Tuesday, September 30, 2008

Kunnakudi Vaidyanathan

Express News Service

22 Sep 2008 04:18:00 AM IST

CHENNAI: “Kunnakudi Vaidyanathan was cosmic energy. His virtuoso could be compared to the union of Shiva and Shakthi, boundless and infinite,” according to mridangam vidwan Umayalpuram Sivaraman.
The violin maestro, who passed away recently, should never be forgotten, he said.
The undertone of concurrence among the gathering could have found resonated in a thunderous applause had the occasion not been tinged with much sobriety. It was a condolence meeting held in memory of the violinist on Sunday.
Actor-politician S Ve Shekar, businessman V G Santhosh Kumar, danseuse Krishnakumari were among those who paid rich tributes to ‘Kunnakudi’ and shared their memories of him.
There were also a large number of fans, most of them elderly, who had gathered to reminisce over a man, whose enthusiasm was infectious no matter what part of the day, as Sivaraman put it. .
“When director Shankar wanted to shoot the annual Thyagaraja Aradhana that takes place in Thiruvarur for his film Anniyan it was Kunnakudi Vaidyanathan he turned to for help. The latter with his customary enthusiasm personally called all artistes, and saw to it that they were made comfortable during their stay,” he recalled.
S Ve Shekar said: “The violinist’s optimism was boundless. He always embarked on a musical task, regardless of its enormity, with the greatest confidence. He never once uttered a harsh word towards somebody.” Santhosh Kumar said Kunnakudi Vaidyanathan would now be rendering service to God through his music.
“Such was his divinity.” In a voice tinged with emotion, Bharatanatyam dancer Krishnakumari, who had performed on stage to the accompaniment of Kunnakudi’s violin many times said whatever she had achieved far was due to the master violinist whom she considered her guru.

Here is the You tube link where you can listen to the violin maestros plays he virtually speaks through violin.
,KV, Marudhamalai Mamaniyae
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9CyiziW6GU8
you can get you tube acount with the present email id ofyours the membership is free.

Monday, September 29, 2008

What Is A Mantra

What is a Mantra and How Does It Work ?
Mantras are powerful sounds. Mantras are the ones that have when chanted produce great effects. These are chanted repeatedly and that is called Japa. Japa is a key part of Hindu prayer.antras are very rich in their meaning. While doing japa one can meditate on the mantra and its meaning. As the mind dwell more and more into that, the mantra conditions the mind and takes up to the higher states and forms the path to the great liberation - eternal bliss !
What makes mantras so special as compared to the normal words ? Mantras are not human composed. One may wonder how can that be possible. Especially given that there are sages associated with the mantras ! The point to be noted is that these sages are not composers of these mantras, as we normaly compose the sentences; they are not the inventors, but they are the discoverers of the mantra. They get to know the mantras in a state in which these words do not emanate from their thoughts, but they are just passive audience to it. Those who go deep in meditation and realize God may be able to get a feel of this situation.
To be such a discoverer, even though they are just passive hearers, needs great amount of qualification. Only the perfect one can unchangedly reproduce the mantra heard. The only one that is absolutely perfect is God. All other discoverers reproduce that mantra only as pure as their closeness to perfection.
veda samhitAs are full of mantras and hence have been preserved for ages in their pure form by utilizing the various techniques like patha, krama, jaTa, gaNa pATas, that ensure that the chanter clearly gets the correct letters and even the correct level of sound for each letter (svara). The chanters are advised to chant the mantras only after getting the right pronunciation of it, so that the mantras are presered against deterioration with time. There would be gurus who initiate the disciple in a mantra. guru ensures that the disciple got the mantra right, so that the person can chant independently as well as initiate others in that mantra. Ensuring this preservation vedas were passed only through the tradition of guru and disciples and was never written down till very recent past. (It is really amazing to note that without being written down the vedas have been preserved in pure form across the land by these techniques. Though the texts are freely available now for anybody to read, it would be important to ensure that these mantras are properly learnt and then chanted. This way the treasure that as been preserved so carefully over multiple milleniums do not deteriorate due to indifference.)
It is to be noted that many of the hymns of thirumuRai are known to have great powers of mantras that are practiced even today.
While there are plenty of mantras available, there are a few that are chanted with high esteem by the shaivas. Definitely those are highly powerful ones that can lead the chanter on the great path to mukti (liberation). praNava, paNJchAkashra, gAyatri to name a few. For shaivites the Holy Five Syllables (paNJchAkshara) with or without combined with the praNava is the ultimate mantra.
Definition # 1: Mantras are energy-based sounds.
Saying any word produces an actual physical vibration. Over time, if we know what the effect of that vibration is, then the word may come to have meaning associated with the effect of saying that vibration or word. This is one level of energy basis for words.
Another level is intent. If the actual physical vibration is coupled with a mental intention, the vibration then contains an additional mental component which influences the result of saying it. The sound is the carrier wave and the intent is overlaid upon the wave form, just as a colored gel influences the appearance and effect of a white light.
In either instance, the word is based upon energy. Nowhere is this idea more true than for Sanskrit mantra. For although there is a general meaning which comes to be associated with mantras, the only lasting definition is the result or effect of saying the mantra.
Listen to the Bhajan sung by Sri Vikram Hazra in the site given below the video will appear at the end of the song details.
http://msabhiblog.blogspot.com/2008/08/achyutam-keshavam-bhajan-songs-video.html

