Signature of Time

A Signature is a handwritten version of a person's name or a symbol of agreement or approval. It is often used on legal documents, contracts, and correspondence to authenticate identity and signify consent. Signatures can vary widely in style, from simple initials to elaborate designs.

The use of signatures in Europe has a long history; evidence of their existence dates back to 3000 BC. The idea of signatures was first introduced by the Sumerians around 3500 BC through seals, which the Egyptians later expanded upon and used with images and symbols.

The Latin alphabet was developed around 600 BC, following the Greek alphabet. Throughout history, various countries have widely used this alphabet.

The first known alphabet was made by the Phoenicians between 1800 and 1200 BC; it had 22 consonants but no vowels.

The importance of signatures is demonstrated, nevertheless, by the signing of the Magna Carta in 1215.

Signatures became more widespread during the 1600s as they were commonly used on paper documents. In 1677, the Parliament of England mandated that certain contracts must be signed to be legally binding, further cementing the importance of signatures in legal documents.

The signatures of prominent people, including celebrities, artists, and powerful leaders, can be especially fascinating. 

The most valuable copy of the 1789 US Constitution was signed by the first US President, George Washington. The signed constitution went on sale in 2018 for 9.8 million US dollars, which is 82 crore rupees.

It is impossible to say for sure that not having a signature is a serious sin because many people do not have one !

William Shakespeare, the greatest writer of all time in the world of literature, had great trouble with his own signature. We have six of his signatures, which are legally binding documents, as well as other documents he wrote in different formats and in different sequences.

His father, John Shakespeare, who worked as a glove maker, is said to have used a tool to draw his signature in order to identify himself.

George Orwell published his famous novel “1984”, which predicted the times to come, in 1949. He was suffering from tuberculosis and was in the hospital at that time. He died in 1950. He presented the nurses who cared for him in the hospital with a signed copy of the book. A signed copy of the book sold for 24,500 euros, or about 21 lakh rupees, not long ago.

Arthur Saws' 1951 photograph of Albert Einstein, the creator of the theory of relativity, with his tongue outstretched, caught the attention of both the media and the scientist. At an auction in Los Angeles in 2017, one of the scientist's autographed photographs brought $1,11,000, or roughly Rs. 1.50 crore.

In 2006, a baseball autographed by Marilyn Monroe, the former American beauty, brought in a record $1,91,000, or 1.5 crores in Rupees.

A Christmas card signed by Adolf Hitler himself was discovered in 1941. The card was made of heavy cardstock, had a Nazi swastika and eagle imprint in the top left corner, and a hard-to-read signature in the bottom right corner. This demonstrates the historical value of signatures and their capacity to provide historical context.

The use of signatures has been a crucial part of human history, serving various purposes such as business transactions, financial management, education, and daily routines.

The E-Sign Act became effective on October 1, 2000, and granted electronic contracts the same legal status as those executed on paper.

However, with the emergence of advanced technology and new platforms, digital signatures have revolutionized traditional paperwork. Nowadays, e-signatures are essential to business operations and daily activities, thanks, in part, to their convenience and security.

The digital signature market was a niche by the end of the 20th century. The owner's name was not read in the signature.

In the recent US presidential election, Nevada cast its ballot like other states. But when the postal votes were counted there, a big problem was found. The youths working on the computer keyboard lack the skills necessary to write and sign. They lack the knowledge of proper writing technique. Schools do not teach or encourage writing or enjoy its beauty.

That being said, why do so many people not have their own signature? Not having a signature is not a serious offense, to be sure.

The question that emerges with the advent of the digital age is: What is the future of the signature?

From ancient seals to modern e-signatures, the journey highlights the human desire for efficiency, security, enforceability, and progress.

 We should welcome the future, where signatures will continue to change in the rapidly changing digital environment.

                                                                     

        

     

                                             

                                                                     

                                                                       

 

 

                                                                                                             

Sri Yantra: Meaning, Symbolism, and Benefits

It appears on everything from wall decals to coffee cups, jewelry, and T-shirts. Although the ancient Shri Yantra has become popular, most people are unaware of its intricate meaning and symbolism, which includes double rings of lotus petals and nine interlocking triangles.

The Sri Yantra, also known as the Sri Chakra , is a powerful geometric symbol in Hinduism as well as Buddhist traditions. It represents the universe and the divine feminine principle, Shakti. Worshipping the Sri Yantra brings prosperity, inner peace, and spiritual growth. Sri Yantra puja at home, ensuring cleanliness, eco-friendly practices, and simplicity.

The Sri Yantra holds immense spiritual significance.

