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I recall fondly some fantastic memories of one of my Gurus and Mentors, Dr. Partha Rao from Bangalore, imparting some wisdom during his travels over the years. Whenever eclipses would occur, particularly solar ones, he'd avoid taking clients during this period. Occasionally he'd come over to my home, we'd both sit in meditation for the eclipse totality. He told me that these practices could amplify one's spiritual endeavors. Afterwards, he'd bathe, then - take over my kitchen and demonstrate his fantastic Ayurvedic cooking skills, making Sambar soup.
In the Vedic and Hindu traditions, Sutak Grahan is observed before and after an eclipse, which can be helpful to deal with an eclipses' disruptive energies, particularly for those who are especially sensitive. For the benefit of those who are new to this kind of thing, I'd like to share the following guidelines, below.
Please note, if you are directly within the path of an eclipse, these observances are especially beneficial. For those not living in the direct path, these can be useful but are less important.
Sutak is a period of time before and after the eclipse where certain activities are avoided to maintain purity and prevent negative energy. It is believed that during an eclipse, negative energy and influences can intensify, causing harm to people and objects in their vicinity. Therefore, observing Sutak helps prevent negative energy from affecting individuals and their surroundings.
Here are some do's and don'ts to keep in mind while observing Sutak:
DO:
Take a bath and wear clean clothes before the eclipse. This is important to purify oneself physically and spiritually.
Chant mantras and perform meditation to enhance your spiritual awareness. This helps align oneself with the positive energy of the universe.
Make charitable donations to alleviate negative karmic effects. This helps counteract the negative effects of past actions.
Fast or eat light, sattvic food during the eclipse. This helps maintain purity and lightness in the body.
DON'T:
Eat, drink, or cook during the eclipse period. It is believed that cooking or consuming food during this time can cause it to become impure.
Leave cooked food uncovered, as it may become impure. Covering cooked food helps maintain its purity.
Touch idols or perform any religious rituals during the eclipse. It is believed that the negative energy of the eclipse can affect the energy of the idols or objects used during rituals.
Sleep or engage in sexual activities during the eclipse period. It is believed that the negative energy of the eclipse can affect our subconscious mind and create negative thoughts or dreams.
It is commonly discouraged to be outside or view the eclipse directly.
The energy of an eclipse can affect us on physical, mental, and spiritual levels. Therefore, it is essential to take precautions and observe Sutak to prevent negative energy from affecting us. By following these guidelines, we can align ourselves with positive energy and enhance our connection with the divine. Observing Sutak before and after the eclipse helps maintain purity and prevent negative energy from affecting individuals and their surroundings. By following the do's and don'ts, we can enhance our spiritual awareness and align ourselves with the positive energy of the universe.