Apr - chinnajeeyar
Transcription
Apr - chinnajeeyar
Thruni:krutha virincha:di nirankusa vubhu:thayaha ra:ma:nuja pada:mbho:ja sama:srayana sa:linaha All the opulence of Bramha and other such de:vathas is as valueless as a blade of grass for one who takes refuge in the lotus feet of Ra:ma:nuja. The incomparable treasure for the surrendered is only Ra:ma:nuja’s lotus feet, rest all has no value whatsoever. Sathyam sathyam punassathyam yathira:jo: jagadguruhu sa e:va sarvalo:ka:na:m uddharttha: na:sthi samsayaha It is true, true and true again that the king of ascetics, Ra:ma:nuja is the a:cha:rya for the whole world. He alone is capable of uplifting all the worlds [which are sunk with the burden of sin]. There is not least doubt about this. Bhagavad Ra:ma:nuja’s 998th birthday on April 24 Apr 2015 Bhakthinivedana 2 INSIDE Volume: 08 Issue: 06 02 PRAYER From Bhajayathira:ja Stho:thram 05 EDITORIAL Uga:di and Sri: Ra:ma Navami 07 VTSEVA USA UPDATES Information about Ra:ga event, Bay Area 08 INSPIRING INCIDENTS Village gets rains after contunuous bhajans 15 BHJAYATHI RA:JA STHO:THRA 16 BIRDS IN RA:MA:YANAM 20 GLORY OF RA:MA:NUJA Ira:ma:nusa Nu:ththanda:di Udayavar’s 998th Oh mind, let us call upon His divine names! 10 BHAGAWAD GI:THA 38 23 HOMEOPATHY REMEDIES A Voyage towards victory A new series on homeo medication A:CHA:RYA HISTORY 40 RA:MA:NUJA LIFE HISTORY 44 DIVYA PRABANDHAM 48 24 VE:NKATA:CHALA Na:ththamuni reveals future a:cha:rya MA:HA:TMYAM The History of The Seven Hills & The Lord of them Read Ra:ma:nuja life story In pictures 30 ARTHA PANCHAKAM The 5 most important things to know in life Thiruppalli Yezhuchchi 32 MORAL LESSONS FROM This wakeup song of Lord Rangana:ttha was composed by Thondaradippodi A:lwa:r RA:MA:YANA LIFE HISTORY OF A:LWA:RS 52 35 FAQ FROM READERS 56 appearance day The three A:lwa:rs meet at one place!. VT SEVA BHA:RATH UPDATES VTSEVA updates from all across India Principles Serve All Beings As Service To God & Worship Your Own, Respect All B H A K T H I N I V E D A N A A Constant Companion in Your Spiritual Journey FREE FOOD FREE EDUCATION at badarinath, Thirumala, Srirangam, Bhadra:chalam, Sriperumbudur, Melkote Colleges & Schools for the Visually Challenged Schools for the Tribals Schools for the Fishermen Children Vedic Schools A:gama Schools Ve:da:ntha Schools, Prajna Schools FOUNDER Sri Sri Sri Tridandi Chinna Srimannarayana Ramanuja Jeeyar Swamiji BHAKTHINIVEDANA TEAM Prapanna Vaisaradi Ramanuja Dasi Smt. Ramanujamma Ramanuja Dasi Sriman Vineeth Ramanuja Dasa Smt. Deepa Ramanuja Dasi Smt. Divya Ramanuja Dasi Sriman Ramakrishna Ramanuja Dasa Smt. Sowjanya Ramanuja Dasi Smt. 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CALENDAR - April 2015 http://www.chinnajeeyar.org/ bhakthinivedana/ SRI VAISHNAVA E:KA:DASI Mar 31, Apr 15, Apr 29 CONTACT Email: [email protected] FESTIVALS VISIT www.chinnajeeyar.org www.vtsworld.org Bhakthinivedana is a spiritual monthly e-magazine published by His Holiness Sri Sri Sri Tridandi Chinna Srimannarayana Ramanuja Jeeyar Swamiji on behalf of Jeeyar Educational Trust. 4 OUR SERVICES Apr 4- Hanumad Vijayo:tsava, Full Lunar Eclpise Apr 21 - Akshaya Truti:ya, Chandano:tsava in Simhachalam Apr 23 - Sankaracha:rya birth day Apr 24 - Bhagavad Ra:ma:nuja:cha:rya birth day (Read the anecdotes from the life of Bhagavad Ra:ma:nuja:cha:rya in this issue) Apr 27 - Divya Sa:ketham Bramho:tsava Ankura:ro:pana Bhakthinivedana Apr 2015 EDITORIAL Sowing the seeds in paramapadam ! O nce, a poor but devoted couple were visited by Ra:ma:nuja and His entourage. The husband was out of village, so wife received their a:cha:rya with great reverence and devotion. She felt very much blessed to receive Ra:ma:nuja and the go:shtti of great devotees along with Him. At the same time, she was very sad as she didn’t have any grains to cook and offer to them. Upong searching, fortunately she found a bag of paddy lying in the corner of a room, ready to be sown for the upcoming fertile season. Without second thought, she used those grains and prepared very nice feast, offered to Ra:ma:nuja and thre go:shti (group of devotees). Ra:ma:nuja felt very happy to see her dedication in pleasing a:cha:rya, blessed her and left with the entourage. After a while, her husband came home and found that the stored paddy was not there. Surprised, he asked his wife, “what did you do to the grains? I preserved them to sow for the next growing season”. The wife smilingly replied, “ I sowed them in the permanent place of paramapadam. We shall reap the eternal crop from that”. (paramapadam or vaikuntta is the permanent abode where all emancipated souls enjoy the blissful, uninterrupted service to Lord). Husband appreciated his wife very much and replied, “I am blessed to have such a wise and devoted wife”. This incident tells us that we reap unending, permanent benefits by investing our wealth in the service of a:cha:rya. On April 24, we are celebrating the 998th birthday of Ra:ma:nuja. Ra:ma:nuja appeared in the year 1017 in Sri:perumbudur of present day Tamilna:du. Ra:ma:nuja revived all 106 divine temples in Bha:rath, regularized the worship in them, broke the caste barriers and propounded that “all are equal before God”. All the ve:dic scriptures, bhagavad gi:tha and a:lwa:r’s divine utterances are only speaking of equality of all living beings and their subservience to God in a loving way. He spread the real frgrances of ve:dic teachings far and wide and that they only glorify the divine qualities of Lord. Ra:ma:nuja stressed that the world and our experience of it is not an illusion but very much real. Apr 2015 Bhakthinivedana 5 A Vaishnava is one who understands His eternal relationship with all pervading Vishnu and treats all others in the same relationship. Ra:ma:nuja’s most celebrated commentary on “bramha su:thras” uproots the impersonalist, voidist and other atheistic forms of philosophy. This commentary is so extraordinary that the goddess of knowledge, Saraswathi herself, conferred the title “Bha:shyaka:ra” upon Ra:ma:nuja. People from all walks of life sought Ra:ma:nuja’s lotus feet and got deliverance. It’s said that the title of “a:cha:rya” suits only to Ra:ma:nuja and none else. “thasmin ra:ma:nuja:rye: gururithicha padam bha:thi na:nyathra...” If it is not for Ra:ma:nuja, the sanctity of temples like Sri: Rangam, Thirumala, Kanchi, Me:lko:te and many others would’ve long been compromised. And its’s not least exaggeration to say that that the temples sustained the cruel atrocities of foreign invaders in the last thousand years only becuase of the efforts of Ra:ma:nuja and His discplic lineage. We seek help from God when we are in trouble. And here is Ra:ma:nuja who brought that God into light for all of us. We go and take darshan of Him in all the temples, worship Him and seek boons from Him. How blessed are we that we can take part in the millennium celebrations of such a revolutionary a:cha:rya. The real fortune is to spread Ra:ma:nuja’s glory and see that generations to come, remember the contributions of the greatest a:cha:rya of all time. Please visit www.sriramanujasahasrabdi.org for the latest updates on the millennium birthday celebrations of Bhagavad Ra:ma:nuja:cha:rya. Yours, in service of Swamiji, Bhakthi Nive:dana 6 Bhakthinivedana Apr 2015 VTSEVA USA UPDATE VTSEVA BAY AREA ORGANIZES RA:GA VTSeva Bay Area has finalized the date and time for its annual fundraiser for Netra Vidyalaya, a school for the blind and visually disadvantaged. We will have performances and a full dinner on May 2 from 6-8pm at the Jain Cultural Center in Milipitas, CA. For the group’s first event in 2014, over $25,000 was raised. This year, a goal of $50,000 has been set! Support the cause here: http://ww.vtsworld.org/bayarea 7 Bhakthinivedana Apr 2015 INSPIRING INCIDENT VILLAGE GETS RAINS AFTER BHAJANS Letter from a devotee: Phani Kumar Yerasaani Subject: Village’s Thank You For Visit Jai Sri:manna:ra:yana Pujya, Priya Sri Swamiji, Humble salutations to the Lotus Feet of beloved Acharya Visit to village: It’s a miracle that adiyen ever imagined that the village will get Devaravaru’s Mangala:sa:sanams with the visit on Feb 05, 2015 and we are ever thankful for it. Your advice of doing Bajans at the village Temple contributed immensely to the discussion in the people and Bajans were done for 11 days from the very next day of Devaravaru’s visit. We are now able to see the results in the form of Rains which started off since 5 days, irrespective of not being the rainy season. Starting from the very idea which came to Adiyen’s mind to invite Devaravaru to the village, organising things with the help of committed friends and finally everything going smooth, was clearly felt that Devaravaru made all the things done using Adiyen as a tool. 8 Adiyen understands that it was time for the village to take Devaravaru’s Mangala:sa:sanams and very confident that good things are on it’s way to the village. Additionally, the blessings are extended further by having bought SriRama and His Parivaram to the village Temple in the form Utsava Murthi’s which were not there earlieI have enclosed the copy of SriRama and His Parivaram for Your Mangala:sa:sanams. Adiyen is ever indebted to Devaravaru’s Mangala:sa:sanams to have such good things happen. Leaving everything at the Lotus Feet. Adiyen sincerely apologise for any mistakes or inconvenience that happened during the visit and kindly request to keep an eye on everything I do, nothing else is required. Adiyen wishes Devaravaru a very Happy Holi. Adiyen, Phani Kumar Ramanuja Dasa HH Swamiji’s reply for the above letter: Jai srimannarayana Phaniji! It is really interesting to know that there was rain in your village after the bhajans. It is sincere devotion and faith all people have there and did with sincerity that resulted in rains. Bhakthinivedana Apr 2015 Let things go in this way always and Glories to our Lord Ramachendra always. Our trip from Yerpedu to Ananthapur was though a bit longer but we enjoyed after coming to your village and meeting with the people there. Today we were again in Pileru for Sri Chenna Kesava Swamy Temple Prathishtta. We did it and now heading to Vijayawada for Golden Jubilee of Panditha Sabhas there from tomorrow through 13th of this month. Mangalasasanams to you all. =chinnajeeyar= VT BHA:RATH Apr 2015 UPDATES...Continued on pg 56 Bhakthinivedana 9 10 Bhakthinivedana Apr 2015 Incidents from the life of Bhagavad Ra:ma:nuja:cha:rya Bhagavad Ra:ma:nuja’s appearance was very eagerly awaited and predicted by Namma:lwa:r almost 5,000 years ago. A:lawanda:r (Ya:muna:cha:rya) also told His disciples to await the appearance of Jagada:rcha:rya who would reform society, defeat atheists and reestablish Visista:dvaitha (qualified non-dualism). Lord Sri:manna:ra:yana, the treasure house of all auspicious qualities and the Consort of Sri: De:vi, in His compassion wanted to send help to the suffering humanity in the grip of samsa:ra in this age of Kali. Thus, according to th will of the Lord, Ra:ma:nuja was born to the blessed couple Ke:sava So:maya:ji and Ka:nthimathi under the star