I like these 'composite paintings' from 18th century india. It reminds me of a composite Durga that my friend Dave game me once. Durga was created from the power and the energy of all the Gods. All of the shakti combined made her powerful enough to destroy the evil buffalo demon, Mahiasura. It would be interesting to know if there is any relationship between the Hindu Myth, and these Mughal Paintings. I found this painting, and many more, on "Journey Round My School"
Also, for your enjoyment, here is a traditional version of "The Mahiasura Mardini Stotram" a song the celebrates Durga as the Fierce Warrior who defeats the Buffalo Demon. Those of you who go to Amma's programs will probably recognize it, it is a favorite.
This month's theme is simple and pure! More Hugging! In four parts:
1) When we were at our retreat in the Poconos, in April, there was a lovely Ayurvedic Phychologist, teaching another group of students. One of the teachings she was offering, was that 14 hugs per day was the recommended amount for best mental and emotional health. (I tried googling this to find a source, but to no avail!)
2) Amma is now in America, hugging up all of the Americans! Amma (pictured above) pours love into all who come to her, wrapping her arms around folks, and filling them up with kindness and understanding. This is something that we can all practice. Easy!
3) In "Peace is Every Step" Thich Naht Hahn says
"Hugging is a beautiful Western custom, and we from the East would like to contribute the practice of conscious breathing to it. When you hold a child in your arms, or hug your mother, or your husband, or your friend, if you breathe in and out three times, your happiness will be multiplied at least tenfold." (source)
I was directed to this article about Amma in Newsweek yesterday. It is short, and offensive, and mostly pointless. The comments to the article are the most interesting part.
Comment: I just visited one of her sites and noticed that's she fat. I've never seen a fat saint before. Isn't it a sin to eat too much or do Hindus believe that's okay because they have a god with an elephant 's head?
and also
Posted By: ppreeti @ 07/23/2008 5:45:09 PM
Comment: Very poorly written article. With not so very good English and no hify understanding, I think i can come up with better article, an article useful to the readers. Please do some check before releasing such articles. Such a huge and amazing event and this all this article writer could come up with.
perhaps you would like to post a comment of your own! newsweek article
Amma, Mata Amritanandanamayi Ma, will be finishing up her North American Tour this month. She was in Chicago over the weekend, and will be in DC and NYC this coming week and weekend. She has worked and lectured to Millions of people worldwide, and nearly all of them speak of her amazing and transformative presence. It is even more impressive considering her grueling schedule:
"It is hard to comprehend the source of Amma’s inexhaustible energy that flows from moment to moment, day after day, in the form of a loving, motherly hug. Often she sits for more than 18-20 hours straight without even a moments break. Over the past 35 years Amma has hugged more than 25 million people around the globe. When asked if she ever feels tired of listening to the same problems of people, and hugging over and over again, Amma answered with a smile, “ Where there is love, there is no effort.” From her website
I like these 'composite paintings' from 18th century india. It reminds me of a composite Durga that my friend Dave game me once. Durga was created from the power and the energy of all the Gods. All of the shakti combined made her powerful enough to destroy the evil buffalo demon, Mahiasura. It would be interesting to know if there is any relationship between the Hindu Myth, and these Mughal Paintings.
