715. Did the Lord really get Angry????

http://www.speakingtree.in/public/spiritual-blogs/seekers/faith-and-rituals/did-the-lord-really-get-angry

“KILL YOUR MOTHER, RAMA” ordered Jamadagni to his last son Parashurama. Without batting an eyelid Rama slashed His Parashu (Axe) and down rolled the head of Renuka. Parashurama did not even know what mistake His mother had done. First priority for Him was to carry out the orders of His father, Jamadagni. 

Jamadagni was enraged because Renuka had experienced a feeling of lust looking at Gandarva couple romancing when she had gone to the river to fetch water for early morning rituals. Each of his four sons refused to obey the command. Parashurama was the only son who obeyed his father's command.

Parashurama knew the power of His father, and therefore He carried out His father's order. He knew that if He had refused like His brothers His father would find other means to see that Renuka is killed. Instead if He carried it out the order, His father would be pleased, and when his father was pleased, Parashurama would ask the benediction of having His mother life back. Parashurama was confident in this regard, and therefore he agreed to kill his mother along with it He requests His father to shun anger. Parashurama is the sixth Avatara of Maha Vishnu.

Once Haihaya King Kartavirya Arjuna visits the hermitage of Jamadagni. Mesmerized by the hospitality shown to the entire regiment by the sage he finds out that it was possible due to Kamadhenu, the cow of abundance which provided the feast for the army. He being the king of the land wished that the cow be his property. This covetous behaviour from the King was not acceptable moreover that cow was gifted by Indra to fulfil the needs of the hermit dwellers. But the king took the cow forcefully to his palace. Parshurama killed the king and got back the cow from the palace. As revenge the sons of the king kill sage Jamadagni.  Angered over His father’s death Parashurama vowed to enact genocide on the war-mongering audacious Kshatriyas all over the world.

Now how could Parashurama who could request His father to shun anger become angry to such an extent to cause genocide?

The vow to eliminate audacious Kshatriya clan was not Anger (Krodha) but it was Manyu. Krodha is a state where an individual loses the level of intellect and patience and mostly the agitation here is pertained to the self centered view point, but Manyu is a state where the individual is fully aware of the situation. He is filled with courage, patience and intelligence and most importantly the outcome of this anger is to serve the cause of the society.

Sri Krishna tells Arjuna that the war was the result of great people like Bhishma, Drona and Kripa not using their Manyu. If there had been condemnation for the atrocities done by Duryodhana and his brothers, the war could have been avoided. Likewise even to this day if we tolerate injustice and corruption in society we are doing a big blunder…….hence Holla Bol!!!!    

Today, Vaishaka Shukla Tritiya is the appearance day of Parashuramadeva I remember Him who inspires me to fight against injustice and make me raise my voice……I bow to Him!!!!!!

OM jamadagnyaya vidmahe

mahaviraya dhimahi

tanno parashuramah prachodayat

714. Significance and Symbolism of Lotus in Indian Philosophy…..

http://www.speakingtree.in/public/spiritual-blogs/seekers/mysticism/significance-and-symbolism-of-lotus-in-indian-philosophy

Hindus gods are depicted as either standing or sitting on a bloomed Lotus flower, what is the significance of Lotus in Indian culture and tradition? Maha Vishnu is seen holding a Lotus flower in His hands, why? According to Indian Philosophy lotus is the symbol of creation. Lotus plant sprung from the naval of Maha Vishnu and then upon opening, it gave birth to Brahma, the creator who in turn created the rest of the universe. Hence it is believed that Lotus is a mythological map of the entire world. 

Lotus is a symbol of Purity, Spontaneity and Divine Beauty. It rises from unclean water to blossom as a pure uncontaminated flower. Dearth and Dharma come from the fact that despite lotus growing in muddy waters it still restores such a beauty. It makes no pretense of being better than it is and yet it's naturally beautiful. In spite of being in water it is never wet. It does not bothered about its surrounding but it blooms and vanishes. It teaches us to perform actions without getting attached to the outcome of the action performed and also not to bother about the external factors that might influence the action. 

A Lotus bud transforms itself as an enchanting flower just as the Individual Consciousness does the same on the path to enlightenment. Lotus represents purity of actions, morality of practical life and the spirit of detachment. Its unfolding petals suggest the development of the soul. The transformation of the Lotus bud to Lotus flower represents excelling from primal thought to highest spiritual consciousness. Atharva veda compares human heart to lotus, it is not the physical heart but the spiritual heart that the lotus represents. Maha Narayana Upanishad says, “One should meditate upon the Supreme – the limitless, unchanging, all-knowing, cause of the happiness of the world, dwelling in the sea of one’s own heart, as the goal of all striving. The place for His meditation is the ether in the heart – the heart which is similar to an inverted lotus bud. Like the bud of a lotus, suspends in an inverted position, the heart, surrounded by arteries. In it there is a narrow space which supports everything.” It is here that He dwells. Hence we see Hindus God shown sitting or standing on Lotus. 

