His Holiness Swami Vidyadhishananda was graciously hosted by the International Siddhashram Shakti Centre in Harrow, London on Saturday, 1st April 2023. He offered chanting and a discourse, and was felicitated with a Certificate of Excellence by the World Book of Records for his matchless contribution in promoting Vedic heritage, universal peace and philosophical nuances of Sanskrit scriptures.

The coronation ceremony of HH Swami Vidyadhishananda celebrating His Holiness’s ascension as Head Pontiff of Sri Paramananda Ashram Trust Consortium (SriPAT) took place on Thursday, 23 February 2023 at the Sri Paramananda Maṭha campus, among the oldest institutions in the holy city of Prayagraj in Uttar Pradesh, India.

Monks and pontiffs from local ashrams, temples, monasteries and maṭha (monastically led schools with a Sanskrit curriculum) along with leaders from many esteemed institutions of other distant cities came together for this resplendent function to honour His Holiness and offered their obeisance.

This ceremony represents the culmination of the transition of leadership following the untimely passage of revered monk and head pontiff HH Swami Sharadananda Giri.

In attendance during the at-capacity event were Vedic school students, Vedic priests, scholars, professors, governmental heads, and an international delegation of pilgrims (representing 12 countries).

There were 42 monks, saints, and heads of institutions who draped His Holiness with their ceremonial-shawls to honour the coronation. More than 1100 guests including over 250 local community members partook of a full meal at the end of the ceremony and more than 800 of the guests were felicitated with gifts by the ashram.

Our beloved His Holiness Swami Vidyadhishananda is now ceremonially installed as the head pontiff and president of a consortium of five institutions in addition to being the President of both Hansavedas in the USA and its direct sister institution, Vedanidhi in India.

In this role as a head pontiff and a spiritual advisor of dharma, His Holiness represents our entire international sangha to various other institutions of academic repute and spiritual antiquity.

News coverage of the event has circulated widely. You are welcome to view this video news coverage with highlights of the 6-hour long proceedings which lasted from 8 am to 2 pm. You can appreciate the long-standing tradition by seeing the attending monks conferring ordination shawls to the successor monk, His Holiness Swami Vidyadhishananda, during the ceremony.

Called pattabishekam, this was the high point of the ceremony along with the sprinkling of holy water taken from the sangam, the confluence of the rivers Ganga and Yamuna near the ashram which was further energized ceremonially. This confluence is the setting for the world’s largest spiritual gathering attracting some 50 to 70 million pilgrims once every few years to Prayagraj. The next Kumbha-mela will take place here in February 2025.

During Kumbha-mela, the Paramananda Ashram prepares food for over 2000 pilgrims every day for a month. On the day before the coronation, a Bhandara team (expert cooks who were hired for mass feeding) were working late into the night to prepare food for a gathering of 1200 guests. Students from the school and helpers served the multitude of guests who lined the courtyards and corridors of the ashram after the ceremony.

We share our soulful gratitude for your participation and presence during 2022 – a year when the Nonprofit has been rebuilding the foundation of its mission: in-person fellowships.

For the first time since 2019 we were able to host His Holiness Swami Vidyadhishananda at fellowships outside of Santa Barbara, including Houston, San Antonio, Austin, and
Carmichael in Northern California. Sadhvi Girija taught in-person workshops on Himalayan breathing in Santa Barbara and Houston. We appreciate that so many of you joined
us for this more intimate return to in-person fellowships.

In September we released a meditation e-course, Learn Mindfulness Meditation on Udemy.com, a global learning platform. This coursework’s high quality along with
its ratings have earned it a place in the Udemy Business Collection, a privilege reserved for the top 3% of courses.

His Holiness and Sadhvi Girija visited Northern California in November to look at potential properties and an offer was made on one property. While the purchase did not go through, this recent experience prepares us for swift action in 2023 as more properties come to market.

Your physical presence means so much as we continue rebuilding our in-person programming. Please save these dates for a return to in-person retreats in 2023:

1. Guru Purnimā Retreat – Camarillo, CA | 1st – 4th July
2. Initiation Meditation Retreats – Nevada City, CA | 10th Sept – 7th Oct

Our Nonprofit remains ever steadfast in its commitment to your spiritual wellbeing. May you keep this organization in your prayers. Thank you for your continuing support.

The upcoming total lunar eclipse of the Beaver Moon occurs on 7th – 8th November. The total lunar eclipse is often called a blood moon, as the Moon turns red. This second total lunar eclipse of 2022 is visible from Asia, Australia, North America, parts of northern and eastern Europe, and most of South America.

Thus the eclipse will be visible in the US, Russia, China, and Japan. It will be partially visible throughout the Americas and Asia, with some of the penumbral eclipse visible in northern Scandinavia and parts of the Middle East.

Kindly read this article and find out if you are affected, and thereafter click the link at the end of this article to take a short quiz about lunar and solar eclipses and learn more about these phenomena.

An eclipse event never occurs alone; at least one solar eclipse always occurs about two weeks before or after a lunar eclipse, though it might not be visible in the same regions of the world. Sometimes, there are three eclipse events during the same eclipse season.

Anywhere between zero and three lunar eclipses can occur in a calendar year. We know that the shadow of the Earth falling on the Moon brings about a lunar eclipse. This can happen only on a full moon when Moon and Sun are posited opposite in mutual aspect, while the Earth moves in between them and reduces the Moon’s light source.

In simple terms, the Earth’s shadow that falls on the Moon during a lunar eclipse is either penumbral or umbral. The penumbra is the lighter outer part of Earth’s shadow where only partial sunlight is obscured. The umbra is the dark, central part of Earth’s shadow where all sunlight is blocked—this is the phenomenon that creates ‘nighttime’.