Saturday, September 27, 2008

Brahmarishi Viswamitra

Vashista & Vishwamitra
VISWAMITRA
Kausika was a kshatriya that is to say, a person of rajasic nature. However, as a result of his deeds in previous lives satwic tendencies and attitudes entered his consciousness and he went about adhering strictly to truth. He transformed himself and sublimated his consciousness into a pure state. The great mantra that he brought to the world is the Gayathri. He is known as Viswamitra, the mitra of the entire Viswa (Universe) for he became the well wisher of the entire viswa. Brahmins have acclaimed and accepted the Gayathri manthra as a Divine gift, they have revered and recited it and derived immense bliss. Even though Kausika was janana kshatriya, he become a karma brahmana and he was accepted as such by vedas, which emanated from the voice of the God. Thus it is clear that the vedas proclaim a path to all mankind without prejudice, partiality or sense of distinction.
In Tretha Yuga, Vismamitra took the help of Rama to ensure the conduct of the yajna without any hindrance from the demonic forces. His ashram was called Siddhashrama. Actually the heart of every human being is a Siddhashrama. The moment evil thoughts or bad feelings arise in man, that is the beginning of all sins. When the heart is polluted with such sinful thoughts, one should seek the help of "Atma Rama", just as Viswamitra sought the help of Rama to put an end to the rakshasi Thataka. If you think of God and pray to Him with sincere devotion, every deed done by you will be a yajna. The mind is the altar of this yajna. You must offer higher purpose. He had no doubt prepared the ground for the destruction of the various demons, but he had also prepared the ground for the marriage of Rama and Sita.
When Viswamitra was taking Rama and Lakshmana for the purpose of killing Thataki, half way in their journey they heard a big noise. Rama and Lakshmana asked Viswamitra how in a forest where there were not many people, such a big noise could come. Viswamitra told them that in the Himalayas there is a particular mountain called the Kailasha and on that mountain there is a lake by name manasa sarovara. The river sarovara flows out of the Manasasarowar. An ancient king who belonged to the dynasty of Rama was responsible for bringing this river down to the plains and his name was Bhagiratha. Viswamitra stated that Bhagiratha brought down the river Ganges. As the river Sarayu was joining the river Ganges nearby the noise was so loud. Viswamitra had implied a good inner spiritual meaning for his statement. He regarded the word Kailasha as symbolic of the pure mind. Our mind has been compared to the lake manasasarovara. The outflow of several ideas from the pure and clean mind had been compared with the outflow of the river Sarayu from the lake Manasasarovara. He imagined that these ideas are springing as if they had pure white foam in them. When these sacred ideas are emanating from Manasasarovara in the form of Sarayu and when they are touched by the rays of sun, they produce a Sound the primordial sound OM. This sacred sound Om, or the pranava is emanating from the heart of every individual. Viswamitra explained that this is the origin of the noise. You can hear this sound of pranava only in a place which is pure.
After walking some distance, they heard a sound which was not very pleasant. That was causing some fear also. Rama asked Viswamitra, what that fearful sound was? Viswamitra told Rama that the fearful sound was made by Thataki a rakshasi (Ogress) who was causing havoc and trouble to all rishis (Saints) in the forest. He also explained that Rama was brought there to kill Thataki. She was originally a yakshini. Since Rama knew all dharmas and all the secrets of things he asked Viswamitra how a yakshini, which cannot exercise its own will could cause such a harm and suggested that Thataki is only a rakshasi. Viswamitra gave an interesting story in this context. He described the story of Suketa who was a yaksha, who was praying to the Lord because he had no children. As a result of this, he was blessed with a very strong daughter by name Thataki, the rakshasi. This Thataki married a person by name Sangalu and after the marriage she had two sons by name Subahu and Maricha. After some years, the husband died. Unable to bear the death of her husband Sangalu, she became very much excited and in great passion she developed anger and with the help of her two sons, she has been all the time giving pain and trouble to the rishis. Realizing this anger and bad conduct on the part of this woman, Agasthya cursed her and said that she will thereafter conduct herself as a rakshasi.
Viswamitra narrated this story and said that originally she was yakshini but as a result of the curse of Agasthya she became a rakshasi. Now she can exercise her will over human beings. After telling Rama about this power of the yakshini, he took him to Mithilapura. Viswamitra had also been establishing the truth that is contained in the statement that sin is not distinct and unconnected with one’s actions.
Rama was sitting alone in a room and was trying to press his feet and relieve the pain due to walking. The doors of the room were nearly closed, but there was a small opening. Narada came there and looked through the opening in the door and found that Rama was pressing His own feet. He loudly exclaimed, "Oh Paramatma, what has happened? why are you pressing your our feet?" Viswamitra appeared on the scene immediately and told Narada that this secret of the incarnation of Rama must be kept carefully. He requested Narada not to bring about a catastrophe by announcing it openly. Viswamitra said that if this is done, then the marriage of Sita will not take place and the destruction of Ravana will not came about.
Viswamitra recognised that the atma, which is identical with Divinity is present in everyone. It takes the form of pragnana (wisdom) in the created form in order to establish the identity between the Jeevatma and Paramatma. When we look at the story of Ramayana, we find that at a certain point, Viswamitra comes to Dasaratha and requests him to send two of his sons for the specific purpose of protecting his yajnas in the forest. During the journey he taught Rama and Lakshmana two mantras, Bala and Atibala. Not only did he teach these mantras but he also gave them all the weapons that were in his possession and taught them how to use those weapons. After giving them all this training, he took to Mithilapura after the yajna was over. It is not as if these mantras, Bala and Atibala, have something special in them.
While taking them to Mithilapura, he also undertook the task of getting Rama to remove the curse on Ahalya. After reaching Mithilapura, he gets Ramachandra to break Siva’s bow and marry Sita. After the marriage of Sita, Viswamitra disappeared that very night and was not to be seen thereafter. Thus we see that the story of Viswamitra begins with taking Rama and Lakshmana with him and performing the marriage of Sita as the foundation for the ultimate destruction of Ravana. When he came to Dasartha he was in the first stage. When Viswamitra taught the mantras Bala and Atibala to Rama and Lakshmana, he took the form of Taijasa. When he undertook to perform the marriage of between Sita the jeevatma with Rama the Paramathma, he took the form of pragna.
Because Viswamitra reached this sacred stage of Pragna, he could realise that Rama was the incarnation of Narayana himself and in that content he was in contact with Rama. in this stage of Pragna, there will be a commendable determination to fulfil a task. That determination is permanent and unwavering. In this stage Viswamitra developed some kind of enmity with Vasista because Vasista being described as a Brahmarishi while he himself was described only as a Rajarishi. He was determined to see that he was also addressed as a Brahmarishi himself. Withstanding all kinds of difficulty and never wavering from his determination Viswamitra went into a very severe penance. He could withstand all the tests to which he was subjected by God himself. In the end he succeeded in being called a Brahmarishi by Vasista himself. Because he took such a hard and difficult vow and succeeded we call him brahman, Thus if we want to achieve anything we should go into the state of an unwavering mind and a determination without swerving from the objective. Viswamitra demonstrated such a sacred truth.
Among the lessons which Viswamitra gave to the world, Gayatri Mantra is an important one. This mantra teaches that there is equal opportunity of spiritual achievement for all religions, for all people of all countries and people of all communities and all places.
Viswamitra always proclaimed that the two aspects beauty and happiness really come out of our own mind. His great achievements and his courage are indescribable by ordinary words. He had very many potent weapons with him. He never cared for the great weapons which he possessed in his own house. He knew that Narayana Himself had come as a young boy and was born in Dasaratha’s household. So all that Viswamitra did was based on this knowledge.
The sage who exemplifies the transformation from the Rajasic to satvic quality is Viswamitra. His antipathy to sage Vasishta went to the extentt of even contemplating the destruction of the sage. Viswamitra was hovering near the ashram when he overheard a conversation betweeen Vasishta and his spouse Arundhati. Arundhati expressed her admiration for the beautiful unblemished light the full moon was shedding that night. Immediately Vasishta observed, "Tonight’s full moon is shining untainted like the pure penance of Viswamitra." On hearing these words, Viswamitra realised how mistaken he was regarding Vasishta and rushed into the ashram, fell at the feet of Vasishta and prayed to him to forgive him.
Vasishta lifted Viswamitra and hailed him as "Brahmarishi" (a sage who has realised the Supreme Self). Vasishta, who had previously described Viswamitra as a Rajarishi (a royal sage), spontaneously hailed him as a Brahmarishi. Viswamitra could not contain himself and asked Vasishta on what grounds was he called a Brahmarishi. Vasishta said, "Viswamitra!
hitherto you were filled with self-conceit. You were born with ego, grew with ego, and never bowed your head to any one. Today you put an end to your ego and fell at my feet. This is the significance of egolessness. A Brahmarishi is one who is free from egoism, acquisitiveness, pride and arrogance."


