986. Purpose of Life.....!

What is the purpose of life? This is a question which does not have a specific answer. Try asking whomever you feel like, the answers will be too many but there is no explicit answer.  

  

A few enlightened souls say that the purpose of life is life itself, while some feel the purpose of life is life of purpose. As I understand the purpose of life is to see that it becomes a purpose for others to live.

We Indians who are mainly Hindus believe that there is a ten incarnation of Maha Vishnu yet to happen. He has made a declaration that He will come every time there is imbalance in Dharma and Adharma. Our scriptures declared that sin exceed day by day and a point, it will outnumber the good. At that time, He will appear and save the good. So, we decided to wait. Wait for Him to come. If we are to wait for Him to come, what is the Purpose of Life???

When He created all of us, he just simply created. He gave us intelligence and most importantly intellect. Here I wish to distinguish between Intelligence and Intellect. Intelligence is Yukthi while Intellect is Buddhi. Intelligence is used by us for our well-being, while Intellect is to find the answer for the question “What is the purpose of Life.”

So as humans we have this intelligence to tackle the outer world and the intellect to manage our inner world. The atrocities happening at the outer world does not need Him to come to subdue them. The intelligence in us is enough to take care of it. All we need to do is develop the habit of appreciating anything which is Sadhaka (Benevolent) and condemn that which is Badhaka (Malevolent) to the welfare of the society.

   

Vishnu Purana explaining about Kalki, the ten incarnation of Maha Vishnu says, He will arrive on a white horse welding a sword in his hand. As I understand the white horse is the spiritual sense in all of us. As it stands now, the earth plane is witnessing lot of crime, where a lot of conflict and commotions prevail and this development is nothing short of dangerous for the future generation. The sword in the hand of Kalki signifies the ability to distinguish between a saint and a sinner. A sinner has to be given a chance to live a right life but not a prospect to improvise his offence.

He is in all of us as Kalki, He is not waiting to come He is already in us. Hence we celebrate His jayanti today, Shravana Maasa Shukla Paksha Shashthi. Let us be aware of His existence in us and be proactive to safeguard our society. Let us make this earth plane an envious place for the divine beings. This would be the purpose of the life, we think of transforming negative thoughts in our mind to positive thought why not deal with those negative elements and if possible transform them too. If it is impossible, then as we discard the negative thought from our mind let us annul the negative elements from our society.

The purpose of life is to create a clean society and have a clear mind....What say??? 

985. Mental worship.....!

A shepherd was an ardent devotee of Sri Krishna. As a shepherd his job was to lead the flock of sheep from barn to pasture. He had to keep vigil on the flock to safe guard them from wolves and wild dogs. As an ardent devotee he had to adore his Sri Krishna. Hardly that was a problem for him, since he used to mentally remember Him. Thus he was mentally with Him always and it had become so routine to the shepherd that as soon as he closed his eyes Sri Krishna would appear playing His flute.

Once it so happened that a renowned Saint was travelling along with his followers. The Saint was being carried in a palanquin as per the custom and practice in those days. The palanquin went pass the pasture where this shepherd was gazing his flock of sheep. On the other side of the pasture was Tulasi patch, the holy basil-herb grown in plenty. The Saint in the palanquin who was a devotee of Sri Krishna saw the shrubs and was delighted. His mind at once leaped to his Lord and he decided to dedicate the Tulasi to Sri Krishna mentally. Overflowing with emotional ecstasy he prepared a garland of Tulasi and imagined Sri Krishna and wished to garland Him. To his surprise the garland would not settle on the Lord properly.

The Saint was mystified! “Why is this garland not settling on the broad shoulders of my Lord!” he wondered. thinking it might be too short he tried another garland, to his surprise and dismay even that garland could not settle on the shoulders of the Lord. A little astonished the Saint was wondering what his Lord was up to. Then he saw the shepherd running towards him calling out loud, “Mahaswamy, Mahaswamy.”    

The Saint stepped out of the palanquin and looked at the shepherd. “Mahaswamy! The garland did not settled well on the shoulder of the Lord as the Lord was holding his flute and playing it. Try putting the garland a little away and it will be perfect,” told the shepherd.

Those around did not know what was happening what this shepherd was telling about garland? which shoulder? what flute? Moreover who was this fellow who was instructing our Saint? The followers were perplexed. Meanwhile the Saint closed his eyes and creating another garland mentally to put it on the Lords shoulders, this time a bit away and of course it settle down fine there! A surprised Saint asked the shepherd how he knew about the problem and the solution which was in his mind which none could understand.

The shepherd replied “Mahaswamy, I was listening to the melodious tunes from my Lord when your hands appeared and tried to put the garland on His shoulders. with the flute of the Lord extended the garland would not settle on his shoulders. Hearing that the Saint experienced boundless joy.

   
The shepherd went on to become Kanakadasaru who got initiation from the renowned Sri Vyasaraja Tirtharu. 

