Vinayaka Chathurthi

'VAKRA TUNDA MAHAKAYA SURYA KOTI SAMAPRABHA' 'NIRVIGNAM KURUME DEVAHA SARVAKARYESHU SARVATHA'!! Vinayaka chaturthi, pullaiyar chathurthi ,Ganesh Chathurthi also vianayaka chavithi, all different words conveying one meaning only.This is one festival which is celebrated elaborately by all Hindus around the globe as the birthday of Lord Ganesha.It is observed in the Hindu month of Bhadra on shukla chathurthi,and usually comes mid August-mid September.In Maharashtra ganesh Chathurthi is celebrated for 10 days with a lot of zeal,pomp and style.Preparations start well in advance,with the decoration of pandals,and so on and many of them have Ganesha idols 20ft tall and more. At homes too clay idols of Lord Ganesha are bought either that on the day or a day before.People welcome lord ganesha to their homes with great enthusiasm, love, reverance and faith.Beautifully and artistically decorated mandaps are made and the Lord Ganesha is seated royally in them. The priest or the elders at home usually clad in dhoti and shawl, invokes life into the idol amidst the chanting of mantras. This ritual is called 'pranapratishhtha'. After this the 'shhodashopachara' (16 ways of paying tribute) follows. Coconut, jaggery, 21 'modakas' (rice flour preparation), 21 'durva' (trefoil) blades and

flowers are offered. The idol is anointed with red unguent or sandal paste (rakta chandan). Throughout the ceremony, Vedic hymns from the Rig Veda and Ganapati Atharva Shirsha Upanishad, and Ganesha stotra from the Narada Purana are chanted.A variety of other sweets are offered to the Lord, the most important being Modaks which are said to be his favourites. For 10 days, from Bhadrapad Shukla Chaturthi to the Ananta Chaturdashi, Ganesha is worshipped. On the 11th day, the image is taken through the streets in a procession accompanied with dancing, singing, to be immersed in a river or the sea symbolizing a ritual see-off of the Lord in his journey towards his abode in Kailash while taking away with him the misfortunes of all man. All join in this final procession shouting "Ganapathi Bappa Morya, Pudchya Varshi Laukariya" (O father Ganesha, come again early next year). After the final offering of coconuts, flowers and camphor is made, people carry the idol to the river to immerse it. Lord Vinayaka,is beileved to be Vigna Hartha (remover of obstacles)and Buddhi Pradayaka(giver of intelligence) 'Ga' symbolises Buddhi (intellect), 'Na' stands for Vijnana (wisdom). So, Ganapati is the master of Buddhi and Vijnana. The universe is sustained by Ganas (gods) and Ganapati is their master. In this world, everybody has a master, but Ganapati has none. He is a master by himself. This is the birthday of the Master of Masters. Ganapati is also called Mooshika Vahana (one who has a mouse as his vehicle). You may wonder how a small mooshika can carry on its back a hefty personality like Vinayaka. Here mooshika does not mean a mere mouse. It symbolises the darkness of ignorance because it is in darkness that the mouse moves about. Hence, Mooshika Vahana is one who subdues ignorance and dispels darkness.The mouse is considered as the embodiment of the sense of smell. The mouse is a symbol of the attachment to worldly tendencies (vaasanas). It is well known that if you want to catch a mouse, you place a strong-smelling edible inside the mouse-trap. The mouse also symbolises the darkness of night. The mouse can see well in the dark. As Vinayaka's vehicle the mouse signifies an object that leads man from darkness to light. The Vinayaka-principle, thus, means that which removes all the bad qualities, bad practices and bad thoughts in men and inculcates good qualities, good conduct and good thoughts. It is only when we understand the inner significance of the Vinayaka principle that we will be able to celebrate Vinayaka Chaturthi properly. Vinayaka symbolises the qualities of a true leader in all aspects. "Viyate Nayake Iti Vinayaka" meaning, He is a master unto Himself. In this world Vinayaka is worshipped by many. However, Vinayaka does not worship anyone as He has no master above Him. Even Easwara, the father, worships His son Vinayaka, but it does not happen the other way. Worship of Vinayaka confers success in spiritual as well as worldly endeavours. Vinayaka has many teachings that help man liberate himself. Worship of Lord Ganesha has been followed from very ancient times. In the Narayana Upanishad, Lord Ganesha is praised first. In the three Vedas, we find the mention of Lord Ganesha. Even in music, they pray to Ganesha for his grace. Lord Vinayaka has a pure heart. In fact, Siddhi and Buddhi (fulfillment and intellect) are his two eyes. He considered them as his consorts. For intelligence, we need to have Buddhi. For Buddhi we need to have gratitude. An ungrateful man can never become an intellectual. Without intellect, one can never be successful. Vinayaka confers success. So, we need to know the inner significance of Lord Vinayaka. How should we pray to Ganesha? We should not ask for petty things like jobs and other worldly matters. We should pray: Let there be no obstacles in our path. We should ask for Ganesha Himself. Once you have Ganapathi on your side, you will become the master of all. Lord Ganesha has 108 names and one of them is Vigneshwara. Easwara is one who is endowed with every conceivable form of wealth : riches, knowledge, health, bliss, beauty, etc. Vighneswara is the promoter of all these forms of wealth and removes all obstacles to their enjoyment. He confers all these forms of wealth on those who worship him. Vinayaka is described as Prathama Vandana (the first deity who should be worshipped). As everyone in the world desires wealth and prosperity, everyone offers the first place for worship to Vighneswara. A peek into the origin and history of Ganesh Chathurthi now...Origin According to the legend, the festival marks the auspicious day of the birth of Lord Ganesha. The story goes as follows- Lord Shiva, the Hindu God of resolution, was away from Kailash due to some work. As Parvati was alone at home, she felt the necessity of some one to guard the door to her house while she took bath. When she did not get any one, she conceived of the idea of creating a son who could guard her. She then created Ganesha out of her sandalwood paste and breathed life into the idol. She then asked him to stand on the gate and do not let any body enter until she came out. Unfortunately, Shiva returned home in the meantime. As, Ganesha did recognize him, he stopped Shiva from entering as per his mother's advice. This badly enraged Lord Shiva, who cut off Ganesha's head by his trident. When Parvati saw beheaded Ganesha, took on the form of the Goddess Kali and threatened to destruct all the three worlds. The earth, the heaven, the nether world, all was shaken and every body ran to Shiva for solution. In order to appease Lord Parvati and save the world from destruction, Lord Shiva sent out his followers to find a child whose mother is facing another direction in negligence, cut off his head and bring it quickly. The first such child that came in the eyes of the Shiva followers was an elephant, so they brought the head of this elephant and Shiva placed it on the trunk of Parvati's son and gave life into him. Parvati was the overwhelmed with happiness and embraced her son. They named her Ganesha i.e the Lord of all Ganas (followers). History Though the festival is being celebrated since times immemorial, the present kind of celebrations of Ganesha Chaturthi came in fashion in 1893, Lokmanya Tilak, an Indian freedom fighter and social reformer reshaped the annual Ganesh festival from a private family celebration into a community event. The day was conceived to be the National Festival in order to bridge the gap between the Brahmins and the non-Brahmins in the society. Tilak chose this festival for this purpose because Lord Ganesh was considered to be the ' God of Everyman'. It then served as a meeting ground for people of all community and religion on a public platform. Since then the festival has served its cause of existence. Even now people irrespective of caste and community barriers celebrate this festival with great joy. The Philosophy or Tattva: Ganesha is the manifested form of the divine. The formless divine is ever present though it takes on a manifestation or a form, owing to our identification of ourself with a form. Having manifested with a form, the divine also assumes a name due to our association with a form and our wrong notion of separate existence, in order to distinguish ourselves from others. The truth or the essence is but one, the formless spirit that pervades all destroys the disparities. The celebration of Ganesha Chaturti reveals that while we worship the divine with the form, we ought to bear in mind our formless reality. This is depicted in the elaborate worship that is carried out on Gnaesha Chaturti and finally dissolving the form that we endear in a water body in remembrance of the divine as the formless reality even beyond the manifested form. It is not to be considered that worship of forms do not have any value. Since we identify ourselves with a form it is imperative to seek the truth with a manifested form in order to proceed to realise the formless reality. This ultimately merges oneself with the realisation of one's true self, the formless reality thereby in eternal mergence with the divine. Let us thus pray to Lord Ganesha to guide us to worship Him in His glorious form and to lead us to the eternal formless truth which is Sat (Truth), Chit (Knowledge), Ananda (Eternal bliss). Jai Gurudev....

Down Memory Lane.....