Manifestation of Divine Energy: It represents the union of Shiva (consciousness) and Shakti (energy).

Wealth and Prosperity: Worshipping Sri Yantra attracts material abundance and prosperity.

Mental Clarity and Peace: It helps focus the mind and bring inner peace.

Spiritual Awakening: Meditating on the Sri Yantra enhances spiritual growth and self-realization.

It is believed that regular worship of the Sri Yantra strengthens the mind, removes negative energies, and aligns you with the universal flow of abundance and grace.

A key component of tantric traditions is the Shri Yantra, also called Sri Chakra, which is a Yantra (geometrical design). Shri Yantra is pure mathematics and science.

The Shri Yantra is made up of 9 interlocking triangles. While the base of five of these triangles points upward and the apex points downward, the apex of four of these triangles points upward and the base points downward. Five triangles pointing down symbolize Shakti, and four triangles pointing up symbolize Shiva. Since the Sri Yantra has nine triangles, it is also known as the Navayoni Chakra.

The 9 triangles of the Shri Yantra form an interlocking design that consists of 43 smaller triangles. At the centre of these interlocking triangles is the central point known as Bindu, which represents the cosmic center, and the Sri Chakra itself represents the entire universe. At the central point is seated the divine Shakti, known as Tripura Sundari or Lalita Tripura Sundari.

In the realm of myth and legend, it’s said to be the tool that Goddess Lalita used to recreate the universe after its destruction. So, while its antiquity isn’t in doubt, what we don’t really know is exactly when and how it became a central figure in meditation and sacred rituals.

Although it’s been in use for thousands of years, the origin of this symbol is clouded in mystery. The religious establishment Spigari Majha, founded in the eighth century by the renowned philosopher Sankara, has the oldest known portrait of the Sri Yantra.

Some scholars claim that the Sri Yantra dates back to the time of the Upanishads, late Vedic Sanskrit texts containing religious teachings and ideas that are still revered in Hinduism.

The Sri Yantra is a potent symbol that challenges you to connect with the cosmic forces of harmony, abundance, and enlightenment and to delve deeper into yourself. The Sri Yantra is a potent symbol that has endured through the ages, whether you are drawn to it for its spiritual meaning or just for its aesthetic appeal.

Embrace its timeless wisdom, incorporate it into your spiritual practices, and let its profound symbolism guide you on your journey of self-discovery and transformation.

The Sharabha story

 

The story of Hiranyalashipu and Prahlada is popular in mythology. Lord Vishnu manifested as the ferocious Narasimha to defeat and kill Hiranyakashipu. However, Narasimha's rage did not subside even after his victory, causing the gods to fear for the universe's safety. They sent Prahlada, Hiranyakashipu's son and a devotee of Vishnu, to calm Narasimha. Though Prahlada managed to soothe Narasimha slightly, it was not enough. The gods then turned to Lord Shiva for help.

Lord Shiva dispatched Virabhadra to pacify Narasimha. However, Narasimha's anger only grew, and he threatened Virabhadra. At this point, Lord Sharabha, a unique incarnation of Lord Shiva, is depicted as part lion, part bird, and part god, known as Sharabheshwara or Sharabheshwaramurti.

 This form was a terrifying bird-like creature with a thousand arms, a crescent moon on his head, sharp fangs, and powerful wings. His appearance was so overwhelming that it diminished Narasimha's strength and vitality.

The story of Sharabha is found in several Puranas, including the Shiva Purana, Linga Purana, Vamana Purana, Kalika Purana, Skanda Purana, and Sharabha Upanishad.

Sharabha overpowered Narasimha by binding him with his tail and claws, lifting him into the sky, and bringing him down. Helpless, Narasimha recognized Shiva's supremacy and eulogized him with devotion. Accepting Narasimha's submission, Shiva merged him back into himself, signifying that Narasimha was not truly killed but rather subdued and integrated.

According to the Skanda Purana, Narasimha realized Sharabha's divine nature, praised Shiva, received a boon, and discarded his fierce form, merging back into his original state. This version emphasizes the reconciliation between the two deities.

In the Kalika Purana, a different narrative unfolds where Lord Vishnu requests Shiva to destroy his Varaha form. Shiva, as Sharabha, engages in battle with both Varaha and Narasimha, ultimately killing them.

Buddhist traditions offer another perspective on Sharabha. In the Jataka tales, Sharabha is depicted as a compassionate Bodhisattva, an eight-legged deer who spares a king's life, leading the king to outlaw hunting. In Tibetan Buddhism, Sharabha is envisioned as a creature with a goat’s head, lion’s mane, and horse’s body and legs.

