गीता, गङ्गा, च गायत्री गोविन्देति
(Geetaa, Gangaa, Gaayatree and Govinda)
These four in the G-group pave the way to salvation, singly or collectively.
Geetaa came from the mouth of the Lord. She purifies the hearts of the readers and listeners. Essence pure of the Vedas.
Gangaa flowed out of Vishnu's feet (Another version: When Vaamana raised his foot to cover the heavens, Brahma worshipped the feet with water from his kamaNDala. the sanctified water became Gangaa) and descended to earth after being sanctified further by touch of the matted hair of Shiva. She cleanses your body and mind both.
Gaayatree is Mother of Mantras. gaayantam traayayateeti gaayatree - She protects when you recite the mantra so She is Gaayatree.
Govinda is all embracing.
Tuesday, 28 August 2007
Na Bhooto Na BhaviShyati - (Is Not Born Nor Will Be Born)
न भूतो न भविष्यति
(Is Not Born Nor Will Be Born)
A shloka says - a miser is the greatest donor, because he gives without touching the gift by his hands. Such donors were not born before, nor will they be born in the future.
This has reference to the rule that your one hand should not know what the other hand gives. A miser dies even without writing a will. He cannot think of parting with his wealth. On his death, his wealth is taken by persons without his knowing who they are!
A sage was asked to ask for a boon. He declined. On persuasion, he said - Let me not know what good I do to others. So, God said - OK. Whoever walks in your shadow behind you will be cured of disease.
Write a will, but remember you were holding something in trust while you are disposing so you walk away with clean hands and a clean mind.
Never believe your gift of money will ensure happiness to your child. Put him wise to the fact that God is the only source of happiness irrespective of materials gains.
(Is Not Born Nor Will Be Born)
A shloka says - a miser is the greatest donor, because he gives without touching the gift by his hands. Such donors were not born before, nor will they be born in the future.
This has reference to the rule that your one hand should not know what the other hand gives. A miser dies even without writing a will. He cannot think of parting with his wealth. On his death, his wealth is taken by persons without his knowing who they are!
A sage was asked to ask for a boon. He declined. On persuasion, he said - Let me not know what good I do to others. So, God said - OK. Whoever walks in your shadow behind you will be cured of disease.
Write a will, but remember you were holding something in trust while you are disposing so you walk away with clean hands and a clean mind.
Never believe your gift of money will ensure happiness to your child. Put him wise to the fact that God is the only source of happiness irrespective of materials gains.
MounaM PaNDitalakShaNaM - (Silence is the Hallmark of Wisdom)
मौनं पण्डितलक्षणं
(Silence is the Hallmark of Wisdom)
PaNDaa is the fund of knowledge. PaNDit is one who has acquired knowledge. PaaNDitya is erudition.
Silence is the golden womb of knowledge. All great ideas, inventions, inspirations are born out of silence. All knowledge is with God, God is knowledge, to take a cue from the Bible.
Of course, we have the Mahaavaakya - PrajnaanaM Brahma - Knowlege is Brahman.
There is nothing new. All are discoveries, revelations, unfoldments.
A full pot does not make noise.
On the railways, we know this principle well that an oil-laden train is easier to haul when the anks are full than when half-full.
(Silence is the Hallmark of Wisdom)
PaNDaa is the fund of knowledge. PaNDit is one who has acquired knowledge. PaaNDitya is erudition.
Silence is the golden womb of knowledge. All great ideas, inventions, inspirations are born out of silence. All knowledge is with God, God is knowledge, to take a cue from the Bible.
Of course, we have the Mahaavaakya - PrajnaanaM Brahma - Knowlege is Brahman.
There is nothing new. All are discoveries, revelations, unfoldments.
A full pot does not make noise.
On the railways, we know this principle well that an oil-laden train is easier to haul when the anks are full than when half-full.
Monday, 27 August 2007
Guruh - (Guru)
गुरु
(Guru)
There is no equivalent English word for Guru. Guru is not just a Teacher for which the word Aaachaarya would apply.
A Guru is a teacher for one, but He is much more. He is a friend, philosopher and guide. He is mother, father, God and your very Self. Guru is one who teaches and guides. The concept of Guru, I think, came later than the UpaniShads. Even in the Geetaa, no mention is made of Gurugiri. An odd reference to Guru is made in Shloka 43 of Chapter 11 - greatest of Gurus, but no elaboration of what a Guru stands for.
We have Gurukulas, Kulaguru, Shikshaaguru, Deekshaaguru and so on, but Guru is not defined in any scripture to my knowledge.
In Saivism, the Guru is given prominence.
In the Shivageetaa, the Lord Says -
na guroradhikam , na guroradhikam, na guroradhikam , na guroradhikam
Shivashaashanatah, Shivashaashanatah, Shivashaashanatah, Shivashaashanatah
There is nobody greater than a Guru. This is ordained by Shiva. Repeated four times.
Shiva appearing as Dakshinaamoorthy is the first Guru.
Gurugeetha says - Shive rushte Gurustraataa (traataa = protector), Gurau rushte na kashchana.
If Shiva is angry at you, Guru can protect you. If Guru is angry, not even Shiva can help you.
A Jnaanee only qualifies as a Guru. Guru is not a body. Once, I wrote that a Jnaanee is not a body you see. A Guru who is a Jnaanee can, in addition, give a push to the disciple's mind to concentrate and go faster in his saadhanaa. Once, a devotee was singing RamaNa-Sadguru and Ramana joined the singing while keeping time with his hands. The devotee felt amused the Ramana should sing his own praise. RamaNa explained -Why do you see me as a body six feet tall? A Sadguru is beyond your imagination. Hence RamaNa could sing RamaNaguru song. Once, a newcomer to the aashram met him in the aashram and asked where RamaNa is . RamaNa pointed to a big vessel and passed on. Later, when questioned, RamaNa said - No name is inscribed on me. The vessel has the name RamaNa etched on it.
(Guru)
There is no equivalent English word for Guru. Guru is not just a Teacher for which the word Aaachaarya would apply.
A Guru is a teacher for one, but He is much more. He is a friend, philosopher and guide. He is mother, father, God and your very Self. Guru is one who teaches and guides. The concept of Guru, I think, came later than the UpaniShads. Even in the Geetaa, no mention is made of Gurugiri. An odd reference to Guru is made in Shloka 43 of Chapter 11 - greatest of Gurus, but no elaboration of what a Guru stands for.
We have Gurukulas, Kulaguru, Shikshaaguru, Deekshaaguru and so on, but Guru is not defined in any scripture to my knowledge.
In Saivism, the Guru is given prominence.
In the Shivageetaa, the Lord Says -
na guroradhikam , na guroradhikam, na guroradhikam , na guroradhikam
Shivashaashanatah, Shivashaashanatah, Shivashaashanatah, Shivashaashanatah
There is nobody greater than a Guru. This is ordained by Shiva. Repeated four times.
Shiva appearing as Dakshinaamoorthy is the first Guru.
Gurugeetha says - Shive rushte Gurustraataa (traataa = protector), Gurau rushte na kashchana.
If Shiva is angry at you, Guru can protect you. If Guru is angry, not even Shiva can help you.
A Jnaanee only qualifies as a Guru. Guru is not a body. Once, I wrote that a Jnaanee is not a body you see. A Guru who is a Jnaanee can, in addition, give a push to the disciple's mind to concentrate and go faster in his saadhanaa. Once, a devotee was singing RamaNa-Sadguru and Ramana joined the singing while keeping time with his hands. The devotee felt amused the Ramana should sing his own praise. RamaNa explained -Why do you see me as a body six feet tall? A Sadguru is beyond your imagination. Hence RamaNa could sing RamaNaguru song. Once, a newcomer to the aashram met him in the aashram and asked where RamaNa is . RamaNa pointed to a big vessel and passed on. Later, when questioned, RamaNa said - No name is inscribed on me. The vessel has the name RamaNa etched on it.
