Vedic Temples as Centers of Sacred Knowledge

Vedic Temples as Centers of Sacred Knowledge
 By Stephen Knapp
             Vedic temples should be known as centers of sacred spiritual knowledge and practice. Such temples are often known as being places of worship where devotees can go and see images or Deities of the Divine, offer prayers and service, or pujas to uplift us or for [...]

Why Study the Vedic Path

Why Study the Vedic Path
By Stephen Knapp
History is like a puzzle, when you put enough pieces together it provides a key to unlocking the truth of our past, where we came from, and who and what we really are. The main purpose of this book is to help restore world unity by taking another look [...]

Tulasi Devi: The Sacred Tree

Tulasi Devi: The Sacred Tree
Compiled by Stephen Knapp
  
            The Tulasi tree is a most important plant, and is often seen at numerous Hindu temples, especially those dedicated to Vishnu and Krishna. At such temples you are likely to find one or more in the courtyard wherein pilgrims circumambulate it, water it, or even offer prayers [...]

Timings of the Four Ages

Timings of the Four Yugas
By Stephen Knapp
 
            When describing the length of the yugas or ages, and which yuga we are in and how far along we are in it, there is sometimes confusion about how to calculate them. Some people think we are already in the next Satya-yuga, known as the Golden Age. The problem [...]

Prasada: The Power of Sacred Food

Prasada:
The Power of Sacred Food
 By Stephen Knapp
 
      On the spiritual path those that are most inclined to lead a peaceful existence that respects the value of all life often adopts the vegetarian lifestyle. It is in accordance with the yogic principle of ahimsa, which is to observe nonviolence and abstain from injuring any being in [...]

The Meaning of the Phrase “God is Love”

The Meaning of
“God is Love”
By Stephen Knapp
The phrase and concept that “God is love” is often used by many people of different religions, but it is hardly ever explained adequately. People may say that God is all-loving, forgiving, or your eternal friend, which is true, but, essentially, this is a fairly shallow explanation of how [...]

The Four Sampradayas

The Four Sampradayas
(The Main Chains of Disciplic Succession)
 
 
            There are four main sampradayas, or chains of disciplic succession descending down through the important acharyas, or spiritual preceptors. These are also the main schools of thought in the Vedic tradition. Thus, anyone should belong or be a part of one of these sampradayas if they are going [...]

Story of the Appearance of Lord Krishna

The Story of the Appearance of Lord Krishna
 
            Once the world was overburdened by the unnecessary defense force of different kings, who were actually demons but were posing themselves as the royal order. At that time, the whole world became perturbed, and the predominating deity of this earth, known as Bhumi, went to see Lord Brahma [...]

The Significance of Deities and Deity Worship

The Significance of Deities
and Deity Worship
By Stephen Knapp
 
         Deities play an important part in most temples of Krishna and other Divinities. But what is the significance of Deities and Deity worship? One thing to understand is that all the images or Deities in the Vedic pantheon, as found in the temples, are made according to [...]

Sanatana-Dharma: Its Real Meaning

Sanatana-Dharma: Its Real Meaning
By Stephen Knapp
            When it comes to understanding the meaning of Sanatana-dharma, we have to be aware of its Sanskrit definition. The root of the word dharma comes from dhri, which means to uphold or maintain. The Sanskrit says dharayati iti dharmaha, which translates as dharma is that which upholds. However, not only [...]