Thursday, July 31, 2008

Mobile Gifts..

People across the world commonly exchange gifts, but tech-savvy South Koreans are now turning to mobile phones to do that thanks to the new converged m- commercial service launched by SK telecom.

The service, dubbed Gifticon, combines barcode technology with the mobile payment, and converges the online worked with the offline world.

With the Gifticon services users can send gift vouchers for over 130 items from 40 exchanges and brands, such as Starbucks, 70 Eleven, Haggen_Dazs and Mc'D, through instant messenger, WAP or web. Once an item is selected, the Gifticon Server, which is connected to partner companies, will send and authorize an SMS in real time.

Those who received the messages can download coupons with embedded barcode and exchanged them for real products.

Tuesday, July 29, 2008

Hindu Gods – Who & What is GOD?

Dear Readers,

In my understanding, GOD as Generation, Operation, Destruction thus forms the GOD. In Hinduism has, by many estimates, almost 330,000,000 deities. Of these, three,

Brahma the Creator (Generation)
Vishnu the Protector (Operation)
Shiva the Destroyer (Destruction)

So the Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva form the GOD, and they are more important.There are also many other lesser gods.

Brahma the Creator – Generation

Brahma is the prime deity. He is omniscient and represents perfection. In Sanskrit Brh means to expand, manifest, or grow. He creates individual souls and other gods.

Brahma appears seated on a lotus with four heads and four hands. Three of the hands contain a different tool. One hand holds the Vedas, sacred scriptures. The second holds a water pot, the third a rosary. The fourth hand is raised to give a blessing. His vehicle is a swan that represents the difference between good and bad judgment.

Vishnu the Protector - Operation

Vishnu is known as the remover. He separated heaven and earth, creating the universe. He also takes the forms of animals, such as the boar, tortoise, or the fish. A lotus sprang from his navel, giving birth to Brahma.

Vishnu appears on a powerful serpent that represents the sleeping universe. He has a dark color that symbolizes the passive and formless ether. He also has four hands. The first holds a conch shell, the second a discus. The third contains a lotus and the fourth a mace. The mace represents the capacity of the god to punish is discipline is ignored. His vehicle is a swift-flying bird known as the Garuda.


Shiva the Destroyer – Destruction

Shiva is the god of devotion. He represents victory over demonic activity and calmness and power of human nature. He is said to have taken the forms of different humans, animals, and vegetables on earth. His vehicle is a bull which is a symbol of happiness and strength.

Shiva appears meditating. His hair is matted and represents the flowing of the Ganges river. There is a serpent coiled around his neck and ashes cover his body.

A bronze sculpture of Shiva, one of the three main gods of the Hindu religion. He is dancing with one hand holding a flame, one hand beating a drum, and one foot resting of the demon of ignorance within a circle of fire.

Thank you, Readers

JS

Monday, July 28, 2008

Installing XP on notebooks / laptops with SATA HDD

Dear Readers,

Very recently i had to install windows XP professional for one of the ASUS note book
(F9s Series). The Asus note book comes with Windows Vista Home Premium edition bundled. Sow how, user wants to use windows XP.

Well, on the first try , i put the booting cd and started, but somehow i can not see the HDD (eventually failed to install the XP) and can not see any drives at all. Realised that it is using SATA .

I googled to find that the ways to install by using nlite program, create another bootable CD..blah..blah..

But i somehow felt that there should be easy way to do. I went back to BIOS again and i noticed the Serial ATA was set to "Enchanced Mode", i change the settingst to "Compatible Mode". Thats all, i could install the XP Pro easily.

Hope this helps for others too.

JS

Hindu Rituals

Dear Readers,
here are the links for all the article in this blog on the Hindu Rituals (session 1)

1. Hindu Rituals - Introduction

2.Hindu Rituals - Why do offer food to the Lord before eating it?

3.Hindu Rituals - Why do we consider the lotus as special? (Part 21 of 23)

4.Hindu Rituals - To touch another with the feet is considered an act of misdemeanor. Why is this so?

5.Hindu Rituals - Why do we not touch papers, books and people with the feet?

6.Hindu Rituals - Why do we fast? (Part 18 of 23)

7.Hindu Rituals - Why do we do pradakshina (circumambulate)?

8.Hindu Rituals - Why is pradakshina done only in a clockwise manner?

9.Hindu Rituals - Why do we regard trees and plants as sacred?

10.Hindu Rituals - . Why do we ring the bell in a temple?

11.Hindu Rituals - Why do we worship the kalasha?

12.Hindu Rituals -Why do we worship tulasi?

13.Hindu Rituals - Why do we blow the conch?

14.Hindu Rituals - Why do we say shaanti thrice?

15.Hindu Rituals - Why do we offer a coconut?

16.Hindu Rituals - Why do we chant Om?

17.Hindu Rituals - Why do we do aarati?

18.Hindu Rituals - Why do we wear marks (tilak, pottu and the like) on the forehead?

19.Hindu Rituals - Why do we prostrate before parents and elders?

20.Hindu Rituals - Why do we do Namaste?

21.Hindu Rituals - Why do we have a prayer room?

22.Hindu Rituals - Why do we light a lamp?

23.Hindu Rituals - Why do we apply the holy ash?


Thank you, Readers
JS

Saturday, July 26, 2008

Hindu Rituals - Why do we apply the holy ash? (Part 23 of 23)

The ash of any burnt object is not regarded as holy ash. Bhasma (the holy ash) is the ash from the homa (sacrificial fire) where special wood along with ghee and other herbs is offered as worship of the Lord. Or the deity is worshipped by pouring ash as abhisheka and is then distributed as bhasma.

Bhasma is generally applied on the forehead. Some apply it on certain parts of the body like the upper arms, chest etc. Some ascetics rub it all over the body. Many consume a pinch of it each time they receive it.

The word bhasma means, "that by which our sins are destroyed and the Lord is remembered.” Bha implied bhartsanam ("to destroy") and sma implies smaranam ("to remember"). The application of bhasma therefore signifies destruction of the evil and remembrance of the divine. Bhasma is called vibhuti (which means "glory") as it gives glory to one who applies it and raksha (which means a source of protection) as it protects the wearer from ill health and evil, by purifying him or her.

