1208. Limitedness.....!

The whole understanding of Paramatma and Jeevatma is that Absolute Consciousness is in totality while we the humans (Individual Consciousness) are a part of it, just as my hand is the part of my body. The duty of my hand is to be always at the service of my body. If my hand thinks it is a separate entity it loses the relationship and identity with my body. There is harmony when my hand understands that it is a part of my body and works for the benefit of the whole. Exactly in the same way if the selfish “I” is replace by the selfless “I” it is the union of the two to become one. It is only when a seeker realises the truth that he is a part of the Divinity will he attain salvation and merges with the Absolute.

The intent behind the “Mahavakya” (Great Statement) from Brhadaranyaka Upanishad - “Aham Brahmasmi” (I am Brahman), has to be looked into deeply. Every individual has his own Brahmanda (Macrocosm) in Pindanda (Microcosm) and in this Pindanda there are clashes that cause illusions and delusions which confuse us and force us to forget the Divinity inside us which invariably the driving force. Unaware of it we start to search for that force outside us.

There are three constituents in our Brahmanda firstly:

“Who am I? Which constitutes to “Me”, then

“What do I have?” which becomes “Mine” and lastly

“What is not mine?” that will be “Others”.

If we are satisfied with our Self and are hence contented with what is and are free from insecure feel and fears. We then only concentrate on “Me” without being worried about “Mine” and “Others”, This will take us to the realm which is beyond the stage of being “Manushya” (Human Being), and leads to “Daivattva” (Absolute hood).

I had to put my cell phone to charge last night. Once the battery was fully charged there was a flash on the screen “Battery Full.” The lithium battery inside my cell phone now claims to be electric station to the gadget. It can let run an application, browse internet, take a selfie and also let me make a call.  Likewise we humans are bestowed with this Individual Consciousness which is like the energy in that lithium battery. The purpose of it is to help in repaying the karmic debts but not to claim that we are the Absolute Consciousness. 

Our Consciousness is for a limited period of time after our karmic debts are cleared this Consciousness will be withdrawn and again for the repayment of karmic debts that had accumulated while repaying the old ones we choose another body and the Consciousness flash its radiance on it. Just as the lithium battery is charged with electric power for a certain period we are provided with Consciousness till our karmic debts are cleared. 

Also there is limitation in using the electric charge from the lithium battery, it is just to operate the cell phone it cannot run a mixer or a grinder likewise our Consciousness is limited in its use. This limited-ness defines the clear difference between Jeevatma and Paramatma.  

1207. You are That.....!

“Tat Tvam Asi” meaning “You are That” is one of the “Mahavakyas” (Great Statements) which originates from the Chandogya Upanishad. Uddalaka, the father of a know-it-all son Swethaketu tries to explain that Consciousness is wholly or partially the Ultimate Reality. This statement has been interpreted in three different ways by our Acharya Trio – Sri Sri Shankara, Srimad Ramanuja and Sriman Madhva. Though they are contradictory all the three interpretations are correct.

Sri Sri Shankara advocates it in “Advaita” (Non Duality) thought as in - there are no two separate identities, the Paramatma (Absolute Consciousness) and Jeevatma (Individual Consciousness) are one and the same. There is no efforts required to become Brahman, rather, one already is and just needs to realise it.

Srimad Ramanuja supports it from Vishishtadvaita (Qualified Non Duality) dimension as in with self-realisation, you become unified with the Brahman while still retaining your identity, thus only becoming a part of Brahman but not fully integrated.

Sriman Madhva giving it the Dviata (Duality) touch states entirely different with “Atat Tvam Asi” meaning “You are not That”, thus establishing a clear difference between Paramatma and Jeevatma. There is Duality as in one set apart from another. The world around us, we as individuals and the Brahman are all distinct.

Now, let us forget the interpretation of the three Acharyas for a while and try to understand what “Tat Tvam Asi” – “You are That” literally mean. In general it says “I am That”, meaning that “I’ am something “That” which is outside of my “This” physical body. If this statement is true then I am all that – “IS”.

“Tat Tvam Asi” if understood in these line will really be a statement of compassion, love and equality towards all being, not only within mankind but of all living beings.

My question is does not “Tat Tvam Asi” (You are That) symbolise empathy, the ability to see myself in other fellow creatures???

If I think so, I will not hate my fellow beings on the lines of Caste, Creed and Nationality. I will not slaughter Animals and Birds, I will not cut down Trees....... But is that “Tat” understood clearly as that which is away from “Me” is the million dollar question???

A blacksmith working at the anvil was constantly annoyed by a naughty kid. So to frighten him the blacksmith took the red hot iron piece from the furnace and brought it near the face of the naughty kid.

The kid gave a mischievous smile and said, “If you will give me a rupee, I will lick it.”

Immediately the blacksmith dug out a rupee coin from his shirt pocket and threw it at the kid and stretching out the tongs said, “Go ahead, and lick it!”

The kid picked up the coin and to the astonishment of the blacksmith and the merriment of the bystanders started licking the coin. Then he ran away with it. To the blacksmith, “It” was a red-hot piece of iron held by the tong, and to the boy “It” was a rupee coin.

1206. At the age of 21...!

“Elu Katte Vayasaythu” (you are Seven Donkey Age) was the words which our elders used to reprimand us.  A Donkey age is referred to as three times that of a Human age. That is a Human of age 3 corresponded to 1 Donkey age, so if someone is of 21 years they were referred to as 7 Donkey age. This age 21 is when biologically and emotionally one develops separateness or to be precise develop uniqueness. 

