Contents Page No.Editorial 2Profile 3Discover the power of Mind 4Vajrasana & Pranayama 5Amrita Dhara 6Spiritual Quest 7Let’s play football... 8Exploring Karma 9Yuvanjali 10Faith 10Dear God 11Sant Kabirdas 12Mirror Mirror... 13A Quest 14Homeward Bound 15The Art of Communication 16Orderly Chaos 18Akka Mahadevi 20Three Disciples 21Vata Savitri Pournima 22Satamanam Bhavathi 22Samskrit - Lesson Four 23Champakulam Boat Race 24The Goddess Earth 26Omnipresence 28Yoga Sadhana Shibir 29Summer Camp 30Helping Hands 32An Appeal 33Subscriptions 35

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1

local daily carried news and picturesof a school girl celebrating herbirthday in a novel way. She offeredorange juice to all the passersby onthe tank bund. Her kind act was well

appreciated by the public. The picture of thelittle girl standing in the hot sun with a tray oforange juice glasses was really touching. Whathas inspired her to do such an act, when shecould have celebrated her birthday with friendsamidst fun and frolic? Did the parents have arole to play? Certainly this needs to be given athought. The parents would have been rolemodels to the little girl.

When parents are asked what they want mostfor their children in life, the majority answer “tobe happy.” Makes sense! But what does it meanto be happy? Being rich? Famous? We often puta lot of energy into making sure our childrenbehave and study well in school. But whatabout cultivating our children’s character? Wecertainly play a huge role in shaping theircharacter.

One character we highly value in our homes iskindness. We should encourage children to begiving. We as parents should set an example forour children by doing several kind acts. The actsneed not be anything huge or time consuming.They can be as simple as offering a glass ofwater to quench someone’s thirst. As parentswe are like a mirror for our children. Whenchildren observe our examples of kindness, theywill learn how to do them as they are veryempathetic at an early age. If parentsconsistently role model kindness, empathy,compassion and love, children will emulate itand there is every possibility of these qualitiesbeing woven into their everyday lives. The worldwould be a better place if every one of uslearned to think of others and find ways to showthat we care.

The Hamsa (Swan) is animportant motif in AdvaitaVedanta. Its symbolicmeanings are: firstly, uponverbally repeating hamsa,it becomes SOHAM (I amThat). Secondly, even as ahamsa lives in water itsfeathers are not sullied byit; a liberated Advaitin livesin the world full of Mayabut is untouched by itsillusion. Thirdly, a monk ofthe Dashanami order iscalled PARAMAHAMSA. InVedantic Hinduism theswan is frequentlyemployed as a metaphorfor the Atman or Soul.

COVER STORY

EDITORIAL

-Subhadra K.

Accumulate power in silenceand become a dynamo of spirituality.

- Swami Vivekananda

2

There are people living with high profile, lowprofile or no profile. We come across spiritualpeople in every field. But many get entangledinto different profiles, carrying their worldlydesignations, eventually forgetting values andpushing their own personal agendas in lives. Thesemake us more selfish and once we become selfishour very purpose of life is lost.

Have we ever thought that to express ourselveswe do not need any profile? People havecompletely misunderstood this spiritual journeythinking seriously that only if there is profile theycan express divinity otherwise it is not possible.There are good souls who have contributed theirlives without any profile and there are peoplewho have high profile yet their contribution is nil.If we look at people and the society we find a kindof imbalance due to selfishness. We are becomingmore lethargic and can find lot of inertia in us.This needs to be taken care of, if we think thatthere should be an enlightened society. And thisis possible when we understand that profile is notimportant to create a stage and present it to theworld. If we find there is nobody who can listento us then we should develop the language ofsilence and communicate with them. This wasdone by people like Sant Kabir, Dadu, Nanak,Rahim, Rohidas, Ekanath and many more. Thelist is endless and so is their contribution.

Everyone is going through a change, a kind oftransformation but unconsciously. We are not ableto notice it. If we understand the mechanismgiven by God and how to utilize it, then probablyour journey into spiritual realm will becomepossible. People have achieved highest state onlyafter giving up profile. Therefore even thoughour journey starts from ‘Profile’ it should alwaysend in ‘No profile’.

