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The full text of the Qualities of An Ideal Human Being from the Shrimad Bhagavatam is available for download here:

The Qualities of An Ideal Human Being

According to Narada Purana, there are six stages of Sannyas.

Kutirchak - Who dwells in a hut, practically one who practices his or her own sadhana and studies according to his or her own rhythm.

Bahudak - Who visits many teachers, learns their ways, employs their knowledge, and explores how to integrate various teachings into his or her own discipline.

Hamsa - Who employs discrimination in discerning what practices fit into his or her own life style.

Paramahamsa - Who has supreme discrimination, and whose life style is always an inspiration to others.

Turyatita - Who has moved beyond the bonds of karma and is fixed in stillness.

Avadhuta - Who is centered in Oneness, whether sitting in samadhi or acting in the world, his or her own center is never compromised.

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Mantras from the Saraswati Kavach:

The full text of the Saraswati Kavach from the Devi Bhagavatam (text and Roman transliteration) is available for download here:

Saraswati Kavach

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~~OM~~

When love is tainted by selfishness, it cannot illumine at all. Self is lovelessness; Love is selflessness. Love gives and forgives. Self gets and forgets. Love can never entertain the idea of revenge, for it sees all others as Oneself. When the tongue is hurt by the teeth, do you seek vengeance against the teeth? No, they both belong to you and are integral parts of your body. So too, when some other person insults you or inflicts pain, allow wisdom to have mastery over you. Discover the truth and do not rush to conclusions, always keeping love as your guide. This is a difficult task, but not beyond your capacity. Embark on this task with ardor and faith, you will attain sweet victory.

~~OM~~

A devotee shares his love and devotion to Shree Maa and Swamiji in this beautiful poem in Marathi.

Chotich Murti Piwali Vastra Dhaari |
Sooti Kesh Jiche Janu Keshi Ari ||
Bhaali Charche Kumkum Jasaa Tri-nayanaa |
Namaksar Tya Shree Maa Ni Swami Ranaa ||1||

Meaning: You are petite and you wear Yellow clothes. Your hair is open as is of Kesi Ari (Krishna). You have Bindi on your forehead as if that’s your third eye. We Bow to Shree Maa and Swamiji.

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There are sixteen initiations which a sadhu can take. They are:

1. Guru Mantra
2. Japa Mala
3. Loin Cloth
4. Yantra
5. Puja Paddhoti (system of worship)
6. Yajna Paddhoti (system of fire worship)
7. Shastra (particular scripture)
8. Sampradaya (particular tribe of sadhus)
9. Asana (particular posture for sitting)
10. Kavacha (amulet and/or series of mantras to protect your inner vibration)
11. Swami (initiation as a teacher)
12. Danda or Chempta (a staff or fire tongs) a symbol of dedication to dharma or fire ceremonies
13. Sant (a teacher of teachers)
14. Mahanta (the head of an ashram)
15. Mandaleshwar (the head of a series of ashrams)
16. Sannyas (who is established in truth and free to roam and teach any where. Traditionally his being is his teaching.)

~~OM~~

Family Wealth shows us how to calculate the wealth of a family, how to prioritize the allocations of that wealth, and how to insure the equitable distribution for subsequent generations to understand the true value of Wealth. This is an especially valuable tool in the worship of Mother Lakshmi.