Vol IX Issue 6 February 2012 Annual Subscription Rs. 220/Pages - 40 + 4 A MONTHLY MAGAZINE ON SPIRITUAL & CULTURAL HERITAGE OF INDIA Maha Shivarathri - 20-02-2012, Monday Swamiji's Welcome Procession at Ambattur Swamiji, Chennai Camp Pushpanjali, Ambattur Contents A MONTHLY MAGAZINE ON SPIRITUAL & CULTURAL HERITAGE OF INDIA VOL IX FEBRUARY 2012 ISSUE 5 Founder His Holiness Srimad Jagadguru Shankaracharya Sri Sri Swayamprakasha Sachidananda Saraswathi Swamiji Sree Math, Hariharapura Editor Sri. P.N. Viswanathan Associate Editor Smt. Lallitha Krishnamurthy E-mail: editor@hariharapura.org Co-ordinators Dr. M.N. Anantharaman, Bangalore Illustrations Raghupathi Sringeri Design & Layout Radhakrishna Kalchavadi M.G. Srinivas Marketing Sri. N.G.Prasanna Murthy (Mobile: 98441 30720) Sri. B. Chandrashekar (Mobile: 94490 32007) Sri Ramesh Dindodi (Mobile: 94492 04176) Sri. K.R.Narasimha Murthy (Mobile: 99458 8746) Sri. B.V. Ramesh (Mobile: 98805 96436) Printed by Jwalamukhi Mudranalaya Pvt. Ltd. National Award Winner for Excellence Printing No. 44/1, K.R. Road, Basavanagudi, Bangalore - 560 004. Tel: 91-80-26617243, 26601064 Published by Sri Swayamprakasha Trust (R) Sree Math, Hariharapura - 577 120 Chickmagalur Dist. Karnataka State. INDIA Tel: Office - 08265 274122/274039 Website: www.hariharapura.org E-mail: magazine@hariharapura.org Bangalore Office Address "Bhaktimandiram", No.1370-M, Nehru Road Girinagara, Bangalore 560 085. Tel: 080 26426116 February 2012 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. 21. 22. Guru Upadesha Sara Jagadguru Speaks Administrator's Desk Lalitha Parameshwari, Bestower ... Shankara’s Philosophy Temple Darshan Kids Corner Yoga for You Yoga Vaasishta The Gita Way of Life Meditation Vedanta in Daily Life Gita in the eyes of western scholars Holistic Living Shiva Bhakta Vilasam Honesty - Simple and Real Shivaparadha Kshamapana Stotram The Thousand Names of Lord Vishnu Musings of a Tai Chi Master February Festivals Miracles from the lives of saints Rashi Phala 03 04 05 06 07 08 10 12 14 16 18 22 24 25 26 28 30 32 34 35 36 37 SUBSCRIPTIONS 1 Year 30 Months 5 Years India Overseas Rs. 220 Rs. 500 Rs.1000 US $20 US $50 US $100 All Payments to be made in the name of SRI SWAYAMPRAKASHA TRUST ICICI Banck A/C No. 040101000030 Karnataka Bank, Hariharapura A/C No. 3222500100283601 IFSC Code : KARB0000322 Out Station Cheques Add Rs.30 The contents and views of various authors of the articles are not necessarily the views of the publishers. 01 A MONTHLY MAGAZINE ON SPIRITUAL & CULTURAL HERITAGE OF INDIA Thus Spoke The Rishis … Being with a Master is never comfortable, because He will break all your limitations, all your ideologies. - Jaggi Vasudev If you just place yourself under the protection of a Guru, then the path which is most suitable for you will by itself open up to you. - Sri Anandamayi Maa Ideas of rivalry, jealousy, pity, and egoism quickly depart from a man who always thinks of Me in all men. - Uddhava Gita Sandalwood perfumes even the axe that hews it down! The more we rub sandalwood against a stone, the more its fragrance spreads; Burn it, and it wafts its glory in the entire neighbourhood. Such is the enchanting beauty of forgiveness. - Swami Chinmayananda In ignorance anger is cheap and a smile is costly. Make your smile cheaper and you anger expensive. - Sri Sri Ravi Shankar Perfect health, sincerity, honesty, straightforwardness, courage, disinterestedness, unselfishness, patience, endurance, perseverance, peace, calm, self control are all things that are taught infinitely better by example than by beautiful speeches. Editorial O f all the Hindu festivals, if there is one festival that is without any revelry, festivities and noise, it is the Maha Shivaratri. This is a festival that is purely dedicated to austerities, where vrat, abhisheka and solemn puja of the lord are encouraged. When one keeps such a sincere and devoted fast, bathing the Linga with various ingredients through the night, and foregoing sleep and pleasures, it is believed that to such a one the Lord is waiting to grant all boons. All rituals make sense when it done with an understanding. Why do we celebrate Shivaratri? What is the significance? When was the first Shivaratri celebrated? These are some of the questions people ask about Maha Shivaratri. In this issue, we have given answers to all these and more in the form of small interesting reads spread throughout the magazine. Seeing as many moorthis of Shiva Linga on Shivaratri is auspicious. Keeping that in mind, our centre page is filled with pictures of the most famous Shiva Lingas found across India. According to Puranas, it is on Shivaratri, Parvati got upadesa from Lord Shiva about the ultimate truth. So, it is deemed that getting an upadesa on this day from a competent guru or even to get the darshan of one's guru on Shivaratri is most auspicious and beneficial to a sadhaka. At Hariharapura, our swamiji's night-long Shiva puja is a divine treat to devotees, which should be witnessed rather than be told. All those who can travel should take the opportunity to see Swamiji's puja first hand on Shivaratri, get charged with the bhakthi fervour and be blessed by Acharya. This Shivaratri, let us all pray to the mighty Lord to grant us the faith and devotion to perform the Shivaratri Vrat with utmost sincerity and earn his blessings. With Pranams at the lotus feet of Swamiji! - Sri Aurobindo 02 February 2012 A MONTHLY MAGAZINE ON SPIRITUAL & CULTURAL HERITAGE OF INDIA Guru Upadesha Sara BE HARMONIOUS Sri Sri Swayamprakasha Sachidananda Saraswathi Mahaswamiji I n Bhagavad Gita, Paramatma says, Parasparam Bhavayanthaha Sreyas Parma Avaapsyatha meaning, if everybody develops a feeling of co-operation, it is beneficial to everybody. In the Gita, Paramatma says that there should be feeling of cooperation between Devathas and human beings. Human beings should do their duty with concentration and devotion to repay our debt to God and similarly all devathas wish and hope for man's success and well-being. This mutual co-operation and harmony between devathas and human beings is just not enough. Some mutual co-operation and harmony, love and affection, friendship and helpfulness, peace and harmony should exist between each human being, it should exist between different religions, different sampradayas. Only then will there be real This page is sponsored by : Sri February 2012 progress and harmony in life. And only then will all have peace of mind and a contended life. That is why our shastras says, Aathmavath Sarvabhootheshu yaha Pasyati sa Pasyati, meaning one who loves every being as one's own self knows God well. One who hates none, loves all beings, friendly with all and compassionate is most dearest to God. So according to our Upanishads, to love people is to love god. So we must all learn and incorporate in our lives and is to co-operate and be united, to be harmonious and helpful towards each other. And with this alone, we will be happy in both this life and the here after. KIRAN N., J.P. Nagar, Bangalore 03 A MONTHLY MAGAZINE ON SPIRITUAL & CULTURAL HERITAGE OF INDIA Jagadguru Speaks A GURU IS ESSENTIAL Extracts from the Teachings of Jagadguru Sri Bharathi Teertha Mahaswamiji from the book “Inspiring Saint”. I n our Indian tradition, a very high position has been accorded to the Guru. Without the grace of the Guru, no one can attain fulfilment of the purpose of life. We all desire Moksha, and the sole means to its attainment is Jnana (knowledge). The Veda says: “It is only by knowing the Supreme Brahman that one attains immortality. There is no other path.” Numerous Karmas have been enjoined in the Sastra, but we cannot attain emancipation merely by their performance. Some opine that liberation can be attained by a combination of Karma and Jnana. This school of thought has repeatedly been condemned by Bhagavatpadal in many portions of His Bhashyas. This school goes by the name Jnana Karma Samucchayavada. This conjunction of knowledge and action is not in accordance with the scriptural injunction that liberation can be attained only through knowledge. scriptures and established in the Supreme and making a request, “O Guru! Please impart Knowledge to me.” Even though the rishis seeking may have been scholarly, it is certain that their acquisition of knowledge was soley dependent on their seeking it from a Guru. Only that knowledge which is obtained from the divine mouth of the Guru is potent. Sans a Guru, no matter how many texts we may delve into, we cannot attain that knowledge. There is a hoary tradition everywhere which can be learnt only from the Guru. How can that knowledge be obtained by us? Can it be got by perusal of texts? No, this knowledge can be procured only from a Guru. In the Upanishads we hear of holy ones going to Gurus who are well versed in the This page is sponsored by : Sri T.B. 04 MARUTHEESHA, W.O.C. Road, Bangalore February 2012 A MONTHLY MAGAZINE ON SPIRITUAL & CULTURAL HERITAGE OF INDIA Administrator's Desk News, Events & Announcements N welcoming Sri Swamiji by Sri Srinivasa Rao, I took the opportunity of thanking everyone and wishing all a happy, prosperous and meaningful New Year. Later all the devotees were treated to the sweet words of Swamiji's New Year message. amaste. With the blessings of Sri Swamiji, the new 2012 year has commenced with hopes and possibilities. The Tamil Nadu yatra of Sri Swamiji, commenced on Dec 1, 2011 from Coimbatore and culminated at Chennai on 22nd Dec. Report about the first half, of the yatra has already been made in Sadguru's Blessings Jan issue. In Chennai, visit commenced from Sri Sharada Shakti Peetam, received by Sri Pakirisami, then moved to Narayani Ammal Kalyana mantapam, RA Puram with the support of Sri Jayaraman and Sri Vaidyanathan brothers. A three-day hectic programme at Amabattur amidst rains and cyclone was arranged by Sri Sayeeraman, our Dharmakartha and Sri Lakshminarayanan, who are all ardent devotees of our Sri Swamji. All the programmes were well attended in spite of bad weather, and as usual, on the evening of December 31, 2011, Sri Swamiji arrived at the Sri Anantha Padmanabha Swami Temple, Adyar to the grand welcome of all assembled devotees. Sri Srinivasa Rao, Secretary and other Trustees of Dharma Paripalana Sabha had made excellent arrangements. After Sri Swamiji stayed this time, in the refurbished house provided by Sri Sendhil Karuppiah, Trustee of Dharma Paripalana Sabha and after Dharshanam on Vaikunta Edadasi on Jan 5, 2012, Sri Swamiji continued his tour to Bangalore and Mysore and other places. Our best wishes to all the persons, who had contributed to the successful yatra including our Dharmakarthas Visvanathan, Pandyarajan, Sayeeraman, Advocate KVS, Balajee, Hari, Ramalakshmi and Srinivasan, Narayana Kumar and many others. The work on the rebuilding the temple is going on and I appeal all devotees to match the work progress with generous support. With all input costs going up everywhere, this well appreciated monthly magazine, Sadguru's Blessings can be sustained only by increase in subscribers and by advertisements. In this New Year, kindly act. Best wishes Viswanathan ATTENTION: SUBSCRIBERS This magazine is being posted at GPO, Bangalore 560 001 on 28th of every month. Subscribers who are not receiving the magazine every month are requested to lodge a written complaint with their delivery post office and send a copy of the same to the Sree Math address at Bangalore for initiating necessary action for rectification. February 2012 05 A MONTHLY MAGAZINE ON SPIRITUAL & CULTURAL HERITAGE OF INDIA Lalitha Parameshwari, Bestower of Untold Benefits - Smt. Neeta Rajendra T he Lalitha Sahasranama is a sacred and beautiful text that occurs in the Brahmanda Purana as a part of the discussion between sage Agastya and Lord Hayagreeva. The 1000 names of the Mother in all her aspects as creator, preserver, and destroyer, and her exceptional beauty are described in the 1000 names. It is a very powerful shloka and chanting it will ward of all evils. Although, it is an impossibly huge task to know, understand and describe at length the Omniscient and Omnipresent Universal Mother, let alone in one article and in few words, yet, to do so in any measure provides both the writer and the reader with peace and happiness. Description of the Compassionate Mother The Lalitha Sahasranama describes Lalitha Parameshwari, who is the creator, preserver and destroyer of this universe, as Srimatha (Mother of all, the creator), Sri Maharajni (the empress who protects the universe) and Sri Math Simhasaneshwari (sitting on the lion, she who destroys all evil). She shines like a1000 rising suns immersing this entire universe in her shimmering red colour. Her beautiful forehead looks like half moon and Her tilak looks like black shadow in the moon. Her eyes look like fish and her ears like Kadamba flowers. She has lips like coral and wears sun and moon as Her ear studs. Her nose looks like freshly opened Champaka flowers and she wears flowers like Champaka, Punnaga and Sowgandhika. Her crown glitters like Padmaraga stones and Her cheeks shine more than the mirror made of Padmaraga. Her teeth radiate true knowledge and her voice is sweeter than Saraswathi Matha's Veena nodes. Her golden armlets and necklace are embedded with precious gems. She created the 10 avatars of Vishnu from the tip of Her nails and is prayed by Brahma, Vishnu, Indra and others. She is the consort of Lord Shankara and gives good luck and happiness to all Her devotees. 