When I heard this story I could relate it to “Telepathy.”

Telepathy is about the mind to mind communication. There is no necessity of words or sign language; it is an instant form of transfer of thoughts from one person to another. It is a unique way to sense by feel or see or hear someone far away bare by extending the thought. 

There are many types of telepathic activity:

Inception: planting a message or image in other persons mind.

Mind Reading: To get a picture on what is going on in other persons mind.

Mental Communication: Exchange or flow of information or ideas from one person to another.

Mind Control: Similar to hypnotism to gain control over other persons mind.   

Kanakadasaru could read the mind of Sri Vyasaraja Tirtharu and observe the Saint prepare the garland and offer it to the same Lord from whom he was listening to the melodious music.

Unbelievable?......Believe it!!!

984.Vedas, Upanishad & Gita......

Vedas Upanishads and Gita know no difference between Hindus and others, from their point of view there is no “us and them.” They do not denounce anyone, it fact they gives space to those who have denounced them.  It is irony to calling Vedic Science and Upanishad Thoughts a part of a particular religion; it is like calling values and principles as a part of some religion. Vedas do not preach violence nor does it instigate to kill those who rebuke it.

Every region has its primary education showcasing its history, philosophies, art, culture and sciences. It is natural for any school of the region to teach ancient language of that region along with the philosophies. Would it not be ridiculous if in a family a rational mind encourages the mother tongue of the neighbour by sidelining their own? Would it not be stupidity if the history of other region is given more preference than to know about the history of their region? Indian ancient thought were never confining to one region or religion as it was framed to the advancement of the entire mankind of the world.

Today, if a light minded person feels the need to introduce to the younger generation the culture, tradition and dharma as expounded by Vedas, Upanishads and Gita as a curriculum in primary schools he is branded “communal” and “Fundamentalist.”

Does secularism in my country India mean to belittle our ancient cultures and traditions and abuse them??? Is it not very idiotic to bat for reservation on the basis of caste/religion and impose an intolerant alien tradition on the top of our rich Indian culture??? When we have understood through Vedas, Upanishads and Gita that we are all from the same source and hence all are entitled to everything in nature according to what we deserve.

How foolishly we have disregarded the promotion and study of Veda, Upanishads and Gita which is considered as a psychological recourse by many renowned scientists around the world. Every nation in the world is proud of her history and culture and ensures promotion of it, while here it is discomfort among my own brethren to be proud of what is appreciated by others outside my land.

It is not wrong to know about other countries culture and tradition but glorifying it at the cost of demeaning our culture by calling it gibberish, uncivilized and barbaric is misfortune indeed. It is a slow poison to the young of my country as it not only distorts the truth about our culture but also conditions the young mind with a feel of inferiority complex and lack of pride for our heritage. The young start perceiving the philosophies of others superior and our own is branded as outdated. They conclude that any concept established by a foreign author is better than that brought out by an Indian author who has based his writing on those ancient culture and tradition. 

I find many posting the quotes from foreign authors which may make me feel modern and nice to read, but in fact it is all just the same old thought which one can find in Vedas, Upanishads and Gita with different words. To me Rumi and Iqbal have told the same which we knew long back. Words might have changed there but the essence of the thought is the same. Yet out of perplexity we love to read from them instead of getting it from the source........ Irony isn't it??? 

983. Guru Vyasaraja Tirtharu....

Vyasaraja Tirtharu was the preceptor of six emperors of Vijayanagara Dynasty. A disciple of Sripadarajaru he was sent to the court of Vijayanagar. At Vijayanagara everyone regarded Vyasaraja Tirtharu as the guardian saint of the Dynasty. The land of Hampi beamed with the glow of knowledge from this saint.  

One incident illustrates how much importance Vyasaraja Tirtharu gave to learning. 

One day, the Vijayanagar Emperor, Krishnadeva Raya sent a palanquin to the seer. Vyasaraja Tirtharu was seated on the decorated palanquin and brought into the city with much fanfare. Drummers and heralds announced the arrival of the seer and music was being played. Amid the cacophony of sound and noise, Emperor Krishnadeva Raya was astonished to see the seer oblivious to the sound and music, was reading intently from a book. He did not even notice the Emperor peeping in.

Vyasaraja Tirtharu held durbar and this was religious and philosophical in nature which even the Emperors attended. Portuguese travellers Domingo Paes and Nuniz wrote about the durbar in their chronicles. 