I have come across many such souls who havededicated their lives, living in seclusion, speakingthe language of silence, having burning desire toserve the society, not seen in the picture but feltin the picture. For me they are like paintingswithout signature or Vedas without purusha.

My humble pranams to such souls for showingthe path of no profile…Om Namah Shivaya!

Profile!

- Swami Nachiketananda

3

They alone live who live for others, rest are more dead than alive.They alone live wholive for others, rest are more dead than alive.

Today most of us are more interested to knowabout the other person or the external world.Example: A software engineer is interested toknow the mechanism of a computer, he tries tounderstand computer inside out. But dearSadhakas, the computer is a man’s creation!When man’s creation is so fascinating then whatabout God’s creation? God created man andthe universe and many more things which cannotbe explained. This external world keepschanging, but there is some thing which isunchanging and eternal that needs to beexperienced by man. So how many of you areinterested to know about that which isunchanging or the True Self? How many of usare interested to know the mechanism of theSelf? It is a must for a human being to know histrue nature without which human life is a waste.

How to understand our own mechanism? Is itpossible to understand the mechanism of theSelf? If you can understand the nature of themind, it is very easy to experience the truenature of one self.

Let us understand what mind is? Can you seemind? No. You can only experience it. Whatdoes mind do? It directs you.

What is the biggest pollution in the world? Isit the air, water, sound pollution etc...? No, youwill be amazed to know the truth because in theworld, the biggest pollution is that of mind. Lookat the dust bin, keep all the dust of the household for two to three days and see what happens.It begins to stink. In your mind you have goodand bad thoughts. Are you aware of the factthat your thoughts travel in the universe andattract the same kind of thoughts? That is thereason our sages suggested positive thinking.Then what about your mind? All the negative

thoughts will be expressed in the form ofdiseases; they say that mind is faster than thewind or air. Mind is like a monkey. A monkey isnot stable, it keeps moving from one tree toanother, one place to another. Our mind also issimilar to that.

Mind is a package given by God Himself. Itcomes with birth and carries the impressions ofyour habits, thoughts and Samskaras.

In fact you should direct your mind, butinstead the mind directs you! You might be aking of the world, but you are not the king ofyour own self. He is the true king who directs hismind.

Why do we need to direct our mind? What isthe necessity?

For material or spiritual gains you should bethe boss or owner of your own mind. Only thenyou can achieve success in every aspect of life.

Sant Tulasidas says, “I bow down to that sagewho has conquered his mind.”

So, mind is a powerful instrument toexperience the purpose of life. It is the greatestmedium to realize the Self. Only thing is youneed to understand the mechanism of the mindwith the help of right practice or Sadhanadescribed by our sages.

For me thoughts are like scattered flowers,mind is like a thread and sadhana or practice isa skill which helps in making a garland.

Lord Krishna says, “Bondage and liberationare the mind alone.”

Make a beautiful garland with the help ofright Sadhana, so that you can offer that garlandto the Lord.

Mastery of the mind helps in achieving thedestiny and makes life meaningful and purposeful.

- Swami Shivanandamayi

Discover the power of Mind

4

Vajrasana is one of the meditative postures and isrecommended for meditation and Pranayama practices. ThisAsana is adopted by Muslims and Buddhists during prayer.

Meaning: Vajra means diamond which is very strong andshiny. Another meaning of Vajra is thunderbolt and is theweapon of Lord Indra, the king of Devas. In the body thereis a Vajra nadi which starts from the big toe and ends in thenavel region. When you sit in Vajrasana this nadi gets activatedwhich helps in curing all gastro-intestinal and digestiveailments. This nadi sublimates and controls the sexual energy.Therefore Vajrasana is beneficial in curing ailments related toreproductive system.

How to do?

Sit on the mat/ bed sheet/ foam cushion/ asana.

Stretch both the legs and keep both the hands next tobuttocks.

Now fold right leg at the knee and keep under the rightbuttock.

Now fold left leg at the knee and keep under the left buttock.

Keep back bone straight.

Keep palms on the knees by keeping index and thumb fingerstogether.

See that there is no gap between the knees.

Who must not perform?

The patients of arthritis and women in advanced stages ofpregnancy should not perform vajrasana.

