1000. Observe the Inner to get the Outer revealed!!!!

Sir James Hopwood Jeans (1877), the British physicist, astronomer and mathematician searching for the origin of the universe finally said, “Universe begins to look more like a great thought than like a great machine.” But earlier to him, Sir Isaac Newton (1643) felt that an observer had no role to play, the universe functioned like a machine run by a mechanically designed forces. 

Later on for Albert Einstein (1879) the observer sneaked in the theory of relativity, but the space and time appearing differently to different observer’s frame of references reducing the origin of the universe to physical variables like space-time, gravity, and energy. Erwin Schrodinger, the contemporary of Einstein tried to explain that no possibility manifests without an observer to make an observation by his famous “Thought Experiment” using his cat.

The cat in the box dead or alive was to highlight state of possibility observed by the observer. With the thought experiment very convincing, the “Power of Thought” was referred to as the origin of the universe. Quotes like “You create your own reality” got strength. Now the question which arises is, “Is reality then observer dependent”??? If yes, then it means that the observer has the power to manifest his own reality.

Did the observer observe anything which did not exist before??? Is not reality we observe, the reality that is reflected back to us??? 

As an observer I observe an object in a certain way and it communicates a signal to the object. The object then sends a signal back to me, who am the observer. It is only after that I happen to see the object reflected depending on how I observed it. Hence the observation made by each observer is different while the reality of the object is the same. This is not quite like the “You create your own reality” concept. We are not creating reality, we are simply observing it.

If I am to create my own reality, then if I were to think positive, only positive things should have happen to me in the world. Instead, whether I think positive or otherwise, the things which are going to happen will happen and are out of my control. Hence even being a positive thinking person will not avoid any unfortunate event to happen if any.

Our ancient thinkers expected us to be positive always not in the view that the reality would change positive for us. To be positive in our perception can alter our approach towards the perspective. If I have this positive way of looking at things, then any suggestions I get will not appear to me as a personal failure instead it will provide me to look at it as opportunity to better myself.

How I approach the world is based on my conditional reality. My external assumptions, beliefs and attitudes are what determines the way in which I access the world and thereby how the world will appear to me. This is where I take my lead to start a completely new kind of physics, because experimental physics has its limitations. New physics must now begin from the observer himself and systematically explore his inner world for the outer world to be revealed. This is what I call cultivating the Witness Consciousness (Sakshi bhava).

999. Saviour always.........!

A mother is cradling her infant by humming a lullaby. The cradle moves to and fro every time she pushes and pulls it. The too and fro movement is to induce sleep to the infant inside the cradle. The pushing and pulling of the cradle by the mother along with the mesmerizing lullaby works wonders on the infant and within few minutes the infant slips into sleep. The effort of the mother has to be applauded here.

My Sri Hari too has the same intent and hence He too pushes me away from Him and pulls me towards Him.This too and from movement is experienced by me when there are ups and downs in my life. Although for sure He cannot abandon me or anyone just like that. He is “Achyuta” because He being omnipresent there is no place to “shake me off”. In Sanskrit “Chyuta” is to abandon. Now if He wants to abandon me He has to have a place where He is not present. And there is no place in this entire universe where He is not present. So in that sense Sri Sri Shankara writes He is Achyuta because He was, is and will not be shaken from His own glory. His glory lies in being “Dayamaya” (Compassionate) and “Duritasamhara” (Killer of evil Traits).

Just as the mother was seen pushing and pulling the cradle to put the infant to sleep, my Sri Hari too pushes me and pulls me to keep me in Bliss. While He is pushing me away from Him, He is killing the evil traits which afflicted me due to my past life actions (Prarabdha). When He is pulling me towards Him He is compassionate enough to keep me in His comfort zone.

The hardship I face in the span of my life is when He is taking care of my difficult times. I need to endure it and remember to be unaffected by the outcome of those difficult times. I should also be aware that He is pushing me only to pull me back again. The joy I experience is when He is pulling me towards Him. The phase may or may not last for a long time, but the duration need not be wasted worrying about the span of the period.      

My Guru, D.V. Gundappa who is one among the well-known personalities from the literary field in Karnataka writes in his famous “Mankuthimanna Kagga” thus:  

Baduku Jatakaabandi Vidhi adara Saaheba

Kudureneen Avanu peldante Payanigaru 

Maduvego Masanako hogendakadegodu 

Padakusiye nelavihudu- Mankuthimma

Meaning: Life is a horse cart and fate is its driver.  You are the horse. He (the driver) decides the passengers. Marriage or funeral run whichever way you are asked to. If your legs fail, you have the ground to support you.

Now what is wonderful in this couplet is the last line, if your legs fail you have the support of the ground to hold on to you........ “Achyuta”.....He is the one who will never lets you off.....where can He let me off, if there is no place where He is supposed not to be present.....What Say??? 