Homa (offering of oblations into the fire with sacred chants) signifies the offering or surrender of the ego and egocentric desires into the flame of knowledge or a noble and selfless cause. The consequent ash signifies the purity of the mind, which results from such actions.

Also the fire of knowledge burns the oblation and wood signifying ignorance and inertia respectively. The ash we apply indicates that we should burn false identification with the body and become free of the limitations of birth and death. This is not to be misconstrued as a morose reminder of death but as a powerful pointer towards the fact that time and tide wait for none.

Bhasma is specially associated with Lord Shiva who applies it all over His body. Shiva devotes apply bhasma as a tripundra. When applied with a red spot at the center, the mark symbolizes Shiva-Shakti (the unity of energy and matter that creates the entire seen and unseen universe).

Tryambakam yajaamahe Sugandhim pushtivardhanam Urvaa rukamiva bhandhanaan Mrytyor muksheeyamaa amrutaat

"We worship the three-eyed Lord Shiva who nourishes and spread fragrance in our lives. May He free us from the shackles of sorrow, change and death effortlessly, like the fall of a rip brinjal from its stem."



Thank you, Readers
JS
ps. Article by Swami Chinmayananda

Friday, July 25, 2008

Hindu Rituals - Why do offer food to the Lord before eating it? (Part 22 of 23)

Indians make an offering of food to the Lord and later partake of it as prasaada - a holy gift from the Lord. In our daily ritualistic worship (pooja) too we offer naivedyam (food) to the Lord.

The Lord is omnipotent and omniscient. Man is a part, while the Lord is the totality. All that we do is by His strength and knowledge alone. Hence what we receive in life as a result of our actions is really His alone. We acknowledge this through the act of offering food to Him. This is exemplified by the Hindi words "tera tujko arpan" I offer what is Yours to You. Thereafter it is akin to His gift to us, graced by His divine touch.

Knowing this, our entire attitude to food and the act of eating changes. The food offered will naturally be pure and the best. We share what we get with others before consuming it. We do not demand, complain or criticise the quality of the food we get. We eat it with cheerful acceptance (prasaada buddhi).

Before we partake of our daily meals we first sprinkle water around the plate as an act of purification. Five morsels of food are placed on the side of the plate acknowledging the debt owed by us to the Divine forces (devta runa) for their benign grace and protection, our ancestors (pitru runa) for giving us their lineage and a family culture, the sages (rishi runa) as our religion and culture have been "realised", aintained and handed down to us by them, our fellow beings (manushya runa) who constitute society without the support of which we could not live as we do and other living beings (bhuta runa) for serving us selflessly.

Thereafter the Lord, the life force, who is also within us as the five life-giving physiological functions, is offered the food. This is done with the chant

praanaaya swaahaa, apaanaaya swaahaa, vyaanaaya swaahaa, udaanaaya swaahaa, samaanaaya swaahaa, brahmane swaahaa

After offering the food thus, it is eaten as prasaada - blessed food.



Thank you, Readers
JS
ps. Article by Swami Chinmayananda

Mobile Commerce and Consumers

CellPhone are practically universal, with more than 3.3 billion subscribers worldwide, yet 71% of all consumers surveyed in 14 countries will not consider using a mobile device to bank or shop online.

Of the 14 countries pooled, willingness to do mobile banking or shopping has highest in Malaysia at 26%, followed by Singaporeans at 19%. On the flipside, mobile subscribers in France were the least willing, at 3 % to use their mobile devices for financial transactions, followed by the Netherlands at 7 %

The survey concluded that banks must find ways to work alongside telecom providers and retailers to leverage their innovation while educating consumers on the realties of mobile banking and payment security.

Thursday, July 24, 2008

Hindu Rituals - Why do we consider the lotus as special? (Part 21 of 23)

The lotus is the symbol of truth, auspiciousness and beauty (satyam, shivam, sundaram). The Lord is also that nature and therefore, His various aspects are compared to a lotus (i.e. lotus-eyes, lotus feet, lotus hands, the lotus of the heart etc.).

The lotus blooms with the rising sun and close at night. Similarly, our minds open up and expand with the light of knowledge. The lotus grows even in slushy areas. It remains beautiful and untainted despite its surroundings, reminding us that we too can and should strive to remain pure and beautiful within, under all circumstances.

The lotus leaf never gets wet even though it is always in water. It symbolizes the man of wisdom (gyaani) who remains ever joyous, unaffected by the world of sorrow and change. This is revealed in a shloka from the Bhagwad-Geeta:

Brahmanyaadhaaya karmaani Sangam tyaktvaa karoti yaha Lipyate na sa paapena Padma patram ivaambhasaa

He who does actions, offering them to Brahman (the Supreme), abandoning attachment, is not tainted by sin, just as a lotus leaf remains unaffected by the water on it.

From this, we learn that what is natural to the man of wisdom becomes a discipline to be practiced by all saadhakas or spiritual seekers and devotees. Our bodies have certain energy centers described in the Yoga Shaastras as chakras.

Each one is associated with lotus that has a certain number of petals. For example, a lotus with a thousand petals represents the Sahasra chakra at the top of the head, which opens when the yogi attains Godhood or Realisation. Also, the lotus posture (padmaasana) is recommended when one sits for meditation. A lotus emerged from the navel of Lord Vishnu. Lord Brahma originated from it to create the world. Hence, the lotus symbolizes the link between the creator and the supreme Cause.

It also symbolizes Brahmaloka, the abode of Lord Brahma. The auspicious sign of the swastika is said to have evolved from the lotus.

Thank you, Readers
JS
ps. Article by Swami Chinmayananda

Monday, July 21, 2008

Hindu Rituals - To touch another with the feet is considered an act of misdemeanor. Why is this so? (Part 20 of 23)


Man is regarded as the most beautiful, living breathing temple of the Lord! Therefore touching another with the feet is akin to disrespecting the divinity within him or her. This calls for an immediate apology, which is offered with reverence and humility.

Thank you, Readers

JS

ps. Article by Swami Chinmayananda

Sunday, July 20, 2008

Hindu Rituals - Why do we not touch papers, books and people with the feet? (Part 19 of 23)

To Indians, knowledge is sacred and divine. So it must be given respect at all times. Nowadays we separate subjects as sacred and secular. But in ancient India every subject - academic or spiritual - was considered divine and taught by the guru in the gurukula.