Who should do? When it should be done?

Vajrasana can be performed by any one at anytime. This isthe only asana that doesn’t have any restrictions regardingfood and time. In the house while doing your house hold,official work or watching TV etc...instead of sitting in thechairs and sofas try to make a habit of sitting in Vajrasana.This asana makes body stronger and healthy. Adopt this asanato stay healthy and to bring stability to mind.

NOTE: When you start doing this asana you might not be ableto sit even for a few minutes, but do not stop practice. Startfrom minimum 5 minutes to 15 minutes/ 30 minutes/ 1 houror as per your convenience.

Vajrasana

- Swami Shivanandamayi

Sit in any comfortablemeditative posture Vajrasana/Padmasana/ Siddhasana.

Adopt chinmudra or chinmayamudra.

Gently close your eyes.

Observe all the body parts andrelax them part by part.

Now stretch the tongue out andmake like a tube.

Inhale through tube and exhalethrough nose.

One inhalation and exhalation isone round.

5 rounds to 10 rounds can bedone.

In summer you can do 30 to 40rounds.

Who should not do?

This sitali pranayama should notbe practiced in winter and coldclimates.

People suffering from Low BP,Cold, Sore throat, Asthma,Bronchitis, excess mucous andConstipation are not supposedto do this pranayama.

BenefitsSitali Pranayama reduces excessheat from the body.

It cools down the body. Thispranayama provides relaxationto the body and calmness to themind.

It activates brain cells in thebody.

It helps in controlling hungerand thirst.

Sitali Pranayama

5

Sri Ramakrishna’s room in Daksineshwar wouldbe filled with devotees everyday. There wouldbe singing and dancing with a religious fervourat all times and at other times He would talkabout God and His Leelas. He would answer thequestions posed by ardent devotees in a simpleand lucid manner. Below is a sample of suchquestions which we as spiritual seekers wouldfind relevant even though a century has passedsince they were answered.

Devotee: Sir, why has God put us in the world?

Master: “The world is the field of action.Through action one acquires knowledge. Theguru instructs the disciple to perform certainworks and refrain from others. Again, he advisesthe pupil to perform action without desiring theresult. It is like getting rid of a disease by meansof medicine, under the instruction of acompetent physician.”

“Why doesn’t God free us from the world?Ah, He will free us when the disease is cured.He will liberate us from the world when we arethrough with the enjoyment of lust and gold.Once a man registers his name in the hospital,he cannot run away. The doctor will not let himgo away unless his illness is completely cured.”

Devotee: Sir, may I make an effort to earnmore money?

Master: “It is permissible to do so to maintaina religious family. You must try to increase yourincome, but in an honest way. The goal of lifeis not earning money, but the service of God.Money is not harmful if it is devoted to theservice of God.”

Devotee: How long must one do one’s duty?

Master: “The blossom drops off when thefruit appears. One doesn’t have to do one’s dutyafter the attainment of God, nor does one feellike doing it then.”

Sri Ramakrishna’sAmrita Dhara

“If a drunkard takes too much liquor, he cannotretain consciousness. If he takes only two orthree glasses, he can go on with his work. As youadvance nearer and nearer to God, He willreduce your activities little by little. Have nofear.”

“Finish the few duties you have in hand andthen you will have peace. When the mistress ofthe house goes to bathe after finishing hercooking and other household duties, she won’tcome back, however you may shout after her.”

Devotee: How long should a man feel obligedto do his duty toward his wife and children?

Master: “As long as they feel pinched for foodand clothing. But one need not take theresponsibility of a son when he is able to supporthimself. When the young fledgling learns to pickon its own food, its mother pecks it if it comesto her for food.”

Seeker: Is it necessary to practise spiritualdiscipline all through life?

Master: “No. But one must be up and doing inthe beginning. After that one need not workhard. The helmsman stands up and clutches therudder firmly as long as the boat is passingthrough waves, storms, high wind, or aroundthe curves of a river; but he relaxes after steeringthrough them. As soon as the boat passes thecurves and helmsman feels a favourable wind,he sits comfortably and just touches the rudder.Next he prepares to unfurl the sail and getsready for a smoke. Likewise, the aspirant enjoyspeace and calm after passing the waves andstorms of ‘lust and gold’.”

