Please teach us a little about the Paramatman and its relation to the jivas. Paramatman is the absolute atman, or supreme Self, in various philosophies such as the Vedanta and Yoga schools in Hindu theology, as well as other Indian religions like Sikhism. The Paramatman is the Supreme Soul, or the collection of all the […]

What is the process for “converting to Hinduism”? Where does one begin? What daily practices are important at first? Is there a reading list? We believe that becoming a Hindu is a matter of behavior, rather than a vow to worship or eat in a certain way. Please see our definition for Hindu at Meaning of […]

Every morning at 8 am PST (9:30 pm IST), we are chanting the Secret Bijas of the Chandi. It is also included in the Samasti Chandi Bijamantratmaka book, so everyone should already have a copy. We will do that until the 31st morning. On the 31 st night we will do Seedha Chandi Path, and […]

What is Nitya karma?  what are the principle means by which it is accumulated?  Does it offset or neutralize bad karma from the past? There are four kinds of karma: Samskipta-past, over and done with, a present memory. Bartman-present, what is happening right now. Bhavishya-future, the actions begun in the past, the fruits of which […]

Enjoy this Christmas Song Book from the Devi Mandir family which includes beautiful images of Jesus, Shree Maa and Swamiji. It is sure to fill you with the love and devotion that our Gurus inspire us to bring into the celebration of every season and every tradition of worship! Devi Mandir Christmas Songs 2020

In the West, the “ego” is discussed a great deal. What is the Sanskrit equivalent, and what practices are best in the process of overcoming it? What is EGO? We equate “Ego” with Ahamkara.  The sense of “I” being different or distinguished from everything else, as compared with the “I” of Shiva, being Aham Brahmasmi. […]

What are the different ways to practice japa, and what effects do they have? Types of Japa-: Primarily there are three methods of performing Japa: loudly, moving the lips, and completely inside in thought. When someone is far away from you, you must call loudly so they will hear your voice. When someone is very […]