6 Benefits of Reciting Sri Lalitha Sahasranama: The phala shruthi of Sri Lalitha Sahasranama is separate from the main text and is usually not recited along with the shloka. Surrendering to Lalitha Parameshwari with full love and devotion will bestow one with happiness and lead on the path of obtaining Moksha. But, in this material world, which is surrounded by Maya, most people yearn for material benefits and have a thirst within them to be recognized. God doesn't disappoint such devotees, who expect the fruits of good deeds in this birth itself. What follows is the summary of the benefits of reciting the Lalitha Sahasranama. Reciting the Lalitha Sahasranama daily and regularly: • Increases the confidence and faith of the devotee and brings one closer to God. • Imparts the same benefits that one procures from visiting holy places and taking bath in holy rivers. • Wards off the evils from uncompleted rituals and evils done by others. • Bestows success in all the endeavours that one takes up. • Increases the longevity of a devotee to lead a healthy and purposeful life. • Blesses a devotee with name and fame. • Purifies the mind and makes it conducive for the realization of the ultimate truth. • Grants peace and contentment. The Lalitha Sahasranama can be read any time, but reading with devotion is very important. One should read this shloka everyday or at least on Tuesdays and Fridays. People who cannot sing it every day or even twice a week should recite it on Navami or Chaturdasi and during Navratris for maximum benefit.? ? It is said that, chanting Lord Shiva's name once is equal to chanting Lord Vishnu's name 1000 times; chanting Lalitha Parameshwari's name once is equal to chanting Lord Shiva's name 1000 times. Then imagine the supreme, inconceivable power that one gets from chanting the goddess's name 1000 times? February 2012 A MONTHLY MAGAZINE ON SPIRITUAL & CULTURAL HERITAGE OF INDIA SHANKARA’S PHILOSOPHY - N.R. Vasudeva Murthy Dr. N.R. Vasudeva Murthy is a Professor of Economics at Creighton University, Omaha, Nebraska. One of his hobbies is contemplating on Indian Philosophy. I n the history of Indian philosophy, Sri Sankaracharya (788-820 A.D.) is considered as an outstanding thinker. He is known to be the founding father of a unique philosophical doctrine, the Advaita Philosophy. Sankara is one of the greatest thinkers the world has produced. As Indians, we should be proud to be a part of this heritage. Sankara wrote commentaries on the ancient Indian philosophical texts, the Brahma Sutras, the Upanishads and the Gita. Sankara’s philosophy can be summarized in his own words, in Sanskrit, as: Brahma Sathyam Jagat Mathya, Jeevo Brahmaiva Na Aparah. In English the above words mean that the “Brahman (God) alone is real, this world is unreal and the individual soul (Jiva) is identical with Brahman”. Due to deluding ignorance (Avidya), the individual identifies himself or herself with the body and mind. But, the individual is not different from Brahman. The superimposition of the universe on God or the changeless Brahman, is due to ignorance which is caused by the so called Maya or illusion. Maya’s existence cannot be explained (Anirvachaniya). An individual’s perception of “Duality” between the self and God, is because of ignorance and illusion. An analogy called, “Serpent and the Rope”, given by Sankara’s teacher’s teacher, Gaudapada helps us understand this abstract phenomenon. In the twilight, an individual perceives the rope to be a snake, but once a torch is brought closer to the rope, he or she will realize that the object is indeed the rope lying there and the fear of snake vanishes. By employing a logical method known as “Vivartha Vada” or the ‘Theory of Superimposition’ (Adhyasa or mistakes and errors), Sankara says that just as a snake is supermiposed on the rope, the world is superimposed on God and once the February 2012 individual realizes this through the path of knowledge, and in the mundane world through the path of devotion, he or she will attain liberation to become one with God. Other analogies that helps us understand Sankara’s point, are the ones that deal with the difference between a bubble and the ocean and a pot and the universe. [Essentially, there is no real difference, although there is a perceived difference!] Just as the bubble in the ocean becomes one with the ocean, the moment the bubble bursts, and just as when the pot is broken, the space within the pot becomes one with the universal space, individuals become one with God (Brahman), when they realize the knowledge of Brahman. Further more, Sankara contends that God is eternal and changeless. Just as the reality of gold is not dependent on the shape it assumes and in the process of making the ornament, gold does not turn itself into some thing else. Similarly, God is without changes. Sankara’s Brahman is Nirguna (without any salient features), Nirakara (without ant any forms), Nirvishesha (without any attributes) and finally, Akarta (being a non-agent). What are some practical implications of Sankara’s philosophical thoughts for our every day living? Some guidelines are that we should recognize our and the fellow-beings’ divine through the path of knowledge, and at the same time worship God. It should be remembered that although Sankara emphasized the path of knowledge and contended that God does not have any form, it should not preclude us from gaining knowledge of God through various ways, including worship of God through any means, some of which might be having an Ishta Devatha (Personal God) and respecting the fellow-beings who are divine in nature, who are, in a metaphysical sense inseparable from us and with whom we are connected in a philosophical sense. 7 Temple Darshan Hoysalewara Temple Halebidu-Karnataka -By Krishnadas Introduction : The Hoysaleswara and Kedareswara temples are located in Halebidu, the ancient Hoysala capital in Karnataka. The city is located at a distance of 149 km from Mysore and 31 km from Hassan. The Hoysaleshwara Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Sthala Puranam The Hoysaleswara Temple dates back to the 12th century. It was built by Ketamalla, a minister in the court of Vishnuvardhana, the king of Hoysala. Besides this temple, he built the Belur temple and the Mahabaleshwar temple at Chamundi Hills in Mysore. The city's name Halebidu which means “ruined city”, derives it name from the repeated attacks and ransacking by the armies of Malik Kafur in 14th century, thus falling into a state of neglect and ruins. The Hoysaleswara Temple enshrines the deities Hoysaleswara and Santaleswara. Hoysaleswara is named after the builder Vishnuvardhana Hoysala and Santaleswara after his wife, Queen Santala. Architecture / Specialities The Hoysaleswara Temple is a masterpiece, studded with a profusion of carvings. The sanctum sanctorum of the temple are built on a stellar plan, with a Sukhanasi, Navaranga and Nandi Mandapa. Thousands of figures appear on its walls. The basement of the temple has the most richly sculptured friezes. Charging horsemen and war elephants all in stone are all beholders delight. Scenes from the Ramayana and the Mahabharata add to the grandeur of the temple. February 2012 There are pierced windows on the walls, each window being about a meter high, with divinities set on pedestals and canopies above. The south door is beautifully sculptured. Located just in front of the Hoysaleshwara Temple is the Shree Lodge. The rooms are clean and averagely priced. The contact numbers are: 97409-24650, 99640-18372, 08177-317-077. The temple has four porches for entry and the one normally used by visitors. The main entry today is actually a lateral entrance (north). There is one entry on the south and two on the east, facing two large detached open pavilions. All entry porches have miniature shrines flanking on either sides. In addition, there is a sanctuary for the Sun God Surya, whose image stands 7 ft. (2.1 m) tall. The pavilions enshrine large images of Nandi. KSTDC Hotel also is a good option to stay. The rooms are large. Restaurant on site provides a pleasant garden setting. It is located right across the road from the temple, a hundred meters past the bus station. Since there are only a handful of rooms, it fills up fast, especially during tourist season. Other Temples and Tourist Attractions nearby : The Kedareswara temple built by King Ballala II, at Halebidu, now in ruins, is considered to be a gem of architecture. As with the Hoysaleswara temple, this temple has classic friezes, and scenes from the epics. There are a hundred and eighty images set under floral toranas in the upper portions of the walls. Besides, there are Jain temples dedicated to Parsvanatha, Santhanatha and Adinatha nearby. How to Reach Halebidu : Halebidu is located 16 km. from Belur, which is also a famous historical place in Karnataka. The city is wellconnected by road and rail to Bangalore, Mysore (149 km) and Mangalore. There are also regular bus connections to Hassan (31 km). Accommodation : One can choose to stay either in a larger town like Hassan nearby or in simple lodging facilities available in Halebidu. February 2012 Best Time to Visit : Belur and Halebidu is more or less an all round tourist destination, although the summers months from March through May can be overbearing to those unaccustomed to the heat. The monsoon season between June and September is humid, but relatively okay to travel during this period. The best time, however, is between October and April. A MONTHLY MAGAZINE ON SPIRITUAL & CULTURAL HERITAGE OF INDIA Kids Corner Surya, the Sun God - Mrs. Hema Mani (Mrs. Hema Mani is a homemaker who was led into spiritual path by Swami Paramarthanandaji. Today, she is also a student of Swami Chidatmanandaji of Arsha Vidya Sevashram, Bangalore and with his guidance contributes articles). S ankranti is celebrated as Pongal in Tamil Nadu. It is a harvest festival where we thank the rain god, the Sun God and cows that help in harvest. In villages, sweet pongal is prepared outside the house under the rays of the sun. Hello kids, Last month, we celebrated a very important festival. Do you remember what it is? Yes, that's right, it is Makara Sankranti. It is celebrated by Hindus everywhere. I am sure you know which God is worshipped on that day. That's right, it is Surya or the Sun God. 10 Now, we shall read a few interesting things about the Sun God. He has dual form sunlight and shadow, and his two wives are Sanjana and Chaya. He is depicted as having a shining face as radiant as pure gold. He is described as a golden red man with three eyes, four arms riding a chariot drawn by seven horses. His charioteer is Aruna and the seven horses represent the rainbow and the seven days of the week. The twelve chakras on the wheel are the zodiac signs. You must have seen or heard people doing Surya Namaskaram. It is done with folded hands, looking at the sun and saying Om Surya Narayana and involves 12 different postures. It is the way to pray to the Sun God. This ancient prayer of the rishis has now become a popular yoga exercise today that helps us keep our body and mind healthy. February 2012 A MONTHLY MAGAZINE ON SPIRITUAL & CULTURAL HERITAGE OF INDIA Aditya is another name for the sun and the Aditya Hrudayam is a popular prayer invoking the blessings of the Sun God. It was dictated and taught by sage Agasthya to Lord Rama in the battlefield. Let us read and understand the meaning of one of the verses below of this lengthy poem. Jayaya Jaya badraya haryaswaya namo namah Namo namas sahasramaso aditya namo namah Salutations to him who is the cause of victories; salutations to him who has green horses; salutations and salutations to him who has thousand rays; salutations and salutations to the son of Adithi. Ratha Sapthami, which comes after Pongal, is celebrated as the birthday of Sun God, who is the son of Sage Kasyapa and Adithi. Worshipping the sun on this day will bestow one with prosperity and health. People keep Eruku (Ekke) leaves on their head and have a bath to be blessed by the sun. On this day, the Sun God turns his chariot towards north. Bheesma who had the boon to die on the day of his choice chose this day to leave his mortal coils. The next day is called Bheeshma Ashtami. There are many temples for the sun. The more popular ones are Konark (Orissa), Arasavalli (Andhra Pradesh) and Kumbakonam (Tamil Nadu). Arasavalli is near Srikakulam in Andhra Pradesh. It is built in such a way that on Ratha Sapthami day the sun's rays fall directly on the deity. Lord Sun is a universal god. Even people who do not believe in god are blessed by his light. There is no caste or creed for him. He has many names. The popular ones are Ravi, Bhaskar, Surya, Adithya and Divakar. Let me leave you with another sloka to learn. Bhano Bhaskara Marthanda, Chande Rashmi Divakara Ayur Arogyam Aiswaryam Sriyam Putramshcha dehi me Oh god of gods who is the source of light who makes the day give me longevity, health and wealth and progeny. So, kids before next Pongal and Ratha Sapthami, ask your parents to teach you the Adithya Hrudayam and be blessed by the lord. Bye, till next month. GIFT SUBSCRIPTION FORM Here’s a golden opportunity for all Sadguru’s Blessings readers. You have enjoyed the spiritual articles on Sanatana Dharma in the magazine so far. Now, here’s a chance for you to spread the good word among your dear and near ones. Surprise your loved ones with a one-year gift subscription of Sadguru’s Blessings and YOU will get a FREE GIFT. Yes, I would like to Gift Sadguru’s Blessings to: Please send my FREE GIFT to: Smt/Sri Smt/Sri E-mail E-mail Tel : Tel : We also encourage our readers to bring in at least five subscriptions. Give us five subscriptions and get a FREE GIFT. February 2012 11 A MONTHLY MAGAZINE ON SPIRITUAL & CULTURAL HERITAGE OF INDIA Yoga For You YOGA: SKILL IN ACTION, QUIETUDE IN SILENCE -By Swahilya Shambhavi Swahilya Shambhavi is a journalist and Yoga Acharya. She is the managing trustee of Simply Spiritual Centre and head of Swaha Yoga. Y ogaha Chitta Vritti Nirodhaha, says Maharishi Patanjali. Even if we may have thousands of ideas about yoga, the primary and the end result of yoga is to stop the mind's thought formations. The mind is like a lake. On the lake are superfine gentle ripples. Sometimes there are big waves too, caused by tumultous winds of change