THOUGHT FOR THE DAY--THIRD QUARTER JULY 2017
TOPICS ON HINDU AMERICAN’S INTERACTION WITH MAJOR CULTURE OF USA
VEDAS INSPIRED
ARUNAGIRINATHAR TO COMPOSE THIRUPPUGAZH
Porupung kavarum bhuviyum paravum | Gupung kavaen gunapanjarane ||
Uruvaai aruvaai uladaai iladai | maruvaai malaraai maniyaai oliyaai |
Karuvaai Uyiraai gathiyaayi vidhiyaai |Guruvaai varuvaai Arulvaai Guhane||
N. R. SRINIVASAN
NASHVILLE SEMINAR ON ORIENTAL INTERFAITH DIALOGUE
Recent
Nashville seminar on Interfaith Dialogue gave us an opportunity to know about the
view-points of religions that sprang from Sanatana Dharma--Hinduism, --Jainism,
Buddhism and Sikhism which all agreed on Dharma as the binding force. From
Western point of view also they were all united by the suffix –ism
though a loose term in derogatory sense unlike the individualistic, dominating
and fighting religions of Christianity and Islam. Judaism preferred to join the
-ism group being ancient and given birth to these two fighting
religions that calls God as Jehovah which means
”I am that I am” conflating with “Aham Brhahmasmi” of another ancient
religion Hinduism. The word GOD in English is coined by three letters G=Generator;
O=Operator and D=Destroyer meaning Holy Spirit. Usually in a
seminar on such a diversified subjects there will be always be moderator to
show the Unity in Diversity. In its absence I have tried below to do the job
though not an expert in the field.
On what
do They Meditate for Salvation?
Veda
Mantras repeatedly say “Devo Ekah”—God is one that is Sathyam. It
also says Sathyam is Dharma, Sathyam means is that which
regulates mortal and immortals (Sat=immortal; thi=immortal; yam =what is being
regulated)--Chhandogya and Brihadaranyaka Upanishads. Jainism believes in the
wheel of Dharma with 24 spokes which represents the
twenty-four Teerthankaras who are the embodiments of Dharma or the Dharma
itself (Supreme Spirit addressed as Dharma in Hinduism). Buddhism says
all our negative tendencies ego, violence, shadripus—Kama (passion), Krodha
(anger), Moha (attachment), Lobha (miserliness), Mada (arrogance)
and Matsarya (hatred) get crushed by wheel of Dharma and get
dissolved within the body which means in Self (which dissolve in Sathyam
or Absolute Consciousness or Eko Devah in Hinduism). India
has accepted Dharma chakra with eight spokes of Buddhism with the motto
Satyameva Jayate. Sikhism believes one Good that is the word of Truth --Sathyavachan
or Grantha Sahib meaning Pranava or Om or Brahman or Devo Ekah. It is
interesting to note that the Holy Bible says Word (satyavachan) is
God. Word is derived from Vridh to grow which
is “Brih” that is Brahman, ever expanding
Universe. All these ultimately mean Brahman the absolute
Consciousness. So what is all this fight and misunderstanding about? All
these religions speak of their own interpretation of Vedanta philosophy
delivered by Vardhamana, Buddha and Nanak suited to the lime they lived
in. It is also interesting to note that Rishabha, Adinatha and
Buddha are avatars of Vishnu and worshiped by Hindus. It is also very common
among Punjabi Families in India while the eldest is a Sikh the others are
Hindus, live together and pray together on Om or Satyavachan.
Religious Environment of Hindu
American Youth
Like
any other immigrant communities, Hindu Americans are trying best to sustain
their identity and working hard to ensure the next generation continues Hindu
Dharma values based on Eternal Tradition from which Present Hinduism
as is practiced has emerged mainly from Indian Hindus with other
migrant Hindus as silent or passive participants in Temple worship;
or built their own temple as in California (Mauritius Hindu Americans) and
Gujaratis.
Growing
up in India is a bit different. Hindu youth by virtue of living in religious
environments, attain knowledge of Hindu religion and values from gurus, saints,
elders, by visiting temples, listening to sermons, reading Hindu literature,
going on pilgrimage and through several other venues available to them.
But even in India it is a growing problem with so many sectarian walled
traditions but they do not bother and are guided Mathaadipatis.
Hinduism
is a more recent nomenclature given to a conglomeration of heterogeneous
traditions and plurality of beliefs and worship with a long history of
development from the Vedic (that which has originated from Vedas—the four
ancient texts which contain the core of Hindu Philosophy and beliefs)sacrificial
religion through the worship of epic and Puranic heroes and personal
deities, cults and sects, as well as philosophical system rather
than to a monolithic tradition or structure based on a single system of beliefs
and worships or single text as scripture. Hindus draw support from
Wisdom of Vedas and Bhagavad Gita for its complicate system of approach by
various traditions.
The
problems are quite different from India in America. They have to depend
on their parents who themselves need guidance having migrated in their middle
ages pursuing Pravritti Marga. In comparison, the environment for American
Hindus is religiously week. Unlike in India, Hindus here are spread
too thinly to offer our youth a conducive Dharma environment necessary to
sustain the Hindu way of life. Also, the accessible resources are replaced by
formidable barriers of distance, culture, language and surroundings.
How do
we bridge this gap? How do we bring the community together and pass on our
values to our youth? These should be our serious consideration. Invariably our
children find their partners from other religions, faiths, belief and
traditions. How can we accommodate them with our present practice of
Hindu religion based on rituals that has moved away from the basic
thoughts of Sanatana Dharma --“eko viprah bahuda vadanti;
krinvanto viswamaaryam; aa noe bhadrantu kratavah yantu viswatah;
aatmavat sarvabhooteshu; sahanaavaavatu sahanau bhunaktu; avasudhiava
kutumbakam; sarvejanh sukhino bhavantu; sangachhdvam samvadadvam”. How can
we reflect these thoughts in our rituals, worships and Baalvihaar teachings?
Had Hindus remained with basic principles of Sanatana Dharma this was not a
problem to live in Peace but not Pieces!
To
answer some of these types of questions, we should look at what Jains have done
as a minority community, scattered all over, and drawn from many countries
other than India. JAINA Education Committee is seriously concerned
about this. The Education Committee with help from several volunteers has
prepared and published a structured curriculum and Pathshala programs primarily
based on American culture. The main goal of the JAINA Pathshalas is to
teach our kids based on current environment, the message of compassion and
nonviolence in all aspects of life, encourage vegetarianism and vegan way of
life use environmental friendly product, and live alcohol and drug free
lifestyle. This stems from a desire to practice compassion and nonviolence as
well as instill Jain values, their rich culture and heritage.
The
main function of the Education Committee is to prepare and publish
non-sectarian Jain Educational material for children, youth, and young Jain
professionals raised in North American cultural environment which should meet
the above goal.
Different
Hindu Aagama rituals claim superiority over each other and fight or
contradict with each as well as over any other religion. Hence we
have a very difficult task to implement traditional rituals with suitable
modification. Here some action has been taken but not adequate.
Hindu Matadhipatis and scholars of India cannot help us in the
preparation of Hindu ritual material suitable for American culture
being focused on sectarian traditions in their own homes and refusing to understand
American Hindu problems. They can’t solve their own problems like
cow-vigilantes or conversion.
We may
have to compromise some Agama rituals and traditions which are place, time, and
cultural dependent. However, under no circumstances, the basic Hindu
Dharma principles which reflects universal truth are to be compromised. Here
again we may draw guidance from JAINA who have done lot of ground
work. Their task is even more difficult than ours because Jain gurus are male
chauvinistic like swami Narayan group in India.
From
Global feedback from participants I find people are very eager to understand
about mantras used in our rituals and their universal appeal as well as Hindu
Samskaras. From among 316 discourses posted on the blog currently these
ten topics are most read currently. This shows that Hindus do not want to
follow any ritual blindly an are all keen to know their significance. They have
similar thoughts on Smaskaras. A Hindu American kid is much more demanding
where he is free to choose his partner, religion, mode of worship and is not
bound by conventional Hindu outlook in India. He lives in a
different society altogether.
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--JULY31,
2017
VEDIC ASTROLOGY DECIDES OUR
HOROSCOPES; NAVAGRAHAS AND ASTROLOGERS OUR HORRORSCOPES
Here is a key article by
David Frawley on the Shakti or power of the 27 Nakshatras of the
month (Aswini to Rohini) and their presiding deities based on Vedic
Astrology. He does not talk about Rahu or Ketu here though speaks
of three different Serpent Devatas ruling over Aslesha, Poorvaabhadra and
Uttraabhaadra. Among the Navagrahas only mention is made of Sun, Moon and
Brihaspati (Guru) as presiding deities. There is no mention of rest of the
Navagrahas Kuja, Sani, Rahu and Ketu about which modern astrology makes
us so scared as affecting our lives. It is also heartening to note Vedic
Astrology gives importance to planet Earth as Aditi glorified in Veda
mantras as the ruling deity of Punarvasu Nakshatra. It is worth recalling here
the article by Sadguru Jaggi Vasudev “Why Rush to Astrologers &
Navagraha Altars to Change our Destiny?” can they do it? Vedas say
one is bound by his own Karma and none is exempted. It is therefore
advisable not to focus on minor Navagraha deities,
Navagraha Santhis and Homas and to focus on our prayers to Supreme spirit
and our submission to it. Vedas say “Visvaani deva savitar
duritaani paraasuva yadbhadram tanma aasuva “—He knows what is good for us.
Just pray to Him for your well-being!
You don’t need a special explanation to
Sun, Moon and Earth hailed in Veda mantras and worshiped by all Hindus that are
also worshiped in Navagraha Altars. Brihaspati as
Jupiter in Hindu zodiac system, considered auspicious and
benevolent. Jupiter is the most revered benevolent planet in Vedic
astrology and occupies highest spiritual placement. Brihaspati is
the presiding deity of Pushya Nakshatra. In Sanskrit, Jupiter is translated as
Guru. Guru is a name given to a (often spiritual) teacher. The prefix gu- translates
as darkness and the suffix –ru translates as light. Thus, a Guru is one who can
take us from ignorance to enlightenment. Guru also means heavy and
is the largest planet known to us. Therefore, Pushya also has the auspicious
association with spiritual and religious themes. Astronomically, Pushya
nakshatra is situated from 3 degrees 20 minutes Cancer to 16 degrees 40 minutes
Cancer. Jupiter’s greatest exaltation is at 5 degrees Cancer. This is
when we can most optimize our spiritual practices and nurture others.
Jupiter reaches this point on Guru Purnima day (July 8 in 2017). This
day is considered a special auspicious religious day for worship in
temples and is also a National Holiday in India.
The word
"Thursday" after which the day in a week is named, is
Greco-Roman. Other Indo-European calendars also dedicate this day
to planet Jupiter. Hindu calendars have also instituted a
calendar system called Brihaspatyam in which a year represents the
duration of time taken by Jupiter (Brihaspai)to transit a zodiac sign. On an
average this takes about 361 days. The zodiac and naming system of Hindu astrology, including Brihaspati as Jupiter, is likely developed in the centuries
after the arrival of Greek astrology with Alexander the Great, their zodiac signs being nearly identical. Only planet
Jupiter the presiding deity of Pushya Nakshatra in Vedic astrology deserves worship
along with Sun and Moon. The Grahas Mars, Mercury, Venus, Saturn, Rahu and Ketu
worshiped in Navagraha altars are not mentioned in Vedic astrology as ruling
deities of Nakshatras. Planet Earth is mentioned as ruling deity in
Vedic astrology but it does not find a place is Navagraha altar perhaps
due to we being the product of Earth itself, we are
under her benevolences all the time and throughout our life. It is
safe to conclude that Navagrahas and their worship got introduced later
into Puranas based on mythology, like Ganesha, after the
invasion of Alexander the Great that have become too popular with
sectarian Hindu worship traditions marketed by astrologers and
exploited by priests.
David Frawley on the Power of 27
Nakshatras in Vedic Astrology
Each Nakshatra has its particular power
or Shakti. These are also the powers of the Devatas or the deities ruling the
Nakshatras. Each of these Shaktis has its effect above and its effect below,
and the final result of these three factors. The imagery is of common factors
of plants, healing, worship, marriage and death.
This is a teaching that derives from an
ancient Vedic text called Taittiriya Brahmana I.5.1 and from the commentary of
Bhattabhaskara Mishra. The first paragraph relates to the textual reference.
The second paragraph consists of David Frawley’s comments based upon it.
Ashwini
Ashwini is govern by the Ashwins, the
twin horsemen. It has the power to quickly reach things (shidhra vyapani
shakti). Its basis above are the creatures to be healed. Its basis below is the
healing therapies. From these three the entire world becomes free of disease.
Ashwini Nakshatra brings about quick aid
and energization. The healing power of Ashwini is evident from these comments,
particularly their ability to bring about fast, radical or miraculous cures as
well as rejuvenation. The Ashwins are forces of Prana or the life-force, which
is quick in its action to stimulate, help, and initiate a new level of
activity.
Bharani
Bharani is ruled by Yama, the God of
Death. It has the power to take things away (apabharani shakti). Its basis
above is the removal of life from the body. Its basis below is the carrying of
the soul to the realm of the ancestors. By the combination of these three
factors creatures move on to the next world.
Bharani Nakshatra takes away that which
has reached its term of life to a new condition. It shows the movement of the
soul away from the body. Yama guides the soul to the astral plane, where it can
experience the result of its karma from the present life and prepare for the
life to come. Yama is a figure of discipline and sacrifice.
Krittika
Krittika is ruled by Agni, the God of
Fire. It has the power to burn (dahana shakti). Its basis above is heat and
below is light. The result of these three is burning or purification.
Krittika Nakshatra burns up negativity,
purifies what is mixed, and cooks or prepares that which is not yet ripe. Agni
is mainly the God of the sacred fire, so purification is perhaps the dominant
action, not destruction, though purification does involve the destruction of
impurity. Agni is also the fire that cooks our food and so there is a
nourishing side to its effects as well. This fire has a childlike nature.
Rohini
Rohini is ruled by Prajapati, the
Creator. Its power is growth (rohana shakti). Its basis above is the plants and
below is the waters. The result of these three is creation.
Rohini Nakshatra allows for growth and
creation on all levels, bestowing great fertility. However it also evokes some
degree of jealousy because others may resent that a person gains such
abundance. More over it can increase desire. But these are only side effects to
its great prosperity. Prajapati is the creator who can bestow everything so we
should be careful what we want.
Mrigashirsha
Mrigashirsha is ruled by Soma, the God
of the Moon or the immortal nectar. Its power is giving fulfillment (prinana
shakti). Its basis above is extension. Its basis below weaving (producing
clothing). These three together make the world enjoyable.
Mrigashirsha Nakshatra fills or covers
with joy. It is like a beautiful cloth to make our life more attractive. Soma
is a great enjoyment that is won, conquered, bought or stolen, so its
procurement does not always come easily. However what does not require effort
to gain is not always enjoyed either.
Ardra
Ardra is ruled by Rudra, the fierce form
of Lord Shiva who represents thunder. Its power is effort (yatna shakti),
particularly for making gains in life. Its basis above is hunting or searching.
Its basis below is reaching the goal. These three bring about achievement.
Ardra Nakshatra arouses us to greater
effort in life. This struggle can bring great rewards but not without
persistence and a degree of luck. Rudra is the hunter and the wielder of the
bow. The idea here also suggests placing of the arrow and hitting the target.
For this one must have a good aim, as well as strength to shoot. Rudra is also
the lord of wild animals.
Punarvasu
Punarvasu is ruled by Aditi, the Great
Mother Goddess. Its power is the ability to gain wealth or substance (vasutva
prapana shakti). Its basis above is the wind or air. Its basis below is wetness
or rain. These three bring about the revitalization of the plants.
Punarvasu Nakshatra brings about the
return of energy and vitality, like the return of the monsoon rains after the
dry season. It causes our creative growths and inspirations to be renewed.
Aditi is the Earth Goddess who grants all abundance and gives birth to all the
Gods.
Pushya
Pushya is ruled by Brihaspati, the God
of Divine wisdom. Its power is the ability to create spiritual energy
(brahmavarchasa shakti). Its basis above is sacrificial worship. Its basis
below is the worshipper. These three result in the creation of spiritual
energy.
Pushya Nakshatra increases our good
karma and good efforts. The value of this Nakshatra for religious and spiritual
practices is emphasized. Brihaspati is the lord of speech, particularly prayer,
and of all forms of worship, including meditation, so these indications are all
in harmony with his functions.
Aslesha
Aslesha is ruled by the serpent God. It
has the power to inflict with poison (visasleshana shakti). Its basis above is
the approach of the serpent. Its basis below is trembling and agitation. These
three together bring about destruction of the victim.
Aslesha Nakshatra paralyzes the enemy.
This can be helpful if we have enemies but it can serve to give a person an
inimical temperament as well. It all depends upon how the energy of this
Nakshatra is used. Serpents also give wisdom, but a practical wisdom through
which one can overcome enemies and obstacles.
Magha
Magha is ruled by the Ancestors. It
gives the power of to leave the body (tyage kshepani shakti). Its basis above
is mourning. Its basis below is leaving the body. These three together bring
about death.
Magha Nakshatra causes a change of state
or condition, a kind of death. Usually it shows that we are coming to the end
of a cycle. Its condition is prior to that of Bharani which indicates the
movement of the soul away from the body. Of course there are higher meanings of
this Nakshatra relative to Ancestors including ancestral pride and power.
Purva Phalguni
Purva Phalguni in the Vedic order is
ruled by Aryaman, the God of contracts and unions. It gives the power of procreation
(prajanana shakti). Its basis above is the wife or female partner. Its basis
below is the male or masculine partner. These three together bring about the
creation of the fetus.
Purva Phalguni brings about union and
procreation on all levels. Yet this follows some official agreement or marriage
and is part of the creation of a new family or social order. Aryaman governs
such productive alliances and also arranges the marriage festival.
Uttara Phalguni
Uttara Phalguni in the Vedic order is
ruled by Bhaga, the God of happiness. Its power the giving of accumulation or
prosperity (chayani shakti) through marriage or union. Its basis above is the
wealth gained from ones own family. Its basis below is the wealth gained from
ones partner and her family. These three together bring about the accumulation
of wealth.
Uttara Phalguni brings the prosperity
that results through union. It indicates both the need for union and for
organizing the resources gained through it. Bhaga is also a God of wealth who
brings about the right apportionment of resources. While the previous Nakshatra
shows marriage this shows the setting up of the household for the newly married
couple.
Hasta
Hasta is ruled by Savitar, the creative
form of the Sun God. Its power is the ability to gain what we are seeking and
place it in our own hands (hasta sthapaniya agama shakti). Its basis above is
the seeking of gain. Its basis below is the process of gaining. These three
together place what one wishes to gain in ones own hand.
Hasta gives the ability to achieve our
goals in a complete and immediate manner. Such goals are usually creative in
nature. Savitar is the creative will that builds up the universe with all of
its beauty. His productions are most wonderful.
Chitra
Chitra is ruled by Twashtar, the Cosmic
craftsman. Its power is ability to accumulate merit in life (punya cayani
shakti). Its basis above is the law. Its basis below is the truth. Through
these three the worker is able to gain honor in his work.
Chitra allows us to gain the fruit of
our good karma that comes through righteousness. It has a highly spiritual
energy and effect. Twashtar creates enduring forms, like a blacksmith, and also
produces variety and abundance.
Swati
Swati is ruled by Vayu, the God of the
Wind. It gives the power to scatter like the wind (pradhvamsa shakti). Its
basis above is moving in various directions. Its basis below is change of form.
The result of these three is transformation.
Swati Nakshatra causes things to move
and scatter. This can be destructive unless we learn how to use it to remove
negativity. All these indications are basically those of the Wind, which has
both healing and destructive powers.
Vishakha
Vishakha is ruled by Indra and Agni, who
represent the powers of heat and lightning in the Atmosphere. It gives the
power to achieve many and various fruits in life (vyapana shakti). Its basis
above is plowing or cultivation. Its basis below is the harvest. These three
gives us the fruit of the harvest.
Vishakha provides the effort to achieve
our goals abundantly through time, like a farmer plowing his field. It does not
give immediate results but perhaps greater long term gains. Indra and Agni here
are agriculture Gods showing the ripening effect of heat, rain and seasonal
changes.
Anuradha
Anuradha is ruled by Mitra, the Divine
Friend. It gives the power of worship (radhana shakti). Its basis above is
ascension. Its basis below is dissension. From these three honor and abundance
is gained.
