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A User S Guide To Lakshmi PDF
A User S Guide To Lakshmi PDF
User’s Manual
VOLUME 3 | Lakshmi
Lakshmi Puja 6
Conclusion 15
Abouts 16
About bhakTi 17
The Shiva’s User’s Manual | 1
All of the sacred chants and texts of India begin with an invoca-
tion of the sound of AUM as a way to connect to the energy of
brahman.
The science of subtle sound is known as mantra. Mantra is
a form of empowered speech or chant that unlocks or draws
closer some specific aspects of the universe. According to the
Vedas, there are nearly 70 million mantras, a practically limitless
amount. A mantra can consist of a single word, a short grouping
of sounds, or an entire chant that interweaves both sacred sounds
and words in Sanskrit. Typically, the sounds that are themselves
mantras, such as shrim (the seed sound of abundance), have no
literal translation. Shrim is not the word for “abundance” but the
vibrational quality that when invoked manifests abundance in
the life of the invoker.
A key difference between mantra and prayer is that prayer typi-
cally takes the form of asking for some specific outcome or boon
from the divine. A mantra, on the other hand, specifically and
directly draws an aspect of brahman to the invoker. However, the
other aspect of mantra is that it works in its own way depending
on the needs of the speaker. For example, two people invoking
the mantra for abundance (shrim) or the mantra for protection
(dum) may experience the benefits of these mantras in very dif-
ferent ways. One person might receive an unexpected monetary
raise at work, while the other might find that a friend who has
been draining their energy and time suddenly stops calling or
showing up, giving them another form of abundance.
Each god or goddesses has multiple mantras that are invoked for
specific situations and circumstances. These mantras are most
powerful when the god or goddess invoked is also the ishta-deva-
ta (“chosen deity”) of the speaker, although any mantra invoked
will begin to create an effect in the life of the speaker.
Lakshmi Puja
A puja is a ceremony used to honor a god or goddess, as well as
a way to gain his or her blessing. This puja sequence honors the
Goddess Lakshmi. It is often performed on her most sacred day
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1. Food
2. Courage
3. Children
4. Victory
5. Spiritual Knowledge
6. Property
7. Money
Any or all of these may come to you with Lakshmi mantra.
One thing to remember about Lakshmi is that she embodies
virtue and beauty, and consequently appreciates those things in
her worship. For this reason, it is said in India that Lakshmi will
not come to those who do not attend to the order or cleanliness
of their home. In vedic philosophy, these principles are known as
sukha and sauca. Maintaining the physical and spiritual cleanli-
ness of your inner and outer spaces will allow Lakshmi’s energy to
work more efficiently and effectively.
Also, Lakshmi is not a goddess who will do for those who refuse
to do for themselves. She supports those who work actively and
continuously on themselves and their goals. For this reason, it is
also important to engage in the right actions while propitiating
Lakshmi. Do not just sit there waiting for abundance! Take ac-
tion towards abundance, and Lakshmi will facilitate a successful
outcome.
breath and mind, sitting quietly and setting your intention. Begin
by intoning AUM and then perform 108 repetitions of your cho-
sen mantra. At the end of 108 repetitions intone AUM again and
then rest quietly in the vibration of the mantra. Bring your hands
together at your heart (anjali mudra) and bow your head to end
your practice.
Conclusion
Lakshmi is a radiant and pure goddess that represents all sources
of abundance in our lives. She stands ready to help those who
are willing to do the work to evolve and change themselves. For
people who prepare their body, mind, and home through atten-
tion to cleanliness, spaciousness, and beauty, she is an ever-will-
ing supporter.
Lakshmi reminds us that there are many forms of abundance, and
that by experiencing and embracing all of them, we can lead
truly rich lives. May the blessings of this most compassationate
and loving mother rain down on you continuously!
Om shri shri shri 1008 shri mahalakshmi-ki jai!
The Shiva’s User’s Manual | 16
Abouts
About The T-Shirt
,>HFPPEJJVF#L0FILQ
4UVBSU3JDFi-BLTINJJTNZ$PQJMPUw5TIJSU
WSPVHITLFUDI
Initial Draft
© Calyx Designs
The T-shirt that started it all! When I first conceived the idea for
T-shirts, I began with the idea of doing some simple phrases with
cool graphics. But when Richard Miller of Calyx Design and I be-
gan to bounce ideas of each other, I envisioned a series of shirts
reflecting the graphic styles of different eras.
For Lakshmi, I first started with the idea of her in a 1950s era car,
and the idea of the goddess as my co-pilot. Richard really ran
with it, coming up with the idea of Lakshmi as a Doris Day-like
Hollywood (Bollywood!) starlet. The gloves, the eyeglasses, the
billowing scarf, the fabulous vintage car—it was all so perfect. I
must admit, I thought we were done with the first draft. Richard
spent some time cleaning up the illustration, and making Lak-
shmi even more fabulous.
I was so pleased with the T-shirt. It was awesome to see Lak-
shmi in all of her glory, and it launched the whole line of bhakTi
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About bhakTi
bhakTi is a company that focuses on creating tools for mind/
body expansion. Founded in 2008 by Stuart Rice as a sole propri-
etorship, bhakTi is committed to providing classes, workshops,
immersions, retreats, and products that move the heart, mind,
and spirit of each person who works with us.
The word “bhakti” in Sanskrit means “devotion,” and is also a par-
ticular yoga path marked by a commitment to a path of love and
service. Our logo includes the face of Hanuman, the consummate
spiritual warrior who found his life purpose by serving the divine
faithfully and completely. From his devotion came the ability to
perform incredible feats. Hanuman’s life and his use as our logo
reminds those of us at bhakTi that the smallest act becomes great
when it is infused with love.
Our website at stuartrice.com contains a full list of our current
services and products. Please visit us soon and find the tools to
open your mind and heart!
www.bhaktiwarrior.com DJ Shiva The Dance Will Never Die | 18