Vikreeyante Na GhaNTaabhiH - (Can't Be Sold with False Pretences)
विक्रीयन्ते न घण्टाभिः
(Can't be Sold with False Pretences)
When cows are to be sold after they cease yielding milk, you cannot claim high price by tying a big bell round its neck. People want milk, not the sound of a bell. They are not impressed.
People believe in show and get duped. All that glitters is not gold is an English equivalent.
Tennaali Raama sold a monkey for a fabulous price by putting it on an elephant and telling the price of monkey is Rs. 10,000 and elephant Rs one only!
This is similar to American grants that come with strings attached. For over 50 years, Pakistan's dignity has suffered by yielding to USA grants.
(Can't be Sold with False Pretences)
When cows are to be sold after they cease yielding milk, you cannot claim high price by tying a big bell round its neck. People want milk, not the sound of a bell. They are not impressed.
People believe in show and get duped. All that glitters is not gold is an English equivalent.
Tennaali Raama sold a monkey for a fabulous price by putting it on an elephant and telling the price of monkey is Rs. 10,000 and elephant Rs one only!
This is similar to American grants that come with strings attached. For over 50 years, Pakistan's dignity has suffered by yielding to USA grants.
TasmaadetattrayaM Tyajet - (Therefore Get Rid of These Three)
तस्मादेतत्त्रयं त्यजेत्
(Therefore Get Rid of These Three)
Desire, Anger and Attachment (Delusion) - these three should be avoided - Geetaa.
Desire is at the root. Buddha stressed on this fact repeatedly. Of course, attachment precedes and anger is the result of unfulfilled desire.
Detachment*, not giving in to temptation, is the main weapon to fight these.
Detachment is like a child's make-believe game. Children enjoy their games with all excitement, but never forget to return to their Mother for rest. God is our Mother.
Yield like rubber and return to normal when left to yourself. Know your limits and never let games extend you beyond your elastic limit. Ego makes you feel strong and strains you. It pushes you down before you realize that you have lost control over yourself.
NOTE:
* Detachment is possible only when you develop control over and do not yield to likes and dislikes. EATING IS TO SATISFY HUNGER BUT NOT PLEASING YOUR TONGUE.
(Therefore Get Rid of These Three)
Desire, Anger and Attachment (Delusion) - these three should be avoided - Geetaa.
Desire is at the root. Buddha stressed on this fact repeatedly. Of course, attachment precedes and anger is the result of unfulfilled desire.
Detachment*, not giving in to temptation, is the main weapon to fight these.
Detachment is like a child's make-believe game. Children enjoy their games with all excitement, but never forget to return to their Mother for rest. God is our Mother.
Yield like rubber and return to normal when left to yourself. Know your limits and never let games extend you beyond your elastic limit. Ego makes you feel strong and strains you. It pushes you down before you realize that you have lost control over yourself.
NOTE:
* Detachment is possible only when you develop control over and do not yield to likes and dislikes. EATING IS TO SATISFY HUNGER BUT NOT PLEASING YOUR TONGUE.
Tasya Saprasavaa Iva - (Born With)
तस्य सप्रसवा इव
(Born With)
Silence over wisdom accrued. Accommodating the vanquished enemies. No pride over sacrifices. These and other laudable characteristics were as if inborn in members of the Raghu dynasty(Kaalidaasa in RaghuvaMsha).
As we mature in life, we acquire many qualities after much effort. Those born with such qualities would have put in efforts for many previous births. Your birth in good families is itself a result of good work in earlier lives( Geetaa). Such blessed people turn out Gurus. They begin their mission early in life - Shankaraachaarya, RamaNa, RaamakruShNa, Jesus.
When you toil and mature, in the end there is a tendency to feel proud of the achievements and this acts as a setback. This applies both to acquiring jnaana and wealth, says the Lord in the Geetaa.
All your work and the results, you should dedicate to God at every stage. This is essential to keep pride at bay.
(Born With)
Silence over wisdom accrued. Accommodating the vanquished enemies. No pride over sacrifices. These and other laudable characteristics were as if inborn in members of the Raghu dynasty(Kaalidaasa in RaghuvaMsha).
As we mature in life, we acquire many qualities after much effort. Those born with such qualities would have put in efforts for many previous births. Your birth in good families is itself a result of good work in earlier lives( Geetaa). Such blessed people turn out Gurus. They begin their mission early in life - Shankaraachaarya, RamaNa, RaamakruShNa, Jesus.
When you toil and mature, in the end there is a tendency to feel proud of the achievements and this acts as a setback. This applies both to acquiring jnaana and wealth, says the Lord in the Geetaa.
All your work and the results, you should dedicate to God at every stage. This is essential to keep pride at bay.
Vikaarahetau Sati - (In Disturbing Conditions)
विकारहेतौ सति
(In Disturbing Conditions)
The capacity of a person is to be judged not by how good his performance is but by how fast he can rebound when things go wrong. Do not yield to dejection when in trouble. Use it as a springboard to bounce higher.
You see little ones of animals fight real fights but not using nails and teeth with full strength. It is practising for real fights in adult years. Bittoo plays "attacking" me but never hurts me with his "bites" and "scratching."
Kaalidaasa defines a brave person -Dh;s hearteera - as one who does not panic in dire conditions even. *
When you skid, applying full brakes suddenly can be harmful. Giving a long rope is also advisable to control a person or situation.
NOTE: * Vajraadapi khathoraani mrudooni kusumaadapi-harder than diamond and softer than a flower petal. can withstand any great shock . but very sensitive to pain of others. That is sage's heart . more motherly than a mother's heart.
(In Disturbing Conditions)
The capacity of a person is to be judged not by how good his performance is but by how fast he can rebound when things go wrong. Do not yield to dejection when in trouble. Use it as a springboard to bounce higher.
You see little ones of animals fight real fights but not using nails and teeth with full strength. It is practising for real fights in adult years. Bittoo plays "attacking" me but never hurts me with his "bites" and "scratching."
Kaalidaasa defines a brave person -Dh;s hearteera - as one who does not panic in dire conditions even. *
When you skid, applying full brakes suddenly can be harmful. Giving a long rope is also advisable to control a person or situation.
NOTE: * Vajraadapi khathoraani mrudooni kusumaadapi-harder than diamond and softer than a flower petal. can withstand any great shock . but very sensitive to pain of others. That is sage's heart . more motherly than a mother's heart.
Sunday, 19 August 2007
VardhiShyate Te Shikhaa - (Your Tuft Will Grow)
वर्दिष्यते ते शिखा
(Your Tuft Will Grow)
Little KruShNa admired the long tuft (sheNDi) of Balaraama. So Yashodaa hit upon a plan to make KruShNa drink full glass of milk. If you drink the full glass, your sheNDi will grow long too. And KruShNa would hold His sheNDi in one hand to feel it grow when He drank gulp by gulp from the glass in the other hand. This is childlike innocence.
It is childish ignorance or foolishness when a person thinks he can sing raagas like Bhimsen when he has only learnt Saa in his Swarasaadhanaa. Swarasaadhanaa is mastering the seven swaras -- saa re ga ma pa da ni saa. Learning first saa, one cannot assume he has learnt all about the seven swaras. Similarly it is ignorance or foolishness when a person expects God to appear like Santa Claus with bag full of gifts as soon as he starts on Saa in his saadhanaa.
Time, effort, perseverance and patience over the years, even over births, go towards reaching the goal.
Long ago, you told me of an American principle - You get what you pay for. I have made a new statement - You hear what you pay attention to.
- Even with great atmospheric disturbances you can listen to cricket commentary. Concentration of mind is required.
- RaamakruShNa said - You hear all noise when you approach a market. As you go nearer, you hear a few distinct voices and finally the price of an item which you had gone to purchase. So keep going nearer and nearer.
- When you visit a temple, think of God. Shut your ears and eyes to anything not connected to God. You may hear and see God. Don't be led by distractions. You will feel the peace of God's Presence.