Thursday, September 25, 2008

Mahalaya Amavasya

Mahalaya Amavasya
By
Sri Swami Sivananda
The dark fortnight of Aswayuja (September-October) is known as the Mahalaya Paksha or the fortnight specially sacred for offering oblations to the departed ancestors. The last day of this period, the new moon day, is considered as the most important day in the year for performing obsequies and rites.
The renowned hero of the Mahabharata, Karna, when he left the mortal coil, ascended to the higher worlds and the great charity he had done here was returned to him hundredfold. But, it was all gold and silver; there was no food, as he had not done any food-charity! He prayed to the god of death. So, he was sent back to earth for fourteen days, to make up for this deficiency.
For fourteen days, he fed Brahmins and the poor, and offered oblations of water. On his return to the higher regions, he had food in plenty. It is these fourteen days that are commemorated in the Mahalaya Paksha. Due to the grace of the god of death, it has been ordained that offerings made during this period benefit all the departed souls, whether they are connected to you or not.
Charity in the form of food is important during this observance. Life depends upon food. You cannot preach religion to empty stomachs. This human body is the most important vehicle for realising God. How precious must food be which keeps the body fit for Yoga! The gift of food is the greatest gift. Therefore, give food in plenty, not only during the Mahalaya fortnight but all through the year.
Om Tat Sat Brahmaparnamastu
The best remembered during the Mahalaya is the All India Radio broadcasting the Chandi patt at 4.30am in the morning the same trend still continues, all the other radio stations in India get connected to AIR calcutta for Chandi Patt. With the advent of FM broadcast we are not sure if the same is still popular with AIR. As most of us are away from our home towns here is a web address where you can listen to the Chandi patt, hope you will enjoy the recitation. The mahalaya ammavassya is on the 29th Sep08 Monday.
The web address is
http://www.bangalinet.com/mahalaya.htm
http://calcuttaglobalchat.net/calcuttablog/mahalaya/http://calcuttaglobalchat.net/calcuttablog/mahalaya/
In the second web site please scroll down and you will find Chandi Patt in two parts and you click on the link and listen to the chanting. Another web site where we can have the chandi patt is it take litle time to hear the audio wait patiently. http://hinduism.about.com/gi/dynamic/offsite.htm?zi=1/XJ&sdn=hinduism&cdn=religion&tm=13&gps=74_27_1436_665&f=22&tt=2&bt=1&bts=0&zu=http%3A//www.ganguly.de/durgapuja/mahalaya1.html