outside. When there is a big wave, you can only watch them. However, if you want to stop the waves, can you do so by slapping the water with a heavy object? No, it rather gets aggravated, as more and bigger waves are formed instead. The practice of Yoga through its different aspects helps to bring the waves of the mind under close scrutiny and thereby makes the mind quiet. The mind likes variety. Yoga is a way to train the mind and quieten it to make it fit to realise the truth, and there are many ways of doing it. The body is made quiet with Asanas or postures. Asana is from the root word As, meaning 'To be.' Hatha Yoga Asanas train the physical body to be steady. If you are able to sit steadily and comfortably in a meditative posture, then you have achieved the benefit of all yoga asanas. The breath is made quiet and flowing smoothly with Pranayama and certain kriyas remove the physical, mental and emotional impurities in the human system. Yama, Niyama - the do's and don'ts of daily life, Pratyahara or the withdrawal of the sense organs and Dharana or concentration, purify and increase the capacity of the mind's productivity on the outside and quietude to rest within and seek the truth. Dhyana or meditation is when the mind really settles down to find 12 the truth within and Samadhi is that state of mind when the truth is finally discovered. In the Bhagavad Gita - besides every chapter being a yoga - the Yoga of Confusion of the first chapter up to the last chapter called the Yoga of Realisation, the three main aspects of yoga are the Karma, Bhakti and Jnana Yoga. Karma Yoga happens at any place you work, when you are completely absorbed in your action and not focusing on the results of the action. Bhakti Yoga is when you surrender all the good and bad experiences in life as a gift of the divine and accept anything without a question. Jnana Yoga is the work of wisdom, where your individual intellect is connected with the intelligence of the cosmos. Beyond that, you are not there. The universe expresses through you. Yoga is not something to be achieved. It is there in you. It is a way of life. You remember that the essence of your being is in a state of yoga all the time and you constantly stay connected. While today Asana has become most popular, Patanjali mentions about it in just one line as Sthiram Sukham Asanam - a steady and comfortable posture is Asana. There are at least 84 lakh and may be even more Asanas and it is really difficult to master all of them, or even a fraction of them in one lifetime. Yet, perfecting a few of them helps the body to stay in a state of rest, the breath flowing smooth and the mind in balance to continue being in a state of meditation. There is a yoga for each yuga. In the Satya Yuga, the most important practice was Dhyana Yoga. People had to and were able to meditate for many thousands of February 2012 A MONTHLY MAGAZINE ON SPIRITUAL & CULTURAL HERITAGE OF INDIA years. Reaching the truth took a long time then. In the Tretha and the Dwapara Yugas, it was more of Kriya Yoga and Karma Yoga to reach to the supreme truth. In the Kali Yuga, the yoga is very simple. It is Japa Yoga, which is part of Bhakti Yoga. You just need to repeat the name of the lord and you see the mind easily dissolves in the supreme presence soon. While yoga helps in providing several benefits such as good health and clarity of mind, its ultimate goal is to connect the individual consciousness with the cosmic consciousness and unite the mind in a state of Samadhi or merging with the cosmic intelligence. The whole begins to function through you. That is yoga. Ultimately, with the practice of different forms of yoga, you begin to move through life, moment-to-moment, blissfully savouring every second as the mind is merged in yoga. Shivaratri Mahima This is the day a Lord Shiva took jyothiswarupa and revealed his Linga form. a Lord Shiva gave his equal half to Mother Parvati. a Paravti learnt the tattvajnana from the Lord. a The tribal hunter Kannappa gave his eye to the bleeding lord and became his dearest devotee. a Markandeya got the boon of everlasting youthfulness and was freed from the clutches of Lord Yama forever. a King Bhageerath brought Ganga to the earth. a Sri Krishna killed Narakasura with the help of Satyabhama. (It was the monthly Shivaratri.) February 2012 Yoga tip for the month Take a deep yogic breath: Sit down in a comfortable posture wherever you are and learn to relax and realign your breath. Place the right hand on the abdomen and the left on the chest. Inhale deeply to the count of four seconds and let the abdomen expand as you inhale. Exhale to the count of eight seconds and consciously draw the abdomen in as you exhale. Mrityunjaya Mantra The Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra is a verse from Yajur Veda. It is also called as Tryambakam Mantra or the Rudra Mantra. It thus denotes three aspects of Lord Shiva: life giver (as Mrityunjaya Mantra), the furious destroyer of evil (Rudra Mantra), and the three-eyed Lord (Triyambakeshwara Mantra). Chanting this mantra regularly bestows one with longevity. When chanted with full sincerity, faith and piety, it removes the fear of death, dangers of accidents, incurable diseases and calamities and grants long life and immortality. Wealth and prosperity come in search of the person who chants this mantra with diety. Om TryambakamYajamahe Sugandhim Pushtivardhanam Urvarukamiva Bandhanan Mrityor Mukshiya Maamritat English Translation “We worship the three-eyed one (Lord Shiva) who is fragrant (in a state of supreme bliss), and who sustains all living beings. May he liberate us from (the eternal cycle of birth and) death. May he lead us to immortality, just as the cucumber is released from its bondage (the vine to which it is attached).” 13 A MONTHLY MAGAZINE ON SPIRITUAL & CULTURAL HERITAGE OF INDIA YOGA VAASISHTA - Sri K.N. Shivashankara Rao Sri K.N.Shivashankara Rao is a Chief Engineer (retd), GOK, with a clean record. Interested in Sanatana Dharma and Indian Culture, he is working on Adi Shankara's works. Being an eloquent writer he has 450+ publications to his credit. Y oga Vaasishta is also called Yogavasishta Ramayana, Maha Ramayana and Jnaana Vaasishta. It is an extensive philosophical poem, thought to be composed during the 8th century AD. Although history assigns it to Valmiki, the authorship is still unknown. It is an extremely popular work, which has influenced several later works such as Annapoorna Upanishad, MahOpanishad, Manas Ollasa of Sureshwara and Jeevanmukti Viveka of Vidyaranya. It contains stories within stories and ends with long dialogues between Sage Vasishta and Lord Rama. It expounds subtle spiritual truths by illustrating them through ingenious stories. Sage Vasishta instructs Sri Rama on the ultimate nature of reality, knowing which Rama becomes a Jivanmukta. The discourse between Rama and Vasishta forms the subject matter of the Yoga Vaasishta. THE GIST The first portion, which is called Vairaagya Prakarana deals with the intense dispassion of Rama on account of his disillusionment with the world. Sage Vasishta tries to enlighten him. The second section, which is called Mumukshu Vyavahaara Prakarana tries to suggest that such disillusionment should lead to wisdom. It should lead to the cultivation of the four qualities of Shama, Vichaara, Santosha and Saadhusangamana (tranquility, rational investigation, contentment and company of the wise people). Vasishta says that Paurusha Prayathnam (manly effort) is important and that can overcome even the effect of past karmas. 14 The third section is Utpatti Prakarana. It deals with srishti or creation. He says the world is a manifestation of the mind. Even as the ocean is real and not the waves, it is Brahman, which is real and not the world. The fourth is the Sthithi Prakarana. The world continues till the sankalpa or desire is there. As long as the mind is active, the world experience is there. It is vaasanas that are responsible for the continuance of world experience. The fifth Upaasana Prakarana teaches the art of calming the mind. The technique of destruction of the vaasanas is described. This leads to the destruction of the tendencies in the mind to rise in the form of mental waves. Knowledge of the self is the chief technique. The last chapter is the Nirvana Prakarana. Nirvana or liberation is the realisation of the identity of the self with the absolute Brahman. Since bondage appears by the false identification of the self with the body, only its reversal through a critical inquiry leads to liberation. Liberation is possible for every one here and now. The jeevanmukta (liberated man) continues to live in this world and fulfill all his duties, but remains equanimous under all circumstances of life and never attached to anything. Yoga Vaasishta advises the aspirant to study the right kind of scriptures and cleanse the mind by getting rid of raaga, dvesha, tamas, krodha, madaa and matsarya. It is said that it is only the vaasanas, which bring the soul back to other lives and hence obsequies or shraaddhaas are not of much use. February 2012 A MONTHLY MAGAZINE ON SPIRITUAL & CULTURAL HERITAGE OF INDIA Worship of the self through bodha (understanding), saamya (calmnness of mind), maitri (friendliness to all), karuna (compassion), mudita (delight), upeksha (indifference towards evil doers) is advocated. Moorthi pooja is considered as a baalakreeda or child's play. On the whole, Yoga Vaasishta challenges the intellect with its uncompromising logic and it is exhilarating and a beautiful poetry. The work on the whole is an Advaitic version of the understanding of our tradition and is not for very ordinary people who are at the stages of moorthi poojas and religious rituals. Yoga Vaasishta does not attempt to reject any system of thought, but takes the view that every viewpoint incorporates perception of reality in certain conditions, and every doctrine expresses that perception and concludes that ultimately the end of every religious and spiritual quest is the same. Yoga Vaasishta introduces philosophical truths to the common people who are adhikaris (persons with the requisite qualifications) to such knowledge. It penetrates the consciousness by grabbing the attention through effective stories. It would be very useful to all of us to read this great work. A crow was sitting on the branch of a coconut tree. At that instant, in a very unexpected and accidental occurrence, a ripe coconut falls on the crow and kills it instantly. The story indicates that in life unexpected, coincidental occurrence, happen whether it be positive or negative, welcome or unwelcome. This indicates that one should be ready for the unexpected occurrences and take them as given by the destiny. King Shikhidhwaja and his queen Choodaala of Malwadesha were practicing spiritual disciplines to get true happiness. With the help of his wife, the king succeeds. After testing him in various ways to confirm that he is established in the knowledge of the Self, she brings him back to the mundane world to continue ruling the country. He now becomes a free and wise man. The story indicates that it is only those who are established in the knowledge of the self who can be free and wise and do his duties efficiently without fear or favour. A few stories from Yoga Vaasishta, There was a king by name Padma and his wife was queen Leela. The queen loved her husband so much that she prayed to Goddess Saraswati for a boon that if and when her husband dies, his soul should be confined to her room only. When the king actually died, the queen sees the action of the soul till it finally enters the king's body and they are united again. This is a long story that has many stories inside it. Leela is a way of describing all reality, including the cosmos, as the outcome of creative play by the divine absolute (Brahman). The story indicates that this world is a manifestation of the mind even as the ocean alone is real and not the waves. Likewise Brahman alone is real and not the world. February 2012 WATCH US in YOUTUBE Sree Math's Video clippings are being uploaded in youtube including Sree Math's English Documentary and other programmes. Devotees can watch these at www.youtube.com by entering 'hariharapura' in the search box. 15 A MONTHLY MAGAZINE ON SPIRITUAL & CULTURAL HERITAGE OF INDIA The Gita Way of Life THE VALUE OF MUTUAL DEPENDENCE - B. Mahadevan B. Mahadevan is a Professor at the Indian Institute of Management, Bangalore. His interests include understanding the role of ancient Indian wisdom in addressing contemporary issues. T oday's era is characterized by dominance of individuality as a value of life. Joint families have given way for nuclear families. Children are constantly taught the virtue of one's own hard work leading to excellence in their studies and other pursuits in life. People with originality (often taken as a good measure for their individuality) are looked at with awe and inspiration. The society also views individual rights as an important element of growth and progress. Asserting individuals right and space in all matters of civil society seems to be the way forward to make a great country. The spirit of questioning everything (as opposed to the spirit of inquiry) and seeking one's own understanding of the issue is another aspect promoted today. In all these matters the common thread is to promote individuality either directly or indirectly. Many other developments in the society also promote individual thinking, encouraging everyone to make their own choices in life and having an independent existence in the world. For example, the advent of credit cards and ATMs have cut several social fabrics and promoted individuality. Consider a situation where we face a medical emergency and are in need of cash urgently. Earlier we used to tap the neighbour or a relative for help. This way we felt strongly the virtue of mutual dependence. Today we do not need