Decision Making is one of the most important skill one should develop for success in life by evaluating situations quickly and making definite decisions.
Many of us struggle with the process of decision making. At school, home or work we are afraid of taking wrong decisions and hence are paralzed by the fear of DECISION MAKING.
Fear makes us avoid making decisions which results to dependancy on others to take decisions.
Eg: When someone asks "What would you like to do this Sunday?"
Our responses may be:
1. Oh I don't mind anything
2. Whatever you like
3. Your choice
4. I'm fine with everything
This kinds of response will quickly develop into the habit of indecision. Which in turn can become a major block to achieve the important goals of the life.
"Don't let yourself be paralyzed by fear, which prevents so many people from living out their dreams" Mark Fisher.
Steps to become more decisive is to identify decision making skill and improve it with practice.
Whenever someone asks for our opinion here is what we should do:
1. Avoid responding with disregard
2. Stop and think over
3. Identify your 'gut feelings'
4. Repond with full confident
So now in future if someone asks you "What would you like to do this Sunday?" Don't leave the decision making up to others
Instead just follow the steps as mentioned above and become aware of your 'gut feelings' and then state your opinion confidently
Eg:
1. I would prefer to take dinner at the new italian restaurant
2. Lets go for movie...
By exercising your ability to identify and express your opinion, you will gradually overcome the fear of making decisions.
Eventually, when you are confronted by a more serious decision, you will be able to draw upon your well-practiced decision making skills to evaluate the situation and make a decision quickly and confidently.
The Narayan Kavach appears in the sixth 'skandh' of the eighth 'adhyaaya' verses 36-46 in the Shrimad Bhaagvad. The Narayan Kavach was taught by Vishvaroopa to Lord Indra.
Narayan Kavach literally means the armor of Lord Narayan. An armor protects one from blows and adversities. That is exactly what this prayer is meant to do.
It is a fascinating prayer as you will learn if you, at least will read the translation that is rendered. All the possible situations, times, circumstances are covered. The more ambitious ones could recite it everyday for themselves or/and their loved ones. It is believed to be very powerful. I would recommend that the 'less ambitious ones' recite or learn the last 4 lines.
From 'Vidikshu dikshu…….samast tejaha'
Before commencing the recital, chant 'Om Namo Naraayanaya' or 'Om Namo Bhagvadey Vaasudey Vaaya ('ey' pronounced as Whey) or your favourite mantra 12 times. Visualize yourself and/or your loved ones, totally protected. My favourite way of doing it is by visualizing a family portrait. You could 'see' them dressed in armor. You could see them immersed in white or violet light. You could see them in a tube of Light. You could see an impenetrable ring of white Light around them. 'Sound' started with the chanting of Om. The entire SamVeda was transferred through the notes of the 'sargam' Music commenced with the recitation of Mantras and Shlokas. There is Spiritual strength in it. (One must remember that this prayer was granted for Victory in the battlefield. Hence it asks for destruction of enemies, I would prefer to pray for the destruction of enmity rather than the enemies, Shakun)
I am presenting to you the translation first. The original follows:
Om Hareer vida-dhyaan mama sarva rakshaam
May the Lord Hari protect you from all sides.
Nyastaangni padmah patgendra prishtey
Shree Hari has placed His 'Charan Kamal' (Lotus feet)
Daraari charmaasi gadeshu chaapo
On the back of Shree Garuda (The vehicle of Lord Vishnu)
Paashaan dadhaanoshta gunoshta vaahu
All the 8 'Siddhis' (Miraculous Powers) serve Him. On His 8 hands, He Holds 8 weapons. (Shankh, Chakra, Dhaal, Talvaar, Gada, Baan, Dhanush and Paash)
Jaleshu maam rakshatu matsya murtir
May the Lord protect me in the water as Matsya-Murtir (The Fish Incarnation of Lord Vishnu) from all the Water Creatures.
Yaado ganebhyo varunasya paashaat
May the Lord protect me from the Fury of Typhoons.
Sthaleshu maaya vatu vaamano vyaat
On the Earth, may the Lord Vaaman (Incarnation of Lord Vishnu) protect me.