Anuradha Nakshatra gives balance in
relationship, both honoring others and seeking ourselves to be honorable,
through which we acquire fame and recognition. Mitra indicates compassion,
devotion and right relationship.
Jyeshta
Jyeshta is ruled by Indra, the ruler of
the Gods. It has the power to rise or conquer, and gain courage in battle
(arohana shakti). Its basis above is attack and its basis below is defense. The
result of these three is that one becomes a hero.
Jyeshta allows us to reach the summit of
our personal powers but it requires great courage and effort. It shows karmic
battles that require our complete energization in order to overcome. Indra is
the king of the Gods who must eventually alone and single handed defeat the
dragon, the most fearful of serpents. Though his position looks hopeless, he
wins by courage and cunning, not by strength of arms.
Mula
Mula is ruled by Nirriti, the Goddess of
destruction. It has the power to ruin or destroy. Its basis above is breaking
things apart (barhana shakti). Its basis below is crushing things. Through
these three one gains the power to destroy destruction.
In bringing afflictions Mula Nakshatra
allows us to destroy their root, as long as they don’t overcome us. It shows
the necessary destruction to proceed a new creation. Nirriti is Alakshmi or the
denial of Lakshmi (abundance and prosperity). She is Kali or the negative
effect of time that we must protect ourselves from or use to our advantage.
Purvashadha
Purvashadha is ruled by the Waters
(Apas). Its power is that of invigoration (varchograhana shakti). Its basis
above is strength. Its basis below is connection. Through these three one gains
lustre.
Purvashadha brings about purification
and regeneration, like the energy gained through taking a bath in water. It
provides us additional energy for our efforts. These effects flow from the
Waters, which in this instance are heavenly in nature and can provide inner
purification.
Uttarashadha
Uttarashadha is ruled by the Universal
Gods (Vishwe Deva). Its power is grant an unchallengeable victory (apradhrisya
shakti). Its basis above is the strength to win. Its basis below is the goal
that one can win. From these three one becomes the unchallenged winner.
Uttarashadha brings us to the summit of
our power, support and recognition, not so much through our personal efforts
(which is more the case in Jyeshta) but with the appropriate alliances and
support of all the Gods. Our victory depends upon a righteous cause that is
beneficial to all, which we are helping in. Here we fight more as the leader of
an army.
Shravana
Shravana is ruled by Vishnu, the
pervador. Its power is that of connection (samhanana shakti). Its basis above
is seeking. Its basis below are the paths. The result of these three is the
connection of all things together.
Shravana enables us to link people together
by connecting them to their appropriate paths in life. This requires
receptivity and listening, and results in understanding and aspiration. Vishnu
with his three strides links together the three worlds of Earth, Atmosphere and
Heaven, connecting all creatures with the Gods.
Dhanishta
Dhanishta is ruled by the Vasus, the
Gods of abundance. Its power is to give abundance and fame (khyapayitri
shakti). Its basis above is birth. Its basis below is prosperity. These three
give the power to bring people together.
Dhanishta allows us to bring the
resources of people together. In this way it builds upon the connections of
Shravana and makes them more practical. The Vasus are the deities of the Earth
that give abundance on the earthly plane. They are manifestations of Agni or
the sacred fire and show the gifts that it can dispense.
Shatabhishak
Shatabhishak is ruled by Varuna, the God
of the cosmic waters. It has the power of healing (bheshaja shakti). Its basis
above is extension or pervasion over all. Its basis below is the support of
all. These three make the world free of calamity.
Shatabhishak counters difficult karmas
through Divine grace and repentance. These include not only diseases but
difficulties of all kind, including sin. While Ashwini gives more immediate
cures, Shatabhishak brings about a healing crisis leading to revitalization.
Varuna is a God of sin, debts, injury and disease, who cannot only bring these
calamities upon us but can remove them from us, if we propitiate him sincerely.
Purva Bhadra
Purva Bhadra is ruled by Aja Ekapad, the
one-footed serpent. It gives the fire to raise a spiritual person up in life
(yajamana udyamana shakti). What is good for all people is its basis above.
What is good for the Gods is its basis below. These three cause the entire
world to be supported.
Purva Bhadra grants a universal view
through internal purification. This raises up our spiritual aspiration in life
and takes us out of the domain of selfish behavior. Aja Ekapad is the cosmic or
celestial form of Agni or the sacred fire. It raises up our spiritual
aspiration in life.
Uttara Bhadra
Uttara Bhadra is ruled by Ahir Budhnya,
the serpent of the depths of the Atmosphere. Its power is the bringing of the
rain (varshodyamana shakti). Its basis above is the raining clouds. Its basis
below growing of the plants. From these three factors the three worlds gain
their stability.
Uttara Bhadra grants growth and
prosperity in a broad way, benefiting the entire world. This makes it very
auspicious. Ahir Budhnya is the benefic serpent who brings the rain, connecting
us with the creative powers at the foundations of the world.
Revati
Revati is governed by Pushan, the
nourishing form of the Sun God. It has the power of nourishment symbolized by
milk (kshiradyapani shakti). Its basis above is the cows. Its basis below are
the calves. These three bring about the nourishment of the entire world.
Revati creates abundance through
providing proper nourishment. It helps all people in their efforts. Pushan is
the lord of cattle and the lord of the paths. He leads, protects and gathers
the herd in their movement, particularly to new pastures. In this way he also
protects the soul in its journey to the next world.
--July 28, 2017
AUTHORITY AND SURRENDER
FOWAI
FORUM (India) AND STEP (USA) presents a lecture on Authority and Surrender by M.
M. Swami Abhishek Chaitanya Giriji on
Sunday, July 30, 2017.
.
Gist of the
Presentation:
Religions,
sects and various organizations seem to survive on the relationship of
authority and surrender. Is this also the case with (or mechanism of) Vedanta?
Since the entire subject matter is delivered in the set up of "teacher and
student relationship," it can be obviously doubted to operate from the
same platform. The Guru-shishya relationship, though translated as master and
disciple relationship, is in some incongruent cases understood as master and
slave relationship! Is Vedanta then responsible for perpetuation of this
mentality?
Please
note all the webinar audio/videos are available on YOUTUBE/fowaiforum)
Upanishads
as well as Gita often indulge in argumenrts baseds on negative asz well as
positive approaches. It speaks of worshiping Lakshmi as well as Alakshmi. They often command and also on mutual understanding. Hey talk aout
Saranagati to the Supreme Principal and
also says “Aham Brahmasmi”. Swamiji feels
that we need both Here are few wxamples from our scripturesa:
Command
Taittariya
Upanishad stresses that this final address by the Guru is not an advice but a command from his teacher to be strictly
followed by his student for the rest of his life. These commandments in fact
are to be followed by every Intelligent Seeker who lives his life for a higher
cultural purpose besides his worldly ambitions and secular activities. It is a
universal address to the entire community of the followers of Sanatana Dharma.
It calls for no argument.
Dhyaana moolam guror moortih | pooja moolam guror paadam || Mantra moolam guror Vaakyaa | Moksha
moolam guror kripaa ||
The Guru’s form should be meditated upon; the feet of the
Guru should be worshiped; his words are to be treated as sacred Mantra; his
grace ensures final liberation.
Sarvadharman parityajya
maamekam Saranm vraja—Gita. Leaving all religious and spiritual
meritorious approaches surrender
to me alone! This is in contradiction “Karmanyevaadhikaris te”
Understandig
A
peace invocation (Shanti Mantra) is chanted by both the teacher and the taught
every day during the study of Upanishads. This is to remind them, before the
study each day that they are to exert themselves together in order to
experience the Truth of the Upanishads, in order to get more tuned up with each
other. This condition of perfect unison between the teacher and the taught is
unavoidable in the study of the subject of Vedanta. The invocation is rounded
up with a thrice repeated call for peace. This is to avert all possible
obstacles. The sources of obstacle can be a) unseen b) seen and unknown c)
subjective, within us in our own mind. They can be cosmic disturbances
(aadidaivikam), environmental disturbances (aadibhautikam) and inner
disturbances (aadhyaatmikam).
Om saha naavavatu; saha nau bhunaktu; saha
veeryam karavaavahai; tejasvi-naavadheetamastu; maa vidvishaa- vahai || Om! Saantih; saantih; saantih ||
May he
protect us both together (by revealing knowledge). May He protect us both! May
we attain vigor together! Let what we study be invigorating. May we not hate
each other! Om! May there be Peace;
Peace be, Peace be!
Please
listen to Swamiji for his wisdom thoughts on these positive and negative
approaches for the proper understanding of our scriptures. We now know why we
need a Guru!
--July 27,
2017
INTERFAITH DIALOGUE AND NEXT
GENERATION AMERICAN JAINS
Here is a message
timely sent with high commendations by Sant Guptaji of HMEC about the silent
and consistent work being done to save Jain Dharma in a foreign soil not only
to save their own children but to promote to the society they live with. All
Jains are not necessarily from India and many came from other countries. Perhaps you might be hearing the same from the
Jain speaker at the forth-coming seminar.
This is an eye opener to Hindu American community whose main focus is to
build more and more temples, import worship pattern from Hindu India, get irritated
and offended when somebody criticizes their sectarian approach and frog-in-the
well policy, impart some sort of religious teachings to children by ill-trained
and not at all trained teachers which the children forget once they go to
college and find a partner elsewhere. The result is we find Neo American Hindus
or cosmopolitan who are atheists or SBNR (spiritual but not religious or casual
visitors to temple forced by their
counterparts brought up with some sort of a Hindu culture but not Dharma.
The main point to
note is that these organizers do not go
by the orthodox Jainism imported from India like Swami Narayan Group that are male dominated and also forgotten
the origin from which the present day
Hinduism, Jainism, Buddhism, Sikhism came from
and opened the Pandora’s box of
Confusionism. These Jain group are also
focusing on more meditation centers than building huge Jain temples as in India. For them spiritual focus is
more important than rituals. Neither Buddha nor Adinatha started Jainism or
Buddhism. Their followers did. They remained as a philosophy under the umbrella
of Sanatan Dharma like the present day Advita, Vishishtadvaita and Dvaita. Jainism is of recent origin which got organized
under Mahaveer Vardhamana which remained confused for long. It is therefore
necessary for Hindu Americans, Buddhist
Americans, Jain Americans and Sikh
Americans to revert back to the source of
Sanatana Dharma—Vasudhaiva
Kutumbakam, Aatmavat sarvabhooteshu, Krinnvanto viswamaryam, Aa no bhadrantu
kratavah yantu viswatah, Eko viprah bahuda vadanti, sarvejanah sukhino bhavantu
etc. Let us fulfill the prophecy of Vivekananda--Vedanta
is the Religion of the Future. What we
need is the fusion not fission and Universal Dharma for Mankind and
Spirituality. This has to arise from our current religious
practices. That is why I talked so much about Sanat Kumara Tradition. Major problem today is the fight among
Abrahamic religions. Once we from the Orient set our house in order soon they
will follow us. There is already serious thinking in the Christian Religion to move
to Spirituality based on Sanatana Dharma as learnt from the teachings of John
Smallman, David Frawley Phil Goldsberg
etc.
Comments Received
Thanks for your excellent presentation
of Jainism in this contemporary world. Your timely presentation is very helpful
for many of the audience in the forth-coming Inter faith presentation on
Sunday.
--Dr. Brahm Parsh, July 26, 2017
Many thanks for your analysis and reflection. I fully agree
with you. We all belong to Sanatana
Dharma / Dharmik tradition. All of us need to work together.
--Pravin K Shah, Jaina Education Committee Chairperson
Pathshala: The Next Generation of American Jains
Pravin K Shah
Jaina Education Committee Chairperson
Jaina Education Committee Chairperson
Religion Environment of Indian and
American Jain Youth:
Like
any other immigrant communities, we Jain Americans are trying best to sustain
our identity and working hard to ensure the next generation continues our Jain
values, traditions, and rich heritage.
Growing
up in India is a bit different. Jain youth by virtue of living in religious
environments, attain knowledge of Jain religion and values from monks, elders,
by visiting temples, listening to sermons, reading Jain literature, going on
pilgrimage and through several other venues available to them.
It’s
a bit different in America. In comparison, the environment for American Jains
is religiously dilute. Unlike in India, Jains here are spread too thinly to
offer our youth a conducive Jain environment necessary to sustain the Jain way
of life. Also, the accessible resources are replaced by formidable barriers of
distance, culture, language and surroundings.
American
Jain Youth Culture and Jain Pathshala:
How
do we bridge this gap? How do we bring the community together and pass on our
values to our youth?
To
answer several of these types of questions, JAINA Education Committee was
instituted. The Education Committee with help from several volunteers prepare
and published a structured curriculum and Pathshala programs primarily based on
American culture.
The
word Pathshala, which literally means “learning place,” is traditionally used
to describe classes where you learn about religion from gurus and teachers.
In India, the focus is primarily towards the memorization of Sutras and
rituals.
An
attempt is made at American Pathshala to align and encourage youth towards
understanding Jain principles and rituals. It is an exciting reincarnation of
this age-old institution.
The
main goal of the Pathshalas is to teach our kids based on current environment,
the message of compassion and nonviolence in all aspects of life, encourage
vegetarianism and vegan way of life, use environmental friendly product, and
live alcohol and drug free lifestyle. This stems from a desire to practice
compassion and nonviolence as well as instill Jain values, our rich culture and
heritage.
The
main function of the Education Committee is to prepare and publish
non-sectarian Jain Educational material for children, youth, and young Jain
professionals raised in North American cultural environment which should meet
the above goal.
The
religious material should be in simple American English which will allow them
to effectively apply Jain principles and practices in their everyday lives.
The
Jain children have grown up in American culture where:
· Both men
and women are treated equally. Jain religious principles are not and should not
be a male dominated principles. Several of our rituals are male dominated
rituals.
· Proper
explanation is needed with reasons and must appeal to our common sense.
It is for a WHY generation Jains.
· No magic, blind
faith, and super power help from heavenly gods (Devas) and goddesses (Devis) by
reciting Mantras are accepted and hence self-efforts and self-initiatives are
valued.
·
Humanitarian services and environmental protection activities take priority
over traditional temple/sthanak rituals.
· All other
religions and their cultures which are positive in nature treated properly and
equally respected (recent survey shows that about 70% Jain children are
marrying Americans).
From
compassion point of view, under the current environment, the American Jain
youths understand that strict vegetarian (Vegan) food is more compassionate
over any animal base foods such as milk, cheese, yogurt, butter, ice-cream,
sweets, ghee. All commercial dairy product consumption involves significant
violence and killing of five sense (Panchendriya) animals. Hence all YJA
conventions serve mostly vegan foods and use environmental friendly paper
plates and cups. No plastics/foam plates and cups are used.
Also,
some of the Jain ritual Sutras are male dominated and the indicative of the
superiority of our religion over any other religions. Hence the committee
has a very difficult task to implement traditional rituals without modifying
these sutras and rituals. Very few Jain Acharyas and scholars of India
would help us in the preparation of Jain ritual material suitable for American
culture.
Since
our Pathshala material is prepared for American children, the committee has
compromised few rituals and traditions which are place, time, and cultural
dependent. However, under no circumstances, the basic Jain principles
which reflects universal truth are compromised.
To
date the committee has published 9 Pathshala books and 6 reference books for
our children, youths and professionals.
There
are more than 25 committee members performing various task of preparing,
printing and distributing the material. As per our recent survey,
there are about 4000 students ranging from elementary level to college level,
attend Jain Pathshala classes in their centers and use the Jaina Education
Material. These Pathshalas have about 400 teachers and supporting
staff.
In
many cases, the parents of the kids in the Pathshala are themselves the
teachers and are known to the kids first as uncles or aunties. There are
about 400 adults offering volunteer service as teachers and other help. These
teachers are aided by a very valuable resource like Jain eLibrary (www.jainelibrary.org) which JAINA Education Committee has produced.
Pathshala
Curriculum:
A
comprehensive, grade wise curriculum in simple English is presented in these 9
Pathshala and 6 reference books. These uniform books available to all the
pathshalas and are sold at extremely low prices. These books are never
copyrighted and the soft copies (pdf files) are all freely available on the
JAINA and Jain eLibrary websites for easy downloads.
The
JAINA Educational material covers basic Jain philosophy such as fundamental
principles, the path of liberation; six universal substances; Nine Tattvas,
theory of Karma, Anekantvad and Fourteen Gunsthanaks.
In
conduct section students learn about Panch Parmeshti; Jain Ascetics, Mahavrats
and Anuvrats, Bhavnas, Leshyas, Panchachar, Jain ethics, humanitarian and
Jivdaya services, environment protection, and Jain yoga.
In
literature section, the students learn about Jain Swetambar Agams and
commentary literature, Digambar shastras, Jain history, life stories of various
Tirthankars, important Acharyas, and virtuous shravaks/shravikas.
Students
are also taught simple rituals like going to the Temples in both Swetamber and
Digambar traditions, Pooja, Six Avashykas, Paryushan and Das Laxana. The sutra
classes emphasize the meaning of sutra rather than blindly memorizing them.
The
Educational material cover all traditions of Jainism. Swetamber, Digambar or
Sthanakvasi parents, all send their kids to our unified pathshalas. Medium of
instruction is always English but Gujarati and Hindi classes are offered as
language studies.
These
books are continuously upgraded from the suggestions and comments received from
the teachers, parents, and students. In fact, senior most students at some
pathshalas undertake the task of revising materials in these books from the
perspective of relevance, readability and age appropriateness. Some of the earliest
books have now been revised five times!
The
Education committee also conducts classes, workshop, seminars, and lectures at
various centers in North America and other countries. It also provides a medium
for interactions among pathshala teachers (Google Group) of North America.
Teachers
from many centers contributed to finalize the uniform curriculum for Pathshala
in teacher’s conference held at various times. Each center uses this
curriculum and implemented to fit their size of student body, available teachers
and class rooms.
Teachers
from various Pathshalas keep in touch to learn from each other to improve the
quality of teaching. In addition to the uniform books throughout all Jain
centers, Pathshala teachers hold a Teachers’ conference during JAINA Conventions.
In that meeting, teachers share their experiences and exchange project ideas as
though members of a fraternity.
With
all the goodwill and togetherness displayed at this gathering, these teachers
make no effort to hide their zeal to display accomplishments of their students
at the main event for all the Pathshalas – Jain Academic Bowl (JAB)
competition. Teams from different Pathshalas are designated as junior teams or
senior teams and undergo 3 to 4 rounds of elimination to win the most coveted
prize of “Best Team”.
Brief
Description of Pathshala Books:
The
following link gives brief description of each Pathshala and reference
book. It also gives the link to download the pdf file of each book.
Summary:
In
America, the Jain unity has played the dominant role in our progress. Because
very few Shvetambar or Digambar monks or nuns come to the United States when
they are fully ordained, the American Jain community has lost its dominant
pattern of close interaction between lay people and mendicants. Most American
Jains agree that the sectarian streams of Jainism that have been significant in
India for over 2,000 years are fast losing their currency in twentieth-century
America.
The
main objective of the committee is to prepare, publish, and distribute the Jain
Pathshala material for American youth living in the American cultural
environment. Hence, we have to made few changes in the traditional
rituals and procedures.
All
the above shows the zeal with which Jain parents in North America are providing
religious, cultural and spiritual training for their kids in a language they
understand, in the culture they live in, and more importantly in a
non-sectarian and non-male dominated manner in projecting JAINS of Tomorrow.
The
most famous Sutra of Dasvaikalik Agam (Sutra no 56) States
पढमं नाणं तओ दया, एवं चिट्ठइ सव्वसंजए ।
अन्नाणी किं काही, किंवा नाही छेयपावगं?
પ્રથમ જ્ઞાન અને પછી દયા ચારિત્ર છે. આ પ્રમાણે જ્ઞાન પૂર્વક દયા પાળવાથી સાધક
સર્વથા સંયમી રહી શકે છે. અજ્ઞાની માણસ શું કરશે?
પોતાને માટે શું
હિતકારી છે કે શું અહિતકારી છે, તે જાણી શકતો નથી.
First
is knowledge then conduct or action; that is how the disciplined (Sadhak) live.
How would an ignorant discriminate between good and evil for himself or for
others”
-
Dashvaikalik Sutra
We
would like to apologize if any traditional adult feels that our approach in
preparing JAINA education material in America is inappropriate.
