The Art Of Giving

"Rivers do not drink their own water, nor do tree eat their own fruit, nor do rain clouds eat the grains reared by them. The wealth of the noble is used solely for the benefit of others?

Even after accepting that giving is good and that one must learn to give, several questions need to be answered.

The first question is when should one give?

We all know the famous incident from the Mahabharata.

Yudhisthir, asks a beggar seeking alms to come the next day. On this, Bhim rejoices, that Yudhisthir his brother, has conquered death! For he is sure that he will be around tomorrow to give. Yudhisthir gets the message.

One does not know really whether one will be there tomorrow to give! The time to give therefore is now.

The next question is how much to give.

One recalls the famous incident from history. Rana Pratap was reeling after defeat from the Moghals. He had lost his army, he had lost his wealth, and most important he had lost hope, his will to fight. At that time in his darkest hour, his erstwhile minister Bhamasha came seeking him and placed his entire fortune at the disposal of Rana Pratap. With this, Rana Pratap raised an army and lived to fight another day.

The answer to this question how much to give is "Give as much as you can!

The next question is what to give.

It is not only money that can be given. It could be a flower or even a smile.

It is not how much one gives but how one gives that really matters. When you give a smile to a stranger that may be the only good thing received by him in days and weeks! "You can give anything but you must give with your heart!

One also needs answer to this question whom to give.

Many times we avoid giving by finding fault with the person who is seeking. However, being judgmental and rejecting a person on the presumption that he may not be the most deserving is not justified. Give without being judgmental!

Next we have to answer How to give.

Coming to the manner of giving, one has to ensure that the receiver does not feel humiliated, nor does the giver feel proud by giving.

In giving follow the advice, Let not your left hand know what your right hand gives? Charity without publicity and fanfare is the highest form of charity. 'Give quietly!

While giving let not the recipient feel small or humiliated. After all what we give never really belonged to us. We come to this world with nothing and will go with nothing. The thing gifted was only with us for a temporary period. Why then take pride in giving away something which really did not belong to us? Give with grace and with a feeling of gratitude.

* When you help someone in need, give it before he asks for it; for if you place him under the necessity of stretching out his hand, you take away from him his self-respect which is worth more than the value of your alms.

What should one feel after giving?

We all know the story of Eklavya. When Dronacharya asked him for his right thumb as "Guru Dakshina", he unhesitatingly cut off the thumb and gave it to Dronacharya.

There is a little known sequel to this story. Eklavya was asked whether he ever regretted the act of giving away his thumb. He replied, and the reply has to be believed to be true, as it was asked to him when he was dying.

His reply was "Yes! I regretted this only once in my life. It was when Pandavas were coming in to kill Dronacharya who was broken hearted on the false news of death of his son Ashwathama and had stopped fighting. It was then that I regretted the loss of my thumb. If the thumb was there, no one could have dared hurt my Guru.

The message to us is clear. Give and never regret giving!

And the last question is How much should we provide for our heirs?

Ask yourself 'are we taking away from them the gift of work'? - A source of happiness! The answer is given by Warren Buffett: "Leave your kids enough to do anything, but not enough to do nothing!”

I would conclude by saying: let us learn the Art of Giving, and quoting Saint Kabir:

"When the wealth in the house increases, when water fills a boat, Throw them out with both hands "

Make life simple

By Chitrangada Singh
believe that spirituality is a quest to reach a deeper sense of consciousness It’s a journey to simplify the complexities of lifeWhat brand of clothes you wear, your bank balance or the profession you chose are factors in life which affect one's understanding of spirituality Whether you are clad in a Gucci or flash an expensive brand - if you can save a part of yourself, your innocence and a part of your silence, you can see God or experience Him anywhere If you see goodness in people,.you find goodness coming into your life.

This positivity in your own life translates into a sense of well being and joy that probably no amount of manipulations and strategies can get you Life needs to be simple I probably lack the level of consciousness to remember exactly when my life was touched by the Divine But I can say when I have felt special Many times when I’ve stumbled in life, I’ve felt that I was being guided A lot of times when I have felt terribly weak and unable to go on — my weakness was transformed to my anger.and subsequently my anger became strength.

ll the people in my life who supported me in those moments were nothing but a divine blessing I believe one has to experience sadness to value happiness When we see the bottomless pit of materialism, we open our minds’ doors to spirituality which is nothing but a quest to satiate one’s mind Spirituality is extremely personal and individualistic, and has nothing to do with a talisman or Cavalli briefs with images of God that you wearIn a day-to-day context, spirituality means keeping malice.and negativity at bay, seeing goodness in others and saving yourself from the set rules of the world.

The Monks of Kauai's Hindu Monastery

Kauai Aadheenam is the spiritual home and theological seminary for 21 monks from five nations. They are the ministers of Saiva Siddhanta Church overseeing an international religious mission, while living a strict lifestyle of daily religious worship, meditation, yoga and service. Morning worship begins before dawn in the temple with rites to Lord Ganesha, Lord Murugan and then Lord Siva. Young, single men under 25 years of age who are interested in traditional Hindu monastic life can explore our How to Become a Monk page.

Following the daily worship, at 6:00am the monks sit together for a one-hour guided meditation followed by singing and guidance from the abbot. This daily spiritual activity is the anchor for the coming day of service to dedicated spiritual seekers and the Hindu world at large.

The monks are involved daily with the Hindu temple that is the center of their life, performing three-hour vigils 24 hours a day, 365 days a year in the sacred precincts. Classes, seminars and training take place throughout the week as they study together the philosophical and metaphysical teachings of the founder, chant Sanskrit mantras, sing traditional devotional hymns and celebrate the festivals of their lineage.

Self-sufficiency is a prime principle for Hindu monastics, and thus each monk is called upon to help with the daily chores of the monastery, whether in the kitchen, the gardens, the temple or the offices.

Now we introduce ever so briefly the founder of Kauai's Hindu Monastery and the 20 monks whom he initiated and who now carry on the spiritual work of his lineage.


For over five decades Satguru Sivaya Subramuniyaswami, affectionately known as Gurudeva, taught Hinduism to Hindus and seekers from all faiths. In the line of successorship, he was the 162nd Jagadacharya of the Nandinatha Sampradaya's Kailasa Parampara and the founding Guru Mahasannidhanam of Kauai Aadheenam (also known as Kauai's Hindu Monastery), a 458-acre temple-monastery complex on Hawaii's Garden Island. Gurudeva's mission, received from his satguru, Siva Yogaswami of Jaffna, Sri Lanka, was to protect, preserve and promote the Saivite Hindu religion as expressed through its three pillars: temples, satgurus and scripture. That mission is now carried forward by his monastic and family communities.




Satguru Bodhinatha Veylanswami is Gurudeva's designated successor, having spent 37 years training and serving at Gurudeva's side. On November 13, 2001, he was installed as Guru Mahasannidhanam of Kauai Aadheenam and the 163rd preceptor of the Kailasa Parampara. Bodhinatha is the spiritual head of Saiva Siddhanta Church, Himalayan Academy and Hindu Heritage Endowment. As publisher of Hinduism Today magazine, he carries forward Gurudeva's vision to inform, strengthen and connect Hindus around the world. Read a more thorough biography here.

Tatva Bodh of Adi Shankaracharya

Lectures by Swami Nikhilanandaji,
Tatva Bodh was written by Adi Shankaracharya. Shankaracharyaji salutes his guru Shri Krishna before he starts the text. This is important because before we undertake any study of the scriptures, we have to surrender our ego and identify with the Supreme Reality.

Tatva Bodh is not a text for those who are curious or for those who want worldly knowledge. It is not merely a book of theories to be read. It is meant for people who desire Moksha. We all have desires that we try to fulfill in our past time because we think we get happiness when they are fulfilled. The degree of happiness is proportionate to the intensity of the desire. But there are always more unfulfilled desires than fulfilled desires. These desires always give rise to restlessness. Where there is restlessness, there is no peace. Example: “I want water. I am thirsty.” Once this desire has entered your mind, you can not sit peacefully. You go to where this water and drink it or if there is none, you think about where to go and get some.