The depiction of Sharabha and his role varies significantly across texts, leading to differing interpretations among Shaivites and Vaishnavites. Vaishnavites often reject the accounts of Sharabha defeating Narasimha, viewing them as sectarian interpolations. In contrast, Shaivite texts celebrate Sharabha as a powerful manifestation of Shiva.

In the broader Hindu literature, such as the Ramayana and the Mahabharata, Sharabha is mentioned as an animal but is not directly connected to the deity Shiva.

Overall, the stories of Sharabha highlight the complexities and rich tapestry of Hindu mythology, illustrating the interplay of different deities and their manifestations.

There is an ancient temple in Thirubhuvanam, near Kumbhakonam, Tamil Nadu, and it is dedicated to Lord Sharabeswara. Many tourists come from all over the world to seek the blessings of Bhagwan Sharabeswara here.

Top of Form

Bottom of Form

* (Sri TM Ganesan is credited for his invaluable inputs to this story.)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Garuda's conceit and insight

 

 In the Udyoga Parva, Devarshi Narada tells Duryodhana a short story, but it is too late for Duryodhana to make amends  (in the Kurukshtra War context).

This short story is very insightful, especially for the times we live in today. It comes in passing, just before Sage Galava and Garuda meet Yayati, but leaves a deep imprint, and one feels indebted to our ancient sages for such deep thought and perspective.

Sage Galava had promised Sage Vishwamitra 800 horses that were pure white but with a tinge of black in their tail. Galava had brought this enormous task upon himself, pestering Vishwamitra to seek a gurudakshina when he desired none. In this monumental burden, the great Garuda—also called Suparna—offered to help Galava. The two set out in search of options. On their way, they found the serene hermitage of Sage Shandili on Mount Rishabha. She offered them shelter for a while. Sage Shandili was no ordinary sage. Although she was physically exhausted from years of severe austerities, she possessed supernatural abilities that come only from intense penance. She provided them with food that was made extra special by her Yagnas. Galava and Garuda satisfied themselves with her offerings, rested themselves, and fell into a deep sleep.

After a brief period, the great Garuda woke up to proceed further in their search. But, to his horror, Garuda found himself very light and without his two heavenly wings that took him far and wide across the worlds, whenever he wished. The wings had simply withered away and fallen off from his body onto the ground. He was left with his immense bodily power, strong legs, and sharp beak, but without his mighty wings, he simply seemed like a mass of flesh. Galava, too, was stunned to see the abysmal state Garuda had been reduced to. Garuda himself was in a state of disbelief and deep dismay to say anything. Recovering in a while, the thoughtful Galava wondered. "Oh great Garuda, how did you end up in such a pit? What does it signify for both of us? How will we carry out our mission going forward? Can we ever repay the Gurudakshina ?  How and where do we go further from here?" Galava was rather worried about his own self initially. But the Sage in him overreached himself and started giving advice. "Oh, great Garuda, you must have done something against dharma for you to meet this end. At the very least, you must have fantasized about doing something immoral. Please let me know if you made the error of harboring any negative thoughts. Let me tell you, losing your massive divine wings cannot be a minor issue.  Something you must have done that firmly distanced you from the path of dharma.".

Garuda was so far in dismay and disbelief to think clearly on why at all he met such a fate. Now, Sage Galava’s words fell on his ears like enlightenment. ‘A thought that could have damaged dharma'.Garuda immediately recognized his mistake. “Oh Sage Galava, I have committed, and it is indeed a big one. I indulged in a wrongful thought in relation to this great Tapaswini—that is unfortunately true.” He deeply sighed and began to narrate. “Looking at the enormous hardship she has to go through on this Mount Rishabha, I thought of taking her to a place where she truly belongs. That great abode of Vishnu, that high place of Maheshwara, that resting seat of Prajapati Brahma, that holy site where innumerable yagnas occur—I thought that is the place that she richly deserves and is truly hers. I thought of taking this great tapaswini there in a single great fly with my mighty wings. In this way, I thought, my mighty wings will be put to use for an act of Punya. I only had the intention of placing her in a greater home. Oh Sage Galava, but now I realize how ill-conceived my thought was. I shall at once fall at her feet and confess to my thought of adharma. She alone can release me from my misery; let her pave the way for me as she deems fit.”.

 Garuda hurried to stand at her lotus feet. “Oh Devi, looking at your life of great solitude, looking at your hardship and your enormous tapas, I thought of an act that could be of your pleasing. I thought of taking you to a higher place of heavenly nature. My deep respect and devotion for you led me to have this desire, but I was unaware that it might go against your wishes. Now, I am not sure if this is a good idea that will come to pass or if it will have negative effects. Whichever way, I seek your pardon. Use your greatness, please, to end my pain. That befits your great penance.”