A:rdra in the month of Chaithra in 1017 to uplift the society. Ra:ma:nuja holds the unique position of the pendant in a:cha:rya rathnaha:ram, starting with Lakshmi:na:ra:yana and ending in Manava:la Maha:muni. The pendant connects both sides, so does Ra:ma:nuja connect His previous a:cha:ryas and His disciples with His holy head and lotus feet on the other side. We are celebrating 998th birthday of Ra:ma:nuja on April 24 this year. Oh mind! Let us call His divine names On this auspicious occasion, let us try to understand some of the glorious names of Ra:ma:nuja and briefly, the incidents that conferred those titles upon Ra:ma:nuja. Emberuma:na:r One of the most popular and beloved names of Ra:ma:nuja is Emberuma:na:r. The circumstances relating to this name are as follows: Go:shti:pu:rna was one of A:lawanda:r’s highly learned disciples living in the village of Go:shti:puri in present day Tamilna:du. Ra:ma:nuja was instructed by His a:cha:rya to learn the meanings of thirumanthra from Go:shti:pu:rna. In those days, the sacred knowledge was guarded very tightly and many tests were given to ascertain the worthiness of the recipient. Ra:ma:nuja too was tested many times. After 18 trips to Thirukko:shtiyu:r, Go:shtipu:rna finally set the time to pass on the sacred knowledge he was trusted with by his acha:rya, A:lwanda:r. Filled with pleasurable anticipation, Ra:ma:nuja sat humbly in front of Go:shti:pu:rna A:cha:rya. The A:cha:rya whispered the sacred syllables in his right ear. Ra:ma:nuja was ecstatic. His face lit up. He bowed to his A:cha:rya and left. As he walked on, numerous thoughts occupied him. “I had to wait for a very long period to get the sacred manthram. I had to keep my interest extraordinarily keen to wait for this long patiently. How will ordinary people ever get an opportunity to get this manthram if they are interested but are not strong-willed to wait patiently, tossed as they are by the waves of life? The manthra is more than powerful to uplift these masses. But for this manthram, how will they ever get an easy, safe, and grand way to liberation? I will give out this manthram with- Apr 2015 Bhakthinivedana 11 out delay to anyone who is interested in accepting this. I will do it right now by climbing the temple tower!” Having made up his mind, Ra:ma:nuja climbed the temple tower and called one and all and announced that he was giving out the manthram to anyone interested in the spiritual upliftment. Many thronged to hear him. Ra:ma:nuja gave the essence of the manthra to them. The news spread like wildfire, and Go:shti:pu:rna A:cha:rya came to know of it. He summoned Ra:ma:nuja to him and confronted him thunderously. “How dare you give out the sacred manthram safely guarded all this while!” Ra:ma:nuja was silent. “Do you think you have done a grand deed?” Ra:ma:nuja said, “Acharya, believing that it is a sacred deed, I did it.” “You disobeyed an a:cha:rya. Are you aware of the consequences?” Ra:ma:nuja quietly said, “Yes, A:cha:rya. It is hell.” “Are you prepared to go to hell?” Ra:ma:nuja meekly closed his eyes and said, “A:cha:rya! If I must suffer hellish tortures so that many thousands can attain blissful liberation, I am prepared to do so.” Go:shti:pu:rna was spellbound. “Even after studying so many scriptures and practicing the precepts, I have not succeeded in cultivating a heart as generous and soft as Ra:ma:nuja’s!” With eyes filled with tears of joy, he embraced Ra:ma:nuja and said, “Emberuma:na:r! The greater one!” Since that day, Ra:ma:nuja came to be called as Emperuma:na:r. Apr 2015 Sri: Bha:shyaka:ra Yet another name of Ra:ma:nuja is Sri: Bha:shyaka:ra. This name was bestowed upon him by none other than Sa:rada: De:vi. Here is the account of it. As promised to A:lawanda:r, Ra:ma:nuja completed his commentary on the Brahmasu:thras in keeping with the Visishtadvaitha tradition, and his disciple Ku:re:sa wrote it down. As per norms then, Ra:ma:nuja set out on a tour and was on his way to the acclaimed Sa:rada: pi:tam in Kashmi:r. Sa:rada: De:vi came out of her temple to greet Ra:ma:nuja and asked him, “Ra:ma:nuja! You composed your commentary on the Brahmasu:thras. Explain the word, kapya:sa, in ‘yatha: kapya:sam pundari:ka me:va makshi:ni:’” Ra:ma;nuja said, “Mother! There is nothing that you do not know. You merely want to hear the meaning from me. I am honored to explain. Kam means ‘water’ and pibathi means ‘one that drinks.’ Kapi means ‘the stalk that takes in water and the pundari:kam that is upon it.’ In other words, it is the lotus flower with a robust stalk. The reference can also be to the un as the one who drinks water and enables the lotus to bloom. The lotus is on a strong stalk and is in full bloom due to the sun’s rays. The Lord’s eyes are like that of the petals of such a lotus. Mother, this is my interpretation.” Then, he bowed down to her. De:vi’s eyes moistened in joy. “Ra:ma:nuja, you have given such a lucid, limpid, perspicacious explanation! It would indeed be a delight to hear the rest of your commentary. From now on, you will be renowned as Sri:Bha:shyaka:ra for your skill of commentary on Brahmasu:thras.” Bhakthinivedana 12 Since then, Ra:ma:nuja is also well known as Sri: Bha:shyaka:ra. His composition came to be called Sri:Bha:shyam and was blessed by Sa:rada: De:vi of Kashmi:r pi:tam. ILAYA:LVA:R: He was born in Sri:perumbudu:r in year 1017, to parents Ke:sava So:maya:ji and Ka:nthimathi. His birth star Ardhra, month Chithra. Coming to know of the birth of a baby to Ke:sava So:maya:ji and Ka:nthimathi, Ra:ma:nuja’s uncle paid a visit. Seeing the baby Ra:ma:nuja endowed with all auspicious qualities, he said, “Lakshmano: lakshmi sampannaha”! This little one has all the good lakshanas or qualities one can ever desire.” Thus, the baby came to be called Ilaya:lva:r or the one with all the good qualities (Lakshmana). A:MUDA:LVA:N: A:lwanda:r once came to the place where Ra:ma:nuja was learning lessons along with many other students. Spotting Ra:manuja in that crowd, A:lwanda:r said to Thirukachchi Nambi, “This boy all the signs of a grand pioneer. This A:muda:lvan (the first one) will establish Srivaishnavism firmly.” Thus was the name given to Ra:ma:nuja by A:lwanda:r. RA:MA:NUJA: This is the da:sya nama given to Ilaya:lva:r upon formal initiation with pancha samska:ra (formal initiation). Lord Varadara:ja through Ka:nchipu:rna instructed Ilaya:lva:r to seek pancha samska:rams from Maha:purna, a disciple of A:lwanda:r. As part of the nama samska:ra, Maha:purna give Ilaya:lvar this name. Thus, this became the signature name. He saw the Lord Who was being carried by the priests near His sannidhi. There, the Lord gifted both the nithya and li:la vibhu:thi or ubhaya vibhu:thi to Ra:ma:nuja. Since then, Ra:ma:nuja is called Udayavar (the owner of both worlds, the temporary world we live in and the permanent world of Vaikuntta) LAKSHMANA MUNI: Thiruaranga Perumal Arayar taught Ra:ma:nuja, Peria Thirumozhi by Kaliyan, Thiruvoimozhi by Nummazhvar, Kanninun Chiruththambhu by Mathura Kavi, the meaning of Dwayam and named Him Lakshmana Muni. SATTAKO:PA PONNADI: Thiruma:lai A:nda:n taught Ra:ma:nuja the intricate meanings of Divya Prabandham and named Him Sattako:pa Ponnadi. (The Holy lotus feet of Namma:lva:r), and in Ra:ma:nuja Nu:ththanda:di thaniyan, Ra:ma:nuja is mentioned as “Valarthathai’, one who brought up Thiruva:ymozhi, like Yaso:da brought up Krushna. KO:IL ANNA: Ra:ma:nuja fulfilled A:nda:l’s wish of offering prasa:dam to Sundaraba:hu peruma:l (Azhagar). Very pleased with this, A:nda:l lovingly called Ra:ma:nuja as Her brother, Ko:il Anna:. DE:SIKE:NDRA: Thirumala Sri:niva:sa called Him De:sike:ndra (great scholar). There are many other names of Ra:ma:nuja. He is known as, Swa:mi, Ra:ma:nuja Muni Vezham (an elephant), Bhavishyada:cha:rya, Y Yathisa:rvabhauma, Yathi Chakravarthi, Yathipathi, Yathina:tha, Yo:gindra, Krupa:ma:thra prasanna:cha:rya and Thiruppa:vai Jeeyar. YATHIRA:JA: Lord Varadara:ja Himself bestowed this name upon Ra:ma:nuja when he entered the sanya:sa a:srama or the renounced order. He is the best of the yathis or the renunciates. One cannot forget Me:lko:te, where Ra:ma:nuja is considered the king while still acknowledged an ascetic. Selvapillai, the processional deity in Me:lko:te, is thus Yuvara:ja (the crown prince). UDAYAVAR: Ra:ma:nuja went to Sri:Rangam to have the darsanam of Lord Rangana:ttha. --Contributed by: Smt. Sumithra Pothurazuji & Ramapriyan Ramanuja Dasi Apr 2015 Bhakthinivedana 13 Our previous a:cha:ryas have bestowed a wonderful slo:ka glorifying how Ra:ma:nuja built an everlasting bridge between the Earth and the eternal world of paramapadam. Ka:sa:ra:dima divyasu:ri krutha sathso:pa:na baddha:m dvaya sri:manthro:bhaya danda pa:rshva ghatti:tha:m sri:bha:shya ki:lastthila:m vidhi nisre:ni: paramo:janasya paramavyo:mastthali: pra:pika:m svasva:cha:rya niru:pitha:rttha vachagaha pra:pya adhiro:he sada: 14 Bhagavad Ra:ma:nuja:cha:rya built an everlasting staircase from Earth to Vaikuntta, the permanent, blissful realm of the Lord. Let’s see how he put together this wonderful staircase. The divine works of a:lwa:rs, “divya prabandham” make the rising steps of the staircase. The two suporting handrails for people to hold while climbing up are the dvaya and ashta:kshri: manthra. To build an everlasting, strong structure, Ra:ma:nuja fixed it with the “untamperable” nails of Sri: Bha:shya. How to access that staircase? It becomes accessible by hearing and practicing the teachings of one’s own a:cha:rya. Bhakthinivedana Apr 2015 Bhaja Yathira:ja Stho:thram 1. Bhaja yathira:jam bhaja yathira:jam bhaja yathira:jam bhava bhi:ro: All, who are afraid of this samsa:ra, worship Yathira:ja, worship Yathira:ja, worship Yathira:ja. Samsa:ra is the most fearful, unending cycle of life and death. We are all trapped in this and are clueless as to how to get out of it to experience the eternal joy. The best means to get rid of the suffering is revealed here. It is the worship of Yathira:ja (the king of ascetics, Ra:ma:nuja) 2. Sri:range:sa jaya:sraya ke:thuhu srithajana samrakshana ji:va:thuhu bhavabhaya jaladhe: re:shahi se:thuhu padma:ne:thuh pranathau he:thuhu thandanthara mabhavadguru re:shaha In the beginning, He incarnated as A:dise:sha to support the whole universe. Thereafter He came down as Lakshmana, the son of Sumitra. Then, He appeared as Balara:ma, carrying the plough on his shoulder. And now, He appeared as the guru, Ra:ma:nuja. 4. Bhunkthe: vaishayikam sukhamanyaha prachaka:sthye:va: nashnan nanyaha ithi yasthathvam pra:ha vada:nyaha thasma:dadhikaha ko:nu vada:nyaha In all the embodied souls, the ji:va (soul) is enjoying the fruits of this material world. But the super soul (parama:thma), though present in the same body along with ji:va, is always brilliantly shining without attachment to the fruits. The most compassionate Ra:ma:nuja revealed such valuable truths to all with wonderful clarity. Is there anyone else who did a greater benefit to us than Ra:ma:nuja? Ra:ma:nuja is the flag representing the victory of Sri: Rangana:ttha, the life sustaining