Lotus and the Sun reciprocate unconditional love displaying the importance of perfect symbol of love. The love showered by the Sun on the Lotus is unconditional, but the Lotus blooming out to smile at the Sun is reciprocal. In the muddy waters of still ponds deeply anchored root stretches triumphantly toward the surface. Hovering at the surface from the water is the beautiful bud that will allow it to unfold slowly, one petal at a time as the Sun showers the rays. The Lotus closes itself at night and sinks underwater the whole night and waits for the Sun to reappear at dawn and unfurls itself again. This signifies the fact that human mind flourishes with the illumination of spiritual thought and squirms without it. The lotus leaf which does not get wet despite being in water is often figuratively used in scriptures to indicate the nature of a Jnani (Enlightened Soul) who is ever blissful, untouched by the sorrows and the changes which is characteristic of the world.

Lotus has many names in Sanskrit I have tried to compile some here.

Aapja, Bisaja, Toyaja, Sarasija, Jalaja, Saroja, Neeraja, Vaarija, Ambuja, Pankaja, Vanaja, Aravinda, Rajeeva, Indeevara, Kunala, Pundarika, Ravindra, Indeevara, Pushkara, Mahotpala, Taamarasa, Kamala, Kumuda, Nalini, Mrunalini, Padma, Sujala, Ravipriya, Shatadala, Ambhoruha, Sarasiruha, Saroruaha ….  

713. Diversity in Devotion: Four Ways of Devotion to Absolute....

http://www.speakingtree.in/spiritual-blogs/seekers/faith-and-rituals/diversity-in-devotion-four-ways-of-devotion-to-absolute

Lord Krishna while explaining to Arjuna about various paths for liberation mentions about Bhakti. He elaborates to Arjuna on the four types of devotional service rendered to Him by His devotees: 

First is the one who thinks of Him at the time of distress. He is the Aartha. 

Second is the one who is worried by the struggle in acquiring power, status, and property. He is the Artha-arthi.

The third is one who yearns for the realization of the Atman, reads the scriptures and sacred texts, moving in the company of spiritualists, and is always motivated by eagerness to reach the lotus feet of the Lord. He is Jijnaasu. 

The fourth is the Jnani. He is immersed in the Brahmatattva and looks for the Lord in all possible places; he yearns for nothing.

Aartha worships Him only when he is in difficulty. When he prays to Him, the Lord hears and satisfies him only in relation to that particular difficulty.

So too, when the Artha-arthi prays for riches, power or high status, He listens and awards him only the particular thing he craves for and only if he deserves.

The Jijnaasu is blessed with the chance to work without expecting the fruit of action. With a Guru as guide and an intellect that is sharp enough to discriminate between Atma and Anatma he helps himself to achieve his goal.

The Jnani only needs His help to be saved from not been distracted to the worldly pleasures and get deviated from his intentions, so that he is able to concentrate on the single aim of liberation.
 

The devotion of Gajendra, the elephant that was saved by the Lord from the mouth of the crocodile, was Aartha.

Sudama, Krishna's friend, exchanged beaten rice for richness, displaying Artha-arthi devotion.The devotion of Gora Kumbar, the ardent devotee of Panduranga Vittal was of Jijnaasu, thinking of the Lord always, knowing that He is present to look after his and his family's welfare.

Prahlada was a Jnani who saw the Lord in all things and surrendered himself completely to the Lord.

All the four have their own value and none is inferior or superior. He answers to any type of devotion ….. the only similarity in all the four is they all SURRENDER to Him.

712. Mahabharata has many lessons in it to shape our way of life!

http://www.speakingtree.in/public/spiritual-blogs/seekers/self-improvement/mahabharata-has-many-lessons-in-it-to-shape-our-way-of-life

Mahabharata is an epic which ingrains Dharma. Instead of being curious over whether it is an allegory or an event which took place 5000 years ago we can draw some useful message which assist us to live a life of harmony. Even if it is proved to be a mythical story the message I get from it will not make any difference at all. The core essence in it that has made me what I am today is what counts to me most. Every religion has a history and it is through the events that happened it would present the quintessence of life.  My father told me and my sister the story of Ramayana and Mahabharata when we were in our primary school. When I was in college my father gave me Mahabharata by C. Rajagopalachari fondly known as Rajaji to read. While reading that book I got to know more about how the lessons of lifestyle were encompassed in that epic.

Vyasa Maharshi the composer gives this epic the status of Itihasa (History) while all His other compositions are called Puranas. Mahabharata and Ramayana are recorded contemporary history. Veda Vyasa was present at the time of Mahabarata and Valmiki was at the time of Ramayana. These two epics did happen and there are many proofs that are been unearthed in this regard. But those findings only will establish if the event was real but for me Mahabharata will always be one of the greatest epics as it has everything in it. It has both the contraries of love and hatred, courage and cowardice, truth and lies, honesty and deceit, wisdom and foolishness, like and dislike. The epic depicts that the end consequences of all those unlawful activities that we are seeing today like rape, eve teasing, narcissism, audacity will be miserable.