  

When parents want to seek blessing for their wards they can on their behalf only if the kids are below 21 years. If the individual is above 21 years it is mandatory that the individual seek blessing not by proxy. If the wards are above 21 parents can only pray and wish for the well-being while the austerities done on behalf of their wards seem to yield no effect. Why the cut-off age for an individual to seek for himself is 21???

We have the calculation of human life span in terms of Lunar Year. A Lunar Year is defined as a certain number of phases of the moon. To calculate our age in lunar years, we need to know the time between lunar phases, called the “synodic month,” which is approximately 29.530 Earth days. Twelve is the usual number of phases per lunar year. Lifespan as derived for humans is 1008 lunar phase. So an individual will living for 84 years was considered a complete life. If anyone would ask why we consider lunar year for calculation, our ancient Hindus saints had done research far before the modern scientist who are now saying that we are literally born because of our mothers body going in tandem with the lunar cycles.  

Out of the 84 years of life span a quarter of it was dedicated to learn the way of life. This stage of life was termed as “Brahmacharya.”  They say a Brahmachari is “Brahmani Vicaranam iti Brahmacaryam” (in constant enquiry of Brahman). Whenever an individual does some work or think of doing any work extroversially, the object which they come in contact with seem to be like a crude finite entity. Due to their constant aspiration for material achievement the mind is so engrossed in material objects that their attitude towards them becomes crude. In Brahmacarya it is made aware that the object with which one comes in contact is a different expression of Brahman and not anything crude. By means of such an ideation, even though the mind wanders from one object to another, it does not get detached from Brahman because of the Cosmic feeling taken for each and every object. As a result of this Preya Samaagati (extroversion approach) is converted into Shreya Samaagati (introversion approach) and Kama is converted into Prema. 

We need to know here that Preya is to get attracted towards material objects, while Shreya is experiencing oneness with them. Kama is yearning for finite things and Prema to merge with the Infinite).

A quarter of 84 years is 21 years of age, if one doesn’t make use of those 21 years of age to know about way of life then it is waste of time and hence those 21 years of wasteful existence is compared to the 7 Donkey Age. At least those wonderful beasts are helpful to the washer men tribe to take the load of soiled cloths to the river, what is ours if we loaf around and be good for nothing. A parent can seek blessing and can perform austerities on behalf of those who are below 21 years as they are conducting themselves to know life. After 21 years it is the responsibility of the “Brahmacharya” to get himself ready to enter the next stage of life called “Grihasta” (Householder) where it is necessary for him to get in touch with the mundane world and hence he needs a lot of blessings from elders which he has to personally seek no longer depending on proxy.          

1205. Ayodhya and South Korea.....Connection!

The Kings ruling the Kosala Kingdom always had sweet words while interacting with others. They were called Ikshvaku, in Sanskrit Ikshu is Sugarcane and Vak is Words. Their words were like the juice dripping from sugarcane. The Ikshvaku dynasty is also known as Suryavamsha (Solar dynasty). The important Kings in this lineage are Ikshvaku, the founder followed by Kukshi, Kukutstha, Prithu, Mandhatri, Muchukunda, Ambarisha, Harishchandra, Dilipa, Sagara, Raghu, Dasharatha and Shri Rama. 

Shri Rama whom the whole nation regards as “Maryada Purushottama” (Ideal Highest Being) was the 67^th King in the dynasty and ruled around 7000 B.C. The linage after Shri Rama continues thereafter for many millenniums. Irony is that a few so called “Intellectuals” question the existence of Shri Rama here in this land. Many of us know that Ayodhya which is also referred to as Saketa is the city where Shri Rama was born and it is considered holiest place. Ayodhya is holy not only to us but also to many from South Korea who visit here every year. They come to pay tributes to the legendary Queen Heo Hwang-ok (Suriratna). 

The legend goes like this: Indian Princess Suriratna from Ayodhya travelled to South Korea and married a Korean Prince, Kim Suro. Her father who was a mystic King could foresee future and turn of events that could help in shaping the incidents in favourable manner. He saw in his dream the providence giving him Divine advice to give his daughter in marriage to the Prince of Korea. This legend is described in Samguk Yusa (History of Three Kingdoms) written by Iryon, a Monk. Princess Suriratna was 16 when she married Prince Kim Suro of Kimhye Dynasty. Suriratna spent 41 years of her life for the welfare of Korea and finally died when she was 57 years old.

Interestingly, Queen Suriratnas tomb in South Korea has a pagoda in frontage, which is built with stones believed to have taken from Ayodhya. Even to this day, around seven million Koreans with surnames Kim and Heo from Kimhae trace their ancestry back to the royal Indo-Korean couple. Here too a monument has been built in memory of Suriratna on the picturesque banks of River Saryu in Ayodhya. Built in Korean tradition, the monument has a three-metre high stone weighing 7,500 kg.

Koreans believe that the lineage of Suriratna and Kim Suro controlled various states of Korea in 7th century and it was their relatives who were rulers there. Though there are many ancient Korean Kings and Queens who are revered by locals, among them Queen Suriratna is respected the most for her knowledge and intelligence.