When the Moon is fully encapsulated by the umbral shadow, we observe a total lunar eclipse from the Earth. If the Moon passes partially through the umbral shadow, then a partial lunar eclipse is observed from the Earth. An exclusive penumbral eclipse occurs when the Moon passes only through the penumbral portion of the shadow without touching the umbra.

As the Moon enters Earth’s umbral shadow, it will turn a rusty color as it reflects sunlight being refracted through the Earth’s atmosphere. In other words, the lunar eclipse is illuminated by all of Earth’s sunrises and sunsets reaching the moon, hence why a total lunar eclipse is often called a blood moon.

More details about the red hue can be found at:

https://www.timeanddate.com/eclipse/why-does-moon-look-red-lunar-eclipse.html

The exact time-period of this eclipse will depend upon the latitude and longitude of your location.

Here is an interactive map (scroll down the page to animate the eclipse map) detailing where this eclipse is visible:

https://www.timeanddate.com/eclipse/lunar/2022-november-8

This resource from NASA depicts the complete coordinates and durations:

https://eclipse.gsfc.nasa.gov/LEplot/LEplot2001/LE2022Nov08T.pdf

A lunar eclipse has nearly equal probability of being a total, partial umbral or only penumbral. Those of you studying or following the Saros cycle on periodicity of eclipses, please refer to this link for details:

https://eclipse.gsfc.nasa.gov/LEsaros/LEsaros134.html

As per the ancient Sanskrit soli-lunar calendar, the umbral eclipse time-period determines the actual impact of a lunar eclipse. For example, in Los Angeles, California the moon enters the umbra on Tuesday, 8th November from 1:09am and the total eclipse starts from 2:16am with the maximum eclipse at 2:59am; the total eclipse ends at 3:41am, and the moon leaves the umbra at 4:49am, as shown in this location guide:

https://www.timeanddate.com/eclipse/in/usa/los-angeles

You may determine the nature, extent, and time duration of the eclipse relevant to your location using the above link and creating your own location eclipse guide.

In general, eclipses indicate an interruption of the energy of the luminaries and hence are deemed as important events for life on Earth. An eclipse affects all plants and trees especially those on land receiving the sunlight and moonlight directly. Other living creatures such as birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians and even insects have been seen harnessing the power of these transitional events.

While animals seem to be attuned to the forces of nature and better informed, the effect of an eclipse on humans tends to manifest in different ways and to varying degrees. These effects can be analyzed based on the particular position or placement of luminaries at the time of one’s birth. This is calculated accurately by Sanskrit-based Jyotiṣa-vidyā, which astronomically maps the coordinates of the celestial bodies, including distant star clusters and asterisms, at the time of birth using a dynamic soli-lunar calendar.

This indigenous knowledge base (gaṇīta-śāstra or Vedic mathematics) is a Vedic Sanskrit heritage that is still practiced in India, and while the tradition retains its authentic depth, it is much less prevalent than before. If and how an eclipse affects an individual is a specific and detailed calculation and is in itself a vast subject. As such effects on an individual level are mostly out of our control, they are best mitigated at a personal level by way of contemplation or meditation.

Based on Jyotiṣa-vidyā, the effects of an eclipse can last for three to six months if of particular significance to an individual, whereas the effects can last for up to a year if relevant to a country. An eclipse of great magnitude influences life across the entire globe to varying degrees. It impacts in such a way that the effects do not necessarily manifest quickly, but rather develop over the subsequent months. Typically, the solar eclipse impacts more than the lunar eclipse with the effect lasting longer.

This upcoming lunar eclipse takes place on the Naxatra (star cluster or asterism) of Bharani (also known by their Latin classification) but affects the two other lunar asterisms in its triad. Thus, this lunar eclipse will affect the mind of anyone born with the Naxatra of Bharani (41 Arietis), Purvaphālguni (Delta Leonis (‘Zosma’) and Theta Leonis (‘Chertan’)), and Purvāṣāḍha (Delta Sagittarii (‘Kaus Media’) and Epsilon Sagittarii (‘Kaus Australis’)).

The latter two-star clusters are associated as part of the triad of star clusters affected. Likewise, every lunar eclipse will impact a triad of lunar star asterisms. This is why the birth star is deemed important from the perspective of an eclipse.

In addition, the constellations (houses) of Aries (Meṣa) and Libra (Tulā) of the zodiac are also impacted that is the axis of this lunar eclipse. The impact is more for Aries as the Moon is posited herein on the star asterism of Bharani (41 Arietis). This is also based on how the positions of the Northern Node (Rāhu) and Southern Node (Ketu) catches the transit Moon and Sun respectively.

Mindfulness and remedial spiritual practices are the call of such times. There is however the geological momentum and forces of nature that are verily beyond our control, and all we can do is share positive energy, mindful service and be prepared as best as possible.

Whereas eclipses and their effects have been either closely followed or studied by many traditions and cultures, meditators patiently wait for such moments to come forth. This is because the depth and power of meditation increases manifold during a visible eclipse. An event like this brings an excellent opportunity for enhancing one’s spiritual practice.

Regular and persistent practice of meditation can be made to culminate in a new level or the attainment of a special result, a siddhi, from an eclipse. From this perspective, a total eclipse or an “almost” total eclipse is a greater opportunity to excel in meditation, while a partial eclipse is somewhat less of an opportunity but nevertheless still worthwhile. Seekers in countries where the eclipse is only partially visible can still embrace the meditation practices even though the gainful effects will be milder; however, if the eclipse is not visible at all, the meditation benefits do not multiply.

For a meditator to gain the maximum advantage, Sanskrit literature suggests fasting for 9 hours ahead of the start time for a lunar eclipse (and fasting 12 hours in the case of a solar eclipse). This is of course difficult to practise with the modern lifestyle, especially when working during the day. However, some of the other aspects of preparing for an eclipse could perhaps be done, such as fasting during the entire eclipse period and even abstaining from drinking water during the eclipse. One can drink just enough water ahead of time so that the contemplative practices during the eclipse are not interrupted. Those not able to fast can have a light snack well ahead of the eclipse. Food and drinks are not taken during or at the beginning of the eclipse.