Every character in Mahabharata has something to teach us let me point out a few hear.

Kuru King Santanu teaches us not to yield to passive weakness and indulgence. For it was because of his weakness his son Bhishma had to take a tremendous vow of celibacy.

Satyavati, the second wife of Santanu teaches us not to underestimate the destiny; when her sons Chitrangada died heir less and Vichitravirya did not have children she had to request Bhishma to marry so that their dynasty lineage is continued.

Bhishma teaches us a great lesson, wherein as a son nothing could be important than fulfilling his fathers wish.

Dhritrashtra, father of Kavravas teaches us how misplaced love can be a pain in the neck, due to which he had to lose all his sons at the war.

Pandu, father of Pandavas teaches us if one does not have control over senses what danger it could bring to us.

Kunti, mother of Karna, Yudhishtra, Arjuna and Bhima tells us how difficult it would be if one has to maintain secret for the whole life, she could not divulge that Karna was her first son.

Karna teaches us that being a friend of a person who has no virtues will not be of any benefit to him or other.

Duryodhana teaches us knowing about Dharma is not enough; it has its credit only when one practice it.

Draupadi teaches us how if humility takes a backstage even for once it could lead to war, it was because of her giggle when Duryodhana fell in the water at Maya Sabha (Hall of Illusion) it all started.

Dushasana, Duryodhana's brother teaches us never to insult women and regard all women with high respect.



Shikandi teaches us when the desire is strong and to accomplish it you need to take any number of births, Amba came as Shikandi to avenge against Bhishma.    

And finally Lord Krishna Himself teaches us the way of life in Bhagavad Gita ……. One who has understood Gita can live anywhere and everywhere without yearning for anything and as comfortable as possible….. Do you agree????

711. A Tale of Long Twig and Short Twig..…………

http://www.speakingtree.in/public/spiritual-blogs/seekers/self-improvement/a-tale-of-long-twig-and-short-twig

Into the court assembly of King Sri Krishnadevaraya barged in a scholar from Vidarbha challenging the King to prove that the scholars in the court were wiser than him. The King asked the scholar to take rest in the palace room and granted to keep the contest the next day and sent for the scholars of his kingdom to assemble in the court the following day. The next day scholar from Vidarbha entered into the court with a twig about a foot long in his hand and place it on the decorative table. He bow to the King and asked if there is any scholar or a learned person in his kingdom who can make this twig short without touching it.

Every great scholar in the court had a hard look at that the twig and mentally wrestled to shorten the twig but the catch was that they could not touch the twig. When all the scholars and learned men in the court failed, the scholar asked the King to acknowledge that there were no scholars in his kingdom who could equal his talent. Tenali Ramakrishna, the jester in the court got up from his seat and requested the King to grant him permission to give a try. The King knowing that Ramakrishna was very sharp and witty gave him the go ahead. Ramakrishna whispered to the attendant to bring some thing. The assistant brought a similar looking twig which was a little bit longer than the one scholar had kept on the table. Ramakrishna placed the twig next to the twig of the scholar, which made it look shorter.        

This tale of two twigs shows us the need to excel on our own efforts rather than cutting short the other. In this competitive world everyone wants to be ahead and to achieve that, it does not matter if one has to pull the one ahead of him. All are not so, some improve their capabilities and try hard to get to the goal, while others use shortcut methods by capitalizing on the others person’s shortcomings. Unfortunately it is the second way that is popular among many in the BPO & Corporate sector. But what is the use of reaching the goal in such a way? A fool tries pull others down in order to get to the top while wise pulls himself up to reach the height. A victory can be better relished if one has shed a bit of sweat for it.

This pulling down others to reach the top is termed as “Crab Mentality” which is due to selfish attitude and short-sighted thinking. A person who has such mentality breeds the attitude of “if I do not get what I want, neither you should.” Generally a person with such superfluous thought display poor reflection of his personality. The crab mentality is an indication of the famous saying “I like to see my friends get ahead, but not too far ahead.” This is lack of tolerance and not being magnanimous to be happy for other.

There is an interesting story on how this term “Crab Mentality” was framed.

Once there was an old woman who sold Crabs in the market place. The bucket in which she had kept the Crabs did not have a lid. A man who stepped in to buy the Crabs found this and asked the old women, “Why don't you cover the basket? The Crabs can climb down the bucket and escape!”

The old women shook her head and said “No, that is impossible every time a Crab tries to get out of the basket there is one behind it to pull it down”.