them as credit cards and ATMs will do the job for us. It is increasingly becoming fashionable for young boys and girls to make their own choices of life partners. Children at home need their own tables, chairs, bed, bedrooms, various personal gadgets such as cell phones etc. Elderly parents also need a separate room and TV for them. The list of things that breed the culture of individuality is endless. Perils of individuality as a value The idea that begins as individuality will soon transform into selfishness as people become very sensitive to their possessions, wants and needs and begin to demand or bargain for these things in life. This will take away the culture of sharing as give and take is simply not easier to practice. Moreover, the way we approach life will be dominated by “what is in it for me?” An extreme position in this would be that family as a unit will become less meaningful as the wife will be as assertive with her own individuality as the husband and so will be the children. Broken marriages and homes, orphaned children, emotionally abused children are some of the outcomes of this. Slowly this idea will stretch further and the self centred nature of people will begin to affect even large systems. People will want their share of comfort and entitlements even at the cost of creating damage to nature and large scale social and public systems. Mutual dependence is like a lubricating oil in a machine with multiple moving parts. In order for the parts to move in a coordinated smooth fashion without creating noise, friction and heat, oil is applied. Once 16 February 2012 A MONTHLY MAGAZINE ON SPIRITUAL & CULTURAL HERITAGE OF INDIA individuality sets in, the oil is expunged. The machine will make creaking noise and will one day breakdown. We are already beginning to see many of these aspects in our current day living. Where is the problem and how do we rectify this issue and restore sense and peace in our minds? Let us turn to Bhagavad Gita for some advise on this aspect. Mutual Dependence Critical for Sustainability If we observe nature carefully we will understand one aspect very clearly. The whole universe is interconnected. Even mountains, rivers and glaciers in the polar regions have profound effect on us. The plant kingdom and the animal kingdom too exert a considerable influence on us. When we consume mindlessly the nature and throw all pollutants back into the nature it will respond with acid rains, earth quakes and tsunamis. Just because this relationship is too complicated to understand or hard to see by direct observation, it does not mean we can ignore them or push them to the background. Lord Krishna brings this aspect by advising Arjuna that in order to achieve ultimate prosperity and success in whatever we do we need to honour the principle of mutual dependence. The spirit of sharing and unconditional giving (the virtue of Yajna) is the basis on which everything in the world sustains. The Gods bless the living beings with this virtue and in turn the living begins give back to the Gods using this principle. Paraspara Bhava, Lord Krishna says, is the one that guarantee us ultimate prosperity (Param Shreyas). The concept of mutual dependence is the corner stone behind ancient Indian living. Our ancestors were able to live in unison with other living beings (the plant and animal kingdom). In the current world order we have tended to ignore this principle and chosen to largely follow the western paradigm of exploiting the nature. In the name of modern living, human beings have lost their ability to live in harmony with nature and other living beings in the ecosystem. The number of animals that have become extinct or endangered in the last 200 years alone is far more than those in the previous 2000 years! February 2012 This has landed us in deep trouble and currently the international political establishments are seriously engaged in climate summits to find a solution to the mounting problem. Mutual Dependence in Other Aspects of Life If you are a manager or a leader in an organization, the first lesson you will learn to be successful in discharging your work is the value of mutual dependence. Your subordinates are as important as you are. A happy and successful married life revolves around the husband and the wife understanding the value of mutual dependence. Particle physicists today have found out that both at the sub-atomic level (Pinda) and at the cosmos (Anda) everything works in perfect harmony because of the universal principle of mutual dependence. Government and society have to honour the principle of mutual dependence. If the elected representatives of the government and the parliament do not honour this principle, some forces will act and remind them of the need for this. We recently witnessed this in the case of Lokapal bill related movement by Anna Hazare. The principle of mutual dependence pervades much more than what we normally imagine. The man and nature have a strong relationship of mutual dependence. Living entities and non-living entities also are mutually dependent. Our ancestral wisdom and practices in everyday living seems to have understood this aspect and respected it. It is time we wake up to the reality and adjust our behavioural practices. Only then we will get prosperity as Lord Krishna proclaimed in the Gita. Address of our BANGALORE BRANCH BHAKTIMANDIRAM SREE MATH, HARIHARAPURA # 1370/M, 4th Cross 4th Main Road, Nehru Road, Girinagar, B'lore – 85 Tel: 080 26426116 Timings: 10 am – 6 pm 17 A MONTHLY MAGAZINE ON SPIRITUAL & CULTURAL HERITAGE OF INDIA MEDITATION Excerpts from Action and Reaction by Swami Dayananda Saraswati. Courtesy & ack Arsha Vidya Centre, Chennai You sit in a relaxed posture. Close your eyes Just be yourself Be yourself, free from roles visualise the blue sky… mountains, trees, streams… you think that destiny has robbed you of something or deprived you of something or death has taken away somebody from you Do you want the sky to be different in any way? No When you appreciate the blue sky you are a non-demanding person Look at those situations to which you reacted with sadness anger and so on Look at yourself how appreciative you are A person who is pleased with the self, that is the person you are aware and conscious Think of the stars. Let the sky be studded with stars… Again look at yourself Think of mountains… a body of clouds… the rising sun… the setting sun… visualise trees… flowers, fully blossomed flowers on the bushes… look at the birds, the free ones flying in the sky… just visualise them, mentally Now, visualise situations that generally bring out reactions in you When you visualised the stars, sky, trees and so on, they did not cause any reaction in you Now, visualise situations to which you normally react Suppose there is a person who has hurt you deeply 18 Meditation is to look at these situations with the same person who related to the sky… who appreciated the stars… the sky… the mountains… the rivers… the non-demanding appreciative person Try to bring that person to bear upon these situations that normally bring about reactions in you look at the situations no matter how serious or grave they may be If a situation requires a response from you if the situation needs a change do whatever has to be done bring about the change if it makes the situation easy or more comfortable for you It does not require a reaction it requires action In meditation you look at yourself in a situation that you desire, you wish for something to happen Look at yourself in a situation that you dislike, you wish to be rid of With reference to any of these situations you see yourself the pleased… February 2012 A MONTHLY MAGAZINE ON SPIRITUAL & CULTURAL HERITAGE OF INDIA the non-demanding person… All those residual, embedded reactions disappear because they are false The reactions have no status of their own if you have some desires, let them be You are just a simple, conscious being This awareness of yourself in every situation knocks off the piled up reactions which make a personality You are just a person If there is the subconscious the unconscious let them be you are just the simple person who is free intrinsically free from any affliction this is you A person is always a person who has appointments to keep… roles to play… scripts to follow… It is very simple and this is action You do not need to do anything to be you fire does not do anything to be hot The personality is created by reactions whereas the person always acts You do not do anything for being yourself Om Tat Sat 12 JYOTIRLINGAS Lord Shiva manifested himself in the form of jyoti or light on the night of Arudra Nakshatra. Across India there are 12 Jyotirlingas that are considered very holy. These are spread out with three Jyotirlingas on sea shore, three on river banks, fours amidst the heights of mountains, and three located in meadows of Indian villages. Saurashtre Somanaatham Cha SreeSaile Mallikarjunam Ujjayinyaam Mahaakaalam Omkaare Mamaleswaram Himalaye to Kedaram Daakinyaam Bhimashankaram Vaaranaasyaam cha Viswesam Trayambakam Gowtameethate Paralyaam Vaidyanaatham cha Naagesam Daarukaavane Setubandhe Ramesham Grushnesam cha Shivaalaye || The 12 Jyotirlingas are found in: Somnath (Gujarat), Omkareshwar (Madhya Pradesh), Kashi Viswanatha (Varanasi), Nageshwar (Gujrat), February 2012 Mallikarjun (Andhra Pradesh), Kedarnath (Uttaranchal), Triambakeshwar (Maharashtra), Rameshwaram (Tamil Nadu) Mahakaleshwar (Ujjain), Bhimashankar (Maharashtra), Vaidyanath (Bihar), Grishneshwar (Maharashtra). 19 SHIVA DARSHAN Sri Ramanatha Swamy, Rameshwaram Sri Manjunatha Swamy, Dharmastala Sri Arunachaleshwara, Thiruvannamalai Thillai Natraj Swamy, Chidambaram SHIVA DARSHAN Sri Sangameshwara Swamy, Kurnool Sri Kalahasteeshwara, Sri Kalahasti, AP Sri Kashi Vishwanatha, Kashi Shivalingam, Amarnath (Ice Lingam) Sri Someshwara, Somnath, Gujarat Lord Shiva, Bangalore A MONTHLY MAGAZINE ON SPIRITUAL & CULTURAL HERITAGE OF INDIA Vedanta SPIRITUALITY AND PRACTICALITY in - Sri Shivakumar Viswanathan Daily Life Sri Shivakumar is a student of Vedanta. A ll of us who strive to be spiritual in our lives have faced situations where we have heard the words 'Be practical.' Either we tell it ourselves or hear others say it. Haven't we noticed that unless we are frenetically working and worrying at the same time, people somehow assume that we are lazy or wasting out time in impractical pursuits? There seems to be an implicit assumption in this statement that spirituality and practicality don't go together, especially when we are faced with worldly trials and tribulations. Is that a fact? There seems to be an underlying belief in everyone that spirituality precludes practicality. Nothing could be further from the truth. Swami Chinmayananda in his lecture has said that spirituality would be a dreamer's fantasy if it did not give each person a practical approach to everyday problems. Let's then define 'practical' first. Some of the dictionary meanings of the word 'practical' are these: ...Of or pertaining to practice or action (Or) ...Consisting of, involving, or resulting from practice or action Corporates define a required managerial competency 'Drive for results'. This competency would have us believe that unless we are actively 'doing' something, we are not really working towards results. How can someone's faith or prayer be considered as 'doing' and by extension how will that qualify as result orientation and problem solving? In the modern mind there is a heavy focus on 'doing.' And essentially this 'doing' is riding on the back of expectations of results. Sans this desire for results, there is no action or doing on anyone's part. Let's say some one is facing some difficulties on the health front. This 22 person prays for relief as even undergoing treatment. When faced with a choice at a decision point in regards to the treatment if the person is found to be praying, he or she is immediately told to be practical. Prayers are not the solution at that point in time. At least that's what people will have us believe. The Lord, in the second chapter of the Gita, categorically states that we can only act. The results are out of scope! We cannot control the results. Since that is the case, the entire belief of 'working' towards results becomes irrelevant and hence 'impractical'. Does that mean we should stop working? There need be no fear on that account. None can stop working. We are driven by our gunas to keep working unceasingly. There is definitely a possibility of people making wrong choices in their everyday lives and that may also be considered impractical. A 93 year old with failing eyesight and weak limbs asking to be trained as an astronaut, while definitely a long stretch of imagination, makes the point clear. Truly spiritual people work diligently, without being worried about the results, fully depending on the Lord for support. What could be more practical than absolute surrender? In fact, true surrender is done without expectation of specific fruits of actions. There is openness with regard to the dispensation of the Lord, whatever it may be. The mind may trick one to believing that 'If I surrender to the Lord, then He will work things in my favour!' But in case of the true devotee, even this is absent. Surrender is natural and so is the effort. There is no internal struggle and conflict. Being spiritual is a way of life. It calms and settles the mind and provides clarity of thought. It helps the person to take powerful action towards the accomplishment of February 2012 A MONTHLY MAGAZINE ON SPIRITUAL & CULTURAL HERITAGE OF INDIA the goals without the accompanying tension and worry that all of us have come to accept as normal today. This may or may not meet the modern mind's drive for frenetic activity based living, keeping-up-with-theJoneses attitude and wearing stress as a badge of honour. But nothing could be more pragmatic than being spiritual in its truest