It is natural that we have desires and they propel us. It is even written in the scriptures. (Kaama cheshta – everything is propelled by desire) The rishis analyzed these desires and wondered if one can fulfill all his desires, will he be happy. They classified the desires into four types.

1. Desire to be secure (Survival instinct):

This is the first and foremost desire among all living beings. We want to survive. This desire arises from deep within us. Eons ago, the caveman lived in caves and killed animals to survive. Today, we desire to own a house, car, and credit cards to feel secure. (Arthapurushaartha – desire for security)

We think money will provide security and so we desire to earn more, own a house with security alarms and smoke detectors. Or we may be physically, socially and financially secure but we feel psychological insecurities. “Why won’t he smile at me? Why doesn’t she like me? Let me make cookies for her.” We may also feel intellectual insecurities. We then use philosophy to feel more secure. “I am an Advaiti. I am a Hindu. I am a Muslim.” We may join a movement or a mission to feel intellectually secure. We must take care to not just calm our insecurities but try to learn and move towards the goal.

We also feel secure doing what a lot of people do. We feel more secure with a crowd. We do not want to be alone. Even if God is there and everyone is going towards Him, we prefer to go with everyone rather than go alone to God.

These insecurities will remain with us until we have “atma gnana”. Therefore, in Bhagavad Gita, Bhagwan says “Have faith in me. I will make you secure. I will take care of all your needs.” “Yogakshemaam vahaamyaham” – whatever needs to be protected, I shall protect.” Till we understand the greatness of God and till we understand that the greatest security is God within us, we will be insecure and desire for security.

2. Desire to gain pleasure:

This is a very strong desire. Almost everything is propelled by these two desires – security and pleasure. We are propelled by fear or pleasure and so many religions use this – “Do this and go to heaven. Don’t do this, you will go to hell.” They create fear or give pleasure to make people do things. There are pleasures at all levels: physically, senses etc. The drawback is pleasure is always followed by pain. There is insecurity in the pleasure - “Will we feel it tomorrow?” Also, a person who always seeks pleasure becomes dull. His thinking capacity is diminished because he becomes totally focussed on acquiring pleasures. It is said in the scriptures: If you want to gain knowledge, forget about pleasure. If you want to gain pleasure, forget about knowledge.

Even after trying to gain security and pleasure, we are not happy. So, we desire to gain a superior type of security and happiness – that which is more lasting. This is the third ty pe of desire.

3. Desire to be good:

This is the desire to become a better and more righteous person. There is pleasure in eating but there is more pleasure in feeding others. There is pleasure in being protected but there is greater pleasure in protecting others. This indicates rise of Dharma and goodness and giving up of selfishness. We should try to gain security without making the other person insecure. We should try to be happy without making others miserable.

Dharma says – “Live and let live.” If you want to gain something, do so by adhering to certain rules (“niyams”) so that you do not harm others. Even the worst person has this desire to be good in him. He has the potential that is deep within him and that is inborn in him to be a saint. The Gita says the moment an evil person desires to be good, he becomes a saadhu. (Example: Valmiki)

When a person follows Dharma, he feels more secure and happier in this world. This seems very strange but is true. A dharmic person feels very secure (Example: Sitaji, Ramji). An adharmic person feels very insecure. (Raavan, despite all his strength and wealth he felt insecure all the time.)

Dharmorakshathi rakshathaha One, who follows Dharma, is protected by Dharma. He feels God, Goodness, Righteousness is on his side and so he gains unshakeable strength. Nothing can affect him. Mahatma Gandhi was small, frail, without money, without even the full complement of garment to cover his body, not owning even as much earth as might be held on the point of a needle, yet he was so much stronger than the mightiest of empires. The British feared him.

One who follows truth: His words gain power, even the Gods must obey him. Example: Anasuya. When someone approached her for help, her husband was cursed to die at sunrise the next day, Anasuya had the power to stop the Sun from rising because she followed dharma.

When a person follows dharma, he feels more secure and happier, he feels joy in just being and existing (Example: Mahatmas). They work not because of sense of duty and not because of aspiration but because of inspiration.

But a Dharmic person still feels a sense of bondage, a sense of limitation by rules. He will have to be born in this body, eat, sleep and drink with this body. Living in this world becomes bondage. Mumukshatwam (desire to be free from bondage) arises in him.

4. Desire to gain Moksha:

This is the desire to free from bondage of desires, body etc. It is subtlest of all desires. Example: No matter how much pleasure we gain from being awake, we do not want to turn away from sleep. We always want rest and sleep. A mumukshu is one who has intense desire for freedom, liberation and Moksha. The Tatva Bodh is written for such a mumukshu. This liberation that he seeks can be gained from knowing the Self. There is no need to go elsewhere or outwards. The liberation lies within. Knowing the true self is freedom.
Transcribed by Neena Venugopalan

Explanation Of God By A Child

THIS IS FABULOUS!!!

It was written by an 8-year-old named Danny Dutton, who lives in Chula Vista , CA . He wrote it for his third grade homework assignment, to 'explain God.' I wonder if any of us could have done as well?
(and he had such an assignment, in California , and someone published it, I guess miracles do happen!)
EXPLANATION OF GOD:
'One of God's main jobs is making people. He makes them to replace the ones that die, so there will be enough people to take care of things on earth. He doesn't make grownups, just babies. I think because they are smaller and easier to make. That way he doesn't have to take up his valuable time teaching them to talk and walk. He can just leave that to mothers and fathers.'

'God's second most important job is listening to prayers. An awful lot of this goes on, since some people, like preachers and things, pray at times beside bedtime. God doesn't have time to listen to the radio or TV because of this. Because he hears everything, there must be a terrible lot of noise in his ears, unless he has thought of a way to turn it off.'

'God sees everything and hears everything and is everywhere which keeps Him pretty busy. So you shouldn't go wasting his time by going over your mom and dad's head asking for something they said you couldn't have.'

'Atheists are people who don't believe in God. I don't think there are any in Chula Vista . At least there aren't any who come to our church.'

'Jesus is God's Son. He used to do all the hard work, like walking on water and performing miracles and trying to teach the people who didn't want to learn about God. They finally got tired of him preaching to them and they crucified him. But he was good and kind, like his father, and he told his father that they didn't know what they were doing and to forgive them and God said O.K.'

'His dad (God) appreciated everything that he had done and all his hard work on earth so he told him he didn't have to go out on the road anymore. He could stay in heaven. So he did. And now he helps his dad out by listening to prayers and seeing things which are important for God to take care of and which ones he can take care of himself without having to bother God. Like a secretary, only more important.'

'You can pray anytime you want and they are sure to help you because they got it worked out so one of them is on duty all the time.'

'You should always go to church on Sunday because it makes God happy, and if there's anybody you want to make happy, it's God!

Don't skip church to do something you think will be more fun like going to the beach. This is wrong. And besides the sun doesn't come out at the beach until noon anyway.'

'If you don't believe in God, besides being an atheist, you will be very lonely, because your parents can't go everywhere with you, like to camp, but God can. It is good to know He's around you when you're scared, in the dark or when you can't swim and you get thrown into real deep water by big kids.'

'But...you shouldn't just always think of what God can do for you. I figure God put me here and he can take me back anytime he pleases.


And...that's why I believe in God.'

THE SAGE OF KANCHI [1894-1994]

THE SAGE OF KANCHI [1894-1994]
--Was there anything which he did not know?
By B.N.Murthy
Among the path- finders to the Eternal, Acharya Shankara stands pre-eminent. He spent his entire life, short though it was, in urging his fellowmen to turn from the ephemeral to the abiding, from the fleeting phenomena of the temporal world to the spiritual felicity of the Eternal life. He taught the path to the Eternal not merely by precept but also by his own shining example. Cast in the image of Shankara, the Sage of Kanchi, also popular as the Paramacharya, followed in the footsteps of Shankara and carried forward the message of Shankara and consolidated Advaita in the 20th century at a time when materialism was gaining the upper hand in society. A well known Professor of Religion and Philosophy from the University of Chicago, after having met the Paramacharya, observed “Before I went to India, I had heard and read much about the great sages and saints of India and I had assumed that it was something belonging to the ancient past. And it was not till I had met the Sage of Kanchi in 1955 that I realized that it was still a part of the living force of Hinduism even today”

The Sage of Kanchi always reminded anyone who met him for the first time about our ancient Rishis of the past. The simplicity of his living was proverbial. His simplicity, amenability and humility belied the fact that he was a store- house of all knowledge, both spiritual as well as secular. The versatility of his knowledge even in such secular subjects like Music, Dance, Drama, English Literature, Foreign Language, Sculpture and Architecture was something amazing, as the following incidents testify. The Paramacharya’s formal education ended when he was 13 years of age when he took up Sanyasa.