710. Assumption may not Pay but Anticipation brings you Gains..!

http://www.speakingtree.in/public/spiritual-blogs/seekers/self-improvement/assumption-may-not-pay-but-anticipation-brings-you-gains

Assumption is made with less of base and literally no support. It is just a thought that might have occurred out of situation and circumstances around. Assumptions may not turn out to be as expected always; it is just like playing Russian Roulette everyone know that there is a bullet but do not know in which cylinder.  Assumptions are made on others people all the time and conclusion drawn. Those assumptions are on what others are thinking and doing. The problem is not in assumption alone it is with the negative slanted views. If we are to react to a person’s word or action, ninety percent of the times we assume the worst of intentions on the person’s part, never will we assume a positive intention.

Assumptions make us jump to conclusion which might hurt the feelings of the others in question. Instead anticipation is a positive trait it has a strong base and is supported well by the incident and consequences. In anticipation we bring a future thought into the emotional present we go into the future mentally and try to “live” in the anticipated condition, including experiencing the emotions we are supposed to feel then. Though this may not always be accurate there is a concern of caution in it. A cautious anticipation is always better than a vague assumption. Assumption is the outcome of instinct while anticipation comes from intuition.

On morning a C.E.O entered into his corporate office and found a young guy leaning against the wall in a corner and sticking a toothpick in the gap between his front teeth, doing nothing. Looking at the young man the C.E.O was furious he approached him and shouted at him, “How much are you paid?”

The young man was quite amazed that he was asked such a personal question, he replied, none the less, “I am paid 8000 a month, Sir. Why?”

The C.E.O would not entertain other to poke their nose while he was firing someone. His anger would get doubled in such situation so everyone in the office just kept watching the action sequence without uttering a word.

Not interested to answer the young man, the C.E.O, took out twenty four 1000 notes and gave it to the young man and said, “See man, here people are paid to work, not for standing in the corner and mending the frontal teeth! Here is three months' salary, take it and just beat it, we do not need you here”.

The young man took the crispy notes and was quickly out of sight. Noticing the onlookers, the C.E.O said in a very upset and angry gesture, “And that applies to all those who think they can earn just by loitering around in this company”.

He then approached one of the onlookers and curiously asked him, “Which section does that young man I just fired belong to?”

To which an amazing reply came off, “He is the stationary delivery man, Sir. He had come to deliver..!”

709. Division of Labour in ancient society

Sri Krishna in Bhagavad-Gita explains Arjuna in regard to the Four Varnas. He says “Chatur-Varnam Maya Shrustam, Guna Karma Vibhagasha” - I created the four varnas namely Brahmana, Kshatriya, Vyshya and Sudra according to the prominence of Gunas in them and the natural aptitude they have towards the action they do. The Guna that is told here is not the character but the Prakriti (nature) of the individual containing the amalgamation of the trigunas i.e. Sattva, Rajas and Tamas.

An individual who has Satva Guna is categories as Brahamana (Teacher/Scholar)

An individual who has Satva and Rajas with Rajas in prominence is a Kshatriya (Ruler/Administrator)

An individual who has Rajas and Tamas with Tamas in prominence is a Vaisya (Merchant/Tradesmen)

An individual who has Tamo Guna is categories as Sudra (Worker/Craftsmen)

In the Shanti Parva of Mahabharata, Yudhisthira describes a Brahmin as an individual who is truthful, forgiving, and compassionate. He clearly mentions that a Brahmin cannot be a Brahmin just because he is born to a Brahmin family, nor is a Shudra a Shudra because his parents are Shudras. Manusmrti (11.157) says, “Just as a wooden toy elephant cannot be a real elephant and a stuffed deer cannot be a real deer, even so, without the knowledge of Scriptures and Vedas and not having developed the intellect an individual even if born to a Brahmin cannot be considered a Brahmin”. According to the Dharmasutra of Apastamba, by birth every individual is a Shudra. It is only by knowledge, upbringing, behaviour and wellness that one becomes a Dvija the “twice born”.

This system of division of labour was to help the individuals in inter dependence to strive for the existence of society. But this division of labour has so much so divide our society that we give much credit to Engineers and Doctors but we care less to Farmers and Soldiers. A road layer and a sanitary cleaner are as important to society as space scientist and research doctor. We usually tell our children to study well and give the instance of becoming a road layer and a sanitary cleaner if they don’t study well in this way we bring the division of labour in them. Instead we can tell them by studying well one can serve the society better than a road layer and a sanitary cleaner even though those work are divine and are necessary for society.

Karma is not the work that we do but is the latent desires that the souls have carried from their past lives. If suppose an individual who had been in the category of Brahamana and had a desire of having lordship over others as a ruler but could not fulfil his desire in that life, he will be given an opportunity by Supreme in the future life in letting him to take birth in a Kshatriya family. The proof for this is in “Atmasamyama Yoga” of Bhagavad-Gita in Chapter 6 Arjuna asks Krishna what would happen to a person who has full faith in Karma yoga but is unable to control his mind and senses and cannot practice it to perfection and passes away midway. Gita Chapter 6.Verse 37-38. Listening to the queries of Arjuna, Krishna answers that a person who has stepped into the path of Karma Yoga will never come to grieve in this world or in the next. Evil never befalls one who does good deeds. After death, he will be born in a family of prosperous and pious parents after enjoying the celestial world. Gita-Chapter 6. Verse 41-42.