998. The Diamond Crown!!!!

Thirunarayanapuram (Melukote), the pilgrimage center in Mandya district Karnataka was glittering the whole yesterday night on the occasion of Vairamudi Utsava. The Moola Virat (Principle Deity) of the place is Sri Cheluvarayaswamy, the Utsava Murthy (Processional Deity) is fondly known as Chella Pillai. The Utsava Murthy is adorned with the Vairmudi (Diamond Crown) which has a legend behind it on this occasion.

While in Melukote, Srimad Ramanuja had a dream that the Utsava Murthy that had been taken away by invading Mughals, was in Delhi. Srimad Ramanuja went there with his disciples, met the Sultan who had plundered temples in South India, and requested him to return the deity back. The Sultan said that the idol was in the possession of his princess. Sultan told Srimad Ramanuja that if he wanted the idol, he would have to ask the it to come to him. If it did come he can take it

Srimad Ramanuja sang a sweet song and called out, Varai Chella Pillai (Please come, my dear child). The idol is said to have come sat on his lap like a small boy. Srimad Ramanuja embraced the boy with great affection, calling him Sampat Kumara (Youthful Lord), and brought Him to Melukote.

Meanwhile the Sultans daughter, unable to bear separation from the deity, followed Srimad Ramanuja. Sultan then sent his army to accompany the princess, but when they couldn't enter a rival's kingdom, the princess continued on alone. When she came to Melukote and decided to spend her life there adoring the idol. Years later she walked in and merged with the Lord.

Srimad Ramanuja installed a deity of the princess, Bibi Nachiyar, at the feet of Cheluvanarayana, the principle Deity. Since then every offering to the Deity made in the temple is done through her.

Several legends are associated with this Vairmudi Utsava. Vairmudi, the diamond crown adored to the Utsava Murthy (Procession Deity) has a legendary story. As per legends Vairamudi belonged to Aniruddha, the grandson of Sri Krishna. Prahlada`s son Virochana once stole the crown. Garuda, the mount of Maha Vishnu was assigned to bring Vairamudi back. Garuda defeated Virochana in a fight and recovered the crown. While returning he found Sri Krishna in Brindavana and handed Vairamudi to Him.

Sri Krishna place that Vairmudi on the Utsava Murthy at Melukote and the Vairmudi Utsava started since then. Vairmudi Utsava is a traditional celebrations dating back to many years. This Utsava happens on the fourth day of Brahmotsava. On this day the Utsava Murthy along with Sridevi and Bhudevi mounted on Garuda are decorated with flowers and taken around the temple town.

The preparation for the Brahmotsava starts well before 2 weeks. Actual celebrations take place for 13 days. Garudotsava is celebrated a day before the Brahmotsava at Melkote. The district administration of Mandya makes rigorous arrangements for bringing the priceless Vairamudi crown from Mandya treasury to the temple amidst stringent security measures. It is believed that the crown must not be exposed to daylight. Hence it will be placed in a special casket. Under vigilance of Mandya police it arrives at the town. It is from here it is taken up to the temple with honors in a special palanquin. It reaches the temple by late evening.

The crown is placed in front of sanctum of Srimad Ramanuja and the head priest places the Vairamudi and fits it to the Deity. It is tradition that even the head priest cannot look at the Vairamudi in physical eyes till it is fitted to the Deity. Hence the priest covers his eyes with a silk cloth while fitting the crown.

Utsava takes place whole night with the Deity and his consorts traditionally decorated and procession continues to the dawn of the next day.

I was once fortunate to have the glimpse of the Deity adoring the Vairamudi. It was a ecstatic experience indeed.

997. Strength is in Numbers.....!

“Kalau Sanghe Shakti” In Kali Yuga, Strength is in Numbers. 

This is a Sanskrit saying which means that it is difficult to struggle alone in this era. 

Now what is this struggle for??? 

Struggle can be for anything, it can be for a “Mandir” to be built or for demanding “Aazadi.” Struggle is not to be perceived always as something which is done with violence. Even the event to get back the freedom of my country from British was termed Freedom Struggle. When I need to clean I cannot do it with a single bristle of the broom, can I??? I need to have the collective lot of bristles of the broom together so that cleaning is possible. Though it is very easy to gather and form a Sangha when the issue is divisive or to destroy, it is very difficult to get in people if it is to unify or to build.

Why is it hard to bring people together for any constructive intent???

It is very simple, it is either because of lack of Shastra Jnana (Scriptural Knowledge) on Dharma (Righteousness) or too much of self centeredness. In this era we find that society is not concerned about the social responsibility. Social responsibility is and should have been our priority. Unfortunately we are becoming more and more self-centered. Only if one is feeling the burn, will he shout about Dharma, if not he is a meek spectator. Hence it is easy for those anti-socials to bind together to fight for what they want, which is mostly against the welfare of the society.

