Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Navarathri Special - Story of Kalidasa

The festival Navarathri commences from today (which is day after full moon during the month of Puratasi in Tamil calendar month). The word "Navarathri" means nine days which corresponds to worship of three forms of Goddess Devi namely, Durga, Lakshmi and Saraswathi; three days each for three forms of Devi.
During Navarathri, people display the idols of Gods in their home and invite neighbours and friends to visit. Children used to visit their friend's home and sing songs at their places and get some Prasad (food which is offered to God) usually called "Sundal".
During this auspicious time of worshipping Goddess Devi, let us listen to stories of Her great Bhakthas and Her divine grace.

Kalidasa is a well known poet in Sanskrit literature. He was not born intelligent, but was blessed with poetic prowess by Goddess Kali. There is an interesting story behind Kalidasa being blessed by Goddess Kali.

The King of Tejavathi had a well-learned daughter named Vidhyakumari. When the king wanted to arrange marriage of Vidhyakumari, she told that she will marry the person who defeats her in a debate on Shastras. A minister from the King's court wanted to make Vidhyakumari as his daughter-in-law, but his son was demeaned by her during the debate on Shastras. The minister kept vengence on her and wanted to teach her a lesson. He was set in search of a dumb man and found one near a forest. The man was cutting a tree branch while sitting on the branch edge. Seeing this the minister understood him to be a fool and plot a trick to make him marry Vidhyakumari.

The minister took the dumb man to Princess and introduced that he is one of the brilliant citizen of their country. He added that the dumb man would not speak anything, but could answer her questions. Princess got interested and the debate started. The princess showed him one finger saying `shakti is one'. He thought she will poke his one eye, so he showed her two fingers. She accepted it as valid answer, since `shakti' is manifest in duality (shiv-shakti, nar-naaree etc). She showed her the palm with fingers extended like symbolising a slap. He showed her the fist. She accepted it as answer to her question. She said `five elements' and he said `make the body' (earth, water, fire, air, and void). The mute debate continued and finally the Princess agreed that the dumb man is indeed a scholar and told that she would like to marry him.

Soon after the marriage got over, the Princess could understand that her husband is indeed not a scholar but a naive, dumb person. She felt grief-stricken and realized her mistake. However she did not deserted him, instead she tried to cultivate the knowledge in him. However being dumb he could not understand anything. Being a devotee of Goddess Kali, she asked him to pray to Her to bless with knowledge. The dumb man prayed to Kali everyday, but seeing that Kali did not bless him with knowledge, he decided he could sacrifice himself. Seeing his devout, Goddess Kali appeared before him and wrote Om syllable on his tongue and blessed that he will become a Sanskrit scholar. He is none other than Kalidasa (Devotee of Kali).

Kalidasa gained prowess in Sanskrit literature and became a poet with Kali's blessings.

Let us pray Goddess Kali to bless us with prowess in our field of knowledge and remove our fear.

Alongside, let us listen to this Shyamala Thandakam from movie Mahakavi Kalidasa
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-kVnRlyhqAk

Source: Movie Mahakavi Kalidasa, Discourse of Sri Muralidhara swamigal

Monday, September 5, 2011

Big & small

Here is another interesting activity for toddlers around 15 months old to teach them big & small.

There are nice jungle animals, safari animals and polar animal picture layout available from the craft website,
http://www.firstpalette.com/tool_box/printables/jungleanimals.html

Here goes the simple easy steps:
1. I printed these animal picture layouts in two sizes; same image size as given and 30 % reduced size.

2. Cut these pictures and cut the same shapes into to some carton boxes/chart paper/cardboard sheet. The carton boxes containing groceries, corn flakes etc are good to use for this.

3. Glue the print outs over the carton layouts and dry it.

4. You and your kid is now ready to explode your creative games..
 like mixing them all and showing him big elephant, identify and match it with the smaller one.

Here is the picture of our big & small game.


I made from Black & White layouts.. Its also fun to have colored ones, or uncolored ones (and colored by your kid with crayons)!

Wednesday, August 31, 2011

Story of Ganesha

I like the months from April - Nov more, as it marks many festivals and gives us a festive atmosphere all around.
Tomorrow which is Tamil month of Avani (August), valarpirai chathurthi (4th day of waxing moon) is celebrated as Vinayaka Chaturthi.

All our prayers and worships start only after praying to Vinayaka. Let me start this post also after offering prayers to Vinayaka.
"Mooshika vahana mothaka hastha
samara karna vilambitha soothra
vamana roopa maheshwara puthra
vigna vinayaka patha namasthe"

As we celebrate his birthday, let us know his story of birth. This version of story is from Shiva Puranam.

One day Goddess Parvati wife of Lord Shiva, wanted to take bath. She made a small boy Ganesha out of the scurf from her body and placed him in the entrance and asked him not to allow anyone till she complete her bath. Lord Shiva returned home and was feeling thirsty. He was interrupted by the small boy Ganesha who was standing outside guarding at the entrance. Ganesha told, "Mother asked me not to allow anyone till she completes her bath. So please wait."
Shiva got angry on seeing this and told, "I am Shiva, Parvati's wife and no one can stop me from going inside my home." This created a tussle between them and Lord Shiva suspecting the boy to be an outsider cut off his head.
When Parvati came out and learnt what happened, she grieved for the state of the boy she created.
Lord Shiva in order to set things right, asked his Bootha Ganas to get the head of a creature which is sleeping facing north and bring that creature to Him.
Bootha Ganas found an elephant sleeping facing north and got its head to Lord Shiva. He then attached the head of the elephant over the boy's neck and made him alive.

Parvati was worried about Ganesha's elephant head, but Shiva consoled her saying Ganesha will be the foremost God to be worshiped before starting any activity or rituals. He bestowed that Ganesha will remove all the hindrances and obstacles in our efforts to achieve some task and bless us with success.

Let us all offer our prayers to Lord Ganesha and seek His blessings to remove obstacles on the path of our achievements.
Lord Ganesha's form has many significances which is good to know as we pay our worship to Him.

Big head reminds us to "Think Big"
Small eyes points us to "Concentrate in our work"
Large ears asks us to "Listen more"
Small mouth reminds us to "Talk less"
Long trunk symbolizes strength and fine discriminative power
(Elephant can pull off a tree with his trunk and also can pick a needle. A wise man should cultivate immense strength and fine capability to carry out big tasks as well as meticulous jobs)
Big stomach reminds us to digest patiently and peacefully the good and bad we face in life
Mothaka represents the rewards for our Sadhana.
(A point to be noted is that we cannot see Ganesha eating Mothaka. He just have them in His hand. So, a wise man never gets attached to the rewards of his deeds)
Mouse is the vahana (vehicle) for Ganesha and resembles that we should keep our desires under control.
(Senses and desires keep a man nibbling always and hence has to be kept under control, otherwise it will have a ride on us)

Let us listen to this beautiful Kids Bhajan on Vinayaka
http://vimeo.com/22187130

Inputs: The Symoblism of Hindu Gods and Rituals, by A. Parthasarathy

Monday, August 22, 2011

Finger puppets

I came across this website http://www.firstpalette.com/ when I searched for kids crafts ideas.
As my son started liking to play with CD like Vishnu Chakra, I thought of creating some more plays based on that. I tried finger puppets from the link below.
http://www.firstpalette.com/Craft_themes/Animals/easterfingerpuppets/easterfingerpuppets.html

It was very easy to make it and my son finds it interesting to hold different animals on hand..
We also used to sing some rhymes based on the animal on hand and with some actions along with rhymes made the play packed with fun..

Simple to make; Worth trying it..
Can be tried for babies of 15 months and older..

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The sheer joy of sharing!

Sunday, August 21, 2011

Krishna and Govardhana

Today is a special day as we observe Krishna Janmashtami. Kids always cherish Little Krishna and his stories. Let us listen to a story of Little Krishna today.

One day Krishna woke up from his bed and when he came out of his home, he found many people moving busily along with their children towards some place. He enquired his father ,"Father, is there anything special today? Why people are rushing towards something?"
Nanda Raja replied, "Today is the day to worship Indra for his grace on us and the rain he gives us every year. So people are going to Yagnya Bhoomi to perform the rituals."
Krishna was thinking for sometime and asked again, "I think the rain we are getting every year is because of our mountain Govardhana. He is the one who helps in gathering clouds and make them pour as rain towards our land. So we should worship and thank only Govardhana and not Indra!"