But now in the modern society we foolishly do not consider the Guna and Karma but we look into the family background which has become the deciding factor. A son of a Brahmin is a Brahmin even though he is rude or rouge and fall to his feet and a son of a Sudra is considered an outcaste even if he has a profound knowledge and behaves a disciplined gentleman he is looked down upon……this is the irony of the civilised society……….What say????

708. Absolute Grace is on who is Truthful, Loving & Compassionate!

http://www.speakingtree.in/spiritual-blogs/seekers/self-improvement/absolute-grace-is-on-who-is-truthful-loving-compassionate

Absolute is inexpressible yet one can experience Him to be Satya (Truth), Prema (Love) and Karunya (Compassion). An individual who acquire there three basic qualities even if he is a non believer he is human, while a believer who does not possess these how much ever pious he might be he cannot be categorized as human.

Truth is eternal it is that quality which make us strong from inside and shields us from deterring to any falsehood by inducing valor. Truth is the ultimate destination and many philosophies have provided many factual statements but no philosopher has given the picture of Truth completely. Truth is such a vision that one cannot put it in one photo frame. Every religion or philosophy has a piece or two of the puzzle picture game and hence the seekers should never resolute that the philosophy or religion which they follow has the complete picture of Truth. The vision of Truth could be obtained by scriptures and with the help of a Guru, but ultimately one has to search, find, and experience all by himself. Truth is easily accessible when there is confluence of Love and Compassion.
 
Love if it is unconditional it will annihilate the negative thoughts and purifies the Antahkarana (Inner Conscience) comprising of Buddhi (Intellect), Manas (Mind), Chitta (Memory), and Ahamkara (Ego). This unconditional love has the capacity to take the individual beyond the realm of Tri-Gunas (Psyche Components), Raga (Like) and Dvesha (Dislike) and place him at the Tatstha Sthiti (State of Indifference). This state of indifference pulls the mind from avaricious behavior. The individual will enjoy all that the Prakriti (Nature) has to offer to him but the enjoyment will be pertained to present, there is no encouragement for amassing it for future. If the nature provides him more than he can use he is always willing to share them with his fellow being whether it is knowledge, food, or even ideas. These are all necessary conditions of unconditional love.

While unconditional love is the perennial juice that flows out of the heart, compassion is the sturdy emotion from mind which wishes happiness and welfare of others. It is a unique inherent and cultivated desire which does not want to see others suffer or wither in pain. Generally compassion is related to a feel which melts the heart at the sight of a person at pain, like sympathy. But compassion engulfed by love is a feel that places the individual in that situation, like empathy. Compassion does not mean just show of pity; it is to see that the situation like that never repeats the next time. Some think of feeding the orphans on the occasion of their kids birthday in the orphanage and they think of doing it the next year also, does not this thought want them to see more and more of orphans in the orphanage the next year also. This thought of expecting others at the receiving end cannot be considered as compassion. Compassion is the key part of spirituality in thinking everyone in the same status. One does not need a disaster to educe compassion in him instead it has to be spontaneous. If we can be so to our family why not to others outside the family after all it is “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam”

707. Knots of Ignorance to be untied with Knowledge…….

http://www.speakingtree.in/public/spiritual-blogs/seekers/science-of-spirituality/knots-of-ignorance-to-be-untied-with-knowledge

Ignorance is present in every individual; it is like dark place where light of knowledge is essential. There is a continuous effort by a seeker to eliminate Ignorance. There are three stages of Ignorance that a seeker has to get off from. Amazingly until the seeker has made up his mind to sort out the three stages and learn about them he cannot do anything by just having a will to annihilate. Ironically Ignorance does not allow him to know about them. There are lots of scripture from the ancients which guide the seeker and introduce him to them and also give the ways to try and eliminate them.  

Yoga School of Thought has named them as Granthis (Knots). There are various types of knots but the major among those are named as Brahma Granthi, Vishnu Granthi and Rudra Granthi. Not to go deep into their names and why they are called so and where they are located, it is better to know that there seems to be a triple knot that has to be dealt with. These are psychic knots that are like traps and snares that block the seeker from reaching his goal of emancipation. 

At the onset there is total Ignorance of our connection with the Cosmic Consciousness and this is due to the identification of this universe that has been created by Brahma in its name and form. The universe of names and forms enter our mind, the sixth sense organ through our other five sense organs. The inability to recognize Absolute in the visible universe is due to the Ignorance of Brahma Granthi that creates like and dislike in us. Just like the gold ornament that draws good and bad design, while the gold within it when melted will not have the good and bad status. Once we perceive every animate and inanimate thing as Absolute we have Samatvam (Equanimity) and we have successfully untied the first knot. This knot is related to Physical Realm. 