Krishnadeva Raya had the eight gems in his court such as Tenali Ramakrishna, Allasani Pedanna, Nandi Thimmanna,Madayyagari Mallana, Dhurjati, Ayyalaraju Ramambhadrudu, Pingali Surana, Ramarajabhushanudu. Vyasaraja Tirtharu had Purandara Dasa, Kanaka Dasa, Belur Vaikunta Dasa of the Dasa Koota and Vadiraja Thitharu, Srinivasa Thirtharu, Rama Thirtharu, Srinivasa Thirtharu of the Vyasa Koota, it was a wonderful mix of literary and philosophy in the durbar. The Royal court and durbar was known for its riches, pomp and pageantry, Vyasa Raja’s court was known for its knowledge, its holiness, nearness to Hari, music and philosophy. These two parallel courts enhanced the power and prestige of the Vijayanagar dynasty. If one came to be widely regarded as the richest and most ornamental durbar halls of all times, the Dasa-Vyasa Koota was known for its simplicity, holiness, honesty, sincerity and straightforwardness and its nearness to Sri Hari. If Purandara Dasa was the chief ornament of the Dasa Sahitya, the incomparable Vadiraja Tirtharu was the glittering star among Vyasa Koota.

Vyasaraja Tirtharu continued to be the Raja Guru of Vijayanagar even after the death of Krishnadeva Raya in 1529. He continued to advise Achutadeva Raya and in this period Vyasa Raja decided to entered brundavana at Nava Brundavana near Hampi. He selected a spot to enter Brundavana earlier and Achutadeva Raya took personal interest in getting the Brundavana ready.

Just before he entered Brundavana, Vyasaraja Tirtharu had warned Achutadeva Raya about the impending end of the Vijayanagar Empire. He had clearly predicted that the days of the Hindu Empire were numbered and he wanted the Emperor to take remedial measures. The advice went in vain, weather the Emperor was powerless to effect any change or he did not pay adequate heed is not clear.

Among the thousands of people who witnessed Vyasaraja Tirtharu entering Brundavana was Purandara Dasaru, Emperor Achutadeva Raya himself and all his noblemen. He had chosen his spot for his final resting place and this was in the midst of several other Madhwa saints on the banks of the River Tungabhadra near Anegundi, the ancient site of Kishkinda where Hanuma met Sri Rama and Lakshmana for the first time.

Arthikalpita kalpoyam prathyarthi gajakesari | Vyasathirtha gururbhoryarth asmad ishtartha siddhaye ||

982. Guru Vadiraja Tirtharu.....

Sri Vadiraja Tirtharu is one of the saints in the Madhva Tradition. He was not only a saint but also poet and an able administrator who brought about many changes to the operational system of the Udupi Matha. The credit of changing the Paryaya (Turn) system of Udupi to two years from the earlier practice of 2 months so that the Aasta (Eight) Mathas could do the Kainkarya (Servitude) of Kadagolu Krishna goes to this saint. This extension helped the Peetadhipathi (Pontiff) enough time to travel far and wide and spread the message of Sriman Madhva.

Vadiraja Tirtharu is seen offering daily Neivedya (Prasada) to Sri Hayagriva by holding it on his head. Everyday a horse would appear and eat the prasada from the plate held by Vadiraja Tirtharu by placing its hoofs on his shoulders.

It so happened once when Vadiraja Tirtharu had been to Delhi he had selected a place to worship the traditional idol of Sri Bhuvaraha given to the linage by Sriman Madhva. At the same time the son of the Mughal king had passed away and he was not let to perform his daily rituals. By looking from his divine sight Vadiraja Tirtharu told the prince was not dead and it would be great sin to bury the child alive.

Hearing this the Mughal king came running to  Vadiraja Tirtharu and fell to his feet. Understandably the King was anxious to know if his child was alive, though the palace physician had declared the kid to be dead. Vadiraja Tirtharu told the king that it was “Sri Hari” who had made him utter so and it would never be untrue.

The King asked Vadiraja Tirtharu to accompany him to the palace. The Madhva saint sprinkled the holy water from his kamandala (Pitcher) by chanting the name of Sri Hari and the prince got up. That prince was none other than the Akbar.

Humayun was so happy that he gifted wealth which Vadiraja Tirtharu rejected. But the King requested the Madhva saint to use it in the service of Kadagolu Krishna at Udupi. Vadiraja Tirtharu planned to use it to thatch the roof of the temple of Kadagolu Krishna at Udupi with gold, but Sri Krishna appeared in the dream of the Saint and opposed the idea of building golden roof and advised to use it to the welfare of the devotees if the Udupi matha ever face the problem of insufficient funds.

Udupi is the place of “Anna Brahma” where is the question of insufficient funds when the devotees throng to the temple and are  willfully donating yatashakti (according to their ability).

Sri Vadiraja Tirtharu lived a life of 120 year and performed Lord Krishna's Paryaya at Udupi 5 times. He is the first Sanyasi who entered the Brundavana alive. Today Phalguna Bahula Thritiya is the day commemorated as Sri Vadhiraja Tirtharu entering the Brundavana.

Tapo Vidya Viraktyadi Sadgunaou Gakaranaham| Vadiraja Gurun Vande Hayagreeva Padashrayan||

Sri Vadiraya Namaha.

