THOUGHT OF THE DAY:
AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2019
DURGA
IS BHUVANESWARI--MOTHER OF THE UNIVERSE
No
country in the world demonstrates such enduring reverence for the Great Mother
Goddess, as does India. The Goddess is celebrated in every
form, aspect and quality, through music, art, ritual, mantra and meditation.
She is honored in women, the Earth, nature and the transcendent beyond all
expression. Her worship is full of splendor, delight, mystery and wonder.
The
Goddess is Shakti, meaning power, the resort of all transformative energy and
cataclysmic force that mere human logic cannot comprehend. She possesses
martial and regal forms that all must bow down before in awe. During the
Navaratri – India’s famous festival of the Goddess celebrated not only in the
autumn but also in the spring– she is worshipped as Durga, the supreme Shakti,
holding all majesty, wisdom and grace.
Durga
is the Mother of the universe from who comes forth the creation, sustenance and
dissolution of all beings and all worlds. She is Chit-Shakti, the power of
consciousness, out of which the cosmos coalesces as matter, life and mind.
India
as a sublime culture and profound dharmic civilization is the gift of Maa
Durga. Durga is the Goddess who personifies India as a whole and its incredible
vitality, from her presence in village shrines to her representation of the
highest yogic spirituality. Bharat Mata is Durga with her imperious lion. She
was the image behind India’s independence movement, which worked through her
inspiration, such as Sri Aurobindo so eloquently lauded. She remains the
aspiration for future India and its global influence to draw the world back to
its spiritual roots.
Durga’s
protective force
Durga
means she who takes us beyond all difficulties. She is the divine energy that
protects the soul from duality, adversity and opposition, known and unknown. As
Durga-Tara she delivers us across the turbulent ocean of ignorance to the
radiant other shore beyond all darkness. She carries us over all dangers like a
ship across the sea, as Vedic chants poetically reverberate.
Durga
arises from Agni, our inner flame of immortal life, awakening our motivation to
reach the highest bliss. She is born from the power of tapas, the wholehearted
concentration of our aspiration to immutable truth. She is the spiritual fire
on Earth who removes all impurities for the soul to shine. Her lion indicates
her ruling solar force that illumines all existence.
Durga
grants us the transformative knowledge that takes us to a higher level of
existence beyond all that we have previously thought possible. She is the Yoga
Shakti dwelling in the heart that opens us up to the clear light of
self-realization, the revelation of our true divine nature that stands above
all time, space and karma. The Kundalini Shakti arises and works within us
through Durga’s force.
Durga’s
sword
Durga’s
sword is the source of all dharmic ruling power at spiritual and mundane
levels. She commands the celestial army and its earthly counterparts struggling
for truth and justice in society. Shivaji Maharaj of the Marathas and Guru
Gobind Singh of the Sikhs, among many other great leaders of India, received
her sword and ruled by its support. Arjuna went to Durga for her blessings prior
to consulting Sri Krishna on the battlefield. Sri Krishna affirmed to him
Durga’s message of fearless resolve in the face of adharma.
Yet
we cannot in our mere human nature wield Durga’s sword. We must draw out the
Shiva consciousness within us to do so. We must surrender to her and let her
direct us, taking the role of her devotees. All weapons, whether material or
spiritual, should first be consecrated to Maa Durga, so that we use them
wisely, without any pride or pity in their application--that is Durga’s
sword wielded with Siva consciousness.
As
Mahishasura Mardini, Durga slays Mahishasura, the personification of ignorance,
darkness and tamas. Vijaya Dashami is her glorious tenth day of victory, after
displaying her nine magnificent forms, ending with Siddhidatri, her highest
blessing aspect who grants all boons and accomplishments. This nine day dynamic
display of Shakti takes us to a new vision and unlimited horizon on the
culminating tenth day.
Maa
Durga and the future of humanity
Ma
Durga as the Divine Mother can guide humanity into a new era of peace and
happiness. But she does so by first eliminating the powers of darkness, not by
compromising with them, much less by consoling or appeasing them. Ma Kali
arises as her martial aspect, dissolving entrenched old karmas, compulsions and
attachments that bind us to adharma, to unfold a new creation.
Today
we must bring back the power of Durga to deal with our mounting global crisis.
This requires that India revive its dharmic and yogic traditions that honour
the Goddess as our inner guide. Awakening the nation’s deeper yoga shakti can
restore India to its ancient throne as Vishvaguru, the guru of nations – with
its Rishi vision leading humanity on the path to higher consciousness.
Honoring
Durga means empowering women in the social and political world and in the inner
realm of yoga and spirituality. It necessitates protecting the Earth, not just
through wise ecological practices but also through uncovering the spiritual
destiny hidden in our magical planet that we have long forgotten.
Awakening
Durga’s shakti within us requires that we fearlessly and relentlessly challenge
the forces of darkness, including our own weakness of will that allows us to
tolerate or excuse negativity and corruption. It requires that we awaken the
Arjuna in each one of us to achieve our highest dharma.
India
can develop a new yoga Shakti to help usher in a new yuga, a new world age for
all humanity. Its yogic and meditation teachings are already bringing major
changes into the world mind. Yet there remains a tyrannical Mahishasura of
greed, violence, arrogance and fanaticism that must be removed to allow the
higher forces to fully manifest.
Maa
Durga as the eternal Shakti and Supreme Mother descends to remove the shadows
of falsehood on our struggling earthly realm, so that our planet can become
full of light and bliss for all of its myriad creatures!
THE TRANSCENDENT MOTHER: This is what is termed the Adya Shakti;
She is the Supreme Consciousness and Power above the universe and it is by her
that all the Gods are manifested, and even the Supra-mental Iswara comes
into manifestation through her - the Supra-mental Purushottama of whom the Gods
are the Power and Personalities.---Sri Aurobindo in Mother
Navashakti Jyothi
Represents Nine Goddesses Navashakti
Jyothi is a unique lamp at the famous Jalakandeswarar Temple in Vellore – Tamil
Nadu. The temple is world famous for it is architecture and islocated inside
the Vellore fort. Attached to the Navashakti Jyothi is the Nakshatra Deepa. The
lamp is located in front of the Amman Shrine (Goddess Parvati) in the temple.
The lamp is round in shape. There is one big lamp in the center and there
are eight small round lamps around it. These lamps are worshiped as Navajyotis
or Devis. The specialty of the lamp is that it never extinguishes.
The
nine forms of Goddess Durga (also synonymous with Gauri) or (Parvati)
are: Shailaputri, Brahmacharini, Chandraghanta, Kushmanda, Skandamata, Katyayani,
Kaalratri, Mahagauri and Siddhidhatri.
Comments:
Thank you for the timely piece.
You are making it wonderful contribution 🙏🕉
--Mani
Sangaran Hull
Excellent Explanation
Prof. G. Nagarajan
WHY SANSKRITY IS VALUED IN GERMANY
Michael Dielmann, from Germany
The
majority of Sanskrit scholars, including those at Harvard, California Berkeley
and the UK, are Germans,” he said. But why? “Probably because we never
colonized India and maintained a romantic view about it,” quipped Dr. Michaels.
(Source from: Sanskrit fever grips Germany as
14 universities teach ancient language) I have another
explanation, than the one mentioned in that interview excerpt: Originally the
role model in philosophy and high culture at least in Germany was ancient
Greece and Italy. In the 17th/18th century however, especially with regard to
Greece, there was not much left which would serve as a cultural, spiritual
and/or philosophical roll model. While kids are still taught the roots of our
culture lie in ancient Italy and Greece, those who are independent, free to
explore and able to travel far, may have realized early on, that there is an
Indo-European language family which should make Sanskrit not Latin the language
of choice. The interest with regard to language and culture can be traced back
as far as to the 16th Century to Heinrich Roth AN OLD LETTER FROM SURAT WRITTEN
BY GERMAN JESUIT HEINRICH ROTH (1620-1668) Furthermore, when
industrialization took hold in Europe often commodifying nature and people
there was a counter development or an era called “Romanticism” which saw in
India a place where the world was still in order, presenting a mesmerizing rich
culture, having more spirituality and being closer with nature. Hence you have
such publications like Schlegel, Friedrich von: Ueber
die Sprache und Weisheit der Indier. Heidelberg, 1808. A German
philosopher who wrote the book with the title “About the language and wisdom of
the East-Indians”
Some
opinions expressed
“Possibly
they have got some understanding that Sanskrit is a scientific language.
I do not know latest status of their discovery. But this much I can say that
they are in right direction. I would like to share renowned Kriyayoga Master
Mahamahopadhyaya Dr. Ashok Kumar Chatterjee’s words “
"The
Sanskrit language has 49 alphabets of which 'अ' is the first, a vowel and negative. These 49
alphabets are symbolic of the 49 airs within the body. The vital Prana-air
splitting in 49 parts functions within the body thus keeps all beings alive. In
the path of the six chakras within the body, there are ...”
‘Fourteen universities in Germany
teach classical Sanskrit literature. If this trend continues, Germans
would be the eventual custodians of Sanskrit.’
‘Sanskrit has been studied by Western scholars
since the late 18th century. In the 19th century, the study of Sanskrit played
a crucial role in the development of the field of comparative
linguistics of the Indo-European
languages which Sanskrit is also part of it along with
Latin/Greek and English.The theory for fascination to learn Sanskrit must be in
their genes and let me explain tracing to the origin of migration of people
from various continents. Having debunked the Aryan migration theory to India
via Khyber pass, Bharat (more than current India) used to be the real source of
civilization and growth of human being as we see presently with great culture
and intelligence.’
“Vedic
religion is the origin of Sanskrit language spread over ancient Bharat
mostly southern side of Himalayas and when natural calamities happened in Indus
(Saraswathy) valley and river Saraswathy changed direction ...’
“A
significant part of the global cultural heritage will become extinct if major
languages like Sanskrit, Hindi and Kannada fall prey to Indian English.”
“One of the oldest languages known to the
mankind, Sanskrit is spreading its wings to various foreign countries. Time and
again, foreigners have showed their interest in this language which is
considered as the mother language of various other languages. The most recent
country which has started practicing the language is Germany.”
“14 of
the German universities teach Sanskrit, both classical and modern Indology,
compared to just four in the UK. The summer school spans a month in August
every year and draws not only Germany, but USA, Russia and China are
working on Sanskrit”
“One of
the most important benefit of Sanskrit language is “More things can be said in
less words”. This makes Sanskrit language perfect for Computer programming. NASA
is working on a super computer which uses Sanskrit language. It will be out by
2022.”
“It is
valued because they knew it's worth because it's has many words that can heal
your daisies by uttering like (om) (klim) (shreem)etc etc and many more our
ancient Indian heritage speaks lot of things the main four Vedas 1. Yajurveda
2.Atharva veda. 3. Samaveda 4. Rigveda. It's is said that this 4 books have all
the answers of your questions till humanity exists there are many maha puranas
that also guide us in our difficult times and many more things are hidden in
the womb of language Sanskrit hence India should also know it's worth and make
some effort towards to it”
“Germans have realized the value of Sanskrit and
the scriptures written in that language. Sanskrit is proved to be the best
coding language that can be used for computers and it may also help the
faster development of technologies. The Sanskrit scriptures on the other hand
have had many scientific researches which the current scientists are yet to do.
Thus they want to be one of the most developed countries in the world with the
help of Sanskrit”
In the wake of these developments should we not
think of introducing study of Sanskrit in Baal Vihaar Schools and
leave teaching of mother tongue to mother at home in bringing up a child among
Hindu Americans? Neo rich and prosperous HINDU AMERICANS will leave
behind the History to the future to regret and react later on important
issues like this while others have already progressed repeating our past
history only to sit back, relax and gloat about!
--September 29, 2019
You already reported here that the whole
village or taluk people in the northern Karnataka are still speaking in
Sanskrit in their daily life. Sanskrit is a spoken language.
Similarly, all the Iyengars in Mysuru are still speaking in Tamil at home.
Yours and BKS Iyengar families are the proof.
Prof. G. Nagarajan
SIMULTANEOUS
CELEBRATION OF NAVARATRI FOR DEVI & BRAHMOTSAVA FOR VENKATEWARA
The Brahmotsava is performed over a
nine-day period in the beginning of Aswayuja Masa as per the Hindu Lunar
Calendar (in parallel with Navarathri/Dashara festival).
The Brahmotsavam festival will commence
with the Dwajarohanam, the flag hoisting festival, where a flag with the image
of Garuda (eagle, Lord Vishnu’s mount) will be hoisted atop the Dwajasthambam
(flag pole) in the temple.
As per custom, Andhra Pradesh Chief
Minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy will be presenting two silk vastrams (robes) to
the deity on behalf of the State government on September 30.
Following days and Vahanas are
considered very important;
October 4 – Garuda Vahana
Seva
The Garuda Sevai is a sacred procession
of Lord Venkateswara where the deity is mounted on a gold idol of Garuda and
taken around the mada streets with much fanfare and prayer. This year, the
Garuda Sevai will be carried out at 7 pm.
October 5 – Golden Chariot
During this ritual, the idols of Lord
Venkateswara and his consorts will be placed in a golden chariot and taken in a
procession around the temple in the evening. Devotees often queue up on the
streets to catch a glimpse of the deities and offer prayers.
October 7 – Rathotsavam
Rathotsavam (procession) is a ritual
where the deity Lord Venkateswara will be placed on various vahanas
(vehicles) and taken around the Tirupati temple.
October 8 – Chakra Snanam and
Dwaja Avaraohanam
Chakra Snanam is the last day of the
nine-day festival where the idols of the deity are offered special prayers,
following which they are dipped in the waters of Swamy Pushkarini, a pond which
is situated at the Tirumala temple.
Do you know
Venkateshwara is worshiped as Devi? According to Tridandi Chinna Jeeyar Swamy Saint
Ramanuja - the founder of Visishta Advaita philosophy - initiated for
'Abhishekam' (holy bath) to Lord Venkateswara on Fridays with the waters
brought from Akasa Ganga waterfalls. Once during his visit to Tirumala, when
Ramanuja was performing 'abhishekam' to the Lord on a Friday, the white part of the namam on His forehead got washed away and only the red part
of the namam remained on His forehead
between the eyebrows.
Seeing
only the red tilakam on the forehead of the Lord, Ramanuja was mesmerized at
the beauty of the black stone idol. He thought that it is Lord Venkateswara's
desire to appear again in Mohini
avatar (i.e. Lord
Vishnu incarnating in the form of a beautiful woman) to please and bless His
devotees. From then onwards, Lord Venkateswara is also worshiped in Mohini
Avatar with sari draped to the idol on specific days of the week and also
during Brahmotsavam. You are familiar with the term Baalaa Tripurasundari. Baalaa in Sanskrit refers to woman.
Accordingly, Lord Venkateswara Swamy became popular as Baalaaji. in the North
with added respect. On the fifth day of Brahmotsavam Venkateshwara is dressed
as Mohini.
Brahmotsavam
in Tirupati runs parallel to Navaratri. Therefore while focusing on Devis
during Navaratri do not forget to pay your obeisance to Lord
Venkatewara. I have witnessed in USA the enthusiasm for Jagannatha Ratha yatra.
Why not then celebrate Navartri/Dashara also with Rathayatra,
Garudotsava and Mohini
avatar where facilities are available? Venkateshwra
is the most popular deity and acceptable to all traditions. Almost all
temples in USA have a shrine of Venkateswara but do not think of Him/Her durong
Navaratri!
--September 28, 2019
ATMA SAMARPANAM OF
APPYYA DIKSHITAR--WEBINAIR PART III
Bhagawan Shankara in
general devoted 90 percent of his time in most of his works on expiation of the
Advaita doctrine and the attendant practices, leaving only a minor part on
sublation and the outcome of the practice that we find in his three confessions
standing before Lord Viswanatha that I had brought to your focus on
number of occasions and his promotion of Vishnutaatva in his last compositions
of Bhaja Govindam and Atma Bhoda as well as the purport of number slokas on
various deities. Unfortunately not much commentaries are available on all these
except Vishnu Sahasranama. These are good for very high level scholarly
discussions but not to a Spiritual seeker like me!
I am not a Vedantin and my knowledge of Vedanta is at Kindergarten
level and therefore do not spend too much time on the long introduction of the
present subject that I sent you in which I had said all that I knew on
the subject.
My own understanding of Advaita is very limited and I am also not
a true follower of Vishishtdavaita also. I am not strict religious follower
also. Advaita says no jiva is ever born. There does not exist any cause to
produce it. The highest Truth is that nothing is ever born. The truth
regarding the Ultimate Reality is that “no Jiva is ever born.” The
Jiva whom one knows as the agent and experiencer is not born in any way
whatsoever. ”The appearance of birth, death etc. of the Jiva-s are
possible in the empirical plane, as is the case with dream beings. But the
Ultimate Truth is that no Jiva is ever born.
Dual objects, comprising everything that is movable and immovable,
perceived by the mind, are mind alone. For, duality is never experienced
when the mind ceases to act. It is the mind alone which
appears as dual objects like the appearance of snake on the rope. Duality is perceived
when the mind acts and it vanishes when the mind ceases to act. The
world originates with the mind and folds up when the mind is not there. In
other words, a created world does not exist out there. There is no
dissolution, no origination, none in bondage, none aspiring for Knowledge,
no seeker of liberation, and none liberated. This is the absolute Truth. In the
mind controlled by meditation or during deep sleep one does not experience
duality of dualistic world. Therefore it stands established that duality of
dualistic world is only a mental concoction or Illusion or
hallucination.
The creation is seen to be endowed with mere name and form
imagined by mind due to ignorance, ignoring the Truth. A little girls
build castles in the sand on the beach, imagine their dolls as real princes and
princesses, celebrate marriages and birthdays etc. as a part of their fun and
enjoyment. Ayyappa Dikshitar talks about Mind is a Monkey in his composition.
The main purpose of creation mentioned in Vedas is only to
establish the Oneness of Brahman and Atman. Then why worry about
creation? Upanishads’ main focus is on have the teaching of aikya
(oneness or Ekatva) alone and not the actual coming into being of any new
effect.
Perception is creation and non-perception is dissolution.
Therefore, creation story has the objective to impart the
knowledge of union of Jivatman with its source. Therefore the mention in all
Vedanta texts of the origin of Creation, Continuity and
Dissolution of the universe is only to strengthen our idea of Brahman being a
homogeneous unity, and not to make us believe in the origin etc. as an
actuality.
Then there must be something real known as Maya.
That Maya is never existent. “Maya” is the name we give to
something which does not really exist but which is perceived.
Advaita believes that there has been no creation but
their purpose is to show how we effectively, ‘as if’ bring about duality by
mentally dividing up what is perceived into separate forms and giving them
names.
Neo-Advaitins focusing on 10% “sublation” mentioned above are
drawn to later two philosophers Ramanuja and Madhva to make
Advaita practical. In this context please go through my
discourse “VEDANTA OF RAMANA MAHARSHI AND HIS UPADESA SARA”. The great Vedāntin
Appayya Dikshitar of exalted advaita-jnāna had intense
devotion to Lord Shiva. He therefore follows the footprints of Lord
Sankara, standing before Viswanatha in Varanasi towards the end, and
talks about surrender at the feet of Siva and his Loving mercy to forgive any
fault on his part though a firm believer in the Advaita thoughts expressed
above. Ramakrishna Advaita is also similar to
Ramana Advaita and Appyaa Dikshitar Advaita. I am not sure
whether I am right in concluding Appayya Dikshitar, Ramana Mahrshi and
Ramakrishna brought forth an amalgam of Advaita and Visishtaadvaita by focusing
on personal Gods that Madhva fine tuned later with his theory of salokya,
saameepya and saayujya telling as you sow so you reap.
It is
rather disappointing that most of the Advaita teachers all the time harp on 90%
in expiation of Vedanta generally not easily understood, and rarely
practically relate to the 10% that I spoke about
above that relates to our temple traditions that need to be focused on
spiritual elevation of not only the self but also lead the society we
live in. Modern Spiritual Gurus like Swami Chidanananda of Fowai
forum, Swami Chidananda of Paramartha Niketan, Sadhwi Bhagavati, David
Frawley etc, are presently engaged on it whose messages I had been forwarding
as and when I received with my added explanation when needed.
Gist of the Lecture: In
this last part of the 3 part series, we see some truly impressive submissions
made by Shri Appayya Deekshitar, in the verses 31 thru 50. The great Vedāntin
of exalted advaita-jnāna has intense devotion to Lord
Shiva. He calls the Lord “the ocean of limitless compassion1” The
poet calls himself a monkey who does not know what is to be done and what is
not2. He pledges not to leave Shiva’s feet even in his dreams3.
Towards the end, this unique hymn seeks Shiva’s magnanimous forgiveness for all
the lapses and faults of the devotees4.
1 niravadhi-kripā-sāgara (verse
31)
2 krityākritya-vyapagata-matih ..
shākhāmrigah (verse 33)
3 svapne’pi .. na te pādapadma tyajāmi (verse
42)
4 sahasva mamāparādham (verse 47)
--September 28, 2019
ENIGMATIC DARU-BRAHMA
JAGANNATHA & HIS TEMPLES
May I draw your attention to my earlier
discourses on Jagannatha and his worship! Now I present to you sequential
happenings in the decent of Jagannatha on Earth for our worship as revealed in
Purushottama Kshetra Mahatmya of Krita yuga in my compilation. King Indradyumna
of Solar Dynasty built the Temple of Jagannatha, Subhadra and Balarama in
Purushottama Kshetra where Nil Madhav was worshiped by hunter tribe Sabaras.
He in the Yaga-bhumi got the full idols of Jagannatha installed by Brahma
as revealed in Skanda Purana and also created Indradyumna lake in the
yajna-bhumi. You also get a clear idea why Nil Madhav is mentioned as stone
idol worshiped by tribal and how Narasimha got associated with Jagannatha
worship in Puri. While modern Puri presents mythological Jagannatha in
unfinished Trunk with arm studs original Jagannatha, Subhadra and Balbhadra
were carved out of a tree in full form by Vishnu Himself appearing as old
carpenter that was seen floating on the shore. There was no dream but reality.
Nil Madhv was in stone form untouched by Indradyumna and found on return from
Brahmaloka.. He also built the first three divine chariots showing King’s
involvement in Ratha Yatra. He also announced for the first time worship format.
Jagannatha in Tiruppullani also emerged out of
tree with no sculptor involved but with his consort Padmasini and conflates
with full form of Jagannatha. In all probability Jaganntha we see in Puri and
his sibling are all presented in their life-style before getting into married
life though false stories are built around.
Modern Hinduism is built around myths,
excitement and beliefs as we see in the Ekadanta Ganesha Iswraputra or
Puri Jagnnatha and Parivar of unfinished uncouth limbs ignoring
most ancient temples of Adi Jagannatha in Tiruppullani and handsome Adi
Naramukha Parvati-putra Vinayaka near Ramanathapuram in Tamil Nadu. Look at the
enthusiasm and interest taken and enthusiam evern nin Hindu
American Temples for Mata-ki-Chowk to attract the crowd. Please go
through my full text on Jaganntha Worships and also full text of Purushottama
Kshetra Mahatmyam. USA has not lagged behind bringing these mythological
forms and fictions for worship in Hindu Temples that are dictated by donors and
their religious pundits, ignoring true story and true forms and Vedic
wisdomk claiming to be Champions of Ancient Eternal Tradition! Thus
Hindu-confusion-ism is also imported from Bharat.
Jagannatha worship cultures draw their
support from Rigveda that directs Daru worship, Ramayana that says
"Aaradhya jagannatham ikshvaku kuladaivatam",Krishna saying
"Vrikshaanaam Aswatthoham", Skanda and Brahma Vaivarta Puranas and
Ancient Temples of Adi Jaganntha and Jagannatha of Puri and their Sthala
puranas as well as emerging of Narasimha from wooden pillar and Jagannatha
carved out of floating tree or log of wood. Aswattha also called Devadaru
as well as Parijata that are favorite resorts of lord Krishna who is also
worshiped Aswattha Narayana in his previous manifestation as Narayana
while Arjuna was Nara. Aswattha (Krishna) and Adishesha (Balarama)
worship is very popular in the South. Subhadra was Trijata in her
previous birth who was helpful to Sita in captivity and was not Lakshmi as
projected in Odisha Jain texts.
Alas! Witness
Nava Kalevara of 900 Year Old Hindu Monastery established by Ramanujacharya,
after demolishing old one. Nava Kalevara is in-born with Odisha Culture.
Old, heritage structures should be retrofitted and rebuilt by authorities, not
torn down! Deities are sanctified in a temple or religious place by doing prana
pratishtha. So
did Indradyumna in Krita Yuga. We have ATIVARADAR story in KANCHIPURAM too. They cannot be moved at
will after being sanctified. Rehabilitation is a dangerous idea here, as this
is not just loss of a building structure, this is loss of cultural heritage.
Please go through full text in attached discourse. Why then Hindus cry
wolf against Muslims and Christians who raised Hindu Temples to
ground and built mosques and churches.
--September 26, 2019
INDUS VALLEY CIVILIZATION IS 8000 YEARS OLD
Discovered in the 1920s, the UNESCO site of
Mohenjo-Daro is one of the largest and most advanced settlements of the Indus
Valley Civilization, with streets arranged round rectangular brick houses, two
large assembly halls, a market place, public baths and a central well.
It’s thought the civilization spread across parts
of what is now Pakistan and northwest India in the Bronze Age and at its peak,
some five million people lived in one million square miles along citadels built
near the basins of the Indus River
No one yet knows why such a great civilization disappeared.
The study suggests the decline in monsoon rains
led to weakened river dynamics, and played a critical role both in the
development and the collapse of the Indus culture.
While the ancient people relied upon heavy and
regular monsoons between 9,000 and 7,000 years ago to water their crops, after
this period, evidence at Bhirrana shows people continued to survive despite
changing weather patterns.
Based on radiocarbon ages from different trenches
and levels the settlement at Bhirrana near New Delhi has been inferred to be
the oldest (>9 ka BP) in the Indian sub-continent,’ the experts wrote in
Nature’s Scientific Reports journal
Experts carbon dated pottery and animal
bones at Bhirrana. They now believe the civilization is around 8,000
years old.
For
more details and photos go through the attached article.
--September 24, 2019
Comments:
Thank youvery much for the
interesting information
--Dr. Hiranya Gowda
Very nice, highly informative &
reminds me my social science teacher in school days.
--N.R. Shashikala.
DO YOU NEED DEVI STUTI FROM DEVI MAHATMYA OR MATA KI CHOWK BHAJAN?
Why Navratri is
observed for nine nights
Navratri’s observance for nine night is based on the Devi Mahatmya
scripture. As per Devi Mahatmya and Devi Bhagavatam, Goddess Durga fought for
nine days and nine nights against Demon Mahishasura. This battle happened from
Ashwin Shukla Paksha Pratipada Tithi to Ashwin Krishna Paksha Navami Tithi –
from the first day of the waxing phase of moon in Ashwin month to the ninth day
of waxing phase of moon in Ashwin month.
During the course of the battle,
Mother Goddess took several ferocious forms to annihilate innumerable powerful
demons.
She annihilated all the demons and finally
on the ninth night she killed Demon Mahishasura.
There is another belief that the nine days and nine nights of fighting happened during first nine days of Chaitra month. Bhagava Sri Rama invoked Goddess Durga for success in battle against Ravana in Ashwin month and then onwards the nine days began to be celebrated in Ashwin month.
There is another belief that the nine days and nine nights of fighting happened during first nine days of Chaitra month. Bhagava Sri Rama invoked Goddess Durga for success in battle against Ravana in Ashwin month and then onwards the nine days began to be celebrated in Ashwin month.
Mahur Renuka Devi Temple Navratri
Festival
Renuka Devi Temple at Mahur in Nanded in Maharashtra is one of the
important temples dedicated to Goddess Shakti. The nine-day Navratri festival
at Mahur Renuka Devi Temple attracts thousands of devotees. The temple is
dedicated to Goddess Renuka Devi, mother of Lord Parashurama.
At Mahur Temple, the Murti worshiped is the head of Goddess
Renuka Devi. (Does anybody know Renuka as Goddss in Puranas of Vyasa?)
The nine-day Navaratri festival at
the temple is famous for its unique rituals. Thousands of people arrive to
celebrate Navratri at the abode of Renuka Devi.
But there are other mythological beliefs that prompt Navaratri
worship. These are:
MATA KI CHOWKI
Mata ki Chowki is a story of a girl called
Vaishnavi, an adopted child of Pandit Vidyasagar and his wife Shraddha.
Shraddha found Vaishnavi lying orphaned outside a temple of Goddess Gauri.
Pandit Vidyasagar never loved her and never accepted her as his daughter. When
slowly he started liking her, events started taking a twisting turn and after
two years, her mother, Shraddha, dies giving birth to Sunakshi. The blame of
her mother's death came on Vaishnavi and she started to be hated even more by
her father.
From the early age of six, Vaishnavi develops immense interest and
faith in "Ma Vaishno Devi". She starts showing signs of being a
super-normal child. She preaches about Mata, sings Jagratas, motivates people
to follow Mata and rescues people from pain and misery. She is a true Mata
devotee.
The story takes another twist when Sunakshi runs away with her
lover at the time of her marriage with Vansh. And this ends up Vaishnavi
marrying Vansh and throwing herself into an unfamiliar world. Out there in her
new house, Vaishnavi is hated by all the family members including her husband
Vansh, they all believe that she has come to grab their property.
Then comes the auspicious occasion of Sharad Gauri Navratri when
Vaishnavi observes strict prayer rituals and fasts urging Mata to help her.
Things change slowly and with Mata Gauri's divine grace, everyone in the family
starts loving Vaishnavi as a devoted wife and a dear daughter when suddenly
Vansh dies due to a black magic ritual conducted by Natasha, Vansh's
ex-girlfriend. Again, Vaishnavi urges her dear Mata Rani to help her and
observes Paush Shakambari Navratri Puja and brings Vansh back from the clutches
of Yamaraj. Life once again becomes rosy for Vaishnavi.
During this time, Sheel Kumar realizes Vaishnavi's miraculous and
undying faith in the Goddess and uses this as a tool to increase his
popularity. Then in Chaitra Ram Navratri Vaishnavi is told by Mata that her
family is going to land in a deep trouble. She tells this to Vansh but Sheel
poisons his ears against Vaishnavi instead and Vansh throws her out of the
house. Nowhere to go, Vaishnavi leaves for Jammu, her native place. Out here in
Jammu, she brings Saunakshi back home and lives happy with her father
occasionally remembering Vansh and her in-laws. Vaishnavi is then told by Mata
that Sheel Kumar is a demonic being and to save herself and her family, she
needs to kill him.
But alas, while trying to kill Sheel, Vaishnavi and Vansh are
cunningly killed by the ruthless demon. But as fate would have it, Vaishnavi gives
birth to a daughter and a prediction is made by Mata Gauri that Vaishnavi's
daughter will kill the demon Sheel and save this world and her family on Navami
during Sharad Navratri one day.
The show then focuses on how Vidyasagar saves her granddaughter
now named Sakshi from the evil clutches of Sheel. Vidyasagar cuts all bonds of
love and faith from Mata Rani as he believes that She didn't save her ardent
devotee Vaishnavi while Sakshi keeps remembering Sheel, Vaishnavi and Mata
Gauri in dreams. The story now takes a 10 years leap and Sakshi is now a young
girl in her 20s.
Now with the wish of Mata, Sakshi becomes a devotee of Prabhu
Sheel Maharaj, a cheater priest and as she learns the truth about him, she
kills him as predicted 25 years back, on the Mahanavmi day with Mata's trishul
and lives happily with her family and enjoys Mata Gauri's divine love and
grace.
Now time passes by and Sakshi is wedded to Rudra Hari Narayan, a
rich businessman's son and lives happily in her in-laws' house and gives birth
to two daughters, Asha and Nisha.
Now, the golden days pass slowly and Sheel, after death meets
Goddess Nirrti in hell and She gives him powers to return on the Earth to seek
Her revenge from Mata Gauri. Now Sheel is back and immortal and he seriously injures
Rudra and kills Mr. Hari Narayan and his son Vishnu Narayan. After this
tragedy, Rudra is arrested by the police as Sheel cunningly puts all the blame
of the murder of his father and elder brother on Rudra; and Sakshi moves on to
stay at her bua's house with Asha and Nisha.