Kimhae has big statue of Queen Suriratna at the central place of the city. The statue is remembrance of the fact that piousness of Hinduism and its teachings is respected by all in the form of Queen Suriratna for her part in shaping the future of Korea and its prosperity.

1204. Patience and Persistence & Progress

A focused mind on the action to reach a goal is always preferred. It requires one to recognise and remain open to the internal guidance that he receives and has to plan his action detached from the how and when he is going to get there. Also he has to stop worrying or becoming anxious about reaching the goal. Fear of future happenings, conditions and circumstances are only created due to the thought processes chosen now, which are mostly based on past adverse experiences. What we focus on today is what we receive at some point in the future. So again our focus on goal may give us an unfavourable result. Remaining absorbed on the now and being focused on a successful vision gets us on the achievement path and this yield us future which unfold precisely as how we would want it to be.

There may be many phases that try to demean or steal our dream; it is only wise to ignore them. Consistently placing our focus on that which gives us strength is beneficial and that thought which weakens us has to be eliminated. Even though it is a small step towards the goal it will carry us one step closer to our intended outcome and before we could realise we will have reached the summit. In this infinitely plentiful universe there is no such thing as failure in any shape or form but only lessons that provide us greater insight allowing us to grow and progress in the path. Failure is a word which is impossible unless we choose and allow it or accept it to be real. Staying focused on the action for the desired goal by giving no thought to that which weakens us will help us to sow the seed, nurture it and nourish the plant that will produce appropriate harvest.

Persistence is the key for reaching the goal. Persistence does not mean using the same tactics again and again but having a different approach to the goal.

In a temple when the priest had gone for lunch, the Idol of the Deity and the Threshold Stone had conversation.

Threshold Stone said to the Idol, “What a good fortune you have. We both were the same lump of rock for millions of years. The sculptor carved an Idol out of you and everyone is worshipping you. And look at me, I am a Threshold Stone and everybody stands and stamps on. What kind of life is this?”

The Idol kept quiet and never bothered to answer this, but routine murmur from the Threshold Stone was irritating, so the Idol thought to put an end to the constant squabbling from the Threshold Stone.

The Idol replied, “But do you remember that when the sculptor set out to carve an Idol of the Deity, you were his first choice. You were so impatient. In one strike, you broke into two. But when he tried on me, I beamed and bore all the hammers and chisel strikes with PATIENCE and allowed the Sculptor to work with PERSISTENCE. Here I am the worshipful and happy Idol and you are the Threshold Stone.”

The difference between success and failure is Patience and Persistence.

1203. Individual, Personality & Identity....!

The Vyakti (Individual) in me is the inner essence which is bestowed upon by the Creator. I am born with it and it is not subject to change. That essence in Spiritual world is termed as Atma, the Self. Divinity is the centre of this essence. That essence is the Svabhava that manifests in me. Sva means “Own” and Bhava means “Being”, so my own being is my individuality and that is Atma. “I” am invariably THAT. That essence is a song that Universe is singing through me. Who I am???  Is the question to be answered to know That.

Vyaktittva (Personality) is the acquired virtues and merit which I adore for the sake of the society I live in. I am not born with it though my Samskraras (Impressions) and Vasanas (Tendencies) induce them in me, and it could be subjected to change. Dignity is the centre of this trait. Personality is what I wear on, it is just a make believe. Amazingly the whole society looks at my Personality never me as an Individual. In fact it was never in the culture of my country Bharata to give prominence to Personality but it is an imported custom from the West. Western Psychology works too much on moulding a Personality and hence its psychology is mainly based on a make believe. Personality is that which I am not, but yet depict myself as what I am, for the society as a convenience. However I need to be sure that I display only one Personality at a time, if there are more than one in any given time I am either schizophrenic or I am possessed. A Psychiatrist or an Exorcist respectively has to help me out in that case. What I am??? Is the question to be answered to know it.

Ananyattva (Identity) is not who I am or what I am; it is who I believe I am. Who I think I am could be based on what I actually I am, or what I wish I was or even what I feel I must be. I am not born with it though it is a quality that makes me distinguish and distinct from others, and it can change over time. Ego is the centre of this trait. Identity is always at work weaving and re-framing all my past experience through its current interpretation to present me for the coming future.

If observed in the merriment to maintain Dignity and magnify Ego, the Divinity in me gets shrouded. When the Ego is gone, the Individual arises in its crystal purity that is transparent, radiant and vibrant resonating to an unknown rhythm. That unknown rhythm is Divinity. It is a song heard in the deepest core of my being. It is a dance of the formless making the foot tapping melody heard. Everything real arises only if the Ego has diminished. Ego is the deceiver it is a falsification. With Ego shrunk, “I” shines. When Ego shimmers the Personality and Identity veil that “I” which I am not.

1202. Blood is thicker than Milk.....!

Humayun was defeated and dislodged by insurrections of nobles from the old Lodi regime. In 1540, the Mughal domain came under the control of one of those nobles, Farid Khan Suri, who assumed the regional name of Shir Shah Suri. Humayun spend the next 15 years in exile in Sind, Iran, and then Afghanistan. During this exile his Persian wife, Hamida Begum Banu gave birth to a son who later became Emperor Akbar.

Akbar was looked after by a number of Daaee (Nurses), one of whom was Jiji Anga. She breastfed Akbar along with her own son Mirza Aziz who was also called “Kokah” (Milk-Brother). Akbar was trained to be a warrior under Bairam Khan and Aziz Kokah was unconcern of such adventures. When Akbar became the ruler he felt he had to do something to his “Milk-Brother” who was a few months elder to him. 