It is traditional among those who follow the eclipse routine to take a wash (a shower) right before the onset of the umbral eclipse and then take another shower just after the end of the umbral eclipse. These washes or showers can be undertaken during the penumbral phase of the eclipse. The two showers or full body ablutions are associated with two changes of fresh clothes and is known as a samputi system of locking the energy of the eclipse through a customary cleansing. In case of a lunar eclipse, showers or ablutions can be taken during the beginning and ending penumbral periods sandwiching the umbral meditation session.

Taking rest after the second shower would be deemed normal. Fasting can be ended right after this shower and change of clothes. A well-structured pre-planned meditation is usually better practised indoors in a familiar surrounding remaining on one’s own seat of repose (āsanam) without the distraction of outside environment.

In the example for Los Angeles, California, the first shower or ablution can be taken after the onset of the penumbral eclipse after 12:02am on Tuesday, 8th November but before the 1:09am umbral eclipse and thereafter the second shower or ablution may be taken right after 4:49am at the end of the umbral eclipse but ideally before 5:56am (end of penumbral eclipse).

This in Los Angeles, the entire umbral eclipse time-period of 1:09am until 4:49am on 8th November can be used for the meditation practice. Furthermore, maximum intensity of meditation practice can be applied during the time period of total lunar eclipse from 2:16am to 3:41am, while planning for the highest intensity of practice overlapping with the maximum lunar eclipse at 2:59am.

It would be wise to make sure that at least one complete meditation session is done. The peak eclipse is the most intense. Therefore, for those wishing to meditate during the eclipse or preparing to intensify their existing contemplation, may plan the practice to maximize the overlap with the period of the peak eclipse period.

One might need to extend the meditation time by repeating one’s usual meditation techniques several times. In that case, repeating a sequence an odd number of times (such as thrice) is better than an even number. However, the depth and quality are more important than number of repetitions.

This is a summary of relevant recommendations from the Sanskrit literature. It is best to utilize this rare opportunity to intensify personal contemplation or meditation practice.

We invite you to take this QUIZ to check your understanding about lunar and solar eclipses and learn additional information about these celestial phenomena.

The upcoming total lunar eclipse on 15 – 16 May of the Flower Moon (starting at 7:27pm on 15th May on the West coast of United States) will be visible in the entire Americas, Africa, and Western Europe.

Kindly read this article and find out if you are affected, and thereafter click the link at the end of this article to take a short quiz about lunar and solar eclipses and learn more about these phenomena.

An eclipse event never occurs alone; at least one solar eclipse always occurs about two weeks before or after a lunar eclipse, though it might not be visible in the same regions of the world. Sometimes, there are three eclipse events during the same eclipse season.

Anywhere between zero and three lunar eclipses can occur in a calendar year. We know that the shadow of the Earth falling on the Moon brings about a lunar eclipse. This can happen only on a full moon when Moon and Sun are posited opposite in mutual aspect, while the Earth moves in between them and reduces the Moon’s light source.

In simple terms, the Earth’s shadow that falls on the Moon during a lunar eclipse is either penumbral or umbral. The penumbra is the lighter outer part of Earth’s shadow where only partial sunlight is obscured. The umbra is the dark, central part of Earth’s shadow where all sunlight is blocked—this is the phenomenon that creates ‘nighttime’.

When the Moon is fully encapsulated by the umbral shadow, we observe a total lunar eclipse from the Earth. If the Moon passes partially through the umbral shadow, then a partial lunar eclipse is observed from the Earth. An exclusive penumbral eclipse occurs when the Moon passes only through the penumbral portion of the shadow without touching the umbra.

As the Moon enters Earth’s umbral shadow, it will turn a rusty color as it reflects sunlight being refracted through the Earth’s atmosphere. In other words, the lunar eclipse is illuminated by all of Earth’s sunrises and sunsets reaching the moon, hence why a total lunar eclipse is often called a blood moon.

More details about the red hue can be found at:

https://www.timeanddate.com/eclipse/why-does-moon-look-red-lunar-eclipse.html

The exact time-period of this eclipse will depend upon the latitude and longitude of your location.

Here is an interactive map (scroll down the page to animate the eclipse map) detailing where this eclipse is visible:

https://www.timeanddate.com/eclipse/lunar/2022-may-16

A lunar eclipse has nearly equal probability of being a total, partial umbral or only penumbral. Those of you studying or following the Saros cycle on periodicity of eclipses, please refer to this link for details:

https://eclipse.gsfc.nasa.gov/LEsaros/LEsaros134.html

As per the ancient Sanskrit soli-lunar calendar, the umbral eclipse time-period determines the actual impact of a lunar eclipse. For example, in Los Angeles, California the moon enters the umbra on Sunday, 15th May from 7:27pm, however it will be appear above the horizon only from 7:40pm; the total eclipse starts from 8:29pm with the maximum eclipse at 9:11pm; the total eclipse ends at 9:53pm, and the moon leaves the umbra at 10:55pm, as shown in this location guide:

https://www.timeanddate.com/eclipse/in/usa/los-angeles

You may determine the nature, extent, and time duration of the eclipse relevant to your location using the above link and creating your own location eclipse guide.

In general, eclipses indicate an interruption of the energy of the luminaries and hence are deemed as important events for life on Earth. An eclipse affects all plants and trees especially those on land receiving the sunlight and moonlight directly. Other living creatures such as birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians and even insects have been seen harnessing the power of these transitional events.

While animals seem to be attuned to the forces of nature and better informed, the effect of an eclipse on humans tends to manifest in different ways and to varying degrees. These effects can be analyzed based on the particular position or placement of luminaries at the time of one’s birth. This is calculated accurately by Sanskrit-based Jyotiṣa-vidyā, which astronomically maps the coordinates of the celestial bodies, including distant star clusters and asterisms, at the time of birth using a dynamic soli-lunar calendar.