medicine for the surrendered, the bridge to cross the fearful ocean of samsa:ra and the cause for rendering service unto the Lord of Sri: (Padma:) 5. Nashtte: nayane: kasya: lo:kaha chiththe: maththe: kasya vive:kaha kshi:ne: punye: kassuralo:kaha ka:me:dhu:the: kasthava so:kaha 3. A:dau jagadha:dha:ras se:shaha thadhanu sumithra: nandana ve:shaha thadupari dhruthahala musala vise:shaha When eyes don’t function, how can one see? When the mind is intoxicated, how can one discern? When all the good deeds are exhausted, how can one remain in the heaven? When all desires are extinguished, how can one have sorrow? -- To be continued.... Apr 2015 Bhakthinivedana 15 Sri: Ra:ma:yanam Birds in Ra:ma:yanam 16 Bhakthinivedana Apr 2015 SUNDARAKA:NDA RELEVANCE & REFLECTIONS - Sri: Ra:ma:yana is the first literary work (a:di ka:vya). It is also a work of great depth. Ordinary poetry merely sets a story to metre. Refined poetry is that in which the story is narrated artistically and underneath the surface are embedded profound ideas and secrets. Sri: Ra:ma:yana is the best of such refined poetry. Rich spiritual insights are intertwined with poetry in every ka:nda, every slo:ka, and even in every word of Sri: Ra:ma:yana ! Sundaraka:nda - Celebration of the glory of a:cha:ryas Sundaraka:nda emphasises on the glory of a:cha:ryas. We ji:vas (souls) have an eternal relationship with God. However due to our ignorance and ahanka:ra (egoistic tendency, self centeredness and haughty idea of being independent of God), we are entrapped in the worldly pursuits. We get distanced from God. When we desire to free ourselves from this worldly bondage, the means employed by a teacher to uplift us are portrayed by Va:lmi:ki, in the analogy of a bird. Our body is analogous to Lanka Our body which prevents us from gaining self knowledge is the city of Lanka. This body is ruled by ahanka:ra—Ra:vana. Also Kumbhakarna representing mamaka:ra ( the attitude that all things are my possessions) rules it . From ahamka:ra are born traits like desire , Apr 2015 anger, greed, infatuation, arrogance, jealousy, ostentation etc. These are the children of Ra:vana like Indrajit and others. Goaded by these traits, the sense organs go unbridled and become enemies to the ji:va and harass it. The demons E:ka:kshi, E:kakarni etc are these senses. Our body is like the city of Lanka which is filled with diabolic and terrifying demons. The soul which is bound to body yet connected to God is like Si:tha who was bound in Lanka yet belonged to Sri:Rama. Portrayal of an a:cha:rya in pingalika bird. Despite being bound in a body, when a soul keeps itself away from the traits like ahanka:ra and relates itself to God, the a:cha:ryas bestow ultimate knowledge to it. Though forced to stay at Lanka, Si:tha rejected Ra:vana and sought protection in Sri:Ra:ma alone. Sage Va:lmi:ki depicts the qualities of an a:cha:rya by analogy of a bird in the following verse pakshi: cha sa:kha:nilayah prahrushtaha punaha punascho:ththama sa:nthvava:di: | susva:gatha:m va:chamudi:raya:naha punaha punascho:dayathi:va hrushtaha|| On the surface, the verse tells us of a bird on branches singing again and again soothingly. However due to the compassion of our elders, we can realize how the sage hints at the qualities of an a:cha:rya in this very verse. The wings which support a bird to fly are called pakshas. A pakshi( bird) is one which has pakshas (wings) on it. The sky which Bhakthinivedana 17 permeates everywhere is like God’s omnipresence. A:cha:ryas endlessly saunter in the skies of divinity. Comprehensive knowledge of scriptures and their practice are their two wings. Apart from living a life of knowledge and practice, they also guide their disciples onto the path of good. Hence they are entitled to be called a:cha:ryas and are indicated by the word ‘pakshi’. The a:cha:ryas reside on sa:khas ( branches). These are the branches of Ve:das. They are devoted to teach that branch of Ve:da which they have mastered. In other words, an a:cha:rya must be firm in living the Ve:dic way of life and must have studied his branch of Ve:da. Without being so, one cannot be an an a:cha:rya. One should not forget the learnt Ve:da. Forgetting it is a great sin according to Dharma sa:sthra (Scripture of right conduct) That is the reason why the study of Ve:da and its practice is the first sign of an a:cha:rya. a:cha:ryo:ve:dasampanno: vishnubhaktho: vimathsaraha manthrajno: manthrabhakthascha sada:manthra:sraya ssuchihi | the sacred manthra (Manthra is that sacred formula of words which when contemplated on relieves us from the strong bondage) which uplifts the soul. Out of reverence for the manthra, he must be keeping it safe. Not only imparting it to others, he himself must be practicing the same manthra. Though attained the fruit of such manthra, he must keep his heart free from pride. He must have humility to realize that all his attainments are due to his a:cha:rya’s grace. The meaning of ve:da is to be arrived at by considering it in the light of the related pura:nas. Otherwise, such knowledge is incomplete. One who fulfils all these conditions can be an a:charya. He is a guru who dispels the darkness of our ignorance. Such a:cha:rya is ever ‘prahrushtaha’, is ever joyous due to mellowed knowledge. Scriptures say ‘drashtavyaha sarvade:hibhihi’- that such a:cha:ryas must be approached to get enlightened. The analogy is explained further: gurubhakthi sama:yukthaha pura:najno: vise:shathaha e:vam laskhana sampanno: gururithyabhidhi:yathe: || 18 An a:cha:rya is one for whom the ve:da is his all in all. He alone deserves to be an Such a:charya is ‘uththama sa:mthvava:di:’. Let us understand it. God is denoted by the term ‘Uththama’ (the best). He is called so because He is superior to the bound souls and also to the free-souls. Bound by our own a:cha:rya who has devotion to Vishnu- the Knower of Ve:da and also the Essence of Ve:da. He must be happy for the success and fame of others. He must have known deeds, unable to recognise God, we wander about considering ourselves equal to God. Seeing us in such fallen state, the a:cha:ryas draw our attention to God and make us Bhakthinivedana Apr 2015 agree to the fact of God being the Master and our being His servants. They prevent us from quarrelling with God due to our egoism. So they are called sa:mthvava:di: But we do not understand this when it is said to us only once. We simply do not agree. Despite that, an a:cha:rya never gets frustrated of us. ‘punaha punaha cha’- again and again they strive. Even as a farmer desirous of a good crop strives again and again, an a:cha:rya too strives to uplift us. At one time, the crops may be pest infested. Another yield may be affected due to drought or floods. The farmer puts efforts, ‘krushi’, without any intermission. That is the reason a farmer is known as ‘karshaka’. An a:cha:rya too never considers his responsibility fulfilled just because he has delivered once his message to us. Again and again he puts forth the effort till we grasp the essence of scripture. This makes an a:cha:rya superior to God Himself. Lord has once instructed Arjuna with Bhagavadgi:tha. Arjuna could not grasp it completely. After the completion of the war, Lord Krushna realize it. Lord became impatient. “Such carelessness? --durme:dha:schi pa:ndava“ . Saying so, he revealed the essence of Bhagavadgi:tha once again. Not so impatient is the a:cha:rya ! Again and again the a:cha:ryas instruct us, till the knowledge sinks into our heart and we experience the divinity. Also his instruction is ‘susva:gatha:m va:chamudi:raya:naha’. When interpreted, ‘su+ sva+a:gatham’ would come to mean Apr 2015 that he passes on the knowledge to his disciples which has come to him undistorted from the times of the teachers of yore. This is what is called ‘sam + pra + da:yam’, the tradition. Starting from our own, the lineage of our a:cha:ryas escalates up to the First Teacher, our Lord, Sriyah pathi. The king among the manthras, Sri:madashta:kshari maha:mantra (The great Eight lettered manthra), has been revealed to us by this tradition of a:cha:ryas ( a:cha:rya parampara). The a:chra:yas instruct us this manathra till we practice the meaning of it! They do not just say it once. Out of benevolence, ‘punaha punascho:dayathi:va’ again and again they make us contemplate on it till we get uplifted. When we trip about due to false steps, our teachers bring us to the right path by showing us a stick or a carrot. When our lives turn better due to their efforts, they find delight in it. ‘hrushtaha’—even as a mother who considers the joy of her child as her own, the a:cha:ryas too take delight in our spiritual growth considering it as if it was their own gain. It is the profoundness of Sri:Ra:ma:yana that a pingalika bird sitting on branches and repeatedly singing in delight should strike resemblance with an a:cha:rya, residing on the branch of Ve:da, repeatedly instructing us the spiritual lessons and taking delight in it! ---Continued in page 35 Bhakthinivedana 19 20 Bhakthinivedana Apr 2015 Introduction Nu:ththanda:di to Ira:ma:nusa Sri:mathe: ra:ma:nuja:ya namaha! O:m asmad gurubhyo: namaha! Bhagawad Ra:ma:nuja, a great preceptor of Ve:dic culture is the foremost among the preachers of Ve:dic dharma propagating it far and wide expounding on the doctrine of Visishta:dwaitha philosophy. The Prabandha that extols Ra:ma:nuja’s glory is ‘ira:ma:nusa nuththanda:di’ composed by a great devotee Thiruvarangaththamudana:r. He belongs to the ‘mu:ngil vamsa’ in Sri:rangam, the ardent devotees serving Lord Rangana:ttha. His father was Aniyarangaththamudana:r a great devotee of Lord. Thiruvarangaththamudana:r , also known as ‘Mu:ngil kudi amudana:r’ was an erudite scholar and writer. Initially he was not aware of Ra:ma:nuja Swamy’s greatness but fortunately he was blessed to receive Ra:ma:nuja’s grace. Ra:ma:nuja called his disciple Ku:re:sa and instructed him to reform Amudana:r as a ‘bha:gawatho:ththama’ (great devotee of Lord). Accordingly Ku:re:sa initiated him with the manthra doing ‘pancha samska:ras’. He instilled in him love and devotion towards ‘a:cha:rya Udayavar’. Ira:manusa Nu:ththanda:di is the great devotional work on A:cha:rya Ra:ma:nuja composed by this great devotee Apr 2015 Thiruvarangaththamudana:r. Anda:di means the next pa:suram starts with (a:di) with the last word (antha) of the current pa:suram. As the ‘antham’ (end) of one pa:suram becomes the a:di (beginning) of the next it is called anda:di. There are 108 pa:surams in this work. He composed the whole work using the word ‘ira:ma:nusa’ in every pa:suram enjoying its nectar, amrutham, and hence came to be known as Amudana:r. This divya prabandham is truly ‘amrutham’. For those devotees who are petrified about their condition if they had not got four lettered ‘rama:nuja’ denoting the association of Ra:ma:nuja with the a:lwa:r-a:cha:ryas, Ira:ma:nusanu:ththanda:di which expounds their divine relationship and magnificence is truly a pail of amrutham only. With our A:cha:rya Chinna Jeeyar Swamiji’s blessings, our modest trial took this form of a