Trivikramaha khevatu vishwaroopaha
Lord Trivikrama should protect me in the sky.
May Lord Narasimha (The half-Man and Half-Lion Incarnation of Lord Vishnu) by whose Mighty roar, all the four directions shook, and pregnant demonesses lost their children in their wombs, protect me in forts, jungles, battlefields and dangerous places.
Rakshatvasao Maadhvani yagnakalpah
May Varaaha (The Boar Incarnation of Lord Vishnu) who saved the earth with the help of His tusk, and who symbolises 'Yagna' (Sacrifice, effort) protect me when I am going my way.
Svadanshtrayo nneet dhavo varaaha Ramo adrikuteshu atha vipravaase
May Parshurama (The Incarnation of Lord Vishnu who cleansed the earth of power hungry corrupt warriors), protect me on mountain-peaks.
Sa Laxmano avyaad Bharataagrajo smaan Maam ugra dharmaad akhilaat pramaadaat
May Sri Laxman, together with Sri Bharat's elder brother Shri Ram, protect me whenever I travel.
Naaraayanah paatu narashcha haasaat
May the Lord Narayan protect me from wrong thoughts, deeds (whenever I may act against 'Dharma', my duties) May the 'Rishi Shreshta' protect me from (the disease of ) the Human ego.
Dattastu ayogaat atha yognaatha
Lord Dattatreya! Please protect me from the obstacles that one generally encounters when one goes to pray, or for Spiritual gatherings.
Paayaad Gunesha Kapilaha karmabandhaat
May the Lord Kapil protect me from the bondage of karmas.
Sanat Kumaro avatu kaamdevaad
May Sanat Kumara protect me from the God of Passion.
Haya sheershaa maam pathi devahelnaat
May HayaSheersha, protect me from the offense of not paying obeisance to the
Dev Murtis (Temples) that one encounters on the way.
Devarishi varyaha purushaarcha naantaraat
May the Dev-Rishi Naarad protect me from ('Seva-Apraadh) My shortcomings in service (to the Celestial Beings).
Koormo Hareer maam niryaa dasheshaat
May the Tortoise Avtaar of the Lord protect me from all kinds of health problems.
Dhanvantarir Bhagwan paatu apathyaad
May the Lord Dhanvantari protect me from unhealthy food items.
Dwandwaad bhayaad Rishabho nirjitaatmaa
May RishabhDev protect me from 'dualities' (ie. Joy, sorrow, pleasure, pain, Like, Dislike etc)
Yagnashcha lokaa davtaad janaantaad
May Yagna Bhagwan (The Lord Of Yagna or Sacrifices) protect me from social stigmas
Balo ganaat krodha vashaa daheendraha
May Lord Sheshya (Snake) protect me from all kinds of snakes of anger.
Dvaipaayano Bhagwaan aprabodhaad
May Ved- Vyaasji protect me from ignorance.
Budhastu Paakhand Ganaat Pramaadaat
May Lord Buddha protect me from hypocrisy and laziness.
Kalkih kaley kaalmalaat prapaatu dharmaa-vanaayo rukrutaa vataaraha
May Lord Kalki protect me from all the evil prevalent in Kaliyuga.
Maam Keshavo gadayaa praata ravyaad
May Lord Keshav protect me in the morning with His 'Gada' (weapon)
Govind aasangava Maatra venu
May Lord Govind protect me with His flute after dawn.
Naraayanah praahna udaatta Shaktir madhyam diney Vishnu ravindra paanihi
Before noon may Lord Narayana protect me with His strength. At noon, may Lord Vishnu protect me with His Sudarshan Chakra (weapon)
Devo aparaahney madhuhogra dhanvaa
During the afternoon, may Lord Madhusudan protect me with His Mighty 'Dhanush' (weapon, Bow)
Saayam tridhaama vatu Madhavo maam
May Tri-Murti-Dhaari protect me during the evening.
Doshey Rishikesha utaardha raatrey
After sunset may Lord Rishikesh protect me.
Nisheetha eko avatu Padmanaabhah
At midnight I seek protection from Bhagwan Padmanaabha.