Tuesday, September 23, 2008

Ganesha & Kartikeya


This is the tale of those days when both Ganesh and Karthik were very young.Ganesh being the elder son, was full of patience and wisdom. Karthik, on the other hand, was impish and playful. But both of them were intelligent and powerful.The two brothers had much difference in their physique. While Ganesh had a massive body with a big belly and an elephant's head, young Karthik was a beautiful boy with strong limbs. They were kind to everybody and were loved by all.Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathi loved their two children and they in turn were devoted to their parents. The Devas (deities) were pleased with the lovely divine children and they worshipped them.But one day, as the Devas talked about the qualities of the brothers, a doubt arose in the mind of one of them."Who is the wiser of the two brothers?" he asked the others "Ganesh or Karthik?"Soon this doubt spread to all the Devas. All of them were talking and expressing their opinion about the matter. But no one could surely decide upon the matter. As they racked their brains to solve the issue, suddenly, a Deva got an idea.�I know whom to ask!�, said he. As others looked at him curiously, he continued, "Lord Brahma. He is the Creator of the world. He should know the answer, so let's ask him! He can surely solve this doubt."Without any more delay, the Devas rushed to Brahma and asked their Creator about their doubt. Brahma was surprised to see all the deities, together."Such a pleasant surprise! What brings you here?"The Devas told Brahma about their doubt. "O lord Brahma, who is the wiser brother?", asked they, "Ganesh or Karthik?""Alas, I do not know!" replied Brahma. "I am the creator of mankind, not divine beings. Ganesh and Karthik were born to the celestial gods Shiva and Parvathi."The Devas were disappointed. Even the Brahma did not know! Then they would not be able to have an answer, after all.Looking at their glum faces, Lord Brahma decided to help them. "It is true that I do not know who is the wiser of the two young Gods", he thought. "But I can probably find it out with the help of my son Narada".Narada, the son of Lord Brahma, was a mischievous sage who was famous for creating disputes. Wherever he went, he created trouble.But if he got away with all his pranks and without getting cursed it was only because the trouble he caused usually ended on a happy note."Narada, help the Devas. Find the answer to their question," said Brahma after explaining the problem."Certainly, Father," replied Narada, and his eyes twinkled naughtily, smelling an opportunity to play a prank.Using his magical powers Narada swiftly flew over the white mountains of Kailash and, in no time, arrived at the divine abode of Shiva and Parvathi. He was warmly welcomed by the heavenly couple."0 Shive, Saviour of the Universe!, O Devi Parvathi !" Narada praised the lord. "I thank you for your warm welcome. It is indeed a pleasant joy and an honour to see you both together as the Divine couple".Everyone knew about Narada's mischievous nature. Shiva understood that Narada was up to some mischief. "Now tell us the truth. I can sense some mischief brewing in your mind. What is the prank you are planning to play on us?" he said jokingly.Narada pretended to be hurt. "You greatly insult me, Lord Shiva! I have just come here to give you a gift," he said in a sorrowful voice."A gift for me? What is it Narada?", asked Lord Shiva. Narada, hearing the eagerness in Shiva's voice smiled to himself in amusement. He produced a golden mango and gave it to the Lord."A mango!" exclaimed Shiva. "Now don't say you travelled all the way here to give me this fruit.""It is no ordinary fruit, my Lord," Narada replied. "The taste of this fruit is said to be sweeter than nectar. This is the divine fruit of knowledge that bestows eternal wisdom to those who eat it."Is it so?" asked Shiva, looking at the mango. He then asked his wife Parvathi to have a bite."No, stop!" cried Narada. "What are you doing?"Lord Shiva looked at Narada curiously. "Why? Do you want me to eat it without letting Parvathi taste it? I am going to share it with her". Saying so, he turned to share the fruit with his wife, Goddess Parvathi.Narada shook his head in disagreement. "That cannot be done, Lord Shiva. It is a magical fruit, blessed by the sages and Devas. It is not possible to cut the mango into pieces. It should be eaten by a single person as a whole fruit".The divine couple looked at each other. They were confused. Then Lord Shiva shrugged. "If that is the case, let my better half have this fruit. Here Parvathi, you can have this whole mango," he said, offering the mango to his wife.Parvathi was surprised. "Oh no, I don't want it! You are my husband. How can I eat it without you having a taste of it?" she refused.Both Lord Shiva and Narada requested her to eat the fruit but Parvathi steadily declined. "Instead, let one of our children have the fruit," she suggested."But, how is that possible?" asked Narada slyly. "There is one fruit and two children. Who should be given the fruit - Ganesh or Karthik?" While the elders were talking, Ganesh and Karthik appeared in Kailash. They saw that their parents and Sage Narada were having some serious talk on something. Then Karthik noticed something yellow and round in Narada's hand.�What is Uncle Narada having in his hand ?� Karthik asked to Ganesh. Ganesh was equally curious. � This is a magical mango, Karthik, "Narada replied, as he heard Karthik's question. "I gave it to your Father but he wanted your Mother to eat it. But she won't have it. She wants to give it to one of you"."A magical mango? I love mangoes!", shouted Karthik, "I want it! I want it!"."No, no, it should come to me. I love mangoes too! I'm the eldest son and the right one to eat the fruit of knowledge," argued Ganesh. Soon the brothers started fighting.The divine parents were perplexed. This is nothing but a mountain out of a molehill. Lord Shiva looked at Narada. "So this is why you came to Kailash! I knew it! I knew there was something in your mind. Well done Narada, you have finally played the trick. This is why you came here. But now that you have created trouble, please solve it. You decide to whom the mango should go to," he said firmly.Narada was delighted that his plan was working so well. "Why don't we could have a competition to settle the matter?" he said with a twinkle in his eye."The children agreed to Narada�s suggestion. Lord Shiva thought over the matter."All right, then." said he, "We'll have a contest. Whoever of you goes around the world three times and returns first will get the fruit ," he said to his children.Hearing this, Karthik immediately mounted his vehicle, the peacock. His brother Ganesh was slow and fat. Karthik laughed to himself in glee. He was very certain that he would win.Ganesh too, understood that his vehicle, the mouse, could not compete with the peacock's speed. So he thought for a moment. Suddenly, he got an idea. Ganesh smiled to himself.Karthik flew around the world stopping at all temples and sacred spots on the way and offering his prayers. To his astonishment, he found Ganesh at every major stop. Karthik was puzzled. How did Ganesh manage to be so fast?The reason was the razor-sharp intelligence and the great wisdom of Ganesh. Back in Kailash, Ganesh remembered that his parents Shiva and Parvathi represented the entire universe. Without delay, the young elephant-headed god walked around his parents with great devotion, folding his hands."Why are you circling us Ganesh?" asked Lord Shiva."I'm your son and to me, you two make up my whole world. Why should I go further to win the contest?" replied Ganesh.Shiva was pleased with his elder son's smart answer and gave the magical fruit to him.When Karthik returned after his voyage, he understood what had happened and accepted the superiority of his clever brother Ganesh. The Devas found the answer to their doubt. They praised and blessed Ganesh. Narada chuckled to himself. His father had praised him too. So did the Devas.