Yesterday was teachers day,and in the evening my thoughts were with all the teachers who have made a difference in my life.It is well known that every person that comes into your life has a purpose for sure.As my thoughts hovered I could see that there was one particular event responsible for a major transformation that happened in my life. !990-1994 in Muscat was an immemorable time, with a whole lot of amazing people and this was the time when satsang,shloka chanting became a part of my daily routine for sometime. Thanks to all the mentors then. Post 1994 once in India lost track of my life and started questioning myself "why am I here and what is the purpose of my life?"This used to keep haunting me all the time and as result was not happy with whatever I did.Everything seemed so mundane and worthles actually.Tried working for a couple of years,teaching etc etc...but yet the question still remained. It was in 2001 January that there came some major changes in life.I met with a road accident which caused some damage to my left hand, requiring surgery ,physiotherapy etc, but now when I look back I am convinced that this happened just to give me the answer to the question in my mind.....what is the purpose of my life??? A few months aftr the accident my dear mother suggested that we must have some satsang at home which will give positive vibrations and may be do me some good. Thus started the Lalitha sahasranamam chanting at home with a group of wonderful loving people, who would come home home once a month and we would chant the sahasranamam.This was done with such a selfless attitude and with only one goal that my hand become alright and I feel better.Such wonderful people for sure,truly brings tears to my eyes. I was not so familiar with chanting and after 1994 completely lost track so had to pick up the lost the threads and this was the right time.This gave me so much peace and joy that it made me latch on to the group and the changes that have happened after that are simply amazing.One thing led to another and each experience greater than the previous one. The best being introduced to the art of living family. My life has been growing spiritually in leaps and bounds since the day I attended the slver jubilee celebrations of the art of living at Bangalore. I am indeed grateful and full of gratitude to each and everyone who has helped me in this wonderful journey until today. At this juncture I feel I must mention my special gratitude and thanks to my dear Mythili mami because of whose love and affection I learnt the Lalitha sahasranamam.Mami,though a teacher ,guru who has taught me not only Lalitha sahasranamam,but lots of other shlokas as well is so motherly and full of love and kindness. I find it so thrilling that since 2001 till today the divine has made sure that I am always in the company of people chanting Lalitha sahasranamam.Even though for the last six years have been here in Mussafah,here too I was directed to a LSG(Lalitha sahasranamam group)Mussafah.Now we also have a group learning Gita. Oh, life indeed is amazing and so full of joy isn't it???? I am beginning to understand the purpose of my life... Jai Gurudev..... Listen To lalitha sahasranamam by Priya sisters here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jixZ8ZO3dwQ

A Wonderful Advanced Course

Just back this afternoon after a simply awesome four days,two and a half in silence.This course in particular has been indeed special for quite a few reasons.After getting three advanced courses in quick succession I guess one does naturally get a little too greedy maybe and wants more and more.That is exactly what happened to me.I wanted more,and sure enough I had to wait for more than two long years to get the next one.
What I have understood from this experience is that when we start getting feverish and desperate that is when we are taught to just let go and drop all the feverishness and anxiety..When we let go then things happen so naturally and effortlessly.The moment I just dropped my restlessness and surrendered to my Guru then he made everything happen so smoothly and wonderfully for me.
He not only gave me the course,but he also took such great care to see that I didn't have to go too far,since I have very senior in laws at home.The course happened just at a distance of 5 minutes from my home.
It is not very often that we get non residential advanced course.This one was so special ,it was non residential and so very close to my home.It felt like icing on the cake.
The moment we surrender to the divine he takes utmost care about us,which I sure experienced. Well, as for the course experience,every advanced course is such a new and fresh experience,and each one brings to light something new and brilliant. the four days actually went so smoothly and effortlessly.Inspite of language barriers my mil managed to teach my maid a couple of new recipes.This was actually amazing to me.So,when we are under the masters umbrella there is nothing we need to worry about.It is all so wonderful.He takes charge totally.I usedto be out from 6.30am -9.30pm everyday. This morning I heard a story which I though I should put down here for more than one reason.This is about a boy who lost his left hand and is very unhappy because he wanted to master Karate and none would teach him because his left hand was lost.A Japanese teacher agreed to teach him and so the classes started.The master taught his student one move and asked him to practice the move for months together,whenever the disciple asked his teacher to teach him something new teacher would say,you practice this one.The disciple did as asked and one fine day his master enrolled his student for a contest.The student was initially very scared and not confident because he felt he knew only one move,but nonetheless he participated in the contest and won three rounds to his astonishmentand to the astonishment of all those present.The final round was against avery senior champion and so the student told his master he will not want to challenge him,the master said no you must don't worry,just give your 100%,and to the amazement of everyone there the young student won this round too and was declared champion.After it was all over he came to his master and questioned him how this was posiible,the master replied with a smile,my dear child, I taught you one of the most precious and important moves in Karate and anyone who wants to stop you from this move needs to hold your left hand,and so you see you were at such an advantage all the time. This story has multiple messages in it.First of all we should surrender to our master and accept what is given to us without any doubt.Secondly repeated practice of anything helps us achieve mastery. There is always a doubt in the minds as to why nama japa should be done regularly.When we repeatedly chant the lords name it cleanses us of the cobwebs from within and certainly takes us closer to the divine and makes life joyful and happy. The advanced course too,guruji says one should repeat every six months or once a year atleast.The silence that is observed during the course helps in silencing the chattering mind a great deal.It quietens one from within and helps us to look within. I am indeed totally greatful to guruji for all that he has given me.Thankful and full of gratitude to all the wonderful teachers too whom I had the gift of doing the course with.Have been privileged to receive some wonderful knowledge along the way. Jai Gurudev.... .PS Istarted this blog soon after the part two course but it has taken me almost amonth to complete the blog...:)

Hanuman Jayanti

A very beautiful article by Bhai Shree on Hanuman Jayanti and Hanumanji's Daasya Bhakti.

When Hanumanji came to Ayodhya, Hanumanji took over the charan seva (service) of Lord Shri Ramji over which Maa Sita and Shri Lakshmanji used to have a sweet quarrel in the past. However, neither Sitaji nor Lakshmanji felt or expressed any spitefulness or jealousy toward Hanumanji performing Shri Ramji's seva. In fact, they looked at Shri Hanumanji with gratefulness. Such was Hanumanji as a devotee and follower.

Tulsidasji has said, "Prabhu charitra sunibe ko rasiya, Ram Lakhan Sita man basiya." This means that Hanumanji is present in Shri Ramji's heart, but an even bigger truth is that he has also filled the space in Shri Lakshmanji and Sitaji's heart. It is easier to create respect in your worshipping idol than it is in the worshippers hearts around your idol.

Hanumanji is loved by all because he saved Sitaji's and Lakshmanji's life, as shown in the following verse in the Ram Charit Manas: laay sajivan Lakhan jiyaaye, Shri Raghuvir harashi ur laaye".

Shri Hari does not remain indebted to anyone. He will shower his grace on anyone who does even a little for him. However, Hanumanji is one such follower to whom Shri Ramji is indebted to.

Shri Hanumanji protected Shri Bharatji's life also. Only one day was left in the fourteen years of exile for Shri Ramji to return and the ascetic, Bharatji, was seated on the wooden pyre ready to light it if Shri Ramji does not return to Ayodhya by the evening. Dawn was about to fall. Shri Tulsidasji says that Bharatji's heart was drowning due to being separated from Lord Shri Ram. At that instant, Hanumanji arrived and broke the news about Shri Ramji's arrival to Shri Bharatji. Shri Bharatji's life was saved.

In addition to saving Shri Bharatji's and Maa Sitaji's life, Shri Hanumanji also saved Shri Ramji's life when he saved Shri Lakshmanji's life.

When all four brothers are seated together, who's katha do they discuss about? Shri Hanumanji's! When Hanumanji recommends a person, even Shri Ramji accepts this devotee. "Tumhre bhajan Ram ko paave, janam janam ke dukh bisraave".

Observe Shri Hanumanji's loyalty of service to Shri Ramji! Shri Ramji used to click his fingers whenever he yawned. Hanumanji thought that as a follower, why should my Lord have to make the effort in my presence? He said to Shri Ramji, please provide me the service of clicking my fingers when you yawn. And so Shri Hanumanji took on this service.

Hanumanji is the role model of daasya bhakti in the nine types of bhakti: shravanam, kirtanam, Vishnu smaranam, paad sevanam, archanam, vandanam, daasyam, sakhyam, aatmanivedanam.

Jai Shri Bajrangbali
With Blessings,
Bhaishri

Maha Shivrathri &RamCharita Manas

In the Shrimad Bhagavat, Shri Shankar Bhagavan has been referred to as 'Vaishnavaanaam yathaa Shambhuhu', meaning, Shri Ved Vyas ji has described Lord Shankar Bhagavan as a Vaishnav. This is perfectly true because our Bhole Baba is the leader of the path to devotion (bhakti).

Remember, Shri Ram katha was first and foremost narrated by Shri Shankar Bhagavan. It is in the nature of a true devotee to keep chanting their beloved deity's name day and night. In Baalkaand (the first chapter of Shri Ram Charit Manas) Shri Tulsidasji describes the following chopaay (verse) on how Shri Bhole Baba continuously recites Shri Ramji's name:

'Tum puni Ram Ram din raati, saadar japahu anang aaraati.'