Next in the line is the second knot Vishnu Granthi which has an inclination to regulate which is bad but at the same time due to Ignorance we have this habit of being skeptical about Absolute. Lord Vishnu has the job of preservation and this has made us think we are guardians of ethical acts. For example there is no harm in helping a person infected with a deadly disease, while doing so we question the existence of Absolute and wonder if He is so ruthless to have done this to the poor person. It is like arriving at a theater in the middle of movie and not understanding what had happened in the scene before, but trying to feel sorry for the guy when he is been thrashed by public for misbehaving with a women. Everyone has taken birth to repay his karmic debts, understanding this will help one becomes Stithaprajna (Steadfast) and has successfully untied the second knot. This knot is related to Mental Realm.  

The third is Rudra Granthi. After successfully untying the first two knots there is a flow of Sidhhis, the miraculous powers like to have intuition of things that happen in near future and so on. These siddhis are like motivational incentives for a seeker but sometimes they become a hindrance to seekers as they get overwhelmed and are attached to such Siddhis. Some spiritual seekers who have obtained these siddhis have this foolish desire of showing their powers and get applause from their followers. These are the power bestowed by Absolute to benefit them and they are not supposed to show off. Even some have the audacity of their knowledge which will be a blockage for their further spiritual growth. There were greats like Sri Sri Sankara who could travel astral and amazingly travelled to four corners of India in the span of 32 years without any hi-tech travel convince. There are many who even today have obtained this Siddhis but have not used or rather misused them for their benefit. Once this ignorance is understood then one becomes Brahma Jnani (the knower) and the third knot is untied. This knot is related to Intellectual Realm.

With all these three knots untied there are no obstacles for the seeker to get Liberation thereafter.

706. How effective Mantra can be if uttered in immense faith....

http://www.speakingtree.in/spiritual-blogs/seekers/mysticism/how-effective-mantra-can-be-if-uttered-in-immense-faith

“Manathe Trayathe iti Mantra” meaning:--- that which has the capacity to protect when reflected or contemplated or chanted is a Mantra. 

Mantras are sound vibrations that permeate every cell of our being and let the mind dissolve. Mantras are rhythms of consciousness which create spiritual vibrations. If there is a repetitive thought that is persisting and luring us to worry a Mantra can save us from it. Often there are many instances where we get initiated by those Mantras which we chant without even understanding their meanings. Can a mantra or a word which we do not know the meaning of help us???? The meaning of a sloka mantras can be understood but there are bija mantras meaning of which are infinities and its sound vibration resonate beyond the cognition of the mind. When the mind is unable to cognize anything it tries to get dissolved in it and become one with it.

A Bija Mantra is like a seed and every seed when nurtured with water has the potential to sprout and become a tree. Similarly, these sound vibrations when resonated have the power to produce a creative dominion. Mantras are sometime regarded secret since it has to alert the subconscious mind. Some seeds when needed to sprout are to be sown into the soil hidden. And there is essential to see that the seed falls on the fertile soil not on the hard rock. That which is thrown on hard rock is consumed by birds. 

Many intellectuals ask "can a Mango be brought down from a tree by reciting a Mantra" referring to some who take side of the mantras and become lazy. Yes, Mantra is never a substitute for Karma Yoga. Even though it is possible for a Siddha Yogi to bring down a mango, is it worth to use so much power to bring it down just a mango from the tree by using a mantra when it can be done by striking it with a stone?. Nowhere in the scriptures are mantras cited to use for such cheap tricks like these, it is only advised to be used to make our mind clam.  

Mind gets relaxed when it listens to a mantra or a sloka, Why? What is the reason for the mind to get into that mood? The study by psychologists say that the sound vibrations in the mantra resonate in such a way that the different patterns of the mind rearrange themselves to become tranquil. This tranquility in mind reduces anxiety and agitation which helps the mind to turn inward. As we all know when we laugh the happiness increases in us and in the same way when we cry the heaviness of sorrow is released. Mantras also have the impact on our mind in the same way as how laughter and cry have on the mind. Mantra when repeated with intensity and feel creates a psychological response deep inside which transmutes beyond the realm of words or expression. The effect of Mantras can only be experienced as words falls short to express and the experience is explainable.

With the mind calm and turned inward one can experience the vastness and beauty of Brahma Chaitanya (Absolute Consciousness). When our mind is outward it focuses on the objects that our senses recommend and the mind is scattered and is unable to focus and hence not in tranquility. “Antar Mukhi Saada Sukhi” meaning those who have their mind turned inward is always in Bliss. Mantras are excellent implements which help mind to dissolve and align with the Self.

