BRAMACHARI
This text was machine-transcribed from the printed book and may contain errors. Select the words and choose “Report a mistake”.
A few things
These brahmacharis carry the danda staff. It represents the body of the Guru himself. It has symbolically his garment - the kaupinam - and strands of his hair. These two items represent his full energy from his open and energized muladhara chakra - base chakra - to the sahasrara chakra - crown chakra. The danda is the same as the Guru himself and they worship the staff daily. The tuft of hair on their heads keeps their feet warm and the head cold and moves the energy upwards. In addition they carry the water pot - kamandalam and wooden footwear - paduka. They have been given new spiritual names.
Paramahamsa
Guru Bhakti Program
July 2006, Bangalore ashram, India
Picture of Paramahamsa worshipped as Guru Murti - form of Guru - by millions across the world.
POONAL
The sacred white thread
(In response to a question about poonal, the sacred white thread worn by Hindu men)
If the person who gave it to you is not an enlightened Master, just chant the Gayatri mantra and energize the thread before wearing it. How much you chant, that much it will be energized. Ladies can also wear it. If you see the statues of feminine idols in ancient temple architecture, you will see that ladies wear it. Because of male chauvinism, it has been discontinued.
Paramahamsa 2005, Himalayas India
As part of brahmacharya training, Paramahamsa explains and initiates individuals into monastic begging. The group went out to neighbouring villages as monastic beggars and received alms.