Tuesday 25 October 2016

26 OCT 2016 TULSI_BASIL_DEVI

Tulasi – India’s Most Sacred Plant

Swami Vibhooti Saraswati

Yanmoole sarva tirthaani yannagre sarva devataa
Yanmadhye sarva vedaascha Tulasi taam namaamyaham.
I bow down to the Tulasi, at whose base (the roots) are all the holy places, at whose top reside all the deities (divinity), and in whose middle are all the Vedas.
Tulasi is a gentle female energy, a sweet little goddess, and should be treated like the queen she is – the queen of medicinal plants. For she is also a plant of power, a powerful lady, a friend, a physician and an ally. When you have Tulasi around, you are protected, and she will bring beauty, health, elegance and grace into your life. Wherever there is Tulasi Mayi there is pavitrata, purity, for she is the great purifier, both of the body and of the environment. If you plant nine or eleven Tulasi trees in your garden the air will be pure within a wide radius, and bacteria-free. She is one of those trees that possess divine qualities to invoke the descent of devatas, illumined beings, and increase the spiritual vibrations. (In fact, the Paramahamsa Alakh Bara in Rikhia is shaded by trees of only this quality.) The Tulasi plant is extremely sensitive and aware, and quickly able to register the vibrations around her. She loves to listen to the Vedas, all Sanskrit chanting, to hear the name of God in the form of kirtan, and she is especially fond of ragas sung to the accompaniment of the tampura.
Another name for Tulasi is Hari Priya, the beloved of Lord Narayana, and she is always offered along with the prasadam, sanctified food offering, given after worship of Krishna or Rama (although she is used for other deities also). She is a symbol of Goddess Lakshmi, the consort of Lord Vishnu. The Tulasi leaf is the only type of prasadam that can be used more than once in worship. After being washed, it can be offered again. Traditionally, in temples the priests keep water and Tulasi leaves in a copper pot and offer three small spoonfuls as prasadam to devotees, who drink part of it and dribble the remainder on their heads.

Tulasi and Ayurveda

From prehistoric times the earliest inhabitants of the Indian subcontinent held plants in great reverence. Nature was worshipped by India’s primitive tribes, just as she was worshipped by primitive peoples all over the world. Hindu mythology says that the God of Death, Yama, himself gives way to this most ‘holy’ of India’s plants – the sacred Tulasi. However, India is unique in that it has maintained this reverence right up to the present day. As early as 3000 BC, worship of actual plants was turning into reverence for Nature as a source of medicine. Plants were being regarded less as simply ‘holy’ in themselves than as the home of divine spirits with powers beneficial to mankind. By the time Ayurveda became an established science, these beneficial plants had long been acknowledged in the vast medicinal pharmacopoeia contained in plants. Tulasi, which was once worshipped as a plant with ‘magical powers’, was analysed by the Ayurvedic physicians for its physical properties. Although this dispelled much of the superstition connected with Tulasi and other plants, it did not diminish the reverence in which plants were held by Ayurveda. Tulasi is known as the Mother of Ayurveda.

Two types of Tulasi

The English name for Tulasi is basil, which is very similar to the Indian Tulasi, and which is used both for medicinal purposes and in cooking. There are two types of Tulasi. One is called Shyam Tulasi or Krishna Tulasi because it is said to be the same colour as Sri Krishna – purplish black. Shyam means ‘black’ and is one of the names of Krishna. The other is called Rama Tulasi or Swarna Tulasi and is light green in colour. Swarna means ‘plain’. Shyam Tulasi is the more powerful of the two.