981. Debates and Discussions......!

We Hindus have so many schools of thought and in a sense we are so fortunate that time and again we have a new thought which makes our effort to comprehend the Truth much more easier. We have had the great philosophers like Sri Sri Shankara, Srimad Ramanuja and Sriman Madhva to decode the Vedas for us with a new dimension.       

We only know that these three Acharyas gave contrary views about the Truth, but we do not understand that it was completely under the guidelines of Khandana (Refutation) followed by Mandana (Embellishment). It is very easy to disagree but it is difficult to give an alternative. In the social media we find many discussions and arguments which sometimes get diverted from the topic due to lack of material to embellish that which was refuted.   

The truth about a subject will get the clarity through debate, this is called Carcha. There are 4 types of debate.  

The first and foremost is the one between a learned and a learner, here the learned one is doing the talking the other is listening most of the time, but when he has any doubt he will pose a question. The best example is that of Sri Krishna and Arjuna just before the start of Kurukshetra war. This is called Samvaada (Interaction). The Upanishads are filled with such Samvaada where the Shishya clarifies his doubt by approaching his Guru and requesting him for clarification.         

Next is the debate between two who have the same wavelength of understanding. This kind of debate is to resolve the confusion and arrive at the truth. This is called Vaada (Discussion); here both the individuals have an open-mind. Though at first they are convinced that what they think is right, they will be ready to listen and accept the version of the other. At the end of the discussion understanding unfurls and there is a flow of knowledge from one individual to the other. There is a sense of satisfaction in both, as the Truth is established. 

While Samvaada and Vaada help in establishing the truth there are yet two more types of debate which fall back in establishing the truth. The first among them is Jalpa (Argument) which is just to prove either of the debater is correct. Unlike in Vaada, the purpose is not to establish the Truth, but only to establish the supremacy. This kind of debate create lots of noise and there is no end for it. With the keen interest of gaining supremacy both do not value the debate but will continue to overpower the other with the sword of words. 

Next type of debate is much funnier. This is called Vitanda (Nitpicking). Here the topic of debate is diverted by targeting the other by taking the statement made out of context or using Anukula Shastra (Theory of Convenience). The sole purpose of the debate will be to humiliate the other. Basic exercise in this kind of debate is to refute whatever the other says without providing an alternative. Sometimes a topic is so selected that it is only to argue, even though either of them have no faith in the truth of the subject. 

Jalpa and Vitanda are nothing but display of mental strength and desperation to win instead of knowing the truth. But the result of Samvaada and Vaada is to ascertain truth and an unbiased non-partisan agreement of truth. We have heard of the debates and discussions held at the court of King Janaka. The King was one of the great patrons of learning metaphysics. He had an impressive court and would invite all for debate and discussions.

980. Humanity at its best......When???

Last weekend we had been to Ooty and Coonoor. Loved the place very much, especially the toy train journey from Coonoor to Ooty was amazing. Though we had been in a Tempo Traveller we asked our driver sab to bring the vehicle to Ooty and we took the train from Coonoor to Ooty. It was an amazing journey of 20 kms which took almost 1 hour 20 min. On the way up we saw endless vegetable farming producing Lettuce, Beetroot, Radish, Turnip, Red Cabbage, Broccoli, Potato, Brussels Sprout and not to forget the famous Ooty carrots.

While coming back to Bangalore we decided to buy some veggies and asked our driver to stop near a roadside vendor. The lady selling them had kept her veggies for display on the concrete blocks at the roadside. The veggies were farm fresh and we brought some of them. As we had finished buying, the lady grabbed a small bag and started stuffing a few vegetables in it and walked up to the vehicle parked on the other side of the road and handed them over to the driver who was at the wheel. “He is sitting there with patience” she told us with a grin on her face. Some may feel it was a gesture to keep the drivers in good books so that they would bring in the travelers to her, but to me it was purely humanity at work there.     

Some years back we had been to Ahobilam in Kurnool district the hot Rayalaseema region of Andhra Pradesh. Summer had just set in; the nine temples of Narasimhaswamy are on hill range of Nallamala. Jwala Narasimhaswamy temple is the topmost, requiring a trek of about 3-4 kms. It was past 11am when we began our trek. The scorching sun and difficult terrain was wearing us down. As it was marked reserve forest, understandably there were no stalls selling water or tender coconuts along the route. The water bottles we carried were already half empty as we climbed. We sparingly drank water we carried, so that we had something left for our trek downward.

At the top near the temple we were greeted by a few villagers standing with sweet and cool Panaka (Lime Jaggery squash). We drank to quench our thirst from one of them. When we asked the person, “How much we need to pay?” He was hesitant and softly replied, “How much ever you feel like.” He had to be remunerated so that he could continue to quench the thirst of the parched pilgrims like us in future. Though he never had a menu price list for the drink he served, we out of gratitude handed him two twenty rupee notes which he accepted by touching them to his eyes. We observed that he thanked those who gave him a rupee or two in the similar manner.