Akbar conquered Gujarat and made Aziz Kokah the governor and in no time the Guajarati’s rebelled and besieged Aziz Kokah. Akbar’s army had to come to relieve him. Then he was made governor of Bihar and ordered to quell a rebellion in Bengal. However, he did not take action until a year, when the rebels began to take Bihar as well. Akbar was very lenient towards Aziz Kokah as he was emotional towards him. Akbar considered him elder brother as they both shared mothers’ milk.

Akbar once invited Aziz Kokah to his palace to give a piece of advice. Aziz noticed that Akbar had “Navratnas” (Nine Gems) comprising of artists, musicians, writers, finance ministers, warriors, and poets. Aziz felt it was no wonder why Akbar was an able administrator. The secret according to him were the Nine Courtiers who brought success to Akbar. Of them all Aziz envied Birbal and he thought with Birbal by his side he too could be as famous as Akbar.

So the next morning he put forth his desire to take Birbal with him. Akbar was reluctant but since he considered Aziz his elder brother for sharing Jiji Anga’s breast milk with him, he agreed to let Birbal go with him. When Birbal came to know of this development he was aghast and did not know what to do with an idiotic person like Aziz. He had to obey the orders of Akbar but yet he tried to look for an excuse. 

A bright idea flashed in his mind he said, “Jahanpanah! It is very nice of you to be so concern of your elder brother, but I have a suggestion. I feel it would be better if I request my elder brother to go with your elder brother”. Akbar too felt this proposition was acceptable as he too was hesitant to let Birbal go.     

      

Next day the entire court was waiting to see the elder brother of Birbal who had to accompany Aziz Kokah. After a little delay Birbal entered the court with a rope held in his hand. The other end of the rope was tied to the ring forged through the nostrils of a water buffalo. “Jahanpanah! I wish to present to you my elder brother” Birbal said. 

Akbar was extremely angry and could not tolerate this nonsense from Birbal. Before he could say anything Birbal said, “Jahanpanah! The mother of this buffalo has provided milk to me when I was young, in fact she was milked only after he had suckled the teats in her udder. So we both have shared the milk and that makes him my elder brother whom I wish to send with your elder brother”.

1201. Sharad Chandra.....!

Mangalyam Tantu Naanena Mama Jeevan Hetuna !
Kante Badhnaami Subhage Tvam Jeeva Sharadah Shatam !!

(Oh! The auspicious Bride, you live a hundred Autumn. I am tying this thread which is a symbol of my life). This is the mantra the Bride Groom utters while he is tying the knot of togetherness. He wants the love of his life to live with him and be a witness for one hundred Autumn. Sharad Ritu is given such great importance as it is the period of romance.

In the month of Ashvija the full moon day is called Sharad Purnima also known as Kojagari Purnima or Rasa Purnima. According to astronomy this falls on October 23 (Tonight) and the Tithi timing begins from 10:36 pm and ends on October 24 at 10:14 pm. The time for Moon rise on Sharad Purnima is anticipated to be around 05:20 pm. Moon through its beam showers Amrita or nectar of life on to this earth plane. The glow in the brightness of the full moon brings joy especially after the gloomy monsoon. Sharad Purnima and Sri Krishna have an Avinabhava Sambhanda (necessary connection between each other).

Philosophically the most important dance of Sri Krishna is the Raasmandala (Raas Lila) meaning circle of delight or ecstasy. The love of Sri Krishna and the Gopikas takes place in a circle which has no beginning or neither has an end and goes on and on for eternity. In the Vaishnava tradition this mystic dance has a special ritualistic significance.

The Dashama Skandha of Srimad Bhagavata describes the Raas Leela of Sri Krishna. With a desire to sport with Gopikas on a full moon night of Sharada Ritu (Autumn Season), Sri Krishna invites Gopikas by playing melodious music on His flute. Enchanted by the music, Gopikas rush to Him and He starts dancing and sporting with them amorously. On receiving Sri Krishna’s favour Gopikas feel immense pride. Realising this, Sri Krishna disappears from there and comes back only on repeated pleading by the Gopikas and plays Maharaasa with them. With His divine power He manifests Himself in numerous forms and dances with all the Gopikas simultaneously. He thus convinces them that He participates in their lives, giving Himself freely to each and every one of them. He ensures that He is lovingly and completely available to one who has Him within. The dance leads the Gopikas to the path of liberation where the Jeevatma (Individual Consciousness) merges with Paramatma (Absolute Consciousness). There is a long tradition of circular dance in my country, Bharat. The earliest reference of a circular dance is in the Harivamsha Purana. The dance is referred here as “Hallisaka” where many women dance in a circle around one man. In Indian Philosophy a circle has many symbolic connotations.

The splendid cloudless Purnima night of Sharad Ritu is an idiom of glory, peace and joy in the Indian Literature. It is the delight of eager young lovers that long to be with their beloved. The ecstatic beauty of Sharad Purnima is etched in Indian psyche. Its glory, tenderness and joy are celebrated in songs, legends and poems of love. Our classical poets and epics sing lovingly the beauty and joy of the delightful moonlit nights of Sharad Ritu. Sri Sri Shankara in his work Soundaryalahari (Waves of Beauty) refers Devi as Sharadchandra Vadana, one with a face as radiant and blissful as the moon of Sharad Ritu.

