On my buying trip to India in February I made it a point to visit the people who we donated rice to during the covid lockdown. I wanted to meet them, hear their stories, and see first hand if we touched their lives in any way.
I was uncharacteristically nervous on the drive there.
My first stop was the young woman who was pregnant during COVID last year and did not have a place to live. Here she is with her husband and daughter, now 9 months old. Her daughter is a beautiful, happy and healthy young girl. As we were leaving she told me “thank you” in English and I could see in her eyes that she truly meant it. The “thank you” touched me deeply.
Next, we visited the family with two blind sons. Only one was there at the time. The mother was a wonderful woman who was all smiles and chatting to me in Tamil. She showed me her house and how they all slept on the floor together in one cinderblock room with a corrugated roof and a fan. She told me that when she got the rice, she immediately started a fire to start cooking it because they literally had no food to eat. She was so thankful for what we had done for her family.
We visited a village that could not have been any more marginalized by society. They lived on the outskirts of town with no water or electricity. No government aid gets to them and they are purely subsistence living. On the drive getting there I was amazed at how my friend, Balan was even able to find these people. When I was there Balan told me how some of the villagers were amazed that the rice was whole grain rice. They were used to only eating cracked rice, basically, they could only afford the low-quality rice that had some defects to it.
It was an incredibly rewarding and difficult day for me. It was rewarding to connect with the actual people we donated rice to, look into their eyes and feel how appreciative they were of our help. It was difficult because you can see how large the issues are with poverty in India and the world. As much as I would love to solve the issue, it is not something that one person can come in to correct. It would take a massive effort to change society.
Balan and I were brainstorming over things we can do in the future and hope to bring another donation opportunity to everyone again soon.
Thank you again to everyone who donated to help make this happen.
~Kyle Tortora, Founder, Lotus Sculpture
Click to watch the video of my experiences visiting the people we donated rice to during the covid lockdown.
I met the same sadhus who I met with my mother 16 years ago when I first visited Nepal at Pashupatinath Temple
It has been 16 years since I first visited Nepal. Lotus Sculpture has never imported any statues from Nepal so this past week was like a buying trip 20 years ago, exploring Kathmandu valley and searching for new artisans with exceptional statues. Happily, we found them!
Here is Mr. Shakya holding a gold-plated statue of Indra in a loving embrace with Shakti. I loved this man! he had a youthful charm to him that was infectious.
The moment that I laid my eyes on this stunning Nataraj statue I knew I would have to bring Him home with me. I have never before seen a dancing Shiva in this style. It is a perfect statue in casting, form, and painting.
From the moment I met Siddartha I knew I had met a lifelong friend. He has a calm grace and inner peace that emanates from him. And he has some amazing statues like this amazing Vajrasatva (coming to Lotus Sculpture soon)!
Going from shop to shop finding some hidden treasures like this copper double dorje brings out the inner Indiana Jones in me.
Batsa is a young 29-year-old artist shown creating a wax mold of Vajrayogini. He uses yak bone to shape it. The saliva keeps them from sticking together which differs from how stipathis (wax modelers) of South India create their wax molds. He spends all day drawing and creating wax molds. I loved him. He is a dedicated, true artist!
I knew I was going to find amazing statues, but when I saw some amazing prayer wheels I had to learn where and how they are made. The mantra “Om Mani Padme Om” is pounded into copper sheets and then made into a prayer wheel and filled with prayers. I know you will be as excited about them as I am!
Mahesh is a Master craftsman! All of his statues are made at another level of artistry. I can not wait to show them to you!
We are going to have a big selection of masterpieces coming from Nepal! As big a selection as Indra’s arms are wide.
Vajrasatva is jeweled with rubies, red coral, and emeralds. Stunning carving!
“Being in Nepal was like experiencing my first buying trip as a young man 22 years ago. With every step I took on the streets of Kathmandu, I was in search of something new for Lotus Sculpture, a new artisan or a new art form. Every day was exhilarating!”
~Kyle Tortora, Founder, Lotus Sculpture
One sees colorful Prayer flags fluttering everywhereRefreshing the temple outdoor deities with a coat of paint.
Here are the ghats or steps where bodies are cremated at the Pashupatinath temple in Kathmandu dedicated to Lord Shiva. It was a very heavy difficult day for me. There were children begging, old sadhus laying on the ground in awful health conditions that aren’t appropriate to share, and then seeing bodies burning on funeral pyres really affected me. The Buddha said that “all life is suffering.” It was easy to understand why he uttered those words so long ago. It was also very easy to see the impermanence of all life in those moments as both life and death were on display in front of me.