Looking at how we living in a civilised society are forced to buy water at hotels and malls, we lose faith in humanity. But it is overwhelming to find such selfless acts by simple, poor and unknown villagers in remote corners living in difficult terrain. They expect nothing but have never abstained from humanity, looking at their kind gestures I do have a little faith that this land has not gone from bad to worst.

Now the question is: - Why do we find such scarce exhibit of humanity only from simple, poor and unknown villagers in remote corners??? Is it necessary to relinquish humanity to live in cities??? What makes mankind forgo Humanity........is it yearn to make MONEY???   

979. Karma has its own ways....!

“Purva janma kritham papam, vyadhi rupena baadathe”

Meaning: The resultant fruit for the deeds from previous births manifest as disease.

Here in this verse the word used is “Vyadhi” which is disease but in literal sense it is not only Vyadhi but Kushala (Healthy) also. In general sense it is quite obvious not to analyse why we are happy or healthy. If I see a friend sad I will ask him what made him sad, if I want to know the reason for my friends’ happiness I am branded as eccentric. Moreover a person who has a little knowledge of Karma Siddhanta (Doctorine of Karma) will know that the prevailing consequences are not the reflection of actions of the recent past. Yet, I ask as a need to do something for recreation coated with the colour called “concern”.   
       
My Karma Phala (Resultant Fruit) in Karma rupa (remnant investment) will get the Dukha/Sukha rupa (misery/pleasant form) with the grace of Absolute who is the dispenser of Karma Phala. Ones it gets the Dukha/Sukha rupa it is experienced by me and hence gets exhausted. Here I can say that I am the creator of my destiny. I need not blame anyone for the way my life is unfolding to me.  

The other day I was watching a program on how the Great Horn-bill raises the family. I was spellbound to see its habit of immuring the nest. The female Horn-bill builds a nest in the hollow of a large tree trunk. Using her bill as a trowel she plasters the clay bought by her mate to build a wall at the entrance of the nest with a small opening. Within she remains a prisoner for the rest of the breeding period. This way her nest will not have intruders, she and her chicks are safe. She lays the eggs and incubates relying on her mate to get her fruits, lizards, insects and frogs up to 10 times per hour in a day. I was amazed looking at the dedication it is said that in the total trips it undertakes the male supplies around 25,000 fruits to the family. How fortunate the madam Horn-bill is???     

Now in contrast to what I saw about the Horn-bill family there is the Lion family where the lions are bad members of the family with a combination of greed and laziness. Lions spend most of their day lying in the shade, waiting for one of their mates to bring home the kill. The lioness does all of the hunting and pretty much all of the parenting too. Once the lioness brings home the kill, the lion is always the first one to eat and he often leaves only the leftover to the rest of the family. Amazingly in a rough hunting season the alpha male is seen to consume the whole kill brought by the lioness leaving her and her cubs to starve.

If we observe a lion cannot be a Horn-bill or a Horn-bill cannot afford to be like a lion. The Prarabdha Karma of the lioness is that she has to put on with the lion. She cannot lift her head up and look at the hospitality the Lady Horn-bill is receiving and grumble. Then does the Prarabdha Karma phala same to us human beings also is the question???

Well now is the time to contemplate if the Prarabdha karma of an individual is to endure the hardship it is the effect. Why should I be the cause for it??? Here we humans have the entry of Agami Karma. Animals do not accumulate Agami Karma they are programmed by the conditioned or adoptive mind and they don’t use their freewill. I can check myself from causing difficulty to others.....I can be a male Horn-bill or an Alpha male Lion choice is mine.....Right???   

978. Universe created by Sound Waves from Crystal....!

Yesterday one of my friends on Face Book Vineetha Pillai ji shared amazing information told by Maha Periyavaa (Kanchi Paramacharya Sri Chandrashekara Sarswathi) about the recording of Sri Vishnu Sahasranama. While Pithamaha Bhishma was rendering the 1000 names of the Lord all including Sri Krishna were listening none of them noted down. Yudhisthira felt that someone should have noted down, he requested Sri Krishna to help. 

Krishna replied, “Sahadeva is wearing “Suddha Spatika” (Clear Crystal) which can be converted to sound waves by the grace of Maharudradeva and Vyasadeva can record it.” 

Thus we are now able to hear the Vishnu Sahasranama. 

Is it true that Crystal can record sound??? 

Let us find out.... 

The quartz crystal has the highest vibration level and can take one form of energy and convert it into another higher form. Spatika (Crystal) can convert sound waves into light form. The earth plane we are living is primarily made of quartz. 

Scientists have conducted researches to find out that sound creates light. This phenomenon happens through harmonics and is called Second Harmonic generation using crystal. Light is created through harmonics. The scientist who are probing on crystal say that if we are sitting in a cave of clear quartz crystal an irrefutable and audible OM sound is heard, meaning, quartz crystal emit harmonics. 