Nanda was taken aback on hearing Krishna's different thinking on this subject and told, "No Krishna, we should not do that. If we do not worship Indra, he will become angry  and can destroy us."
Krishna added, "Do you accept my theory on why we get rain and who helps us for this?".. "Yes", told Nanda. Krishna continued, "Then, let us worship Govardhana this time and see what happens. We should not worship someone out of fear!"

Nanda was bewildered with Krishna's pestering questions and this discussion slowly spreaded everywhere and gained momentum. Some of them supported Krishna and agreed with his theory. Nanda also got pacified by Krishna's words and soon they all decided to perform pooja and thank Govardhana for his grace on giving rain to them. As they started their worship on Govardhana, Indra came to know about this.

On hearing the villagers decision to ignore him and worship Govardhana, Indra became very angry. He wanted to teach the villagers a strong lesson for their decision. He used his thunderbolt and sent strong thunderstorms, wind and heavy rain. Soon Brindavan was filled with water and people started running out of their houses in fear of water washing out their houses. People understood that this must be the act of Indra, who was angry on them for their decision of worshipping Govardhana instead of Indra. They exchanged words that they should not have followed Krishna's words, which resulted in this devastation.

Krishna also understood that this heavy rain was indeed carried out by envious Indra. He wanted to teach a lesson to Indra's arrogance. He assured the villagers not to panic and consoled them that he will save them from heavy rain. Saying so, he went near Govardhana Giri (mountain) , bowed before him and prayed him to save them from Indra's envious act. He then lifted the big Govardhana Giri with his small finger and held it as an umbrella. Village people were astonished to see Krishna lifting Govardhana Giri and rushed under the Govardhana Giri umbrella. They were all happy that Krishna saved them from heavy rain.
Indra on seeing this understood his mistake and felt bad on his part of being arrogant. He bowed before Krishna and accepted his mistake.

This story emphasizes that we should never be arrogant, but try to be humble always. Though Krishna is all powerful, he bowed to Govardhana and seeked his blessings before lifting him up. Let us all try to be humble as we do our daily duties.

Listen to this kids performing a wonderful song on Govardhana Giridhari!

Also there is an intersting story behind Krishna lifting Govardhana Giri here - http://meinall.blogspot.com/2011/03/story-behind-giridhara-gopala.html

Source: Amar Chitra Katha's "Krishna and Govardhana"

Friday, August 19, 2011

Some interesting play ideas with things around at home

Our son one day got bored with his usual play stuff..We had some old CDs which we placed in a shelf and he started throwing them all to the ground..
It just struck me to turn the old CDs to an interesting game. There were some rods (they stayed as xylophone rods only for a day!) in Barathraam's toy box and I showed him how he could put the rod into the hole in the CD and take it away from the other side of CD.
Barathraam tried few times and found it to be challenging and interesting to insert the rod and take it away. He got immersed into it for some time and started finding other kinds of it like inserting his finger inside the CD hole (like Vishnu Chakra) etc..
This became his favourite past time, but yes of course only for the next few weeks..
and then we had to discover some thing else :)

This play idea could be tried starting from 12 months old babies..

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The sheer joy of sharing!

Kids play ideas

This digital age is very special in the sense it promotes sharing and support open developments.
I am impressed on the ample number of blogs that mothers worldwide have been writing and sharing their ideas and tips to bring up kids. I decided that I also have to be a part of it and share the ideas I tried out, for it will be useful for someone in some part of the world. The sheer sense of sharing without any expectations, gives me the pleasure to be part of this blog world.
So here goes some of the play ideas which we explored along with our son under the label "Kids play ideas"

As always, I all ears to your comments and critics :-)
and would be glad if you like to share your ideas too...

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The sheer joy of sharing!

Sunday, August 14, 2011

Kappalotiya Thamizhan - The Tamil man who drove ship

We always cherish our journey on ships and kids like to see ships as they float on water. Ever wondered how difficult it was to manage building and running a shipping company? Especially running it against a strong British influence? It was the period during our independence struggle, a man famously called by his nick name as "Kappalotiya Thamizhan" meaning "Tamil man who drove ship" did it! On the dawn of Independence day tomorrow, let us listen to his story and know the reason behind his nick name "Kappalotiya Thamizhan".

There were many movements like Non-Violence, Quit India movement which joined hands towards Indian Independence from British rule. One of the important movements was Swadeshi movement, which had an economic strategy to remove British rule, by creating protests against British trading in India. It involved boycotting British products and promoting more Indian made products.


V.O.Chidambaram pillai (also known as VOC) was born in Ottapidaram in Tuticorin district of Tamil Nadu. His father was a famous lawyer and VOC followed his father's foot steps and became a lawyer too. As a lawyer he worked for the welfare of poor people by taking their cases on labour condition and poor wages. He was also the leader of trade union and headed many protests in favour of Indian peasants and poor people.

He was inspired by Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak's Swadeshi movement and joined Indian National Congress and became an active participant in Swadeshi Movement. VOC was also influenced by Ramakrishnananda - a disciple of Swami Vivekananda and wanted to do something for stopping the monopoly of British India steam navigation company in Tuticorin. As the transport costs were high on British shipping company people could not afford it, but they had no other alternative. The British shipping company exploited this opportunity. VOC could not withstand this monopoly management and planned to start a comprehensive shipping company providing all kinds of shipping services from Tuticorin to Ceylon. Lokmanya Tilak and Aurobindo Gosh helped him to buy two ships; S.S.Gaelia & S.S.Lawoe and VOC started his venture by name "Swadeshi Shipping Company". Britishers thought that Swadeshi Shipping company would not survive when compared to their services. But to their mistake, people started using Swadeshi Shipping Company services for various reasons like lower costs, more frequent services, etc. It is worth to mention, that it was not easy for VOC to achieve this transition from people. He had to overcome many obstacles.

Now that people started using Swadeshi company's services, British shipping company suffered loses and wanted to squeeze out Swadeshi company. British shipping company lowered their prices to Re.1 per person and to counter their pricing strategy Swadeshi company also reduced their price to Re 0.50. This counter attack was not expected by British company and in order to retain their customers, they offered free trips along with a free umbrella. Swadeshi company however could not afford free trips and hence started losing customers.

But the bitter truth was the customers were none other than Indian trade people! They were the one who did not support the Swadeshi company and was attracted towards free trips! It was during this time, VOC and other freedom fighters started communicating strong messages to Indian people to support Swadeshi shipping company and hence support independence movement. These provoking talks made people slowly change their minds, however British company people saw this change as a threat. They wanted to take some powerful decision to stop this and arrested VOC charging him for his sedition.

Though his arrest called for many protests around Tuticorin and other places, it did not survive after few days. VOC's plea for release was rejected and was given life imprisonment. He was subjected to in humane treatment by asking him to yoke and extract oil, instead of using bulls for yoking. Because of this he was also called "Sekkizhutha Semmal" meaning "Great man who did tough yoking".

After some years, in 1912 he was released from the prison. He expected that people who supported him during his shipping company venture and Swadeshi movement would welcome him. But to his disappointment, people forgot him and his activities towards independence movement. His shipping venture was sold to their competitors which was a great shock for him. During his last days he lived in debt and even had to sell his books. As per his last wish, on November 1936 he died in Indian National Congress office at Tuticorin.

The bold decision he took to create Swadeshi Shipping company and his efforts to sustain it against British shipping company made him acquire the name "Kappalotiya Thamizhan". However, when he returned from prison and heard that his company had been sold, he experienced only sorrow feelings in return to his hard labour.
This story made me wonder how our Indian freedom fighters would feel seeing our current state of our country! Isn't it each one of ours responsibility to make them feel proud and happy for all their toil and hard labour to get Independence for us? Let us not play the blame game now, instead take oath to contribute our two cents towards our Indian Nation's prosperity.
Jai Hind.

Listen to this inspirational song from the Tamil movie "Kappalotiya Tamizhan"

Source: Biography of VOC, wikipedia

Sunday, August 7, 2011

Rani Chennamma

As our Independence Day is approaching (August 15th), we can listen to the story of valorous deeds of our country's women and men who devoted their lives for India's freedom from British rule. This week let us listen to the story of brave Rani Chennamma.