Now, the story takes a leap of 18 years and Asha and Nisha are
young girls now but live in a miserable life with their mother as their bua,
Manorama tortures the three badly and even tries to get Asha married off to a
goon for money but Nisha acts cleverly and gets Manorama and her family proven
as the real culprits and gets them arrested and also gets Rudra bailed out from
the jail. The golden days come again for the Narayan Family and Asha is now
maaried to Dr. Arjun, a college boy and Asha's lover. The divine love of
Vashnavi Mata again nurtures her daughter's family.
Now comes the Sharad Navratri Festival and the Narayan Family is
all set to perform Mata Ki Chowki and Akhand Jyoti Navdurga Puja but Sheel
tries all ways to stop the puja and Ghatsthapana, knowing that if Sakshi
completes her 9 days puja and vrat, his end is sure. But with the divine
blessings of Mata Gauri, Sakshi is able to complete the Navratri Puja till
Ashtami successfully; however, on Navmi Day, Sheel makes his final move by
kidnapping Vidyasagar, Asha and Nisha and threatens Sakshi that if she dared
doing the Navmi Aarti of Gauri Mata, he will kill all the three dear ones of
Sakshi; nevertheless, she performs Gauri Mata's aarti leaving everything on her
dearest Mata Rani and Sheel kills the three, one by one as Sakshi sings 'Om Jai
Parvati Mata' but as he is about to kill Sakshi, he realizes that it is not
Sakshi but Mata Rani herself residing in Sakshi's heart and now Sakshi kills
Sheel with Mata Gauri's divine 'Shakti' and Mata makes Vidyasagar, Asha and
Nisha alive again as a reward for Sakshi's undying faith in Her and gives
darshan to the entire family in Her Singhvahani Adi Shakti Swaarop on Vijaya
Dashmi Day and the celebration of faith is witnessed in a colorful Panpankusha
Ekadashi Navratri Udyapaan Utsav and Kanya Poojan being celebrated by the
family and Vaishnavi and Vansh blessing their children along with Mata Rani at
Vaishnodevi Bhawan, Jammu. The family lives happily ever after as Mata Gauri blesses
them always from the Heavens above the Galaxies
I believe many of you do not have any idea as to the worship of
the cut off head of Renuka but not the restored Mother, Mother of
Lord Parasurama and the Celebration of Mata ki Chowki. I
therefore presented the same to you. Hindus love myths, magic, fun and frolic
even in the midst of serious worship and meditation and more so Hindu Americans
are deeply interested in it. They are not serious in Universal Oneness and
Worshiping Devi as the Power (Sakti) aspect of Supreme Being!
How come Hindu Americans are more interested in this complicated
mythological story full of myths moving away from their main focus on
Spiritual Power Aspects of Trinities Siva, Vishnu and Brama--Durga,
Lakshmi and Sarasvati? I was therefore amused to see Sri Ganesha Temple in
Nashville where I live, introducing this year Mata ki Chowki devotional Bhajans
on the opening day of Navaratri to seek blessings and participate in Mata ki
Chowki instead of Prayer and worship of Durga. I am not sure whether Agama
based Hindu temples in India are interested in such Bhajans?
Last Sunday I sent you a very rare
hymn on Goddess Devi by Lord Narayana taken from Srimad Devi Bhagavatam,
Skandha 3, and Chapter 4. In this hymn Lord Narayana mentions that the basic
vital force of the Trinity is Goddess Shakti.
You have the choice before you:
i) To seek the blessing of Goddess Devi with abundance in every
Dharmic endeavor in our lives in the form of Durga/Lakshmi/Sarasvati
and receive Devi Prasadam,
or, ii) Participate in Mata ki Chowki Bhajans with dinner,
fun and frolic! Choice is yours!
Vaishno Devi, also known as Mata
Rani, Trikuta and Vaishnavi, is believed to be a manifestation of the Hindu
Goddess Mata Adi Shakti, also known as Goddess
Mahalakshmi. The words "Maa" and "Mata" are
commonly used in India for "mother", and thus are often heavily used
in connection with Vaishno Devi.
I have not come across any reference to Vaishno Devi's story in
any of Shakta scriptures, neither Vaishnava or Shaiva ones.
Her shrine was possibly a local
shrine that attracted due attention in time and became extremely famous. The
irony is that it is celebrated as the top most temple of Goddess but the
rituals followed looks very influenced by Vaishnavism.
That her tale shows her desire to marry Vishnu as Rama and killing
Bhairava is itself quite amusing and contradictory to the character of
Adyashakti as portrayed in scriptures.
Devi is strongly promoted as Shiva's wife by
Saivites. She only engulfs the Shivatva as Dhumavati. If she desires
Rama, she has to be some form of Lakshmi, but we know how the popular pictures
of Vaishno Devi portrays her. She is shown to be Durga or Bhavani. The name of
Goddess itself shows that it is highly influenced by Vaishnavism, another story
of Hindu Confusion-ism and Myths!
--September 24, 2019
LIVE WITH GRACE NOT WITH RACE WITHOUT FOCUS ON GOD
If you
treat every moment as your last, then you will cherish them and they will last.
Start all routine and good work in the Name of God.
Bhagawan
says in Gita:
oṁ ityekākṣharaṁ brahma vyāharan mām
anusmaran |
yaḥ prayāti tyajan dehaṁ sa yāti paramāṁ gatim ||
yaḥ prayāti tyajan dehaṁ sa yāti paramāṁ gatim ||
One who departs from
the body while remembering Me, the Supreme Personality, and chanting the
syllable Om, will attain the supreme goal.
The sacred syllable Om,
also called Praṇav, represents the sound manifestation of Brahman (the
formless aspect of the Supreme Lord, without virtues and attributes).
The Bible says “In the
beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” (John
1:1) The Vedic scriptures also state that God first created sound, from
sound He created space, and then proceeded further in the process of creation.
That original sound was “Om”
This Praṇava sound is the object of
meditation in aṣhṭāṅga-yoga. In the path of bhakti-yoga, devotees
prefer to meditate upon the personal Names of the Lord, such as Rama, Krishna,
Shiva, etc. because of the greater sweetness of God’s bliss in these personal
Names.
Those who are able to
fix their consciousness upon God, despite the intense pain of death, pass this
exam. Such persons attain the Supreme destination upon leaving their
body.
Think of
the 9/11 tragedy. Did the visitors have any idea of what is in store for
them when they entered World Trade Center and others? But had they
remembered and chanted Om before entering the building they would
have all attained salvation as per divine assurance.
I have
seen Hindus hanging a picture of their favorite deities in the car and start
even if they were to die on the road by an unexpected accident this prayer will
be heard and they will attain salvation! That is the divine assurance in Gita.
So swami
Chidananda of Paramartha Niketan has his customary MM advice for this week:
"With the
blessings and the grace of God, every moment of every day can be Liberation. In
a rat race, you are always a rat. Even if you win the race, you are still a
rat. The point of life is to live with Grace, not in a race. Yes, we must
perform our duties. Yes, we must try to succeed in whatever way we are able.
But, we must live in Grace, not in a Rat Race! That is the point of a divine
life.
We should take the divine life of Bhakta Prahlad as an example. Lord Vishnu offered him anything. What did he ask for? What boon did he request from God? He said, “Regardless of where I take birth, regardless of what form I come in – be it a scorpion, an insect, a tree, an animal or a man – the form and the place and the circumstances are irrelevant to me. I only ask that, in whatever form I take future births, please bestow upon me the blessing of undying devotion for Your holy feet.” The only thing he wanted was to live his life with the divine nectar of bhakti filling every pore of his body. He wanted to be completely saturated with love for God. This is the point of life."
We should take the divine life of Bhakta Prahlad as an example. Lord Vishnu offered him anything. What did he ask for? What boon did he request from God? He said, “Regardless of where I take birth, regardless of what form I come in – be it a scorpion, an insect, a tree, an animal or a man – the form and the place and the circumstances are irrelevant to me. I only ask that, in whatever form I take future births, please bestow upon me the blessing of undying devotion for Your holy feet.” The only thing he wanted was to live his life with the divine nectar of bhakti filling every pore of his body. He wanted to be completely saturated with love for God. This is the point of life."
Comments:
Many thanks, I
read it thrice! Even when Bhaktas
meditate, OM is there.
--B.C.
Nair
Please
recall the sloka in the Mahalakshmi Ashtottaram: Navadurgaam mahaakaleem brahma-vishnu-sivaatmikam|
Trikaalajnaana-sampannaam namaami Bhuvanesvareem || As usual Hindus do not have any common
ground in performing rituals and
worships as directed by Vedas, “sanghacchadvam
samvadadvam samaanamakootih” though
some practice with all seriousness and many do casually participate on
such occasions. This can be clearly seen in the International Hindu gatherings
in Hindu Temples. While Bengalis of Hindu origin focus on Navadurga, Hindus of
South Indian origin focus on the worship of Trinities, Durga-Lakshmi-Sarasvati,
three days each being dedicated to them during Sarad Navaratri. Ganesha worship
during Navaratri and the related stories in Bengal is a later thought as there
is no mention of Ganesha among Navadugas. There is also no mention of Ganesha
in Ramayana. Only Skanda- mata is
worshiped and not Parvatiputra Ganesha. It is obvious Devi Mahatmyam is an
ancient text and therefore does not include mythical Ekadantam Vinayakam of
later days. Anyhow Tamils have avoided
the controversy by dedicating first 3 days to Durga, next 3 days to Lakshmi and
last three days to Sarasvati in Navartri or Kolu. There seems to be general
agreement on Vijayadasami. While South celebrates Rama Pattabhishekam, North
celebrates the winning of war by burning effigies of Ravana, Kumbhakarna and
Indrajit. Bengalis also celebrate killing of Mahishasura as Durga destroying
the Evil. I
take this opportunity to send you a very rare hymn
on Goddess Devi by Lord Narayana taken from Srimad Devi Bhagavatam, Skandha 3,
and Chapter 4. In this hymn Lord Narayana mentions that the basic vital force
of the Trinity is Goddess Shakti. Here is the description of Navadurgas.
SHAILAPUTRI
Shailaputri
First Manifestation of Durga
Navaratri begins with a night of
worship and celebration in honor of Durga's avatar Shailaputri, whose name
means "daughter of the mountains." Also known as Sati Bhavani,
Parvati, or Hemavati, she is the daughter of Hemavana, the king of the
Himalayas. Shailaputri is considered to be the purest embodiment of Durga
and the mother of nature. In
iconography, she is depicted riding a bull and holding a trident and a lotus
blossom. The lotus represents purity and devotion, while the prongs on the
trident represent the past, present, and future. The day Navratri begins is
marked by the ritual Ghatasthapana which is performed to invoke the energy of
the Goddess Durga.
BRAHMACHARI
Brahmachari,
Second Manifestation of Durga
On the second day of Navaratri,
Hindus worship Brahmacharini, whose
name means "one who practices devout austerity." Brahmacharini is the unmarried maiden form of the Goddess Pavrati.
She undertook great penance to get Lord Shiva to marry her and she is
associated with pious strictness. She
enlightens us in the magnificent embodiment of Durga with great powers and
divine grace. Brahmacharini holds a rosary in her right hand, representing the
special Hindu prayers recited in her honor, and a water utensil in her left
hand, symbolizing marital bliss. Hindus believe she endows happiness, peace,
prosperity, and grace upon all devotees who worship her. She is the way to
emancipation, called Moksha.
CHANDRAGHANTA
Chandragrantha
, Third Manifestation of Durga
Chandraghanta is the third
manifestation of Durga, representing peace, tranquility, and prosperity in
life. On this day the goddess is worshipped as the married form of Goddess
Pavrati. Her name is derived from the chandra (half-moon) in her
forehead in the shape of a ghanta (bell). Chandraghanta is charming, has
a golden bright complexion, and rides a lion. Like Durga, Chandraghanta has
multiple limbs, usually 10, each holding a weapon, and three eyes. She is
all-seeing and ever-vigilant, ready to battle evil from whatever direction.
KUSHMANDA
Kushmanda,
Fourth Manifestation of Durga.
Kushmanda is the fourth form of the
mother goddess, and her name means "creator of the universe," for she
is the one who brought light to the dark cosmos. The goddess lived inside the sun and is believed to have
created the universe, giving it light and energy. Like other manifestations of
Durga, Kushmanda has multiple limbs (usually eight or 10), in which she holds
weapons, glitter, a rosary, and other holy objects. The glitter is particularly
significant because it represents the sparkling light that she brings to the
world. Kushmanda rides a lion, symbolizing
strength and courage in the face of
adversity.
SKANMDAMATA
Durga's
Fifth Manifestation, Skandamata
Skandamata is the mother of Skanda
or Lord Kartikeya, who was chosen by gods as their commander-in-chief in the
war against the demons. She is worshipped on the fifth day of Navaratri.
Emphasizing her pure and divine nature. Skanda Mata is seated on a lotus, and
she has four arms and three eyes. She holds the infant Skanda in her right
upper arm and a lotus in her right hand, which is slightly raised upward. With
her left arm, she grants blessings to the Hindu faithful, and she holds a
second lotus in her left hand.
KATYAYINI
Katyayini,
Sixth Manifestation of Durga
Katyayani
is
worshipped on the sixth day of Navaratri. Like Kalaratri, who is worshipped
on the following night, Katyayani is a fearsome sight, with wild hair and 18
arms, each clutching a weapon. Katyayani,
is the form of Goddess Pavrati that morphs into to fight and destroy the
buffalo demon Mahishasura and this day represents the warrior form of the
goddess. Born in a fit of divine rage and anger, she emits a radiant light from
her body from which darkness and evil cannot hide. Despite her appearance,
Hindus believe that she can bestow a sense of calm and inner peace upon all who
worship her. Like Kushmanda, Katyayani rides a lion, ready at all times to
confront evil.
KALARTATRI
Kalaratri,
Seventh Manifestation of Durga.
Durga is worshipped in the Kalaratri form, or the dark night. Kalaratri
is also known as Shubhamkari; her name means "one who does
good". She is a fearsome-looking deity, with a dark complexion, disheveled
hair, four arms, and three eyes. Lightning issues from the necklace she
wears and flames shoot from her mouth. Like Kali, the goddess who destroys
evil, Kaal Ratri has black skin and is worshipped as a protector of the
faithful, one to be both honored and feared. In her left hand, she holds a vajra,
or spiked club, and a dagger, both of which she uses to fight the forces of evil.
Her right hands, meanwhile, beckon to the faithful, offering them protection
from darkness and allaying all fears.
MAHAGAURI
Mahagauri, Eighth Manifestation of Durga.
Mahagauri
is the younger version of Shailputri who had
fair and perfect complexion. She represents beauty, grace and the cleansing of
sins. Mahagauri is worshipped on the eighth day of Navaratri. Her name,
which means "extremely white," refers to her luminous beauty, which
radiates from her body. Hindus believe that by paying homage to Maha Gauri, all
past, present, and future sins will be washed away, imparting a deep sense of
inner peace. She wears white clothes, has four arms, and rides on a bull, one
of the most sacred animals in Hinduism. Her right hand is in the pose of
allaying fear, and her right lower hand holds a trident. The left upper hand
holds a damaru (a small tambourine or drum) while the lower one is
thought to grant blessings to her devotees.
SIDDHIDATRI
Siddhidatri,
Ninth Manifestation of Durga.
Goddess Durga is worshipped as Siddhidatri who embodies all eight
siddhis – the supernatural powers. She granted Lord Shiva the powers when he
worshipped her and it is believed that she will also bestow them onto her
devotees. Siddhidatri is the final form of Durga, celebrated on the final
night of Navaratri. Her name means "giver of supernatural power," and
Hindus believe she bestows blessings upon all deities and devotees of the
faith. Siddhidatri grants wisdom and insight to those who appeal to her, and
Hindus believe that she can do the same for deities who worship her as well.
Like some of Durga's other manifestations, Siddhidatri rides a lion. She has
four limbs and carries a trident, a spinning disc called a Sudarshana
Chakra, conch, shell, and a lotus. The conch, called a shankha, represents
longevity, while the spinning disc symbolizes the soul or timelessness.
--September
22, 2019
Comments:
Thank
you! I wish I had it 2 days ago. Anyway, thank you for sending it. It is good.
--Ratna D
This is
very educational
--Bindu Schroff
MANTRAS FOR MASS
CHANT, MEDITATION AND HOMA
Mantras
are meant for Meditation. Why Mantras, not Slokas or Bhajans?
Meditation gets us back
in touch with our true, divine nature and the deepest core of our being. In
meditation, all borders, boundaries, and separation between ourselves and the
universe begin to disappear. We begin to realize the inherent oneness of all
beings and all of creation. There is a famous mantra that says “So hum.” It
means: “I am that. I am one with the universal energy. I am part and parcel of
all that exists. I am one with God.” Through meditation, we catch a glimpse of
that realization.
“Worshipers of the
celestial gods take birth among the celestial gods, worshipers of the
ancestors go to the ancestors, worshipers of ghosts take birth among such
beings, and My devotees come to Me alone.” says Gita.
Yaanti deva-vrataan devaan pitru yaanti pitru-vrataah | bhootaani yaanti bhootejyaa yanti mad-yaajino maam || 9-25 ||
In 9-24 Gita says: “aham hi sarvayajnaanaam bhoktaa cha
prabhureva cha -- For it is only the Supreme that is ultimately the
recipient of all forms of worship, and the dispenser of rewards thereof. The
word Yajna means acts of worship, (yaj pujyam), including offering of
oblations in a fire. The usual standards of worship specify the deity who is
worshiped and also offerings made; in this case, the Supreme Spirit is neither
kept in mind by the worshiper, nor in contemplation in the procedure adopted.
In this verse 9-25, Gita
explains the implications of worshiping different entities by revealing the
varieties of destinations attained. Devotees can only be elevated
to the level of the entity they worship. To reach the highest level of
spiritual evolution we must worship the Supreme.
The worshipers of Indra
(the rain god), Surya (the sun god), Kubera (the god of wealth), Agni (the god
of fire), etc. go to the celestial abodes. Then, when their account of
good karmas gets depleted, they are sent back from heaven. The Pitars are the ancestors. It is good to
harbor thoughts of gratefulness toward them, but undue concern with their
welfare is detrimental. Those who engage in the ancestor worship go to
the abodes of their ancestors after death. Those in the mode of ignorance
worship ghosts and spirits. In the Western world, there is witchcraft; in
Africa, there is black magic; in India, there are vāma-marga tāntrics, who invoke ghosts and
spirits. Persons who indulge in such things take birth among
ghosts and spirits in their next life.
The highest devotees are
those who attach their minds to the Supreme Divine Personality. The
word vrata means resolve and undertaking. Such
fortunate souls, who firmly resolve to worship God and engage steadfastly in
His devotion, go to His divine Abode after birth.
To attach our minds to
the Supreme Divine Personality we need most effective Mantras. Mahanarayana
Upanishad prescribes Trisuparna Mantras suggesting feeding of many Vedic scholars,
entertaining and honoring them, chanting together these Mantras, conducting
Homa (fire sacrifice).
By group chanting in Vedic Assembly (Vedaghoshthi), conducting Homa (fire sacrifices) and meditating in
that divine atmosphere in seclusion or meditating in a cool and calm place as
individuals we can attach our minds to the Supreme Divine Personality.
In Vedic
culture our Rishis sat together with the Yajamana or performer) and conducted
such rituals, setting guidelines for us. Hindu American Temples should identify
such mantras and conduct the rituals periodically for the benefit of humanity
and to bring all traditions together. Please note what Vedas say:
Sangacchadhvam sam
vadadhvam sam vo manaamsi jaanataam / devaa bhaagam yathaa purve sanjanaana
upaasate // (X-191-20)
Come together! Speak
together! Let our minds be all of one accord like the Rishis (divines) that
sat together in the past in harmony to worship.
Over a decade we have been
focused on knowing the Brahman how to reach him and realize him. In the process
we joined our Rishis who raised their voices to the Unknown bogged down with
fear and anxiety; “asato maa sadgamaya, tamaso maa jyotir gamaya, mrityor
maa amritam gamaya”. Swami Chidananda has been guiding us with his wisdom
quotes from Upanishads and elaborate explanations that I have been
communicating you the latest being the topic on Nature of Brahman’.
These wisdom thoughts are: Vedanta vijnnaanena
atmaanam vedayati- one knows the Self by the science of Vedanta; aatmanaa
vindate veeryam--one gets spiritual strength by turning to inter-net of
Self; anritam aatmanaa jugupset-get rid of all false and evil things
from Self; Om ityekaaksharam Brahma--Brahman is the
monosyllable Om; Om ityaatmanam Yunjeeta--Concentrate your thoughts on
supreme uttering the syllable Om; Om anusmaran tyajan deham--
while dying utter the word Om and leave; Om tad Brahma, tad atma, tat
sathyam tad amritam Tad sarvam--Om is Brahman, that is Self, that is
Truth, that is the Immortal One, that is everything.
Vedas say; Sanyasayogaat suddhasattvaah yatayah
paramuchyanti sarve--Sanyasis are firmly
established in the science of Upanishads, embodiment of good nature and
practice Sanyas yoga and so get liberated. Also Vedas prescribe three Da for
becoming sattvik- Dama, Daya, Dana--Constrain, Compassion and
Charity.
Sarve here has special
significance. Vedas again say Sangacchadhvam sam vadadhvam … sanjanaana
upaasate--Rishis sat together, spoke together and worshipped together in
harmony-- that calls for not to be selfish and take the society with them as
some modern Gurus emphasize today. That fulfills the
obligation Vedas dictate: krinvanto viswamaryam-- ennoble the
whole society and to recognize Aatmavat sarva bhooteshu--the same Self
abides in all.
What is needed then in the end is a proper Mantra for Worship,
Sacrifice and Meditation. Here Vedas strongly recommend three gold-winged
Trisuparna Mantras. I am therefore presenting you the same with appropriate
explanation in my next E-mail. Mantras are more powerful than
slokas as they are backed up by a Rishi, Chandas (Vedic prosody) and Devata.
--September
21, 2019
Comments:
Quantum Physics -------- What
all we see or do not see are the mere
reflections of our own mirror images. We are in them and they are in
us. Mey Naasthi Kinjana, Adava Mey
Sarvam. You put so many things in a small basket. You
must have seen God. You must have spoken with God. God bless you.
--Prof. G.Nagarajan
Celebrating Mahatma
Gandh’s 150th Birthday on Inter-national Day of Peace
Every
year on 21 September, the United Nations calls on all nations and people to put
down their weapons and reaffirm their commitment to living in harmony with one
another. This year’s timely theme “Climate Action for Peace” brings a clear
message: the global climate emergency is a threat to security and stability. As
coastal areas and degraded inland areas are becoming uninhabitable, millions of
people are being forced to seek safety and better lives elsewhere. With extreme
weather events and disasters becoming more frequent and severe, disputes over
dwindling resources risk fueling climate-related conflict. It is not just
remote islands whose future is in jeopardy. What is happening in the East and
Far East is a sign of what is in store for all humankind. Urgent climate action
is a global imperative.
While
the East is facing climate crisis that has drawn the attention of United
Nations Hindu Americans in the West are worried over the Cultural Crisis and
the Crisis of Religions and the killings and fights taking place the name of
religions and races. More than 2,750 people were killed when two passenger jets
destroyed the Twin Towers in New York on September 11, 2001. While another jet
slammed into the Pentagon, a fourth jet crashed in a field in Pennsylvania
after those on board tried to overpower the hijackers.
Recalling
the horror of 9/11 Nashville Ganesha Temple, where I live, has arranged a
special event dedicated to peace/Ahimsa in commemoration of Mahatma Gandhi’s
150th Birthday and Swami Vivekananda’s lightning speech 125 years ago on
9/11The theme of the special Event “Is Peace Possible in this culture of
Violence”.
Good
Lord provided the world to us with around peace as we understand from our
shanti prayers:
Dyauh Saantih
antariksham saantih prithvee saantih aapah saantih oshadhyah saantih
vanaspatayah saantih viswedevaah saantih brhma saantih sarvam saantih
saantireva saantih saa maa saantiredhi
|| (Veda)
There
is peace in the heavenly region; there is peace in the atmosphere; peace reigns
on the earth; there is coolness in the water; the medicinal herbs are healing;
the plants give tranquility; there is harmony in the celestial objects and
perfection in eternal knowledge; everything in the universe is peaceful; peace
pervades everywhere! May that peace come to me!
[Thus
good Lord established the Universe with all round peace. In turn it is our
Dharma to preserve that peace all around]
If
this is not there today we only as human beings are responsible for its
Tsunami!
As
usual with Hindu culture we first rush to the temple to raise our voices to the
Supreme and then engage ourselves in working for peace and harmony! There are
also appropriate Veda mantras here and one that is most appropriate is
Trisuparna mantras for Homa and Prayer in the holy month of Bhadraprada and
ideally suited for September 21. I will deal with it at length this weekend. In
a recent address while inaugurating the Ramakrishna Vedanta Study Circle in
Nashville Swami Sarvadevandaji opened the session with a portion of this
Trisuparna Mantra as follows but did not explain it further in his speech being
an invocation mantra;
viśvāni deva
savitarduritāni parāsuva | yadbhadraṁ
tanmama āsuva
madhu-vātā ṛtāyate madhukṣaranti
sindhavaḥ | mādhvīrnaḥ
santvoṣadhīḥ || madhu naktamutoṣasi
madhumatpārthivaɱ
rajaḥ | madhudyaurastu naḥ
pitā
madhumānno
vanaspatirmadhumāɱ
astu sūryaḥ
| mādhvīrgāvo bhavantu naḥ
O
God, O Creator, turn away from me all the sins! Bring to me that which is
beneficial to me, who is the devotee of the Supreme Truth! Let the wind blow
sweetly! Let there be sweetness day and night! Let the particles of the earth
be sweetness- bearing! Let heaven, our father, be sweet to us!. Let the rivers
run sweetly. Let the herbs be sweet and beneficial to us! Let the cows bear
sweet milk to us!
I
hope the special Event “Is Peace Possible in this culture of Violence” will
also begin with this prayer having been planned in the Temple atmosphere!
Here
is what Tulsi Gabbard, a Presidential candidate has to say:
“India
is the world’s largest democracy and one of the United States most important
partners in the Asia Pacific region. Our two nations must continue to work
closely together if we are to address the pressing issues that impact us and
the world—issues like combating climate change, preventing nuclear war and
nuclear proliferation, and improving the economic well-being of our people.
So
as we build a strong and lasting partnership between our two nations, focusing
on areas of economic growth, wealth and opportunity inequality, science,
health, the environment, security, and counter-terrorism, we can bring about
the ideal of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam—recognizing
that everyone on our planet, we are all one family. There is no place for hate,
or bigotry, ignorance and prejudice.”
--September 20, 2019
9/11,
A
DAY TO REMEMBER, COME TOGETHER AND RAISE OUR VOICES TO THE SUPREME PRAYIING FOR
UNIVERSAL ONENESS AND PEACE
Vijnaanaananda Conceived and
Vivekananda Delivered
It is a
well-known fact that 125 years ago on 11th September 1893, Swami
Vivekananda proclaimed India’s Spiritual, cultural and intellectual
greatness at the World Parliament of Religions in Chicago contributing to
human progress and Universal Oneness to live in Peace but not in Pieces.
Narendra
Dutta pressing the Inner-net Button turned himself a Vijnaani and started practicing and preaching Rama Krishna Vedanta
in his role Vivekananda.
Vivekananda
reached Kanyakumari on 24 December 1892 and meditated for three days at a
stretch, from 25 December to 27 December, on a large mid-sea rock, on aspects
of India's past, present and future. There he reportedly had a "vision
of one India" and took the resolve to dedicate his life for the
service of humanity.
He then walked from Dharmakshetra and journeyed to
Kurukshetras to propagate his mission, with the slogan Uttishthata
Jaagrata-- Arise Awake (spiritually)
Swami Vivekananda spoke about the importance of abolishing
fanaticism in all forms, during his Chicago speech in 1893.
On
September 11, 1893, Swami Vivekananda represented India and Hinduism at the
Parliament of the World’s Religions. Held from September 11 to 27, in the Holy
month of Bhadrapada known for 3c’s constraints, Compassion and Charity that
year. This was the first Parliament of the World’s Religions, and
delegates from all over the world had joined this Parliament.
Swami
Vivekananda spoke about the importance of abolishing fanaticism in all forms, a
relevant issue in the world, especially our country which is not only one of
the oldest, but is also one of the youngest in terms of the population.
Vivekananda had received a standing ovation for two minutes after his speech
which went on to establish him as the greatest figure in the Parliament of
World Religions and India as the mother of religions.
The whole text of the speech:
Chicago,
September 11, 1893
Sisters
and Brothers of America,
It fills
my heart with joy unspeakable to rise in response to the warm and cordial
welcome which you have given us. I thank you in the name of the most ancient
order of monks in the world; I thank you in the name of the mother of
religions, and I thank you in the name of millions and millions of Hindu people
of all classes and sects.
My
thanks, also, to some of the speakers on this platform who, referring to the
delegates from the Orient, have told you that these men from far-off nations
may well claim the honor of bearing to different lands the idea of toleration.
I am proud to belong to a religion which has taught the world both tolerance
and universal acceptance. We believe not only in universal toleration, but
we accept all religions as true. I am proud to belong to a nation which has
sheltered the persecuted and the refugees of all religions and all nations of
the earth. I am proud to tell you that we have gathered in our bosom the
purest remnant of the Israelites, who came to southern India and took refuge
with us in the very year in which their holy temple was shattered to pieces by
Roman tyranny. I am proud to belong to the religion which has sheltered and is
still fostering the remnant of the grand Zoroastrian nation. I will quote to
you, brethren, a few lines from a hymn which I remember to have repeated from
my earliest boyhood, which is every day repeated by millions of human beings:
“As the different streams having their sources in different paths which men
take through different tendencies, various though they appear, crooked or
straight, all lead to Thee.”
yathā
nadyaḥ syandamānāḥ samudreഽstaṃ gacchanti nāmarūpe vihāya;
tathā vidvān nāmarupādvimuktaḥ parātparaṃ puruṣamupaiti divya ( Mundaka 3.2.8)
tathā vidvān nāmarupādvimuktaḥ parātparaṃ puruṣamupaiti divya ( Mundaka 3.2.8)
The
present convention, which is one of the most august assemblies ever held, is in
itself a vindication, a declaration to the world of the wonderful doctrine
preached in the Gita: “Whosoever comes to Me, through whatsoever
form, I “Whosoever comes to Me, through whatsoever form, I reach him; all men
are struggling through paths which in the end lead to me.” reach him; all men
are struggling through paths which in the end lead to me.”Ye yathaa maam
prapadyante taamstathaiva bhajaamyaham; Mama vartmaanuvartante manushyaah
paartha sarvashah (BG 411)
Sectarianism,
bigotry, and its horrible descendant, fanaticism, have long possessed this
beautiful earth. They have filled the earth with violence, drenched it often
and often with human blood, destroyed civilization and sent whole nations to
despair. Had it not been for these horrible demons, human society would be far
more advanced than it is now. But their time is come; and I fervently hope that
the bell that tolled this morning in honor of this convention may be the
death-knell of all fanaticism, of all persecutions with the sword or with the
pen, and of all uncharitable feelings between persons wending their way to the
same goal. His speech is still Valid today as people have still Awakened and are
not ready to Arise!
Swami Vivekananda's speech at the first Parliament
of the World's Religions in Chicago is considered among his most significant
contributions to the world - so much so that a three-day world conference was
organized to commemorate his 150th Birth Day in 2012.
Another
Narendra, Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tributes to the victims of
9/11 on September 11, 2019 and remembered the 'historic' speech of Swami
Vivekananda that was delivered in Chicago on this day in 1893.
"11th September...two contrasting images come
to the mind. Today we pray tributes to all those who lost their lives in
gruesome 9/11 attacks. On this day in 1893, Swami Vivekananda delivered his
historic speech in Chicago & won many hearts & minds," Prime Minister
Modi said in a series of tweets. He said Swami Vivekananda's speech in Chicago
demonstrated the strength of India's rich culture and the power of universal
brotherhood and harmony. More than 2,750 people were killed when two
passenger jets destroyed the Twin Towers in New York on September 11, 2001.