Sunday, September 21, 2008

Evil Begets Evil


There was once a king who was so cruel and unjust that his subjects yearned for his death or dethronement.However, one day he surprised them all by announcing that he had decided to turn over a new leaf.“No more cruelty, no more injustice,” he promised, and he was as good as his word. He became known as the ‘Gentle Monarch’.Months after his transformation one of his ministers plucked up enough courage to ask him what had brought about his change of heart, and the king answered:“As I was galloping through my forests I caught sight of a fox being chased by a hound. The fox escaped into his hole but not before the hound had bitten into its leg and lamed it for life. Later I rode into a village and saw the same hound there. It was barking at a man. Even as I watched, the man picked up a huge stone and flung it at the dog, breaking its leg. The man had not gone far when he was kicked by a horse. His knee was shattered and he fell to the ground, disabled for life. The horse began to run but it fell into a hole and broke its leg. Reflecting on all that had happened, I thought: ‘Evil begets evil. If I continue in my evil ways, I will surely be overtaken by evil’. So I decided to change”.The minister went away convinced that the time was ripe to overthrow the king and seize the throne. Immersed in thought, he did not see the steps in front of him and fell, breaking his neck.— Based on a story in the ‘Tales of Bidpai’, an Arabic version of the Panchatantra.

God Provides


A generous king once ruled in the land of Andhra. Every day two beggars used to come to him for alms and he always gave them food and money.On receiving the alms one of them, the older one, used to say: "God provides." The other beggar, the younger of the two, would say: "Our king provides."One day the king gave them more money than usual, whereupon the older man cried out lustily: "God provides." This annoyed the king who thought: "It is I who am feeding him and he keeps saying: 'God provides, God provides'. It is time he learnt who his real benefactor is."The next day after he had given them alms he asked the beggars to go by a little-used road instead of their usual one."I have provided for one of you," he said. "God will provide for the other."He made sure that the one who always praised him went first. He had ordered that a purse of gold be kept on the road in the beggar's path so that he would find it.But as the beggar walked down the road he wondered why the king had sent him that way."Perhaps he wants me to enjoy the privacy of this road," he thought. "It is indeed a beautiful road and so broad. One can walk with eyes closed." And he closed his eyes. As a result he missed seeing the purse. It was spotted and picked up by the other beggar who was coming behind him.The next day the king asked the beggars whether they had found anything on the road he had sent them by and he looked meaningfully at the younger man. But the beggar shook his head."It was a beautiful road," he said. "But I did not find anything on it.""But I did," said the other man. "I found a purse of gold. God provides.". Now the king became even more determined to show the older beggar that he was their true benefactor. So while the beggars were going away he called the younger one back and gave him a pumpkin.The pumpkin had been hollowed out and filled with silver coins. But the beggar did not know that. On the way he sold it to a baniya for a few coins.The next day the king asked the beggars if anything eventful had happened the previous day, looking meaningfully at the younger beggar."Nothing," said the beggar. "Except that I earned a few more coins than usual by selling the pumpkin you had so generously given me."The king tried hard not to show his dismay."And you?" he said to the other beggar. "Did you too earn more than usual?""I certainly did," said the beggar. "As I was passing by a baniya's shop he called me and gave me a pumpkin. When I went home and cut it I found that it was full of silver. As I always say, God provides." — A folktale from Andhra Pradesh

Saturday, September 20, 2008

Farmer's Donkey


One day a farmer's donkey fell down into a well. The animal cried piteously for hours as the farmer tried to figure out what to do. Finally, he decided the animal was old, and the well needed to be covered up anyway; it just wasn't worth it to retrieve the donkey.
He invited all his neighbours to come over and help him. They all grabbed a shovel and began to shovel dirt into the well. At first, the donkey realized what was happening and cried horribly. Then, to everyone's amazement he quieted down.
A few shovel loads later, the farmer finally looked down the well. He was astonished at what he saw. With each shovel of dirt that hit his back, the donkey was doing something amazing. He would shake it off and take a step up.
As the farmer's neighbours continued to shovel dirt on top of the animal, he would shake it off and take a step up. Pretty soon,
everyone was amazed as the donkey stepped up over the edge of the well and happily trotted off!
MORAL :
Life is going to shovel dirt on you, all kinds of dirt. The trick to getting out of the well is to shake it off and take a step up. Each of our troubles is a steppingstone. We can get out of the deepest wells just by not stopping, never giving up! Shake it off and take a step up.
Remember the five simple rules to be happy:
1. Free your heart from hatred - Forgive.
2. Free your mind from worries - Most never happen.
3. Live simply and appreciate what you have.
4. Give more.
5. Expect less.