Shelly, The English Poet: Years ago when the Sage was camping in the Mylapore Sanskrit College, Madras, a discussion was going on between a retired Professor of English, fairly advanced in age, and the Sage on the subject “Traces of Advaita in English Literature” The Professor referred to some lines in Shakespeare’s drama “As you Like It” and some lines from Wordswoth’s poem “Tintern Abbey”. The Sage asked the Professor if there was any clearer reference in Shelly’s works. The Professor could not recollect immediately. The Achrya quipped “Have you not heard Shelly’s “Adonais?”. The Professor said “Yes”. The Acharya then observed “Perhaps you have forgotten the line “The One remains, the many change and pass”. The Professor submitted that due to his advanced age, his memory had failed him.

Shakespeare: Sometime in 1988 some devotees, including a few foreigners went to Kanchi to have the darshan of the Paramacharya. A little girl about 3 years old, daughter of one of the devotees, was playing merrily, often putting her hand in the interspace between the railings. A sudden gush of wind caused the screen besides the railing to flutter. The child screamed. The father rushed towards the child to console.
The Acharya, who was watching the child all along, asked the father if he had read Shakespeare’s drama ‘Tempest’. When he said no, the Acharya asked one of the attendants to enquire the small group of foreigners sitting close by and find out if they have read. Two said they had read. The Acharya then explained that the child, while playing, got frightened because of the strong wind, even as Miranda, the little daughter of Prospero, had been portrayed by Shakespeare as having been terrified when the vessel in which they were sailing got tossed by the gale, in his drama ‘Tempest’.

Russian Language: An oriental scholar by name Prof. Ribakov from Moscow, accompanied by the famous dancer Dr. Padma Subramanian, once went to have the darshan of the Paramachrya at Kanchi.. The Professor had brought a questionnaire with him for which he wanted the Sage’s clarifications. After a brief introduction, His Holiness asked the Professor “Does not the northernmost part of Russia use a dialect which has a large content of Sanskrit?” As it was so, the Professor was stunned at the Paramacharya’s close acquaintance with the Russian language and its dialects..

Music: Many decades back, when the Paramacharya was camping in Madras, he visited the house of Madurai Mani Iyer, a doyen of Carnatic music, early in the morning without notice. Mani Iyer was doing his Sadhana practicing Sangitha, deeply immersed in it. When some one announced that the Paramacharya was entering his house, Mani Iyer was stunned and it took sometime for him to react. When Iyer came and met the Sage, the Sage asked him to sing a song. Iyer replied hesitatingly that he had not even had his bath. The Sage replied “You always swim in the Sangitha Sagaram [Ocean of music]. You do not have to have a bath to sing before me!” Moved to tears, Madurai Mani fell at his feet, crying “Parmeshwara!” “Now, start” said the Acharya. “You saw the mridangam man leave just now. How do I sing?” pleaded Madurai Mani. “Don’t worry. I will keep the talam for you!” Paramacharya began keeping the beats with his hands and Mani Iyer sang.

Sculpture : When a memorial was conceived in memory of Swami Vivekananda to be put up in Kanyakumari in 1962 [ A year ahead of his birth centenary], a group of Swamiji’s disciples were having the idea of putting up a statue on the rock, now popular as the Vivekananda Rock, which is about 500 meters away from the coast. This is the rock sitting on which Swamiji meditated for three days from on 26th December 1882 before he left for Chicago in 1893. The local Christians opposed the idea as they wanted a memorial in the same place for St.Xavier. When the proposal became controversial with communal overtones, a patriot and dynamic social worker by name Ekanath Ranade entered the scene. He got in touch with almost all the top national leaders like Jawaharlal Nehru, Rajaji, Babu Rajendra Prasad, Dr.S.Radhakrishnan etc and convinced them about the propriety of putting up Swamiji’s statue. When all agreed, Ranade went to the Paramacharya with a well known Sthapathi [Sculptor] and got complete guidance from the Paramacharya and got the blueprint prepared. Finally, he called on the then Chief Minister Sri. M. Bhaktavatsalam and requested the CM to give his approval in consultation with the Government Architect. The Chief Minister simply remarked “When the Paramacharya has himself approved the design, there is no need to consult anyone else”.

Even though the Sage of Kanchi appeared immersed in mundane affairs, all along he was deeply immersed in the Eternal Bliss of Self-Realization. It would be easy to visualize such a noble soul, if only we study Oliver Goldsmith’s famous poem ‘The Deserted Village” wherein the poet refers to the Village Preacher in these memorable lines:

“As some tall cliff that lifts its awful form,
Swells from the vale, and midway leaves the storm,
Though round the breast the rolling clouds are spread,
Eternal sunshine settles on its head”.

Removing the poison

By Adur Asuri Madhavachari
God thinks of the welfare of all. So everyone can worship Him, and crave salvation. There is no distinction of caste or creed or gender when it comes to seeking the Lord's protection. When the Lord states His willingness to liberate us and further demonstrates it by liberating even a venomous snake like Kalinga that wrought havoc among the people, surely there is no reason to doubt His words.

And yet, we never tire of asking questions and doubting the Lord. So it was with the disciples of the Vaishnavite Acharya Vedanta Desika. They first asked their preceptor how the Lord could let off Kalinga. When the Acharya answered citing further examples of the Lord's benevolence, they had a further query. Why did the Lord have to make the snake spit out the poison? The Lord danced on each hood and made the snake spew out all its poison through each of its mouths, until it no longer had any poison. Why did He do this, the disciples wondered. The Lord is the remover of all manner of poison. So what is there to be surprised at His removal of the snake's poison? Is there a bigger poison than samsara? Does the Lord not rid us of this poison, if we request Him to? So getting rid of Kalinga's poison was but a minor matter for the Lord.

The list of people saved by the Lord is big. Kshatrabandhu, a robber, Kakasura, who hurt Sita, Guha, Sugriva, Vibhsihana are some of the many liberated by Him. And it can be seen that this is just a sample of a heterogeneous set of those liberated by the Lord. He blesses sinners too, if they place their faith in Him.

Few of us can see the Lord in everything. Lord Krishna Himself points to this. Attachment to the Lord does not come easily. We may have to take several births before we realise that we need Him to grant us moksha. But moksha is our birthright, and we must seek what is rightfully ours. But every right carries with it responsibilities and duties. Our duty is to surrender to Him unconditionally, and then moksha automatically follows. The Lord shall not waver in His promise to liberate us, if we surrender to Him.

Spirituality Made Him Indian

He has authored several books which are well known internationally. His book, ‘A Concise Dictionary of Indian Philosophy,' initially published by the New York State University Press, is already into its third edition.

Jhon Grimes Family
‘Ganapati' (on Lord Ganesha) was his first book and so far he has released a dozen titles, the latest being ‘Ramana Maharishi - The Crown Jewel Of Advaita.' The author is an American, who knew India only on the world map in school. John Grimes, today, is a recognised authority on Advaita Vedanta.

It is during an interview at his sprawling apartment in Poonamalli High Road that details of his spiritual pursuit come to light. “I say I have the samskaras ( latent Impressions) to do all this,” begins Grimes. “I was a pucca American up to the point of my graduation from the University of Washington, U.S., where I learnt western philosophy. One day I was overwhelmed by a desire to go to India to learn philosophy,” he continues.