While another jet slammed into the Pentagon, a fourth jet crashed in a field in
Pennsylvania after those on board tried to overpower the hijackers.”
Philosophically
thinking of all these three world events extending from Vivekananda Rock to
Chicago we have a great message of Vedanta. The timing of the 9/11 Memorial and
commemoration of 125 years of Vivekananda’s Speech seems to be divine
willed for all of us to come together and raise our voices to the
Supreme; Asato maa sadgamaya tamaso maa jyotirgamaya mrityor maa jyotir
gamayaa-- Lead us from Ignorance to Knowledge, from Darkness to Light and
from Death to Immortality. It also reminds us that we should be srotavyah,
mantavyah, vaadavyah-`like Vivekananda--Listen to our Inner voice pressing
the button, meditating and then propagating for charity begins at home. Suddhasatvaah
yatayah sanyasyogaat parmuchyanti sarve--With self-purification
saints practicing Yoga lead all to the Supreme abode thus telling us to follow their example. Sanghacchadvam
samvadadvam samanmakkotih….. Come together, speak together and worship
together promoting Universal Oneness. Pray for the departed souls in the holy
Month practicing Constraints, Charity and Compassion.
--September
19, 2019
Comments:
Thanks
for this message. Truly enlightening. Swami Vivekananda's message is more
relevant today than at any time before. We have become so intolerant!
--A.S. Narayana
HINDU REFLECTIONS REACHES 600, 000 PAGES OF READING BY BLOGGERS ON
SEPTEMBER 15, 2019
Among the 14 topics, 5 topics attracted major interest among the
top 10 ten topics, interest on knowing about Samskaras leading the
rest. Other interests lie on rituals, Upanishads and Gita, Hindu Gods and
Goddesses, Meaning of Mantras we employ in worship and rituals, spiritual
topics, Hindu American Festivals celebrated in Temples and special topics on
Hinduism not usually explained. There is thus all round interest in
all the topics covered. It is interesting that major interest is shown
by India even though such information is available in plenty
to them followed by USA to whom these discourses were directed. My collection
of all E-mails sent to HR Participants and posting them periodically in the new
section of recent postings "Thought of the Day" has
become very popular with Blog Readers. They are also being posted on Face Book.
They help all those busy American participants who often miss my long E-MAILS
sent every busy week-end for a later leisurely reading. Why can't they be
short and crisp? I have my limitations to contribute further by way of
discourses, that is reaching a huge number of 400. I am avoiding typing
too much as discourses and my candle is also burning out! and hence long
E-mails! Anybody can develop them to full article having the detailed
introduction to the discourse material.
Please see the top ten countries active with HR. May be that
is where the Hindu concentration is? Russia’s continuance in
third place and Ukraine’s interest surprises us! The analysis reveals
where the need and interest of Hindu community and others attracted to
Hinduism lies to enlighten the Hindu community in USA better. It is also
surprising that there was not a single adverse comment and all appreciations
including from the spiritual Gurus, religious pundits, Vedic scholars and
philanthropists on my participants list. I am honored and
humbled. I am happy to have opened the minds of a cross section of
people round the globe to the study our scriptures and spiritually progress. I
thank the Intelligence for its guidance from behind, for
I know my limitations; that had also helped me too to get rid
of some of my ignorance in the process. I was surprised by
three comments received from New Zealand, India and Argentina. .
The following few comments
encourage me and obligate me too, to continue with my work though my computer
skills and arthritis affected fingers do not oblige as much as my mind
does. I often make mistakes disturbed by surroundings and it is so nice of you
that none has corrected me except myself!
Please let me know how I
can serve the global Hindu community further in promoting spirituality and
Universal Oneness. Please do not hesitate to write to me. Remember 40% of once
religious followers today in this country say they are Spiritual but not
religious (SBNR). Eternal Tradition had no religious walls and Vivekananda
rightly proclaimed Vedanta is the Religion of the Future
addressing the World Gathering of Religions in Chicago
125 years ago which was greatly applauded. Surprisingly September 11
which is also our National remembrance day to pay tributes to the departed
souls on 9/11 in 2011 is the day on which this historic day is
celebrated. Wish you all happy Holiday Season and Spiritual Progress
to contribute Peace, Harmony and Happiness in the World while thanking you for
your continued interest!
“Srinivasan Nadipuram does extensive research by referring to Vedas, Upanishads and
many other important scriptures etc., and my own observation is that nothing he
writes is here-say. It is hours and hours of painstaking research and writing
the most. comprehensive articles. Blessings to you Mahatmas.
I have read a few blogs and told my disciples to refer to your blogs for
reading on certain Concepts. The way you write is easy to grasp and the grip on
any topic shows your depth and understanding is profound.
-- Spiritual Leader Sree
Maa from New Zealand”
*I glanced at the 27 page document you have created, giving a
nice introduction to the topic and then commenting on and elaborating upon the
ten pointers that I had supplied on Retired Life, Guidance from Gita. I
very much appreciate the number of enhanced explanations that you have
supplied, drawing from Gayatri Mantra, Swami Sureshananda etc. You are indeed
practicing YUDHYASVA VIGATAJVARAH, the Lord's advice in the Gita
(3.30). Your spiritual sharing has been valuable to a very large number of
people. The wide range of topics you cover has been unparalleled.
Happy to take a look
at your valuable comments on Appayya Deekshitar and the circumstances when he
wrote / sang the ātmārpana-stuti. Your patience, perseverance and undying inspiration behind all
this sharing is terrific.May Lord Almighty bless you in all possible ways, sir!
--Swami Chidananda”
*I find wonderful and great insight from you in your blog posts.
I am now living in South America. I’m a “devout” reader of J.
Krishnamurti for last 10 years. From my understanding of these teachings, I
don’t subscribe to any tradition or ideology. But at the same time, I find
profound and timeless truth in many paths. I feel fortunate and extremely happy
to have found Sanatana Dharma. Another source of inspiration for me continues
to be the Tao Te Ching..
I don’t remember exactly how, but I ended up reading Sankara’s
Vivekachudamani, and Swami Chinmayananda’s talks on this. Also I’ve been
reading Swami Chidananda - his connection to K, and to know he reads your blog
and you both have collaborated in scholarly and spiritual traditions... makes
me smile with extreme gratitude and love at life for pointing me in this
direction.
Your body of work is a great gift to others, and I only hope to
grasp at least parts of it so that I live the positive effects of the awareness
coming from self-knowledge.
I was just reading one of your discourses I had saved, about
Unitarianism Universalism (UU). Reminds me a bit of the brotherhood of
theosophy that united many/all beliefs. I think this is positive for mankind,
since leaves no room for discrimination, racism etc. How can one measure
the instincts and objectives of fellow man if one never fully knows oneself?
Many things unanswerable I think, only a silent mind can see with clarity.
--Gerard Janetzko from Latin America gerard.janetzko@gmail.com
SUBJECTS COVERED BY THE BLOG
A.
HINDU FESTIVALS
B.
HINDU RITUALS
C.
HINDU SAMSKAARAS
D.
DISCOURSES ON UPANISHADS AND BHAGAVAD GITA
E. HINDU
GODS AND GODDESSES
F. YAJNA,
HOMA AND SELECTED MANTRAS IN HINDU WORSHIP
G.
HINDU PHILOSOPHY AND PHILOSOPHERS
H.
TEMPLE, TEMPLE WORSHIP AND PILGRIM CENTERS
I.
HINDU CULTURE
J.
DISCOURSES ON SELECTED TOPICS OF HINDUISM
K. SELECTED
HINDU SPIRITUAL DISCOURSES
L.
TOPICS ON HINDU AMERICAN’S INTERACTION WITH MAJOR CULTURE OF USA
M.
HINDU AMERICAN HOLIDAY CELEBRATIONS
N.
THOUGHTS OF THE DAY—QUARTERLY REPORTING OF E-MAILS TO PARTICIPANTS
TOP TEN PERCENT POPULAR DISCOURSES
HINDU VIEWS ON CONCEPTION AND CHILD-BIRTH &
NISHEKA KARMa (C)
SOME VEDa MANTRAS USED IN HINDU RITUALS AND
WORSHIPS (F)
HINDU RITES FOR THE DECEASED PARENTS AND ANCESTORS
(C) -
HINDU REFLECTIOS ON ECLIPSES AND BLOOD MOON (J)
NAVAGRAHA DEVATAS—NINE HINDU DEITIES OF SOLAR SYSTEM
(E)
KNOW THE DEITY OF YOUR BIRTHSTAR IN VEDIC ASTROLOGY
(J)
MANTRAS &HYMNS FOR TEMPLE AND HOME WORSHIP OF
HINDU
(F)
THE VEDIC HYMN THAT HYPNOTIZED THE WORLD GATHERING
(J)
SANI PEYARCHI—SATURN’S TRANSIT THROUGH
THE BIRTH-CHARTS (J)
UPANISHADS—THEIR BASIC THOUGHTS AND TEACHINGS
(D)
VISITORS OF BLOG COUNTRY-WISE AND NO OF PAGES
READ
India 230387
United STATES 187 516
Russia 46861
Malaysia 10253
UNITED KINGDom 10009
FRANCE 7845
CANADA 5731
Singapore 4246
AusTRALIA 3646
Ukraine 3085
September 18, 2019
Comments:
A huge milestone, dear Srini! I am very
happy that your profound work and sharing of these teachings, continues to
inspire so many. I have no doubt that this truth will lead to a better life and
relationships in the world.
--Gerard
Janetzko from Argentina
I am delighted to learn about the response
to your blogs from various parts of the world. You do have a unique style
that gets into the heart of the matter. You are truly doing a great service to
the worldwide Hindu community and in brining awareness of Hinduism to readers
from other faiths. My best wishes to
you for your good health so that you can continue this wonderful work as long
as possible! Hard
sustained work has paid off! Amazing to see people from far away Ukraine, Russia,
etc., where Hindu population may be nonexistent- reading these blogs with so
much interest.
--A.
S. Narayana
Congrats
Srinivasa! I am following your blog regularly.
--Kadambi
Ranganathan
What
Ancient India DNA Shows
INDIA,
September 8, 2018 (YouTube report by NewsX): A newly published paper reports
that the skeletal remains of a 5,000 year-old-woman from around 2800 BC were
recently found at a Harappan site. Miraculously, one bone from the inner ear
held usable DNA. The DNA was found to be unique to the Indian Subcontinent.
This finding disputes the common theory that the original inhabitants of India
came from the West, but much more likely migrated to the West.
The
introduction of the original paper begins: We report an ancient genome from the
Indus Valley Civilization (IVC). The individual we sequenced fits as a mixture
of people related to ancient Iranians (the largest component) and Southeast
Asian hunter-gatherers, a unique profile that matches ancient DNA from 11
genetic outliers from sites in Iran and Turkmenistan in cultural communication
with the IVC. These individuals had little if any [Eurasian] Steppe
pastoralist-derived ancestry, showing that it was not ubiquitous in northwest
South Asia during the IVC as it is today. The Iranian-related ancestry in the
IVC derives from a lineage leading to early Iranian farmers, herders, and
hunter gatherers before their ancestors separated, contradicting the hypothesis
that the shared ancestry between early Iranians and South Asians reflects a
large-scale spread of western Iranian farmers east. Instead, sampled ancient
genomes from the Iranian plateau and IVC descend from different groups of
hunter-gatherers who began farming without being connected by substantial
movement of people.
For the
first time, scientists have sequenced the genome of a person from the Harappan
or Indus Valley Civilization, which peaked in today’s India-Pakistan border
region around 2600 to 1900 B.C. A trace amount of DNA from a woman in a
4,500-year-old burial site, painstakingly recovered from ancient skeletal
remains, gives researchers a window into one of the oldest civilizations in the
world. The work, along with a comprehensive analysis of ancient DNA across the
Eurasian continent, also raises new questions about the origins of agriculture
in South Asia.
The
ancient Harappan genome, sequenced and described in the journal Cell,
was compared to the DNA of modern South Asians, revealing that the people of
the IVC were the primary ancestors of most living Indians. Both modern South
Asian DNA and the Harappan genome have a telltale mixture of ancient Iranian
DNA and a smattering of Southeast Asian hunter-gatherer lineages.
"Ancestry like that in the IVC individuals is the primary ancestry source
in South Asia today,” co-author David Reich, a geneticist at Harvard Medical
School, said in a statement. “This finding ties people in South Asia today
directly to the Indus Valley Civilization.”
Dream Comes True: The Hindu Temple in The Hague is Finished after Years of Building
THE
HAGUE, NETHERLANDS, September 13, 2019 (Omroepwest, translated from Dutch):
The
Hindu temple in The Hague, which is said to be the largest on the European
mainland, is finally finished after 10 years. The opening is Saturday, but the
festive atmosphere can be felt everywhere in the building on Friday. Hindus in
colored robes sing and pray around a bowl of fire and perform their rituals in
the prayer room on the first floor. Downstairs there is cooking and vegetarian
dishes are ready for guests.
A dream
has come true," cries Pandit Suruj Biere. 'It is a multi-cultural,
spiritual, multi-functional, educational, cultural center and prayer room. The
intention is to be open to everyone on a daily basis. For example, on Tuesday
we hold senior meetings. For people who are home alone. We want to combat
loneliness so those people can come over. Everyone is welcome here."
--September 17, 2019
Comments:
Interesting
mama, thanks for sharing.
--Aparna Arcot
SEPTEMBER 2019 CALL TO
PROMOTE PEACE, CHARITY, ECO-FRIENDLINESS AND TO LIVE IN PEACE
Nashville
where I live in USA is known for its Musical harmony and Symphony and is called
the Music City of USA. It may also be called a City of Religious Harmony with
its plentitude of Churches of all denominations, Synagogues, Mosques, Hindu
Temples, Gurudwara and Buddhist monastery all practicing religions in
their own style but often meeting in United Religions’ Forum Discussions. Sri
Ganesha Temple in Nashville has planned the culmination of the Celebrations
of 150th Year of Mahatma Gandhi’s Birth Day with the theme “Towards
bringing Peace in the Culture of Violence.” It is also a divine coincidence
all these events are taking place in the Holy Hindu Month of Bhadrapada focused
on Mother Earth as Bhuvaneswari, or Universal Mother. In Hinduism Mother Earth
is glorified as Mother of all Mothers and the Power aspect of Supreme Being.
Being her children it is our duty to strive constantly for Peace on Earth
focused on Ecology to live in peace but not in pieces! Hindus also
come together in this Holy Month and raise their voices to the Supreme praying
for all the departed souls as Mahalaya Paksha also begins this month(All Souls
Day of Hindus) and at the same time remembering the 9/11 Calamity in
USA. On 9/11 in 1893 Swami Vivekananda set his foot on the USA
soil and boldly declared in the Forum of World Religions “Vedanta
is the Religion of the Future” promoting Universal Oneness.
This year United Nations celebrated the 125th year of the Landmark
of this historic event. It is also a strange coincidence we
are Celebrating International Peace Day on September 21ST. It
is also The Hindu fortnight for Charity Acts.
Let
us recall the Wisdom of Vedas in celebrating all these Memorable
Events:
Sangacchadhvam sam
vadadhvam sam vo manaamsi jaanataam/ devaa bhaagam yathaa purve sanjanaana upaasate // (X-191-20)
Come together! Speak
together! Let our minds be all of one accord like the divines that sat together
in the past in harmony to worship.
Aa no bhadrantu kratavo yantu visvatah--Let noble thoughts come
to us from every sides. Krinvanto viswamaaryam--Let us ennoble the world
Hindu Tarpana ritual ends with the
following Mantra:
Yeshaam na pitaa na bhraata na bhandu
naanya goetrinah | Te truptim akhilaa yaattu mayaa tyaktai kusai stilaih ||
[May
all the deceased who are neither my father, nor my brother, nor my
relative nor belonging to my Gotra (leniency), may get the satisfaction by this
water liberated by me through the medium of Kusa grass and sesame seeds! Thus
this is a Universal prayer which is also very common way to end all Hindu
prayers, praying for the welfare of all.]
Each
year the International Day of Peace is observed around the world on 21
September. The General Assembly has declared this as a day devoted to
strengthening the ideals of peace, both within and among all nations and
peoples.
To
commemorate
the International Day of Peace on the 21st of September, HH Pujya Swami Chidanand
Saraswatiji of Paramartha Niketan discusses the true meaning of peace
and ways through which it can be achieved:
“To truly work and plan for peace, we have to want it. This is
not as easy or as obvious as it may sound. I believe that 100 per cent of the
people in the world would say they want peace. Yet, ironically, our world is
being violently battered.
How can we all want peace and yet perpetrate war? The answer is
that we want peace, but only if it comes in the specific ‘peace-package’ that
we deem appropriate. We do not want peace at all costs. To bring peace in the
world, we have to be prepared to put peace first and our desires second. This
does not mean that we have to calmly stand aside while nations invade and
destroy us and our families and properties. It does mean, though, that we will
not invade others, regardless of how much we want something they possess.
Really wanting peace means that we have to be willing to sacrifice for the
greater good.
One of the mistakes we make in the peace-building process is
when we speak about ‘tolerating’ differences. However, implicit in the very
word ‘tolerance’ is the underlying assumption that we do not approve of that
which we are tolerating. Tolerance implies bearing something unpleasant.
Rather than tolerance, we should cultivate acceptance of
differences. Let us not begin the peace-building process on a foundation of
negativity. Let us switch from talk of tolerance to talk of acceptance. Let us
lay a positive foundation of mutual respect and acceptance. Let us work to
truly accept each other, despite differences in culture and creed, rather than
simply tolerate each other.
Another tragic flaw in the current peace-building processes is
the inherent sense of ‘us’ versus ‘them.’ We believe that we are working for
‘good’ and ‘right.’ No one who picks up a gun or a grenade or fires a missile
believes that he is in the wrong. Each believes God is on his side. We are so
focused on the differences between our cultures, nations, and religions
that we forget we are all brothers and sisters on this Earth. The similarities
between us far outweigh the differences, regardless of how deep or wide the
chasm between us may appear.
Therefore, the goal of peace-building is not to ascertain who is
right and who is wrong, or who is the holy-one, and who is the infidel. Rather,
it is to break the boundaries that separate us and to work for solutions that
address our basic human needs and aspirations.
The goal is to realize that every side in a war is ‘our side’
and that every bombed building is ‘our home.’ When we can truly cultivate
this feeling of oneness in our heart, then and only then can we really
begin working for lasting, unshakable peace in the world.”
Let us Make this September 21, a Special Religious
Event Day in Hindu Temples joining the churches and other religious
institutions, praying for departed souls, giving charity and promoting
awareness to preserve the pristine beauty of Mother Earth and raise
our voices to the Supreme to Live in Peace but not in Pieces!
Extract
from the speech of Minister of International Development Nikolai Astrup's
introduction at the celebration of the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma
Gandhi that began in 2018 and will end this year,
. “Mahatma
Gandhi spent a total of approximately five years in prison and was imprisoned
six times in South Africa and seven times in India.
He
was known for his devout Hindu faith, but he advocated respect and appreciation
for all faiths. He believed in, and argued for, the essential unity of all peoples
and all religions. He made powerful efforts to unite people across ethnic and
religious lines.
His
philosophy and devotion strongly inspired the human rights movement of the 20th
century. Today, this movement is under renewed pressure in all corners of the
world. In many cases, conflict still persists along religious and ethnic
lines, often within the borders of nation states.
Today,
Gandhi’s vision of an inclusive, secular India continues to be challenged,
despite India’s fundamentally multi-religious fabric.
In
this time of uncertainty and disruption, the celebration of Gandhi’s birthday
is a reminder of the continued relevance of his teachings and of their outmost
importance all over the world.
We
live in a time not only of uncertainty and disruption, but also a time where a
more aggressive and polarizing political rhetoric seems to be gaining ground.
Let us therefore remind ourselves of what Gandhi not only said, but also did. I
quote; “In a gentle way, you can shake the world”.
Gandhi’s
teachings also remind us that change often begins at the individual
level, and that we all, as human beings, have the capability to change the
world through peaceful activism.
Today,
we are celebrating a remarkable man, whose achievement should continue to
inspire us, both as leaders and individuals.”
Dyauh
Saantih antariksham saantih prithvee saantih aapah saantih oshadhyah saantih
vanaspatayah saantih viswedevaah saantih brhma saantih sarvam saantih
saantireva saantih saa maa saantiredhi || (Veda)
Good
lord sees--there is peace in the heavenly region; there is peace in the
atmosphere; peace reigns on the earth; there is coolness in the water; the
medicinal herbs are healing; the plants give tranquility; there is
harmony in the celestial objects and perfection in eternal knowledge;
everything in the universe is peaceful; peace pervades everywhere! May that
peace come to me!
[Thus
good Lord established the Universe with all round peace. In turn it is our
Dharma to preserve that peace all around]
--September 16, 2019
Comments:
Happy to note that USA is leading the
way for religious tolerance and coexistence! Something we in India should practice
and make a habit of.
‑‑A.S.Narayana
Very True!
--Vimala
Batra
LET US BE GUIDED BY
SCRIPTURES AND PARAMACHARYA SANKARACHARYA IN CONDUCTING MARRIAGES AND
KALYANOTSAVAS
Please recall my E-mail in
July 2019 that did not attract any serious thought and dismissed
lightly on Kalyanotsava. Our marriage sacrament should be inspired by the
detailed description of Vedic wedding described by Sage Valmiki and Vedas
and not based on what our religious pundits and Gurus have made it an elaborate
socio fun and frolic affair to a ridiculous level. I therefore thought it
necessary to bring to your attention a review of a Hindu Marriage by Jagadguru
Chandrsekahrendra Saraswati and his considered opinion that should be seriously
considered by our priests and religious authorities in conducting
Kalyanotsavas and solemnizing Hindu weddings in temples. We
should be guided by the Divine weddings described in our authoritative
scriptures and not force our ideas on God Himelf!
Gist of my previous E-mail on Sita-Rama
Kalyanotsava
Colorful Ksalyanotsava with
all fun and frolic celebration in South Indian Hindu Temples is an introduction
to temple tradition by the Tamil Culture. There are volumes of justification
for that and is also a rich source of income to temples and priests. Ardent
devotees dare not miss to attend such popular weddings, sponsor and
participate. Venkatesa-Padmavati, Sita-Rama, Siva-Parvati, Subhramaya-Devayanai
and Valli, Radha-Krishna weddings are the ones ceremoniously celebrated.
Nobody has ever questioned our religious pundits or learned priests on
all these things. I would not like to go into detail on all these weddings as
elaborated or not mentioned in Puranas but would like to deal with Sita-Rama
Kalyana as described in chapter 73 Balakanda of Srimad Ramayana of Valmiki.
Tamils have converted
devadundhubi heavenly trumpet announcement with light and sound to Gattimela.
But unfortunately there is no Mangalya dharana in Sita-Rama Wedding as learnt
from Ramayana. Sita was brought to the marriage canopy sarvaabharana-bhooshita
and there was no other jewelry bedecked on her after that. But
devotees blindly believe and wait for the auspicious time of
Mangaya dharana and would not like to miss paying their obeisance to Manngalya
that is taken around before tying by Rama. Often they offer gold Mangalya to
the deity seeking her favor for a happy married life that is not mentioned in
Ramayana (see Peryava comment)
There is no mention of Ganesha puja or Gowri puja in Valmiki
Ramayana. The Jaganntha who is the
family deity of Ikshvaku dynasty originated by Indrdyumna the Fourth descent in
solar dynasty that was later called Ikshvaku
Dynasty. There is nowhere mention of Ganesha in Valmiki Ramayana. Quote
from Balakanda: Viditam te maharaja
vasishthah bhagvaan rishih Ikshvaku kuladeivataam--the mention here is of the Family deity
that is Jagannatha (aaraadhaya Jagannatham Ikshvaku
kuladaivatam also stated later) who was only was worshiped. Probably wedding started with the worship of Kuladevata of
Ikshvaku dynasty. Also look into the instructions given to Dasaratha: Phalgunyamuttare raajam tasmin
vaivaahikam kuru | Pitrukaraya cha bhadram te tato vaivaahikam kuru |On the third day when the celebrated Uttara Phalguni
mansion is on the ascendant, perform the wedding ceremony. Worships which are
directed to ancestors to bring happiness in its wake (Nandi Sraaddha--rituals
to ancestors) should be made for the welfare of Srirama.
Please recall here the famous pasuram (hymn) in Tamil in Nacchiyar
Thirumozhi describing the scene of Lord Krishna’s wedding in
Dvaparayuga. There was also no magic sacred moment of “mangalyam
tantunanea” but only “Karatalam pattra”- holding of the palms
together:
“mattaLam koTTa variSangam ninRUda muttizhai dAmam niRaind-Azhnda
pandarkIzh maittunan nambi madhusUdanan vandu yen kaittalam paTRa kanA kaNDEn
tOzhi nAn”
t “I next saw (in my dream) under (kIzh) the canopy (pandal)
covered (niRaindAznda) with ropes (dAmam) encrusted (izhai) with pearls
(muttu), my cousin (maittunan), that perfect soul (nambi), the one who
destroyed (sUdanan) the demon madhu, come (vandu) and accept (paTRa) my
(yen) hand (kaittalam), to the accompaniment of drums (mattaLam) beating
(koTTa) and a line (vari) of conches (Sangam) being blown (ninRUda).”
It is therefore proper and sacred to stick to the actual rituals
that were performed in this sacred matrimony expressed in bold letters in the
attached text in the various slokas describing Srirama’s Prajapatya Vivaha with
Sita devi found in the chapter 73 of Valmiki Ramayana Balakanda. We should be
guided by the rituals in this sacred divine wedding conducted by Brahmarishi
Vasishta and others rather than forcing our religiously confused and socially
indulged wedding guided by religious pundits and priests of modern days as that
would be at the expenses of the sanctity of divine weddings intended for Loka Kalyana, universal welfare. Most
of the times, important rituals like Kuladaiva puja, Nandi Sraddha,
Agni sthapana, Homa, Palikaa puja and visarjan, Panigrahana, Lajja homa etc. as
described in Ramayana are forgotten or slipped while highlighting
Gattimela and Mangalya Dharana coming from Tamil Tradition, as the focus point
of the whole wedding in all the Sita-Rama Kaltyanotsavas in Temples I
have attended or participated in India and USA. Please go through the
Ramayana text above and cross check it with our current day practices in
temples and judge for yourselves.
One thing that puzzled me in this
Kayanotsava is the assembly of Rama, Lakshmana, Sita and Hanuman as is generally
worshiped in temples. . I wonder why Lakshmana and Hanumn are presented
in the assembly to start with. In the description
in Ramayana both Rama and Sita face each other in front of Homakunda and later
join together after Kanyadana for Panigrahana.
May
be they can be assembled together after the wedding when they are ready for a
photograph or give audience to the
devotees with their dear ones.
Mahaaperiyvaa on Tamil Brahmin
Marriages
Maha Periyvaa
had listed a small number of conditions which needed to be followed if the
marriages need to be blessed by him. Here is a summary of what he wrote in
English:-
Maha Periyava
appealed to all his Brahmin followers in 1966 as follows:
1. In ancient
times when the grooms, comes to the place of the bride to get married, it was a
custom to receive him in the boundary of the village and bring him to the place
of his stay in a grand manner. What is the relevance of sending him out of the
marriage hall and then bringing him to the hall in procession? This is not
truth and should be avoided
2. In ancient
days Brahmacharis used to go to Benares to learn Vedas and Sashtras. On the way
a Grahastha used to tell him that he has already learned and can become a householder
by marrying his daughter. This is played like a Drama during Kasi Yathrai. By
that time, Nischayathartham would be over in the previous night itself. So his
acting as if he is going to Kasi is a type of cheating and this should be
avoided.
3. Groom and
bride should sit together on a swing only after they become husband and wife.
It is not good to make them sit in a swing before marriage in the OOnjal
ceremony.
4. Pani
Grahanam (Holding the hand of the bride) should be done in Good Muhurtha time.
Nowadays it is performed during oonjal. The time could be Rahu Kalam or Yama
Gandam or equally in auspicious time. This should be avoided.
4. The Groom
and the bride tie the Raksha in the morning in the marriage so that their hands
become pure. With this pure hands they should perform all wedding rituals like
Homa, sapthapathi etc. In between if they shake hand with some body, the purity
of their hand is lost and so after the marriage ritual starts till SApthapathi
is over, no one should shake hands with them
5. Silk is
manufactured by killing thousands of insects in a cruel manner. So wearing silk
cloth during marriage is sin and would lead later to problems in married life.
6. Paying or
accepting Dowry is against our sastras. Also the Vratha for the groom should be
performed in his home and not in the hall. If we do this we can reach the hall
early morning and the rituals could be done in an elaborate way with the help
of Vedic Scholars. Once they take lunch the groom has to take the bride to his
home for further rituals. By this we can save lot of money and this could be
spent in performing marriage of poor Brahmins.
7. Holding
reception before is wrong as the groom and bride should not sit together before
marriage. If Marriages are held in temples, reception could be got done on any
convenient day (You need not see Muhurtham for this.) outside.
8. Marriage
is a continuous series of several important rituals. Guests seem to think that
Mangalya Dharanam is the last ritual of Marriage. In fact there are no Vedic
Manthras for Mangalya Dharanam but only a sloka. The real marriage
rituals take place only after that. By that time all guests leave and these are
done without any witnesses. It is important that the rituals after
Mangalya Dharanam are done in Shubha Muhurtha. Then only the couple would be
able to lead a happy life.
9. Koora
Pudavai was once upon a time weaved in cotton thread in a place called Koora
Nadu near Mayavaram. Koorapuduvai means cotton sari. But nowadays due to people
becoming rich people are spending thousands of rupees to buy a silk
sari and earn lots of sin.
Mahaperiyava
in 1966 told that in any marriage which is not performed without following
these conditions, they should not print “With blessings of Paramacharya in the
inviatation.
For
more details go through his original Tamil Version. Please also go through my discourses;
--September
15, 2019
Neglect of 9/11 Celebrations and Ritualsa
in the Holy Month of Bhadrupada
May I draw your attention to land mark
Indian Amrerican History the 125th anniversary of the historic speech by Swami
Vivekananda on September 11, 1893 at the World Parliament of Religions in
Chicago. September 11 also goes
down in American History as a Day to Remember, come together and pray together
for Universal Peace and Harmony. I was expecting Sri Ramakrishna Vedanta Study
Circle that met on this memorable day at Sri Ganesha Temple would start its
deliberations by paying homage to the departed souls on 9/11 and also paying
tribute Swami Vivekananda recalling his yeoman service to humanity. I too
attended the meeting and felt sad no mention was made about all these in-spite
of my E-mail sent well in time. to many of them who were present there. I hope
at least the Philanthropic Indian
American Forum that meets on Sunday this week will remember
and pay tribute. Mahalaya Paksha starts
after Purnima. Danasura Karna was
forced to come back to earth to complete his act of Charity as he had forgotten
Food Charity. It was Pra dosham Day too that day. It is rather sad our temple
too did not pay any attention to my E-mail. Please go through the following
news and convince yourselves to take appropriate action in the future. This
shows how we as Hindu Americans lack Sraddha. Rest is all formality,
showmanship and social gathering,
Chicago IL: The United States Hindu
Alliance (USHA), a national Hindu advocacy organization, announces a one year
100 city celebration of Chicago Address 125 is a yearlong celebration organized by
the United States Hindu Alliance, in partnership with Hindu temples and
associations nationwide to promote the message of Swami Vivekananda.
Vivekananda emboldened the Hindu spirit by promoting Hindu identity, Hindu
unity and Hindu empowerment. He galvanized India's Hindus to work towards the
Freedom of India. Apart from its outreach to the Hindu communities across the country,
USHA has also decided to strengthen the
interfaith movement by promoting the vision inherent in the Chicago
address. To achieve this goal, USHA has developed 5 themes that will celebrate
Swami Vivekananda's message to the world.
The five themes are "Inner peace leads to world peace",
"Dialogue leads to reconciliation", "Mutual respect leads to
religious harmony", "United action leads to preservation of the
planet" and "Freedom leads to diversity".