Let us stand up and clutch the rudder firmlyand make a commitment to ourselves to crossthe storms of Samsara. Go forward now andrelax in his Bliss later!

- Compiled by Geetha K.

6

What is grace? Is it needed for ourspiritual growth?

Ans: Grace has got many meanings inEnglish dictionary but the real meaning ofgrace is “that which transforms the mindinto heart”. There are two types of grace.One is external grace that comes fromdifferent sources such as Guru, Nature,Parents, Friends, etc whereas second isinternal grace, that comes from God.

‘External world’ is a medium to convey thegrace whereas ‘Internal world’ is the sourceof grace. Yet when it was time for SantKabir to bow down to God, He says –

“Guru Gobind Dono Khade Kake Lagu Paya,Balihari Guru apne Govind Diyo Dikhaya!”Probably this is the greatest homage paid toany Guru. Guru only conveys yet Sant Kabirsays, I bow down to my Guru because He hasshown me Govinda. This very expressionshows Kabir’s internal integrity and spiritualbond with external world.

Many people think that after realization,the realized person drops every activity anddoes nothing, but if we look at history, we

will come to know that, they were the soulswho have shaped the society and created awonderful world, for all of us to live in. SantKabir is one such soul whose presence is stillfelt.

Spiritual journey is possible when there isa longing for God and grace. Sant Kabirtravels many years in search of God, butfinds no God. The reason is simple; He wasin search of GOD without direction, but notin search of GURU who is the direction.Finally when He finds a right Guru, His searchfor the God ends. I personally feel whenthat grace dawns, our total life getstransformed, our true nature is expressedand simplicity takes the front seat in life.

For me grace in other word is Shraddhaand when that Shraddha springs forth fromwithin, we can see Ma Ganga and Her purityspreading all over. What the Guru has donein Sant Kabir’s case is to show Him the rightpath and give Him proper guidance. Guru’sgrace and direction worked on Kabir andrest is history. So it is necessary to havegrace while treading the spiritual path.

SPIRITUAL QUEST

One must experience the effect of pastaction...None can escape it. But japaminimizes its intensity.

- Ma Sarada Devi

- Swami Nachiketananda

7

The rules can be varied depending on youropponent’s strength. There is no goal post (ifyou want, you can have it as well) as the mainaim of the game is to keep the ball with youall the time.

You can choose your own team membersand so can your opponent. There areboundaries and there are a few penalties aswell if you cross the boundaries. You can havebreathe time as long as you want.

Looks simple and interesting. Isn’t it? Nowlet us see if it is easy just on paper or practicallyas well. I have played this game and found ittough initially but later understood thenuances of the game. Icing on the cake is –you can decide yourself, if you want publicityas well.

Let me share my experience so that it wouldmake you understand the game in a betterway. Here it goes – My first opponent of mychoice was “fear”, I had a few team membersinitially like family, friends, however decidedto face my opponent myself. I tried to keepthe ball called “LIFE” with me almost all thetime until my opponent gave up.

Well, for this to happen, I had to play manyleague matches with the same opponent untilwe decided on a final and I was victorious.Later on there were a few more opponentsagainst whom I just had to play either knock-out phase or finals and I do not wish to playthem again.

During these games, I chose my referee tobe “Society” which warned me, punished meif I went wrong against the unsaid rules. Insome games I realized I would be my ownreferee, of course, in all these games there isa TV referee called “GOD”. So you cannot

walk away with whatever you do on the field.If I accept my guilt, I can sit out for some timeand come back to play. If I try to fight thedecision I might lose my time and opportunities– again it was my choice.

I hope, now you understand what the gameall about is. You can solve your own (self-created) problems – that is why you chooseyour opponent.

Depending on your opponent, you decideyour own coach – your parents, nature, friends,your own child, a spiritual guru etc. who canguide directly or indirectly but with love.

The aim of the game, as said earlier, is todefeat your opponent (which should never bean individual), however remember that, youare supposed to keep everybody happy (atleast try your best).

The best part of the game at the end is –youare satisfied at what you achieve and worstpart is you cannot blame anybody/anything ifyou lose as everything was of your choice. Nocomplaints please.