“It was in the 1970s, when people from the West set foot in India in the course of their spiritual quest. I wanted to learn about Indian sages, who were embodiment of Indian philosophy. The day I left for India, my father Johnson Alan Grimes, who was a city attorney in Beverley Hills, got initiated into the order of Swami Paramahamsa Yogananada. My sister was already a devotee of an Indian saint.”

And how was he received here? “ I met several sages wandering around India and they had one word to sum up my inclination - ‘samskara. Some even felt it was the continuance of an old relationship when they saw me. My thirst to learn Indian mythology grew.” Today John Grimes calls himself an Indian when it comes to Indian spirituality.

What was the search for and where did it end? “In the course of my search for a Guru, a Russian Yoga Instructor showed me the life-size portrait of a person in her studio that moved me. It was Sathya Sai Baba of Puttaparthi, of whom I had never heard of till then. I wanted to meet him and I set off for Puttaparthi.

“I met him and on his advice went to Varanasi to study Sanskrit. I was asked to leave the country during Emergency in 1975. Returning to Baba's Bangalore ashram, I was asked to attend his summer courses. Nine months later, he instructed me to go to Madras and do my masters in Philosophy at the University of Madras. My life changed course from that of a sadhak to a student of philosophy and I went on to earn a Ph.D at the Radhakrishnan Institute of Advanced Study in Philosophy, University of Madras.”

It was during his student days in the mid 1970s that John met the child prodigy Bala Meera (Hari Katha exponent), whom he married later. The couple have a son named Isa, who is a Management scholar living in the U.S.

On Sai Baba
On Baba as his Guru. “The moment I saw his portrait, my desire was fulfilled. There wasn't any direct learning. Many of my spiritual experiences happened outside the boundary of Puttaparthi.” How did he dare to do a treatise on Adi Sankara's ‘Viveka Choodamani.' “I had learnt Sanskrit by then and was fascinated by Adi Sankara's Advaita Philosophy. It took almost 10 years for me to complete the book which I wrote in an inclusive style. I have also written a book on Sureshwara's Naikarma Siddhi.”

It was Professor R. Balasubramanian, Director, Radhakrishnan Institute of Advanced Philopshy, who inspired him to write a book on Ramana.

“I would not have embarked upon this without someone prompting me. I have read about Ramana and studied his teachings for the past three years. Earlier, I was looking at it from a sadhak's view point but now it has changed to an intellectual and analytical perspective. Arunachala the mountain, stole my heart.”

Grimes describes the experience. “My sister, a staunch Visishtadvaitin, and I travelled to Tiruvannamalai. During the trip, we argued about the philosophies we learnt. As the silhouette of Arunachala began to emerge, we felt overpowered by a strong force. We became silent. We went to Skandasram and the Virupakshi cave, yet the impact never left us. We could feel the sakti. Arunuchala is a symbol of Brahman and in spite of being an Advaitik, I feel both Ramana and Arunachala are synonymous.”

Close to the heart
Which of his works are close to his heart? “‘Ganapati.' I have read it several times. Many people around the world use it as a reference. In New York when I was teaching Advaita at the University, I was given a grant to do research on Ganesa. It is more of a devotional offering than a book for academicians and students of philosophy. Ganesa is not just an elephant headed deity. He is the beginning of all good things and is present everywhere including the Mooladhara Chakra,” John asserts.

On future plans: “I want to write a book on all the sages and saints of India whom I have met during my spiritual quest and also a book on the gurukula system.

John turns nostalgic when he says he misses the fun he had at Bangalore and Puttaparthi as a budding sadhak with young Baba.

Keywords: John Grimes, Advaita

Jaku Hanuman Temple Shimla

At the top of the famous Jakhu hill is located the famous Jakhu Temple of Shimla. It is hardly 2 kilometers from the Ridge and is an uphill climb through the beautiful deodar trees. The Jakhu Temple of Simla is dedicated to the monkey God, Hanuman. The Jakhu temple is located at a height of 2455 meters and is situated on the highest peak in Shimla. The scenic view that surrounds this beautiful temple of India is absolutely breath taking and splendid.

The temple has an interesting legend behind it. It is said that a deadly arrow injured Lord Rama's brother Lakshmana when he was fighting the battle with the demon king Ravana. A priest diagnosed Lakshmana and said that he needed a particular Sanjeevani herb from the Himalayas to cure Lakshmana. Hanuman was sent to get that herb from he lofty mountains. Upon reaching the Himalayas, Hanuman couldn't make out as to which herb was the Sanjeevani. So he dug up the entire mountain and flew back to where Lakshmana was lying injured.

After Lakshmana was cured, Hanuman went back to place the mountain in its original site. He rested on top of the Jakhu hill for sometime. It is said that the top of the hill got flattened due to Hanuman's weight! The temple has been built around the place that is supposed to have the footprints of Hanuman. It is a highly revered religious place of Shimla and devotees throng in huge numbers to pray. The shrine is a hotspot for monkeys who flock here in great numbers and generously accept eatables that are given to them by devotees and tourists.

CEO KALYANA RAMAN RAGOTO RICHES STORY

What a story presented here let us all try to do something to the society what ever little we can, we know non of our politicians can match what Kalayana Raman Srinivasan is doin to the society, really commandable !

From studying under the streetlights to CEO of a US firm!

Here is the rags-to-riches story of an extremely talented boy from a small village in Tamil Nadu who has risen to be the chief executive officer of a company in Seattle, USA.
It is also the story of how Kalyana Raman Srinivasan, who was so indigent that he had to study under a streetlight, but then managed to score excellent marks, rose in life and became today's Kal Raman.
At every turn in his life, he took the difficult path and it turned out to be the right one and in the right direction. His rise to the top is more dramatic than a thriller. Today, he is a very successful entrepreneur and the founder-CEO of GlobalScholar.
Read his extraordinary story of triumph and determination . . .

Difficult childhood
Kal Raman was born and brought up in a small village called Mannarakoil in Tirunelveli district of Tamil Nadu. It was a comfortable normal middle class life for him and his siblings as his father was a Tahasildar there.
But the sudden death of his father at the age of 45 changed everything overnight.
Kal was 15 then. "My mother got a pension of Rs 420 a month and you can imagine how tough it is to educate four children and feed five mouths with Rs 420?"
Hi life changed dramatically after his father's death. The family moved from the rented house to a hut that had no proper water supply or electricity. Kal Raman remembers, "All of us used to study under the streetlight and, thank god, the streetlights used to work those days! MGR (M G Ramachandran) was the chief minister then. We had to sell the plates to buy rice to eat and my mother used to give us rice in our hands. That bad was our situation."
But his mother, who had studied till the 8th standard, was very particular that her children studied. "All our relatives wanted my elder brother to stop studying and take up the small job offered by the government but my mother wanted him to continue studying."
"Then they wanted me to learn typewriting and shorthand so that I could get some job after the 10th standard. But mother said, 'My children are going to get the best education I can offer. Education is our salvation.' She was my hero for her vision and she still is my hero."
What kept the family going? "We were sad but because we accepted our fate, we were at peace with whatever that happened to us. We knew our father would not come back to lift us up from poverty. We also knew our salvation was a long way away."
He didn't know why he used to tell his mother, "One day I will give you so much money that you will not know what to do with it!" Years later, he did exactly that!
First turning point in life
Kal Raman believes that God played a hand in all the major turning points in his life. The first turning point in life was after his 12th standard. He got good marks in both the engineering and medicine entrance exams, and for engineering, he got admission at the Anna University in Chennai while for medicine, it was in the Tirunelveli Medical College.
"While going in the bus with my mother to join the medical college, I told her, "If I join for medicine here, the high probability is that my life may begin and end in Tirunelveli. I really want to see the world.' She agreed with my decision to go to Chennai and join Anna University and study Electrical Engineering and Electronics."
So, he stepped into a new world outside Tirunelveli, and that was Chennai. Though he had got merit scholarship and a lot of good people helped him pay the initial fee, the scholarship amount never used to reach him regularly or on time.
"The mess fee was Rs 250 a month and I used to be a defaulter in the mess at least six months in a year. Till you pay the mess fee, you cannot eat in the mess. So, I used to live on day scholars' lunch boxes and also use to fast. That is when I learnt to fast ! I must say a lot of friends helped me with money and food."
Scarcity of money was so bad that he had no money to buy food just before the final semester exams. When he gave his final semester exams, he had not eaten for a day-and-a-half. "After finishing the exam, I almost fainted."
The day after the exams came all the scholarship money that was due and it was around Rs 5,000. "So, I went home a rich man and that helped us repay some loans."

