From a historical perspective India, the land that set the scene of the ancient scriptures of Hinduism is popularly referred to as the cradle of civilisation. The catalyst that catapults any civilisation to the status of superior power in the world is none other than the principles and concepts that are entrenched in the pages of Vedas, Ramaayan, Mahaabhaarat, Puraanas and other Hindu texts.

Whether it is Language, Science, Literature, Mathematics or other strands of evolution of development, Hinduism has stamped its name everywhere. Outlined below are just a few of the myriads of concepts of Hinduism that have occupied premier positions in the development of world thought and uplift.

Energy: Hinduism postulates that everything in the world is energy vibrating at different frequencies, a principle of science today. Whether it is heat, light, sound or other forms of energy, the concept of ‘shakti’ or energy is dealt with at length in the Devi Bhagawat Puraana. In fact, this text focuses greatly on Physics and many of the strides made recently in the western world have been scripted centuries ago on the pages of this text.

Language: Sanskrit, quite often referred to as the Mother of all languages is the most perfect language in the world with a scientific alphabet, an organised and logical grammar and syntax system that is second to none. It provided an ideal blueprint that led to the offshoot of other languages. In Hinduism, Sanskrit is termed ‘Dev-Baani’-the language of the Gods.

Cosmological laws: quite a number of universal laws that cut across all boundaries of religion, race, other distinctions, have their source in Hinduism, encoded within scriptural verses, emanating from the depthless philosophical truths of Sanatan Dharma. A few of them are the laws of karma, transmigration of the soul, reincarnation and liberation. Knowledge of these laws empowers man, directs him towards the route of responsibility for himself and allows him an even chance in this ‘playing field’ of the world of self-evolvement.

Health: Wellness is a pre-condition for any aspirant who intends to travel the road leading to enlightenment. Naturally, with optimum physical health, one can accelerate his speed on the road ahead. From the Vedas are deduced practical Arts of surgery and Medicine. Ayurvedic medicine applies the use of herbal remedies. In Devi Gita of Devi Bhagwat Puraan is espoused the knowledge and practice of ‘Ashtaang Yoga’ which lead to realisation of the Divine. Included in this eight-fold path are the disciplines of ‘Aasan(yogic posture), Praanaayaam( breath-control) and Mitaahaar(control of diet).

Just to name some other concepts gleaned from the pages of principles of Hinduism are the cyclical nature of time, of creation and destruction, the cyclicity of evolution, the reverence and sanctity of the environment, space travel, zero, infinity, astronomy, astrology, plastic surgery, the decimal system and architectural designs.

Indeed, the contribution of Hinduism to world thought and development is magnanimous. In the words of Max Muller, ’the thinkers of India seem to have superiority over most of the philosophy of the West.’

Why should havan be performed?
Havan has a purifying effect on both the devotee who performs this sacrifice as well as one’s environment. Through the chanting of mantras and offerings into the fire, one’s chakras are re-energised, creating a revitalised and rejuvenating effect for both the body and mind. Positive thoughts, words and actions then pave the way for further success.

The combined effect of the materials, when mixed and used in the havan produces a fumigatory response to the atmosphere, purifying the environment around. Negative energies are dispelled and a protective shield is built around the house where the ritual is performed, thereby warding off any untoward energies. This induces peace, prosperity and good health, conditions which augur well for clarity of thought, increased power of discrimination and improved usage of mental faculties. The result, then, is success in all undertakings.

The process of bhoot-shuddhi or purification of the tattwas or elements takes place within the individual who performs havan, thereby transforming one’s thought-patterns. Qualities of anger, rash and irrational thinking are replaced by calm, tranquil and controlled attitudes. The individual acquires greater control of his life, which offers wider scope for daily success.

Scientific experiments have proven that havan destroys harmful bacteria in the atmosphere. A scientist named Tautilk proved that a patient stricken with typhoid disease can be freed of this scourge if he is exposed to the smoke of havan for half hour. In addition, performing this sacrifice of havan is also one way of burning away one’s karma.

When should havan be performed?
Ideally, this practice should be carried out daily. In every home havan should be done at least once per week by all members of the family. The early hours of the morning are most conducive for all religious actions as the atmosphere is charged with praan (energy) at that time. However, this time may not suit the needs of all families. As such, the practice may be done at a time that is best suited for the devotee.

How should havan be performed?
A complete guide on the preparations and performing of havan is provided in our publications, Devi, Shiva and Soorya Upaasanaa.
The performance of havan, while essential in the spiritual evolution of every devotee, is also important in fostering family togetherness. Through the practice of mantra recitation and the various activities involved in the physical preparations for havan, devotees develop a greater appreciation for the traditional religious practices of Sanaatan Dharma. All of this helps to build Hindu pride and resilience.

Through this powerful sacrifice, one is protected and shielded from all untoward elements. As such, the flames of the sacred fire should burn brightly in every home every day of the week.

He attacked the Devas with his army of Asuras in a bid to rule the world. The Devas, overcome with fear, appealed to the Divine Mother for her intervention. Pleased with their prayers, Devi appeared before them resplendent and bedecked with black bees about her body. She promised to destroy the Demon Arun and his army, and so saying, streams of black bees emanated from her body. The sky grew black as it was covered with bees, and they descended on the army of Asuras. Arun did not include insects (which are six legged creatures) in his request to Brahma, and thus he and his army perished. Thus Devi fulfilled her promise to the Devas without violating Brahma’s boon.

Hindu scriptures encode solutions to life’s problems at multiple levels, and here, suggested by this mythological account, is a possible solution to the treatment of disease and injury. Asuras can be considered to be a disease condition aiming to affect or destroy healthy organs in the body (the Devas). Of all six legged insects, Devi appeared with the bee. Thus there should be special properties of the Bee’s venom and honey that have medicinal properties.

The active component in bee venom is called mellitin, and it has been proven to have anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial effects. It has also been shown by researchers that when coupled with a targeting mechanism, mellitin can be used to kill cancer cells while remaining less toxic than conventional treatments [1]. This can lead to new immunotoxin drugs that can kill cancer cells while minimising the impact on healthy surrounding cells. Honey has also successfully been used as an antibacterial agent in the treatment of wounds [2], and it features as a key therapeutic ingredient in the science of Ayurveda (ancient Hindu system of medicine). There may be more uses for constituents of bee venom and honey, and further research in this area is strongly encouraged.

References
[1] Bees: Latest Weapon in Cancer Fight
[2] Harnessing honey’s healing power (BBC News)