This indigenous knowledge base (gaṇīta-śāstra or Vedic mathematics) is a Vedic Sanskrit heritage that is still practiced in India, and while the tradition retains its authentic depth, it is much less prevalent than before. If and how an eclipse affects an individual is a specific and detailed calculation and is in itself a vast subject. As such effects on an individual level are mostly out of our control, they are best mitigated at a personal level by way of contemplation or meditation.

Based on Jyotiṣa-vidyā, the effects of an eclipse can last for three to six months if of particular significance to an individual, whereas the effects can last for up to a year if relevant to a country. An eclipse of great magnitude influences life across the entire globe to varying degrees. It impacts in such a way that the effects do not necessarily manifest quickly, but rather develop over the subsequent months. Typically, the solar eclipse impacts more than the lunar eclipse with the effect lasting longer.

This upcoming lunar eclipse takes place on the Naxatra (star cluster or asterism) of Viśākhā (also known in the Latin classification as the stars Alpha, Beta, Gamma and Iota Librae) but affects the two other lunar asterisms in its triad. Thus, this lunar eclipse will affect the mind of anyone born with the Naxatra of Viśākhā, Punarvasu (stars Castor and Pollux), and Purva-bhādra-pada (stars Alpha and Beta Pegasi); the latter two-star clusters are associated as part of the triad of star clusters affected. Likewise, every lunar eclipse will impact a triad of lunar star asterisms. This is why the birth star is deemed important from the perspective of an eclipse.

Mindfulness and remedial spiritual practices are the call of such times. There is however the geological momentum and forces of nature that are verily beyond our control, and all we can do is share positive energy, mindful service and be prepared as best as possible.

Whereas eclipses and their effects have been either closely followed or studied by many traditions and cultures, meditators patiently wait for such moments to come forth. This is because the depth and power of meditation increases manifold during a visible eclipse. An event like this brings an excellent opportunity for enhancing one’s spiritual practice.

Regular and persistent practice of meditation can be made to culminate in a new level or the attainment of a special result, a siddhi, from an eclipse. From this perspective, a total eclipse or an “almost” total eclipse is a greater opportunity to excel in meditation, while a partial eclipse is somewhat less of an opportunity but nevertheless still worthwhile. Seekers in countries where the eclipse is only partially visible can still embrace the meditation practices even though the gainful effects will be milder; however, if the eclipse is not visible at all, the meditation benefits do not multiply.

For a meditator to gain the maximum advantage, Sanskrit literature suggests fasting for 9 hours ahead of the start time for a lunar eclipse (and fasting 12 hours in the case of a solar eclipse). This is of course difficult to practise with the modern lifestyle, especially when working during the day. However, some of the other aspects of preparing for an eclipse could perhaps be done, such as fasting during the entire eclipse period and even abstaining from drinking water during the eclipse. One can drink just enough water ahead of time so that the contemplative practices during the eclipse are not interrupted. Those not able to fast can have a light snack well ahead of the eclipse. Food and drinks are not taken during or at the beginning of the eclipse.

It is traditional among those who follow the eclipse routine to take a wash (a shower) right before the onset of the umbral eclipse and then take another shower just after the end of the umbral eclipse. These washes or showers can be undertaken during the penumbral phase of the eclipse. The two showers or full body ablutions are associated with two changes of fresh clothes and is known as a samputi system of locking the energy of the eclipse through a customary cleansing. In case of a lunar eclipse, showers or ablutions can be taken during the beginning and ending penumbral periods sandwiching the umbral meditation session.

Taking rest after the second shower would be deemed normal. Fasting can be ended right after this shower and change of clothes. A well-structured pre-planned meditation is usually better practised indoors in a familiar surrounding remaining on one’s own seat of repose (āsanam) without the distraction of outside environment.

In the example for Los Angeles, California, the first shower or ablution can be taken after the onset of the penumbral eclipse after 6:32pm but before the 7:27pm umbral eclipse and thereafter the second shower or ablution may be taken right after 10:55pm at the end of the umbral eclipse but ideally before 11:50pm (end of penumbral eclipse).

In Los Angeles, the entire umbral eclipse time-period of 7:27pm until 10:55pm on 15th May can be used for the meditation practice. Furthermore, maximum intensity of meditation practice can be applied during the time period of total lunar eclipse from 8:29pm to 9:53pm, while planning for the highest intensity of practice overlapping with the maximum lunar eclipse at 9:11pm.

It would be wise to make sure that at least one complete meditation session is done. The peak eclipse is the most intense. Therefore, for those wishing to meditate during the eclipse or preparing to intensify their existing contemplation, may plan the practice to maximize the overlap with the period of the peak eclipse period.

One might need to extend the meditation time by repeating one’s usual meditation techniques several times. In that case, repeating a sequence an odd number of times (such as thrice) is better than an even number. However, the depth and quality are more important than number of repetitions.

This is a summary of relevant recommendations from the Sanskrit literature. It is best to utilize this rare opportunity to intensify personal contemplation or meditation practice.

We invite you to take this QUIZ to check your understanding about lunar and solar eclipses and learn additional information about these celestial phenomena.

We convey our heartfelt gratitude to you, our donors and well-wishers, and acknowledge your unwavering support. This Annual Gratitude Report has been prepared in a new format for the first time this year with the goal of giving you a visual understanding of our Nonprofit’s impact.

Much like in 2020, our ability to host in-person events this past year was severely limited. We appreciate that so many of you joined us in fellowship online. Our Academy app and Sambhala ecoursework curriculum continued their rapid development despite the untimely loss of our beloved head of the monastic council, His Holiness Swami Sharadananda Giri.