- A child is ever in the mind of a mother. In the kitchen she can pick her child's SOS on being hurt in the compound outside.
(Your Tuft Will Grow)
Little KruShNa admired the long tuft (sheNDi) of Balaraama. So Yashodaa hit upon a plan to make KruShNa drink full glass of milk. If you drink the full glass, your sheNDi will grow long too. And KruShNa would hold His sheNDi in one hand to feel it grow when He drank gulp by gulp from the glass in the other hand. This is childlike innocence.
It is childish ignorance or foolishness when a person thinks he can sing raagas like Bhimsen when he has only learnt Saa in his Swarasaadhanaa. Swarasaadhanaa is mastering the seven swaras -- saa re ga ma pa da ni saa. Learning first saa, one cannot assume he has learnt all about the seven swaras. Similarly it is ignorance or foolishness when a person expects God to appear like Santa Claus with bag full of gifts as soon as he starts on Saa in his saadhanaa.
Time, effort, perseverance and patience over the years, even over births, go towards reaching the goal.
Long ago, you told me of an American principle - You get what you pay for. I have made a new statement - You hear what you pay attention to.
- Even with great atmospheric disturbances you can listen to cricket commentary. Concentration of mind is required.
- RaamakruShNa said - You hear all noise when you approach a market. As you go nearer, you hear a few distinct voices and finally the price of an item which you had gone to purchase. So keep going nearer and nearer.
- When you visit a temple, think of God. Shut your ears and eyes to anything not connected to God. You may hear and see God. Don't be led by distractions. You will feel the peace of God's Presence.
- A child is ever in the mind of a mother. In the kitchen she can pick her child's SOS on being hurt in the compound outside.
Thursday, 16 August 2007
YogaH Karmasu KaushalaM - (Yoga is Skill in Action)
योगः कर्मसु कौशलं
(Yoga is Skill in Action)
During boyhood days Anna and myself played "You follow my orders " (Something like the more familiar game of Statue! If I say "Statue" Anna had to freeze into any position he is in. He could move only when I cancelled my order.) When he is sitting for eating, I would say - Eat. Well, he was bound to eat, breaking my order and giving me a point to my credit. Or wait for a long time until I canceled my order. Fun was when one ordered Do not go when the other is hurrying to the toilet. Destiny plays with us.
Destined work will go on whether you will it or not, whatever you do to change the course. You put up a dam and the flowing river rises in level.
You cannot avoid breathing. And breathing is one of thousand actions which get done automatically. All actions, all works are involuntary and simultaneously compulsorily forced on you.
You are free however to isolate yourself both during progress of work and from reacting to the results of the work. That is the skill required. It is called Yoga attitude.
See the tongue moving involuntarily between teeth skillfully and moving the food this way and that way and finally pushing it down the throat. Or again hear RaamakruShNa - at the pounding device when rice is pounded into beaten rice, the woman skillfully pushes the rice this way and that way so that all rice is evenly and equally flattened into beaten rice. This she does with one hand. Her child is on her lap suckling. With other hand she sells and takes money. And talks to freinds present nearby. Never does her finger get under the pestle and get crushed. That is skill in action.
Skill, grace, dexterity and other words used to explain work well done. But the Lord talks of the skill is the attitude during the work, about the action which is on and the results expected.
RaamakruShNa said - Apply oil on your hands before you open a jackfuit. Enjoy eating without hands getting stuck up in the deeku (sticky sap). Vairaagya and detachment make you free to enjoy life withoiut getting stuck up in the ups and downs in life.
You have children. Vairaagya and detachment would mean denying children their rightful love from parents, we believe. No, it is not so. You are free to play with them, enjoy their company. Make them worthy to be acceptable to the society and by such service to the society make them acceptable to God. Ultimate test is acceptance by God i.e. mukti.
Vairaagya is offering the best fruit to God. A good son or daughter is the best fruit you can offer. He gives you the children, you have to return them to Him fully matured. No egostic feeling - my child, best in the world, IAS, millionaire. These are trinkets not worthy to crave for forgetting God in material success.
You have a job at hand. Apply yourself fully to it. Everything is God's work. He will 'pay' you for your work. What the employer pays you is not important. Take employer as God's agent and respect him for that but don't be a slave to him for a higher increment or promotion.
(Yoga is Skill in Action)
During boyhood days Anna and myself played "You follow my orders " (Something like the more familiar game of Statue! If I say "Statue" Anna had to freeze into any position he is in. He could move only when I cancelled my order.) When he is sitting for eating, I would say - Eat. Well, he was bound to eat, breaking my order and giving me a point to my credit. Or wait for a long time until I canceled my order. Fun was when one ordered Do not go when the other is hurrying to the toilet. Destiny plays with us.
Destined work will go on whether you will it or not, whatever you do to change the course. You put up a dam and the flowing river rises in level.
You cannot avoid breathing. And breathing is one of thousand actions which get done automatically. All actions, all works are involuntary and simultaneously compulsorily forced on you.
You are free however to isolate yourself both during progress of work and from reacting to the results of the work. That is the skill required. It is called Yoga attitude.
See the tongue moving involuntarily between teeth skillfully and moving the food this way and that way and finally pushing it down the throat. Or again hear RaamakruShNa - at the pounding device when rice is pounded into beaten rice, the woman skillfully pushes the rice this way and that way so that all rice is evenly and equally flattened into beaten rice. This she does with one hand. Her child is on her lap suckling. With other hand she sells and takes money. And talks to freinds present nearby. Never does her finger get under the pestle and get crushed. That is skill in action.
Skill, grace, dexterity and other words used to explain work well done. But the Lord talks of the skill is the attitude during the work, about the action which is on and the results expected.
RaamakruShNa said - Apply oil on your hands before you open a jackfuit. Enjoy eating without hands getting stuck up in the deeku (sticky sap). Vairaagya and detachment make you free to enjoy life withoiut getting stuck up in the ups and downs in life.
You have children. Vairaagya and detachment would mean denying children their rightful love from parents, we believe. No, it is not so. You are free to play with them, enjoy their company. Make them worthy to be acceptable to the society and by such service to the society make them acceptable to God. Ultimate test is acceptance by God i.e. mukti.
Vairaagya is offering the best fruit to God. A good son or daughter is the best fruit you can offer. He gives you the children, you have to return them to Him fully matured. No egostic feeling - my child, best in the world, IAS, millionaire. These are trinkets not worthy to crave for forgetting God in material success.
You have a job at hand. Apply yourself fully to it. Everything is God's work. He will 'pay' you for your work. What the employer pays you is not important. Take employer as God's agent and respect him for that but don't be a slave to him for a higher increment or promotion.
Wednesday, 15 August 2007
DaivaM Chaivaatra PanchamaM - (Destiny is the Fifth and Final)
दैवं चैवात्र पञ्चमं
(Destiny is the Fifth and Final)
GuNas act on indriyas and works get done. I do, a man thinks,and gets bounded - Geetaa
An action is caused by five elements - the base (body), ego (ahankaara), instruments (hands and other karmendriyas), cause (kaaraNa) and the fifth and final is daivam (destiny). Aatmaa is not involved. It is the false assumption of I am the body idea (viz ego), that gets confused and involved.
A muni was in deep meditation on a riverbank for years. One morning he opened his eyes and saw a leaf from the tree above fall into the water. That part of the leaf which touched water became a crocodile and the part on ground became an elephant. Two began a tussle. The muni watched with interest and wonder and forgot about his meditation and lost his concentration. Things happen. Just ignore them and keep going with work on hand. Muni should have closed eyes again and continued with his meditation.
You are served food. Eat it with relish and enjoy, but forget the food when you wash your hands. Of course, thank the host. In whatever you do, do well but never boast about how good you are in your work. Take it it is work allotted by God. Be nice to people you come across during the work. Be sorry if the overall work goes wrong but more you had contributed to its failure. Personsl success, personal gain is not the gain to be kept in mind throughout. Observe rules and let destiny move on.