series of articles to enjoy this divine nectar of this prabandha. Let us enjoy it and be elevated. Let us experience this divine prabandha famously known as ‘prapanna ga:yathri’. Thaniyan: 1. mi:ne: hastha: samudbhu:tham sri:ranga:mrutha ma:sraye: | kavim prapanna ga:yathrya:ha ku:re:sa pada samsritham || Bhakthinivedana 21 2. sri:range: mi:na hasthe: cha ja:tham ranga:rya nandanam | rangana:ttha gurum vande: ra:ma:nuja pada:sritham || ennukku = why would I kadavu udaiye:n = fear thenpulaththa:rku = the servants of Yama in the south/yama kinkaras ya:n = when I have them (his lotus feet) Purport: Let us first know the thaniyans graced by Ve:dappira:n Bhattar on Amudana:r. Pa:suram: munnaivinai yagala mu:ngirrkudiyamudan Thiruvarangaththamudana:r was born in the ‘mu:ngil’ vamsa. His divine feet are invaluable like the precious gold. I wear both his lotus feet on my head to get all my past sins committed over all my past births wiped off. ponnam kazharrkamala ppo:dirandum, ennudaiya When it is so, why would I panic about the Yama’s servants’ that stay in the south? I am fearless! sennikkaniya:ga chche:rthine:n, then pulaththa:rku A:cha:rya’s divine feet are our sole solace! They are our protectors! ennu kkada vudaiye:n ya:n. Word to word meanings: se:rthine:n = I wore ennudaiya = on my sennikku = head ani a:ka = like an ornament irandum =both pon am kazhal = feet endearing and beautiful like gold mu:ngilkudi amudan = of Thiruvarangaththamudana:r born in ‘mu:ngilkudi vamsa’ agala = to get rid off munnaivinai = mass of sins committed so far. Apr 2015 Bhakthinivedana 22 Homeopathy Effective Treatment for Common Ailments Why Homeopathy? Homeopathy is one of the most widely used systems of medicine in the world. Even in the United States, it gained significant interest over the last decade. Homeopathy’s success is fueled by the following key factors: ∙ Homeopathy is extremely effective. When the correct remedy is taken, results can be rapid, complete and permanent. ∙ Is completely safe. Even babies and pregnant women can use Homeopathy without the worry of adverse side effects. Homeopathic remedies can also be taken alongside other medication without producing unwanted interactions. ∙ Remedies are normally based on natural ingredients. ∙ Homeopathy works in harmony with your immune system, unlike conventional medicines which suppress the immune system. (For example, cough medicines suppress the cough reflex, which is your body’s attempt to clear the lungs) ∙ Remedies are not addictive once relief is felt, you should stop taking them. If no relief is felt, you are probably taking the wrong homeopathic remedy. 23 ---By Dr. Madhuriji, NJ ∙ Homeopathy is holistic. It treats all the symptoms combined, which in practical terms means that it addresses the cause, not the symptoms. This often means that symptoms tackled with Homeopathy do not recur. Origins of Homeopathy Homeopathy was developed by Dr. Samuel Hahnemann (1755-1843) starting with his recognition of the Law of Similia as a general therapeutic law. He discovered that a substance which will create the symptoms of a disease in a healthy person will actually cure the symptoms of the disease in a sick person. Hahnemann called this principle “similia similibus curentur” (“let like be cured by like”). By experimentation, he also found that with successive dilutions of a substance, it became progressively more medicinally active as well as less toxic. How does it differ from conventional medicine? Modern science recognizes that an organism’s response to stress occurs in a highly organized and interrelated manner. In homeopathy the concept of homeostatic balance on physical levels is expanded to include the mental and emotional realms as well. --Continued on page 51 Bhakthinivedana Apr 2015 THE HISTORY OF LORD OF SEVEN HILLS ITIHA:SAMA:LA KNOW THE TRUE HISTORY OF TIRUMALA VE :NKATA :CHALA Apr 2015 Bhakthinivedana 24 THE HISTORY OF TIRUMALA Part 2 An uninterrupted pictorial reading treat for Bhakthi Nive:dana readers Sri Anantha:cha:rya composed the work ‘Sri: Ve:nkata:chale:thiha:sama:la’ with seven units. The first three depict Bhagavad Ra:ma:nuja’s arguments with the opposing saivaites etc., winning over them and establishing Sri: Venkate:swara as Sri:niva:sa alone. From the fourth unit onwards Bhagavad Ra:ma:nuja’s instructions regarding temple practices, services, regulations and restrictions are stated with regard to Thirumala temple. In the beginning of the treatise, Anantha:rya presented a eulogy on Sri:niva:sa and established the incarnation of Ra:ma:nuja. The following slo:ka expounds the greatness of Bhagavad Ra:ma:nuja’s incarnation. kalyabde:shu praya:the:shvahaha! vasunisa:na:ttha chandra:bdhisankhye: shva:ya:the:, pingala:bde:, savithari cha gathe: me:shara:sim, mruga:nke: | rvija:grya:th sri:mathya:m bhu:thapurya: madhidharanithalam se:sha a:virbhabhu:va || We can consider this slo:ka as the ‘nithya thaniyan’. It is symbolically denoted – after the years of vasunisa:na:ttha – chandra – abdi- had passed in the age of Kali. The word ‘vasu’ denotes ‘ashtavasus’ the Vasu de:vathas who are ‘eight’ in number. ‘nisa:na:ttha’ is the moon and it points out to number ‘one’. The word ‘chandra’ also signifies number one. ‘abdhi’ means ‘ocean’. It is well known ‘chathussamudra mudritham dhara:thalam’ indicating number ‘four’. Hence it becomes 8114. As is the practice to count the numbers from left ‘anka:na:m va:mathogathihi’ it is read as 4118 yrs. After 4118 years had passed in the Kali age, in the year ‘pingala’ when the sun entered the ‘me:sha ra:si’ (astrological sign of Me:sha) and the Moon was with the star Ardra, A:dise:sha himself took birth as son to Ke:savaso:maya:ji of ‘haritha’ go:thra. A:dise:sha incarnated as Ra:ma:nuja in Bhu:thapuri in Thundiramandalam on the banks of Payaswini in the Tamilnadu area. Anantha:cha:rya confirmed the birth year of Swamy as 939 in the Sa:liva:hanasaka. a:rdra:tha:ra:dhiru:dhe: harithakulamane:h ke:sava:khya:th Apr 2015 Bhakthinivedana 25 Sri: Ra:ma:nuja:cha:rya, born to establish properly the principles ordained in Ve:das, stayed in Sri:rangam - contradicting the fallacious arguments of ‘pa:shandas’ who were opposed to Ve:das; condemning the corrupt temple practices and laying the right rules for a sound proper temple administration and establishing firmly the purest doctrine of Vaishnavam. 26 During that time he visited Thirupathi to revive the glory of Tirumala shrine, declared that Sri:thirumale:sa is none other than Sri:niva:sa Himself in the assembly of Yadava king, contradicting the callous statements and ideas of other faith advocators with logical arguments based on evidences from Pura:nas. Bhakthinivedana Apr 2015 The debate in the court of Yadava king went on as follows – The argument put forth by opponents – The Lord of Tirumala Hills is ‘Skanda’ only “O King! The God present on the southern shore of Lake Swamy Pushkarini is Skanda only. The word ‘Kumaraswamy’ constitutes a word ‘swamy’. The lake by which Kumaraswamy did penance is ‘Swami pushkarini’. debate. Anantha:lwa:n had recorded the details of the whole process of debate that went on for three four days in his work. Ramanuja’s counter argument to the saivaite opponents - “Oh! King! The words are from the Va:mana Pura:na. If we carefully consider the previous and later incidents, SkanThe Va:mana Purana clearly states this in da wanted to eradicate his sin of killing the following slo:ka : Tha:raka:sura. He asked his father who already had the experience, for a suit‘skandaha sruthva: pithurva:kyam man- able place on earth to do penance. Siva galam pa:pana:sanam| explained to him about the sacred Vaishnava shrine. The discussion beKruthasna:naha sarasthi:re: kuma:ra tween Skanda and Parama Siva and ssamupa:visath ||’” Skanda’s penance are quoted in puranas like Va:mana in the form of slo:kas The saivites explained to the ya:dava as conversation between sages Na:rada king –‘listening to his father Siva’s ausand Va:lmi:ki . picious and sanctifying words, Skanda selecting the best place to do penance Narada and Va:lmi:ki’s talk clearly reached Se:sha:dri, took bath and sat proves that Ve:kata:dri is nothing but a on the banks of the pond meditating on Vaishnava Shrine. Lord keeping away his weapons. So this is Skanda’s shrine and the presiding de- thrailo:kye: vaishnavam kshe:thram kim ity on the southern side of Swamy Push- sre:shttam bhuvina:rada | karini is Skanda himself only. The pond ‘pushkarini’ became famous as ‘Swami- yathra:sthe: bhagava:n vishnuhu sa sri: pushkarini’ taking the word ‘swami’ from bhu: purushoththamaha || his other name ‘kumaraswami’.’ Deciding that Ra:ma:nuja who had come from Sri:rangam can only argue with them with profound statements and combat their arguments, the king arranged the assembly and conducted the Apr 2015 Bhakthinivedana 27 (Which is the best amongst the Vaishnava shrines in the three worlds? This question is about the holiest place where Lord Vishnu resides with Sri:devi and Bhu:de:vi) Na:rada and Va:lmi:ki’s conversation clearly states and clarifies that they mentioned only about the Vaishnava shrine,” thus Ra:ma:nuja explained. He also said that ‘this is also the Vara:ha Kshe:thram Apr 2015 as Vara:ha Swami dwells here’ and further confirmed how ‘Na:rada’s words to Valmi:ki quoting Skanda and Siva’s talk revealed the fact that Ve:nkata:dri is proved to be the Vaishnava shrine and Skanda performed his penance in the Vaishnava shrine only. This verse makes it clear Na:ra:yana:dri is the place of Na:ra:yana and there is none superior to it.’ Bhakthinivedana 28 na:rayana:dri rithye:th na:maiva vadathi sswayam| na:ra:yanasya stha:ne:shu naithasma: dvidyathe: param || In the same context, Su:tha expresses the greatness of this shrine called Ve:kata:chala in the form of a conversation between Vara:haswamy and Dharani in the Vara:hapura:na. Ra:ma:nuja also quoted the verses from Padma Pura:na that state that Sage Suka visited this sacred place only. Ra:ma:nuja also referred to the discussion between Arundhathi and Vasishta confirming these hills as Ve:nkatachala hills on the banks of Suvarnamukhari river in Garuda Pura:na. He also cited the words from the Bramha:ndapura:na that clearly state the fact. “Since this is a great sacred Vaishnava shrine, there is no Apr 2015 doubt that Skanda preferred this place to do thapas. Va:mana purana mentions the place of Skanda’s penance as ‘Kuma:radha:rika’. ‘kuma:radha:rika:na:ma thathra nirgharini: subha: | mayu:rava:hako: de:vi! thasya:sthi:re: vasathyaho: || ‘Hence it is frivolous to argue the place of Na:ra:yana who blessed Skanda as the place of Skanda who came there to do penance. So it is clear the Lord by the side of Swa:mi pushkarini on the Ve:nkata:dri hills that lie by the side of river Suvarnamukhi: is Na:ra:yana Himself. So say all the pura:nas’ – Ra:ma:nuja clarified and cleared their doubts. Bhakthinivedana 29 Artha Panchakam For The Ardent Beginner The 5 most important truths about our life! PART -2 O God! Empower our senses…towards divinity! Why does the Supreme Lord always help only the De:vathas? He is said to be impartial. Why then, does He take sides of the De:vathas? If God is equal to everyone, why does He not help the Asuras (non-believers)? The answer to these questions follows… (not a Ra:kshasa). Ra:vana was an asura, his brother Vibhi:shana was a great devotee who is worshipped even today as a deity in the temple at Sri Rangam! Similarly, Prahla:da was born in a clan of Ra:kshasas, but he is one of the greatest devotees of the Lord! His father, however was an asura. The asuras at no period of time surrender to God. But the de:vathas think of God at least in times of distress! The ideal behavior is to surrender to God at all times – irrespective of difficult and happy times. One should always remember that He is the allpervading factor in everything and everyone. Since de:vathas pray and seek help of the Supreme One at least in times of need, God God helps de:vathas and also Ra:kshasas at helps them when needed. His help doesn’t come times; but never the Asuras. Note that Ra:kshasas for asuras because they never want Him, never are different from Asuras. think of or surrender to Him, they never ask for His help at all! While Ra:kshasas are a clan from birth, Asuras are made so by their mentality; they are not Sisupa:la was publicly beheaded by Lord believers of God. De:vatha is someone with Krushna’s divine conch. In the witness of everyone good mind. Now, the next question pops up present, his soul reached the Lotus Feet of the how to baseline what is good and what is bad? Supreme Lord! The reason why he reached the Lord was that Sisupa:la remembered the Lord’s Sri Para:sara says that any action done by name and form at all times, without missing a someone who believes and loves the allsingle moment of his life!! The remembrance pervading God is said to be in the mode of however was in the form of hatred. He hated goodness. One who does not love God is in the God so much that he was busy thinking of Him mode of a:surathvam (demoniac). Irrespective of day and night - in absolute anger and enmity. the Ja:thi (creed, clan or caste) one is born in, Nevertheless, since he perennially remembered he/she can be a de:vatha or an asura. In simple the Supreme Lord, he reached His lotus feet. words, one who denies or hates God is an asura 30 Bhakthinivedana Apr 2015 This shows that God accepts even those who Indra is a great devotee of the Supreme Lord think of Him in the mode of hatred. But He does who unconditionally listens and follows His not go to those who just don’t call or remember instructions. In fact the Vedas say, Him at all (like the asuras). Svasthi na indro:, vruddha srava:ha…| God is so kind that He does not think Indra is the best listener. Among all living entities twice to bend down to any level in front that succeed in their lives by heeding to the of His devotees. He goes all out for instructions of God, Indra is the best. One needs them. The Supreme Lord took the role to have good, receptive ears like Indra. of a charioteer, a messenger during His Let us pray to that Lord Indra to empower our incarnation as Lord Krushna. All He waits senses with the ability to assimilate wisdom and for is an unconditional love for Him. Once divine teachings. Thus, may we walk in the path of goodness, in a way that pleases the Supreme He sees such love, He does anything for Lord Sri:manna:ra:yana! such a person. Apr 2015 Bhakthinivedana 31 Moral Lessons For The Modern World From Sri: Ra:ma:yanam Part 3 What’s in a name? By Sri:ma:n Mohan Sagarji (Inspired by the teachings of His Holiness Sri Chinna Jeeyar Swamiji) 32 Bhakthinivedana Apr 2015 ko:nvasmin sa:mpratham lo:ke gunava:n kascha vi:ryava:n | sollum kramamozhiyas sonna:lum tha:n svaru:pam keda nilla:thu. dharmagnascha kruthagnascha satyava:kyo: dhruddavrathaha || If a person, with faith and surrender, slips on the proper method of reciting, it still will not fail him. The Name of the Lord is most effective if it is imparted to us by our A:cha:rya as a mantra. After years of meditating on the mere Name, Ra:ma, Va:lmi:ki gained wisdom and peace to ask a proper question, a pari:prasna to Na:ra:da Muni:. Surprisingly, the question has nothing to do with God. Although all of us would like to see and experience God in this life, and although He remains very much a part of our very existence, God remains a mystery. Our A:cha:ryas describe how God has taken five different forms with which we can interact. However, in Vaikuntam, He is beyond the reach of anyone but the ones who have freed themselves from this world; as Creation, He remains a wonder; as an A:vatara, He can be seen only by a few people at some point in time, as Antarya:mi, our inner self, He is hidden behind countless layers of ego and suffering; and as archa, the form in our prayer altars and temples, He is at one place for us to visit him when and where we need. But, it is in His Name where He is with us always, irrespective of time, place or condition; always there for us, in whatever way we see Him, in whatever way we wish to call Him. In Mu:mukshupadi:, Swami: Loka:cha:rya describes how it was the Name of God who saved Drau:padi: from harm – avan dhu:rasthan ana:na:lum ithu kitti ninru uthavum. drau:padikku a:baththile: pudavai suranthathu thiruna:mamire:. (transliteration by Sri. T C A Venkatesan) Even if He is far away, His Name stays with us, giving us all which He can give. Drau:padi was saved by chanting His Name alone. Even if we are to say the name incorrectly or in a funny way, out of affection, the power of His name still helps us - Apr 2015 ko:nvasmin sa:mpratam lo:ke gunava:n kaha… In this point of time in the world, is there someone who possesses Gunam? Va:lmi:ki asked a question not about God, about existence or about the meaning of life. He simply asks if there is anybody that Na:rada knows who possesses a certain quality which Na:rada calls “gunam”. Gunam in Sanskrit means a quality or a personality trait. It has to be a human trait because Val:mi:ki is wanting to know if it belongs to someone in this world who is living in his time. Because Va:lmi:ki asked about this trait first among the 16 qualities he would ask about, this one must be the most important. A:nda:l speaks of this quality in describing Krishna as “…si:r Go:vinda”. “Si:r” in Tamil is “silam” in Telugu – something which draws our attention, something which offers affection, goodness. In Sanskrit, the world is “si:lam”. If it is really good it becomes “su-si:lam” or simply “sou:si:lyam”. Sou:si:lyam is our ability to treat each other as equals. It stems for an affection for other people, empathizing with the common humanity they share with us, and out of friendship, Bhakthinivedana 33 treat them on equal footing with ourselves. This quality is what defines all others; without this one simple quality, which lies latent in all of us, all other qualities and all other virtues are worthless. In fact, without this quality, we are not human beings at all. If this quality is one Va:lmi:ki asked about in God or a de:vatha, it would be something which is otherworldly, something we would not be qualified to have. So, Va:lmi:ki makes it clear it is a human quality, and seeks insight on to someone possessing this quality. By knowing someone who has it, we can all strive to be like that person and hence cultivate the same humanity in ourselves. It is in having this one quality which all other noble qualities come to us naturally. So, it is the foremost personality trait asked by Va:lmi:ki. 34 After asking about this and 15 other qualities, Va:lmi:ki received good news from Na:rada. There is indeed a man who has the one special quality, as well as the others, whom Va:lmi:ki can see as role model for the world – Iksva:ku vamsa prabhavo: ra:mo na:ma janais srutaha | In the family of the I:ksva:ku, there is a man called Ra:ma. Ra:ma; a man born into the family of the lineage of the great kings of I:ksva:ku, is the role model we should seek to teach us the quality called gunam. But, all our lives, we have worshiped Ra:ma as God, an incarnation of Vishnu. How is He a man? Bhakthinivedana --To be continued... Apr 2015 Questions from readers 6)Thala:thala, 7)Pa:tha:la. Ques : Pa:ndavas and Draupadi were Sri: Vaishnavas whom Lord Krushna loved so much. Then why did they visit swarga or naraka without going to vaikuntta ? The seven higher worlds are 1) Bhu:lo:ka, 2) Bhuvarlo:ka, 3) Buvarlo:ka, 4)Maha:lo:ka, 5) Jano:lo:ka 6)Thapo:loka, 7)Sathyalo:ka. Depending on the accumulated merits and demerits by the actions, the souls journey to the various worlds. There is no other relation of the souls with these worlds. With our human Ans: Pa:ndavas and Draupadi were also good Sri: Vaishnavas. Because of their worldly concerns they were forced to pay a short visit to swarga etc. Ques: After every chaturyuga ( a set of four yugas) there is Pralayam (dissolution) . Then, how did Jambava:n of the Ra:ma:yana survived ? body, we can access only a part of the bhu:lo:ka, our world. The other worlds can be reached only after we discard this body. This law does not apply to the men of austerities. Ques: There is a special joy associated with the word Ra:dha-Krushna which is not found in words like Rukmini-Krushna or Satyabha:ma Krushna. What is the Ans: Maha Pralaya will not be there in all the significance of Ra:dha? How did she places. In some places it will be there. Yet, it will not occur after every Yuga or every chathur- obtain Lord Krushna? yuga. Even during yugas also it might happen. We have experienced Tsunami etc., right! It was mini pralayam. Maha Pralayam occurs only after 71 chatur yugas. Jambavan survived just because of his thapas and boons only. Ques: What are the 14 spheres ( bhuvanas) created by Brahma? How are souls related to these worlds? Can we reach these worlds with our human bodies ? Ans: Each world system of the universe consists of 14 worlds in it. Having earth in the middle there are 7 worlds below it. In these worlds, the souls exhaust their demerits ( pa:pa) .In the worlds above to earth, the souls exhaust their merits ( punya). The seven nether worlds are 1) Athala, 2) Vithala, 3)Suthala , 4) Rasa:thala, 5) Maha:thala, Apr 2015 Ans: The character of Ra:dha is not mentioned in Bha:gavatham. However it is a name depicting unselfish love for God. Even God has extreme attachment with such devotees. The joy of the word Ra:dha-Krushna is due to the association of the word with the affectionate bond between God and His devotee. Ques: It is said that the fast of the e:ka:dasi is to be broken on dva:dasi by taking preparations of a:mla and avisi (Telugu word for flax) leaves. What is the significance these food Ans: Apart from scriptural injunctions, these items have medical properties too. While a:mla increases digestive power, avisi improves alertness of mind. That is why e:kadasi fast is broken by taking these items. Ending the e:ka:dasi fast is called ‘pa:rana’. Bhakthinivedana 35 Ques: Kindly explain the meaning of ‘thrikarana suddhi’. Ans: ‘karana’ implies a tool. To enable a soul to express its intelligence and live in a body, God has bestowed