Shri Tulsidasji created Shri Ram Charit Manas with the inspiration of Shri Bhole Baba which is why he offered this divine scripture to Shri Shankar Bhagavan.

There is a well known katha that when Shri Goswami Tulsidasji wrote Shri Ram Charit Manas the Sanskrit scholars refused to approve and respect the Manas as a scripture as it was written in Hindi instead of Sanskrit. In the end, it was decided to leave all the scriptures in Baba Vishwanath's temple, where Shri Ram Charit Manas written by Tulsidasji was kept at the bottom of the pile and the doors to the temple closed.

It has been said that the next morning when the doors to the temple were opened, people were surprised to see that Shri Ram Charit Manas written by Tulsidasji was now on top of the pile of all the scriptures and Shri Shankar Bhagavan had written three words on top of Shri Ram Charit Manas: 'Satyam Shivam Sundaram'.

Since Lord Shiv respected and approved Shri Ram Charit Manas, this scripture, even to this date, leads us towards our welfare and towards Lord Shiv.

Jai Bholenath to all the devotees on this very auspicious occasion of MahaShivratri.

With Blessings,
Bhaishri

Ja Gurudev...

Our Body Is A Temple Of God

A very beautiful articlle by Poojya Bhaisri Ramesh Bhai OZA
Read on...
Jai Shri Krishna,
When building a grand and divine temple, let us ask ourselves, 'who have we built this temple for'? The answer is that although we say we are building it for God, as a matter of fact, we build this temple for our purpose, so that we can go there sit, pray, sing bhajans, meditate and attain mental peace. This is a man-made temple.

Now think, 'who are you?' Your body is also a temple. It is created by God and he dwells in it. Lord Shri Krishna dwells within us in the form of our soul. A temple built by man of cement, stone and sand becomes so divine and pure after the installation of the deity God in it that we take extreme care to preserve its sanctity.

If we are so alert and careful to protect the purity of a man-made temple, then, have you ever thought how much effort we should be putting in to respect and protect the purity of this human body which has been created by God himself? How faithful should we be to this human body which is also a temple? How much should we worry to protect its sanctity?

Human beings protect the purity of man-made temples. Similarly, looking after the sanctity of this human body, a temple created by God, should become a spiritual endeavour of utmost importance.

Once this concept, that our human body is a temple, becomes firm in our minds, our bad habits and addictions will wither away automatically; we will not need to make any effort to get rid of them. Furthermore, divinity will manifest itself and you will progress towards good conduct, consequently leading to the creation of a beautiful life.

With Blessings,
Bhaishri

Jai Gurudev...

Holi The festivakl of colours!!

Guruji on Holi.(Speaking Tree)
The ‘Holi’ festival is a fun-filled and popular occasion for celebration. People play Holi with chandan or sandalwood powder and coloured water. The festival is celebrated around early March each year, coinciding with the full bloom of spring.

People believe that bright colours represent energy, life and joy. Huge bonfires are also lit in the evening as part of celebrations.

Life should be full of colours! And each colour is meant to be seen and enjoyed separately, for if they are all mixed together, all the different colours merge and will appear all black. All colours like red, yellow, green and orange should exist side by side and simultaneously be enjoyed together.

Similarly, in life, different roles that are played by the same person should exist peacefully and distinctly inside him. For example, when a father continues to play his role of a ‘father’ in office, things are bound to go for a toss. In our country, a politician is sometimes a father first and a leader later!

In whichever situation we are in, we should play the corresponding role to the hilt and then life is bound to become colourful! This concept was called ‘varnashram’ in ancient India. This meant that everyone – whether a doctor, teacher, engineer, father, brother or son – is expected to play their roles with full enthusiasm. Mixing professions will always be counterproductive.

If a doctor wants to do business, he should run a business separately and that should be secondary to his first profession and he should not make business out of medicine. Keeping these ‘containers’ of the mind separate and distinct is the secret of a happy life and this is what Holi teaches us.

All colours emanate from white, and when they are mixed together again, they become black. When your mind is white and aware of consciousness – pure, peaceful, happy and meditative – different colours and roles emerge. We get the strength to play various roles with full sincerity against the background.

We have to dip into our consciousness time and again. If we only look at and play around with colours outside of us, we are bound to find blackness all over again. Between roles we have to take deep rests, in order to play each role sincerely. Now, the biggest impediment to deep rest is desire. Desire means stress. Even petty desires cause high stress – the higher goals give relatively less botheration! Desire tortures the mind at times. So what does one do?

The only way out is to focus attention on that desire and surrender it. This act of focussing awareness or sight on the desire is called ‘Kamakshi’. With awareness, desire loses its grip and surrender happens and then nectar flows out from within.

The goddess, Kamakshi, holds a sugarcane stem in one hand and a flower in the other. The sugarcane stem is so hard and has to be squeezed in order to obtain sweetness, while the flower is soft and collecting nectar from it is so easy. This truly represents life, which indeed has a little of both! It is far easier to obtain this bliss from the inside than it is to try to extract pleasure from the outside world – which needs a lot more effort. So lift your Spirit with joy of colour!

Jai gurudev....

Why Visit Temple??

(Got this as a forward)

Here is a scientific explanation for our daily temple visit.

There are hundreds of temples all over India in different size, shape and locations but not all of them are considered to be in the Vedic way. Generally, the temples are located in a place where earth's magnetic waves pass through. In simple terms, these temples are located strategically at a place where the positive energy is abundantly available from the magnetic wave distribution of north/ south pole thrust.

Because of its location, where high magnetic values are available, the Main Idol is placed in the center, and also because they place a copper plate written with some Vedic scripts, which is buried, beneath the Main Idol's placement known as "Garbhagriha" or Moolasthan, the copper absorbs the earth's magnetic waves and radiates to the surroundings. Thus a person who regularly visits a temple and makes clockwise pradakshina of the Main Idol's placement, automatically receives the beamed magnetic waves which get absorbed by his body.
This is very slow and a regular visit will make him absorb more energy, known as positive energy. In addition, the Sanctum Sanctorum is completely enclosed on three sides. The effect of all energies is very high in here.The lamp that is lit radiates the heat and light energy.

The ringing of the bells and the chanting of prayers gives sound energy. The fragrance from the flowers, the burning of camphor give out chemical energy. The effect of all these energies is activated by the positive energy that comes out of the idol. This is in addition to the north/south pole magnetic energy that is absorbed by the copper plate and utensils that are kept in the Moolasthan.The water used for the Pooja is mixed with Cardamom, Benzoine, Holy Basil (Tulsi), Clove, etc is the "Theertham". This water becomes more energized because it receives the positive-ness of all these energies combined.

When persons go to the temple for Deepaaraadhana, and when the doors open up, the positive energy gushes out onto the persons who are there.The water that is sprinkled onto the people passes on the energy to all. That is the reason why, men are not allowed to wear shirts to the temple and ladies have to wear more ornaments because it is through these jewels (metal) that positive energy is absorbed in ladies. It is proved that Theertham is a very good blood purifier, as it is highly energized.

In addition, temples offer holy water. This water is mainly a source of magneto therapy as they place the copper water vessel at the Garbhagriha. It also contains cardamom, clove, saffron, etc to add taste and Tulsi (holy Basil ) leaves are put into the water to increase its medicinal value! The clove essence protects one from tooth decay, the saffron & Tulsi leave essence protects one from common cold and cough, cardamom and benzoine known as Pachha Karpuram , acts as a mouth refreshing agents. This way, one's health too is protected, by regularly visiting Temple !


Jai Gurudev..