(Destiny is the Fifth and Final)
GuNas act on indriyas and works get done. I do, a man thinks,and gets bounded - Geetaa
An action is caused by five elements - the base (body), ego (ahankaara), instruments (hands and other karmendriyas), cause (kaaraNa) and the fifth and final is daivam (destiny). Aatmaa is not involved. It is the false assumption of I am the body idea (viz ego), that gets confused and involved.
A muni was in deep meditation on a riverbank for years. One morning he opened his eyes and saw a leaf from the tree above fall into the water. That part of the leaf which touched water became a crocodile and the part on ground became an elephant. Two began a tussle. The muni watched with interest and wonder and forgot about his meditation and lost his concentration. Things happen. Just ignore them and keep going with work on hand. Muni should have closed eyes again and continued with his meditation.
You are served food. Eat it with relish and enjoy, but forget the food when you wash your hands. Of course, thank the host. In whatever you do, do well but never boast about how good you are in your work. Take it it is work allotted by God. Be nice to people you come across during the work. Be sorry if the overall work goes wrong but more you had contributed to its failure. Personsl success, personal gain is not the gain to be kept in mind throughout. Observe rules and let destiny move on.
Asti KashcidvaagviShayaH - (Is There Any Special Knowledge?)
अस्ति कश्चिद्वाग्विषयः
(Is There Any Special Knowledge?)
Poorvaashramakaalidaasa: Legend of Kalidas's earlier life. The princess of kingdom was proud of her erudition and refused the hand of prime minister's son who was no match to her, she thought. The minister decided to teach her a lesson.
One day , the minister was on his morning walk at the outskirts of the city. He saw a man cutting down a branch of a tree by sitting on the very branch on the wrong side. I have got him , the minister decided. You will fall down, he told the man and soon he did come down along with branch that was cut . The man saluted the minister, saying -You are great. How could you predict I will fall down. The minister coaxed him to accompany him to his home.
The man was a shepherd. The minister told the man that, if he tries, he can marry the princess. I will take you to the court. You do not open your mouth and I will answer all questions put to you by the princess.
The minister managed to convince the princess that the man is fit to be her husband. The night of the wedding the princess found out the truth and asked him - asti kaschidvaagviShayaH? On his failure to answer, she threw him out of the palace.
The poor man went to a Kaali mandir and prayed. Goddess was pleased with him and made him wise. That gave birth to Kaalidaasa.
Kaalidaasa's three poetic works begin with the three words of the question the princess had posed to him. Kumaarasambhava begins with Asti, Meghadoota with Kaschit and Raghuvamsha with Vaag (I remember by heart all the three verses).
When a silly fellow is spotted, he is called Poorvaashramakalidasa.
(Is There Any Special Knowledge?)
Poorvaashramakaalidaasa: Legend of Kalidas's earlier life. The princess of kingdom was proud of her erudition and refused the hand of prime minister's son who was no match to her, she thought. The minister decided to teach her a lesson.
One day , the minister was on his morning walk at the outskirts of the city. He saw a man cutting down a branch of a tree by sitting on the very branch on the wrong side. I have got him , the minister decided. You will fall down, he told the man and soon he did come down along with branch that was cut . The man saluted the minister, saying -You are great. How could you predict I will fall down. The minister coaxed him to accompany him to his home.
The man was a shepherd. The minister told the man that, if he tries, he can marry the princess. I will take you to the court. You do not open your mouth and I will answer all questions put to you by the princess.
The minister managed to convince the princess that the man is fit to be her husband. The night of the wedding the princess found out the truth and asked him - asti kaschidvaagviShayaH? On his failure to answer, she threw him out of the palace.
The poor man went to a Kaali mandir and prayed. Goddess was pleased with him and made him wise. That gave birth to Kaalidaasa.
Kaalidaasa's three poetic works begin with the three words of the question the princess had posed to him. Kumaarasambhava begins with Asti, Meghadoota with Kaschit and Raghuvamsha with Vaag (I remember by heart all the three verses).
When a silly fellow is spotted, he is called Poorvaashramakalidasa.
Tuesday, 14 August 2007
Sootre MaNigaNaa Iva - (Like Beads on a Thread)
सूत्रे मणिगणा इव
(Like beads on a thread)
In the Geetaa, the Lord says, "You all are strung together by Me, as indeed like beads on a thread." The Lord is is our Aadhaara, our Support.
We are not independent. Our movements are restricted. A little this way or a lttle that way.
We fall off without the string.
Again God is the Sootradhaari, the Divine Puppeteer, pulling strings and making us dance. Using modern terms, we are all robots controlled remotely by God. No strings but still dependent slaves.
Chaturanga is our name for chess (The Persian name Shatranj matches). There is a king and a queen. Four wings of army. Soldiers on feet, on horses, on camels and on elephants (named diffetently in modern chess). Each piece, other than the queen, has its own restricted movement. The king moves one square in any direction. Soldier moves one square forward or one diagonally for attack, horse jumps two squares forward or sideways and one square sideways or forward. Camel moves diagonally. Elephant moves vertical or horizontal. The queen is free to follow any movement, any direction except horse's jump.
Chess pieces have flat bottoms. Now imagine the chess board has grooves - vertical, horizontal and both diagonals. And chesss pieces have a stub at the bottom so that they slide along the grooves. God is like the queen which moves freely across chess board (This is a reverse conception of ourselves as pieces and God moving us across the chess board). Like friendly and smiling ghost Casper (from the comic book), God moves freely and nothing can restrict His movements. This is what we call Otaprota. Pervading and permeating. Warp and weft.
Wonder what binds the small cubes of the Rubik Cube. Each and every layer is free of other layers, horizontally or vertically. I saw a wrist band made of magnetic needles. It could be twisted , broken and rejoined. Then again, in our childhood, our pants and shirts had buttons made of thread. We could make strings of them piercing them with a separate string - they were perfect sootre maNigaNaas.
(Like beads on a thread)
In the Geetaa, the Lord says, "You all are strung together by Me, as indeed like beads on a thread." The Lord is is our Aadhaara, our Support.
We are not independent. Our movements are restricted. A little this way or a lttle that way.
We fall off without the string.
Again God is the Sootradhaari, the Divine Puppeteer, pulling strings and making us dance. Using modern terms, we are all robots controlled remotely by God. No strings but still dependent slaves.
Chaturanga is our name for chess (The Persian name Shatranj matches). There is a king and a queen. Four wings of army. Soldiers on feet, on horses, on camels and on elephants (named diffetently in modern chess). Each piece, other than the queen, has its own restricted movement. The king moves one square in any direction. Soldier moves one square forward or one diagonally for attack, horse jumps two squares forward or sideways and one square sideways or forward. Camel moves diagonally. Elephant moves vertical or horizontal. The queen is free to follow any movement, any direction except horse's jump.
Chess pieces have flat bottoms. Now imagine the chess board has grooves - vertical, horizontal and both diagonals. And chesss pieces have a stub at the bottom so that they slide along the grooves. God is like the queen which moves freely across chess board (This is a reverse conception of ourselves as pieces and God moving us across the chess board). Like friendly and smiling ghost Casper (from the comic book), God moves freely and nothing can restrict His movements. This is what we call Otaprota. Pervading and permeating. Warp and weft.
Wonder what binds the small cubes of the Rubik Cube. Each and every layer is free of other layers, horizontally or vertically. I saw a wrist band made of magnetic needles. It could be twisted , broken and rejoined. Then again, in our childhood, our pants and shirts had buttons made of thread. We could make strings of them piercing them with a separate string - they were perfect sootre maNigaNaas.
Wednesday, 8 August 2007
SamatvaM - (Equanimity)
समत्वं
(Equanimity)
Sama in Samskrut means 'same' in English. Samatva, however, is something more than sameness. Lookalike twins may look similar, but they may have different characteristics, though near relatives can easily spot one from other.