The Chicago Parliament was a landmark
event in the history of religions. More than 7,000 religious leaders
representing various religions, faiths and Dharma traditions from all over the
world took part in the event, including the young Swami Vivekananda from India
who represented Hindu Dharma. By virtue of his message, that advanced ideas of
tolerance, acceptance, harmony and co-existence, he became an instant celebrity
within and outside the parliament. According to the Smithsonian Institute, he
is one of the 25 most influential leaders who have ever visited the United
States.
The launch event took place on September 11, 2018 at the Hindu Temple of
Greater Chicago, the first Hindu temple of Chicago. Among the eminent
personalities who addressed the audience included 4 senior leaders of the Hindu
Dharma Acharya Sabha, the apex body of all the Heads of Hindu monastic orders
(Sanyasi Paramparas) of India, representing more than 1.7 million Hindu monks.
Poojya Swami Paramatmananda Saraswatiji, General Secretary of the Hindu Dharma
Acharya Sabha, Poojya Swami Vishweshwarananda Giriji Maharajji, Poojya
Madhavapriya Das Swamiji and Poojya Acharya Shri Krishnamaniji Maharaj
addressed the audience. In addition, Poojya Swami Vigyananandaji, Chairman of
World Hindu Foundation, Neeta Bhushan, Consul General of India in Chicago,
Rajiv Malhotra, author and founder of Infinity Foundation, Poojya Swami
Sharananandaji of Chinmaya Mission and Gokul Kunnath, President of USHA spoke
at the event.
VIVEKANANDA’S SPEECH
ON THIS SOIL IS RELEVANT EVEN TODAY:
The World’s Parliament of Religions has become an
accomplished fact, and the merciful Father that helped those who labored to
bring it into existence, and crowned with success their most unselfish labor.
My thanks to those noble souls whose large hearts and
love of truth first dreamed this wonderful dream and then realized it. My
thanks to the shower of liberal sentiments that has overflowed this platform.
My thanks to this enlightened audience for their uniform kindness to me and for
their appreciation of every thought that tends to smooth the friction of
religions. A few jarring notes were heard from time to time in this harmony. My
special thanks to them, for they have, by their striking contrast, made general
harmony the sweeter.
Much has been said of the common ground of religious
unity. I am not going just now to venture my own theory. But if anyone here
hopes that this unity will come by the triumph of any one of the religions and
the destruction of the others, to him I say, “Brother, yours is an impossible
hope.” Do I wish that the Christian would become Hindu? God forbid. Do I wish
that the Hindu or Buddhist would become Christian? God forbid.
The seed is put in the ground, and earth and air and
water are placed around it. Does the seed become the earth, or the air, or the
water? No. It becomes a plant. It develops after the law of its own growth,
assimilates the air, the earth, and the water, converts them into plant
substance, and grows into a plant.
Similar is the case with religion. The Christian is not
to become a Hindu or a Buddhist, nor a Hindu or a Buddhist to become a
Christian. But each must assimilate the spirit of the others and yet preserve
his individuality and grow according to his own law of growth.
If the Parliament of Religions has shown anything to the
world, it is this: It has proved to the world that holiness, purity and charity are not the exclusive possessions of
any church in the world, and that every system has produced men and women of
the most exalted character. In the face of this evidence, if anybody dreams of
the exclusive survival of his own religion and the destruction of the others, I
pity him from the bottom of my heart, and point out to him that upon the banner
of every religion will soon be written in spite of resistance: “Help and not fight,” “Assimilation
and not Destruction,” “Harmony and Peace and not Dissension.”
--September
13, 2019
INDO
AMERICAN SEVADHARMA FORUM
I was surprised to read through a
communication by JIVA that The program started with Guruvandanam by Netra
Vidyalaya Students. Later H H Swamiji hoisted the Indian National Flag. All the
participants saluted the Indian national flag singing the National Anthem. Why
this unusual flag hoisting ceremony by a Religious head and Vedanta Vijnaani unlike the normal
procedure by a politician or Desapremi or National Hero?
The students of JIVA campus have
celebrated India’s 73rd
Independence Day with great honor under the shade of Statute of Equality of
Ramanujacharya, an ambitious project also initiated by Chinna Jeer.
“A patriot has to be spiritualist,
who understand the concept well. Hence a spiritual person has to be a patriot
first. When patriotism and spiritual are seen different none can be achieved
with the right purpose” says the Jeer
“Jananee
janmabhoomischa patanadapii gareeyaci” is a famous quote of Ramayana which
also describes Ramarajya where there
was none unhappy and peace prevailed and was model rule for all times. This was
the result of wise-council from spiritualist sages. Motivated by this a number
of spiritualists
Bankim Chatererji, Rabindranath Tagore, Suddhanada
Bharatii, Aurobindo promoted the
image of Bharat Mata and turned both politicians and social workers Mahatma Gandhii and Subhash Chandra Bose
spiritualists to achieve Independence with Vande
Mataram slogan.
”Patriotism when read in the thought of
spirituality is defined that the world is one family. And thus patriotism takes
a bigger form and would not just mean just love for your own country.
Patriotism would now mean love for entire humanity (Jagatah pitarau vande) and living in the world and contributing towards
the welfare of all and not only our countrymen. When you love the entire
humanity this also means love for your country as the world includes your own
motherland as well.” says HH Jeer again.
I was again surprised by a
communication from a group IAF (not Indian Air Force) which I rightly
understood as IASF (Indo American Sevadharma
Forum): motivated by a group of Hindu American Religious philanthropists
though preferred to call it Indian.
“We
want to have a review of charitable giving habits of Immigrant Indians and
explore ways to engage them in discussion about opening hearts and minds to
issues relevant for our neighbors, community, country of origin, and practicing
empathy/charitable attitude among ourselves. We want to share successes and
hurdles faced in their charitable efforts in our community and lessons learnt.
We invite participation by charitably minded people who could potentially lead
our community in the future in working on projects that are relevant. This is
not for solicitation of funds, the purpose is for motivation, inspiration and
dialogue INDOAMERICAN FORUM is a non-profit group dedicated to having community
dialogue on issues relevant to Indian community, fostering community
development Program is open to public.” says the group.
This appears to be a spiritual forum
mainly focusing on turning to our Inner-net (SELF) and not a mere social forum.
Vedas say aatmanaa vindate veeryam --one
gets strength turning to Self! Their
objectives seem to be “Vasudhaiva kutumbakam” and “Krinvanto Viswamaaryam” whole world in
one family and let us ennoble the world. USA is a Mini-world with its
population and policy drawn globally and Hindu Americans are part of it though
somewhat disturbed at present. This occasional disturbance is due to its main
focus on material progress though well started by religious Pilgrim Fathers but
later people in their prosperity forgot to press the button of their Inner-net
engaged in Internet. There is a fatal attraction for affluent Hindu Americans to join that
majority for they have also forgotten their focus on patriotism except
celebrating July 4 and August 15 for merriment and they think Hindu Americans
are only Ex-Hindu Indians. Fortunately this group is well aware of the location
of the button with hands on it. In due course they may merge their objectives
with the main stream and call it GSDF (Global Seva Dharma Forum).
So we cannot separate our spiritual life from
the country we belong to by destiny or choice. As we have sought the country we have to
seek spiritual life also. In each country
there are some nice people and some bad people, some divine people and some
un-divine people. For now, we will mix only with the divine people and work our
way to gain strength to move forward to live in Peace but not in pieces.so
Vedas said--“aano bhadrantu kratavah
yantu viswatah; sanghacchadvam samvadadvam, sarvejanaah sukhino bhavantu’
Whenever you need a recharge or respite, take
a few minutes to picture yourself there, receiving exactly what you need. It's
always within you. Push the button of
your Inner-net!
--September 12, 2019
CELEBRATION OF THE 150TH BIRTH ANNIVERSARY
OF MAHATMA GANDHI AND PRAYER DAY OF 9/11
I have talked to about the importance
of today to be a Day of Prayer. Please look forward to an interesting talk on
"Is Peace possible in a culture of violence" In this context
please go through the following speech to know its importance; I would like to
express my best wishes to the organizers through this speech endorsing it as my
views.
Nikolai Astrup's introduction at the celebration of
the 150th birth day of Mahatma Gandhi-- Minister of International Development,
Oslo
In
June this year I had the pleasure of visiting India for the first time as
minister. Mahatma Gandhi is recognized as the Father of this great nation, and
I am honored to address this seminar on the occasion of his 150th birth
anniversary.
Mahatma
Gandhi was an exceptional leader and human being.
He
has influenced and inspired both individuals and world leaders in the fight
against inequality and oppression, and has provided an invaluable contribution
to peaceful freedom struggles across the world.
Mahatma
Gandhi’s struggle was first and foremost for the freedom and independence of
the people of India.
But
his message was also one of universal relevance. His voice for humanity,
equality, justice and non-violence gained global recognition.
In 2007, Mahatma
Gandhi’s birthday, the 2nd of October, was declared by the United Nations as
the International Day of Non-Violence, and is today celebrated all over the
globe.
Despite
grand thoughts, his was a life of austerity, tolerance, courage and struggle. A
person who stood up for what he believed in and who lived as he preached.
He
spent a total of approximately five years in prison and was imprisoned six
times in South Africa and seven times in India.
All
for freedom, human rights and justice.
He
was known for his devout Hindu faith, but he advocated respect and appreciation
for all faiths. He believed in, and argued for, the essential unity of all
peoples and all religions. He made powerful efforts to unite people across ethnic
and religious lines.
His
philosophy and devotion strongly inspired the human rights movement of the 20th
century. Today, this movement is under renewed pressure in all corners of the
world. In many cases, conflict still persists along religious and ethnic lines,
often within the borders of nation states.
Mahatma
Gandhi's vision of an independent India based on religious pluralism was
initially challenged by separatist forces based on religion, eventually leading
to the partition of India, at a great human cost.
Today,
Gandhi’s vision of an inclusive, secular India continues to be challenged,
despite India’s fundamentally multi-religious fabric.
In
this time of uncertainty and disruption, the celebration of Gandhi’s birthday
is a reminder of the continued relevance of his teachings and of their outmost
importance all over the world.
We
live in a time not only of uncertainty and disruption, but also a time where a
more aggressive and polarizing political rhetoric seems to be gaining ground.
Let us therefore remind ourselves of what Gandhi not only said, but also did. I
quote; “In a gentle way, you can shake the world”.
Gandhi’s
teachings also remind us that change often begins at the individual level, and
that we all, as human beings, have the capability to change the world through
peaceful activism.
Today,
we are celebrating a remarkable man, who’s achievements should continue to inspire us,
both as leaders and individuals”.
Allow
me to congratulate you warmly on the 150th birth anniversary of the Mahatma
Gandhi. Many thanks and all the best wishes for a successful seminar.
Also
go through this famous lyric in melodious Carnatic music most suited for the
occasion that I always enjoyed in my school days in India: It draws
your attention to the Vedic mantra "Aatmana vindate Veeryam "
one gets moral and spiritual strength by turning to the Inner-net, Self
so well suited to today's 9/11 theme. Unfortunately this day has missed the
attention of Hindu temples like churches though an auspicious day in the month
of Bhadrupada Trayodasi that is Pradosham day. Hope these functions start
with this music and its theme
Shanthi nilava vendum
[Shanthi
nilava vendum by Sethumadhava rao;
Translated by P.R. Ramachander]
Shanthi nilava vendum , ulagile,
Athma shakthi onga vendum
Gandhi mahathma kattalai adhuve,
Karunai orumai, kadir oli parvai
Kodumai cheythathor manam athu thirunda,
Nargunam athu pugattiduvom,
Madamai, acham aruppom,makkalin,
Masila nallozhukkam valarppom.
Dhidam tharum ahimsa yogi naam,
Tandai athmanandam perave ,
Kadamai maravom , avar kadan theerpom,
Kalakkamindri aram valappom endrum
English translation
Shanthi nilava vendum , ulagile,
Athma shakthi onga vendum
Gandhi mahathma kattalai adhuve,
Karunai orumai, kadir oli parvai
Kodumai cheythathor manam athu thirunda,
Nargunam athu pugattiduvom,
Madamai, acham aruppom,makkalin,
Masila nallozhukkam valarppom.
Dhidam tharum ahimsa yogi naam,
Tandai athmanandam perave ,
Kadamai maravom , avar kadan theerpom,
Kalakkamindri aram valappom endrum
English translation
Peace
should prevail in this world,
The strength of the soul should increase.
This is the order of the great Gandhi,
Mercy, unity and clear sight
The strength of the soul should increase.
This is the order of the great Gandhi,
Mercy, unity and clear sight
To
correct the mind that did evil,
We would teach them good character,
We would cut away foolishness and fear,
And nurture good stainless character of people.
We are practitioners of ahimsa which gives strength,
For our father (Gandhi) to get divine joy,
We would not forget our duty; we would repay his debts,
And always nurture dharma without any fear.
We would teach them good character,
We would cut away foolishness and fear,
And nurture good stainless character of people.
We are practitioners of ahimsa which gives strength,
For our father (Gandhi) to get divine joy,
We would not forget our duty; we would repay his debts,
And always nurture dharma without any fear.
The key
to remaining positive is to recognize you’re only in control of your own
internal situation. Pujya Sadhviji encourages us to engage in practices that
cultivate a space inside of love, peace, consciousness, and joy. This builds a
reserve to draw upon in times of upheaval.” Remain positive in the midst of
violence and disturbances” says Sadhvi Bhagavatiji of Paramartha Niketan.
--September 11, 2019
Comments:
Thank You. I am glad that The Ganesha Temple, The Unity Church of Franklin and other Nashville communities are celebrating and remembering this Divine Soul. God willing, this will counter the malice and smear that has been going on, promoted by some anti- Hindus & anti India. There are deliberate efforts made by some groups that for some evil reason wishes to stein anything that is India or Hindu.
Thank You. I am glad that The Ganesha Temple, The Unity Church of Franklin and other Nashville communities are celebrating and remembering this Divine Soul. God willing, this will counter the malice and smear that has been going on, promoted by some anti- Hindus & anti India. There are deliberate efforts made by some groups that for some evil reason wishes to stein anything that is India or Hindu.
--Anil Pandey
PERFORM YOUR WORK WITH EXCELLENCE& SINCERITY WITHOUT
ANY EXPECTATION
“Yogah
karma kusalah” --To perform actions without any expectation just
as an instrument of Divine Grace is Yoga; “yogee
yunjati satatam”--such a performer integrates himself with practice;
“Yogasthah kuru Karmaani” --stead- fast in this Yoga perform your duty; Yogayuktah
visuddhaatmah -engaged in such devotional service one gets self-control; yogenaavyabhicharirnyah
saatvikah-- one who practices such a yoga is a Satvik (embodiment of
goodness) “ “yuktaayuchyate yogee” -- such a practitioner is
called a yogi--Bhagavad Gita; :"sattvasuddhah yuddhyasva
vigatajvarah"--with saatvik heart act without anxiety--Message
of Yoga in Bhagavad Gita
Here is
the Monday Meditation Message (MMM) from Swami Chidananda of Paramartha
Niketan
“In the
Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna tells Arjuna "Yogah Karmasu Kaushalam,"
which means that performing your work with excellence and sincerity is yoga. It
is a very important passage because it teaches us that yoga is not merely about
postures or breathing exercises.
Yoga
means “union.” It is, ultimately, union of the Self with the Divine. Karma yoga
is action performed which unites us to God, action which brings us closer to
Him, action which purifies us. Whatever your duty is, if you perform it with
utmost sincerity to the best of your ability and with excellence that is
yoga. When we remember that yoga means union, particularly union of the self
with the Divine, we can extrapolate the message that one way to become progress
on the spiritual path and become united with God is through performing every act
with sincerity and excellence.
What is
crucial is that we do not become attached to what that fruit is or what those
returns are. Bhagwan Krishna’s instruction to Arjuna on the battlefield was not
that his actions wouldn’t bear fruit but that he should not have expectations
or attachments regarding what that fruit will be. The motto we should all take
from the Gita is, “Do your best and leave the rest.” We must perform our
actions to the best of our ability, with full knowledge that they will bear
fruit. What fruit they will bear and when that fruit will be borne is out of
our hands.
The
reason that Bhagwan Krishna gave this message is that expectations and
attachments are the cause of our unrest and unhappiness. Even positive,
fruitful results are rarely up to our highest expectation, and thus expectation
nearly always leads to frustration and depression. The solution is to decrease
our expectations and do our best without clinging to a desired result.
Yes, it
is human nature to have dreams and goals. There is nothing wrong with wanting a
particular result or working toward a goal. In fact, it is what motivates us to
act. The dictate of Krishna is very subtle. He does not mean that we should
not work toward a goal or wish for a particular result. Even on the
battleground of Kurukshetra, even after having the Bhagavad Gita sung to him by
the lips of Lord Krishna, Arjuna still naturally fought the war in order to
win. He fired each arrow hoping and expecting that it would pierce the target.
His actions were thoughtful, careful, focused and goal-oriented. Yet, he was
not attached to the end result.\
This is
the beautiful and complex subtlety of Krishna’s teachings. We must do our best,
working toward a goal with focus, attention, care and effort. Yet, our
emotional stability and our inner peace must not be affected by the results. We
study hard in school and it is natural and correct that our goal is to achieve
high marks. If we did not hope to get high marks, there would be no impetus to
study! However, is our emotional state contingent upon whether we get an A or a
C? Are we ecstatic with an A and bereft with a C? Are we unable to sleep for
weeks prior to receiving the results because we are so filled with tension of
the result? That’s the difference that Krishna is trying to teach us.
It is
important to realize that Krishna is not telling us to become indifferent or
apathetic. This is a really crucial difference. He is not advising us that we
should not care about the results. He is simply saying that we should not
become affected, internally and deeply, by the results.
These teachings are so crucial today
when people are committing suicide and having to take prescription medicines to
fight their depression. The more attached we are to a particular result, the
more likely we are to be discouraged and dejected if that result does not
manifest. That is why we must take the message of nonattachment to heart."
--September
9, 2019
Comment:
I read this once in the
morning, and again now, its very apt in today's world, where one asks,
"What’s in it for me" before doing any task!
--Aparna Arcot
INDIAN-AMERICAN (SEVADHARMA) FORUM
A Solomon the Wise thought about an Indo-American Forum to have
a community dialogue as indicated below:
“We want to have a review
of charitable giving habits of Immigrant Indians and explore ways to engage
them in discussion about opening hearts and minds to issues relevant for our
neighbors, community, country of origin, and practicing empathy/charitable
attitude among ourselves. We want to share successes and hurdles faced in their
charitable efforts in our community and lessons learnt. We invite participation
by charitably minded people who could potentially lead our community in the
future in working on projects that are relevant. This is not for solicitation
of funds, the purpose is for motivation, inspiration and dialogue INDOAMERICAN
FORUM is a non-profit group dedicated to having community dialogue on issues relevant
to Indian community, fostering community development Program is open to
public."
Besides Charity there are
other Spiritual areas such forums should include in their dialogue
for their own betterment and the community. In this they should be guided by
the wisdom of Vedas some of which have been compiled for you for your guidance
and compliance.
Mahatma Gandhi often reminded us of three Siamese cats telling us
“See no Evil”. “Hear no Evil’’ and “Speak no Evil”. But Vedas say:
“Satyameva Jayate” ; etah drashtavyam, srotavyam,
mantavym- it should be perceived heard and meditated upon as Truth
alone Triumphs
Aa no bhadrantu kratavo yantu visvatah--Let noble thoughts come to us from every side
Krinvanto viswamaaryam--Let us ennoble the worl
The Art of Giving
Sraddhaya deyam ;asraddhaya adeyam; sriya deyam;hriya
deyam; bhiya deyam ; samvida deyam -
'Give with sraddha; give not without sraddha; give Sri (with open
hand); give with modesty; give with fear (that what you give may be too small
for the purpose);give with understanding(of the purpose and social relevance of
the charity)'.
-- Taittiriya Upanishad
The world is full of
philanthropists. Many of the tall temple towers, sprawling hospitals,
educational institutions, etc., owe their existence to noble, generous souls,
who wanted to put their money to good use. Every day, we come across appeals
for some worthy cause or the other, and sometimes wonder whether all of them
would succeed: however, much to our surprise, we find most of them able to
garner the funds they need, sooner or later. This strengthens our belief in
humanity- despite the numerous factors working against them, charity and
generosity are still very much alive. To give, without any expectation of
getting anything in return, is indeed a great trait. In this piece, adiyen
would like to write about some of the great givers, and the way giving should
be done.
The TaittirIyOpanishad
SIkshAvalli is full of sound instructions. Among the numerous dicta are to be
found guidelines on How to Give.
"ShraddhayA dEyam,
ashraddhayA dEyam, ShriyA dEyam, HriyA dEyam, BhiyA dEyam, samvidA dEyam"
says the Upanishad, enumerating the characteristics of charity.
ShraddhayA dEyam- All charity is to be done with sincerity and good intention, the
underlying motive being an urge to be of help to the receiver. Thus giving,
with the aim of receiving something in return, is not charity. Giving is also
to be done with grace, and in a way that is not embarrassing or insulting to
the receiver. The giver should not flaunt his wealth, nor should he remind the
recipient of his poverty. Usually, the act of giving puts the giver's hand
uppermost and the receiver's, on a lower plane.
"ashraddhayA
dEyam"-Once we decide to give away
a particular article, its value or magnificence should not bother us, and we
should give whole-heartedly, having scant regard to the item's worth. Parting
with a possession with reluctance does not qualify as charity. This mantra is
also interpreted differently-"ashraddhayA adEyam"- do not give
without shraddha or sincerity and good intention.
"ShriyA dEyam"--In a miser, the very thought of charity would induce sorrow,
dismay and distress. One should give with a benign disposition, with a
smile on one's face, with happiness induced by the opportunity to be of use to
a fellow human being.
"HriyA dEyam" -- Keeping in mind the conduct of the great philanthropists of
the past, the inadequacy of one's own aid and the greatness of the receiver,
one should be ashamed of one's attempts at charity. This is prescribed so
that one doesn't tend to think too much of oneself for the act of kindness.
"BhiyA
dEyam" --If the act of
charity is not done in the prescribed fashion, and is contaminated by either
insincerity, pride or highhandedness, then it is likely to prove
counter-productive. A healthy apprehension of counter-productivity due to
incorrect attitude or procedure, should characterize an act of charity, so that
the giver would always be on guard against attitudes incompatible with giving.
Hence the Upanishad says, "Give with fear".
"SamvidA dEyam" -- The act of giving should be preceded by a resolution to give.
Such resolution makes the mind determined in the act, and prevents last-minute
reversal of attitude due to attachment in the article proposed to be given
away. And once we resolve to give, it should be implemented immediately, for,
the mind is fickle. And given the time and chance to think logically, we would
probably come to the conclusion that the amount proposed to be donated is too
high or the cause unworthy. So, once we decide to give, we must give
immediately.
Sangacchadhvam sam
vadadhvam; Samaano mantrah samitih; Samaano vaa aakootih:
[These mantras say that a
person not only should take care himself but also look after the welfare of the
society he lives in].
Sangacchadhvam sam vadadhvam sam vo manaamsi jaanataam/ devaa bhaagam yathaa purve sanjanaana upaasate // (X-191-20)
Come together! Speak together! Let our minds be all of one accord like the divines that sat together in the past in harmony to worship.
[All people should live with one mind without enmity and this can be achieved only by the divine grace says the mantra]
Samaano mantra: samiti: samaani samaanam mana: saha chittamesam /
samaanam mantramabhi mantraye va: samaanena vo havisha
juhomi //(X-191-3)
Let our speech be one; united be our voices! May our minds be in
union with the thoughts of the wise people! Sharing a common purpose; we
worship as one.
[Vedanta Religion is universal. It did not promote walled religions. Bhagavad Gita later said these religion need bridges to connect to the Supreme. All rivers seek refuge in the vast Ocean. All religions seek universal Lord Brahman only who is ever expanding and indescribable to accommodate all]
Samaani vaa aakootih samaana hridayaani vah / Samaanam astu vo mano yathaa vah susahaasati // (X-191-4)
United be your purpose, harmonious be your feelings, collected be your mind, in the same way as all the various aspects of the universe exist in togetherness, wholeness.
[We should act in a manner with no ill-will towards others, causing no harm and causing no pain. Let us learn from the nature as to how to live in peace and exist together in harmony that pleases the Lord says the mantra]
….. dvandvam vai veeryyam --A pair is strength.
DA DA DA-- damyata, datta, dayadhvam Or 3 C’S--Constraint, Compassion,
Charity
da, da, da, iti, damyata, datta, dayadhvam iti. tad etat
trayaṁśikṣet, damam, dānam, dayām iti
(Brihadaranyaka)
The urge of the mind to go towards objects – this is one
difficulty. The second difficulty with us is the desire to appropriate things.
Greed is ingrained in everyone's mind. We have a very peculiar
trait present in every person finding pleasure in the sorrow of
others. This we have seen is to be kept in check by practice of
charity. Here comes the importance of this great teaching – Dama, Dāna
and Daya for the subdual of the urges of personality, for the purpose of
the fructification of the aspiration for the Supreme Universal. Damyata,
datta, dayadhvam iti, tad etat trayam śikset: These are the three types of
advice that we have to imbibe, take in and learn from elders. These three
instructions, self-restraint, charity and mercy are the three great virtues
everyone has to acquire!
Yudhyasva vigatajvarah-- in these act without hesitation
--September 7, 2019
Comments:
Thanks
for the inspiring words and quotes.
--Dr. Vedavyas Biliyar
VEDANTA OF RAMANA MAHARSHI AND HIS UPADESA SARA
Ramana Maharshi, was one of the gurus whose
non-dual teachings of Advaita Vedanta.
He practiced most of the times in “mouna vratam” and silent
meditation. Ramana Maharshi mainly advocated the path of Jnana yoga, which
emphasize a method of self-inquiry. By constantly paying close attention to the
feeling of ‘I’ and asking questions around that sensation, particularly ‘Who am
I?’ and ‘To whom do these thoughts arise,’ he believed that by
dissolving ego one would merge with the Supreme.
The great
Tamil poet Muruganar approached the South Indian sage, Bhagavan Sri Ramana
Maharshi, and requested elucidation on the instruction which had been given by
Lord Siva to the Rishis of Darukavanam (the Pine Forest). The Rishis had become
hooked on action (karma) and every attainment threw up the desire for a further
bigger, better attainment. They approached Siva and asked for help. Things have
not changed much since then ... have they? The human condition continues to be
enthralled with the shadows all the while oblivious to the all important source
of the light. Sri Ramana Maharshi agreed and wrote this instruction in 30
verses. The Sanskrit work is known as Upadesa Saram (The Essence of Instruction).
Upadesa Sara - the essence of all teaching - is
one of the most popular Vdantic texts. It explains the paths of Action (Karma
Yoga), Yoga (Astanga Yoga) and Knowledge (Jnana Yoga) and how they lead to the
final goal of Self Knowledge. The great sage, Bhagvan Ramana Maharishi presents
the subject in a simple and beautiful way.
He clearly stated:
“If the aspirant is not temperamentally suited to
Vichara Marga (to the introspective analytical method), he must develop bhakti
(devotion) to an ideal– may it be God, Guru, humanity in general, ethical laws,
or even the idea of beauty. When one of these takes possession of the
individual, other attachments grow weaker, i.e., dispassion (vairagya) develops...
In the absence of inquiry and devotion, the
natural sedative pranayama (breath regulation) may be tried. This is known as
Yoga Marga... If an aspirant be unsuited temperamentally for the first two
methods and circumstantially (on account of age) for the third method, he must
try the Karma Marga (doing good deeds, for example, social service). His nobler
instincts become more evident and he derives impersonal pleasure. His
smaller self is less assertive and has a chance of expanding its good side...”
--from talks with Sri Ramana Maharshi & Sri
Munagala Venkataramiah.
After much maturation through the preparatory margas (Karma,
Bhakti and Yoga), the path of Self- Inquiry becomes
naturally easy to understand in its true essence and the sadhaka (spiritual
aspirant) is ready to inquire into the Self.
--September 7, 2019
WEBINAIR-155 ĀTMĀRPANA-STUTI--II & TEACHERS’ DAY IN INDIA
Gist of the Presentation:
Making references to selected shlokas
from verse 11 thru verse 30, this session of the webinar will present new
dimensions of devotion to God and certain different sentiments of the devotee
on the path of bhakti. Appayya Deekshitar, the great Vedāntin of
exalted jnāna revels in Shiva-bhakti, showing to us
that the two can coexist. Advaita-jnāna has no problem with either
devotion to a God-form or love of any branch of art or science. Someone who
loves thermodynamics, for example, may continue to love the subject after
non-dual enlightenment.
O Shiva, Dweller on
Mountains, you are the teacher of brahma-vidyā; I worship you constantly!--tam
seve’ham girisha satatam brahma-vidyāgurum tvām |
Ramakrishna Vedantic Study circle in
Nashville had its first meeting. I am privileged in sharing the key takeaways
that was sent to Hindu Reflections with you all;
- You must always do your duties but do them by keeping your mind on God. Live with all but know in your heart of hearts that they do not belong to you
- You are only fit to renounce your worldly duties when you shed tears upon hearing the name of the Lord
- Knowledge is not what you get from books, but knowing God is knowledge and to not know Him is ignorance
- God with form is just as true as God without form
- The lord of the Universe will show the people the way to worship Him by being their Inner Guide
- Fix our minds on God by repeating God’s name, singing His glories and keeping holy company.
- Practice meditation in solitude, withdraw from worldly duties and then think of God
- Practice discrimination between the Real (God) and the unreal (everything else)
“Solitude would
require going to quiet places away from home, work or social gatherings. Today,
especially for those of us living in USA a quiet meditation room or spot might
help even within our homes for regular practice” advises a spiritual teacher
commenting on the above.
When I am in my
Puja room in my house I push the button of my Inner-net and hear nothing from
outside except Aadhyaatmika. Neo-vedantins say, you
have already the Inner-net wired and functioning, why worry? But we
often forget to push the button particularly being Busy Hindu American
Verdantins. We have more Vedanta teachers than students in
Nashville. That includes my long E-mail sermons too. We run to attend all
these but the time clashes held more or less simultaneously!
Hence, I
practice Mounayoga as Ramana said. Pushing the button
I focus on inner-net and try to be Aadhyatmika. Yet Adidaaivika
seems to be beyond my reach as I started too late but the wisdom thoughts like
the above and Swami Chidananda below keeps me sandwiched,
hopeful and confident. But yet I should be a given-up case at my age. My
worry is how to inspire young minds in Spirituality and not to make the
same mistake I made. How to make them interested
in using the inner-net button though busy with video game buttons.
Our Spiritual Gurus are also silent on it. How to make Vedanta easy and
affable? They should guide us as children particularly in America are future
custodians of Hindu Dharma. I tried Bhagavad Gity for young
scholars. Nashville has just started a nKindergarten Spiritual Class but they
need direction from Gurus. Of late I have been learning a lot from the
Neo-Advaitins Ramakrishna, Appayya Dikshitar and Raman Maharshi. I
am happy we all started well American Spiritual Chaturmasa after
Upakarma or the so called religious Dakshinyana. In the process we lost
our focus on religious September Festivals of Devis.
Unable to
actively participate in all these with my over-worked memory and
aged physical strength I thought I should focus
myself, on Ramana Maharshi who completes the Trinity of Neo-Advaitins,
about which I talked about, studying the work of Rajiv Kapoor on Upadesa
Sara, Teaching Essence, that walks you through Karma yoga, Bhakti yoga,
Dhyana yoga and Jnaana yoga. Somebody wrote to me you should only focus
on Vedanta-vijnaana Sanyasa yoga of Sankara as time is too short but
that was not easy to digest and follow and I have my limitations too. So in
Sankta, Venkata and Ramana may help (sankat bandre venkatramana)
! So I am sharing this week what I have learnt from Upadesa
Saram that may be helpful in understanding Appayya Dikshitar
if already not helped your vision
with what I talked from Gita and Ramanuja: “Sarvadharmaan
parityajya mamekam saranam vraja …..mokshayishaami maa suchah” . Making
this sloka their motto the followers of Allah
started Islam without learning Sanskrit. Islam means Saranagati or
Submission to the Supreme. I am sure we will understand it
better from Appayya Dikshitar highlighted by Swami Chidananda. Don’t miss his
Upadsesa through modern media that I am not able to.