Fun Time With Friends

During the weekend had friends come over to visit Pune and needless to say we had a great weekend.For me too,visits to Sarasbaug and Sinhagad were indeed refreshing,because its almost a decade or more since I went to these places.
Company of friends is always enjoyable.So all of us sure had a good time.
My friends arrived home around five in the evening and were treated to some hot batata wadas straight from the kadai, along with bakarwadi, chiwda, karanji, badusha and home made filter coffee,which they all throughly enjoyed.
Friday evening we spent some time at Sarasbaug,first at the famous Sarasbaug Ganapati temple.Though it was weebit dark still loved the blooming lotuses of varied colours in the said to be fountains which didn't work.There were some dummy cranes in the midst of the water which did for a few seconds dupe us into thinking they were real.Close by was a seagull perched so comfortable on a rock there and this time we were yet again taken for a ride,because this time we thought it was dummy and it turned out to be a real one, sitting still waiting for its prey.
Couldn't click any pictures, first we forgot our cameras second it was a little too dark.
We next visited our mutual friend at Katraj who has recently been elevated to the status of grandmother.All babies are cute and so was this one too.
Enjoyed coffee and Kolhapuri misal at their place.
After pet pooja all of us were just in the rght frame to hit the bed, but we had 45 minutes of ride before we reached home.
Saturday we were all ready for Sinhagad after a typical Maharashtrian breakfast of Kanda poha and chai.On the way we stopped for a bit to click some pictures(We remembered to carry the camera today) at Khadakwasala lake.The early morning chill breeze and the lake view was indeed very scenic and sure would inspire any poet to write a few lines....bad luck I am no poet:).
We reached Sinhagad to find a big notice there saying vehicles will not be allowed uphill for 2 months due to work going on there.Aah!!that was soooo very disappointing for all of us,none of us had the energy to even imagine doing it on foot,so a bit dejected and disappointed, we walked back to the car and were about to get in when someone just signalled to us to come,and came to us and said if anyof us were a govt servant and carried our ID's we could take our vehicle.He gave us option 2 too, which was to wait and go in the workers jeep.We did have two govt servants with us and both of them had their ID's with them.So with the smiles back and thanking GOD for coming to our help as HE ALWAYS does,(We just need to put all our faith on HIM and be rest assured that HE will take care of us) we drove our way up.It was good weather,sun shining and also a nice chill breeze to keep the heat away.
We spent sometime exploring the fort and seeing the important spots there,the DEv tanki, Kalyan Gate and many such.It is truly unimaginable how during Shivaji's time they climbed this on day to day basis and how the food and other material reached them.
A visit to Sinhagad is never complete without the famous Kanda bajji, bakri pitla and matka dahi,sure enough we did total justice to all of it and we alsi had barleli vangi this time which was spicy and would burn a hole right through.The bakri was excellent, so very soft and piping hot,pitla was good too.The matka dahi was indeed awesome,made from full cream milk,waah!! was just out of the world stuff.
Afer a sumptuous and enjoyable mini meal it was time for us to head downwards because we had a couple of other places too on the agenda.
Our next stop was Chitale Bandhu for soem bakarwadi&farsan, Laxmi road, a brief vist to PN Gadgil,some time at the famous and very old 'Kirti' a look around Vishrambaug wada and then the most popular Tulsi baug.My friends were totally lost at the antique brass shops in Tulsi baug,the result was that we ended spending a couple of hours there.
I must not forget to mention here that my friends were so impressed with the fruit basket I have at home and they all wanted one.Unfortunately that particular model was
no more in stock in any of the shops there.Quitting or giving up when you have once set your mind on something was sure one important thing I learnt here.We had only a shop which could probably have the fruit basket we were looking for and he was closed briefly for a lunch break.It was indeed amusing to me to watch so many like us queued up there outside the most popular TULSI shop,as if they were waiting for darshan of God Almighty,of course me too waited out there and just barged into the shop asking around for the fruit basket, and sure enough we did get it here, what a sign of relief on all our faces.Little things in life give us great pleasure and joy and such an immense sense of achievbement is what this experience taught me.Since we were already way behind schedule we had to cut out Aghakhan palace from our agenda and our next place of visit was Chatushringi Mata Temple.
After so many many years I climbed the temple and had a blissful darshan of "MAA".Went back down memory lane when our 'Lalitha Sahasranama' Group of ladies used to be here on the first day of navratri and chant Lalitha sahasranama in the temple premises which used to be so full of energy and great vibrations.
After temple darshan time once again for some snacks and so headed towards canal road for some sev puri stuff.It was a take away and so we headed homwards with sev puri,enjoyed sev puri with some filter coffee and then as is natural all of us were a teeny bit exhausted and needed to rest a while.
Dinner was simple home made phulaks ,cabbage bajhi,amti,which my maid Savita so lovingly served us all hot.The conversatiobn went to the bhakri we had at Sinhagad and Savita(my maid)had to prove that she was equally efficient in turning out soft bhakris insisted on making them for us.So we all enjoyed another round bhakri and this time home made.
My friends had an early train to catch the next morning so after sitting a while and recollecting the days events, it was time for all to say good night for the day.
Next morning after chai with bread toast it was time for them to say bye.I must conclude by thanking the driver for doing a great job for us all through their stay.

A nice weekend that!!

jai gurudev....

Uttama Sishya!!!

I was just listening to a talk by one of my favourite people.He spoke about why Arjuna was recognised by his Guru Dronacharya as "Uttama Sishya".
We all generally know that Arjuna was one of the finest disciples and was a great archer and the best of all the students of his Guru Dronacharya.At this juncture I am ofcourse reminded of Eklavya who also worshipped Dronacharaya as his manaseega Guru though he could not learn directly from Drona.He learnt archery and mastered just by observing what was taught by Dronacharya to his students.Realising that Eklavya was as good an archer as his favourite student Dronya takes Eklavya's thumb as Gurudakshina thereby making sure no one would beat Arjuna in archery.It is indeed very important to mention here that in doing so though Dronacharya appeared to have earned a bad name for himself,he made sure that Eklavyas name was known and celebrated by all,when ever Guru Bhakti was spoken about.
All guru's have total comapssion and are filled with grace and love for their disciples is what we need to understand and acknowledge.Dronacharya had his limtations and hence could not accept to teach Eklavya.
Coming back to Arjuna,he was such an enthusiastic and sincere learner that he was always trying new skills and improving himself all the time.
One night Dronacharya hears the sound of the twang of Arjuna's bow and when he sees Arjuna practising shooting arrows in the dark, he wonders how Arjuna learnt this, because this was one skill which Dronacharya never taught Arjuna.So he approaches Arjuna and asks him how he learnt this skill when he was not taught this.In reply Arjuna tells his Guru that one night the lights were swithced off during dinner time and though it was dark Arjuna observed that he was able to take the food and put it in his mouth without difficulty.This motivated him to think that when it is possible to eat in the dark it should also be possible to shoot arrows on target in the dark,with practice.When Dronacharya heard what Arjuna had to say he was overwhelmed with pride for his disciple and called him Uttama Sishya.
Jai Gurudev...
Stay tuned...

Everyday is a miracle!!

Every minute of our existence is a miracle,I believe.We just fail to be aware of all that is happening in our lives on a day to day basis.
I had the blessings and grace of my Guru and GOD to be able to attend and listen to some extremely wonderful knowledge by one of the very senior teachers Rajashri Patel.
It was total bliss of two hours at the satsang.
The most common and regularly asked question in our life is 'why' or better still 'why me'???
We keep popping this question all the time,without for a moment thinking that we never questioned WHY in our happy and contented moments in life.This questions pops up in our mind only when we are in trouble and put to tests and when unpleasant events happen or occur in life.
This was answered so beautifully by Rajahsri didi.
Life is a like a flowing river,and if we just sit by the river bed and observe we see so many things floating and moving along with the water.They could be a log of wood, a flower, a bottle,a swan or any such thing.The river also has rocks in between and we can also see the log of wood hitting against the rock and there we go, the rock is stuck,and unable to move forward!!The log of wood if we notice keeps moving back and forth and hitting the rock unable to move ahead until another log comes by and pushes this one ahead and gets stuck in turn.This is exactly what happens in our lives.Like the log of wood we too in life get stuck at certain points and that is when we start questining WHY??Isn't this true of all of us??
This is the time when knowledge comes to our assistance.When we live in knowledge, "WE KNOW THAT THIS TOO WILL PASS",so many innumerable times in life have we been through situations which we thought will never get resolved or sorted out, but everytime we have come out of it isn't it???
We are so similar to the log that floats in water and keeps thinking that it is doing a great job out there whereas it is actually the river that is flowing all the while and also We too think that we are the ones who responsible for all that happens in our lives but nothing is in our control, things just happen, evets just occur,life moves on.
So there is actually no answer tho this 'WHY ME' because whatever happened could be due to so many reasons beyond our comprehension.
At this point I am reminded of an event in my life,which when I look back and think now happened for a reason,it was a jolt given to me to wake up and be aware.
I met with an accident which left me with a broken left hand which needed an operation,physiotherapy massage etc to get it back in shape.I believe this was responsible for all that happened in my life later on.This introduced me to satsang,and so many wonderful people in life whom I shall cherish and be greatful for all my life.I must admit that it took me this many years in life to realise what my mother is. ,Nothing can equate a mothers love and care for her child,irrespective of the age.I am glad wisdom dawned in me though a wee bit late in life.
Ok,I do realise I have gone totally off track from the title of my blog, I started the blog with the idea of writing about miracles happening every moment of our lives and I have absolutely gone off track,(remember the flow of the river)!
So yes,here is the miracle that happened this morning which I must put down here.
I keep shuttling between good old Pune home and the bread butter home UAE(ANNADATA).Two years before I was just cleaning up the house in Pune and winding up stuff since I had to catch a flight to Abudhabi.When I thought I was all set I see that the diamond ring in my finger is missing, and there I go again digging up trash bins and looking wherever I possibly could with no luck.Every time I come home to Pune I used to search and research in all the places, and also would never fail to crib to my maid ,who in turn would console me saying,"you will certainly find it don't worry".
This time too as is customary I did crib and she too said the same thing .Anyways to cut the story short, this morning I was getting ready to go for a bath, so pulled out a dress and I hear something roll on the floor and Lo !! it is the diamond ring which I have been looking for,for two long years now.Isn't that awesome!! I am still unable to get over the joy and happiness this has given me, not just because I found the ring, but because it reassured me of my faith and belief In GURU AND GOD!!!Life is full of miracles, we just need to wake up and see them and acknowledge them...