sense. There is a famous incident in the life of Parameshti Acharyal, Jagadguru Sri Chandrashekara Bharathi Mahaswamigal that illustrates this. Acharyal in His first tour of Tamil Nadu in the 1920s was asked by the devotees to speak in Tamil. Acharyal had never lived or been to Tamil Nadu before and there was no possibility of picking up that language. When the devotees pressurized the mutt officials, they came to Acharyal and said they were helpless and that they did not know what to do. Acharyal calmly asked them not to worry and said that Sharadambal will take care of every thing. The mutt officials could only think, 'That Sharadambal will save us is mere Vedanta vichara. How will we overcome this problem now?' When Acharyal ascended the dais and spoke, it was a torrential flow of chaste Tamil. The audience were drowned in His mellifluous Tamil and were overjoyed. The 'practical' mutt officials who worried about the problem prostrated at the feet of Acharyal after the programme and said that He was sakshat incarnation of Sharadambal Herself. Swami Nityananda once said about how people live these days: 'When people fall ill, they first try allopathy. When that doesn't work they try homeopathy. When that also doesn't give relief, they move to naturopathy. When all efforts fail, they go to Tirupathi and seek the sympathy of Lord Venkatachalapathy! All they need to do is reverse the order. First go to Tirupathi and seek the sympathy of Lord Venkatachalapathy. After that try allopathy or homeopathy or naturopathy.' Don't great saints show that path by living it themselves? Their innate faith in Lord's grace and practical wisdom is a beacon of light in the dark world of ignorance. Benefits of keeping Shivratri Vrat: ? For one who observes the Shivratri Vrat, all the wealth comes in search of him. ? Happiness is a constant companion to one who keeps the Shivaratri Pooja. ? Peace and contentment overpowers those who remain awake for the whole night and sincerely follow the Shivratri fast. ? Lord Yama stays far away from the one who with steadfast devotion does the Shivaratri pooja. ? Even the ancestors of the one who keeps Shivratri Vrat with bhakthi will attain moksha. The first Shivratri Vrat Once Lord Shiva was in bliss with his eyes closed and oblivious of his surrounding. But the whole world was consumed by darkness because of this and there was no light anywhere. Loka Matha Parvathi, however, was saddened that the world was immersed in such darkness because the Lord remained in Himself with his eyes closed. She begs him to open his eyes and resume the act of creation once again. But, only after doing penance for many years without sleeping, the Lord finally relents to her request and opens his eyes. Pleased with her devotion the lord asks her what boon she wants. Parvati asks the lord, “Just like how I was blessed by you, so should you bless all who worship you by keeping fast and forgoing their sleep.” The Lord replied, “Devi, the penance that you did is an extreme and very hard tapas. No one can do it. But, if anyone who can remain even for one night foregoing sleep and thoughts of food and material pleasures, to him I will give all the blessings”. When the Mother asked which day that would be, the Lord answered, “I will be pleased, if one observe the Vrat on this day, when the universe was created once again, in the month of Magha (Maasi, Feb-Mar) during the Krishnapaksha on Chaturdasi.” Thus was born the first Shivratri night. February 2012 23 A MONTHLY MAGAZINE ON SPIRITUAL & CULTURAL HERITAGE OF INDIA GITA IN THE EYES OF WESTERN SCHOLARS - Prabhuprasad Naduthota T he Srimad Bhagavad Gita is found in the Bheeshma Parva of Mahabharata between chapters 23-40. It contains the essence of India's spirituality, culture and thinking. Our Aacharya trayas wrote authoritative commentary on this. This is relevant even today as it was even millennia before. It has not only inspired Indians, but also all the intellectuals from different parts of the world with different cultural background, religion and language. The western world's interest in the Bhagavad Gita began in the late 1780s, after the first English translation got published. Charles Wilkins, an English Typographer and Orientalist completed the first direct translation of Gita from Sanskrit to English. Friedreich Max Mueller (1823-1900), the German Philologist and Orientalist, was the chief editor of the Sacred Books of the East. The Gita was included in this famous collection. After that the Gita was appreciated by several western scholars. Carl Gustav Jung (1875-1961) was a Swiss psychiatrist and the founder of analytical psychology. Jung is considered the first modern psychiatrist to view the human psyche as "by nature religious" and make it the focus of exploration. He wrote about Gita with such a reverence: "The idea that man is like unto an inverted tree seems to have been current in by gone ages. The link with Vedic conceptions is provided by Plato in his Timaeus in which it states-- behold we are not an earthly but a heavenly plant." This correlation can be discerned by what lord Krishna expresses in chapter 15 [Purushottama Yoga] of Gita. J. Robert Oppenheimer (1904-1967), American physicist and director of the Manhattan Project, learned Sanskrit in 1933 and read the Bhagavad Gita in the original, citing it later as one of the most influential books to shape his philosophy of life. Upon witnessing the world's first nuclear test in 1945, he quoted: "Now I am become Death, the destroyer of worlds", based on verse 32 from Chapter 11 [Vishvarupa-Darsana Yoga] of the Gita. 24 Albert Einstein (1879-1955) also liked the concepts in the Gita. He expressed his views on Gita as:"When I read the Bhagavad Gita and reflect about how God created this universe everything else seems so superfluous." Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803-1882) an American essayist, lecturer, and famous poet, said: “I owed a magnificent day to the Bhagavad Gita. It was the first of books; it was as if an empire spoke to us, nothing small or unworthy, but large, serene, consistent, the voice of an old intelligence which in another age and climate had pondered and thus disposed of the same questions which exercise us.” Aldous Leonard Huxley (1894 -1963), a famous American writer's reflection on Gita summarizes why it is universally revered: “The Bhagavad-Gita is the most systematic statement of spiritual evolution of endowing value to mankind. It is one of the most clear and comprehensive summaries of perennial philosophy ever revealed; hence its enduring value is subject not only to India but to all of humanity.” These are only among a handful of westerners who have expressied their appreciation for the Gita. It is still inspiring many minds across the globe by its message towards universal brotherhood, Nishkaama-karma [deeds without expectation], self-respect and many more humanitarian concepts. “Whatever happened, happened for the good; whatever is happening, is happening for the good; whatever will happen, will also happen for the good only. You need not have any regrets for the past. You need not worry for the future. The present is happening.” February 2012 A MONTHLY MAGAZINE ON SPIRITUAL & CULTURAL HERITAGE OF INDIA Holistic Living ORGANIC Vs HYBRID - Dr. Ashwin Shastry Dr. Ashwin Shastry is an Ayurvedic physician, running a panchakarma center Arogyaniketana Ayurvedashrama - at Hariharapura. He is also specialized in Ayurvedic ophthalmology, E.N.T and Keraleeya panchakarma. F ood plays important role in health and treatment. So in our Ayurvedic hospital we serve food according to the individual's need. Which means that I have to put good amount of effort to know what to give or what not to give for my clients. This brings me closer to kitchen and to my mother with whom I usually discuss few things about the food, its preparation and qualities. One day I saw my mother cutting some vegetables. I sneaked into the kitchen to see what she was cooking and saw a big radish under my mother's knife. By seeing its size I assumed that it was a good radish. But, my mother had a different opinion. The particular radish on her kitchen table was a hybrid variety. According to her, although this vegetable looked big and robust, only the natural breed is good for health. That led me to ask her why she considered the natural variety better than the hybrid. What follows is her explanation. “The natural variety may be small but even when it is cut, it retains its freshness for as many as three days. Whereas the hybrid varieties have to be consumed immediately as they start to decay within a day. The hybrid varieties are artificially grown with fertilisers and chemicals, and thus have very low immunity. As it decays quickly it does not have the necessary immunity to withstand the diversities of nature and also does not produce enough energy. Whereas the natural variety, which is grown by organic forming, even when small, has got good immunity and will definitely produce good energy when consumed.” Next day, in my clinic a couple from Bangalore came with their six-year-old son with complaint of recurrent cold, fever and sneezing. They complained that the boy suffered from one health problem or another always. He was obese too. The parents were worried that in spite of giving very high quality food, milk, fruits, Horlicks, February 2012 almonds, dates and energy rich food he was not healthy. On further enquiry it was found that he sat in front of computer often playing games and indulged in chocolates and pastries. I remembered my mother telling the logic of hybrid radish. This child consumed high-energy food, but did not have enough physical activity for the type of food that he consumed. He did not play enough or had any other physical activity, other than playing in front of the computer and sitting in front of the Idiot box. With this pattern of food and activity the child possesses very weak tissues and is not given a chance to grow natural immunity. Only fat tissue gets accumulated in unwanted way. Isn't this child like a hybrid radish? As opposed to this, a child who plays outside the house, consumes diluted kashaya milk, takes buttermilk in diet, who walks whenever possible, and avoids junk food remains healthy and energetic always. He will have less disease and will have better intellectual capacity. This child is like the natural (organic) radish. A final word: As parents its in our hands to choose healthy food for our children. Opting for organic and naturally grown vegetables are good both for the nature and your family as well. Dr. Ashwin Shastry can be contacted at : arogyaniketana3@gmail.com Please visit our revised WEBSITE for further details about MATH ACTIVITIES www.hariharapura.org 25 A MONTHLY MAGAZINE ON SPIRITUAL & CULTURAL HERITAGE OF INDIA SHIVA BHAKTA VILASAM - Smt. Anjali Shivakumar W ho amongst us have not faced life's curve balls, been clueless about the future and felt helpless in the tides of sorrow? In such moments, we feel absolutely powerless, life begins to look like a giant boxer knocking you down to your knees! It is in moments like these we turn to Acharyal or God for help, guidance, support and strength. As Swami Paramarthananda said these choice-less situations are necessary in our lives. They are important lessons in our lives teaching us to accept things as they are given by the Lord. These situations strengthen our faith and devotion in Acharyal or God. When I first met Acharyal, I knew in my heart that He would take care of me. I knew that I was saved. But this feeling lasted only so long I was in Acharyal's presence. Then, life would take over and I would begin to feel like I was in control of life and that I was in charge! But, when faced with an unpleasant situation, I would run to Acharyal crying about how life has been unjust. I realised that I have, in the name of devotion, made a business deal with Acharyal! When life is happy, I am in charge but if life is difficult let God take responsibility!!! Now, that's just not fair! So what is devotion? What is the best form of devotion? Does a person naturally possess devotion or can it be cultivated? How do you cultivate devotion? These are some of the questions to which I found answers in a book called 'Shiva bhakta vilasam'. It is a Sanskrit rendering of the great Tamil text Periyapuranam compiled by Sekkizhar. The original is ascribed to Sage Agastya who preached it to Sage Upamanyu. So what does Shivabhaktavilasam talk about? This book gives a detailed description of the famous saintly Shiva bhaktas, also called as Nayanmars. Not many people in this day and age know who they are, so this is my humble attempt to share what little I have learnt and understood of them and their bhakthi. The Nayanmars were sincere and ardent devotees of Lord Shiva and made absolute self-surrender their goal. Some of the well known Nayanmars are Sambandar, 26 Appar, Sundarar and Manikkavacakar. Among the 63 saints, only a few had knowledge of the Agama shastras, the others attained liberation only because of their devotion and surrender. In the stories of the great Nayanmars, a common path of bhakti leads them to attain union with the Lord. So, it is essential to look at Bhakti a little closely. Bhakti can be seen in two different ways - Bhakti as sadhana or spiritual practice (in order to realise our true nature) and Bhakti as bhavana, Prema svarupa bhakti (just pure love for God). Swami Paramarthananda explains beautifully the Bhakthi Yoga (Ch 12) of Bhagavad Gita. He says that bhakti is not an exclusive sadhana like karma yoga, jnana yoga and bhakti yoga, as commonly understood. Bhakti encompasses all spiritual sadhanas. A sadaka following karma yoga or jnana yoga, has a feeling of bhakti or love as the foundation. Bhakti as a sadhana can be classified into three types. 