GREETINGS

Swamiji:

Hindu scriptures place humans beings higher over other animal species by acknowledging our intelligence and discrimination. It reinforces that to be human, unlike other animals, we need to be born in a divine consciousness. So there are two births, the physical birth and a birth in the divine consciousness(Dwi-ja). This is achieved through 16 sacraments(shodasa) from before birth (Garba Aadhana) to funeral rites (Anthyeshti). At every stage of life through the several rituals the accomplishments are consecrated in the presence of the divine and HIS grace and guidance is sought to live the next step of life. Hence the life of a Hindu is said to be in accordance with the shodasa (16) samskaram. Hari Om.