Thursday, September 18, 2008

Synonym Of Success


Synonym for success
By Dr.Sudha Seshayyan
Courtesy The Hindu
A devotee who chose to remain in this world when he was privileged to accompany the Lord to His divine abode is Hanuman. He prided in calling himself as His servant and his rationale was that he would be able to listen to the chanting of the Divine name, Rama, and His glory only here on the Earth. So the popular adage about Hanuman that he is present wherever the glory of Raghu’s name is chanted and listens with tears of joy flowing down his cheeks.
Hanuman does not appear in the Ramayana till the story unfolds to the point where Rama and Lakshmana approach the Pampa lake in their search for Sita. But, from the moment Sugriva despatches Hanuman to find out who these strangers were, fearing that they might be Vali’s men, he comes to occupy centre stage in the epic. The crucial task of locating Sita’s whereabouts was entrusted to him unanimously once his valour, physical prowess and sagacity of mind became clear to all. And the manner in which he successfully accomplished it speaks volumes of his singular devotion to Rama and his eagerness to be of service to Him. No wonder then Hanuman has become synonymous with success.
Rama Himself testified that Hanuman was best suited to be an envoy as he could win over anyone with his speech. After listening to Hanuman’s query about their identity and introducing himself as Sugriva’s minister, Rama impressed by his speech remarked to Lakshmana, “He utters a wholesome, distinct and remarkable speech, which is grammatically correct, fluent and delightful to the mind.” The Kamba Ramayanam commends him in Rama’s words as a “possessor of a wealth of words” (Sollin selvan).
In Tulasidasa’s Ramacharatimanasa, the meeting takes on a spiritual dimension to highlight Hanuman’s devotion and servitude to the Lord. On learning of Rama’s identity, Hanuman, greatly agitated, fell at His feet seeking His pardon for failing to recognise Him at once, saying he was deluded by Maya. Rama lifted him and consoled him saying that he was twice as dear to Him as Lakshmana was. Though the Lord looks upon all with the same eye His devotee is particularly dear to Him


Monday, September 15, 2008

The Story Of Jada Bharata



THE STORY OF JADA BHARATA

By Swami Vivekananda
(Delivered in California)
There was a great monarch named Bharata. The land which is called India by foreigners is known to her children as Bhârata Varsha. Now, it is enjoined on every Hindu when he becomes old, to give up all worldly pursuits — to leave the cares of the world, its wealth, happiness, and enjoyments to his son — and retire into the forest, there to meditate upon the Self which is the only reality in him, and thus break the bonds which bind him to life. King or priest, peasant or servant, man or woman, none is exempt from this duty: for all the duties of the householder — of the son, the brother, the husband, the father, the wife, the daughter, the mother, the sister — are but preparations towards that one stage, when all the bonds which bind the soul to matter are severed asunder for ever.
The great king Bharata in his old age gave over his throne to his son, and retired into the forest. He who had been ruler over millions and millions of subjects, who had lived in marble palaces, inlaid with gold and silver, who had drunk out of jewelled cups — this king built a little cottage with his own hands, made of reeds and grass, on the banks of a river in the Himalayan forests. There he lived on roots and wild herbs, collected by his own hands, and constantly meditated upon Him who is always present in the soul of man. Days, months, and years passed. One day, a deer came to drink water near by where the royal sage was meditating. At the same moment, a lion roared at a little distance off. The deer was so terrified that she, without satisfying her thirst, made a big jump to cross the river. The deer was with young, and this extreme exertion and sudden fright made her give birth to a little fawn, and immediately after she fell dead. The fawn fell into the water and was being carried rapidly away by the foaming stream, when it caught the eyes of the king. The king rose from his position of meditation and rescuing the fawn from the water, took it to his cottage, made a fire, and with care and attention fondled the little thing back to life. Then the kindly sage took the fawn under his protection, bringing it up on soft grass and fruits. The fawn thrived under the paternal care of the retired monarch, and grew into a beautiful deer. Then, he whose mind had been strong enough to break away from lifelong attachment to power, position, and family, became attached to the deer which he had saved from the stream. And as he became fonder and fonder of the deer, the less and less he could concentrate his mind upon the Lord. When the deer went out to graze in the forest, if it were late in returning, the mind of the royal sage would become anxious and worried. He would think, "Perhaps my little one has been attacked by some tiger — or perhaps some other danger has befallen it; otherwise, why is it late?"
Some years passed in this way, but one day death came, and the royal sage laid himself down to die. But his mind, instead of being intent upon the Self, was thinking about the deer; and with his eyes fixed upon the sad looks of his beloved deer, his soul left the body. As the result of this, in the next birth he was born as a deer. But no Karma is lost, and all the great and good deeds done by him as a king and sage bore their fruit. This deer was a born Jâtismara, and remembered his past birth, though he was bereft of speech and was living in an animal body. He always left his companions and was instinctively drawn to graze near hermitages where oblations were offered and the Upanishads were preached.
After the usual years of a deer's life had been spent, it died and was next born as the youngest son of a rich Brahmin. And in that life also, he remembered all his past, and even in his childhood was determined no more to get entangled in the good and evil of life. The child, as it grew up, was strong and healthy, but would not speak a word, and lived as one inert and insane, for fear of getting mixed up with worldly affairs. His thoughts were always on the Infinite, and he lived only to wear out his past Prârabdha Karma. In course of time the father died, and the sons divided the property among themselves; and thinking that the youngest was a dumb, good-for-nothing man, they seized his share. Their charity, however, extended only so far as to give him enough food to live upon. The wives of the brothers were often very harsh to him, putting him to do all the hard work; and if he was unable to do everything they wanted, they would treat him very unkindly. But he showed neither vexation nor fear, and neither did he speak a word. When they persecuted him very much, he would stroll out of the house and sit under a tree, by the hour, until their wrath was appeased, and then he would quietly go home again.
One day; when the wives of the brothers had treated him with more than usual unkindness, Bharata went out of the house, seated himself under the shadow of a tree and rested. Now it happened that the king of the country was passing by, carried in a palanquin on the shoulders of bearers. One of the bearers had unexpectedly fallen ill, and so his attendants were looking about for a man to replace him. They came upon Bharata seated under a tree; and seeing he was a strong young man, they asked him if he would take the place of the sick man in bearing the king's palanquin. But Bharata did not reply. Seeing that he was so able-bodied, the king's servants caught hold of him and placed the pole on his shoulders. Without speaking a word, Bharata went on. Very soon after this, the king remarked that the palanquin was not being evenly carried, and looking out of the palanquin addressed the new bearer, saying "Fool, rest a while; if thy shoulders pain thee, rest a while." Then Bharata laying the pole of the palanquin down, opened his lips for the first time in his life, and spoke, "Whom dost thou, O King, call a fool? Whom dost thou ask to lay down the palanquin? Who dost thou say is weary? Whom dost thou address as 'thou'? If thou meanest, O King, by the word 'thee' this mass of flesh, it is composed of the same matter as thine; it is unconscious, and it knoweth no weariness, it knoweth no pain. If it is the mind, the mind is the same as thine; it is universal. But if the word 'thee' is applied to something beyond that, then it is the Self, the Reality in me, which is the same as in thee, and it is the One in the universe. Dost thou mean, O King, that the Self can ever be weary, that It can ever be tired, that It can ever be hurt? I did not want, O King — this body did not want — to trample upon the poor worms crawling on the road, and therefore, in trying to avoid them, the palanquin moved unevenly. But the Self was never tired; It was never weak; It never bore the pole of the palanquin: for It is omnipotent and omnipresent." And so he dwelt eloquently on the nature of the soul, and on the highest knowledge, etc. The king, who was proud of his learning, knowledge, and philosophy, alighted from the palanquin, and fell at the feet of Bharata, saying, "I ask thy pardon, O mighty one, I did not know that thou wast a sage, when I asked thee to carry me." Bharata blessed him and departed. He then resumed the even tenor of his previous life. When Bharata left the body, he was freed for ever from the bondage of birth.
In Jain tradition, Bharata is referred to as a Chakravatin King, who eventually became a monk and attained Nirvana. Some Jain temples contain idols of Bharata as a Jain monk, including one at Shravanabelagola. The Irinjalakuda (Koodalmanickam) Bharata temple is Kerala was originally dedicated to Bharata as a Jain deity

