Compiled by M. M. Divakaran
[Thiruvalluvar was a great Tamil poet who wrote the Thirukkural. Thirukkural is one of most revered ancient works in the Tamil literature. The name Thiruvalluvar consists of Thiru (a polite Tamil word) and Valluvar (a polite name). The Thirukural has been translated into most languages.
Thirukkural is divided into three sections. Section-1 deals with Aram doing things, with conscience and honor, Section-2 discusses Porul realities or facts of life, and the Section-3 deals on Inbam the worldly pleasures. The First section has 38 chapters; Second has 70 chapters; and the Third section has 25 chapters. Each Chapters consist of 10 kurals thus making 1330 Kurals in total]
-------------------------------------------------
ACTION:
=> The actions of those, who have not desisted from doing deeds forbidden (by succeed), will even if they succeed, cause them sorrow
(AHIMSA) NON-VIOLENCE:
=> What is the good way? It is the path that taketh thought how it may save even the smallest of creatures from being killed.
ATTACHMENT:
=> Attach and tie thyself to Him who hath conquered all attachments: bind thyself firmly to Him in order that all thy bonds may be broken.
BENEVOLENCE:
=> Benevolence seeks not a return. What does the world give back to the clouds?
CHARITY:
=> Practising charity without compassion is as inconceivable As realising Truth without clarity of mind.
=> The fiery scourge called hunger never touches the man who shares his daily meal with others.
FAMILY:
=> The chief blessing is an honourable home - and its crowning glory is worthy offspring.
FREEDOM FROM FRAUD:
=> The fortune that is built up by fraud may appear to thrive; but it is doomed for ever. The thirst for plunder leadeth in its season to endless grief. The man who thirsteth after plunder cannot weigh things aright: nor can he walk in the way of righteousness.
=> Behold the men who can cure the evils that have already befallen thee and who can guard thee from future ones; cultivate thou their friendship with ardour. It will be the rarest of rare good fortunes if thou canst secure to thyself the devotion of men of worth.
FRIENDSHIP:
=> Friendship is not seen on a friendly face, But felt deep within a friendly heart.
GOD:
=> The Supreme dwells within the lotus of the heart. Those who reach His Splendid Feet dwell endearing within unearthly realms.
GOOD NEIGHBOURS:
=> Who can desire the overthrow of the man who has the talent to avoid hostilities? When fortune is about to smile on a man he will ignore all provocation: but when destiny has decreed him ruin, he will set no bounds to his defiance of his fellow beings. From defiance springs all that is bitter; but good will yield the glorious fruit of peace and harmony.
GOVERNANCE:
=> Those that desire that their power should last, let them brandish the rod smartly but lay it on soft. Behold the prince who ruleth with a rod of iron and causeth terror to his people: He will stand without a friend and perish forthwith.
HUMILITY:
=> What is stupidity? It is that vanity Which dares to declare, "I am wise"
JUSTICE:
=> Be impartial and consult with the men of law. That is the way to administer justice.
=> Investigate well, show favour to none, maintain impartiality, consult the law, then give judgment - that is the way of justice.
=> Deliberate well and lean not to either side; be impartial and consult with the men of law; that is the way to administer justice.
LIFE:
=> Among those who strive for liberation, the foremost are they Who live the blessed state of family life as it should be lived.
=> Like a tortoise withdrawing five limbs into its shell, those who restrain the five senses in one life, will find safe shelter for seven.
=> What wondrous greatness this world possesses - That yesterday a man was, and today he is not.
LOVE:
=> Loveless natures, cold and hard, Live for self alone. Heart where love abides regard Self as scarce their own.
=> Without love in the heart, Life is like a sapless tree in a barren desert.
NATURE'S MYSTERY:
=> It is rain that ruins, and it is rain again That raises up those it has ruined.
PATIENCE:
=> Who wreak wrath are despised as being worthless; Who patiently forbear are valued as gold. Who bear have praise till earth shall pass away.
SUFFERING:
=> Hating others, even enemies who harm you unprovoked, Assures incessant sorrow.
TROUBLE:
=> A whole sea of troubles will abase themselves the moment a shifty mind collects itself to face them.
WISE MAN:
=> A flood of troubles will vanish the moment. The mind of wise man collects itself to face them.
^^^^^^^^^^^ ^^^^^^^^^^^^^ ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Wednesday, 23 December 2009
Friday, 11 December 2009
14. Poem: THATHWAMASIYUDE THIRUSANNIDHIYIL
By M. M. Divakaran
(Published in the "Shree Ayyappan " magazine (Malayalam) of Akhila Bharatha Ayyappa Seva Sangam [ABASS], Trivandrum in the issue of November 2009)
Thathwamasiyude Thirusannidhiyil
Anjalikooppi Njan Ninnappol
Panthalakumaran Manikandan
Punchirithookiyanugrahichchoo
Enne... Punchirithookiyanugrahichchoo...
********
Chinmudrakaatti Devanenikku
Thathwamasiporulum Paranjuthannu
Jeevatma-Paramatma-Brahmavum
Lokavumellaam Neeyennarinjaalum
Ivide Devanum Bhakthanum Onnaanannarinjaalum!
(Thathwamasiyude Thirusannidhiyil)
*********
Meghasyamalakomala Roopante
Moolamantram Japichuvanangi Njan
'OM Ghroom-Na-ma-pa-raa-ya-gop-thre-Namah:'
Ponnambalavaasante Thirumeni Nokki Njan
'Aswavaahanaaya Namo' Namayum Cholli Njan
(Thathwamasiyude Thirusannidhiyil)
***********
Swarnasimhaasana Shreebhoodhanaathante
Gaayatrimantravum Cholleevanangi Njan
'Bhoothaadhipaaya Vitmahe, Bhavaputhraaya Dheemahi
Thannah:Saastha Prachothayaat'
Saranam Vilichchu Vilichchu Vilichchu Njan
Sopaanamel Thrivandanavumarppichu
(Thathwamasiyude Thirusannidhiyil)
************
mm_divakaran@yahoo.com
http://mmdivakaran.blogspot.com
Mobile: 09766484128
(Published in the "Shree Ayyappan " magazine (Malayalam) of Akhila Bharatha Ayyappa Seva Sangam [ABASS], Trivandrum in the issue of November 2009)
Thathwamasiyude Thirusannidhiyil
Anjalikooppi Njan Ninnappol
Panthalakumaran Manikandan
Punchirithookiyanugrahichchoo
Enne... Punchirithookiyanugrahichchoo...
********
Chinmudrakaatti Devanenikku
Thathwamasiporulum Paranjuthannu
Jeevatma-Paramatma-Brahmavum
Lokavumellaam Neeyennarinjaalum
Ivide Devanum Bhakthanum Onnaanannarinjaalum!
(Thathwamasiyude Thirusannidhiyil)
*********
Meghasyamalakomala Roopante
Moolamantram Japichuvanangi Njan
'OM Ghroom-Na-ma-pa-raa-ya-gop-thre-Namah:'
Ponnambalavaasante Thirumeni Nokki Njan
'Aswavaahanaaya Namo' Namayum Cholli Njan
(Thathwamasiyude Thirusannidhiyil)
***********
Swarnasimhaasana Shreebhoodhanaathante
Gaayatrimantravum Cholleevanangi Njan
'Bhoothaadhipaaya Vitmahe, Bhavaputhraaya Dheemahi
Thannah:Saastha Prachothayaat'
Saranam Vilichchu Vilichchu Vilichchu Njan
Sopaanamel Thrivandanavumarppichu
(Thathwamasiyude Thirusannidhiyil)
************
mm_divakaran@yahoo.com
http://mmdivakaran.blogspot.com
Mobile: 09766484128
Wednesday, 9 December 2009
13. Lord Ganesh & Ganesh Festival: A Deep Thinking
M. M. DIVAKARAN
[Published in the Maharashtra Herald, Pune, Saturday, August 30, 2003]
(Although there are 365 days in a year India has 366 festival – MARK TWAIN)
Hindus have numberless festivals. One of them is Ganesh festival which is widely celebrated in India especially in Maharashtra. As this year’s Ganesh festival is drawing nearer, it will be interesting to look back on Lord Ganesh and Ganesh Festival.
Who is Ganapati? Ganapati is the son of Lord Shiva and Parvati. He was born on the day of Chaturti (shuklapaksha chaturti i.e. the fourth day after the Amavasi) in the month of Chingam (Shravan). [According to Marathi calendar it falls in the month of Bhadrapad). Lord Shiva appointed Ganesh as the leader of all other Gods; so He is known as Ganapati (Pati of all Ganas i.e. Leader of the Commune].
Birth: The Uthara Ramayan legend goes like this: While Shiva and Parvati were roaming in the wilderness they disguised as male-elephant and female-elephant respectively. During this period Parvati got conceived and gave birth to a baby-boy with an elephant face.
Other stores:There are two stories according to Padmapuran:
1. Once Parvati showed Ganesh the planet Saturn. While he was looking at the planet his head instantly melted away. Suddenly Parvati replaced his head with an elephant head instead.
2. Once Parvati was on her way to have a bath. Seeing this Shiva also felt like following her. But Ganesh prevented Shiva. Shiva got very angry and decapitated Ganesh as he was not allowed to follow Parvati. Thereafter Shiva replaced the head with an elephant-head instead.
Vinayak/Vigneswar: Lord Ganesh has the ability to annihilate all obstacles. There is a belief among the Hindus that a deed cannot be fulfilled if there is any obstacle put by Lord Ganesh; but at the same time with His grace all deeds can easily be fulfilled as well. So He is known as Vighneswar. For example, there is a story in KathaSaritsagara Lavankalunbhaka, 6th Chapter: Once the Devas (Gods) decided to appoint Lord Kartikeya (Subramanya) as a chief in order to kill demon Tharakasura. On this auspicious occasion Indra did the libation on the head of Kartikeya. Suddenly Indra’s hands started shivering and the remaining rituals got interrupted. Watching this, Shiva told them that this happened because of Ganesh’s obstacle. At once Indra performed a special puja for Lord Ganesh following which the rest of the libation was successfully carried out. Since then all pujas are performed only after doing the Ganesh puja.
Mahabharat written by Ganesh: According to The Mahabharat it is said that Mahabharat was written by Ganesh. As soon as the war between Pandavas and Kauravas was over, the Rishi Ved Vyas observed the penance. Then he saw in his mind the complete picture of Mahabharat incidents. At that time Lord Brahma came to meet Vyas. Vyas told Brahma that he intended to tell the story of Mahabharat so he was looking for a suitable person to write it down as he tells the story without halt. Then Brahma remembered Ganesh and at once Ganesh appeared before them. Vyas briefed Ganesh about his intention of telling the story of Mahabharat and Ganesh whole-heartedly consented to write it down. Vyas continuously told the story without any break and Ganesh wrote it without committing any mistakes. It took three years to write the whole story of Mahabhrat! (Mahabharat, Aadiparva, Chapter 1, Shlokas 74-80).
Ganesh Chaturti and the Moon: Ganesh was born on the day of Chaturti, the forth day after Amavasi in the month of Chingam (Shravan). If anyone looks at the moon on the day of Chaturti it is believed that they may have to face scandal, dishonour etc. for next one year. There is a story even related to this in Brahmavaithapuran: Ganesh is very fond of ‘modak’ (a special delicacy that is offered to Ganesh). Once on the day of Ganesh Chaturti, after eating modak from each and every house, Ganesh was returning in the night, riding on a rat - Ganesh’s Vaahan (vehicle) is rat. On the way the rat got scared as it saw a snake. Suddenly Ganesh fell down and his stomach broke open, all modak came out and dispersed here and there. He took them and put them back in his stomach; then took the snake and tightly tied it around on His belly! (It is believed that the ‘whole universe’ is accommodated in the belly of Lord Ganesh). The Moon was watching all this when the incident took place and he mocked at Ganesh. Ganesh got very angry. He cursed moon saying: “If anybody looks at you on the day of my chaturti they will definitely face scandal, dishonour etc. for the next one year”. Since then people would never knowingly look at the moon on the day of Ganesh Chaturti!
Wives: There is an interesting story regarding the marriage of Ganesh. When Ganesh and His brother Kartikeya reached their youth they told Shiva that they want to marry. Shiva decided to test both of them and told them that the person who circumnavigate the earth first would be allowed to marry first. Hearing this Kartikeya suddenly climbed on peocok and commenced the journey to circumnavigate the earth. Few minutes later Lord Ganesh went around Shiva and Parvati. When Shiva asked why did he do this, Ganesh answered: Obviously the earth is filled with Shiva and Parvati and therefore, going around both Shiva and Parvati is equivalent to going round the earth! Lord Shiva and Parvati were delighted and they decided to arrange Ganesh’s marriage and they selected Siddhi and Buddhi as his wives.
In addition to Siddhi and Buddhi, it is believed that Ganesh has many other wives namely – Modha, Pramodha, Sumuha, Sundhari, Manorama, Mangala, Kesini, Katha, Charushaasa, Sumadhyiama, Nandhini and Kamedha.
Other Names: Ganesh is also known in many names as it is said in the following sloka:
“Vinayako Vignaraja
Thoimaathura Ganaathipa:
Apyekathentha Heremba;
Lambhodhara, Gajanana. [Amaram]
(Vinayak, Vighnaraja, Thoimaathura, Ganaathipa, Ekadantha, Heremba, Lambhodhara and Gajanana). Also He is known as Kumbhodhara, Gajamuha, Vighnarraja, Vighneswara, Ganesa etc.
Ganesh Puja in South India: In South India especially in Tamil Nadu and Kerala Ganesh Puja was said to have started from A.D. 640. In that year the King Narasimha Pallava conquered the Vataapi (Batami) city which was the capital of Chalukyas. Thereafter he brought the Ganesh idol from the famous temple of Vataapi to Tamil Nadu and started the Ganesh Puja.
The following are the Gayatri Mantras of Lord Ganesh:
1. “OM Maholkaaya Vitmahe
Vakrathundaaya Dheemahi
Thannodhanthi Prachothayaat”
2. “OM Thatpurushaaya Vitmahe
Vakrathundaaya Dheemahi
Thannodhanthi Prachothayaat”
3. “OM Vinaayakaaya Vitmahe
Gajavaktraaya Dheemahi
Thannohvigna Prachothayaat”
4. “OM Yekadamshtraaya Vitmahe
Gajaananaaya Dheemahi
Thannodhanthi Prachothayat”
5. "OM Ekadantaya Vidmahe
Vakkratundaya Dheemahi
Thanno Danti Prachodayat"
Ganesh Idol: The Ganesh Idol is seen in the different postures such as sitting posture, standing posture, padmasana posture, dancing posture etc. But the proper form of the Ganesh idol is sitting posture, holding the broken tooth on the right hand.
Edempiri and Valampuri: The trunk of Ganesh idol which is twisted on the left side is known as ‘Edempri” i.e. twisted on the left-side and trunk which is twisted on the right-side is known as “Valampiri” i.e. twisted on the right side.
The commencement of Ganesh Festival: Ganesh festival was started by Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak in 1893. In 1893, when Hindus and Muslims clashed in Mumbai for four days from August 11, members of the two communities went on a rampage, leaving some 80 people dead, 530 injured and 1505 arrested. Tilak arranged a mass meeting in Pune on September 10, 1893 to discuss the riots. One week after the meeting, he launched the first Ganesh festival. At that time Tilak had accurately judged then need to give a more forceful interpretation to Indian nationalism. By reviving an old institution like the Ganesh festival and transforming it into a public celebration, Tilak set the agenda for social and political reforms in the country. He recognized the need to form a national political movement and utilized the festival to send a clear message to the colonial rulers about his strength and hold over the masses.
It was a time when political movements were banned by the Colonial British government in India. Ganesh festival was established by Lokmanya Tilak to orgnise the people and inculcate nationalistic spirit among Indians through this medium. British Government could not ban a religious festival/movement like Ganesh festival.
Ganapati Mandals: There are many Ganesh mandals in Pune. In the last year about 4000 Sarvajanik Ganesh Mandals had been erected in Pune in every nook and corner. All of us are aware that of these only a few mandals are doing proper pujas. It seems that some of the mandals are in fact mocking the Ganesh by playing vulgar film songs as well as the nasty political replicas etc. It is sad to say that Lord Ganesh is displayed (as advertisement) in cartoon model by some establishments to promote their products. In future this should be strictly banned by concerned authorities/devotees.
Blaring film music which has no connection at all to the religious proceedings, huge pandals which block roads, causing re-routing of traffic and traffic jams, and groups of youths forcibly collecting funds for the celebration (which are ultimately wasted on decorations are the latest deviation!), are of the negative aspects which have reared their ugly heads. It is indeed a far cry from the vision that was Lokmanya Tilak when he initiated the first community Ganesh festival. In the olden days the leaders like Lokmanya Tilak and others delivered lectures on social reforms and nationalism. But today we all are aware that the political leaders are delivering the lectures that have no connection at all with Lord Ganesh!
Therefore the activists of Ganesh mandals are kindly requested to pay attention to the following in future Ganesh festivals:
1. Display only the mythological replicas;
2. Ganesh idol should be proper and as per the tradition;
3. Ganesh should be worshipped in proper puja for 10 days;
4. During the festival play only the spiritual/devotional songs;
5. Mandal authorities should arrange to deliver the lecture/talk by spiritual leaders with regard to Lord Ganesh and other Gods as well as on the subject of Vedas/Puranas/Upanishads etc. so that people will gain spiritual knowledge.
Immersion: According to the Hindu rituals, immersion of the idol should be performed in proper way with proper ceremony. First of all the selected river-basin for the immersion should be very clean. There should be enough flow of water in the river. Immersion should not take place in contaminated water.
In conclusion we are interested more and more of our culture in general and in particular about Lord Ganesh and to worship Him in a proper way. To all of us this is 10 days entertainments only and as such we are eagerly awaiting for year-by-year Ganesh festival to show our pomp and entertainments, purposely, chanting:
“Ganapati Bappa Morya
Pudachya Varshi Laukar Ya!”
^^^^^^^^^^^^ ^^^^^^^^^^^^^ ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
[Published in the Maharashtra Herald, Pune, Saturday, August 30, 2003]
(Although there are 365 days in a year India has 366 festival – MARK TWAIN)
Hindus have numberless festivals. One of them is Ganesh festival which is widely celebrated in India especially in Maharashtra. As this year’s Ganesh festival is drawing nearer, it will be interesting to look back on Lord Ganesh and Ganesh Festival.
Who is Ganapati? Ganapati is the son of Lord Shiva and Parvati. He was born on the day of Chaturti (shuklapaksha chaturti i.e. the fourth day after the Amavasi) in the month of Chingam (Shravan). [According to Marathi calendar it falls in the month of Bhadrapad). Lord Shiva appointed Ganesh as the leader of all other Gods; so He is known as Ganapati (Pati of all Ganas i.e. Leader of the Commune].
Birth: The Uthara Ramayan legend goes like this: While Shiva and Parvati were roaming in the wilderness they disguised as male-elephant and female-elephant respectively. During this period Parvati got conceived and gave birth to a baby-boy with an elephant face.
Other stores:There are two stories according to Padmapuran:
1. Once Parvati showed Ganesh the planet Saturn. While he was looking at the planet his head instantly melted away. Suddenly Parvati replaced his head with an elephant head instead.
2. Once Parvati was on her way to have a bath. Seeing this Shiva also felt like following her. But Ganesh prevented Shiva. Shiva got very angry and decapitated Ganesh as he was not allowed to follow Parvati. Thereafter Shiva replaced the head with an elephant-head instead.
