852. Is consecration a way to protect the art….!

A few weeks back I had been to Gatikachalam near Sholingur, Vellore district of Tamil Nadu. The presiding deity Sri Yoga Narasimha sits on the top of one hill and opposite to Him on another hill is a temple dedicated to Sri Yoga Anjeneya. The two temples on the hill can to be reached by climbing steps and on the way we have lots of monkeys and their antics for entertainment. It was a lovely place and the cool breeze on the hill was just enchanting.

As we climbed down the hill there were many street hawkers selling lots of articles, one particular item interested me. I normally do not purchase any religious relics but I could not stop purchasing this unique looking object, the FLYING HANUMAN. It was the engineering marvel behind it that made me purchase it. Whoever had designed it had taken care to see that the Flying Hanuman maintain the balance. The front of the Hanuman has the balance of the mace and the Sanjivini mountain he is carrying. A hook secured on the back of Hanuman happens to be the center point of buoyancy. By tying a thread to the hook Hanuman looks like he is eager to fly fast and save unconscious Lakshamana at the battlefield.

I had this Flying Hanuman tied to the interior rear mirror of my vehicle. Now, every time I hit a bump the Flying Hanuman banged on to the windshield. I tried to shorten the length of the thread but no help from it, finally I left it so. I wondered if Hanuman could get hurt every time I negotiate a hump. Oh! How silly I thought within a fraction of a second. Had I done Prana Pratistapana (consecration) to it, I asked myself. When I believe that everything is Him, yet there are few things which get that sacred marque because of consecration. My knowledge that everything emanates from Him should have a limit, if not I will think twice to kick start a scooter.

A few years back a moron posted a photo on Facebook just to anger Hindus. In the pic he was seen standing near a Shivalinga with one foot on the top of the Linga. Though there was outrage and the moron was arrested by police, I wondered what he was thinking. He believed that many Hindus believed the divinity to be present in that Linga which was a stone and by putting his leg over it he could anger them. In the first place he agreed that many believe that divinity was present in that stone hence he chose that particular stone. Secondly though he was showing disrespect to the stone by choosing that particular stone he was aware of the sanctity in it. Thirdly after posting that pic and after his arrest he was sure that a consecrated stone has indeed power to make his body turn black and blue.

I consider creativity to be a form of worship. A sculptor ascribe worth by duplicating the one he worships by giving vent to his artistic skills bestowed by the one who he is creating. I have visited many Hoysala temples and have been fortunate to see the architectural grandeur of those times. If not for the Khilji’s troops lead by its general Malikafur the temples which were 600 in number would have been standing examples for the work of art.     

Can we not appreciate an art and its artist without moving toward idolatry? Perhaps the answer lies in understanding that art should be valued as such, it does not have ultimate value though it will be carried into eternity. This is the means of valuing art whether it encourages us to holiness and right living.

Was consecration a way to protect the art…….any views???

851. The Rich Poor Parity.....

Rich and poor parity is too large in my country. My country was ruled by many dynasties for centuries, though one cannot say that the poor section of people never existed at those times the gap between the haves and have not was not too large. Moreover the abundance was experienced by all, even though it was difficult to some to make the two ends meet it was not impossible.

As civilization progressed the wedge between rich and poor has increased. The rich are growing rich and the poor are stuck down. The economic policy which my country witnessed at the time of Kauntilya was different the Artha (wealth) did not breach Dharma (righteousness).  Modern day economic policy help the rich to go richer. There is no harm in the rich being richer but never it should be at the cost of poor. Economic freedom for a few should not result in economic slavery for many.
No, this write up is not advocating socialism but aims ati limiting capitalism. The logic here is that rich pay taxes, rich pay more taxes' concept ditches the poor very badly. No rich man in the human history became poorer by paying high taxes. In contrast, the poor who has not paid any taxes continue to grow poorer.

For example, the cost of diesel is the same for a auto-rickshaw driven by a auto driver or a tractor used by a farmer in his field and a BMW owner. The present philosophy of equality has neither ensured equality nor equity but has perpetuated poverty. Classes among the masses continue to emerge. The divisions are becoming deeper and the enmity sharper. Differences crop up among a country men, among small groups and among states.

Though welfare governments take care of the immediate needs of such vulnerable sections of societies, the show can't go on forever. Economic giants, policy planners, and sociologists must sit together for a futuristic agenda, which will ensure a life with dignity.

A futuristic, welfare state is not the one that solves a present crisis amicably but, averts a future one. Every rich of the world has got a Charity. Appreciable! But no self respecting individual likes to live a life of charity for ever. They want parity. It would be a pity that if we go on talking about piety or empathy, without helping the needy to stand on their own. The crutches are a burden, for a person who has learnt walking on his own isn’t it.

I bow to that Spiritual Guru or a Political Leader who does something to thin the rich poor parity.