three kinds of tools(karana). These are called ‘thri-karana’. They are 1) mind (manas), 2) Speech ( va:k) Since speech represents an organ of action, other organs of action can be included under this head. 3) body (ka:ya). Thus manas, va:k and ka:ya are the thrikaranas. They should work in synchronism. The thoughts in our mind are to be executed by our body and the organs must cooperate in this. Such harmony is called thrikarana suddhi. It implies it should not be a case with us we think something, speak different and do something else! We may ask why is that speech alone is considered to represent the organs? Speech is the only organ which can decide and declare if the thoughts in our mind and deeds of our body are in harmony. Ques: Kindly give us the details of the procedures involved in sacred repetition (japa) of the Na:rayana manthra. Ans: The procedure for chanting manthra is to be obtained as instruction from a teacher (guru). Such japa should not be performed by reading instructions in a book. Ques: What does it mean by repeating Thirumanthra till its meaning is realised? Also what does it mean by reflecting the Dvaya manthram along with its meaning? Ans: Each manthra proposes the essential nature of an entity. To clearly visualise that entity in our hearts is to attain the meaning of that Apr 2015 manthra. As a general example, let us take the word ‘dog’. What does it mean? It is a word, group of letters. When we utter it, we visualise an animal. If we say that ‘dog’ means ‘sva’or ‘kukka’or ‘na:i’or ‘kuththa’, we are not explaining its meaning but only expressing it in a different language. Only when we visualise a four-legged animal with a crooked tail and making ‘bhou-wou’ sounds, we have realised its meaning ! Every word has a meaning or object it describes. Manthra too consist of words. When we chant a manthra, we must be able to see in our minds the meaning/entity proposed by it. We must experience the relation between ourselves and the ‘entity’. Once we recognise our relationship with the entity, we begin to love it. As love blooms in our hearts, there arises a desire to serve it. When there is a desire to serve in the heart, a person tries to serve in his day to day life with the things that he has with him. As this love grows, every activity of the person becomes a service to the meaning of the manthra. He can not be otherwise. Such a life is indeed blessed. In both the cases of Thirumanthra and Dvaya manthra, we must contemplate on the auspicious qualities of Lord Na:ra:yana along with Mother Lakshmi. We must recognise the nine kinds of relationship between God and us. We must offer each of our activity as His service. This is the realisation of meaning of the manthra. The japa of thirumanthram is performed during the worship. Also, by reflecting over its meaning, the japa is performed before taking food. Along with its meaning, the dvaya manthra can contemplated at any time. The more we practice, the better clarity we must have. That is why no guideline is prescribed for the number times the manthras are to be repeated. Bhakthinivedana 36 Ques: Kindly explain the characteristics of the three qualities (guna) of Sathva, Rajas and Thamas. Guide us a path by which we can fix our minds on God. Ans: Read the 14th and 17th chapters of Bhagavadgi:tha. The qualities, their influence on us, how they lead us towards various objects, how to rectify their influence—all these are found in those chapters.` Sathva guna’ gives us health, joy and knowledge of what really is. ‘Rajo:guna ‘ inflames our desires, anger, aversion and ostentation. ‘Thamo:guna’ makes us recognise one thing as another, robs away our knowledge and makes us desire objects that increase ‘Thamo:guna’. We must increase the quality of Sathva. To fix our minds on God, we must firmly believe that we are related to Him in every way and that He is our protector. If we incessantly think on His qualities revealing His beauty, gradually our mind gets fixed on Him. Ques: What are the nine literary works by Sri Ra:ma:nuja:cha:rya which are called ‘nine steps” ? Ans: From earth to Heavens Sri Ra:ma:nuja:cha:rya had built a ladder(so:pa:na). It is called Jna:na so:pa:na. It has nine literary works as its steps. Ques: Are desires the root cause for human birth? Ans: Rajo:guna and Thamo:guna are the cause of our desires. These quaulities of Rajas and Thamas forge the bonds of ‘ karma’. Based on this ‘karma’ we attain a body. -- Birds in Ra:ma:yana Continued from page 13 Such are the multiple facets of this great work. The song of the sakuna bird (bird of good omen) made Si:tha to give up her efforts to end her life .This made her liste n to the chanting of Hanu:ma:n. This is the episode of the pingalika bird in Sundaraka:nda. They are 1) sri:bha:shyam, 2) ve:da:ntha di:pam, 3) ve:da:ntha sa:ram, 4) ve:da:rtha samgraham, 5) gi:tha:bha:shyam, 6) nithya granttha ( regarding ara:dhanaworship), 7) sarana:gathi gadhya, 8) sri:ranga gadhya and 9) vaikumtta gadhya. Apr 2015 Bhakthinivedana 37 Bhagawad Gi:tha A Voyage Towards Victory Arjuna’s Concern Meanings and purport by H.H. Sri Sri Sri Swamiji Apr 2015 Bhakthinivedana 38 nihathya dha:rthara:shtra:n naha ka: pri:thissya:th jana:rdana! | pa:pame:va:sraye:d asma:n hathwaitha:n a:thatha:yinaha|| 1.36 They are certainly ruthless criminals and such people should be punished but this does not mean we should sully our hands by killing such sinners. Their own sins will attract suitable penalty Meaning in due course of time. If we are to kill these sinners, jana:rdana ! = O punisher of enemies! our cousins – the terrible act will haunt us forever. nihathya = after killing sya:th = will be there thasma:n na:rha: vayam hanthum dha:rthara:shtra:n sa ba:ndhava:n | swajanam hi kattham hathwa: sukhinas sya:ma ma:dhava! || 1.37 Meaning naha = to us? thasma:th = hence pa:pam+ e:va = only sin vayam = we a:sraye:th = will catch na, arha:ha = unfit asma:n = us hanthum = to kill hathwa: = after killing saba:ndhava:n = near and dear e:tha:n = these dha:rthara:shtra:n a:thatha:yinaha = ruthless criminals Dhruthara:shtra dha:rthara:shtra:n = all the supporters of Dhruthara:shtra ka: = what pri:thihi = joy = who are supporting ma:dhava! = O The spouse of Maha:lakshmi, Purport Krushna ! kattham = how Kauravas were referred to as a:thatha:yinaha. sya:ma = can we be a:thatha:yi is the one sukhinaha = happy 1. who sets others’ houses on fire hathwa: = by killing 2. who poisons others to kill swa-janam = our own people? 3. who kills unarmed warriors hi = it is absurdPurport 4. who loots wealth of others 5. who grabs land of others Purport 6. who assaults women in public Although they are supporting Dhruthra:shtra, our uncle who wants the war, they are related to us. Kauravas committed all these sins against us. It is a Killing them is not an option. Oh Krushna, the sin to even utter the name of such a:thatha:yi. Yet, divine spouse of Goddess Lakshmi! Is it not absurd they are our cousins. How can there be any joy in to seek happiness by killing our own people? Then, killing such kith and kin? there will be no one left to share our joy and sorrow. How can we live peacefully for the rest of our lives? Apr 2015 Bhakthinivedana 39 A:cha:rya Charithra Lineage of A:cha:ryas In this series of articles we go through the life histories of our pu:rva:cha:ryas. It is important, particularly for the young readers to learn about the history of a:cha:ryas, so that they may absorb these principles early in life and strive to live up to the standards set by them. As you will see, their lives were not a bed of roses. They teach us by example how to pray to Lord and most importantly what constitutes true “surrender” (sarana:gathi) to Lord. We are eternally indebted to them for the invaluable treasure they left behind for us! Enjoy and collect as many pieces of jewels as you can. 40 Bhakthinivedana Apr 2015 Namma:lwa:r hands over the deity [just like he saw in his dream] and gave it to Na:thamuni. of “Future A:cha:rya”, Ra:ma:nuja Ma:dhava Da:sa then spoke to Bhatta:rya - “Swamy! Saththa:ri gave very detailed instructions to Na:thamuni. Now, how did he present the deity of the ‘Future-A:cha:rya’ to him? Who is that A:cha:rya? The deity was then passed on to his disciples like below: Where is the deity located? O! Merciful One! Please clearly elaborate everything to me. “ [Sri:ra:mamisra To which Bhatta:rya replied - “Ve:danthi! O! Revered Scholar! This subject concerning Na:thamuni is a profound secret and undisclosed to many. So, listen to me very attentively with your senses under control...” Once, Na:thamuni prayed to Sattha:ri That deity was eventually given to Ya:muna:cha:rya of by was Pundari:ka:skha, Ra:mamisra. a disciple the disciple Na:tthamuni]. Ya:muna:cha:rya passed it on to Gostipu:rna. Go:stipu:rna gave this deity of ‘FutureA;cha:rya’ to his loving daughter De:vaki Sri who is like a personification of knowledge and devotion! thus - “O! Swa:my! There is a verse Once, the great a:cha:rya Ra:ma:nuja was (Poliga Poliga) in the Sahasra Gi:tha, taking initiation from his guru Go:stipu:rna, that describes the appearance of a great person. Kindly reveal to me the meaning when suddenly the deity disappeared! [So it is said that the ‘Future A:cha:rya’ is none other than Ra:ma:nuja] of that verse.” Namma:lwa:r was pleased with Na:thamuni and accepted his request. So, he took the form of an deity of the ‘future-a:cha:rya’ and appeared in the dream of a sculptor and said - “O! Sculptor! Make an deity of the form you are seeing and give it to my Na:thamuni who worships me in my Shrine” The sculptor was stunned and immediately woke up from his dream. He made an deity Apr 2015 And hence, Ra:ma:nuja is considered an expansion of Srimanna:rayana. May you know that this esoteric incident that you heard from me is undoubtedly true. Whoever is associated with Ra:ma:nuja will attain the divine abode of Srimanna:rayana (Parama Padam). The essence of the verse ‘poliga poliga’ is Sri Ra:ma:nuja himself and hence he alone can grant salvation. Since the deity simply vanished in Ra:ma:nuja, there is Bhakthinivedana 41 no other a:cha:rya greater than him in this world! It is only because of Ra:manuja that even his gurus/predecessors Sri Sattha:rya and Na:thamuni attain salvation! along with millions of others who get associated with him. There is no doubt about this. Once the Lord said, “Oh Bramha! When the era of Kali approaches, righteousness as detailed in the scriptures gets destroyed. And then a highly learned devotee, shall appear in the clan of ‘Ha:ri:tha’. He will become a great protagonist with restraint over his senses and shall author the work ‘Sa:ri:raka Maha:bha:shya’ . Whoever associates with my devotee shall attain my abode even without seeking my refuge”. became very pleased with his devotion, one day appeared in his dreams and said “O! Na:thamuni, take the permission of your guru Namma:lwa:r and immediately leave for my town. You must advocate the knowledge of the divine-prabandham for the welfare of the world and hence must teach it to my devotees who possess the 6 qualities