CULTURAL QA 01-2024-06A All the BELOW QA are from Quora digest to me on 06-01-2024.Three jokes are included to make the QA not monotonous.
Quora answers need not be 100% correct answers .Compiled and posted byR. Gopala krishnan, on 06-01-2024 Q1 Why is Nandi outside the Shiva temple? A1 Srivathsan, I love reading aboutphilosophical aspects of hinduism21h OM NAMAH SHIVAAYA NANDIKESHWARAR means happiness, joy, andsatisfaction. He is also the guardian deity of Kailash, the abode of Shiva.Almost all Shiva temples display stone images of a seated humped, white Nandi, reclining on a raised platformgenerally facing the main shrine continuously staring at the god. Nandiis one of Shiva’s chief attendants, occasionally depicted in sculpture as abull-headed figure. Nandi got the divine knowledge of Agamic andTantric wisdom taught by Shiva, from the Parvati devi.He is considered the chief guru of eight disciples of Nandinatha Sampradaya,namely Sanaka, Sanatana, Sanandana, Sanatkumara, Tirumular, Vyagrapada,Patanjali, and Sivayoga Muni. These eight disciples were sent in eightdifferent directions of the world by Nandi, to spread this knowledge. SIGNIFICANCE : In the temple, wealways see Nandi sitting and glaring attentively in front of the Shiva linga. The Truth is that just as Lingam is the symbol ofthe Almighty Supreme Shiva, Nandi (Bull) is the symbol of Jeeva (IndividualSoul). Nandi sittingbefore Shiva Linga signifies that a human being should turn away from Prakruthiand direct all his attention toward God only, that the jiva should always befocused on the Parameshwara. The bull is a symbol of stability sitting on four legs,representing Sathya (Truth), Dharma (Righteousness), Shanti (peace) and Prema (Love). It is only throughthese four that Mukti or Enlightenment can be attained and the soul couldfinally merge into the Supreme Soul. This is the purpose and the goal of humanbirth. Nandi signifies and conveys the meaning that thepurpose of life is to realize the oneness of all creation and one's identitywith the Divinity. Suggests seeing Godin everything and loving every creation of God.The goal of life isGod-realisation.To achieve divine Consciousness is the aim of life. Nandi also symbolizes that no one should standbetween Shiva Linga and Nandi. The purpose of ahuman being is to realize God and there should be no distraction in thisprocess. In life's journey,human beings generally get distracted. One should have perfect control of Gyan-Indriyas andKarm-Indriyas. The white colorof Nandi bull symbolizes purity and justice. >From the yogicperspective, Nandi is the mind dedicated to Shiva, the absolute. >In otherwords, to understand and absorb the light, experience, and wisdom is >Nandi,which is the guru within. Vahanas symbolizeor complement the energy or character of their deity. Nandi is alsobelieved to promote fertility; A youthful Nandi isshown licking his muzzle in an engaging gesture of rapt devotion to Shiva. Hindu gods are usually depicted as being sixteen years old (sixteen beingfour times four, a number signifying perfection). Nandi is always shown as a youngbull, his horns not fully developed. Nandi is a Brahman bull, the male zebu, or Indian ox.Brahman bulls have a hump on their back, horns, and a dewlap (a fold of looseskin hanging from the neck). Nandi the bull is a deity conferred with many powers.He is the protector of Dharma and the chief of the team of Ganas, or attendantsof the gods. In Hinduism,Nandi is considered as the chief of 18 Siddhas and therefore, the granter ofboons. Nandi statue isplaced facing Shivalingam on the west side. A devotee should worships theShivalingam standing by the side of the Nandi statue and facing theShivalingam. So, A simple Nandi Puja should beperformed by bathing Him with Gangajal (Ganges Water),rinsing with perfume,wiping dry, and applying sandalwood paste, Offer incense and lamp. As Nandi isloyal to Lord Shiva, once you chant ‘Om Namah Shivaya’, Nandi is bound to blessyou too. UNIQUENESS: Meditation :He isin meditative form – simply sitting and waiting aptly.Nandi is a symbol ofeternal waiting.He is not expecting Shiva to come out tomorrow or some otherday.He will wait forever. That quality is theessence of receptiveness. And that is why Nandi is Shiva’s closest accomplice. Before you go into a temple, you must have thequality of Nandi – to simply sit. So, just by sittinghere, he is telling you, “When you go in, don’t do your fanciful and bizarreacts. Don’t ask for this or that. Just go and sit like me.” His waiting is ameditation – just sitting. That’s his message for you. Simply go inside andsit. Alert, not Meditation meansyou are willing to just listen to the existence, to the ultimate nature ofcreation. You have nothing to say, you simply listen. That is the quality ofNandi – He is not sleepy or sitting passively. He is sitting very actively,full of alertness and life, but with no expectation or anticipation. That ismeditation. Just waiting, not for anything in particular. If you just wait without doing your own thing, yoursimple existence will do it. Once you aresimply there, you become aware of the larger dimension of existence, which isalways in action. You become aware that you are a part of it. But becomingaware that “I am a part of it” is meditativeness. Nandi is the symbolism ofthat. He reminds everyone, “You must sit like me.” Waiting is considered the greatest virtue in Indianculture. As a symbol ofShiva, the Nandi represents power, energy, vitality, joy, and delight, as wellas a controlled potential for destructiveness. When carved as afree-standing figure, the Nandi is always shown in a resting position thatemphasizes the calmer aspect of its power. The statue of Nandiis seen first. Nandi symbolizes the Aasan, which is, to be firmly seated in oneplace and posture. Nandi gazes up atthe murti of Lord Shiva. Similarly, the devotee should be perfectly still in anAasan. Nandi alsosymbolizes Dharma (Religion), underlining the fact that the goal of religionshould be Shiva, i.e; salvation. Nandi is described as the son of the sage Shilada.He underwent severe penance to have a boon– a child with immortality andblessings of Lord Shiva and received Nandi as his son. Legends say that Nandi was born from a Yajnaperformed by the Shilada. Nandi grew as an ardent devotee of Lord Shivaand he performed severe penance to become his gate-keeper, as well as hismount, on the banks of riverNarmada, near Tripur Tirth Kshetra in present-day Nandikeshwar Temple, inJabalpur, Madhya Pradesh. Q2 What is a random joke you'd like toshare? A2 Little Bear, Fri Myra Feldman, is sitting in court one day.The judge says: “Myra, Feldman, please approach the bench.” The judge says:“Mrs. Feldman,' It says here, that you were arrested for shoplifting, and petty theft.’ Howdo you plea?” Myra says: “GuiltyYour Honor.” The judge says: “Would you please explain to the court whathappened?”Myra says: “Well Your Honor,' I was shopping one day, and I hadn'tmuch money.”' I saw a small can of peaches, that looked so good. I didn't thinkanyone would miss just one can. The judge asked: “How many peaches do you think were inthat can?” Mrs. Feldman said: “Abouttwenty-five peaches Your Honor.” The judgesays: “Thank you for your honesty, and candor Mrs. Feldman.’ However, it willbe the judgement of this court that you be sentenced to twenty-fivedays in jail, one day for each peach.’” Just as the judgewas about to impose the sentence, and smack his gavel, there was a voice from thegallery.“Your Honor, please wait, stop don't do that!” The judge asks: “Who areyou, and what have you to do with this case?” A man says: “Your Honor, I'm Levi Feldman,' I'm herhusband.”’ The judge asks: “What have you to say in this matter Mr. Feldman?” Mr.Feldman replies: “Your Honor, She also stole a large can of peas!’’ Q3 What made you smile today? A3 Ashoksuraj Sheshagiri Rao, FormerSenior Research Fellow at Indian Institute of Horticultural Research(2020–2021)Updated 6y I was at a “Police station” in Coimbatore for mypassport verification. I approached thecop who was attending to a case of four elderly women, he politely asked me tobe seated which I did so. After 5min the ladies left and it was my turn, butsuddenly he got an emergency call and he had to leave. Thus, asking me to stay back in his chamber.Which I did for 30–45min while browsing the news feed on quora and also wrotefew answers for some questions which were asked. The cop was back but beforeentering into his chamber he realised that I was waiting for him and turnedback again and went out. I thought he was going to make me wait again but guesswhat??? He went out just toget me a “Velan Coffee” which is quite a brand for filter coffee in this partof the city and asked me to have coffee while he was verifying my records.This is where I literally burst into happiness which truly made my day. Nevercould have experienced such hospitality anywhere else. Hats off to you sir, you really made my day and also ahuge respect grown towards cops with it. Edit 1: I thanksrikishna Raajan, for grammatical correction. Edit 2: Thank youall, its my 1st 1k+ upvotes & 10k+ views. Edit 3: I amdedicating this post to all the cops who render their service with humanity. Edit 4: A specialthanks to Rajendran sir, (The cop in this story). Edit 5:... As soonas the verification was done he said that verification is over and I can leavethe place. FYI This is whatmade me to write this story in the first place. Thank you all. My note- It is arepeat QA In the present daysfor verification the details are transferred to the tab of the police staffconcerned through commissioner of police. The Police staff not in uniform call the concernedperson on the mobile number given and intimate a time, he will be coming for verification.At the fixed time the person has to be ready with relevant items like theapplication with photograph, Aadhar for local address, answer the questions ofenquiry and enter in the tab. He desire the person concerned should not be assisted in any manner.On satisfaction of answers he asks the concernedperson to sign in the tab. If at all we callon the police official’s location, they discourage verification there andintimate, they will visit the premises. Further, forvery senior citizens, in the passport office itself a senior officer calls,makes some simple queries and write a note- NOPOLICE VARIFICATION REQUIRED.I got mine and my wife’s renewed passport about a year agowithout police verification. Q4 What is the funniest joke you've beentold that you still think about to this day? A4 Bob Pogo, Writer at Self-Employment(1970–present)13h I heard this yearsago, but it is still funny. A man goes to his Doctor and says he wants to be castrated.The Doc tries to talk him out of it, but the man insists. The doctor says, “Wecan do that right here in our building, there is an Operating room next door. Are you absolutely sure you want this done?” The man replies that yes,it has to be done. The Doctor takes the man intosurgery and performs the operation. In the recovery room, as the man isregaining consciousness the Doc asks, “While I have youhere, would you like to be circumcised, too?” The man replies,“Damn it, Doc. That’s the word I meant! That’s what I wanted done!” Q5 What is the most funniest joke you everheard? A5 Bob Scruggs,14h I read this one.See if you can understand it. You sort of have to figure it out by definitions,etc. Three men who were seated together on a flightwere getting to know one another. The first on said, “My name is Joe, I’m retired fromthe U.S. Navy, Admiral. I’ve a wife and two sons. One is a doctor, andthe other is an accountant. The second one said, “My name is Mike. I’m retired from theU.S. Navy, Admiral. I’ve a wife and two sons. One is aNeurosurgeon, the other is a Federal Judge. The third man said “My name is Jake. I’m retired from theU.S. Navy, Petty Officer. I never married.I have two sons, both areAdmirals. -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Thatha_Patty" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to [email protected]. To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/thatha_patty/99077619.4739578.1704549081853%40mail.yahoo.com.