Properties and uses

The remarkable thing about Tulasi is that, unlike other medicinal plants, she is effective even if she is not consumed. Just her close proximity is enough. In Sanskrit it is said, Tulanaa naasti athaiva Tulasi – that which is incomparable (in its qualities) is the Tulasi plant. Along with her brother, the bael tree of Lord Shiva, she is considered to be the most powerful of all medicinal plants. Her leaf’s quality is heating. She contains mercury, and is an antibiotic or antibacterial. All respiratory tract problems such as coughs and colds, sore throats, whooping cough in children, etc. are helped by her. Infusions of Tulasi tea are most effective in all such cases. Boil ten to fifteen leaves and three to five black pepper corns in one hundred milligrams of water until the liquid reduces to half, add a pinch of salt and drink as hot as is comfortable. Tulasi is also effective in fever, insomnia, mental tension, skin problems, and the treatment of cancer and diabetes. Hormonal imbalance is regulated in both men and women by the consumption of Tulasi.
For all-round protection and physical strength, ten to fifteen leaves should be taken daily in the morning on an empty stomach, preferably during brahmamuhurta (the two hours before sunrise when the vibrations are sattwic or subtle and healing), after bathing and worshipping the Tulasi plant. Children can take five to six leaves. The leaf should not be chewed, as the mercury affects the teeth, but swallowed with fresh water. Tulasi leaves can also be crushed or ground into a paste and applied externally to wounds and skin problems. For some skin problems she is mixed with salt. Sadhus in Gangotri drink green tea mixed with Ganga Tulasi (Artemisia cina) which is very good for health.
Many Ayurvedic medicines are made from Tulasi and every part of her is useful. Even the smell of Tulasi has a positive and soothing effect on the mind. In the early morning her leaves emit a type of oil. If you sprinkle water on her and then remain near her, preferably chanting a prayer or mantra, you will receive the benefit of this. Tulasi purifies the air day and night. Most plants take in oxygen during the night, but Tulasi gives out oxygen during both day and night, so you can keep her inside at night, especially when you are doing your japa, chanting and other sadhana.
When the Tulasi plant dies, it is dried and kept by many Hindu families, and placed on the funeral pyre when someone in the family passes away. In Siddha Prarthana, there is a bhajan entitled ‘Itna to karna swami’ – O God, do at least this for me. The third verse asks, “When the prana leaves this body may it be in Vrindavan. And in my mouth may there be Tulasi leaves and the water from Lord Vishnu’s feet.” This illustrates the great faith and reverence Hindus have for Tulasi Mayi. The dried Tulasi wood is also ground into a paste and used for tilak, the dot placed at the eyebrow centre to purify this area and awaken the ‘inner eye’.

Tulasi mala

Japa malas are also made out of the dried wood, stem and branches of Tulasi, and are sattwic, calming, and cooling in nature. Tulasi is the only wood mala used in yoga because it holds and concentrates energy, and tranquillises the mind. Followers of Vedanta or Samkhya also use the Tulasi mala. The quality of vibration emitted by Tulasi wood is very passive, tranquil and balancing. One who uses the Tulasi mala should have a light sattwic diet, and preferably be a complete vegetarian. Meat, wine and tobacco should not be taken by those who wear or use the Tulasi mala for japa and sadhana. The Tulasi mala is the most commonly used mala because it is an all-rounder.

Tulasi Vivaha

Mythologically, in the Vishnu Purana, Tulasi is referred to as Vrindavati Devi, goddess of the forest, and also as Sati Vrinda. (‘Sati’ is the title given to a wife who is totally chaste and devoted to her husband. This one-pointed devotion makes her very powerful, and therefore no one can harm her husband.) It is said that in her previous birth Tulasi Devi was called Sati Vrinda. Her husband, who was named Jalandhara, was a very cruel man, because he took birth at the time Lord Shiva burnt Kamadeva, the god of love. Jalandhara used to harass the rishis and munis and destroy their sacrifices. In this way he was becoming very powerful, and the gods were worried.
Lord Vishnu therefore had to set about killing him, but due to the purity of his Jalandhara’s wife, Sati Vrinda, and her devotion for her husband, he could not do so. So Vishnu took the form of Jalandhara and stole her virginity. Only after doing this was he able to rid the world of Jalandhara and restore peace and harmony. When Sati Vrinda discovered the trick Lord Vishnu had played on her, she cursed him to become a shaligram, an oval stone used in sadhana and worship, in his next incarnation. Vishnu then gave Sati Vrinda the boon that in her next birth she would incarnate as Tulasi, and be worshipped everywhere. That is why Tulasi is virtually married to Shaligram.

Tulasi Vivaha in the Akhara

The Sanskrit word vivaha means ‘marriage’. The marriage of Tulasi and Shaligram is celebrated in the Paramahamsa Alakh Bara every year on Ekadashi (the eleventh day after amavasya, the no-moon night) in the month of Kartik (October/November) with full ceremony, just like a human marriage. This is also the day of Deva Utthana. Deva means ‘god’ and utthana means ‘to rise up’ or ‘awake’, so it is the day when the gods, or certain dormant energies, awaken. In this marriage the Tulasi plant is symbolic of the energy of goddess Tulasi, while the Shaligram is symbolic of the energy of Lord Vishnu. Sindoor, mangala sutra, bangles, sweets and marigold malas are offered. A yellow cloth, symbol of Vishnu, and a red cloth, symbol of Tulasi, are tied together and offered. Arati is performed and Tulasi and Shaligram are enclosed in a special bamboo structure or mandap covered with a brightly coloured cloth while they have their honeymoon, which lasts for a few days.