Rani Chennamma ruled the Kingdom of Keladi (present day Shimoga district in Karnataka) for 25 years from 1671-1696. She was not born to a King's lineage, but married to a King Somasekhara Nayak who ruled Keladi. She was very beautiful and known for her wisdom and adherence to justice. She helped the King in maintaining justice in the kingdom. After some years of their marriage, the King slipped away from his virtuous life and went behind a dancer. He was intoxicated by the dancer's father and started behaving mad. Knowing the state of King Keladi,  the Sultan of Bijapur who was ruling the neighboring state planned to attack Keladi kingdom. When Rani Chennamma came to know about this, she decided to take sword in her hand in order to protect the people of Keladi. Her clever planning kept the enemies at bay. However, Keladi kingdom started facing internal threats from its own Ministers. As the King did not have any child, some ministers started proposing to Rani Chennamma, that she could adopt their son and make him adorn the throne of Keladi. They threatened her that if she did not oblige to the plan, they might gather people and act against the kingdom.
Rani Chennamma was very sad  about the happenings. Though she faced threats from many persons like dancer's father who had made King under his control, ministers with their demands and other neighboring rulers, but did not want to give up to the situations. She thought its was the right time to show her prowess and save her citizens. She adopted a virtuous boy named Basappa Nayaka and gave proper training on all skills which would enable him to be a good King. The bold step from Rani Chennamma made the ministers to follow her.
Rani Chennamma is known for her bravery in giving refuge to Rajaram, the second son of Shivaji, when he ran away from the clutches of Moghuls. Though Rajaram pleaded for refuge to many Kings, they denied him. All of them were afraid of being against Moghuls by giving refuge to Rajaram and hence did not provide him their support. When Rajaram asked support from Keladi kingdom, Rani Chennamma decided to extend Keladi kingdom's support to him. Her rationale was that Shivaji Maharaj being a powerful person to establish freedom from Muslims, its the duty of a Hindu to give refuge to his son, when he was under threat from Muslims. Yet many ministers commented that this would pave way for serious consequences and in addition to that giving refuge to Rajaram, at the time when Moghuls had already taken his Maratha Kingdom was of no use. Despite the ministers criticisms, Rani Chennamma believed that it was her duty to house Rajaram and save him from Moghuls attack. This act of hers drew war between Keladi and Moghuls. However, with diligent planning of Rani Chennamma, Keladi kingdom won the war and paved way for Rajaram to rejuvenate his kingdom. After few decades, Marathra kingdom with their sustained efforts, threw away Moghuls and proclaimed freedom.

It was because of Rani Chennamma's bold decision then to give refuge for Rajaram, which paved way for Maratha kingdom to gain their freedom from Moghuls. She set an example of taking bold decisions according to virtues for the welfare of the society.
Rani Chennamma's actions are indeed inspiring. Even when we face mounting problems in our lives, we have to look unto those deeds of her even during difficult times and draw motivation from them.

Jai Hind
Source: Biography of Rani Chennamma,  http://hinduhistory.blogspot.com/




Sunday, July 31, 2011

Kartavyam - Doing one's duty

Most of our epics and scriptures emphasize on the aspect of doing one's duty "Kartavyam" at all times during our life. Here is a story of two brothers, which brings out this aspect of Kartavyam through all its characters.

There were two brothers by name Shankha and Likitha who were sages and lived in their own Ashramam on the banks of river Bahudaa. One day, Likitha came to meet his elder brother Shankha and as he did not find Shankha on his Ashram, he sat on a nearby mango tree. He started eating a mango from the tree without getting permission from his brother who takes care of the tree.
Shankha returned to his Ashram and found his brother Likitha eating mango from the tree. He immediately told Likitha,
"Likitha, one should not take others property or things without their knowledge & permission. Even though I am your brother, you should have asked my permission before eating it. Go and see King Sudyumna and ask him to give punishment for this wrongdoing of yours according to Dhanda neethi sastram."
Likitha went immediately and saw King Sudyumna. The Kind welcomed him and offered him a seat. Likitha explained to King the reason for his visit and asked him to give punishment to him according to Dhanda neethi sastram.
King Sudyumna told him, "Oh muni kumara (young sage), you are undertaking penance for the welfare of others. How can I give you punishment for such a petty act?"

Likitha replied, "All the scriptures and my brother has emphasized on doing our duty and should not deviate from it on any case. So please give me the punishment for my act according to the sastram."
Hearing Likitha's words King ordered his men to cut-off his hands.

Likitha after getting his punishment visited his brother Shankha's ashram and Shankha was happy to see his brother and told, "What you did is really good. One has to adhere to elder's words. Go and take bath in river Bahudaa."
Likitha went and immersed in Bahudaa river and to his surprise he got his hands back. He met his brother Shankha and asked," Brother, if you are so powerful to get my hands back, you could have given me punishment for my act. But why did you send me to the Kind, instead?"

Shankha replied, "Sages duty is to observe penance for the welfare of the society and not to punish. King,being the protector of his people, has the right to punish wrong acts. So I asked you to go to the King."

This story was told by Vyasa Bhagawan to Dharmaraaja  when he was worried about killing his relatives in the war. Bhagawan Vyasa quoted this story to tell King's duty is to protect his people by giving punishment to the wrong acts and hence Dharmaraaja need not worry.

This story shows how important it is to adhere to elder's words though it is harsh and also the importance of doing only our duties.

Source: www.moralstories.wordpress.com

Friday, July 15, 2011

Sabari patti (granny) and her Guru-bhakthi

Today, July 15,2011 in Hindu calendar marks Ashada month's(June-July) pournami (Full moon day). This day is celebrated as Guru Poornima also known as Vyasa Pooja. It is believed that Sage Vyasa completed writing Four Vedas (Rig, Yajur, Sama and Atharvana Vedas) today. Today is considered auspicious to do Guru seva and start initiation from our Guru to learn our desired Vidya (art or knowledge).

All of us, especially kids like to be with our grand parents. Today we can listen to a granny's story and her bhakthi (devotion) towards her Guru.

There was a old granny called Sabari who lived in Sage Matanga's ashram (hermit). Her daily routine was to clean the ashram, decorate it with flowers and collect fruits from the forest, chant Lord Rama's name and by the end of the day, distribute the fruits to the children in the ashram. She did this every single day and one day a child asked her ,"Oh Granny, why are you decorating the ashram with flowers everyday though no one is coming to your home? You are also taking pains to go to forest to collect sweetest of sweetest fruits, but by the end of the day giving it to us, though we have never asked you for fruits"

She caressed the child and told, "Oh, vatsa (my son), I am looking forward for Rama who is the embodiment of love and an avatar of Lord Vishnu. My guru Sage Matanga has asked me to chant Rama Nama all the time and has blessed that he will come and meet me one day. As I do not know on what day he will come and meet me, I am decorating my home everyday to welcome him and collecting fruits to offer him. By the end of the day, I give the fruits to you kids, expecting Rama to come next day."

The kids got interested on Sabari's explanation for her act and asked, "Is that so granny?? Can you tell me how Rama will look like, so that we can search him if he is nearby our ashram?"

Sabari granny replied, "My intelligent son, I have not seen Rama myself. As my Guru told me, I am sure he would visit me once and I will be blessed to see him in person."

The kids laughed at her and told, "So, you do not know who is Rama, have not seen Him once, but collect fruits for him and decorate your house to welcome him! It seems you are getting mad..". Saying this the kids ran away.

Sabari lost in thoughts of her early life. She used to wander around the forest and eat animals by hunting them. While she was wandering, she reached the Sage Matanga ashram and found it to be very peaceful. She could feel that the environment is so conducive that she did not want to wander anywhere. She thought she could stay there by performing some cleaning duties in the Ashram. Later Sage Mathanga noticed her and consented her to be in the Ashram and do cleaning seva. From then on, she used to wake up early, clean the ashram premises, help collecting things for Ashram's activities. One day, Sage Matanga called all his Sishyas (disciple) and told that time has come for his Jeeva Mukthi and he would like to bless his sishyas and told them to ask for their boons.