Teacher's Day is being celebrated
today across India in the memory of Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, a philosopher, and
India's second president who was born on September 5, 1888.
As an academic, philosopher and
statesman, Radhakrishnan is recognized by many as one of the most
influential Indian thinkers of the 20th century
I extend my congratulations to
teachers of Ramakrishna Vedanta Group, Swami chidananda and others around the
country who constantly inspire me and guide me
"On Teacher's Day of Bharat, I
pay homage to Dr Radhakrishnan and extend greetings to all our teachers of
Vedanta class and Sunday School in Nashville.
--September 5, 2019
NEGLECTED DEVIS WORSHIP AFTER GANESH
CHATURTHI
After
Ganesha Chaturthi till Diwali the whole period is devoted to Mother Earth in
her role as Bhuvaneshwari presiding and ending with Kedara Gowri
Vratha and Lakshmi puja while males are busy with Mahalaya Paksha paying
obeisance to Pitrus! It is strange how temple traditions in
USA have ignored three of the all India based Devi
Festivals Naukhai Bhuvaneswari Jaynthi and
Lalita Saptami. Probably prime
movers of Hindu temples in USA are from South who have practically
no knowledge about these. I mostly lived in the North and hailing from Mysore I
used to visit Bhudevi temple near my house daily located in Bhudevi Farm,
a rich and vast garden that grew vegetables for the
entire community. This was a lone temple for Bhudevi in Mysore probably in
Karnataka too.
To
American Hindus by tradition Mother is the first God. Vedas say “Matru
devo bhava”, consider your mother as God. Here the wisdom of Vedas
also meant Aditi, the Earth Deity, Mother of all Mothers glorified
in Upanishads and Vedas. Hindus call their land as Matrubhoomi, Mother
Earth.
Unfortunately no temple in India or USA
has thought about a sanctum for Bhoodevi who is worshiped by all
traditions though one of the Sivalingas in India in a famous pilgrimage center
is worshiped as Prithvee Linga.
There is no specific day designated for
Bhoodevi’s worship in Hindu calendar. But Bhoodevi or Mother Earth is
invoked in all sectarian worships as Goddess of all Entities and Supreme Being
with the following Veda mantra in daily worship. Gandhadvaaraam
duraadarshaaam nityapushthaam
kareeshineem Easvaree(ga)m sarva bhootaanaam
taamihopahvaye
sriyam || [Oh
Goddess Earth! I invoke you to come to us. You are the ruler of all entities.
You are known by your odor; you are invincible by sins; you are ever full; you
are associated with cow-dung and others].
In all Vishnu temples processional
deity is invariably accompanied by Sridevi (Lakshmi) and Bhoodevi. Yet exclusive
temples to Mother earth are few and far between. Mother Earth is not a
sectarian deity. She is worshiped by all Vaishanvites, Saivites, Saktites
and others with equal respect. She suits all traditional worship. She is
respected as Mother in all World Cultures as explained in my discourses. It is
therefore fitting and proper to dedicate this month to Mother Earth and worship
her. We have neglected her for too long in our worship and religious festivals
and ceremonies though the world celebrates Earth Day in which
Hindus also participate but never thought of it as a special
Religious Event Day. As usual we focus on trivial many but neglect the most
important and most significant suited to all traditions. Our
Jagannatha worshipers of Odisha origin can take the lead
here!
Please
do not miss the rare collection of September Festivals on Devis suitable to all
traditions ideally suited to Hindu American temples--sanghacchdvam
samvadadvam sam aaraadhayadvam as our sages did!
--September, 5 2019
THE TRANSCENDENT MOTHER; This is what
is termed the Adya Shakti; She is the
Supreme Consciousness and Power above the universe and it is by her that
all the Gods are manifested, and even the Supra-mental Iswara comes into
manifestation through her - the Supra-mental Purushottama of whom the Gods are
the Power and
Personalities.---Sri Aurobindo in Mother
A
very well written article. Thank you.
--Prabir Dash
SPIRITUALLY
THINKING OF LORD GANESHA ON THIS SACRED CHATURTHI DAY
Vinayaka as the son of
Shakti as Devi Parvati took the supreme Shakti energy and directed it along the
necessary currents for its complete manifestation by Siva for success in
life hence called Vighnaraja.
Ganesha has been worshiped in Japan by
Buddhists for thousands of years and he was the family deity of Emperors of
Northern court. He is also known in Japan by the name 'Kangiten' or
'Vinayakaten'
This Ganesha as sent to HR Participants was installed as the presiding
deity of Unryuin Temple (Kyoto, Japan) in 1372.CE by Japanese Emperor Gokogon.
Ganesha has been worshiped in Japan by
Buddhists for thousands of years and he was the family deity of Emperors of
Northern court. He is also known in Japan by the name 'Kangiten' or
'Vinayakaten'
Why
Siva cuts off Ganesha’s head as a sentinel and then replaces it with the head
of an elephant. This mystic story has been the subject of much
misinterpretation, distortion, myths and multiple unbelievable stories.
Why did He take away Gowriputra Vinayaka , the son of Parvati and made Him
Iswaraputra? Ganesha is Shiva’s son and representative not as Vinayaka created
by Parvati. Both Ganesha and Shiva are Om, Ekakshara of the Supreme
Principle pundits say. Shiva is Om in its transcendent state. Ganesha is Om in
its state as underlying and ruling all other forces.
Lord Shiva represents the unbounded consciousness
beyond the limits of the dualistic mind. Shiva turns the individual soul into
Ganesha by taking it beyond the individual mind to the universal consciousness
embracing the whole of existence.
Vinayaka as the son of Shakti as Devi
Parvati took the supreme Shakti energy and directed it along the necessary
currents for its complete manifestation by Siva for success in life hence
called Vighnaraja.
Emerging as Ganesha he provides us with the
stability to wield the Shakti force that rises out of the soul on earth (Aatmanaa
vindate veeryam) and takes us to the infinite light.(Sadaa pasyanti
sooryah. Ganesha is the product of unity of Shiva and Shakti, holding the
highest awareness of Shiva while displaying all the powers of Shakti driving
through the goad he holds in his hand. Rest is all myth and fun on which we
revel in our ignorance!
I have not heard of Siva Jaynti as a matter of
fact Vishnu and Brahma Jayanti too and so is also this mystic creation of
Sivasakti. Siva is worshiped as Lingodbhva Murti on Maha Sivaratri. . So is
Ganesha! So it is called Ganesha Chaturthi and not Ganesha Janma
Jayanthi. I have seen Ganesha inside a conical Linga as
Lingodhbhva Murti. Let us do Abhishekam on this miniature
Lingodbhava Murti and spare the milk from the pot belly and elephant head to
feed the hungry along with modakam. As you know Devi is worshiped in
conical linga form and so is Mangaladevi in Mangaluru.
Mangaladevi
in Mangalore is worshipped as a rock. In all Siva temples Siva is worshiped as
Achala Linga while the procession idols are in the human form as in the Vishnu,
Devi, Ganesha and Subhramanya temples. Why not Ganesha then? Ganesaha is
also worshiped as Linga and Salagrama. Ganesha
Shaligram Shila is Natural Shaligram Shila which has come from the Gandaki
River in Nepal as a natural Lord Ganesha Trunk shaped on it. It
is believed worship of Lord Ganesha Shaligmra removes all obstacles and blessing
you long with a happy life. It is more sacred and wise to do Abhishekam on Linga form all the time
except on rare occasions like Ganesh Chaturthi similar to the Abhishekam
on mirror image of Jagannatha. Generally North Indian Marble stone idols do
not stand regular Abhishekams with
various ingredients, may be good for granite idols! Even Jains who strongly
promote Veganism conduct Mahamastakabhishekam on 57 foot
Gomateswara once in 12 years with millions of liters of milk but do pada
-abhishekam daily.
Ganesha
is the Power that removes obstacles by the force of Knowledge. Ganesha is the
Devata of Spiritual Knowledge!
Let us Fill the
Brain and not feed the Belly! May the Remover of Obstacles clear the way to
fulfillment of what we truly deserve in the coming year!
VINYAKATEN
OF UNRYUIN TEMPLE KYOTO
Vinayaka as the son of Shakti as Devi Parvati took the
supreme Shakti energy and directed it along the necessary currents for its
complete manifestation by Siva for success in life hence called
Vighnaraja. Ganesha has been worshiped in Japan by Buddhists for thousands of
years and he was the family deity of Emperors of Northern court. He is also
known in Japan by the name 'Kangiten' or 'Vinayakate
This Ganesha was installed as the
presiding deity of Unryuin Temple (Kyoto, Japan) in 1372.CE by Japanese Emperor
Gokogon. Find the picture by clicking True Indology
on Google.
--Inspired and adapted
from David Frawley, Jaggi Vasudev and Aurobindo
September 2, 2019
Comments:
Thank You. What is the
significance of Palabhishekam?
--Aparna Arcot
RAMAKRISHNA VEDANTA AND SPIRITUAL STUDY GROUPS OF
NASHVILLE
“Vivekananda Kendra for Teachings of Vivekananda
[Kanyakumari-based
Vivekanand Kendra launch a year-long nation-wide contact program to spread the
messages of Swami Vivekananda]
The mass contact program, titled "Ek
Bharat Vijayi Bharat", coincides with the 50th foundation year
of Vivekanand Rock Memorial.
Kanyakumari-based Vivekanand Kendra and
its state units will launch a year-long nation-wide contact program to spread
the messages of Swami Vivekananda, officials said on August 30, 2019. The mass
contact program, titled "Ek Bharat Vijayi Bharat",
coincides with the 50th foundation year of Vivekanand Rock Memorial in
Kanyakumari and will be launched on September 1, 2019.
Involving
around 20,000 workers of around 1,005 units of Vivekananda Kendra across the
country, the program will get underway with a meeting with President Ram Nath
Kovind on September 1, 2019. Thereafter, a team will call on Vice President M.
Venkaiah Naidu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
All
state teams of Vivekananda Kendra would contact the governors and chief
ministers of all states and a sizeable number of people from all segments of
society with the messages of Swami Vivekananda, said D Bhanudas, General
Secretary of Vivekanand Kendra.
It will
also focus on spreading awareness about Vivekananda Rock Memorial.
The
program will also focus on making people aware of the inspiring story of
Vivekananda Rock Memorial and the activities of Vivekananda Kendra.
The
memorial stands on a mid-sea rock off the Kanyakumari shore where Swami
Vivekananda meditated in December 1892 and decided to restore the glory of
Bharta, Bhanudas said. Vivekananda Kendra works in the field of yoga,
education, rural development, youth motivation, natural resource development,
cultural research among other areas.”
Swami
Vivekananda Exponent of Ramakrishna Vedanta was a strong proponent of Advaita
Vedanta, and that was “the principal reason for the enthusiastic reception of
yoga, transcendental meditation and other forms of Indian spiritual
self-improvement in the West particularly in USA.
Please
be informed that a group of Vedanta enthusiasts in Nashville divinely
inspired started a Ramakrishna Vedanta Study Group as a pre-runner to
the above mission, probably not connected to Vivekananda Rock’s Fiftieth
Anniversary, for those interested to initially prepare themselves to
spread the mission of Ramakrishna Vedanta Math in Kolkata that had
inspired the Ramakrishna Vedanta society of North
Carolina. Perhaps you are all aware Chaturmasa for
Sanyasins begins on Ashadha Purnima Guru Purnima Day and ends on Kartik
Purnima. So they had their inaugural meeting on July 14, 2019 under the
Chairmanship of Swami Sarvadevananda before India thought of Vivekananda
Kendra. For those of you who are not familiar with Ramakrishna Vedanta, my
yesterday’s E-mail on Neo Advaita of Gurdev Ramakrishna and Bhagawan Ramana
will give preliminary induction. The learned group will enlighten the
fortunate participants further than what I had explained with my ignorance on
the subject and limited knowledge of Vedanta.
I am
sure our learned group in Nashville will keep a close liaison with
Vivekananda Kendra Teachings of Swami Vivekananda to spread the message
of Swami Vivekananda based on Ramakrishna Vedanta who never studied
Advaita of Sankara but Kali inspired Vedantin unlike me who is an inspired
Vedanta Student who has no time to develop himself worth a Guru.
I
understand Sri Ganesha Temple also started Primary School of Vedanta
for unfortunate Hindu Americans like me under the able guidance of Sunday
School teacher Aparna Arcot that could benefit a lot by the
wisdom generated by the discussions of this Ramakrishna Vedanta Group. I wish I
had the age and time to benefit myself by all these! Old people like me are
History! But what is most important is to start a Kindergarten level Vedanta
Class for young minds as early bird catches the prey! Mind is still fresh
in them not much influenced by Ragas (Trigunas) while Primary level Vedantins
need to get rid of saturated Ragas. Gita says veetaragha
bhayakrodhah yudhyasva Da Da Da vigatajvarah-- Getting rid of
all passions, fear and anger act without convulsion practicing
Constraints, Compassion and Charity (three C’s in English or 3 Da’s in
Sanskrit-dama, daya, daana). I do hope here parables of Ramakrishna and
Chinmayananda’s Bhagavbad Gita, Vedanta dramas and stories for children will
become handy if not my dry discourses of Vedanta and Gita! We need to
co-ordinate all our noble activities--sanghacchadvam samvadadvam-instead
of being locked up in walled room classes! Periodic meet of these groups will
be helpful too! Anyhow, I am not a Daniel or Salmon!
--September 1, 2019
Comments:
I
am highly satisfied with Adi Sankara's Advaita.
--Prof. Nagarajan
GANESH CHATURTHI ON LABOR
DAY
Baalachandra Ganapati is a form of Lord Ganesha where he wears a young
moon on his forehead. Ardent devotees of Ganesha name their children
Baalachandra propitiating this yet another mythological Ganesha! I did not
come across anybody named Ekadantam because they are
confused between ekadam+tam=Ekadantam (devo ekah-one and only
ONE) Ganesha (of Groups of all beings) of Sankara and Ekadanta Ganesha, broken
tusk mythological Ganesha of Mudgil Purana!
Also I believe the concept
of developing Modaka came from Sankara. My understanding of his text is :mudaakaraartha
Vimuktidayakam Vinayakam modakam -- muduakaraartha=for
the purpose of perennial joy; Vimuktidayakam=(She gave) one who grants
mukti; modakam (maataa+udakam)=by mother (sprinkling) sacred water
(to create Vinayakam (vinasa+nayakam), one who dispels all evils and
good (papa-punya) to take us Beyond all gunas --gunateeta. When
religion of Hindu-confusion-ism entered kitchens this gave birth to Modaka
sweet inside sour and salt jacket sweet pudding, Tamil as well as
Maratha creation, flat or globe!
According to Brahmanda
Purana, once, a great sage named Darbhi is believed to have created a pond that
contained water with the sacredness of seven seas to have bath every day. Once,
he was enraged by the brightness of Moon and cursed the Moon to lose all his
brightness and as a result of the curse of the sage, the Moon immediately lost
his luster. Seeing the Moon wearing a dull and worried look, Lord Ganesha
took pity on him and wore the moon on his forehead as a Tilak. Due to the contact
with Lord Ganesh, the Moon regained his brightness.
You can never stop from
hearing the stories behind different forms of Lord Ganesha in mythology of
Hindu-confusion-ism claiming authenticity as well as from our religious pundits
and musicians and not Vinayaka of Parvati, created by a devoted Mother!
A temple near Parbhani in
Maharashtra on the banks of Godavari River is dedicated to Baalachandra
Ganapati (Baalachandra Gajaanana) form of Lord Ganesha.
You can taste better Modaka
if you go to the most ancient Adi Naramukha Vinayaka Temple with
beautiful face near Ramanatha Puram in Tamil Nadu as created by
Parvati created by her Icchaakti and Kriyaasakti as
adult body-guard and gave him to us as to worship with Hladini Sakti
to reach heaven faster as guided by loving mother who is our first God--matru
devo bhava! Here you need not wait for Baala Ganapati to become an adult
and guide as Parvati never gave birth to Ganesha! This Baalachandra Gajaanana’s
head was cut off by Lord Siva in angry mood and by surgery transplanted with
elephant head with two tusks. One of its tusks was broken by Gajaanana
Himself in angry mood to hurl at laughing moon or in serious
mood to write Mahabharata. I would rather go with hurling at the Moon as this Moon
fled to Lord Siva and settled in peace on his hair to be called Sasidhara
or Bhalachandra (Bhala+Chndra) starting again confusion between Isvara
and Isvaraputram Vinayaka!
But please do not forget to
sing the glory of Ganesha with the special sloka dispatch from Muralidharan
Iyengar. We both being bIyengars worship Vinayaka (Vighna+nasaka) as
Vishwaksena, a sentinel for guard Vishnu and Lakshmi together along with Garuda
who belongs to an intelligent group of Gajavadanas like Hayavadanas and
Kinnaras (Centaurs) all in the plan of Vidhartara (Brahman) as stated in
Ramayana. This Viswaksena is with both tusks as created by the Supreme. Later
to please our Sangam friends Tamil Iyengars called Him Tumbikkyai-Azhwar
focusing on his trunk rather than on the broken tusk of a child in angry mood,
called Isvaraputra Vinayaka! The sloka also confuses us saying pray to him as
chaturdanta ekadanta and the ankusa in his hand as the
broken tusk. I would like to recall a Veda mantra that says; Chatwari
sringaa vrishabhah Devah martyaam aavivesa Brahma the bull with four horns
entered into all mortals. So I would go with four tusk Ganesha than
ekadanta. Sankara also says; anekadantaa bhaktaanaam ekadam tam-The
ONE whom the devotees consider as a deity of many tusks . You know
the divine Airavata has four tusks too that is worshiped as deity serving
Parasakti Lakshmi!
Our Philanthropic Temple Fathers perhaps never knew or
visited Adi Naramukha Vinayaka Temple and so brought the most religiously
marketed and musicians-glorified Isvaraputra Ekadanta Ganesha and
popularized him to keep the temple tradition moving in the migrant
country. But that has not prevented the American Confused Desi from
questioning why is his tusk broken, why so much milk is
sent to drains after Abhishekam and why can't they do
Abhishekam like what they do on mirror image of Jagannatha, and
thus save milk and feed the poor!
On the first Monday in September, we
take the day off to celebrate Labor Day and reflect on the American worker’s
contributions to our country. This year it’s September 2 in the U.S. and Canada
— where it’s known as Labor Day. However, this is not the case for most
countries — the majority of which celebrate on May 1. Hindu American Temples
Usually declare this day as Special Religious Events Day and keep the
temples open all day conducting special worships. This year this day is also
dedicated to the most popular and enigmatic Ganesha whose Birthday is
celebrated in all temples where Ganesha is consecrated. In this context please
go through my discourse on the subject
"Work is an activity that
elevates us as human beings and this must be kept in mind every day. Work is
Worship" I wish you all a Happy Labor Day on this sacred day of 2019 dedicated to Lord
Ganesha who is hailed as Vighnaraja, who ensures success in
all our labor when worshiped with clean heart.
--September
1, 2019
NEO-ADVAITA OF RAMANA AND RAMAKRISHNA
Swami Vivekananda, Exponent of Ramakrishna
Vedanta was a strong proponent of Advaita Vedanta, and that was “the principal
reason for the enthusiastic reception of yoga, transcendental meditation and
other forms of Indian spiritual self-improvement in the West particularly in
USA” Another important figure was Sri Ramana
Maharshi (1879~1950),
The Self is already realized; it is the only reality, already
here and now. The only thing that needs to be done is to dissolve the
illusion of being an individual, a separate “I”, along with all the mental
conditioning (vasanas) that support the existence of this ego. This,
Ramana says, is directly achieved either by:
- Self-enquiry — seeking the source or the true nature of our individual I, until it gets dissolved in the Heart, or pure awareness (path of knowledge, jnana)
- Self-surrender — surrendering this “I” to God or the Guru, with the feeling of completely giving it up (path of devotion, bhakti)
So, instead of meditating on our identity with Brahman, or
mentally rejecting identification with phenomena, the Maharshi advises us
to dissolve the ego by seeking its Source, or by surrendering it.
Sri Ramana says that only a mind that is extremely mature, Sattvic, introverted, and calm is able to fully dissolve in the Heart,
resulting in Liberation; before this, it will simply be drawn here and there by
its own tendencies. As the sage says, “Self-enquiry begins when you cling to
your Self and are already off the mental movement, the thought waves.”
Even though the Self is the only reality, there is a clear
instruction that spiritual
practice is essential. He continuously emphasized that only a “ripe mind” will be able
to easily find Liberation. For all other seekers, a long period of “drying up”
through purposeful spiritual practice was needed.
The Maharshi also made clear that actions have their consequences,
and one must not feel that “anything goes”, because “everything is unreal”.
Despite being hard-core non-dualist, he also accepted the role of dualistic
devotion to God, and gave recommended this path to many aspirants who had
this inclination.
Another difference is that the Maharshi never advised anyone to
become monastics. He taught that true renunciation is mental
rather than material/physical, and advised people to follow the life natural to
their condition, but without the concept that there is an individual “I” that
performs the actions and reaps their consequences.
Traditional Advaita says “I AM BRAHMAN (Aham Bramasmi)-I AM
THAT (Tattvamasi)” while Neo Vedanta of Ramana and Ramakrishna
says BE AS YOU ARE--I AM THAT. For this one need not be monastic sitting in
Lotus posture or reject dualistic worship of GOD (G=Generation; O=operation;
D=Dissolution) who sustains the creation in many ways and who witnesses the
thoughts and deeds of men.
Certainly Advaita Vedanta is bound to
continue as an important influence in not only individual Sadhana but also in
world thought. But it has many depths and subtleties that require great
concentration and dedication in order to understand. Our initial goal should be
steadiness in practice along with equanimity of mind, even in the absence of
any great dramatic results, not quick enlightenment in the absence of practice.
Both Ramakrishna and Ramana continued
to live with the world
enlightening those that wanted to pursue Dharmic life with ripe mind
while they themselves were in communion with personal God.
In this context please go through Neo
Vedanta of Ramakrishna and Ramana and the detailed analysis of Neo-Vedanta Vs
Traditional Vedanta by David Frawley titled Misconception of Advaita as
sattached.
Their philosophy
draws its strength from Bhagavad Gita Chapter 7 Verses 8, .9, 10,
11 and 13 in the attached text.
Traditional Advaita says;Self is Vijnaanam: Self is Upanishadic Science.Vijnaanena
aatmaanam vedayati | Tatah ayamaatma vijnaanam Prajnaam Brahma
--Suddhasattvaah sanyasayogaat paramuchyanti ||One knows Self by Science of
Upanishadic knowledge. . Paramaatman or Brahman is beyond our knowledge--
Source of all Sciences and Consciousness. That is Prajnaanam. Practicing
Sanyasayoga self dissolvest with its source..
Neo-Advaita says: Ayam atma
BRAHMA; Gunaateetaah aatmaanam vindati-- This Self is already there in all
Beings. It can be realized with a pure heart devoid of all evils and even
merits-- Eshah srotavyam, mantavyam drashtavyam--it should
be heard, meditated upon and perceived in all beings turning to
Inner-net. Atmanaa vindate veeryam--turning to Self gives
spiritual Strength; Om ityaatmanam Yunjeeta- DA DA
DA Dissolve in this practicing constrain, compassion and charity.
Neo Advaitins
Bhagawan Ramana, Swami Vivekananda, Gurudev Ramakrishna and others
make common man learn easy yogic sciences or Vedic ways of knowledge and
make their corresponding practices and technologies of higher awareness
not only individual but universal. They by their teachings
and special counseling tools help us to communicate and share this
knowledge with society as a whole as well as to introduce it at
individual level for improving our lives overall. Their Vedic counseling
skills are helpful for Yoga teachers and therapists too. Their teachings
are perhaps the optimal system of total life-style, helping us
understand the fabric and network of energy and intelligence that makes up the
whole of existence. No one is denied enlightenment by these gurus when
approached with Sraddha and dedication unlike the Traditional Advaitins!
Don’t miss Swami Ranganathananda’s observances on truly educated people
based on a parable by Inspired Vedanta Master Ramakrishna who did
not learn Advaita and Bhagawan
Ramana Advaita Guru in the attached text. Swami Chidananda of Paramartha
Niketan, Swami Chidananda of FOWAI Forum , Vamadeva Shastri, Sadhvi Bhagavati, Jaggi Vasudev of recent years do not
lag behind!
--August 31, 2019
Comments:
Thank you for sending this text
--Bala from Atlanta
Enjoyed
it! Thank you
--Rita
Gupta
Thank you very much for bringing this article
to the attention of HR participants. We are in the beginning stage of Sri
Ramakrishna Vedanta Study Circle. Articles like this will be of great help.
--B. C. Nair
HMEC & HINDU REFLECTIONS
Over a decade Hindu Reflections has
been working with parallel objectives of HMEC that has received global
appreciation and locally delivering discourses that has been highly
appreciated. Running 90 I may not personally participate in your yeoman service
deliberations. Nevertheless these discourses may help you in your work!
Hindu Reflections is devoted to
spread the message of Hindu Dharma, Hindu ancient culture, Hindu Gods and
Goddesses, Hindu Festivals and Rituals, Hindu Temple, Temple worship Hindu Sacraments
(samskaras), Vedic knowledge and wisdom based on Upanishads and Bhagavad Gita,
Hinduism’s Influence on other Religions and Faiths and its teachings aimed at
Outreach and Universal Oneness to promote peace, prosperity and Happiness and
Interfaith Dialogues all available at one source. Please visit Hindu
Reflections <nrsrini.blogspot.com> and download the “Classified list of Discourses” published in
March 2015 for your guidance and use.
POLICY OF HINDU REFLECTIONS:
These discourses are compilations from the references indicated in
each discourse as well as other sources as prepared lectures for delivering at
Vedanta Class of Sri Ganesha Temple, Nashville. TN, USA. Anybody is
free to download partly or fully any discourse from the blog Hindu Reflections
<nrsrini.blogspot.com> modify and redistribute or republish for spreading the wisdom
of Vedas and scriptures further WITH SIMPLE ACKNOWLEDGEMENT. Their popularity
and quality can be well appreciated going through the various comments received
from eminent personalities and spiritual Gurus in my article on Classified
List. Here are my list of articles that may interest you. Article 18 and 19 may
be of interest to you in the present context. They May even publish suitable
books without even referring my name to serve the
HMEC Seminar on Sustaining
Temples and Religious Institutions
Building Security and Strength through Processes, Outreach and
Seva
The 14th annual Hindu Mandir
Executives' Conference (HMEC) is being led by the VHPA NJ chapter and it will
be held Sept 20-22, 2019 in East Hanover, New Jersey, USA. This year's theme, “Sustaining
Temples and Institutions: Building Security and Strength through Processes,
Outreach and Seva," will delve into the challenges facing Hindu
temples and institutions as technology and social changes affect traditional
beliefs and practices.
Around the globe we are seeing an increase in the number of disruptive and ignorant acts targeting religious institutions that threaten our safety within our places of worship. To protect ourselves and our dharma, we must educate ourselves and the community while building awareness by connecting Hindus and non-Hindus alike through outreach and seva.
Around the globe we are seeing an increase in the number of disruptive and ignorant acts targeting religious institutions that threaten our safety within our places of worship. To protect ourselves and our dharma, we must educate ourselves and the community while building awareness by connecting Hindus and non-Hindus alike through outreach and seva.
HMEC 2019 will give Hindu leaders
an opportunity to understand how current events impact the safety of temples
and institutions and develop ways to strengthen their processes, build
sustenance through seva and achieve outreach for impact.
HMEC was conceptualized by VHPA as a platform
for Hindu temples and organizations to network, with the joint mission of
strengthening and sustaining temples and building effective leadership, and
facilitate new generation of Hindu leadership in North America
--August 29, 2019
Comments:
Too Good
--Vimala Batra
GOWRI GANESHA TEEJ VARAHA JAYANTI FESTIVALS OF 2019
Gowri Habba, or Gowri Ganesha Festival,
is observed during the Ganesh Chaturthi, or Vinayaka Chaturthi Festival in
Karnataka. Gowri Habba 2019 date is September 1, Sunday. Gouri Habba is also
known as Swarna Gouri Vratam. On this day, Goddess Gowri (Parvathi) is
worshipped. The ritual and observance is held on the third day of the Shukla
Paksha (waxing phase of moon) in Bhadrapad month as per tradition according to
the Kannada calendar.
Gowri Habba is performed by both married
and unmarried women. A golden image of Goddess Parvati is worshipped on the
Gowri Habba day by some communities. The popular belief is that Goddess Parvati
visits her devotees on the day and Lord Ganesha comes on the next day (Ganesh
Chaturthi day) to take her back to Kailasa, the abode of Lord Shiva.
Married women perform Ganesh Gouri for a
happy and peaceful married life. Unmarried women perform it for getting good
husbands.
Some communities make Gauri Idol Using
Turmeric. Usually the idol is prepared using Turmeric or a clay idol of
Goddess Gowri is also procured from the market. There are several regional
variations in the observance. In some places, a clay idol of Ganesha is also
worshiped. The main legend is associated with a creation of Ganesha from her
own body of Goddess Gowri. Please note that a Ganesh Gouri Festival is observed
in Maharashtra during the Ganesh Chaturthi Festival and it is different from
this.
TEEJ FESTIVAL
Teej
fasting day is September 1 in 2019. The last day of Teej (September 3,
2019) is observed as Rishi
Panchami. dedicated to Goddess Parvati
and Lord Shiva and is observed for three consecutive days as Hartalika
Teej in India. Teej commemorates the intense austerity observed by
Goddess Parvati to get Lord Shiva as husband.
Nepal, Teej is also the period when
married women visit their parents. The night before Teej day is known as Dar
khane Di. The day after Teej is Ganesh Chaturthi and special prayers are held.
Women also break the fast on this day.
The next day is Rishi Panchami and
special prayers are offered to the Sapta Rishis. In India, there are three Teej festivals and the
most important is the Hartalika Teej.
Jyeshta Gauri Pujan
2019 date - Gauri Ganpati Puja in Maharashtra during Ganesh Chaturthi
Jyeshta Gauri Pujan is performed in many
households during Ganesh Chaturthi festival in Maharashtra. In 2019, Gauri
Avahan is on September 5, 2019. Gowri Puja is on September 6 and Gouri Visarjan
is on September 7, 2019.
Goddess Gauri is another name for
Goddess Parvati, the mother of Ganesha. Arrival of Goddess Gauri in homes is
said to bring health, wealth, happiness and prosperity. Two idols of Goddess
Gauri are brought home and worshiped and the arrival is regarded as the coming
of the sisters of Ganesha by some communities. Most people believe that it is
Goddess Parvati, mother of Ganesha.
Three-Day Gauri Ganapati
The idols
of Gauri are brought usually two days after the beginning of Ganesh Chaturthi.
It is placed for three days – first day is the avahana, next day it is the main
Gauri Puja and also Satyanarayan puja and on the third day Gauri is immersed in
water. Legend has it that the two forms Gauri follow Ganesha to the homes.
Gauri Puja is also considered as Upasana of Goddess Lakshmi in some regions. The idols of Goddess Gauri which are brought in pairs – two different forms of Gauri – are decorated and special pujas are offered. Women also perform the community puja along with Haldi Kumkum ceremony. Goddess Gauri killing a demon is narrated after the puja. The popular belief is that Goddess Gauri visits and resides in homes during the period. Therefore the houses are kept clean and new decorations are added to welcome the Goddess. Special food is also prepared during the period.
Note -
Gauri Puja during Vinayaka Chaturthi in certain parts of Maharashtra, especially
in Pune, where Goddess Gauri is the sister of Ganapati. Many Hindus might raise
an eyebrow when they hear Gauri as sister of Ganesha. A Gauri Puja is held
the day before or on Ganesh Chaturthi in Karnataka and in it Gowri is the
mother of Ganesha. In West Bengal, Goddess Lakshmi and Goddess Saraswati
are sisters of Ganesha and all three are children of Goddess Durga.
