- Before sitting for food, the place is purified, a seat is put and in a leaf the articles of food are served. Before taking the food, a little water is sprinkled
- This repetition purifies the food. Then a little water is sipped.
- According to science as well as medicine, a little water, if drunk before the food is taken, is highly beneficial.
- The person who takes the food offers it to the deities who dwell in the body in the form of Prana, Apana, etc. He does not eat for himself. The physical body is not the eater. It is the Pancha Prana that takes the food. Thus, taking food also can be converted into an act of Yoga or sacrifice.
- Achamana is sipping water three times, repeating the Names of the Lord. Prokshana is sprinkling water over one's body for the sake of purity, when a bath is not possible. This is for internal as well as external purity.
- One becomes pure by doing Achamana after he answers calls of nature, after walking in the streets, just before taking food and after food, and after a bath.
- This reminds you of the Lord now and then. Every act, every ritual, every symbol has a deep philosophical importance. They help you in changing the mental substance from Rajas and Tamas to Sattva.
- They give you an opportunity to think of God frequently.
The Tuft & Its Utility And Significance
- Brahmins (Brahmanas), as well as the other castes, grow Choti or Sikha, a tuft of hair.
- It protects the brain from any sudden stroke and keeps it cool. The heat of the sun does not affect the head directly.
- The tuft is most scientific as well as religious. Any religious act should be performed after tying the tuft.
The tuft of hair has a salutary effect on the essential parts of the brain and the central nervous system.
Significance Of The Sacred Thread
Wearing the sacred thread is a very holy and sacred ceremony amongst the Hindus.
- Those who worship God at the three Sandhyas and repeat the Gayatri holding the Brahma knot of the sacred thread, derive immense strength and power.
- The sacred thread is a great power for the worshiper who leads a regulated life devoted to the worship of God.
- Hindu Symbols play a very important part in your material as well as spiritual life. Though they may look very simple and unimportant, they are very scientific and effective:-
- Tilaka is a mark of auspiciousness. It is put on the forehead with sandal paste, sacred ashes or Kumkuma.
- Tilaka is applied at the Ajna Chakra, the space between the two eyebrows. It has a very cooling effect. Application of sandal paste has great medicinal value, apart from the spiritual influence.
- Application of sandal paste will nullify the heating effect when you concentrate and meditate.
- Tilaka indicates the point at which the spiritual eye opens.