A beautiful Manjushree statue sits with a sword raised beneath a blue sky filled with prayer flags. What a sight!
Shri Krishna as the name means – He is the one who is capable of attracting everyone. The name Krishna also means absolute truth. Lord Krishna is the eighth and most famous avatar of Lord Vishnu who is symbolized as the best example of truth, love, dharma, and courage.
One of the most widely revered and most popular of all Indian divinities is Krishna, worshiped as the eighth incarnation (avatar) of Vishnu. Lord Krishna became the focus of a large number of devotional cults, which over the centuries have produced a wealth of religious poetry, music, painting, and sculpture.
Krishna affirms life in his pranks, music, and lovemaking
The rich variety of legends associated with Krishna’s life led to an abundance of representation in painting and sculpture. The divine lover (the most common representation) is shown playing the flute, surrounded by adoring gopis.
Here, are some of the most popular mantras of Shri Krishna used by devotees all over the world.
1. Moola Mantra
“Om Krishnaya Namaha“
Meaning: Salutations to the Lord Krishna
2. Krishna Gayatri Mantra: This mantra brings in high energy for activities and success in the job.
“Aum Devkinandanaye Vidmahe Vasudevaye Dhi-Mahi Tan No Krishna Prachodayat Aum“
“Aarti Yugal Kishor ki Kijai, Radhe Tan Man dhan nyochhavar kijai. Ravi shashi koti badan ki shobha, Tahi nirakh mera man lobha. Gaur Shyam mukh nirkhat rijhai, Prabhu ko rup nayan bhar pijai. Kanchan thar kapur ki bati, Hari aye nirmal bhai chhati. Phulan ki sej phulan ki mala, Ratna sinhasan baithe Nandlala. Mor mukut kar murli sohai, Natwar vesh dekh manmohe. Oddhe peet neel pat sari, Kunj Bihari Girvardhari. Shri Purshottam Girvar dhari, arti karat sakal Brajanari. Nandnandan Vnishabhanu Kishori, Parmanand svami avichal jori.“
6. Hare Krishna Maha-Mantra: It is a 16-word Vaishnava mantra, the most famous mantra of Lord Krishna, which first appeared in the Kali-Santarana Upanishad.
“Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare“
Meaning: I memorize the Lord in his infant form (Mukunda), who sleeps in a Banyan leaf. He is the one who puts his lotus life feet to His mouth, with the help of His hands.
Meaning: I sing the praise of Ramachandra, Who is known as Achyuta (infallible), Keshav, Raam, Narayan, Krishna, Damodara, Vasudeva, Hari, Shridhara (possessing Lakshmi), Madhava, Gopikavallabha (Dearest of Gopika), and Janakinayaka (Lord of Janaki or Sita).
Meaning: I memorize the Lord in his infant form (Mukunda), who sleeps in a Banyan leaf. He is the one who puts his lotus life feet to His mouth, with the help of His hands.
Meaning: I offer my respect to Shri Radha rani, who has a molten gold complexion. O Goddess, You are the queen of Vrindavana, the daughter of King Vrishabhanu, and are very dear to Lord Krishna.
Meaning: Radha rani is a resident of Goloka, known as Vrindavan, and is a cowherd damsel. She is the queen of the gopis and the divine mother of the cowherd boys. She is joyful and always experiencing the highest bliss. She incites strong desires in the heart of the son of Nanda (Lord Krishna).
8. Sree Krishna Stuthi – Sandhyanaamam: This stuti is written by the famous devotee Poothanam, praising Lord Krishna.
Meaning: I salute you, pretty Krishna, who is black and who carries Lakshmi with folded hands. Hey happy Krishna, who is decorated. He is also known as Vasudeva, Be pleased to take away all my sorrows.
Hey Krishna who presides all over the universe and who is the consort of Lakshmi, Please appear before me, Hey Krishna who is the only lord of fourteen worlds, You are the one, who fills all the ten directions fully,
Oh lotus-eyed Krishna, who is the baby cowherd, Be pleased to come and live inside me, Oh Krishna, who has taken birth on this earth, Please help me to live without any problems.
Oh Krishna, you should put out the raging, Problems of my heart, oh my baby Krishna, Oh Krishna who is equal to the formidable Banasura, I salute you with the greatest happiness.