We
seek forgiveness for any mistake, oversight, understatement, or overstatement
in the education material. We request you to use the material objectively
and provide positive suggestions so that we can incorporate them into future
revisions.
Feedback
Comment:
To
write a comment on this article, please click the following link of Pathshala
eLibrary blog and go to the end of the article to write your comment.
This way others can view your comment. You can also offer your comment
anonymously.
Pravin
K. Shah
JAINA
Education Committee
Federation
of Jain Associations in North America
Jain
eLibrary in-charge
July
22, 2017
Appendix
- List of major Pathshalas in America
Following
the list of major Pathshalas where Education Committee books are used
Srl
#
|
Center
Name
|
Total
Students
|
Total
Teachers
|
Coordinator
|
1
|
JSMC
- Jain Society of Metropolitan Chicago
|
485
|
40
|
Darshana
Shah
|
2
|
JCSC
- Jain Center of Southern California
|
420
|
100
|
Sailesh
Jain
|
3
|
JCNJ
- Jain Sangh of New Jersey - Franklin temple
|
400
|
40
|
Anil
Shah
|
4
|
JCNC
- Jain center of Northern California
|
375
|
42
|
Krina
Shah
|
5
|
JSNT
- Jain Society of North Texas (Dallas)
|
280
|
20
|
Jadavji
Kenia
|
6
|
JSH
- Jain Society of Houston
|
225
|
42
|
Chini
Mehta
|
7
|
JCA
- Jain Center of America New York
|
150
|
15
|
Mrs.Suman
Bafna
|
8
|
JSGA
- Jain Society of Greater Atlanta
|
140
|
30
|
Sampurna
Shah
|
9
|
JSMW
- Jain Society of Metropolitan Washington
|
135
|
35
|
Monica
Shah
|
10
|
JSGD
- Jain Society of Greater Detroit
|
130
|
27
|
"Hamesh
Shah
|
11
|
JCNJ
- Caldwell Pathshala, Jain Center of NJ
|
125
|
33
|
Bipin
Shah
|
12
|
JCGP
- Jain Center of Greater Phoenix
|
120
|
12
|
Piyush
Shah
|
13
|
JCGB
- Jain Center of Greater Boston
|
110
|
13
|
Dev
Jain
|
14
|
JSNE
- JAIN Sangh OF NEW ENGLAND
|
105
|
14
|
Hemant
Shah
|
15
|
CJJG
- Central Jersey Jain Group Pathshala
|
60
|
11
|
Dharmesh
Shah
|
16
|
JCNJ
- Jain Sangh of New Jersey - Digambar Pathshala
|
60
|
12
|
Dharmesh
Shah
|
17
|
JSSD
- Jain Society of San Diego
|
60
|
9
|
Parul
Kothari
|
18
|
JSCNC
- Jain Study Center of North Carolina (Raleigh)
|
53
|
3
|
Rita
Lodaya
|
19
|
JCNJ
- Jain Sangh of New Jersey - Sthanak Pathshala
|
50
|
12
|
Jainesh
Shah
|
20
|
JSCVA
- Jain Society of Central Virginia (Richmond)
|
45
|
8
|
Pritesh
Ravindra Mutha
|
21
|
JCC
- Jain Center of Connecticut
|
40
|
5
|
Shikha
Jain
|
22
|
JCGC - Jain Center of Greater
Charlotte
|
40
|
4
|
Bela Shah
|
23
|
JCOCO - Jain Center of Central
Ohio – Columbus
|
40
|
4
|
Mona Mehta
|
24
|
Jain Sangh of NJ - Cherry Hill
|
35
|
12
|
Leena Shah
|
25
|
Jain Society of Tampa bay
|
35
|
8
|
Devangi Shah
|
26
|
JSGC - Jain Society of Greater
Cleveland
|
25
|
5
|
Kamna Jain
|
27
|
JSOCF - Jain Society of Central
Florida - Altamonte Springs, FL
|
24
|
2
|
JENY SHAH
|
28
|
JCNJ - Jain Sangh of New Jersey -
Hudson county
|
18
|
4
|
Priti Shah
|
INTERFAITH
DIALOGUE
Ganesha temple has recently started conducting
tours for all to explain Sanatana Dharma, Universal Religion from which present
day Hinduism sprang up, got confused and diversified with sectarian walls for
you can see such confusion in our temple festivals and rituals. Its
Baal Vihaar students have also been taken round Gurudwaras, Mosques, Churches
and Buddhist meditation centers. Continuing with their theme of
Interfaith Fusion and Outreach they are planning a seminar on Interfaith Dialogues
inviting experts from various Religions and Faiths as you see below. This has
also been necessitated by the growing mistrust and agitation in the minds
of various religious groups, traditions and as Hindu Americans we
are not able to hold our children in the Hindu-fold who move
away from Hindu Dharma or turn atheists attracted by the
universal binding force of love living in a multi-cultured society as a
minority community where there is complete religious freedom where even atheism
is a religion.
Though
I am not an expert even in Hinduism I have been focusing on the subject ever-since I started my Blog Hindu Reflections. We
should not depend purely on backyard herbs for our pains and hunt farther
say the wise! You may kindly recall my recently circulated E-mails:
- Venkateswara, Supreme Lord on Earth is Sanat Kumara that is Skanda, Son of supreme Holy Spirit.(July 22, 2017
- Historically Jainism and Hinduism conflate arising out of Sanatana Dharma.(July 22, 2017)
- Different religions on Wheel of Dharma (July 23, 2017)
- Let us Leave the World Better than We Found (July 15. 2017)
Besides I
draw your attention to the following postings on the blog at different times
promoting Interfaith dialogue
TOPICS ON HINDU AMERICAN’S INTERACTION WITH MAJOR CULTURE OF USA
1. Wisdom of Geeta’s Teachings and Bible’s
Preaching (August 2011)
2. Christianity Echoes Wisdom Thoughts of
Eternal Tradition (DEC 2011)
3. US court says Atheism is a Religion; Hindu
Sanatanists say Hinduism is not a Religion (Oct 2013)
4. “In God We Trust“, “E
Pluribus Unum” and “Satyameva Jayate” (March 2012)
5. Samhain Eve—Spiritual alternative to
Halloween Night (Oct 2013)
6. Did Holy Blazing Fire and Bizarre Colors
inspire Christianity and Color Run? (April 2014)
7. Hindu Reflections on Mating season
Festival that inspired St. Valentine’s Religious Festival (Feb 2014) 8.
Hindu Reflections on Eclipses and Blood Moon (April 2014)
9. Satanic Nine/Eleven and Spiritual
Nine/Eleven (September 2014)
10. How Religious Valentine’s Day can be
Adapted to Hindu Mode of Worship (Feb 2015)
11. Vedic Soma Yajnas and their Imprint
on Christian’s Eucharist Rituals (October 2015)
12. International Yoga Day and the Legacy of
Yoga to Mankind to Grow in Body and Mind (June 2015)
13. Let Us foster and Spread the
Message of Peace around the World (January 2014)
14. Did Bharatiyas Help the Growth of
Christianity? (December 2014)
For more subjects please go to:
Please attend the seminar if you are in or
around Nashville and go by the wisdom
thoughts of experts in the field. I hope you had enough initiation from me by
my recent rambling thoughts which many of you seem to have missed as I have not
even received an acknowledgement for my efforts put in.
GALACTIC SARASVATI SUPERCLUSTER
You might have come across a sensational news on the Saraswati
supercluster from Swaraj Magazine. A group of Indian Astro-physicists recently
discovered a Galactic Supercluster that they named Saraswati, after the Hindu
Goddess of Learning, Wisdom and Fine Arts. The Sarasvati Supercluster is an extremely massive galaxy supercluster discovered in the Stripe 82 region of SDSS that falls in the direction of the Pisces constellation. Named after both,
a Hindu goddess and an ancient river, The Sarasvati supercluster is a
major concentration of galaxies and galaxy clusters, forming a galaxy wall like structure, and spanning at least 600 million
light years (200 Mpc) across that includes at least 43 massive galaxy clusters. The Sarasvati
supercluster stands at a distance of 4,000 million light years away from Earth.
The Saraswati supercluster was discovered prior to February 2016
by a team of astrophysicists from the Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics and Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, both in Pune, India.—Bagchi,
Joydeep; Sankhyayan, Shishir; Sarkar, Prakash; Raychaudhury, Somak;
Jacob, Joe; Dabhade, Pratik.
Sarasvati is celebrated in Rig Veda as a sacred river along with nine
other holy rivers in Mahanarayana Upanishad. She is also worshiped as
Goddess of Learning, Goddess of Fine Arts and Goddess of Wisdom Medhadevi.
Philosopher Scientist past President of India APJ Abdul Kalam
has paid tribute to Sarasvati Thus:
“If perpetual motion be the nature of all systems,
from electrons in the atoms to stars in the galaxies around, O!
Goddess of Learning! Kindly bless my mind also to work ceaselessly in
acquisition of knowledge by perpetual motion”. I believe she is using me to
keep you all in spiritual motion though she had not blessed me with
knowledge and wisdom like the learned President. I am trying hard with
Satsanga, Satkarma and Swaadhyaaya! After all she created Valmiki,
Kalidasa, Arunagirinathar others form ignorant lots like me!
Sarasvati in many Traditions
In Tibet and parts of India, Nilasaraswati is a
form of Mahaavidya Tara. Nila Saraswati is a different deity from
traditional Saraswati, yet subsumes her knowledge and creative energy in
tantric literature. In Buddhist arts of Myanmar, Sarasvati is called
Thurathadi (or Thayéthadi. Saraswati was honored with invocations
among Hindus of Angkorian Cambodia. She is also referred to as Vagisvari
and Bharati in Yasovarman era Khmer literature. Saraswati is an important
goddess in Balinese Hinduism. She shares the same attributes and iconography as
Saraswati in Hindu literature of India - in both places, she is the goddess of
knowledge, creative arts, wisdom, language, learning and purity. The
concept of Saraswati migrated from India, through China to Japan, where she
appears as Benzaiten.
Please
also go through my detailed discourse on the subject:
--July 23, 2017
DIFFERENT
RELIGIONS ON WHEEL OF DHARMA
Please recall the text in my recent E-Mail: “Arishtanemi is
mentioned in Kalpasutra as 22nd Tirthankara,
the Jina glorified as "Rim of the wheel of Dharma", son of
Samudravijaya of Sauripura on the banks of the river Yamuna. He
was named Neminatha because his mother had seen in the dream a Nemi,
outer rim of a wheel”. Arishtanemi means one who
saves us from all harms. I do not know the significance of that dream in Jain
religion but I feel it is the prediction of the arrival of Neminatha as the
Ford founder or as Tirthankara one who leads us across the ocean of Samasara
and the redeemer of all our sins. That is why Venkateswara
(Lord who redeems all our sins) is visualized as Neminatha by
Jains and worshiped inspired by his name , standing posture and matted
hair. But Upanishads elaborate on wheel of
Dharma in several Mantras.
The Dharmachakra, Wheel of
Dharma is the Ashtamangala of Oriental Religions
of Hinduism, Jainism and Buddhism. The wheel is
also the main attribute of Vishnu, the Preserver aspect of
Brahman. Wheel of Dharma is also connected to four noble
truths of Buddhism--Duhkha, Samudaya, Nirodha and Marga as well as four Purushrthas
in Hinduism in the wheel of Life in --Dharma, Arha, Kama
and Moksha. Sarvepalli
Radhakrishnan, first Vice President of India stated that the Ashoka
Chakra of India represents the Dharmachakra. Wheel
of Dharma is the main symbol of the Sarvbhauma/Chakravartin, Supreme Lord
"wheel-turner", the ideal King or "universal
monarch", symbolizing the ability to cut through all obstacles and
illusions (Samsara). It is the symbolism
of "the wheel of the law" and the order of Nature. 24 spokes in Asoka
chakra represent 24 letters of Gayatri Mantra symbolizing 24 names of
Vishnu which are used to energize 24 human parts in the body
during Sandhyavandana. In Jainism the Dharmachakra is worshipped as
a symbol of the Dharma. The 24 spokes’ points on the
Wheel of Dharma may represent the 24
Tirthankaras, Neminatha being the 22nd.
In non-Buddhist cultural contexts, an eight-spokes Dharma-chakra
resembles a traditional wheel of the ship. May be this
wheel is held in reverence for the safety of life during sailing praying to the
Supreme. As a nautical emblem, this image is a common sailor
tattoo. In the Unicode computer standard, the dharma-chakra is
called the "Wheel of sDharma”. On a sailing ship, the helmsman
provides the direction, but not the power. Nature decides whether the wind and
waves will help him on his journey. The ship's wheel can represent someone
trying to find their way through the rough seas that we call "life."
It reminds the wearer that we all must choose a path, right or wrong, through
unseen dangers while at the mercy of mighty forces out of our control. In life,
we are on a constant journey to find our way and make the most out of life's
opportunities.
Buddha
was the one who "turned the wheel of the dharma" and thus the wheel
symbol is the Dharmachakra, or "wheel of law." The Tibetan term for
this symbol, **chos kyi'khor lo, means "the Wheel of Transformation. "The eight spokes of the wheel symbolize
the Noble Eightfold Paths set out by the Buddha in his teachings. The wheel also represents the endless cycle
of samsara, or rebirth, which can only be escaped by means of the Buddha's
teachings. Some Buddhists regard the
wheel's three basic parts as symbols of the "three trainings"
in Buddhist practice: A) -The hub symbolizes moral discipline, which stabilizes
the mind; B) The spokes (usually there are eight) represent wisdom which is
applied to defeat ignorance; C) The rim represents training in concentration,
which holds everything else together.
Chhandogya Upanishad says Dharma is Sathyam
and Sathyam is Dharma. Sathyam consists of three syllables: Sat=Immortal;
thi=mortal; yam =what is being regulated. Therefore Sathyam means Supreme Being
usually translated as Truth and therefore Dharmachakra means all treading or
pervading Supreme Vishnu or Venkateswara who is also a Ford
founder.
This wheel Dharmachakra or Brahmachakra is described in Vedas and
Upanishads by sages with different interpretations but all pointing to Brahman.
Please go through these narration in various Upanishads and also in Buddhism.
Though Buddha was silent on Brahman he introduced Dharma-chakra to his disciples for the first
time after enlightenment.
Prasna
Upanishad
Ara iva rathanabhau kalaa yasmin pratishthitaah | tam vedya
purusham veda yathaa maa vo mrityuh parivyatha iti ||
The Self is the hub of wheel of life, and the sixteen forms are
only spokes. The self is the paramount goal of life. Attain the goal and go
beyond death! [The rim of a wheel gains its strength and capacity as it is
supported by the spokes rising from the hub]
“Pondering over Praana Supreme Being made desire; and from desire he made
ether, air, fire, water, earth, the senses and the mind and food; and from food
he made vigor, penance, the Vedas and sacrificial rites, and all the
worlds. Thereafter in the worlds he created names. And the number of
elements he created was sixteen. These sixteen parts created from
out of his own being by the Self, the Eternal Seer, having returned to him from
whom they came, disappear in him--as the flowing rivers whose
destination is the sea, having reached disappear in it losing their
names and forms--their destination, losing their names and forms,
and people only speak of the Self.” The sixteen parts are spokes projecting
from the Self, who is the hub of the wheel. The Self is the goal of knowledge.
Svetasvatara
Upanishad
Tamekanemim trivritam shoedasaantam sataardhaaram
vimsatprtyarabhih | ashtakaih shadbhih visvarupaika-paasam
tri-maargabhedam dvinimittaika moham||Sv.up. 1-4||
They realized Him to be a form of wheel, having one rim, having three
constituents. Having sixteen ends, having fifty spokes, having twenty middle
spokes, having six groups of eight each, having one bond of
the cosmic form, having the difference of three paths, and having an illusion
that is the cause of two. [Paramatman is described
metaphorically as a wheel. The one rim of wheel is Prakriti,
the three constituents are three Gunas, Sattva, Rajas and Tamas. The sixteen
modifications of matter are the sixteen ends. The fifty spokes are the fifty
Sanskrit letters beginning with “A”]
The vast Universe is a wheel. Upon it are all creatures that are subject
to birth, death and rebirth. Round and round it turns, and never stops. It is
the wheel of Brahman. As long as the individual thinks it is
separate from Brahman, it revolves upon the wheel in bondage to the laws of
birth, death and rebirth. But when through the grace of Brahman it realizes its
identity with him, it revolves upon the wheel no longer. It achieves
immortality.
Katha
Upanishad
Yastvavijnaanavaan bhavati ayuktena manasaa sadaa |
Tasyendriyaanyavasyani dushtaasvaa iva saaratheh || (Ka. Up. 3-5 ||
The sense organs of that person who is ignorant forever with his mind
uncontrolled becomes uncontrolled just like wild horses for the charioteer.
Yastu vijnaanavaan bhavati yuktena manasaa sadaa |
tasyenderiyani vasyaani sadasvaa iva saaratheh || Ka.Up. 3-6 ||
But for one, who has gained knowledge (of the Aatman) and who has
his mind always controlled by sense organs becomes controlled like good horses
for the Charioteer. [The horses of the person who
has good charioteer and reins become obedient to him. In the same way the sense
organs become controlled, only in the event of intellect and mind being good].
Know that the Self is the rider, and the body the chariot; that the
intellect is the charioteer and the mind the reins. The senses, say the wise,
are the horses; the roads they travel are the mazes of desire. The wise call
the Self the enjoyed, when he is united with the body, the senses and the
mind. When a person lacks discrimination and his mind is
uncontrolled, his senses are unmanageable, like the restive horses of a
charioteer. But when a man has discrimination, and
his mind is controlled, his senses, like the well-broken horses of a
charioteer, lightly obey the rein. He who lacks discrimination, whose mind is
unsteady and whose heart is impure, never reaches the goal, but is born again
and again. But a person who has discrimination, whose mind is steady and whose
heart is pure, reaches the goal, and having reached it is born no more.
Mahanarayana
Upanishad
MNU also addresses Mother Earth as Aswakrante , one
who is traversed by horses; Vishnukrante, one who
is traversed by Vishnu and Rathakrante, one who is
traversed by the Chariot. This again reminds us of Vishnu’s
Trivikrama avatar in which he covered the entire earth with
his foot, Vishnu who traverses the whole world as Wheel of
Dhrama or Brahamchakra and that is All Pervading with his feet everywhere on
Earth --“sarvatah paaninah paadau”.
Buddhism
The Ashoka Chakra at the center of Flag of India is a
depiction of the Dharma
chakra; represented with 24 spokes. It is so called because it appears on a number of edicts of
Ashoka, most prominent among which is the Lion Capital of Ashoka. When Gautama
Buddha achieved enlightenment at Bodh Gaya, he came to Sarnath, on the outskirts of Varanasi. There, he found his five disciples Assaji, Mahānāma, Kondañña, Bhaddiya and Vappa, who had earlier abandoned him. He
introduced his first teachings to them, thereby establishing the Dharma
chakra. This is the motive taken up by Ashoka and portrayed on top of his
pillars. However, 12 out of the 24 spokes represent the twelve causal
links taught by the Buddha and pratītyasamutpāda (conditional
arising). The first 12 spokes represent 12 stages of suffering. Next 12 spokes
represent no cause no effect. So, due to awareness of mind, formation of mental
conditioning stops. This process stops the process of birth and death to attain
Nirvana.
--July 23, 2017
Comments
Received
Thank
you very much for enlightening me with your early morning discourse on the
interpretation of Wheel of Dharma by
different religious faiths. Thanks for sharing.
--Dr. Brahm Parsh
VENKATESWRA, SUPREME LORD ON EARTH IS SANAT KUMARA THAT IS SKANDA,
SON OF SUPREME HOLY SPIRIT
The present deity
Venkatswara in Tirumalai is believed to be a stone deity while Swami
Harshananda says it could also be a red fig wooden carving like Jagannatha to
which the earlier controversies could be related. It is likely
there was an earlier wooden image. When stone sculpture became popular many of
the earlier wooden or terracotta figures were replaced in Tamil Nadu
as in Kanchipuram. The original figure made of fig wood in
Kanchipuram is preserved even today in the temple tank and is taken out only
every twelve years while the latter stone deity is consecrated for daily worship. Venkateswara deity is held in secrecy by
the priests and no one is allowed to go nearby during Abhishekam.