1. Karma rupa bhakti : This type of bhakti focuses on physical activities and the involvement of mind is minimal. For example, various yagas and austerities. It is further divided into: a. Sakama karma rupa bhakti : Actions dedicated for selfish gains or bhakti motivated for material gain. b. Nishkama karma rupa bhakti : Actions dedicated for purification of mind. 2. Upasana rupa bhakti : In this type of bhakti, physical activities are restricted and the mind is completely involved. For example, japam and manasa puja. It is also divided c. Eka rupa upasana bhakti: Worshiping a particular form of god ishta devata upasana. d. Vishwa rupa upasana bhakti: Worshiping god dwelling equally in all the creatures in the universe. February 2012 A MONTHLY MAGAZINE ON SPIRITUAL & CULTURAL HERITAGE OF INDIA 3. Jnana rupa bhakti : Bhakti in the form of vedanta shravana, manana and niddhidhyasanam. It is the systematic and methodical enquiry into the nature of god. Bhakti as bhavana can be of three types based on the motivation for Bhakti 1. Bhakti for material gains (artha and artharthi bhakti) is called as Manda bhakti. 2. Bhakti for spiritual growth, mental purity or sadana chatustaya sampathi is called as Madhyama Bhakti. 3. The last type of bhakti is the purest form of bhakti. It is called as Uttama bhakti because there is no motive at all; it is unconditional love and surrender to the Lord. Such a bhakta is a jnani. Based on this knowledge of bhakti, one can say that the Nayanmars truly possessed uttama bhakti and showed us, commoners, how we can rise above our daily, mundane problems and surrender our love to Guru or Bhagavan. The 63 Nayanmars 1. Anaya 2. Adipaththar 3. Aiyadigal Kaadavarkon, PallavaKing Aiyadigal Perumaanaar 4. Amaraneedi Nayanar 5. Appudhi Adigal 6. Arivattaya 7. Chandeshvara Nayanar 8. DhandiyadigaL 9. Enatinatha 10. Eripaththa 11. Eyarkon Kalikkaama 12. Gananatha 13. Idankazhi 14. Ilayankudi maranar 15. Isaignaniyaar - a woman 16. Iyarpagaiar 17. Kaari 18. Kalikkamba 19. Kaliya 20. Kanampulla 21. Kannappa Nayanar 22. Karaikkal Ammaiyar a woman February 2012 23. Kazharchinga 24. Kazharir-rarivaar, CheraKing, also Cheraman Perumal 25. Kochengat Cholan, A CholaKing 26. Kootruva 27. Kotpuli 28. Kulachchirai 29. Kungiliyak Kalaya 30. Manakkanychaara Nayanar 31. Mangayarkkarasiyar, a woman 32. Meiporul Nayanar 33. Murkha 34. Murti 35. Munayaduvaar 36. Muruga 37. Nami Nandi Adigal 38. Narasingha Munayaraya 39. Nesa Nayanar 40. Ninra Seer Nedumaara 41. Perumizhalaik Kurumba 42. Pusalar 43. Pugal Chola, A CholaKing 44. Pugazh Thunai Nayanar 45. Saakkiya 46. Sadaiya Nayanar 47. Saththi 48. Seruthtunai 49. Sirappuli 50. Siruttonda 51. Somaachi 52. Sundarar 53. Sambandar (Tirugnaana Sambandar) 54. Tirukkuripput Tonda 55. Tirumular 56. Thirunalai Povar Nayanar, popularly known as Nandanar 57. Tirunavukkarasar, popularly known as Appar 58. Thiruneelakandar 59. Tirunilakanda Yaazpaana 60. Tirunilanakka 61. Uruttira Pasupati 62. Vaayilaar 63. Viralminda nayanar 27 A MONTHLY MAGAZINE ON SPIRITUAL & CULTURAL HERITAGE OF INDIA HONESTY-SIMPLE AND REAL By Akilam O nce there lived a famous king by name Mahendra and because the king ruled justly, and looked after his subjects, people in his kingdom were very happy. But, King Mahendra had no children and he was worried who will succeed him to the throne. The king thought long and hard and finally hit upon a solution. He called all his subjects to the palace grounds and announced that from amongst them he will choose the successor. Thousands of his people assembled on the appointed day at the palace grounds. The king addressed them and told that he would hand out a packet of seeds to each person present there. The seeds are to be planted and whoever brings back the best-grown plant with most colourful flowers will be chosen as the next King. So, the people took the seeds and went home. Each contestant was asked to bring back the grown plant with his nametag on it. After some weeks, people started bringing in the flowerpots one by one. Soon the entire palace grounds became like a flower show, where each participant proudly displayed his attractive and colourful plant. The whole palace grounds looked like Brindavan Gardens, with rows and rows of flowers and plants of the most magnificent varieties. However, there was one man who stood among them, with an empty flowerpot. His flowerpot carried neither fresh leaves, nor colourful flowers. In fact the man looked pitiable with an empty flowerpot filled only with sand. The pot was dry and he had not succeeded in growing anything in that. And his pot without any flower was drowned in the sea of colourful flowerpots around. On the judgement day, the entire population turned up and people sat thinking about whose flowerpot will be chosen and who will be the future king? Just then the king entered the grounds. He asked his ministers to brief him about the efforts of the people and about the variety of flowers presented. Then the King walked amidst the presentations to see for himself observing each flowerpot and made enquiries and completing the tour, the King returned back to the royal pavilion. Against pin drop silence and quickened heartbeats, the whole population waited for final announcement. The challenge was high, so also the standards of the flowerpot entries. The final hour had arrived. The king rose from his throne to address the people. In a sombre tone, king Mahendra enquired about one failed entry where the flowerpot had only soil in it and asked its owner to come forward and explain to him. A man right at the back of the huge crowd raised his hand and started making his way towards the royal pavilion. He could hear people making caustic remarks about him. His ears were getting full with sarcasm and stinging words that were being tossed about by the people. An expression of timidity began to creep upon his countenance as he came face to face with his majesty, King Mahendra. The king requested an explanation as to why his flowerpot had no plant. The man answered that he had tried his best, even adding more fertilizer and carefully watering the seeds, but that he was disappointed and sorry that he could not grow anything. The king stood up and told the people present that he had chosen his successor. It was none other than the man who failed in growing a plant. The people were stunned. With a look full of puzzle on their faces, they awaited an explanation from the king. King Mahendra placed his hand upon the shoulder of the man that was chosen as his successor and spoke to the people. 28 February 2012 A MONTHLY MAGAZINE ON SPIRITUAL & CULTURAL HERITAGE OF INDIA The king said: “I was looking for a man with character and I have found him. The seeds that I gave everyone were roasted seeds. There was no way that any of the seeds could grow. But all you people instead bought seeds from the store and grew them. When I saw that one flowerpot without any plant, at that moment I knew that I had found that honest man, the man with the strength of character displaying purity of heart, fearlessness, straightforwardness, and truthfulness, all character needed to be a king”. Four Yugas, Four Kalas When Parvati did Tapas and the world was created thence, it was the first yuga called the Krita Yuga. When the pralaya came, do you know who did tapas to the Lord for creation? It was Lord Subrahmanya. When the next deluge came it was Lord Ganesh who did tapas to appease the Lord to do the creation. Finally, it was Lord Vishnu who did tapas to Lord Shiva to bid him to create the universe the fourth time around. Thus these four tapas in the four yugas denote the four kala-pooja during Shivaratri. The first kala pooja indicates the pooja done by Paravati. During this kala milk is the most auspicious ingredient for both abhisheka and for neivedya to the lord. Rig Veda parayana is done during this time. The second kala represents the pooja done by Lord Subrahmanaya. So his favourite panchamrita is the auspicious neivedya for the lord during this time of the pooja. During this period, Sama Veda parayana is done. The third kala denotes the pooja done by Lord Ganesha and til rice is the auspicious prasada to be offered to the lord. Yajur Veda is chanted during this kala. Since Maha Vishnu himself did tapas for the sake of fourth yuga, this is the most auspicious time and plain rice is the Lord's favourite prasadam of this time. Atharvana Veda is chanted during the fourth kala. Lord Shiva is a lover of abhisheka. So, it is easy to please him during Shivaratri by doing various abhisheka with different flowers and ingredients. Suggestions and guidelines to authors, writers and contributors to the magazine 1. All articles should be original, should not be published elsewhere. You can use the Internet or other sources for research (please do quote the source in that case), but plagiarism is not allowed as it is unethical and illegal. 2. Articles should be in simple English, in your own words, typed in 'word' format and sent directly to editor@hariharapura.org or to our Bangalore branch. On top of the page, please add your complete name, addresses, pincode, email id, telephone number etc for further contacts and communications. 3. Wherever necessary, you can attach either a photo or sketch. Subjects can be anything on our culture, traditions and the article, relevant to present day; should be informative and interesting to read and should not exceed 1000 words. No 'to be continued' articles are encouraged. Each article should sustain itself in each independent issue. 4. When 'Sanskrit' lines are used, it is suggested that you send a hard copy of the article with correct Sanskrit word to the Bangalore Branch. I appeal to all respected and valuable authors to kindly follow the above guideline and be part of this noble cause. February 2012 29 A MONTHLY MAGAZINE ON SPIRITUAL & CULTURAL HERITAGE OF INDIA Shivaparadha Kshamapana Stotram - S. Ramasamy Dr. S. Ramaswamy is a retired Professor of English. He has made an in depth study of Advaita Philosophy and is an authority on the subject. T his stotram is in the form of prayer praying to be pardoned for all the sins committed, sins of commission as well as omission. The first ten stanzas have the refrain: j§Vì¶mo ‘o@namY… {ed {ed {ed ^mo… lr‘hmXod e§^mo && O Lord Shiva, kindly forgive all my sins. This is níMmVmn, contrition. More things are wrought by prayer than are ordinarily thought of. There is no substitute for begging forgiveness. Awareness of sin makes an individual tread the right path. But the prayer must be genuine and truly contrite. The sinning starts even before birth. Being born itself is a result of g§{MV H$‘© (Sancitha karma) àmaãY (Prarabdha karma) is that which has already had a beginning and started yielding fruit. Even during the stay in the mother's womb surrounded by excretion and urine, the fire “Jagarathagni” (OmR>am{¾) is burning in my stomach. Who can say what other ills are there at that prenatal time. O Shambo, pardon my sins. During childhood, the dirtied body, the desire to drink breast milk, the activity of the weak senses, the various diseases giving trouble in the middle of all this, O Shankara, I forgot to recite your holy name. Forgive me. I who grew up into youth, got bitten by the poisonous serpents of the five senses - n§Mm{^… - and lost all sense of discrimination - {ddoH$…. Each one of the senses sound, touch, form, taste and smellis deadly. What needs to be said about all the five? I got immersed in the pleasures of the flesh and filthy lucre. Enjoyment of money and sex puffed up my mind and I forgot you, pardon me, O Lord! Now in old age my senses have deteriorated. The body has shrunken with various kinds of worries, diseases, loss of dear ones, and bad habits. The mind has lost its power of memory. My mind is devoid of contemplating on you. Kindly forgive all my sins. 30 I beg your pardon for not worshipping you in the six prescribed ways “Panchamrita Abhisheka” (n§Mm‘¥V A{^foH§$) consisting of anointing the lord with honey, ghee, curd, jiggery and milk, smearing the idol with fragrant items, worshipping with flowers, lighting the sacred flame and offering “naivedya” (Z¡doܶ). Indulging myself in acts contrary to the prescribed ones and acquiring the sin of indulging in prohibited acts, how can I hope to tread the oath of righteousness and the sanctified “Brahmanamarga” (~« ÷ ‘mJ© ) ? How is “Nidhidhyasana ({Z{XÚmgmZ) possible for me not having gone through the process of Sravana (òdU) and Manana (‘ZZ). Kindly forgive this lapse. O Shiva, Mahadeva, I have not contemplated on you in my mind. I have not given generous gifts to Brahmins. I have not performed yagna, yaga, and offered havis to Lord Agni. I have not performed tapas on the banks of River Ganaga at Kashi. I have not even performed the prescribed rituals and rites with devotion and dedication. Please forgive this wrong doing. I know not that ishwara who is characterized as Digambara ({XJ§~a), one who is uncompromised , totally pure (ewÔ), one who is beyond the sway of the three gunas of sattva, rajas, and tamas ({ZJw©wU{da{hV). One who dispels the darkness of ignorance and attachment, one who has fixed his look on the end of the noose (Zmg{¾ì¶ñVö{f…) and one who is endowed with all the riches, I didn't even remember Shankara with a pure mind in a state of Samadhi. Do kindly forgive this my transgression. Lord Shiva, I beg your forgiveness for not having contemplated on your form seated in padmasana, personified as the sacred Om (àUd) and regaining the February 2012 A MONTHLY MAGAZINE ON SPIRITUAL & CULTURAL HERITAGE OF INDIA breath (àmUdm¶w) at the sushumna position (gyú‘‘mJ}) . This is the way you look in the mind's eye, you are parabrahman, immanent and transcendent, omnipresent and sublime to behold. What can be said about me who has not remembered this form of yours. I need to be forgiven for this lapse. O Mahadeva Shambo, you are auspicious (õÚ§), to be known by the Upanishads (doXm§VdoY§), one who is shining in the lotus of the heart, one who is