Shreevatsa dhaama para-raatra Eeshah
After midnight may Shree Hari protect me.
Pratyoosha Eesho asidharo Janaardanaha
At Dawn may Bhagwan Janaardan, who holds the sword protect me.
Daamodaro avyaada nu sandhyam prabhatey
Before Sunrise may Shree Damodara protect me.
Vishweshwaro Bhagwan kaalmurtih
And may Bhagwan Vishweshwara also protect me.
Chakram Yugaantaanal tigmanemi Bhramat samantaad Bhagavat prayuktam
O Sudarshan (weapon of the Lord) You appear like a wheel of a chariot. Your edges are sharp like a devastating fire By instructions from Your Lord, you move on all sides
Dandhagdhee dandagdhya arisainya maashu
Just like fire, with the help of the wind, burns dry grass,
Kaksham yathaa vaata sakho hutaashah
Similarly you destroy the army of my enemies (enmity).
Gadey shani sparshan visphulindey
O Gada! (weapon) the sparks that emanate from you, are unbearable to the touch.
Nishpindee nishpindhya ajita priyaasi
You are the beloved of Lord Ajit (Invincible)
Kooshmanda vainaayaka yaksha raksho Bhoota grahaam schoornaya schoornaya reen
Hence you destroy the evil spirits as well as my enemies (enmity).
Tvam yaatu dhaana pramatha preta maatru
O Shankha! (Conch) May my enemies (and evil tendencies) get frightened, when they hear your sound as Lord Krishna blows upon you.
Pishaacha vipra graha ghora drishteen Darendra vidraavaya Krishna poorito
Bheema svanorarer rdyaani kampayan
Make their hearts tremble and cause the demons and evil spirits to flee
Tvam tigmadhaara Sivaraari sainya
O Mighty Talvaar (Sword) of the Lord whose edge is so sharp.
You destroy my enemies (enmity)
Meesha prayukto mama chhindi chhindi
O Great Dhaal of the Lord, which is adorned with countless moons,
Chakshoom shi charman chhat chandra chhaadaya Dwishaam aghonaam hara paapa chakshushaam
You forever close the eyes of my sinful enemies (evil, enmity)
Yanno bhayam grahebhyo bhoot Ketubhyo nrubhya eva cha
May all those (that) be destroyed, who (which is, an) are an obstacle to my well being.
Sareesru pebhyo damshthrubhyo bhootebhyo hobhya eva va Sarvaani etaani Bhagwan naam roopaastra keertanaat prayaantu sankshayam sadyo ye naha shreyah prateepaka
May all my enemies (enmity) be destroyed by the strength of my chanting and prayers.
Garudo Bhagwaan stotra stobha rachhando mayaha prabhuh Rakshatva shesha kruchhebhyo vishwaksenaha svanaamabhi
May the Lord's name, form, vehicle and helpers protect our intellect, mind, breath and senses. God is in reality the 'Action' and the 'Reason for all Creation'
Sarvaa padbhyo Hareer naama roopa yaanaayu dhaani naha
By the Strength of the above Truth, may all my obstacles cease to exist
Budhi indriya manah praanaan Paantu paarshad Bhooshanaaha
Those who have realised 'Brahma' or become Enlightened, have realised that the Lord is without form.
Yathaa hi Bhagwaaneva vastutaha sadasachayat Satyenaa nena naha sarve yaantu naashamupadra vaaha Yathei kaatmya nubhaavaanaam vikalpa rahitaha svayam Bhooshnaa yudha lingaakhyaa dhatey shakteeh svamaayaya
Yet by the Power of the Lord's 'Maya' it is true, that the Lord does assume an appearance, and owns (acquires) Jewels, Weapons, Attributes.
Teneiva satyamaanena sarvagyo Bhagwan Hareeh Paatu sarvai svaroopairna sadaa sarvatra sarvagaha
That is why, may the Omni- Present God Shree Hari always protect me with His Form.