Tulasi pooja

In the Devi Bhagavatam it is written that, “One who worships Tulasi with the mantra Om Shreem, Hreem, Kleem, Aim, Vrindaavanyai Swaahaa attains all siddhis.” Goddess Tulasi, who dwells in the Tulasi plant will appear and grant this boon. For it is said that goddess Tulasi is a benevolent force presiding over all the lokas, or planes of existence. From ancient times, many cultures have worshipped plants and trees, and regarded all flora and fauna as sacred. This reveals the sensitivity, foresight and refinement of such cultures. Those who wish to be righteous and live a happy and prosperous family life worship Tulasi. Virgins pray to her for good husbands. Either in the front, back or central angan (courtyard) of most Indian homes there is a Tulasi-chawra or altar bearing a Tulasi plant. Pooja or worship of Tulasi is part of the daily morning ritual of most Hindus, whether they understand the scientific purpose behind this worship or not. The common belief is that where Tulasi always resides, auspicious vibrations, peace and prosperity always dwell.
Tulasi is especially worshipped during the months of Baisakh (April/May), Shravan (July/August), Kartik (October/ November) and Magh (December/January). After bathing, the worshipper offers water, flowers, kumkum, sandal paste, naivaidya (food) and incense to Tulasi, who is then circumambulated. In the evening her arati is performed, along with pooja of the household deities. Arati is performed by waving incense and a deepak (lamp containing ghee or clarified butter) before her in a clockwise direction. Vaishnavites (followers of Vishnu) in particular worship Tulasi with full reverence and due observance of scriptural injunctions. Traditionally, before she is worshipped, she is nurtured for a period of three months. Side by side with Tulasi, it is customary to have a pot of either kusha grass or sugar cane which, like the shaligram, are symbols of Lord Vishnu.

Tulasi pooja in the Akhara

Tulasi being the Ishta Devi of the Akhara, her worship is done twice daily at sunrise and sunset. This worship was started by Swami Satyananda, who sought the protection of Tulasi Mayi during his Panchagni sadhana. He has said, “I was able to do Panchagni only because of the blessings of Tulasi. I prayed to her for one thing only – ‘Keep me fit, that’s all, nothing more’.” He performed pooja of Tulasi continuously for nine years. This he did in every kind of weather, without a break, wearing only a kaupeen or loin cloth. It was a wonderful thing to see. He would enter the pooja area like a ship in full sail, ringing a brass bell in his left hand and holding a brass karchul (container for samagri and dried cow dung) from which the flames leapt and the smoke billowed. The purifying fragrance of the samagri (a mixture of woods and herbs) within it filled the air with the fragrance of sattwa. The ringing of the bell captivated and alerted the mind, summoning the world to look within. The fierce guard dog Bholenath, the vehicle of Bhairava, accompanied him, adding his dynamic presence to the breathtaking scene.
First, Sri Swamiji would squat down and perform arati of the peepal tree (at the foot of which stands Hanuman wielding his mace) in front of Raghunath Kutir. Then he would enter the kutir and perform arati of Sri Rama, ringing the bell throughout. The strong, clear, resonant sound of the bell and the heady incense created a most powerful atmosphere. Then he would stand before Tulasi Devi, facing West and blow the conch three times, turning full circle to include all the directions. The stirring sound of the conch would fill the whole area with the mantra Om and the truth which lies behind it, sending out the call for the victory of ‘good’ (dharma or righteousness) over ‘evil’ (adharma or unrighteousness). Upon hearing this sound the mind would be immediately elevated, and its movement almost stopped. Next, facing West once more, Sri Swamiji would perform anga nyasa (mental placement of mantras in body parts while touching that part) to purify the body. Finally, facing East, he would touch the split shaligram to his forehead before ministering to his fire, the Maha Kaal Chita Dhuni, the celestial fire of the yogi, which has burnt continuously since his arrival in Rikhia in September 1989. The whole pooja was a glorious sight to behold!
Regarding pooja of Sri Tulasi, Sri Swamiji says, “In the ritualistic worship of Tulasi, only one thing counts, and that is childlike faith. The secret of all rituals is the faith of a child. For an intellectual Tulasi is just a plant, but for me, Tulasi is not a plant, she is a Devi. All the ornaments offered to her, and which I give to the newlywed girls of the locality, belong to Tulasi. They are first and foremost offered to her. Whenever you give me a golden bracelet, nose ring or hair ornament, you are in fact offering it to her, as she is the owner of the Akhara property. Everything is first dedicated to Tulasi and then presented to the new brides of this locality. Tulasi is the presiding deity of the spiritual and Vedic darshan. She is the head of all departments of pharmaceutical flora.”