Friday, September 12, 2008

Tree The Provider


Jai Shri Krishna
There is a saying in classical Indian poetry that a lake, a tree, a saint and the rain are all symbols of benevolence, i.e., they are constantly giving to others. If we spend some time to think about this, we can learn much about the act of benevolence from such elements of nature.You may ask how can we learn to give from a mere tree? There is a wonderful story, which is a true incident that took place in Saurashtra, that best illustrates this.One day, the King of Bhavnagar was relaxing in the garden surrounding his palace. There was a high boundary wall separating the garden from the outside road. Just at that time, a poor Brahmin and his young son were walking on the road. It was very hot, and the young child was extremely hungry. He noticed a high mango tree from beyond the palace garden wall. The tree had bent across the wall and there were ripe mangoes on the outstretched branch.Forced by temptation, the boy picked up a stone from the road and threw it at the stem of the fruits. His aim succeeded and he caught a beautiful ripe mango. Unfortunately, the stone exceeded the target and struck the King who was sitting in the gardens. The stone hit the Kings head, which began to bleed. The guards quickly ran towards the road and caught the young Brahmin boy and his father.When presented in front of the King, the Brahmin, trembling with fear, began to beg to the King to pardon the boy for his mistake. Soldiers and ministers laughed at the Brahmin’s request and advised the King to punish them both.The King politely asked them both not to worry. He asked the young boy "Did you throw the stone, my son?"The boy immediately accepted his fault with tears in his eyes.The King then asked "Why?"The boy replied hesitantly, "I was hungry. I threw the stone to drop a mango from the tree.""What happened when you threw the stone?" asked the King."A mango fell from the tree. This is what I have in my hand. Please forgive me. I did not throw the stone to hit you."The King immediately ordered his prime minister that both father and son be released and additionally be given 500 coins! All the ministers and soldiers were surprised and wandered why the King was rewarding them instead of ordering punishment! The King was amused to see their astonishment and explained with a smile, ”When the stone struck the tree, it gave the boy a mango. The same stone struck me. Wouldn’t I be meaner than a tree if I did not give anything? If a mere tree can be benevolent to a young boy, why cannot I, a human being, do the same?Such are the lessons we can learn from simple elements of nature that constantly give us all we need without any expectation or hesitation. The sun, the mountains, the rivers and lakes, the earth and the wind: they are beautiful symbols of benevolence. Perhaps we too can evolve to become symbols of benevolence.
With blessings,Bhaishri

Tuesday, September 9, 2008

Value Of Self Effort

Value of self effort
By Swamy Bhoomananda Tirtha
Courtesy The Hindu
It is not easy to describe spirituality and all definitions of the term concur on the fact that it is the converse of all that is material, temporal or worldly. The body would remain insentient but for the animating force of the spirit within. This is a sign of the spiritual component in us. Just as the effect of human effort is manifest in the development of the human race, self effort plays a very important role in enhancing the spiritual life of an individual.
The uniqueness of human beings is their ability to think, reflect and act and only when these special faculties are realised to their full potential does human existence become meaningful. Human birth is a great opportunity to realise the spiritual quotient within and this is possible with proper guidance from a knowledgeable preceptor and steadfast endeavour on the part of the seeker.
In the Bhagavad Gita Lord Krishna as a preceptor puts things in proper perspective to a confused Arjuna who suddenly swerved from his prime desire to wage a war on seeing his grandfather, preceptor and relatives on the enemy camp, and began to question the propriety of the issue. The Lord makes Arjuna understand the value of self effort, and explains the higher truths of the scriptures in clear and simple terms. Lord Krishna reinforces the truth of the Atma — which is shown as the immortal and undying component residing in each individual endowed with a physical form and nature.
The knower of this truth understands the spiritual aspect in oneself and of the perishable nature of all else including one’s body-mind-complex. The advice is for all mankind as well, to generate the required self effort to transcend the doubts and confusions of worldly pulls and aspire for the eternal goal of life. Human beings have the strength to lift themselves to direct their lives in the right path. Intelligence, sensory organs and the mind should work as an integrated whole.
In the Yoga Vasishta, Sage Vasishta advises a disturbed young Lord Rama on the value of Paurusha (self effort) and to cultivate it through perseverance, endurance and ingenuity.