850. Karma Yoga, the selfless service......!

“Seva” or “KarmaYoga” means sacrifice, selfless service, unselfish work, meritorious deeds, giving away something to others without expectations. Some people often get confused and think that leading a life devoted to scriptural study, contemplation, and acquiring transcendental knowledge may be better for spiritual progress than doing one’s worldly duty. Why this confusion???

There is twofold ways of living life:

1. Practised by Jnanis, Sankhyas or highly intellectuals.

2. Practised by the Karma Yogi or men of action.

The Jnani who is highly intellectual analyses that his body is formed by Prakriti and identify himself with the Supreme, hence clearly realise that he is only an instrument in His hands. Obviously he thinks he is a Non-Doer. As he is a Non-Doer he does not yearn for the outcome of the action too, so he automatically becomes Non-Enjoyer. Detaching himself away from the body he root out ego and proceed from Non-Doer to Non-Enjoyer. Whereas a Karma Yogi is not intellectual enough he should reverse the process and he should start with Nishkama Karma (Non-Enjoyer) and end up becoming Non-Doer.

A Jnani withdraws himself from the world and its activities and realizes the Supreme in the chamber of his own heart where as a Karma Yogi tries to understand the Supreme as the greatest of the great in the universe at large which he considers the manifestation of the Supreme by his selfless service.

It is not wise to just by renounce the action because by renouncing action it becomes Inaction which is Tamasic.  No creature can ever be idle even for a minute and also the body cannot be maintained properly if one sits idle.  It is the nature of modes (prakriti) that the three Gunas impel us to work.  A fool merely renounces the sense of organs while the same persist in his mind.

 

The three Gunas in us directs us to do work in the respective ways:

1.     Those who work in a systematic way even though enthusiastic outward with a bit of disinterest ness within. They are Satvik.

2.     Those who work with restlessness and are passionate towards the end result. They are Rajasik.

3.     Those who put off work with lethargy and are unmindful of the importance of the work. They are Tamasik. 

Work done for the sake of their up-liftment will bind them to samsaras so duty has to be done for the welfare of the society.

One’s growth comes from working selflessly rather than giving up work and practising sense-control before one is naturally ready for it. Bringing the mind under control is difficult, and spiritual life becomes a mockery without mastery over the senses. Desires may become dormant and rise again to give trouble, just as a sleeping person wakes up in due course of time. The four goals of human life (Purusharthas)— doing one's duty (Dharma), earning wealth (Artha), material and sensual enjoyment (Kama), and attaining salvation (Moksha) — were designed in the Vedic tradition for gradual and systematic growth of the individual and the progress of society.

One does not tread the spiritual life by prematurely wearing saffron clothes to maintain an Ashram, he has to first conquer the six inner enemies Kama (lust), Krodha (anger), Lobha (greed), Madha (pride), Moha (attachment), and Matsarya (envy). It is said that such pretenders do a great disservice to Supreme, Society, and Self. They become unfit of happiness in this world and the next. A pretending monk is considered sinful and a destroyer of the ascetic order of life. 

849. Story of KABALI...............!

This is the story of KABALI……no not the movie!

Kabaliswarar is the name given to Maharudradeva. There is a temple in Mylapore, Chennai. This is one of the sacred shrines in Tamil Nadu has a Gopuram (Spire) and a big water tank to the west of the temple. The view of the temple and the tank is picturesque. This temple was release rather consecrated in 7th century B.C by the Pallava kings. This temple is open throughout the year. And the show (sorry) dharshanam timing is 6.00 A.M to 1.00 P.M and again from 4.00 P.M to 8.00 P.M. Temple is open to all without paying for tickets.

Now let me tell you the story of KABALI.

Once Maharudradeva was meditating on Mount Kailasa, His abode. A group of sages headed by Srustikartha Brahma arrives there. They have a serious problem which they think Maharudradeva will provide a suitable solution. The pros and cons of the solution are discussed. Parvati, the consort of Maharudradeva is also deeply involved in the discussion. Brahma has a suggestion but his suggestion is not approved by the lot. Brahma asks Maharudradeva for his opinion. Maharudradeva too feels that the solution suggested by Brahma to the problem was not apt. Without fear and favour our Maharudradeva rejects the solution. Srustikartha Brahma is furious.

We all know Maharudradeva has five heads each having a name viz., Tatpurusha, Aghora, Sadjyota, Vamadeva and Ishana. And amazingly Brahma too had five heads at that time. Now when the whole lot of the sages were interested in the solution that Maharudradeva was to provide, Brahma became egoistic. He was so imbalanced in mind due to the inflated Ego, that he said if it is the number of heads one has to be the criteria to provide the solution to the problem, he too has five heads like Maharudradeva.

Now our Maharudradeva who does not stand Ego, stood up; he cut off one of the head of Brahma and made him Chaturmukha Brahma. Since Maharudradeva had cut off the Kapala (skull in Sanskrit) the group of sages present there named him KABALISWARAR.

