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During the Pitripaksha period, also known as Pitri Paksha/Pitr-Paksha, Pitri Pokkho, Sorah Shraddha ("sixteen shraddhas"), Kanagat, Jitiya, Mahalaya. Hindus observe a sacred fortnight dedicated to honoring their departed ancestors, or Pitris. This observance takes place during the dark fortnight of the month of Asvayuja (September-October). It is believed that during this time, the barrier between the physical and spiritual realms is thin, allowing for a closer connection with the Pitris. The central ritual during Pitripaksha is the performance of the Sraaddha ceremonies. Shraddha involves offering food and prayers to the ancestors as a gesture of gratitude, seeking blessings, and providing spiritual nourishment. These ceremonies are a way to express reverence and ensure the well-being of the deceased in their afterlife. During the Sraaddha ceremony, specific offerings of food, water, and symbolic items are made to the ancestors. It is believed that these offerings directly reach the Pitris, thanks to a divine boon from Lord Yama, the lord of death. In addition to Sraaddha, it is customary to visit sacred rivers like the Ganges and perform tarpana, an act of offering water to the ancestors. This ritual is thought to purify and elevate the souls of the departed, granting them peace in the afterlife. The Pitripaksha period concludes on Mahalaya Amavasya, the new moon day (14th Sep), which is considered the most significant day for performing obsequies and similar rites. By offering prayers and conducting rituals on this day, Hindus believe they can bring peace and liberation to the souls of their ancestors, ensuring their spiritual journey is harmonious.

In the Vedic tradition, the transcendence of the physical body is often sought through the practice of Yoga. Yoga, meaning union or integration, offers various paths and techniques to transcend the limitations of the physical body and expand one's consciousness. One of the primary paths of Yoga is Raja Yoga, which involves the practice of meditation, breath control (pranayama), and the stilling of the mind. Through disciplined practice, one can gradually detach from the identification with the physical body and experience a deeper connection with the eternal essence within. Another path is Karma Yoga, the path of selfless action. By performing actions without attachment to the results and dedicating them to a higher purpose, one can transcend the limitations of the ego and expand their awareness beyond the physical realm. Bhakti Yoga, the path of devotion, is another way to transcend the limitations of the physical body. By cultivating a deep love and devotion towards the divine, one can experience a profound connection that transcends the boundaries of the physical form. It is important to note that transcending the limitations of the physical body is a gradual process that requires patience, dedication, and consistent practice. It is through the integration of various yogic practices, self-discipline, and surrender to the divine that one can experience the expansion of consciousness beyond the physical realm.

According to the teachings of the Vedic tradition, the soul, known as the Atman, is considered eternal, divine, and inseparable from the Supreme Soul, the Paramatman. The Bhagavad Gita describes the soul as being beyond the physical body, mind, and senses. It is the eternal essence that pervades all living beings, animating and experiencing life. The soul is said to be unchanging, unaffected by the fluctuations of the material world. The nature of the soul is often described as pure consciousness, bliss, and infinite in its potential. It is the source of individuality, awareness, and the seat of divine qualities such as love, compassion, and wisdom. While the body and mind are subject to birth and death, the soul is believed to be immortal and eternal. It is said to transcend the cycle of birth and death, continuously evolving and seeking self-realization. To truly understand the nature of the soul, one must embark on a journey of self-discovery and self-realization. Through spiritual practices, self-inquiry, and the grace of the divine, one can experience the true nature of the soul and its connection to the Supreme Soul.