Vinayak/Vigneswar: Lord Ganesh has the ability to annihilate all obstacles. There is a belief among the Hindus that a deed cannot be fulfilled if there is any obstacle put by Lord Ganesh; but at the same time with His grace all deeds can easily be fulfilled as well. So He is known as Vighneswar. For example, there is a story in KathaSaritsagara Lavankalunbhaka, 6th Chapter: Once the Devas (Gods) decided to appoint Lord Kartikeya (Subramanya) as a chief in order to kill demon Tharakasura. On this auspicious occasion Indra did the libation on the head of Kartikeya. Suddenly Indra’s hands started shivering and the remaining rituals got interrupted. Watching this, Shiva told them that this happened because of Ganesh’s obstacle. At once Indra performed a special puja for Lord Ganesh following which the rest of the libation was successfully carried out. Since then all pujas are performed only after doing the Ganesh puja.
Mahabharat written by Ganesh: According to The Mahabharat it is said that Mahabharat was written by Ganesh. As soon as the war between Pandavas and Kauravas was over, the Rishi Ved Vyas observed the penance. Then he saw in his mind the complete picture of Mahabharat incidents. At that time Lord Brahma came to meet Vyas. Vyas told Brahma that he intended to tell the story of Mahabharat so he was looking for a suitable person to write it down as he tells the story without halt. Then Brahma remembered Ganesh and at once Ganesh appeared before them. Vyas briefed Ganesh about his intention of telling the story of Mahabharat and Ganesh whole-heartedly consented to write it down. Vyas continuously told the story without any break and Ganesh wrote it without committing any mistakes. It took three years to write the whole story of Mahabhrat! (Mahabharat, Aadiparva, Chapter 1, Shlokas 74-80).
Ganesh Chaturti and the Moon: Ganesh was born on the day of Chaturti, the forth day after Amavasi in the month of Chingam (Shravan). If anyone looks at the moon on the day of Chaturti it is believed that they may have to face scandal, dishonour etc. for next one year. There is a story even related to this in Brahmavaithapuran: Ganesh is very fond of ‘modak’ (a special delicacy that is offered to Ganesh). Once on the day of Ganesh Chaturti, after eating modak from each and every house, Ganesh was returning in the night, riding on a rat - Ganesh’s Vaahan (vehicle) is rat. On the way the rat got scared as it saw a snake. Suddenly Ganesh fell down and his stomach broke open, all modak came out and dispersed here and there. He took them and put them back in his stomach; then took the snake and tightly tied it around on His belly! (It is believed that the ‘whole universe’ is accommodated in the belly of Lord Ganesh). The Moon was watching all this when the incident took place and he mocked at Ganesh. Ganesh got very angry. He cursed moon saying: “If anybody looks at you on the day of my chaturti they will definitely face scandal, dishonour etc. for the next one year”. Since then people would never knowingly look at the moon on the day of Ganesh Chaturti!
Wives: There is an interesting story regarding the marriage of Ganesh. When Ganesh and His brother Kartikeya reached their youth they told Shiva that they want to marry. Shiva decided to test both of them and told them that the person who circumnavigate the earth first would be allowed to marry first. Hearing this Kartikeya suddenly climbed on peocok and commenced the journey to circumnavigate the earth. Few minutes later Lord Ganesh went around Shiva and Parvati. When Shiva asked why did he do this, Ganesh answered: Obviously the earth is filled with Shiva and Parvati and therefore, going around both Shiva and Parvati is equivalent to going round the earth! Lord Shiva and Parvati were delighted and they decided to arrange Ganesh’s marriage and they selected Siddhi and Buddhi as his wives.
In addition to Siddhi and Buddhi, it is believed that Ganesh has many other wives namely – Modha, Pramodha, Sumuha, Sundhari, Manorama, Mangala, Kesini, Katha, Charushaasa, Sumadhyiama, Nandhini and Kamedha.
Other Names: Ganesh is also known in many names as it is said in the following sloka:
“Vinayako Vignaraja
Thoimaathura Ganaathipa:
Apyekathentha Heremba;
Lambhodhara, Gajanana. [Amaram]
(Vinayak, Vighnaraja, Thoimaathura, Ganaathipa, Ekadantha, Heremba, Lambhodhara and Gajanana). Also He is known as Kumbhodhara, Gajamuha, Vighnarraja, Vighneswara, Ganesa etc.
Ganesh Puja in South India: In South India especially in Tamil Nadu and Kerala Ganesh Puja was said to have started from A.D. 640. In that year the King Narasimha Pallava conquered the Vataapi (Batami) city which was the capital of Chalukyas. Thereafter he brought the Ganesh idol from the famous temple of Vataapi to Tamil Nadu and started the Ganesh Puja.
The following are the Gayatri Mantras of Lord Ganesh:
1. “OM Maholkaaya Vitmahe
Vakrathundaaya Dheemahi
Thannodhanthi Prachothayaat”
2. “OM Thatpurushaaya Vitmahe
Vakrathundaaya Dheemahi
Thannodhanthi Prachothayaat”
3. “OM Vinaayakaaya Vitmahe
Gajavaktraaya Dheemahi
Thannohvigna Prachothayaat”
4. “OM Yekadamshtraaya Vitmahe
Gajaananaaya Dheemahi
Thannodhanthi Prachothayat”
5. "OM Ekadantaya Vidmahe
Vakkratundaya Dheemahi
Thanno Danti Prachodayat"
Ganesh Idol: The Ganesh Idol is seen in the different postures such as sitting posture, standing posture, padmasana posture, dancing posture etc. But the proper form of the Ganesh idol is sitting posture, holding the broken tooth on the right hand.
Edempiri and Valampuri: The trunk of Ganesh idol which is twisted on the left side is known as ‘Edempri” i.e. twisted on the left-side and trunk which is twisted on the right-side is known as “Valampiri” i.e. twisted on the right side.
The commencement of Ganesh Festival: Ganesh festival was started by Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak in 1893. In 1893, when Hindus and Muslims clashed in Mumbai for four days from August 11, members of the two communities went on a rampage, leaving some 80 people dead, 530 injured and 1505 arrested. Tilak arranged a mass meeting in Pune on September 10, 1893 to discuss the riots. One week after the meeting, he launched the first Ganesh festival. At that time Tilak had accurately judged then need to give a more forceful interpretation to Indian nationalism. By reviving an old institution like the Ganesh festival and transforming it into a public celebration, Tilak set the agenda for social and political reforms in the country. He recognized the need to form a national political movement and utilized the festival to send a clear message to the colonial rulers about his strength and hold over the masses.
It was a time when political movements were banned by the Colonial British government in India. Ganesh festival was established by Lokmanya Tilak to orgnise the people and inculcate nationalistic spirit among Indians through this medium. British Government could not ban a religious festival/movement like Ganesh festival.
Ganapati Mandals: There are many Ganesh mandals in Pune. In the last year about 4000 Sarvajanik Ganesh Mandals had been erected in Pune in every nook and corner. All of us are aware that of these only a few mandals are doing proper pujas. It seems that some of the mandals are in fact mocking the Ganesh by playing vulgar film songs as well as the nasty political replicas etc. It is sad to say that Lord Ganesh is displayed (as advertisement) in cartoon model by some establishments to promote their products. In future this should be strictly banned by concerned authorities/devotees.
Blaring film music which has no connection at all to the religious proceedings, huge pandals which block roads, causing re-routing of traffic and traffic jams, and groups of youths forcibly collecting funds for the celebration (which are ultimately wasted on decorations are the latest deviation!), are of the negative aspects which have reared their ugly heads. It is indeed a far cry from the vision that was Lokmanya Tilak when he initiated the first community Ganesh festival. In the olden days the leaders like Lokmanya Tilak and others delivered lectures on social reforms and nationalism. But today we all are aware that the political leaders are delivering the lectures that have no connection at all with Lord Ganesh!
Therefore the activists of Ganesh mandals are kindly requested to pay attention to the following in future Ganesh festivals:
1. Display only the mythological replicas;
2. Ganesh idol should be proper and as per the tradition;
3. Ganesh should be worshipped in proper puja for 10 days;
4. During the festival play only the spiritual/devotional songs;
5. Mandal authorities should arrange to deliver the lecture/talk by spiritual leaders with regard to Lord Ganesh and other Gods as well as on the subject of Vedas/Puranas/Upanishads etc. so that people will gain spiritual knowledge.
Immersion: According to the Hindu rituals, immersion of the idol should be performed in proper way with proper ceremony. First of all the selected river-basin for the immersion should be very clean. There should be enough flow of water in the river. Immersion should not take place in contaminated water.
In conclusion we are interested more and more of our culture in general and in particular about Lord Ganesh and to worship Him in a proper way. To all of us this is 10 days entertainments only and as such we are eagerly awaiting for year-by-year Ganesh festival to show our pomp and entertainments, purposely, chanting:
“Ganapati Bappa Morya
Pudachya Varshi Laukar Ya!”
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Tuesday, 24 November 2009
12. The Golden Sayings of SHIRDI SAI BABA
Compiled by M. M. DIVAKARAN
[First Published in November 2006]
SHIRDI SAI BABA is the name given to Him by His first devotee, Mahalsapathi - ‘Sai’ means ‘Saint’ and ‘Baba’ means ‘Father’. In other words “The Father of Great Soul”. The name is just an expression of love, reverence and devotion.
‘Sai Baba’ has written nothing on record. His teachings were oral and those too very short, pithy sayings rather than elaborate discourses.
Sai Baba’s sayings reveal the true and selfless adoration, the love and friendship. He used to demonstrate His powers as and when the occasion arose. He had no differences of cast, creed or religion. His religion is common to people of all faiths.
Always Baba led His disciples along the Bhakti marga, the radiant pathway of divine love, self-surrender and devotion.
There is no clear record of Sai Baba’s real name, or of His origin. He led an extremely simple and ascetic life; living in a small Village called Shirdi in Maharashtra State as a mendicant monk, and sleeping on the floor of the temple, and later in a dilapidated mosque. He has shown numerous miracles. It is needless to mention here that Sai Baba’s fame is spreading day by day all over the world.
Sai Baba first came to Shirdi in 1854 A.D. when he was at the age of 16 and lived there for about 3 years. He then disappeared from there for some time and returned again to Shirdi with Chand Patil’s marriage party in 1858 and lived in Shirdi for 60 years till His Maha Samadhi on 15th October, 1918 (on the Vijayadasami day, Tuesday at 2.30 p.m.)
The famous book about Sai Baba is "Shri Sai Satcharita", written by Govindrao Raghunath Dabholkar, whom Sai Baba nicknamed ‘Hemadpant.’ (translated from Marathi in to English by Nagesh V. Gunaji). The book gives a good account of Sai Baba’s life, teachings, and miracles.
* * * * * * * * *
This booklet "The Golden Sayings of Shirdi Sai Baba" is a collection of precious sayings drawn from various literature pertaining to Sai Baba. Experience those gems... and assimilate into your life. It can change your life for the better, substantially.
I am grateful to those who have co-operated to bring out this invaluable booklet. Lastly, I bow down my head at Sai Baba’s feet for accomplishment of this work.
“OM SAI SARANAM”
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THE GOLDEN SAYINGS OF SHIRDI SAI BABA
Sab Ka Malik Ek (One God Governs All).
Allah Malik (God is the Master).
A disciple is one who carries out implicitly the commands of the Guru (the preceptor).
All diseases shall vanish when My Leelas (stories & teachings ) are listened to respectfully.
All Sadhanas (spiritual practices like tapa-penance, Yoga practices or studying sacred scriptures) are not just enough to attain Self-Realisation unless accompanied by Bhakti (devotion).
Always meditate on My formless nirgun nature, which is knowledge incarnate, consciousness and bliss. If you cannot do this, meditate on My sagun (physical) form, as you see Me here (in Shirdi).
Always speak the truth.
Always think of God and utter His name.
All that you see taken together is Myself.
All that is seen is My form - ant, fly, prince, and pauper.
All Gods are one. There is no difference between a Hindu and a Muslim. Mosque and temple are the same.
Always think of God and you will see what He does.
Always remember Me, believe in Me heart and soul and then you will be most benefited.
Anger is a deadly enemy. It burns all our shubb (good) karmas (deeds).
Anyone who has surrendered himself to Me should not worry about the future.
Arrogance and conceit bring about the fall of man spiritually.
As I have become a Fakir, I have no house of wife, and though leaving of all cares, I have stayed at one place, the inevitable Maya teases Me often though I forgot Myself, I cannot forget her (Maya). She always envelops Me.
As the devotees believe in Me, I accept the offerings by them heartily.
As close as you are to God, so close is God to you.
As soon as one climbs the steps of this mosque, sufferings due to karma are at an end and joy begins.
At twelve O’ clock in the noon, one gets uneasy due to hunger. One who realize this in ease of others also is a virtuous person.
Avoid unnecessary disputation.
Be ashamed of your hatred. Give up hatred and be quiet.
Be contented and cheerful with what comes.
Bear in mind this secret, that one should have firm faith in one’s Guru and nowhere else.
Behold ye the hand of God, the Ever Gracious Mother of us all. In suffering and defeat, as in joy and triumph, greet the light of the Mother's mercy.
Believe Me, though I pass away, My bones in My tomb will give you hope and confidence. Not only Myself but My tomb would be speaking, moving and communicating with those who would surrender themselves whole-heartedly, to Me.
Believe in Me in heart and soul and then you will be greatly benefited.
Blessed is he who has become one with Me.
Cast all your burdens on Me and I shall bear them.
Choose friends who will stick to you till the end, through thick and thin.
Cleverness and craftness are stumbling blocks in the path of spirituality.
Cry like a child ‘Ma’, ‘Ma’ and the holy divine Mother shall run and pick you up.
Death is an illusion. Like worn out garments the body is cast away none dies.
Demolish the wall of difference that separates you from Me; and then the road for our meeting will be clear and open.
Destiny is pre-determined. He who is to die, will. He who is destined to his truck, will be. He who is destined to be caressed, will be.
Distinguish right from wrong and be honest, upright and virtuous.
Do not bark at people and don’t be aggressive, but put up with others’ complaints.
Do not be anxious that I would be absent from you. You will hear My bones speaking and discussing your welfare.
Do not be deluded by worldly honour.
Do not be idle - work, utter God’s name and read the scriptures.
Do not be obsessed by the importance of wealth.
Do not be obsessed by egotism, imagining that you are the cause of action - everything is due to God.
Do not entertain the sense of doer-ship in doing good as well as bad deeds, be entirely prideless and egoless in all things and thus your spiritual progress will be rapid.
Do not fight with anyone, nor retaliate, nor slander anyone.
Do not fight the battles of life yourself. Surrender. Let God fight your battles for you. When God himself fights, the results are in no doubt.
Do not kick against the pricks of life.
Do not retaliate even if someone does any evil. If you must do anything, do some good unto others.
Do not swim on the surface of the ocean of universal life; simply float.
Do not try to control the mind. Do not struggle with it. Bypass it instead and move straight into the Atman.
Do your duty, leaving all attachment to the things of this world.
Drive out useless Sannyasi, his company is of no use.
Dwarakamai wards off all dangers and anxieties of the children who sit on her lap. This Maszidmai is very merciful. She is the Mother of simple devotees, whom she will save in calamities. Once a man sits on her lap all his troubles are over. He who rests in her shade gets bliss.
Even if you merely chant 'Sai', 'Sai', I shall take you across the ocean. For I always drag My devotee towards Me from far off places, or even across the seven seas like a sparrow heading to its nest with a string tied to its feet.
Even if you merely utter My name with Love, I shall fulfill all your wishes and increase your devotion.
Faith and Patience are like the twin sisters loving each other very intimately.
First give bread to the hungry and then eat yourself.
For seeing Brahman one has to give five things, i.e. surrender Five things viz. (1) Five Pranas (vital forces), (2) Five Senses (five of action and five of perception, (3) Mind, (4) Intellect and (5) Ego. This path of Brahma-Jnana or Self-realization is as hard as to tread on the edge.
Forgiveness as a virtue and assertiveness in the pursuit of truth (the righteous path) rather than aggression.
From beginning to end, one should live on-pointedly in whatever condition decided by fate and be contented. Never worry.
Fulfill any promises you have made.
Gain and loss, birth and death are in the hands of God.
Get on with your worldly activities cheerfully, but do not forget God.
Give food to the hungry, water to the thirsty, and clothes to the naked. Then God
will be pleased.
Give rein to the negative states (avariciousness, anger, hatred, pride, etc.) only as much as is essential to go through the karma earmarked for this physical existence.
Go wherever you will, over the wide world, I am with you.
God does not like big subscriptions and donations collected against the wishes of the donors, but He likes ever trifling amounts given with love, devotion.
God has agents everywhere and their powers are vast.
God has created this beautiful world and it is our duty to appreciate its beauty.
God is not so far away. He is not in the heavens above, nor in hell below. He is always near you.
God is the sole doer and inspirer. He is also most merciful.
God, is the sole dispenser and protector, always think of Him. He will take care of you. Surrender to His feet with body, mind, wealth and speech, and then see what He does.
God lives in all beings and creatures, whether they be serpents or scorpions. He is the great wire-puller of the world, and all beings, serpents, scorpions etc., obey His command. Unless He wills it, nobody can do any harm to others.
God will show His love. He is kind to all.
Have faith and patience. Then I will be always with you wherever you are.
He who attains the supreme goal of life is immortal and happy; all others merely exist, i.e. live so long as they breathe”.
He who bankers after worldly position, name and fame, can never realize God.
He who carps and cavils at others pierces Me in the heart and injures Me, but he that suffers and endures pleases Me most.
He who cometh to My Samadhi, his sorrow and suffering shall cease.
He, who gets rid of his ego, places (or surrenders) it at My feet, I help him the most.
He who loves Me most, always sees Me.
He, who shuns transitory pleasures, lands in the inner lake of immortality.
He who thinks that I am only at Shirdi has never known Me. I am omnipresent - anywhere, everywhere, all the time and in all creation. I am at Shirdi and everywhere.
He who withdraws his heart from the world and loves Me is My true lover and he merges in Me like a river in the sea.
Help the poor and needy.
However distant my people may be, I draw them to Me just as we pull a bird to us
with a string tied to its foot.
I always care and provide for welfare of My devotees, who devoutly worship Me with their minds ever fixed on Me.
I always think of him, who remembers Me. I run and manifest Myself to him, who lovingly calls Me.
I am at Shirdi and everywhere. Whatever you do, wherever you may be, ever
bear this in mind, that I am always aware of everything.
I am ever living to help and guide all, who come to Me, who surrender to Me
and who seek refuge in Me.
I am formless and everywhere!
I am in everything and beyond. I fill all space.
I am not the body or the senses. I am the eternal Saakshi (witness).
I am the bond slave of My devotee. I love devotion.
I am the giver of everything. How can anyone get anything without my sanction?
I am the progenitor of God.
I am shepherd who always tenderly looks after his flock.
I am the slave of My devotee.
I am the slave of those who hunger and thirst after Me and treat everything
else as unimportant.
I am your servants’ servant.
I cannot do anything without God’s permission.
I carry on, as a wirepuller, all the actions of the man who trusts Me and merges in Me.
I do not need any paraphernalia (things) of worship, either eight-fold or sixteen-fold.
I embroiled Myself in karma and got this body. Brahman is My father and Maya is My mother.
I fill all space and am omnipresent. I am in water, in dry places, in crowds and solitary wilderness. I am in the fire and in ether.
I feel indebted to him, who surrenders himself completely to Me and ever remember Me.
I give people what they want in the hope that they will begin to want I want to give them.
I get angry with none. Will a mother get angry with her children? Will the ocean
send back the waters to the several rivers?
I give My devotees whatever they ask, until they ask for what I want to give.
I give salutation to the person, who surrenders to Me completely, who worships Me faithfully, who remembers Me always, and meditates on Me constantly.
I have to take care of My children day and night and give an account to God of every paisa.
I look on all with an equal eye.
I love devotion.
I never speak any untruth, while sitting in this Masjid.
I require no door to enter. I have no form or any extension; I always live everywhere.
I require no conveyance, carriage, tonga nor train nor aeoroplane. I run and manifest Myself to him who lovingly calls Me.
I rest there where there is full devotion,
I shall be active and vigorous even from My tomb.
I shall be ever active and vigorous even after leaving this earthly body.