“Writing this article” was my opponent thistime and hoping I have been victorious. Now,reading and understanding is your choice.

In these 3 decades of my life, first 2 decadeswent on in training; next half-decade went inpreparations as an individual and rest 5 yearshave been games for me. Hence, all thesethoughts are with personal experience. If anyof these thoughts have been quoted elsewhere,then it is purely coincidental.

So are you ready to play a game of yourchoice – Again your choice to play or not toplay.

-Nirmal Kumar D.

Request you not to make any conclusions until end of this article.

Venue – Your choice Date – Your choice Duration – Your choice

Opponent – Your choice Coach – Your choice Referee – optional

Rules of the game – Your choice again

Let’s play Footballof your choice…

8

There are numerous stories from the Puranaswhich bring out the significance of varioustheories and the tale of ‘Garuda and the tinybird’ is one such story, which reveals the rolekarma plays in one’s life and how it is impossibleto escape from its clutches.

Once Lord Vishnu went to meet Lord Shivaand when He reached Shiva’s abode in Kailash,He went in leaving behind His vehicle – theGaruda at the entrance. Garuda sat alone andlooked around, marveling at the naturalbeauty of the surroundings. His eyesfell on a beautiful little bird perched onthe arch of the gateway to Kailash.Garuda wondered how God couldcreate the lofty mountains and alsothe tiny bird and make them seemequally wonderful. “What a marvelouscreation!” he said to himself.

As he was thus ruminating, Yama-the God of death came along and beforeentering Shiva’s abode, he spotted the little birdand gave a bewildered look. Garuda who wasobserving Yama’s action thought it meant thebird’s time is up and when Yama comes outafter meeting Shiva, he would probably carryaway the bird’s soul. Garuda’s heart filled withcompassion for the little bird and he resolved tosave it. He swooped up the tiny bird andcarried it to a forest thousands of miles awayfrom Kailash and placed it safely on a rockbeside a brook. He then came back to thegateway of Kailash and resumed his positionfeeling happy and content that he could savethe life of the little bird.

When Yama came out, Garuda out of curiosityasked him why he was dismayed to see the littlebird. Yama smiled and said, “The little bird wassupposed to die in a few minutes, swallowed by

a python near a brook in a far away forest. Iwondered how this tiny bird could traversethousands of miles in such a short time to meetits destiny. But I am sure it should have happenedsomehow.” Saying this, Yama left leaving aperplexed Garuda who mulled over thesurprising turn of events. Whether Yama realizedthe role Garuda had to play in the fate of thelittle bird is a different question.

This subtle tale leaves us in a dilemma aboutthe veracity of right and wrong actions.Should the action be deemed positiveor negative solely on the basis of theresult it generates? Or is there someother criterion? Philosophers say whatdetermines the nature of karma is theintention behind an act. In the abovetale, Garuda’s intention was to savethe bird from the clutches of death.His action was positive though the

result turned out to be negative.

In our lives too, we come across many suchsituations. A simple act of rescuing a personfrom an accident might end up in his death inthe hospital. Is our action to be blamed? Adoctor can’t be charged with murder for thedeath of his patient during a surgery. We cannothold certain people responsible for their actions,such as children or the mentally handicappedbecause they have no conception of the ideas ofright and wrong. A child might be playing witha loaded pistol left behind carelessly by hisparents. His fingers might press the trigger killinghis sibling playing with him. An importantquestion arises here. Should he carry the heavyprice for his action done in ignorance? Can it betagged on the same line as a terrorist killinghundreds of people intentionally? Karma indeedneeds to be explored!

Exploring Karma

- A Devotee

9

Cheerful DispositionI have been asked many times, “Why do you

laugh so much and make so many jokes?” Ibecome serious sometimes- when I havestomachache! The Lord is all blissfulness. He isthe reality behind all that exists; He is thegoodness, the truth in everything. You are Hisincarnations. That is what is glorious. The neareryou are to Him, the less you will have occasionsto cry or weep. The further we are from Him,the more will long faces come. The more weknow of Him, the more misery vanishes. If onewho lives in the Lord becomes miserable, whatis the use of living in Him? What is the use ofsuch a God? Throw Him overboard into thePacific Ocean! We do not want Him!