self-luminous, Truth itself, one who is accessible only to the hearts of sages and saints, one who is transcendent of the three 'avasthas' jagrat, swapna and sushupthi and the three gunassattva, rajasm and tamas. Thou are Auspiciousness itself. I beg forgiveness for not remembering you. (The last three stanzas 11 to 13 don't carry the refrain, but are in the form of injunction and prayer.) O mind, worship with a pure mind that Lord who wears the moon on his head (M§ÐeoIa), who put an end to Manmatha, who bears the sacred Ganga iin his tresses, who is auspicious (e§ - H$a. ""e§ H$amoVr{V e§H$am), who wears the serpeants like ornamenmts, who is possessed of the third eye and one who wears the elephant-skin as dress. In order to attain liberation (‘moj) surrender your mind to Him. What is the use of everything else? O you human being, all the possessions of the world vehicle, horse, elephant, kingdom, son, wife, friend, cow, body, house all these are prone to destruction in a moment. What is the use of any of these? Knowing them as such keep your mind away from them. Seek the blessings of a guru, benefit by his searching, obtain the knowledge of the self and pray to god. O shambo, years pass by and the life-span is over, youth melts away day-by-day. Lost days don't come back. Time consumes away the entire world (H$mbmo OJÐjH$…) goddess Lakshmi is fickle. This life has the nature of flashing forth for a second and disappearing! Therefore, O kind Lord, protect me, do protect me, O compassionate one. Swamiji, Chennai Camp February 2012 31 A MONTHLY MAGAZINE ON SPIRITUAL & CULTURAL HERITAGE OF INDIA THE THOUSAND NAMES OF LORD VISHNU - by Smt. Aparna PUtAtma: One whose essence is pure. The Sruti says He is non-dual, being untouched by guns. Although the Purusha assumes relation with the gunas, His real nature remains unaffected by thoughts, emotions and bodily perceptions. So he is ever pure. ParamAtmA: He who is the supreme Atman with no beginning or end, always awake, ever free and pure. MuktAnAm paramA gatih: He is the highest goal (gatih) the liberated ones can reach, attaining Him there is nothing else to be achieved. In the Bhagavad Gita (15.6), Bhagavan says na tad bhasayate suryo na sasanko na pavakah yad gatva na nivartante tad dhama paramam mama (That abode of mine is not illumined by the sun or moon, nor by electricity. One who reaches it never returns to this material world.) T he Vishnu Sahasranama occurs in the Shanti Parva of Mahabharatha. The battle is over, the Kouravas are slain. The big and the mighty are dead. Yudhistra is the king now. Yudhishtra, who is dharma personified, is himself confused of the dharma that he has to follow. Sri Krishna has already expounded dharma in detail to Arjuna with his Bhagavad Gita. Now, it is Bheeshma's turn to come to Yudhistra's rescue. Yudhistra asks a series of questions: Who is the greatest Lord in the world? Who is the one refuge for all? By glorifying whom can men reach his ultimate goal? What is the greatest dharma? What is that by doing which mean can cross the ocean of samsara? Bheeshma's answer to these questions and more forms the Vishnu Sahasranama. We continue reading the thousand names of the lord. 32 Elsewhere he again confirms, “O Son of Kunti, having reached Me, there shall be no more any re-birth”. Avyayah : The undecaying. Vyaayah means 'destruction'. Avyayah means 'without destruction'. Purusah: One who abides in the body. The body is the pura or the fort with nine gates. The Supreme Being who pervades the body of a living being is also the controller and one who sustains everything that is inside and outside. SAkshi: Witness. He who is the observer of all that happens and yet remains unaffected like the sun that remains unaffected by the things it casts its illumination. Kshetrajnah: The knower of the field or body. The Brahmapurana says that bodies are fields and the Atman illumines each body. It is therefore called the 'knower of the field'. As the dwelling spirit, He is known as Ksetrajnah. Aksarah eva ca: One who is indestructible. Kshetrajna and Aksarah are identical metaphysically. February 2012 A MONTHLY MAGAZINE ON SPIRITUAL & CULTURAL HERITAGE OF INDIA Yogah: One who is attained through yoga. SRI SWAYAMPRAKASHA TRUST JnanendriyAni sarvAni nirudhya manasA saha Monthly Magazines Ekatva-bhAvanA yogah ksetrajnaparamAtmanoh The contemplation of the unity of the Jivatma and the Paramatma with the organs of knowledge and the mind withheld is Yoga. YOgavidAm NetA: He who is the master of those established in yoga. In the Gita, the Lord says, “I bear the welfare of those who are united with me and contemplate me with total dedication, and preserve their worldly interest and spiritual progress.” (9.22) PradhAna Purusheshvarah: The lord of both pradhana (maya) and purusha (jiva). NArasimha-vapuh: One who took the Narasimha avatar (in whom the bodies of man and lion are joined). SrImAn: One on whose chest the goddess Sri dwells. 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Soundara Lahari- Slokas with Kannada explanation: 6 cassetts set/ 6 CD set Rs. 300.00/Rs.400.00 3. Hariharapura – the holy landEnglish Documentary about Sreemath Rs. 50.00 4. Vishwa Kalyana Prartha Mahamanthra & Stotra Rathna (Cassetts / CD) Rs. 40.00/ Rs. 60.00 5. "Samarpanam" - Tamil Song on Sri Swamiji rendered by Ms. Sujatha Rs. 50.00 6. Shivananda Lahari (CD) Rs. 50.00 7. Nada Namana (CD) Rs. 50.00 8. Shankara Stotra Mala (CD) Rs. 50.00 2. He who contains the Trinity in himself: kah (Brahma), ah (Vishnu), and Isa (Shiva). 3. One who destroyed the asura Kesi. Purushottama: The greatest among all Purushas. “Because I am transcendental, beyond both the fallible and the infallible, and because I am the greatest, I am celebrated both in the world and in the Vedas as that Supreme Person.” (15.18) February 2012 Kindly send your request of above items to Sri Swayamprakasha Trust (R), BHAKTIMANDIRAM, # 1370/M, Nehru Road, Girinagar, Bangalore – 85. Tel: 080 22450837. D.D. to be sent in the name of Sri Swayamprakasha Trust (R), payable at Bangalore. Postage/Courier charges extra. 33 A MONTHLY MAGAZINE ON SPIRITUAL & CULTURAL HERITAGE OF INDIA Musings of a Tai Chi Master SAVOIR FAIRE - 2012 - Sifu Swathi Iyengar Shri Swathi Iyengar is a teacher of Tai Chi, Qigong and Yoga. He is the first First Indian Silver Medalist in Tai Chi and Qigong and loves travelling to understand other cultures. R esolutions, resolutions and resolutions! The New Year is the time for resolutions. Some to keep up with past resolutions and some newer ones are made just to pep up our spirits and please those around us. It has almost become a fad to make resolutions on the New Year day. But, as weeks progress, most of us forget and move on and such an exercise is remembered only when the next New Year comes along. Now, that is so far as individual resolutions are concerned, what about resolutions for India, as a whole nation? Increasingly, India is attempting to showcase the world as a developed economy, a transition that might need a few more decades from the present concept of its 'developing economy'. So, is it GDP the only yardstick to understand the status of economy of a country which otherwise might be rotting inside out. Why don't we instead say GDH, Gross Domestic Happiness, which may indicate better the progress of a country? I once read a report on 'richest countries' and was surprised to find Philippines topping the list. I wondered how Philippines, although lagging behind economically, was considered a rich country. The report elucidated further. Philippines was considered rich not for its money power, but rather for its people power. People there were more happy and rich from inside. Clearly the GDH of Philippines exceeded those of the other countries. A recent research done by Social Psychologist Jennifer Stellar at University of California, Berkeley reveals these findings in the magazine, Emotion, “The latest results indicate that there's a culture of compassion and cooperation among lower-class individuals that may be born out of threats to their well-being. It's not that the upper classes are cold-hearted. They may just not be as adept at recognizing the cues and signals of suffering because they haven't had to deal with as many obstacles in their lives.” May be that is the reason why we feel lots of warmth and hospitality when we are around simple villagers, who are absolutely contended. I acknowledge the fact they are slowly becoming endangered species, in the era of 34 development, materialism, lack of spirituality, conditional bhakti, or bhakti showcased through money power. What a shame?? In this New Year, let us, both as individuals and as a nation rise up to the situation. Let us rephrase GDP to Gross Divine Progress. Let us embrace our own Swadharma without forgetting our unwritten Vishesa Dharma for the divine progress. Let us not contaminate our mind and body with self-serving materialistic ambitions. Without divine progress, materialistic progression does not last long. Take the example of the Arabs. In spite of their rich black gold, the constant uprising and chaos only shows the lack of GDP in its rephrased term. Let us show true divine progress in this New Year. Let our efforts to progress include empathy and understanding. Let the rich and mighty give way to the poor and meek. Let us shun hypocrisy in the name of divine progress. Let all these be our Savoir Faire for 2012 and years to come. Will the world end in 2012 following Mayan Calendar?? I don't buy that fully, but I believe the end of the materialistic attitude will happen sooner or later. And, I truly believe that more and more will embark on spiritual and ethical journey despite many opposing forces. But this Journey will need atleast few decades to recoup the damage done in last few years. I asked God, what would you like to see starting 2012. He answered, “I hope to see everyone treated equally, especially in my place of abode. I want to see equality when people seek my blessing. Everyone is equal in my eyes. So why let the VIP and VVIP barge in when others are waiting patiently? Don't jump the queue my dear boy.” That's right; waiting in divine presence is a blessing. Let's not corrupt it. Let's start small and make small changes. Now that we know what the majority of Bharatha population need to do now to make this country a truly developed nation, let's strive to achieve GDP through GDH and the rephrased GDP. Adieu You can contact the writer at krswathi@gmail.com February 2012 February Festivals READY RECKONER Thai Poosam When: February 14 Significance: Thai Poosam is a festival that is celebrated with much fanfare in the Murugan (Lord Subramanya) temples. Thai is the Tamil month that represents the days between January 15 and Feb 15 in the Gregorian calendar. The Shativel is the knowledge that destroys the evil spirit or the ignorance in human minds called Soorapadman. Worshipping Lord Muruga on this day will bestow one with longevity, wisdom and wealth. How is it celebrated: People take up special prayers and penances like pal kudam (carrying milk pots for abhiskam), Kavadi, Pada yatra, and insert small vel inside their mouths and tongue. At Palani Temple, nearly 10,000 people take kavadi on this day. Abhiskekas, and special poojas are also part of the celebrations. People also take up fast on this day. The story: According to puranas, it is on this day that Goddess Parvati gave her son Lord Subramanya the 'shaktivel' or divine spear in order to defeat the asura Soorapadman. Shivaratri When: February 20 Why is it celebrated: Many legends and stories relate to why Shivaratri is celebrated. It is widely believed that it is on this day that the Lord manifested in the Linga. According to some, it is on this night, the Lord performs the Tandava dance for creation, preservation and destruction. Some believe that this is the day Shiva and Paravti married. Shivaratri Mahima: Once when Sage Ashtavakra asked the reason for why King Chitrabhanu observed fast on Shivaratri, the king explained thus. In his previous birth the king was a hunter. One day, the hunter February 2012 Where: It is mainly celebrated in Tamil Nadu and by Tamil speaking people. It is also very popular in Malaysia, Singapore, Seychelles and Sri Lanka among the Tamil speaking community. could not sell his catch as it became very dark. So he decided to spend the night on top of a tree in the forest. It was a bilva tree. Throughout the night, the hunter who himself had no food thought of his starving wife and children and shed tears. To while away his time, he plucked the leaves of the bilva tree and kept throwing them down. Next day, the hunter sold his previous day's kill and bought food for his family. But, before he could eat, a stranger came and begged him for food. The hunter shared his food. Many years later at the time of his death, the hunter saw two messengers from Lord Shiva who told him that he had earned merit because of Shiva pooja. The hunter who didn't remember doing any Shiva pooja was then told that on the night the hunter sat on the bilva tree, there was a Shiva Lingam at the bottom of the tree. Without knowing the significance, the hunter kept a fast, washing the Linga with his tears and did archana with bilva leaves. That is why he was born as a king in his next birth. How is it celebrated: Devotees observe strict fast during the Shivaratri. Many spend the night doing abisheka and pooja don't even take a sip of water. 