Spiritual Benefits of Tulsi
Tulsi is recognized not only as a spiritual adornment of Hindu worshipers and yoga practitioners, but as one of the most revered medicinal and spiritual herbs of the ancient East. Every part of the "holy basil" from root to leaf is used to make healing essential oils, tea, incense, jewelry and spiritual adornments. You can cook with the plant or nibble on the leaves. Simply seeing or touching the plant brings divine energy into the bodies and lives of those in its presence.
Offering
Tulsi leaves are not only traditional aspects of ritualistic Hindi worship, they are mandatory. Worship of Lord Vishnu, Lord Krushna and Pandurang require the presence of tulsi, especially the leaves which are given to the deities in exchange for pardons of karma and purification of mind, body and environment. In the sacred Hindu text, the Padmapuran, it is said that, "offering flowers made of gold, stones and pearls do not have even one sixteenth of the importance of Tulsi." The sacred offering of naivedya, a food offering to the gods, the tusli leaf is used as a medium to deliver the energy of the physical food into divine energy.
Healing
Tusli has been recognized as a powerful healing tool for centuries. It cleanses the body of toxins and disease-causing bacteria and parasites, even credited with spontaneous healing. The antibacterial, antiseptic and antiviral properties boost immune functions, and high levels of vitamins, iron, chlorophyll and phytonutrients give tulsi its reputation as an overall health and longevity tonic.
Mental Clarity
According to the Chopra Center, tulsi has similar neurological effects to antidepressants and works as a powerful daily stress buster. Wearing, drinking or breathing tulsi is thought to improve mental stamina and prevent negative emotions.
Mythology
In the Hindu religion, the tulsi plant is seen as a great protector and the incarnation of the goddess, Tulsi. The Hindu religious text, Padma Purana, says,"Wherever the aroma of the Tulasi is carried by the wind, it purifies the atmosphere and frees men and animals from baser tendencies." According to the Vedic Cultural Society, several studies have given scientific validity to such claims, showing that tusli actually releases ozone, 03 rather than normal oxygen, O2.
Prayer
The woody stalks of the plant are made into rosaries and meditation malas. Adorning the body with necklaces and bracelets of tulsi is said to protect the wearer. Sending prayers through the beads anoints the prayer with sacred energy and sanctifies its divine delivery.
Ayrveda
The ancient Ayurvedic healing modality acknowledges tulsi as a pacifier of the body's subtle energies, calming Kapha as well as Vata and Pitta. Ayurvedic medicine takes advantage of the many restorative and disease-fighting properties to treat a range of illness from coughs to cancer.
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