Monday, September 8, 2008

Onam In Kerala

Flower Kolam
Puliattam

Flower kolam
Flower Arrangements
Onam dance & boat race
King Mahabali
King Mahabali & Onam
The legend of King Mahabali is the most popular and the most fascinating of all legends behind Onam. Onam celebrates the visit of King Mahabali to the state of Kerala every year. The festival is celebrated with fervour as King Mahabali is greatly respected by his subjects. King Mahabali is also popularly called Maveli and Onathappan. Reign of King Mahabali
The story goes that the beautiful state of Kerala was once ruled by an Asura (demon) king, Mahabali. The King was greatly respected in his kingdom and was considered to be wise, judicious and extremely generous. It is said that Kerala witnessed its golden era in the reign of King Mahabali. Everybody was happy in the kingdom, there was no discrimination on the basis of caste or class. Rich and poor were equally treated. There was neither crime, nor corruption. People did not even lock their doors, as there were no thieves in that kingdom. There was no poverty, sorrow or disease in the reign of King Mahabali and everybody was happy and content. Brief Sketch of King Mahabali
It may be noted Mahabali was the son of Veerochana and grandson of Prahlad, the devout son of demon King Hiranyakashyap. Mahabali had a son called Bana, who became a legendary king in his own right and became popular as Banraj in central Assam. Mahabali belonged to the Asura (demon) dynasty but was an ardent worshiper of Lord Vishnu. His bravery and strength of character earned him the title of "Mahabali Chakravathy" or Mahabali - the King of Kings.
Challenge for GodsLooking at the growing popularity and fame of King Mahabali Gods became extremely concerned and jealous. They felt threatened about their own supremacy and began to think of a strategy to get rid of the dilemma. To curb the growing reign of Mahabali and maintain their own supremacy, Aditi, the mother of Gods seeked help of Lord Vishnu (the preserver in the Hindu trinity) whom Mahabali worshiped. It was said Mahabali was very generous and charitable. Whenever anybody approached him for help or requested for anything he always granted.
To test the King, Lord Vishnu disguised himself as a dwarf and a poor Brahmin called Vamana. He came to the Kingdom of Mahabali, just after Mahabali performed his morning prayers and was preparing to grant boons to Brahmins. Lord Vishnu takes Vamana AvatarDisguised as Vamana, Vishnu said he was a poor Brahmin and asked for a piece of land. The generous King said, he could have as much land as he wanted. The Brahmin said that he just wanted as much land as could be covered by his three steps. The King was surprised to hear but agreed. A learned adviser of the King, Shukracharya sensed that Vamana was not an ordinary person and warned the King against making the promise. But, the generous King replied that it would be a sin for a King to back on his words and asked the Brahmin to take the land. The King could not imagine that the dwarf Brahmin was Lord Vishnu himself. Just as King Mahabali agreed to grant the land, Vamana began to expand and eventually increased himself to the size of cosmic proportions. With his first step the Brahmin boy covered the whole of earth and with the other step he covered the whole of the skies. He then asked King Mahabali where is the space for him to keep his third foot.The King realised that he was no ordinary Brahmin and his third step will destroy the earth. Mahabali with folded hands bowed before Vamana and asked him to place his last step on his head so that he could keep the promise. The Brahmin placed his foot on the head of the King, which pushed him to patala, the nether world. There the King requested the Brahmin to reveal his true identity. Lord Vishnu then appeared before the King in his person. The Lord told the King that he came to test him and the King won the test. King Mahabali was pleased to see his lord. Lord Vishnu also granted a boon to the King. King Mahabali Requests for a Visit to Kerala
The King was so much attached with his Kingdom and people that he requested that he be allowed to visit Kerala once in a year. Lord Vishnu was moved by the Kings nobility and was pleased to grant the wish. He also blessed the King and said even after losing all his worldly possessions, the King would always be loved by Lord Vishnu and his people.Genesis of OnamIt is the day of the visit of King Mahabali to Kerala that is celebrated as Onam every year. The festival is celebrated as a tribute to the sacrifice of King Mahabali. Every year people make elaborate preparations to welcome their King whom they affectionately call Onathappan. They wish to please the spirit of their King by depicting that his people are happy and wish him well. The second day, Thiruvonam is the biggest and the most important day of this festival. It is believed that King Mahabali visits his people on the second day. Onam celebrations are marked in Trikkakara, a place 10 km from Kochi (Cochin) on the Edapally- Pookattupadi road. Trikkara is said to be the capital of the mighty King Mahabali. A temple with a deity of 'Trikkakara Appan' or 'Vamanamurthy' who is Lord Vishnu himself in disguise is also located at this place. Nowhere else in Kerala can one find a deity of 'Vamanamurthy'. This fascinating legend is artistically depicted at the Suchindram Temple in Kanyakumari district of Tamil Nadu.

Friday, September 5, 2008

Swarna Bhoomi Airport Thailand







Samudra Mathan - At Thailand Airport
In Bangkok , Thailand , there is new international airport called Suvarn-bhoomi. Very interesting to know that country surrounded by other major religion has such a huge display from the scripture of Devi Bhagavat and Vishnu Puran.
As is well known - majority of the population in Malaysia , Indonesia , Thailand , Cambodia etc., etc., are not Hindus - but they have the culture of respecting their forefathers who were Hindus - and also the Hindu Sanatan Dharma which is unique and has no comparison.
Please see this beautiful exhibit - which is very meaningful and has a message to the Society.
When asked: Can we imagine putting up this kind of things in our Air Ports in India ?
Our country is too secular even to immagine having airport named like this.
To see enlarged immage please click on the same