It is amazing to see that we have organisations which are formed to fight for the “Aazadi” of a particular state with paid protesters while for the development of a state none march forward. Development does not only mean to upgrade the infrastructure but also to reinstall the identity of a place. Is it wise to build a space launch pad by uprooting the Eiffel Tower??? or demolish the Empire State Building to accommodate a world class Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences????  

Over the years in my country the efforts are made to build a Mandir which should have been completed by now. We Hindus belong to the real “Religion of Peace” hence the delay. It is absolutely alright for us to wait for the judicial voice to give us the permission. Also we are from those genes which want to establish anything with the consent not conflict. Above all there are some who are spiritually inclined and bring the logic of Jambavantha, who could see Shri Rama in Sri Krishna. We can visualise Ayodhya Dasarathi in Dwarakadhish. But having said that we cannot let go the identity of Ayodhya which was the janmabhoomi of Ramalala.

We Hindus who were, are and will be from the true “Religion of Peace” did not or may be could not get together to stop Mir Baqi in 1528 A.D from destroying the Pre-existing temple of Ramalala at Janmabhoomi to build a mosque at the behest of his emperor Babur. Now I do not see anything wrong in joining hands to reconstruct the temple there again. We have had enough of those liberals talking of pseudo secularism, our politicians stooping low to appease a particular section of people and a few media houses taking advantage of the rift to keep their T.R.P rating high. 

As it is said we need to get together and form a Sangha or support the Sangha which is already working for the cause. When we see stupid morons who should be studying in their universities forming groups and shouting for “Aazadi” with the support of a few presstitutes why can we not group together for the greater cause???...... We can isn’t???

996. Sri Krishna, the Eternal Flirt.....!

Showing interest on someone without any depth of feeling, is the definition of a Flirt. In general one who loves to flirt is considered untrustworthy or even a cheat. One of the component of Flirt is eve teasing. Does Sri Krishna fit into the character of a flirt who is a eve teaser? How can Sri Krishna who is adored by the Gopikas of Brindavana be branded as a legendary eve teaser?

Those who are familiar with the “Balaleela” of Gopala Krishna will never feel His ways of relating with the women flock was ever questionable. It does hurt when those who do not even have an iota of His leela talk about His character. Amazingly that character was not defamed now it was defamed long back when the King of Chedi, Shishupala accused Him in the Sabha. As promised to His aunt and mother of Shishupala, Sri Krishna counted 100 abuses from Shishupala and then used His Sudharshana to eliminate him.

I fail to understand why a few jump into conclusion looking at the acts of Sri Krishna and decide something unusual about Him. Agreed that Sri Krishna is not easy to understand as His other incarnation Shri Rama. Sri Krishna is most misunderstood personality. Shri Rama is described by Sage Valmiki as Maryada  Purushottama and to the justification of that word Shri Rama behaves so in the entire Ramayana. So, it is obvious that Shri Rama is never doubted in regard to His character.

Sri Krishna is unpredictable when viewed superficially, one can never find consistence. This inconsistency is not in the character of Sri Krishna but because of two aspects in which we perceive Him. First of all we generally tend to imagine Sri Krishna from our moral aspect pertaining to our period and causations. Secondly Sri Krishna lived a life of affirmativeness. This rare feature in Him has made Him unique. He accepted life as it came. When He was a kid, he was a loveable child like none other. He lived fully like a child. When He grew up as an adult He lived like an adult. He is never choose a serious life. In fact He did not choosing life, He lived it to the fullest.

When a few start saying that Sri Krishna loved to flirt with gopis, it reflects more about them than about Sri Krishna. He is a personality worth to emulate. He offered an unlimited saree to one who cut her saree end to stop His finger from bleeding.  

Sri Krishna is one who is well versed in Shodasha kala (16 arts) and is the only persona who could manage his eight spouses having different mentality. This was possible because He could have the three gunas the Sattva, Rajas & Tamo in balance. 

Sri Krishna could be mysterious but I would not say that he was a flirt who was eve teasing......even if He was eve teasing I believe there would have been a endless queue of Gopikas to get teased......same in this period of time too.

995. Instinct, Intuition, Intellect.....

According to Rishi Gautama’s Nyaya Sutra those having similar type birth are classified in different Jaati (Samaana Prasavaatmika Jaatih). The Gautama Rishi states four type of birth and lists them as follows:

Udbija (one which sprouts from seed like plants)

Andaja (one which are born out of eggs like birds and reptiles)

Pindaja (one developed in womb like in animals and mammals)

Ushmaja (one which are produced due to temperature and atmospheric conditions like virus, bacteria etc).