Oh Krishna I do not have any desire, And alas I do not have any desire, And Oh Krishna the curiosity within me is great, To see the beauty of your body, Oh Krishna
Oh Krishna, along with the music of your flute with drum beats, Oh Lad of the cowherds, please come running to me, Oh pretty and charitable Krishna, who is playful, There is no comparison at all for your qualities.
I salute your lotus-like feet with love for you, Oh Lord with lotus-like eyes, Oh most pretty one, Ok Krishna, oh son of Nanda, Please drive away my problems and take care of me.
Oh cloud colored Krishna, Oh star of the clan of Vrushnees, Oh Krishna with lotus-like eyes, I salute you, Victory to Krishna who is hari, Victory to Krishna who is Hari, Victory to Krishna, who is Hari
“Beautiful goddess seated on a chariot, delighted by songs on lustful elephants, bedecked with lotuses, pearls and gems, lustrous as fire, radiant as gold, resplendent as the sun, calm as the moon, mistress of cows and horses – take away poverty and misfortune, bring joy, riches, harvest and children.”
According to Hindu beliefs the Hindu Goddess Lakshmi is the Goddess of wealth, fortune, luxury, power, prosperity, generosity and embodiment of beauty. She is also the consort of Lord Vishnu and is believed to give strength to the Lord himself. Goddess Lakshmi is believed to relieve all her devotees from all sorrows related to money. Padma, Padma Priya, Padmamaladhara devi, Kamala, Padmamukhi, Padmakshi, Jalaja, Madhavi, Padmahasta, Padmasundari, Kalyani, Vishnupriya, Ulkavahini and Vaishnavi are some of the names in which She is worshiped. She is also known as Jaganmaatha (“Mother of the Universe”).
You can find an innumerable number of slokas in praise of Goddess Lakshmi. Here, are some of them:
1.Beetja Mantra
“Shreem“
It is believed that the continuous chanting of this mantra will bring gain and prosperity in life.
2. The mantra that includes 9 names of Mahalakshmi:
“Om Mahalakshmi Namahae Om Gaja Lakshmi Namahae Om Jaya Lakshmi Namahae Om Thana Lakshmi Namahae Om Santana Lakshmi Namahae Om Seetha Lakshmi Namahae Om Thaireya Lakshmi Namahae Om Thannya Lakshmi Namahae Om Vidya Lakshmi Namahae Om Maha Vishu Mahalakshmi Namahae“
Chanting this mantra will bring youth, beauty, happiness and riches to you, which will make a great difference in life.
Meaning: Oh Goddess you are the one who is worshiped in all the three worlds, Oh Kamala, Oh Consort of Lord Vishnu, Oh Consort of Krishna, If only you are stable, And abide by me forever. Oh Kamala, Oh unstable one, Oh Lakshmi, Oh Goddess who moves everything, Oh Goddess of prosperity, Oh Darling of Hari, Oh Padma, Oh goddess who lives in lotus, Oh Goddess who is pleasant, Oh Goddess who is exalted, Oh Goddess of wealth, Oh Goddess who holds a lotus.
If these twelve names of Lakshmi are read and worshipped, Lakshmi would be stable and he (who chants) would be with wife and son. Thus ends the Dakshina Lakshmi Stotram.
E: Lakshmi Mantra to bring fortune and prosperity to enterprises
“Om Shring Hring Kling Tribhuvan Mahalakshmyai Asmaakam Daaridray Naashay Prachur Dhan Dehi Dehi Kling Hring Shring Om Om Shring Hring Kling Aing Saung Om Hring Ka A Ee La Hring Ha Sa Ka Ha La Hring Sakal Hring Saung Aing Kling Hring Shring Om Om Hring Shring Kreeng Shring Kreeng Kling Shring Mahaalakshmi Mam Grihe Dhanam Pooray Pooray Chintaayai Dooray Dooray Swaha Om Sarvabaadhaa Vinirmukto, Dhan Dhaanyah Sutaanvitah Manushyo Matprasaaden Bhavishyati Na Sanshayah Om“
Hindu God Lord Hanuman (The Monkey God) or Hanuman Ji is the greatest devotee of Lord Rama and plays a vital role in the Hindu epic Ramayana. He is the son of Vayu or Marut (The Wind God) and Anjani. Anjaneya, Anjani Putra, Hanumat, Bajarangabali, Hanuman, Mahaveer (the great hero), Maruti, Pavanputra (son of air) are some of His names used by devotees.