Many of the fans (apacharam apacharam) devotees believe that this is not a story that was scripted but a real incidence. No one knows when this happened as the main character in this incident Maharudradeva is himself ETERNAL.

848. Universe is as neutral as a mirror………!

This universe is as neutral as a mirror; we perceive in it only what we place before it……  

There is this following verse in Sri Dakshinamurthy Stotram:-

Viswam darpana drusyamana nagari, Thulyam nijantargatham.  Pasyannathmani mayaya bahirivoth, Bhutham yatha nidraya.

Meaning: World is like a city seen in the mirror, which is seen within (mind/mirror) but appears outside due to veil of ignorance, just as in a dream.

The quintessence of the above verse is that world which is outside us is same as our inside but we see them as different entities due to the veil of ignorance. A person taking a nap after a hefty meal dreams that he is hunger. When he wakes up he realises that the feel of hunger is false. Likewise when I look at myself in the mirror I am sure that it is just the reflection of me in the mirror and that the image is not me.

Mirror has this amazing feature of reflecting whatever is in front of it. Suppose I place a teapot in front of the mirror the mirror reflects that teapot. If I smash the teapot with a hammer the teapot breaks mirror is intact. The mirror has no attachments towards objects that it reflects. Also while reflecting the teapot the mirror does not reflect the various objects it had reflected in the past. An enlightened person is just like that mirror. They just reflect only the present and yet are not attached to it. They are not anxious of the object that has to be reflected and if there is nothing to reflect upon, they just reside in the emptiness.

Now what is that mirror in me???

It is the MIND. If my mind has to be free of the objects, I need to be aware of them. If I am unaware of what happens then attachment creeps in without me knowing. That is the key. My mind is always drawn towards the world through my five sensory organs. Sabda (sound) got from my ears, Sparsha (touch) from my skin, Rupa (form) got from my eyes, Rasa (taste) from my tongue and finally Gandha (smell) from my nose direct my mind to outside world. Hence I address this relative world as Prapancha (ruckus of five).

My mind always triumphs in the association of something gross that my five sensory organs deliver to it. The five sensory organs bring in material things , thoughts, emotions and my mind without them cannot stay on its own. It craves for them and runs behind them. In this melee it becomes stained with the impressions of them. Awareness is for the mind to notice these happenings. Noticing or witnessing is enough to understand about the clinging. Reality in its purest form is never affected by anything. Just like that, awareness is also like a mirror reflecting everything and never being affected by them. When I am aware I need not worry. Realising that I am a mirror is called awareness and thus my mind is stainless. Stainless mind can easily get aligned to Absolute Consciousness …..What say???

847. Karma is the righteous action, Dharma is righteous decision.........!

Sanskrit is a language which has many words which reflects more than one meaning. One such word is “Dharma” which denotes both as religion and as decree. Religion is belief system founded by someone, which a large section of people accept under a common symbol, text and rituals. Dharma on the other hand is more of a way of living followed since aeons. Knowledge imparted to a person to lead a life in a certain way, based on the principle of truth is Dharma. If Karma is the righteous action, righteous decision is Dharma. Dharma is not to preach or teach, it is to be observed, followed and practised. Dharma is the role I play. Dharma practised in the ancient times has a multitude of difference from what is practised today. 

Hippocratic Oath for a doctor becomes the Dharma of a doctor. Likewise there is oath that a politician, a lawyer, a policeman, a soldier takes which becomes Dharma of that particular person. Even for a man, who accepts a job, be it as a C.E.O or a clerk the job description becomes his Dharma. Sometimes, the role is self-chosen and sometimes the role is a result due to the karmas of the previous life. Anything that is goes against the oath that involves cheating, deceiving, misleading where the person gets off the spiritual track is called Adharma. Above all, honesty is the highest Dharma.

An individual who is aware of “Who am I?” with the knowledge of karma and knowing that he is just an instrumental cause and his role here is temporary, he discharges his duties without expecting fruits (profit and loss), attachment or aversion to that deed. Those who identify with the roles played and consider them to be permanent are the ones who are deluded.

“Sarva dharman parityajya mam ekam saranam vraja” says Sri Krishna to Arjuna. Now what does Dharman mean here? Many translations refer this word to religion. It is mere common sense to know that at that time there was only Sanatana Dharma. What Sri Krishna mean is that after you perform whatever actions you have to perform as per your dharma, give up the attachment to that Dharma also.

It means, suppose I practice Karma Yoga or Bhakti Yoga, and then I may in time also get a small ego. This ego triggers in me to brag that I am doing the right thing by practising them so I am sure of reaching the highest goal. Though I may be righteous in all my actions I should very well think that I am same as another person who is not practising them. In order to develop this kind of attitude I should renounce all the Dharma that I practice (after practising it), it is like unlearning. In short it is like doing what I think is right and to just leaving it without thinking that I have done the right thing. 