This Sharad Chandra has tickled the veins of Kaviratna Kalidasa too. He has described Sharad Ritu to be the bride decked with the jewel called “Sharad Chandrika” (Chandrika is the moonshine).

1200. Sabarimala Yatra......

Ayyappa is “Hariharatmajam” the Manasa Putra of Maharudradeva and Mohini (Avtara of Maha Vishnu). Though it is mentioned that Maharudradeva was enchanted by the beauty of Mohini there is no mention of the birth of Ayyappa in Srimad Bhagvata. The Stalapurana of the temple says that he was brought up by the King of Pandala in Kerala and was sanctified in the temple in the hill temple of Sabari Malai.

It is not a regular place of worship and the peculiarity is in not allowing women. Why were women not allowed we need to introspect?

If we look at the customs, traditions and rituals it is or rather a must for a person to take up “Deeksha” (Religious Consecration) before the commencement of the Yatra (Journey) to Sabarimala. The consecration demanded every devotee to observe a minimum of one “Mandala” (41 days) of Vrata (Vow) of Brahmacharya (Tread the path of Brahman), here one should not confuse it to celibacy though it is one of the prerequisite conditions. There are certain other aspects which starts from Maladharana (wearing Rudraksha or Tulasi mala) to Mita Aahara (Limited food intake), Mita Bhaasha Sathya Vaakku (Less talk but talk Truth), Karye Daiva (Work is God), Sarva Prani Samanattva (Treat all living creatures equally), Sarvamata Samanattva (Secular Attitude), Bhajana Annasantarpana (take part in worship and share food). Vastra Dharana (Wearing either black or blue dress) this dress code was to act as camouflage to avoid the wild animal while going from Erumeli to Pampa (a distance of 61 kms) through tough forest.

Now, we need to understand that any woman who is in the menstruation age will have her cycle in the middle of the Mandala within the period of 41 days. Also the shrine was in the middle of Tiger reserve forest and it was required to trek from Erumely to Pampa and then from Pampa to Sannidhana. This journey was a knee-jerking one.  

  

Two or three decades ago it was compulsory for every devotee how much ever high status he maintained or how much ever influential he was, to complete a Mandala and carry Irumudi on his head to come to the Sannidhana (Shrine). {Irrumudi is an important part of the journey and is necessary for the devotee to be allowed to climb the “Pathinettam Padi” 18 steps to reach Sannidhana. Irumudi means two knots (of twin compartment bundle), the Munmudi (Front Compartment) is to carry the offerings to the Lord while in Pinmudi (Back Compartment) the devotee could carry his personal belongings. Irumudi weighs around 4-5 kgs}.

Now, look at the scenario if one wish to carry out a pilgrimage to Sabarimala he can drive till Pampa (no more “Petta Thullai”, the ritual dance at Erumely), park his vehicle at Nilakkal parking lot, take a dip at Pampa go to any Guru Swamy (there are plenty of them on the banks of Pampa) who can prepare “instant” Irumudi. Walk up the hill to reach the Sannidhana which is only 5 kms. This 5 kms is no longer a difficult terrain the Devastanam Board has laid a concrete path with shops offering cool drinks. There is no fear of wild animals anymore or have we heard of animal attacks. The whole pilgrimage is made that simple.

If women were not allowed to the temple here (Note: there is no restriction on women entering any other Ayyappa Sannidhana across the country) it was mainly due to 41 days of strict “Mandala Vrata” and the tedious terrain. We need to think why that “Mandala Vrata” was relaxed and why the distance of trek was shortened. Even those who do not wear Mala or carry Irumudi are allowed to have Darshanam (if not allowed to climb the holy 18 steps).

If the “Deeksha” yardstick is shortened for the whims and fancies, there are people with vested interest who will question the restriction of woman folk. Was it not our foolishness not to maintain the “Pavitrata” (Sanctity) of that Punya Kshetra (Holy Place) to keep every barking dog away from the pious matters???

We need to think.......only looking at the commercial aspect alone will not help.    

1199. Kaveri Teethodbhava.....

“Shatshashti koti teerthani dvisaptha bhuvaneshu cha.

Keshavasya ajnaya yanti thulamaase marudvridham”

(Sixtysix crore Holy Waters from 14 worlds come to stay in Cauvery in the month of Tula as ordered by Keshava) - Agni Purana.

The start of Tula Maasa is when the Sun enters the zodiac Libra, this is Tula Sankramana and on this auspicious moment it is believed that Teertha (Holy Water) springs from the Kundike (Pond) and empties itself into the larger tank at Talakaveri.

According to a legend the entire living souls in the earth plane travelled north to be witness to the wedding of Maharudradea and Uma in Himalayas. This caused a bit of an imbalance on the earth with heavy load making it tilt towards the North. Observing this Maharudradeva asked Agastya Muni to go down South to ensure that balance is restored. Agastya Muni was saddened by this order as this would mean that he would be deprived of being a witness to the colossal wedding. Maharudradeva understood his plight and told him that he would ensure that he got powers to view the wedding sitting in South. In those times there were no rivers in the South it was Dandakarnya, the dry forest so Maharudradeva released some Ganga water from his matted locks and gave it to Agastya Muni asking him to release it as soon as he goes there so that it will flow as a river. Agastya Muni collected in his Kamandalu (Water pot) set out towards South.