We must be bright and cheerful; long faces donot make religion. Religion should be most joyfulthing in the world, because it is the best… It isthe cheerful mind that is persevering. It is thestrong mind that hews its way through athousand difficulties.

…Let the mind be cheerful, but calm. Neverlet it run into excesses, because every excesswill be followed by a reaction.

Combine seriousness with childlike naiveté.Live in harmony with all.

Yuvanjali

From “Living At the Source” - YogaTeachings of Swami Vivekananda

How many times have we thought that nomatter what , I am going to do this! But thensomething unexpected happens that is out ofyour control and derails the whole plan. Thenone is forced to think “do we really haveeverything in our hands? Are we really themakers of our own destiny?”. It createstremors in the confidence you have in yourself.You may think it is true what they say aboutGod that nothing happens without His will.Then what about the power you thought youhad? It strikes, you have no control over it!Your own life. Scary thought, isn’t it? To thinkthat your whole life is planned and all you aredoing or the decisions you make are alreadydecided by someone else…GOD.

And even if it is not, then you consoleyourself thinking that whatever happens is forthe good. That it is prelude to somethingbetter. But when you don’t get the resultthat you worked really hard for, it is notdifficult to question that faith.

But there is one thing you do know and thatis to do what best you can do and leave therest to the infamous destiny as God is neithera story writer nor a player of your life, but apower, a faith that shows us light and gives usstrength in the bleakest of hours. God isnothing but the goodness in every person anddestiny nothing but your past actions catchingup…good or bad.

- Satya Siri Atluri

Faith

10

How are you? Is everything good in your house? Say hi to everybody.

I am fine. I am enjoying school very much. But the teacher doesn’t like to answermy questions. Even Mummy, Papa and Bhaiya are tired of answering my questions.They say the questions are ‘never ending’! But I want answers. Even I have toanswer all their questions in the exam and in my homework notebook. It’s not fair.Even I want some answers. I will also give full marks and a red star to who everanswers best.

Last week in Social studies class, I was learning about a man called MohandasKaramchand Gandhi. You know him? People also call him Mahatma. They also callhim Bapu. They worship him sometimes like they worship you when they are introuble.

Teacher also showed us some big 100 rupee notes which had Gandhiji’s smilingphoto on the cover. She says that all the notes have his photo. But why is Gandhijismiling? Everybody is fighting for money and killing for money. Still, Gandhiji issmiling on the cover of money. He should not smile. Gandhiji was a good man.Gandhiji said we should always think of good things and say the truth and bepeaceful. It is wrong. Moral Science teacher taught us that money is evil. Peoplebecome greedy and start fighting for money. Then why do they have Gandhiji’sphoto on money? I want to talk to Sardar ji Uncle in Delhi to change it.

Why did Gandhiji use a stick? Teacher said he scared the British people with onlya dhoti and a stick. Dhoti I can understand. If he didn’t wear it, he would be shame-shame. But why did he use a stick? If a stick is so scary, why don’t police uncle andarmy uncle and Kasab uncle use a stick? They also want to scare people and makethem sit quietly in their houses. Then why use big guns and big bombs and makeeverything red-red? I will ask Teacher to use a stick from tomorrow in class. If Idon’t give her the idea, she might get a big gun and shoot if we make noise.

Should I tell teacher to use a stick? Or should she also use a gun and makeeverybody’s white uniform red-red? Should I write to the Sardar ji uncle in Delhi tochange Gandhiji’s photo? Mummy and Papa say I should not. He will not reply. Thenwhy is he Prime Minister? My Principal should be Prime Minister. She always repliesto all the letters.

Maybe I will also grow up and be like everybody else only. I will also fight forGandhiji’s photo and then make everybody red-red. But it might be a bad thing.I don’t know. Is it?

Okay, now I’m going. I have to do my homework. I will call you in the morningtomorrow. You also finish your studies and sleep on time. And reply fast. Bye!

XXXX

(That is my first signature. I am 8 years old. So it’s okay) - Avinash Agarwal

Dear God

11

Once a man walking by a house, saw ayoung woman grinding jowar grain. The sightof the seeds being crushed between thegrinding stones brought tears to his eyes.Their fate reminded him of the impendingdeath of man and saddened him. A sadhu whowas passing by that way enquired about thereason for his sorrow. The man explained itand inquired whether there was no escapefrom death.