For example, in a traffic signal at the turn of red light a beggar approaches my vehicle. In order to help him I hand him over Rs.10 note. The owner of the other vehicle may reprimand me for encouraging the begging and making him lazy. He might be right too or may be my action was better, neither do I nor the person who lectured me know for sure if the beggar really was needy. Also my small part of contribution cannot fulfil all his needs, so truthful to my conscience it is better to leave (Parityajya) the rest to Him without having pride of doing a great thing and branding myself a generous person……..What say???

846. Guru, the dispeller of Ignorance!

“When the Shishya is ready the Guru appears” says scriptures. 

At time we hope of having a Guru so that our spiritual journey will be easy to thread with his guidance and blessings. There is a need for a Guru who can clear our doubts on Universe, Reality, Truth, and so on. One may wonder why ignorance cannot be dispelled by just reading religious scriptures. The scriptures are like a dense forest with unclear passages. These passages look contradictory and may have obscure meanings, diverse connotation, and concealed explanations with cross-references. Guru can explain the right meaning by removing doubts and ambiguities. Thus the essence of the scriptures unfolds for us. Guru is one who is versed in the scriptures, sinless, untouched by desire and experiencer of Brahman, who has united himself with Brahman. He is calm, like fire that has consumed its fuel with a boundless reservoir of mercy that knows no reason, and a friend of all.

The Jignasattva (desirous of knowing) of the Shishya and the Jnana (Knowledge) of the Guru combine to make a vibrant, progressive society. An athlete’s natural gift and skill acquire direction under the expertise of the coach. A musician’s talent is sharpened by the dedication of the mentor. In the spiritual path it is the enlightenment of the Guru that removes the ignorance in the mind of the seeker.

The Guru-Shishya tradition is accorded paramount importance in our culture. Guru occupies the same pedestal given to Absolute. Spiritual growth is possible only with the grace of a Guru who is a Brahmajnani (established in the state of Realisation) and also has the teaching skills to impart the subtle spiritual concepts. Rare is the person who meets with these stringent qualifications. Yet my motherland has been blessed with outstanding Gurus who have appeared in every generation to keep this unique tradition alive. It is to this singular endowment that we pay our respects. And as a mark of gratitude we offer ourselves as Gurudakshina and pledge to continue the tradition for generations to come. For this total surrender to the Guru is one of the foremost qualifications of a Shishya. This does not imply blind following instead, a Shishya questions, probes and analyses the truths taught so as to understand, absorb and transform his personality to the higher realm. Finally Seva Manobhava (Attitude of Servitude) is implanted by the Guru to the Shishya as the hallmark of Jnana Purnattva (Perfection of Knowledge).

Today is Guru Purnima or Vyasa Purnima. Many confuse this day to be the appearance day of Vyasadeva which is not true. It is on this day Vyasadeva divided the original single Veda into four parts called Rig, Yajur, Sama and Atharva. It is difficult to access the Veda and its contents were difficult to understand. Therefore Vyasadeva collated eighteen chief Puranas to bring out the message of Vedas within the popular reach. Then the essence of those Puranas was conceived as the Jaya or Bharata which was later swelled into the great Mahabharata which contains the famous popular philosophical guide Bhagavad Gita. It is the story of his own progeny playing out the great real life drama of the conflict between Dharma and Adharma. Hence Vyasadeva is considered as Maha Vishnu (Vyasaaya Vishnu Rupaaya). It is said that all the knowledge in the world has been wetted by Vyasadeva’s mouth (Vyaasochhistam Jagat Sarvam). He is the Guru par excellence. I bow to Him on this day of Guru Purnima….!

853. Parenting............

WAKE UP PARENTS

Years back, poor illiterate parents produced

Doctors,

Engineers,

Scientists,

Accountants,

Lawyers,

Architects,

Professors..,

whom I will refer to as Group 'A'.

These Group 'A' children struggled on their own after primary 6 or Grade 12, to become notable personalities.

Most of them

trekked to school barefooted

went to farms

fetched water and firewood

cared for domesticated animals

did some work including trading after school to survive.

Now Group 'A' ,who have now become parents themselves are producing Group 'B' Children

These group B children are

pampered

helped in their homework or home assignments from nursery school through secondary schools to higher institutions.

chauffeur driven to very expensive schools or are sent abroad to study.

they can watch movies from morning till dawn after school.

are always chatting on mobiles.

they are treated like prince and princess.

they don't help in household chores.

food is served on the table for them,

their plates are removed and washed by parents or house maids.

they are provided with expensive clothes, bikes and cars,

not forgetting big pocket money to be wasted at malls!!!.

Group 'A' parents cared for their own parents and children, and maintained a healthy balance in the family.

While Group 'B' children are still struggling to find their feet at age 30+.‼ They find it difficult to do things on their own because they are used to being helped to think and doing things by Group 'A'. So they can't help themselves, their parents or the society.