As your participation binds us together and builds momentum in 2022, let us nurture our Nonprofit in the following ways:

1. Remember our noble Nonprofit in your prayers
2. Subscribe to Hansavedas Academy and download the app
3. Follow the articles and event postings on our main website, hansavedas.org

Our Nonprofit remains unwaveringly committed to your spiritual upliftment. Thank you again for your continuing support and benevolent participation.

The upcoming “almost” total lunar eclipse of the Micro Beaver Full Moon on 18-19 November (starting at 10:02pm of 18th November on the West coast of United States) will be visible in its entirety in northern east Asia and most of North America. In these areas, where the maximum eclipse will be visible, 99.4% of the moon’s diameter will be obscured by the Earth’s shadow.

Lasting 3 hours 28 minutes and 23 seconds, it will also be the longest eclipse this century and the longest in 580 years. This is because the moon will arrive at its apogee on 20th November and will therefore be moving at the slowest pace of its orbit around the Earth.

Kindly read this article and thereafter click the link at the end of this article to take a short quiz about lunar and solar eclipses and learn more about these phenomena.

An eclipse event never occurs alone; at least one solar eclipse always occurs about two weeks before or after a lunar eclipse, though it might not be visible in the same regions of the world. Sometimes, there are three eclipse events during the same eclipse season.

Anywhere between zero and three lunar eclipses can occur in a calendar year. We know that the shadow of the Earth falling on the Moon brings about a lunar eclipse. This can happen only on a full moon when Moon and Sun are posited opposite of mutual conjunction, while the Earth moves in between them and reduces the Moon’s light source.

In simple terms, the Earth’s shadow that falls on the Moon during a lunar eclipse is either penumbral or umbral. The penumbra is the lighter outer part of Earth’s shadow where only partial sunlight is obscured. The umbra is the dark, central part of Earth’s shadow where all sunlight is blocked—this is the phenomenon that creates ‘nighttime’.

When the Moon is fully encapsulated by the umbral shadow, we observe a total lunar eclipse from the Earth. If the Moon passes partially through the umbral shadow, then a partial lunar eclipse is observed from the Earth. An exclusive penumbral eclipse occurs when the Moon passes only through the penumbral portion of the shadow without touching the umbra.

As the Moon enters Earth’s umbral shadow, it will turn a rusty color as it reflects sunlight being refracted through the Earth’s atmosphere. In other words, the lunar eclipse is illuminated by all of Earth’s sunrises and sunsets reaching the moon, hence why a total lunar eclipse is often called a blood moon.

More details about the red hue can be found at:

https://www.timeanddate.com/eclipse/why-does-moon-look-red-lunar-eclipse.html

The exact time-period of this eclipse will depend upon the latitude and longitude of your location.

Here is an interactive map detailing where this eclipse is visible:

https://www.timeanddate.com/eclipse/lunar/2021-november-19

A lunar eclipse has nearly equal probability of being a total, partial umbral or only penumbral. Those of you studying or following the Saros cycle on periodicity of eclipses, please refer to this link for details:

https://eclipse.gsfc.nasa.gov/LEsaros/LEsaros134.html

As per the ancient Sanskrit soli-lunar calendar, the umbral eclipse time-period determines the actual impact of a lunar eclipse. For example, in Los Angeles, California the moon enters the umbra on Thursday, 18th November from 11:18pm; the maximum eclipse is at 01:02am on 19th November; and the moon leaves the umbra at 2:47am, as shown in this location guide:

https://www.timeanddate.com/eclipse/in/usa/los-angeles

You may determine the nature, extent, and time duration of the eclipse relevant to your location using the above link.

In general, eclipses indicate an interruption of the energy of the luminaries and hence are deemed as important events for life on Earth. An eclipse affects all plants and trees especially those on land receiving the sunlight and moonlight directly. Other living creatures such as birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians and even insects have been seen harnessing the power of these transitional events.

While animals seem to be attuned to the forces of nature and better informed, the effect of an eclipse on humans tends to manifest in different ways and to varying degrees. These effects can be analyzed based on the particular position or placement of luminaries at the time of one’s birth. This is calculated accurately by Sanskrit-based Jyotiṣa-vidyā, which astronomically maps the coordinates of the celestial bodies, including distant star clusters and asterisms, at the time of birth using a dynamic soli-lunar calendar.

This indigenous knowledge base (gaṇīta-śāstra or Vedic mathematics) is a Vedic Sanskrit heritage that is still practiced in India, and while the tradition retains its authentic depth, it is much less prevalent than before. If and how an eclipse affects an individual is a specific and detailed calculation and is in itself a vast subject. As such effects on an individual level are mostly out of our control, they are best mitigated at a personal level by way of contemplation or meditation.

Based on Jyotiṣa-vidyā, the effects of an eclipse can last for three to six months if of particular significance to an individual, whereas the effects can last for up to a year if relevant to a country. An eclipse of great magnitude influences life across the entire globe to varying degrees. It impacts in such a way that the effects do not necessarily manifest quickly, but rather develop over the subsequent months.

Mindfulness and extra care are the call of these times in making our footprint as minimalistic as possible when it comes to our lives impacting the environment. There is however the geological momentum and forces of nature that are verily beyond our control, and all we can do is share positive energy, mindful service and be prepared as best as possible.

Whereas eclipses and their effects have been either closely followed or studied by many traditions and cultures, meditators patiently wait for such moments to come forth. This is because the depth and power of meditation increases manifold during an eclipse. An event like this brings an excellent opportunity for enhancing one’s spiritual practice.

Regular and persistent practice of meditation can be made to culminate in a new level or the attainment of a special result, a siddhi, from an eclipse. From this perspective, a total eclipse or an “almost” total eclipse is a greater opportunity to excel in meditation, while a partial eclipse is somewhat less of an opportunity but nevertheless still worthwhile. Seekers in countries where the eclipse is only partially visible can still embrace the meditation practices even though the gainful effects will be milder; however, if the eclipse is not visible at all, the meditation benefits do not multiply.