First job
Like opting for Chennai and joining Anna University instead of a college in Tirunelveli, Kal Raman took another risk with his first job also. His first job was with Tata Consulting Engineers (TCE), and he had a choice of joining either Chennai or Mumbai.
Although he knew nobody in Mumbai, he chose the capital of Maharashtra.
He remembered the first day. "It was interesting. With bag and baggage, I went to the TCE office after taking a shower at the railway station as I had no money to go to any hotel. After the first introduction at the office, the manager noticed that I was wearing slippers to the office. He called me and said, "I don't care which college you are coming from but this is not acceptable. You should come in shoes tomorrow."
I said I couldn't come in shoes the next day and this the manager construed as arrogance. "How could you talk like this?" he asked me. I said, "Sir, it is not that I don't want to, but I can't afford to buy shoes. Only after I get my first pay cheque, can I buy shoes. Sir, I request you not to terminate my job because of this. I and my family need this job."
Shocked to hear the explanation, the manager asked, "Where are you staying?" and the reply was, "Dadar Railway Station."
So distressed was the manager to hear Kal speak that he immediately released a month's salary in advance and also arranged for him to be at his friend's place till he could find a place to stay.
"He bought me a pair of shoes and those were my first shoes. The next day, I sent Rs 1,500 from the advance to my mother."

From electrical engineering to programming
Kal's rise in career was meteoric in a short span of time. Within a month, he got a chance to move to Bengaluru (then Bangalore) and also to programming.
Soon, he was in Chennai with Tata Consultancy Services (TCS). Within a few months, he was sent to Edinburgh, UK.
From Edinburgh, his next stop was the United States. In 1992, he went to the US as an entry level contractor with Wal-Mart. In two years, he was a director running a division.
When he left Wal-Mart after six years, he was a man running the information systems for the International Division of the retail giant.
In 1998, he joined drugstore.com Online Pharmacy as the chief information officer and in 2001 at the age of 30, he was the CEO of the company.
He was at the right place at the right time. "God was there at every step guiding me to take the right decisions. I was also willing to take risks and tread new paths," Kal says.

Starting GlobalScholar
Philanthropist Mike Milken who had donated more than a billion dollars to education, wanted to use technology so that high quality education was accessible to ordinary people.
Milken convinced Kal to join him. That was the time Kal was building schools in his village for poor students.
In October 2007, GlobalScholar was launched targetting both teachers and students by acquiring four companies -- National Scholar (USA), Classof1 (India), Excelsior (USA), and Ex-Logica (USA) -- that were into education.
"Three months after the launch, I travelled all over the US, India, Singapore and China talking to teachers and companies and the public. I found that the only way to impact education was by impressing teachers. The biggest scarcity in the world is good teachers. We decided to help teachers with teaching practices and kids, learning practices."
Kal Raman decided to concentrate on the US market as the US is more advanced in using technology. "They are also willing to pay money for technology. At present, schools buy the material which can be used by teachers, students and parents."
Today, they have 200 people working for GlobalScholar in Chennai and 150 in the US. The study material is prepared in the Chennai office.
The company that was started with $50 million will have in excess of $32 million and will generate $5 million of profits. In 2008, the turnover of the company was Rs 40 crore (Rs 400 million) and in 2009, it was Rs 80 crore (Rs 800 million). In the current year it will be 150-160 crore (Rs 1.5-1.6 billion).
"GlobalScholar is growing at 200 per cent every year. We have 1,000 schools and 10 million students, which is one out of 10 kids in the US, using our study material. This is almost 18 per cent of the US population. We are the fastest growing education company in the US."
GlobalScholar will soon introduce a pilot project in India and China. In the course of all this, Kalyana Raman became Kal Raman. "The country gave me everything and took half my name."
Giving back to society
Kal Raman is in India now for the Kumbhabhishekam of the temple at his village Mannarkoil. "It is taking place after 500 years. It is the culmination of two-and-a-half years of work. I have spent more than one and a half crore rupees (Rs 15 million) to renovate the temple and do the Kumbhabhishekam. More than anything else, I have given jobs to all my friends in the village who are masons and carpenters."
Other than this, he has also adopted all the orphanages around his village and he takes care of around 2,000 kids, some of whom are physically handicapped.
"I feel if I can educate these children, eventually we can make a difference in the society. We also help 100 children in their higher education. Around my village, everyone knows that if a kid who studies well cannot afford to pay fees, he has to only come to my house; his education will be taken care of."
"I do not do this as charity; its my responsibility. I am giving something back to the society that fed me, taught me, and took care of me and gave me hopes. "

Desire For Liberation

By Swami Bhoomananda Tirtha
The course of the Jivatma's journey towards liberation passes through many births. At some point of time, due to past Karma and more importantly through God's grace, the Jivatma realises the ultimate purpose and begins the search for this goal. The Bhagavata Purana, that is the essence of Vedic literature, provides the necessary assistance to the Jivatma in this regard.As one starts listening to the narratives not only are one's sins wiped away gradually, but the desire for liberation takes root as well.

Parikshit, who got the valuable opportunity of listening to the Bhagavata Purana from Sage Suka and attained liberation, exemplifies the successful spiritual aspirant. This king had inadvertently thrown a dead snake on a sage in deep meditation, and immediately regretted this act. Though the sage himself remained unruffled, it was his son who cursed the king that he would die of snake bite within seven days. Parikshit accepted this curse willingly as a fit punishment for his act. He undertook penance for the remaining period of his life and did not want to get immersed in worldly life. This Vairagya is to be emulated by the Jivatma who has to turn his back to worldly attractions and look inwards for seeking liberation.

Dhruva and Prahlada also teach valuable lessons. Dhruva had desired to sit on the lap of his father but the stepmother refused to grant this rightful wish. Dhruva felt insulted and his mother, who also suffered indignities in the palace, saw no other way than ask the child to seek God through penance and propitiation. God is the only enduring relative for every one. He alone remains with us always and protects us unfailingly.

In the case of Prahlada, the father was tooth and nail against his son who implicitly believed in God. He advised his young friends to get involved in seeking God and not fritter away the life in wasteful pursuits. From one's childhood the dharma of devotional service to God is to be practised. Attachment to perishable things only leads to physical and mental strain. We have to cultivate the discrimination by which the body and the soul are perceived as two entities.

Golden Durga Puja @ Cuttack

Kolkata may host the most lavish Durga puja pandals in the country complete with elaborate decoration and dazzling illumination, but in Cuttack the puja is popular for the extravagance in style reflected in gold and silver work.

Lakhs of people visit the puja pandals organised by three main puja organisers who compete with each other to put gold crowns on the heads of the deities.

It all started a few years back when the three organisers put up silver tableaux or ‘Chandi Medha’ in the pandals imparting a sparkling aura.

But gold? Nobody thought of it till Choudhury Bazar puja committee made gold crowns for the deities in 2002 to coincide with its golden jubilee.

Thereafter the three organisers are vying with each other to give the ‘golden’ touch to their worship of Durga. The budget for the Mangalabag Puja Committee this year is a whopping Rs one crore, the major chunk of which would be spent on making gold crowns.

Not just the Durga idol, all the other deities that flank her will sport gold crowns this year including Ganesh, Kartik, Laxmi and Saraswati.

While the main crown of Goddess Durga is made up of 2.5 kg of gold, the remaining four crowns weigh a little over 2.5 kg. The total cost for the crowns, including making charges, has crossed the Rs one crore mark, said a member of the puja committee overseeing the work.

Two other two puja committees -- Choudhury Bazar and Sheikh Bazar -- have also made gold crowns for Durga idols this year. The crown for Mahisasura was made of 7.6 kg gold at a cost of Rs 50 lakh.

Besides the crown, they have ordered gold necklaces for the Goddess Durga as well.