35 A MONTHLY MAGAZINE ON SPIRITUAL & CULTURAL HERITAGE OF INDIA Miracles from the lives of saints A COWHERD ATTAINS MOKSHA O nce Kanchi Mahaperiyava Sri Chandrashekara Saraswati Mahaswamiji was camping in a small village called Sadara in Maharashtra. There he could not find bilva leaves, which he use daily for Chandramouleeshwara pooja. Then one day he was surprised to see a basket full of bilvas leaves kept near his door. Although he didn't know who kept the leaves there, he was happy to have received it and used it for pooja. Then onwards, every morning he would find a basket full of bilva leaves waiting for him. But, he didn't know who kept those leaves there and none present with him knew too. To find the truth, Mahaperiyava decided to act upon it himself. One early morning, he waited to see who filled the basket with the leaves. As early as 4 am he saw a young cowherd bringing some bilva leaves and filling the basket. Acharya looked at him and asked, “Child who are you? How did you know that I needed bilva leaves for pooja? Who taught you to serve elders like this?” The boy replied, “Swamiji, one day I overheard you telling someone that you are unable to find bilva leaves for your pooja. I take the cows for grazing into the forest and there are a lot of bilva trees there. So it was easy for me. Also, my father has instructed me that I should always serve elders and swamiji whenever I get a chance. He has told me the greatness of Shiva pooja with bilva leaves. That is why I bring the bilva leaves to you. I brought it anonymously thinking that you would not accept it if you knew it was from a cowherd. Now that you know, I hope Swamiji will accept it without refusing.” Acharya was extremely pleased with the boy's devotion and told him, “You are doing such a big service to god at 36 this small age. I am very happy with you. Please ask me what you want.” The boy said,” Swamiji, I have two requests. One, you should allow me to do service to you everyday by letting me bring you the bilva leaves for your pooja, till the time you are stationed here. The second I will ask the day you are leaving this camp.” Happy with his request, Paramacharya agreed to his first request and bid him to bring the bilva leaves everyday for the pooja. Then after many weeks the time for Acharya to leave the place came. He asked the cowherd, “Boy, I am leaving now. What is your second request?” The boy said, “Swamiji, my father has told me that if ever I come in contact with a saint in my life, I should ask them for moksha. So, please grant me moksha in this birth. God willing I will send you a message in my last days. Please grant me moksha.” Smiling the swamiji nodded and left the place. After about 12 years, one morning Mahaperiyava got up to do his ablutions and he started feeling uneasy. He knew some impending news was coming to him. Just then a message reached the Swamiji that the cowherd in Sadara was on his deathbed. And that he was thinking of Swamiji and praying to him. Swamiji immediately rushed to the river and dipped six times in it. And each time he continued to do japa. When he got out he told those near him, “the cowherd has attained moksha. He had six janmas ahead of him. But, his faith, guru bhakthi and sincere prayers have given him the moksha he desired in this birth itself.” So saying the Swamiji left the room. February 2012 A MONTHLY MAGAZINE ON SPIRITUAL & CULTURAL HERITAGE OF INDIA Rashi Phala - FEBRUARY 2012 - Sri.V. Geethanath Tagore This month brings you mental anguish and unrest. Health also needs attention. Be careful with your finances. Borrowing and lending should be avoided. Avoid arguments. Keep a low profile with your relatives. At work, your effort may go unnoticed. Watch out for probable hurdles before venturing into something new. Beware of enemies. Avoid long distance travel. During the last week the position reverses and you will come out of these problems. You will acquire material comfort and other luxuries. You will purchase new clothes and other material comforts. There will be financial gains. Businessmen will find this period to be smooth month with satisfactory profits. Students fare well and find success in education. Health would pose no problem. You will spend happy times with your family members. Eligible bachelors may get a suitable match. You may get a guru who will show you the spiritual path. Your virtues are recognised and your reputation will increase. You will be able to use intuition and intellect to make right decision. VRISHABA Worship Goddess Mahalakshmi and Lord Subramanya. You will receive relief from debts and find solutions to your money problems. Your popularity increases and an over all success is waiting for you now. You acquire wealth in the form of jewellery or house. You will spend quality time with your family members. Professionally it is a very good period. You may expect a rise or promotion. You will earn respectable position in the society. Your health will be very good. During the last week financial planning and curtailing unnecessary expenditure is advised. Agriculturists should take extra care. It is a good time for students. Chant Vishnu Sahasranama. Students should worship Lord Lakshminarasimaha. KATAKA This month brings you mixed financial prospects, gains and unforeseen expenses. Take care with regard to thefts. You will receive good support from friends and relatives. Be careful with sharp object, tools and weapons. From second week onwards there will be all round success. Health will be good. Socially this is a good time. If you are a student, this month is a very good period in your field of learning. You will win over those who oppose you. Worship lord Subramanya and Chant Sri Raja Mathangai Namaha. Worship Lord Dattatreya and Chant Adithya Hridaya. All your previous miseries are over. And you may expect to gain. It is a good period to acquire immovable property. Eligible bachelors may get suitable match. Good health is indicated. Students will progress. Your brilliance will be noticed and you would command more respect and honour. It is a good time for professionals too. You will receive government support. During second week onwards take care of your health. Avoid arguments and communication gaps. Dealing with your spouse and children needs extra care. Avoid travel. This is a troublesome period caused mostly by women. Hence avoid litigation with them. Your wife's health needs extra attention. Financially, it is not a good period. Keep vigil on those around. Take care of your health. Professionally be very careful. This period indicates mixed bag of positive and negative happenings. From third week onwards your plans and projects will be successfully accomplished. You may expect all round success. Students should put extra hard work and avoid over confidence. Chant Vishnu Sahasranama and Adithya Hridaya. February 2012 KANYA SIMHA MITHUNA MESHA Sri Geethanath Tagore is a practising astrologer since 1985. He has done his Masters in Astrology, and Ph.D in Medical Astrology both from Potti Sreeramulu Telugu University, Hyderabad. Has has published many articles in Kannada Astrological magazines. Worship Lord Lakshminarasimha and students to chant Sri Hayagrivaya Namaha. 37 You may acquire jewellery, perfumes and new clothes. Agriculture venture brings a higher profit. You will spend quality time with your family members. Socially you will be busy meeting friends and relatives. Good health is indicated. From second week onwards be very careful with your superiors at work place. During last week promotion and rise is indicated. You will be happy with your children. Student fare well. KUMBHA Sri Lakshinarayan Hridaya parayana is suggested. This period denotes pecuniary gains. You will spend happy time with your family. Some of you may come under family way. You will acquire jewellery. You may receive favour from higher authorities. Good health is indicated. During last week keep a low profile and watch out for unnecessary expenditure. There may be change of place. You may feel more irritable tired. Avoid arguments at home. Put extra attention in avoiding family disputes. Students will have a very successful period. On account of debilitated mercury, avoid confrontations and arguments during last week of the month. Worship Navagraha and chant Hanuman Chalisa. Students to worship Lord Subramanya. VRISCHIKA Worship Sri Rama. Students to worship Lord Dakshinamurthy. MAKARA During this month you should be extra careful with your enemies. Avoid long distance travel. Health requires extra attention. Keep a low profile in the work place. Avoid arguments at home. If you are a student you need to be more determined and focused in your studies to avoid any kind of distraction. Financial handling requires proper planning. From last week onwards the position reverses. MEENA DHANU TULA A MONTHLY MAGAZINE ON SPIRITUAL & CULTURAL HERITAGE OF INDIA Financial gain, family entertainment, success in government departmental examination, promotions, and a rise in position is indicated. You will enjoy conjugal bliss. You will enjoy good health. This is the period of steady progress. From second week onwards you should be extra careful at your work place and avoid long distance travel. This is a good period for students and will particularly excel in mathematics and allied subjects. Worship Goddess Durga and Lord Subramanya Swamy. Your communication skill will be pleasant and appreciated. Professionally it is a good period and you may gain authority. Ventures bring good profit. You will enjoy co-operation all round. You may buy new clothes. Good health is indicated. Trade and finance needs extra care. For students this period is likely to bring in happiness in the form of success in learning and gaining knowledge. However, you have to be extra careful with your superiors and employers. Worship Lord Ganapathy and chant Adithya Hridaya. This period signifies material and sensual comforts. Eligible bachelors may find a suitable match. You may acquire clothes, perfumes and vehicles. Your economic condition improves. Students will do very well. Watch out for hidden enemies. During last week take extra care of your health and finances. Postpone purchases of moveable and immoveable properties. Chant Sri Vishnu Sahasranama. You can contact Sri Geethanath Tagore at : +91-9449115427 You would have noted our continuous endeavour to improvise both form and content of Sadguru's Blessings. This is the time for you to interact with the magazine by contributing articles, your personal spiritual experiences, short stories and Letters to the Editor with your comments. All communications should be typed in 'word format' and sent by email to editor@hariharapura.org with your full name, address, Tel. numbers etc. Also don't forget to renew your own subscriptions and to enrol a few of your friends and relatives as subscribers 38 February 2012 SRI ADISHANKARACHARYA SHARADA LAKSHMI NARASIMHA PEETAM SREE MATH, HARIHARAPURA - 577 120, CHICKMAGALUR DIST., KARNATAKA STATE, INDIA www.hariharapura.org E-mail: hariharapura@gmail.com templerenovations@hariharapura.org Sri Adi Shankaracharya Sharada Lakshmi Narasimha Peetam is situated at Hariharapura, in Chickmagalur District, Karnataka. This Holy Kshethram is situated on the banks of River Tunga. According to Skandapuranam, this was the Yagabhoomi of Daksha Prajapathi. It is said that Lord Shiva appeared in the Yagakundam in this Kshethra. This is also the Tapovanam of the famed sage Sri Agasthya Maharishi and the Saligramam worshipped by him is still being worshipped by the Acharyas of this great Peeta Parampara. Sri Adishankaracharya who was the incarnation of Lord Shiva himself, established the “Sree Chakra Yantra” of Goddess Sharada Parameshwari. The Peeta Parampara was thus started and continues till today. Paramapoojya Shrimad Jagadguru Shankaracharya Sri Sri Swayamprakasha Sachidananda Saraswathi Mahaswami is the present Peetadhipathi. His Holiness has taken a Sankalpa to renovate this ancient mutt and the temple which are in a dilapidated condition. Bhoomi pooja was performed and the jeernodharana activities have been started and the work is in progress. The estimated cost of the project is around Rs. 25 crores. The renovation is proposed to be a granite blocks structure. It is a rare opportunity for all devotees to participate in this great kainkaryam. Our Swamiji in his profound karuna wants all devotees to have the opportunity to do their might and hence it has been decided that every devotee can contribute a minimum humble donation of Rs. 5001/- for a single stone. Every devotee can contribute Rs. 5001/- or in multiples thereof and be the recipient of Guru and Devathanugraha. It is also proposed to bring out a book with a list of such donors along with their photographs. This will be kept in the temple premises and our Guruji in his extreme kindness will pray for the well being and shreyas of the devotee and his family after the nithya pooja daily and bless with Manthrakshata on the book. We appeal to all philanthropists to make use of this rare opportunity by contributing generously for this divine cause and be the recipients of Sree Sharadamba, Lakshminarasimha and Guru Anugraha. P.N. Viswanathan Administrator, Sree Math, Hariharapura Cheques/DDs may be drawn in favour of “Sree Math, Hariharapura”. Receipts and Prasadam will be sent to the devotees directly by Sree Math. For more details Contact: 94483 74458 / 94483 68336. Ms.Sudha Sreedhar : 96327 73900 PUNYA SHILA KAANIKE Name Full Address Rashi & Nakshatram Number of Stones you are donating Phone Amount E-mail Cash/DD/Cheque Date Date of Birth Signature Shiva Deeksha Programme at Various Places in Tamil Nadu Krishnan Koil Bhagavathi Koil Nagar Koil Chintamani Aayakudi Ashrama Tambaram, Chennai Tenkasi Kaytaru Registered with the RNI Reg. No.KARENG/2003/12135, Dated march 2004 Licensed to Post without Prepayment License No. WPP-257 below Registration No.KA/SK/SKM-659/2010-12 Printed by Shivakumar, Edited & Published by P.N. Viswanathan on behalf of Sri Swayamprakasha Trust, Printed at Jwalamukhi Mudranalaya Pvt. Ltd., No. 44/1, K.R. Road, Basavanagudi, Bangalore - 4 and Published at Sree Math, Hariharapura 577 120, Chickmagalore Dist. This magazine is being posted at GPO, Bangalore Post Office on 28th of Every month Sri Swamiji with Devotees, Chennai Sri Swamiji at the Annual Day Function of Shrungagiri Samskruthika Sangha