His disciples came one by one and asked for attaining siddhis, mastering Vidyas, gaining popularity, gaining health and wealth etc. At the end was Sabari and when Sage Mathanga asked her on what she want, she replied, "Oh, Guru. I do not know what I want, for all these days I did not find any needs for me. I found peace and happiness in serving you. I am sure you will know what I would need, so please bless me with what I should be doing rest of my life."

Sage Mathanga was happy on her unparalleled devotion towards him and told, "Sabari, Rama the son of Dasaratha is none other than avatar of Lord Vishnu. Chant Rama Nama for the rest of your life and one day Lord Rama will come and meet you and will bless you."

Sabari from that day was chanting Rama Nama, decorating her house for his arrival and collect fruits to offer him. It has been 12 years and then one day, kids came running towards her and told,
"Granny, two persons have come to meet you. They are very beautiful and we think it should be Rama, the one you have been waiting for all these days."
On hearing this Sabari felt very happy and came running to welcome them. She could not believe her eyes and was astonished on seeing the beauty of Rama and Lakshmana. She washed their legs and offered seat. She then offered the fruits she collected from the forests. Lakshmana noticed that those fruits were already tasted and asked Rama not to eat them. However Rama told that Sabari wanted to ensure that the fruits are tastier before she can offer and so she tasted it. He continued, that he was moved by Sabari's devotion towards Him and would like to taste the fruits.
Lord Rama born on King's lineage has always been giving things from his hand and this was the first time when he got something from others. Sabari felt blessed on their presence and Lord Rama bestowed her Jeevan Moksha.

This is the story of granny Sabari's Moksha. People may laugh at our faith and beliefs but, Sabari granny proved that her belief in her Guru's words, blessed her with a Moksham in the presence of Lord Rama himself.

During this Guru poornima day, let us all pray to God to bestow us a Guru for us, for only he knows what we want and could show us a path to achieve it.

Listen to our beloved M.S.Subbulakshmi's devoted Guru-Bhajan "Guruvara Deejo"

Friday, July 8, 2011

Feel the presence of God in all activities

This is a short story from the life of Saint Namdev.

Saint Namdev was a great bhaktha and used to sing many abhangas on Lord Vittal. One day, Lord Siva appeared on his dream and told,
"My son Namdev, you are a great devotee yet you need to learn something."  Namdev was happy seeing Lord Siva and asked, "How can I learn it?".
Siva told, "Go to my temple near by your home and meet another bhaktha Vitoba from whom you can learn it" and then disappeared.

Namdev went to the nearby temple and enquired about  the presence of a bhaktha by name Vitoba. While he was roaming around he saw an old man sitting on the ground placing his legs on Siva lingam statue. Namdev thought how disrespectful was the old man to keep his legs on Siva lingam. The priest came there and introduced Namdev to the old man and told Namdev that the old man was Vitoba.

Namdev got puzzled over Lord Siva's statements and thought on what he could learn from an old man who was so disrespectful! Vitoba saw Namdev and told, "Namdev, great to see you. I am very old that I cannot move my limbs and legs away. Can you please move my legs to a place where there is no God".
Namdev was happy that atleast now Vitoba realized his mistake and asked for help and moved his leg away from Siva lingam. But to their surprise, a Siva lingam appeared on the place where Namdev placed Vitoba's legs and this happened whenever he moved Vitoba's legs to a new place.

Namdev, the saint, now understood his mistake. Though he was a great devotee, he did not realize the presence of God in everything and Lord Siva made him realize it through Vitoba. He also felt bad, for his demeaning thought on Vitoba.
Thereafter Saint Namdev, felt the presence of God everywhere.

In order to inculcate this mindset of perceiving and feeling the presence of God in everything, our Hinduism has certain practices in our every day life. Like considering books, music, arts, toys, tools, pencils etc as Godly forms. We have so many Gods each of them being the presiding deity for a particular activity (health, wealth, knowledge, enjoyment etc). By praying to the presiding deity of a particular activity, we implicitly feel the presence of God in that activity.

For example, before eating we can pray deity Annapurna for bestowing us that meal and ask her us to grace with strength. By slowly practicing this, we will acquire the bhavam of seeing God in every activity.
So let us start all our daily activities by praying to the presiding deity.

We have to carefully understand this story otherwise might get mislead.  By critical analysis of the story, we might say "Let me keep my legs over Lord Krishna's statue like Vitoba did!" Yes, we can but what is our intention behind that act is very important. The intention or bhavam makes the difference. If we do that act just for fun or showing being intelligent to draw similarities, then it is of outright disrespect. However, if you share the same bhavam of Vitoba, the bhavam of seeing God in all beings (yes, that include those you dislike!), then indeed you are a great bhaktha like him. And, it is for sure a Siva lingam would appear from his feet for such a great bhaktha as well!

Let us hear this abhang of Sant Namdev and seek his blessings

Sunday, June 26, 2011

Da, Da, Da

Puzzled what does the title "Da, Da, Da" mean??
For some children it might mean DaDaDa - grandpa, DaDa - father, TaTa (DaDa) - adieu or bye
Similarly living beings of three qualities had three different meanings for this syllable "Da". So what does it mean to them??

You know Prajapati?? He is the Creator of all living beings - Brahma. His children were the Devas - who reside in Heaven, Men - who reside in Earth and Demon (Asuraas) - who reside underworld. Devas lived all their life by enjoying in pleasures and recreations. Though they were immersed in sensual pleasures, they did not find contentment in it. People who live on earth, earned grains and wealth by their hard work. They slogged all their life but were not satisfied with their wealth. Demons made their living by killing other people for their purpose and thought they were the most powerful. Yet, they feel dissatisfied in the bottom of their hearts.

All of them decided to pray to Prajapati and seek a solution from him for their yearning. Prajapati meditated a while and told them, "Da" and asked them to tell him after a while, what it meant for them. (Sages and Saints used to just utter a word and it would mean a lot. Only when we contemplate on that we could understand the meaning.)

They all immersed in thinking what does "Da" mean to them. Devas thought that it should mean "Dama" which means to control their senses. They knew that they have been over-enjoying all these years and should start learn to gain control over it.
People living on earth discussed about the syllable "Da" and found that it should mean "Dan" which means giving away or doing charity. They thought they were hoarding all their wealth all these days, which created a sense of discontentment in them, so for them "Da" meant "Dan".
Demons or Asuraas delved into deep thinking of what "Da" meant for them.They are the one who misuses their power to kill innocent people and make living with that. They thought they lacked the feel of "Daya" or compassion which made them feel bad for their doings. So for them "Da" meant "Daya".

After their contemplation, they went to Prajapati and told him the meaning they found by uttering "Da". When they all heard others meanings to "Da" they were surprised. Prajapati then told, "All three of you are right and they apply to you. So practice what you found as the meaning of "Da" and you will be happy and satisfied after that".

So kids, think what "Da" means to you!
All of us might have different thoughts about it, let's pay attention to our hearts and find satisfaction in our lives.

There is a famous song called "Maithreem Bhajata" sung by Dr. M.S.Subbulakshmi in UN organization. This song was written by pontiff of Kanchipuram SriSankara Mutt Sri Sri Sri Chandrasekharendra Saraswathi Swamigal, in which he calls for universal brotherhood and explains the meaning of this "Da" in the song.
Lyrics:
Maithreem Bhajatha Akila Hrith Jeththreem - Serve with Friendship and Humility, which will conquer the Hearts of Everyone.
Atmavat Eva Paraan api pashyata - Look upon others similar to yourself.
Yuddham Tyajata - Renounce War
Spardhaam Tyajata - Renounce unnecessary Competition for Power
Tyajata Pareshwa akrama aakramanam - Give up Aggression on others' properties which is wrong
Jananee Prthivee Kaamadughaastey - Mother Earth is wide enough and ready to give us all we desire like a Kaamadenu
JanakO Deva: Sakala Dayaalu: - God, Our Father, is very Compassionate to All
Daamyata - So, Restrain yourself
Datta - So, Donate your wealth to others
Dayathvam - So, Be Kind to others
Janathaa: - Oh People of the World
Sreyo Bhooyaath Sakala Janaanaam - May All People of this World be Happy and Prosperous.
Sreyo Bhooyaath Sakala Janaanaam - May All People of this World be Happy and Prosperous.
Sreyo Bhooyaath Sakala Janaanaam - May All People of this World be Happy and Prosperous.