I shall be with you the moment you think of Me.
I stay by the side of whoever repeats My name.
I think of My people day and night. I say their names over and over.
I will not allow My devotees to come to harm.
If a devotee is about to fall, I stretch out My hands to support him or her.
If a man utters My name with love, I shall fulfill all his wishes, increase his devotion. And if he sings earnestly My life and my deeds, him I shall beset in front and back and on all sides.
If any one does any evil unto you, do not retaliate. If you can do anything, do some good unto others.
If anybody wants any money from you and you are not inclined to give, do not give, but do not bark at him like a dog.
If any men or creatures come to you, do not discourteously drive them away, but receive them well and treat them with due respect.
If anyone gets angry with another, they wound Me to the quick.
If anyone offends you do not return tit for tat.
If formless meditation is difficult, then think of My form just as you see it here (Shirdi). With such meditation, the difference between subject and object is lost and the mind dissolves in unity.
If I take one rupee as Dakshina (offering) from anybody, I have to return it ten-fold to him. I never ask anyone indiscriminately.
If My Leelas are written about or devoutly sung and attentively listened to, Ignorance will vanish, awareness of the body will reduce and strong waves of devotion & love would arise.
If my stories are listened to, all the diseases will be got rid of. So, hear my stories with respect and think and meditate on them, assimilate them.
If one devotes their entire time to Me and rests in Me, need fear nothing for body
and soul.
If one meditates on Me, repeats My name and sings about My deeds, he is transformed and his bad karma is destroyed. I stay by his side always.
If one perpetually thinks of Me and makes Me his sole refuge, I become his debtor and will give My head to save him.
If one sees Me and Me alone and listens to My Leelas and is devoted to Me
alone, they will reach God.
If the devotee has sincere faith in Me, his mind will merge with the supreme consciousness. Even mere chanting of My name, as ‘Sai, Sai’ will do away with the sins of speech and hearing.
If the mind be vagrant, it cannot be called well-merged.
If we see all actions as God’s doing, we will be unattached and free from karmic
bondage.
If you acquire wealth, become humble the way a tree laden with fruit bows down.
If you always say ‘Sai Sai’, I shall take you over the seven seas.
If you are wealthy, be humble. Plants bend when they bear fruit.
If you avoid rivalry and dispute, God will protect you.
If you cannot endure abuse from another, just say a simple word or two, or else
leave.
If you cast your burden on Me, I shall surely bear it.
If you do not want to part with what you have, do not lie and claim that you have nothing, but decline politely saying that circumstances or your own desires prevent you.
If you earnestly sing about My Leelas and deeds or spread My message, you will merge in My grace.
If you listen to Me carefully and always meditate on Me, you will surely benefit.
If you look at Me I will look at you.
If you make Me the sole object of your thoughts and aims you will gain Paramatma (supreme goal).
If you seek My help and guidance I will immediately give it to you.
If you spread your palms with devotion before Me, I am immediately with you day and night.
In due time your bad actions will be destroyed, your merits and dements will be reduced to ashes and I shall consider you blessed where you will renounce all attachments, conquer lust and palate and getting rid of all impediments.
In the body there are many robbers. Bolt your doors. Be very vigilant, the thieves will carry every thing; wealth and prosperity are transient and the body is subject to decay and death.
In whatever faith men worship Me, even so do I render to them.
Is there any other to protect the one who is the protector of all?
It is better to serve than to rule.
It is my special characteristic to free any person, who surrenders completely to me and who does worship me faithfully and who remembers me and meditates on my constantly.
It is not necessary to go so long for a holy bath. Our Prayag is here, believe Me.
It is not good to dispute and argue. So don’t argue, don’t emulate others.
Joy and sorrow should not affect one. They are both delusions.
Karma (actions) is the cause of happiness as well as sorrow too. One must therefore bear with it.
Know that My Spirit is immortal. Know this for yourself.
Know that there is a compelling reason behind every incident in your life as well as the world life.
Leave off all cleverness and remember 'Sai Sai'. If you did that all you shackles would be removed and you would be free.
Let anybody speak hundreds of things against you, do not resent by giving any bitter reply. If you always tolerate such things, you will certainly be happy.
Let the senses do their allotted works. We should not meddle with their work.
Let the world go topsy-turvy, you remain where you are.
Let us be humble.
Let us do our prescribed duty and surrender our body, mind and five pranas (life) to the Guru's feet. Guru is God, all pervading.
Life and Death are the manifestations of God’s activity. You cannot separate the two. God permeates all.
Listening to My Leelas (stories & teachings) will create shraddha in your heart, and with a little of bit saburi (patience) you can overcome the obstacles leading to "Self Realisation & Bliss”.
Look at Me with sincere devotion and I, in turn, look at you likewise.
Love and respect for each other and compassion towards the downtrodden and
animals.
Love all. Practice Ahimsa. Do not harm others by thought, word or deed.
Love divine is the salt of all sadhana (concentration). It is the sweetness that is sadhana. Without Love, sadhana is insipid and dry.
Love towards all animals, birds and insects.
Man is a product of the forbidden fruit. He can find peace only in the inner sanctuary of God.
Meditate on Me either with form or without form, that is pure bliss.
Meditate on Me as pure ananda nirakara [formless bliss], but if you cannot do this, then meditate on this Sai Body exactly as you see it.
Meditate on what you read and think of God.
Mere reading of spiritual books will not be enough! The teachings in them have to be practised and lived. Think and practise what you read; otherwise it is useless.
Money is a necessity but don't get obsessed with it. Yet, don't be a miser, be generous.
Mukti is impossible for those addicted to lust.
My abode is in your heart and I am within you.
My dear devotees! If wealth comes to you, be very humble like the tree loaded with fruits.
My devotees must strive to get Lord's Grace & Blessings, instead of struggling for necessities of life.
My devotees see everything as their Guru.
My duty is to give Blessings.
My eye is ever on those who love me.
My method is unique. To get Self Realisation, (i.e. knowledge of self) Dhyana (meditation) is absolutely necessary. If practised continuously, the thought processes will be calmed. So become desireless and meditate on the Lord within you and in all creatures. When the mind is thus concentrated, Self-Realisation will be attained.
My eye is ever on those who love Me.
My mind aches at your quarrels. Wherever you hurt others or bit hard at living ones, the hurt is transferred to Me. I become sick and feverish.
My mortal remains would speak from my tomb.
My people do not come to Me of their own accord; it is I who seek and bring them to Me.
My tomb shall bless and speak the needs of my devotees.
My treasury is open but no one brings carts to take from it. I say, “Dig!” but no
one bothers.
My treasury is full and I can give any one what he wants. But I have to see whether he is qualified to receive what I give.
My words are always pregnant with meaning and never hollow.
Mysterious is the path of action.
Neither I am God, nor Lord. I am His obedient servant and remember Him often.
Never envy others' richer.
Never insult the poor.
Nobody should take the labour of others in vain.
No harm shall be befall him who sets his foot on the soil of Shirdi.
Nothing will harm him who turns his attention towards Me.
No one wants to take from Me what I give abundantly.
Not in vain is My promise that I shall ever lighten your burden.
One must not be concerned by the beauty or external appearance of a person, but seek the God within.
One’s sin will not cease till one falls at the feet of Sadhus.
One who loves Me intensely, always sees Me. I lead him to Self-Realisation.
Other people’s acts will affect just them. It is only your own deeds that will affect you.
Our Karma is the cause of our happiness and sorrow; therefore put up with whatever comes to you.
Pain is an eye-opener. It awakens man to the inner realities of Life.
Path of "Self-Realisation" (enlightenment) is as difficult as walking on a razor's edge. For, one must fully surrender five pranas (vital forces) and five senses (of action, perception, mind, intellect and ego).
Patience is the Mine of virtues and consort of good thoughts.
Patience can ferry you across the sea of mundane existence and can remove all sins, afflictions and get rid of calamities in various ways, besides casting aside all fears ultimately making for success.
People abuse their own friends and family, but it is only after performing many meritorious acts that one gets a human birth. Why then come to Shirdi and slander people?
Perform your duty conscientiously and with detachment, not regarding yourself as the doer.
Place entire faith in Me and you will soon get your object.
Poverty is the highest of riches and a thousand times superior to a king’s wealth.
Poverty is better than Kingship, for better than Lordship. The Lord is always brother (befriender) of the poor.
Put full faith in God’s providence.
Question: There are so many crowding to Sai Baba. Do they all get benefit from You?
Sai Baba answered: "Look at the mango tree in blossom. If all the flowers
brought fruit, what a splendid crop it would be. But do they? Most fall off (either
as flowers or as unripe fruits) by wind etc. Very few remain."
Rama (the God of the Hindus) and Rahim (the God of the Mohammedans) were one and the same; there was not the slightest difference between them; then why should their devotees quarrel among themselves?
Real sorrow is the cycle of birth and death and the real happiness is liberation
Realise God in His totality, everything is be; every action is be; every thought is be; every impulse is be; every bhav (expression) is be; every sensation is be.
Recognize the existence of the Moral Law as governing results. Then unswervingly follow this Law.
Reduce your wants. The mind shall shrink and be concentrated on the Bindu (point) within.
Repeat My name. Seek refuge in Me. But to know who I am, practice sravana [hearing the word of the Guru] and manana [reflection].
Restrict your actions, speech and thoughts. That shall help internalize your mind.
Saburi (patience) ferries you across to the distant goal.
Satsang that is associating with the good is good. Dussaya, or associating with evil-minded people, is evil and must be avoided.
See how I have to suffer for My devotees; their difficulties are Mine.
See the divine in the human being.
Show unto Me he who sought refuge and been turned away.
Simple remembrance of My name as 'Sai, Sai' 'will do away all the sins of speech and hearing.
Speak the truth and truth alone.
Spend money in charity; be generous and munificent but not extravagant.
Stay by Me and keep quiet. I will do the rest.
Surrender completely to God.
Surrender the fruit of action to God so that action does not bind you. It is ties of indebtedness from previous births, which bring humans and other beings together.
Sweet behavior with others wins the divine grace.
The best way to receive is to give. The donor sows his seeds to reap rich harvest in future.
The disciples should have firm faith backed up by intelligence and if they add patience to these, their spiritual goal will not be distant.
The four Sadhanas and the six Sastras are not necessary. Just complete trust in your Guru: it is enough.
The function of the mind is to think, it cannot remain for a minute without thinking. If you give it a Sense-object, it will think about it.
The giver gives, but really he is sowing the seed for later: the gift of a rich harvest.
The Moral Law is inexorable, so follow it, observe it, and you will reach your goal: God is the perfection of the Moral Law.
The phenomenal world is an illusion. How long will you keep on chasing the shadows?
The one Namaskar offered with love and humility is enough.
The present fate is the result of past actions done in earlier birth.
The pride and egoism of my devotees will vanish, the mind of the hearers will be set at rest and if it has wholehearted and complete faith, it will be one with Supreme Consciousness.
The wise are cheerful and content with their lot in life.
The world is all dependent on God, and no one is independent.
The wretched and miserable would rise into plenty of joy and happiness, as soon as they climb steps of My Samadhi.
There is a wall of separation between oneself and others and between you and Me. Destroy this wall!
There are four elements in sadhana:- The first is the discrimination between the eternal and the ephemeral - that brahman alone is true, the world is not. The second is the renouncing all desire about this life or the thereafter. The third is to inculcate these qualities i.e. control of the mind, bearing without anguish the fated pain and sorrow, remaining ensnared by maya, knowing that money, wife, children and relatives are all ephemeral. The fourth is an intense desire for liberation
There are numerous persons who are praying to Me. I am speaking to all of them,
There shall be no want in the house of My devotees.
There will never by any dearth or scarcity regarding food and cloths in My devotee's home. It is my special characteristic that I look always to, and provide for the welfare of those devotees.
This body is just My house. My Guru has long ago taken Me away from it.
This is not just a mosque. It is dwarka [mercy]. Those who seek refuge here will never be harmed.
Those who think that Baba is only in Shirdi have totally failed to know Me.
Those who lovingly sing Baba’s fame and those who hear the same with devotion, both become one with Sai.
Though I be no more in flesh and blood, I shall ever protect My devotee.
Though I am here, I know what you do beyond seven seas.
To be free from all shackles, always chant 'Sai' 'Sai', shedding all cleverness, arrogance or egoism and brazenness.
To God be the praise. I am only the slave of God.
To him who surrenders unto Me totally I shall be ever indebted.
To steady the mind, idol worship is a way, even though the idol is not God. If you do puja with devotion and emotion, you can concentrate better.
Trust in Me and your prayer shall be answered.
Trust in the Guru fully. That is the only Sadhana.
Trying to achieve emancipation without achieving purity of mind is only a waste of energy and a parade of one’s knowledge.
Unless there is some relationship or connection, nobody goes anywhere.
Watch the present, and the future will take care of itself.
We get human body as a result of merits in the past births and it is worthwhile that with its aid we should attain devotion and liberation in this life. So, we should never be lazy, but always be on the alert to gain our end and aim of life.
We should take pity and love all creatures, leave off adventurous fights and killings and be patient.
Wealth is really a means to work out Dharma. If one uses it merely for personal enjoyment, it is vainly spent.
What do we lose by another’s good fortune? Let us celebrate with them, or strive to emulate them.
What is meditation? Real meditation is to lose one’s false individuality into the ocean of cosmic divine personality.
What is our duty? To behave properly. That is enough.
Whatever creature comes to you, human or otherwise, treat it with consideration.
Whatever you do, wherever you may be, always bear this in mind: I am always aware of everything you do.
Whatever you may do remember that you cannot escape the consequences of your actions (good or bad) committed either in this life itself or in your past life.
What God gives is never exhausted, what man gives never lasts.
What you sow, you reap. What you give, you get.
When a devotee has got firm faith and devotion, his/her wishes are soon fulfilled.
When one enters the Dwarka Mayi, his/her goal is achieved
When true Knowledge dawns, action comes from the supreme personality of Godbead within.
When you see with your inner eye, then you realize that you are God and not different from Him.
Whenever you had complete and whole-hearted devotion to Me, all your calamities and dangers were warded off and your welfare attended to by Me.
Whenever you undertake to do something, do it thoroughly or not at all.
When I turn My finger, I am turning their minds. When I move My lips, I am talking to them. When I laugh, I am amused at their follies. These are the things I am doing for My devotees.
When the front door is open why go by the back door. When the heart is pure, there is no difficulty what so ever. Why should any one be afraid of any one if there be no evil thought in us?
Whoever makes Me the sole object of their love, merges in Me like a river in the ocean.
Whoever puts his feet on Shirdi soil, his sufferings would come to an end.
Why do you fear when I am here?
Without my grace, not even a leaf can move.
Worship Me always, who is seated in your heart: as well as in the hearts of all beings blessed and fortunate indeed is he, who knows Me thus.
Yoga, sacrifice, penance, knowledge are the means to attain God. If you do not succeed in this by any means, vain is your birth.
You are all well, under the Neem Tree, feeling its cool shade and spending your life happily. But here I am experiencing all your difficulties and troubles.
You are nothing, nothing. He alone is everything.
You do your duty, don’t be afraid in the least, steady your mind and have faith in My words.
You go on reviling your own brethren to your heart's content. After performing many deeds of merit you are born a man and if you act like this, will Shirdi help you in any way?
You ignorant folk, children, join hands and bring both the communities together, act sanely and thus you will gain your object of national unity.
You must enjoy the fruit good of bad of your past actions; If the enjoyment be incomplete, suicide will not help you. You have to take another birth and suffer again. So instead of killing yourself, why not suffer for some time and finish up your store of the fruit of your past deeds and be (done) with it once and for all?
You should never speak ill of others on unnecessarily criticize.
You should not stay for even one second at a place where people are speaking disrespectfully of a saint.
You need not go far or anywhere in search of Me. Barring your name and form, there exists in you, as well as in all beings, a sense of Being or Consciousness of Existence. That is Myself. Knowing this, you see Me inside yourself, as well as in all beings. If you practise this, you will realize all-pervasiveness and thus attain ONENESS with Me.
The last word uttered by Sai Baba before His last breathing was “Oh Deva”. Then Baba seemed just to open His eyes and said “Ah” in a low tones; instantly He took “Mahasamadhi”.
“OM SAI SARANAM”
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[First Published in November 2006]
SHIRDI SAI BABA is the name given to Him by His first devotee, Mahalsapathi - ‘Sai’ means ‘Saint’ and ‘Baba’ means ‘Father’. In other words “The Father of Great Soul”. The name is just an expression of love, reverence and devotion.
‘Sai Baba’ has written nothing on record. His teachings were oral and those too very short, pithy sayings rather than elaborate discourses.
Sai Baba’s sayings reveal the true and selfless adoration, the love and friendship. He used to demonstrate His powers as and when the occasion arose. He had no differences of cast, creed or religion. His religion is common to people of all faiths.
Always Baba led His disciples along the Bhakti marga, the radiant pathway of divine love, self-surrender and devotion.
There is no clear record of Sai Baba’s real name, or of His origin. He led an extremely simple and ascetic life; living in a small Village called Shirdi in Maharashtra State as a mendicant monk, and sleeping on the floor of the temple, and later in a dilapidated mosque. He has shown numerous miracles. It is needless to mention here that Sai Baba’s fame is spreading day by day all over the world.
Sai Baba first came to Shirdi in 1854 A.D. when he was at the age of 16 and lived there for about 3 years. He then disappeared from there for some time and returned again to Shirdi with Chand Patil’s marriage party in 1858 and lived in Shirdi for 60 years till His Maha Samadhi on 15th October, 1918 (on the Vijayadasami day, Tuesday at 2.30 p.m.)
The famous book about Sai Baba is "Shri Sai Satcharita", written by Govindrao Raghunath Dabholkar, whom Sai Baba nicknamed ‘Hemadpant.’ (translated from Marathi in to English by Nagesh V. Gunaji). The book gives a good account of Sai Baba’s life, teachings, and miracles.
* * * * * * * * *
This booklet "The Golden Sayings of Shirdi Sai Baba" is a collection of precious sayings drawn from various literature pertaining to Sai Baba. Experience those gems... and assimilate into your life. It can change your life for the better, substantially.
I am grateful to those who have co-operated to bring out this invaluable booklet. Lastly, I bow down my head at Sai Baba’s feet for accomplishment of this work.
“OM SAI SARANAM”
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THE GOLDEN SAYINGS OF SHIRDI SAI BABA
Sab Ka Malik Ek (One God Governs All).
Allah Malik (God is the Master).
A disciple is one who carries out implicitly the commands of the Guru (the preceptor).
All diseases shall vanish when My Leelas (stories & teachings ) are listened to respectfully.
All Sadhanas (spiritual practices like tapa-penance, Yoga practices or studying sacred scriptures) are not just enough to attain Self-Realisation unless accompanied by Bhakti (devotion).
Always meditate on My formless nirgun nature, which is knowledge incarnate, consciousness and bliss. If you cannot do this, meditate on My sagun (physical) form, as you see Me here (in Shirdi).
Always speak the truth.
Always think of God and utter His name.
All that you see taken together is Myself.
All that is seen is My form - ant, fly, prince, and pauper.
All Gods are one. There is no difference between a Hindu and a Muslim. Mosque and temple are the same.
Always think of God and you will see what He does.
Always remember Me, believe in Me heart and soul and then you will be most benefited.
Anger is a deadly enemy. It burns all our shubb (good) karmas (deeds).
Anyone who has surrendered himself to Me should not worry about the future.
Arrogance and conceit bring about the fall of man spiritually.
As I have become a Fakir, I have no house of wife, and though leaving of all cares, I have stayed at one place, the inevitable Maya teases Me often though I forgot Myself, I cannot forget her (Maya). She always envelops Me.
As the devotees believe in Me, I accept the offerings by them heartily.
As close as you are to God, so close is God to you.
As soon as one climbs the steps of this mosque, sufferings due to karma are at an end and joy begins.