Dvandva is a pair of opposites. When you accept both, you possess the spirit of Samatva. You become Dvandvaateeta (discussed earlier).
Sama and Samatva are two words used many times in the Geetaa.
These days Dhana is king - and god to many. Doctors should treat diseases first and then the patients, not making any distinctions based upon the purse of the patient. Purohits don't treat all devotees equal. Those who come by car get faster attention.
Samatva based on the Geetaa is for benefit of humanity. However, the present political interpretation of uplifting the "poor SC/ST" is a joke. In the former, you go below to help others. Politicains remain on top and will never pull up anybody to their level.
All paths lead to Rome, to God. The two words, Sama and Samatva, confirm this truth. The words appear in different chapters and different contexts in the Geetaa and din the same truthy into our consciousness. Equanimity is indispensable if God is the goal. Once you reach the summit by any path, the view is the same. You develop the same quality of equanimity, whichever path you follow.
Some of the contexts in which these two words are used in the Geetaa are listed:
Chapter 2
Shloka 15: SamadukhasukhaM. We go by comparision, never on absolute terms. Sukha is the absence of dukha and dukha is missing sukha. We see light (we see everything in light but never the light as such). And darkness is the absence of light. Both are in the realm of ignorance i.e . darkness. Like the unseen light, bliss is your natural state.
For us, sukha is the experience of pleasures. Actually, it is the tasting of inherent peace and bliss of the Aatmaa when a desired object is obtained or an undesired object is got rid of and the mind sinks into the Aatmaa. This is sinking in unconscious action. Dukha is running away from the undesired, far from the Aatmaa. The mind keeps vacillating. When the desired object is obtained, or the undesirable got rid of, the mind unconsciously sinks into its inherent state of bliss. After a while, the mind moves out and seeks for new desired objects or to discard the unwanted, i.e., the mind moves back to misery.
By consciously sinking into the Aatman, you become immortal, says the shloka.
Shloka 38: Laabhaalaabhau. Profit or loss is part of the game in business or in personal life. Play the game. Plough the field. Wait for the crop . Reap what is your lot. Don't rest on your oars if much profit comes one year. Be not frustrated and stop ploughng if one monsoon fails one year. In other words, profit or gain is not the goal in life - ploughing the land is the real goal and gain.
Shloka 48: Sidhyasidhyo. This is success or failure in general. Siddhi also refers to miracle-making powers. Looks good to have. If you fail to achieve, you feel lost. If you succeed, failure is not far behind. You start a display of miracles to impress people and the hunger for more fame corrodes your power. If appreciation does not come, your pleasure is corroded. And when you see another with greater powers, you sulk. Loss of peace of mind and simultaneous loss of power.
Chapter 5
Shloka 18: Samadarshinah. A Brahmin is respected for his wisdom. The cow is a sacred animal which serves the society in more than one aspect. A majestic elephant has pride of place in palace and temple. A dog is a useful animal. A scavenger is part of society. A wise man respects each for what he/it is worth. He looks on all with the same affection. Not that he does not know the diffeence betwen them. He will feed the brahmin inside his house. A scavenger will not be refused food, though made to sit in the verandah for his unclean habits.
Shloka 19: YeshaaM saamye sthithaM manah. He whose mind possess equanimity verily enjoys heaven here and now on the earth. Brahman is equanimity unlimited. A true Brahmin is a man with equanimity, not a person who merely displays a sacred thread.
Chapter 6
Shloka 7: SheetoShNasukhadukheshu. Heat and cold are seasonal. The changing seasons regulate life. Nature works and helps us and it takes rest too to recuperate. There are people who take cold bath in the open in winter. People who bathe in boiling hot water even in summer. That is their prakruti. By yoga, you can achieve this. In Tibet, yogis sit bare-bodied on ice slabs for meditation. Ramana recommended prayer to sun so that you do not feel heat. You can walk bare-footed on rock under summer sun.
Take sukha and dukha in the stride. They come and go. Aagamaapaayinonityaah. Transitory, not-lasting. The sun rises every morning. Sunset is end of the day, not of the world.
Shloka 8 : SamaloShtaashmakaamchanah. Price (worth) and value are two different aspects. Price decided by the market whereas value is what worth you give to anything. This is not only for materials, but for ideas and ideals. No price is big to pay for upholding truth. But all do not give the same value in life for truth. Children pick up value of truth from parents and as such parents should never lie at home (or outside).
A clod of earth, a stone and a nugget of gold means same to a wise man. He knows the price of each but places values on them from need and necessity point of view. He will not throw away gold , calling it no better than a stone. Nor he will guard a stone in a treasury. If he finds the gold he has will help another, he will readily give as if he is parting with a stone. Not waiting for wah-wah because, after all he has lost a stone lying in a dark chamber of his treasury.
Shloka 9: Samabuddhih. Freind or foe, unconcerned, with lukewarm intetest in you, relative or one who hates you, let your actions towards them be on humanitarian basis. Food to whoever is hungry. Help wherever needed.
(Equanimity)
Sama in Samskrut means 'same' in English. Samatva, however, is something more than sameness. Lookalike twins may look similar, but they may have different characteristics, though near relatives can easily spot one from other.
Dvandva is a pair of opposites. When you accept both, you possess the spirit of Samatva. You become Dvandvaateeta (discussed earlier).
Sama and Samatva are two words used many times in the Geetaa.
These days Dhana is king - and god to many. Doctors should treat diseases first and then the patients, not making any distinctions based upon the purse of the patient. Purohits don't treat all devotees equal. Those who come by car get faster attention.
Samatva based on the Geetaa is for benefit of humanity. However, the present political interpretation of uplifting the "poor SC/ST" is a joke. In the former, you go below to help others. Politicains remain on top and will never pull up anybody to their level.
All paths lead to Rome, to God. The two words, Sama and Samatva, confirm this truth. The words appear in different chapters and different contexts in the Geetaa and din the same truthy into our consciousness. Equanimity is indispensable if God is the goal. Once you reach the summit by any path, the view is the same. You develop the same quality of equanimity, whichever path you follow.
Some of the contexts in which these two words are used in the Geetaa are listed:
Chapter 2
Shloka 15: SamadukhasukhaM. We go by comparision, never on absolute terms. Sukha is the absence of dukha and dukha is missing sukha. We see light (we see everything in light but never the light as such). And darkness is the absence of light. Both are in the realm of ignorance i.e . darkness. Like the unseen light, bliss is your natural state.
For us, sukha is the experience of pleasures. Actually, it is the tasting of inherent peace and bliss of the Aatmaa when a desired object is obtained or an undesired object is got rid of and the mind sinks into the Aatmaa. This is sinking in unconscious action. Dukha is running away from the undesired, far from the Aatmaa. The mind keeps vacillating. When the desired object is obtained, or the undesirable got rid of, the mind unconsciously sinks into its inherent state of bliss. After a while, the mind moves out and seeks for new desired objects or to discard the unwanted, i.e., the mind moves back to misery.
By consciously sinking into the Aatman, you become immortal, says the shloka.
Shloka 38: Laabhaalaabhau. Profit or loss is part of the game in business or in personal life. Play the game. Plough the field. Wait for the crop . Reap what is your lot. Don't rest on your oars if much profit comes one year. Be not frustrated and stop ploughng if one monsoon fails one year. In other words, profit or gain is not the goal in life - ploughing the land is the real goal and gain.
Shloka 48: Sidhyasidhyo. This is success or failure in general. Siddhi also refers to miracle-making powers. Looks good to have. If you fail to achieve, you feel lost. If you succeed, failure is not far behind. You start a display of miracles to impress people and the hunger for more fame corrodes your power. If appreciation does not come, your pleasure is corroded. And when you see another with greater powers, you sulk. Loss of peace of mind and simultaneous loss of power.