Silappadhikaram a Tamil Jain text may refer to the
modern stone Vishnu deity but this text also mentions of naked
deity with no temple built around as in
Sravanabelgola Gomatesawara shrine in Karnataka. While the
existence of the temple is not known earlier the hill itself was
held in high esteem as the annihilator of sins. Generally Jain deities are seen
with Conch like Vishnu deities of Hindus; But Vishnu deities also have Chakra. May be Jain deities also had Sankha
and Chakra earlier, Chakra representing wheel of dharma. Probably Chakra was
removed in order to distinguish from Hindu deities later on.
Subhramanya in alone temple near Tiruvaiyaru , Dharmasamvardhinee as
well as Durga idols are seen with Conch and discus as I talked to you before. Therefore Sankha
and Chakra are not exclusive to Vishnu deities alone as is believed
conventionally. Matted hair is also
special to Jain deities as seen on Venkateswara hidden in the crown.
RAYAN PETTAI, a small village near Papanasam town, near Kumbakonam
town is very famous for Murugan Temple.
Here Murugan has Chakra in one upper hand and Conch in another upper
hand. Students worship here to pass their examinations, and surprisingly their wishes are fulfilled. Their is too much crowd during examination times.
There are no shops here. Visitors are given free tender coconuts.
People call him as Malmarugan. Mal means Thirumal (Vishnu). Marugan
means Marumaan or sister's son or Maappillai (son-in-law). He married
Vishnu's daughters, Amruthavalli (Devayani, Kriya Shaskthi), and Sundaravalli
(Valli. Itccha Shakthi). This reminds
the citation in Chhandogya Upanishad that Skanda is Sanatkumara, who is
son of Brahma, Vishnu and Siva at different times. Pradyumna, son of Krishna is
also an incarnation of Sanat Kumara who is considered as Vyuha of Paravasudeva in Pancharatra theology, who is the dissolution
aspect of Parabrahman.
Bhavisahyottara purana says
Brahma raised a tamarind tree on Venkatadri Hill, beneath which he formed an
Anthill. Narada was instructed to bring Vishnu back to Venkatadri to
reside in the Anthill so that people on earth remained pious and meritorious in
Kali Yuga. This conflates with Sanat Kumara’s descent from
planet Venus described in the Book of Revelations of the
Holy Bible. Narada was the disciple of Sanat Kumara as you see
later. He would have brought Sanatkumara son of Vishnu to reside in the
hill. This also substantiates Sanat Kumara being worshiped as
Skanda in Tirupati, as they are one and the same as revealed in Upanishads.
The name Venkateswara is exclusive to
the Lord of the Hill in Tirumala— Saptagiri, Ezhumalai, Seshachala, Saptagirinaatha,
Saptagireesa, Ezhumalaiandan etc. The name means “destroyer of
sins” (vem=dire sins; kata=immunizing power), as well as “Giver of worldly
wealth” He is also called Srinivasa meaning “Abode of
Wealth”. His name does not appear anywhere else, neither in literature
nor religions, nor used for any other deity. The biggest mystery of all is
which god could he be--Skanda, Siva, Sakti, Vishnu, Neminatha, Buddha among
religions and traditions that came from Sanatana Dharma. The word Natha
is special to Jainism. Natha suffix is also found in
Hinduism, Adi Jaganntha of Tiruppullni (Adinatha) and also Jaganntha worshiped
for sometimes as Jina or Neminatha who is said to have taught
Bhagavad Gita to Krishna. Sanat kumara is Brahm -sanam kumar in Buddhism.
Sanat Kumara is Dipankara, the lamp lighting Buddha said to predate the
historical Buddha in a world cycle long past. He is sometimes equated with
Adibuddha, the original Buddha and is the being Gautama Buddha pledged himself
to. Recall the names Venkata-Easa, Venkata_Rama,
Venkata--Subrahmanya, Venkata-Krishna Venkata-Natha (Neminatha), Baala-ji
(Eternal youth), Baalaa-ji (Balaa Tripursundari).
In
pre-Vedic and Vedic culture nobody talked about religion and people had no idea
as to what religion is, nor there is any word equivalent to
religion in Sanskrit. The term “Religion” got introduced to English Language
for faith based worships by Christianity. Only Christian Religion remained
without the suffix –ism and all other religions were identified with that
suffix. The religious followers of Muhammad were also called followers of
Muhammadanism and Jews Judaism. Oxford dictionary says the suffix –ism is
colloquial usually used in derogatory sense. Later the followers of Allah
recognized this connivance by Christianity and called themselves Islam. Jews
did not bother! Today only Christianity and Islam does not have the
suffix -ism. Why? Hindus are happy to be called Hindus name given
by Abrahamic religions and also content their religion being called Hindu-ism.
Compare this --ism attached to religious names with common
derogatory terms—Atheism, cannibalism, communalism, hedonism, Nihilism
paganism, sexism, terrorism, vandalism etc.
Hindu Temple Tradition started with the
worship of nature as Mountains or as Mounds. Venkatadri existed long before the
deity carved out of its wood or stone was worshiped. Nanditha Krishnan
author of the book Balaji, Lord of Tirumala says Venkatadri is also called
Dharmadri, hill of Dharmadevata, the God of Righteousness who performed penance
on the hill and Teerthaadri, after many sacred watering spots which are
situated here focused on Hinduism only. I may not be wrong if I
conclude that it is called Teerthadri being
the hill of Teerthankakara who performed the penance who is
also called Wheel of Dharma, Arishtanemi, Neminatha etc. Tiruvalluvar a
famous Tamil poet (also believed to be a Jain philosopher) refers to Adi-bhagawan in Thirukkural (akaramudal ezhutthellam)
referring to Adinatha and also addresses the feet of Vardhamaan in
another couplet “Malarmisai Yenginaan Maan-adi”
linked to the glorious feet of Maan (Vardhamaan). It should also be
noted Jainism was an extreme “way of Dharmic life” practiced out of
Sanatana Dharma which got systematized by Vardhamana and later got
its name Jainism after his Moksha. It was all earlier a philosophy under
the umbrella of Sanatana Dharma like the present day Advaita, Vishishtadvaita
and Dvaita. There were no such religious walls like today.
With this background let us turn our
thoughts to Vedas and Upanishads which glorify Arishatanemi the Dispenser of
all harms or sins. Brihadaranyaka Upanishad says Supreme Being
created Vedic Gods to assist him in
administering the Universe under four Varnas with specific duties as
Brahmana, Kshatriya Vaisya and Sudra as I talked before. For example Agni
was Brahmana, Indra, Varuna; Yama and Rudra were Kshatriyas;
Vasus, Aadityas were Vaisyas and Pusan (Earth) was Sudra. He also
created immediately Dharma as Dharma-devata (dharmaaya swaaha) to guide the four Varnas before expanding
further. Caste system was carved out of this divine plan
of Varanashrama and got confused with conflict and social status.
Dharmadri Hill derives its name from Dharma. Vishnu is also called Yajna
Purusha or Yajna (Penance).
Chhandogya Upanishad says
Sathyam is Dharma or the Supreme Spirit. Sathyam consists of 3 syllables—Sat= immortal; thi =mortal; yam=what
is being regulated. In Chandogya Upanishad Sanatkumara as a Muni taught
Narada Bhumavidya, Knowledge of Brahman. This Sanatkumara is Skanda says this
Upanishad. Sanat Kumara, Eternal son of Supreme Being existed even
before Brahma praising Narayana from whose naval emerged Brahma who went on a
long penance before starting creation. Later Puranas say Sanat
kumara was born as Manasa Putra to Brahma (mind born) and later as requested
by Lord Siva was born as the exclusive son of Siva alone as Skanda.
This Sanat Kumara is hailed in Christianity (Book of Revelations) as the
one who descended on Earth from planet Venus with 144000 divines to save the
Earth and establish Dharma who is presently worshiped as
Jesus, Holy Son. Sanat Kumara is worshiped in many religions and
venerated in many philosophies as God. Venkateswara is considered to be
an Avatar of Vishnu sent to Earth to save us. I have dealt on all
these at length in previous discourses.
It is interesting to note In Venkatesa
Sahasranamavali Venkateswara is addressed as Pradyumna! He is son of Krishna
(Vishnu). He is also Sanatkumara. He is also a vyuha of Paravsudeva,
dissolution aspect in Pancharatra theology; the Vyuha Sankarshana is creation
aspect while Aniruddha is preservation
asapect.
In the context of Vedic
wisdom “Eko Viprah Bahuda
Vadanti” and ”Devo Ekah” it is logical to conclude that the one
god sent to Earth to redeem us from all our sins is the Eternal
Youth Sanat Kumara, who is son of Brahma, Skanda , Pradyumna (son
of Bhagawan, dissolution aspect of Parabrahman; also in Panchratra Vyahriti of
Vishnu meaning conqueror) at different times, Holy Son and Eternal
Youth worshiped in all Esoteric Traditions, religions and philosophies of
the world now worshiped as Venkateswara, Redeemer of our sins,
worshiped daily by maximum number of devotees in
any known sacred shrine in the world. http://nrsrini.blogspot.com/2016/12/v-behaviorurldefaultvmlo.html
--July 22,
2017
SANSKRIT FEVER GRIPS GERMANY
(14 universities teaching Sanskrit struggle to meet demand as
students clamor for course)
We have to thank Germany for popularizing
Sanskrit. Sanskrit language and Sanatana Dharma are so integrated the two
cannot be separated if one is serious in studying Sanskrit and Indology. Sanatana Dharma belongs to humanity and as a
corollary Sanskrit too as the most perfect grammar language of the world. Germany
which has provided maximum number of Sanskrit scholars to India from among the
Foreign Countries in the recent past is
once again active in serious study of Sanskrit and Indology. They also practice
speaking in Sanskrit while India had given up its studies as dead language
giving importance to regional languages and preference to foreign languages
German and French. All Central Schools
are serious in studying German as the third language in three-language formula
which was promulgated for the study of Indian languages only. English is also
an Indian language among 14 languages. I often consult German Vedic scholars in
my work too. A decade ago German radio had a news bulletin in Sanskrit, but not
India. In Germany 14 top universities
have a faculty for the study of Sanskrit! Indology is studied at Heidelberg University by students from 34
countries.
“Sanskrit is an essential part of every Indian
soul. Without the language, the society loses its identity. From Raja Ram Mohan
Roy to Mahatma Gandhi, everyone was inspired by the language. The whole
renaissance period was based on Sanskrit literature” says Professor Ramesh
Bharadwaj. But whatever way India may go, we as Hindu Americans need to study
Sanskrit if we are serious about culture, want to bring up our children
spiritually, promote the same to others
and not lose our identity as European migrants did. Around 30% American population say today
they are SBNR-Spiritual but not Religious. Our Baal Vihaar schools
should not waste their time in teaching various regional languages of
India in our Sunday schools but teach
only Sanskrit as the richest cultural language in the world to explore enjoy
and promote Vedic culture of
Spirituality, Universal Oneness and
living together in peace. Mother is the best teacher for the child and
she can teach the child better her language than Sunday schools which has a
very tight schedule in its program. Soon
in all Hindu homes English will be the mother tongue. The only language that can be a universal Binding
force culturally, religiously and spiritually is Sanskrit.
There is an awakening to study Sanskrit and
Indology in many countries today because of our rich cultural heritage. Please
recall my two discourses on Sanskrit. One of my discourse strangely deals
with--“Is Sanskrit Indian or Foreign?”
It is a pity that while people all over the world are keen to claim Yoga
and Sanskrit as their own, Indians want to discredit it and treat it as least
important. German is chosen as third
language but not Sanskrit even in Indian Central Schools; you can then think of
what its fate is in India of Language Walled States who wants to enforce
regional languages only and Hindi and not also English!
--JULY 20, 2017
Comments
Received
Interesting. We know Max Mueller and his love for Sanskrit. Also
the story of his taking away from India Atharvaveda. Einsteen-Openheimer--atom
bomb ....we do not know the extent of truth in all the above. Not all Indians
are against disowning Sanskrit. It is the so called secular Indians who
do so. Recently it is also researched that Tamil is the oldest living spoken
language while Sanskrit is relegated to the second oldest language status. This
has given fresh energy to the Dravidian Tamils to claim superiority! As
positive people, let us keep the good things.
I Shall give you some interesting
video after reaching Mumbai.
--Saptagireesan
from Chennai
Reply:
Thanks. If you go through my discourses referred most of your
questions will be answered. I have answered “Why not Tamil too!” I have also talked about Max Mueller's
contributions positive and negative as well as his regrets and apologies
in obliging British. You may also go
through the book Children of Immortal Bliss” by American Prof.
Lakshmikantam publsihed by Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan. Any additional
knowledge is welcome to enrich my knowledge.
Many American Hindus only find
fault but not a remedy. What India is not doing Germany is doing.
Probably you
know the poem "Chaturmarai aariyar varumun sahamuzhudum ninadaayin mudhumozhi
nee anaathaiyena kaanbadum viyappaame" There is no such thing as Aryan
invasion and Aryan Dravidian
conflict that had been a concoction to Divide and Rule. I have also
discussed this in detail with quotes.
THE PERFECT STUDENT AND A HARD QUESTION
FOWAI
FORUM (INDIA) AND STEP (USA) inspired by mantra 1 of Kenopanishad presents an internet video discourse on the subject “THE PERFECT STUDENT AND A HARD QUESTION”
on Sunday July 23, 2017 by a s Spiritual Scholar
Chilakuri Radhakrishna. All the
webinar audio/videos are available on YOUTUBE/fowaiforum)
Gist of the
presentation:
An
aspect of spirituality over which we perhaps have some control is to become
better students and ready ourselves to be receptive to the Guru’s teaching. In
Kenopanishad Verse 1, a Perfect Student poses a Hard Question. In doing so, the
Perfect Student reveals simple, clear thinking, and establishes a high standard
for all students in all time. In this session we will reflect upon the
subtleties of the Question, as taught by Vedanta teachers, as well as by modern
scientists. Three themes will be presented, with room for discussion in
between.
Kena Upanishad takes its name from the first word of the first
Mantra. The disciple approaches
the Guru and questions: “by whom are the
mind and Life’s vital forces (panch pranas) and others functioning in us are directed?” These questions imply that the passing
things of experience are not everything but they depend on an eternal entity.
Keneshitam patati preshita mana kena praanah
praathmah praiti yuktah|Keneshitam vaachamimam vadanti chakshuh srotram
ka u devo yunakti||
At whose behest does the mind think? Who bids
the body alive? Who makes the tongue speak? Who is that Effulgent Being
that directs the eye to form and color and the ear to sound?
These are the
questions that bother a spiritual student not at Kindergarten level but a
research student preparing himself for a doctoral thesis. Unfortunately we are
all at kindergarten level and still have to go long way. I
have tried hard to take many of you to high school level of mine but for the
late comers. I have not taken your exam as I had no feed-back but for a
rare few and I do not know the depth of my teachings as I have also
not heard from the few experts and Gurus on my mailing list. I
do not know whether you have gone through my discourses on the exposition of
Brahman contained in Daharavidya from MNU and Bhumavidya from Chhandogya
Upanishad? Soon I will be concluding my discourse on the
subject with Bhriguvidya from Taittareeya upanishad. Probably
Webnair will motivate us on the subject if not make it simpler to suit our
level of understanding?
Spiritual gurus
often tell me that Vedanta needs a Guru which I find hard to find in my town.
Jet-age gurus or too busy these days who occasionally visit us but they
have neither time nor patience to educate us but leaves us baffled with their
superior knowledge. And, we leave the hall admiring them but soon forget.
Hardly few attend our routine Vedanta class lectures as the
back-yard herb is no healer for our disease. Many noodle Gurus are busy
with their own business and workshops. The ignorant are countless too! Fortunately
Internet is helping us exposing us to Gurus like swami Chidananda who regularly
feeds me with his wisdom thoughts which I forward to you with my
own study. To a Spiritual aspirant the real Guru is the pure
intellect within. Ramakrishna Paramahamsa never went out seeking a guru
and so too are all the masters of our own times. They had the urge.
Yajna (austerity), Svaadhyaa (self-study), Satsanga (real contact direct or indirect like
internet) and performance of duty without attachment (Svakarma) will help
us go the long way, at least to bring us to High-school level if not
perfection. These do not hinder us in our Pravritti Marga,
material pursuits, though progress will be slow. Something is better than
nothing. I have tried that way and shared my thoughts with you.He has given me
long life too!
We are now-a-days
building up our life with such false values of selfishness and egoism that we fail
to earn the real Peace. We find no time to read these wisdom thoughts from
Swamijis, let alone my steady flow of routine E-mails that are frequent.
A total spiritual revolution is what is wanted to live in peace in
this agitated world. We can bring real salvation to the world only by going
into our own inner-most abode and seeking Truth. Self-perfection
alone can bring all-round perfection. The world around us itself is a dead
matter in spirituality; we have to vitalize it by our own self-perfection. This
idea should be inculcated in our mind being well secular-educated. This is the
urgent need of the hour if we are to escape the damnation we have created for
ourselves with our own animal-ism. In our redemption lies world redemption.
--July 20, 2017
AUSTERITY, STUDY OF SCRIPTURES AND CHARITY ARE THE FUNDEMENTAL REQUISITES OF SANATANA DHARMA
The
Spiritual and Secular Wisdom of Ancient Hindu Mystics called Rishis are
contained in Upanishads that is the Breath of the Eternal. They focused their
thoughts on Dharma since the term Religion was unknown then. Even today an
innocent Hindu villager does not know what Religion is; he only
says he is a follower of particular deity. Brahman also created Dharma after
having created four Varnas. This we call today as Sanatan Dharma. All
Upanishads univocally define what that is in essence through which we get the
Knowledge of Brahman though they use different terms.
“The
requirements of Dharma are three. The first is Sacrifice; the second is
Austerity; the third is Life as a Student (Adhyayana) in the home of a teacher
and the practice of continence. Together, these three lead one to the realm of
the blest. But he who is firmly established in the knowledge of Brahman
achieves immortality” says the Rishi in Chhandogya Upanishad.
“Let your
conduct be marked by right action, including study and teaching of the
scriptures (adhyayana); by truthfulness in word, deed and thought (satyam); by
self-denial and the practice of austerity (Yajna); by poise and self-control
(Brahmacharya); by performance of the everyday duties of life (Svakarma) with a
cheerful heart and an unattached mind (nishkaama Karma)” says another Rishi in
Taittareeya Upanishad.
To his
mixed audience who had the thirst for Knowledge of Brahman, Sage
Prajapati simply advised to meditate upon 3 different Ds. Divines
who suffered superiority complex understood “D” as Damayata—Be self-controlled.
Humans who are selfish understood “D” as Datta—be Charitable.
Rakshas who are arrogant understood “D” as Dayadhwam—be compassionate.
In fact these three Ds are for us only stormed with cloud
thunders of Sattva, Rajo and Tamo Gunas.
Please find
below a detailed exposition of Sanatana Dharma sent through courtesy by
India.Divine.org for propagation.
Hinduism and
the religions--Jainism, Buddhism, Sikhism, Brahma Samaj, Arya Samaj etc.
that branched out of Vedic Religion are built on the strong
foundation of Yajna, Savaadhhya, ,Daana by practicing
celibacy and engaged in Svakarma.
Basis of Vedic Sanatan Dharma
“trayo dharmaskandha yajno ‘dhyayanam
danamiti prathamah– Chandogya Upanishad
Religion has three bases. Out of these, yagya,
study and charity are the first basis.
Yagya(Austerity /sacrifice): A religious
follower should adopt yagya (austerity) in his life. All the works of charity
and help come under yagya. Nowadays, it is used only for havan (sacrificial
fire). However, yagya has a broad meaning. Acquiring knowledge of the five
great elements (panch mahabhutas) created by God and taking help from them is
yagyam, as havan is beneficial only for the mankind, it purifies the
environment, cures diseases and makes the atmosphere fragrant. The objectives
worship of God, having the company of good people (satsang) and charitable
deeds are fulfilled through yagya.
Adhyayana (Study):
People should improve and update their knowledge
continuously with the study of Vedic literature and mythological texts,
describing the God. Reading good and holy books improves the intellect and
removes ignorance and enlightens the soul with the knowledge of light.
Dana (Charity): A person
should donate one-tenth of his income to destitute, helpless, sick, suffering,
poor people, orphanages, Gurukul and other charitable places. The donation,
which is given with selflessness at the right time, to the right person and at
the right place is most superior.