Listen to this song 

And also I found this interesting picture story from youtube which children would like to see,



Story line: From Brihadaranyaka Upanishad
Lyric Courtesy: http://maithreembhajatha.blogspot.com/2005/10/shreyo-bhooyaath-sakala-janaanaam.html

Sunday, June 19, 2011

Chatrapathi Shivaji and his great escape

We all have been listening stories from our parents and grandparents, and also telling stories to our kids. Have you ever thought if there is any story which moulded your personality??

Today we will listen to the story of a boy who turned into a great Kshatriya (warrior). This boy's thoughts and deeds are greatly influenced as he listened to his mother's stories during childhood. He is none other than Chatrapathi Shivaji Maharaj and it was his mother Jijabai who cultivated morals and ethics to him by telling him stories from Ramayana, Mahabarata, and other saints and kings. These stories kindled him the flame of freedom and made him to take oath for Swarajya.
Shivaji Maharaj was well known for his cleverness and planning. Once Shivaji Maharaj wanted some wealth for his kingdom and looted Surat, a place under the control of Aurangazeb's kingdom. This made Aurangazeb very angry and he wanted to tactically attack Shivaji. So he thought of a plan. He decided that he should send a 'Lion' to overpower this lion. He chose for task the King, Raja Jayasimha (incidentally, 'Simha' means a lion.) Jayasimha was a great warrior and also a clever general. Though he is mighty, it was a shame that he was subservient to a foreigner who was ruling the land! Jayasimha proceeded south with his large army. He won over the Sultan of Bijapur to his side. The battle against Shivaji began. All of a sudden Shivaji wrote a letter to Jayasimha informing him that he would agree to a friendly compromise. What was more, he met Jayasimha and told him that he would remain loyal to the Badshah at Delhi.

All were baffled on Shivaji's sudden peace agreement and bowing down to Badshah. Many thought -that there lay behind this some secret plan. It is possible that Shivaji had planned to go to Delhi on the pretext of serving the Badshah as a dependent and then to put an end to the life of Aurangzeb in a direct encounter. This was perhaps a venture of greater heroism and sharper strategy than ever before in his life. Accordingly, Shivaji proceeded to meet the Emperor, Aurangzeb. His son Sambhaji also accompanied him. At home, in the land of freedom, all were filled with great anxiety.

Shivaji reached Agra in order to meet Aurangzeb. The latter too was equally tactful. He did not allow Shivaji to be near him and bid him stay at a distance in the court besides Aurangazeb's servants. His insult was a great disappointment to Shivaji's hopes.  Aurangzeb did not , keep the promise that he would treat him with respect. Naturally Shivaji was greatly enraged. Ignoring Aurangzeb he left the court.

Aurangzeb was not such a fool as to let an enemy who had come within his reach escape easily. So Shivaji was now in great danger. He ordered Shivaji to be imprisoned and to be executed also.

In spite of the gravity of the situation Shivaji did not lose heart. At this critical hour his intellect and his courage shone more brightly and he made some plans. Suddenly Shivaji took ill and his health became worse. Shivaji begged Aurangzeb to allow his Maratha soldiers to return back. Aurangzeb felt relieved and permitted them to go. Shivaji began distributing sweets to the Fakirs, mendicants and ascetics of the town hoping that his illness may be cured. He began sending gifts also to the wealthy in the town. Aurangzeb permitted all these and did not have any doubts. No Vaidya or Hakim could improve Shivaji's condition. The day of Shivaji's execution had been fixed. On the previous day Shivaji's illness grew very serious, and he lost consciousness.

As usual the baskets that would carry the sweets were brought in. Shivaji who was lying on his sickbed suddenly jumped into one of the baskets and so did his son Sambhaji. Immediately the servants put on the lids and carried the baskets away.

The sentries who had been examining the baskets were convinced by long custom that they contained nothing but sweets. Polad Khan, the chief of sentries though checked some baskets, did not chance upon checking the baskets hiding Shivaji and Sambhaji. That was by the grace of Goddess Bhavani. He must have meant 'Let him live' when he said, 'Let the baskets go.'

Inside the prison where Shivaji had been lying a little while before, a friend of Shivaji by name Hiroji lay down. He put on the royal ring, which Shivaji had given him. He lay down, with his hand, which showed this ring thrust out. The rest of the body had been covered with the blanket.  The day to execute Shivaji came and the 'Shivaji' who was lying there got up and covered the place with pillows and blankets. Putting on his usual clothes, he came out and announced to thesentries that the condition of Shivaji was very serious and that it was a matter of a few hours for Shivaji. He said he- was going to bring some medicine. So saying he went out. He went away and did not return. Inside, on the couch, lay the huddled imitation of Shivaji. Outside the prison the sentries stood with swords drawn.

As the day for execution dawned Polad Khan came in. There was a strange silence and he grew suspicious. When he saw no movement in Shivaji's body, he thought he might have died and pulled the blanket. He was shocked to see just the bare bed and the pillows! Shivaji had disappeared. You can imagine the feelings of Polad Khan, and more important still, of Aurangzeb. Aurangzeb at once ordered his army to capture Shivaji and the army set out in all directions.

By this time Shivaji and Sambhaji had already mounted the horses that were kept in readiness for them and proceeded south. They dashed away at great speed. On the way they were sheltered comfortably in the Maths established by Swami Samarth Ramdas.

Shivaji and Sambhaji dressed in the robes of a 'sanyasi' reached Raigadh. For a while even his mother Jijabai could not recognize her son. Later, she was happy to learn their escape and safe return. When the news of Shivaji's escape from Agra reached the ears of his enemies in the south, they were all speechless and helpless. Not just that Shivaji's fame spread all over India. Shivaji had thrown dust into the eyes of the greatest schemer and politician like Aurangzeb and had escaped from the latter's capital.

Indeed this story is very interesting as we listen to it. Shivaji Maharaj's clever and excellent planning mind could be seen very well from this story.
June 13th marked the coronation day of Shivaji Maharaj. Let us all take with us the great qualities Shivaji Maharaj displayed in his life, the same way as he took it from the stories told by his mother Jijabai.

Let us now listen to a song by Sant Samartha Ramadas on Shivaji.

Story Courtesy: Story from our 5th standard english book.
Song Courtesy: Song referred by Ajey Gotkhindikar


Tuesday, June 14, 2011

"What is within is seen outside"

After a very long time, I attended a guest lecture today on "Responsible Capitalism" by Edward Freeman in Tampere. Few minutes after the lecture began, I had a reminiscence feeling of the days when I used to listen to Bhagavat Geetha lectures in the Kamaraj auditorium, Chennai by Sunandaji from Vedanta Institute.

"Responsible Capitalism" and "Bhagavat Geetha" are they related someway?? What made me reminiscent over Bhagavat Geetha discourse on a "Responsible Capitalism" lecture? Because of the lines Dr.Freeman told, "All the business are for a purpose, if it focuses on the purpose, money and profit will follow".
I vividly remember the voice of Sunandaji telling Krishna's words for Arjuna, "All our lives are for a purpose. Hey Arjuna, do your duties which you are ought to, rest will be taken care of".

Those lines of Freeman can raise many arguments and debates, which is for sure worth a discussion. However, I liked the ideas and the ways he discussed it in a short span of duration. His confidence and belief over the Responsible Capitalism can be seen on the way he carried his talks. He narrated it as a new story and wanted all of us to share it with our circle of people and let everyone talk about this: Be responsible as you do your business. He did not criticize about businesses making profits, but commented that businesses do need to make profit for their existence in the first place. What he emphasized instead is, that making profits alone should not be the objective of a business. Quite contradictory to one of my professors who used to say, "Doing Business finally boils down to making money!"

Anyways, I enjoyed the lecture and an unexpected interesting conversation I had with two others during snack time. Both of them are Finns, one being an elderly person (with up-to-date knowledge about India) and another being a middle-aged man. The discussion went around the lecture topic and all of us agreed that the lecture was a brief overview and triggered an interest towards the subject, while at the same time spurred many questions. The middle-aged man aspires to start a business soon and we had a discussion about his views on making his future business being "responsible".