Chalti Chakki Dekh Kar, Diya Kabira RoyeDui Paatan Ke Beech Mein,Sabit Bacha Na Koye

Looking at the grinding stones, Kabirlaments; in the duel of wheels, nothing staysintact.

The Sadhu was touched by his sensitivityand insight. He agreed that nature of manindeed is transient like those jowar seeds. Butjust like some seeds stuck to the axle rod stayintact through the grinding, the men wholatch on to the rod called God will not beaffected by death. The man who was stronglyconvinced by the Sadhu’s teaching and devotedrest of His life to God was none other thanKabir.

Conflicting opinions are held by scholarsregarding his birth, death and religion.According to one story a weaver couple Neeruand Nima found a baby whom they took intotheir loving care. They gave him the name‘Kabir’ which meant Mahatma. True to hisname Kabir, a poet, singer, Jnani, Bhakta anda social reformer came to be the ‘Sant’claimed by Muslims, Hindus and Sikhs asbelonging to their religions. Since Kabir wasnot confined to one religion, He was acceptedneither by Hindu nor by Muslim Guru as hisstudent. Just when He gave up all hope ofmeeting a Guru, He met Ramananda Swamion the banks of Ganges as per Divineprovidence. Ramananda was the leader ofBhakti movement (14th-17th centuries) which

taught that people should ignore the ritualsand caste system in India and experience Godthrough overwhelming devotion. And Heaccepted Kabir happily as His student.

Gur Dhobi Sikh Kapda, Saboo Sirjan HarSurti Sila Pur Dhoiye, Nikse Jyoti Apaar

Guru is the washer man, disciple is the clothand the name of God is like the soap. Wash themind on foundation firm, to realize the glow ofTruth.

Kabir was a born Bhakta with unquenchablequest for knowledge. He called Himself, atonce the child of Allah and Rama. God for Himwas Truth, Love and Nirguna - a formlessspiritual presence. He was His guru, His belovedand present in everyone regardless of religion.He listened to Hindu Sastras, Muslim Koran,Sufi masters’ lectures etc. He is known for Hisspiritual couplets and songs - Dohas written incommon man’s language deriving inspirationfrom the nature around. His songs found theirway into Guru Granth Sahab, the Holy Text ofSikhs.

Mali avath dekhike kaliya kari pukar Pooli pooli chunlayi khal hamari baar.

The buds grieved over their fate as they sawthe gardener. They felt, just as he plucked theblossoms that day, he would pluck them alsothe next day. Death is inevitable.

Kabir’s progressive style of Bhakti involvedvirtues of humility, devotion to a formless God,compassion for fellow human beings, a spirit offorgiveness and a gentleness. He lit the lampof love and devotion through His poetic works.Kabirdas was opposed to idol worship and castefeelings and believed in attaining liberationthrough discharge of Karma with detachmentand renunciation. According to Kabir the trueway to liberation was,

Pothee pad pad jagam aa pandita hu aana koyeDhayee akshar prem ka pade so panditahoyeMany people wasted their lives in research

over God through, classics. Only those whopronounced the two and a half letters (Sri

Ram), they were liberated proclaimed Kabir.Kabir Jayanti is celebrated on 7th June.

Sant Kabirdas

- Compiled by Annapurna R.

1

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Once upon a time there was a grasshopper,who through diligent practice became one ofthe best hoppers on land. She loved hopping somuch that she began teaching othergrasshoppers to hop. With discipline she toldher students when to eat, what to eat and howto eat. During practice she barked out orderstelling them to faithfullyfollow her commands.The teacher felt veryfulfilled when babygrasshoppers that hadnever hopped beforebegan to hop and goodhoppers could now hopmuch higher.