Now because of all these Group 'B' children

ABANDON THEIR PARENTS IN THEIR BID TO ACQUIRE THE WORLD......... this is the irony......see the result of over pampering.....it is true, if you still do not believe then you are still obsessed by the blind love you have towards your children......

WAKE UP.....Where do you belong???

Reduce the pampering and the unnecessary help you offer your children.

Never let your children emotionally blackmail you.

Let your children grow in wisdom, intelligence and strength???.

Let them face the truth and the realities of life. 

Teach them to grow to become independent adults.

Teach them to

love all,

fear morality,

respect others,

develop confidence in themselves.

Parents, discipline your children to become disciplined adults, useful and not useless...... if you are pampering them you are not loving them you are spoiling them.

852. Omnipresent………..!

Vedanta proclaims that universe emanated from the primordial atom and it is a continuous process happening eternally and spontaneously. That Hiranyagarbha (primordial atom) is Brahman. Hence Chandogya Upanishad says, “Ekameva advitiyam Brahmaa” (Brahman is one, without a second). The whole universe is filled with this omnipresent Brahman that cannot be seen by our naked eyes but can be comprehended by a pure heart and clear mind.

Brahman is not an object and hence beyond the reach of the eyes. The experience of Brahman is achieved when the attributes of name and form is negated. Hence the Upanishads declare: “Neti Neti” (not this, not this). This does not mean that Brahman is a negative concept, or a metaphysical abstraction, or a nonentity, or a void. It is just to say not another. Brahman is Paripoorna (complete) and Ananta (infinite), the essence of the knower.

Brahman itself is not an activity while all activities are immersed, encompassed and soaked in it.  Brahman is Tatastha (neutral). Hence unaffected nor untouched by the constructive or destructive activities of matter. Brahman has no independent existence from matter. There is no evidence of Brahman other than in coexistence with matter. Each manifestation of coexistence is an evidence of Brahman which is energy for the insentient nature. Likewise the activity of atoms, molecules and cells are the indication of the presence of Brahman. Brahman is Chaitanya (consciousness) and Jnana (knowledge) for the sentient nature and thrive to live on is the indication here. The evidence of permeability of Brahman is continuous activity in all units of matter. An awakened seeker imparting comprehension of universal harmony to another seeker, by way of study, is the ultimate evidence of permeability of Brahman.

An old man was asked by his college going grandson if he believed God was omnipresent?

The old man answered in affirmation.

The next question by the young man was, “If God is present everywhere why is He worshipped in tulasi alone and not in a weed?

The old man says, “God is present in tulasi as well as in a weed, it is the presence of God as consciousness which is making them sprout from the seed to become a sapling and go on to grow as a plant. Even if the plant wilt and die it is the same consciousness which transform it to compost. Coming to worship of tulasi, it is a medicinal plant and provide essence to many herbal preparations. The nature of the weed is to extract the minerals and salts from the earth and make a hindrance for crop to grow. But as told by the scriptures both the plants have Him in them, but how they reflect Him is all that makes the different.”   

"So, is the presence of God felt only from those which provide benefit to society?" Asked the youngman.

"It is not so, the presence of God is felt in all, it is we who don't look beyond the traits. We are immersed in vyavahara a lot. See though the silk worm belongs to arthropoda family we rearing it by feeding it with minced mulberry leaves. This according to me is Result Oriental Living, this is how we see it. This is acceptable only at empirical realms" Said the old man.

The young man asked, “We take prasad in the temple, be it a spoon of holy water or a morsel of rice. We consider it to be sacred and once in our body as chyle it provides the supplements to our body and as faeces it comes out as waste, do you still accept the presence of God in it?”

The old man smiled and said, “I do not know about others beta, last week when your papa took me to the diagnostic centre they asked for samples of my urine and stool to analyse and go deep into what had happened to my health. It was through them they could detect the aliment and provide proper medication to me, if those things could help me and many like me to rectify health and sometime act as lifesavers, I see God in it too.”

The young man understood…….and bowed to his grandpa.

851. Tapta Mudra Dharana and Chaturmasa.

In Vaishnava Sampradaya (those who believe Sri Hari is Supreme) more predominantly in Madhva sect Mudra Dharana is a common feature. Mudra Dharana is a ritual wherein the believer sports the Mudras which are Shankha, Chakra, Gada & Padma the four attributes of Sri Hari.  

Mudra Dharana is of two types Shitala and Tapta. Shitala Mudra Dharana is applying the mudras with copper mudras by using Gopichandana. Tapta Mudra Dharana is done using heated copper moulds. The reason behind applying the daily mudras with Gopichandana is to denote that this Stula Deha (Gross Body) belongs to Sri Hari. And this ritual keeps the body cool as Gopichandana is clay got from Dwaraka. Tapta Mudra Dharana is applied on Aashada Shuddha Ekadaahi which is the start of Chaturmasa.

Vaishnavas consider Chaturmasya (four months pertaining to rainy season) as auspicious and observed from Ashada Shukla Ekadashi (today) to Kartika Shukla Ekadashi. 