Jai Gurudev...

Stay tuned...

Haru

Haru and his wife were a very unhappy and depressed couple because everyone in their village made fun of them because they had a very small nose.They were even more anxious that if they had children and they too had such small noses then their children too would have to face the same problem.Everyday they would ask God why he had put them in such a situation,and why they too could not have been like the others?
One day after a lot of thinking Haru decided he would go the forest and do penanace until God appears in front of him.Haru went to the forest and did penance until God finally appeared in front of Haru and blessed him with three boons.Haru thought for a while and then told God he will need to go back to his wife and after consulting with her he will ask the boons.God gave Haru a dice and assured him that three boons will be granted to him.He told Haru that he should ask for his boon and throw the dice nad his boon will be fulfilled.
So Haru ran home a very happy and pleased man thinking that now all their problems will be solved and they could live in peace hereafter.
When Haru reached home and told about his boon his wife was happy but she now changed her mind and felt that they should ask for money rather than a nose,because after all money can compensate everything else.Haru however did not agree with his wife because he thought that he went to the forest and did penance only for a better nose,so in anger he threw the dice saying noses, and lo and behold!in moments his body was full of noses.To undo the noses he threw the dice once again and asked for the noses to be removed and there yet again he had asked for the wrong boon because he found that all his noses vanished and how could one live without a nose??
So now the couple realised that though they had a small nose and were made fun of by all the people they were certainly better off than now,without any nose.
They also now worried that if people in their village came to know that God had granted them three boons and they did not make right use of the boons,they would all laugh at them,so the couple decided that it is best to get their original noses.So this time Haru threw the dice down asking for his original nose,sure enough he did get back his nose.
The moral of this story is it is very important for us to be grateful and thankful to God for all that we have.God knows what is the best for us,we may ask for the wrong things and then be unhappy with what we get.
It is important to have faith and trust in God and know that HE will always do whatever is good for us.

Jai Gurudev...

Bheema Meets Hanuman

The Mahabarath as most of us know has so many stories,which teach us moral lessons for our day to day lives.Here is one such story.This story gives us more than one lesson,how to be humble,that anyone who visits us should be treated with respect and certainly offered something.In our young days we were always told not to cross over someone and go,this story tells us why we should not do that.Read for more....



Arjuna had gone to the Himalayas in quest of Divine weapons from Indra. In case of war he would have to face invincible warriors like Bhishma, Drona, Kripa, Aswatthama, Karna and many others. For this it was necessary to acquire more power. The other four Pandavas and Draupadi found life devoid of joy in his absence. Desiring a change of scene, they now moved on in search of a more peaceful place.
At last they came to the Narayanasrama forest,they decided to take rest and stay there for a while. One day, the north-east wind wafted a thousand petalled lotus near Draupadi who was sitting near the river Alakananda. The sweet scent of the flower charmed her. Draupadi felt a deep desire to possess that lotus known as Saugandhika.She requested Bhima to get her that flower. She was very insistent. Bhima was only too pleased to satisfy her least desire. He forthwith set out
in the direction from which the fragrance came. The way through the forest was far from easy.Before long at the foot of a mountain he saw a huge monkey resting on his path, blocking his way. He asked the monkey to get up and clear the way for him. The monkey was in no mood to oblige. It said: “I am too old and weak to move.You can jump over me”!! Proud Bhima incensed by this insolence, again asked the
Monkey to move. He said ‘You old monkey,you don’t know who you are talking to. I am a Kshatriya from the Kuru race. I am the son of Kunti and the Wind god. I am Bhima, brother of famous Hanuman. So,if you offend me any further, you will incur my wrath. I command you to better get up and move aside without wasting my time. The monkey said “If you are in such hurry, you can move my tail aside and go ahead.” Bhima’s threats did not have any effect on the monkey. In stead, it asked “who is Hanuman. Tell me what is so great about him. What did he do?” Bhima told him
“How can you be so silly and ignorant? Have you not heard of the mighty Hanuman who
Jumped over to Lanka, across the sea, one hundred yojanas wide, to find Sita , Rama’s wife? Indeed you are ignorant” The monkey only smiled. Finding no other way, Bhima tried to pull the monkey’s tail aside .But he could not move it even a little bit. He put all his might in the endeavor, but to no avail.
He was all perspiration. In spite of his best efforts he could not move the tail. As such the question of challenging this monkey for a show of strength did not arise. He felt very humiliated and subdued. He told the monkey
“You are no ordinary monkey. Please tell me who you are. I accept defeat and bow to you”.Hanuman said “Bhima, I am that Hanuman you mentioned a little while ago.
I am your brother. Your path ahead is perilous.It is the path of the gods and is not safe for men.So I came to caution you. I know you have come to collect the Saugandhika flower. I shall show you the pond, where this flower grows. You can collect as many as you want and go back. Bhima was happy. He bowed to Hanuman and requested him to show his huge form in which he jumped over the sea, one hundred yojanas wide, to land on Lanka.Hanuman increased his size till he seemed to occupy the whole landscape, like a hill.His form was dazzlingly white ; so Bhima had to cover his eyes . Assuming his normal form, Hanuman embraced Bhima and blessed
Him. He also assured him “When you roar like a lion on the battle field, my voice shall join yours and strike terror in the hearts of your enemies. I will be there on the flag of The chariot of Arjuna .You will be victorious”.
With Hanuman’s embrace Bhima’s strength had also increased. Hanuman wanted to free
his brother Bhima from his ego and to give him greater strength to fight his enemies. Hanuman then took leave of his brother after blessing him. Following Hanuman’s advice, Bhima collected many Saugandhika lotuses from the pond and went back to present them to Draupadi, anxiously waiting for his return.
Thus we find Hanuman on the flag "Kapidvija" of Arjuna's chariot.

Jai Gurudev....

Gita Jayanti

Gita Jayanti is the birthday of the Baghavad Gita,and is celebrated every year on the Shukla Paksha Ekadashi in the month of Margashirsha.
The Gita as we all know is the teachings of Lord Krishna to Arjuna in the battlefield of Kurukshetra when Arjuna is totally confused,perplexed and filled with sorrow on seeing that he will be fighting against his Guru, his grand father and all such great ones.The Baghavad Gita consists of 700 shlokas in all.Lord Krishna says one who chants the Gita with love and devotion is very dear to him.Even if one can chant a shloka Krishna will be very pleased,even if that is not possible Krishna says it is enough even if one can chant the name Krishna once atleast.

It is believed that chanting all the 700 shlokas on the Gita Jyanti day is very good for the spiritual upliftment of every aspirant.For the busy people who are unable to find 3 hours to sit and chant all the verses of the Gita,it is said chanting these 7 selected verses from Chapters 8,10&11 will suffice too.
The shlokas to read from the chapters are as under:
Chapter 8-9

"avim puranam anusasitaram
anor aniyamsam anusmared yah
sarvasya dhataram acintya-rupam
aditya-varnam tamasah parastat"

"One should meditate upon the Supreme Person as the one who knows everything, as He who is the oldest, who is the controller, who is smaller than the smallest, who is the maintainer of everything, who is beyond all material conception, who is inconceivable, and who is always a person. He is luminous like the sun, and He is transcendental, beyond this material nature."


Chapter 10-8:

"ham sarvasya prabhavo
mattah sarvam pravartate
iti matva bhajante mam
budha bhava-samanvitah"

"I am the source of all spiritual and material worlds. Everything emanates from Me. The wise who perfectly know this engage in My devotional service and worship Me with all their hearts."

Chapter 10-9:

"mac-citta mad gada prana
bodhayantah parasparam
kathayantas ca mam nityam
tusyanti ca ramanti ca"

"The thoughts of My pure devotees dwell in Me, their lives are fully devoted to My service, and they derive great satisfaction and bliss from always enlightening one another and conversing about Me."

Chapter 10-10:

"tesam satata-yuktanam
bhajatam priti-purvakam
dadami buddhi-yogam tam
yena mam upayanti te"

"To those who are constantly devoted to serving Me with love, I give the understanding by which they can come to Me."

Chapter 10-11:

"tesam evanukampartham
aham ajnana-jam tamah
nasayamy atma-bhava-stho
jnana-dipena bhasvata"

"To show them special mercy, I, dwelling in their hearts, destroy with the shining lamp of knowledge the darkness born of ignorance."

Chapter 10-12,13:

arjuna uvaca
"param brahma param dama
pavitram paramam bhavan
purusham sasvatam divyam
adi-devam ajam vibhum

ahus tvam rsayah sarve
devarsir naradas tatha
asito devalo vyasah
svayam caiva bravisi me"

"Arjuna said: You are the Supreme Personality of Godhead, the ultimate abode, the purest, the Absolute Truth. You are the eternal, transcendental, original person, the unborn, the greatest. All the great sages such as Narada, Asita, Devala and Vyasa confirm this truth about You, and now You Yourself are declaring it to me."