Hanuman, worshiped for his strength, knowledge, valor, divinity, agility, and considered as the symbol of devotion and dedication.
Some say Hanuman was born as the son of the King and Queen of the Monkeys. To others, he is the son of Anjana, an female Apsara who had been transformed into a monkey by a curse, and Vayu, the wind god. It is also said that from his father Vayu Hanuman received the ability to fly.
His devotees will fast on Saturdays and Thursdays, give offerings to him and chant the mantras to please Him so that He will do miracles in the life of the devotees.
Meaning: We plead to the Lord Hanuman, who is the greatest server and messenger of the Lord Shree Rama.
2. Hanuman Mantra – For Jobs, Promotions & Examinations
Thursday is considered to be the auspicious day to chant this mantra and it is widely used by students to pass the examinations as well as employees to get promotions.
“Om Shree Vajradehaya Ramabhakthaya Vayuputhraya“
3. Hanuman Gayathri Mantra
It is believed that the energy that fills up your life by chanting this mantra will guard you against all dangers and strengthen you with courage and knowledge.
Meaning: We pray to the son of Goddess Anjani and the son of the “Wind”. May Lord Hanuman lead our intellect towards intelligence and “knowing”
4. Hanuman Mantra
This mantra praises Hanuman as the messenger of the Lord Rama, who is the incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Hanuman can travel swiftly and is very intelligent. He is also described as the chief of the monkey army and the son of Vayu (Wind God).
Meaning: I bow to you, mighty Hanuman, Who was born from the Womb of Mother Anjani, and who is the most Excellent Minister of the King of Monkeys. He is extremely dear to Sri Rama; I Bow to You, O Hanuman, Please Protect me always.
Meaning: I clean my mind with the help of the dust of the lotus like feet of Sri Gurudeva. I describe the Sacred Glory of Sri Rama Chandra, who bestows the Four Fruits of Life (Dharma, Artha, Kama and Moksha).
Meaning: O Pavan Puthra, I meditate on you, please consider me as I am ignorant. Bestow on me Strength, Wisdom and Knowledge, and Remove my Afflictions and Blemishes.
“Jay Hanumaan Jnaan Gunn Saagar Jai Kapiis Tihu-Lok Ujaagar“
Meaning: Victory to You, O Hanuman. You are the Ocean of Wisdom and Virtue. Victory to the king of the monkeys and the enlightener of the three Worlds.
Meaning: O Lord, you are the Messenger of Sri Rama possessing incalculable Strength. You are known as Anjani-Putra (son of Anjani) and Pavana-Suta (son of Pavana, the wind-god).
“Mahaa-biir Bikrama Bajarangii Kumati Nivaar Sumati Ke Sangii“
Meaning: O Lord, you are a great hero who is extremely valiant and have a strong body as that of a thunderbolt. You are the dispeller of evil thoughts and companion of Good Sense and Wisdom.
Meaning: In the Diminutive Form, you appeared before Sita Devi and you also assumed the awesome form to burn Lanka.
“Bhiim Ruup Dhari Asur Samhaare Raamacandra Ke Kaaj Samvaare“
Meaning: Assuming the gigantic form, you destroyed the Demons of Lanka, thereby accomplishing the task bestowed on Him by Sri Ram.
“Laal Deha Laaleel-Se, Arudhari-Laal Langoor Vajra Deha Daanava Dalan, Jai Jai Jai Kapi-Soor“
Meaning: We pray to the red-colored one, whose entire body is red, and is decorated with red-colored sindoor. We pray to the one draped with a red-colored loin-cloth. We pray to the one whose body is firm and strong like the vajra. We pray to the destroyer of demons. We bow in praise again and again to the supreme among Gods, Lord Hanuman.
Meaning: Manojavam– Let I pray to the one who is swift as thought Marut.tulya.vegam- the one who is more powerful than the wind jitendriyam– the one who has conquered his senses vaataatmajam– the one who is supreme among all intelligent beings, the son of the wind-god vaanar.yooth.mukhyam– the commander of the army of forest creatures Give me refuse, the messenger of Lord Rama, the incomparable Lord Hanuman. Please accept me and my prayers at your feet.
For a limited time we are offering free UPS Ground shipping on all orders within the 48 States. International customers will receive a 40% discount off the price of shipping. This discount will be extended to our Canadian customers as well!
Items weighing over 150 pounds including packing materials will be shipped using a freight service. Domestic Freight will be discounted by 35%!