At twelve O’ clock in the noon, one gets uneasy due to hunger. One who realize this in ease of others also is a virtuous person.
Avoid unnecessary disputation.
Be ashamed of your hatred. Give up hatred and be quiet.
Be contented and cheerful with what comes.
Bear in mind this secret, that one should have firm faith in one’s Guru and nowhere else.
Behold ye the hand of God, the Ever Gracious Mother of us all. In suffering and defeat, as in joy and triumph, greet the light of the Mother's mercy.
Believe Me, though I pass away, My bones in My tomb will give you hope and confidence. Not only Myself but My tomb would be speaking, moving and communicating with those who would surrender themselves whole-heartedly, to Me.
Believe in Me in heart and soul and then you will be greatly benefited.
Blessed is he who has become one with Me.
Cast all your burdens on Me and I shall bear them.
Choose friends who will stick to you till the end, through thick and thin.
Cleverness and craftness are stumbling blocks in the path of spirituality.
Cry like a child ‘Ma’, ‘Ma’ and the holy divine Mother shall run and pick you up.
Death is an illusion. Like worn out garments the body is cast away none dies.
Demolish the wall of difference that separates you from Me; and then the road for our meeting will be clear and open.
Destiny is pre-determined. He who is to die, will. He who is destined to his truck, will be. He who is destined to be caressed, will be.
Distinguish right from wrong and be honest, upright and virtuous.
Do not bark at people and don’t be aggressive, but put up with others’ complaints.
Do not be anxious that I would be absent from you. You will hear My bones speaking and discussing your welfare.
Do not be deluded by worldly honour.
Do not be idle - work, utter God’s name and read the scriptures.
Do not be obsessed by the importance of wealth.
Do not be obsessed by egotism, imagining that you are the cause of action - everything is due to God.
Do not entertain the sense of doer-ship in doing good as well as bad deeds, be entirely prideless and egoless in all things and thus your spiritual progress will be rapid.
Do not fight with anyone, nor retaliate, nor slander anyone.
Do not fight the battles of life yourself. Surrender. Let God fight your battles for you. When God himself fights, the results are in no doubt.
Do not kick against the pricks of life.
Do not retaliate even if someone does any evil. If you must do anything, do some good unto others.
Do not swim on the surface of the ocean of universal life; simply float.
Do not try to control the mind. Do not struggle with it. Bypass it instead and move straight into the Atman.
Do your duty, leaving all attachment to the things of this world.
Drive out useless Sannyasi, his company is of no use.
Dwarakamai wards off all dangers and anxieties of the children who sit on her lap. This Maszidmai is very merciful. She is the Mother of simple devotees, whom she will save in calamities. Once a man sits on her lap all his troubles are over. He who rests in her shade gets bliss.
Even if you merely chant 'Sai', 'Sai', I shall take you across the ocean. For I always drag My devotee towards Me from far off places, or even across the seven seas like a sparrow heading to its nest with a string tied to its feet.
Even if you merely utter My name with Love, I shall fulfill all your wishes and increase your devotion.
Faith and Patience are like the twin sisters loving each other very intimately.
First give bread to the hungry and then eat yourself.
For seeing Brahman one has to give five things, i.e. surrender Five things viz. (1) Five Pranas (vital forces), (2) Five Senses (five of action and five of perception, (3) Mind, (4) Intellect and (5) Ego. This path of Brahma-Jnana or Self-realization is as hard as to tread on the edge.
Forgiveness as a virtue and assertiveness in the pursuit of truth (the righteous path) rather than aggression.
From beginning to end, one should live on-pointedly in whatever condition decided by fate and be contented. Never worry.
Fulfill any promises you have made.
Gain and loss, birth and death are in the hands of God.
Get on with your worldly activities cheerfully, but do not forget God.
Give food to the hungry, water to the thirsty, and clothes to the naked. Then God
will be pleased.
Give rein to the negative states (avariciousness, anger, hatred, pride, etc.) only as much as is essential to go through the karma earmarked for this physical existence.
Go wherever you will, over the wide world, I am with you.
God does not like big subscriptions and donations collected against the wishes of the donors, but He likes ever trifling amounts given with love, devotion.
God has agents everywhere and their powers are vast.
God has created this beautiful world and it is our duty to appreciate its beauty.
God is not so far away. He is not in the heavens above, nor in hell below. He is always near you.
God is the sole doer and inspirer. He is also most merciful.
God, is the sole dispenser and protector, always think of Him. He will take care of you. Surrender to His feet with body, mind, wealth and speech, and then see what He does.
God lives in all beings and creatures, whether they be serpents or scorpions. He is the great wire-puller of the world, and all beings, serpents, scorpions etc., obey His command. Unless He wills it, nobody can do any harm to others.
God will show His love. He is kind to all.
Have faith and patience. Then I will be always with you wherever you are.
He who attains the supreme goal of life is immortal and happy; all others merely exist, i.e. live so long as they breathe”.
He who bankers after worldly position, name and fame, can never realize God.
He who carps and cavils at others pierces Me in the heart and injures Me, but he that suffers and endures pleases Me most.
He who cometh to My Samadhi, his sorrow and suffering shall cease.
He, who gets rid of his ego, places (or surrenders) it at My feet, I help him the most.
He who loves Me most, always sees Me.
He, who shuns transitory pleasures, lands in the inner lake of immortality.
He who thinks that I am only at Shirdi has never known Me. I am omnipresent - anywhere, everywhere, all the time and in all creation. I am at Shirdi and everywhere.
He who withdraws his heart from the world and loves Me is My true lover and he merges in Me like a river in the sea.
Help the poor and needy.
However distant my people may be, I draw them to Me just as we pull a bird to us
with a string tied to its foot.
I always care and provide for welfare of My devotees, who devoutly worship Me with their minds ever fixed on Me.
I always think of him, who remembers Me. I run and manifest Myself to him, who lovingly calls Me.
I am at Shirdi and everywhere. Whatever you do, wherever you may be, ever
bear this in mind, that I am always aware of everything.
I am ever living to help and guide all, who come to Me, who surrender to Me
and who seek refuge in Me.
I am formless and everywhere!
I am in everything and beyond. I fill all space.
I am not the body or the senses. I am the eternal Saakshi (witness).
I am the bond slave of My devotee. I love devotion.
I am the giver of everything. How can anyone get anything without my sanction?
I am the progenitor of God.
I am shepherd who always tenderly looks after his flock.
I am the slave of My devotee.
I am the slave of those who hunger and thirst after Me and treat everything
else as unimportant.
I am your servants’ servant.
I cannot do anything without God’s permission.
I carry on, as a wirepuller, all the actions of the man who trusts Me and merges in Me.
I do not need any paraphernalia (things) of worship, either eight-fold or sixteen-fold.
I embroiled Myself in karma and got this body. Brahman is My father and Maya is My mother.
I fill all space and am omnipresent. I am in water, in dry places, in crowds and solitary wilderness. I am in the fire and in ether.
I feel indebted to him, who surrenders himself completely to Me and ever remember Me.
I give people what they want in the hope that they will begin to want I want to give them.
I get angry with none. Will a mother get angry with her children? Will the ocean
send back the waters to the several rivers?
I give My devotees whatever they ask, until they ask for what I want to give.
I give salutation to the person, who surrenders to Me completely, who worships Me faithfully, who remembers Me always, and meditates on Me constantly.
I have to take care of My children day and night and give an account to God of every paisa.
I look on all with an equal eye.
I love devotion.
I never speak any untruth, while sitting in this Masjid.
I require no door to enter. I have no form or any extension; I always live everywhere.
I require no conveyance, carriage, tonga nor train nor aeoroplane. I run and manifest Myself to him who lovingly calls Me.
I rest there where there is full devotion,
I shall be active and vigorous even from My tomb.
I shall be ever active and vigorous even after leaving this earthly body.
I shall be with you the moment you think of Me.
I stay by the side of whoever repeats My name.
I think of My people day and night. I say their names over and over.
I will not allow My devotees to come to harm.
If a devotee is about to fall, I stretch out My hands to support him or her.
If a man utters My name with love, I shall fulfill all his wishes, increase his devotion. And if he sings earnestly My life and my deeds, him I shall beset in front and back and on all sides.
If any one does any evil unto you, do not retaliate. If you can do anything, do some good unto others.
If anybody wants any money from you and you are not inclined to give, do not give, but do not bark at him like a dog.
If any men or creatures come to you, do not discourteously drive them away, but receive them well and treat them with due respect.
If anyone gets angry with another, they wound Me to the quick.
If anyone offends you do not return tit for tat.
If formless meditation is difficult, then think of My form just as you see it here (Shirdi). With such meditation, the difference between subject and object is lost and the mind dissolves in unity.
If I take one rupee as Dakshina (offering) from anybody, I have to return it ten-fold to him. I never ask anyone indiscriminately.
If My Leelas are written about or devoutly sung and attentively listened to, Ignorance will vanish, awareness of the body will reduce and strong waves of devotion & love would arise.
If my stories are listened to, all the diseases will be got rid of. So, hear my stories with respect and think and meditate on them, assimilate them.
If one devotes their entire time to Me and rests in Me, need fear nothing for body
and soul.
If one meditates on Me, repeats My name and sings about My deeds, he is transformed and his bad karma is destroyed. I stay by his side always.
If one perpetually thinks of Me and makes Me his sole refuge, I become his debtor and will give My head to save him.
If one sees Me and Me alone and listens to My Leelas and is devoted to Me
alone, they will reach God.
If the devotee has sincere faith in Me, his mind will merge with the supreme consciousness. Even mere chanting of My name, as ‘Sai, Sai’ will do away with the sins of speech and hearing.
If the mind be vagrant, it cannot be called well-merged.
If we see all actions as God’s doing, we will be unattached and free from karmic
bondage.
If you acquire wealth, become humble the way a tree laden with fruit bows down.
If you always say ‘Sai Sai’, I shall take you over the seven seas.
If you are wealthy, be humble. Plants bend when they bear fruit.
If you avoid rivalry and dispute, God will protect you.
If you cannot endure abuse from another, just say a simple word or two, or else
leave.
If you cast your burden on Me, I shall surely bear it.
If you do not want to part with what you have, do not lie and claim that you have nothing, but decline politely saying that circumstances or your own desires prevent you.
If you earnestly sing about My Leelas and deeds or spread My message, you will merge in My grace.
If you listen to Me carefully and always meditate on Me, you will surely benefit.
If you look at Me I will look at you.
If you make Me the sole object of your thoughts and aims you will gain Paramatma (supreme goal).
If you seek My help and guidance I will immediately give it to you.
If you spread your palms with devotion before Me, I am immediately with you day and night.
In due time your bad actions will be destroyed, your merits and dements will be reduced to ashes and I shall consider you blessed where you will renounce all attachments, conquer lust and palate and getting rid of all impediments.
In the body there are many robbers. Bolt your doors. Be very vigilant, the thieves will carry every thing; wealth and prosperity are transient and the body is subject to decay and death.
In whatever faith men worship Me, even so do I render to them.
Is there any other to protect the one who is the protector of all?
It is better to serve than to rule.
It is my special characteristic to free any person, who surrenders completely to me and who does worship me faithfully and who remembers me and meditates on my constantly.
It is not necessary to go so long for a holy bath. Our Prayag is here, believe Me.
It is not good to dispute and argue. So don’t argue, don’t emulate others.
Joy and sorrow should not affect one. They are both delusions.
Karma (actions) is the cause of happiness as well as sorrow too. One must therefore bear with it.
Know that My Spirit is immortal. Know this for yourself.
Know that there is a compelling reason behind every incident in your life as well as the world life.
Leave off all cleverness and remember 'Sai Sai'. If you did that all you shackles would be removed and you would be free.
Let anybody speak hundreds of things against you, do not resent by giving any bitter reply. If you always tolerate such things, you will certainly be happy.
Let the senses do their allotted works. We should not meddle with their work.
Let the world go topsy-turvy, you remain where you are.
Let us be humble.
Let us do our prescribed duty and surrender our body, mind and five pranas (life) to the Guru's feet. Guru is God, all pervading.
Life and Death are the manifestations of God’s activity. You cannot separate the two. God permeates all.
Listening to My Leelas (stories & teachings) will create shraddha in your heart, and with a little of bit saburi (patience) you can overcome the obstacles leading to "Self Realisation & Bliss”.
Look at Me with sincere devotion and I, in turn, look at you likewise.
Love and respect for each other and compassion towards the downtrodden and
animals.
Love all. Practice Ahimsa. Do not harm others by thought, word or deed.
Love divine is the salt of all sadhana (concentration). It is the sweetness that is sadhana. Without Love, sadhana is insipid and dry.
Love towards all animals, birds and insects.
Man is a product of the forbidden fruit. He can find peace only in the inner sanctuary of God.
Meditate on Me either with form or without form, that is pure bliss.
Meditate on Me as pure ananda nirakara [formless bliss], but if you cannot do this, then meditate on this Sai Body exactly as you see it.
Meditate on what you read and think of God.
Mere reading of spiritual books will not be enough! The teachings in them have to be practised and lived. Think and practise what you read; otherwise it is useless.
Money is a necessity but don't get obsessed with it. Yet, don't be a miser, be generous.
Mukti is impossible for those addicted to lust.
My abode is in your heart and I am within you.
My dear devotees! If wealth comes to you, be very humble like the tree loaded with fruits.
My devotees must strive to get Lord's Grace & Blessings, instead of struggling for necessities of life.
My devotees see everything as their Guru.
My duty is to give Blessings.
My eye is ever on those who love me.
My method is unique. To get Self Realisation, (i.e. knowledge of self) Dhyana (meditation) is absolutely necessary. If practised continuously, the thought processes will be calmed. So become desireless and meditate on the Lord within you and in all creatures. When the mind is thus concentrated, Self-Realisation will be attained.
My eye is ever on those who love Me.
My mind aches at your quarrels. Wherever you hurt others or bit hard at living ones, the hurt is transferred to Me. I become sick and feverish.
My mortal remains would speak from my tomb.
My people do not come to Me of their own accord; it is I who seek and bring them to Me.
My tomb shall bless and speak the needs of my devotees.
My treasury is open but no one brings carts to take from it. I say, “Dig!” but no
one bothers.
My treasury is full and I can give any one what he wants. But I have to see whether he is qualified to receive what I give.
My words are always pregnant with meaning and never hollow.
Mysterious is the path of action.
Neither I am God, nor Lord. I am His obedient servant and remember Him often.
Never envy others' richer.
Never insult the poor.
Nobody should take the labour of others in vain.
No harm shall be befall him who sets his foot on the soil of Shirdi.
Nothing will harm him who turns his attention towards Me.
No one wants to take from Me what I give abundantly.
Not in vain is My promise that I shall ever lighten your burden.
One must not be concerned by the beauty or external appearance of a person, but seek the God within.
One’s sin will not cease till one falls at the feet of Sadhus.
One who loves Me intensely, always sees Me. I lead him to Self-Realisation.
Other people’s acts will affect just them. It is only your own deeds that will affect you.
Our Karma is the cause of our happiness and sorrow; therefore put up with whatever comes to you.
Pain is an eye-opener. It awakens man to the inner realities of Life.
Path of "Self-Realisation" (enlightenment) is as difficult as walking on a razor's edge. For, one must fully surrender five pranas (vital forces) and five senses (of action, perception, mind, intellect and ego).
Patience is the Mine of virtues and consort of good thoughts.
Patience can ferry you across the sea of mundane existence and can remove all sins, afflictions and get rid of calamities in various ways, besides casting aside all fears ultimately making for success.
People abuse their own friends and family, but it is only after performing many meritorious acts that one gets a human birth. Why then come to Shirdi and slander people?
Perform your duty conscientiously and with detachment, not regarding yourself as the doer.
Place entire faith in Me and you will soon get your object.
Poverty is the highest of riches and a thousand times superior to a king’s wealth.
Poverty is better than Kingship, for better than Lordship. The Lord is always brother (befriender) of the poor.
Put full faith in God’s providence.
Question: There are so many crowding to Sai Baba. Do they all get benefit from You?
Sai Baba answered: "Look at the mango tree in blossom. If all the flowers
brought fruit, what a splendid crop it would be. But do they? Most fall off (either
as flowers or as unripe fruits) by wind etc. Very few remain."
Rama (the God of the Hindus) and Rahim (the God of the Mohammedans) were one and the same; there was not the slightest difference between them; then why should their devotees quarrel among themselves?
Real sorrow is the cycle of birth and death and the real happiness is liberation
Realise God in His totality, everything is be; every action is be; every thought is be; every impulse is be; every bhav (expression) is be; every sensation is be.
Recognize the existence of the Moral Law as governing results. Then unswervingly follow this Law.
Reduce your wants. The mind shall shrink and be concentrated on the Bindu (point) within.
Repeat My name. Seek refuge in Me. But to know who I am, practice sravana [hearing the word of the Guru] and manana [reflection].
Restrict your actions, speech and thoughts. That shall help internalize your mind.
Saburi (patience) ferries you across to the distant goal.
Satsang that is associating with the good is good. Dussaya, or associating with evil-minded people, is evil and must be avoided.
See how I have to suffer for My devotees; their difficulties are Mine.
See the divine in the human being.
Show unto Me he who sought refuge and been turned away.
Simple remembrance of My name as 'Sai, Sai' 'will do away all the sins of speech and hearing.
Speak the truth and truth alone.
Spend money in charity; be generous and munificent but not extravagant.
Stay by Me and keep quiet. I will do the rest.
Surrender completely to God.
Surrender the fruit of action to God so that action does not bind you. It is ties of indebtedness from previous births, which bring humans and other beings together.
Sweet behavior with others wins the divine grace.
The best way to receive is to give. The donor sows his seeds to reap rich harvest in future.
The disciples should have firm faith backed up by intelligence and if they add patience to these, their spiritual goal will not be distant.
The four Sadhanas and the six Sastras are not necessary. Just complete trust in your Guru: it is enough.
The function of the mind is to think, it cannot remain for a minute without thinking. If you give it a Sense-object, it will think about it.
The giver gives, but really he is sowing the seed for later: the gift of a rich harvest.
The Moral Law is inexorable, so follow it, observe it, and you will reach your goal: God is the perfection of the Moral Law.
The phenomenal world is an illusion. How long will you keep on chasing the shadows?
The one Namaskar offered with love and humility is enough.
The present fate is the result of past actions done in earlier birth.
The pride and egoism of my devotees will vanish, the mind of the hearers will be set at rest and if it has wholehearted and complete faith, it will be one with Supreme Consciousness.
The wise are cheerful and content with their lot in life.
The world is all dependent on God, and no one is independent.
The wretched and miserable would rise into plenty of joy and happiness, as soon as they climb steps of My Samadhi.
There is a wall of separation between oneself and others and between you and Me. Destroy this wall!
There are four elements in sadhana:- The first is the discrimination between the eternal and the ephemeral - that brahman alone is true, the world is not. The second is the renouncing all desire about this life or the thereafter. The third is to inculcate these qualities i.e. control of the mind, bearing without anguish the fated pain and sorrow, remaining ensnared by maya, knowing that money, wife, children and relatives are all ephemeral. The fourth is an intense desire for liberation
There are numerous persons who are praying to Me. I am speaking to all of them,
There shall be no want in the house of My devotees.
There will never by any dearth or scarcity regarding food and cloths in My devotee's home. It is my special characteristic that I look always to, and provide for the welfare of those devotees.
This body is just My house. My Guru has long ago taken Me away from it.
This is not just a mosque. It is dwarka [mercy]. Those who seek refuge here will never be harmed.
Those who think that Baba is only in Shirdi have totally failed to know Me.
Those who lovingly sing Baba’s fame and those who hear the same with devotion, both become one with Sai.
Though I be no more in flesh and blood, I shall ever protect My devotee.
Though I am here, I know what you do beyond seven seas.
To be free from all shackles, always chant 'Sai' 'Sai', shedding all cleverness, arrogance or egoism and brazenness.
