examples are “swastika chakra”, “sri yantra”, etc.  
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One yantra is comprised of several geometrical figures like circles, triangles, horizontal and vertical lines, point, square, etc.  These are carved on metallic plate from several dimensions and angles. It may look downward, upward, etc. 

In Hindu mythology, it is believed that by wearing these yantras, one can achieve good fortunes and it is said that planets can influence on the people who wear it.  Some of these yantras are capable of attracting energy which can bring luck for the person for a given period of time. Some of them also represent astronomical position of planets during a given period of time.

Concentrating on these symbols in yantras can also help in brining good karma, getting rid of the ill-effects of past karmas, etc. Each geometric element in the yantra represents five nature elements in the universe like air, water, fire, knowledge, etc. These symbols are inscribed on metal sheets with the help of mantras by which the symbols get the power to represent cosmic powers and divinity.

Similar way, chanting mantra after wearing the yantra on one’s body will also help the aspirant to evolve spiritually. It is a kind of esoteric concept which is not followed by everyone. While yantra is something physical and gross, mantra is subtle, still more powerful. 

Scientifically, it is said that the geometrical shapes carved on the yantra is just an epitome possessed by the human brain.  That is the reason why the mind is attracted towards certain symbols which has created impressions on the human mind in previous births. These yantras cannot be made anytime, but prepared during certain date and time, according to the procedures defined in Vedas.

Some people who believe in certain deities wear yantras with a belief that it protect them from bad misfortunes and bad luck that arise in the life because of past karma. Precisely, mantra and yantra are based on tantric principles to be used as tools to evolve spiritually.  

Both mantra and yantra has the power to transform the mind as decided by the aspirant. Yantras are also used in black magic which can be harmful for the person if not used in proper ways.

​Rudraksha beads are said to have been flowed down to earth as tears of Lord Shiva.  It is believed that as per the legend that the beads have a great significance in evolving the beings spiritually.  No seed other than rudraksha has this position in the Hindu mythology. There are several types of beads, categorized based on the faces of the rudraksha.  

It starts with one, which is believed as Lord Shiva himself, then two faced – Gauri Shankara or the Ardha Narishwara symbolizing the aspect of Shiva and Shakti.  While some are rare and cn be worn only by certain type of people. Some are very common and can be worn by people of any caste. Different faces have different mantras associated with it. 

Chanting the mantras by wearing the rudraksha beads can heal several diseases like blood pressure, breathing and respiratory problems, etc. One who wears the appropriate rudraksha possesses several qualities and prevents from ageing, increase vitality, etc.  The wearing of beads also helps to gain focus and concentration during meditation. 

One of the important advantages of wearing the rudraksha touching the heart is to control the blood pressure. This is very much essential for those who want to meditate peacefully without mental distortion. This prevents the meditator in experiencing heat, cold, and other disturbances assumed as mistakes in meditation. The rudraksha bead mala or rosary worn by the person is basically acting as the connection link between the heart rate and that of the cells behind the neck. 

If there is any imbalance in the heart rate, this information is passes to the base of the brain and this helps in maintaining the balance of cardiac output and heart rate. Thus, it is believed that the rudraksha rosary has the power to control the heart disorders and blood pressure. The leaves of rudraksha tree is said to have high Vitamin C content, helpful in curing rheumatism and is also used as an remedy for poison. 

Rudraksha fruit is used as medicine for the brain disorders, pneumonia, uclers, etc. To get maximum benefit from spiritual point of view, one has to wear the rosary given by the Guru during the initiation. Some use them as the aid to chant mantra to keep track of the mantra count.  Some believe that wearing of rudraksha mala can also attract luck.

When it comes to our daily life, we need to utilize our intelligence to discern the "grain from the husk". We should be able to decipher what is correct and good, not just for us but also for the society at large. But, the question that comes up is, how can we discern this?? What is good for me (or my family) may not work well for others!   

Such thinking comes from a very limiting mindset which only considers one's own well-being, a self-centered way of thinking and living. 

When the intellect is truly developed, then we can see the complete picture- we will not be a Dritirashtra who felt it was correct to wage a war with Pandavas, so his son could have the kingdom.  If he would have utilized his intellect, he would have seen that- not only were Pandavas the rightful heirs to the throne, but Yudhistar also was better equipped to lead the nation.

​Plus, Pandavas also had the kindness and etiquette to ensure that he and his sons were always well taken care of in the best possible way!   Forget about being wise and deciding the best for his nation, if Dhritirashtra was truly smart (with proper discernment) he would have seen what was really good for himself (and his sons). But instead- Dhritirashtra chose to wage a war- which killed all his sons and he needed to retire to the forests!

Such anecdotes from the Vedic scriptures are not meant to simply convey history or tell a story, but it is meant to make us think. We should utilize the wisdom from such scriptures to improve our lives.

We need to focus on sharpening our intellect  and developing our discerning power  called 'vivek' in Sanskrit.

In Vedic philosophy, time has an important role to play for various occasions in personal and professional life. Before starting any task or for special occasions, people check the “muhurta” – the auspicious time to start the work or any important event in one’s life.

