Poojas

The vedic way of life is a wholesome and holistic way of living. Recognising that this life is something more than just a collection of cells and atoms, brings an appreciation of that unseen divinity which pervades this whole creation. The ancient rishis made several methods for us to reach out to these deepest layers of ourselves.

Yagnas

Yagnas are the ancient method of enriching the subtle. They also purify the individual and the collective consciousness. Yagna has three aspects:

Deva Puja:

Acknowledging and honoring the Divine in all the forms. Divinity is unmanifest, but man has an innate desire to perceive the divine in the manifest creation around him. He creates idols, breathes faith into it and requests divinity to be present in that idol for a while, so that he can worship, express his love and play with it. At the end of his worship he requests divinity to go back into his heart from where divinity manifested. This is in all puja practices.

They are not actually worshipping the idols but worshipping the unmanifest divinity which has all the divine qualities. Every form belongs to the divine. When you adore the form, you are adoring the divine behind the form. With this knowledge, the very act of worship, which is more an inner phenomenon, assumes a more colorful and vibrant expression, indicating that both the form and the formless are all divine.

Sangatikarana:

Hastening the process of evolution by bringing together all the elements and people in creation. Yagnas are a time for people to come together for the good of the whole. When we do our personal practices it benefits us, but when we get together, it multiplies manifold.

Dana:

Sharing and giving what one has been blessed with. Sharing and caring are innate human values. Yagnas give us an opportunity to open ourselves up to these basic human values. No yagna is complete without feeding the needy and giving alms.

In the ashram Yagnas and Poojas are held on a regular basis. In addition, all the major festivals are celebrated in a traditional manner. You can also be part of these activities.

To know more about these events and how to participate click here...