To God be the praise. I am only the slave of God.
To him who surrenders unto Me totally I shall be ever indebted.
To steady the mind, idol worship is a way, even though the idol is not God. If you do puja with devotion and emotion, you can concentrate better.
Trust in Me and your prayer shall be answered.
Trust in the Guru fully. That is the only Sadhana.
Trying to achieve emancipation without achieving purity of mind is only a waste of energy and a parade of one’s knowledge.
Unless there is some relationship or connection, nobody goes anywhere.
Watch the present, and the future will take care of itself.
We get human body as a result of merits in the past births and it is worthwhile that with its aid we should attain devotion and liberation in this life. So, we should never be lazy, but always be on the alert to gain our end and aim of life.
We should take pity and love all creatures, leave off adventurous fights and killings and be patient.
Wealth is really a means to work out Dharma. If one uses it merely for personal enjoyment, it is vainly spent.
What do we lose by another’s good fortune? Let us celebrate with them, or strive to emulate them.
What is meditation? Real meditation is to lose one’s false individuality into the ocean of cosmic divine personality.
What is our duty? To behave properly. That is enough.
Whatever creature comes to you, human or otherwise, treat it with consideration.
Whatever you do, wherever you may be, always bear this in mind: I am always aware of everything you do.
Whatever you may do remember that you cannot escape the consequences of your actions (good or bad) committed either in this life itself or in your past life.
What God gives is never exhausted, what man gives never lasts.
What you sow, you reap. What you give, you get.
When a devotee has got firm faith and devotion, his/her wishes are soon fulfilled.
When one enters the Dwarka Mayi, his/her goal is achieved
When true Knowledge dawns, action comes from the supreme personality of Godbead within.
When you see with your inner eye, then you realize that you are God and not different from Him.
Whenever you had complete and whole-hearted devotion to Me, all your calamities and dangers were warded off and your welfare attended to by Me.
Whenever you undertake to do something, do it thoroughly or not at all.
When I turn My finger, I am turning their minds. When I move My lips, I am talking to them. When I laugh, I am amused at their follies. These are the things I am doing for My devotees.
When the front door is open why go by the back door. When the heart is pure, there is no difficulty what so ever. Why should any one be afraid of any one if there be no evil thought in us?
Whoever makes Me the sole object of their love, merges in Me like a river in the ocean.
Whoever puts his feet on Shirdi soil, his sufferings would come to an end.
Why do you fear when I am here?
Without my grace, not even a leaf can move.
Worship Me always, who is seated in your heart: as well as in the hearts of all beings blessed and fortunate indeed is he, who knows Me thus.
Yoga, sacrifice, penance, knowledge are the means to attain God. If you do not succeed in this by any means, vain is your birth.
You are all well, under the Neem Tree, feeling its cool shade and spending your life happily. But here I am experiencing all your difficulties and troubles.
You are nothing, nothing. He alone is everything.
You do your duty, don’t be afraid in the least, steady your mind and have faith in My words.
You go on reviling your own brethren to your heart's content. After performing many deeds of merit you are born a man and if you act like this, will Shirdi help you in any way?
You ignorant folk, children, join hands and bring both the communities together, act sanely and thus you will gain your object of national unity.
You must enjoy the fruit good of bad of your past actions; If the enjoyment be incomplete, suicide will not help you. You have to take another birth and suffer again. So instead of killing yourself, why not suffer for some time and finish up your store of the fruit of your past deeds and be (done) with it once and for all?
You should never speak ill of others on unnecessarily criticize.
You should not stay for even one second at a place where people are speaking disrespectfully of a saint.
You need not go far or anywhere in search of Me. Barring your name and form, there exists in you, as well as in all beings, a sense of Being or Consciousness of Existence. That is Myself. Knowing this, you see Me inside yourself, as well as in all beings. If you practise this, you will realize all-pervasiveness and thus attain ONENESS with Me.
The last word uttered by Sai Baba before His last breathing was “Oh Deva”. Then Baba seemed just to open His eyes and said “Ah” in a low tones; instantly He took “Mahasamadhi”.
“OM SAI SARANAM”
==== Shubham ====
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Saturday, 21 November 2009
8. Cosmos as Space in Our Own Consciousness
By M M DIVAKARAN
[Published in The Times of India, The Speaking Tree Section Page 12, Tuesday, January 17, 2006]
Aurobindo Ghosh explained the different types of human minds: Between the upper and lower hemispheres there was a link plane, the ‘supermind’. This was not, as the name might suggest, a higher activity of mind. It was a different power altogether, as different from mind as mind is from life and life is from matter Between supermind and the lower levels there is an intermediate plane of ‘superconscient cosmic mind’, the ‘overmind’.
The mental being in me became a free intelli¬gence, a universal mind, not limited to the narrow circle of personal thought as a labourer in a ‘thought factory, but as a receiver of knowl¬edge from all the hun¬dred realms of being and free to choose what it willed in this vast sight and thought-empire.
By M. M. DIVAKARAN
The Srimad Bhagavatam says that when the mind is steady in divine contemplation, it expresses sattwa overcoming rajas and tamas. No more is there feverish hankering after worldliness. Tranquillity comes to a heart which is no longer stirred by desires, as stillness to a fire when no more fuel is added.
Eknath Easwaran says, we are most vulnerable during moments of transition … for a pivotal moment the mind has nothing to hold on to, and in its insecurity it may suggest all kinds of things - a cigarette, an extra piece of pie, a magazine. Suddenly any of these can seem fraught with urgency though you know in the back of your mind that they are a poor use your time.
Swami Vivekananda said: “He who knows and controls his own mind, knows the secret of every mind and has power over every mind”. The Chandogya Upanishad discloses that the Mind con¬sists of food, prana (life force) of water and speech of fire.
Sage Vasishta said to Prince Rama: “As long as you do not subdue the mind, you cannot get rid of your desires, you cannot control your restless mind. Hence, knowledge of Truth, subjection of mind and abandonment of desires jointly cause spiritual bliss”. Knowing the world to consist of consciousness, the mind of the wise man is rapt in the thought of his universality and roams free, seeing the cosmos as space in his own cons¬ciousness.
Sri Sathya Sai Baba says the human mind has two distinct capa¬bilities: the capacity to acquire worldly skills, and the capacity for spiritual discrimination, medha shakti and buddhi.
Krishna tells Arjuna that one who has good mind is dear to Him. “He who hates no creature, and Is friendly and compassionate towards all, who is free from the feelings of ‘I and mine’, even-minded in pain and pleasure, forbearing, ever-content, steady in medita¬tion, self-controlled, and possessed of firm convic¬tion, with mind and intel¬lect fixed on Me - he who is thus devoted to Me, is dear to Me”.
To gain steady wisdom Krishna advises casting away of all desires of the mind, satisfied in the Self alone by the Self. Then steady wisdom with a mind unshaken by adversity makes one not hanker after happiness. You become free from affection, fear, and wrath.
http://spirituallty.Indiatimes.com
===========================================
[Published in The Times of India, The Speaking Tree Section Page 12, Tuesday, January 17, 2006]
Aurobindo Ghosh explained the different types of human minds: Between the upper and lower hemispheres there was a link plane, the ‘supermind’. This was not, as the name might suggest, a higher activity of mind. It was a different power altogether, as different from mind as mind is from life and life is from matter Between supermind and the lower levels there is an intermediate plane of ‘superconscient cosmic mind’, the ‘overmind’.
The mental being in me became a free intelli¬gence, a universal mind, not limited to the narrow circle of personal thought as a labourer in a ‘thought factory, but as a receiver of knowl¬edge from all the hun¬dred realms of being and free to choose what it willed in this vast sight and thought-empire.
By M. M. DIVAKARAN
The Srimad Bhagavatam says that when the mind is steady in divine contemplation, it expresses sattwa overcoming rajas and tamas. No more is there feverish hankering after worldliness. Tranquillity comes to a heart which is no longer stirred by desires, as stillness to a fire when no more fuel is added.
Eknath Easwaran says, we are most vulnerable during moments of transition … for a pivotal moment the mind has nothing to hold on to, and in its insecurity it may suggest all kinds of things - a cigarette, an extra piece of pie, a magazine. Suddenly any of these can seem fraught with urgency though you know in the back of your mind that they are a poor use your time.
Swami Vivekananda said: “He who knows and controls his own mind, knows the secret of every mind and has power over every mind”. The Chandogya Upanishad discloses that the Mind con¬sists of food, prana (life force) of water and speech of fire.
Sage Vasishta said to Prince Rama: “As long as you do not subdue the mind, you cannot get rid of your desires, you cannot control your restless mind. Hence, knowledge of Truth, subjection of mind and abandonment of desires jointly cause spiritual bliss”. Knowing the world to consist of consciousness, the mind of the wise man is rapt in the thought of his universality and roams free, seeing the cosmos as space in his own cons¬ciousness.
Sri Sathya Sai Baba says the human mind has two distinct capa¬bilities: the capacity to acquire worldly skills, and the capacity for spiritual discrimination, medha shakti and buddhi.
Krishna tells Arjuna that one who has good mind is dear to Him. “He who hates no creature, and Is friendly and compassionate towards all, who is free from the feelings of ‘I and mine’, even-minded in pain and pleasure, forbearing, ever-content, steady in medita¬tion, self-controlled, and possessed of firm convic¬tion, with mind and intel¬lect fixed on Me - he who is thus devoted to Me, is dear to Me”.
To gain steady wisdom Krishna advises casting away of all desires of the mind, satisfied in the Self alone by the Self. Then steady wisdom with a mind unshaken by adversity makes one not hanker after happiness. You become free from affection, fear, and wrath.
http://spirituallty.Indiatimes.com
===========================================
Friday, 20 November 2009
11. Significance of Makar Sankranti
- By M. M. Divakaran
Makar Sankranti is one of the most auspicious day for the Hindus, and is celebrated it in almost all parts in India with great devotion. The time when the sun changes direction from one constellation (of the zodiac) to another is known as Sankranti. The transition of the Sun from Sagittarius to Capricorn during the winter solstice in the northern hemisphere (Uttarayana i.e Makara Raasi) is known as Makar sankranti. From this day begins the six-month long Uttarayana, considered very auspicious day that falls on 14th January every year. Makar Sankranti is celebrated in the Hindu Calendar month of Magha and it is also known as Makara, or Uttarayana, Sankranti, or Lohri in the North, and as Pongal in Telugu and Tamil in the South.
In Kerala Sabarimala Makaravilakku festival is celebrated on this day. Sri Dharma Sasta (Lord Ayyappa) had his Avataaram (birth) on Saturday, Maargazi Panchami in Uttara Nakshatram. On the day of Makara Sankranti after the Deeparathana in the evening an unique flame appears three times on the horizon in the north-eastern side of the Ponnambalamedu an adjacent mountain top called Kantamala. This is called Makara Jyoti. At that time an unique Star glitters in the sky as well. This is known as Makara Nakshatra or Makara Star.
There is a Sankranti every month when the sun passes from one zodiac to the next zodiac. Accordingly there are twelve signs of the zodiac, and thus there are twelve sankrantis as well. Each of these sankranti has its own relative importance but two of these are more important - the Mesh (Aries) Sankranti and the most important on Makar (Capricorn) Sankranti. At Sankranti time great significance is attached to Ganga Snaan (bathing in river Ganga) and Surya Puja (worshipping the Sun God).
The grandfather Bhishma of Mahabharata chose to die during this Uttarayana period. Bhishma fell to the arrows of Arjun. With his boon to choose the time of his death, he waited on a bed of arrows to depart from this world only during this period. It is believed that those who die in this Uttarayana period will go to heaven.
According to Hindu mythology the Sun stands for knowledge, spiritual light and wisdom. Makara Shankranti signifies that we should turn away from the darkness to light and begin to joyously let the light within us shine brighter and brighter. We should gradually begin to grow in purity, wisdom, and knowledge, even as the sun does from this day.
On this day as per the legends Sun visits the house of his son Shani, who is the devotee of Makara Raasi. This father and son do not get in good sound, but inspite of any difference between each other the Sun makes it a point to meet each other on this day. In fact, father himself comes to his son's house for a month. This day symbolised the significance of special relationship of Sun and Shani. It was on this day when Lord Vishnu ended the ever increasing terrorism of the Asuras by finishing them off and burying their heads under the Mandara Parvat so that this auspicious occasion represents the end of negativities and beginning of a good era of righteous and living happily.
Bhagirath did great Tapasya to bring Ganga down on the earth for the redemption of 60,000 sons of Sagar, who were burnt to ashes at the Kapil Muni's Ashram. It was on this day that Bhagirath finally did tarpan with the Ganga water for his ancestors and thereby liberated them from the curse. After visiting the Patala for the redemption of the curse of Bhagirath's ancestors Ganga finally merged in the Sagar. Every year on this day a grand Ganga Sagar Mela is organised at the confluence of River Ganges and the Bay of Bengal. Lakhs of devotee take snaan and do tarpan for their ancestors.
From Makar Sankranti onwards when the sun is travelling northwards, too many auspicious things start happening. Climate and atmosphere improve. It is believed that the Children born during this period are naturally progressive, well mannered and pleasant. Also it is believed that the people who expire during the period of Utharaayan their departed soul will go to Heaven.
==========================================================
Makar Sankranti is one of the most auspicious day for the Hindus, and is celebrated it in almost all parts in India with great devotion. The time when the sun changes direction from one constellation (of the zodiac) to another is known as Sankranti. The transition of the Sun from Sagittarius to Capricorn during the winter solstice in the northern hemisphere (Uttarayana i.e Makara Raasi) is known as Makar sankranti. From this day begins the six-month long Uttarayana, considered very auspicious day that falls on 14th January every year. Makar Sankranti is celebrated in the Hindu Calendar month of Magha and it is also known as Makara, or Uttarayana, Sankranti, or Lohri in the North, and as Pongal in Telugu and Tamil in the South.
In Kerala Sabarimala Makaravilakku festival is celebrated on this day. Sri Dharma Sasta (Lord Ayyappa) had his Avataaram (birth) on Saturday, Maargazi Panchami in Uttara Nakshatram. On the day of Makara Sankranti after the Deeparathana in the evening an unique flame appears three times on the horizon in the north-eastern side of the Ponnambalamedu an adjacent mountain top called Kantamala. This is called Makara Jyoti. At that time an unique Star glitters in the sky as well. This is known as Makara Nakshatra or Makara Star.
There is a Sankranti every month when the sun passes from one zodiac to the next zodiac. Accordingly there are twelve signs of the zodiac, and thus there are twelve sankrantis as well. Each of these sankranti has its own relative importance but two of these are more important - the Mesh (Aries) Sankranti and the most important on Makar (Capricorn) Sankranti. At Sankranti time great significance is attached to Ganga Snaan (bathing in river Ganga) and Surya Puja (worshipping the Sun God).
The grandfather Bhishma of Mahabharata chose to die during this Uttarayana period. Bhishma fell to the arrows of Arjun. With his boon to choose the time of his death, he waited on a bed of arrows to depart from this world only during this period. It is believed that those who die in this Uttarayana period will go to heaven.
According to Hindu mythology the Sun stands for knowledge, spiritual light and wisdom. Makara Shankranti signifies that we should turn away from the darkness to light and begin to joyously let the light within us shine brighter and brighter. We should gradually begin to grow in purity, wisdom, and knowledge, even as the sun does from this day.
On this day as per the legends Sun visits the house of his son Shani, who is the devotee of Makara Raasi. This father and son do not get in good sound, but inspite of any difference between each other the Sun makes it a point to meet each other on this day. In fact, father himself comes to his son's house for a month. This day symbolised the significance of special relationship of Sun and Shani. It was on this day when Lord Vishnu ended the ever increasing terrorism of the Asuras by finishing them off and burying their heads under the Mandara Parvat so that this auspicious occasion represents the end of negativities and beginning of a good era of righteous and living happily.
Bhagirath did great Tapasya to bring Ganga down on the earth for the redemption of 60,000 sons of Sagar, who were burnt to ashes at the Kapil Muni's Ashram. It was on this day that Bhagirath finally did tarpan with the Ganga water for his ancestors and thereby liberated them from the curse. After visiting the Patala for the redemption of the curse of Bhagirath's ancestors Ganga finally merged in the Sagar. Every year on this day a grand Ganga Sagar Mela is organised at the confluence of River Ganges and the Bay of Bengal. Lakhs of devotee take snaan and do tarpan for their ancestors.
From Makar Sankranti onwards when the sun is travelling northwards, too many auspicious things start happening. Climate and atmosphere improve. It is believed that the Children born during this period are naturally progressive, well mannered and pleasant. Also it is believed that the people who expire during the period of Utharaayan their departed soul will go to Heaven.
==========================================================
10. Lord Ayyappa: HARIVARAASANAM VISWAMOHANAM and its meaning
SWAMIYE SARANAM AYYAPPA
HARIVARAASANAM VISWAMOHANAM …..
(Harivaraasanam…, the soothing Keertanam (Urakkupaattu) is recited at Sabarimala just prior to closing of Sreekovil at night before Lord Dharma Sastha (Ayyappa) goes to sleep. This Keertanam is taken from the book “Sasthasthuthi Kadambham” written by Kumbhakkudi Kulathur Ayyar in 1955. Harivaraasanam which contains 8 verses is also known as “Sri HariharaathmajakaAshtakam”.)
(1) Harivaraasanam Viswamohanam
Haridhadheeswaram Araadhyapaathukam
Arivimardhanam Nithyanarthanam
Hariharaathmajam Devamaashraye
[Saranam Ayyappa Swami Saranam Ayyappa….
Saranam Ayyappa Swami Saranam Ayyappa…]
Meaning: He who reposes in the tranquil yogic posture of Harivaraasanam,
He whose beauty enchants the whole universe,
He who is the essence of Hari’s grace,
He whose holy feet are worshipped,
He who destroys the inimical mental trends that affect the devotees,
He who daily engages in the eternal cosmic dance,
Son of Hari and Hara (Vishnu & Shiva), I take refuge in You.
My refuge is in you Ayyappa, My refuge is in you Ayyappa.
(2) Saranakeerthanam Sakthamaanasam
Bharanalolupam Narthanaalasam
Arunabhaasuram Bhoothanaayakam
Hariharathmajam Devamaashraye
[Saranam Ayyappa Swami Saranam Ayyappa….
Saranam Ayyappa Swami Saranam Ayyappa…]
Meanining: He who likes the songs (Saranakeerthanam) of refuge,
He who is the source of power of mind,
He who is the great ruler of entire universe,
He who loves cosmic dance,
He who shines like the rising sun,
He who is the king of all beings,
Son of Hari and Hara, I take refuge in You.
My refuge is in you Ayyappa, My refuge is in you Ayyappa.
(3) Pranayasathyakam Praananaayakam
Pranathakalpakam Suprabhaanjitham
Pranavamanthiram Keerthanapriyam
Hariharathmajam Devamaashraye
[Saranam Ayyappa Swami Saranam Ayyappa….
Saranam Ayyappa Swami Saranam Ayyappa…]
Meaning: He whose soul is supreme truth,
He who is the darling of all souls,
He who created the entire universe,
He who shines with a glittering Halo,
He who is the temple of Pranavam - “OM”,
He who loves devotional songs,
Son of Hari and Hara, I take refuge in You.
My refuge is in you Ayyappa, My refuge is in you Ayyappa.
(4) Thuragavaahanam Sundaraananam
Varagadhaayudham Devavarnnitham
Gurukrupaakaram Keerthanapriyam
Hariharathmajam Devamaashraye
[Saranam Ayyappa Swami Saranam Ayyappa….
Saranam Ayyappa Swami Saranam Ayyappa…]
Meaning: He who rides on the horse,
He who has pretty face,
He who holds the blessed mace called Varagada as weapon,
He who is extolled by the Devas (Gods),
He who bestows Divine Grace as the Supreme Guru,
He who loves devotional songs,
Son of Hari and Hara, I take refuge in You.