Where was the sound from??? 

Is it recorded by the crystal???

If the movement of air could be the cause for the sound as some suggest, why is it not possible in medium other than crystal??? 

We Hindus believe that the creation started with that OM sound and this earth plane is primarily filled with quartz crystal. Now is there any connection??? OM sound waves met with existing chemical properties of quartz crystal in the waters and were converted into light, thus proving sound precedes light and that light is produced by sound. With light so generated, the entire universe came into existence.

Now coming back to the recording of Sri Vishnu Sahasranama by Sahadeva, with the help of Maharudradeva and Vyasadeva, my understanding is that it could have been done by using highly tuned electromagnetic waves to excite the crystal so that audible sound waves are emitted. The responsibility of producing that highly tuned electromagnetic waves was on Maharudradeva and when the recorded sloka resonated from the Suddha Spatika which Sahadeva was wearing, Vyasadeva noted them.

I had to check all these details from Google but an Aparoksha Jnani like Maha Periyavaa had it in his mind to answer in a jiffy. 

We are such idiots to rubbish it while the scholars from the other shores learning from our scriptures do research on Crystals to find if they can benefit mankind. One such benefit is using the crystal and its sounds as healing for both humans and animals.

977. Mercury, Jupiter and Moon......!

A few weeks back I had posted on the Navagraha Mantra which as young kid I used to chant them without knowing the meaning and later on it was the curiosity in me which made me comprehend the meaning of those Sanskrit words in the mantra. 

While discussion about the Navagrahas with one of my friend I mentioned that Mercury was born to Moon and the wife of Jupiter. My friend was astonished at the way our Puranas and scriptures have personified the planets. It seemed to be ridiculous to think so. How could this be possible???   

As per the story from Puranas, Brihaspati (Jupiter) the Deva Guru is married to Tara. Brihaspati was oldman and Tara was young and beautiful lady. Brihaspati was always busy guiding Devas and had little time to spare with Tara. At night when she was alone she used to observe the waxing Moon. The day she found the Moon in full galore, she fell in love with him and eloped with him. Their union bore a son Budha (Mercury).

Now, when Brihaspati found out about the birth of Budha, he wanted his Tara back. He and Chandra had a tussle and finally all the Devas requested Tara to get back to her husband Brihaspati. So, Tara returned back to her husband. 

This is the story. 

Superficially this story may seem to be silly and funny, but when we look into the subtlety in it there is a beautiful message in it. Let us find out what it is.....

Brihaspati is Guru, the master of Devas. That is the Self. We know Moon is manokaraka and hence it is Mind. Tara who is young and beautiful is the Universe. 

Prior the Self as a child from the innocent level is connected with the Universe. Just like how a child plays with its toys without the sense of “mine”. That innocence of the Self is the one with the infinity till the Mind grows over the time to become larger than Self. 

As the Mind grew to full extent the connection between the Self and the Universe began to diminish and ultimately it was cut off. Soon the connection between the Mind and the Universe developed. 

This relationship resulted in the expansion of Cosmos and then there was the birth of Awareness. Budha (Mercury) is Pragyakaraka, the one who bestows awareness. Hence the union of Mind and Universe went to that extent of getting Awareness.

With the birth of Awareness the Universe again got back to the Self and the Mind was disconnected. The Mind became a No-mind and got detached with Universe. It does not matter if Universe got detached from Mind or Mind got detached from the Universe. Ultimately the Mind and Universe got separated because of the birth of Awareness. Now the Universe stayed with the Self to which it truly belonged. 

Astrology says that Buddhi (Mercury) is born out of Mind (Moon) when in association with Universe (Tara).

976. Vairagya, the Dispassion.....!

For the spiritual advancement the seeker has to develop Vairagya (Dispassion) says many scriptures. In the broader sense a Vairagi is the one who is disinterested in the mundane world and at the same time is a Jignasu (Desirous of Knowledge). Spiritually speaking it is a feeling to overcoming the illusions mundane world lures and temptations with its fleeting presence like appearing only to disappear which is Maya, the illusion. 

A confused Arjuna questions Sri Krishna thus, when the Lord advised him to control the mind so that the effect of Maya is subdued:

“Control of mind as you advise appears as impossible as trapping the wind in the fist.” 

“No doubt, it is difficult but is possible through Abhyasa (Practice) and Vairagya (Dispassion),” clarifies Sri Krishna.

Now what is this Vairagya Sri Krishna has mentioned. Let us get into the details of it.

When I was in kindergarten I had a lesson “The Fox and the Grapes” Once, a fox was very hungry he searched for food. At last he saw a bunch of grapes in a grapevine. He started drooling and wanted to eat the grapes. To get them he jumped and jumped, but in vain. He could not reach the grapes. Finally the fox went away saying, “Those grapes are sour.” Failing to achieve, some get disinterested. This is called ABHAVA VAIRAGYA (Disinterest due to Non-availability). But the sub-conscious mind is still hankering and waiting for the availability.  