Chapter11-38:

"tvam adi-devah purushah puranas
tvam asya vishvasya param nidhanam
vettasi vedyam ca param ca dhama
tvaya tatam vishvam ananta-rupa"

"You are the original Personality of Godhead, the oldest, the ultimate sanctuary of this manifested cosmic world. You are the knower of everything, and You are all that is knowable. You are the supreme refuge, above the material modes. O limitless form! This whole cosmic manifestation is pervaded by You!
I am told that chanting these seven verses everyday is indeed very good and will certainly take one closer to the Krishna.

Here is an insight into how we should celebrate this day as conveyed by Swami Sivananda of The Divine Life Society.Read on....

GITA JAYANTI
By

SRI SWAMI SIVANANDA
THE HOLY Gita Jayanti, or the birthday of the Bhagavad Gita, is celebrated throughout India by all the admirers and lovers of this most sacred scripture on the eleventh day (Ekadashi) of the bright half of the month of Margaseersha (December-January), according to the Hindu almanac. It was on this day that Sanjaya narrated to King Dhritarashtra the dialogue between Sri Krishna and Arjuna, and thus made the glorious teachings of the Lord available to us, and to people of the world, for all time.

The Gita Jayanti marks one of the greatest days in the history of mankind. Nearly six thousand years ago on that day a dazzling flash of brilliant light lit up the firmament of human civilization. That flash, that marvellous spiritual effulgence, was the message of the Bhagavad Gita, given by the Lord Himself on the battlefield of Kurukshetra. Unlike ordinary flashes of light which die away after a split-second, this brilliant flash of that memorable day has continued to shine through the centuries, and even now illumines the path of humanity on its onward march to perfection.

The Gita is the most beautiful and the only truly philosophical song. It contains sublime lessons on wisdom and philosophy. It is the "Song Celestial". It is the universal gospel. It contains the message of life that appeals to all, irrespective of race, creed, age or religion.

The Gita was given to us about six thousand years ago by Sri Krishna, the Lord incarnate, through His most devoted disciple, Arjuna. Its teachings are based on the sacred Upanishads, the ancient, revealed metaphysical classics of India.

The Gita shows a way to rise above the world of duality and the pairs of opposites, and to acquire eternal bliss and immortality. It is a gospel of action. It teaches the rigid performance of one's duty in society, and a life of active struggle, keeping the inner being untouched by outer surroundings, and renouncing the fruits of actions as offerings unto the Lord.

The Gita is a source of power and wisdom. It strengthens you when you are weak, and inspires you when you feel dejected and feeble. It teaches you how to resist unrighteousness and follow the path of virtue and righteousness.

The Gita is not merely a book or just a scripture. It is a living voice carrying an eternally indispensable and vital message to mankind. Its verses embody words of wisdom coming from the infinite ocean of knowledge, the Absolute Itself.

The voice of the Gita is the call of the Supreme. It is the divine sound explained. The primal source of all existence, all power, is the manifested sound—Om. This is the Divine Word. It is Nada Brahman, whose unceasing call is: "Be ye all ever merged in the eternal, unbroken, continuous consciousness of the Supreme Truth." This is the sublime message that the Gita elaborates and presents in all comprehensiveness and in a universally acceptable form. It is this message of the Gita that I wish to recall and reproclaim with emphasis to you.

To be always conscious of the Divine, to ever feel the Divine Presence, to live always in the awareness of the Supreme Being in the chambers of your heart and everywhere around you, is verily to live a life of fullness and divine perfection on earth itself. Such a constant remembrance of God and such an attitude of mind will release you forever from the clutches of illusion and free you from all fear. To forget the Supreme is to fall into illusion. To forget Him is to be assailed by fear. To live in unbroken remembrance of the Supreme Truth is to remain always in the region of light, peace and bliss, far beyond the reach of illusion and delusion.

Mark carefully how the Gita stresses again and again this lofty message.

The Lord declares: "Keep thou thy mind in Me, in Me place thy reason".

In another verse He says: "Therefore, at all times remember Me and fight. You will surely attain Me, having thus offered yourself".

And yet again: "Perform thou action, remaining united with Me at heart".

The Gita guides you to glory with the watchwords: "Be thou divine-minded, devoted to Me as your goal, and let your subconscious mind be divine".

The Lord gives the following firm assurance also: "I become the saviour from this mortal world for those whose minds are set on Me".

Such is the most illuminating message of the Gita, seeking to lead man to a life of perfection even while performing his ordained role here. Long has this message been neglected by man. Forgetting the Lord, the world has turned towards sense indulgence and mammon. A terrible price has been paid. O man, enough of this forgetfulness! The Lord has warned you against heedlessness: "If, out of egoism, thou wilt not hear, then thou shalt perish".

It is a matter of great regret that many young men and women of India know very little of this most unique scripture. One cannot consider oneself as having attained a good standard of education if one does not have a sound knowledge of the Gita. All post-graduate knowledge, all research in universities is mere husk or chaff when compared to the wisdom of the Gita.

Live in the spirit of the teachings of the Gita. Mere talks or lectures will not help you in any way. Put into practice the teachings of this most sacred scripture and attain eternal bliss and peace.

The Gita may be summarised in the following seven verses:

1. "Uttering the one-syllabled Om, the Brahman, and remembering Me, he who departs, leaving the body thus, attains the Supreme Goal".

2. "It is meet, O Lord, that the world delights and rejoices in Thy praise; the demons fly in fear to all quarters, and all the hosts of Siddhas bow to Thee!"

3. "With hands and feet everywhere, with eyes, heads and mouths everywhere, with ears everywhere, He exists in the world, enveloping all".

4. "Whosoever meditates on the omniscient, ancient ruler of the whole world, minuter than an atom, the supporter of all, of form inconceivable, effulgent like the sun, such a one goeth beyond the darkness of ignorance".

5. "They, the wise, speak of the indestructible Asvattha, having its roots above and branches below, whose leaves are the metres or hymns; he who knows it is a knower of the Vedas".

6. "And I am seated in the hearts of all; from Me are memory and knowledge, as well as their absence. I am verily that which has to be known by all the Vedas; I am indeed the author of Vedanta, and the knower of the Vedas am I".

7. "Fix thy mind on Me; be devoted to Me; sacrifice to Me; bow down to Me; having thus united thy whole Self with Me, taking Me as the Supreme Lord, thou shalt verily come to Me".

Read the whole of the Gita on Sundays and other holidays. Study carefully again and again the verses in the second discourse, which deal with the state of the Sthitaprajna (a perfected Yogi and sage). Also study the eight nectarine verses in the twelfth discourse.

The study of the Gita alone is sufficient for the purpose of scriptural study. You will find in it a solution to all your problems. The more you study it with devotion and faith, the deeper will your knowledge become, the more penetrative would be your insight, and the clearer your thinking. Even if you live in the spirit of one verse of the Gita, all your miseries will come to an end and you will attain the goal of life—immortality and eternal peace.

None but the Lord can bring out such a marvellous and unprecedented book, which grants peace to its readers, and which guides them in the attainment of supreme bliss.

The teachings of the Gita are broad, sublime and universal. They do not belong to any particular cult, sect, creed, age, place or country. They are meant for all. They are within the reach of all. The Gita has a message for the solace, peace, freedom, salvation and perfection of all human beings.

At the Sivananda Ashram, Rishikesh, the holy and auspicious Gita Jayanti is observed every year on a grand scale:

All the aspirants wake up at 4 am and meditate on the Lord. From sunrise to sunset there is unbroken recitation of the Gita. The Samputa method is used, that is, before and after each verse the following Samputa is recited:

Sarva dharmaan parityajya maamekam sharanam vraja;
Aham twaa sarvapaapebhyo mokshayishyaami maa shucha.

Thus, between two verses, this verse is recited twice. This is an extremely efficacious method of earning the Grace of the Supreme Lord and the Gita, the Mother.

Aspirants fast on the day, as it is also the Ekadashi day. Competitions are held among the little children, to develop their talents in the recitation of the Gita. In the case of the slightly older children, they are given a chance to deliver discourses. This is a wonderful way of encouraging them to study the scripture.

In the evening, a special Satsang is held at which scholars, Yogis and Sannyasins discourse upon the Gita. Leaflets, pamphlets and books containing the teachings of the Gita, as also translations of the holy scripture, are distributed.

Take a resolve on Gita Jayanti that you will read at least one discourse every day. Recite the fifteenth discourse before taking your meals. This is done at the Sivananda Ashram.

Keep a pocket-sized edition of the Gita with you at all times. Mark a few verses in it which inspire you. Everyday, while you wait for your bus or train, or whenever you have a little leisure, pull out the book and read these verses. You will be ever inspired.

May you all lead the life taught by the Gita! May the Gita, the blessed Mother of the Vedas, guide and protect you! May it nourish you with the milk of the ancient wisdom of the Upanishads!