The custom of not stepping on educational tools is a frequent reminder of the high position accorded to knowledge in Indian culture. From an early age, this wisdom fosters in us a deep reverence for books and education. This is also the reason why we worship books, vehicles and instruments once a year on Saraswathi Pooja or Ayudha Pooja day, dedicated to the Goddess of Learning. In fact, each day before starting our studies, we pray:

Saraswati namasthubhyam Varade kaama roopini Vidyaarambham karishyaami Sidhirbhavatu me sadaa
O Goddess Saraswati, the giver of Boons and fulfiller of wishes, I prostrate to You before starting my studies. May you always fulfill me?

Thank you, Readers
JS
ps. Article by Swami Chinmayananda

Saturday, July 19, 2008

Hindu Rituals - Why do we fast? (Part 18 of 23)

Most devout Indians fast regularly or on special occasions like festivals. On such days they do not eat at all, eat once or make do with fruits or a special diet of simple food.

Fasting in Sanskrit is called upavaasa. Upa means "near" + vaasa means "to stay". Upavaasa therefore means staying near (the Lord), meaning the attainment of close mental proximity with the Lord. Then what has upavaasa to do with food?

A lot of our time and energy is spent in procuring food items, preparing, cooking, eating and digesting food. Certain food types make our minds dull and agitated. Hence on certain days man decides to save time and conserve his energy by eating either simple, light food or totally abstaining from eating so that his mind becomes alert and pure. The mind, otherwise pre-occupied by the thought of food, now entertains noble thoughts and stays with the Lord. Since it is a self-imposed form of discipline it is usually adhered to with joy

Also every system needs a break and an overhaul to work at its best. Rest and a change of diet during fasting is very good for the digestive system and the entire body.

The more you indulge the senses, the more they make their demands. Fasting helps us to cultivate control over our senses, sublimate our desires and guide our minds to be poised and at peace.

Fasting should not make us weak, irritable or create an urge to indulge later. This happens when there is no noble goal behind fasting.

The Bhagavad-Gita urges us to eat appropriately - neither too less nor too much - yukta-aahaara and to eat simple, pure and healthy food (a saatvik diet) even when not fasting.


Thank you, Readers
JS
ps. Article by Swami Chinmayananda

Friday, July 18, 2008

Hindu Rituals - Why do we do pradakshina (circumambulate)?


We cannot draw a circle without a center point. The Lord is the center, source and essence of our lives. Recognizing Him as the focal point in our lives, we go about doing our daily chores. This is the significance of pradakshina.

Also every point on the circumference of a circle is equidistant from the center. This means that wherever or whoever we may be, we are equally close to the Lord. His grace flows towards us without partiality.

Thank you, Readers
JS
ps. Article by Swami Chinmayananda

Does your Business needs Blog

It seems like everybody wants a blog these days, but is a blog really necessary for a company? Here are some things to ask yourself before blogging for your business.

1. Do you have time to blog? Blogging is a time-consuming process because people who read blogs expect a certain amount of fresh content on a regular basis -- at a minimum, weekly -- preferably several times a week.

2. Do you have anything interesting to say? Blogs about your company and your products may sound interesting to you, but people rarely tune into a "commercial" blog unless there is additional information of real value.

3. Do you have strong opinions? The most successful blogs are the ones with strong voices, personalities and opinions. If you want to be non-controversial at all times, maybe a blog isn't your optimal marketing tool.

4. Are you good at getting a conversation going and engaging an audience? Blogging isn't just publishing posts. A blog becomes a defacto online community and needs the same kind of attention that a message board or forum needs to keep it vibrant and on track. Yes, you can shut off the comments feature on your blog, however, you lose out on a potentially valuable aspect of blogging for business in the first place -- an engaged audience of customers and potential customers.

5. Do you have a company policy on blogging? If you are a company of one, you still need some guidelines that you will follow as you blog for your business. What will you do if someone posts a nasty comment about you or your company, for example? Knowing in advance how you will handle situations that might come up saves you a lot of confusion later.

6. Do you have a thick skin? Once you open up the conversation in a blog and allow others to comment, you may hear things you don't like from unhappy customers or people who disagree with your point of view. Can you take it without taking it personally?

7. Can you afford to pay someone to blog for you? Some people do hire professional bloggers or pro-bloggers to craft blog posts and keep the ideas and conversations flowing. Pro-bloggers are usually paid anywhere from $10 to $50 per post depending on their reputation, the frequency of posting, the amount of research required and the complexity of the topic.

There are many ways to develop compelling, valuable, conversation-starting blog posts, and I'll talk about those in the near future. Right now, review your answers to the questions above and unless you answered "Yes" to most or all of them, a blog just might not be for you.

Thursday, July 17, 2008

Hindu Rituals - Why is pradakshina done only in a clockwise manner? (Part 17 of 23)

The reason is not, as a person said, to avoid a traffic jam! As we do pradakshina, the Lord is always on our right. In India the right side symbolizes auspiciousness. So as we circumambulate the sanctum sanctorum we remind ourselves to lead an auspicious life of righteousness, with the Lord who is the indispensable source of help and strength, as our guide - the "right hand".

Indian scriptures enjoin - matrudevo bhava, pitrudevo bhava, acharyadevo bhava. May you consider your parents and teachers as you would the Lord. With this in mind we also do pradakshina around our parents and divine personages.

After the completion of traditional worship (pooja), we customarily do pradakshina around ourselves. In this way we recognize and remember the supreme divinity within us, which alone is idolized in the form of the Lord that we worship outside

Thank you, Readers
JS
ps. Article by Swami Chinmayananda

Wednesday, July 16, 2008

Hindu Rituals - Why do we regard trees and plants as sacred?(Part 16 of 23)

The Lord, the life in us, pervades all living beings, be they plants or animals. Hence, they are all regarded as sacred. Human life on earth depends on plants and trees. They give us the vital factors that make life possible on earth: food, oxygen, clothing, shelter, medicines etc.