Donating knowledge is superior to donating
water, food, cow, land, clothes, sesame, gold and ghee. Devotion: Devotion is
the second basis of religion. Facing the difficulties and tolerating them in
fulfilling ones duties and responsibilities is called devotion. Tolerating
fame-blame, happiness-unhappiness, gain-loss, cold-hot, hunger-thirst and other
conditions and fulfilling our duties is called devotion. It has three forms –
physical, mental and verbal. The secret of these three forms on the basis of
satva-rajas-tama (pure, passion-anger) are as follows:
Worshipping God, Brahmavits(one who pursues
knowledge of Brahman), Gurus and learned men, leading a chaste, simple,
celibate and non-violent life comes under devotion of the body. Polite speech,
true along with politeness, beneficial, study of good books and practicing the
study come under the devotion of speech. The physical, verbal and mental
devotion are called satvic devotion. The physical, verbal and mental devotion
performed with the objective of gaining name, fame, show, exhibition are called
rajasic devotion. They do not last for long and are temporary. The physical,
mental and verbal devotion, which is done with stupidity and meaninglessly by
causing pain to oneself or for causing harm to others, are called tamasic
devotion. The believer of religion should always tolerate the difficulties and
indulge in auspicious deeds and try to overcome the difficulties with
intelligence.
Third Basis
A celibate in the ashram of his Guru giving
pain to self is the third basis of this religion. Celibacy is the foundation
for the human life. The stronger and deeper this foundation, the stronger and
stable the life. Saint Dayanand Saraswati said that celibacy is the basis of
all other stages in life, improves other stages if it is carried on well and ruins
other stages if it is not carried on properly.
Aacharya upanayamano brahmacharinam
krinute garbhamantah |tam ratristisra udare bibharti tam jaatam drishtum
abhisamyanti devah– Atharva Veda
This means, the birth of human being, which
resides in the womb due to the relationship of mother and father is called the
first birth. The second birth is one in which father is the teacher and mother
is the knowledge. The absence of the second birth does not give humanity to a
person. Therefore the people should acquire it. When a person goes to a teacher
at the age of eight and lives in his proximity from that time onwards they
become celibates (both male and female). Because they are engrossed in the
thoughts of God and Brahma. The teacher keeps them in his womb for three
nights, in other words worship of God, religion and the knack of learning and
thinking and other important concepts are taught in these three days. After
this learned men examine the students. A celibate controls his sensory organs
and tolerates all sorts of difficulties in order to gain knowledge from his
teacher. He develops his physical, intellectual and mental powers by leading a
disciplined and austere life. He sacrifices the material comforts and leads a
simple life, remains in the proximity of Gurus and acquires knowledge for all
round development and becomes talented. A lazy, inactive and lover of
comfortable and luxurious life can never acquire knowledge. A good celibate
learns Vedas, establishes truth and religion in the world and works for the
welfare of the mankind. Therefore Aacharyas consider celibate to be the third
basis of religion.
LET US LEAVE THE WORLD BETTER THAN WE FOUND
May I draw your
special attention to my discourse “Buddha is an Avatar of Vishnu,
why not Jina” and my E-mails “Historically Jainism and Hinduism conflate
arising out of Sanatana Dharma” and “Neminatha is Venkateswara, Universal
Lord who redeems us from our sins”. I have on my mailing list
Skanda/Muruga devotees who rush to Hindu American Temples on Shashtis, Venkateswara
devotees on Sarturdays, Jagannatha lovers on Sundays, Ayodhya-vasis on Ramayan
path day, Jains and Temple founding fathers who have accommodated all their
Ishtadevatas and Interfaith and Outreach casual visitors on Ganesha Temple tour
days. Of course we are all products of sectarian and religion
walled society though we talk of interfaith and outreach when we find our
partners by outsourcing. My above topics written with so much
effort and hard work attracted no Hindu here or in Face Book. May be
Jina and Neminatha in the captions did not attract the crowd.
Perhaps catch words like Hindu (Namakarana made by followers of Abrahamic
Religion), Thiruppugazh, Tiruppavai, Ramayan path, Jagannath could have
attracted many!
I was surprised,
honored and humbled by comments on these topics from a lone broad minded
knowledgeable religious Jain who visits American Hindu Temple on all important
Special Religious worship days. There are around 150000 Jains in USA
scattered all over. He also meticulously goes through all my correspondence and
often gives helpful suggestions. Why does he take so much interest in Hindu
topics while materialistic Hindu Americans are indifferent or disinterested,
that amazes me! These comments are worth all the other hundreds of
appreciations, I had received in the past, which sends a powerful
message to Hindu Americans and to our philanthropists who have dedicated their
lives in Temple Building,
though some may interpret that I am
trying to boost up my image. May be it was wrong timing for these E-mails sent
on a working day! May be not, for many of my e-mails particularly stored and
sent on Saturdays also receive no response. except by some
Thiruppugazh or Thiruppavai admirers. I am not worried or disappointed
as a believer in Gita (karmenyeva adhikariste maa phaleshu kadaachana)
knowing well there are many retirees and householders as
participants in my list who have all the time. It is all the
more heartening to note the following comments comes from a busy
doctor.
“Thank you very much
for your excellent article on Jainism which will dispel some of
the misconceptions about Jainism of many of your readers. Hopefully this
makes aware of every one to be more open minded to the faith of
every religion”.
“Thank you for
your beautiful explanation of how Jainism and Hinduism are interrelated and
have many things in common because of their common beliefs in many
aspects. However there are some misconception about some aspects of
Jainism. Only in the last half a century, because of some of extreme
archeological work up many archeologist including famous Foreign
archeologists, lot of new information about the origin and historical aspect of
Jainism has been updated and is accepted by the so called historians and philosophers
including our demised ex-president of India Dr. Radha Krishnan.
Even Vedas also has clearly mentioned about Jainism. Unfortunately the
wording Jainism was not in existence till Sri Mahaveera became the 24th
Thirthankara. Before him there were 23 Thirthankaras. The present teachings of
Mahveera is actually more structured. The previous Thirthankaras has in common
practicing and preaching the same principle with a different way. It is
very difficult for me to explain and discuss all this in few lines. Hope fully
one of these days when I get chance to meet you in person, would like share
with you more about Jainism. Thank you for your interest in Jainism which
is actually a way of life”.
I have been a
regular visitor of American Hindu temples in Albany, Nashville, Liver-more,
Sacramento besides visiting Huntsville and many other temples in USA. In all
these temples that have accommodated as many deities as possible to please all
traditions and fill their Hundis, sometimes annoying our orthodox religious
pundits, I was attracted to Jagannatha, Skanda and
Venkateshwara deities and the religiously focused regular Jain
visitors among non-Hindus, though I come from an orthodox Srivaishanva
family.
My spiritual and
religious writings supported by scriptures and history reveal: Sanat
Kumara is Skanda; Sanat Kumara is Manasa Putra of Brahma;
Sanatkumara born as Pradyumna, son of Krishna and also Vishnu: Son of only Siva
born as Muruga or Skanda; Neminatha as the teacher and cousin of Krishna taught
Bhagavad Gita; Rishabha an avatar of Vishnu: Venkateswara worshiped as
Jina and Venkata Krishna; Sanatkumara, Eternal Youth
sent as Holy Son to redeem earth from sin hailed in the Holy Bible;
Santkumara worshiped in Esoteric traditions by all faiths and philosophies;
Balaji in Tirupati, most worshiped and venerated God by many
religious followers in the World more than Puri Jaganntha and Pazhani Murugan
or papal Rome or Mecca shrines; Balaji worshiped as Jina; Buddha is an Avatar
of Vishnu and others. “Ten million people can’t be wrong” says a wiseman!
Akshaya triteeya and Diwali festivals are significant to Hindus and Jains
but with different historic religious significance.
Based on these
details well educated Hindu Americans, unlike majority of Hindus in their
own land from which they migrated, will be better advised to focus their
worship only on Venkateswara as the Universal Lord, the Lord who redeems
us from sins as the name suggests which name is very significant for worship
and meditation by all faiths. Our worst critics Islam also get their name
from Islam meaning “Submission to the Supreme” and that supreme is worshiped as
Venkateswara by Hindus as well as Non-Hindus! Worship on one significant
deity with focus on spirituality and meditation will bring all people together
progressively and lead all people drawn from all religions, faiths,
beliefs and dis-beliefs to Vedic wisdom of “Eko Viprah bahuda vadanti”
“vasudhaiva kutumbakam” “aa no bhadrantu kratavah yantu viswatah” “sarvejanah
sukhino bhavantu” etc., that I have quoted and explained repeatedly.
By now if you do not understand the meaning of these Vedic quotes I have
just wasted my time and efforts! I hope you will find some time and give
a serious thought to this week-end message of mine. This needs a serious
consideration by our temple builders and promoters to promote the concept of
Universal Oneness, peace and happiness of living together in their selfless
noble task, particularly American Hindus drawn globally from multi traditions.
Nashville Ganesha Temple conducts every week Temple visit tours to people of
all faiths highlighting Eternal Tradition (Sanatana Dharma) on which Hindu
Temple shrines have been raised. (They prepare some nice snacks too to
attract holiday crowds!) Let us bring back this forgotten tradition
and explain in our rituals and worships too appealing to all Hindu
traditions to start with, for charity begins at home!
Jains visiting Hindu
Temples may worship and meditate on Venkateswara as Neminatha without any
religious inhibitions or religious sanctions as they are also
Moorthi Upasakas like Hindus, who also do Pada Puja, and the name
Venkateswara indicates nothing of Hindu religion as the name means “The
Lord who Redeems us from all our Sins” or Tirthakara or ford founder who
takes us across the ocean of Samsaara to Moksha.They will be more confident to
worship Venkateswara than Jaganntha suppoerted by Vedas, Jagnanathas worship by
Jains is only historical and not supported by Vedas.
Let us
leave behind American soil better than we found it, having migrated attracted
by it and enlarged our families --Krinvanto viswamaryam! Uttishthata
Jagrata!
--JULY 15, 2017
BEING NOBODY AND GOING NOWHERE!
Swami Chidanada in his telecast this
Sunday will be analyzing the Buddhist thought of Nihalism “being nobody and
going nowhere” with the help of the wisdom of Hindu mystics,
Rishis contained in the Upanishads and Gita. We come across also such negative approaches
in Gita like: ‘Sarvarambha parityagee” “sarvadharman parityjya” “anyadharman
vihaaya” etc.
Hindu Sasatras prohibit foreign travel
and ordain to stay home because we
are often forced to give up our Nityakarmas during travel and also our focus on
spirituality due to distractions and intimidations from cross cultures.
At the same time Vedas say “vasudhaiva kutumbakam”—whole world is one
family “aano bhadrantu kratavah yantu viswataha”—Let noble thoughts come
from all directions”, “krinvanto viswamaaryam”—Let us ennoble the world
etc., that do not promote going nowhere or being nobody! How can we then stop
visiting our family members? This is walking on the sword’s edge! This is a
dilemma! How can we have beginning-less action? This only
means not to give room to ostentation in any of our undertakings.
We hear the Parvati creation of Ganesha
from puranas. I am not still convinced of this creation and his forceful
imposition on us as Prathama vandita to the utter neglect of Skanda who is
Sanat Kumara. He preferred no travel unlike his wise brother Skanda due
to his physicals, while Skanda traveled to all the three worlds
like Narada to collect all knowledge. A Tamil scripture says
“Tirai kadlodiyum dravbyam tedu”—search for wealth even crossing the
seas! But what wealth is that—material or spiritual? How can we be frog
in the well! Ganesha simply turned inwards to realize the world. Also he is
nobody with past history or future as he emerged (Ucchishtha
Ganapati) out of scum but yet made the most powerful deity today among the
330 million glorified in Purnas. Nirguna Brahman is devoid of all
qualities. Ganesha was a symbolic deity and equated with Nirguna Brahman on
whom all qualities were imposed. It is always good to start with a clean slate
they say! But why should we be in kindergarten level and need symbolism
instead directly meditating on Brahman? But let us better hear or visit
Youtube to hear Swamiji’s wisdom than
my ignorance.
BEING NOBODY AND
GOING NOWHERE
Here is the
wisdom thought from Swami Chidananda based on the wisdom thoughts of
mystics who did not teach to Kindergartners but to true seekers of Brahman,
Eternal happiness and True wealth and the views a modern Western
Philosopher on this controversial subject. Seek the Self within,
with Dama,Daya, Daaana says Brihadarnyaka. Brahman, source, sustenance
and end of the universe, partakes of every phase of our existence. He
wakes with the waking man, dreams with the dreamer, sleeps the deep sleep of the
dreamless sleeper and walks with the traveler who seeks knowledge and peace (a
no bhadrantu kratravah yantu viswatah) like me , but
transcends to become Himself. He in turn wants us to become our Self too. Our
true nature is Pure Consciousness but that is not easy as we forget our
goals in material pursuits and worldly troubles in our
travels(Thoughts from Brihadaranyaka.)
“ Sitting here he
goes too far”—aaseeno dooram vrajati. Pure consciousness is conceived as Self by
sitting and meditating alone. But the moment mental wave vitalized by the Truth in us travels to different
places to contemplate (like (worshipping various deities) it only meets therein
that Existence and Consciousness is already present there. Hence the vice advice Do not travel. Bible
says”: “what is the use of gaining the
whole world when you have lost your own soul”.
Swamiji says: “The self-development workshops of this mad,
mad world typically exhort us to become somebody, make money, get power and
earn fame and name. The science of liberation – moksha-shāstra – asks
us, in contrast, to know ourselves and ‘not bother’ about becoming anything.
The world’s glamorous programs urge us to have great dreams and realize them;
the Upanishads inspire us to wake up from our sleep and realize how we are
already happy. Motivational speakers of the ‘tinsel town’ advise us to go
places, cross the 5 oceans and see the 7 continents. Saints and sages whisper
in our ears, “The universe is within you, dear!”
“Sitting
here, he goes very far! Fast asleep, he reaches everywhere,” declares the
Kathopanishad1 while singing the glory of the Self, and of
Self-knowledge. “Know this great, all-pervasive Self and all grief will end
forever,” is the extraordinary assurance of the sacred text2.
We
know very well that all that glitters is not gold. This world of
pleasure, power, positions and possessions is very attractive, no doubt, to our
senses and mind. We at the same time know countless sorrowful tales of rich and
famous people, of queens and kings, who – in spite of their possessions or
positions – had sleepless nights and unenviable days. What we actually seek is
‘something that does not die’ but nothing in the world is permanent.
When she was offered much wealth and large property, Maitreyee asks her husband
Yājnavalkya, “Can I become immortal (amritā) upon getting this whole
earth, filled with wealth?” [amritā here means lasting happiness.] Her
husband, who had just announced his renunciation plans, says without mincing
words3, “Wealth cannot simply give you lasting happiness!”
Spiritual
ignorance makes us feel insecure endlessly. That insecurity prompts us to go
after wealth and fame, imagining that we will be at peace for ever after
getting rich or famous. This illusion is universal. Ending of ignorance is the
real need.
A
clarification however is in place. The whole advice implied in the slogan,
“being nobody, going nowhere,” is not against occupying any position. Nor is it
against travel. It is all about investing our emotional energy in the prospect
of building a socially coveted image. We are warned against chasing a
‘self-image’ and we are lovingly told to seek the true Self. Incidentally the
phrase, “Being nobody, Going nowhere,” happens to be the title of a popular
book by a Buddhist nun Ayya Khema4.
Swami
Chidananda
Notes:
1 āseeno dooram vrajati, shayāno
yāti sarvatah – Kathopanishad 1.2.21
2 mahāntam vibhum-ātmānam matvā
dheero na shochati. – Kathopanishad 1.2.22
3 amritatvasya na āshā asti
vittena – Brihadāranyaka Upanishad 2.4.2
4 Ayya Khema, German by birth, lived
between 1923 and 1997, and did extensive work for especially women who embraced
Buddhist renunciation.”
--July 14, 2017
HISTORICALLY JAINISM
AND HINDUISM CONFLATE ARISING OUT OF
SANATANA DHARMA
It all started with four Manasa putras in Purans which was
subsequently raised to seven Rishis. You see similar pattern in Buddhism and
Jainism. Number of Buddhas started with
four and increased to seven and ended with 50 or 51 like 51 Sakti peethas in Hinduism. Jainism also started with 4 Tirthankaras,
raised to seven and ultimately raised 24 to coincide with 24 names of Vishnu we
use in Sandhyavandana or 24 Gayatri
Syllables of Vedic period, in the early centuries around second century AD.
Nirgranthas were an old sect at the time of Buddha and Naataputta only reformer
of the Jain monastery could have been founded
earlier by Parsvanatha.
According to Jain tradition Rishabha who belonged to Ikshvaku
family of Ayodhya was the founder of Jainism. In fact at that time the word religion was not known to anybody and
everything was Dhrama and later the followers of his teachings
named the religion after him as Jainism derived from his title Jina the conqueror of samsara. His parents
were Nabhiraja and Marudevi. Their son was Bharata after whom India was called
Bharatavarsha. Rishbha was the first Jina when people were primitive,
illiterate and did not know any art or craft. It was during his period the
institution of marriage, cremation, building symmetries festivals (like Akshaya
Triteeya) in honor of Indra and Nagas came up. Thus he was the pioneer in the
Human progress. Rishabhadeva also known as Adinatha, who is an
incarnation of Lord Vishnu according to the Hindu scriptures, began his
teachings by turning a monk on Akshaya Triteeya day. Akshaya Triteeya Day is dedicated to Adinatha
and Jains celebrate this significant day with sugarcane juice.
Vedic Gurus paid reverence to Rishabha and regarded him as
Chakravarthy or Saarvabhauma and
regarded him as Lord of Lords.
Taittareeya Aranyaka mentions of
Vaatarasanas who have been named as Sramanas by Jains. Vaatarasans have been
glorified and have been honored with the title Kesi. (Krishna is addressed as
Kesava). This Kesi alludes to Rishabha in Jain literature, Kesi who is seen
with locks of hair. In Rigveda Kesi has been mentioned along with
Rishabha. There is also, may be
metaphorically, reference to Rishabha (meaning the bull as Arjuna was often
addressed as Bharatarshabha) in Vraatyakhanda of Atharva Veda. It is therefore presumed Rishabha belongs to pre-Vedic period or early Vedic
period and was the fountain head of Sramana culture. It is from this contest of
Rigveda that Lord Rishabha has been portrayed as one who sponsored Vaatarasana
Sramanas in the Bhagavata Purana. There
is however no mention anywhere that Rishabha was the founder of Jain religion. Like Manu he has been named
as the first runner and founder of the new social order of Dharma.
Arishtanemi is mentioned in Kalpasutra as 22nd Tirrthankara,
son of Samudravijaya of Sauripura on the banks of the river Yamuna. He was named
Neminatha because his mother had seen in the dream a Nemi,
outer rim of a wheel (may be
Dharma chakra) which consisted of rishta stones flying up to sky connecting
heaven and earth symbolically. It is believed that Neminatha had is Nirvana
in Girinaar.
Arishtanemi
is glorified in Rigveda Mantras which appears as latter part of
Sahantipatha of Prasnopanishad. Arishtanemih means one whose wheel of chariot
prevents all harms or injuries. Nemi
means wheel which is Dharmachakra. Hindus often translate Arishtanemi as the deity
of swift motion Vaayu relating to
the wheel but not Arishta; He is also identified with Garuda who has the swift motion. Hanuman another deity of
swift motion of Hindus is not a Vedic god like Ganesha but very popular. Since
obedience is to Arishtanemi it is logical to conclude he is a separated deity
hailed both in Hinduism and Jainism.
Swasthi na indro
vriddhasravaah swasti nah pooshaa visvadevaah | swasti nah tarkshyo
arishthtanemih swasti noe brihspatih dadhatu || Rigveda 1.89.6
Unfortunately
the wording Jainism was not in existence till Sri Mahaveera became
the 24th t Thirthankara.
Before him there were 23 Thirthankaras. The present teachings of Mahveera is
actually more structured. The previous Thirthankaras has in common practicing
and preaching the same principle with a different way.
According
to Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, a professor of
comparative religions and philosophy at Oxford who later became the second
President of India, there is evidence to show that Ṛishabhadeva, the first
Tīrthaṅkara, was being worshiped by the first century BC. The Yajurveda mentions the name of three Tīrthaṅkaras –
Ṛishabha, Ajitanatha and Arishtanemi, states
Radhakrishnan, and "the Bhāgavata Purāṇa endorses the view
that Ṛishbha as the founder of Jainism". The name Arishtanemi appears in
the Shantimantra of Mundakopanishad which Hindu scholars translate as one who
dispels untoward things happening to us, meaning Supreme Being.