My refuge is in you Ayyappa, My refuge is in you Ayyappa.
(5) Thribbhuvanaarchitham Devathathmakam
Thrinayanam Prabhum Divyadhesikam
Thridhasapoojitham Chinthithapradham
Hariharathmajam Devamaashraye
[Saranam Ayyappa Swami Saranam Ayyappa….
Saranam Ayyappa Swami Saranam Ayyappa…]
Meanining: He who is worshipped by the three worlds,
He who is the Supreme Divinity of all Devas,
He who is the Master of three eyes (Shiva),
He who shines with Divine Splendour,
He who is worshipped three times a day,
He who fulfills thoughts and wishes,
Son of Hari and Hara, I take refuge in You.
My refuge is in you Ayyappa, My refuge is in you Ayyappa.
(6) Bhayabhayaavaham Bhaavukaavaham
Bhuvanamohanam Bhoothibhooshanam
Dhavalavaahanam Divyavaaranam
Hariharaathmajam Devamaashraye
[Saranam Ayyappa Swami Saranam Ayyappa….
Saranam Ayyappa Swami Saranam Ayyappa…]
Meaning: He who destroys fears and pains of worldly life,
He who brings prosperity and goodness,
He who is enchanter of whole universe,
He who wears holy ash as ornament,
He who rides on a white divine elephant,
Son of Hari and Hara, I take refuge in You.
My refuge is in you Ayyappa, My refuge is in you Ayyappa.
(7) Kalamrudhusmitham Suntharaananam
Kalabhakomalam Gaathramohanam
Kalabhakesari Vaajivaahanam
Hariharathmajam Devamaashraye
[Saranam Ayyappa Swami Saranam Ayyappa….
Saranam Ayyappa Swami Saranam Ayyappa…]
Meaning: He who blesses with enchanting smile,
He who has very pretty face,
He who is adorned by sandal paste,
He who has a pretty body,
He who is like a lion to the elephant,
He who rides on the horse,
Son of Hari and Hara, I take refuge in You.
My refuge is in you Ayyappa, My refuge is in you Ayyappa.
(8) Srithajanapriyam Chinthithapradham
Sruthivibhooshanam Saathujeevanam
Sruthimanoharam Geethalaalasam
Hariharathmajam Devamaashraye
[Saranam Ayyappa Swami Saranam Ayyappa….
Saranam Ayyappa Swami Saranam Ayyappa…]
Meaning: He who is dear to all devotees,
He who fulfills thoughts and wishes,
He who is praised by Sruthis / Vedas,
He who blesses life of ascetics,
He who is the delightful essence of Vedas,
He who enjoys divine hymns and music,
Son of Hari and Hara, I take refuge in You.
My refuge is in you Ayyappa, My refuge is in you Ayyappa.
-----------------------------------------
Hard copy distributed by M. M. Divakaran in November 2007
Systems Research Institute
17-A Gultekdi, Pune-411 037
Tel: (020) 2426-0323 / 2426-5431
E-mail: mm_divakaran@yahoo.com
--------------------------------------
=================================================================
HARIVARAASANAM VISWAMOHANAM …..
(Harivaraasanam…, the soothing Keertanam (Urakkupaattu) is recited at Sabarimala just prior to closing of Sreekovil at night before Lord Dharma Sastha (Ayyappa) goes to sleep. This Keertanam is taken from the book “Sasthasthuthi Kadambham” written by Kumbhakkudi Kulathur Ayyar in 1955. Harivaraasanam which contains 8 verses is also known as “Sri HariharaathmajakaAshtakam”.)
(1) Harivaraasanam Viswamohanam
Haridhadheeswaram Araadhyapaathukam
Arivimardhanam Nithyanarthanam
Hariharaathmajam Devamaashraye
[Saranam Ayyappa Swami Saranam Ayyappa….
Saranam Ayyappa Swami Saranam Ayyappa…]
Meaning: He who reposes in the tranquil yogic posture of Harivaraasanam,
He whose beauty enchants the whole universe,
He who is the essence of Hari’s grace,
He whose holy feet are worshipped,
He who destroys the inimical mental trends that affect the devotees,
He who daily engages in the eternal cosmic dance,
Son of Hari and Hara (Vishnu & Shiva), I take refuge in You.
My refuge is in you Ayyappa, My refuge is in you Ayyappa.
(2) Saranakeerthanam Sakthamaanasam
Bharanalolupam Narthanaalasam
Arunabhaasuram Bhoothanaayakam
Hariharathmajam Devamaashraye
[Saranam Ayyappa Swami Saranam Ayyappa….
Saranam Ayyappa Swami Saranam Ayyappa…]
Meanining: He who likes the songs (Saranakeerthanam) of refuge,
He who is the source of power of mind,
He who is the great ruler of entire universe,
He who loves cosmic dance,
He who shines like the rising sun,
He who is the king of all beings,
Son of Hari and Hara, I take refuge in You.
My refuge is in you Ayyappa, My refuge is in you Ayyappa.
(3) Pranayasathyakam Praananaayakam
Pranathakalpakam Suprabhaanjitham
Pranavamanthiram Keerthanapriyam
Hariharathmajam Devamaashraye
[Saranam Ayyappa Swami Saranam Ayyappa….
Saranam Ayyappa Swami Saranam Ayyappa…]
Meaning: He whose soul is supreme truth,
He who is the darling of all souls,
He who created the entire universe,
He who shines with a glittering Halo,
He who is the temple of Pranavam - “OM”,
He who loves devotional songs,
Son of Hari and Hara, I take refuge in You.
My refuge is in you Ayyappa, My refuge is in you Ayyappa.
(4) Thuragavaahanam Sundaraananam
Varagadhaayudham Devavarnnitham
Gurukrupaakaram Keerthanapriyam
Hariharathmajam Devamaashraye
[Saranam Ayyappa Swami Saranam Ayyappa….
Saranam Ayyappa Swami Saranam Ayyappa…]
Meaning: He who rides on the horse,
He who has pretty face,
He who holds the blessed mace called Varagada as weapon,
He who is extolled by the Devas (Gods),
He who bestows Divine Grace as the Supreme Guru,
He who loves devotional songs,
Son of Hari and Hara, I take refuge in You.
My refuge is in you Ayyappa, My refuge is in you Ayyappa.
(5) Thribbhuvanaarchitham Devathathmakam
Thrinayanam Prabhum Divyadhesikam
Thridhasapoojitham Chinthithapradham
Hariharathmajam Devamaashraye
[Saranam Ayyappa Swami Saranam Ayyappa….
Saranam Ayyappa Swami Saranam Ayyappa…]
Meanining: He who is worshipped by the three worlds,
He who is the Supreme Divinity of all Devas,
He who is the Master of three eyes (Shiva),
He who shines with Divine Splendour,
He who is worshipped three times a day,
He who fulfills thoughts and wishes,
Son of Hari and Hara, I take refuge in You.
My refuge is in you Ayyappa, My refuge is in you Ayyappa.
(6) Bhayabhayaavaham Bhaavukaavaham
Bhuvanamohanam Bhoothibhooshanam
Dhavalavaahanam Divyavaaranam
Hariharaathmajam Devamaashraye
[Saranam Ayyappa Swami Saranam Ayyappa….
Saranam Ayyappa Swami Saranam Ayyappa…]
Meaning: He who destroys fears and pains of worldly life,
He who brings prosperity and goodness,
He who is enchanter of whole universe,
He who wears holy ash as ornament,
He who rides on a white divine elephant,
Son of Hari and Hara, I take refuge in You.
My refuge is in you Ayyappa, My refuge is in you Ayyappa.
(7) Kalamrudhusmitham Suntharaananam
Kalabhakomalam Gaathramohanam
Kalabhakesari Vaajivaahanam
Hariharathmajam Devamaashraye
[Saranam Ayyappa Swami Saranam Ayyappa….
Saranam Ayyappa Swami Saranam Ayyappa…]
Meaning: He who blesses with enchanting smile,
He who has very pretty face,
He who is adorned by sandal paste,
He who has a pretty body,
He who is like a lion to the elephant,
He who rides on the horse,
Son of Hari and Hara, I take refuge in You.
My refuge is in you Ayyappa, My refuge is in you Ayyappa.
(8) Srithajanapriyam Chinthithapradham
Sruthivibhooshanam Saathujeevanam
Sruthimanoharam Geethalaalasam
Hariharathmajam Devamaashraye
[Saranam Ayyappa Swami Saranam Ayyappa….
Saranam Ayyappa Swami Saranam Ayyappa…]
Meaning: He who is dear to all devotees,
He who fulfills thoughts and wishes,
He who is praised by Sruthis / Vedas,
He who blesses life of ascetics,
He who is the delightful essence of Vedas,
He who enjoys divine hymns and music,
Son of Hari and Hara, I take refuge in You.
My refuge is in you Ayyappa, My refuge is in you Ayyappa.
-----------------------------------------
Hard copy distributed by M. M. Divakaran in November 2007
Systems Research Institute
17-A Gultekdi, Pune-411 037
Tel: (020) 2426-0323 / 2426-5431
E-mail: mm_divakaran@yahoo.com
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9. SABARIMALA: A MIRACLE PLACE
by M. M. DIVAKARAN
Most believers of Lord Ayyappa feel that they should go to Sabarimala darshan at least once in their life time to fulfill a sacred duty. Sabarimala Shri Dharma Sasta (Lord Ayyappa) temple is situated of Pathanamthitta District in Kerala and is 1556 feet above sea level, which is surrounded by 18 holy hills. Temple stands 25 feet height from the ground level. Every year Mandala-Makaravilakku festival commences on 16th November and ends on January 14th.
Sabarimala is named after Sabari, a tribal woman, mentioned in the Ramayana, who did thapas on Sabari hill and attained salvation after her meeting with Shri Ram. As per the legend Ayyappa is the son of Vishnu (Hari) and Shiva (Hara) when Vishnu assumed the form of Mohini, so Ayyappa is known as Hariharaputhran. Ayyappa is also regarded as the incarnation of Dharma Sastha (one who preaches and upholds Dharma). Historically, Ayyappa was an adopted prince of Raja of Pandalam. Historians say that the idol of Ayyappa has great similarity to the idol of Buddha in the form and gestures and chanting of “Swamiye Saranam Ayyappa” is also to be an adaptation of “Buddham Saranam Gachhami”. There is mention about Bhoothanatha/Sastha in Brahmapurana and the name of Sasta occurs in Mahabharata also. As Ayyappa is `Brahmachari’ women under the age group of 10 to 50 are not allowed to climb up the Pathinettampadi (Holy Eighteen Steps). Holy Eighteen Steps represent 18 holy hills in the `Poonkavanam' (Holy Forest), 18 Puranas, 18 Chapters of Bhagavad Gita. Kurukshetra war lasted for 18 days. It is also linked with 5 Indriyas, 8 Ragas, 3 Gunas and 2 Vasanas.
On the eve of the pilgrimage, during a special ceremony called kettumurrukku held at home in a pandal made of banana trees and coconut leaves, the pilgrim prepares his headload known as irumudi which is a cotton bag with two compartments. The front part of the irumudi contains a coconut filled with pure melted ghee from cow's milk which is the main offering to the Lord Ayyappa. The back part of the bag contains other items - say from salt to camphor!
After the hazardous 6-km walking on the forest road from Pamba, Neelimala breaks the devotee breaks a coconut carried in the irumudi before climbing on to the pathinettampadi (Eighteen Golden Steps). Breaking of the coconut in itself is a spiritual act - the shell of the coconut represents the material body and kernel, the immaterial; the water represents the soul. On reaching the 18th steps, the devotee realises the meaning of "Thathwamasi" - That You Are.
Sabarimala was once under the regime of the Pandalam dynasty. So there can be a mythical history for Sabarimala of Ayyappa and Pandalam dynasty. Ancestors of the Pandalam Royal family came to Kerala in Malayalam Era 79 (904 AD) from Madurai in Tamil Nadu. They fled from Madurai following the threat to their lives posed by intrigue of their own ministers. On reaching Pandalam after several sojourns en route, the family was helped by rulers of Venad to settle down. One group settled down in Punjar (Kottayam District) and the other in Pandalam. The then ruler of Venad helped them establish the Kingdom of Pandalam. The royal family of Pandalam belongs to the 'Bhargava Gothra' while other Kshatriya families in Kerala belong to the 'Viswamithra Gothra'. Secularism was one of the prime principles of Pandalam dynasty. The period of Ayyappa is considered to be somewhere between 1125-1225 A.D.
The striking significance of the beliefs about Sabarimala is the absence of the touch-me-not-ism. All are equal in Sabarimala. Even the Ayyappa and the devotee are known by the same name - either Ayyappa or Swami. It is only one temple in the world, with doors open to all, whatever be their beliefs. The triumvirate of Ayyappa - a Hindu; Vavar - a Muslim; and Kochu Thomman - a Christian speaks this factual truth.
Adi Sankara the exponent of Advaita philosophy lived in the 8thC AD. 'Mantras' of Sree Dharma Sastha mentioned in the puja book "Maha Sasthru Puja Kalpadrumam" has been written by Adi Sankara.
The Miracles in connection with Sabarimala:
While historical "Petta Thullal" (a kind of ritual dance applying sintoor, kukum etc. on the body) takes place on January 11th between 11.30 to 12.00 noon at Erumeli by Ambalappuzha group, an eagle appears in the sky. While another Petta Thullal performs by Alangattu group on the same day in the afternoon an unique Star glitters in the sky.
While the "Thiruvaabharanam" (the boxes contain the golden ornaments of Ayyappa) takes out from Pandalam Valiya Koikkal Sastha temple to Sabarimala on January 12th an eagle takes round top of the temple. As the procession reaches at Sabarimala on January 14th, in the evening an eagle will hover over it, guiding it directly to the Sanctum Sanctorum and then it mysteriously disappears.
On the day of Makara Sankranti on January 14th after the Deeparathana in the evening an unique flame appears three times on the horizon in the north-eastern side of the Ponnambalamedu an adjacent mountain top called Kantamala. This is called Makara Jyoti. At that time an unique Star glitters in the sky which is known as Makara Nakshatra or Makara Star.
Every year approximately 4-5 crores pilgrims visit Sabarimla. This indicates that a better management system is needed in Sabarimala than past years to control the pilgrims in future.
(Makaravilakku / Makara Sankranti is on 14th January)
====^^^=====
Most believers of Lord Ayyappa feel that they should go to Sabarimala darshan at least once in their life time to fulfill a sacred duty. Sabarimala Shri Dharma Sasta (Lord Ayyappa) temple is situated of Pathanamthitta District in Kerala and is 1556 feet above sea level, which is surrounded by 18 holy hills. Temple stands 25 feet height from the ground level. Every year Mandala-Makaravilakku festival commences on 16th November and ends on January 14th.
Sabarimala is named after Sabari, a tribal woman, mentioned in the Ramayana, who did thapas on Sabari hill and attained salvation after her meeting with Shri Ram. As per the legend Ayyappa is the son of Vishnu (Hari) and Shiva (Hara) when Vishnu assumed the form of Mohini, so Ayyappa is known as Hariharaputhran. Ayyappa is also regarded as the incarnation of Dharma Sastha (one who preaches and upholds Dharma). Historically, Ayyappa was an adopted prince of Raja of Pandalam. Historians say that the idol of Ayyappa has great similarity to the idol of Buddha in the form and gestures and chanting of “Swamiye Saranam Ayyappa” is also to be an adaptation of “Buddham Saranam Gachhami”. There is mention about Bhoothanatha/Sastha in Brahmapurana and the name of Sasta occurs in Mahabharata also. As Ayyappa is `Brahmachari’ women under the age group of 10 to 50 are not allowed to climb up the Pathinettampadi (Holy Eighteen Steps). Holy Eighteen Steps represent 18 holy hills in the `Poonkavanam' (Holy Forest), 18 Puranas, 18 Chapters of Bhagavad Gita. Kurukshetra war lasted for 18 days. It is also linked with 5 Indriyas, 8 Ragas, 3 Gunas and 2 Vasanas.
On the eve of the pilgrimage, during a special ceremony called kettumurrukku held at home in a pandal made of banana trees and coconut leaves, the pilgrim prepares his headload known as irumudi which is a cotton bag with two compartments. The front part of the irumudi contains a coconut filled with pure melted ghee from cow's milk which is the main offering to the Lord Ayyappa. The back part of the bag contains other items - say from salt to camphor!
After the hazardous 6-km walking on the forest road from Pamba, Neelimala breaks the devotee breaks a coconut carried in the irumudi before climbing on to the pathinettampadi (Eighteen Golden Steps). Breaking of the coconut in itself is a spiritual act - the shell of the coconut represents the material body and kernel, the immaterial; the water represents the soul. On reaching the 18th steps, the devotee realises the meaning of "Thathwamasi" - That You Are.
Sabarimala was once under the regime of the Pandalam dynasty. So there can be a mythical history for Sabarimala of Ayyappa and Pandalam dynasty. Ancestors of the Pandalam Royal family came to Kerala in Malayalam Era 79 (904 AD) from Madurai in Tamil Nadu. They fled from Madurai following the threat to their lives posed by intrigue of their own ministers. On reaching Pandalam after several sojourns en route, the family was helped by rulers of Venad to settle down. One group settled down in Punjar (Kottayam District) and the other in Pandalam. The then ruler of Venad helped them establish the Kingdom of Pandalam. The royal family of Pandalam belongs to the 'Bhargava Gothra' while other Kshatriya families in Kerala belong to the 'Viswamithra Gothra'. Secularism was one of the prime principles of Pandalam dynasty. The period of Ayyappa is considered to be somewhere between 1125-1225 A.D.
The striking significance of the beliefs about Sabarimala is the absence of the touch-me-not-ism. All are equal in Sabarimala. Even the Ayyappa and the devotee are known by the same name - either Ayyappa or Swami. It is only one temple in the world, with doors open to all, whatever be their beliefs. The triumvirate of Ayyappa - a Hindu; Vavar - a Muslim; and Kochu Thomman - a Christian speaks this factual truth.
Adi Sankara the exponent of Advaita philosophy lived in the 8thC AD. 'Mantras' of Sree Dharma Sastha mentioned in the puja book "Maha Sasthru Puja Kalpadrumam" has been written by Adi Sankara.
The Miracles in connection with Sabarimala:
While historical "Petta Thullal" (a kind of ritual dance applying sintoor, kukum etc. on the body) takes place on January 11th between 11.30 to 12.00 noon at Erumeli by Ambalappuzha group, an eagle appears in the sky. While another Petta Thullal performs by Alangattu group on the same day in the afternoon an unique Star glitters in the sky.
While the "Thiruvaabharanam" (the boxes contain the golden ornaments of Ayyappa) takes out from Pandalam Valiya Koikkal Sastha temple to Sabarimala on January 12th an eagle takes round top of the temple. As the procession reaches at Sabarimala on January 14th, in the evening an eagle will hover over it, guiding it directly to the Sanctum Sanctorum and then it mysteriously disappears.
On the day of Makara Sankranti on January 14th after the Deeparathana in the evening an unique flame appears three times on the horizon in the north-eastern side of the Ponnambalamedu an adjacent mountain top called Kantamala. This is called Makara Jyoti. At that time an unique Star glitters in the sky which is known as Makara Nakshatra or Makara Star.
Every year approximately 4-5 crores pilgrims visit Sabarimla. This indicates that a better management system is needed in Sabarimala than past years to control the pilgrims in future.
(Makaravilakku / Makara Sankranti is on 14th January)
====^^^=====
7. Onam : The Festival of Flowers
By M. M. Divakaran
Onam, the annual festival of Keralites is celebrated on Thiru Onam day in the month of `Chingam'. The initial ceremony related to this festival commence on the day of Atham with `poovidel' (the floral decoration prepared on the front-yard in the early morning. This floral decoration is known as Pookkalam and on every day in the morning the previous pookkalam will be cleansed and then afresh pookkalam will be prepared. This ceremony is for 10 days i.e. from Atham to Thiru Onam). Mahabali, the Asura King, who reigned over the Malayala Nadu took care of all the needs of the people. There was neither corruption nor injustice during his reign; all his subjects enjoyed equal rights and led a happy life. This is reflected in a song: Maveli naadu vaneedum kalam/manusharellarum onnupole which means `During the reign of Mahabali/All the people were equal'.