Hence, in India, we are taught to regard trees and plants as sacred. Indians scriptures tell us to plant ten trees if, for any reason, we have to cut one. We are advised to use parts of trees and plants only as much as is needed for food, fuel, shelter etc. we are also urged to apologies to a plant or tree before cutting it to avoid incurring a specific sin named soona.

Certain trees and plants like tulasi, peepal etc., which have tremendous beneficial qualities, are worshipped till today. It is believed that divine beings manifest as trees and plants, and many people worship them to fulfill their desires or to please the Lord.

Thank you, Readers
JS
ps. Article by Swami Chinmayananda

Nice Picture

Very nice picture, sun set at the north pole

Tuesday, July 15, 2008

Hindu Rituals - . Why do we ring the bell in a temple? (Part 15 of 23)

Why do we ring the bell in a temple?

    Is it to wake up the Lord? But the Lord never sleeps. Is it to let the Lord know we have come? He does not need to be told, as He is all knowing. Is it a form of seeking permission to enter His precinct? It is a homecoming and therefore entry needs no permission. The Lord welcomes us at all times. Then why do we ring the bell?

    The ringing of the bell produces what is regarded as an auspicious sound. It produces the sound Om, the universal name of the Lord. There should be auspiciousness within and without, to gain the vision of the Lord who is all-auspiciousness.

    Even while doing the ritualistic aarati, we ring the bell. It is sometimes accompanied by the auspicious sounds of the conch and other musical instruments. An added significance of ringing the bell, conch and other instruments is that they help drowned any inauspicious or irrelevant noises and comments that might disturb or distract the worshippers in their devotional ardour, concentration and inner peace.

    As we start the daily ritualistic worship (pooja) we ring the bell, chanting:

    Aagamaarthamtu devaanaam gamanaarthamtu rakshasaam Kurve ghantaaravam tatra devataahvaahna lakshanam

    I ring this bell indicating the invocation of divinity, So that virtuous and noble forces enter (my home and heart); and the demonic and evil forces from within and without, depart.


    Thank you, Readers
    JS
    ps. Article by Swami Chinmayananda

    Monday, July 14, 2008

    Hindu Rituals - Why do we worship the kalasha? (Part 14 of 23)

    First of all what is a kalasha? A brass, mud or copper pot is filled with water. Mango leaves are placed in the mouth of the pot and a coconut is placed over it. A red or white thread is tied around its neck or sometimes all around it in a intricate diamond-shaped pattern. The pot may be decorated wit designs. Such a pot is known as a kalasha.

      When the pot is filled with water or rice, it is known as purnakumbha representing the inert body which when filled with the divine life force gains the power to do all the wonderful things that makes life what it is.

      A kalasha is placed with due rituals on all-important occasions like the traditional house warming (grihapravesa), wedding, daily worship etc. It is placed near the entrance as a sign of welcome. It is also used in a traditional manner while receiving holy personages. Why do we worship the kalasha? Before the creation came into being, Lord Vishnu was reclining on His snake-bed in the milky ocean. From His navel emerged a lotus from which appeared Lord Brahma, the creator, who thereafter created this world.

      The water in the kalasha symbolizes the primordial water from which the entire creation emerged. It is the giver of life to all and has the potential of creating innumerable names and forms, the inert objects and the sentient beings and all that is auspicious in the world from the energy behind the universe. The leaves and coconut represent creation.

      The thread represents the love that "binds" all in creation. The kalasha is therefore considered auspicious and worshipped. The waters from all the holy rivers, the knowledge of all the Vedas and the blessings of all the deities are invoked in the kalasha and its water is thereafter used for all the rituals, including the abhisheka.

      The consecration (kumbhaabhisheka) of a temple is done in a grand manner with elaborate rituals including the pouring of one or more kalashas of holy water on the top of the temple. When the asuras and devas churned the milky ocean, the Lord appeared bearing the pot of nectar, which blessed one with everlasting life.

      Thus the kalasha also symbolizes immortality. Men of wisdom are full and complete as they identify with the infinite Truth (poornatvam). They brim with joy and love and respect all that is auspicious. We greet them with a purnakumbha ("full pot") acknowledging their greatness and as a sign of respectful and reverential welcome, with a "full heart".

      Thank you, Readers
      JS
      ps. Article by Swami Chinmayananda

      Avoid working while on vacation...

      Survey indicates that more than 30 % employees end up working (check their email or voice mail etc) while they are on vacation. Here are some of the tips to avoid it ( though it can not be avoided or you end up loosing your job).

      1. Don't keep your trip a secret.
      Although you might've mentioned your vacation once a few months ago, don't expect everybody to remember. As you make preparations for the trip, be sure to remind the appropriate people that you will be gone.


      2. Keep a journal.
      Part of preparing for your trip is making sure that the people back at work can keep things running smoothly in your absence. In a journal, list your daily activities and responsibilities so that the people charged with filling in for you know what to expect and how to handle any tasks that come their way.


      3. Take a look at the calendar.
      If you have a huge project due at the end of the summer, for your sanity and the sake of your work, avoid scheduling a vacation at that time. The more room you leave between the project and your vacation, the better off you'll be. You don't want to be stressed out if the project gets delayed or it requires more work than you anticipated.


      4. Be disciplined.
      If you have a job where you either absolutely must work or at least check in with your employer, designate a brief period of time for these tasks. Your friends or family vacationing with you don't want to share their relaxing trip with your laptop and cell phone, so keep the work to a minimum.


      5. Be a role model.
      If you're the boss, set an example for your team by going on vacations and leaving work behind. If others see you able to separate work from your personal life, they'll have a better attitude and be able to follow your lead.

      Sunday, July 13, 2008

      Hindu Rituals -Why do we worship tulasi? (Part 12 of 23)

      In Sanskrit, tulanaa naasti athaiva tulasi - that which is incomparable (in its qualities) is the tulasi

      For Indians it is one of the most sacred plants. In fact it is known to be the only thing used in worship, which, once used, can be washed and reused in pooja - as it is regarded so self-purifying.

      As one story goes, Tulasi was the devoted wife of Shankhachuda, a celestial being. She believed that Lord Krishna tricked her into sinning. So she cursed Him to become a stone (shaaligraama). Seeing her devotion and adhered to righteousness, the Lord blessed her saying that she would become the worshipped plant, tulasi that would adorn His head.