Chhandogya Upanishad mentions Krishna
as son of Devaki as a disciple of Ghora Angirasa who instructed Lord Krishna a on Tapas
(austerity), Dana (Charity), Arjavam (simplicity), Ahimsa( (Non-violence) and Sartyavachana (Truthfulness). Jainism
mentions Krishna as a contemporary of
Arishtanemi Tirthankara who is the fore-runner of Parsvanatha. Some identify Ghora Angirasa with
Neminatha. Neminatha is also known to
have instructed Sri Krishna but his
identity with Ghora Angirasa seems to be
not right since Jainism does not identify Ghora Angirasa with Neminatha. However this has helped in
boosting up the image of Jainism and making it popular. Whether Krishna and Neminatha are historical
or not is anybody’s guess!
The word Sramana can be found in Upanishads. Mundaka Upanishad mentions about shaven head
Sanyasis. In Rigveda Arhama has been traced to Sramana leader—“Oh Arhama, you fed compassion to this useless world”
According to
Jain beliefs, Neminatha is the cousin of Lord Krishna and his iconography
includes the same conch as found with Vishnu. Vaishnavites believe in Pada-puja (Charanam Pavitram)
like Jains. He was born at Sauripura (Dwaraka) in the Yadu lineage,
like Krishna. His birth date is the 5th day of Shravana
Shukla (July 28 Garuda Panchami day in 2017) in the Hindu calendar. He herded cattle and became fond of animals. According
to Jain mythology, on his wedding day Neminatha heard the cries of animals
being killed for the marriage feast, and moved by the sorrow he renounced the
world – a scene found in many Jain artwork. He attained moksha on Girnar Hills
near Junagadh, a
pilgrimage center for Jains.
According to Long, the Jain legends state that Neminatha taught
Krishna the knowledge that he shared with Arjuna in the Bhagavad Gita, a historic reason that has led Jains to accept, read and cite
the Bhagavad Gita as a spiritually important text, celebrate Krishna
related festivals and intermingle with Hindus as spiritual cousins. For Hindu
Americans like me this is no problem. Many Jains silently visit Hindu
American Temples in the absence of Jain temples and enjoy all worships without
any reservation like Sikhs. Buddhist Indians insist on Buddha sanctum unlike
broad-minded Jains. They will not feel guilty if they accept Venkateshawara or
Jaganntha as Jain Tirthankara!
On being taunted by Satyabhama, the wife of
Krishna, Neminatha blew Panchajanya, the mighty conch of Krishna. According to
Jain texts, no one could lift Vishnu's conch except Krishna, let alone blow it.
After this event, Jain Puranas state that Krishna decided to test Neminatha's
strength and challenged him for a friendly duel. Neminatha, being a Tirthankara,
defeated Krishna without any effort. In the war between
Krishna and Jarasandha, Neminatha participated alongside
Krishna. Neminatha's marriage was arranged with Rajulakumari or
Rajimati, the daughter of King Ugrasena of Dwaraka. According to Jain legends,
Neminatha heard the animal cries as they were beings slaughtered for the
marriage feast. He was taken by sorrow that his marriage is the cause of so
much pain, gave up the idea of getting married, became monk and went to Mount Girnar to lead a
mendicant's life. Sometimes, as with Vishnu's
iconography, a chakra is also shown near him, as in the
6th-century sculpture found at the archeological site near Padhavali (Madhya
Pradesh). There is the largest statue of Neminath with a height of 16 meters at Tirumalai built in 12th
century.
I do not find anywhere Neminatha being
mentioned as Sanat Kumara. But I believe I may not be too wrong if I conclude
Neminatha as Sanat Kumara as Skanda.
Esoteric tradition says Sanat Kumara was born as Pradyumna to Rukmini.
Pancharatra Vyuha concept considers Krishna as
Paravasudeva, Sankarshana or
Balarama as Brahma the creator ,
Aniruddha as Vishnu, the sustainer and
Pradyumna as Siva the destroyer. Jayadeva also excludes Krishna as an avatar
and says he is Jagannatha. Coming out of Siva’s potency Sanat Kumara is only
emanation of Siva or volute of Parabrahman. I am therefore not surprised that
Neminatha, Skanda and Venkaateshwara
are all the same hailed as Holy Son in
Christianity that is Sanat Kumara
Eternal Youth son of Brahma, Vishnu as well as Siva at different times. In worshiping
Venkateshwara as Universal Lord we have the Unity and wisdom of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam”
Venkataadri samam sthaanam
brahmaande naasti kanchana | Venkatesa sama devo na bhooto na bhavishyati
||
There is no place equal to Venkataadri in the whole Universe! A God equal to
Venkatesa has never been born nor will be! GOD
equal to Venkatesha has never been in the past, nor is at present, and
neither will be in the future”.
Dr. David Frawley states: I urge the young people and the
scholars of India to take up this cause (of Universal Oneness). Do not try to
define India in the context of civilization as defined by the West. Instead
look to the great traditions of India that have their own deeper roots and use
it to critique Western civilization and discover its limitations. Rather than
seeking to define and control India according to Western perspectives, the West
should look to India for guidance on the deeper issues of culture and spirituality. Indians, in turn, should
assert their own greater traditions and not simply imitate the West or seek to
justify Indian civilization from a Western perspective. True scholars of the
Indic tradition need not go to Harvard or Oxford to seek credibility, rather
these institutions should come to them. What is the Indic school of thought,
one might ask? It is not at all something new or unknown. It is the great
spiritual, philosophical, scientific, artistic and cultural traditions of the
subcontinent that are among the largest and oldest in the world. It is the
emphasis on dharma, on karma, on pluralism and synthesis, on yoga sadhana and
moksha. It is not only the tradition of ancient sages from the Vedas and
Upanishads to Buddhist (Jains are even older) and Yoga traditions but also
modern teachers like Sri Aurobindo and Swami Vivekananda. It is not only the
vast literature of Sanskrit but also that of the regional languages and
dialects of the subcontinent, most of which have older literary traditions than
the languages of Europe such as English.
Comments received
Thank
you very much for your excellent article on Jainism which will dispel some
of the misconceptions about Jainism of many of your readers. Hopefully
this makes aware of every one to
be more open minded to the faith of every religion.
-- Dr Brahm Parsh, Nashville, TN
--July 12, 2017
NEMINATHA IS VEM-KAT-ESWARA, UNIVERSAL LORD
WHO REDEEMS US FROM SINS
According to Jain beliefs, Neminatha is the
cousin of Lord Krishna and his iconography includes the same conch as found
with Vishnu. Vaishnavites
believe in Pada-puja (Charanam Pavitram) like Jains. He was
born at Sauripura (Dwaraka) in the Yadu lineage, like Krishna. His
birth date is the 5th day of Shravana Shukla (July 28 Garuda Panchmi day in
2017) in the Hindu calendar. He herded cattle and became fond of
animals. According to Jain mythology, on his wedding day
Neminatha heard the cries of animals being killed for the marriage feast, and
moved by the sorrow he renounced the world – a scene found in many Jain
artwork. He attained moksha on Girnar Hills near Junagadh, a pilgrimage center for Jains which
I visited. According to Long, the Jain legends state that Neminatha
taught Krishna the knowledge that he shared with Arjuna in the Bhagavad
Gita, a historic
reason that has led Jains to accept, read and cite the Bhagavad Gita as
a spiritually important text, celebrate Krishna related festivals and
intermingle with Hindus as spiritual cousins. For Hindu Americans like me this
is no problem. Many Jains silently visit Hindu American Temples in the
absence of Jain temples and enjoy all worships without any reservation like
Sikhs. Buddhist Indians insist on Buddha sanctum unlike broad-minded Jains.
They will not feel guilty if they accept Venkateshawara or Jaganntha as Jain
Tirthankara!
On being taunted by Satyabhama, the wife of Krishna, Neminatha blew
Panchajanya, the mighty conch of Krishna. According to Jain texts, no one could
lift Vishnu's conch except Krishna, let alone blow it. After this event, Jain
Puranas state that Krishna decided to test Neminatha's strength and challenged
him for a friendly duel. Neminatha, being a Tirthankara, defeated
Krishna without any effort. In the war between Krishna and Jarasandha, Neminatha participated alongside
Krishna. Neminatha's marriage was arranged with Rajulakumari or
Rajimati, the daughter of King Ugrasena of Dwaraka. According to Jain legends,
Neminatha heard the animal cries as they were beings slaughtered for the
marriage feast. He was taken by sorrow that his marriage is the cause of so
much pain, gave up the idea of getting married, became monk and went to Mount Girnar to lead a mendicant's life. Sometimes,
as with Vishnu's iconography, a chakra is also shown near him, as in the
6th-century sculpture found at the archeological site near Padhavali (Madhya
Pradesh) There is the largest statue of Neminath with height of 16 meters
at Tirumalai built in 12th century.
In the light of the above I
am bound to believe Lord Venkateshwara, about whom many
mysteries surround, should have also been worshiped as Neminatha though
orthodox Hindus particularly Vaishnavites may vehemently protest with all
sorts of counter arguments. I have also brought to your attention Jain
Ramayana. I am therefore not surprised Hindu Temples in America often include
Vardhamana in a separate sanctum of Multi –Traditional Hindu complex. I
also find in Hindu temples American Jains joining the worship with no mental
reservation. I also strongly believe Jainism is closer to Hinduism
than Buddhism. It is a pity that Buddha is considered as an Avatar of Vishnu
but not Adinatha. I am also surprised why American Hindu temples have not
considered to install non-controversial icon of either Adinatha or Neminatha
based on history instead of the 24th Tirthankara Mahavir
Vardhamana. I was also surprised that Esoteric Sanat Kumara Tradition
does not talk much about Jainism. I believe Hindus were more
afraid of Buddhism than peaceful Jainism and hence made him an avatar. American
Hindus being more focused on Spirituality and Universal One-ness
can bring back Jainism to Hindu Dharma fold if not Hindu Religion in their
ambition to bring Universal Oneness about which Vivekananda dreamed and
promote spirituality the country needs today. American Hindus should be
more inclined to Hindu Dharma than sectarian Hindu Religion. It will be equally
important and logical for Jains to openly and freely participate in
Hindu worship accepting both Jagannatha and Venkateshwara as their Tirthankara
based on the past history. I have already made a reference to this in my
discourse on Jagannatha. I felt reluctant to include any reference to
Jainism in my discourse on Venkateshwara previously. I am planning to add the
following paragraph to my discourse.Hindus often decided religious disputes in
courts and agreements, Fighting factions of Srivaishnavas went to Privy Council
in UK to decide which Namam Kanchipuram should have during British days!
“There is an original
agreement between Jains and Vaishnavas in 14th century
stating that Jains have to leave Thirumala Neminath temple to Vaishnavas and
Vaishnavas will not destroy Shravanabelagola Bahubali statue as a good
gesture. Otherwise the agreement says King
Bukkaraya (one of the founder of Vijayanagar Empire?) will punish all Jains in
his kingdom. (Source: An old inscription named Bukkaraya Sandhi is
available with archeological department of Karnataka now preserved
in the Central Library of Bengaluru.—Wikipedia). Since Sanat
Kumara is so much glorified in Buddhism it is reasonable to believe he was
also popular with Jainism and that the statue of Venkateswara was once believed
to be that of Neminatha and also worshipped by Jains. Knowing the history of
Puri Jagannth under the rule of Jain Kings I am inclined to believe in the
story. Many Jains embraced Vaishanvism during Ramnuja’s time.”
Any suggestion with proper reference is
welcome. You may be interested to know Parthasarathy in Chennai is also
worshiped as Venkata Krishnan who as Krishna is acceptable to Jains as well as
Hindus like Sanat Kumara for all traditions, religions and philosophies.
Venkateswara is also addressed as Krishna by some.
Recently a group of American Jains
migrated from India rushed to White House to establish their existence as a
minority Religion. It will be mutually beneficial if they join together with
American Hindus to spread Hindu Dharma or Sanatana Dharma from which Jains
parted in the past and celebrate Diwali together in White House which is
common to both. There are no conflicts between Hindu Dharma and Jain Dharma.
Hindus should also outreach Jains by installing Neminatha in Hindu Temples and
worshiping Him or promote the concept of Venkateswara as Neminatha. It is a
two-way approach which is already in Vogue in Hindu American Temples today.
--July 11, 2017
COMMENTS RECEIVED
Thank
you for your beautiful explanation of how Jainism and Hinduism are interrelated
and have many things in common because of their common believes in many
aspect.
However
there are some misconception about some aspects of Jainism. Only in the last
half a century, because of some of extreme archeological work up many
archeologist including famous
Foreign
archeologist, lot of new information about the origin and historical aspect of
Jainism has been updated and is accepted by the so called historians and
philosophers including our demised ex president of India Dr. Radha Krishnan. Even in Vedas also has clearly mentioned about
Jainism. Unfortunately the wording Jainism was not in existence till Sri
Mahaveera became the 24 th Thirthankara. Before him there were 23
Thirthankaras. The present teachings of Mahveera is actually more structured.
The previous Thirthankaras has in common practicing and preaching the same
principle with a different way. It is
very difficult for me to explain and discuss all this in few lines. Hope fully
one of these days when I get chance to meet you in person, would like share
with you more about Jainism.
Thank
you for your interest in Jainism which is actually a way of life.
Jai
Jinendra.
--Dr. Brahm Parsh
GURU
PURNIMA DAY MESSAGE, JULY 8, 2017
You might all be excited to listen the lecture on how to
dispel darkness through the good offices of Gurus by Swami Chidanananda
directly or indirectly today. Pease go through my discourse on Guru Purnima
and prepare yourself to listen to his lecture. They say that great
men think alike. Here is another interesting lecture from Swmiji Vamadeva
Sastri released for the day which I bring to your kind attention.
Guru Purnima marks the birthday of Veda Vyasa, who structured the
four Vedas, composed the epic of the Mahabharata, and created the foundation
for the many Puranas, the vast encyclopedias of Hindu sacred lore. Veda Vyasa
stayed at the background and never made himself into an object of worship.
Perhaps that is why Hindu Temples in America do not consider this day as a
Special Religious worship Day!
have been repeatedly telling that “Guru Purnima is the day
of the Hindu lunar calendar established for honoring the guru in every form,
all the teachers, educators and teachings that help us in life, through various
rituals, mantras and meditation performed in their honor” as David Frawley
says. Yet it has not convinced our Temple forefathers to have made this day a
significant worship day. They missed an opportunity to celebrate Sahsrabdi of
the great Guru of modern times Sri Ramanuja on his birth day or Today (JULY
8, 2017) as the important landmarks day. Perhaps the lone temple to
Dattatreya in Baton Rouge in Louisiana in USA dedicated to Adi Guru may be
celebrating this day with due reverence. I start my day with “Matro devo
bhava”, “Pitru devo bhava”, “Acharya devo bhava” and “Athiti devo
bahva”. My Atithis (guests)
are my participants and I first feed them with spiritual food as soon as I get
up in the morning and as often as possible. My health conscious participants
often grumble of spiritual indigestion, though accustomed to excessive
indulgence in physical luxurious parties, but rarely respond out of
modesty!
“VAMADEVA SASTRI DAVID FRAWLEY ON
GURUPURNIMA
Many religions honor their founder or great teacher in various
ways. Hindu dharma is perhaps unique in honoring the guru or spiritual master
as a principle in itself beyond any particular personality, philosophy or
revelation.
The true guru is a position of spiritual guidance, the
illuminating presence of a higher awareness. The guru is not limited to any
physical person, however exalted he or she may be.
The guru is an inner institution, an
authority rooted in an experiential wisdom, not in any mere human convention.
The guru works to awaken us to our own Divine potential beyond the limitations
of time and space, fear or desire.
Great souls who hold the position of the guru have a special honor
and immense responsibility that can only be served in a selfless manner. The
true guru is not conscious of being a guru to others, but of simply sharing the
light of truth to dispel the darkness of ignorance.
The guru is a powerful conduit to the universal flow of knowledge.
As such, there is only one true guru in all gurus. The guru is the guiding
intelligence of the universal and eternal dharma that assumes many names and
forms.
The importance of having a guru resides in being able to connect
with the transcendent realm through a human representative. We should emphasize
the guru’s teachings, rather focusing on outer appearances.
It is the ability to surrender the human mind and its opinions
that makes for a true guru. The true guru teaches a path of self-realization,
giving us back our own true nature, not making us weak or dependent.
Guru Purnima – The full moon of
the universal guru
Guru Purnima is the day of the Hindu lunar calendar established
for honoring the guru in every form, all the teachers, educators and teachings
that help us in life, through various rituals, mantras and meditation performed
in their honor.
Yet it is the spiritual master as the cosmic guru that is the main
focus. On this day, one should dedicate oneself to following the guru’s
instruction and putting it into practice. The guru principle is most active at
this time, and we can more easily connect with notable gurus past or present.
Guru Purnima marks the birthday of Veda Vyasa, who structured the
four Vedas, composed the epic of the Mahabharata, and created the foundation
for the many Puranas, the vast encyclopedias of Hindu sacred lore.
As such, Veda Vyasa developed the foundation for Hindu dharma as
it endures to the present day, with its main deity forms, philosophies and
yogic paths. Yet Veda Vyasa stayed the background and never made himself into
an object of worship.
Veda Vyasa is said to have used Ganesha as his scribe. What this
means is that his teachings were embedded in the cosmic mind, not simply
composed at a human level. Ganesha rules over the organization of all higher
knowledge.
Guru Purnima represents the date on which Lord Shiva as the Adi
Guru or original guru taught the seven rishis who were the seers of the Vedas.
This reflects the fact that Shiva is Omkara and all the higher teachings arise
out of Om as the Divine Word and cosmic sound vibration.
In the Yoga Sutras, Ishvara as Pranava or Om is said to be the Adi
Guru of Yoga. Lord Buddha was said to have delivered his first sermon on this
day at Sarnath, reflecting the power of this sacred time.
India’s most important gift to the world is its many great gurus.
Since Swami Vivekananda in the late 19th century, a galaxy of monumental
teachers has inspired humanity, and awakened India to its true role as the guru
among nations.
Today, a new generation of gurus is arising to continue the
process of sharing the universal knowledge in this new era of global
communication.
While not all gurus are great, great gurus are always present,
particularly in India, some prominent in public activities, others known only
to a few.”
--July
8, 2017
Thiruppugazh
(meaning "Holy Praise" or "Divine Glory") is a
15th-century anthology of Tamil religious songs dedicated to
Lord Muruka , composed by the poet-saint Arunagirinathar. The anthology is considered one of the
central works of medieval Tamil literature both for its poetical and musical
qualities, and for its religious, moral and philosophical content. Muruka
symbolizes Parabrahman in his dormant
and power aspect: Mu=Mukundan; Ru=Rudra and Ka=Katyayini or Durga. May I
draw your attention to the last verse of Kanda Anubhuti of Arunagirinathar:
Murugan kumaran guhan enru Mozhindu | Uruhum
seyaltandu unarvu enru arulvai |Porupung kavarum bhuviyum paravum | Gupung kavaen gunapanjarane ||
Uruvaai aruvaai uladaai iladai | maruvaai malaraai maniyaai oliyaai |
Karuvaai Uyiraai gathiyaayi vidhiyaai |Guruvaai varuvaai Arulvaai Guhane||
--Arunagiri Nathar in Kanda Anubhuti
Chhandogya Upanishad says Santkumara is Skanada (Kanda in Tamil)
who is Venkateswara, Saptagirisa, Hill God (Pazhaniyandi) settled on Swami Pushkarani (honoring Swaminathan)
whose temple entrance invites you with a
large cobra-hood entrance, reminding Subrhamanya’s worship in Kukesubrahmanya
as Snake and the popular Hindu names
Venkatsubrahmanya and Sheshachala.
Kandar Anubhuti , the immortal song of Arunagirinathar ends up
with the verse, ‘Guruvai Varuvai Arulvai Guhane’. In this verse Arunagirinathar prays to Lord
Murugan to come to him not as a God to bestow blessings, but as a master-teacher
(Guru-guha) as he appeared even to his father Lord Siva to guide him and
enlighten him to the path of nobility, virtue and perfection.