Vidikshu dikshu urdhwa madhaha samantaad Antar baahir Bhagwaan Narasimhaha
May the Lord NaraSimha ( The Incarnation of Lord Vishnu, Half Lion, Half Man) ,
Prahaapayan loka bhayan svanena
Whose Mighty Roar, makes flee the fear of everyone, and by whose effulgence, (enemy's) brightness is devoured,
Svatejasaa grasta samasta tejaaha
May He always protect me
Goddess MahaaLaxmi, is the consort of Lord Narayan (See the Satyanaaraayan Katha to read a prayer to Lord Narayan and Mantra of Lord Narayan), who is considered by Hindus to be the Supreme Being . She is the Goddess of Wealth. During Diwali, Hindus perform Laxmi Puja (Prayers to MahaaLaxmi) for good fortune during the coming year.
This is a mantra (hymn) for abundance in wealth, strength and wisdom.
O Devi, Giver of Intelligence and Success, And of worldly enjoyment and liberation, Thou hast always the mystic symbols As Thy form, O MahaLaxmi, obeisance to Thee.
I pray Sun, who shines like the javaa flower, the descendent of Kaashyapa who destroys all sins, the enemy of darkness and the one with great brilliance.
I pray Mercury, who is like the bud of millet and who is gentle by nature and has great gentle looks.
Jupiter
देवानां च रिशिनाम च गुरुम कांचन संनिभाम
बुद्धि भूतं त्रिलोकेषम तम नमामि ब्रिहस्पतिम
Devanaam cha rishinaam cha gurum kaanchan sannibhaam
Buddhi bhootam trilokesham tam namaami brihaspatim
I pray Jupiter, the celestial teacher, who shines like gold amongst the Devatas and the Rishis, and who is the embodiment of the intellect the three worlds.
तामस तनु कछु साधन नाहीं। प्रीति न पद सरोज मन माहीं।।
अब मोहि भा भरोस हनुमंता। बिनु हरिकृपा मिलहिं नहिं संता।।
जौ रघुबीर अनुग्रह कीन्हा। तौ तुम्ह मोहि दरसु हठि दीन्हा।।
सुनहु बिभीषन प्रभु कै रीती। करहिं सदा सेवक पर प्रीती।।
कहहु कवन मैं परम कुलीना। कपि चंचल सबहीं बिधि हीना।।
प्रात लेइ जो नाम हमारा। तेहि दिन ताहि न मिलै अहारा।।
दो0-अस मैं अधम सखा सुनु मोहू पर रघुबीर।
कीन्ही कृपा सुमिरि गुन भरे बिलोचन नीर।।7।।
–*–*–
जानतहूँ अस स्वामि बिसारी। फिरहिं ते काहे न होहिं दुखारी।।
एहि बिधि कहत राम गुन ग्रामा। पावा अनिर्बाच्य बिश्रामा।।
पुनि सब कथा बिभीषन कही। जेहि बिधि जनकसुता तहँ रही।।
तब हनुमंत कहा सुनु भ्राता। देखी चहउँ जानकी माता।।
जुगुति बिभीषन सकल सुनाई। चलेउ पवनसुत बिदा कराई।।
करि सोइ रूप गयउ पुनि तहवाँ। बन असोक सीता रह जहवाँ।।
देखि मनहि महुँ कीन्ह प्रनामा। बैठेहिं बीति जात निसि जामा।।
कृस तन सीस जटा एक बेनी। जपति हृदयँ रघुपति गुन श्रेनी।।
दो0-निज पद नयन दिएँ मन राम पद कमल लीन।
परम दुखी भा पवनसुत देखि जानकी दीन।।8।।
–*–*–
तरु पल्लव महुँ रहा लुकाई। करइ बिचार करौं का भाई।।
तेहि अवसर रावनु तहँ आवा। संग नारि बहु किएँ बनावा।।
Shri Guru Charan Saroj Raj Nij mane mukure sudhaar Varnao Raghuvar Vimal Jasu Jo dayaku phal chaar
After cleansing the mirror of my mind with the pollen dust of holy Guru's Lotus feet. I Profess the pure, untainted glory of Shri Raghuvar who bestows the four- fold fruits of life.(Dharma, Artha, Kama and Moksha).
Fully aware of the deficiency of my intelligence, I concentrate my attention on Pavan Kumar and humbly ask for strength, intelligence and true knowledge to relieve me of all blemishes, causing pain.