Similar physical characteristics are the highlight of a particular Jaati which mostly does not change from one to another and is not usually crossbred also. Thus Jaati is creation of Providence. Humans can never be depicted as different Jaati because there is no difference in the way they take birth and even so that have an identical physical characteristics. Hence we can conclude that the whole of the human race is of the same Jaati called Manava Jaati.

“Matruvat Jati Pitruvat Guna” (Breed is motherly while qualities are fatherly) says scriptures. The natural instinct can be pointed out to the breed and it can be referred to as the intangible “sixth sense” which a mother provides to its offspring. The qualities which are based on the intuition come from father. It is that quality which allows us to tap into the subconscious mind, receive guidance and inspiration, and make high calibre decisions and choices.

Mind needs the three Upajja (Instinct), Mati (Intuition) and Buddhi (Intellect) to perform. While the instinct is got by mother and intuition by father, intellect is bestowed by Absolute. By instinct the mind decides unconsciously through the routine memory and impressions. While from intuition mind works by the conscious level but with calculations and caution. In intuition, one suddenly is aware of what is to be done and what is right. It is amazing that one doesn’t know how, but there is energy. It is like having minimum data, no precedence; many choices and suddenly one pops up it is spontaneous.

If can take the example of Ghatotkacha, born to Bhimasena and Hidambi. Hidambi was from a demon family hence the son born to her was physically huge and had a head which was bald hence his name, “Utkacha” is bald and “Ghata” is pot. He had a head which looked like a pot with no hair. He had the demonic instinct. Yet, he had observed and adopted the qualities of Bhimasena, his father. He was a devotee of Sri Krishna as his father. This was the intuition he got from his father and he took part in the war against Kauravas. He heeded the words of Sri Krishna and fell on the Kaurava side when Karna used the Vajrayudha on him, which he had save for Arjuna. His enormous weight crushed many of the Kaurava warriors as he fell on them. The words of Sri Krishna which was the intellect gave him the name and fame even after his death. 

994. The Great Expectations....!

“Apeksha” as it is called in Sanskrit, the expectation is ingrained in our lives. There could be different levels of expectations and different types of expectations but there is no one who can say “I have no expectations”. Let us not confuse with “Asha” which is hope. There is a huge difference between the two; hope is something which has a tinge of uncertainty in the cause while expectation is filled with confidence, though both cannot guarantee the outcome. Hioe is mostly pinned on God, expectations on self and others. But one has to agree that every one of us have these two, hope and expectation as a walking stick to thread the path of life. Those who claim to be satisfied with whatever they have got in their life expect that the same might continue.

Now why do we have these expectations and from where will it arise? The very existence of human life is hinged on to hope and expectations. Without hope and expectations life would be so meaningless and boring too. Expectations keep arising for a better self, a better tomorrow, since we are tuned to look for something more than what we already have. In a sense, we rarely accept ourselves or our circumstances, as they are.

Every one of us is in the process of changing either ourselves, or those around us, or the circumstances and environment in which we live. The idea behind such thought is that once there is the change, we get what we are looking for, it could be anything, and life will be happier and more peaceful. Nothing wrong with this kind of thought, except that the in-built mechanisms of our mind make this a good theoretical exercise, but the one that does not suite us for long, in reality. When we don’t accept ourselves or our circumstances as they are, we yearn for change. This yearning for change is our triumph card for a better future, but, by its very nature, it could be self-destructive.

Expectations that we all carry in our minds, seems to have endless force, so that, even when what we want has been achieved this force of expecting does not die out. This force remains and it is a bit stronger if we have achieved what we sought, and this keeps up the urge pushing us for more and more. Therefore we can see that the very tool which helps us improve our circumstances should have ideally cease and should have taken a break, at least for an extended period of time. Unfortunately, the mechanism in our mind which is responsible for expectations never settles down even when the expected conditions are granted. For example, when it is too cold in December we expect Sun to be Tiksna (hot) but as it becomes hot we expect it to be Shitala (cool). But, like our expecting brain, the mechanism responsible for the Sun to cool down does not happen, and we see that often. Similarly there seems no “stop” or “pause” button in our minds, which can put an end to the mechanism that cause more expectations, even when our initial expectations are fulfilled.

When our expectations are fulfilled we seem to be happy for some time, but that period wears off and the expectation mechanism which has been lying low for a short time kicks in and starts sending “want” messages. Whatever I have right now with me seem to be uninteresting in the due course of time. If I have bought a swanky car, within a month or two, the happiness of the car starts to dull, and my mind is already in the “expecting” mode, wanting something else, which I don't have or possess. In most of us, this process goes on, lifelong.......without stop!!!

993. Chaitra Maasa.....!

“Rtunam Kusumakarah” (Among seasons I am spring the bearer of flowers) says Krishna to Arjuna while elaborating His Transcendental opulence. In this season of spring is Chaitra Maasa which is the month Chaturmukha Brahma commenced the creation. This day is also called Yugada Adhi (Start of the Year).      