Shandili was immensely pleased with Garuda’s realization. She looked at Galava and Garuda both and said, “Hey Suparna, there is no need for you to be distressed. You shall regain your great wings very soon. Relieve yourself of your illusory suffering. But, Vatsa Suparna, be aware that you have denigrated me, which is an adharma act. Please always remember that I never forgive any demeaning of me. Anybody who demeans me shall immediately suffer the consequences of it. All Punya of even the highest nature shall come to naught, and one becomes a full of paapa. You have indeed been concerned about the hardship I face here on this Mount Rishabha in solitude. Even though I may have lost my appearance as a result of these austerities, I have gained tremendous power from my performance of all good deeds. Oh Garuda, our thoughts and acts of righteousness always bear the right and divine fruits. Well, King of Birds, you can go wherever you want, but remember that you must never again disparage anyone. Never should women be denigrated. Oh Garuda, you shall be now as powerful as ever, and the sky shall belong to you again.”

At that very moment, Garuda found his wings restored. With the grace of Shandili, his wings now had more power. Then, seeking her blessings, Garuda and Galava set out to find the gurudakshina's evading horses.

Lesson:  Firstly, it establishes a wrong at the level of thought. Secondly, it yet again demonstrates the mistakes we make in the arrogance of our power. Garuda is so proud of his wings and power that he thinks of others condescendingly. Thirdly, he does not even consider whether Sage Shandili wants to be in those high places. She has her own wishes, will, and destiny. Garuda is not to think for her on her behalf; that amounts to demeaning her personality. This is the most immense insight from this story—keeping one’s consent at the center of one’s life/destiny and making that central to Dharma even at the level of thought. Fourthly, a great tapaswini like Shandili can go where she seeks at her will. That does not need Garuda’s charity.

The relevance for modern times is unmistakable.Our acts of good for others must come out of true necessity alone and not from the arrogance of our power, however gentle it is in expression. Our conceit about charity and our overindulgence in doing what we unilaterally believe is right for others denigrate them without their active involvement in our decisions and actions.

 It would be beneficial for liberal scholars, intellectuals, social activists, and advocates of transformation to consider this story.

 

Life Lessons from Lord Hanuman

Mythological epics, like the Ramayana and Mahabharata, teach us important values and lessons of life.  We acquire a variety of positive traits that we can still instill in ourselves today. 

Lord Hanuman, also known as Anjaneya or Pavanputra, is one of the most popular and revered gods of Hinduism. He is the son of Vayu, the wind god, and, according to many, an incarnation of Lord Shiva. Hanuman is a dominant character in the famous epic of the Ramayana and is often depicted as a monkey with a muscular body, wearing a loincloth, and carrying a gada or mace in one hand and a mountain in the other. He is mentioned in many other religious scriptures and epics, like the Mahabharata and Puranas.

 Let’s explore some of these profound lessons gleaned from Hanuman’s life.

Profound devotion:

 The foundation of Hanuman's character is his deep devotion to Lord Rama. Not just in a religious sense, but also as a principle that can guide our relationships and endeavors, his unwavering faith and selfless service serve as a reminder of the transformational power of true devotion.

Strength Coupled with Humility

Hanuman maintained his modesty in spite of his extraordinary power and prowess. His humility shows us that genuine strength comes from understanding and modesty rather than from show and conceit.His compassion and humility were evident in everything he was doing because he was acting in service to others, especially his guru, Lord Rama.

 Duty and Loyalty

Hanuman’s unwavering loyalty to Lord Rama and his dedication to the cause showcase the importance of duty and loyalty. Hanuman’s life encourages us to stay true to our commitments, regardless of the circumstances.

Perseverance in the face of adversity

Whether it was his tireless search for Sita or his unyielding stand in battles, Hanuman’s determination in the face of adversity is an inspiring lesson. His perseverance teaches us the power of never giving up, even when faced with seemingly insurmountable challenges.

Balance of Mind and Body

While Hanuman’s physical prowess is well known, his intellectual brilliance and wisdom were equally impressive. His life serves as a reminder of the importance of nurturing both mind and body, signifying the need for a balanced and holistic approach to life.

Here are some examples:

1. Believe in your inner strength.

Hanuman was blessed with many powers and possessed immense   physical strength. When Rama's brother Lakshman was injured in a fight with Indrajit (Ravana’s son), Hanuman was asked to bring the Sanjeevani booti before sunrise in order to cure him. Hanuman was unable to identify the herb and thus lifted the entire mountain from the Himalayas by himself and brought it to Lanka. Apart from physical strength, Lord Hanuman also demonstrated mental strength. He faced every difficult situation with courage and had faith in himself and his Lord.