Glory to Lord Krishna, the Divine Teacher! Glory to Sri Vyasa, the poet of poets, who composed the Gita! May his blessings be upon you all!

Jai Gurudev...

Mantras

Another superlative article on mantras and their effects by Banu didi...

Mantras - Sound vibrations that permeate every cell of your being and allow your mind to dissolve and repose. But what are they? What do they mean? Where did they come from? There are so many questions surrounding these ancient syllables. Speaking about Mantras is the revelation of ancient secrets that have been kept sacred from several ages, secrets that continue to benefit humanity irrespective of its circumstances.

Mantras are impulses or rhythms of the consciousness. They create vibrations in the spirit. Their effects, influence, method and mode of working are all a mystery.

In Sanskrit, it is said, Manana trayate iti mantra. Mantra is that which saves you from repetitiveness. A repetitive thought is a worry. Mantras help to free you from your worries. Often we wonder why we chant some sounds without understanding their meanings? Can something beyond our understanding help us?

The meaning of every mantra is infinity. It is a sound vibration beyond the cognition of the mind. When the mind is unable to cognize, it simply dissolves and moves into a meditative space.

The mantra is like a seed. Every seed has the potential to become a tree. Similarly, these sound vibrations contain all the possibilities of creation. Some mantras are in the seed form, called the bija mantras. Others are fully expressed, i.e, the fruit of the mantra is also expressed, like the Gayatri mantra.

Mantras are a secret. That which is kept a secret alerts the sub-conscious mind. The mantras work at the level of the consciousness. When we want a seed to sprout, it needs to be sown into the soil, hidden, a secret. If it is simply thrown around, birds may eat them up. We can read and learn about mantras and their uses from books and the internet but that will only satisfy the intellect and not translate into experience.

When we chant the mantras, or listen to them, we get purity of mind and word. This prepares us for meditation. As a result of the sound vibrations, different patterns of the mind re-arrange themselves to become tranquil. Agitation is reduced, helping us to turn inward. For instance, when we laugh, our happiness increases. When we cry, the heaviness of our sorrow is released. Just the sounds of laughter and crying have helped. Mantras act in a similar manner. Repetition of the Mantras creates a psychological or mental response that is very deep and beyond the realm of words or expression. It can only be experienced. Speech falls short as it cannot go beyond the expression level into the experiential level.

When the mind is calm and centered, it can turn inward. Only a mind turned inward can experience the vastness and beauty of the Divine consciousness. When our focus is outward on the objects of the senses, our mind is scattered and racing behind one craving or another. Physical senses seek to know all about the external universe. Meditation is the tool for inner exploration. Antarmukhi Sada Sukhi – one whose mind is turned inward is ever in bliss. Mantras are the tools which allow the mind to dissolve and repose in the Self.

Why should we repose in the Self? How is this going to help in our day-today life?
When the river is calm, the reflection is clearer. When the mind is calm, there is greater clarity in the field of expression. Our sense of observation, perception and expression improve. As a result we are able to communicate effectively and clearly.

Most of our problems or misunderstandings arise because of a lack of proper communication. When our mind is free from agitation, the way we interact and communicate is so much more pleasant and effective. Our efforts are not hindered by rifts caused due to communication gaps. This leads to a lot of positivity in our outlook and progress in life.

Mantras are as subtle as the air which creates ripples in the water as it gently moves over it. Air is all-pervading and at the same time affects specific regions. The field of the mantras is also such. It is all –pervading and also creates an impact on the one who is practicing.

Jai Gurudev.

Gratitude&Beauty

Such a truly wonderful article......



You cannot be grateful and feel the lack. The two cannot exist at the same time. When you feel grateful, you feel full. When you feel lack, grumbling begins from some corner. If you feel grateful, gratitude will increase in you and you will be given more. If you keep on grumbling, the negativity in you will increase. Jesus said, "For those who have not, what little they have will be taken from them. And to those who have, more will be given. And more. And more." This is the law of the nature. For those who do not have this knowledge, there is no way to get out of their grumbling. It becomes a habit.

This applies to relationships too. If you love someone, know that nothing is lacking. Trust that they also love you very much. If you doubt someone's love, your doubt grows no matter what you receive from them. If you want to be close to someone, first begin to feel that person is already close to you. When you ask people, "Do you trust me?" you are doubting their trust. When you are in doubt about a trust, you grow in doubt -- and there is no limit to it.

Whatever is, that grows. If you sow a seed, that seed will grow. If the seed itself is lack, then lack is what grows. Today you feel a lack, and tomorrow you will feel some other lack, and then in a year, even if all these things are provided, still you will feel some lack. Observe carefully and see what you have been given. Then you become grateful. In gratefulness, everything that supports life grows. When people grumble all through life, their minds don't focus properly. Naturally, they tend to lose out. Even on the material plane, when consciousness is flooded with lack, lack grows. But if you feel you have plenty, plentifulness grows.

This understanding of consciousness is important. Consciousness is the power, energy, beauty and wealth that permeates all creation. This entire creation is full of life -- it abounds in the trees, birds, animals, rivers and stones. Without it, not a blade of grass can move. Without it, there can be no progress. Without it, there is no beauty.

One of the most precious faculties the human body possesses is recognition of beauty. The basis of creation is beauty. In the Vedic tradition, the entire creation is seen as nothing but waves of beauty. Truth is a quest of the intellect, but beauty is felt with the heart. Intellect analyses, is curious to know what is inside the flower, how it grows, what season it comes up in but the heart doesn't care about this detailed knowledge.

Beauty comes in many forms. Spring has its own beauty. In midsummer everything is green and full. And in autumn, the color of the falling leaves is spectacular. "Wow! This is so wonderful!" -- an appreciation of beauty wells up in the heart and takes over the whole being.

The very process of maintaining beauty is beautiful. Water rises as vapor and forms clouds on the Great Lakes -- and the Great Lakes flow into Niagara Falls. Without that process, the water would flow down once and the Falls would disappear. It would be like the fireworks on the Fourth of July -- they last for some time and then are over. But in creation, a rainbow comes and then it comes again and again and again. Underneath what has been created with so much beauty, there is a maintenance principle that sustains this phenomenon.

It is all pervasive, this beauty. Life cannot be a celebration, cannot be joyful, cannot be fulfilling, if there are no waves of beauty. This Thanksgiving, as you celebrate and rejoice with your loved ones, observe the richness in your life. Observe the wealth that nature has given you. Let the gratitude in you rise and let the waves of beauty wash you.

Sri Sri

Jai Gurudev.....

The Coal Basket

There once lived an old man with his grandson in a farm.Grandfather used to regularly chant the Baghavad Gita,which left the boy wondering,because he found that there was no visible change in their life whatsoever.So one day the little boy gathered courage and asked his grandfather why he chanted the Gita.His grand father just smiled at the little boy and showed him a coal basket lying near the fireplace and asked him to run down to the lake below and fetch some water in the basket.The boy gave his grandfather a puzzled look but nevertheless ran down to fetch water in the basket.He filled the basket with water and started on his way home, but as he expected all the water drained out of the basket,and by the time he reached home there was no water in the basket.He told his grandfather that the basket could not hold the water.His grandfather again smilingly told him to be a bit faster this time.This went on a few times and each time the result was the same.Finally the boy was exhausted and tired and asked his grandfather why he asked him to fill a basket with water knowing that it cannot hold water.Gradfather now looked at the little boy with love and affection and told the boy to look at the basket closely.The boy looked at the basket and saw that the basket was now clean and shining and no sign of any coal there.He told his grandfather that the basket looked clean now.
The grandfather now took the little boy on his lap and told him that like the basket got clean and shining after a few dips in the water, if we regularly chant the Gita we will be cleansed of all the impure thoughts within and will help us remember the Lord always.
Though the result of our sadhana may not be immediately visible to us, it is certain that every time we chant the lords name with love and devotion,it sure reaches HIM.
There are many many stories which assure us that even if a person takes the Lord's name once,with or without his knowledge it is certain that he will be taken care of by HIM.
Jai Gurudev.
Stay tuned for more....