Sheikh Bazaar had also made a gold crown for Goddess Durga in 2008. A crown of 3.5 kg gold was made at a cost of Rs 28 lakh which continues to be the star attraction of Cuttack Dusshera.

Known for their impeccable dexterity, filigree artisans of Cuttack have always received appreciation worldwide.

At a time when silversmiths of the city were deprived of government support, non-existence of cooperatives, poor entrepreneurship, professional rivalries and invasion of machine-finished products in markets, the competition to go for silver tableaus and golden crowns have given them a new lease of life.
Click On Picture To Enlarged Image

Saptashrungi Devi Temple Nasik

The Saptashrungi Devi temple is located at Vani near Nashik in Maharashtra. This temple is one among the 51 Shakti peethas located on the Indian subcontinent.

The Devi is said be swayambhu (self-manifested) on a rock on the sheer face of a mountain. She is surrounded by seven (sapta-in Sanskrit) peaks (shrunga-in Sanskrit), hence the name- Sapta Shrungi Mata (mother of the seven peaks). The image of the Devi is huge-about 10 feet tall with 18 hands, holding various weapons. The idol is always coated with Sindoor, which is considered auspicious in this region. She is believed to be Mahishasur Mardini, the slayer of the demon Mahishasur, who took the form of a buffalo. Hence, at the foot of the hill, from where one starts climbing the steps, there is the head of a buffalo, made is stone, and believed to be that of the demon.
Mahishasur Mandir
Mahishasur Mandir

It is believed that the Devi Mahatmya, a sacred book which extols the greatness of Devi and her exploits was composed at this place by the sage Markandeya, who performed rigorous penance on a hill opposite the one on which the Devi resides, which is now named after him.

The temple, which sort of sticks to the cliff, is 1230 meters above sea level. There is an old path with steps cut out of the mountain, which starts right at the foothills, at Vani and goes all the way to the mountain. However, now, a motorable road has been built, which goes up to an altitude of 1150 meters. From this place one has to climb around 500 steps to reach the shrine, which only takes about forty five minutes

The Good You Do Comes Back To You

THE EVIL YOU DO REMAINS WITH YOU,
THE GOOD YOU DO, COMES BACK TO YOU.
A woman baked chapati for members of her family and
an extra one for a hungry passerby.
She kept the extra chapati on the window sill, for
whosoever would take it away.
Everyday, a hunchback cums and took away the chapati.
Instead of expressing gratitude,
he muttered the following words
as he went his way:
"The evil you do remains with you:
The good you do, comes back to you!"
This went on, day after day.
Everyday, the hunchback came,
picked up the chapati and uttered the words:
"The evil you do, remains with you:
The good you do, comes back to you!"
The woman felt irritated. "Not a word of gratitude,"
she said to herself...
"Everyday this hunchback utters this jingle!
What does he mean?"
One day, exasperated, she decided to do away with him.
"I shall get rid of this hunchback," she said.
And what did she do?
She added poison to the chapatti as
she prepared for him!
As she was about to keep it on the window sill, her hands trembled.
"What is this I am doing?" she said. Immediately,
she threw the chapati into the fire, prepared another one
and kept it on the window sill.
As usual, the hunchback came, picked up the chapati
and muttered the words:
"The evil you do, remains with you:
The good you do, comes back to you!"
The hunchback proceeded on his way, blissfully unaware
of the war raging in the mind of the woman.
Everyday, as the woman placed the chapati on the window sill,
she offered a prayer for her son who had gone to a distant place
to seek his fortune. For many months, she had no news of him.....
She prayed for his safe return. That same evening, there was a knock on
the door.
As she opened it, she was surprised
to find her son standing in the doorway.
He had grown thin and lean. His garments were tattered and torn.
He was hungry, starved and weak.
As he saw his mother, he said,
"Mom, it's a miracle I'm here.
While I was but a few miles away,
I was so famished that I collapsed.
I would have died, but
just then an old hunchback passed by.
I begged of him for a morsel of food,
and he was kind enough
to give me a whole chapati.
As he gave it to me, he said,
"This is what I eat everyday:
today,
I shall give it to you, for your need is greater than mine!" "
As the mother heard those words,
her face turned pale.
She leaned against the door for support.
She remembered the poisoned chapati that
she had made that morning.
Had she not burnt it in the fire,
it would have been
eaten by her own son,
and he would have lost his life!
It was then that she realized
the significance of the words:
"The evil you do remains with you:
The good you do, comes back to you!"
Do good and Don't ever stop doing good,
even if it?s not appreciated at that time
Hope you remember a saying in urdu which says NEKI KAR DARYA MEIN DAL

If you are expecting some favours in return of the good deed you have done, your deed ceases to be a deed then, it's business then. Do you call a food merchant your 'annadata'? No, because he doesn't donate, he sells. So don't sell your 'neki'.

Pndurang Shastri Athavale

Pandurang Shastri Athavale, popularly known as Dada, is a philosopher cum social reformer. He is credited with being the founder of the Swadhyay Movement. Not present in the world anymore, Pandurang Shastri Vaijnath Athavale was known for giving extremely moving discourses on Srimad Bhagavad Gita and Upanishads. Infact, he tried to motivate his followers to spread the thoughts of Geeta in the society. Given below is the complete biography of Pandurang Shastri Athavale

His Life History
Pandurang Shastri Athavale was born on 19th October 1920, in the Roha village near Mumbai city. His grandfather was Laxman Rao, a renowned scholar and Brahmin who was involved in the spread of Bhagavad Gita amongst the Dalits. Pandurang grew up watching his grandfather go to the Dalit area and then take a bath after coming back home. Surprised by this act, he asked Laxman "If in the Bhagavad Gita the Lord exclaims that God exists within all human hearts, then how can anyone, including the so-called 'untouchables', be considered inferior to anyone else?"

After that, he made a vow to himself that he would always try to see the God within others. Hence, he became the proponent of the concept of "In-dwelling God". By the age of 22 years, Pandurang Shastri Athavale started giving discourses at the Shrimad Bhagavad Gita Pathshala, a school that was set up by his father. In the year 1954, he attended the Second World Religions Conference, which was held in Japan. At the conference, he delivered a speech on the concepts of Vedic ideals as well as the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita.

Even though most of the people rebuffed his views; there was one person who was very impressed with him. He was Dr. Wilson Compton, who then offered Pandurang a post in the USA to spread his ideas and views. However, Pandurang politely turned down the offer. He then devoted himself in establishing a model community, through the spread of Vedic thoughts and message of the Bhagavad Gita. Thus was born the Swadhyay (meaning 'self study') Movement, which spread the message of the holy book not only in India, but the whole world.

The family members of the Swadhyay Pariwar are called 'Swadhyayees' and include people from the upper as well as the lower classes. The Swadhyayees who spread the ideas of Athavale throughout the country are known as "Krutisheels' or the people of action. Pandurang Shastri Athavale also founded an institute, known as Tatvagyan Vidhyapeeth, where young people study and learn his views and ideas. Pandurang left for the holy abode on 25th October 2003, in Mumbai. His adopted daughter, Jayshree Talwalkar, is carrying on his work today.

Recognition

* Ramon Magsaysay Award in Manila, Philippines (1996) - for community leadership
* Templeton Prize in Westminster Abbey, London (1997)
* Padma Vibhushan (1998) - for his efforts towards social reform

Pictorial Representation Of Dada Bhagwan's Sayings

Please Click on the pictures to see the message and enlarged pictures.

Stones That Speak

Stones that speak
GOWRI RAMNARAYAN

A MARVEL OF MAHABALIPURAM: Shiva instructing his disciple Tandu who gave the name Tandava to the art.
city of ponds and lakes’ A bridge with a view
TOPICS
arts, culture and entertainment culture (general)
history

After 32 years in IIT, Delhi, what inspired Professor S. Swaminathan to write about Mahabalipuram? Gowri Ramnarayan meets the engineer-turned-author

How did a mechanical engineer turn into an expert in ancient monuments? How did Professor S. Swaminathan, after 32 years at IIT, Delhi produce a coffee table book on “Mahabalipuram: Unfinished Poetry in Stone” with photographs by Ashok Krishnaswamy?