Chapter 5
Shloka 18: Samadarshinah. A Brahmin is respected for his wisdom. The cow is a sacred animal which serves the society in more than one aspect. A majestic elephant has pride of place in palace and temple. A dog is a useful animal. A scavenger is part of society. A wise man respects each for what he/it is worth. He looks on all with the same affection. Not that he does not know the diffeence betwen them. He will feed the brahmin inside his house. A scavenger will not be refused food, though made to sit in the verandah for his unclean habits.
Shloka 19: YeshaaM saamye sthithaM manah. He whose mind possess equanimity verily enjoys heaven here and now on the earth. Brahman is equanimity unlimited. A true Brahmin is a man with equanimity, not a person who merely displays a sacred thread.
Chapter 6
Shloka 7: SheetoShNasukhadukheshu. Heat and cold are seasonal. The changing seasons regulate life. Nature works and helps us and it takes rest too to recuperate. There are people who take cold bath in the open in winter. People who bathe in boiling hot water even in summer. That is their prakruti. By yoga, you can achieve this. In Tibet, yogis sit bare-bodied on ice slabs for meditation. Ramana recommended prayer to sun so that you do not feel heat. You can walk bare-footed on rock under summer sun.
Take sukha and dukha in the stride. They come and go. Aagamaapaayinonityaah. Transitory, not-lasting. The sun rises every morning. Sunset is end of the day, not of the world.
Shloka 8 : SamaloShtaashmakaamchanah. Price (worth) and value are two different aspects. Price decided by the market whereas value is what worth you give to anything. This is not only for materials, but for ideas and ideals. No price is big to pay for upholding truth. But all do not give the same value in life for truth. Children pick up value of truth from parents and as such parents should never lie at home (or outside).
A clod of earth, a stone and a nugget of gold means same to a wise man. He knows the price of each but places values on them from need and necessity point of view. He will not throw away gold , calling it no better than a stone. Nor he will guard a stone in a treasury. If he finds the gold he has will help another, he will readily give as if he is parting with a stone. Not waiting for wah-wah because, after all he has lost a stone lying in a dark chamber of his treasury.
Shloka 9: Samabuddhih. Freind or foe, unconcerned, with lukewarm intetest in you, relative or one who hates you, let your actions towards them be on humanitarian basis. Food to whoever is hungry. Help wherever needed.
Shloka 29: Samadarshanah. One who has realised his universal being, sees himself in everything and everything in himself. He looks with love towards all.
Chapter 9
Shloka 29: Samoham sarvabhooteshu. The Lord says: I have no friend. Nor a foe. All are my children. A mother loves all children equally; perhaps the weak and the wicked children more. Good or bad, beautiful or ugly, intelligent or dull, a son is a son. Adjectives change. Subject does not change. You may be a king, but you remain a son to your mother -a Kannada proverb.
Chapter 12
Shloka 29: Subhaasubhaparityaagee. Auspicious or inauspicious, carry on with it if it is your lot. Offer the results to God. A hangman is never a sinner for his job.
Shloka 18:
1. Shatrau mitre. Enemy or friend. Let man to man relationship not be given up. Rivalry on the playground should not be carried home.
2. Maanaapamaanayoh. Treat both equal - he who praises you and he who derides you.
3. SheetoShNasukhadukhesh; get over these dvandvas.
Shloka 19: Tulyanindaasthitih. Keep cool and don't lose mental poise under praise or blame. Praise is more alluring than a harlot, a saying goes. Blame incites retaliation.
Chapter 13
Shloka 8: Janmamrutyujaraavyaadhi anudarshanam. Birth and death keep alternating, one following the other. In between, old age and diseases visit you. Birth is another opportunity for you to take as many steps as you can towards salvation. Do it fast before death overtakes you.
Chapter 14
Shloka 24:
1. Samadukhasukhah. Discussed.
2. Samaloshtaashmakaanchanah. Discussed.
3. Tulyapriyaapriyah. Discussed.
4. TulyanindaatmasaMsthuthih. Like the balance held by the blindfolded goddess of justice, don't make any difference between contrasting people. Balancing beam should not deviate for extraneous reasons. See next noting for equanimity under praise and blame.
Shloka 25:
1. Maanaapamaanayostulyah. Not elated by praise, nor dejected by blame. The pleasure is in performing work to your best and not worrying about results; much less giving time to hear comments from others, praise or blame. Is that so? is the Tao story told by Narad Mam clearly brings the significance of such an attitude in life. Tai To, uttered by Shahjahan, bears the same stamp, although it is in helplessness.
2. MitraaripakShayoh tulyah. War is on the battlefield. Leave it there when you retire for the day - the same treatment to office work when you come home. Treat the injured whether he is foe or friend. During the Mahaabhaarata war, nights were spent in Satsanga.
(Be a Red Cross man on the battlefield if you are not fighting.)
Chapter 18
Shloka 26: Sidhyasidhyornirvikaarah. Achievement (accomplishment) or disappointment is by the way. Work with enthusiam and vigour. Set aside ego and accept the result as it comes. Saatvic attitude.
Shloka 54: Samah sarveshu bhooteshu. Look on all life - animal, animals and plants - as your own. Never hurt anyone. Elsewhere, the Lord says, I look on all as my own, consider none a friend nor a foe.
Naapita - (Barber)
नापित
(Barber)
A barber is a very important person. Even a king bows his head brefore a barber.
A barber used to shave the king every morning on the terrace of the palace. The two used to talk a lot during the shaving operation. The barber often would ask the king to make him minister and see how good he is.
One morning, the king saw a big crowd on the bank of the river. After the shave, the king asked the barber to find out why the crowd has gathered. The barber went and returned . A foreigner had come. The king sent him again to get more details. He is a Harikathaa Daasa, reported the barber. Will he perform in our court?, the king wanted to know. Another trip and the barber confirmed he was ready. At what fees? Finally, the barber went and came back - Rs 200/ , he said.
Just then, the minister came and saluted the king. He submitted - I saw a crowd on the river bank. On enquiry, I found a foreigner has come and is a Harikathaa exponent. Your majesty likes to hear harikatha. So I offered him Rs.150 for a harikathaa this evening, expecting your approval. The king looked at the barber and smiled. Barber is a barber and a minister is a minister.
But then barbers are good as barbers. When I sit for a haircut, I hear the rhythmic sound as the scissors click and clack and bunches of hair fall down. When I feel all is over, he will not leave me. He is a perfectionist. A snip here and a snap there. He keeps you on the chair even longer. I never found any difference but he takes his sweet time to release you.
A man must have pride in his work. A cobbler on the roadside recognises people by their footwear without raising his eyes which are glued to the job on hand. He is delighted when he spots a shoe which had passed through his hands for repairs and the great job he had done on it.
Happiness is not in admiration of your work or status of your profession. Happiness is in doing your job well.
(Barber)
A barber is a very important person. Even a king bows his head brefore a barber.
A barber used to shave the king every morning on the terrace of the palace. The two used to talk a lot during the shaving operation. The barber often would ask the king to make him minister and see how good he is.
One morning, the king saw a big crowd on the bank of the river. After the shave, the king asked the barber to find out why the crowd has gathered. The barber went and returned . A foreigner had come. The king sent him again to get more details. He is a Harikathaa Daasa, reported the barber. Will he perform in our court?, the king wanted to know. Another trip and the barber confirmed he was ready. At what fees? Finally, the barber went and came back - Rs 200/ , he said.
Just then, the minister came and saluted the king. He submitted - I saw a crowd on the river bank. On enquiry, I found a foreigner has come and is a Harikathaa exponent. Your majesty likes to hear harikatha. So I offered him Rs.150 for a harikathaa this evening, expecting your approval. The king looked at the barber and smiled. Barber is a barber and a minister is a minister.
But then barbers are good as barbers. When I sit for a haircut, I hear the rhythmic sound as the scissors click and clack and bunches of hair fall down. When I feel all is over, he will not leave me. He is a perfectionist. A snip here and a snap there. He keeps you on the chair even longer. I never found any difference but he takes his sweet time to release you.