      Also that all offerings would be incomplete without the tulasi leaf - hence the worship of tulasi.

      She also symbolises Goddess Lakshmi, the consort of Lord Vishnu. Those who wish to be righteous and have a happy family life worship the tulasi.

      Tulasi is married to the Lord with all pomp and show as in any wedding.

      This is because according to another legend, the Lord blessed her to be His consort. Satyabhama once weighed Lord Krishna against all her legendary wealth. The scales did not balance till a single tulasi leaf was placed along with the wealth on the scale by Rukmini with devotion.

      Thus the tulasi played the vital role of demonstrating to the world that even a small object offered with devotion means more to the Lord than all the wealth in the world.

      The tulasi leaf has great medicinal value and is used to cure various ailments, including the common cold.

      Yanmule sarvatirhaani Yannagre sarvadevataa Yanmadhye sarvavedaascha Tulasi taam namaamyaham

      I bow down to the tulasi, At whose base are all the holy places, At whose top reside all the deities and In whose middle are all the Vedas.

      Thank you, Readers

      JS

      ps. Article by Swami Chinmayananda

      Friday, July 11, 2008

      Hindu Rituals - Why do we blow the conch? (Part 11 of 23)


      Why do we blow the conch?

        When the conch is blown, the primordial sound of Om emanates. Om is an auspicious sound that was chanted by the Lord before creating the world. It represents the world and the Truth behind it.

        As the story goes, the demon Shankhaasura defeated devas, the Vedas and went to the bottom of the ocean. The devas appealed to Lord Vishnu for help. He incarnated as Matsya Avataara - the "fish incarnation" and killed Shankhaasura. The Lord blew the conch-shaped bone of his ear and head. The Om sound emanated, from which emerged the Vedas.

        All knowledge enshrined in the Vedas is an elaboration of Om. The conch therefore is known as shankha after Shankaasua. The conch blown by the Lord is called Paanchajanya. He carries it at all times in one of His four hands.

        It represents dharma or righteousness that is one of the four goals (purushaarthas) of life. The sound of the conch is thus also the victory call of good over evil.

        Another well-known purpose of blowing the conch and the instruments, known traditionally to produce auspicious sounds is to drown or mask negative comments or noises that may disturb or upset the atmosphere or the minds of worshippers.

        Ancient India lived in her villages. Each village was presided over by a primary temple and several small ones. During the aarati performed after all-important poojas and on sacred occasions, the conch used to be blown. Since villages were generally small, the sound of the conch would be heard all over the village. People who could not make it to the temple were reminded to stop whatever they were doing, at least for a few seconds, and mentally bow to the Lord. The conch sound served to briefly elevate people's minds to a prayerful attitude even in the middle of their busy daily routine.

        The conch is placed at the altar in temples and homes next to the Lord as a symbol of Naada Brahma (Truth), the Vedas, Om, dharma, victory and auspiciousness. It is often used to offer devotees thirtha (sanctified water) to raise their minds to the highest Truth. It is worshipped with the following verse.

        Twam puraa saagarot pannaha Vishnunaa vidhrutahakare Devaischa poojitha sarvahi Panchjanya namostu te

        Salutations to Panchajanya the conch born of the ocean Held in the hand of Lord Vishnu and worshipped by all devaas

        Thank you, Readers

        JS

        ps. Article by Swami Chinmayananda

        Safe Guard your data in Internet

        Dear Readers,

        I am sure in this current internet era, we atleast sign up one service a month on the internet. That means another exposure of your personal data. How do you safe guard your personal identify on the internet, below are some tips.

        1.Read privacy policies before you sign up. Although you have little control over what happens to data, you can at least know what gets collected and retained.

        2.Avoid identifying information in user IDs, such as a first initial and full last name. Choosing a moniker that avoids any reference to your name, job or other personal attributes can make tracking more difficult.

        3.Don't use the same user ID across multiple services. For example, if a user ID is attached to a message board posting that includes your full name, even if the ID itself does not contain your real name, it's now tied to your name when used elsewhere.

        4.Use anonymizing software such as Tor. Such systems relay data packets through many servers to help mask the numeric Internet Protocol address identifying your computer.

        Hope this Helps,
        Thank you, Readers
        JS

        The Black Book of Outsourcing: Industry outlook for 2009

        Reverse outsourcing is all set to be the next big thing in the outsourcing industry. Traditionally India had been the beneficiary of jobs being transferred from the US. But that is about to change. The latest evolution of outsourcing is moving in reverse, with India’s leading service providers opening offices on Main Street, USA, according to the recently released Brown & Wilson Black Book of Outsourcing 2008, State of the Industry Report. Though the reverse outsourcing development is too new for Indian companies to point to actual cost savings yet, but moving front office processes closer to the client is fast attracting buyer interest.
        Major suppliers are responding to the demand for enhanced, locally delivery customer service.

        The Black Book estimates that the demand for reverse outsourcing is likely to grow with over 50% of Indian outsourcing firms’ revenues flowing from India. With rising wages and the dollars decreasing value against the rupee, Indian outsourcing providers are striving for an optimal mix of onshore and offshore operations that please clients and drives more business to them.According to the Black Book, industries that have the most aggressive strategic sourcing plans to expand initiatives in 2008-2009 include banking, investment management, insurance, legal, supply chain, logistics and transportation, healthcare, news and media.

        In the next 12 months function that support rapid organizational business transformations like procurement, spend management, payables, financial accounting and compliance, IT services, legal services, BPO, KPO, document services, back office and general administration, engineering services and HR outsourcing will see maximum expansion.After pricing the most important supplier features that influence vendor selection include client-centric culture, cultural alignment, onshore/ offshore balance, vertical expertise, innovative business models and a global presence. Companies are expected to spend top dollar on realization full assessment, ITO consultation, technological transformation, process improvement, ERP implementations, legacy modernization, quality initiatives and data center outsourcing.