Krishna and Tulasi

It is said that Lord Sri Krishna lived in Vrindavan because he wanted to be near Vrindavati Devi. In fact, Tulasi Devi is said to be one of the 16,000 wives of Krishna. In Vrindavan there is a Tulasi forest where the Tulasi trees are ten and twelve feet high! It is here that Krishna is believed to have performed his Rasa Lila with the gopis or milkmaids. It is such a powerful place that anyone who stays there in the night is found mad in the morning. They are no longer in any state to speak of what happened there, so it remains a mystery as to what takes place in the Tulasi forest at night. How highly Krishna thought of Tulasi is revealed in the following story.

Tulasi leaf


Once Satya Bhama, one of Krishna’s wives, weighed him against her legendary wealth. She asked him, “My Lord, I value you so deeply that I wish to take your weight in gold.” Krishna agreed, and a large set of scales was brought. With an amused smile dancing on his lips and a mischievous twinkle in his eye, Krishna sat on one side of the scales, and Satya Bhama began to place her gold on the other side. However, no matter how much gold she placed on the scales they would not move at all! She placed all she had on the scale, but to no effect. Satya Bhama became distressed because she had completely run out of gold and no more would even fit on the scales.
Then another of Krishna’s wives, Rukmini (‘one who is full of gold’), who understood the lila, or play, of Krishna, took a single Tulasi leaf and placed it on top of the pile of gold with her full devotion. Immediately, the scales began to move and Krishna’s weight was measured. The priceless Tulasi leaf represents devotion, and this story shows that even a small leaf offered with devotion means more to the Lord than the wealth of the whole world. This is the greatness of Tulasi.


Srimati Tulasi-devi in Her Plant and Murti Forms


"In the Skanda Purana there is a statement praising the tulasi tree as follows: "Let me offer my respectful obeisances unto the tulasi tree, which can immediately vanquish volumes of sinful activities. Simply by seeing or touching this tree one can become relieved from all distresses and diseases. Simply by offering obeisances to and pouring water on the tulasi tree, one can become freed from the fear of being sent to the court of Yamaraja [the King of death, who punishes the sinful]. If someone sows a tulasi tree somewhere, certainly he becomes devoted to Lord Krsna. And when the tulasi leaves are offered in devotion at the lotus feet of Krsna, there is the full development of love of Godhead."

In India all Hindus, even those not belonging to the Vaisnava group, take special care of the tulasi tree. Even in great cities where it is very difficult to keep a tulasi tree, people are to be found very carefully keeping this plant. They water it and offer obeisances to it, because worship of the tulasi tree is very important in devotional service.

In the Skanda Purana there is another statement about tulasi, as follows: "Tulasi is auspicious in all respects. Simply by seeing, simply by touching, simply by remembering, simply by praying to, simply by bowing before, simply by hearing about or simply by sowing this tree, there is always auspiciousness. Anyone who comes in touch with the tulasi tree in the above-mentioned ways lives eternally in the Vaikuntha world."
Nectar of Devotion, Chapter 11

Immediately following Mangala-arati, Tulasi-puja is offered. The devotees sing prayers to Tulasi-devi while one devotee offers Her arati, then all circumambulate Tulasi-devi, offering her water. Preferably, arati should also be offered to Tulsi in the evening, just before Sandhya-arati.
Begin Tulasi-arati by offering obeisances to Tulsai-devi, chanting the Tulasi-Pranama mantra three times.

Sri Tulasi Pranama

vrindayai tulasi-devyai
priyayai keshavasya cha
krishna-bhakti-prade devi
satyavatyai namo namaha
vrndayai--unto Vrnda; tulasi-devyai--unto Tulasl Devi; priyayai-- who is dear; kesavasya--to Lord Kesava; ca-and; krsna-bhakti-- devotional service to Lord Krsna, prade--who bestows; devi--O goddess; satya-vatyai--unto Satyavati; namah namah--repeated obeisances.
TRANSLATION

I offer my repeated obeisances unto Vrnda, Srimati Tulasi Devi, who is very dear to Lord Kesava. O goddess, you bestow devotional service to Lord Krsna and possess the highest truth.