Jai Hanuman gyaan gun saagar Jai Kapees tihun lok ujaagar
Victory to thee, O'Hanuman! Ocean of Wisdom-All hail to you O'Kapisa! (fountain-head of power, wisdom and Shiva-Shakti) You illuminate all the three worlds (Entire cosmos) with your glory.
Ram doot atulit bal dhaama Anjani-putra Pavan sut naama
You are the divine messenger of Shri Ram. The repository of immeasurable strength, though known only as Son of Pavan (Wind), born of Anjani.
Mahaveer Vikram Bajrangi Kumati nivaar sumati Ke sangee
With Limbs as sturdy as Vajra (The mace of God Indra) you are valiant and brave. On you attends good Sense and Wisdom. You dispel the darkness of evil thoughts.
You carry in your hand a lightening bolt along with a victory(kesari) flag and wear the sacred thread on your shoulder.
Shankar suvan kesari Nandan Tej prataap mahaa jag vandan
As a descendant of Lord Sankar, you are a comfort and pride of Shri Kesari. With the lustre of your Vast Sway, you are propitiated all over the universe.
Vidyaavaan guni ati chaatur Ram kaj karibe ko aatur
You are the repository of learning, virtuous and fully accomplished, always keen to carry out the behest's of Shri Ram.
Prabu charitra sunibe ko raseeya Ram Lakhan Sita man Basiya
You are an ardent listener, always so keen to listen to the narration of Shri Ram's Life Stories. Your heart is filled with what Shri Ram stood for. You therefore always dwell in the hearts of Shri Ram, Lakshman and Sita.
You appeared before Sita in a Diminutive form and spoke to her in humility. You assumed an awesome form and struck terror by setting Lanka on fire.
Bhima roop dhari asur sangharey Ramachandra ke kaj sanvarey
With over-whelming might you destroyed the Asuras (demons) and performed all tasks assigned to you by Shri Ram with great skill
Laye Sanjivan Lakhan Jiyayey Shri Raghuvir Harashi ur laye
You brought Sanjivan (A herb that revives life) and restored Lakshman back to life, Shri Raghuvir (Shri Ram) cheerfully embraced you with his heart full of joy.
Raghupati Kinhi bahut badai Tum mam priye Bharat-hi sam bhai
Shri Raghupati (Shri Ram) lustily extolled your excellence and said: "You are as dear to me as my own brother Bharat."
Sahas badan tumharo yash gaave Us kahi Shripati kanth lagaave
Thousands of living beings are chanting hymns of your glories; saying thus, Shri Ram warmly hugged him (Shri Hanuman).
When prophets like Sanka, even the Sage like Lord Brahma, the great hermit Narad himself, Goddess Saraswati and Ahisha(one of immeasurable dimensions).
Even Yamraj (God of Death) Kuber (God of Wealth) and the Digpals (deputies guarding the four corners of the Universe) have been vying with one another in offering homage to your glories. How then, can a mere poet give adequate expression of your super excellence.
Tum upkar Sugreevahin keenha Ram milaye rajpad deenha Tumharo mantra Vibheeshan maanaa Lankeshwar Bhaye Sub jag jaana
You rendered a great service to Sugriv. You united him with Shri Ram and he installed him on the Royal Throne. By heeding your advice, Vibhishan became Lord of Lanka. This is known all over the Universe.
Yug sahastra yojan par Bhanu Leelyo taahi madhur phal janu
On your own you dashed upon the Sun, which is at a fabulous distance of thousands of miles, thinking it to be a sweet luscious fruit.
Carrying the Lord's Signet Ring in your mouth, there is hardly any wonder that you easily leapt across the ocean.
Durgaam kaj jagat ke jete Sugam anugraha tumhre tete
The burden of all difficult tasks of the world become light with your kind grace.
Ram dwaarey tum rakhvaarey, Hot na aagya binu paisaarey
You are the sentry at the door of Shri Ram's Divine Abode. No one can enter it without your permission,
Sub sukh lahai tumhari sarna Tum rakshak kahu ko darnaa
All comforts of the world lie at your feet. The devotees enjoy all divine pleasures and feel fearless under your benign Protection.