        The Black Book of Outsourcing survey also identified the 50 best-managed global outsourcing vendors. Satyam, TCS and Wipro are among this year’s top honored suppliers. Infosys toppled from the top fifty survey after four past consecutive appearances. Clients reported a noticeable shift from customer service to corporate revenue generation, and a corporate culture that has become disappointingly elitist. IBM Global, a former Black Book champion also tumbled this year as users expressed a palpable shift of customer service conduits to centers outside North America.

        BPO giant Genpact was the only pure play BPO firm to feature in the top 10. Nearly 1,700 suppliers from 45 countries qualified for the 2008 Black Book 50, based on client nominations

        By Meghna Lal

        Thursday, July 10, 2008

        Hindu Rituals - Why do we say shaanti thrice?(Part 10 of 23)

        19. Why do we say shaanti thrice?

          Shaanti, meaning "peace", is a natural state of being. Disturbances are created either by others or us. For example, peace already exists in a place until someone makes noise.

          Therefore, peace underlies all our agitations. When agitations end, peace is naturally experienced since it was already there. Where there is peace, there is happiness. Therefore, every one without exception desires peace in his/her life.

          However, peace within or without seems very hard to attain because it is covered by our own agitations. A rare few manage to remain peaceful within even in the midst of external agitation and troubles. To invoke peace, we chant prayers. By chanting prayers, troubles end and peace is experienced internally, irrespective of the external disturbances. All such prayers end by chanting shaanti thrice.

          It is believed that trivaram satyam - that which is said thrice comes true. For emphasizing a point we repeat a thing thrice. In the court of law also, one who takes the witness stands says, "I shall speak the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth".

          We chant shaanti thrice to emphasise our intense desire for peace. All obstacles, problems and sorrows originate from three sources.

          Aadhidaivika : The unseen divine forces over which we have little or no control like earthquakes, floods, volcanic eruptions etc.

          Aadhibhautika: The known factors around us like accidents, human contacts, pollution, crime etc.

          Aadhyaatmika : We sincerely pray to the Lord that at least while we undertake special tasks or even in our daily lives, there are no problems or that, problems are minimised from the three sources written about above.

          May peace alone prevail. Hence shaanti is chanted thrice.

          It is chanted aloud the first time, addressing the unseen forces. It is chanted softer the second time, directed to our immediate surroundings and those around, and softest the last time as it is addressed to oneself.

          Thank you, Readers

          JS

          ps. Article by Swami Chinmayananda

          Toyota Story - Most Respected Company - Is it true?

          Dear Reader,

          Very recently i wrote about "Most Respected Companies in the World 2008", based on that Toyota was rated Top (number 1) as the most respected companies. Today i come across this news (source yahoo) that Top Car Engineers at Toyota die because of their over work.
          Please read the below article.

          A Japanese labor bureau has ruled that one of Toyota's top car engineers died from working too many hours, the latest in a string of such findings in a nation where extraordinarily long hours for some employees has long been the norm.

          The man who died was aged 45 and had been under severe pressure as the lead engineer in developing a hybrid version of Toyota's blockbuster Camry line, said Mikio Mizuno, the lawyer representing his wife. The man's identity is being withheld at the request of his family, who continue to live in Toyota City where the company is based.

          In the two months up to his death, the man averaged more than 80 hours of overtime per month, according to Mizuno. He regularly worked nights and weekends, was frequently sent abroad and was grappling with shipping a model for the pivotal North American International Auto Show in Detroit when he died of ischemic heart disease in January 2006. The man's daughter found his body at their home the day before he was to leave for the United States.
          The ruling was handed down June 30 and will allow his family to collect benefits from his work insurance, Mizuno said.

          An officer at the Aichi Labor Bureau on Wednesday confirmed the ruling, but declined to comment on the record.

          In a statement, Toyota Motor Corp. offered its condolences and said it would work to improve monitoring of the health of its workers.

          I am wondering, how the ratings and ranking measurement works for the Toyota. Which one is correct?

          Thank you, Readers
          JS

          Wednesday, July 9, 2008

          Hindu Rituals - Why do we offer a coconut? (Part 9 of 23)

          Why do we offer a coconut?

            In India one of the most common offerings in a temple is a coconut. It is also offered on occasions like weddings, festivals, the use of a new vehicle, bridge, house etc. It is offered in the sacrificial fire whilst performing homa. The coconut is broken and placed before the Lord. It is later distributed as prasaada.

            The fibre covering of the dried coconut is removed except for a tuft on the top. The marks on the coconut make it look like the head of a human being. The coconut is broken, symbolising the breaking of the ego. The juice within, representing the inner tendencies (vaasanas) is offered along with the white kernel - the mind, to the Lord.

            A mind thus purified by the touch of the Lord is used as prasaada ( a holy gift). In the traditional abhishekha ritual done in all temples and many homes, several materials are poured over the deity like milk, curd, honey, tender coconut water, sandal paste, holy ash etc. Each material has a specific significance of bestowing certain benefits on worshippers. Tender coconut water is used in abhisheka rituals since it is believed to bestow spiritual growth on the seeker.

            The coconut also symbolises selfless service. Every part of the tree -the trunk, leaves, fruit, coir etc. Is used in innumerable ways like thatches, mats, tasty dishes, oil, soap etc. It takes in even salty water from the earth and converts it into sweet nutritive water that is especially beneficial to sick people. It is used in the preparation of many ayurvedic medicines and in other alternative medicinal systems.

            The marks on the coconut are even thought to represent the three-eyed Lord Shiva and therefore it is considered to be a means to fulfill our desires.

            Thank you, Readers

            JS

            ps. Article by Swami Chinmayananda

            Internet Issue..

            Dear Readers,

            Last week I write about the term “phishing”, here is the another article (Source from Yahoo) about the internet flaw that basically allows “phishing”.

            --- Computer industry heavyweights are hustling to fix a flaw in the foundation of the Internet that would let hackers control traffic on the World Wide Web.
            Major software and hardware makers worked in secret for months to create a software "patch" released on Tuesday to repair the problem, which is in the way computers are routed to web page addresses.

            "It's a very fundamental issue with how the entire addressing scheme of the Internet works," Securosis analyst Rich Mogul said in a media conference call.

            "You'd have the Internet, but it wouldn't be the Internet you expect. (Hackers) would control everything."

            The flaw would be a boon for "phishing" cons that involve leading people to imitation web pages of businesses such as bank or credit card companies to trick them into disclosing account numbers, passwords and other information.