Yuga also points out to the Aeon which means that it was on the Yugadi day Sri Krishna left for Paramapada after bringing an end to His avatara (manifestation) as the Dwarakadeesha, Pandavapakshapati, Gopijana Vallabha. This also marked the end of Dwapara and start of Kali yuga.

The other unique features of this Chaithra maasam are the appearance of Maha Vishnu as a huge fish to restore the Vedas which were stone by Asura Hayagriva. Matsya Avatara also saved Manu Satyavrata, the first human and Saptarishis. The Lord in Matsya Avatara advised Manu to collect the seeds of all the plant variety and all the species of animals, reptiles and birds and get into the huge boat to save them from the deluge. The appearance of the Matsya was in Satya Yuga and in this current Samvatsara (Year) it falls on Chaitra Sukla Triteeya (30-03-2017). 

In Treta Yuga Maha Vishnu appeared as Maryaada Purushottama Shri Rama on the ninth day of Chaitra maasa which is celebrated as Shri Rama Navami which is on (05-03-2017) this year. As prescribed by the scriptures to donate water (Prapadaana) since these are the hottest days of the year. This whole month we have the devotees of Shri Rama distributing Paanaka (Jaggery Lime squash) alone the street sides.

Also in this month Surya enters Mesha Rashi which is called Meshasankramana. This event is celebrated as Vishu, the harvest festival (14-03-2017). The next day will be Chaitra Pournima which commemorates the birth of Shri Rama Bhaktha Hanuman. It also marks the most religious event that happens here in Bengaluru, the famous “Bengaluru Hoovina Karaga.” It is one of the oldest festivals to happen in the heart of the city. 

Bengaluru Hoovina Karaga is primarily a well-known tradition observed by Thigala community who were created by Draupadi Devi during Mahaprastana. The legend says that while Pandavas were climbing the Himalaya Draupadi was left behind and a Asura disturbed her. She created an army of “Veerakumars” who destroyed the Asura.   

Chaitra maasa is filled with festivities....

Yugadi wishes to all my readers their family and friends...... 

992. New Year.....!

At the time of Sankalpa (Volition) we need to mention the name of the year. Just as we find the mention of numerical numbers denoting the year in the Gregorian calendar, name of the Samvatsara in the Lunar and Solar Hindu calendar is notable. These names of the years keep changing in a 60 year cycle. Also if January first is the “New Year Day” for those who follow the Gregorian calendar, Chaitra Shukla Pratipada marks the beginning of a Hindu new year. This day is called Yuga Adhi (Start of Year) which is Yugadi.

One Samvatsara (Year) is a measurement of Time which is subdivided as Uttaraayana (beginning of Winter Solstice) and Dakshinaayana (beginning of Summer Solstice). Further we have Sad Ritus (Six Seasons) comprising of Vasantha Ritu (Spring), Grishma Ritu (Summer), Varsha Ritu (Rainy), Sharad Ritu (Autumn), Hemanta Ritu (Winter). Shishira Ritu (Dewy) spread over Dwadasa Masa (Twelve Months) namely Chaitra, Vaisakha, Jyeshta, Ashadha, Shravana, Bhadrapadha, Aswayuja, Kartika, Margasira, Pushya, Magha and Phalguna. Each month has Dvi-Paksha (Two Fortnights) Shukla (From New moon to Full moon) and Krishna (From Full moon to New moon), and Sapta Vaasara (Seven Days) Bhanu, Soma, Mangala, Budha, Brihaspati, Shukra, Shani.

Now why is it that 60 years is considered to be one completion of one cycle???

The calculation is done based on the movement of Brihaspati (Jupiter) and Shani (Saturn). When Srustikartha Brahma started this universe the Sun and all other planets were in the Rashi (Zodiac) which was Mesha (Aries) and Moon was in the first Nakshatra (Celestial Star) Ashwini first phase in the Mesha Rashi. The movement of the planets and moon is not the same; each planet takes its own time to return back to the Mesha Rashi from where they started. While the calculation of the year is done it is either Chandramana (Transit of Moon) or Souramana (Transit of Sun) from one Nakshatra and Rashi respectively but while calculating the 60 years the Brihaspatyamana (Transit of Jupiter) is considered.   

    

If we observe the slowest moving planets, Brihaspati (Jupiter) & Shani (Saturn), Jupiter takes 12 Earth years to return back to Mesha Rashi while Saturn takes 30 Earth years. So for the two to get back to Mesha Rashi together it will be 60 years, that is Jupiter would have done 5 laps by the time Saturn returns back to Mesha, the starting point.

Starting from 29-03-2017 (Chaitra Shukla Pratipada) to 17-03-2018 (Chaitra Amavasya) is Hevilambi Nama Samvatsara. 