During this period scriptures prescribe giving up certain types of food items like vegetables, curds, milk and grains. In the first month all vegetables are given up to please Sri Sridhara, the 

niyamaka (controller) for Ashada-Sravana month and in second month all items of curd are given up to get blessings from Sri Hrishikesha, the 

niyamaka of Sravana-Badrapada month. Milk and milk products are forbidden on the Badrapada-Ashvija month when Sri Padmanabha is the niyamaka deva. In the fourth month Ashvija-Kartika grains are shunned to get the grace of Sri Damodhara. 

This is the period when Maha Vishnu is in Yoga Nidra annually that is known as Ayana Nidra. He is in Cosmic Sleep and is the threshold of Samadhi state. It is not the regular sleep which gives relaxation to mind and body, but it is Blissful relaxation for the inner Self. Tapta Mudra is done by His devotees is to bring them to awake state by getting stamped by hot copper moulds of Wheel representing Sudarshana Chakra and Conch representing Paanchajanya Shankha on the shoulders.

This ritual is also called “Vaishnava Deekshe” (proclaiming I am a Vaishnava).  Vaishnava Deekshe has two components Bahya which is outwardly and the other is Antarya. The Antarya is to know Sri Hari as Sarvottama (Best of all), Svatantra (Independent), Sarvashakta (Omnipotent), Sarvajna (Omniscient), Sarvavyapta (Omnipresent), and everything is under His control in all times and places. The Bahya is of stamping mudras which demonstrate the steadfast faith one has on Him.

Tapta Mudradhaarana is an act to purify the body before commencement of any divine austerity.  It a Vedic tradition that also has therapeutic values as it is believed to stimulate the nervous system and provide immunity to the body. In remote villages Jaundice (Hepatitis) is treated by stamping from a heated copper bar on the body. Our ancients knew that effect of heated copper when stamped on the human body would cure disease. Copper has got the inherent property to kill bacteria. Our ancients were advising us to use copper we neglected them, now an Irish hospitals is using copper door knobs and handles to fight infection in the hospital.  

During Mudra Dharana mantras are chanted which roughly mean  “May the radiance of Sudharashana Chakra remove ignorance and the sound of Paanchanjanya shankha destroy accumulated sins so that Vishnu Marga (Path towards Vishnu) be our grace.”  

850. Prerequisite Quality to Proclaim "Aham Brahmasmi" (I am God)

The whole concept of Paramatma and Jeevatma is that Absolute Consciousness is in totality while we the humans (Individual Consciousness) are a part of it, just as the hand is the part of the body. The duty of my hand is to be always at the service of my body. If my hand thinks it is a separate entity it loses the relationship and identity with my body. There is harmony when my hand understands that it is a part of my body and works for the benefit of it.

Exactly in the same way if the selfish “I” is replace by the selfless “I” it is the union of the two to become one. It is only when a seeker realizes the truth that he are a part of the universal Divinity will he attain salvation and merges with the Absolute. Now, the question is how to replace selfish “I” to selfless “I”.

If one claims to be Brahman, he believes that he is a part of that Brahman and thinks beyond the individual self and become selfless by giving up selfishness. This thought makes him Gunatitha, beyond the three Gunas, Satva, Rajas and Tamo. He then thinks and works for the greater good of the entire universe, for the whole society. His thoughts are never limited for his own self or his family. Yet, even after having such a thought he can only be a “Manushottama” he definitely cannot become “Purushottama”

An analogy can help understand better. I had to put my cell phone to charge. Once the battery was charged full there was a flash on the screen “Battery full” the lithium battery now claims to be electric station in my cell phone and yes, true to its words it is an electric station to my cell phone. Likewise we humans have bestowed with this Consciousness. And the purpose of this is to help in repaying the karmic debts but not to claim that we are the Absolute Consciousness. Our Consciousness is for a limited period after our karmic debts are cleared this Consciousness will be withdrawn and again for the repayment of karmic debts there is another body and the Consciousness flash its radiance on it. Just as the Lithium Battery is charged with electric power for a certain period we are provided with Consciousness till our karmic debts are cleared.

The electric charge in the lithium battery is just to operate the cell phone it cannot be used for running a mixer or a grinder likewise our Consciousness is limited in its use. Seers like Sri Sri Sankara can claim “Aham Brahmasmi” as he had power to create or even transform matters. Once when he was just eight years he went on ask for alms and was in front of a hut of an old lady who had nothing to offer him but would not wish to send him empty handed hence she brought a single pickled gooseberry that was left in her house and offered it to him. Please with her compassion he immediately composed a prayer praising Goddess Lakshmi and prayed to Her to remove the poverty of the poor woman. It is said that by the time Sri Sri Sankara completed the prayer, it rained golden gooseberries. That verses which Sri Sri Sankara composed is popular even today and is known as Kanakadhara (Gold Stream) Stotram.