            Attackers could use the vulnerability to route Internet users wherever they wanted no matter what website address is typed into a web browser.

            Security researcher Dan Kaminsky of IOActive stumbled upon the Domain Name System (DNS) vulnerability about six months ago and reached out to industry giants including Microsoft, Sun and Cisco to collaborate on a solution.

            DNS is used by every computer that links to the Internet and works similar to a telephone system routing calls to proper numbers, in this case the online numerical addresses of websites.
            "People should be concerned but they should not be panicking," Kaminsky said. "We have bought you as much time as possible to test and apply the patch. Something of this scale has not happened before."

            Kaminsky was among about 16 researchers from around the world who met in March at Microsoft's campus in Redmond, Washington, to figure out what to do about the flaw.
            "I found it completely by accident," Kaminsky said. "I was looking at something that had nothing to do with security. This one issue affected not just Microsoft and Cisco, but everybody."
            The cadre of software wizards charted an unprecedented course, creating a patch to release simultaneously across all computer software platforms.

            "This hasn't been done before and it is a massive undertaking," Kaminsky said.
            "A lot of people really stepped up and showed how collaboration can protect customers."
            Automated updating should protect most personal computers. Microsoft released the fix in a software update package Tuesday.

            A push is on to make sure company networks and Internet service providers make certain their computer servers are impervious to web traffic hijackings using the DNS attack.
            The patch can't be "reverse engineered" by hackers interested in figuring out how to take advantage of the flaw, technical details of which are being kept secret for a month to give companies time to update computers.

            "This is a pretty important day," said Jeff Moss, founder of a premier Black Hat computer security conference held annually in Las Vegas.
            -- End of the article

            Thank you, Readers
            JS

            Tuesday, July 8, 2008

            Hindu Rituals - Why do we chant Om? (Part 8 of 23)

            Om is one of the most chanted sound symbols in India. It has a profound effect on the body and mind of the one who chants and also on the surroundings. Most mantras and vedic prayers start with Om.

              All auspicious actions begin with Om. It is even used as a greeting - Om, Hari Om etc. It is repeated as a mantra or meditated upon. Its form is worshipped, contemplated upon or used as an auspicious sign.

              Om is the universal name of the Lord. It is made up of the letters A (phonetically as in "around"), U (phonetically as in "put") and M (phonetically as in "mum"). The sound emerging from the vocal chords starts from the base of the throat as "A". With the coming together of the lips, "U" is formed and when the lips are closed, all sounds end in "M".

              The three letters symbolize the three states (waking, dream and deep sleep), the three deities (Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva), the three Vedas (Rig, Yajur and Sama) the three worlds (Bhuh, Bhuvah, Suvah) etc. The Lord is all these and beyond.

              The formless, attributeless Lord (Brahman) is represented by the silence between two Om Chants. Om is also called pranava that means, "that (symbol or sound) by which the Lord is praised". The entire essence of the Vedas is enshrined in the word Om. It is said that the Lord started creating the world after chanting Om and atha. Hence its sound is considered to create an auspicious beginning for any task that we undertake. The Om chant should have the resounding sound of a bell (aaooommm).

              Om is written in different ways in different places. The most common form symbolizes Lord Ganesha’s. The upper curve is the head; the lower large one, the stomach; the side one, the trunk; and the semi-circular mark with the dot, the sweetmeat ball (modaka) in Lord Ganesha's hand. Thus Om symbolizes everything - the means and the goal of life, the world and the Truth behind it, the material and the Sacred, all form and the Formless.

              Thank you, Readers

              JS

              ps. Article by Swami Chinmayananda

              Most Repected Companies 2008 ( Continuation..)

              Continuing my previous article on the Most Respected companies in the world blog, here is the listing of the companies who made dramatic improvements from the previous year.

              India's Tata group and Infosys Technologies saw their reputation increase by over 8 points in 2008 and catapulted over 100 spots in the ranking to join the top tier of global companies in 2008,in recognition of their growing role among the world's business elite.

              Also leaping into the world's top 10 in 2008 are Denmark's diabetes drug specialist Novo Nordisk, maxico's food retailer group Bimbo and Switzerland’s top food giant migros.

              China's giant appliance maker Haier also jumbed some 70 ranks to join the global elite of companies with excellent reputations.

              Marking big jumps in the rankings in 2008 are the cine Faw Group Corp, followed by Norway's Coop, cananda's sobey's and Japan's AEON.Spain's El corte Ingles, Italy's Ferrero, Holland's Philps, Swedan's IKEA, and the U.K's Marks and Spencer Remained virtually unchanged from their positions in 2007.

              Thank you, Readers
              JS

              The World's Most Respected Companies 2008

              The World's Most Respected Companies 2008

              I was going through the study report conducted in 27 different countries by
              an institution in US.(Well, sorry to say, Indonesia was not in the list)

              They use "The Global Pulse Model" it measures the good feeling, trust and respect that consumers feel towards a company. Therefore provides an overall assessment of the health of a company's reputation.

              It consists of 7 dimensions that were found from qualitative and quantitative research to best explain the reputation of a company internally.

              Toyota Motor corp(Japan) earned the highest rating with an outstanding score of 86.53 where as Google comes in a close 2nd with score of 85.23, followed by the consumer friendly Swedish retailer Ikea with the score of 84.14

              From the Asian countries (leaving the first place winner toyota), Tata Group (India) comes to the 6th place with the score 82.84 and Haier Corporation (China) is at 13 with the score 81.19 closely followed by Infosys Technologies limited
              (india) with the score 81.18 at 14th place.

              Microsfot ranked 137 with the score of 70.52..hmmm interesting isn't it.

              I am planning to write few more blog on the same subject, so stay tuned.

              Thank you, Readers
              JS

              Monday, July 7, 2008

              Hindu Rituals - Why do we do aarati? (Part 7 of 23)


              Why do we do aarati?

                Towards the end of every ritualistic worship (pooja or bhajan) of the Lord or to welcome an honored guest or saint, we perform the aarati. This is always accompanied by the ringing of the bell and sometimes by singing, playing of musical instruments and clapping.

