Author Archives: Ritu Lalit

Rudraksha – the mystic bead

“Rudraksha” is formed by association of two Sanskrit words, ‘Rudra‘ and ‘Aksha‘. Rudra is another name of Lord Shiva and “Aksha means ‘tear’. Mythological tales have it that the plant of Rudraksha originated from the tear drops of Lord Shiva.  It is used by Ayurvedic healers and Vedic astrologers. The seed of Rudraksh which has a stone-like feel to it enjoys a very important place in the folk lore of Hindus. It is credited with mystical and divine properties. Its botanical name is ‘Eleocarpus Granitus” and it has been known to have magnetic powers as well.

The Rudraksh tree or Elaeocarpus Granitrus bears a blue colored fruit, which is then peeled and the seeds obtained. Rudraksh seeds are bead like and their appearance bears close resemblance to the human brain. They have clefts and furrows, which are known as faces. It is believed that each bead has a different effect on the wearer, depending on the faces it has. Therefore each bead is carefully matched with the horoscope of the wearer for optimum effect. Unscrupulous people have been selling fake Rudraksh beads, as they are popular and expensive. There is one amazing property of Rudraksh, even though it is light weight, it sinks in water. This method can be used to determine whether the Rudraksh is real or not. People can wear it around neck or in bracelets. It is said to possess divine energy, which benefits the person wearing it. It is also believed to bring peace and prosperity in the house.

Medicinal value:-

Not only were Rudraksha Beads found to be ideal for focused Meditation and other Spiritual Practices, it was also traditionally believed that these beads improve concentration, focus and mental stamina. Due to these properties it was found that wearing these Beads around the heart reduced and controlled stress levels, blood pressure and hypertension resulting in the feeling of tranquility and calmness. These positive effects were noted by healers in Eastern cultures, and they prescribed them to their patients.

It is remarkable to consider that natural beads of vegetable matter from the Rudraksha Tree affect the human neurophysiology as described in Vedic Literature. However recent scientific research has again found Vedic Knowledge to be correct.

Though the powers of Rudraksha have been known as a phenomenon for thousands of years in Vedic Knowledge it is only since the late 1980s that they have become more prominent particularly after the research done by a group of scientists lead by Dr. Subas Rai PHD of the Institute of Technology University in Banaras India

A combined study to research the Biomedical Implications of Rudraksha was conducted with the Departments of Biochemistry, Electrical Engineering, Psychiatry, General Medicine and Psychology. This study proved and documented the powers and effects of Rudraksha Beads scientifically with reproducible results.

Research has proven that Rudraksha have powerful Electromagnetic, Paramagnetic and Inductive Properties that vary from the different Mukhis or facets (the different number of divisions found on the surface of each Bead)

It was also found that those wearing Rudraksha Beads were able to experience reduced stress reaction to unexpected levels that were normally possible only with continued doses of tranquilizers.

In scientific terms the Rudraksha Beads are Dielectric as they store electrical energy and they have permanent magnetic properties that change with the different Mukhi (facets) Beads. The complete list of all the properties found inherent in the Rudraksha Beads includes Electromagnetism, Para magnetism, Diamagnetism and Dynamic Polarity or the ability to change polarity

When Rudraksha Beads are worn over the heart and energized through chanting of specific mantras they interface and integrate with the human body at a silent subtle level of Consciousness. Due to their dielectric and magnetic properties the Rudraksha Beads initiate and effect positive change in our Neurophysiology.

The Rudraksha Effect brings the wearer into the Alpha State of present moment living that all Spiritual Disciplines teach as the path to self empowerment, fearless life, Enlightenment and Liberation.

The Alpha State produced in the brain boosts the confidence and inner strength of the wearer significantly and as a result the heart beat, circulation, function of endocrine glands and activity of neurons and respiration is normalized in the physical body.

Supporting scientific evidence for these statements are again found in the published research papers by Dr. Subas Rai describing the beneficial powers of Rudraksha by virtue of electrical and magnetic properties that effect our Central Nervous System, Autonomic, Sympathetic and Parasympathetic Nervous Systems and other organ systems.

It was proven that wearing of Rudraksha controlled heart beat and had a positive effect on Blood Pressure, Stress, Anxiety, Depression, Palpitations and Lack of Concentration.

It was also found that Rudraksha Beads have anti ageing properties based on their Electromagnetism.

Generations who have worn authentic Rudraksha Beads have repeatedly confirmed they have experienced considerable relief from high blood pressure, stress, hypertension, depression and other mind related problems including neurotic conditions.

Astrological Properties :

It is believed that Rudraksha are very influential in removing bad effects of the planets. Gems are used specially for removing the bad effects of planets. But if they are unable to pacify the evil influence, it is most advisable to wear Rudraksha as advised by the astrologer.

Women and compliments

What’s with us a woman? Why do we constantly need morale boosting, I wonder? Whether its a little girl of 7 years, a confident career woman at 30, or a mature woman at 50, we can never hear enough “I am proud of you” “You look beautiful in that” “Thank you for supporting me” “Thank you for taking care of me” “You are doing a great job”.

I was at a cousin’s house the other day. She has two children; a girl aged 10 and a boy about 4 years old. The girl was busy drawing something. During the course of the visit, she brought her drawing book to be admired. We praised her efforts. The little boy looked at her work and like all brothers laughed and rubbished her efforts. The poor thing had tears in her eyes, her world totally shattered. Angrily she said, “My drawing is good” which was replied with “No it isn’t” It all degenerated into the classic “Yes it is” and “No it isn’t” slanging match. Her father came in, was called to arbitrate, and said sweetly “Of course my love, your drawing is beautiful“. The smile on her face was ecstatic. Her father, the main man in her tiny life, had praised her efforts. She was in heaven!!!

My daughter in law will put on a dress and then spin and dance in the living room. While she is spinning she says “Look at me, isn’t my dress beautiful!” She is the classic independent, confident, grown up woman but there is a little girl deep down spinning around saying “Look at me, tell me I am beautiful”.

The men in our lives should know that they need to affirm and reassure their wives and daughters. If they don’t build their women up and make them feel safe, someone or something else will fill that hole. We don’t want TV or a magazine telling us what is beautiful or trying to fill that hole. The longer we wait for the man in our lives to start telling us that we are precious to them, the longer it takes for us to be fulfilled. It is really our souls that have been poisoned with insecurity – for all our lives. Doubt and worry are our constant companions, “Am I good looking enough?”, “Do I look fat?“, “Am I a good cook/home-maker?” “Am I failing at work?” “Am I good mother?” “Am I a good wife?”

Hey men, whatever might be the response you get to your compliments, please keep on at it. We need your encouragement to boost our morale.