Aapan tej samharo aapai Teenon lok haank te kanpai
You alone are befitted to carry your own splendid valour. All the three worlds (entire universe) tremor at your thunderous call.
Bhoot pishaach Nikat nahin aavai Mahavir jab naam sunaavai
All the ghosts, demons and evil forces keep away, with the sheer mention of your great name, O'Mahaveer!!
Nasey rog harai sab peera Japat nirantar Hanumant beera
All diseases, pain and suffering disappear on reciting regularly Shri Hanuman's holy name.
Sankat se Hanuman chudavai Man Kram Vachan dyaan jo laavey
Those who remember Shri Hanuman in thought, words and deeds with Sincerity and Faith, are rescued from all crises in life.
Sub par Ram tapasvee raja Tin ke kaaj sakal Tum saja
All who hail, worship and have faith in Shri Ram as the Supreme Lord and the king of penance. You make all their difficult tasks very easy.
Aur manorath jo koi lavai Sohi amit jeevan phal pavai
Whosoever comes to you for fulfillment of any desire with faith and sincerity, Will he alone secure the imperishable fruit of human life.
Charon Yug partaap tumhara Hai parsidh jagat ujiyara
All through the four ages your magnificent glory is acclaimed far and wide. Your fame is Radiantly acclaimed all over the Cosmos.
Sadhu Sant ke tum Rakhware Asur nikandan Ram dulaarey
You are Saviour and the guardian angel of Saints and Sages and destroy all Demons. You are the angelic darling of Shri Ram.
Ashta sidhi nav nidhi ke dhata Us var deen Janki mata
You can grant to any one, any yogic power of Eight Siddhis (power to become light and heavy at will) and Nine Nidhis (Riches, comfort, power, prestige, fame, sweet relationship etc.) This boon has been conferred upon you by Mother Janki.
Ram rasaayan tumhare paasa Sada raho Raghupati ke dasa
You possess the power of devotion to Shri Ram. In all rebirths you will always remain Shri Raghupati's most dedicated disciple.
Tumhare bhajan Ram ko pavai Janam janam ke dukh bisravai
Through hymns sung in devotion to you, one can find Shri Ram and become free from sufferings of several births.
Ant kaal Raghuvar pur jayee Jahaan janam Hari-Bakht Kahayee
If at the time of death one enters the Divine Abode of Shri Ram, thereafter in all future births he is born as the Lord's devotee.
Aur Devta Chit na dharahi Hanumanth se hi sarve sukh karehi
One need not entertain any other deity for Propitiation, as devotion of Shri Hanuman alone can give all happiness.
Sankat kate mite sab peera Jo sumirai Hanumat Balbeera
One is freed from all the sufferings and ill fated contingencies of rebirths in the world. One who adores and remembers Shri Hanuman.
Jai Jai Jai Hanuman Gosaaeen Kripa Karahu Gurudev ki naaeen
Hail, Hail, Hail, Shri Hanuman, Lord of senses. Let your victory over the evil be firm and final. Bless me in the capacity as my supreme guru (teacher).
Jo sat bar path kare kohi Chutehi bandhi maha sukh hohi
One who recites Chalisa one hundred times, becomes free from the bondage of life and death and enjoys the highest bliss at last.
Jo yah padhe Hanuman Chalisa Hoye siddhi sakhi Gaureesa
All those who recite Hanuman Chalisa (The forty Chaupais) regularly are sure to be benedicted. Such is the evidence of no less a witness as Bhagwan Sankar.
Tulsidas sada hari chera Keejai Das Hrdaye mein dera
Tulsidas as a bonded slave of the Divine Master, stays perpetually at his feet, he prays "Oh Lord! You enshrine within my heart & soul."
Pavantanai sankat haran, Mangal murati roop.
Oh! conqueror of the Wind, Destroyer of all miseries, you are a symbol of Auspiciousness.
Ram Lakhan Sita sahit, Hrdaye basahu sur bhoop.
Along with Shri Ram, Lakshman and Sita, reside in my heart. Oh! King of Gods.