                It is one of the sixteen steps (shodasha upachaara) of the pooja ritual. It is referred to as the lighted lamp in the right hand, which we wave in a clockwise circling movement to light the entire form of the Lord.

                Each part is revealed individually and also the entire form of the Lord. As the light is waved we either do mental or loud chanting of prayers or simply behold the beautiful form of the Lord, illumined by the lamp. At the end of the aarati we place our hands over the flame and then gently touch our eyes and the top of the head.

                We have seen and participated in this ritual from our childhood. Let us find out why we do the aarati?

                Having worshipped the Lord of love - performing abhisheka, decorating the image and offering fruits and delicacies, we see the beauty of the Lord in all His glory. Our minds are focused on each limb of the Lord as the lamp lights it up. It is akin to silent open-eyed meditation on His beauty. The singing, clapping, ringing of the bell etc. denote the joy and auspiciousness, which accompanies the vision of the Lord.

                Aarati is often performed with camphor. This holds a telling spiritual significance. Camphor when lit, burns itself out completely without leaving a trace of it. It represents our inherent tendencies (vaasanas). When lit by the fire of knowledge which illumines the Lord (Truth), our vaasanas thereafter burn themselves out completely, not leaving a trace of ego which creates in us a sense of individuality that keeps us separate from the Lord.

                Also while camphor burns to reveal the glory of Lord, it emits a pleasant perfume even while it sacrifices itself. In our spiritual progress, even as we serve the guru and society, we should willingly sacrifice ourselves and all we have, to spread the "perfume" of love to all. We often wait a long while to see the illumined Lord but when the aarati is actually performed, our eyes close automatically as if to look within. This is to signify that each of us is a temple of the Lord.

                Just as the priest reveals the form of the Lord clearly with the aarati flame, so too the guru reveals to us the divinity within each of us with the help of the "flame" of knowledge (or the light of spiritual knowledge). At the end of the aarati, we place our hands over the flame and then touch our eyes and the top of the head. It means - may the light that illuminated the Lord light up my vision; may my vision be divine and my thoughts noble and beautiful.

                The philosophical meaning of aarati extends further. The sun, moon, stars, lightning and fire are the natural sources of light. The Lord is the source of this wonderous phenomenon of the universe. It is due to Him alone that all else exist and shine. As we light up the Lord with the flame of the aarati, we turn our attention to the very source of all light, which symbolizes knowledge and life.

                Also the sun is the presiding deity of the intellect, the moon, that of the mind, and fire, that of speech. The Lord is the supreme consciousness that illuminates all of them. Without Him, the intellect cannot think, nor can the mind feel nor the tongue speaks. The Lord is beyond the mind, intellect and speech. How can this finite equipment illuminate the Lord? Therefore, as we perform the aarati we chant;

                Na tatra suryo bhaati na chandra taarakam Nemaa vidyuto bhaanti kutoyamagnib Tameva bhaantam anubhaati sarvam Tasya bhasa sarvam idam vibhaati

                He is there where the sun does not shine, Nor the moon, stars and lightning. then what to talk of this small flame (in my hand), Everything (in the universe) shines only after the Lord, And by His light alone are we all illumined.

                Thank you, Readers

                JS

                ps. Article by Swami Chinmayananda

                Acer One UMPC....

                Dear Readers,

                I happen to review this Acer one UMPC (ultra mobile portable computer), available for Rp.4,000,000 in Indonesia. My first impression, it doesn't look like cheap notebook.

                It comes with all the necessary connections for the normal operation and also has OS (linux version). Its 8.9 " monitor...hmm not bad for that resolution of 1024.

                It uses 8 GB SSD Hard drive, too small but faster response for linux.

                Over all, Value for Money.

                Thanks
                JS

                Risks of using IM at work..

                If you use IM at work, you must live up to the expectations you set, that you are continuously available.It is called "instant" messaging for a reason meaning Instant message, instant reply.

                Don't assume your IM is private. Instant messaging on any workplace-owned device (be that a laptop, computer, PDA, BlackBerry, Iphone, or even your cellphone) is company property. The content of your messages is as traceable as your email.

                IM doesn't belong to you at work. Whether you get your IM from your employer’s service provider or via your employer’s PDA device, everything and anything you put in IM belongs to the company and can be read by them. I always have had two devices and recommend that for everyone. One’s mine for personal use, and one is for business. Never the twain shall meet.

                Your bosses are sensitive about IM. IM used by employees at work for personal communications is the No. 1 distraction in the workplace today. Indeed, some bosses equate personally IM-ing to stealing company time, so turn off your personal PDA at work and never have it on your screen there.

                Be aware of the impression you make. If you hate watching your husband, wife, boyfriend, girlfriend, or kids "text" while you are with them, just think how your boss feels watching you do it (even if it's work related)! The idea of an employee being able to communicate in secret or silence is especially annoying to bosses, even when it is business related. They hate it. It’s better to hear one half of a phone call then none at all -- business or personal.
                Be aware of how your IM use will appear to the rest of the office.

                HP's New Mini Note book

                Hewlett-Packard has announced the launch of their Mini-Notebook PC. Mini-Notebooks are hot at present and selling well in Amazon.com. These tiny notebook PC’s are commonly known as Eee PC’s and they compete with bigger names like Sony VAIO’s and Apple MacBooks. The Eee PC’s cost is around 300 + US $ while the big branded notebooks sell for 1000 US $ +.

                While HP may be new to the Eee PC segment and it’s pricing around $500 for a mini-notebook, its brand value may keep it ahead of others. Many other pc manufacturers will start venturing into the Eee PC type mini notebooks in the forthcoming days.

                The mini-note from HP weighs 2.6 pounds (1.1 kilograms). It has an 8.9 inch screen with a resolution of 1280×768. An optional webcam would be there. It could work as a primary computer with either SUSE Linux or Win XP or Vista with its 160 GB disk space.

                The keyboard for the HP’s mini-note is just 8 percent smaller than the ordinary typing area which would make it comfortable for fingers.

                HP is targeting school students and business travelers for their mini-note. It is hoped that HP’s high end technology expertise would give a leading edge to its mini-note in the Eee PC segment.

                Image Courtesy: Hewlett Packard

                Hewlett Packard Press Release