Varaha Jayanthi celebrates the descent
of Varaha Avatara – the boar incarnation of Lord Vishnu on earth. This is celebrated as
Varaha Jayanti 2019 on September 1 in the North. In
South India, Varaha Jayanti was observed in Vaishakh Month (April -
May) on Vaishakh Krishna Paksha Dwadasi Tithi. In 2019, this was on May 31. In
Kerala it was observed on fifth day during the waxing phase of moon in Vaishakh
month and this is on April 23.
Each region
in India has an independent culture of its own and most of these
cultures are sometimes 5000 years old. Each region has developed madness in its
own way of interpreting the make attempt to give form to the Nirguna
Parabrahman. Brahman cannot be defined they say but each Hindu defines Brahman
and enjoys the freedom to make an attempt to define in it. This
Freedom of Sanatana Dharma goes often hay wire in Hinduism and Temple
Traditions are more focused on an individual’s dictate of Brahman and
playing to the gallery than spiritually leading! American Hindus
have brought all these confusions from various lands not necessarily from
Bharat alone, and Hindu American Temples are more confused than
even India. Puranas and beliefs make mother sister, daughter wife,
son brother, calf-love wife etc., all at the same time
of creation for Hinduism nay Hindu confusion-ism where even Hindu is a confused
term. To top it we have the calendar confusion that stands not corrected for
several centuries. Hinduism says “Ask no question; follow the elders, follow
the Purans; If you don’t you are an atheist. There are two Hanuman
Jayantis and Krishna's Birth Days too. How can we worship together like
ancient Sanatana Dharma sages? So traditional Vedantins live in their own
world! Neo-Vedantins are trying to remove confusion but are fighting shy afraid
of Religious Pundits!
Yet my
question is why all can’t decide on Naramukha Vinayaka as created by Parvati
with her Icchaasakti and Kriyaasakti and worshiped in the most ancient
Adivinayaka Naramukha Vinayaka Temple as a deity of Hlaadini Sakti in Tamil
Nadu, Champion of Saivism from Sangam Times and even earlier instead of painful
worship of Ekadanta and Iswaraputra! I believe our Classical Musicians have
misguided us a lot here inspired by Mudgil Purana.
Go through my varied topics on these
annual events.
I would be grateful if someone can guide me on the right path
without just telling 'tasmaat saastram pramaanam te kaaryaakaarya
vyavasthithou' without telling the right sastra and
auspicious time of worship with right understanding of the deity.
It is high time our Religious Pundits and Spiritual
Gurus come together, sit together and think together to give a sense
of single and straight direction to practice Sanatana Dharma as our
Rishis did in the past--Sangacchadhvam sam vadadhvam; Samaano mantrah
samitih; Samaano vaa aakootih:
Wish you
all a Happy and Enlightening Ganesha--Gowri-Teej-Varaha Jayanti Week-end
when many Prasadam varieties await you!
--August 28, 2019
Expats Celebrate Janmashtami
at Abu Dhabi Temple
ABU
DHABI, August 25, 2019 (Menafn)
Thousands
of expatriates marked Janmashtami, the annual Hindu festival celebrating the
birth of Deity Krishna, with various events across Abu Dhabi. Festivities
started at the BAPS Hindu Mandir site and various associations across the
capital and Al Ain during the evening hours. The celebrations included singing
devotional songs, recitation of the Bhagavad Gita, praying together for peace
and harmony, dance-drama plays, swinging the cradle of baby Krishna and more.
There were close to 4,000 devotees at the BAPS Hindu Mandir site. "The
festival is a celebration of the victory of good over evil and one that reminds
us of our personal re capital and Al Ain during the evening hours. The
celebrations included singing devotional
BAPS
Hindu Mandir priests and officials thanked the UAE and Indian leadership for
the historic songs, recitation of the Bhagavad Gita, praying together for peace
and first-of-its-kind festival. "We are all blessed to be living in a
nation that supports the universal values of tolerance and harmony," said
senior priest of BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha Swami Brahmaviharidas.
Thousands
of expatriates marked Janmashtami, the annual Hindu festival celebrating the
birth of Deity Krishna, with various events across Abu Dhabi. Festivities
started at the BAPS Hindu Mandir site and various associations across the
capital and Al Ain during the evening hours. The celebrations included singing
devotional songs, recitation of the Bhagavad Gita, praying together for peace
and harmony, dance-drama plays, swinging the cradle of baby Krishna and more.
There were close to 4,000 devotees at the BAPS Hindu Mandir site. "The
festival is a celebration of the victory of good over evil and one that reminds
us of our personal responsibility to live righteous lives," volunteer
Pranav Desai said.
BAPS
Hindu Mandir priests and officials thanked the UAE and Indian leadership for
the historic and first-of-its-kind festival. "We are all blessed to be
living in a nation that supports the universal values of tolerance and harmony,"
said senior priest of BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha Swami Brahmaviharida.
--HINDUISM
TODAY, HAWAII
Hare
Krishna Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Hare Hare!
Radhe Krishna!
(Raha+de+Kri+shna)-- Give me direction for ultimate happiness"
--August 27, 2019
Comments:
Great news Srinivasanji! There will be
absolute peace in the world if this happens in Saudi Arabia!
-- Balachandran
Excellent
--Puthugramam
K. Narayanan
OUR MANTRAS HELP US TO TACKLE GHOSTS OF OUR MIND
Mantras help us to
concentrate. We live in a world that is overflowing with sensory pleasures and
stimulation. Our lives are over-busy with work, errands, chores, etc.
Therefore, it is very difficult to simply still the mind. Mantras serve as
bridges between this world and the divine realm. They offer us a way to
transverse the water which may seem impassable.
It is said that a mantra
has three essential components: we must simultaneously picture the mantra, hear
the mantra and taste the mantra. It is an experience of the entire being. A
mantra is not only the experience of the hand or of the tongue. It must fill
our beings.
Mantras also purify our minds and hearts. After practicing them for a while, they become automatic. Typically our unconscious thoughts are filled with trivial matters – conversations we have had or expect to have, groceries we must buy, what we will cook for dinner, or even a persistent commercial jingle. However, by practicing mantras, these other thoughts get pushed aside by the automatic power of God’s name. Soon, the mantra will become as unconscious and automatic as the other thoughts. It is like if you hear a song on the radio over and over, during your drive to work, that song will play in your head all day long. Similarly, if you do your mantra as much as possible, it will eventually become automatic. Your mind will no longer be filled with trivial thoughts and worries. Every free moment of thought will be filled with God.
Mantras also purify our minds and hearts. After practicing them for a while, they become automatic. Typically our unconscious thoughts are filled with trivial matters – conversations we have had or expect to have, groceries we must buy, what we will cook for dinner, or even a persistent commercial jingle. However, by practicing mantras, these other thoughts get pushed aside by the automatic power of God’s name. Soon, the mantra will become as unconscious and automatic as the other thoughts. It is like if you hear a song on the radio over and over, during your drive to work, that song will play in your head all day long. Similarly, if you do your mantra as much as possible, it will eventually become automatic. Your mind will no longer be filled with trivial thoughts and worries. Every free moment of thought will be filled with God.
Also, just like a mother
cannot ignore her child who cries out, “Mom, mom, mom, mom!” so will God be
always present with His devotees who chant His holy name.
However, these things are means to the end of God-realization. They are the means, not the end themselves. Once we develop that close, intimate bond with God, mantras become less necessary. Imagine that you love someone with all your heart. You don’t need to take a mala and recite her name over and over again with the beads of the mala in order to remember her. Your heart automatically remembers. Similarly, once we have that deep love for God, we don’t need to continue reciting our mantra to bring us into contact with Him. We will be in contact all the time. Our lives will become our mantra.
However, these things are means to the end of God-realization. They are the means, not the end themselves. Once we develop that close, intimate bond with God, mantras become less necessary. Imagine that you love someone with all your heart. You don’t need to take a mala and recite her name over and over again with the beads of the mala in order to remember her. Your heart automatically remembers. Similarly, once we have that deep love for God, we don’t need to continue reciting our mantra to bring us into contact with Him. We will be in contact all the time. Our lives will become our mantra.
- H.H. Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswatiji
Esha
hi drashtaa sprashta srota ghrataa rasayita manta boddhaa
karta vijnaanaatma purushah | Omkaarah brahma | Ekamaatram abhidhyaayeeta |
It
is the Self that sees, hears, smells, tastes, thinks, knows, acts.
The sound Om is Brahman. Meditate on Om! (Prasna Upanishad)
So
turning to your Inner-net He is to be heard, meditated upon and seen. That
obligates Tapas and Meditation --Burn before you shine!
--August 26, 2019
SRI JAYANTHI MESSAGE FROM HINDU REFLECTIONS
I was
worried over my long inspired E-mails on “Atmasamarpanam” and “Divine
Assurance from Gita” might go unread as you are all very busy
in planning or preparing 32 varieties of snacks to
please Krishna.
In
Chapter 2, verse 11, Krishna strikes the keynote: Ashochyaa-nanvasochastvam
prajna‑vadaamscha bhashase |
Simply
put, it says: “Do not Grieve.” Swami Venkatesananda says that we should
use this verse as a mantra. When worry knocks at our door – which it does, when
grief threatens – as it does, let us visualize Sri Krishna standing before us,
saying, “You are worrying unnecessarily.” Thinking is essential. Worrying is
not only unnecessary, but it actually prevents thinking.
Whenever
we feel weak and unable to perform our duties to ourselves, to our family or
the community, all we need is to recall Krishna’s advice to Arjuna. I usually
turn to Gita lying on my computer table and He tells me which sloka to look
into!
Surprisingly
I was not disappointed as I was twin-blessed both by the Guidance-end and
Receiving end though others did not respond as they normally do but for a
single religious local person:
“Happy to take a look at your
valuable comments on Appayya Deekshitar and the circumstances when he wrote /
sang the ātmārpana-stuti. Your patience, perseverance and undying inspiration
behind all this sharing is terrific. May Lord Almighty bless you in all
possible ways, sir!”
--Swami Chidananda of Fowai Forum
“Thank you Srinivas for sharing such wisdom from
these teachings. With deep affection and kind regards, hope you have a
wonderful day!”
--Gerardo Janetzko from Argentina
I
therefore thought to bring to your particular attention the importance of these
two mails on “Atmasamarrpanam by Appayya Dikshitar” and
“Divine Assurance in Gita” as revealed in the comments above from
unexpected sources that also caught the attention of many on FB where I
published also.
On this
Holy Day I do hope everyone of my readers will assure Lord Krishna
”Karishye vachanam tava “ We shall perform (our duties) according to
your mandate--after going through the wisdom thoughts.
I have pleasure in
attaching a very exciting information on Krishna and His Teachings that I went
through, though busy with 32-snacks annual program important for most of us but
everyday affair in Puri Jagannath which has the busiest Temple Kitchen in the
World. Perhaps visiting Puri Swami Vivekananda lamented, “In
India religion has entered into the Cooking pot”. Our Temples in USA say
that this is what makes our temple viable; a hungry stomach cannot think and
spiritually persuade the mind agreeing and aligning with India. We decorate
deities also with foods items (vadamala, Phalavastaram, dahiandi, uriyadi) and
turn them human as we can’t turn divine!
Dahi
Handi is celebrated after Krishna Janmashtami. It
involves communities hanging an earthen pot filled with dahi (yogurt) or other
milk-based delicacy, at a convenient or difficult to reach height. Young men
and boys form teams, make a human pyramid and attempt to reach or
break the pot. As they do so, girls surround them, sing with music, and cheer
them on. It is a public spectacle, and well organized historic tradition of
Hindus, with media attendance, prize money and commercial sponsorships. The
event is based on the legend of the Krishna
stealing butter and other milk products as a baby (he is also called Makhan
chor), the community hiding the products by hanging them high out of his
reach, but he finding creative ways to reach what he wanted.
A
participant in this festival is called a govinda or govinda pathak.
It is mostly popular in the states of Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Telangana and nearby regions of
India. In Andhra Pradesh and Telangana this festival is
celebrated as Utlotsavam.
Wish you
all Happy Sri Jayanthi with the prayer "Krishnaya tubhyam namah"
--August 24, 2019
Comments:
Inspiring
and thought provoking. Thanks for sharing such noble text.
--Purushottama Rao
Ravela
THERE IS DIVINE ASSURANCE OF PERENNIAL JOY FOR THOSE THAT
TAKE REFUGE IN THE SUPREME
Bogged down by sufferings in the world,
trouble, crime, hatred, pain, diseases and ultimately inevitable death
even our sages and saints raised their voices to the Supreme chanting
mantras, pouring oblations to the fire and praying with hymns like what
we discussed yesterday:
mrityor maa
ammritam gamaya--lead me from
death into immortality;
mrityor moksheeya
maamritat--release me from death but not
immortality;
anyathA
sharaNaM nAsti tvameva sharaNaM mama tasmAd kAruNya bhAvena rakSha rakSha
parameshvara ||
I have no
other refuge, Thou art my sole refuge, Out of sense of compassion, protect
me, O Supreme Lord!
tvat-pādābja-prapadanam-rite
naiva pashyāmy-upāyam
I do not see any other way out except
surrendering to your lotus feet- Appayya Dikshitar
tamevam vidwaan-amrita iha bhavati | naanya
panthaa vidyatae ayanaaya
One who knows him becomes immortal (even) here.
There is no other path for liberation other than this--Purushsuktam
kara charaNa kritaM vAkkAyajaM karmajaM vA
| SravaNa nayanajaM vA mAnasaM vAparAdham || vihitama vihitaM vA
sarvametatkSamasva | jaya jaya karuNAbde SrI mahAdeva Sambho ||-- Sankaracharya
Whatever faults I may have committed by hand or
foot, In word or deed, with my ears or eyes, mind or body, knowingly or
unknowingly - forgive me for them all, Victory unto Thee, O great Lord Shambhu,
the Ocean of Compassion.
DIVINE ASSURANCE
IN GITA
The nine forms of
devotional service to the All Pervading are “śravaṇaṁ kīrtanaṁ viṣṇoḥ smaraṇaṁ pāda-sevanam arcanaṁ vandanaṁ dāsyaṁ sakhyam ātma-nivedanam" (Srimad
Bhagavatam). Yesterday we discussed a lot about atma-nivedanam and atmasamarpanam
or total Self surrender otherwise called Saranagati enlightened and elaborated
by Atma-stuti of Appaiyya Diikshitar. Such glimpses of devotion, with
certain discipline, will not go unrewarded. Here we have the Divine
Assurance from none other than Bhagawan himself as clearly stated in his
message conveyed not only to Arjuna but all of us in Gita. Please go through
the following verses in Bhagavad Gita, get confidence, console and
act accordingly:
yo māṁ paśhyati
sarvatra sarvaṁ cha mayi
paśhyati | tasyāhaṁ na praṇaśhyāmi sa cha me na praṇaśhyati || 6-30 ||
He who perceives the Supreme Spirit everywhere,
and also perceives all things in the Supreme Spirit, will find that the Supreme
Spirit is not lost for him, nor he lost to the Supreme Spirit. He enjoys
company with Him--salokataam aapnoti.
ahaṁ hi
sarva-yajñānāṁ bhoktā
cha prabhureva cha| na tu mām abhijānanti tattvenātaśh chyavanti te || 9-24 ||
It is only the Supreme Spirit that is ultimately
the recipient of all form of worship and the dispenser of the rewards thereof.
However those who worship other gods not recognizing the Supreme
Spirit in the gods they worship fall back in their objectives and
miss the opportunity to be with the Supreme Spirit.
chetasa sarva-karmaanimayi sannyasya
mat-parah | buddhi-yogam upasritya mac-chittah satatam bhava || 18-57 ||
One should give up in thought all actions to the
Supreme Spirit the goal of one’s life. Turning to the practice of discernment,
he must always fix his thoughts on the Supreme Spirit with the understanding
that one-self and all that he does are dependent upon the Supreme Spirit.
bhaktyā mām abhijānāti yāvān yaśh chāsmi tattvataḥ | tato māṁ tattvato jñātvā viśhate
tad-anantaram || 18-55 ||
It is by loving devotion that one recognizes the Supreme
Spirit, who and what it is! Knowing the Supreme Self as it really
is, he at once enters into it.
man-mana bhava mad-bhaktomad-yaji mam namaskuru |
maam evaisyasi satyam te pratijane priyo 'si me|| 18-65 ||
One must settle ones thoughts entirely in the
Supreme Spirit; one must lovingly devote himself to the Supreme Spirit; one
must make worshipful offerings to the Supreme Spirit. Thus can one without any
doubt or misgiving attain to the supreme Spirit!
ananyāśh chintayanto māṁ ye janāḥ paryupāsate| teṣhāṁ nityābhiyuktānāṁ yoga-kṣhemaṁ vahāmyaham || 9-22 ||
Those folk who contemplate on the Supreme Spirit
as their own inmost being and no other, and are entirely devoted, yoking
themselves uninterruptedly to this discipline, to that very reality, will find
that the Supreme Spirit takes full care of their welfare.
sarva-karmåny-api sadå kurvåno mad-vyapåsrayah|
mat-prasådåd avåpnoti såsvatam padam avyayam || 18-56 ||
Even if one is engaged actively in all kinds of
work all the time, should he but put his trust entirely in the Supreme Spirit,
he would surely attain to the eternal and immutable state by the grace of the
Supreme Spirit.
sarva-dharmān parityajya mām ekaṁ śharaṇaṁ vraja | ahaṁ tvāṁ sarva-pāpebhyo mokṣha-yiṣhyāmi mā śhuchaḥ ||
18-66||
Giving up all other Dharmas, turn to the Supreme
spirit (Svadharma or Dharma of the Self) as the sole refuge; and the Supreme
Spirit will undoubtedly deliver the refuge-seeker from all ills and evils; he
will no longer grieve.-- (ayamaatmaa Brahma tad Sathyam tad Dharmam-- Mandukya-Brihadaranyaka)
--August
24, 2019
Comments:
Thank
you Srinivas for sharing such wisdom from these teachings. With deep affection
and kind regards, hope you have a wonderful day!
--Gerardo
Janetzko from Argentina
In your late discourses, you have
rightly focused on Krishna's Messages & Character - DHARMA. Please keep it
up. Hare Krishna
--Anil Pandey
AATMAARPANA
STUTI OF APPAYYA DEEKSHITAR
“FOWAI invites you to join
the WEBINAR-154 GLIMPSES OF DEVOTION, ĀTMĀRPANA-STUTI by Shri
Appayya Deekshitar to be presented by:
Pujya Swāmi Chidānandaji on
Sunday, August 25.
Gist of the Presentation:
The great advaita scholar-saint
Shri Appayya Deekshitar (1520 - 1593 probably) wrote many works, of which
this ātmārpana-stuti (A Hymn by which One Surrenders Completely to the
Lord) is a composition that excels in its spirit of leaving everything to God.
Of the 50 verses that make this poem, the first 42 are in the meter mandākrāntā.
[Mandākrāntā is the meter in which Kavi Kālidāsa wrote the entire
Meghaduta] We will take a quick look at the thoughts and sentiments expressed
in this classic devotional work.
“tvat-pādābja-prapadanam-rite naiva
pashyāmy-upāyam”--Verse 10 of of ātmārpana-stuti-- I do
not see any other way out except surrendering to your lotus feet!”
“Making references to selected shlokas
from verse 11 thru verse 30, this session of the webinar will present new
dimensions of devotion to God and certain different sentiments of the devotee
on the path of bhakti. Appayya Deekshitar, the great Vedāntin of
exalted jnāna revels in Shiva-bhakti, showing to us
that the two can coexist. Advaita-jnāna has no problem with either
devotion to a God-form or love of any branch of art or science. Someone who
loves thermodynamics, for example, may continue to love the subject after
non-dual enlightenment.
O Shiva, Dweller on Mountains, you are the teacher of
brahma-vidyā; I worship you constantly!
tam seve’ham girisha satatam
brahma-vidyāgurum tvām |
Verse 19, the Hymn of Self-Surrender”
Sri
Appayya Dikshitar who lived around 1500 AD, once questioned his own bhakti
(devotion) towards Shiva. So, he summoned his disciples and gave
them a cup of a paste made with Datura seeds which makes one lose his mind and
almost drive one towards insanity. He also gave them another paste which would
be the anti-dote for the first medicine that will bring back one from a state
of insanity to a normal one. He asked them to give him the first portion for a
week and write down everything that he said in that state of mind loss and then
subsequently after a week, give him the anti-dote that would bring him back to
normalcy.
His
reasoning was this: the two states of mind that remain pure and do not get
corrupted by “shows”, social policy and agenda are those of a child and of an
insane person. This is why they say that a child and an insane person do not
develop karma with their acts. Sri Appayya Dikshitar felt that in the state of
losing his mind, if he spoke things that have nothing to do with Shiva, then
his bhakti was imperfect and that he needed to do more work and tapas (penance);
on the other hand, if his bhakti was perfect then he would be still meditating
on Shiva even though he had temporarily become deranged. The experiment
started; and what he composed in that state is the Atmarpana Stuthi otherwise
known as Unmattha Panchaa Shath-- “one who has lost his mind”; of
50 verses.
Aiyappa, Son of Siva and Vishnu in his avatar as
enchantress Mohini, is a compromising candidate for the fighting factions Siva
and Vishnu in the land of Kerala. Tamils often lament fighting
with each other and compromise “Ariyum aranum onre” Hari and Hara
are one and the same but that is all calledSiva they emphasize being the
architects of Sangam Philosophy. Sadguru Jaggi Vasudev says Siva is
Soonyam that is Nirguna Brahman(Sivoham). This philosophy is reflected
by Appayya Dikshitar, a staunch Advaita philosopher too. May be he is a Smarta
typical Dikshitar, while Sivagurus arecalled Sastrigal or Gurukkal
.
Vedas
contain 360 names for Saguna Brahman (Vedic astrology), while Nirguna Brahaman
has no name, after which Puranas brought out Vishnu Sahasranama. NarayaNa was
the first name identified with all round water that gave way to earth. He
still pervaded water, earth, air, fire and space and because of his pervasive
nature Narayana was also called Vishnu the second name among 360 names. Later
people with sectarian views and as an alternate to Saivism that emerged out of
Rudra which ruled Hinduism for long brought in the tradition of Vaishnavism and
both started fighting with each other claiming superiority
status. In the beginning there was no –ism concept and it
was all one universal Paratattva which was called Vishnutattva because of its
all-pervasive nature. Sankara said everyone should focus on the worship of
Sustaining Vishnu aspect of Parabrahman both in Tattvabodha and his last
composition Bhajagovindam. Ramanuja deeply studying
Vishnu Tattva of Vedic days further and with his proper interpretation of
Brahmasutra tried to restore Vishnu Tattva universally and revive Vedic
spiritual Self. His teachings and practical religion of Love and Devotion
as practiced and propagated by him will be most suited to Hindu Americans not
only to uplift themselves but also guide others spiritually providing the love
of God with an enduring philosophy, and philosophy with an abiding love of God.
We should not over-estimate our own limited
capacity in understanding the three great philosophers, who have
all had solid foundation in Advaita philosophy, the fore-runner of all
later philosophies. Sankara during his last days started thinking about
tri-pad theory of Ramanuja but left that for him to elaborate that later Madhva
developed into Pancha-bedha concept. We should not forget they all talk about
Universal Oneness and Absolute Consciousness that Vedas talk about.
"The nine forms of devotional
service are “śravaṇaṁ kīrtanaṁ viṣṇoḥ* smaraṇaṁ pāda-sevanam arcanaṁ vandanaṁ dāsyaṁ sakhyam ātma-nivedanam"
(Srimad bhagavatam).Present discussion deals with Atma-nivedanam turning to the
Inner-net or Inner-voice. (*Isaanah sarvabhootaanam-isavasyamidam sarvam)
I
believe Aiyappa Deekshitar was also very much influenced by Purushasookta hymns
16 and 17 and realizing Siva as Soonya or Nirguna Brahman in his
atmasamarpanam!
Vedaahametam
purusham mahaantam | aadityavarnam tamasastu paarae | sarvaani
roopaani vichitya dheera-h | naamaani-kritwaa abhivadan yad-aaste ||
(Mantra 16)
I have
realized that First Person, resplendent like the Sun, ever shining, beyond
all darkness, who, having created all forms and names, in His wisdom, exists as
though functioning through them all.
Dhaataa
purastaadya-mudaajahaara | sakra-h pravidwaan pradisa-h chatasra-h | tamevam
vidwaan-amrita iha-bhavati | naanya-h panthaa ayanaaya vidyate || (Mantra
17)
Him
whom Prajaapati proclaimed as the Viraat-purusha in the ancient days, Him whom
Indra propagated in the four quarters of the universe, He is the one by realizing
whom the realized masters become immortal, even in this life. There is no
other way for liberation.
Let us
look at the Verse 10 of Appayya Dikshitar to which Swamiji draws our attention:
ANITARAGATITVAABHIDHAANAM--
Siva, The only solution
Naaham
noddhum karana nichayam durnayam paarayaami |
smaaram
smaaram janipatharujam naatha seedaami bheetyaa ||
kim vaa
kurve kinwechitaamiha kaadya gacchami hanta |
ttpaadaabjaprapaddaanmrute
naivapasyaamyupaayam || 10 ||
I am
unable to block the path the senses take. Oh Lord! I tremble out of fear
thinking again and again of the difficulties faced by me from the time of
birth. What can I do? Where could I go now? What is right? I
do not see any device other than surrendering at your lotus feet!
His
Atmasampranam or Saranagati or complete
Surrender or ISLAM is clearly seen in the ending
verses:
Oh Lord
Siva! Let people waste their time debating on the valor and non-valor of gods,
Oh Lord, what has been established as the essence of Vedas by Brahma and others
is only authority for us (46)--Vedokhilam Dharmamoolam
I do
not value anything more desirable in these worlds. Let pleasure or pain come to
me according to my Karma! May my mind befriend your feet which rob the beauty
of the inner-side of the lotus flower (Self within)--(47)--Antaryamin
Oh
Father! For the sake of livelihood I have often composed verses to please low
level people to earn praises. I have become sinner by placing those at your
lotus feet as offerings-- (48)--chanchalam chapalam chittam.... kaamamohitam
Oh
Lord Sadasiva! Please pardon me, the one who is drowning in the ocean of
difficulties. I, who has no other refugee (anyathaa saranam nasti)
whole-heartedly seek refuge at your lotus feet (49)--kshamastatvam
ksahamastatvam
Oh
Lord! I did not compose this Atmaarpana with single-minded devotion. Yet, Oh
Lord! Ocean of mercy! With the thought this helpless person is seeking refuge
--at least through words, protect me!--Sarvaaparaadhaan Kshamasva
But don't
miss the opportunity to listen to Swamiji on elaboration of single
minded devotion and Aatma samararpanam in Aatmaarpana-stuti of Appayya
Dikshitar.
anyathA sharaNaM nAsti tvameva sharaNaM
mama | tasmAd kAruNya bhAvena rakSha rakSha parameshvara ||
I have no other refuge, Thou art my
sole refuge, Out of sense of compassion, protect me, O Supreme Lord!
--August
23, 2019
Comments:
I like it
--Ramaswamy
Subromany
--Muralidhar
Srinivas
Happy to take a look at
your valuable comments on Appayya Deekshitar and the circumstances when he
wrote / sang the ātmārpana-stuti.
Your patience,
perseverance and undying inspiration behind all this sharing is terrific. May Lord Almighty bless
you in all possible ways, sir!
--Swami Chidananda of Fowai Forum
GOKULASHTAMI, SRI
JAYANTI& RARE KALIYA SLOKA ON KRISHNA
We
celebrated Rama Navami in April ending in the First Chaturmasa (four Months). Now we are celebrating Second
Chaturmasa ending with Krishna Gokulashtami and focus on the last Chturmasa
spiritually with Vedaadhyana and Gita being Hindu Americans. Hinduism has Shad
Ritus, Six external seasons of nature and three internal Spiritual Seasons
turning to our Inter-Net. We have thus Rama Chaturmasa, Krishna Chaturmasa and
Sanyasayoga Chaturmasa. Ganesha worshipers are in a dilemma in the Second
Chaturmasa as Ganesha arrived in August too to write Mahabhrata. Anyhow we all
start with Ganeshaaya namah before reading Gita as Murlidharan
Iyengar advises us!
“Radhe Krishna" WHAT DOES IT MEAN? Radhe means RAHA
+ DE= Give me direction. Krishna is the combination of KRU + SHNA where KRU
means "ULTIMATE" and SHNA means "HAPPINESS" So "RADHE
KRISHNA" means "Give me direction for ultimate happiness"
When
the foreign rulers in Bharat were wonder-struck at the unity displayed by the
citizens of India despite sharp differences in their customs, habits, language,
philosophy and what not, they wanted to know the basis for this unity. They
found that the one unifying force throughout the length and breadth of the
country was what Religion with the stories of Sri Rama and Sri KrishNa holding
up their imagination and that religion in India spoken through one language
viz. Sanskrit that held them together in a firm grip. They sent Max Mueller to
demolish the base by debunking these great works of literature. So, he first
started learning Sanskrit and followed it up with the study of Ramayana,
Mahaabhaarata and Srimad Bhaagavatam. At the end of it, he became so impressed
with the wisdom of these literary treasures that he converted himself into an
ardent admirer – like “those who came to scoff remained to pray”- as
Oliver Goldsmith put it in his poem “ The Deserted Village”.
This underlines the importance of the
epics that extol the characters of Sri Rama and Sri KrishNa. Today, we dedicate
a write up to explore how Sri KrishNa Avatara seems to score over the other
Avataras as attached. Please go through a vivid analysis by Anbil Swamy, a
great Hindu American writer on Hindu Religion and Philosophy.
Krishno
rakshatu no jagat-traya-guruh krishnam namadhvam sada
Krishnenakhila-satravo vinihatah krishnaya tasmai namah
Krishnad eva samutthitam jagad idam krishnasya daso asmy aham
Krishne tishthati visvam etad akhilam he krishna rakshasva mam
Krishnenakhila-satravo vinihatah krishnaya tasmai namah
Krishnad eva samutthitam jagad idam krishnasya daso asmy aham
Krishne tishthati visvam etad akhilam he krishna rakshasva mam
Krishna is the teacher of the three
worlds and protects us, and so without stop bow before Lord Krishna; Krishna
has killed all our enemies in this universe, Salutations to Krishna; All the
world has come from Krishna; I am the humble slave of Krishna; All the
world is within Krishna; Oh Krishna, protect me for- ever.
Hey
gopalaka , Hey kripa-jalanidHey, Hey sindhu-kanya-pate
Hey kamsantaka ,Hey gajendra-karuna-parina, Hey madhava
Hey ramanuja , Hey jagat-traya-guro , Hey pundarikaksha mam
Hey gopijana-natha palaya param janami na tvam vina
Hey kamsantaka ,Hey gajendra-karuna-parina, Hey madhava
Hey ramanuja , Hey jagat-traya-guro , Hey pundarikaksha mam
Hey gopijana-natha palaya param janami na tvam vina
Hey, cow-herd boy! Hey, ocean of
mercy! Hey, darling of the daughter of the sea! Hey, slayer of Kamsa!
Hey, Lord who showered mercy on the king of elephants! Hey, Madahava! Hey,
brother of Balarama! Hey, my lord with lotus eyes! Hey, Lord of all Gopis! Know
I none greater than you! And so protect me!
--Mukundamala by Kulaskhara Azhwar
Come!
Let us sing the glory of our Savior, Sri KrishNa. “Govindan guNam paaDuvOm,
Vaareer!” and sing the Song of the Celestial Bhagavad Gita and Bhaja
Govindam of Sankara! To this Muralidharan Iyengar adds another
Krishnamrutam!
GOKULASHTAMI OR SRI JAYANTI-What is your choice?
Sri
Krishna Janmashtami or Sri Krishna Jayanti is celebrated on two different days
in any year. In simple words, Lord Krishna has two birthdays. In 2019,
Janmashtami is on August 23 and Sri Jayanti is on August 24.
According to traditional Hindu astrology, Lord Krishna was born when the moon
entered the house of Vrishabha (Taurus) at the Rohini Nakshatra (star) on the
eight day (Ashtami) of the second fortnight of the month of Shravana (this
corresponds to the month of Bhadrapada Krishna Paksha in North India). All
these conditions have to match to celebrate Sri Krishna Jayanti but most of the
time these conditions never match in the calendars of various Hindu sects. So
the different sections in Hinduism have adopted their own standards for
celebrating the birthday of Lord Krishna. For some sect, it is the ‘ashtami’
day that is important. For some sect, it is the star ‘rohini.’ To make it more
complex there is the lunar and solar calendar issue for we never agreed to the
National Calendar brought out after independence to unify all Hindus.