The legend about Onam is related to one of the incarnations of Vishnu as Vamana. By performing the Ashwamedha Yagnas Mahabali (the grandson of Prahlada and the son of Virochan) was able to reach in the position of Indra - the King of Gods. Indra attacked Mahabali and in the war that followed the latter was defeated. Mahabali decided to retaliate. He performed Vishwajit Yagna, and attained enormous power and Indra was defeated. Thus Mahabali became the ruler of Devlok. Indra and his followers decamped from Devlok. Later, Mahabali came back to the Earth and proclaimed himself as the King of all the three worlds - Earth, Heaven and the Netherworld.
Aditi, Indra's mother, was very much worried. She thought it unfair that her son was dethroned by an Asura King. She expressed her grief to Kashyap, her husband. He advised her to observe 12 days' `Payovrut' (penance) to please Vishnu. She did so. Vishnu asked her what boon she would like to have. Aditi requested Vishnu to be born as her son thereafter her son should get his kingdom back. Vishnu agreed.
Vishnu was born as Aditi's son in the `Abhijit Muhruth' (an auspicious time before noon) on Thiru Onam day in the month of Chingam. On this auspicious occasion all the planets placed themesleves in Subha Rassi. At that time all Gods and Goddesses witnessed there and blessed him. As soon as the child was born he was transfigured as a dwarf saint. So Kashyap named the child Vamana which means a dwarf person.
During that time, Mahabali was performing an `Ashwamedha Yagna' on the banks of Narmada river. Vamana came there and asked `three-foot earth' as daan (charity) in order to do the tapas. As Mahabali agreed, Vamana suddenly grew into gigantic dimensions and measured all three worlds by two feet. Respecting his own promise, Mahabali showed his head to measure the third foot. Vamana pushed Mahabili down to the abyss. However, Mahabali wrested one promise from Vishnu that he be allowed to visit his subjects on Thiru Onam day in the month of Chingam every year. Keralites celebrate this day as Onam. Finally Indra got back his kingdom and Vamana went to the banks of Gomati river; did his penance later he merged into Vishnu.
Legends contradict each other. Another mythology claims that Kerala was created by Parasu Ram, the son of Jamadagni and Renuka, who was the sixth incarnation of Lord Vishnu. During that time the land from `Kanyakumari' to `Gokarnam' were lying under the sea. Parasu Ram spinned out his axe into the sea and the sea from Kanyakumari to Gokarnam retreated itself giving birth to the land of Kerala. Vamana was the fifth incarnation of Vishnu and Parasu Ram the sixth. Kerala was non-existent during Vishnu's incarnation as Vamana.
Then what would be the reality of Onam? Onam has its roots in the past feudal social structure of Kerala. The "lower caste" people were bonded labourers under the land owners and "higher caste" people. The lower caste people used to work in the landlords farms from dawn to dusk. Their earnings were very low and so were their freedom. They lived in a slave-like situation.
Every festival has its own specific rituals. Onam has also its rituals which are deep rooted in the landlord-tenant relations. Some sympathetic landlords thought it is very necessary to give some respite to their tenants and the bonded labourers who worked slavingly for them round the year. It is but natural that a class of people who found themselves permanently in misery were highly grateful to any small gesture of sympathy, they highly appreciated it when the landlords granted them a few holidays. These holidays were in the post harvest season specially chosen on the day of Thiru Onam in the month of Chingam. The landlords gave their bonded labourers new clothes known as `Onakkodi'. The labourers in turn used to give gifts to their landlords. Those gifts were basically vegetables grown in the backyard of their hutments known as Onakkazchakal.
However, Keralites strongly believe in the legend of Vamana and Mahabali. Mahabali is warm welcomed during the Onam festival by performing different types of games and arts, special folksongs, dance in particular thiruvathirakali and conducting snake-boat (chundan vallam) race, etc. Most of these games and songs carry themes of landlord-bounded labourers relations. In the olden days the Onam was celebrated for 10 days but people now celebrate it for maximum 5 days. Onasadhya (lunch with different variety of delicious foods) is the main item on the day of Onam. This food items include Choru (cooked rice), different variety of curry such as parippu (dhal), pappad, sambar, aviyal, thoran, erissery (a curry made by peas and pumpkin without any sour ingredients), pickles, rasam, different type of chips including banana chip and payasam (sweet broth made of milk, jaggery, rice or dhal). A special payasam known as `adapradhaman’ is made by an additional ingredient of ada (a kind of flour-cake). On the day of Onam people wear Onakkodi (new clothes).
It is believed that `Nammazhwar' a devotee of Vishnu who authored `Thiruvaai Mozhi' had visited `Thrikkakkara Vamana Temple' in Kerala in A. D. 800. Also a record shows that some land has been gifted in favour of this temple to celebrate Onam. (T.A.S. Vol. II, P:85). It has been written in a `Thamra Saasanam' (edict on copper) of `Sthaanu Ravi' in A.D. 861 about `Aavani Onam'.
There are evidences that Onam had been celebrated in Tamil Nadu till A.D. 1000. Maamkkudi Maruthanaar, in his book `Madhuraikkanchi' (A.D. 400), has written in detail that Onam had been celebrated in Tamil Nadu, too, for 7 days remembering the story of Vamana and Mahabali. Periyazhwar (A.D. 900) has mentioned about Onam festival in the song of `Thirupallandu'.
It is also noticeable that the poor people attach more importance to Onam than done by the rich. They dream to have a good ruler like Mahabali. Will they get another Mahabali to vanish their grief? Never! However Onam will be celebrated every year as symbol of harmony, love, friendship and probity among the people of Malayala Nadu.
===========================================
Onam, the annual festival of Keralites is celebrated on Thiru Onam day in the month of `Chingam'. The initial ceremony related to this festival commence on the day of Atham with `poovidel' (the floral decoration prepared on the front-yard in the early morning. This floral decoration is known as Pookkalam and on every day in the morning the previous pookkalam will be cleansed and then afresh pookkalam will be prepared. This ceremony is for 10 days i.e. from Atham to Thiru Onam). Mahabali, the Asura King, who reigned over the Malayala Nadu took care of all the needs of the people. There was neither corruption nor injustice during his reign; all his subjects enjoyed equal rights and led a happy life. This is reflected in a song: Maveli naadu vaneedum kalam/manusharellarum onnupole which means `During the reign of Mahabali/All the people were equal'.
The legend about Onam is related to one of the incarnations of Vishnu as Vamana. By performing the Ashwamedha Yagnas Mahabali (the grandson of Prahlada and the son of Virochan) was able to reach in the position of Indra - the King of Gods. Indra attacked Mahabali and in the war that followed the latter was defeated. Mahabali decided to retaliate. He performed Vishwajit Yagna, and attained enormous power and Indra was defeated. Thus Mahabali became the ruler of Devlok. Indra and his followers decamped from Devlok. Later, Mahabali came back to the Earth and proclaimed himself as the King of all the three worlds - Earth, Heaven and the Netherworld.
Aditi, Indra's mother, was very much worried. She thought it unfair that her son was dethroned by an Asura King. She expressed her grief to Kashyap, her husband. He advised her to observe 12 days' `Payovrut' (penance) to please Vishnu. She did so. Vishnu asked her what boon she would like to have. Aditi requested Vishnu to be born as her son thereafter her son should get his kingdom back. Vishnu agreed.
Vishnu was born as Aditi's son in the `Abhijit Muhruth' (an auspicious time before noon) on Thiru Onam day in the month of Chingam. On this auspicious occasion all the planets placed themesleves in Subha Rassi. At that time all Gods and Goddesses witnessed there and blessed him. As soon as the child was born he was transfigured as a dwarf saint. So Kashyap named the child Vamana which means a dwarf person.
During that time, Mahabali was performing an `Ashwamedha Yagna' on the banks of Narmada river. Vamana came there and asked `three-foot earth' as daan (charity) in order to do the tapas. As Mahabali agreed, Vamana suddenly grew into gigantic dimensions and measured all three worlds by two feet. Respecting his own promise, Mahabali showed his head to measure the third foot. Vamana pushed Mahabili down to the abyss. However, Mahabali wrested one promise from Vishnu that he be allowed to visit his subjects on Thiru Onam day in the month of Chingam every year. Keralites celebrate this day as Onam. Finally Indra got back his kingdom and Vamana went to the banks of Gomati river; did his penance later he merged into Vishnu.
Legends contradict each other. Another mythology claims that Kerala was created by Parasu Ram, the son of Jamadagni and Renuka, who was the sixth incarnation of Lord Vishnu. During that time the land from `Kanyakumari' to `Gokarnam' were lying under the sea. Parasu Ram spinned out his axe into the sea and the sea from Kanyakumari to Gokarnam retreated itself giving birth to the land of Kerala. Vamana was the fifth incarnation of Vishnu and Parasu Ram the sixth. Kerala was non-existent during Vishnu's incarnation as Vamana.
Then what would be the reality of Onam? Onam has its roots in the past feudal social structure of Kerala. The "lower caste" people were bonded labourers under the land owners and "higher caste" people. The lower caste people used to work in the landlords farms from dawn to dusk. Their earnings were very low and so were their freedom. They lived in a slave-like situation.
Every festival has its own specific rituals. Onam has also its rituals which are deep rooted in the landlord-tenant relations. Some sympathetic landlords thought it is very necessary to give some respite to their tenants and the bonded labourers who worked slavingly for them round the year. It is but natural that a class of people who found themselves permanently in misery were highly grateful to any small gesture of sympathy, they highly appreciated it when the landlords granted them a few holidays. These holidays were in the post harvest season specially chosen on the day of Thiru Onam in the month of Chingam. The landlords gave their bonded labourers new clothes known as `Onakkodi'. The labourers in turn used to give gifts to their landlords. Those gifts were basically vegetables grown in the backyard of their hutments known as Onakkazchakal.
However, Keralites strongly believe in the legend of Vamana and Mahabali. Mahabali is warm welcomed during the Onam festival by performing different types of games and arts, special folksongs, dance in particular thiruvathirakali and conducting snake-boat (chundan vallam) race, etc. Most of these games and songs carry themes of landlord-bounded labourers relations. In the olden days the Onam was celebrated for 10 days but people now celebrate it for maximum 5 days. Onasadhya (lunch with different variety of delicious foods) is the main item on the day of Onam. This food items include Choru (cooked rice), different variety of curry such as parippu (dhal), pappad, sambar, aviyal, thoran, erissery (a curry made by peas and pumpkin without any sour ingredients), pickles, rasam, different type of chips including banana chip and payasam (sweet broth made of milk, jaggery, rice or dhal). A special payasam known as `adapradhaman’ is made by an additional ingredient of ada (a kind of flour-cake). On the day of Onam people wear Onakkodi (new clothes).
It is believed that `Nammazhwar' a devotee of Vishnu who authored `Thiruvaai Mozhi' had visited `Thrikkakkara Vamana Temple' in Kerala in A. D. 800. Also a record shows that some land has been gifted in favour of this temple to celebrate Onam. (T.A.S. Vol. II, P:85). It has been written in a `Thamra Saasanam' (edict on copper) of `Sthaanu Ravi' in A.D. 861 about `Aavani Onam'.
There are evidences that Onam had been celebrated in Tamil Nadu till A.D. 1000. Maamkkudi Maruthanaar, in his book `Madhuraikkanchi' (A.D. 400), has written in detail that Onam had been celebrated in Tamil Nadu, too, for 7 days remembering the story of Vamana and Mahabali. Periyazhwar (A.D. 900) has mentioned about Onam festival in the song of `Thirupallandu'.
It is also noticeable that the poor people attach more importance to Onam than done by the rich. They dream to have a good ruler like Mahabali. Will they get another Mahabali to vanish their grief? Never! However Onam will be celebrated every year as symbol of harmony, love, friendship and probity among the people of Malayala Nadu.
===========================================
6. Know About Many Gitas
By M. M. DIVAKARAN
We know about Bhagavad Gita but not aware of other Gitas which are scattered in the various Puranas.
1. BHAGAVAD GITA (the first) is mentioned in the Bhisma Parva of the Mahabharat and comprises 18 chapters. It contains the essence of Self-knowledge and divided into three sectors - Karma (work), Upasana (devotion) and Jnana (knowledge). This epic song is in the form of a question-answer session between Sri Krishna and Arjuna. The main teaching and advices of Bhagavad Gita is the attainment of Freedom by the performance
of one's duty in life. "Do the duty without an eye to the results thereof thus you should gain the purification of heart which is essential for Moksha."
2. BHAGAVAD GITA (the second) sung by Sri Krishna at the battle front in the Mahabharat war. When the Kurukshetra war was over Yudhistira was being crowned as the king. At that time Arjuna said Sri Krishna that he still had some doubts about the purpose of life and appealed to the Lord Krishna to enlighten him and Sri Krishna whole-heartedly agreed. This Gita is also in the question-answer form. It extols the four pathways to Knowledge - Action, Godhood, Love and Renunciation. When the first Gita was named as "Bhagavad Gita" Ved Vyasa called this Gita as "Anu Gita" i.e. Auxiliary Gita.
3. YAMA GITA is a part of Vishnu Purana which contains only 39 Slokas and describes the seven Manus and their certification to creation, maintenance and dissolution. This Gita sung by Vaivaswatha Manu as he heard it directly from Lord Yama. It extols the supremacy of Lord Vishnu, the various kind of branches of Knowledge, the duties of the several orders.
4. SHIVA GITA occurs in Padma Purana sung by Lord Shiva. It describes the various parts of the body, how they are formed and how the five elements affect the body and qualities that the body takes from them, the ten kind of Prana (Vayu) and the different Nidis. It also describes the five kinds of emancipation - Salokya, Saruypya, Saratya, Sayujya and Kaivalya followed by five sheaths - Annamaya kosa, Pranamaya kosa, Manonmaya kosa, Vignnamaya kosa and Anandamaya kosa. Then follows a description of Omkar, the mantras constituting it, the presiding deities, and their significance. It also describes duality leads to confusion and fear, and hence Advitha (oneness) is better. Shrouta Dharma (Shruti) is greater than Smarta Dharma (smriti)..
5. UDDHAVA GITA is the parting message of Sri Krishna to his beloved disciple Uddhava. It promotes a happier blend of Supreme Knowledge and Supreme Love and advocates the love towards the Lord and decries the love towards women and other sensual pleasures. Sri Krishna advise be free from attachment and ego, but perform your duties and be without pride and jealous. One who is compassionate, one who is a master of his mind, organs, feeling and desires, who has a balanced attitude and who seeks no name or fame, yet helps others to gain them and who has unquestioned faith in Me, is the best among people.
6. ISWARA GITA occurs in the later part of Kurma Purana which describes the supremacy of Lord Vishnu in its earlier portions and followed by Lord Shiva in its later portions. This extols the positive description of Atman then comes a description in negative terms (nethi). Atman and Universe are essentially different but by nature Atman is full of Bliss and also advise us the divinity resides in every aspect of creation and you should realise yourself.
7. SOOTA GITA occurs in the Skanda Purana and advices are given by Sage Soota to the assembly of Rishis (Saints). This describes of thirty six cosmic principles (5 Elements; the 5 Sheaths (Koshas); the 10 sense Organs; the 10 kinds of Prana (vayu); the 4 internal Entities i.e. Manas, Budhi, Chitha and Ahankara; Avidya (Ignorance) is the 35th principle and Jiva is the 36th principle.
8. RUDRA GITA occurs in Varaha Purana which is in the form of a dialogue between Lord Rudra and Sage Agastya. Lord Rudra tells that there is no difference between Brahma, Vishnu and Rudra. They appear different whenever they engage in different activities. Only the Supreme manifests in all the three aspects of Creation, Maintenance and Dissolution. It also extols both the ways of Pravrithi and Nivrithi of Knowledge, leading to Brahma, the path of meditation to Lord Vishnu, the path of Bhakti and the path of Yoga.
9. DEVI GITA is described in Devi Bhagvatam and promotes the unity of all Devas. Devi alone identified as Brahman existed in the beginning and is endowed with three eternal entities - Soul, Action and Time (i.e. Atma, Karma and Kala) to cause the Universe. In the beginning subsidiary Devis is to be worshipped with external rites as given in the Vedas and then the Moola Devi internally through Pranayama.
10. SRI RAMA GITA is compiled by Veda Vyasa. It is the story of Lord Rama so it is called "Veda Vyasa Ramayana". This forms a part of the "Uttara Kanda" and is in the form of a dialogue between Lord Rama and Lakshmana. It promotes the vedantic doctrine of "Absolute Unity". Says Rama, this birth is the result of prior actions. Action increases attachments and it cannot destroy ignorance.
11. MANGI GITA is described in Santi Parv of Mahabharat. Mangi Maharshi was very greedy in wealth. His story was told by Bhishma lying on the bed that made of arrows.
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We know about Bhagavad Gita but not aware of other Gitas which are scattered in the various Puranas.
1. BHAGAVAD GITA (the first) is mentioned in the Bhisma Parva of the Mahabharat and comprises 18 chapters. It contains the essence of Self-knowledge and divided into three sectors - Karma (work), Upasana (devotion) and Jnana (knowledge). This epic song is in the form of a question-answer session between Sri Krishna and Arjuna. The main teaching and advices of Bhagavad Gita is the attainment of Freedom by the performance
of one's duty in life. "Do the duty without an eye to the results thereof thus you should gain the purification of heart which is essential for Moksha."
2. BHAGAVAD GITA (the second) sung by Sri Krishna at the battle front in the Mahabharat war. When the Kurukshetra war was over Yudhistira was being crowned as the king. At that time Arjuna said Sri Krishna that he still had some doubts about the purpose of life and appealed to the Lord Krishna to enlighten him and Sri Krishna whole-heartedly agreed. This Gita is also in the question-answer form. It extols the four pathways to Knowledge - Action, Godhood, Love and Renunciation. When the first Gita was named as "Bhagavad Gita" Ved Vyasa called this Gita as "Anu Gita" i.e. Auxiliary Gita.
3. YAMA GITA is a part of Vishnu Purana which contains only 39 Slokas and describes the seven Manus and their certification to creation, maintenance and dissolution. This Gita sung by Vaivaswatha Manu as he heard it directly from Lord Yama. It extols the supremacy of Lord Vishnu, the various kind of branches of Knowledge, the duties of the several orders.
4. SHIVA GITA occurs in Padma Purana sung by Lord Shiva. It describes the various parts of the body, how they are formed and how the five elements affect the body and qualities that the body takes from them, the ten kind of Prana (Vayu) and the different Nidis. It also describes the five kinds of emancipation - Salokya, Saruypya, Saratya, Sayujya and Kaivalya followed by five sheaths - Annamaya kosa, Pranamaya kosa, Manonmaya kosa, Vignnamaya kosa and Anandamaya kosa. Then follows a description of Omkar, the mantras constituting it, the presiding deities, and their significance. It also describes duality leads to confusion and fear, and hence Advitha (oneness) is better. Shrouta Dharma (Shruti) is greater than Smarta Dharma (smriti)..
5. UDDHAVA GITA is the parting message of Sri Krishna to his beloved disciple Uddhava. It promotes a happier blend of Supreme Knowledge and Supreme Love and advocates the love towards the Lord and decries the love towards women and other sensual pleasures. Sri Krishna advise be free from attachment and ego, but perform your duties and be without pride and jealous. One who is compassionate, one who is a master of his mind, organs, feeling and desires, who has a balanced attitude and who seeks no name or fame, yet helps others to gain them and who has unquestioned faith in Me, is the best among people.