When attending a funeral many think “Look, what has happened? I too shall be brought here someday to be cremated. Why then do I hanker after these wantons? Let me give up…all these attachment…I came alone and shall go alone….!” This is SMASHANA VAIRAGYA (Disinterest due to Loss of dear ones). Stepping out of the burial ground it is same as before, the mundane world grips again.

Looking at the wife reeling under labour pain the husband is disinterested in life. “Why to undergo such pain to bring in another life?” This is PRASOOTI VAIRAGYA (disinterest due to labour pain). The consecutive year the lady love is ready to deliver the second baby.

Problem of Plenty sometimes induces disinterest. This disinterest is superficial as the hankering reappears when the abundance of what is become scarce. This is UDHAARA VAIRAGYA. The moment the scarcity is experienced, the distress of desire comes back again.

While listening to a learned person talk about Life and if the subject in the discourse reflects Reality there is chance of developing this disinterest. This is PURANA VAIRAGYA. This is also temporary it last till the Pravachanakara ends it with “Sri Krishnarpanamastu.” 

Now we need to ask ourselves does this Vairagya help us in anyway??? 

We have this notion that indulging in materialism is hindrance to spirituality. No, it is not true.  Possession of material is not an issue but becoming possessive of it is. We are bestowed with all these things around us by Him to experience and enjoy them. There is no point in shunning them and running away from them, though over indulgence is not advisable.

Instead of Vairagya if we can develop Virakti it is sensible. Now what is this Virakti???

The wise and experienced seekers say, “Paramatmani yo Rakta: Virakta Aparamatmani.” (If one has yearning for Paramatma, the desire for other than Paramatma will automatically disappear)

Virakti is got when there is desire for higher goal. Sri Sri Shankara insisted on Jnana, it was bettered by Srimad Ramanuja by adding Bhakti to it; finally it was complete with the addition of Virakti by Sriman Madhva.

JNANA, BHAKTI & VIRAKTI.....The Tripod for Emancipation....!

975. The Maya, the illusion......!

A person who was regular customer at a bar was seen carrying a bamboo basket one evening. He bumped upon one of his old friends. A curious friend asked the drunkard, “Hey, what is inside the basket?”

The drunkard replied with a wink, “I have a mongoose in the basket.” 

The friend asked, “Why are you taking a mongoose to the bar?”

The drunkard explained, “My friend, there is nothing wrong for me to let you know about it. I will gladly tell you, see off late just after gulping two or three pegs I start to feel as if I am surrounded by snakes, I experience those creepy creatures crawl all over my body. To keep those nasty reptiles away from me, I have come up with this great idea of taking a mongoose with me.”

Stunned by the reply, the friend shot back, “You say that you feel like have them around, I think those are imaginary snakes. It is only in your mind, nothing is there at the bar.”

The drunkard was quick to reply, “My friend, you are right it is all in my mind and there is nothing at the bar. I am sharing the secret which I alone know. The mongoose is also imaginary, and there is nothing in the box.”

Now let’s not laugh at this incidence...... this is how we also are dealing with Maya (illusion). Maya finds place only in our minds. Just like the mongoose remedy the drunkard came up with to get rid of the imaginary snakes, we too search and find remedies to tackle Maya. The biggest problem for the Maya to reside in our minds is to think we are the “Doers.”

Engrossed in Maya the mind suggests incredible ways to tackle Maya, the illusory power of Absolute. Again with the suggestions from Maya we believe that Absolute created this universe using his creative power called Maya which is Prakriti. Thus separating the creator from the creation.

This created power works in three distinct ways to keep the created away from the creator.

First it is the Avarana Shakti (Power to Conceal). Here the object which we had to view is concealed. Like the drunkard not able to comprehend that the liquor consumed is the cause for his imagination.

Next is Prakshepa Shakti (Power to Project). Here the object that is other than which should have been is projected. The hallucination of snakes in case of the drunkard is due to this power.

Finally we have this Vikshepa Shakti (Power to Distort). The effort by the drunkard to use an imaginary mongoose to get rid of imaginary snakes is due to this power.

Maya can only be comprehended through Vedanta. This does not mean that we need to know about Maya. When the Real is know the imaginary just vanish. Had the drunkard understood that the intoxication was the real cause for him to see the imaginary snakes all over him, the need for an imaginary mongoose would not have arisen.....What say???

974. Life as I understand.......!

For the past so many years life has thrown many surprises at me. Some have elevated me while a few have pulled me down too. I have experienced the uncertainty in life. I know that nothing is permanent in life but nothing is certain either. The sooner it is understood the easier it becomes to move on in life.

I can sow a seed and offer it all the nutrition and right conditions and yet no one can assure me whether it will ever sprout. At the same time a seed discarded after consuming a fruit which may have fell on a rocky surface can turn out to be a huge tree. Either way there is no certainty. No matter what decision I make, which path I take, I will not be greeted by certainty but by doubt, challenges and self-doubt, so keep walking is the mantra.