Krishna
will be laughing at our ignorance in celebrating his birthday to suit
all these calendars and confusion related to it. So Krishna in
Bhagavad Gita asks us to rise above time, birth and death. He reminds us that
he is never born nor ever died but is Eternal. Then why do we celebrate his
birthday? Uddhritena Varahena Krishnena Satabahuna in Vedas
reminds us Krishna existed even before we glorified his birth--Sahasraseersaha
purushah spoken in Purushasookta. These two different day celebrations are
the result of difference of opinion among different sects in Hinduism.
Even among Iyengars Vadakalai U-Iyengars celebrate Gokulashtami and Tenkalai
Y-Iyengars Sri Jayanti! Who can solve this problem? It is
even not possible for Lord Krishna who conveniently wears Gopi-chandan and
delivered Gita compiling complex Upanishads. Hindu Americans brought all this
confusion with them. Hindu American Temples are more confused and
so run it commercially looking at the crowd often or compromising catering to
various sectarian views, however small they may be. How can we then complete
the mission of Swami Vivekananada who propagated “Vedanta is the Religion of
the Future for the Entire World” at the World Religious Forum in USA more than
a century ago? American Hindus are in no mood to solve the problem
of Hindus even, but somehow carry on the tradition building more temples.
Future alone will tell about our failures and not listening to Vedic call Uttishthata
Jagrata.
“Greetings and Namaste. As Krishna Janmashtami falls on 24-Aug-2019 (25th according to some
other traditions, I am happy to shar a beautiful prayer on Lord Krishna by Kaliya taken from Brahma Vaivarta Puranam, Krishna Janma Khandam and Chapter 19. In this exquisite prayer, Kaliya seeks only one boon - that he
is able to offer his service to Lord's
Lotus Feet and is able to constantly remember Lord in all his births. He mentions that everything is immaterial.
Lord Krishna, pleased with this
prayer, grants his boon.
If at all there can be one real boon to anyone,
can it be different from this? Everything else in this universe is
fugacious.
May
we pray to Lord Krishna with
this beautiful prayer during Janmashtami!”
--K. Muralidharan Iyengar
(Murali)
Wish
you all Happy Janmashtami or Sri Jayanthi! Enjoy Krishnaamrutam turning
to Krishna Consciousness!
--August 22, 2019
Comments:
Your
write up in the beginning is so well written mama! Thanks.
--Aparna Arcot
WORLD SENIOR
CITIZENS’ DAY 2019
“Stepping
into the Future: Tapping the Talents, Contributions and Participation of Older
Persons in Society” is the theme of World Seniir Citizens Day 2019.
India
World
Senior Citizens Day is celebrated to honor the elderly people. The event in
India is celebrated in various states in the form of several activities
undertaken by groups of people. The Central and State governments have been
setting up measures for the welfare of such people and also to advocate for the
rights of senior citizens. Concerned authorities take necessary steps to ensure
elders receive the benefits they must, from the schemes.
United
States of America
World
Senior Citizens Day celebrations in USA, take place with lots of enthusiasm and
gaiety. The day is observed as a time for a reunion in families, as people who
are staying away from families take time out to celebrate the day with their
families. Observing the day, people reflect on the invaluable role played by
elders in building the character of people and in the development of the
nation. On World Senior Citizen Day people of America express gratitude, love
and affection and honor their elders.
"For
all that, they have achieved throughout their lives and for all that they
continue to do, we owe our gratitude and sincere greetings to our senior
citizens. We can show our gratitude and appreciation better by making sure our
communities are good places. Age and maturity, places where older people can
participate as much as possible and find the encouragement, acceptance, support
and services they need to continue living a life of independence and dignity.
—Ronald
Reagan said, in his Presidential Proclamation
The history of the World Senior
Citizen's Day dates back to 1988. It was officially founded by the former President of the United
States of America, Ronald
Reagan. He had signed on August 19, 1988, the promulgation of 5847,
which appeared on 21 August as National Day of the Third Age.
The main purpose of World Senior
Citizen's Day is to raise awareness of the condition of older people and to
support them throughout the aging process. The day is also recognized for the
well-being of the elderly to recognize and appreciate their accomplishments and
their participation in society in order to promote through their skills and
knowledge.
The reason to celebrate this day is to
thank the elders for everything they have done for their children and to
acknowledge them. They sacrifice their entire lives to nurture their
relationships. Such a selfless service that his whole life has received from
his family deserves something important. That's why World Senior Citizens' Day
is celebrated. When they dedicate a special day of the year to the elderly,
they give their families the opportunity to see their love and commitment.
World Senior Citizens' Day is an important moment to remind the government of
its commitment to work towards goals, to help seniors and, among other things,
to end hunger and poverty for the elderly and people of all ages..
Keeping the theme of 2019 “Stepping
into the Future: Tapping the Talents, Contributions and Participation of Older
Persons in Society” I think it is
fitting and proper (though I am embarrassed running 90) to celebrate
this week end as Special Religious Senior Citizens Day in all Hindu Temples just
like Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Valentine’s Day etc.
Comments:
Best wishes to you on World Senior
Citizens' Day! We remember with respect your wonderful contribution to the
spiritual knowledge base of our society. You have worked tirelessly for decades
to create a voluminous output. We hope the younger generation will study your
blogs and get enlightened! Wishing you many more years in good health and
happiness.
--A.S.
Narayana
GITA PARAYANA & CALM
BEFORE THE STORM VEDANTA
It
is customary to start Gita Parayana prior to arrival of Lord Krishna to
delight us better though he taught it later. The word Krishna is the combination of KRU + SHNA where KRU means
"ULTIMATE" and SHNA means "HAPPINESS". The Bhagavata records that Krishna sat up every morning for
meditation merging himself with the transcendental Self. Thus he showed us the
importance of meditation. So we begin with Parayana before birthday
celebrations.
As
you all know great storm prevailed mentally and physically before
the arrival of Lord Krishna in the prison of Kamsa.
Our Ganesha Temple in Nashville has arranged an
enlightening lecture “Calm before the Storm” Vedanta by Dinesh Kashikar, affectionately known as Kashiji,
Director of Teacher Training for the global Sri Sri School of Yoga bringing
more than 15 years of training aspiring yoga teachers in the various dimensions
of the study and practice of yoga and also start Gita Parayana on
Wednesday 21, 2019. This Lecture is now postponed to Sunday 25 due to
unavoidable circumstances.
Those
of you who are living in Nashville and neighboring towns will be
doubly blessed to bring calmness in their lives pressing the button of their Inter-net
as well as GPS (God Perceiving Spirituality) systems to bring
calmness to their lives on his descent and then revel. These are more
needed for Hindu Americans particularly in the present juncture with conditions
prevailing in USA and India. Nashville is blessed with too many competing
Vedanta/Gita Gurus and religious teachers for a limited population and rare few
interested participants. So Gurus/teacher anxiously wait for their
participants who have too many choices. Also these are held simultaneously
before lunch and mostly devotees arrive late after hearing the
Arati bell as in Indian Villages. Also there are 3 temples in competition
and a Gurudwara too. What is missing is an Ashram! There are more Gurus than
Indians!
We
learn from Gita:
Do
your duty to the best of your ability without worrying about the results.
Perceive that GOD is present equally in all beings and treat all beings
equally.
The
four goals of human life are: doing one’s duty earning wealth, material and
sensual enjoyment (with sense under control) and attaining salvation. The aim
of Gita doctrine is to lead one to tranquility, happiness and equanimity.
No
rituals are prescribed. The Gita says that the world needs different religions
(regulatory systems), cults and deities to meet the vastly different needs and
goals of individuals.
“Don’t
worry, be happy” may well be a modern term but the secret of achieving this
lies in the Gita. The GITA doctrine is beyond all Religious and National
boundaries.
A
simple, short and easy way to GOD realization is:
- Let us do our duty, to the best of our ability in the Name of the Lord without worrying about outcome. Let us remember the Lord all times.
- Perceive that GOD is within every living being. Let us mentally bow down to all beings and treat all beings equally.
- Let us perceive through the activities of mind, senses, breathing, and emotions that the Power of GOD is within us at all times, and is constantly doing all the work using us as a mere instrument
- Gita is our GPS (GOD Perceiving Spirituality). Let us not forget to take GPS (Divine map of Life) in our Life’s Journey and let us not forgret to push the button
Total Surrender (that is ISLAM preached
but not practiced)
“The teachings of Lord Krishna in the Bhagavad Gita are not applicable merely to life on a battlefield, when war is imminent. Rather the true battlefield is within us constantly, and war is being waged every day. Through His teaching to Arjuna on the battlefield of Kurukshetra, Bhagawan Shri Krishna gives us lessons for our lives. The Gita is a divine “Map of Life” for it shows us clearly both the destination and also the clearest and best path to reach there. Just as the GPS system in our cars is always there to show us the path and to quickly tell us if we’ve gone astray, so the Bhagavad Gita is like the GPS system for our lives. Wherever we want to go, whatever we want to achieve, we simply need to turn to the Gita for the instructions of how to reach our goal. In order for the GPS system in the car to start working, after we have entered the destination address, we must push the “accept” button. This button activates the guided instructions; without it the instructions will not begin and we will not be guided to our destination. Similarly in our lives, we must accept His message and surrender, constantly, over and over again, to His Divine Will. It is surrender and only surrender that allows divine grace to work in our lives. It is surrender, and only surrender, that brings Lord Krishna’s presence into our lives.But, how to surrender. There is a beautiful mantra we chant which is wonderful for cultivating a spirit of surrender: It is as follows:
“The teachings of Lord Krishna in the Bhagavad Gita are not applicable merely to life on a battlefield, when war is imminent. Rather the true battlefield is within us constantly, and war is being waged every day. Through His teaching to Arjuna on the battlefield of Kurukshetra, Bhagawan Shri Krishna gives us lessons for our lives. The Gita is a divine “Map of Life” for it shows us clearly both the destination and also the clearest and best path to reach there. Just as the GPS system in our cars is always there to show us the path and to quickly tell us if we’ve gone astray, so the Bhagavad Gita is like the GPS system for our lives. Wherever we want to go, whatever we want to achieve, we simply need to turn to the Gita for the instructions of how to reach our goal. In order for the GPS system in the car to start working, after we have entered the destination address, we must push the “accept” button. This button activates the guided instructions; without it the instructions will not begin and we will not be guided to our destination. Similarly in our lives, we must accept His message and surrender, constantly, over and over again, to His Divine Will. It is surrender and only surrender that allows divine grace to work in our lives. It is surrender, and only surrender, that brings Lord Krishna’s presence into our lives.But, how to surrender. There is a beautiful mantra we chant which is wonderful for cultivating a spirit of surrender: It is as follows:
Kaayena vaachaa manasendriyairvaa
buddhyaatmanaavaa prakriteh svabhaavaat | Karomi yadyat sakalam parasmai
naaraayanaayeti samarpayaami
“Oh Lord….whatever I have done, whatever actions I have performed through my speech, through my mind (anything I’ve thought), through my intellect (anything I’ve planned, achieved or understood), through my hands or body or through any of my senses, therefore anything at all I have performed, perceived or thought, it is all due to Your divine grace and I lay it all humbly at Your holy feet.”
“Oh Lord….whatever I have done, whatever actions I have performed through my speech, through my mind (anything I’ve thought), through my intellect (anything I’ve planned, achieved or understood), through my hands or body or through any of my senses, therefore anything at all I have performed, perceived or thought, it is all due to Your divine grace and I lay it all humbly at Your holy feet.”
By chanting this mantra, sincerely,
deeply and devotionally every night, we remove any vestiges of ego or
attachment which may still be lingering, clinging and preventing us from truly
surrendering and therefore finding peace and divine connection.
On this beautiful and divine day of
Janmasthami let us offer to Him not only our prayers, our puja and our aarti,
but let us offer our lives at His holy feet!
Let us surrender completely to His Divine Will. This will bring great peace, purity and divinity into our own lives”-- sent by Swami Chidananda of Paramartha Niketan caring for us and sharing with us!
Let us surrender completely to His Divine Will. This will bring great peace, purity and divinity into our own lives”-- sent by Swami Chidananda of Paramartha Niketan caring for us and sharing with us!
I
always keep a copy of Gita on my computer table and whenever I am stuck with a
problem turn to my Gita GPS to find an answer.
“Vijnanena
atmanam vedayati; atmana vindate veeryam; veeta raaga bhaya krodhah……
yuddhyasva vigata jvarah”-- One knows Self with the Science of Gita; Knowing
Self one gets strength; free yourself from attachment, fear and
anger; act without convulsion or hesitation’
GOKULASHTAMI MESSAGE FROM PARAMARTHA
NIKETAN
These are the guidelines for our Bal
Vihar Schools and Vedic Heritage Classes and Sunday Religious Schools to teach
Bhahgavatam and Life of Lord Krishna, Eighth Avatar of Vishnu. Why not even in our Vedanta Classes?
"Krishna Janmasthami is the celebration of the day that
Bhagwan Krishna incarnated in human form upon the Earth. It is celebrated at
midnight on the eighth day of the dark fortnight in the month of Bhadrapada (August-September).
The day is celebrated by worshipping Bhagwan Krishna, fasting and
chanting devotional kirtan and bhajans until past midnight.
The Bhagavad Gita says that whenever there is darkness in the
world, whenever strife and ignorance prevail, the Lord incarnates to shine His
divine light on the darkness. He grabs hold of the faltering world, preventing
it from drifting too far astray.
However, the Lord does not simply incarnate, give wisdom and
depart. Rather, His divine light, His divine message and His divine grace
continue to shine, on and on, upon all future generations. His wisdom is such
that, once given, it is timeless and eternal, infinite and universal. Lord
Krishna’s message in the Bhagavad Gita and the message of His entire life are not
meant merely for those who lived 5000 years ago in the lands of Mathura,
Vrindavan, Kurukshetra and Dwarka. Rather, the messages are as timeless as His
presence and grace.
As we celebrate the divine anniversary of the date He came forth
into this world in human form, we must ask ourselves, “Why did He incarnate?”
What were the messages of Lord Krishna’s life? What darkness did He come to
dispel? In what ocean of ignorance were we drowning, from which He came to save
us?
Most Indians, and now many Westerners as well, are familiar with
the Bhagavad Gita. We know that Lord Krishna’s verbal message to Arjun on the
battlefield was “Stand up. Do your duty.”
However, there are many other important messages in the Gita and
also invaluable lessons and divine teachings embedded in the very life He
lived. At this holy time of Janmasthami, let us examine and take to heart these
messages. We must remember that Bhagwan Krishna incarnated FOR US. He
incarnated to remove our veil of ignorance and darkness. It is our duty to Him
to take His message to heart and let it uplift, inspire and transform us.
Never Lose Your Song:
One of the most beautiful lessons of Bhagwan Krishna’s life is:
never lose yourself due to external circumstances, never lose your smile, never
lose your song Bhagwan Krishna’s life was full of trials and tribulations
beginning on the day when He took birth in a locked jail cell and ending in the
jungle shot by a hunter’s arrow. However, throughout it all – through the
innumerable challenges wrought upon Him – He always maintained His divine
smile. He always played His divine flute. Even after His physical flute was
left with Radhaji, the song of Krishna’s flute was always on, wherever He went.
The song emanated from His very being. He never once said, “I’m in a bad mood
today so I will not play my flute.” No. Regardless of what the external world
brought and wrought, the Song was on. This is a beautiful message for our own
lives.
So frequently we let small, small things upset us and ruin our
day. However, to truly be Krishna devotees means that we should try, as much as
possible, to follow His divine example. After all, it is for us that He
incarnated on Earth and gave His beautiful, divine messages.
Therefore, whenever failure, frustration or fury stares us in the
face and we are tempted to let it ruin our mood and our day, let us always
remember the sound of Lord Krishna’s ever-present flute. Let us try to emulate
His divine example and let our own song and our smile also be ever-present.
The Lord Unlocks All Locks in Our Life
Bhagwan Krishna came to Earth in the darkness of night, into the
locked confines of a jail cell where His mother and father were being held
prisoners, due to His evil uncle Kansa. However, at the moment of His
appearance (in the form of a human infant) all the guards fell asleep, the
chains were broken, and the barred doors gently opened. Thus Vasudeva
(Krishna’s father) safely and easily carried baby Krishna across the flowing
Yamuna to Gokul.
There is a beautiful message here, even from the first moment of
the Lord’s life. We may be living in the darkness of midnight; we may be bound
and chained by so many attachments, temptations, anger, grudges, pains and by
the binding force of maya. We may feel ourselves locked into the prison of our
own bodies, the prison of duality. However, as soon as we let the Lord live in
our own hearts, all darkness fades, all chains are broken and all prison doors
open freely. Wherever the Lord is, there are no locks.
Also, we can see that the door to the Lord – from any direction,
inside or outside – is always open. The only lock is the lock of our own
ignorance and our own illusions. As soon as that ignorance is dispelled, as
soon as we see His glowing form, all the doors in this life and in all lives
open to us.
Bliss All the Time
Bliss All the Time
Beginning with His appearance in a jail and the immediate rush to
whisk Him away to a new family, across Yamunaji in Gokul, the Lord was not
given an “easy” childhood.
On the sixth day of the Lord’s life, Putna (the demoness) made Him
drink poison from her breast. In His third month of life a bullock cart fell on
Him. Then, when He was four, huge trees fell on Him.
Until the age of eleven, He was in Vrindavan and Govardhan. The
people of Govardhan worshipped Indra, singing his praises and making daily
offerings to him. However, Bhagwan Krishna admonished them and said that they
should worship Govardhan instead, since it was Govardhan who gave them land,
water, grass for their cows. Yet, the people were afraid. Indra threatened to wreak
havoc upon their lives if they ceased his worship. As Indra pummeled the
beautiful land of Govardhan with rain, hail, thunder and lightning, the Lord
held up the mountain of Govardhan over the heads of the people, protecting them
from the violent storm. However, as He held up this mountain on the tip of His
finger, for days and days as Indra grew more and more furious. He never became
angry, nor frustrated, nor disheartened. No. He was always smiling, even in the
midst of the torrential storm.
A few short years later, He was forced to kill His uncle, and He
had to flee His home in Mathura, barefoot to Junagar, with nothing but a small
pitambar. For years, then, this King of all Kings lived in a simple ashram,
doing seva for the saints with no facilities, no amenities and no comfort. He
had no coat for winter, no umbrella for the rains…
Yet, wherever He went, wherever He was, He was always blissful,
always joyful, always shining His divine light upon others.
We, on the other hand, may get stuck in one traffic jam and our
days are ruined. We have one business failure and we feel dejected and broken.
We become afflicted with disease and we lose our faith in God.
So, what is the Lord teaching us? If He chose His birth and He
chose the course of His life on Earth, why did He choose a life full of
obstacles, turmoil, trials and tribulations? Why, if He could have lived His
entire life as a king, did He spend so many years living in the jungle?
He did this to show us that the real palace is the palace of our heart.
When our hearts are full of God, then we live constantly in the most beautiful
Golden Palace, regardless of where our bodies may be. He chose this life to
teach us that regardless of what insults are hurled at us or what obstacles we
face, we must remain immersed in Divine Connection. Then we will not become
depressed or frustrated. His life teaches us that we cannot change what happens
– it happens for various reasons – but we CAN change our reaction to it. The
message of His life is “adapt and adjust.” Move forward. We cannot stop
the wind from blowing, but we can change the direction of our sails, so that
instead of capsizing our boat, we use the wind to take us to our destination.
Seeing Bhagwan Krishna everywhere
A very important message from Bhagwan Krishna’s life is to see him
everywhere, in everyone, all the time. He is embodied in every form and in all
forms. In Lord Krishna’s childhood, he gave Mother Yasoda the darshan of the
entire world in his mouth. Everything was shown to her in Lord Krishna’s mouth.
When we sit in our puja, in our worship/meditation we look at God’s divine
image and we see everything in Him. However, we must go further than just
seeing everything in God. We must also see God in everything! When we look at a
poor child, or when we look at an old widow, or when we look in the face of our
enemy, we must see God. Then we will truly have learned the message of Bhagwan
Krishna’s teachings.
Fearlessness
One of the most important messages that Bhagwan Krishna gives to Arjuna is Abhayam, be fearless. Arjuna was afraid of battle, afraid of killing his relatives and loved ones. In our lives also we are paralyzed by fear. Omnipresent fear is one of the most insidious obstacles to our peace, happiness and progress in life.\
One of the most important messages that Bhagwan Krishna gives to Arjuna is Abhayam, be fearless. Arjuna was afraid of battle, afraid of killing his relatives and loved ones. In our lives also we are paralyzed by fear. Omnipresent fear is one of the most insidious obstacles to our peace, happiness and progress in life.\
When I say fear, I don’t necessarily mean terror. But, rather I
mean all that makes us anxious, nervous, tense and in need of controlling our
surroundings. The root of fear is distrust. We have been betrayed, injured and
abused. We decide that the world and those around us cannot be trusted. In this
way, we lose that faith which is so crucial.
What is the answer? The answer to fear is to firmly root ourselves
in God (by whatever name, whatever form you choose). When we realize that God
is always with us, always for us, we will never be afraid regardless of the
circumstances.
Sure, our family and friends may betray us. They may injure us.
But, if we give ourselves to God, if we make our relationship with Him our
first priority then we will never be broken inside; we will always be cared
for.
There is a story of a very powerful king. This king prided himself on being generous and caring for all his subjects. He would often boast that no one in his kingdom was hungry or cold or impoverished. Once, a holy man came to see the king. The king told the holy man how he provided for everyone in the kingdom so well. The holy man asked the king to come for a walk. While they walked in the forest, the saint picked up a large rock by the side of a stream. “Break the rock,” he ordered the king. The king looked surprised but immediately told his servant to smash the rock. As the rock broke open they saw a small frog, living peacefully in the nutrient-rich water which had gathered inside the rock. “Have you provided this as well?” the holy man asked the king. The king realized that he could not possibly provide something as perfect, as intricate as this food and shelter for the frog. He realized that it is really God who provides for all His subjects.
There is a story of a very powerful king. This king prided himself on being generous and caring for all his subjects. He would often boast that no one in his kingdom was hungry or cold or impoverished. Once, a holy man came to see the king. The king told the holy man how he provided for everyone in the kingdom so well. The holy man asked the king to come for a walk. While they walked in the forest, the saint picked up a large rock by the side of a stream. “Break the rock,” he ordered the king. The king looked surprised but immediately told his servant to smash the rock. As the rock broke open they saw a small frog, living peacefully in the nutrient-rich water which had gathered inside the rock. “Have you provided this as well?” the holy man asked the king. The king realized that he could not possibly provide something as perfect, as intricate as this food and shelter for the frog. He realized that it is really God who provides for all His subjects.
We must realize that if God can provide for even the smallest
insects, He certainly will provide for us.
I heard a beautiful story of a young boy on a ship. The ship was
trapped in a large storm and waves rocked the boat furiously. The passengers
screamed and cried and held each other for dear life. In the midst of this
terror sat a very young boy, calm, composed and angelic. When asked why he did
not cry he answered, “My mother is here, so I know everything will be all
right.” This feeling we must cultivate. If God is here, if God is with us all
the time, then everything will always be all right.
We take out millions of dollars (or pounds or rupees…) of
insurance to protect our homes, our property, our cars. But, what about our
lives? Who will protect our lives? We must remember our Divine Insurance
Company. We must place all of our faith in Him. He will never betray us, and we
will rest assured knowing that we are in the best of hands.
We must realize that we are God’s children. Just as a child
is never afraid when his mother is near, so we must never fear. Fear
immobilizes us. It freezes us. It prevents us from thinking clearly. Most of
all, it serves no purpose. No tragedy has ever been prevented by fear. No
catastrophe has ever been averted by anxiety. No. Calm, serene, wise understanding
of the situation coupled with undying faith is what is needed.
Yogakshemam Vahamyaham (Trust in
Divine Insurance Company)
Let us renew our faith in the Supreme. Let us give away our fears,
our anxieties. Let us put all our insurance in the Divine Insurance Company.
Let us realize that everything is just as it is supposed to be. We are in the
lap of our Mother. How can anything go wrong?"
- H.H. Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswatiji
--August 20, 2019
HINDU THOUGHTS ON EVOLUTION
Hindu philosophy maintains that intelligence is the first in the
order of creation, and that out of intelligence came gross matter. Modern
philosophers say that intelligence comes last. The evolution of consciousness
does not end with man, really. Man may be described as the image of God only
figuratively but not truly, for there has to be a further ascent in the process
of evolution from man to superman, a stage which acts as a link between man and
the ultimate Godhead. Indications of the higher category of levels of life,
beyond the human state, are available in the positive statements recorded in
the Upanishads:
THEORY OF EVOLUTION OF HINDU RELIGION
Evolution of life on earth
in Hinduism is based on the concept that all that is animate and inanimate
evolved from the Supreme Truth called Brahman. Hindu religion believes that
intelligence always exists, it is neither created nor destroyed. The
evolutionary theory of the modern world states that unintelligent beings slowly
evolve into animals, and then into intelligent human beings. Dr. Narayana P.
Bhat, secretary of the Board of Trustees of the Hindu Cultural Center of
North Alabama in United States, writes on the subject in an article on
Evolution and Life writes:
“Hinduism talks about the mental and spiritual evolution of the beings
from ignorance to wisdom through progressive and successive intermediate states
of partial ignorance and partial intelligence while modern science speaks of
physical evolution starting with simple form of life which evolves to more
complex systems of which man is the ultimate product.
Hindu philosophy maintains that intelligence is the first in the
order of creation, and that out of intelligence came gross matter.
Modern philosophers say that intelligence comes last. They say
that unintelligent beings slowly evolve into animals, and then into men. Both
the religious and the scientific statements, though seemingly opposed to each
other, are true. It depends on the way we look at it.
Intelligence undergoes modification and becomes the gross matter,
this again merges into intelligence, and thus the process goes on.
According to modern biology, biodiversity is due to a genetic
variation caused by the process of occasional chance mutation. However,
according to Vedanta (modern Vedic philosophy), the law of karma and the three
traits of material nature - sattva (righteous and peaceful), rajas (excitable
and passionate ) and tamas ( irresponsible and malicious) - are responsible for
biodiversity and diversity in levels of intelligence, degree of development of mind
and consciousness of the being within the same species.
There is a gradual evolution of consciousness through various
species of life according to the subtle laws of karma. The soul continually
transmigrates from one life form to the next until it reaches the human form
where consciousness is fully developed and has a chance to reestablish its pure
divinity of existence.
Jagadish Chandra Bose reported that plants have consciousness too. Similarly other living entities, such as worms, insects and animals are in "shrunken consciousness."
Jagadish Chandra Bose reported that plants have consciousness too. Similarly other living entities, such as worms, insects and animals are in "shrunken consciousness."
Therefore, Vedanta emphasizes the importance of the human form of
life. The human race has an obligation to protect and guide not only mankind
but also all lower forms of life. Some well-known evolutionists believe that natural
selection and random mutation are not the causes of biodiversity. Vedanta
supports that biological forms are already within the cosmic plan.
Suppose that human knowledge has advanced enough as to eliminate
competition. According to the moderns, human progress will stop and the race
will die.
But the ancient evolutionist, Patanjali, declares that the true
secret of evolution is the manifestation of the perfection which is already in
every being. The struggles and competitions are but the results of our
ignorance.
Even when all competition has ceased this perfect nature behind
will make us go forward until everyone has become perfect. Therefore no
competition is necessary to progress.
Thus, it is the consciousness that evolves and not the bodies, in
the Vedanta tradition unlike the Darwinian evolutionary theory”.---Abhilash
Rajengran, Hindu Blog
The Evolution of Consciousness
Swami Krishnananda
The individuality of created beings vary according to the several
species or genera into whose mold the individuality is cast. According to
the traditional Indian concept, these created species of beings run to
eighty-four lakhs (8,400,000) in number, in which series the human being is
said to occupy the topmost position, almost completing the purpose of Nature in
its scheme of evolution. The general arrangement of things in the evolutionary
process is considered to be a gradual ascent from mineral to plant, from
plant to animal, and from animal to man. This does not, however, mean that
there are five categories separated as if in watertight compartments, for there
is a countless variety even in this five-fold classification – varieties in the
mineral constitution, varieties in the plant and vegetable kingdom, varieties in
the animal kingdom and in the different kinds of subhuman species, and
varieties even at the human level. The number, eighty-four lakhs, perhaps,
would give a good picture of the tremendous specifications in almost
unthinkable types of differentiation in the structure of individuality. From
mineral to the Absolute is indeed a great sequential procedure of graduated
ascent, involving millions of mutations, transformations, births and deaths
through numberless ages, till the supreme Unity is reached in actual
experience. It is believed that up to the level of the animal, penultimate to
the human stage, the process of the ascending series of evolution is
spontaneous, without the lower, species having to exert on its part or put
forth any special effort to evolve into the higher level. The reason for this
seems to be that Nature in its all-inclusiveness works automatically, of its
own accord, in the case of the species in which the egoism of
self-consciousness has not properly manifested itself. But, from man on-wards a
consciousness of effort on one's part appears to be inseparable from natural
evolution though the universal working of Nature cannot be said to have ceased
its functions even then – indeed Nature's work is not complete until the
Absolute is realized in a state of Universal Self-hood.
Nevertheless, the factor of self-effort has to be explained
adequately. Is there, really, such a thing as free will in the individual? The
determinism of the purpose of Nature cannot easily be defied by any effort on the
part of a segregated individual; else, individual effort standing on its own
legs, may even work contrary to the intentions of Nature, because, if such a
possibility is not to be associated with freedom of choice, it would be a
limited freedom and not an absolute one, in which case, again, the
pre-determinism of Nature would be restraining the freedom of the individual.
Anyway, the egoism of man assumes a special prerogative of its own and does not
care to pay any attention to there being a chance of any kind of restraint on
its behavior and operations. Man believes that his freedom of action is
ultimate; that, verily, he can conquer Nature itself. An investigation into the
subtle potentials of human nature and the underlying basis of human history
would, however, reveal that human freedom is, after all, an ego's boast, and
all activity is, in the end, a universal activity, and there is no such thing
as an individual doing anything by itself. This is so also because of the
inter-connectedness of things in the universe, one thing depending on another
thing even for its very existence, and there is no room whatsoever for the
survival of an imagined total activity or total freedom of any individual.
While all this is necessarily true, the consciousness of effort remains as a
factor integral to the human ego, and the consciousness of effort follows as a
natural corollary of there being such a thing as the ego at all. The assumed
freedom of choice of the individual can have some meaning attributable to it
only if the consciousness of effort is intelligently harmonized with the
consciousness that the universal intention rules everything, even the
individual ego, and commands the direction of its activity, in which case alone
can effort lead to success and without which no effort can lead to the expected
attainment. The epic illustration of Krishna being at the back of every action
of Arjuna brings out the unavoidable situation of the Absolute being there at
all times as the directing power behind every event in creation and every
action appearing to proceed from the individual nature of the various species
of living beings.
The evolution of consciousness does not end with man,
really. Man may be described as the image of God only figuratively but not
truly, for there has to be a further ascent in the process of evolution from
man to superman, a stage which acts as a link between man and the ultimate
Godhead. Indications of the higher category of levels of life, beyond the human
state, are available in the positive statements recorded in the Upanishads to
the effect that above even the best of human beings there are the levels of
the realms of the Pitrs, Gandharvas, Devas, the higher gods of the heavens, the
perfected ones almost converging in the stages of Virat, Hiranyagarbha, Ishvara
and Brahman. That is to say, man has to evolve further on and he at
present occupies a place somewhat midway between god and brute crossed at one point.
The restlessness, the finitude, the consciousness of limitation from every
side, the incessant and resistless longings for expansion of one's suzerainty
in larger dimensions of space and endless life in time, nay, even the
compulsions of being born and dying, announce in loud voice that man is far
from the expected perfection to be reached in Nature's scheme of evolution, and
there is a long way higher up, from man to God-man, and from God-man to God
Himself.