The complete cycle of 60 years by an Individual is refered to as "Shasti Poorthi" that is when the name of the year a person is born in will recur. If the individual is in the process of unlearning he regains the innocence he had 60 years back and will be childlike. He enjoys the rest of his life the same way as he did in his infancy days. Loved by all and loving all. Isn't it wonderful to get back those "Beete Hue Din"???

991. First let’s make place for Shri Rama within.....!

Shri Rama was the son of Dasharatha and Kousalya. Dasharatha is the one who is capable of maneuvering the ten chariots in the body namely five sense organs and five organs of action perfectly. Kousalya is the skill that handles the rider of the ten chariots. The place where Shri Rama was born is “Ayodhya” the place without war. The place without war is peaceful.

The events that occurred are not just a long drama written by Sage Valmiki, but it has a philosophical and spiritual truth in it. 

Ramayana is happening in my body, in our body and in everyone’s body irrespective of who he is and where he is from. Shri Rama is the representation of the Atma (Consciousness), Sitamatha is the Jivatma (Individual Consciousness), Hanuma is the Prana (Vital Breath) while Ravana is the Ahamkara (Ego).

Maha Vishnu who is Absolute Consciousness appears as an Amsha (Part) as Shri Rama. This Consciousness has four Avastha (State) Jagratha Avastha (Awake State) is Lakshmana, Swapna Avastha (Dream State) is Bharata, Sushupti Avastha (Dreamless Deep Sleep State) is Shatrughna and Turiya Avastha (Transcendal State) is Shri Rama Himself.

Guru Vishwamitra (Our Master) takes Shri Rama and Laskshmana (Transcendental and Awake State) to the forest on the pretext of guarding the Yagna (Well-being of Society). There Tataka (Negative Thoughts) is annulled and the flip flop of mind is stopped by breaking the Shiva Dhanush (Bow of Shiva) with this there is yoga of union with Maya Shakti that is Sitamatha.

Parashurama (Purva Samskara) is controlled by wielding the Vishnu Chapa (Bow of Vishnu) which is the present. Purpose of Life is Pitru Vakya Paripalana (Honouring the words of his father). Going to Dhandakarnya (Forest) is like being in the state of solitude. Cutting off the nose of Shurpanaka is the Indriya Nigraha (Control of Senses). Khara, Dushana and Thrishira killing is Kama, Khroda, Lobha (Desire, Anger, Greed) Nasha.   

Sitamatha harana (Abduction of Sitadevi) is our Jignasattva (Desirous of Knowing) being carried away by Vishayavasana (Interest in Materialism) who is Ravana. Mareecha killing is Moha (Attachment) Nasha. Hanumantha Pravesha is the Bhakti Yoga (Path of Devotion) which is to get back the Jignasattva.  

   

First thing to happen in the advent of Bhakti is Ajnana Nasha (Vali Samhara) and Vibheeshana Agamana (Vibheeshana joining Shri Rama Camp) is Sat Sangha in the happening. 

Samudra Langana (Jumping the Ocean) is the test of endurance, Sethu Bandhana (Building of Bridge) is test of our ability. Sitadevi Anveshana (Search for Sitadevi) is exploring in the Scriptures (Shastra Adhyayana). Lanka Dahana (Burning of Lanka) is destroying the Ashastra Pustaka (Bad Literature).  

Vanquishing of Kumbhakarna and Indrajit depicts the Mada, Matsarya (Arrogance, Envy) Nasha. With the loss of Khara, Dushana, Thrishira, Mareecha, Kumbhakarna and Mahiravana, (Kama, Khroda, Lobha, Moha, Mada and Matsarya)  Ravana, the embodiment of Ego is killed. 

Then with the reunion of Sitamatha and Shri Ramachandra there is Pattabhisheka which is Svatmanandanubhava (Ecstasy).

990. The Presence in the Absence......!

A few days back I had posted about a woman who while cutting grass in her field came to know that her brother was elected for the post of the Chief Minister of the state. Reference was to the newly elected Yogi Adityanath sister. The question in the post was if there was anyone who being a 5 times M.P had a sister toiling in the field to make a living. One of my friends on the lighter vein referred to our Ex-PM brothers who are even now toiling in the fields in Hardanahalli, Hassan.       

Though the end result was the same, there was the play of “Anvaya” and “Vyatireka”. Anvaya was that the post was appreciating the gesture of that 5 times MP for not misusing his tenure. While the Vyatireka was the Ex-PM was did not care for his blood relations.

In Vedanta too we find this; Anvaya is concordance while Vyatireka is discordance. For an example, the beads strung to form a necklace is used to explain these two words. The fact that without the string which holds together the beads, there is no necklace of beads is Anvaya. The fact that, however, the string is separate from the beads is Vyatireka. 