A casual trip to Ajanta in 1963 triggered a life-changing experience. Swaminathan realised that he had no background on the breathtaking wonders of the 29 caves. “Our monuments have become picnic spots. We have no understanding of heritage.” His anguish took positive shape when he devised a course in art and technology. “IIT is an export zone. The student's mind is in the U.S., he knows Cincinnati, not Tiruchirapalli. But a 5,000-year-old heritage cannot be trivial! Where is identity without culture?”

Five years of research on Ajanta resulted in a book with exhaustive details about every cave and fresco — location, layout, stylistic phases, politics, patronage, theme, composition, technique, pigment — even details about portrayal of women and methods of rendering limbs.

He has documented Ajanta in sleeve notes that “you can enjoy sitting in the drawing room,” he laughs, admitting that “you” is really himself. Pulling out more unpublished sleeve notes and “books” he adds, “Until age 70 my name was printed only on the IIT prospectus. Now I find it on the cover of Mahabalipuram.” It was preceded by an elaborate source book and months of photography. “We're planning a cheaper edition; the people I write for can't buy a book for Rs. 2,500.”

He continues reflectively, “I'm a loner, like doing things for myself. Nothing commercial. Whatever I find is on the public domain, on my website. Many download stuff when they travel to Ajanta or Nalanda or Sittannavasal”. The engineer in Swaminathan gravitates to the material and craft methods of the past. He probes into the growth and direction of thought in the community that shapes its art forms. “We look at the wrong end of the telescope. What we see in heritage sites is not art, but the outcome of extended meditation.”

Studying a bewildering range of subjects from Tamil prosody to cartoons and Gandhian philosophy, Swaminathan is fascinated by Brahmi, the mother of all Indian and most south Asian scripts, and Grantha, developed by the Pallavas to write Sanskrit.

“I dream,” said the retired professor when a man he met by chance asked, “What do you do?” He was probably thinking about cultural centre Sudarshanam, launched in hometown Pudukkottai. But the questioner, industrialist GRK Reddy, persisted in knowing more and Swaminathan found himself supported by Marg Swarnabhoomi to publish Mahabalipuram. “I've been given an office too, to work on any project I like.” A crucial interest is starting heritage clubs with location specific cultural study in village/district schools.

The Taj Mahal is everywhere. What do we know of the greater marvels of Mahabalipuram?” asks Professor Swaminathan. “Every one of its motifs is singular, unique, no repetition. A lion with a Mahishasuramardhini carved on its stomach! Every ratham (chariot) is fashioned differently. The Arjuna Penance is the pinnacle of sculptural vision. Spare ornamentation and subtle details achieve superb classicism. Can you find a more accomplished emperor, Mahendra Pallava?” he wonders. His “Mahendra trail” of the visionary king titled Vichitrachitta, has become well-known. He has conducted courses in the old port for tourist guides, as also residence seminars involving eight hours spent daily in front of bas relief, monolith and cave. “Nowhere else do we find all three in one spot.”

Swaminathan does not see himself as a scholar, but a rasika who wants to introduce what he enjoys to others. “I'm no author jumping from book to book. But I do want to write on the Kailasanatha temple, Kanchi.” No, he has not set specific goals for himself. “My greatest joy is that I have sensitised many students to the value of our heritage. Many write and say I have transformed their way of thinking. What more can I want?”

The Book:

Mahabalipuram: Unfinished poetry in Stone

Beginning with the first cave temples excavated in south India (Mandagapattu) by Mahendra Pallava (590-630 CE), the book looks at the countless works of art scattered on the Mahabalipuram shore. To the breath stopping parade of cave shrine, bas relief, monolith and even regional flora, quaintness and riddles add spice — an inscription of a Saivite curse on a Vaishnava shrine, the mystery of the tiger cave, speculation on whether Arjuna or Bhagiratha is the central ascetic in the Great Penance…

No jargon in the chatty ‘in' style. The visual close-ups engender empathy and intimacy. What stands out is the writer's and lensman's eagerness to share their passion for the sweep of imagination and craft splendour in these Pallava marvels, as the author traces the legend, composition, and details on the walls. Turning the pages is to watch stone springing to life in this magnificent sculpture garden.

The images of Mahendra Pallava, flanked by his queens, or cleverly representing himself and Lord Siva in the same figure at Lalitankura Pallavagriham (Rockfort, Tiruchi), establish an irresistible human interest in this saga of unnamed sthapatis who left by the rolling waves their exquisite odes to the gods, and to the human spirit.

The Photographer

A visual communications professor who works with some of the highest brands in India and overseas, a trainer in graphic art tools, photography, visual design and animation, Ashok Krishnaswamy was prompted by an associate's query, “What have you done for society?” to document old temples as a quiet personal mission.

As a young man Krishnaswami learnt photography at Mahabalipuram, with a cheap camera and scrounged film rolls. Despite the immense advances since then, the project posed its challenges. The Arjuna Penance bas relief had to be captured in multiple frames. Negotiating the narrow space at the Dharmaraja chariot was quite a task. The huge Govardhan panel in the Krishna mandapam? “I took each portion between the pillars and stitched them together.”

Song Of The Spirit

Like the protagonist of his solo play on Swami Vivekananda, singer-actor Shekhar Sen won the hearts of one and all.

The life and vision of the man divine, Swami Vivekananda was presented by Impresario India in an incredible musical play written, composed and enacted by the renowned actor-singer Shekhar Sen from Mumbai at Kamani auditorium this past week. The outstanding performance of this gifted artiste encompassed the life of the patriot saint whose vision of shared spirituality and eloquent message at the World Parliament of Religions at Chicago conquered the hearts of people from across the world. Disclosing the making of this dynamic saint, the two-hour long riveting play unfolds the stories of his childhood, the impact of the Brahmo-Samaj on him, his eagerness to find God and meeting his revered mentor Ramakrishna Paramhamsa, his unforgettable Chicago speech, and so on.

A talented singer, composer, lyricist and actor, Sen left the audience awestruck, debating whether he was a better singer or actor, after his spellbinding performance as Vivekananda. With a solid background provided by his initial training in classical music from an early age under his parents Anita and Arun Kumar Sen, both renowned vocalists of the Gwaliar gharana, Shekhar later established his distinct identity by singing poetry of the medieval poets. He has done more than 1500 shows across the world. With 190 cassettes and CDs to his credit, he has also sung for the record-breaking serial “Ramayana”. After the resounding success of his musical mono-acts on Goswami Tulsidas and Kabeer, “Vivekananda” represents yet another milestone for this gem of an artiste.

The thoughtfully conceived solo play “Vivekananda” comes alive with moving dialogues and melodious music offering a rich variety from simple traditional folk tunes to classical to Bangla geet , along with the authentic khol and manjira accompaniment.

The Meera bhajan “Daras bin dookhan laage nain” based on raga Hamsadhwani conveys Naren's poignant yearning to see God. The first song he sings for Swami Ramakrishna is a Bangla song in raga Desh with the folk fragrance of Bengal. “Nirgun Nirakar” in raga Jog set to drut Ek tala offer a comely contrast next. When asked by his mentor to sing “pukka gaana” (classical music), he impresses with an impeccable Bhairavi bandish “Maa Kaalika” set to drut Teen tala.

If “Prabhu mere avagun chit na dharo”, composed in Chandrakauns and sung by the tawaif in the court of Khetri Maharaja, has all the pathos to evoke Vivekananda's remorse and compassion, the dhrupad in raga Darbari, “Har Har Mahadeva” is the ideal composition to be sung as an invocation to Lord Shiva at Amarnath.

The delightfully difficult syncopation in “Tahi aheer ki chhoharia, chhachhiya bhar chhachh pen ach nachavai” showcased Sen's immaculate command over the rhythmic aspect as well. The concluding Bhairavi bhajan “Itana to karna Swami jab pran tan se nikale” gave the intimation of Swami Vivekananda's nirvikalpak samadhi.

Impresario India deserves kudos for bringing this outstanding presentation to the art loving audience of the Capital.