Agastya reached the southern parts of the country and sat on Brahmagiri with the waters in his Kamandalu to watch the wedding. He was so engrossed in watching the wedding rituals that he forgot to release the water. Time passed the region was waterless and it reached a critical state. Ganesha on the advice of Narada Muni, took the form of a crow, went and sat on the Kamandala, thus toppling it and allowing the waters to flow as a river. Hence this water stream is known as Kaveri, as it was enabled by a crow (Kaka). This place at Brahmagiri hill is considered the Ugamastana (Origin) of Kaveri and on the site is a thriving temple by the same name, near Bhagamandala in Kodagu district, Karnataka, India.

The new freedom provided by Ganesha to Kaveri made her flow in such a surge that the saree knot of the women folk was spun around and it went behind. This is the unique style even today the Kodava women drape the saree with the frills behind. For the Kodava people Kaveri is their mother, father, relative and friend. They revere her so much that it is one of their principal deities.

Kaveri has become Jeevanadi (Lifeline) to millions of people quenching thirst and helping farmers raise bumper crops most notably Ragi, Paddy, Sugarcane, Fruits and Vegetables. Practically Karnataka and Tamil Nadu depend on Kaveri a lot. This would not have been possible but for the great engineer Sir M. Vishweshwariah who envisioned the Krishna Raja Sagara dam project commissioned in the year 1931. When the construction cost went beyond the estimate and the project was in a verge of discontinuation for lack of funds, in an act that signified rare compassion and great vision for the welfare of future generation, Maharani Kempananjammanni Vani Vilasa Sannidhana of Wodeyar Dynasty sold family jewellery, diamonds, gold and silver plates to raise funds for construction. This effort helped the estimated 82,000 Kms irrigating and providing drinking water to Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.

May Kaveri bless us all......!

1198. Punctuation Marks..... rule!!!!

In an article resided a comma, a full stop, a question mark and an exclamatory mark. They were good friends but were not satisfied with their place in the article.

“We need to make ourselves noteworthy, isn’t it?” asked the question mark.

“I am not sure. Let us ask comma” said full stop.

“I can suggest an idea, but I am not sure if it will be exciting,” said comma looking at exclamatory mark. 

“How marvellous would it be if we could create an imaginary world and reside there!” exclaimed the exclamatory mark.

Exclamatory mark’s idea appealed to the rest. They urged her to initiate the game and all of them would join in.

Exclamatory mark began by travelling into unknown easys, which was dominated by CAPITAL LETTERS. They shout a lot and listened to none. The voices of small letters were unheard there. Small letters had two friends double quotes and single quotes who could be of no help to them.

“I do not have a robust foundation. I can be kicked out using passive voice” said the double quotes.

“If such is the case of the ‘double’, imagine what will happen to me,” said the single quote.

The comma, full stop, question mark and exclamatory mark decided to get together and march in protest against CAPITAL LETTERS.

Parentheses wanted to know the reason for the protest. 

After patiently listening to their woes, parentheses offered to mediate. “I am here to make everyone understand better. Well, I can enclose them within me in brackets. But even I need CAPITAL LETTERS too so assure me that once they become reasonable, you all live happily together.”

All of them agreed.

Parentheses then asked everyone to raise slogans against CAPITAL LETTERS. 

“CAPITALS, down, down!” they all started shouting slogans together. 

Hearing the loud noise the CAPITAL LETTERS became angry and wanted to attack the lot. In a shift action the parentheses enclosed them in brackets the CAPITAL LETTERS looked somewhat like this;

(ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ)  

Deprived of space, each one of them started to wriggle but ended up hitting against each other and parentheses pushed them even closer and they started to suffocate.  

As the chaos within the parentheses increased, the protesters stopped and watched what unfolded before them with amusement. Suddenly and in a coordinated move parentheses parted away. All the CAPITAL LETTERS fell moaning and groaning.

The parentheses asked the protesters to go forward and help the fallen letters. As they had promised, the rest of them went in between the fallen letters, and helped them to their feet, smaller letters pooled in together to pick each of the CAPITAL LETTER up, and beautiful pattern emerged. The world of imagination turned into reality and comma, full stop, question mark and exclamatory mark joined them. Parentheses used the punctuation marks to create a happy family that came to be known as language.

“Isn’t it wonderful to see the CAPITAL LETTERS in between their smaller relatives, protecting them and taking care of them?” asked the right parentheses to its left.

The tall capitals shouldered their responsibilities well. They allowed the smaller letters to laugh and play, while they called out to their mates across the words to discuss matters of governance of the language kingdom. The comma and full stop brought in the much needed pause and break in relationships at the right time.

In the end they all realised, how important it was to give space to each other in every relationship!

1197. Where was Sri Krishna when the Game of Dice was played???

After the Great War Sri Krishna had a conversation with his cousin Uddhava, son of Devabhaga, Vasudeva’s brother. More than a conversation Uddhava wanted clarification from Sri Krishna on certain events that happened prior to war.

Uddhava asked, “Pandavas believe you to be their Apadbhandava (Johnny-on-the-spot) and many times you have mentioned that Pandavas were your Prana (Vital Breath) yet did not prevent Yudhishtira from engaging in the game of dice. Even after the game started you could have made him victorious to teach those cunning Kauravas a lesson. You did not stop him from keeping his brothers and wife as stake in the game. When Draupadi was disrobed in the Kurusabha you supplied her unending yarn of sarees and boasted that you saved her honour”. Uddhava was in tears when he posed this question. 