A man must have pride in his work. A cobbler on the roadside recognises people by their footwear without raising his eyes which are glued to the job on hand. He is delighted when he spots a shoe which had passed through his hands for repairs and the great job he had done on it.
Happiness is not in admiration of your work or status of your profession. Happiness is in doing your job well.
Monday, 6 August 2007
SamadruShti RamaNa - (RamaNa: Love for All)
समदृष्टि रमण
(RamaNa - Love for All)
Ramana's love was not limited to humans only. It was extended to animals and plants too. He saw palpitating life even in stones.
** A devotee was picking tender leaves from plants. On enquiry, he said he wants to offer 1008 leaves to God. RamaNa said: "Why not pinch yourself 1008 times? God will be more pleased." What pleasure do you get in causing pain to others even if it is in the name of God?
**Hurting plants hurt RamaNa. Once Ramakrushna was watching the green grass on the lawn. A man came walking on the grass. Ramakrushna felt excruating pain in his chest and cried out aloud asking the man to get away from the grass. Bruises seen on the bodies of jnaanis were bruises from bodies of others, near and far, who suffered.
** Ramana disapproved picking leaves or flowers after sunset. Let the plants enjoy their sleep in peace, he would say.
** Pick only mature fruits. Picking immature fruits hurts trees, he said. And don't thrash down leaves when you pick fruits.
** Lord Shiva tells - I am happy with wild flowers, even colourless and odourless. And don't pluck flowers from plants and creepers. Pick flowers dropped on the ground on their own.
** Snake, snake. Kill it, kill it. Hearing the voices RamaNa rushed out: Don't kill, don't kill, he shouted. By the time he arrived at the site the snake was killed. He did not scold anybody. He said, "These people should be beaten by the sticks they killled the snake with. Only then they will know the pain they had inflicted on the poor snake. We have intruded into their land and usurped their land. We cannot be ungrateful."
** In the olden days, sparrows were allowed to build nests on the rafters of on the roofs of the verandah. (MJS house had many nests on the verandah.) If a chick fell down, we would not touch it because if humans touch the chicks, the parent birds will not accept them back. So we waited for parent birds to come down and pick the nestlings. However, it was seen that chicks touched by RamaNa were readily accepted. Once, an egg fell down and the shell developed cracks. Ramana picked the cracked egg and covered it with a wet cloth. Every day he will inspect it. One day a chick came out. Keeping it with him for few days, feeding it, he placed the chick back in the nest. It was greeted and not pushed out by its parents.
Pigeons, monkeys , mongoose and other birds and animals came close to him and rested on his lap. Who knows who the great souls are come to us in these garbs, RamaNa would day. Once a crow came flying down and fell dead at his feet. A great Siddha, Ramana said. A Samaadhi was made in the Ashram compound for the dead crow.
** He understood their language. They would report to him of any harm done to them by any inmate of the Ashram. He would call up the man concerned and scold him. Animals brought their little newborns to him and appreciated his love as he patted the little ones. He settled quarels between two groups of monkeys.
(RamaNa - Love for All)
Ramana's love was not limited to humans only. It was extended to animals and plants too. He saw palpitating life even in stones.
** A devotee was picking tender leaves from plants. On enquiry, he said he wants to offer 1008 leaves to God. RamaNa said: "Why not pinch yourself 1008 times? God will be more pleased." What pleasure do you get in causing pain to others even if it is in the name of God?
**Hurting plants hurt RamaNa. Once Ramakrushna was watching the green grass on the lawn. A man came walking on the grass. Ramakrushna felt excruating pain in his chest and cried out aloud asking the man to get away from the grass. Bruises seen on the bodies of jnaanis were bruises from bodies of others, near and far, who suffered.
** Ramana disapproved picking leaves or flowers after sunset. Let the plants enjoy their sleep in peace, he would say.
** Pick only mature fruits. Picking immature fruits hurts trees, he said. And don't thrash down leaves when you pick fruits.
** Lord Shiva tells - I am happy with wild flowers, even colourless and odourless. And don't pluck flowers from plants and creepers. Pick flowers dropped on the ground on their own.
** Snake, snake. Kill it, kill it. Hearing the voices RamaNa rushed out: Don't kill, don't kill, he shouted. By the time he arrived at the site the snake was killed. He did not scold anybody. He said, "These people should be beaten by the sticks they killled the snake with. Only then they will know the pain they had inflicted on the poor snake. We have intruded into their land and usurped their land. We cannot be ungrateful."
** In the olden days, sparrows were allowed to build nests on the rafters of on the roofs of the verandah. (MJS house had many nests on the verandah.) If a chick fell down, we would not touch it because if humans touch the chicks, the parent birds will not accept them back. So we waited for parent birds to come down and pick the nestlings. However, it was seen that chicks touched by RamaNa were readily accepted. Once, an egg fell down and the shell developed cracks. Ramana picked the cracked egg and covered it with a wet cloth. Every day he will inspect it. One day a chick came out. Keeping it with him for few days, feeding it, he placed the chick back in the nest. It was greeted and not pushed out by its parents.
Pigeons, monkeys , mongoose and other birds and animals came close to him and rested on his lap. Who knows who the great souls are come to us in these garbs, RamaNa would day. Once a crow came flying down and fell dead at his feet. A great Siddha, Ramana said. A Samaadhi was made in the Ashram compound for the dead crow.
** He understood their language. They would report to him of any harm done to them by any inmate of the Ashram. He would call up the man concerned and scold him. Animals brought their little newborns to him and appreciated his love as he patted the little ones. He settled quarels between two groups of monkeys.
eSha aadesha eSha upadeshaH- This is the directive.This is the advice
edit now
--------------
In upanishads, some short phrases or sentences were stressed with such words as - This is the directive; this is the upadesha.
A list of such directives is attempted here.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. The four great Utterances ( Aphorisms ) (see relevant blog )
a. Aham Brahmaasmi : I AM BRAHMAN.
b. Ayamaatmaa brahma : This Aatmaa is Brahman. ABHEDA-no difference between the wo.
c. Tattvamasi : That Thou art.
d. Prajnaanam Brahma : Knowledge (consciousness ) is BRAHMAN.
2. Satyam vada., dharmam chara.
3. Maatrudevo bhava , pitrudevo bhava , aachaaryadevo bhava, athithidevo bhava.
4. Swaadhyaayaanmaa pramaditayam : Never slip from regular effort . Personal effort has to preceed God's Grace.
6. Uttishtatha jaagratha praapya varaannibhodhatha : AWAKE, ARISE AND SEEK THE WISE TO GAIN KNOWLEDGE.
7. TENA THYAKTENA BHUJEENTHAA : Renounce and rejoice.
--------------
In upanishads, some short phrases or sentences were stressed with such words as - This is the directive; this is the upadesha.
A list of such directives is attempted here.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. The four great Utterances ( Aphorisms ) (see relevant blog )
a. Aham Brahmaasmi : I AM BRAHMAN.
b. Ayamaatmaa brahma : This Aatmaa is Brahman. ABHEDA-no difference between the wo.
c. Tattvamasi : That Thou art.
d. Prajnaanam Brahma : Knowledge (consciousness ) is BRAHMAN.
2. Satyam vada., dharmam chara.
3. Maatrudevo bhava , pitrudevo bhava , aachaaryadevo bhava, athithidevo bhava.
4. Swaadhyaayaanmaa pramaditayam : Never slip from regular effort . Personal effort has to preceed God's Grace.
5. EESWARO GURURAATMETI _ GOD, GURU AND AATMAA ARE ONE AND SAME. (Jesus said --My Father and I are one.)
6. Uttishtatha jaagratha praapya varaannibhodhatha : AWAKE, ARISE AND SEEK THE WISE TO GAIN KNOWLEDGE.
7. TENA THYAKTENA BHUJEENTHAA : Renounce and rejoice.
Sunday, 5 August 2007
Amrutasya Putraah - (Immortal Sons)
अमृतस्य पुत्राः
(Immortal Sons)
Vivekaananda often dinned into our ears the drumbeats of Vedanta - Oh, ye immortal sons. Shankarachaarya also calls us so. We as children of God have to be immortal!