SCIENCE Vs GOD
There is a power/consciousness/spirit (Prajnaana) that transcends
space, time and matter. I believe this is the only possible way to explain
ourselves coming to this world, what we are, how we got to where we are today
and what is our goal. Scientific investigation (Vijnana) began as a means to
open up the universe to mankind but is unfortunately now being manipulated to
close off the human spirit.
We pin our hopes on Scientific method and yet it is limited to our
ability to perceive our reality whether through our senses directly or
augmented with the use of instrumentation and has frankly become corrupt. The
term: “Intellectual phase locking’” invented by Russell Brand says volumes. The
mystery of life, consciousness and the Universe amazes all of us. We need to be
able to talk about it and think freely.
Vijnanena atmanam vedayati (One knows Self by science of Vedanta).
Prajnanam Brahma--But Brahman is beyond Science of Vedanta that is defined as
Poornam and Anantam--the whole Truth and Infinitesimal that is beyond human
understanding as it is ever expanding but never diminishing!
Science Vs God – Is There A Life Force That Transcends Matter? To
get at the Western opinion please go through the conversation video “Under the
Skin with Russell Brand and Rupert Sheldrake”. Here's the link that leads to a
very interesting and quite wide ranging conversation between two in an
interview with the author.
youtube.com
Science Vs God - Is There A Life Force That Transcends Matter?
| Under The Skin with Russell Brand Dubbed “the most
controversial scientist on Earth”…
Please also go through my discourse on the subject:
Comments:
Short
and well explained- I was always seeking such an explanation between science
and spirituality explained under Science Vs God
--Aparna Arcot
Very
interesting Video and explanation. Thank you--fascinating, educating and very
relevant
--Dr. Santosh Venkatraman
DO
YOU KNOW VEDA MANTRAS THROW LIGHT ON EVOLUTION?
Hindu
philosophy maintains that Intelligence is the first in the order of creation,
and that out of Intelligence came gross matter. The general arrangement of
things in the evolutionary process is considered to be a gradual ascent from
mineral to plant, from plant to animal, and from animal to man. Also
Vedas say the whole scheme was planned at the same time
contradicting the thinking Darwin's Theory of gradual evolution. The
compulsions of being born and dying, announced in loud voice, mrityor maa
amritam gamaya, reveals that man is far from the expected perfection
to be reached in Nature's scheme of evolution, and there is a long way higher
up, from man to Godman, and from Godman to God Himself. These assertions are
substantiated by Veda mantras in our daily use which we chant without
understanding the purport contained in them.
Please
recall Mantra Pushpam in which we chant “samvatsarova apam pushpam” at
the conclusion of Shoedasa Upachara Puja--16 Steps of Worship of the deity in
temples and home.
Samvatsara is analyzed by Sayana as that Supreme
Principle by whom creatures are properly settled. Taking this meaning, Samvatsara
is identified with the sun, because it is the sun that gives light and
rain, and help creatures to live (samyak vasati iti Samvatsarah--all
well-settled). You also know that Vedas mention 12 Adityas supporting 12
months in a year concept.
saṁvatsaro'sāvādityo ya eṣa āditye puruṣaḥ sa parameṣṭhī brahmātmā --MNU
The
year is the yonder Sun. That Person, who is in the orb of the Sun, is Hiraṇyagarbha, He is Parameṣṭhī (the protector of the universe) and
Brahmātman—Supreme Reality that is the inner-most Self of all creatures.
The
word Samvatsara stands for duration of time which determines the origin,
continuation and disappearance of objects in the universe. Time is measured by
diurnal movement of the sun and the seasons which make the civil year. We also
know Brahman is Kaala (Time) -- Kaalaaya namah; kaala vikaranayaa
namah (any modification, change or regulation of Time is Brahman
alone). Time is identified with the Sun because we become cognizant of
time by the change brought about in Nature through the influence of the Sun and
by the demarcation made by his rising and setting.
The
Sun again is not merely the visible orb in the sky, but the divine Person
contemplated there—the divine Person who is the same as the Supreme.
Please
recall here another mantra we chant at the conclusion of our worship: “sadaa
pasyanti soorayaha sasyamindhatae tad vishnoer yat paramam padam” (The
learned looking at the Sun that pervades the sky reach the abode of
Vishnu cautiously without much difficulty-- ascendant and immanent aspects).
Again
look at the following mantra in MNU:
yābhirādityastapati raśmibhistābhiḥ parjanyo varṣati
parjanyenauṣadhivanaspatayaḥ prajāyanta oṣadhivanaspatibhirannaṁ
bhavatyannena prāṇāḥ prāṇairbalaṁ balena tapastapasā śraddhā
śraddhayā medhā medhayā manīṣā manīṣayā mano manasā
śāntiḥ śāntyā cittaṁ cittena smṛtiḥ smṛtyā smāraɱ
smāreṇa vijñānaṁ vijñānena ātmānaṁ vedayati tasmādannaṁ
dadansarvāṇyetāni dadātyannātprāṇā bhavanti bhūtānāṁ
prāṇairmano manasaśca vijñānaṁ vijñānādānando brahma yoniḥ || MNU ||
parjanyenauṣadhivanaspatayaḥ prajāyanta oṣadhivanaspatibhirannaṁ
bhavatyannena prāṇāḥ prāṇairbalaṁ balena tapastapasā śraddhā
śraddhayā medhā medhayā manīṣā manīṣayā mano manasā
śāntiḥ śāntyā cittaṁ cittena smṛtiḥ smṛtyā smāraɱ
smāreṇa vijñānaṁ vijñānena ātmānaṁ vedayati tasmādannaṁ
dadansarvāṇyetāni dadātyannātprāṇā bhavanti bhūtānāṁ
prāṇairmano manasaśca vijñānaṁ vijñānādānando brahma yoniḥ || MNU ||
Those
rays by which the sun gives heat, the same rays transform water into rain-cloud
which showers the rain. By the rain-cloud herbs and trees come into existence
From-herbs and trees food is produced.
By
the use of food the breaths and senses are nourished. When the life- breath is
nourished one gets bodily strength. Bodily strength gives the capacity to practice
tapas (in the shape of self-control, religious fast, and so forth).
As
the result of such tapas, faith in scriptural truths springs into existence. By
faith mental power comes. By mental power sense-control is made possible. By
sense-control reflection is engendered. From reflection calmness of mind
results.
Conclusive
experience of Truth follows calmness. By conclusive experience of Truth
remembrance of It is engendered. Remembrance produces continuous remembrance.
From continuous remembrance results unbroken direct realization of Truth. By
such realization a person knows the Ātman.
For
this reason, he who gives food gives all these. For, it is found that the vital
breaths and the senses of creatures are from food, that reflection functions
with the vital breath and the senses, that unbroken direct realization comes
from reflection and that bliss comes from unbroken direct realization of
Truth.Thus having attained bliss one becomes the Supreme which is the source of
the universe.
By
inference this mantra reassures Vedic
statement atmavat sarvabhooteshu and antascharti bhooteshu (the same Self abides in all and the Self
moves in all beings all the time and is not static)
Vijnana leads to Atman (Vijnaanena atmanam vedayati) and atman seeks parameshti brhamayonih or brahmaatma (limitless atma--ananta)
or Prajnana.--Prajnanam Brahma (MNU & AITREYA)
We will discuss further Evolution
tomorrow after understanding the import in these mantras.
--August 17, 2019
KASHMIR
THE TURMOIL --A VEDANTIN’S VIEW
I am rather pained how our modern Gurus are
drawn into unavoidable politics as they have decided not to sit in seclusion in
lotus posture but sit together and pray together--Sanghacchadvam samvadadvam as our Rishis did in Vedic culture when
man-made religion was unknown to mankind and Eternal Tradition guided the
world. Further our progressive Gurus are deeply involved in the philosophy of Sevadharma-- Janaseva is Janardhana seva. Wisdom
lies in going back to those days looking at the complexity of society today
that we created, conflicts, fights and egotism. I therefore bring following
facts for your consideration and part to play in the wake of the following
disturbing message from Swami Chidananda of Fowai Forum. We have such messages
often from Paramrtha Niketan too that I often forward and he is not alone. Amit
Shah is a Jain responsible for this disturbing situation perhaps the most
minority religion in the world and not a Hindu!
Sri Aurobindo,
in his
famous Uttarpara Speech outlined the essence and the goal of India's
nationalist movement thus: "I say no longer that nationalism is a creed, a
religion, a faith; I say that it is the Sanatan Dharma which for us is
nationalism. This Hindu nation was born with the Sanatan Dharma, with it, it
moves and with it, it grows. When the Sanatan Dharma declines, then the nation
declines, and if the Sanatan Dharma were capable of perishing, with the Sanatan
Dharma it would perish." "But what is the
Hindu religion? What is this religion which we call Sanatan, eternal? It is the Hindu religion only because the
Hindu nation has kept it, because in this Peninsula it grew up in the seclusion
of the sea and the Himalayas, because in this sacred and ancient land it was given
as a charge to the Aryan race to preserve through the ages.
*******
Pakistan to restore, hand over 400 Hindu temples
The Pakistan government wants to reclaim temples and
hand them over to the Hindu community. The government has decided to reclaim
and restore 400 temples to the Hindu citizens of Pakistan.
The
process will begin with two historic shrines in Sialkot and Peshawar. Sialkot
has a functioning Jagannath Temple and now the 1,000-year-old Shivalaya Teja
Singh is set to be restored. Hindus had stopped visiting the shivalaya
(shawala) after a mob attack during Babri mosque demolition protests in 1992.
In Peshawar, the Pakistani courts had ordered reopening of the Gorakhnath
Temple and it's been declared a heritage site.
Pakistan recently agreed to open the
Kartarpur Sahib corridor to facilitate pilgrimage to Guru Nanak's birthplace
from Punjab on the Indian side. The Pakistan government has also approved a
proposal to establish a corridor that will allow Hindu pilgrims to visit Sharda
Peeth, an ancient Saraswati temple in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir.
********
“Historic
Temples in Pakistan” by Pakistani Rashida makes a case for keeping ancient
emblems of faith alive and for pluralism in the world of irony besieged by unpalatable extremism.
(Book available on Amazon) “When Sanatana Dharma
flourishes the Nation flourishes” is the message conveyed by none other than by a Pakistani Rashida. I hope this message will be carried forward
both by Bangladesh, Pakistan and India.
Hindus comprise approximately 1.85% of Pakistan's population in one study but according
to the Pakistan. Hinduism is the second largest religion in
Pakistan after Islam. As
of 2010, Pakistan had the fifth largest Hindu population in the world and PEW
predicts that by 2050 Pakistan will have the fourth largest Hindu population in
the world. Around 5,000 Hindus migrate from Pakistan to India every year. According
to Pew Research, the Hindu
population will reach 5.6 million and Hindus will constitute
2% of the Pakistan population by 2050.
Islam
is the state
religion of Bangladesh
by article 2A of the constitution, however
"the State shall ensure equal status and equal right in the practice of
the Hindu, Buddhist, Christian and other religions". As per 2011 census Muslims
constitute over 90% of the population, while Hindus
constitute 8.5% and remaining rest constitute 1%. But conflicts and fights continue.
Islam is the second-largest religion in India, with 14.2% of the
country's population or approx. 200 million people identifying as adherents of
Islam (2018 estimate). It
makes India the country with the largest Muslim population outside Muslim-majority countries that is fast
growing.
Then How to Live in Peace but not in Pieces? Follow the Hindu American
Way! We, Hindu Americans live in a proudly non-secular Non-Asian country. Here,
our religion may not be an integral part of our identity. We need not have to
declare it in college applications or job applications though in India it was a
MUST for me declaring even my subsect Iyengar.
Here it is something people would bring up in a casual conversation,
something your future employer would ask you during an interview indirectly as
to your ethnic background, and something you may have to indicate on your
college application form to take advantage of minority preferences. Under no
circumstances s herehould you forget our religion, for it should dictate many your
choices in life: your life-style, what you wear, whom you date (and marry).
Here, we have the right to choose our
own religion, and it’s a right protected by the constitution. Most of us have
one religion since birth, of course. Our parents chose a religion for us, and
we follow what they teach us until we are old enough to question them or
convert into another for the sake of love or bring one from other religion to
our fold. But however hard the world
tries to bind us into one, we would mostly live with two. The alternative best
choice is to follow Vedanta Religion which is everlasting, universal and
unifying Spirituality for the couples drawn from two different faiths who want
to live in peace and harmony and also guide the children to develop spiritually
serving the society. Please go through my discourse:
Here is the message from Fowai Forum:
We
invite you to join the WEBINAR-153 Kāshmir - The Turmoil A Vedāntin Looks at the Issue Organized
by FOWAI FORUM (INDIA) AND STEP (USA) to be presented by: Pujya Swāmi Chidānandaji on Sunday, August 11,
2019.
Gist
of the Presentation:
Universal
harmony is the thrust of Vedānta. The Upanishads have no bias for Hindus. They
ask us to rise above the divisions of religion, community and language. Leave
alone terrorism, war itself is to be avoided, says Paramāchārya in his famous
composition: maitreem bhajata
yuddham tyajata, spardhām tyajata-- Raise the chorus of Friendship; Do not go for war; Do not go for (unhealthy) competition.
yuddham tyajata, spardhām tyajata-- Raise the chorus of Friendship; Do not go for war; Do not go for (unhealthy) competition.
The
decision of the Government of India is administratively correct but is not a
solution by itself. The GOI had to take this tough stand as neither
cross-border terrorism had ceased nor cooperation in things like Amarnāth Yātrā
had come by. Vedānta advises both Hindus and Muslims to look beyond their
faith-boundaries and respect humanity as such. The new setting
should ensure safety of all Muslims in Kāshmir but peacefully rehabilitate
the Hindus who were chased away in a barbaric way in 1990. There should be no
revenge or retaliation. sarve bhavantu
sukhinah, mā kaschid duhkhabhāg bhavet [May all be happy; may no one suffer] should be the mantra for the
way ahead.
--August 9, 2019
Tamils and Tamizhakam in Chinese Eyes
Written by Zhou Xin | Published: August 2, 2019
Please recall my
discourse http://nrsrini.blogspot.com/2015/12/siddha-philosophy-alchemy-and-siddha.html. Ramalinga Adigal often quoted Tirumoolar Siddhar and Bogar
Siddhar whom he held in high esteem. Bogar is internationally
famous. He seems to have migrated from China along with his Guru
Kalanji Nathar and established a shrine to the Murugan on the top of
Palani Hills.
The Chinese and Tamil
communities have celebrated thousands of years of friendship. And this rich
bilateral exchange has been recorded by several monks and traders.
The history of Tamil-Chinese
interactions dates back two thousand years ago. From the renowned Buddhist monk
Xuan Zang to nameless explorers, numerous Chinese travelers and historians have
left notes on Tamil people and the Tamil land. The earliest historical document
that recorded the mutual contact was Hanshu (The History of Han Dynasty)
in 111 CE. Till the last feudal dynasty the Qing Dynasty (1636- 1912), records
of Tamil-Chinese exchanges can be traced abundantly in both official and folk
historical documents.
Tamizhakam as a tributary and
home of Bodhidharma; A country of Pearl
(muthukulikka varungala);
Tamizhakam in Xuan Zang’s records; China’s sources on the Cholas ; Tamil
inscriptions found in China; Zhenghe’s donation stele in Sri
Lanka; The discovery of the Donation Stele of Ceylon
Buddha; Madalasa (Madras)’ in later maritime explorers’ notes-- all these
reveal early Tamil-Chinese interaction. Please go through the circulated
detailed recent report by Zhou Xin in this month who is a lecturer.
--August 6, 2019
Comments:
Thanks.
Wonderful item.
--Bala from Atlanta
SPACE
AND SVADHARMA BY SWAMI CHIDANANDA
“I wanted to create a space for myself and I
wanted to live in that space,” says John Abraham, a well-known actor of
Bollywood, in an interview. I read this in an in-flight-magazine yesterday when
I flew out of Mumbai to Varanasi. The occasion was his completion of 50 movies
(in 16 years). Everybody in this world is constantly influenced by others. Even
during school days, one is under peer pressure about the dress to wear, hobbies
to pursue and ways to behave etc. Later in adult life, a man is typically into
constant comparison with others and evaluates himself in the light of what
others have achieved.
Space for myself
It seems John Abraham found where he belongs and that is good
news. Alas, in this mad world, in the midst of comparison and competition, we
typically lose sight of the uniqueness of our own personality. We lose the
insight into where we belong. We try to be like someone and
become like somebody. Even if we are ‘successful’ in the eyes of our
parents, family members and the society in general, we suffer from a deep
dissatisfaction of not being all right. “Where did we go wrong?” We keep
wondering. An inner voice surely whispers, “You wasted all your energy to fit
into this model or that pattern. You lost yourself in the process!”
The concept of ‘space for myself’ is a modern expression using popular
psychology for a truth of life that the spiritual text Geetā emphasized several
thousands of years ago. “Do not be swayed by influences to embrace paradharma; discover
who you are and live by swadharma,” says the ancient text.
Shri Krishna warns, “It is better to die while struggling in the field of
choices that come naturally to you (swadharma) than succeeding
superficially in borrowed ways of living (paradharma),” exhorts the most
popular Hindu scripture1. The underlying logic is that the ‘space
you create for yourself’ has the fragrance of being natural to you while all
other ways of living suffer from certain amount of artificiality. In swadharma, you
are following your bliss, to use the expression that Joseph
Campbell2employed. In paradharma, you are laboring
to please others, and are dancing to the tunes set by the society.
The Ultimate Goal of Spirituality
Paradharma is ‘not your space’. Swadharma is ‘your
space’. Vedānta is concerned with something that goes beyond both these. The
Upanishads3 want us to realize our ultimate, true
nature that is called swaroopa-dharma!
Interestingly, this ‘purest truth’ is common to all. Everyone is sat-chit-ānanda (Pure
Existence, Pure Consciousness and Uncaused Bliss)! When we position ourselves
in swadharma, a lot of our conflicts cease. We then have a
serene mind, a shuddha antahkarana. This calm mind is capable
of pursuing the query “Who am I?” without getting unduly sidetracked. The man
who is stationed in his swadharma is perhaps not rich, not
famous and – in the eyes of the society – not successful. He is however alert,
receptive and open to a spiritual discovery that changes his life
fundamentally. He takes the quantum leap from the limited self
to the infinite Pure Self.
Better late than never! Let’s introspect and give up our
false ways of living. Self-realization then becomes God-realization.
--Swāmi Chidānanda
Notes:
1 swadharme
nidhanam shreyah, paradharmo bhayāvahah - Geetā 3.35
2 Campbell (1904 – 1987)
was an American Professor and author of The Hero with a Thousand Faces.
3 If you know who
you truly are, you will not suffer any more from the limitations of this body! –
Brihadāranyaka Upanishad 4.4.12
Please go through the
above message from Swami Chidananda. Prathamajā ṛtasyātmanātmānamabhisaṁbabhūva ..
the first-born of Brahman known as Prajāpati or Hiraṇyagarbha
became by His own nature as Paramātman,
the ruler and protector of individual souls says Taittirīya Āraṇyaka I 23-9 and Maha Narayan
Upanishad. Brihadarnyaka Upanishad 1-4-14 says Sa
Dharmah Sathyam--That which is dharma is verily Sathya. Also Vedas
say; Om tad Brahma, tad Atman tad
Sathyam, tat Sarvam-- verily the Self, the Truth and everything
is Brahman alone.
Hiraṇyagarbha became by His own
nature as Paramātman, the ruler and protector of individual souls. The Paramam
Brahma of the Vedic seers is called Ṛitam, Satyam and
Dharma. As the cause of the universe, He is within the comprehension
of all in general. He is Prajāpati, the father of all created
beings, who has assigned to each individual according to his deserts, objects,
means and places for experiencing the results of his thoughts and deeds. The
same Reality embodied in the entire universe, for all time, dwells in each one
of us as the dual principle—the individual self and the Highest Self— the two
companion birds with golden plumage perching on the self-same tree mentioned in
other Upaniṣads. Christians too address
Brahman as “Heavenly Father” or in Tamil “Parama Pitaa”
Bhagavad
Gita says “swadharme nidhanam shreyah, paradharmo
bhayāvahah - Geetā 3.35
“Do not be
swayed by influences to embrace paradharma; discover who you
are and live by swadharma,” says the ancient text. Shri
Krishna warns, “It is better to die while struggling in the field of choices
that come naturally to you (swadharma) than succeeding
superficially in borrowed ways of living (paradharma),” exhorts the most
popular Hindu scripture” writes Swami Chidanananda Quoting the above
sloka.
In trying to understand Swamiji, I was
attracted to a Veda mantra I chant daily: “Vedantavijnaana sunischitrthaah
yatyaha………….sanyasayogat paramuchyanti”-Monks fully guided by the Science
of Vedanta attain liberation practicing Sanyasayoga. I thought
Swamiji was also focused on the Mantra. So focusing on the whole
Gita as Sanyasyoga instead on individual chapters of different
yogas and different interpretations we can come to the conclusion
Svadharma pertains to Dharma of Self to
Focus on Liberation and Paradharmaah are various Dharmas to exist
and enjoy for a while in this world or elsewhere based on our
performance.
My
thoughts are always focused on the following sloka in Gita as final advice
given to Satyaki and summing up his conversation with Arjuna;
Sarvadharman
parityajya mamekam saranam vraja, Aham tvaam sarvapapebhyo mokshayishyami
ma suchah "-- Leaving all other dharmas (Sarva dharman) come
to Me alone for shelter, sorrow not, I will liberate
thee from all sins." Ch. XVIII-66.
Vedantins explain this Sloka as follows: 'Give up
Jiva-bhavana and take up Brahma-bhavana by meditating on Aham Brahma
Asmi Mahavakya. You will have liberation or Mukti. All sins will be
destroyed.
Here Me needs
proper understanding in the context of the above. Brahman is Sathyam
that is dharma that is Brahmasathyam as Sankara says in his
famous quote “brahasathyam jaganmithyam” ; living
in this world we have to deal with Jagnmithyam but
must be focused Self, dharma means
law – so the law of Self. Since our goal is the same this Svadharma is
also the same for all. Krishna then is talking about the law of the Self and
not laws of different Castes or Varnas, Creed or Nation to lead a good life and
live in harmony as is interpreted often. What is it that you have to
do with all these Dharmas as we leave the world when the
individual Self is admitted by Supreme Will to live with Bahman or merge with
Brahman when that Self becomes the part of that Brahman or
Dharma? So, there are laws of the material world
(paradharma) and the law of the Self as well. Me in
Gita sloka therefore refers to Svadharma applicable to all
Atmans seeking
Liberation while Paradahrmas for all
beings are meant for living in Peace and
Harmony--Shanti Laws we chant in prayers.
In sloka 18--66 Krishna once again says follow Svadharma leaving all other dharmas as said in earlier sloka 3--35. He can’t mean different things at different times to reach the same goal though often we are confused by interpreters.
Then
Paradhrama could also mean all other deities or Devatas while Svadharma means
Brahman alone or Tadekam. We will benefit by the dharma we follow.
This
is what the philosopher or spiritual Westerner thought by saying
“I want to live in my own space”
This reflects Vedic thought of living in the cavity of
the heart within us that is Self. We also hear often being
influenced by anger a Westerner cry “leave me alone”. A Western spiritual
thinker also makes the same statement but what he means by that is to live free
from desire, the non-fulfilling of which creates anger.
--July
3, 2019
Comments:
Namaskara!
Very interesting and inspiring discussion on the article of pujya swamiji. Harih om
--In sadgurudeva's smaraNam, Brni. Vibha Chaitanya
I have been traveling with you
in the same coach on what you wish to carry home to in the matter. Thank
you for these mails.
--Tkp Naig
NEED FOR MANTRAS
FOR CHANT, MEDITATION AND HOMA
We have talked at length about Nature of Brahman. But having known who is Brahman we need to know why and how to meditate upon him and also include it effectively in our temple and home worship. The most appropriate mantra in this regard is Trisuparna Mantra as attached. Part of these mantras were chanted by a Ramakrishna Math Monk, Swami Sarvadevananda in a series of lectures on Ramakrishna Vedanta in Nashville:
“madhuvātā ṛtāyate madhukṣaranti sindhavaḥ | mādhvīrnaḥ santvoṣadhīḥ madhu naktamutoṣasi madhumatpārthivaɱ rajaḥ |
madhudyaurastu naḥ pitā madhumānno
vanaspatirmadhumāɱ astu
sūryaḥ | mādhvīrgāvo bhavantu naḥ”
“Worshipers of the celestial gods take birth among the celestial gods, worshipers of the ancestors go to the ancestors, worshipers of ghosts take birth among such beings, and My devotees come to Me alone.” says Gita:
Yaanti
deva-vrataan devaan pitru yaanti pitru-vrataah | bhootaani yaanti bhootejyaa
yanti mad-yaajino maam || 9-25 ||
In 9-24 Gita
says: “aham hi sarvayajnaanaam bhoktaa cha prabhureva cha -- For it
is only the Supreme that is ultimately the recipient of all forms of worship,
and the dispenser of rewards thereof. The word Yajna means acts of
worship, (yaj pujyam), including offering of oblations in a fire.
The usual standards of worship specify the deity who is worshiped and also
offerings made; in this case, the Supreme Spirit is neither kept in mind by the
worshiper, nor in contemplation in the procedure adopted.
In this verse 9-25, Gita explains the implications of worshiping different entities by revealing the varieties of destinations attained. Devotees can only be elevated to the level of the entity they worship. To reach the highest level of spiritual evolution we must worship the Supreme.
The worshipers of Indra (the rain god), Surya (the sun god), Kubera (the god of wealth), Agni (the god of fire), etc. go to the celestial abodes. Then, when their account of good karmas gets depleted, they are sent back from heaven. The Pitars are the ancestors. It is good to harbor thoughts of gratefulness toward them, but undue concern with their welfare is detrimental. Those who engage in the ancestor worship go to the abodes of their ancestors after death. Those in the mode of ignorance worship ghosts and spirits. In the Western world, there is witchcraft; in Africa, there is black magic; in India, there are vāma-marga tāntrics, who invoke ghosts and spirits. Persons who indulge in such things take birth among ghosts and spirits in their next life.
The highest devotees are those who attach their minds to the Supreme Divine Personality. The word vrata means resolve and undertaking. Such fortunate souls, who firmly resolve to worship God and engage steadfastly in His devotion, go to His divine Abode after birth.
To attach our
minds to the Supreme Divine Personality we need most effective Mantras.
Mahanarayana Upanishad prescribes Trisuparna Mantras suggesting feeding of
many Vedic scholars entertaining and honoring them, chanting together these
Mantras, conducting Homa (fire sacrifice). I believe these mantras are chanted
during Sraddha Ritual wile feeding pundits!
By group chanting in Vedic Assembly (Vedaghoshthi), conducting Homa (fire sacrifices) and meditating in that divine atmosphere in seclusion or meditating in a cool and calm place as individuals we can attach our minds to the Supreme Divine Personality. In Vedic culture our Rishis sat together with the Yajamana or performer) and conducted such rituals, setting guidelines for us. Hindu American Temples should identify such mantras and conduct the rituals periodically for the benefit of humanity and to bring all traditions together. I have talked to you about Kamokarsheet mantra and Japa before.
Sangacchadhvam sam vadadhvam sam vo manaamsi
jaanataam / devaa
bhaagam yathaa purve sanjaanaanaa upaasate // (X-191-20)
Come together! Speak together! Let our minds be all of one accord like the Rishis (divines) that sat together in the past in harmony to worship.
Over a decade we have been focused on knowing the Brahman how to reach him and realize him. In the process we joined our Rishis who raised their voices to the Unknown bogged down with fear and anxiety; “asato maa sadgamaya, tamaso maa jyotir gamaya, mrityor maa amritam gamaya”. Swami Chidananda has been guiding us with his wisdom quotes from Upanishads and elaborate explanations that I have been communicating you the latest being the topic on Nature of Brahman’.
These wisdom are: na hi jnaanena sadrisam-Nothing can match Intelligence; jnaanaat vignaanam utthishthati --from Intelligence arises Science of Intelligence;Vedanta vijnnaanena atmaanam vedayati- one knows the Self by the science of Vedanta; aatmanaa vindate veeryam--one gets spiritual strength by turning to inter-net of Self; anritam aatmanaa jugupset-get rid of all false and evil things from Self; Om ityekaaksharam Brahma--Brahman is the monosyllable Om; Om ityaatmanam Yunjeeta--Concentrate your thoughts on supreme uttering the syllable Om; Om anusmaran tyajan deham-- while dying utter the word Om and leave; Om tad Brahma, tad atma, tat sathyam tad amritam Tad sarvam--Om is Brahman, that is Self, that is Truth, that is the Immortal One, that is everything.
Vedas say;
Sanyasayogaat suddhasattvaah yatayah paramuchyanti
sarve--.
Sanyasis are
firmly established in the science of Upanishads, embodiment of good
nature and practice Sanyas yoga and so get liberated. Also Vedas prescribe
three Da for becoming sattvik- Dama, Daya, Dana--Constrain,
Compassion and Charity.
Sarve here has special significance. Vedas again
say Sangacchadhvam sam vadadhvam … sanjanaana upaasate--Rishis sat
together, spoke together and worshiped together in harmony-- that calls for not
to be selfish and take the society with them as some modern Gurus
emphasize today. That fulfills the obligation Vedas dictate: krinvanto viswamaryam-- ennoble
the whole society recognizing Aatmavat sarva bhooteshu--the same
Self abides in all.
What is needed
then in the end is a proper Mantra for Worship, Sacrifice and Meditation. Here
Vedas strongly recommend three gold-winged Trisuparna Mantras. Mantras are more
powerful than slokas as they are backed up by a Rishi, Chandas (vedic prosody)
and Devata and based on the personal experience of Rishis in communicating with
the Supreme!
The placement
of oneself mentally and psychologically and the maintenance of a particular
mood during the japa is the condition prescribed. And
the same mood must be maintained throughout. One purascharana of
a particular mantra is supposed to bring practically a tangible result. A purascharana is
the recitation of a mantra in a systematic manner for as many hundred thousand
times (lakh of times) as there are letters in a mantra. And this is
noted by a disciple when initiation from a Guru is received.
The principle
requirement here is the place, time and concentration method, and taking to
the puruscharana method and not merely chanting for a few
minutes, because the mind will not be able to cooperate with the reciting of
the mantra if it is done only for a few minutes. The mind will be apart from
the actual chant, and we will be somewhere else. This is the reason why more
time is to be devoted to mantra japa, so that the mind may be given
an opportunity to collaborate with the actual sound, and the consciousness also
will be in back of it.
Thus, we have
a vast field of knowledge before us, the mantra sastra, and
the mantra japa sadhana, is the most potent method of
contacting the higher powers – the gods in the heaven, the Supreme Being
Himself. Yajnanam japa-yajno'smi (Gita 10.25): "I am
myself this great sacrifice called japa sadhana," says
the Almighty Lord stressing the importance of Japa Sadhana or successful
meditation.
--August 3, 2019
ASHUTARKSHYA GARUDA MANTRAM
Please go through the rare Mantra on Sri
Ashutarkshya Garuda mantram taken from Akashabhairava Tantram,
Chapter 12. This looks more like a Mala mantram which is
typically used in the havan (fire ceremony, homam)
after the main mantra homam.
The subsequent chapters elaborate the different Garuda
Yantras to be used for different purposes. As Yantras are typically
meant for the initiated, they can't be shared freely.
You might recall my earlier postings on Lord Garuda a
couple of times a few years ago. There are not many hymns on Lord
Garuda - there is one Ashtottara and one Sahasranama.
I had shared the Sahasra nama and Ashu Garuda Kavacha a
few years ago. There are a few hymns by Sri Vedanta Desikar (Garuda
Panchashat, Garuda Dandakam).
We have also seen before that, as per Kalki Purana, Lord
Garuda and Lord Sudarshana were given to Lord
Vishnu by Lord Bilvodakeshvar (Lord Shiva)
Garuda worship is prescribed as an effective antidote for Rahu/ketu afflictions
or adverse Rahu/ketu dasha or gochara. Garuda
worship is also prescribed for skin diseases and snake-related afflictions.
--August 2, 2019
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