Also when we chatted about reputed companies being responsible and less responsible, the middle-aged man casually stated that "Being responsible comes from within and can be seen outside". Yes, his simple statement strike me a truth: "You are seen outside as what you are inside". This applies to individuals and organizations as well.. Whatever good ethics we want to have, comes within ourselves. Yet it is also true that people and companies are not always good as seen outside. However, the real face can be seen one day or the other! There are many good examples for this, like the Satyam Computers scam in India.

Our discussion went on and we departed acknowledging each of us for our wonderful discussion. My take away from this is,
"What is within is seen outside" - one day or the other. So, let us think good and do good and be good, as far we can.

Friday, June 10, 2011

Importance of making right choices

Last weeks we saw that we should believe that our small efforts will make a difference and also we could put tremendous efforts to accomplish big tasks.
Adding to this, it is also important to understand that not all tasks can be achieved merely by one person's efforts and we would be in need of help from our friends and family to accomplish a task. This week we can listen to a story emphasizing the ethics one need to possess when approaching others for help and how to make a choice.

This incident happened in our Epic Mahabharatham. The war between Gauravas and Pandavas had been declared. Duryodhana being the head of Gauravas started gathering support for his army and one day approached Krishna. When he went to Krishna's home, he found him sleeping and so he sat near his head.

Later after sometime Arjuna also came to Krishna's home to ask for his support for Pandavas. When he found Krishna sleeping, he humbly sat near his foot and both waited patiently till Krishna woke up.

Krishna woke up from his nap and saw Arjuna first and enquired about his welfare. Arjuna told ,"Krishna, we want your support for us during the Gurukshetra war". Then he saw Duryodhana sitting behind him and enquired about his welfare as well. Duryodhana replied, "Krishna, I came first and we want your support for us during the war".

Though  Duryodhana had come first to meet Krishna, Krishna saw Arjuna first. So he replied that he would accept both their requests and gave them a choice and divided his sainya (army) into two: 10000 Yadhuviras who are equal to him in valour on one side and Krishna alone on the other side. And, Krishna told that he will not take any arms but can just be the Rathasarathi (charioteer).

Then, he asked Arjuna first for his choice, as he was younger than Duryodhana. This is because, according to Sruti Vakya, younger one should be given precedence over older person. Arjuna had firm faith on Krishna that he did not want anyone else except Krishna and so he replied, " Let only You be on our side and we would be blessed".

Duryodhana was so happy hearing it and immediately replied, "I am happy to have your 10,000 Yadhuviras" and thought Arjuna should be a fool to reject a wonderful choice offered to him on a platter.

But from the complete story of Mahabharatham, we could understand that how the presence of Krishna influences the victory of Pandavas.
Though the army and valorous soldiers are important in a war, Arjuna chose Krishna instead of 10,000 Yadhuviras, because he knew that Krishna was an embodiment of grace, astute mind, philosopher and guide. And, that Krishna's presence on their army would have magnanimous effect than Krishna's mighty army.

When we want to accomplish some tasks in our lives and are in need of help or have a choice to make, take sometime to understand the capability of the person or choice. People like Duryodhana may laugh or criticize at us for our decision, but if we believe the Divine Grace to be on our choice, proceed with that.
The presence of Divine Grace will help us accomplish our goal.

Also one has to learn the quality of Vinayam (being humble) at all times, like what Arjuna did in this story.

PS: I could not think of any song that would relate to this story. If you have any songs that would relate or kinda suits this story, please share.

The guiding verse of my life

I listened to a discourse by Sri Muralidhara Swamigal and the Bhagavat Geetha shloka he mentioned in that simply elucidates how we need to do our actions and practices which will lead us to live peacefully.

The shloka is from Chapter 12 Bhakthi Yoga, verse 12,

If you understand Tamil language, please do listen to his explanation for this shloka, below.

And for those who does not understand Tamil, I tried to summarize below what he had mentioned.
"We have been brought up with our tradition & cultural values since our childhood which is good. But we should make efforts to know the reasoning behind it, which will guide us when we are baffled by those non-believers. It is not enough to have this reasoning as a knowledge alone, but we need to put that into consistent practice through which we will develop 'dhyana' or meditation: meditate on our practices. Once we start doing practising this for years, unknowingly we might be proud of ourselves. The ego comes into picture and will slowly become our master. Thus inorder to avoid pride taking over us, we need to submit all our efforts to God saying, its only through His grace, I am able to do all these activities consistently. This 'bhava' or emotion will humble ourselves and prevent from pride taking over. Once we get into this state, we will remain peacefully all through our life: during happiness and sorrow."

So in short he tells us, it is good to practise our values, and even more good is to know the reason behind it which guide us when we are baffled by others, and even more good is continuing the knowledge and practice consistently and the best would be to offer all our efforts to God which will lead to ultimate Peace at all times.

I strongly recommend people to listen to his discourse if you understand Tamil, for my summarization on his view is limited to my understanding. And I am sure, everyone of us will take different interpretations from his talks. If you have any other thoughts that you could imbibe from his talk, please do share with me here.

Each shloka of Bhagavat Geetha sends us a message on the good ways of leading our life and to handle our situations. I consider this shloka to be a guiding verse of my life in doing my activities daily.



Saturday, June 4, 2011

Put efforts as big as to descent Holy Ganga

In the last story we could realize that even smallest of our thoughtful acts will make a difference. But let us not stop ourselves by doing small worthy acts, when we could do the most mighty and demanding tasks.
Have you heard the term "Bhagiratha Prayathana"? (Bhagiratha's endeavours). Listen to his story which brought this term into existence.

Bhagiratha was a valiant King of Ayodhya and son of King Dhilipa. When his ancestor Sagara performed an yagna, he came to know that the ashes of his sixty thousand sons were lying on Patala Loka (nether world) and only by washing them with Holy Ganga water will they reach heaven.

Sagara and other kings in his lineage could not bring Ganga river with their tapas. Later during Bhagiratha's reign, he made a resolution that he would bring the souls of his ancestors rest in peace, by washing their ashes with Ganga water.

In order to bring Holy Ganga river to earth, he handed over his kingdom to his ministers and went to the Himalayas to do Tapas (penance). He carried out a strict Tapas towards Lord Brahma. He carried his Tapas for many years amidst hot summer with his bare legs bearing the heat and standing over freezing lake during cold winter. Years passed on and it was more than 1000 years he continued his severe Tapas. During his initial days, he used to take food once in a day, which slowly reduced to once in a week, once in a month and finally he made his living by drawing energy from air.

One day, Lord Brahma was pleased with his Tapas, gave him darshan and asked his wish. Bhagiratha bowed before him and requested him to grant a boon so that Holy Ganga river would come to earth and he could wash his ancestors ashes with Ganga water. Lord Brahma was happy hearing to it and granted him the boon and told that the earth would not bear the force of Ganga river's descent. So asked him to do Tapas towards Lord Siva, for he could help in bringing Ganga river to earth.

Continue Tapas again towards Siva?? This would definitely deter normal people but not Bhagiratha. He continued the Tapas towards Lord Siva with the same zeal for the resolution he had taken. Few years of his austere Tapas made Lord Siva to appear before him and he consented to his wish of bearing the force of Ganga river's descent in his head. Thus by Lord Brahma's boon, Ganga river flowed over Lord Siva's head.

The Ganga being proud of her strength, had in her mind, that Lord Siva might not be able to bear her water force. Lord Siva sensed her thought and taught her a lesson by holding her onto his head inside his Jada mudi (matted hair). The Ganga river could not come out of Lord Siva's matted hair and Ganga river felt guilty of her arrogance. However, seeing this Bhagiratha got worried and pleaded Siva to bestow on him by His grace. Lord Siva then let Ganga flow to earth in seven separate streams. Three of which flowed west and three east, and the last one followed Bhagiratha.

As the Holy Ganga followed Bhagiratha, they travelled near Jahnu maharishi's ashram (hermit). Ganga as she flowed became mischievous and destroyed Jahnu maharishi's yagna peedam (sacrificial stand). Jahnu maharishi got angry because of her mischievous act and drank her completely in a gulp. Yet again, Bhagiratha was struck in making his resolution happening. But Bhagiratha was not a normal person to be grief-stricken with these situations. He pleaded Jahnu maharishi and requested to grace him to fulfill his resolution. So Jahnu maharishi released Ganga through his ears (and so Ganga river is also known as Jaahnavi - daughter of Jahnu maharishi as he released her like a child from a mother's womb).