Can we claim to be Brahman? Can we equate ourselves to Sri Sri Sankara? Are we not like the lithium batteries in the cell phones depending on the charger (Karma Phala) and the Electric power (Absolute)?

Then was the Brhadaranyaka Upanishad statement wrong when it said “Aham Brahmasmi”? No, the intent behind that statement is to be looked into deeply. Every individual has his own Brahmanda (Macro level) in Pindanda (Micro level) and in this Pindanda there are clashes that cause illusions and delusions which confuse us and force us to forget that the Pramatama inside us is the driving force and start to search for that force outside us.

There are three constituents in our Brahmanda firstly “Who am I? Which constitutes to “Me”, and “What do I have?” which becomes “Mine” and lastly that “What is not mine?” that will be “Others”. If we are satisfied with our Self and are hence contented with what is and are free from insure feel and fears. We then only concentrate on ‘Me’ without being worried about ‘Mine’ and ‘Others’, This will take us to the realm which is beyond the stage of being (Manushaya), that is Absolute hood.

What say????

849. Consciousness is Pure....... What about the mind???

I regularly stop by a tea shop en route my factory. The owner of the tea shop from coastal Karnataka brews perfect tea and I normally won’t miss it. Last week as the routine I was having tea in his shop when a woman came asking for tea dust pack of 100 gms. She was particular about one brand and the owner of the shop handed over a pack to her. She gave him an Rs.100 note. He gave back the change, two Rs.20 and one Rs.10 note. The women looked at the Rs.10 note and asked the owner to give her another note. The owner gave a frown look at the note and muttered something to himself. He gave another note to the lady and looked at me and said, someone has given him an oiled soiled note. I smiled at him with a “it happens buddy” look.  

The value of the note did not change; it was only the oily and soiled note which the woman did not want to accept. The owner too did not throw away the note; he kept it aside in his cash box. He would take it to his bank and exchange it for a new one. Now the woman did not consider the value of the note and wanted another which was better than the oily soiled note. The appearance of the note had overshadowed the value of the note here. When the notes were dispatched out of the RBI they were crispy and no one talked about the appearance as it was Sahaja (Normal) for a new currency note to be fresh and crispy. So as the days passed some of those fresh and crispy notes lost their worth in terms of appearance though its value remained intact.

Consciousness in every one of us is like the face value present in the currency note; it will remain the same and no one can appreciate or depreciate its value. Knowing that this Consciousness present in a person is ever pure, we do not respect a person. Why is it so??? What is the one which is making it soiled; yes, it is the behaviour in us. Our attitude, arrogance, ego, pride and audacity overshadow the limpidness of the Consciousness.

Some say that the dualities of good and bad exist and one has to accept them both. When just a soiled note is not acceptable in this society how can one expect to be arrogant and think that people will look beyond the trait???  Yes, I do agree that I need to look beyond the behavioural character of a person but can I expect the same from the others???  Is it not my efforts to have an ability to empathise with others around me, to feel compassion for and to put their needs before my own??? Is it not necessary to sacrifice my own well-being for the sake of others??? Is it not correct for me to practise benevolence, altruism and selflessness - all qualities which stem from a sense of empathy???

Purity of the Consciousness is never polluted just as the value of that currency note; it is the attitude which shrouds its value like the oil on the note. There is no need to do anything with the Consciousness which is eternally pure. That which needs attention is our mind…….Keep it calm and clean.  

848. If Sri Krishna supported Kauravas was Duryodhana entitled to win the war???

War was inevitable as Duryodhana disagreed to part minimum of five villages to the sons of Pandu. Sri Krishnas’ efforts as an ambassador for Pandava brothers did not yield expected results. Preparations for the war began, Kauravas and the Pandavas tried to get the support of more and more kings from far and wide. 

Dwaraka too had a large contingent of army. Duryodhana went to Dwaraka, to ask for the support. Sri Krishna was sleeping Duryodhana went and took a seat beside his head and waited for him to wake up. At the same time, Arjuna also came to Sri Krishna to ask for His support to the Pandavas. Arjuna sat near Sri Krishna's feet and waited. Krishna woke up and came to know about their requests. Both were dear to Him so to help out He said either of them can choose between the army (Narayana Sena) and Himself (Narayana) and most importantly Sri Krishna makes it clear whoever choose Him will just get His moral support, He will not take up any weapon and fight. First preference to make the choice was given to Arjuna as Sri Krishna saw Arjuna first as He woke up. Arjuna, without batting an eyelid chose Sri Krishna’s moral support. When Duryodhana heard Arjuna's choice, he was very happy. He thought Arjuna was a fool to choose Sri Krishna, who wouldn't even fight in the war, would be of no use to him; Krishna's huge army would certainly be of help.

Now, what would have happened if Duryodhana had chosen Sri Krishna???

Would Sri Krishna have provided moral support to Kauravas who were Adharmic???

If Sri Krishna was to be supporting Kauravas was Duryodhana entitled to win the war???