But what could have inspired Arunagirinathar to address him
as Guru Guha. He was no doubt a Vedic
scholar and should have gone through Bhumavidya (secret knowledge of Brahman) chapter of
Chhandogya Upanishad in which
Sanatkumara who is otherwise
called Skanda imparts
Knowledge of Brahaman to Sage
Narada who himself is Trikalajnaani, a profound scholar of all times. He is therefore Guruguha.
Tiruvannamalai, the birth place of Arunagirinathar, always holds
a special interest for all of us. This holy place is known as the
confluence of saints. It was here, Sri Ramana Maharshi found spiritual
fulfillment. The end of all spiritual journey is the knowledge of
Self. “Once you realize Self you are always one with the Supreme Spirit.
Murugan or
Kandan is none other than Sanatkumara
glorified in Chhandogya Upanishad who taught Bhumavidya to Sage Narada on which
I gave a detailed discourse:
In Sanskrit, "Sanat Kumara"
is "Eternal Youth"; from Sanat
comes Sanatana meaning Eternal; at the cosmic plane, it is Subrahmanya
(Supreme Knowledge); at the Solar plane, the Kumara is Sanaka; at
the Planetary plane, it is Sanandana; and on this planet, it is Sanat
Kumara. This Sanat Kumara is Skanda says Chhandogya Upanishad. This Upanishad concludes with the statement that Sanat Kumara taught
the esoteric secret knowledge clearly to Narada the Supreme Brahman
attainable through Upaasana. Lord Venkateswara was worshipped as
Skanda to start with. In Tamil Nadu at
Rayan Pettai, Murukan has Conch in one upper hand, Chakra in another upper
hand. Puranas hail Murukan
as son of Siva, son of Brahma
and Vishnu or the Son of God.
Please go thru’ my discourse Venkateswara is Skanda who is Santakumara, holy
son of Brahma, Vishnu and Siva who is Jesus,
Son of God, celebrated in Book of
Revelations of the Holy Bible.
It is interesting to note that Srimad
Bhagavatam says that the four Kumaras are incarnations of Vishnu.
Chhandogya Upanishad says Sanatkumara is Skanda. Mahyatmya Khanda of Tripura Rahasya says Sanatkumara was born as Skanda as
requested by Lord Siva but exclusively
to Him alone but not to Parvati, which
is substantiated by Puranas. Generally he is known as Manasaputra of Brahma the
Creator. Venkatesawara was worshipped as
Subhramanya before Ramanuja intervened, fixed Sankha (Conch) and Chakra
(Discus) on the deity and ordained to worship him as Vishnu.
We
hear about Sanat Kumara, in Esoteric Traditions of the
East and the West. Sanat Kumara is a manifestation of God, a spiritual being of
great light. He is known as the Ancient of Days, the Eternal Youth, the Regent
Lord of the World and Ruler of Shamballa. He is also one of seven holy Kumaras
referenced in sacred scriptures. Sanatkumara is referenced in the Koran,
in Rumi’s poetry and in other Islamic work as El Khadr. Speaking of El Khadr,
the Prophet Mohammed says, “I have seen my Lord in the most beautiful of
forms.” Esoteric Tradition can be found in all beliefs of the World.
Hindu Americans will be wiser to have only
Venkateswara for worship in all Hindu American Temples. This will help
them in consolidating their worship focused on one deity with significant
rituals and festivals concentrating on Supreme Spirit who is none
other than the Holy Spirit of Christianity, Jehova of Jews, Allah of Islam,
Buddha of Buddhists, Vardhamana of Jains, etc. Thus Hindus will be back to
Sanatana Dharma or Vedic religion which proclaims “Eko Viprah bahudaa
vadanti-The One Pundits call by many names”.
--July 7, 2017
Comments
received:
His last managala
song "Nadha Bindhu Kalathi Namo Namo" praises Nadha
(Omkara) and Bindhu (single point). I think Tamil people call this as
Nadha Vindhu (as there is no Tamil equivalent to Bhindu) though many teachers
who taught me and including my parents say this is Nadha Bindhu. There is
some story saying Sri Arunagirinathar came from Bengal (NE region of India) and
settled in TN.
The nātha
title of Śrī Arunagirinatha and some of the events in his life to strengthen
our view that he was a Śakta. The title nātha is normally conferred on
one when he becomes an adept in the worship of Devi. Saint Agastya was
initiated into the worship of Devi by Lord Hayagriva and was considered as a
great devotee of Devi. The title nātha was, therefore, conferred on him
and also on Śrī Tirumoolar, who was one of the twelve disciples of
Agastyanatha. His archana on Lord Muruga in two songs are mostly in
Sanskrit. One is therefore entitled to assume that his
mastery of Sanskrit language was equal to that of Tamil and that he was quite
capable of composing original work in Sanskrit. Unless he was born in a family
whose traditions were such that every young male member from his early years
received the highest cultural and religious education, prevailing in those
days, it would not have been possible for Arunagirinatha to have acquired the
vast learning that he has exhibited.
--Bala from Atlanta
None
of the 12 Aalvaars ever sang praising Thirupathi venkateswara. Arunagirinathar
sang praising Muruka of Thirupathi as follows:
"Ventha
Kumaaraa Guha-sentha-mauura, Vada Venkata Maa Malaiyil Uraiyonae".
You are 100 percent correct to say that the original deity was Muruka at
Thirupatjhi. Then, Ramanujar inserted Conch and Chakra into the deity, and
called it Venkateswara. Thus, Muruka and Venkateswara are one and same. All the
writings on the outside walls of the temple are only in Tamil, built by a Tamil
King.
--Prof G. Nagarajan
MY
REPLY:
We
have to realize the fact that we are well educated Hindu Americans migrated
from all parts of the Globe and not Indian Hindus. Our focus should be on Hindu
Dharma and not Hindu Religion as practiced in India. Therefore our authority is Veda-“Vedokhilam dharma moolam”-Vedas are our
ultimate authority. Gita is also
Yogopanishad and so part of Veda which hails Kumara. “Among Senapatis I am
Shkanda” says Bhagawan. Let us not go by
the Puranic views which often confuses us and so let us not focus on Azhwars,
Nayanmars, gurus exclusively who always stress on a particular point suited to
the text and situation. We have also to
think beyond Hinduism. Recently even Pejawar Math, Spiritual Head in Udupi
realized this as I wrote to you. Ramanuja and Sankara did not conflict but
conflated on the philosophy that our practical life should be focused on
sustenance aspect of Parabrahman who pervades all the earth that is Vishnu in
the present life. Tirupati, is the center
of this Bhoo-vaikuntha which attracts the crowd unparalleled in the world and
none can stop it! May be Thiruvantapuram beats it in richness but not in number of devotees! We are handed over by
Vishnu to Siva based on our performance to plan our future life who in turn
either hands us over to Brahma to be born on Earth or sends us up to be in Saalokya, Saameepya or Sayujya with
the Supreme spirit. That is why Ramanuja decided on Vishnu aspect of
Parabrahman in Tirupati. Sanka chakra
is also not an exclusive possessions of Vishnu as you see them with Durga and
Kartikeya.
Vedas
say Skanda (Kandan) is Sanat Kumara, Eternal Youth (Murugan the handsome). Supreme sends his emanation as Avatar or Son
to this Earth. This is also not
exclusive to Hindus. Book of Revelations of the Holy Bible says Sanat Kumara
descended on Earth from Venus with 140000 messengers (angels) to protect and
the Earth from Adharma and to establish
Dharma (Christians say save the world!) almost all religions and philosophies
in Esoteric Tradition venerate Sanat Kumara whom we worship as Vem—kada-eeswara
(Tami word) or Venkateswara who removes all our sins as Supreme Lord. Even
Puranasa reveal that Sanat Kumara, whom the Christians call Son
of God (Holy Spirit, Holy Father, Holy
Son) was born as Son of Brahma, son of Vishnu and Son of Siva at different
times (please go through my discourse on
Venkateswara and Skanda). His latest appearance was as exclusive son of Siva
alone as desired by him worshiped in Pazhani as Baala Murugan.
Sanat Kumara imparted the Knowledge
of Brahman even to Narada. He was there
before Brahma was born in the company of Vishnu. Siva’s son became Muruga the handsome whom Arunagirinathar praised as Guru Guha who taught Siva as Santkumara
before his birth and later as Skanda born to Him alone. He is none other than
Sanat Kumara. Both Ramanuja and Arunagirinathar did not explain this to us and
left it to our contemplation and said
meditate on “Om Saravana bhava”. It
is usual for our elders say: ”Do as I
say; Don’t be impertinent”. This is a grave mistake. Modern youth will not
be convinced unless we explain things properly.
Of course many elders themselves are ignorant and therefore can’t
convince. We obeyed our saints but did not enquire ourselves as to why they
said so!
This difficult
art is explained in Upanishads as
Bhumavidya or Bhriguvidya which I have explained to you.” Swami Chidanada of Fowai forum is also
explaining to us the same as 18 Facets of Meditation from Gita and Upanishads
about which I talked to you. Your comments are welcome
---NRS
Your
write up is very enlightening. You have said with authority from
Upanishad that Muruga is none other than Sanat Kumara, one of the four sons of
Brahma. There is also a version that Muruga appeared from the flame that
originated from the third eye of Lord Siva. Anyway, Muruga is the Lord of
infinite qualities, the reflection of Brahman, the eternal reality.
Thank
you very much for sharing your knowledge. I have also gone through your
website which is very illuminating.
Please visit my website: www.thiruppugazh.org
I am sure you will like this and also can
further enlighten me.
--V.S. Krishnan, www.thiruppugazh.org
Arunagirinathar
sang over 34,000 songs, praising Muruka and ending each song as
"PERUMAALAE". In each song, he praised Muruka and Perumaal
(Vishnu). All of his songs over 34 thousands are telling us that Muruka
and Perumaal are one and same.
Muruka
gave dharshan to Arunagirinathar and asked him to sing. Arunagirinathar
said that he did not have education and did not know how to sing. Muruka
asked Arunagirinathar to show his tongue, and touched his tongue with His
Shakthivel (spear). Muruka told the first line of the song as
"Muththaiththaru Paththith Thirunakai", and asked Arunagirinathar to
continue. What a surprise! Arunagirinathar continued the first song
as follows:
Muththaiththaru
Paththith Thirunakai
Aththikkirai
Saththis SaravaNa
Muththikkoru
Viththuk Gurupara............Ena VOthum
Mukkat
ParamaRku Cchuruthiyin
MuRpattathu
KaRpiththu Iruvarum
Muppaththu
Muvarkkath Amararum .........Adi PEna
Paththuththalai
Thaththa KaNaithodu
Otraikkiri
Maththai Poruthoru
Pattappakal
Vatta Thikiriyil........... Iravaaka
PaththaRku
Irathaththai Kadaviya
Pachchai
Puyal Mechcha Thaku Porul
Patchaththodu
Ratchiththu Arulvathum .........Oru NaaLE
Thiththiththeya
Oththa Paripura
Nirththappatham
Vaiththu Payiravi
Thikkotka
Nadikka Kazhukodu ...........Kazhuthaada
Thikkuppari
Atta Payiravar
Thokkuththoku
Thokkuth Thokuthoku
Chithra
Pavurikku thrikadaka...........Ena Otha
KoththuppaRai
Kotta KaLamisai
Kukkukkuku
Kukkuk Kukukuku
Kuththipputhai
Pukku Pidiyena.......... Muthu kuukai
KotputRezha
NatpatRR AvuNarai
Vetti
Paliyittu Kulakiri
Kuththuppada
Oththu Poravala............ PerumaaLE
The
meaning of this song is as follows:
Muththaiththaru
Paththith Thirunakai = You are with a beautiful smile and lovely
teeth, looking like pearls.
AththikkiRai
= Aththikku Irai = You are the Consort of DEvayaani.
(As
DEvayaani symbolizes Kriya Shakthi, She was invoked to establish Karma Yoga in
life).
Saththis
SaravaNa = You are SaravaNabhava, holding the powerful spear,
called Shakthivel.
Muththikkoru
Viththuk Gurupara = You are the foremost seed for the Heaven.
Ena
Othum = So praises.
Mukkat
ParamaRku = Lord Shiva with three eyes (Sun, Moon, Agni)
Cchuruthiyin
Murpattathu Karpiththu = to that Shiva, you preached Pranava
Manthra OM, dating earlier than Vedas.
Iruvarum
Muppaththu Muvarkkath Amararum Adi PEna = while the other two of
the Trinity (Brahma and Vishnu), along with thirty-three crores of Devaas,
watched Your preaching and worshipped Your feet.
Paththuththalai
Thaththa KaNaithodu = He shot an arrow to scatter the ten heads of
RaavaNaa (Raama Avathaaram).
OtRaikkiri
Maththai Poruthoru = He churned the milky ocean with the
incomparable Mount Manthara (Kuurma Avathaaram).
Pattappakal
Vatta Thikiriyil Iravaaka = He hid the Sun with His Chakraa (disc)
in daytime making it night (Krishna Avathaaram).
Paththarku
Irathaththai Kadaviya = He drove the chariot for His friend and
devotee, Arjunan (Krishna Avathaaram).
Pachchai
Puyal Mechcha Thaku Porul = and He is Lord Vishnu, the
emerald-green and cloud-complexioned. You are His favourite !
Patchaththodu
Ratchiththu Arulvathum Oru NaaLE = Will you be kind enough to come
and protect me one of these days ?
Thiththiththeya
Oththa = In accordance with the meter (ThaaLam),
"Thiththiththeya"
Paripura
Nirththappatham Vaiththu Payiravi Thikkotka Nadikka = Anklets in
Her feet jingled as Bhairavi (KaaLi) danced fiercely moving in all the eight
directions.
Kazhukodu
Kazhuthaada = the devils in the battlefield danced along with the
eagles.
Thikkuppari
Atta Payiravar = the eight Bhairavaas (Asithaangan, Kaapaali,
ChaNdan, Ururu, KurOthan, Sankaaran, PeedaNan, and Unmaththan) protecting in
all directions.
Thokkuththoku
Thokku Thokuthoku Chitra Pavurikku Thrikadaka EnavOtha =
choreographed for this unique dance in the meter of "thokkuththoku
thokku thokuthoku thrikadaka".
KoththuppaRai
Kotta = a series of drums were beaten to the same tune.
KaLamisai
Muthu Kuukai = in the battlefield, old vultures screamed.
Kukkukkuku
Kukku Kukukuku Kuththi Puthai Pukku Pidiyena KotputRezha =
"Kukkukkuku Kukku Kukukuku, stab and bury, attack and catch". and
they kept revolving around the corpses, flying upwards in circles.
NatpatRR
AvuNarai Vetti paliyittu = the hostile demons (asuras) were killed
en masse.
Kulakiri
Kuththuppada = their mountain Krounchagiri was shattered into
pieces.
Oththu
Poravala PerumaaLE = when You fought the righteous war, Oh Great
One.
Arunagirinathar
addressed Muruka as PerumaaLE in every song, and every song ended with the last
word PerumaaLE.
--Dr. G. Nagarajan
THE GURU IS WITHIN US—DISPEL THE
DARKNESS
You might all be
excited to listen the lecture on how to dispel darkness through the
good offices of Gurus by Swami Chidananad on this Sunday.
Lecture to be Presented by: Pujya Swami
Chidanandaji --will be delivering a lecture on
July 9, 2017 -- DISPELLING DARKNESS--The True Guru is Within Us.
Gist of the Presentation: “gu-kāro’ndhakārārthah,
ru-kāras-tan-nivartakah,” is an old saying, which means ‘gu’ stands
for darkness and ‘ru’ is its remover. This webinar on the
auspicious day of Guru-Poornimā will present certain aspects of the institution
of GURU and how Advaita Vedānta especially reconciles the division (of the
teacher and the taught) and the non-dual reality. Avoiding the extremes of
blindly following half-baked instructors on one hand and staying arrogant or
closed-minded on the other, it should be possible to explore, in the context of
a guru's work, the place of valuable guidance from outside and the parallel
changes in the contours of a student’s psyche inside. The webinar of course
will offer tributes to the great gurus in different spiritual traditions
[Note: all the webinar audio/videos
are available on YOUTUBE FOWAI Forum]
It
is worth recalling here the mantra popularly
chanted at the of commencement of study
under a learned Guru as well as at the conclusion of studies during each
session;
Saha-naa-vavatu |sahnau bhunaktu |
sahaveeryam karavaavahai | tejas-vi-naavadheetamastu maa vidvishaa vahai
| Om Santih! Santih! Santih!
May the Supreme Spirit protect us! May nit
cause us to enjoy! May we strive together! May our studies be thorough and
faithful! May we never quarrel with each other! May there be Peace! Peace!
Peace! [Hinduism consider these are part and parcel of Manava dharma]
This peace verse gives us an idea of the team spirit in which
the teacher and the taught approached
the task of teaching and learning.
In Spiritual Education no progress is possible without the
active co-operation of the teacher and equally sincere co-operation from the
taught. Hence the especial prayer “ May we never quarrel with each other”, The
prayer seems to be specially imperative in the study of the scriptures where
the chances for wasteful and useless arguments are so many that they can lead
us into the meshes of ruinous misunderstanding, understanding and
non-understanding of the scriptures at every step. It calls for peace from
outside disturbances, peace within and peace of God which passes all
understanding.
Advaita philosophy promotes the philosophy only Svadhyaaya
only and no Guru as it propagates “Aham Brahmasmi”—I am Brahman. Though a
follower of Vishishtadvaita I practice Svaadhyaya, self-study and believe in
Satsanga (good contacts). Probably we need a Manasika Guru like Ekalavya. This
Mahavakya inspired in Guruji the philosophy --“Aham Gururasmi”—I am my own Guru (The Guru is within us). But at
the same time see how even Lord Siva needed a Guru and sought enlightenment
from his own son, Kartikeya whom he respected as Guru Guha. Even a Trikala-jnaani Narada
soughtthe Guru Sanatkumara to learn about Bhumavidya! So even in Advaita
philosophy knowledge is to be sought
from a Guru. Knowledge from any source or level should be welcome and
respected. You have heard in Puranas how Kaushika Muni sought Guru Upadesa from
a low caste butcher and meat vendor Dharmavyadha.
The Vyadha Gita (meaning, teachings of
a butcher) is a part of the epic Mahabharata and
consists of the teachings imparted by a vyadha (Butcher) to a Brahmin sannyasin
(monk). In the story, an arrogant sannyasin is humbled by a Vyadha,
and learns about dharma
(righteousness). The vyadha teaches that "no duty is ugly, no duty
is impure" and it is only the way in which the work is done, determines
its worth. Knowledge should be sought from all sources without any mental reservation.
--July 5, 2017
DO HINDU
AMRICANS FAST OR FEAST ON JULY 4?
I received an
interesting article from John
Smallman titled “We are all Vaster than Universe” reminding
us of the Upanishad Mahavakya “Aham Brhmasmi” --I
am Brahman though presented in his own style reflecting the Awakening Western
thought in the present much agitated world. May be, he is influenced
more by what is holding us together
based on what Declaration of Independence says “That all men are created
equal and powerful” and the Creator wills that we are all
entitled to have unalienable Rights such as “Life, Liberty and the
Pursuit of Happiness”. Hindu American is
culturally inclined not to separate his social life with his
religious life and so rushes to the temple to offer special prayers and
the temple also considers this day as Special Religious Worship Day and keeps
the temple open all-day for prayer and
Meditation. This year the rain may force us living in Nashville to
a situation preventing us from enjoying fire-works.
By a strange
coincidence this day is Sayana Ekadasi Day when the Good Lord goes to Yoganidra
for four months called Chaturmasa. Our astrologers have conveniently postponed
Dakshinayan Punyakala Day to July 16, declaring their independence to celebrate
it, though Supreme made June 21 as the Winter Solstice Day, that all other faiths celebrate. He forgives our ignorance and accepts
prayers on that wrong day too! Good Lord is leaving us today to act
independently with our Svakarma(individual effort), Svadhhaya (Self-study) and
Satsang (good company) for four months
unless some emergency warrants! According to Hindu belief our
Gurus are in their retreats preaching to the audience who visit them
during these four months as they will not be engaged in travelling spreading
the message of Sanatana Dharma. Let us learn from their wisdom and cultivate
Spirituality in us and also promote the same for all round peace and
happiness,
because Spirituality has
no built in walls like
religions and is the Universal Binding Force that brings the Vedic
wisdoms like--" Vasudhaiva kutumbakam" (Whole world is one
family); "aatmavat sarva bhooteshu" (The same Self abides in
all); "sarvejanah sukhino
bhavantu" (may all be Happy); "Uttishthata, Jagrata" (Arise
Awake); " Aano bhadrantu kratavh yantu viswatah'' (let noble thoughts come
from all corners of the World) etc. Rightly USA has the motto “In
God we Trust” and most of Hindu Americans have
their origin to a country that says “ Satyameva Jayate”(Truth alone Triumphs).