The all-pervasiveness of the Absolute is Anvaya. The distinctness of the Absolute is the Vyatireka. Anvaya is the presence of one thing along with the particular another, Vyatireka is its absence when that other is absent. It is synthesis and analysis (positive and negative method).

This Anvaya Vyatireka is the reason for misapprehension and a cause for skepticism. This Anvaya and Vyatireka will fade away when the Truth is comprehended, until then we remain skeptical.  

A Jnani just plays with theses Avaya and Vyatireka as he is knows the truth. For him this Anvaya and Vyatireka is like a play and he enjoys it. It so happened in Mahabharata that once Yudhisthira wanted to consult Sri Krishna on some important matter. He wished to send a messenger to Dwaraka to bring Sri Krishna. The next day the messenger with a chariot was ready to leave to Dwaraka. Just then Bhimasena came in and seeing the chariot he enquired about it with Yudhisthira. When he came to know that it was an arrangement to bring Sri Krishna to Hastinapura 
Bhimasena said, “There was a simpler way to get Sri Krishna here.”  

Yudhisthira was curious to know how.

Immediately Bhimasena flung his heavy mace high up in the air and stood under it with folded hands and cried out loud, “Hey! Krishna Parandhama, you have to save me from the falling mace.” In the blink of an eye Sri Krishna was there to catch the falling mace. This is Anvaya. Let us see the Vyariteka.    

   

While on exile Sri Krishna stayed in the Dwaithavana forest for an year with Pandavas and it was time for Him to leave for Dwaraka. Everyone including Yudhisthira were in tears as they could not come in terms with the departure of Sri Krishna. Bhimasena and Draupati were calm and poised; Yudhisthira asked Bhimasena why he was not apprehensive of the fact that Sri Krishna will no longer be with them.

“When was Sri Krishna not in Dwaraka and when He not is with us in Dwaithavana, I don’t realize. To me it does not matter if He is anywhere as He is in assess able distance always. Why should I weep for someone who is always within the hearing distance?” said Bhimasena.

Bhimasena felt the presence in the absence which is Anvaya while Yudhisthira experienced the absence in the presence which is Vyatireka. 

989. An Enlightened Being is the one............

An Enlightened Being is the one who understands that whatever he loves, he loves for the sake of his own self. (Sage Yagnavalkya and Maitreyi conversation). 

An Enlightened being is the one who stops comparing with others. (Sage Asthavakra undeterred by the eight physical deformities he had). 

An Enlightened Being is the one who works on a person to escalate him. (Bhagvan Buddha dealing with Angulimala).

An Enlightened Being is the one who believe in live and let live (Bhagvan Mahavira).

An Enlightened Being is the one who does not differentiate between Holy and Lowly (Sri Sri Shankara confronts with Chandala).

An Enlightened Being is the one who is not concerned about his emancipation alone. (Srimad Ramanuja disclosing Astakshara Maha Mantra from the top of temple tower at Thirukostiyur).

An Enlightened Being is the one who understands that everyone is right in his own perspective, but there is the need to work on those perspectives. (Sriman Madhva providing the Nine Basic Tenets to comprehend the Truth).

An Enlightened Being is one who reiterates that strength and knowledge both necessary to combat despots and plunderers of a region. (Smartha Ramadas, the Guru of Shivaji Maharaj).

An Enlightened Being is one who is able to differentiate between “need” and “want” and is able to let go off the wants. (Sant Kabir).

An Enlightened Being is one who wishes to correct himself before correcting others. (Sri Ramakrishna Parmahamsa restraining from sweets to advise the boy who's mother complained that he eats lot of sweets).

An Enlightened Being is one who feels every single being has come from the same source (Swamy Vivekanada at Chicago).

An Enlightened Being is the one who is at peace with himself. (Bhagvan Ramana Maharashi, the Mouna Muni).

An Enlightened Being is one who stops attaching “happiness” to material things (Shirdi Sai Baba).

An Enlightened Being is one who does not seek approval from others. (Srila Prabhupada, the ISKCON head).

An Enlightened Being is one who stops trying to proving his intelligent to others. (Swami Rama of the Himalaya).

An Enlightened Being is one who knows to “let go” (Nisargadatta Maharaj).

An Enlightened Being is one who is able to drop expectations from every relationship and gives for the sake of giving (Pramahansa Yogananda).

An Enlightened Being is the one who Bend the Body, Mend the Senses and End the Mind. (Sathya Sai Baba).

.....List is Alpa (Small) and Apoorna (Incomplete)......There are many many many more Enlightened Beings that my land has witnessed. 

988. The fruits we have collected......!

He finished his shower and was wiping his hair with a towel; his mind was engrossed in thoughts. He came out of his room and saw his grandfather sitting on the sofa reading some religious book. He walked to his grandfather and sat beside him. His grandfather looked at him and asked, “What’s the matter Aloka, you seem to be disturbed?”     