Jesus is called Son of God. It means He knew He is spirit and not the flesh. If you give up the idea you are a body, you are a son too, you are Jesus yourself too.
A medical student wanted to write on the taste of death. So he consumed potaasium nitrate and wrote until his mind failed or his hand failed, whichever was earlier to fail.
Well, I do NOT scent death around. But here I record what wise men have said about taste and scent of death.
NOTE:
**If you give up identifying yourself with the body, you lose fear of death once for all, said RamaNa. BODY IS BUT A LIVING CORPSE, HE USED TO SAY. IT MEANS HE IS HAPPY IRRESPECTIVE OF WHAT HAPPENS TO THE BODY OR WHAT THE BODY DOES.
**You change clothes. In death, you change bodies. This is all to it, says the Lord in the Geetaa.
** In Japan, death is just changing rooms. In fact , RaamakRuShNa used the same words when he appeared in a vision to ShaaradaamaNi - Why are you worried? From this to that room I've shifted.
** Don't identify yourself with the character you are acting while on the stage. The character is
born in the beginning of every show and ends at the end of the show. You are untouched. After all, you are immortal.
** Tagore sang - MaraNa re tumi mama Shyaama samaana. Oh Death, you are as dear to me as Shyaama. When I hear His baansuri, you are forgotten.
** Aananda , Buddha's nephew and beloved disciple was crying during last moments of Buddha"s life, Buddha said - He has been with me for over 50 years. Why is he crying? Is this all he had learnt during last 50 years?
** RamaNa's last laugh. He had his own Aananda and he repeated the same questions on his last day. Well, devotees kept pestering him to put off his cancer. When you have finished your meal, do you preserve the leaf plate? he asked another. After selling and throwing off the bundle of firewood, you feel relieved, he commented. Finally, he announced - Everything will be OK after two days. On the third day, he left with a smile on his face. OK!
** OMAR KHGAAYYAAM SAYS- DRINK FROM THE CUP OF WINE OFFERED BY THE WIFE ANDV EQUALLY FROM CUP IF POISON BY DEATH.
** Jesus had forecast His end and also the mode of departure. But He accepteed death as a freind ! He told Peter - You will deny Me thrice before the cock crows at sunrise tomorrow morning. To save his skin, Peter did just that and let Jesus die on the cross. Jesus did not curse him.
** Aham Brahmaasmi. I am Brahman, the Vedas remind us to realise. My Father and I are One, Jesus asserted. Pure Advaitha. Any further proof required of your immortal nature?
Saturday, 4 August 2007
ahaM beejapradaH pitaa- I am the Father Whom provides seed for birth of anybody and everybody.
EDIT NOW.
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Whosoever is born , wheresoever and whensoever, I am the Father Who provides the seed, says the Lord in the Geetaa.
Any computer is provided with Microsoft/Intel chip. Karma of individual is the software.
I cannot say what software controls thoughts. This sofware receives and records what is heard or read. It also plays back what the prarabdha karma has set to fructify and records your reactions to present actions for results in next births.
A single software handles all languages and even interprets any language to your language.
Thoughts are recollections from memory , some uncosciously recorded. Who puts in new thoughts which lead to discoveries and inventions? Poets are inspired and they produce masterpieces. Who and what inspires? And how?
---------------------
Whosoever is born , wheresoever and whensoever, I am the Father Who provides the seed, says the Lord in the Geetaa.
Any computer is provided with Microsoft/Intel chip. Karma of individual is the software.
I cannot say what software controls thoughts. This sofware receives and records what is heard or read. It also plays back what the prarabdha karma has set to fructify and records your reactions to present actions for results in next births.
A single software handles all languages and even interprets any language to your language.
Thoughts are recollections from memory , some uncosciously recorded. Who puts in new thoughts which lead to discoveries and inventions? Poets are inspired and they produce masterpieces. Who and what inspires? And how?
Friday, 3 August 2007
Upaakhyaana - 1 - (Tales and Fables - 1)
उपाख्यान
(Tales and Fables -1)
Pigeon. Two pigeons lived in their nest on a tree at the edge of a village. One evening, a traveller came and sat below the tree and lay down. It was winter and cold. The pigeons collected sticks and lit a fire to give some warmth to his numbed limbs. Then noticing he was hungry, the male said - He is our guest. We have to provide food to him. We have no stock of food. So I will jump into the fire and he can eat my roasted body. His wife said - He is my guest too . I will offer my body too. Indeed what will I live for without you? Thus both flew down into the fire.
This is the height of hospitality. (Upanishad lore / Jataka tales)
Tittibha. Tittiba is a small bird living on the seashores. They build their nests on the ground. Once when a Tittiba couple was out for food, a high wave from sea washed away the nest and the two eggs . The couple were dejected on return, but at once decided to retrieve their eggs by drying out the sea! They flew to the water, picked a beakful of water, flew back and dropped the water in a pond nearby. Whole afternoon and evening, they kept doing this. Garuda observed this and reported to ViShNu. Admiring their courage, ViShNu ordered the sea to restore the eggs. Courage brings good results.
Cow (PuNyakoTi). PuNyakoTi was one of many cows in a shed. Every morning, the cows went to the hills and returned in the evening. One day, PuNyakoTi suffered s sprained ankle and was limping. She slipped behind the other cows. A tiger intercepted her and was about to pounce on it. She pleaded with the tiger to let her go to feed her calf once and make arrangements for the orphan's care after her death. The tiger would not listen at first, but finally let her go. Back in the cowshed, she fed the calf and told all about her fate. She asked her sisters to take of her calf . And left the moaning calf behind. The tiger was surprised to see her. He said - You are so truthful. If I kill you, God will punish me. Better that I kill myself. Saying thus, the climbed a cliff and hurled itself down and was killed. PuNyakoTi ran back to her child. The poem PuNyakoTi was a favourite of all the children. They recited it and their mothers recited it to them. Both shed tears.
(Tales and Fables -1)
Pigeon. Two pigeons lived in their nest on a tree at the edge of a village. One evening, a traveller came and sat below the tree and lay down. It was winter and cold. The pigeons collected sticks and lit a fire to give some warmth to his numbed limbs. Then noticing he was hungry, the male said - He is our guest. We have to provide food to him. We have no stock of food. So I will jump into the fire and he can eat my roasted body. His wife said - He is my guest too . I will offer my body too. Indeed what will I live for without you? Thus both flew down into the fire.
This is the height of hospitality. (Upanishad lore / Jataka tales)
Tittibha. Tittiba is a small bird living on the seashores. They build their nests on the ground. Once when a Tittiba couple was out for food, a high wave from sea washed away the nest and the two eggs . The couple were dejected on return, but at once decided to retrieve their eggs by drying out the sea! They flew to the water, picked a beakful of water, flew back and dropped the water in a pond nearby. Whole afternoon and evening, they kept doing this. Garuda observed this and reported to ViShNu. Admiring their courage, ViShNu ordered the sea to restore the eggs. Courage brings good results.
Cow (PuNyakoTi). PuNyakoTi was one of many cows in a shed. Every morning, the cows went to the hills and returned in the evening. One day, PuNyakoTi suffered s sprained ankle and was limping. She slipped behind the other cows. A tiger intercepted her and was about to pounce on it. She pleaded with the tiger to let her go to feed her calf once and make arrangements for the orphan's care after her death. The tiger would not listen at first, but finally let her go. Back in the cowshed, she fed the calf and told all about her fate. She asked her sisters to take of her calf . And left the moaning calf behind. The tiger was surprised to see her. He said - You are so truthful. If I kill you, God will punish me. Better that I kill myself. Saying thus, the climbed a cliff and hurled itself down and was killed. PuNyakoTi ran back to her child. The poem PuNyakoTi was a favourite of all the children. They recited it and their mothers recited it to them. Both shed tears.
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