​Muhurta is otherwise called as the unit of measurement for choosing a good time for any activity or event in professional and personal life. 

Normally, one muhurta is for approximately 48 minutes. One of the important occasions is starting of a business venture, marriage ceremony, naming of child, etc. There are some common principles followed to find out the best muhurta for a given activity. One among them is “rahu kalam”.

People try to avoid “rahu kalam” to start anything or to perform any auspicious task. But for an occasion in one’s personal life, the best time depends on the star / sign of that individual.  This is because, the best time can be calculated based on the position of the planets related with that individual, during that given point of time. Sun’s energy has high influence on finding the muhurta.  

Just like the influence of sun’s and moon’s gravitational force on the high and low tides in the ocean, planets has influence in the happenings in the life of living beings on the earth. There is a strong belief among the Hindus that if any event important started in the right time will succeed. Muhurta is always calculated with the help of Hindu calendar called “Panchang”. 

Important elements in determining auspicious timing are weekday, lunar day, star, yoga and karana.  Usually these are listed in the panchang. Astrologers are the people who choose the best muhurta.  The planetary positions and its effects on the living beings was discovered several ages before itself. These concepts are explained in Manu Samhita with scientific reasons. 

Selecting the muhurta increases the chances of success.  Astrology and Astronomy deals with these concepts in Hindu philosophy. Based on the astrological calculations and help of planetary positions for a given time, the astrologer tells about the auspicious time for the future. 

The “muhurta” for one occasion differs from other.  The best suitable muhurta for marriage may not be ideal for starting a business venture or signing of an agreement or buying/selling of property.  In modern days, people from many religious beliefs  are aware of the benefits of conducting work during a specific muhurta.

One easy  way to  find out about auspicious timing is to utilize the time of Abhijeet Muhurta. To learn more about  this,  check out these articles...

• What is the Abhijeet Nakshatra? Understanding the power of the Abhijeet Nakshatra- to become the Final and Supremely Victorious One!! 
• Timing is everything!! How you can better time your work and events to ensure most success in your endeavors

Muhurta itself means the auspicious time for starting or performing any event or activity in one’s life. It may be starting of a business, signing of an agreement, buying or selling or a property, marriage ceremony, naming ceremony, etc.

​Choosing the right muhurta for any activity is based on the star of the individual and the planetary position including sun and moon.   Sun’s radiation has high influence on the forces of nature that can create harmony or harmful effects on one’s life. 

​Brahma Muhurta is once such duration of time in the early morning hours every day. Brahma Muhurta is the 3 hours of time in the early morning between 3 and 6 considered as auspicious for various rituals and spiritual practices.  It is the best time for any spiritual practice because of the purified ambience in the atmosphere.  It is believed that this time, the atmosphere is filled with positive electro-magnetic radiation that makes the mind calm and peaceful without any effort.  

Since it is the time when most of the people are in deep sleep, the atmosphere is filled with vital pranic energy which is highly beneficial for the spiritual practices. Activities of the living beings start only after some time so the pollution level is less.  Spiritual masters always advice the people to wake up at this time for spiritual practices because the waves present in this time are most beneficial for the body and mind. 

Brahma Muhurta is best time for doing Yoga, Meditation, Prayer, etc. After the sunrise, usually the atmosphere starts getting dull. One can easily experience the freshness enjoyed throughout the day if he/she wake up during brahma muhurta and if woke up after 7 AM.  The level of freshness if woke up during brahma muhurta is more compared with that of waking up after the sunrise. The rays radiated from the sun during this time brings positive effects on the brain. It makes the brain cells active. This time, the forces in nature is very much pleasant and peaceful. 

One who performs spiritual practices get abundant benefits and it is a cause for spiritual upliftment. The air is also less polluted which is ideal for pranayama and yoga. From medical perspective, waking up during this time makes the blood circulation normal. From Ayurvedic perspective, the three components – vata, pitta and kapha are balanced in the body of a person who wakes up during the brahma muhurta. Vata helps to eliminate the toxins in the body, kapha creates respiratory disorders, etc. 

​In Jyotish, i.e., Vedic Astrology, we know that Rahu can help with positive manifestation like innovation and creative expression. But at the same time, Rahu energies can be erratic and many a times, it can also make us behave in excessive and compulsive ways. 

This ultimately seems to defeat the purpose and detracts us away from the positive Rahu qualities.

One of the simple remedial measures that has been suggested in ancient texts and suggested by several astrologers is to wear a silver chain or anklet on one’s left foot. Wearing this silver chain on the left foot, is believed to calm down and properly channel the Rahu energy in our life. And at the same time, this is believed to curb and control any negative Rahu tendencies in our actions. 

I am sure, if you are scientifically inclined, then you might be wondering why this remedy is suggested and how it works to help us? Here is one explanation I would like to postulate...
 
As we know silver metal is ruled by the moon and in Jyotish, moon represents our mind. It is because of this connection, that Rahu is believed to have maximum effect on the moon. Because any instability or excessive compulsive behaviors (all represented by Rahu) would be first experienced by the mind in any individual before they manifest in their physical form.
 