Do Your Duty

This story from Mahabaratha tells us how doing one's duty is much more important than gaining THE ENLIGHTENED BUTCHER
(A story from Mahabharata)
This story from Mahabharata brings to light that our spiritual
achievement is useless if we neglect our duties or Dharma.
Kaushika was his parents' only son.
"Mother," he said one day, " I want to go off into the jungle and
devote myself to spiritual studies. "
His mother said with concern, "But son, your father and I are very old. Your father is so
sick he can hardly move. If you go away, what will happen to us?
Who will attend to our needs?"
Kaushika did not listen.He was determined to study the Vedas. His mother cried in vain
as she watched her son turn his back on her and leave for the jungle.
Eventually Kaushika acquired great mystical powers.One afternoon, as he was meditating under a tree, a crane flew up, and perched herself on a branch above Kaushika. Some
bird droppings fell on Kaushika's head. Kaushika furiously threw a fiery gaze at the crane. The crane immediately fell dead.The sage felt sorry for what he had done. "How could I have allowed my anger to take over me that way?" He mourned.
Later in the day, he went to a village to beg for alms. The lady of the house asked him to wait and went to get some food. Right then her husband arrived. She immediately set aside the pot of food she was taking to the sage and went to attend her husband.
After washing his feet, giving him food, and attending to his needs, she came back out to give the alms to the sage. The sage was very insulted. "You put your husband before a pious sage? Do you know the power of a Brahmin?" She calmly replied, "Yes, a true Brahmin is he who has mastered his anger. Please do not threaten me, I am not a
crane that will die by your fiery gaze." The sage was amazed. "How does she know about the crane?"he wondered.
The lady continued, "Oh holy one! You are a learned Brahmin but you have not understood the truth about virtue. If you want to be enlightened, go to Dharmavyadha who lives in Mathura. Any one will tell you where he lives." The sage thanked the lady and hurried to Mathura. "He must be a great and learned sage indeed," Kaushika thought to himself.
But when he finally reached Dharmavyadaha's place, he found it to be a butcher shop!
A very ordinary looking man came out and said, "Welcome holy one. I am Dharmavyadaha, the man you seek." "How can a butcher be spiritually enlightened?" Kaushika
asked in amazement.Dharmavyadaha smiled and said with compassion, "I know the
story of the crane and of the woman who sent you here. Come,let us go to my house. "
The sage could not contain himself and blurted out, "But butchering animals is such a sinful profession! Are you not ashamed?"
"I am not," the butcher calmly said. "I am engaged in a family trade. I work hard and honestly at it. There is no reason for me to be ashamed of my work!"
"Holy one," continued the butcher. "If I do injury to other creatures, so do you as you did to the crane. " "As we walk on the soil, we are trampling on numerous
creatures. Nor is the air devoid of creatures." "You see that farmer tilling the land? He is killing so many animals that thrive under the soil." They reached the butcher's house. The butcher's wife was doing her house hold chores and his two boys were playing.
The butcher introduced the sage to his wife and boys. Then the butcher entered the house and touched his parents'feet."Here is a learned Brahmin who has come from a far-off place."the butcher told his old father."Welcome, holy one," the father said.
Before leaving the room, the butcher remarked, "My parents are my Gods. My wife and my children attend to them with devotion and love. We consider caring for them to be
our greatest duty." "In doing one's duty cheerfully, lies true virtue. This is what the
dutiful wife sent you to learn."
"Oh learned one!" the butcher continued, "You have run away from your responsibilities and deserted your aged father and mother. Spiritual achievement is useless if one has neglected one's Dharma, or duties."The sage remembered his mother crying, "Who will look after us when you are gone my son?" The sage apologized, "You have shown me the path of true virtue, the true meaning of Dharma, Oh pious one. I am deeply
indebted to you." Kaushika immediately returned to his parents and served them
lovingly till the end of their days.

Jai Gurudev...

Veer Maruti

We have all heard of Lord Anjaneya and his devotion for Baghvan Ram.I have always wondered why Hanuman is wearing sindoor all over.I am sure many may know the reason for this.Here is an interesting story which tells us the reason for the sindoor or rather why Lord Anjaneys is smeared with sindoor all over.
Read on....

One day, Hanuman noticed that Sitaji wore a red powder in the parting of
Her hair. Curious, Hanuman enquired, what it was that She was wearing. “
Dear Hanuman, it is sindoor that I am wearing”, said Sitaji. “What is
sindoor and why was it so important?” asked Hanuman. Sindoor makes
Lord Ram happy and would give Him a long and happy life, explained Sitaji.
Hanuman scratched his chin and thought for a while. He realised that
Sitaji did it because she loved Ram and showed it by putting sindoor
in Her hair. “I love Ramji too,” thought Hanuman, “And I’m going to prove
it!” So guess what He did? Well if Sita ji can put sindoor in Her hair to show
Her love, He decided to cover Himself with it to show His love! He took the
sindoor powder and smeared his whole body with it. And He felt very
happy and smiled a big smile. When He entered Sita’s room, He was
completely red, His face, the nose, dhoti, everything was completely red.
It looked as though He had taken a bath in the red powder!
Sita looked at Him in surprise and asked Him why he had covered himself
in sindoor. With a shy smile Hanuman said, “ Sitaji, you are a Devi, a
goddess. By putting a little sindoor in your hair, you can make Lord Ram
happy and His life longer. But I am only His servant, His dasa, so I will
have to do more than that. And that is why I had to cover my whole body
with sindoor.”
So,this is the reason why Hnuman is red. This also
shows the great love Hanuman had for Lord Ram and how much He
thought about the welfare of Lord Ram, His master.
Jai Gurudev...

Festival Of Lights Deepavali!!

One of the most important festivals of most Indians is Deepavali or Diwali as is commonly known.
There are as is common to all the festivals many many stories attached to Deepavali too.'Avali' means rows,and deepa means lamps or lights.When we arrange the lamps in rows it is known as 'Deepavali',a neatly arranged row of lights.
The significance of Deepavali is different in different parts of India. In the north, Deepavali is celebrated to commemorate the reception accorded to Lord Sri Rama on his arrival with Sita Devi at Ayodhya after vanquishing the 10 headed rakshasa Ravana, who had abducted Sita Devi.
The people of Ayodhya celebrated the occasion with great joy and happiness.Each and every house in Ayodhya was decorated beautifully and lamps were lit,and everyone was dressed in their best to receive their Lord. killed by
Diwali is also very popularly celebrated as Naraka Chathurthi as the demon Narakasura was killed by Lord krishna and Satybhama.This story was new to me and thought I should put it down here for the benefit of many like me who have not heard this earlier.
In the south, especially in Tamil Nadu, Deepavali is the celebration to commemorate the reception accorded Lord Sri Krishna and Satyabhama after he vanquished Narakasura and Deepavali is otherwise known as Naraka chaturdashi.

Narakasura was a demon king who ruled from Pragjyothishapura which is today’s Assam.There are two versions about Narakasura’s birth. In one version it is said that he was the son of the demon king Hiranyaksha and in another version he is described as the son of Lord Mahavishnu.

The demon king Hiranyaksha was terrorising the three worlds, the earth, the sky and the nether world (Patala).The devas were terrorised by him and they all prayed to Lord Mahavishnu to bring an end to his evil ways. Mahavishnu promised to rescue them from Hiranyaksha and went in search of him. Hiranayaksha taking the form of a wild boar went to hide in the Patala taking Bhudevi (earth) with him. While the boar was carrying Bhudevi on his tusks, Bhudevi became pregnant by the touch of the tusk and gave birth to Narakasura. Bhudevi was stricken with grief for having given birth to an asura and went to Lord Mahavishnu carrying the baby and asked for the salvation of the asura son. Lord Mahavishnu gave His blessings and said none other than me can kill this son of yours.

In another verison it is said that as Hiranyaksha ran carrying Bhudevi in his tusks, Lord Mahavishnu took the form of Varaha and went to Patala and rescued Bhudevi, slaying Hiranyaksha. After rescuing Bhudevi, Lord Mahavishnu in Varaha Avatar married Bhudevi and Narakasura is the son of Lord Mahavishnu and Bhudevi.

Narakasura true to his name, terrorised the Devas and Gandharvas and humans and imprisoned 16000 women from all the worlds. He harassed the Devas in heaven and stole the kundalas (ear drops) of Devi Athithi. All the Devas went to Lord Mahavishnu and prayed for the end of Narakasura. The Lord answered their prayers and promised to kill Narakasura.

Thus in Lord Mahavishnu’s incarnation as Sree Krishna, He along with his consort Satyabhama went to Pragjyothishapura to kill Narakasura. A fierce battle took place in Pragjyothishapura at the end of which Narakasura was slain. Again there is a different version in which it is said that it was Sathyabhama who killed Narakasura to avenge the insult on Devi Athithi. Sree Krishna released all the women imprisoned by Narakasura and brought them to his place.
'Narakasura under estimated Satyabhama's strength,thinking what can a woman do to me,when I single handedly have won over so many'.He was proved wrong and before giving up his body Narakasura requested that his death should be celebrated all over by everyone and that people should busrt fire crackers,light lamps and decorate their houses on this day.The power of truth is always very powerful and can win over any evil was proved by Satyabhama' killing Narakasura.It is also believed that Lord Krishna had to clean his body with oil after Narakasura was killed and hence the practice of oil bath on naraka chathurthi day it seems.Diwali is time to forget and forgive and start everything afresh, by greeting one and all with a smile and sharing sweets.
The celebration of victory over evil is Diwali.

In Karnataka the Prathama after Deepavali is also celebrated as Bali Padyami in honour of the asura Chakravarthy Mahabali who was sent to Patala by Lord Mahavishnu in his Vamana Avatara.

Let us celebrate and enjoy this Deepavali and spread joy and happiness around us always.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yBX3tn2fNFY


A Happy Prosperous, Joyous and Sparkling Diwali To All!!

Jai Gurudev....