Bhagiratha atlast washed away his ancestor's ashes with Holy Ganga water and made their souls rest in peace in heaven. As Bhagiratha with his Tapas brought Holy Ganga to earth, River Ganga is also known as "Bhagirathi".

This story of Bhagiratha shows the perseverance one has to be equipped with, when making a resolution come true. Besides perseverance, Bhagiratha did not get deter when he faced hindrances at many situations.
Thus came the term "Bhagiratha Prayatana" emphasizing that our efforts towards a difficult goal should be big and to be done with never-give up attitude.

Source: This story was told by Viswamitra to the kids Rama and Lakshmana, when he took them to the forest to protect his Yagna, in Ramayana. (www.ramayanam.in)


We are to be blessed to take a bath in the Holy Ganga river, but for now, let us drench ourselves in listening to this Ganga Arti.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cy00PwV_qWU

Wednesday, June 1, 2011

Ever thought about ample free time?



Yes, I had thought about it during my childhood days.. When I study during my school & college days for mid-term tests and exams, my mind used to go behind various interesting things; starting from TV shows, eating delicacies, learning new sports or skills, vacation with relatives to the more "useful" ones reading general books, quiz books, going to library and many more, except concentrating on the course subject. I would try hard to side out those thoughts and concentrate on the subject. I would tell myself that let me do all those things during my holidays after exams. And, yes as the exams gets completed and with the whole 2 months of holidays in front of me, I get completely immersed in playing, watching TV and other things and completely forget my thoughts on "Useful holidays ideas" ;-)

Our school & college days is entirely different from our current working life. But, "I" am the same person now, as I was during my school & college days.. When I am my completely busy with my work assignments, I used to get many more ideas of improving my C skills, learning new technical concepts, try out some hobbies etc.. But now... what happens when I have ample free time?? My mind is not inclined to do those preferred free time activities. I have to agree, that during initial days when I was free to do anything, my mind did support me in doing many things.. But as days goes on, it slowly started being sluggish. I have to cheer myself and prevent from getting distracted often, and make a list of "to-dos" and keep an eye to be on track. Otherwise I am sure I will get lost during this ample free time. I am sure, if I practise this activity regulary, it will help me in continuing those preferred free time activities even during my busy working times.

This makes me wonder, how would it be getting a 2 months holiday every year as we would get during our school days? Perhaps, we all might turn into hobbysists and know more on what we like and can do by ourselves..
Have you ever been in times when you had ample free time after slogging sometime on your work? Pour in your thoughts & experiences at those times.

Friday, May 13, 2011

Small act will make a difference

From this week for few more weeks, we can listen to stories conveying the qualities one need to possess while doing our activities.

Kids are excited and interested about animals. This week we can listen to the story of a bird called Jatayu. This story is from Ramayanam happened during “Aaranya Kandam” (when Rama, Sita and Lakshmana lived in the forest).

In brief, Rama went in search of the golden deer which Sita was interested in and Lakshmana followed him as Sita wanted him to help Rama who might be in trouble. When Sita was alone in their hermit, Ravana came there disguised as a sage and abducted her. He took her forcefully and placed her in his chariot and started flying in the air. Sita did not expect this sudden attack and was crying all the while asking for help. Jatayu an old vulture was sleeping under a tree and heard some feeble voice of a lady. Jatayu is the bird whose life was once saved by King Dasaratha, father of Lord Rama.

Jatayu on hearing the feeble cry of a lady, opened his eyes and could see a chariot flying in the air with a demon carrying an innocent lady. Sita yelled all the way as,
“Oh Rama, Oh Lakshmana come and save me”.
These words made Jatayu to react swiftly as he could recognize that it should be Sita, wife of Rama, asking for help. As Jatayu was old and resting for a long time, he could not fly high and fast. But as he hears the cries of Sita, he mustered energy and flew near Ravana’s chariot. Seeing Jatayu coming for her rescue, Sita yelled at Ravana saying
“Oh Ravana, see even this old vulture could not withstand your ill-behvaiour and coming to rescue me”.

Jatayu now understood that the demon was none other than Ravana and told him,
“Oh demon king, it is not a rightful act to abduct Sita, the wife of Rama. Please leave her and I can return her to Rama, otherwise it is sure that you will not escape from Rama’s arrows”.
On hearing these words from Jatayu, Ravana replied
“Hey poor bird, though you are weak and senile, you are not afraid of me and speaking against me. Go away from here otherwise I have to kill you and proceed with my wish!”
Albeit his oldness, Jatayu wanted to save Sita from the cruel hands of Ravana and hence started attacking him with his long wings. Ravana got hurt by Jatayu’s fluttering wings and became furious.

While Ravana took his sword and aimed at Jatayu’s wings, Sita prevented him from aiming at Jatayu. Jatayu continuously hurted Ravana by fluttering his wings and piercing with his beak. Though Jatayu cannot match Ravana’s powers, he fought a good battle with Ravana. Finally, Ravana cut Jatayu’s wings and pierced the sword into his flesh. Jatayu cried aloud out of pain and fell down. Jatayu felt bad that he could not save Sita who is like his daughter. Ravana then flew away with Sita in his chariot.

Few days later, Rama and Lakshmana were roaming around the forest in search of Sita and found a big old bird lying around. They thought that the bird had died, but as they came nearer, they could hear groaning sound from the bird. It was none other than Jatayu. When Rama touched Jatayu, the bird could realize that it is Rama’s touch and uttered, “Oh Rama, I am Jatayu, a vulture who was given life once by your father Dasaratha. Sita was abducted by Ravana and even though I fought with him to rescue her, I cannot succeed. He broke my wings and flew away with Sita towards south direction. You will find her soon and will be happy with her”. Saying these words, Jatayu died on Rama’s lap. Rama became very sad to lose Jatayu who is like a second father to him. He performed the last rites of Jatayu, thinking that he did not get the chance to do last rites for his own father. Atleast he could do for Jatayu who is equivalent to his father. As per Jatayu’s words, they started in search of Sita in the South direction.

Though Jatayu was weak and old, did not fail to put efforts in rescuing Sita. He knew that Ravana is more powerful than him, but still he fought with him. He knew his fight will not succeed but only the fight made him know that it was only Ravana who abducted Sita and took her towards south direction. Jatayu held his final breath to utter those words to Rama which would help him in finding Sita.

Though Jatayu played a small role, it was only him who told Rama about Ravana abducting Sita and they flew towards South. That made the difference in Rama’s and Lakshmana’s search for Sita, otherwise they would have been wandering the forest not knowing Sita's whereabouts. Jatayu’s actions displays that though we might be weak, or less skilled, or under-privileged, our every single act will make a difference, if we believe in what we do.

Another important qualtiy that can be observed from all our moral stories is to first try to solve the problem by smooth, non-violent means, if that is not possible, then try other means which is also emphasized in this story by Jatayu (when he first asked Ravana to leave Sita).
 Here is a Bharathiyar song I am reminded when I think about birds..
It is sung by Bombay Jayasree in album “Atma - soul”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2XC7MjGF2mw

Tuesday, May 10, 2011

Transformation!!!


I was going on a walk along with my son to a park nearby, and he exclaimed "ahh" and pointed to a butterfly. This might be the first time he sees the butterfly and yes, spring is already here in Finland (though a bit late this year). This is the third summer for us to be here in Finland and I have to say that this place is entirely different during each season. Anyone who visited this place during winter would not believe how shiny and green it is during summer. The autumn is a delight to watch with trees having different colored leaves and within 2 weeks during late autumn the trees stand tall without any leaves decorating it. Needless to say about the long snow-capped winter - a beauty in itself.