Maitryee The Vedic Village

Maitreyi — The Vedic Village

Near Pollachi

USP: Rejuvenating the mind, body and soul

It is like looking through absinthe — everything is awash in green. Undulating swatches of lawns, coconut plantations, vegetable patches, tulsi in brindavans in front of every cottage — just green, green and then some more. The eyes feel rested. The quiet is heady.

The unwinding begins even before we reach Maitreyi Vedic Resort. In fact, a little out of Pollachi and the tension begins to ebb. Thoughts of giving it all up and migrating to this patch of rural bliss become urgent.

The resort is sanctuary-like, keeping the mad, bad world at bay. Twenty five acres of freshness, and a view that includes the Anamalai Hills, in the Western Ghats. What else does one need?

Plonk down on the charming red oxide benches outside your cottage. You have a ringside seat to Mother Nature's lavish production. A concert of bird song, where insects provide the background score; streams gurgle and trees shush, keeping time.

Like the ashrams of yore, Maitreyi has been created following Vastu Shastra. Everything has a reason to be where it is. The cottages are elegant, simple and very comfortable.

So, what do you do all day? Several things, only if you want to. Transcendental meditation is one of them. The resort offers its guests a short course. According to Uwe, who is German, and runs The Vedic Village, “The idea is to spread the knowledge contained in the Vedas.” So, it is about simple living and high thinking. A ramble around the property and we spot neatly laid out vegetable plots (all organic), fruit trees and beaming cows in their shed. There is yoga for those who prefer to deep breathe their way into the day.

If all that pure air and scenery gets too much, seek refuge in a massage. Just book yourself for an Ayurvedic spa. Maitreyi offers its guests a variety, ranging from an hour-long rejuvenating session to one that lasts up to three weeks for specific health-related treatments.

If it is detox of the mind, body and soul you are looking for, then Maitreyi is pretty much your place. Simple meals are served in the dining room. The resort is pure vegetarian and, for all you satvik souls out there, onions and garlic are not used either.

A big hall doubles as a conference room, or in case of music and dance concerts, as an auditorium.

Vishakha Hari The Harikatha Exponent

From a CA topper to a sought-after harikatha artiste. Vishakha Hari tells Chitra Swaminathan that kathakalakshepam is a way of life for her

Vishakha Hari is in her early thirties but walks in a madisar (nine-yard sari) with the élan of a veteran. She is an all-India rank-holder in chartered accountancy but revels being a raconteur. She grew up in Chennai but prefers the spiritual aura and serenity of Srirangam. She travels widely for her performances but leisure is spent studying scriptures and rehearsing upanyasam and sangeetham.

In this e-driven world, Vishakha is an anachronism; drawing full houses with her musical discourses. And at a time when snazzy pictures and sound bytes are a must for success, Vishakha insists “what have I achieved, why are you clicking so many pictures? One small photograph and a short write-up focussing on harikatha should do.”

So the brief photo shoot-cum-interview begins late in the morning at Nageshwara Rao Park, (after we convince her that the outdoors would be better) where walkers stop to greet her with a namaskaram. After a few shots are taken, she is ready to leave. “Enough?” she asks and we nod rather hesitantly. It's time anyway for the park to be closed. We then gently suggest taking a few more pictures at the nearby Kapaleeswarar temple tank. Anxious about the packed day ahead and her late evening trip to Bangalore for a performance, Vishakha reluctantly agrees. And as she alights the steps to the temple tank, her face suddenly lights up and with child-like charm she remarks, “Oh, this is so serene and wonderful. I could read and sing here the whole day.”

Evidently, she instantly connects to places with spiritual vibrations. Vishakha then turns to tell you she never visits beaches or parks. Anyway, there is not much scope for sightseeing in her hectic travel itineraries.

Does she not think about life beyond the humdrum of performances and practice? “For me, kathakalakshepam is not just about performance. It stays with me even when I get off stage. There is no such thing as professional or personal life. They blend seamlessly. And I have chosen this way of life out of passion for the art form. So where is the need to think beyond it?” she philosophises with flair.
Inspiration from home

She was 22 when she took to this age-old art form after marrying into the family of celebrated harikatha exponent Krishna Premi. Vishakha's husband Hariji also conducts discourses.

A disciple of violin maestro Lalgudi Jayaraman, Vishakha's early and elaborate training in classical music helps her convey eloquently the essence of the ancient texts.

“Home is where inspiration comes from. I draw from my father-in-law's experience, rich repertoire of stories and the numerous books penned by him. Observation, reading, research and rehearsal are essential to upanyasam,” says Vishakha, clad in a blue pattu sari with a bold peacock-shaped brooch pinned on the talapu (pallu). The simple accessories — mookuthi and jhumki — have the same old-world appeal as her art.

Doesn't she find draping the nine-yard every day cumbersome? “It is all in the mind. In Chennai or Cleveland, I am always clad in it. It was extremely cold when I visited the U.S. for a recital, but I stuck to my dress code,” smiles Vishakha.

Though kathakalakshepam conjures up images of a serious religious discourse attended by a small gathering of elders, Vishakha's harikatha performances have a huge following. Her distinctive and vibrant style of coherently weaving stories from the past, peppering them with contemporary metaphors and punctuating them suitably with classical compositions keep the audience, comprising the old and the young, engaged till the last word is uttered. Her reach is wider because she performs in English outside Chennai. She spoke on “Role of education in international development” at the House of Commons in the U.K. She has also released six DVDs that are quite a sell out.

How does she react to criticism that there is more music than discourse in her upanyasam? “There are such evocative verses and compositions by great saints that lend themselves beautifully to the stories from epics and mythology and make it easy to convey the inherent message or philosophy,” she replies with schoolgirl-earnestness.

Does she plan to introduce new elements into her performances to make them more appealing to the young? “That's not warranted if youngsters have a basic awareness about our arts. They will eventually learn to appreciate their beauty. Parents need to introduce children to our heritage, art and culture. You know the phrase ‘catch them young' has reference in mythology too. Prahlada talks about it in ‘Koumara achareth pragyaha' when he reforms asura kids and talks about inculcating good achar in children for them to lead a wholesome life,” she says lovingly patting her son, Rajagopala.

Many Happy Returns...........Krishna

A News Item In The Hindu

ISKCON temple is all set to usher in Krishna Janmashtmi

If there is a god for all seasons, it is Krishna. His teachings, his personality and his aura transcends generations. As we celebrate one more birth anniversary of the loveable god, temples are decked up for Krishna Janmashtmi. One of the biggest centres of activity is ISKCON temple in East of Kailash.

Formed by a group of Hare Rama Hare Krishna followers in 1998, the International Society for Krishna Consciousness propagates Krishna's beliefs and path to attain enlightenment.

According to Vrajendra Nandan Prabhu, ISKCON India Communications, for the first time there will be a Radha Krishna swing pastime (jhulan yatra jhaanki).

“It is one of the top most attractions with life size forms of Radha and Krishna seated on a swing under a kadamba tree. Thousands are expected to rock the swing and receive transcendental mercy of their lordships.”

In the mini amphitheatre of the temple there is all encompassing Krishna dancing on the multiple hoods of the serpent Kaliya crushing his false ego. The transparent blue waters add to the mystique of this timeless tale.

During the celebrations, a play on ‘Krishna Leela' was staged by Bhakta Prahlad School.

Science and spirituality

In an interesting mix of science and spirituality, a committed team of IIT and DTU students have set up a multimedia presentation stall with a question and answer booth where principles of Vedic wisdom are scientifically answered. For the inquisitive, ISKCON's Youth Forum wing has designed presentations on various themes like God, peace, Vedic culture, etc to give the celebrations an intellectual tone.

At midnight, there will be maha-abhisheka of the lord in the midst of sankirtan, dance and prasadam. The lord's attire has come from Vrindavan. The altar of Krishna has been decorated with flowers and fruits from India and abroad.

“Last year, we witnessed four lakh devotees and this year we expect half a million devotees. One of the biggest challenges that we face is people getting carried away. They start dancing in a trance. Security and traffic issues become a problem, but this year security will be extra-tight,” assures Prabhu.