called ‘sama:di guna. [They are: Peace Tranquility, Self-Control, Self-Withdrawal, Forbearance,Faith, Onepointedness]. Being thus instructed, Na:thamuni took the permission of Namma:lwa:r and the Lord of Kuruka:nagaram and left for the town of Lord Ra:jago:pala - Vi:rana:ra:yanpuram. On the way he visited the town of Lord Sa:rangapa:ni - Kumbhako:nam and served the Lord with devotion. The great A:di Se:sha in his original form is known as Anantha. He has incarnated in two other forms as Lakshmana and Balara:ma. My devotee Ra:ma:nuja will be born as his fourth expansion to protect The Lord here, is known as the Earth. [It is said that this secret has ‘Aparya:ptha:mrutha’ because He is like been revealed by Ra:ma:nuja himself to insatiable nectar! his confidants] When Nanji:yar heard his guru Bhatta:rya narrate the life of Ra:ma:nuja, he further requested him to tell what Na:thamuni did after he obtained the knowledge from Satta:rya. The Lord Sa:rangapa:ni became immensely pleased with Na:thamuni for he revived the lost knowledge of Divya-Prabandham and so christened him as ‘Divyasu:ri’. Since then, great scholars called the saint Na:thamuni as aparya:ptha:mrutha:rya! Bhatta:rtya continued... Later, Na:thamuni, reached the town of O! Ve:da:nti, Na:thamuni sincerely learnt the Prabandham and spent a long time serving Satta:rya with immense love, even forgetting the Lord Ra:jago:pa:la. Then, the Lord who Apr 2015 Lord Ra:jago:pala - Vi:rana:ra:yanpuram. He worshipped the Lord with devotion and recounted his experiences to the people in the Shrine. He then taught the divine hymns of Bhakthinivedana 42 ‘divya-prabandham’ to the earnest devotees of Vishnu. Soon Na:thamuni got the entire prabandham musically set to tune, by his nephews me:laiyukath a:lwa:n and ki:laiyukath a:lwa:n. day and night. Their musical expositions of the prabandham were like the divine renditions of Ra:ma:yanam by the sons of Lord Ra:ma Lava and Kusa! Even today, the Divya-Prabandham are Just like how the ve:das are set to Ve:dic-meters regularly recited in the temple of Sri called ‘uda:ththa’ and ‘anuda:ththa’, these Rangana:tha. hymns, also called ‘Dra:vida Ve:dam’ were similarly set to the perfect musical meters called svaras. In this way, Na:thamuni with immense devotion towards his guru, revived and spread the divine knowledge of the Blessed by their uncle Na:thamuni, the prabandham, to his disciples and the nephews, rendered the divine prabandham like devotees of Vishnu. a celestial-song, in the Shrine of Ra:jago:pala, Divya De:sam = Any of the 108 places of appearance of Lord Vishnu sung by at least one of 12 A:lwa:rs. Sri Rangam, Tirumala, Aho:balam are examples. Note that couple of them are not on Earth! Na:tthamuni = The first ach:arya of our purva:cha:rya lineage, whose unprecedented efforts brought back the divine songs of A:lwa:rs into vogue (Divya prabandham) Pundari:ka:ksha = Disciple of Na:tthamuni Sri:ra:mamisra = Disciple of Pundari:ka:ksha Ya:muna:cha:rya = Grandson of Na:tthamuni and disciple of Sri Ra:mamisra. Indirect a:charya and inspirer of Ra:manuja. Ra:ma:nuja:cha:rya = The great reformer of Vaishnavism who spread it across the length and breadth of India. Bhattar (Para:sara) = Post-Ra:manuja period, one of the greatest ach:aryas in our lineage. Nanji:yar (Ve:da:nthi) = Disciple of Bhattar, a great scholar known for his knowledge in Ve:da:ntha. Apr 2015 Bhakthinivedana 43 Apr 2015 Bhakthinivedana 44 45 Bhakthinivedana Apr 2015 Apr 2015 Bhakthinivedana 46 47 Bhakthinivedana Apr 2015 Divya Prabandham Twilight song of Lord Rangana:ttha Thiruppalli Yezhuchchi 48 Bhakthinivedana Apr 2015 Pa:suram -7 andara ththamarargal ku:ttanga livayo: arun thava munivarum arutharu mivaro: indira na:naiyum tha:num vandivano:, emberuma:n una ko:yilin va:sal sundarar nerukka vichchadarar nu:kka eyakkarum mayaginar thiruvadi thozhuva:n andaram pa:ridamillai maththiduvo: arangaththamma: palli ezhundarula:ye Meanings ku:ttangal = groups of amarargal = de:vathas andaraththu = the beings of higher worlds ivaiyo: = are here! arum = extraordinary thava = austere munivarum = maharshies like Sanaka etc., marudarum ivaro: ! = 49 groups of maruthths are here emberuma:n = Oh! My Lord! un ko:yilin va:sal = in front of your temple indiran tha:num = Indra too a:naiyum = along with his mount Aira:vatham vandu ivano: = has come here! sundarar = gandharvas nerukka = are crammed in. nu:kka = pushed (by) vichcha:darar = vidya:dharas iyakkarum = yakshas too mayanginar = passionate thozhuva:n = to worship thiruvadi = Your divine Lotus Feet idivo: = are here. idam illai = no space 49 andaram = in the skies, pa:r = (or) on the earth, maththu =(or) anywhere else. arangaththamma: ! = Sri: Rangana:ttha:! palli yezhundu = wake up from bed arula:ye: = grace us! Purport All the celestials are here with great humility. Highly austere rushies like Sanaka and all are one side, groups of Maruthths are one side and even Indra has come now and is standing in front of your temple with all his attendants and Aira:vatha. Swamy! It is jam packed with singers Gandharvas. The strong Vidya:dharas are pushing each other. In the rush the delicate Yakshas are passing out. The guards are finding it highly difficult to control the crowded devotees who are impatient with eagerness to worship Your Lotus Feet! The earth and sky are alike. Lord! Is it fair on Your part to test them like this for so long! Please leave Your bed and bless us! Pa:suram -8 vambavizh va:navar va:yurai vazhanga ma:nithi kapilai yun kanna:di muthala: emberuma:n padimaikkalam ka:ndaruku e:rpanavayina kondu nan munivar thumburu na:radar pukundana rivaro: tho:nri niraviyum thulangoli parappi ambara thalaththil ninru akalkinra thirul po:y arangaththama: palli ezhundarula:ye:!|| Bhakthinivedana Apr 2015 Meanings emberuma:n = Oh! Lord! You ka:ndarku = to grace va:navar vazhanga = de:vathas, to offer you kondu = brought e:rpana va:yina = all suitable padimaikkalam = things ambu anizh = fragrant va:yurrai = grass, ma: = great nidhi = conch, lotuses and wealth, kapilai = ka:madhe:nu, one = shining kanna:di mudala: = tall mirror. nal munivar = devoted rushies thumburu na:radar = Thumbura and Na:rada pugundanar = have entered. ivaro: = here! iraviyum = the sun thulangu oli pparappi = spreading his brilliance tho:nrrinan = has risen. irul = darkness ambara thalaththil ninrru = from the sky po:y, agal ginrradu = is dispelling completely! arangaththamma: ! = Sri:rangana:ttha: ! palliyezhundu = wake up from bed arula:ye: ! = and grace us! conches and lotuses, precious gems, kapila cows, a tall mirror for You and many more that are suitable to You Swamy! Nithya mukthas and great singers Na:rada and Thumbura have also arrived to sing lullabies to put You to sleep and to sing auspicious wake up songs when You wake up. The sun’s rays are getting warmer and spreading all over. No more darkness can be found in the sky. Rangana:ttha! You also wake up to dispel our inner darkness! Accept our offerings Father! Purport Oh! Lord! We feel You may not wake up without having all the wake up instruments! Of course, You are the Lord of Lords! These youthful de:vathas are already here with tender fresh grass! They have also brought great wealth of 50 Bhakthinivedana Apr 2015 --Continued from page 23 Because the body, mind and emotions respond in unity to stress, the homeopathic approach to understanding disease is holistic. This means an attempt is made to evaluate any problem in the context of the whole person – physically, mentally and emotionally – and to understand how the person is limited. An example of this difference between conventional and homeopathic practice can be made by looking at how each would approach an inflammatory condition. Conventional practitioners might view a chronic inflammatory disease as the result of an overlyaggressive immune system, and could make a diagnosis based upon a pattern of common symptoms. They could then choose from any number of antiinflammatory or immunemodulating agents, hoping to suppress the problem. For a homeopath, the signs and symptoms of inflammation are just a tip of the ice berg, a body’s response to an underlying problem that needs a broader understanding. The improvement must also be in line with a general ‘direction of cure’ – if a person’s chief complaint is resolved, one should not see a subsequent problem develop at a deeper or more vital level of function. phy states that if the organism is brought back into balance, the symptoms of disease (imbalance) will resolve accordingly, it looks for a broad and unique picture of imbalance specific to each person. Spring brings tears and snuffles to some who are on unable to enjoy outdoor life after a long bitter winter. Very few of them know that Homeopathy has a an array of medicines that help in allergies to pollen,dust,flowers,smells and the like. The common medicines are Alliumcepa,E uphrasia,Pulstilla,Sabadiila,Dulcamara,Arsen ic iod,Arsenic alb,Apis,Iris, Sulphur,and many more.Seek a professional advice from a Homeopathic doctor before you take any one the medicines. Look out for more about Homeopathy in our next edition where we will talk about specific conditions. What are the common ailments that Homeopathy can treat? Among the various conditions that can be treated with homeopathy remedies are Skin diseases, Allergies, Menstrual abnormalities, Emotional disturbances, Behavioral problems, Joint and muscular pains, Urinary tract infections and stones. Most of the treatment is not based on the pathological diagnosis but rather on how the individual perceives it by bodily changes, expressed as “I feel”. The homeopathic philoso- 51 Bhakthinivedana Apr 2015 A:LWA:R CHARITHRA The Life History of A:lwa:rs This series is about the history of A:lwa:rs. A:lwa:r in Tamil means one who is “immersed” in the love of God. They are held at the highest regard in our samprada:yam as they are the “chosen ones” by God. As you will see, A:lwa:rs came from all castes and creed which shows that birth is never a hindrance to attain the love of God. To read about their lives is to learn about God and how to love God. No other teachings can better describe God and His qualities than A:lwa:r’s songs. In this issue we are going to learn about the fourth a:lwa:r, Thirumazhisai a:lwa:r. Come on, let’s read with an open heart so that we too receive a fraction of their devotion.... 