The butterflies and the flowers near our home along the roadside make me wonder, where they were during peak snow-capped winter season. I still do not know if the butterflies would migrate from other far off places(can they fly so far?!) or were they taking rest all these days?(hmm, nay that might not the case).
And, the flower plants I am sure are buried underneath the snow. The wonderful fact is that these plants are not dead, but they are just dormant. They withhold their life, preparing and waiting for the right time to blossom. The moment when the sun starts shining and the place getting warmer, they immediately start blossoming. They send a message to us that, during tough times, if we withhold our life and prepare and wait for an opportunity, we can blossom the moment sun shines in our life through an opportunity! And for sure sun will shine in all our lives after a dark winter.

All the four seasons are completely different in Finland and a real experience. I am sure my words cannot explain it, neither are my photos. But, just to explode your imagination about the seasons, here are some of my photos.

Snowy winter

Trees and plants covered with snow












Plants blossom as spring dawns
Trees are beautiful with fresh green leaves coming up

















Picturesque summer


Sought after summer!



Autumn colors the leaves!
Road-side filled with leaves during autumn













And the cycle just continues like our lives...

Saturday, May 7, 2011

Dukrin Karane, Dukrin Karane

Wondering what does the title refer to?
Before explaining about the title, let us know the significance of May 8th,2011 which is JagadGuru Adi Shankaracharya's Janmadina (birthday). Within a short period of his lifetime, he has given a strong message to us through his various shlokas and song compositions. In remembrance of our great Guru, here is a story behind one of his greatest compositions "Bhaja Govindam" also known as "Moha Mudgara".

During his stay on Kashikshetram (Varanasi), one day on his way back to Ashram (hermit) after having bath in Ganges, he heard a student intently repeating "Dukrin Karane, Dukrin Karane, Dukrin Karane" and was trying to memorize a Sanskrit grammar sutra (rules). The student was a youth who was about to finish his studies and going to start his career. Adi Sankara on hearing him cramming the Sanskrit Grammar sutra, felt pity for him and his ignorance. On that moment, he thought "Of what use would the cramming bring in the student's life? It might help him get a good career, but if he gets satisfied with that, he would fail to realise his purpose of life and repeats the birth-death cycle". On that very moment, he composed the song "Bhaja Govindam" and elucidates the real purpose of our life.
Ofcourse in order to make our living we need to study hard, work and learn more to grow in our life. However he emphasize in that song, while these things are required to run our life, they do not help us in realizing our purpose of life. All of us are born for a purpose, which would be known to us only when we seek towards that.
On his Janmadina, let us pray and seek his blessings to make us realize our purpose of life and help us in achieving it.

Here is the soulful rendition of "Bhaja Govindam" by our great M.S.Subbulakshmi.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r4FUQxn4CnY

Friday, May 6, 2011

Practise Shreddha and Steadfastness - II

As promised last week, here is another story of a small boy who was steadfast in his thought and pursued his efforts with Shreddha.
Once upon a time, there was a person by name Vajashrava who wished to accumulate punyam by giving away alms to the poor. So he arranged for a big yaagam and at the end of it planned to give alms to the poor. He asked his servants to get weakest and old cows from his yard. He had a small son by name Nachiketa who was observing that. He could see that those cows are old enough to give milk, neither they can be used for farming nor can be used for other purposes.

Nachiketa is a boy who is well versed in Shastras and possess staunch faith on them. He learns humbly from his Guru and pursues his orders with utmost sincerity. On seeing his father's actions, he was reminded of the Shastra knowledge he learnt, where it is mentioned that "One must always give away good things to others and the gifts a person give should be useful to others. Also, those things that are  liked by us should be given to others, which will subdue our sense of attachment."

So he told his father "Father, why are you giving old and weak cows to poor people? Those cows are not going to be of any useful to them. Though you think it as a way to acquire punyam(virtue), it is in fact papam(sin), to give such gifts to poor people. Please do not do that". Vajashrava replied "My son you are of small age and so you cannot understand these acts of the world. If I give away all the healthy cows of mine, how will I earn money and livelihood in the future. So let me continue doing this daanam(charity)". Worried Nachiketa thought for a while and told "Father, Shastras also mention, that children are the greatest wealth of a parent. You can give away me and get punyam. To whom will you give me?"

Vajashrava was busy in his work and did not heed his words. Nachiketa kept asking him repeatedly "To whom will you give me"? Vajashrava got angry and told "Go away, I give you to Yama". Nachiketa took these words seriously and in order to adhere to his father's words started his way to meet Yama, Lord of Death.

With his streadfast faith and shastra abhyas (practice), he crossed the Vaitarani nadi, which great sages find difficult to cross and reached Yamaloka. While he reached the doors of Yamaloka, he came to know that Yama Dharmaraaja was not in Yamaloka and waited behind the doors. After three days, Yama Dharmaraaja on his return to Yamaloka saw the small boy waiting behind his doors for three days without food and water. He felt bad for not serving his guest with due honor. He along with his wife Yami, welcomed him, provided him a seat and gave him food and water. He then spoke to him "My son, I am very sorry for keeping you wait behind my doors without any food or water. I was failed to perform my duties towards a guest and hence to cleanse my papam (sin) please ask three boons from me".

Nachiketa was happy to hear those words from Yama Darmaraaja himself and asked, "My father would be angry on me, because I left him in order to keep up his words. So please grant me the first boon that my father should not be angry on my return and should be always happy" . Dharmaraaja was happy to hear his self-less wish and then asked for the other two.

Nachiketa continued "I would like to be blessed with Vigyanam (scientific knowledge) by you". "Granted" told Dharmaraaja. Nachiketa then continued "Shastras say that a man is reborn again and again like a crop being grown and harvested. But those who attain Atmagyana are able to cross over this cycle. So can you teach me the ways to attain Atmagyana". Dharmaraaja was taken away on hearing this third boon and hesitated for a while as Atmagyana can be taught to only befitting people. So Dharamaraaja replied "My son, you are of small age and not in a position to learn that. You can ask any other things like health, kingship of this world, unparalleled  wealth etc". However Nachiketa remained steadfast in his desire to learn Atmagyana and uttered "I am not interested in anything else other than learning Atmagyana verily from you, Dharmaraaja".

On seeing Nachiketa's unshakable faith, he started teaching him Atmagyana. This story is from Katho Upanishad where Dharmaraaja teaches Nachiketa the ways to attain Atmagyana.

This story reveals steadfast faith and efforts with shreddha will surely yeild success. This story also emphasizes the way guests have to be treated and also the bhava (intention or mindstate) behind giving alms to the poor. As mentioned here, we should give those things that will be useful to others.

On a careful read of Dhruva and Nachiketa's story, we could find that both boys when confronted with rejection of their desire and thought, did not react with despair. They in turn provided the due respect for their parents and elders and at the same time tried other good ways to pursue their desires and thoughts.
This is an important quality to be cultivated to our children; not to despair or react badly during rejection, but to evolve as a person with integrity and find other ways to achieve their desire.


This story of Nachiketa is also referenced in this story: http://meinall.blogspot.com/2011/04/implied-meaning-of-lord-krishnas-pranks.html

Having listened to the story of small boy Nachiketa, we can enjoy this small boy's beautiful rendition of carnatic krithi "Pibare Ramarasam" by Sadasiva Brahmendra.



Pibare Rama Rasam

By Sadashiva Brahmendrar

Ragam Aahir Bhairavi, Thala AAdhi
Pallavi
Pibare rama rasam, rasane Pibare Rama Rasam

Charanam
1. Doorikrutha pathaka samsargam,
pooritha nana vidha phala vargam.
2. Janana marana bhaya shoka vidhooram,
Sakala shastra nigamagama saram
3. Pariplalitha sarasija garbhandam,
Parama pavithree krutha pasandam.
4. Sudha paramashrama ashrama githam,
Shuka shaunaka kaushika mukha peetam

English Translation
Pallavi
Drink the nectar of Rama, Oh connoisseur, Drink the nectar of Rama.
Charanam
1. Which removes the society of sinners
And fills you up with the fruits of many types.
2. Which removes the fear and sorrow of death and birth,
And which is the essence of all holy books including Vedas.
3. Which is the egg that looks after Lord Brahma,
And which makes you extremely pure.
4. Which is the pure music of sages in their Ashram,
And which can be heard from the face of,
Sages like Shuka, Shaunaka and Kaushika.

Story references: http://www.celextel.org/
http://www.moralstories.wordpress.com/

Lyrics courtesy: http://www.celextel.org/