This is not only the question that Uddhava had but everyone who has read till “Sabha Parva” in Mahabarata will have this mental upheaval.

Sri Krishna smiled and said, “The one who plays the game cautiously will only win. Duryodhana let Shakuni roll the dice for him. If Yudhishtira had allowed me to roll the dice, then I and Shakuni had to play with Duryodhana and Yudhishtira placing bets on the stakes. Instead Yudhishtira foolishly prayed that I should not come to know of the game and I must not by chance come into the Kurusabha. All the while I knew what was happening and waiting for anyone of the five to call me. Bhima, Arjuna, Nakula and Sahadeva who were staked and lost were busy castigating Duryodhana and cursing their fate, rather than remembering me. After losing Draupadi in the game Dushsana dragged her by hair to the Kurusabha. She was eager to know who was staked first and wanted justice from Bhishma, Drona, Kripa and Dritharashtra who allowed this unfortunate game to be played. Initially she forgot to call me. When she was disrobed, she raised her voice to call me. I was waiting and dashed immediately when I was called. Where was I fallacious”

Now Uddhava was even more confused to consider Sri Krishna as a saviour, he asked, “Will you come only if called? Will you not come to the rescue of those in distress and establish Dharma?”

Again Sri Krishna smiled and replied, “Everyone’s life proceeds based on their actions. I don’t run it or interfere with it. I am just a “witness”. As a witness I keep observing whatever is happening. This is Dharma of Absolute Consciousness”

Uddhava asked sarcastically, “So, you will be watching us do wrongful deeds, accumulate sin and suffer. Is it?”

The master stroke by Sri Krishna is here it is profound and one has to contemplate on it. 

He says, “Uddhava, reflect on the import of what I have said carefully. When you are aware that I am inside you, you cannot do anything wrong or take part in a sinful act. The moment you forget it, you slip into thinking that you can act on your own, unknown to me. It is only then that events with adverse consequences happen. The blind spot in Kurusabha was that Yudhishtira thought he can indulge himself in the Game of Dice without me knowing about it. If he was aware that I am a witness to all, that game would have ended differently”.

Uddhava realised the Philosophy of Krishna, He will not interfere with the Gunas (Inherent Nature) of an individual but is ready to come to rescue of those who want to transform their Samskara (Psychological Impressions) and most importantly for those who are willing to get better. When we look at the way He guided Arjuna in the war without himself getting involved in the war, when Arjuna told “I am all yours, please guide me”- this is self-evident.  

1196. Shubha Navaratri...!

The Sanskrit word Navaratri is composed by joining two words Nava (Nine) and Ratri (Nights), Sanskrit language is very powerful we can join two or more words to make another word. Navaratri is feast celebrated in a stretch for nine nights. Navaratri is the time we adore the nine incarnations of Goddess Durga and is celebrated five times in a year. At the start of spring just after the end of winter season we have Vasantha Navaratri in the month of Vasantha. At the start of monsoon just after summer we have Ashadha Navaratri in the month of Ashadha. We have Sharada Navaratri in of the month of Ashvija which is the start of mild winter season just after monsoon. Magha Navaratri is when the mild winter gives way to harsh winter in the month of Magha.

Our festival though celebrated with much of zeal and enthusiasm for rejoicing and to enjoy, there will always be a reason and significance behind the festivals. The Divine power is acting on this universe providing energy for the Earth to rotate on its own axis and go on orbiting the Sun. This orbit around the Sun by the Earth brings in various seasons which in turn cause change in nature. This change in nature is necessary for maintaining the perfect balance in the universe. These changes in the nature not only impact the balance of the universe but also on our physical body.

The change in nature is felt as the season changes. It is observed that in the months starting from spring where the solar influence is on the rise the energy level in our too body is on the rise. It is in this period of time our agricultural activates gets started. This positivity is due to the Sattva Guna predominance as the result of it, we become energetic, enthusiastic, innovative and creative. When monsoon creeps in our energy level slides down Tamo Guna is seen predominant and we tend to be a bit lethargic. This is mostly in the month of Ashadha and continues till Shravana.

In the month of Shravana to cheer up our energy level the festive season starts with Naga Panchami followed by Varamahalakshmi and Ganesha Chaturthi. Then we have Paksha Maasa to revere our ancestors. Recalling those beautiful memories of our grandparents we accrue more positivity to welcome Navaratri which starts from the Pratipada of Ashvija Maasa.

The Nine Nights followed by the 10th day called Vijaya Dasami we seek Goddess Durga, the source of energy to bestow vigour to overcome the inner enemies which are Arishadvargas. The nine nights are equally divided among the three aspects of Shakthi. The first three nights is to adore Maha Kaali, a nemesis of the darkness. The next three days are dedicated to Maha Lakshmi, the giver of potent material and spiritual wealth and the remaining three is to worship Maha Saraswati, the magnanimous benefactor of infinite knowledge and wisdom.

We need the blessings of all three aspects of Goddess Durga; hence, the worship for nine nights. Navaratri is celebrated in different ways in West Bengal, Assam and Bihar it is Durga Puja where pandals are erected to display Goddess Durga victory over the demon Mahishasura. In Gujarat it is Garba and Dandiya, the traditional dance performed both by men and women. In Karnataka it is Naada Habba (State Festival) and is celebrated in the same way as it was way back in 1610 celebrated by the great Vijayanagara dynasty. The famous Mysore Dasara procession is the highlight on Vijayadashami. And there is Gombe Habba (Festival of Dolls)...more on it tomorrow.  