Why should we align with Self and what is the benefit of it? One can see the bottom of the lake clearly only if the surface of the lake is still, exactly the same way if the mind is calm, there is greater clarity in the way we reflect and express. The quality of our observation, perception and reflection does improve and we are able to communicate better.

705. Bengaluru Karaga the Festival of Religious Harmony……..

http://www.speakingtree.in/spiritual-blogs/seekers/faith-and-rituals/bengaluru-karaga-the-festival-of-religious-harmony

Bengaluru Karaga is one of the oldest festivals that involve Hindus, Muslims, Jains and Weaver community. The festival is celebrated on Chaitramasa Purnima (Today). It is a festival pertaining to TIGALA (“Ti” in Tamil is fire) community who are the decedents of Draupadi. They are called Vanniyakula Kshatriyas (Vanni means fire) Draupadi is born out of fire. Karaga is a Shakti Upasana.

Video of the KARAGA leaving Dharmaraya Temple

Here is a narration of history of birth of Draupadi and how Karaga originated. Lord Shiva sat in solitary meditation in Himalayas after the Sati episode. Meanwhile Sati was born as the daughter of Himavanta and wished to marry Lord Shiva. In order to achieve the goal she sat and meditated upon Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva was please by her penance and appeared before her and asked her to request for a boon. Stunned Parvati repeats her request “Patim Dehi” (Give me Husband) five times. Lord Shiva blesses her. Now it was that she would have five husbands.

Parvathi gets to know that in her boon she has in fact asked for five husbands. She asks Lord for a solution. Lord Shiva tells her, “Marital relations are for earthly beings and hence only for Earth. I have granted you your wish, now it is up to you to decide whether you want to spend Five birth with five husbands or to accept the trials and tribulations of being the wife of five husbands in one birth.

Parvathi replies, “Instead of being away from the Lord's presence for five births, I prefer one birth with five husbands, but I want my husbands to be in the righteous and duty bound who perform righteous tasks while I am on Earth. Lord Shiva grants her the wish.

There after King Drupadha peforms a Yagnya. From the Yagnya fire, Draupadi emerges. Later she weds the five Pandava brothers, Yudhisthira, Bhima, Arjuna, Sahadeva and Nakula and rest is Mahabharata story that we all know.

Now what is this story got to do with the significance of Bengaluru Karaga?????

After the great war of Kurukshetra and passing away of Lord Krishna and Balabadra and all the Yadava Clan, Yudhisthira crowns Parikshit, the grandson of Arjuna. The Pandavas along with Draupadi go to Himalayas. As they walk on Draupadi is let back and is alone seizing this opportunity an asura named Timara try to disturb her.  Taking offence on the behaviour of the asura, Draupadi created warriors from different parts of her body.

She made Yajamanas from her head, Ganachari from the forehead, Gowda from the ears, Gante Poojari from her mouth and Veerakumaras from her shoulders. These men fought against Timara and his warriors and won the war for their Mother Draupadi. 

To depict the victory even today this festival is celebrated by this community in Bengaluru. The festival is held at the Dharmaraya Swamy Temple just after dusk and goes on till day break. The main priest dresses as Draupadi in female attire leads a spectacular procession accompanied by dazzling sword play by the Veerkumars. On his head, he carries a Kalasha decked with Jasmine flower. The priest takes a marathon walk in the streets of the old city surrounded by Veerakumaras who chant “Govinda Govinda” while walking briskly and the devotees waiting for Draupadi shower Jasmine flowers on her.  

A unique feature of the Karaga is the unbroken tradition of visiting the tomb of an 18th century Muslim Saint Hazarath Tawakkal Mastan Shah every year - this custom has become a symbol of Hindu-Muslim unity. According to legend, Mastan was once hurt when he rushed to have a glimpse of the Karaga procession. The temple priest applied Turmeric to his wounds. Overjoyed by this gesture of the priest, the  Mastan prayed to Draupadi and requested that the procession should halt at his dargah (grave) after his death. This tradition has been maintained over the years, giving a distinct secular flavor to the festival. The priest carrying the karaga goes to the dargah, where he circumambulates thrice and gives a lemon to the Haji and takes one from him. He walks the first round, goes around on his knees on the second, and dances around the dargah on the third. To experience of watching the dance is spectacular. The Veerakumars sing in chorus and the priest dace to the rhythm.

Hindus and Muslims enthusiastically participate in this ritual. This interaction among them is possible through this very old tradition. The Jain and Weaver community distribute Panaka (Lemon Juice) and Butter milk to the Veerakumars and devotees and in this way join the celebrations. Friendly co-existence is important when people of different cultures share geographic space closely. Such rituals even though seem to be ridicules for some has a fulfillment in bringing about social interactions that are symbolic — here the interactions are an expression of the shared interest that all cultures have. Along with the rituals it is the interest of all communities to maintain friendship. The religious rituals symbolise communal amity.