52 Bhakthinivedana Apr 2015 The life history of Thirumazhisai a:lwa:r, also called Bhakthisa:ra different place by helping and caring for the people. Para:sara Bhattar narated the life history of the three A:lwars to Nanji:yar. Nanji:yar offered his prostrations to Bhatta:rya and said- “Swamy! You have beautifully narrated the illustrious life of Ka:sa:ra Yogi. A:cha:rya! Your have, with your lotus like face, recounted the lives of the three A:lwa:rs and it was like nectar and extremely pleasing. I now wish to hear the life of Bhakthisa:ra. Pleased with the earnest request of Nanji:yar, Sri: Bhatta:rya agree to tell the story of Bhakthisa:ra. The greatness of Mahi:sa:ra Kshe:tra Bhatta:rya said... I pay my obeisance unto Bhakthisa:ra who possesses a divine body; who sought refuge in the divine feet of the Lord - the granter of salvation. Once, great sages like Pulasthya, Angi:rasa, Athri wen to Bramha and prostrated before him - who was shining brilliantly. With folded hands the sages prayed, “O! Bramha! We would like to perform a great penance at an excellent location on the Earth. O! Merciful One! Please think well, consider and decide such a distinguished place for us” To which Bramha, the master of the three worlds, called Viswakarma and said “The Earth is a huge measure is 8 Crores with enormous hills and valleys. Now, you must weigh this Earth against a place called Mahi:sa:ra Kshe:thram on your scales. Show these great sages the distinctions of these two!” O!Ve:danti! Sri Krushna was born at one Viswakarma did as instructed by Bramha. place and grew up elsewhere; The ‘sun’ He placed the Earth on one of called Srimanna:raya appeared in the the scales and Mah:sa:rakshe:thram on the other. ‘Eastern Direction’ called De:vaki De:vi to The side which had the Mah:sa:rakshe:thram awaken the ‘lotuses’ called the weighed down against the scale that had the people! When Lord Krushna descended on the Earth! Accordingly, Bramha named this most Earth and lived happily in the dynasty of Nanda, significant place as Mahi:sa:ra. all the barren, lackluster objects turned fresh and lively; the withered plants sprouted new Thereupon, the sages went to the sacred leaves and the cows gave abundant place Mahi:sa:ra and began practicing their milk. Similarly, the great Bhakthisa:ra was born penance. to Kanaka:ngi and Bha:rgava. He first appeared in a Basket-Weaving family and later, like Krushna, he spent his life in a Apr 2015 To the west of the Mah:sa:rakshe:thram, about 1/2 Yo:jana distance far, there is a forest governed by Vide:ha. In that Bhakthinivedana 53 forest, lived a sage named Bha:rgava. Once, the sage wished to worship the primeval Lord Srimanna:rayana who was proclaimed as the eternal Supreme being by a sacrifice called ‘Di:rghasathra’. [This episode is wonderfully elaborated in ‘Bramha:nda pura:na’…] And so, Bha:rgava began the extraordinary penance for the Lord, at Mahi:sa:ra. The penance turned to be very powerful! The celestial beings grew terrified and apprehensive. They sent forth several beautiful nymphs to distract the sage and by that repress the penance! The heavenly fairies descended on the Earth at Mahi:sa:ra, along with the God of Love - Manmaththa - in the month of Spring. When the beautiful amorous women tried to approach the sage, they became frightened of him! However, there was one woman Kanaka:ngi, who was known to be very adept in attracting and beguiling anyone. Kanaka:ngi started seducing the sage with the help of Manmaththa and Vasantha. She successfully thwarted the sage’s concentration with her tantalizing songs and moves. The sage Bha:rgava, became astonished and gently opened his eyes. He saw her and became immensely pleased. Kanaka:ngi, then started dancing in various ways flashing her body lustfully! She, with her dazzling body, attracted the sage with her songs and moves. When the sage saw that beautiful voluptuous form, he at once gave-in to the ‘God-Of-Love’ Manmaththa! In this way, the great ascetic Bha:rgava abandoned religious austerities; sported and wandered with the woman Kanaka:ngi for some time, in the forest Chithra, during the spring season. Kanaka:ngi too conferred the sage with heavenly pleasures that can be obtained only by performing sacrifices! Eventually, Kanaka:ngi became his wife and delivered a baby boy by name Bhakthisa:ra who is considered as an expansion of the Lord’s Discus. Bhakthisa:ra appeared in the Year Vibhava; in the Month Pushya; on the 10th Day of the waning moon period; in the Zodiac-Sign of Tula/Libra; on Thursday; in the Star Makha. “O! Ve:danti! It is impossible to conquer the delusional woman-form of Vishnu” The sage was fixed on his penance like a mound of hill. Yet he was unable to restrain himself, when he heard Kanaka:ngi sing with an amazing, melodious voice tuned to a euphonic music like Krushna’s flute! 54 Bhakthinivedana Apr 2015 However, Kanaka:ngi delivered a premature baby. She was aghast to see a baby with no limbs and that looked like a lump of meat! She left the boy in the thick forests surrounded by reeds of bamboos and ascended to the heavens! Later, Bha:rgava felt ashamed and aggrieved at the ruination of his penance and austerities. So, he too left the forest and moved on to another one close by, to continue his practices. Meanwhile, the boy who was deserted in the forest began to mature and develop gradually. One day, he broke open the coverings that enveloped him and amidst the silence of the forest, he gave a loud cry for milk! By the grace of Mother Lakshmi, Mother Bhu:devi nurtured the baby boy. Let us learn more of the life history of the Bhakthisa:ra in the coming issues. 55 Bhakthinivedana Apr 2015 VT BHA:RATH UPDATES Translated from telugu by Smt. Padmavathiramanujam KARIMNAGAR (TELANGANA) Karim Nagar VT which is operating with 53 branches and 3000 members is setting up a very good example. The 53rd branch of VT is recently started at Vavilalapalli,Varalashmi Nagar . Moving forward with the noble aim envisaged by our Acharya SERVE ALL BEINGS AS SERVICE TO GOD Free Veternary camps are organised every month since Gita Jyothi and Krishnam Vande Jagadgurum Programs.. Sri Yadav Krishnaji in coordination with KarimNagar Dairy conducted a veternary camp on February 21st where 141 cattle were served. Dr.Chari volunteered his services in the camp. They also sent grass for Gosala at Samshabad YUVA VIKAS team of Karimnagar are also doing excellent services. As a part of Swatcha Bharat Program they are cleaning temples on every Tuesday. They are also conducting Plantation programs. As a part of this activity they cleaned Sri Anjaneyaswami temple at Makaramuram on 3rd March and Prasannanjaneya swami temple at Prasanth Nagar on 10th. After extending their services they are organizing a satsung there and learning Stotrams also. They are also planning their next week programs in the satsung and moving on. Prajna activities are also taken up actively .Sri M.Rajender Reddy and Sri Venu Gopalachari, Govt. Teachers who are also members of YUVA VIKAS visited our Jeeyar Gurukuls at Allampalli and Beersaipet. They interacted with the students from 3rd Std to 10th Std.They examined the Prefinal examination papers of 10th class students and gave some valuable suggestions for better performance. 56 As a part of MAHILA AROGRYA VIKAS a free Medical camp for women was conducted in Rudravaram. In addition to all these they are also participating in the activities conducted at Vedabhavanam and receiving the blessings of Perumal and our Acharya. BHADRACHALAM- KHAMMMAM DISTRICT (TELANGANA) Bhadrachalam VT is a privileged branch which receives the blessings of Sri Ramachandra Prabhu. Sri Swamiji visited the holy shrine to present the Golden crown to the Lord donated by Smt Vanajabhaskararao. Swamiji gave a Pravchanam highlighting the glory of Sri Rama. This branch of VT extends its services not only to the Lord but also to the devotees all throughout the year. Swamiji also inaugurated the new hospital premises of Dr.G.V.Sudarsan and Dr.Jayabharathi who regularly extend their services in our VT Medical camps. A free Eye Camp was conducted on 20th February. Sri S.L.Kanta Rao coordinated with several other service organizations and organized the same. On 1st March a Power point presentation was given by Dr.Jayabharathi at SAMKSHEMA GURUKULA PATASALA on Blood less ness. 480 students participated. Free blood tests were conducted and Medicines were given free of cost. K.P.H.B COLONY HYDERABAD (TELANGANA) A free Homeo Medical camp is organized by Dr.Krishnamacharyulu and Smt.Vijayalakshmi every day from 5.00P.M to 6.00 P.M in K.P.H.B Colony.Prajna classes are also conducted by them in Orphan Homes. Bhakthinivedana Apr 2015 VISAKHAPATNAM (ANDHRA PRADESH) RAJAMAHENDRI (ANDHRA PRADESH) Prajna classes were conducted by Prajna Coordinator Smt Padmavathi Ramanujam all throughout the academic year on every Sundays from 10A.M to 11 A.M. Module 1 was taught to the students. About 50 students took their examination in Module 1 for this year on 1st March Hall tickets were issued and Sri Vijayasrinivas and Dr. Mythili Prasad chowdary were the external examiners. Results were declared and students were promoted to Module 2 .Prajna teachers participated in the program. SIDDANTHAM- WEST GODAVARI DISTRICT (ANDHRA PRADESH) Sri Vamguri Venkataramayya an aged volunteer of our VT stands as a unique example for his zeal in extending his services. He is organizing satsungs every Saturday . He also conducted Lakshmi Narayana kalyanam on 7th March on the occasion of Uttara nakshatram in Phalguna Masam in the house of Sri Kantarao garu. VIJAYAWADA MUTYALAMPADU (ANDHRAPRADESH) Prajna Coordinator Smt K.Venkata Raghavamma is conducting prajna activities. As a part of Prajna Activity a Free Medical Eye camp was conducted in GSRMCH school and 225 students benefited out of it. Free Homeo medical camp was coducted and medicines were given to 100 students. They also took up temple cleaning activity as a part of Swacha Bha:rath On February 6th free homeo medicine for Swine flu was distributed in some private schools. 400 Kgs of Goose berry pickle was sent to Sriyagam at Hyderabad and 100 Kgs pickle was also sent to Sitanagaram Asramam. 57 About 60 members participated in the Yuva Vikas meet organized on February 12th at Varija Asramam. The meet was organized by Yuva vikas convenor Sri Raghuji. Sreeman Bhavaniprasad, Central organizing secretary of VT. Smt Aruna, Central coordinator for Samskar vikas and District VT President Sri PSN Raju also attended. Sri Sundarakanda prayanam followed by Pattabhishekam and tadiyaaradhana was conducted for 6 days at Marripalem by Smt. Padmaji Smt Lataji coordinator of samskar vikas is also standing as a good example and organizing satsungs and inspiring others. VIJAYANAGARAM (ANDHRA PRADESH) Mahila Arogya Vikas Convenor Smt. Sakuntalaji with her team of volunteers is extending good services all throughout the year in the entire district. Her services are recognized by other service organizations as well. VIVEKANANDA SPOORTI KENDRAM, BALAJIWALKERSASSOCIATION felicitated her. Dr.Sri Ramamurthyji appreciated her services and also volunteered to send his doctors and staff to assist in her service activities.Councillor Smt Meka Anantalakshmi also appreciated her services SRIKAKULAM (ANDHRA PRADESH) A free medical camp was conducted in ZPH school Kothapeta. 407 students were benefited from the camp. The services were appreciated by Jems hospital. The holistic services integrating moral and spiritual values with service activities of VT was appreciated. Sri Suryanarayana,Chakravarthi and other members participated. Dr. Pradeepji extended his services. Bhakthinivedana Apr 2015 Jai Sri:manna:ra:yana Thank you very much for reading. Please provide your valuable feedback for improvements: [email protected]