Well, as per my understanding about what Vyasadeva has mentioned about Dharma is that “Dharmo Rakshati Rakshitaha” (Dharma protect those who uphold it). Kauravas had 11 Akshauhini Sena (21,870 elephants; 65,610 cavalry and 109,350 infantry constitute one Askhauhini Sena) including the 2 got from Sri Krishna. They were fighting against Pandavas who could manage only 7 Akshauhini, yet Kauravas failed to embrace victory. If the 2 Akshauhini Sena from Dwaraka had supported Pandavas then either side would be having 9 Akshauhini Sena and there would have been a perfect balance in terms of contingents. This hints that even the strongest force cannot assure victory if one chose the path of “Adharma”.

If Duryodhana had opted for Sri Krishna, I think there would have been no war at all and from where would the question of who is going to win arise???  Duryodhana failed to comprehend the Divinity in Sri Krishna. At the time of Sandhana (mediation) Duryodhana tries to capture Sri Krishna and orders his men to tie Him up. Sri Krishna assumes the universal form. Everyone present in the royal court has the vision of the universal form of the Lord. Even the blind king gained vision temporarily by the grace of Sri Krishna and was able to see the Viswaroopa. Duryodhana too could see the universal form of the Lord but he dismissed it dubbing it was the conjurer's trick and illusion which could not impress a warrior like him, instead it would provoke anger in him. 

Stupidity is seeing Truth and knowing Truth, but still having faith in Untruth….. Even Absolute can never help such a character………..What say???  

847. What does it mean to Sacrifice???

Every philosophy talks about sacrifice. Quran mentions about Qurbani and Old testament lists five types of sacrifice. Any sacrifice though aimed at God will be performed through mankind. In our land we call it Tyaga.

Tyaga is the pinnacle of Vairagya...............

Sacrifice is assumed as a selfless act wherein someone does something for the benefit of others. But sacrifice is not only a selfless act but it is and should be Svadharma of every human being to forgo something to others who are in much need of the thing than themselves. Such kind of thought comes only if a person has detachment towards that thing which he has to sacrifice.

A wealthy lawyer and successful businessman went to a village on a tour; they were accompanied by the Sapanch, the village head. They saw by the side of the road, in a field a boy was pulling a wooden plough along with an ox and his father was holding the plough handles and guided it.

The lawyer was amused he turned to the Sarpanch and said, “That’s surprising they have a single ox to pull the plough. And the boy is holding the other side. I suppose they are very poor.”

The Sarpanch said, “Yes that is one of the poor families here. When a pond was to be built here, they were eager to give something and help the cause, but they had no money, so they sold one of the oxen and gave the money to build the pond. This spring we have ample water in the pond which has helped all to start their agricultural activities. You are seeing this boy pulling the plough with the other ox to till the land they have.”

Both the men were silent for several moments. Then the businessman replied, “That must have been a real sacrifice.”

The Sarpanch said, “They did not feel that it was an act sacrifice. They thought they were fortunate that they had oxen to sell and be a part in constructing the pond.”

The lawyer who was listening to both intervened, “I think it was foolishness to sell their ox and donate the money, my take is if you have enough you should donate.”

Sarpanch replied, “What is enough? What is the limit from where to think, he should donate?  For the farmer's family it was not Tyaga but it was Yagna. I agree that sacrifice means giving something, but it does not mean losing something. In giving, they did not lose their ox. It is difficult to understand the meaning of sacrifice here.”

The lawyer shot back, “Sarpanch ji you are the head of the village you should have stopped them from coming forward to offer, since you already knew they were poor.”

Sarpanch replied, “The thought of sacrifice is inbuilt, sacrificial attitude come without preaching or will never cease by any advising, it is a sacrament to have one. Not all possess it, selfish nature is the also inbuilt quality and the desire to have more and more hinders one to have such sacrament. Sacrifice is summoning of the higher power into one’s own self, and a consequent surrender of the lower self for the higher dimension of one’s own being”.

The businessman asked, “Selling the ox to fulfil their wants is justified, but to give away what is needed is astounding to me. How is it possible???”

Sarpanch replied, “If a person has realised his life purpose there is no doubt in him about his wants, thus is our ancient belief. When we know what we want from life, nothing else matters. We realise how unimportant our unwanted attachments called “WANTS” are.”

Nasti Vidya Samam Chakshu

There is no greater “Vision” than the “Vision of Knowledge.”

Nasti Satya Samam Tapaha

There is no greater “Austerity” than the “Austerity of Truth.”

Nasti Raga Samam Dukham

There is no greater “Sorrow” than the “Sorrow got from Attachment.”

Nasti Tyaga Samam Sukham

There is no greater “Happiness” than the “Happiness got from Sacrifice.” 

No one knows if the lawyer and the businessman were convinced by what the Sarpanch said.....but tilling of land by the father son duo along with the ox continued to prepare the soil for sowing the seed.......!