Lesson: Even in our lives, there are times when we come across sticky situations that make us feel discouraged and we lose hope. In such times, we can take inspiration from Lord Hanuman and try to deal with every problem with our inner strength.

2. Be pragmatic when the situation demands so.

Whenever Lord Hanuman encountered a challenging situation, he undertook a practical approach to deal with it. Rather than following general ideas or rules, he focused on the task at hand by acting sensibly according to the situation. This can be seen through various instances, such as when he uses his tail to burn down Lanka, lifts a mountain to bring the medicinal herb, and changes his form during his encounter with Surasa. He also saved many lives with his war-winning tips and tricks.

Lesson: Rather than depending on ingrained behaviors, we should like Lord Hanuman learn to adjust to any circumstance and act in accordance with the current needs.

3. Loyalty, selflessness, and humility.

Hanuman was an ardent devotee of Lord Rama and dedicated a major part of his life to the Lord and his wife, Sita. Stories of his loyalty and selflessness towards them have gone down in history. Putting his life at stake, he went alone to Lanka to bring Sita back. Additionally, he was always modest and grounded despite his immense strength and power. 

This can be illustrated by the following incident: When Hanuman was crossing the sea on his way to Lanka, the Gods sent Surasa, the mother of the Nagas (serpents), to test him. She assumed the form of a fearful Rakshasi and told Hanuman that he cannot pass without going through her mouth. Hanuman acknowledged her strength and acted tactfully by expanding himself larger than Surasa’s mouth. She too made her mouth bigger and bigger, when suddenly Hanuman shrunk into his original size and quickly entered her mouth and came out before she could trap him. This way Hanuman respected Surasa’s condition and saved his life too. Impressed by this, Surasa assumed her actual form and blessed Hanuman.

Thus, only being competent or strong doesn’t always lead to victory. Humility and modesty are equally important. Even in pictures, Hanuman is mostly seen kneeling down with folded hands when next to Rama and Sita.

Lesson: Being well aware of our strengths is good, but that doesn’t mean that we should consider ourselves superior to others. We must always be humble, no matter how much we have achieved in life. Also, many times challenges cannot be won by force alone. One should use their intellect to adapt to the situation and find the best possible solution

4. Never compromise on your ideals.

During the war between Hanuman and Indrajit in Ashok Vatika, Indrajit chose to use the power of Brahmastra to vanquish Hanuman. He could have used his strength and broken the Brahmastra but did not because he didn't want to reduce the importance of a weapon that was made by Lord Brahma. Instead, he bowed in front of it.

Lesson: We may encounter circumstances in life where engaging in immoral behavior may be simpler.Nevertheless, sacrificing your principles in order to accomplish a goal is never a good idea.
5. Communication is the key to effective leadership.

While constructing the stone bridge in the sea, it was Hanuman who organised and encouraged the mischievous monkeys in getting the work done. Even during the battle against Ravana, he managed and led the entire Vanara army.
Lesson: Knowing how to communicate well and manage people effectively is a skill that is very useful in today’s times. At the same time, we must be kind and respectful too.
6. Look for the positive aspects.

Even during complicated situations, Hanuman maintained his composure and showed his sense of humour. For instance, when he visited Lanka to find Mother Sita, he was captured, denied a seat in Ravana's court, and made fun of his monkey form. Instead of getting angry or feeling insulted, Lord Hanuman increased the length of his tail and coiled it on the courtroom floor. He sat on top of the coiled tail seat with dignity and, as the emissary of the Lord, communicated Lord Rama's message of peace to Ravana.

Lesson: We should not let difficult times get the better of us. Keeping a positive attitude is essential to overcoming any situation.

7. Value your relationship.
Hanuman played an important role in initiating the meeting between Ram and a troubled Sugreev, because of whom Ram fought Vali and gave Sugreev his kingdom back. Similarly, as an ardent devotee of Lord Rama, Lakshmana, and Mother Sita, Hanuman did everything in his power to help the holy couple reunite.

Lesson: If we get a chance to help a friend in need, we should not hesitate to help him or her. Like Hanuman, we should value friendship and promote goodwill among others.
These timeless lessons from Lord Hanuman’s life serve as guiding principles that can help us navigate the journey of life. They inspire us to cultivate virtues like devotion, humility, loyalty, perseverance, and balance, thereby leading us towards a path of fulfillment and wisdom.

--What other lessons have you learned from Lord Hanuman?
Perhaps you should reconsider and make a contribution for the benefit of everyone.