For a meditator to gain the maximum advantage, Sanskrit literature suggests fasting for 9 hours ahead of the start time for a lunar eclipse (and fasting 12 hours in the case of a solar eclipse). This is of course difficult to practise with the modern lifestyle, especially when working during the day. However, some of the other aspects of preparing for an eclipse could perhaps be done, such as fasting during the entire eclipse period and even abstaining from drinking water during the eclipse. One can drink just enough water ahead of time so that the contemplative practices during the eclipse are not interrupted. Those not able to fast can have a light snack well ahead of the eclipse. Food and drinks are not taken during or at the beginning of the eclipse.

It is traditional among those who follow the eclipse routine to take a wash (a shower) right before the onset of the umbral eclipse and then take another shower just after the end of the umbral eclipse. These washes or showers can be undertaken during the penumbral phase of the eclipse. The two showers or full body ablutions are associated with two changes of fresh clothes and is known as a samputi system of locking the energy of the eclipse through a customary cleansing. In case of a lunar eclipse, showers or ablutions can be taken during the beginning and ending penumbral periods sandwiching the umbral meditation session.

Taking rest after the second shower would be deemed normal. Fasting can be ended right after this shower and change of clothes. A well-structured pre-planned meditation is usually better practised indoors in a familiar surrounding remaining on one’s own seat of repose (āsana) without the distraction of outside environment.

In the example for Los Angeles, California, the first shower or ablution can be taken after the onset of the penumbral eclipse at 10:02pm but before the 11:18pm umbral eclipse and thereafter the second shower or ablution may be taken right after 02:47am at the end of the umbral eclipse (Moonset happens at 05:53am). The entire umbral eclipse time-period of 11:18pm on 18th November until 02:47am on 19th November can be used for the meditation practice. Furthermore, maximum intensity of meditation practice can be applied during the maximum lunar eclipse at 01:02am on 19th November.

It would be wise to make sure that at least one complete meditation session is done. The peak eclipse is the most intense. Therefore, for those wishing to meditate during the eclipse or preparing to intensify their existing contemplation, may plan the practice to maximize the overlap with the period of the peak eclipse period.

One might need to extend the meditation time by repeating one’s usual meditation techniques several times. In that case, repeating a sequence an odd number of times (such as thrice) is better than an even number. However, the depth and quality are more important than number of repetitions.

This is a summary of relevant recommendations from the Sanskrit literature. It is best to utilize this rare opportunity to intensify personal contemplation or meditation practice.

We invite you to take this QUIZ to check your understanding about lunar and solar eclipses and learn additional information about these celestial phenomena.

Namaste Venerable Seeker,

Heartiest greetings and earnest blessings on the occasion of Dipāvalī (popularly known as Diwali) being celebrated worldwide on this New Moon. The translation of this Sanskrit word implies arrays of lights – consisting of strings of lights linked together to reveal the lighted path.

This is the joyous Festival of Lights, when lamps are lit to invite plenitude while fireworks light the way for departed ancestors. The fourteenth day of this waning lunar fortnight (Naraka-Caturdaśi) is when departed souls are given a sendoff with firecrackers that symbolize starlight.

The fortnight that ended with the previous New Moon is dedicated in the long-standing Sanskrit tradition to the ancestors whose departed souls descend to greet their progeny and families through the upper atmospheric spheres that are layered upon the earth. The families get a chance to correct any deficiency in previously undertaken last rites and redeem themselves through spiritual observances and charities.

This facilitates the ascension of previous generations who bore us unto this earth. The Sanskrit tradition urges us to bring about a closure to the unfinished ceremonies aimed at appeasement of departed souls resting and ascending in peace into the subtle worlds.

Under normal circumstances, the higher quarters of air and space (vāyu-maṇdala and vyoma-maṇdala) above the earth cannot be easily penetrated by the subtle bodies of departed souls who might like to revisit their grieving families or any graves. Vedic sages reveal to us that during this dedicated fortnightly time period, which comes once a year, the higher realms become porous to the subtle bodies.

Thus the departed souls can take a closer peek at their progeny as if descending to the lives on earth! Therefore, this time period has been deemed important for remembrance of the departed elders and rounding up any unfulfilled last rites meant for peaceful ascension.

The day before this New Moon is dedicated to the return of those ancestral souls who descended more than a month ago to bless their kith and kin that they left behind. This New Moon is therefore the opportunity to mitigate the prayerful closure and is thereby an invitation for prosperity through blessings.

The ability of departed souls in their subtle bodies to partially descend through the perforated subtle layers on earth reveals the secrets of a higher dimension of our earth and environment. Similarly even though the lamp lighting and fireworks of Dipāvali are symbolic festivities, they bear subtle relationship with our noble affirmations and our connections with familial lineages.

Seekers, having appeased the forces that control the flow of old wealth, specifically from the familial ancestors, then invite plenitude and celebrate peacemaking. All hankerings for the world outside of the realm of hard-earned dharmic wealth ultimately arise out of attachment and greed, thereby continuously breeding afflictions. Deliverance therefrom is brought about through the light of seeking, which matures into a devotional understanding of how to fulfill needs through a harmonious existence.

Contrarily, the prevailing ethos of commercialized materialism has conditioned us to accept that wealth is created for the sake of wealth – that wealth has its own inherent value no matter how it is achieved. The decadence of governance and the ensuing political corruption, oppressive mandates, and cultural shaming of those who seek a natural way of living are setting up a future of unrest. The politically inept decisions are bound to be blindsided by blowback. The kickbacks from hand-in-glove machinations of the centres of power do not support societal infrastructure and instead exploit the unsuspecting masses.