6. ISWARA GITA occurs in the later part of Kurma Purana which describes the supremacy of Lord Vishnu in its earlier portions and followed by Lord Shiva in its later portions. This extols the positive description of Atman then comes a description in negative terms (nethi). Atman and Universe are essentially different but by nature Atman is full of Bliss and also advise us the divinity resides in every aspect of creation and you should realise yourself.
7. SOOTA GITA occurs in the Skanda Purana and advices are given by Sage Soota to the assembly of Rishis (Saints). This describes of thirty six cosmic principles (5 Elements; the 5 Sheaths (Koshas); the 10 sense Organs; the 10 kinds of Prana (vayu); the 4 internal Entities i.e. Manas, Budhi, Chitha and Ahankara; Avidya (Ignorance) is the 35th principle and Jiva is the 36th principle.
8. RUDRA GITA occurs in Varaha Purana which is in the form of a dialogue between Lord Rudra and Sage Agastya. Lord Rudra tells that there is no difference between Brahma, Vishnu and Rudra. They appear different whenever they engage in different activities. Only the Supreme manifests in all the three aspects of Creation, Maintenance and Dissolution. It also extols both the ways of Pravrithi and Nivrithi of Knowledge, leading to Brahma, the path of meditation to Lord Vishnu, the path of Bhakti and the path of Yoga.
9. DEVI GITA is described in Devi Bhagvatam and promotes the unity of all Devas. Devi alone identified as Brahman existed in the beginning and is endowed with three eternal entities - Soul, Action and Time (i.e. Atma, Karma and Kala) to cause the Universe. In the beginning subsidiary Devis is to be worshipped with external rites as given in the Vedas and then the Moola Devi internally through Pranayama.
10. SRI RAMA GITA is compiled by Veda Vyasa. It is the story of Lord Rama so it is called "Veda Vyasa Ramayana". This forms a part of the "Uttara Kanda" and is in the form of a dialogue between Lord Rama and Lakshmana. It promotes the vedantic doctrine of "Absolute Unity". Says Rama, this birth is the result of prior actions. Action increases attachments and it cannot destroy ignorance.
11. MANGI GITA is described in Santi Parv of Mahabharat. Mangi Maharshi was very greedy in wealth. His story was told by Bhishma lying on the bed that made of arrows.
==================================================
5. THREEFOLD QUALITIES: Sattva, Rajas and Tamas
THREEFOLD QUALITIES: Sattva, Rajas and Tamas
By M. M. DIVAKARAN
In Bhagavad Gita (Chapter 17th & 18th), Krishna teaches Arjuna of Threefold Qualities (three kinds of gunas) that consist in every human-beings. They known as Sattva, Rajas and Tamas. Sattva guna attaches to happiness and arises wisdom; Rajas to action and arises from it greed, false opinion and belief; and Tamas verily shrouding discrimination and miscomprehension and arises ignorance.
In the Sraddha or attention threefold gunas which is inherent in their nature are the Sattvika, the Rajasika and the Tamasika. The man consists of his Sraddha, he really is what his Sraddha is.
Regarding Threefold Worship Krishna tells the Sattvika men worship the Devas (Gods); the Rajasika worship the Yakshas and the Rakhshasas; the Tamasika worship the Prethas and hosts of Bhootas.
Food has also its three qualities: The foods which augment, vitality, energy, strength, health, cheerfulness, and appetite, which are savoury and oleaginous, substantial and included ghee, are liked by the Sattvika.
The foods that are bitter, sour, saline, too much hot, pungent, dry, and burning, are liked by the Rajasika. This food is productive of pain, grief and disease.
The food that is stale (i.e. cooked three hours ago), tasteless, evil-smelling, refused food (i.e. left on the plate after a meal), and impure, are liked by the Tamasika. This food is also productive of pain, grief and disease.
Yajna: That Yajna is Sattvika which is performed by desiring no fruits, with their mind fixed on the Yajna only, for its own sake.
The Yajna which is performed seeking for fruit and for ostentation, know it to be Rajasika Yajna.
The Yajna which is performed without attention, in which no food is distributed to others, which is devoid of Mantras, Gifts, and Sraddha know it to be Tamasika Yajna.
Austerity: The worship of the Devas, the Gurus, and the Wise, Purity, Straight-forwardness, Continence, and Non-injury are called the "Austerity of the Body".
Speech which causes no vexation, and is true, as also agreeable and beneficial and study of the Vedas are called the "Austerity of Speech".
Serenity of mind, kindness, silence, Self-control, honesty of motive are called the "Austerity of Mental".
The Austerity of the Body, Austerity of Speech and Austerity of Mental practised by steadfast men, with great Sraddha, desiring no fruit, is said to be Sattvika.
The Austerity which is practised with the object of gaining honour and worship, and with ostentation, is said to be Rajasika.
The Austerity which is practised out of a foolish notion, with Self-torture or for the purpose of ruining another, is said to be Tamasika.
Gifts: The gifts who give with the idea of "To give is my right", does no service in return, in a suitable place and to a worthy person, that gift is regarded as Sattvika. But the gift given with a view to receiving in return, or looking for the fruit, or again reluctantly, that gift is regarded as Rajasika.
The gift given at the wrong place or wrong time, to unworthy persons, without regard or with disdain, that gift is regarded as Tamasika.
Knowledge: The Knowledge that by which one indestructible substance is seen in all beings, inseparate in the separated, that Knowledge is known as Sattvika. But the Knowledge which sees in all human-beings various entities of distinct kinds as different from one another, that Knowledge is known as Rajasika. The Knowledge which is confined to one single effect as if it were the whole, without reason, without foundation in truth, and trival - that Knowledge is known as Tamasika.
Action: An action done with love or by desiring no fruit and free from attachment, is said to be Sattvika. The action which is performed with desires, or without love or with Self-conceit and with much effort, is said to be Rajasika.
The action which is undertaken through delusion, without heed to the consequence, loss of power and wealth, injury to others, and one's own ability that action is said to be Tamasika.
Agent: An agent who free from attachment, non-egotistic, endued with fortitude and enthusiasm, and unaffected in success or failure, is called Sattvika.
An agent who is passionate, desirous of the fruits of action, greedy, malignant, impure, easily elated or dejected, such an agent is called Rajasika.
An agent who is unsteady, vulgar, arrogant, dishonest, malicious, lazy, loss of hope such an agent is called Tamasika.
Intellect: One who knows the paths of work and renunciation, right and wrong actions, fear and fearlessness, bondage and liberation, that intellect is known as Sattvika. One who has a distorted apprehension of Dharma and its opposite and also of rights action and its opposite, that intellect is known as Rajasika. One who has enveloped in darkness, regards Adharma as Dharma and views all things in a perverted light, that intellect is known as Tamasika.
Fortitude: The fortitude by which the functions of the mind, the prana (jivan) and the senses are regulated, that fortitude is known as Sattvika.
The fortitude by which one regulates to Dharma, desire, and wealth, desirous
of the fruit of each from attachment, that fortitude is known as Rajasika.
A stupid man who does not give up sleep, fear, grief, despondency, and
overweening conceit, that fortitude is known as Tamasika.
Happiness: Happiness which is like poison at first, but like nector at the end, that happiness is known as Sattvika.
Happiness which arises from the contact of object with sense, at first like nector, but like poison at the end, that happiness is known as Rajasika.
Happiness which begins and results in self-delusion arising from sleep, indolence, and miscomprehension, that happiness is known as Tamasika.
===========================================
By M. M. DIVAKARAN
In Bhagavad Gita (Chapter 17th & 18th), Krishna teaches Arjuna of Threefold Qualities (three kinds of gunas) that consist in every human-beings. They known as Sattva, Rajas and Tamas. Sattva guna attaches to happiness and arises wisdom; Rajas to action and arises from it greed, false opinion and belief; and Tamas verily shrouding discrimination and miscomprehension and arises ignorance.
In the Sraddha or attention threefold gunas which is inherent in their nature are the Sattvika, the Rajasika and the Tamasika. The man consists of his Sraddha, he really is what his Sraddha is.
Regarding Threefold Worship Krishna tells the Sattvika men worship the Devas (Gods); the Rajasika worship the Yakshas and the Rakhshasas; the Tamasika worship the Prethas and hosts of Bhootas.
Food has also its three qualities: The foods which augment, vitality, energy, strength, health, cheerfulness, and appetite, which are savoury and oleaginous, substantial and included ghee, are liked by the Sattvika.
The foods that are bitter, sour, saline, too much hot, pungent, dry, and burning, are liked by the Rajasika. This food is productive of pain, grief and disease.
The food that is stale (i.e. cooked three hours ago), tasteless, evil-smelling, refused food (i.e. left on the plate after a meal), and impure, are liked by the Tamasika. This food is also productive of pain, grief and disease.
Yajna: That Yajna is Sattvika which is performed by desiring no fruits, with their mind fixed on the Yajna only, for its own sake.
The Yajna which is performed seeking for fruit and for ostentation, know it to be Rajasika Yajna.
The Yajna which is performed without attention, in which no food is distributed to others, which is devoid of Mantras, Gifts, and Sraddha know it to be Tamasika Yajna.
Austerity: The worship of the Devas, the Gurus, and the Wise, Purity, Straight-forwardness, Continence, and Non-injury are called the "Austerity of the Body".
Speech which causes no vexation, and is true, as also agreeable and beneficial and study of the Vedas are called the "Austerity of Speech".
Serenity of mind, kindness, silence, Self-control, honesty of motive are called the "Austerity of Mental".
The Austerity of the Body, Austerity of Speech and Austerity of Mental practised by steadfast men, with great Sraddha, desiring no fruit, is said to be Sattvika.
The Austerity which is practised with the object of gaining honour and worship, and with ostentation, is said to be Rajasika.
The Austerity which is practised out of a foolish notion, with Self-torture or for the purpose of ruining another, is said to be Tamasika.
Gifts: The gifts who give with the idea of "To give is my right", does no service in return, in a suitable place and to a worthy person, that gift is regarded as Sattvika. But the gift given with a view to receiving in return, or looking for the fruit, or again reluctantly, that gift is regarded as Rajasika.
The gift given at the wrong place or wrong time, to unworthy persons, without regard or with disdain, that gift is regarded as Tamasika.
Knowledge: The Knowledge that by which one indestructible substance is seen in all beings, inseparate in the separated, that Knowledge is known as Sattvika. But the Knowledge which sees in all human-beings various entities of distinct kinds as different from one another, that Knowledge is known as Rajasika. The Knowledge which is confined to one single effect as if it were the whole, without reason, without foundation in truth, and trival - that Knowledge is known as Tamasika.
Action: An action done with love or by desiring no fruit and free from attachment, is said to be Sattvika. The action which is performed with desires, or without love or with Self-conceit and with much effort, is said to be Rajasika.
The action which is undertaken through delusion, without heed to the consequence, loss of power and wealth, injury to others, and one's own ability that action is said to be Tamasika.
Agent: An agent who free from attachment, non-egotistic, endued with fortitude and enthusiasm, and unaffected in success or failure, is called Sattvika.
An agent who is passionate, desirous of the fruits of action, greedy, malignant, impure, easily elated or dejected, such an agent is called Rajasika.
An agent who is unsteady, vulgar, arrogant, dishonest, malicious, lazy, loss of hope such an agent is called Tamasika.
Intellect: One who knows the paths of work and renunciation, right and wrong actions, fear and fearlessness, bondage and liberation, that intellect is known as Sattvika. One who has a distorted apprehension of Dharma and its opposite and also of rights action and its opposite, that intellect is known as Rajasika. One who has enveloped in darkness, regards Adharma as Dharma and views all things in a perverted light, that intellect is known as Tamasika.
Fortitude: The fortitude by which the functions of the mind, the prana (jivan) and the senses are regulated, that fortitude is known as Sattvika.
The fortitude by which one regulates to Dharma, desire, and wealth, desirous
of the fruit of each from attachment, that fortitude is known as Rajasika.
A stupid man who does not give up sleep, fear, grief, despondency, and
overweening conceit, that fortitude is known as Tamasika.
Happiness: Happiness which is like poison at first, but like nector at the end, that happiness is known as Sattvika.
Happiness which arises from the contact of object with sense, at first like nector, but like poison at the end, that happiness is known as Rajasika.
Happiness which begins and results in self-delusion arising from sleep, indolence, and miscomprehension, that happiness is known as Tamasika.
===========================================
4. Yoga and its Roots - Strengthen Your Body, Mind and Spirit
Yoga and its Roots - Strengthen Your Body, Mind and Spirit
By M. M. DIVAKARAN
What is Yoga? According to Sadguru Jaggi Vasudev, Yoga means to be in perfect tune of your body, mind and spirit and existence are in absolute harmony. When you fine tune yourself to such a point where everything functions so beautifully within you, the best of your abilities will just flow out of you. Yoga activates your inner energies in such a way that your body, mind and emotions function at their highest peak.
Bhagavad Gita says, the state of severance of union with sorrow is known by the name of Yoga. Being steadfast in Yoga, perform actions, abandoning attachment, remaining unconcerned as regards success and failure. Yoga is not for him who eats too much or too little - nor for him who sleeps too much or too little. When meditation is mastered, the mind is unwavering like the flame of a lamp in a windless place. [It is mentioned in the Yoga Sastra that "Half the stomach for food and condiments, the third-quarter for water, and the fourth should be reserved for free motion of air".]
Yoga is the cessation of the modifications of the mind as well as the practice of awareness of mind. Anybody can do the Yoga because it never asks what your faith or belief is. One should practice Yoga in order to obtain spiritual strength. Regular practise of Yogasanas strengthens and activates the nervous system thereby helps in developing concentration. Yogasanas are also a boon to humanity.
Yoga or Yogasana is equivalent to meditation. Meditation dissolutes of thoughts in eternal awareness or pure consciousness without objectification, knowing, merging finitude in infinity. Buddha says the meditation brings wisdom; lack of meditation leaves ignorance. Know well what leads you forward and what holds you back, and choose the path that leads to wisdom. Prayer is also connected to meditation because daily prayer and meditation are all wonderful therapeutic agencies in building up peace and happiness within an individual.
Meditation is from moment to moment. The eyes see, the ears hear, the organs function. There is no concentration, no introversion, no withdrawing of the sense. Those who do the meditation don't go into the old habits of withdrawal. Go in the directionless expansion, the spaceless space.
When we raise ourselves through meditation to what unites us with the spirit, we feel something within us that is eternal and unlimited by birth and death. Once we have experienced this eternal part we can no longer doubt its existence. Meditation is thus the way to knowing and beholding the eternal, indestructible, essential centre of our being.
Who is Yogin? A Yogin is connected to the Yoga. According to Swami Vivekananda, the man who seeks after this kind of union is called a Yogin and as such a worker is called the Karma-Yogin. Who is the greatest Karma-Yogin? The sun itself stands for all the ideals of everything. Hence, the sun is the greatest Karma Yogin. He who seeks the union through mysticism is called the Raja-Yogin. And he who seeks it through love is called the Bhakti-Yogin. He who seeks it through philosophy is called the Jnana-Yogin. So the word Yogin comprises them all.
Sri Ramakrishna said the Great Yogin has child-like natures because before God they are always like children; no pride. Their strength is the strength of God. They have nothing to call their own. They are firmly convinced of that.
Sri Sathya Sai Baba gives a vast explanation about Dharma and Karma Yoga. Five types of Dharma (duties) have been laid down for man. One is Kula Dharma (duties relating to his occupational group). The second is Desa Dharma (duty to the nation). The third is Matha Dharma (duty pertaining to his religion). The fourth is Gana Dharma (duties relating to society). The fifth is Aapad Dharma (the duty when he faces danger). All these five types of duties are related to one's life in the phenomenal world and are not concerned with the Supreme Reality. All your perplexity has arisen from the delusion that you are the doer, from your ego and the sense of "mine". Know the Brahman; take up all tasks but renounce the consequences giving up the fruit of activity itself.
Karmayoga is far superior to Karmasanyasa. Sanyas is the part of Yogin as well. Vedandta extols the Sanyas is the fourth and the final stage of life. It is the stage of surrendering and realising. The renunciation of Kamya actions according to Bhagavad Gita, the sages understand as Sanyasa; the wise declare the abandonment of the fruit of all works as Tyaga.
=====================================================
By M. M. DIVAKARAN
What is Yoga? According to Sadguru Jaggi Vasudev, Yoga means to be in perfect tune of your body, mind and spirit and existence are in absolute harmony. When you fine tune yourself to such a point where everything functions so beautifully within you, the best of your abilities will just flow out of you. Yoga activates your inner energies in such a way that your body, mind and emotions function at their highest peak.
Bhagavad Gita says, the state of severance of union with sorrow is known by the name of Yoga. Being steadfast in Yoga, perform actions, abandoning attachment, remaining unconcerned as regards success and failure. Yoga is not for him who eats too much or too little - nor for him who sleeps too much or too little. When meditation is mastered, the mind is unwavering like the flame of a lamp in a windless place. [It is mentioned in the Yoga Sastra that "Half the stomach for food and condiments, the third-quarter for water, and the fourth should be reserved for free motion of air".]
Yoga is the cessation of the modifications of the mind as well as the practice of awareness of mind. Anybody can do the Yoga because it never asks what your faith or belief is. One should practice Yoga in order to obtain spiritual strength. Regular practise of Yogasanas strengthens and activates the nervous system thereby helps in developing concentration. Yogasanas are also a boon to humanity.
Yoga or Yogasana is equivalent to meditation. Meditation dissolutes of thoughts in eternal awareness or pure consciousness without objectification, knowing, merging finitude in infinity. Buddha says the meditation brings wisdom; lack of meditation leaves ignorance. Know well what leads you forward and what holds you back, and choose the path that leads to wisdom. Prayer is also connected to meditation because daily prayer and meditation are all wonderful therapeutic agencies in building up peace and happiness within an individual.
Meditation is from moment to moment. The eyes see, the ears hear, the organs function. There is no concentration, no introversion, no withdrawing of the sense. Those who do the meditation don't go into the old habits of withdrawal. Go in the directionless expansion, the spaceless space.
When we raise ourselves through meditation to what unites us with the spirit, we feel something within us that is eternal and unlimited by birth and death. Once we have experienced this eternal part we can no longer doubt its existence. Meditation is thus the way to knowing and beholding the eternal, indestructible, essential centre of our being.
Who is Yogin? A Yogin is connected to the Yoga. According to Swami Vivekananda, the man who seeks after this kind of union is called a Yogin and as such a worker is called the Karma-Yogin. Who is the greatest Karma-Yogin? The sun itself stands for all the ideals of everything. Hence, the sun is the greatest Karma Yogin. He who seeks the union through mysticism is called the Raja-Yogin. And he who seeks it through love is called the Bhakti-Yogin. He who seeks it through philosophy is called the Jnana-Yogin. So the word Yogin comprises them all.
Sri Ramakrishna said the Great Yogin has child-like natures because before God they are always like children; no pride. Their strength is the strength of God. They have nothing to call their own. They are firmly convinced of that.
Sri Sathya Sai Baba gives a vast explanation about Dharma and Karma Yoga. Five types of Dharma (duties) have been laid down for man. One is Kula Dharma (duties relating to his occupational group). The second is Desa Dharma (duty to the nation). The third is Matha Dharma (duty pertaining to his religion). The fourth is Gana Dharma (duties relating to society). The fifth is Aapad Dharma (the duty when he faces danger). All these five types of duties are related to one's life in the phenomenal world and are not concerned with the Supreme Reality. All your perplexity has arisen from the delusion that you are the doer, from your ego and the sense of "mine". Know the Brahman; take up all tasks but renounce the consequences giving up the fruit of activity itself.
Karmayoga is far superior to Karmasanyasa. Sanyas is the part of Yogin as well. Vedandta extols the Sanyas is the fourth and the final stage of life. It is the stage of surrendering and realising. The renunciation of Kamya actions according to Bhagavad Gita, the sages understand as Sanyasa; the wise declare the abandonment of the fruit of all works as Tyaga.
=====================================================
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