Let us live by that Truth, for the Truth and of the Truth.
“As
you are all very well aware, enormous changes are occurring all across
the world as the awakening process gathers further momentum and the Tsunami of Love
intensifies, calling all of humanity to awaken. It is time for you to
awaken, it is essential that you awaken, and as you do you can and will delight
in the experiential knowing that you are indeed One, One with each
other, and One with your divine Source, Mother/Father/God. Untold joy
will fill your hearts as all fear, hatred, bitterness, resentment,
self-disparagement, and any sense of “worthlessness,” or of “not being good
enough,” just falls away and dissolves in the infinitely powerful “solvent” –
Love.
The awareness that there is only Love, that anything else is
unreal, illusory, while accepted by many intellectually has not been
felt in their hearts. That is now changing. Over the last few years
– not decades, let alone hundreds of years – more and more of you have
been intending to be only loving with whatever has been arising in your personal
lives, and that most powerful intent is driving the implementation of many of
the changes that need to be planned and put into effect.
Conflict has been humanity’s attempted solution to all major
problems and issues for far too long, and finally enough of you have realized
the absolute insanity of this approach – it just doesn’t work – and so you are
changing it, you are choosing Love instead of conflict, instead of fear!
Here in the spiritual realms, where we watch over you constantly and respond
instantly to your calls, we are thrilled to see this enormous change in
behavior and attitude because it is so very effective, way beyond your ability
to appreciate as you work with your severely limited human perceptions that
depend almost solely on the physical environment to provide you with feedback
and confirmation on whether or not what you are doing is effective, or
ineffective.
You need to focus far more on your inner knowing, your intuition,
than you have been doing which, as you become accustomed to listening to it,
and hearing it, and acting on its guidance and not on your ego’s
generally vociferous and fear-driven suggestions, you will find is totally
valid. You all have a divine connection, but when you chose to experience
separation you also chose to cease being aware of it. Going within daily
to your holy inner sanctuary and intending to open to Love and allow It to flow
through you will strengthen your knowing that your intuition is valid.
And, of course, it is valid because it is your unbreakable connection to
Source.
There is only Source, the divine creative Intent in which all that
God creates is eternally and most joyously present. The fact that you are
alive and aware that you are alive is the proof, the only proof, that
you exist. Bodily sensations are just that, sensations that indicate your
body is alive. When your body is laid down because you no longer have use
for it those sensations will be no more, they are just temporary like the
body. Your true or real self, Self with a capital “S,” has no need of
bodily sensations because it is pure awareness, pure consciousness knowing all
there is to know in the now moment that, by its very nature, is eternal.
I keep on reminding you and then stressing the importance of going
within daily because it is vitally important that you do so. Going
within is choosing most positively to awaken, and I know that you
do all want to awaken. Therefore, make a point of heeding my insistence
on this. Often, because your human lives are so busy, so driven, although
you do intend to go within daily you either forget to do so because “something”
comes up, or because you are so busy you just cannot seem to find the time, and
so you don’t. But going within daily is THE most important daily
commitment that you need to make and honor!
You all chose to be human at this time to assist most powerfully
in the awakening process by being aware that it was happening and by giving
support to others who had doubts, or by spreading the seeds of awareness to
those who seem most soundly asleep or who remain unaware that they are
spiritual beings. This is a time of enormous spiritual growth for
all of humanity, and you are on Earth as humans to assist with and encourage
this growth.
It may seem very demanding at times as the cares and worries of
the world generally – poverty, homelessness, addictive behaviors, conflicts,
injustice, incurable diseases – and which are constantly reported on the media,
seem to suggest that you should be doing something very active in one of those
areas to help resolve these longterm issues. Some of you may well be
called into action in those areas, however your main life purpose is spiritual,
and so, despite the seeming shortage of time, and the many justifiable calls on
it, please set time aside daily for this essential spiritual
activity. It may seem that you are being inactive, just sitting,
often with your mind wandering, but I assure you that this time set aside to go
within each day is far more effective than anything else you do.
Frequently you just do not get a sense of it, any feedback, which is why I keep
reassuring you its importance.
Go within daily, reset the intent to be only loving with whatever
arises, and open your heart to allow the Love that never leaves you for even a
moment to embrace you. When you allow Love to embrace you you will
feel It, and when you feel It your own intent to be only loving strengthens
enormously, enlarging the energetic field in which you have your eternal
existence, and which interacts continuously with the fields of all those about
whom you think and with whom you are in physical contact for even the briefest
of moments.
You are all POWERFUL beings because that is how you were
created, and that never changes. You are now being called upon to
reclaim that power, instead of pretending that you have none as you imagine
yourself as a small and insignificant being in an infinitely vast universe that
is unaware of you. You are vaster than the universe! Reclaim the
power with which your Father endowed you, and make full use of it to bring
humanity to full wakefulness—John Smallman”
--July
4, 2017
TO FAST OR FEAST IS THE DILEMMA FOR HINDU AMERICANS
Ashadha
Ekadashi is round the corner (04-July-2017), I am happy to send you a very rare
and potent stuti on Lord Ananta taken from Harivamsha Purana (Last Canto of
Mahabharata), Chapter 72 which describes the Vamana Avatar. This hymn was given
to King Bali when he was pushed down to the nether worlds by Lord Vamana to be
relieved from all bondages. The brief Phalashruti by Sage Vaishampayana stands
proof of the sanctity of this hymn - that it is capable of destroying all sins
including that of killing cow/enlightened Brahmins and bestow all wishes. One
who recites this in the mornings will see all their wishes fulfilled.
As we
have seen Ashadhi Ekadashi is a very important occasion in Pandharpur in
Maharashtra. It looks like the crowds keep swelling with people from many
different states doing pada yatra for this occasion. Sri. Tukaram Ganapathi
Maharaj is building a place to stay for devotees especially from south. Blessed
are those who can be at Pandharpur during those Ekadashi . The rest of us can
perhaps recite this hymn! Please go through this Ekadashi Mahatmya from the
attached article.
On this day
images of Vishnu and Lakshmi are worshipped, the
entire night is spent singing prayers, and devotees keep fast and take vows on
this day, to be observed during the entire chaturmas, the holy four-month
period of rainy season. These may include, giving up a food item or fasting on
every Ekadashi day.
It is believed that Vishnu falls asleep in Ksheersagar - cosmic ocean of milk -
on Shesha nāga, the cosmic serpent Thus the day is
also called Dev-Shayani Ekadashi (lit. "god-sleeping
eleventh") or Hari-shayani Ekadashi (lit.
"Vishnu-sleeping eleventh") or Shayana Ekadashi. Vishnu
finally awakens from his slumber four months later on Prabodhini
Ekadashi - eleventh day of bright fortnight in the Hindu month Kartik (October–November). This
period is known as Chaturmas (lit. "four
months") and coincides with the rainy season. Thus, Shayani Ekadashi is
the beginning of Chaturmas. Devotees start observing the Chaturmas vrata (vow) to please Vishnu on this
day. A fast is observed on Shayani Ekadashi. The fast demands
abstainance from all grains, beans, cereals, certain vegetables like onions and
certain spices
PLEASE GO THROUGH MY DETAILED DISCOURSE ON PANDURANGA
The following is a rare hymn on Lord Ananta (Vishnu) by
King Bali as told by Sage Narada taken from Harivamsha Puranam
(Last Canto of Mahabharata), Bhavishya Parva and Chapter 72.
This hymn was given by Sage Narada to King Bali when he was sent
to nether world by Lord Vamana to get emancipation from bondage. The
brief Phalashruti by Sage Vaishampayana declares that one
who recites this hymn gets absolved of all sins including the killing of cows
and brahmins and begets all wishes fulfilled such as progeny, spouse,
emancipation, relief from labor pain during child birth, etc.
śrīnārada
uvāca -
om
namo'stvanantapataye akṣayāya mahātmane |
jaleśayāya
devāya padmanābhāya viṣṇave || 1 ||
sapta-sūrya-vapuḥ
kṛtvā trīṁllokān krāntavānasi |
bhagavan
kālakālas tvaṁ tena satyena mokṣaya || 2 ||
naṣṭa-candrārka
gagane kṣīṇa yajña tapaḥ kriye |
punaścintayase
lokāṁs tena satyena mokṣaya || 3 ||
brahma-rudrendra
vāyvagni sarid bhujaga parvatāḥ |
tvatsthā
dṛṣṭā dvijendreṇa tena satyena mokṣaya || 4 ||
mārkaṇḍena
purā kalpe praviśya jaṭharaṁ tava |
carācara-gataṁ
dṛṣṭaṁ tena satyena mokṣaya || 5 ||
eko vidyā
sahāyas tvaṁ yogī yogamupāgataḥ |
punastrailokyaṁ-utsṛjya
tena satyena mokṣaya || 6 ||
jalaśayyāmupāsīno
yoganidrāmupāgataḥ |
lokāṁścintayase
bhūyas tena satyena mokṣaya || 7 ||
vārāhaṁ
rūpamāsthāya veda yajña puraskṛtam |
dharā
jaloddhṛtā yena tena satyena mokṣaya || 8 ||
uddhṛtya
daṁṣṭryā yajñāṁs trīn piṇḍān kṛtavānasi |
tvaṁ
pitṝṇāmapi hare tena satyena mokṣaya || 9 ||
pradudruvuḥ
surāḥ sarve hiraṇyākṣa bhayārditāḥ |
paritrātās
tvayā deva tena satyena mokṣaya || 10 ||
dīrgha-vaktreṇa rūpeṇa
hiraṇyākṣasya saṁyuge |
śiro jahāra
cakreṇa tena satyena mokṣaya || 11 ||
bhagna
mūrdhāsthi mastiṣko hiraṇyakaśipuḥ purā |
huṁkāreṇa
hato daityas tena satyena mokṣaya || 12 ||
dānavābhyāṁ
hṛtā vedā brahmaṇaḥ paśyataḥ purā |
paritrātās
tvayā deva tena satyena mokṣaya || 13 ||
kṛtvā hayaśiro
rūpaṁ hatvā tu madhu-kaiṭabhau |
brahmaṇe
te'rpitā vedās tena satyena mokṣaya || 14 ||
deva dānava
gandharvā yakṣa siddha mahoragāḥ |
antaṁ tava
na paśyanti tena satyena mokṣaya || 15 ||
apāntaratamā
nāma jāto devasya vai sutaḥ |
kṛtāśca
tena vedārthās tena satyena mokṣaya || 16 ||
veda yajñā
'gnihotrāṇi pitṛ-yajña havīṁṣi ca |
rahasyaṁ
tava devasya tena satyena mokṣaya || 17 ||
ṛṣir
dīrghatamā nāma jātyandho guru-śāpataḥ |
tvat-prasādācca
cakṣuṣmāṁs tena satyena mokṣaya || 18 ||
grāhagrastaṁ
gajendraṁ ca dīnaṁ mṛtyu-vaśaṁ gatam |
bhaktaṁ
mokṣitavāṁs tvaṁ hi tena satyena mokṣaya || 19 ||
akṣayas
cā'vyayaśca tvaṁ brahmaṇyo bhaktavatsalaḥ |
ucchritānāṁ
niyantāsi tena satyena mokṣaya || 20 ||
śaṅkhaṁ
cakraṁ gadāṁ padmaṁ śārṅgaṁ garuḍaṁ eva ca |
prasādayāmi
śirasā te bandhān mokṣayantu mām || 21 ||
śaṅkhaṁ
cakraṁ gadā padmaṁ śārṅgaṁ ca garuḍadayaḥ |
hariṁ
prasādayāmāsur baliṁ mokṣaya bandhanāt || 22 ||
|| Phalaśrutiḥ ||
śrīvaiśampāyana
uvāca -
imaṁ stavaṁ
anantasya sarva-pāpa-pramocanam |
yaḥ paṭheta
naro bhaktyā tasya naśyati kilbiṣam || 23 ||
go-hatyāyāḥ-pramucyeta
brahmaghno-brahma-hatyayā |
aputro-labhate-putraṁ
kanyā-caivepsitaṁ-patim || 24 ||
sadyo-garbhāt-pramucyeta
garbhiṇī-janayet-sutam |
ye ca
mokṣaiṣiṇo loke yoginaḥ sāṅkhyakāpilāḥ || 25 ||
stavenānena
gacchanti śvetadvīpaṁ akalmaṣāḥ |
sarva-kāma-prado
hyeṣa stavo 'nantasya kīrtyate || 26 ||
yaḥ-paṭhet-prātarutthāya
śuciḥ prayata-mānasaḥ |
sarvān-kāmān-avapnoti
mānavo nātra-saṁśayaḥ || 27 ||
|| iti śrīmahābhārate-khilabhāge-harivaṁśe bhaviṣya-parvaṇi
vāmana-prādurbhāve śrīnārada-proktaṁ mokṣaviṁśaka stotraṁ sampūrṇam ||
HAPPY JULY 4 to all of you which also opens the
flood gates for many Hindu Festivals while the Lord sleeps. We therefore
turn to our Gurus who turn active during the Chaturmas Season with their
sermons for God is not there to watch on them!
Ashadha-Shukla Ekadasi /Padma Ekadasi or Deva-Sayani Ekadasi
Mahatmya
The saintly king Yudhishthira Maharaj said, Oheshava,
what is the name of that Ekadasi that occursJune - July)? Who is the worshipped
Deity for the auspicious day, and what is the process for observing this event?
Lord Sri Krishna replied, Oh caretaker of this
Earthly planet, I shall gladly tell you a wonderful historical event that the
deva lord Brahma once narrated to his son Narad Muni. One day Narad Muni asked
his father, ‘What is the name of the Ekadasi that comes during the light part
of the month of Ashadha’, much as you did? ‘Kindly tell me how I should observe
this Ekadasi and thus please the Supreme Lord, Sri Vishnu.’
Lord Brahma replied, ‘Oh great saintly orator, O
best of all sages, Oh purest devotee of Lord Vishnu, your question is as usual
excellent for all mankind. There is nothing better than Ekadasi, the day of
Lord Sri Hari, in this or any other world. It nullifies even the worst sins if observed properly. For this reason I shall tell you about
this Ashadha-shukla Ekadasi."
Fasting on this Ekadasi purifies one of all sins
and fulfills all ones desires. Therefore, whoever neglects to observe this
sacred fast day] is a good candidate for entering into hell. Ashadha-shukla
Ekadasi is also famous as Padma Ekadasi. Just to please the Supreme Lord
Vishnu, one should fast on this day. Listen carefully, Oh Narad, as I relate to
you a wonderful historical event that was recorded in the scriptures regarding
this Ekadasi. Just hearing this account destroys all kinds of sins, along with
all obstacles on the path to spiritual perfection.
Oh son, there was once a saintly king in the
Surya Vamsha (Sun] dynasty) whose name was Mandhata. Because he always stood up
for the truth, he was appointed emperor. He took care of his subjects as though
they were his very own family members and children. On account of his piety and
great religiosity, there was no pestilence, drought, or disease of any kind in
his entire kingdom. All his subjects were very wealthy. Once, however, because
of some sin in his kingdom, there was a drought for three years. The subjects
found themselves beset by famine also. The lack of food grains made it
impossible for them to perform the prescribed ritualistic worship. Finally,
they all came before their beloved king in a great assembly and addressed him
thus, ‘Oh king, you always see to our welfare, so we humbly beg your assistance
now. Everyone and everything in this world needs water. Without water, almost
everything is rendered useless or dead’ In His form as the clouds, the
Supreme Lord is present throughout the sky and pours forth rains, from which
grow the grains that maintain every living entity.
Oh best ruler on Earth, please find some
solutions to this problem and bring us to peace and prosperity once again. From
rain grows the grain that maintains us. You are sad as there is no rain, I
understand your sorrow, but after searching my past and present character I can
honestly say that I find no sin. Still, for the good of all you subjects, I
shall try to remedy the situation. Thinking in this way, King Mandhata
assembled his army and entourage. He wandered here and there, seeking great sages
in their Ashrams aninquiring about how to resolve the crisis in his kingdom. At
last he came upon the ashram of Angira Muni, whose effulgence lit up all
directions. Seated in his hermitage, Angira looked like a second Brahma. King
Mandhata was very pleased to see that exalted sages, whose senses were
completely under control. The king immediately] dismounted his horse and
offered his respectful obeisance’s at the lotus feet of Angira Muni. Then the
king joined his palms and prayed] for the Muni’s blessings. That saintly person
reciprocated by blessing the king with sacred mantras; then he asked him about
the welfare of his kingdom.Then Angira Muni asked the king why he had
undertaken such a difficult journey into the forest, and the king told him of
the affliction his kingdom was suffering. The king said, Oh great sage, I am
ruling and maintaining my kingdom while following the Vedic injunctions, and
thus I do not know the reason for the drought. To solve this mystery, I have
approached you for help. Please help me relieve the suffering of my subjects.
Angira Rishi said to the king, ‘The present age,
Satya yuga, is the best of all ages, for in this age Dharma stands on all four
legs (Truthfulness, Austerity, Mercy, and Cleanliness). In this age everyone respects
Brahmins as the topmost members of society. Also, everyone fulfills his
occupational duties, and only twice-born Brahmins are allowed to perform Vedic
austerities and penance. Although this is a standard, Oh lion among kings,
there is one shudra who is unlawfully performing the rites of austerity and
penance in your kingdom. This is why there is no rain in your land. You should
therefore punish this laborer with death, for by so doing you will remove the
contamination inflicted by his actions and restore peaceto your subjects.’
The king then replied: How can I kill an offense-less
performer of austerity and sacrifice? Please give me some spiritual
solution.The great sage Angira Muni then said, Oh king, you should observe a
fast on the Ekadasi that occurs during the light fortnight of the month of
Ashadha. This auspicious day is named Padma Ekadasi, and by its influence
plentiful rains and thus grains and other foodstuffs will surely return to your
kingdom. This Ekadasi bestows perfection upon its faithful observers, removes
all kinds of bad elements, and destroys all obstacles on the path to
perfection. Oh king, you, your relatives, and your subjects should all observe
this sacred Ekadasi fast. Then everything in your kingdom will undoubtedly
return to normal. Upon hearing these words, the king offered his obeisances and
then returned to his palace. When the Padma Ekadasi arrived, King Mandhata
assembled all the Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas and shudras in his kingdom and
instructed them to strictly observe this important fast day. After they had
observed it, the rains fell, just as the sage had predicted, and in due course
of time there were abundant crops and a rich harvest of grain. By the mercy of
the Supreme Lord Hrishikesha, the master of the senses, all the subjects of
King Mandhata became extremely happy and prosperous.
Therefore, Oh Narada, everyone should observe
this Ekadasi fast very strictly, for it bestows all kinds of happiness, as well
as ultimate liberation, upon the faithful devotee Lord Sri Krishna concluded.
My dear Yudhishthira, Padma Ekadasi is so powerful
that one who simply reads or hears its glories becomes completely sinless. Oh
Pandava, one who wishes to please Me should strictly observe this Ekadasi,
which is also known as Deva-sayani Ekadasi Deva-sayani, or Vishnu-sayani,
indicates the day when Lord Vishnu goes to sleep with all the devas (demigods).
It is said that after this
day one should not perform any new auspicious
ceremonies until Devotthani Ekadasi (Haribodhini (Probodhini) Devotthaani
(Utthana) Ekadasi), which occurs during the month of Kartika (October -
November), because the devas (demigods), being asleep, cannot be invited to the
sacrificial arena and because the Sun is traveling along its Southern course (Dakshinayanam).
Lord Sri Krishna continued, Oh lion among kings, Yudhishthira Maharaj, whoever
wants liberation should regularly observe a fast on this Ekadasi which is also
the day when the Chaturmasya fast begins.
Thus ends the narration of the glories of the
Ashadha-shukla Ekadasi - also known as Padma Ekadasi or Deva-sayani Ekadasi -
from the Bhavishya-uttara Purana.
[Incidentally this also explains significance of
Chatrurmasa and Dakshinayan Punyakala religious observances about which I
have talked about. Dakshinayana Punyakala according to our Astrologers who
ignore astronomical date of June 21 due to their ignorance falls on July16]
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