Rahu is the co-ruler of Aquarius which is the zodiac sign that represents the anklets (as per medical Jyotish). So, when we combine all these energy significations, it makes sense that by wrapping around a silver chain on our left ankle, we are symbolically and energetically ‘curbing our mind’ to ensure that it stays calm and works in a focused and channeled way instead of going astray by any excessive influences of Rahu.

Also, the silver chain when wrapped around in this manner, is energizing, and supporting the ankle, which would also symbolically indicate how the mind will stay strong and not get adversely influenced by Rahu (which co-rules the ankle- Aquarius).
 
Because of this reason, I would suggest that instead of merely wearing a silver anklet on the left foot, it is better to wrap a silver chain on the left ankle.

In the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna declared that among the nakshatras (lunar mansions or constellations), he is the Abhijeet nakshatra. Abhijeet means one is who is Victorious- over everything and everyone. The one who is finally wins over all his foes and enemies- be they outside people or his own inner negative tendencies. The one who cannot be defeated- i.e., he who is supremely victorious!

Within the 28 nakshatra system, which indicates the creation of the mind- Abhijeet nakshatra is the 22 nakshatra. This nakshatra has been removed in the 27 nakshatra system, which is indicative of the creation of the body. It is not surprising since, real winning is first mental, within our mental make-up the outward physical manifestation of that victory is then bound to happen in time.
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If you do not believe me ask any Martial Arts expert- they will tell you that even the biggest guy with the fastest technique is no competition to the one- who is truly and deeply confident within himself about his power and ability to win. This is not about superficial ‘wanting’ to win or even ‘thinking’ about having the right talent to win- but knowing- deep and pure knowing that you can, and you will win. That is what Abhijeet represents.

​Three-fourth of this nakshatra is from Uttar Ashada (preceding it) and one-fourth is from Shravana (following it).  Because of this Abhijeet brings in the qualities of both these nakshatras and transforms them even more to make it “truly illustrious”.

​Now, coming back to Abhijeet nakshatra- it is made up of Uttar Ashada, which means- the latter victorious one and Shravan which means- to listen. Also, Uttar Ashada is ruled by Shiva (among the tri-murti rulers) and Shravana is ruled by Vishnu.

​So, Abhijeet forms the point within the nakshatra journey (or, we should rightly say, the soul journey thru the nakshatras) where it is able to receive blessings from Hari-Hara. A form of the Divine, which has the qualities of both Hari (Lord Vishnu) and Hara (Lord Shiva). The tri-murti lord of Abhijeet is Brahma. So, Abhijeet assimilates and expresses the qualities of ALL the three of the tri-murtis.

People having planets (grahas) in the Abhijeet nakshatra or having this nakshatra in any prominent position in their chart will find that they are drawn to the qualities of both Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu and they are better off assimilating the individual qualities of these two divinities and then utilizing them as necessary- depending on the situation that they are facing to ensure the best outcome. 

There is a time when one needs to be meditative and/or angry and there are times- where we need to work with calm diplomacy- each of these qualities are essential and the one who wants to be supremely victorious needs to know- when he/she should be utilizing which quality as well as the best manner in which to express it. This is the power of the Abhijeet nakshatra.

In addition, people with a prominent Abhijeet nakshatra in their chart can be highly creative and can come up with truly unique and ‘creative’ solutions to problems and challenges. Where others may not see a way out- a Abhijeet person will be able to find a viable solution. Because of this they can be very resourceful to obtain their objective- till they have clarity of purpose and a well-defined direction of endeavor (note- the negative influence of Shravana can make a person wander aimlessly without clarity of purpose in their life).

Also, another point to note is that all the other Lunar Constellations are feminine in nature, as they are considered to be wives of the Moon; but Abhijeet is masculine in nature.

Because Abhijeet has the power packed from two key nakshatras that inculcate the individual powers of courage, patience, and valor (Uttar Ashada) and divine wisdom (Shravana), ​it indicates that ‘high point’ the top of… the zenith of being-ness.
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It is for this reason that Abhijeet muhurta, i.e., the Abhijeet hora segment of the day is considered extremely auspicious and can be utilized to better time one’s actions for fruitful and favorable results.

​Special Note: This article like others within the   Jyotish    category, assumes that you already have some basic understanding of Jyotish or Vedic Astrology. Here on Maitreyi Paradigm, my intension is to utilize the information that is contained within each of our astrological charts to help strategically pave our own pathway- to health, wellbeing, and happiness. To help you identify and address your own deep, driving soul urges and desires.

Above all, my intension with explaining these ‘not-so-typically-explained’ Jyotish (meaning Eyes of the Vedas- that allow us to see light) concepts is to help you build a   Life Process Framework™ that is customized to your own lessons, your trials, and tribulations- so that you can not only thrive materially, but also find peace and happiness.
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Some of these concepts are from classical ancient texts and other wisdom details have been obtained from deep contemplative states or as I prefer to say- by the blessings of the Divine Mother.