If I really want to live my life and make the most of it, I need to be assured that life is contradictory. Superficially, I see good people suffering, if I think that those undergoing suffering are due to their own karma, there are times when we step into karmic field of other people that affects us too. It is like being forced to inhale the fragrance of the perfume that the person next to you is wearing. The karmic orbit is something like that. Now I cannot say that the law of karma is to violate the first point which I made about uncertainty. Nothing is certain (including this statement) but sometimes a few things happen without offering any explanations. Hence I have understood that contradictory truths and paradoxes co-exist like darkness and light coming together in twilight.

Whatever be my belief and however sure I am of it, I will find enough evidence that will negate it.

The only thing I can do is lead a truthful and meaningful life to the best of my ability. And I will be doing this for myself, for my own peace of mind. Life is a good master but a bad merchant. It really does not care about being fair or sticking on to standards. At any point in time life will display plenty of contradictions. I need to accept it and move on.

Though life has uncertainty and contradictions mostly it is filled with blessings. There are only two ways to lead my life: I take it as it is a blessing or it is not. Either way, the most important thing for me to remember is that no one is got better by complaining about life. Life has no ears for complaints. Life has no CNTRL + Z.  Whatever is my past, wherever I am now, and however could or should my life would be, the truth is I am here, now. This is it and this is Hope.

By hope, I did not mean that all my dreams will come true, I have already mentioned that life is uncertain and contradictory. I simply mean that it only takes a spark to ignite a wildfire. That spark can come from anywhere. While life may disappoint me by not turning out the way I once envisaged, it will still end up somewhere beautiful if I am open to possibilities.....Hope and get going.

Now how many of you agree with what I have understood about LIFE.....!

973. Lighting an Oil Lamp.....!

The first electric bulb was lit in Bangalore City Market in 1905. The journey of lighting thereafter has swiftly zipped along. We had Incandescent bulbs replaced by Fluorescent tubes which were substituted by Compact Fluorescent Lamps. This CFL are now taken over by LED (Light Emitting Diode) bulbs. With all these we cannot forget that before the advent of the first Electric Bulb every household in India had kerosene lantern to drive away the darkness. Nevertheless at the altar in the pooja room there was this oil lamp.

Though we have the Electric Bulb to take care of the darkness in the pooja room, the oil lamp still finds a place there??? Why???

There is a hidden secret behind this which needs to be unearthed. We all know that this Cosmos is an amalgamation of Five Elements namely Akasha (Space), Vayu (Air), Agni (Fire), Apa (water), Pritvi (Earth). The two elements Akasha and Vayu have very subtle density and are always felt above, while Pritvi and Apa have gross density and are felt below. Amazingly Agni is neither subtle nor gross and is felt above and below. It holds the connectivity between the elements and hence Agni was used by our ancient Rishis to pass on the Havis (Sacrificial offering) to the Divine Beings. Element Agni is considered a link between the Iha (Present Life) and Para (Life After) and hence a dead body is confined to flames.    

Now let us know why it is important to light an oil lamp in the evenings. Every living being born has positive and negative energies in them. Those with predominant negative energy prefer to stay in darkness to conceal their presence while those with positive energies thrive to be in light. Do not take it in a negative sense let me explain, the seed sprouting is positive development, right??? It needs light. Fungus formation on the bread is a negative development and it needs dark place. Apart from these two energies there is a third entity which is neutral.  

Even microbes get eliminated when exposed to Sun Light. As we have these two energies outside us we also have positive and negative emotions in our mind. There is a tussle between these two emotions to dominate the mind. As per observations made by our ancients when negative energy is dominant there will be turbulence and turmoil and with positive emotions in dominance there is serenity and calmness in the mind.

How is this related to lighting oil lamp???

At the creation of this Cosmos it was ensured that the domination of the negative forces be negated by positive energy if there is illumination. Hence the Shanti Mantra (Hymn of Peace) from Brihadaranyaka Upanishad says “Tamaso ma Jyotir gamaya” (From darkness, lead me to light). So also the dominance of the negative and positive forces will determine the mindset of the family members. Now the question is whether it is possible to light up an oil lamp to achieve serenity and calmness in our mind?

Lighting up the area with an electric bulb will only remove external darkness. It will hardly help to bring in serenity in the mind, as the positive and negative forces are head-on with each other. Some other force is necessary to assist the positive force to get dominance over the negativity. Which is that other force???

Our Rishis revealed the secret of the third invisible Divine Energy, the Oil Lamp which is always neural. It has both negative and positive energy in equal proportions (Fire is neither subtle nor gross, as seen above). It is the simplest form of divine energy which provides heat and light. The oil lamp has a particular wavelength of Divine Energy which can activate the dormant energy and change the negativity to positive.