“Thatha, you know Naveen, my friend his twin brother Praveen passed away this morning, had been to attend his funeral.” said Aloka.  

“Why, what happened to him?” enquired the elderly man.   

“He was fighting against cancer Thatha, he could not make it. He was such a nice guy always helpful to others. You always told everything good happens to such a person. I don’t understand why God was so impartial towards him.” replied Aloka.

“See Aloka, none can comprehend the ways of destiny.” Thatha said.

“Isn’t it so convenient to place the blame on destiny? He never ever dreamt of hurting other either in thought, word or deed. It is injustice on the part of God to have snatched his life.” lamented Aloka.

“No, Aloka why do you say God was impartial and unjust. God has nothing to do with our destiny. Let me tell you a story so that you can understand.    

Once there was a King who ordered his three ministers to go to the forest and bring a bag full of fruits. All the three of them left the palace the next morning and rode into the forest separately. 

The first minister thought since it was the order from the King; he had to collect the best of the fruits. So he went on looking for nice ripe and half-ripe fruits. Therefore his bag was filled with good variety of fruits but his bag was soiled. 

The second minister felt since King would be very busy he may not inspect what kind of fruit is in the bag, so he went on collecting whatever he could lay his hands. Therefore his bag was filled with a mixture of ripe, semi-ripe and over ripe fruits and his bag looked as it was.

Third minister thought the King would look at the size of the bags and it does not matter what was inside and hence he just filled up the bag with all dried leaves and twigs. He decorated the bag with vines and fresh green leaves.

 
All the three ministers came back to the palace in the evening with their respective bags having collected the fruits. Everyone present there were attracted to the bag belonging to the third minister while the bag of the first minister was disregarded. 

The King did not even inspect the bags or wanted to know what they had brought, he just ordered that the three ministers be sent to separate jails for a month. He further ordered that they should not be provided with any kind of food but have to be allowed to have access to the bags they had brought from the forest.

First minister had picked good fruits and hence had a good time relishing them over a period of thirty days. Second minister had to juggle between the ripe and over ripe fruits he had to consume even putrid ones too. Now what to say about the third minister he had nothing to eat at all. He had deceived himself by decorating the bag with nothing at all to sate his hunger.

Look Aloka, we are here with the bag of fruits from our previous births, we relish what we have collected. God has no role in it at all. ”

The young man thanked his grandfather for making him understand the intricacies of Karma and for guided him to the right path.  

987. Conserve.......for future!!!

Everything in nature is for us to relish but at the same time it is our duty to see that the resources got from nature will remain intact to serve the next generation too. Though nature can provide in abundance for our needs, if we wish to satisfy the greed in us then we will have to face the wrath of nature. It is proved time and again, only problem is that we forget it every time.      

It is said that we do not inherit the natural resources from our elders; we borrow them from our progeny. It is our responsibility to hand over the loan we have taken from them. We need to conserve the natural resources to ensure there is plenty for the next generation. This is especially necessary for non-renewable resources which include fossil fuels. These naturally available resources are limited in supply. Conserving it can ensures that it is not wasted and used more economically.

As the human population is escalating the renewable resources have diminished drastically. Forests are felled to accommodate human settlements, constraining the living space of animals, birds and reptiles. Little plants and shrubs can grow back quickly, but it takes large trees and forests a lot more years to be replaced. Making sure that our future generations too have plentiful as it is today relies on proper usage of natural resources by us.

In ancient days we humans were termed “Asheeras” the one who consume what the nature provides. In Sanskrit “Sheera” is a python it is said that the job of a python is to consume once in three months and hibernate. It was called “Ajgar Vruthi.” (Ajgar too is Python). 

We humans follow three types of Vruthis (jobs) in consuming the natural resources;

Anga Hara Vruthi: Anga is “body” and Hara is “take away”. The example given to this is, we humans make coal by burning the forest. Here the source is completely destroyed. The coal is got from burning the tree trunk and so the entire tree is lost.

Maalika Vruthi: Maalika is  “garland” In this we pluck flowers from the plants and shrubs to make a garland. In this example the plant or the shrub is not entirely harmed or destroyed but a part of it is taken. We can expect the flower to grow again from it. So if not as Anga Hara here there is a slight modification in the plant or tree.

Madhukara Vruthi: Madhukara is “honey bee”. We might notice that the honey bee collects nectar from various flower in such a way that neither the plant nor the flowers undergo any change. Honey bee just extracts the nectar leaving behind the flower untouched. In other way the honey bee also helps the flower to pollinate too. There is a quid pro quo arrangement between those two.     

Our elders advised us to be like those Honey Bees when consuming the natural resources..... Are we following their advice???