The effects of covert tinkering by oligarchs, corporate moguls and wealthy cabals are now visibly palpable. This trajectory defines the accelerating decline of an empire whose stalwarts secretly savour their financial returns amidst economic chaos. In contrast, the ethos of Dipavali emphasizes the saving and protecting of lighted paths attained through truthful deeds. It seems there is no meeting point of values between this spiritual ethos and the extremism of a great reset perpetrated through financial engineering that benefits the few and deceives the many.

Fear starts gripping when love stops short of infinity! Humanity is evermore witnessing scaremongering using doomsday predictions. A loathing for humanity itself is creeping in the mindset due to the onslaught of various misanthropic warnings about oncoming human extinction. Dipāvali celebration is meant to affirm the power of the lamp within, the light of consciousness that shines everything else in life toward fulfillment.

The exploitive disruption in its many forms is bringing about moral seizures among those who rely on the supply chain infrastructure of their communities. These provoke the structural fractures that are bringing about social dislocation that is palpable now. Moreover, during these tumultuous times, violence is also being accepted as a form of purification as we see the drumbeats of emerging conflicts worldwide. This Dipāvali festival is thus even more meaningful as it brightens and offsets these psychological black holes in our awareness.

Contemplation of the absolute light within chastises the impure formulations in the mind. Furthermore, it brings about a balance that is bereft of vexation or exultation during the discharging of duties. Circumstances and happenings that cross our path arise due to the urges that initiated this life, as per the force of karma. Yes, during these turbulent times earnestness might not be enough, and you might need to exert. The light of Dipāvali urges us to exert without anxiety and fear, but with faith and love.

Let us take a moment to remind ourselves that the spirit of Dipāvali guides us to share without hoarding, to partake in the just use of resources and to make wealth through honest means following the principles of dharma. This could be considered impractical in the current circumstances, but it is the virtue earned from such adherence that provides solace and saving grace.

दीपावली शुभाशयाः – Happy Dīpāvalī,
Swami Vidyadhishananda

Namaste Venerable Friends,

Summer solstice blesses us with the longest day of the year. Our nervous system is most active during daylight. This is why many meditation techniques are practiced before sunrise or sometimes after sunset before the nighttime rest. Our moods and emotional wellbeing are dependent on the sunlight and its duration, and longer days are a means to be either more active or planning for some time off to experience being with the light. Thus, there is the tendency to plan vacations during these longer days.

The nerves calm down during darkness, and while meditation or rumination is better suited at those times, there are many higher yoga techniques that are better practiced during the daylight. Summer is an ideal time to brush up on yoga practices that are based on guided movements, such as in yoga-vinyasa-krama wherein the breath leads the movement effecting a synchronized ballet of postures and counter postures.

Similarly, active capacity to work increases during longer days despite the shackles of an indoor work environment. And some of that spare energy can be used to facilitate grounding and other outdoor activities. Much of these activities are planned based on the change of weather and feasibility of outdoor recreational activities. This extra energy and urge to be active is naturally brought about by the longer daylight periods.

While we always welcome the extra daylight when planning outdoor activities, solstice is a reminder that there is much more to life than increasing its speed. Direction is so much more than speed. Otherwise, you go nowhere fast. To the one anchored in mindfulness, those who are busy seem to be running and chasing after something.

Those who believe in the quality of their work, and who treat the ideal behind work as worship, find that becoming unimportant gives them peace. Not seeking reward is a way of naturally letting go. When remaining unrecognized no longer bothers the heart, then freedom is said to be near. It is possible to be unimportant and unrecognized when serving unrushed while experiencing the present mindfully. The right direction will take you afar even without expectation.

You are not what you have achieved. You will know the value of your contribution for the greater good when you have overcome your subtle fears. Success resides in the internal victory over tendencies that prick your conscience. Having overcome such tendencies, you can watch the duties discharged effortlessly without the need for a claim to fame or to keep up the chase. The Summer solstice is a good juncture to evaluate your ramp-up with speed.

Do you really need to increase the experience of the world and become important, or would you like to be peaceful while being more efficient due to the reposeful mind of a true server? A server is satiated by the after-effect poise from serving. Becoming pleased or upset based respectively on either a favourable or a detrimental situation is a loss of freedom. An ardent server does not crave favour, but reposes in the joy of participation. Moreover, service satiates the desire to be served in return, and freedom is inherent in that state of mindfulness.

Acting without thinking begets regret. Thinking without acting brings frustration. On this Summer solstice when the daylight is at its maximum, make an affirmation for invoking the light of silence. The pause of silence allows for reflection. The light makes way for clarity of vision. Following through with mindful actions after thinking them through is harnessed from the lighted silence. Reflective pause allows you to be neither inactive nor reactive but be wisely proactive. In this way, save and protect the lighted paths attained through truthful deeds.

With abounding light of blessings on this Summer solstice,
Swami Vidyadhishananda

Coordinates of the Summer Solstice:

June 21, 2021  03:33 GMT
June 20, 2021 11:33 PM US EDT
June 20, 2021 10:33 PM US CDT
June 20, 2021 8:33 PM US PDT
June 21, 2021 9:03 AM IST

The upcoming solar eclipse will have its annular phase visible from parts of Russia, Greenland, and northern Canada. Those in Northern Asia, Europe, and in the North-eastern parts of the United States, including the Midwest, will see a partial eclipse.

An eclipse event never occurs alone; at least one solar eclipse always occurs about two weeks before or after a lunar eclipse, though it might not be visible in the same regions of the world. Usually, there are two eclipses in a row, but sometimes there are three during the same eclipse season such as in 2020. Please read this article and thereafter click the link at the end to take a short quiz about lunar and solar eclipses and learn more about these phenomena.

The greatest duration of this annular solar eclipse, with its characteristic ring of fire, lasts 03m 51s. The exact time period of this eclipse will depend upon the latitude and longitude of a particular location, but if one is not on the path of the annular eclipse, the solar eclipse will be only partially visible depending upon one’s distance from the path of the maximum point.