 DANCE of KARAGA to the rhythmic chorus song from Veerakumaras.

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CgdARS51jOE

I feel fortunate to be born in this unique land of cultural diversity .............. what else should i yearn for ?????????

704. Who was a better lover to Krishna…. Rukmini or Satyabhama?

http://www.speakingtree.in/public/spiritual-blogs/seekers/mysticism/who-was-a-better-lover-to-krishna-rukmini-or-satyabhama

Rukmini wrote a love letter to Krishna to convey her decision to live with Him and requested Him to take her away. Krishna came to the temple where she was waiting for Him to take her away. Krishna had to fight her father and her brother to marry Rukmini. Rukmini’s love for Krishna is unparalleled.

After few years when the Syamantaka Mani was missing everyone thought it was Krishna who had stolen from King Satrajit, the father of Sathyabhama. Krishna had to prove innocence and hence went in search of it and finally found it and got it back. He not only got the Syamantaka Mani back but had also got to restored faith the people of Vrindavan had on Him. Overwhelmed by His commitment King Satrajit offered the hands of his daughter Sathyabhama to Krishna along with the Syamantaka Mani. Sathyabhama’s love for Krishna is unique. 

Is there a difference between the love which is unparalleled and the love which is unique?

Yes there is, Rukmini knew that Krishna belonged to the entire Yadava race and everyone in Vrindavana loved Him. And according to her there was no dearth for the love showered on Krishna by all of them. Hence she wanted her love to be unparalleled at the same time allowed other to love Him.

Love towards Krishna from Sathyabhama is unique; she feels that there is none in the entire Yadava clan or for the matter in the whole of Virndavana who can shower love on to Krishna as much as she does. She feels if Krishna is not with her He is experiencing inadequate loving thus she is more possessive towards Him. She wanted Him to always be with her so that He is not deprived of that extreme love. 

Who is right Rukmini or Sathyabhama??? 

I feel both are right in their own sweet way. 

While Rukmini is matured enough to understand that bond between two can exist in spite of not being close. She experiences that bonding even when being far away from Krishna. She is close to Him; as she feels that the bond creates closeness even in His absence. For her closeness is never measured in distance. She believed that the bond of love formed long long ago had made Krishna reside in her heart. 

Sathyabhama is naive in her approach to understand the existence of a bond without being in eye contact. She places closeness ahead of the bond as she feels that it is the closeness that generates the bond. Loving is not about expecting the other person to be always close but it is about wanting to see the person happy wherever he is. This simple understanding is what Sathyabhama was lacking. But when it comes to thinking that she is the best one to be the lover of Krishna is the attitude everyone has to observe and applaud……What say???

703. Learning to Let Go Could Matters most in the Eleventh Hour….

http://www.speakingtree.in/public/spiritual-blogs/seekers/self-improvement/learning-to-let-go-could-matters-most-in-the-eleventh-hour#

LET GO attitude can not be cultivated instantly in a matter of a day or two. It is a long process that needs our entire life span. Though it may not show how worthy it is when we are living our life, it is sure to be handy for some on the deathbed at the ELEVENTH HOUR. This attitude would induce a happy feel, a sense of completeness and assists one to be ready for the transition onto whatever is next. But for those who have led their entire life only accumulating money, looking for praise, and aspiring for success by any means would rather be filled with bitter remorse and regret for all that has been done when they were given a chance by the Absolute to excel and do better than what they had been in their previous life. There is a feel in the mind of such person that yet another life has been wasted after getting a chance to better the position. Although for some amazingly, they need to enjoy the kind of life they had for their entire life span and seem to be addicted to the pleasures which they would not want to LET GO.

The way we perceive the world and the various viewpoints that paint our realities with different colors and the feel that we experience in the process of a lifetime is important in our daily life as well as in the eleventh hour. Enjoyment in life should never give us hardship when we are in the eleventh hour. Scriptures asks everyone to remember the Lord at that time to have a peaceful transition.

Is it possible with the a remorseful and regretful Mind? 

No, the anxiety, unwillingness to leave the near and dear ones and the experience of pleasure got from the amassed property & wealth lure the subtle body (Mind) which pleads the Soul not to leave the physical body. This tussle between the Mind and the Soul make the physical body caught in between them and is restless. This is the reason why there is a saying in Sanskrit “Mana eva Manushyanam Karanam Bandha Mokshayoho” meaning, Mind alone is the cause of Bondage as well as Liberation.  Here the Let Go attitude does help, the world which was the means of enjoyment to the Mind and thought it to the Body if satisfied and contented will let go and will not crave for the Soul to stay back in the body. The transition becomes smooth and the all relative gathered around also will not feel uncomfortable. 

There is a saying “Those who wait to repent until the Eleventh Hour often die at Ten Thirty” ……. So why wait for it let us cultivate the attitude of LET GO now and here.