Next, the devotees sing Sri Tulasi Kirtana while one devotee offers arati to Tulasi-devi with incense, a ghee lamp and flowers. While offering the articles, the devotee offering Tulasi-arati should stand on a mat (asana) and ring a bell with the left hand. Just as when offering other aratis, the hands and paraphernalia should be purified (acamana) with water from pancha-patra. After offering each item, they may be distributed to the devotees.

Sri Tulasi Kirtana

namo namaha tulasi! krishna-preyasi
radha-krishna-seva pabo ei abhilashije tomara sharana loy, tara vanchha purna hoy
kripa kori' koro tare brindavana-basi
mor ei abhilash, bilas kunje dio vas
nayane heribo sada jugala-rupa-rashi
ei nivedana dharo, sakhir anugata koro
seva-adhikara diye koro nija dasidina krishna-dase koy, ei jena mora hoy
sri-radha-govinda-preme sada jena bhasi
TRANSLATION

O Tulasi, beloved of Krsna, I bow before you again and again. My desire is to obtain the service of Sri Sri Radha-Krsna.

Whoever takes shelter of you has his wishes fulfilled. Bestowing your mercy on him, you make him a resident of Vrndavana.

My desire is that you will also grant me a residence in the pleasure groves of Sri Vrndavana-dhama. Thus, within my vision I will always behold the beautiful pastimes of Radha and Krsna.

I beg you to make me a follower of the cowherd damsels of Vraja. Please give me the privilege of devotional service and make me your own maidservant.

This very fallen and lowly servant of Krsna prays, ''May I always swim in the love of Sri Radha and Govinda.

When Tulasi-puja Kirtana song is finished, the devotees circumambulate Srimate Tulasi-devi at least four times, offering her water by pouring some at her root. (Water is only offered in the morning, not evening.) Use small spoons to help avoid over watering Her. While circumambulating, chant the Sri Tulasi Pradaksina mantra.

Sri Tulasi Pradaksina Mantra

yani kani cha papani
brahma-hatyadikani cha
tani tani pranashyanti
pradakshinaha pade pade
yani kani--whatever; ca--and; papani--sins; brahma-hatya--killing of a brahmana; adikani--and so on; ca--also, tani tani--all of them; pranasyanti--are destroyed; pradaksinah--(by) the circumambulation (of Tulasi Devi); pade pade--at every step.


By the circumambulation of Srimati Tulasi Devi all the sins that one may have committed are destroyed at every step, even the sin of killing a brahmana.

Vrnda devi is a pure devotee of Lord Krsna and is responsible for setting up the wonderful pastimes of Radha and Krsna in Vrndavana. She exists as Tulasi to benefit the fallen conditioned souls by bestowing devotional service to Krsna.



Have the words to the Tulasi arati prayers typed and posted so guests can see them. Encourage all guests to participate in Tulasi-arati. With a little encouragement, they will join in and enjoy themselves. The devotees should always bow down when they see Taulasi-devi, and others will follow in showing her respect.
Tulasi-devi should be kept in a special pot, and the pot should sit upon a stand, up off the floor. When carrying a potted Tulasi plant, it is traditional to honor Her by carrying the pot on one's head. If it's too heavy, carry the pot out in front. For worship, the stand Tulasi-devi sits on should be high enough so the base of the plant is above the waist of the devotee offering arati. If it is not possible to keep a live Tulasi plant, one may offer worship to a picture of Tulasi-devi.
For one who is Tulasi's servant, that responsibility enters into all the different aspects of Her existence. You must see that She is being maintained properly, that Her leaves are always offered in a clean and fresh manner, and that all the devotees are given the opportunity to worship Her. Make Tulasi-devi some skirts to fit around Her pot, particularly when She is being offered arati. If Tulasi is very close to, or on the altar, make sure that no candles or ghee lamps are placed close enough to burn her leaves. Use incense sparingly as it tends to make Her sick if burned continually. Garlands left for more than a day will mold and attract bugs, so if Tulasi is nearby, she will be affected.
While in Detroit, Srila Prabhupada asked, "Where is Tulasi?". When She was brought in, Srila Prabhupada put His garland around Her and had Her placed on the altar, saying "Mother Tulasi is so kind. Treat Her as you would any of Krsna's pure devotees."
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