Wherever lunar eclipses are not visible, their impact is greatly reduced on those parts of Earth. However, major solar eclipses usually have impact throughout the globe. The impact of a solar eclipse is of course highest for the regions and inhabitants of those regions where the solar eclipse is visible.

You may determine the nature, extent, and time duration of the eclipse relevant to your location here:

https://www.timeanddate.com/eclipse/solar/2021-june-10

Here is an interactive map detailing where this eclipse is visible:

https://www.timeanddate.com/eclipse/map/2021-june-10?n=250

The link below provides additional information via NASA regarding the path of the eclipse:

https://eclipse.gsfc.nasa.gov/SEplot/SEplot2001/SE2021Jun10A.GIF

The periodicity and recurrence of solar (and lunar) eclipses is governed by the Saros cycle, a period of approximately 6,585.3 days (18 years 11 days 8 hours). Those of you studying or following the Saros cycle on periodicity of eclipses, please refer to this link for details:

https://eclipse.gsfc.nasa.gov/SEsaros/SEsaros0-180.html

The link below provides extensive details about the June 10^th eclipse as well as other upcoming eclipses:

https://eclipse.gsfc.nasa.gov/SEdecade/SEdecade2021.html

If at all for astronomical interest the eclipse is watched, it is best to use good protection for the eyes. That is because if you are watching, you may catch a glimpse of the brilliant solar surface, and this might induce retinal damage. Solar eclipse-safe telescopes or protective solar eclipse goggles, and not regular sunglasses, can be used for safety. Please study the link below if you are indeed planning to look at the eclipse for academic reasons. It is advisable to use the correct type of protection.

In general, eclipses indicate an interruption of the energy of the luminaries and hence are deemed as important events for life on Earth. An eclipse affects all plants and trees especially those on land receiving the sunlight and moonlight directly. Other living creatures such as birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians and even insects have been seen harnessing the power of these transitional events.

While animals seem to be attuned to the forces of nature and better informed, the effect of an eclipse on humans tends to manifest in different ways and to varying degrees. These effects can be analyzed based on the particular position or placement of luminaries at the time of one’s birth. This is calculated accurately by Sanskrit-based Jyotiṣa-vidyā, which astronomically maps the coordinates of the celestial bodies, including distant star clusters and asterisms, at the time of birth using a dynamic soli-lunar calendar.

This indigenous knowledge base (gaṇīta-śāstra or Vedic mathematics) is a Vedic Sanskrit heritage that is still practiced in India, and while the tradition retains its authentic depth, it is much less prevalent than before. If and how an eclipse affects an individual is a specific and detailed calculation and is in itself a vast subject. As such effects on an individual level are mostly out of our control, they are best mitigated at a personal level by way of contemplation or meditation.

Based on Jyotiṣa-vidyā, the effects of an eclipse can last for three to six months if of particular significance to an individual, whereas the effects can last for up to a year if relevant to a country. An eclipse of great magnitude influences life across the entire globe to varying degrees. It impacts in such a way that the effects do not necessarily manifest quickly, but rather develop over the subsequent months.

Mindfulness and extra care are the call of these times in making our footprint as minimalistic as possible when it comes to our lives impacting the environment. There is however the geological momentum and forces of nature that are verily beyond our control, and all we can do is share positive energy, mindful service and be prepared as best as possible.

Whereas eclipses and their effects have been either closely followed or studied by many traditions and cultures, meditators patiently wait for such moments to come forth. This is because the depth and power of meditation increases manifold during an eclipse. An event like this brings an excellent opportunity for enhancing one’s spiritual practice.

Regular and persistent practice of meditation can be made to culminate in a new level or the attainment of a special result, a siddhi, from an eclipse. From this perspective, a total eclipse is a greater opportunity to excel in meditation, while a partial eclipse is somewhat less of an opportunity but nevertheless still worthwhile. Seekers in countries where the eclipse is only partially visible can still embrace the meditation practices even though the effects will be milder; however, if the eclipse is not visible at all, the meditation benefits do not multiply.

For a meditator to gain the maximum advantage, Sanskrit literature suggests fasting 12 hours in the case of a solar eclipse. This is of course difficult to practise with the modern lifestyle, especially when working during the day. However, some of the other aspects of preparing for an eclipse could perhaps be done, such as fasting during the entire eclipse period and even abstaining from drinking water during the eclipse. One can drink just enough water ahead of time so that the contemplative practices during the eclipse are not interrupted. Those not able to fast can have a light snack well ahead of the eclipse. Food and drinks are not taken during or at the beginning of the eclipse.

It is traditional among those who follow the eclipse routine to take a wash (a shower) right before the onset of the eclipse and then take another shower just after the end of the eclipse. The two showers or full body ablutions are associated with two changes of fresh clothes and is known as a samputi system of locking the energy of the meditation through a customary cleansing.

Taking rest after the second shower would be deemed normal. Fasting can be ended right after this shower and change of clothes. A well-structured pre-planned meditation is usually better practised indoors in a familiar surrounding remaining on one’s own seat of repose (āsana).

It would be wise to make sure that at least one complete meditation technique or a session is done. The peak eclipse is the most intense. Therefore, for those wishing to meditate during the eclipse or preparing to intensify their existing contemplation, may plan the practice to maximize the overlap with the period of the peak eclipse period.

One might need to extend the meditation time by repeating one’s usual meditation techniques several times. In that case, repeating a sequence an odd number of times (such as thrice) is better than an even number. However, the depth and quality are more important than number of repetitions.

This is a summary of relevant recommendations from the Sanskrit literature. It is best to utilize this rare opportunity to intensify personal contemplation or meditation practice.

We invite you to take this QUIZ to check your understanding about lunar and solar eclipses and learn additional information about these celestial phenomena.