1195. Three is Infinity.....

“Tridalam Trigunaakaaram Trinetram cha Triyaayudham

Trijanma Paapasamhaaram Eka Bilvam Shivaarpanam”

{This Trifoliate Leaf embodies the three qualities (Sattva, Rajas and Tamas). It is like the three eyes (Sun, Moon and Fire) and it is the Trident (Trishula) which destroys the sins committed in three earlier births. I offer this Bilva (Aegle Marmelos) leaf to Shiva}

This is the start of Sri Bilvashtakam composed by Sri Sri Shankara. 

A few days back I was with my business mentor Sri. H.R.Sreenatha Rao, a pioneer in Lighting Industry (if I have conducted myself satisfactorily in the business line, the credit for infusing the business ethics in me goes to this soul) While talking with him, he mentioned, “Integers of any multiples of 3, 6, and 9 add up to 3 only –which is itself an infinite.” Integer in Latin means “Whole” number that can be written without a fractional component. He feels number 3 denotes divine perfection as it is the first odd number and twice of it gives us the first perfect number (6). Also if the sum total of the individual numbers (in a number) is divisible by 3, then that number can be divided by 3.

This number 3 has its importance in fundamental places at Macro Cosmos (Brahmanda) and Micro Cosmos (Pindanda) level. Kala (Time) has 3 phase Bhuta (Past), Bhavat (Present) and Bhavya (Future). Om the 3- syllabled holy word A-U-M denotes the Avastha Traya (Three states of Consciousness) namely Jagrat (Wake), Swapna (Dream) and Shusupti (Deep Sleep). To understand this we have Prasthana Traya consisting of three major texts Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita and Brahma Sutra. 

This universe has three eternal entities - Jeeva (Living), Jada (Insentient) and Iswara (Absolute). Iswara has three qualities Sarvavyapta (Omnipresent), Sarvgana (Omniscient), and Sarvashaktha (Omnipotent). ‘He’ is embodiment of Satya (Truth), Jnana (Knowledge) and Ananta (Infinity). Symbolized by the Trinity ‘He’ is the Shrusti Kartha (Creator), Sthithi Kartha (Sustainer) and Laya Kartha (Terminator). 

Jeeva is blessed with three Upadis (Attributes) to excel – Deha (Body), Manas (Mind) and Buddhi (Intellect). To excel there are three Yuktis (Devices) – Jnana (Awareness), Bhakti (Devotion) and Vairagya (Disinclination). Jeeva gets to experience the three phases of life – Balya (Childhood), Yauvana (Youth) and Vrudhavastha (Old age) between the three acts of existence – Janana (Birth), Jivana (Life) and Marana (Death). During the stay in the Deha (Body) the Jeeva has to thrive to maintain Trikarana Shuddi, the Unity of Manas (Thought), Vachas (Word) and Karas (Deed).

In every Jada Vasthu (Insentient Object) there are three main types of stable particles - Proton, Neutron, and Electron. All solid matter consists of atoms built entirely from these three particles. Scientists say that each proton and each neutron is built from smaller particles called Quarks. If we observe there are again three quarks in proton and three quarks in neutron. On the subatomic level there are three types of charges - Positive, Negative and Neutral. There are three types of “colour charge” in Quarks - Red, Blue, and Green. This visible world is three dimensional with space which expands in Height, Width, and Depth and the Matter here is of three types - Solid, Liquid and Gaseous.

In short the number three is in all - Trikona, Tridhama, Triphala Churana, Trikala Sandhya, Triveni Sangam and many many more. Finally there is the Rahasya Traya mantra, the three secret mantras - Ashtakshara mantra, Dvaya mantra and Charama sloka. In Borromeam Ring we find three rings interlocked, if any one ring is removed, the other two falls apart. This was to show the greatness of “Unity in Strength”.

Even for the progeny to continue the arrival of the third is a must……what say….. Infinity right ???

1194. Writers Block

Every blogger would have at some point of time struggled with “Writers Block.” It is quite natural and happens when you are constantly knocking on new thoughts while completing a write up woven from your old thoughts and suddenly you get to realise you are heading nowhere. You just can’t continue to write or maybe doesn’t really go with what you’re trying to articulate. Writer’s block is so common state of mind and no creative person should waste his time banging his head over it.

None of us know what would happen the next moment. You never know something great may finally materialise and even though you might be going through some really hard time to focus and all these unnecessary thoughts keeps on accumulating in your mind. So penning a write up during such time is a sure challenge. But there is a word in Sanskrit “Jadabhava” which is an emotion called “Coolness” in simple words to remain cool. This emotion will help reflect on current situation and might bring out the creativity back from the numb.

The best thing would be to start again with cool mind and experiment with different thoughts later on but still have some vision as to what you want to achieve and then write freely. Doing so would actually make the writer in you happy and you’ll be more than satisfied with the result you get after the lapse.

I was more than happy to post my rumblings daily and really enjoyed sharing my thoughts with you all. The comments and views on the write up did polish my thought process. I look forward to come back as soon as possible.

Meantime I will stay in FB and post “Philosophy in Pics” for a few days.….Pranam.