VEDIC FESTIVALS AT A GLANCE: PITRIS PAKSHA – SEPTEMBER 17-OCTOBER 1
For the previous 5 years, I’ve been fascinated by the affect of our ancestors on our present karma. Mark Woylnn's ebook, It didn't begin with youit reminds us how the unresolved struggling of our ancestor, a lot of which is unknown to us, binds us painfully to them. Fairly often, our despair, nervousness, ache and phobias and obsessive ideas come to us genetically from our dad and mom, grandparents and great-grandparents. In Vedic astrology this will usually be seen within the varga playing cards, D-40 and D-45, which converse of ancestral lineage. In tracing household timber, it turns into more and more fascinating to find that our struggles are the struggles of our ancestors and encourage us to finish what they might not have. We owe them loads for his or her sacrifice and devotion to elevating a household and persevering with the household lineage. In my Varga 2 class, I’ve 3-4 classes on ancestral karma.
The traditional Vedic tradition knew this all too nicely. The Vishnu Purana states that sraddhas carried out on the times previous the brand new moon in Virgo are equal and as efficient as performing sraddhas on the banks of holy rivers and a holy place like Gaya.
So what’s the which means of this social gathering? My Jyotish guru Komilla Sutton talks about it:
“Shraaddha is also called Pitris paksha. Paksha is a fortnight and pitris paksha at all times takes place when the Moon is in its waning part, Krishna Paksha. Shraddha often takes place 10 days after Ganesha Chathurti. This fortnight is left to hope to the The brand new moon in Virgo marks the top of the Shraaddh.
If you wish to bear in mind your deceased family members, this can be a good time to take action. Feed the poor, donate and rejoice his life with a feast in his reminiscence, often a vegetarian and sattvic meal. Honor their reminiscence and bear in mind them fondly.” (Komilla Sutton)
For those who don't have a Hindu temple close by, you may observe by yourself by taking household images of three generations, lighting candles and feeling gratitude and donating to the poor. You may also say mantras in your ancestors. My Swami recommends chanting each day and together with everybody in our prayers. You possibly can provide water and easily say “orm maataa-pitribhyaam namah”
After we heal and bear in mind, we heal and honor their mild in us with gratitude.
Shraddha means religion and reverence. It is likely one of the necessary duties of each particular person in accordance with Hindu perception. Shraddhas are carried out on the Krishna paksha (waning moon fortnight) earlier than the brand new moon in Virgo (September 7-20). The rituals carried out throughout this time give nice spiritual advantage. Ancestors are worshiped and each effort is made to meet their needs in order that they might relaxation in peace for the remainder of the 12 months.
Why ought to we do sraddha to the departed?
The truth is that we wouldn't be right here and be who we’re if it weren't for our ancestors. If we owe cash to Mr. X, however he leaves earlier than we pay our debt to him, that debt doesn't go away simply because he's elsewhere, proper? With this prayer to the Pitris, “Oh! Pitris, in no matter kind you might be, wherever you might be, we wish to bear in mind and pray in your peace and well-being, and give you oblations with devotion. Please bless us and forgive us any omissions and commissions in our life with you on this earth.” Might all of us categorical our gratitude to our ancestors and the Lord throughout this Mahãlaya Paksha.
The final day of Pitris Paksha is the Mahalay Amavasya October 1 (the darkish evening earlier than the brand new moon)- This takes place when the Solar and Moon are conjunct in Virgo. All ancestors are prayed for on today. The idea is that all of them come all the way down to earth from their abode to hitch the world of life for a day.