Then one day acreature showed up thatshe had never seenbefore – an eagle. She was determined toteach the eagle how to hop, as she was certainthat hopping was the path to fulfillment andenlightenment. At a gathering of grasshoppersthe eagle looked at the grasshoppers and said,“You are content with hopping but I can fly.”“Stop this foolish talk of flying,” screamed theteacher and turned to the grasshoppers. “Anytime such thoughts arise, immediately focusyour energy back on your hopping – this is howyou will become enlightened.” The eaglerealized that to communicate with thegrasshoppers he would have to speak thegrasshopper’s language – the language ofhopping. The next day the eagle began to hopwith the grasshoppers. To their surprise hecould not only hop but could hop as well as anyof them. Later that day a brave solitarygrasshopper approached the eagle and asked“Can you take me flying?” The eagle noddedand gently took the grasshopper in his powerfultalon. With a few beats of his wings they werealoft. Circling overhead the grasshopper couldsee the mountains, rivers and ocean that the

MIRROR, MIRRORON THE WALL

Can you tell me a bed time story at all?-Stay awake...Here it goes

eagle had described, far beyond the familiargrass-fields. Careful not to go too high, theeagle soon returned the grasshopper to theground. Hearing the commotion the othergrasshoppers rushed over to find out whathappened and one of them asked the eagle,“But our teacher told us that flying isimagination.” “Bless your teacher and begrateful to her, for she has taught you to hop,”said the eagle. “But now you know the truth.”The eagle looked deep within the eyes of thebrave grasshopper. Though she was still a bitdizzy, he saw a spark within her being. Helooked at the other grasshoppers and saw thatthe spark was already spreading to them. “Mywork here is done,” announced the eagleabruptly. “Someday you will learn to fly.” “Butif you leave, who will teach us?” “Rest assured,as it has always been, when the student isready, the teacher will appear.”

With that the eagle unveiled his powerfulwings and soared off into the sky.

- Dr A. Surendra

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Recently there has been a lot of talk aboutthe volcanoes in Iceland. Volcanic eruptionsare among the Earth’s most powerful anddestructive forces and can be very dangerousand deadly. This has been clearly evident inNorthern Europe when it faced with eruptingIcelandic volcanoes and melting glaciers. Silenceprevailed in the sky after the eruption as theflights had to be grounded. European airspacewas shut down due to ash clouds spewing fromIceland’s volcanoes and itineraries ofbusinessmen, tourists and students were thrownout of gear.

There is much more to this event than merevolcanic ash and smoke. Volcanoes can erupt inour inner lives which can make our livestraumatic in the blink of an eye. A family isshattered with the loss of a dear one. Silenceprevails in their homes even after the mourningperiod is over for they are in a deep state ofshock and need to come to terms with therealities in life. They dare not talk to each otherfor fear of grief pouring out of their words. Sothey remain silent trying to get over the loss,searching for sources of optimism that life couldstill continue.

Most of us are not aware that we live in theshadow of a volcano- in the shadow of a disasterthat can happen in our lives. These volcanoesgive us an opportunity of exploring ourselves forour illusions are shattered leaving behind acrystal clear mirror where we can see our trueself and that once seen can lead to improvedlives. We encounter volcanoes when we try tosuppress our emotions, while they work towardrelease. Mounting pressures in our work lifealways come into conflict with the pressures offamily life and relationships or vice-versa. Weneed to identify the source of pressure and finda way to release it before an explosion occurs.

If we could spare some time to listen to ourinner voice, the volcanoes in our lives could beaverted. Quite often we do get a warning beforethe volcano erupts in our life. When we are

angry or frustrated we try to stifle it and stuffit deep down as a way to avoid expressing ouremotions. Suppressed emotional energies sendout signals in the form of heartburn, stiffenedjoints, tumours or high blood pressure, but weignore them until one day the forces beneaththe surface erupt in a violent emotional outburst,or worse, in a physical catastrophe such as astroke or heart attack. Let us not ignore thesewarnings. On the other hand let us attempt toget in touch with those feelings and find ahealthier way to deal with them.

Volcanoes can influence our spiritual lives tooas they are often associated with the power ofdivinity. In fact, the very word ‘Volcano’ is derivedfrom the Roman God VULCAN. We suddenlyencounter the Divine in our meditation and avolcano can erupt in our subconscious mindleading to powerful and positive life changes.However, it is essential to exercise caution andhave a spiritual guide to monitor our progressfor there is every chance of getting washedaway in the lava emerging out of the volcano.The ultimate quest is to understand thesevolcanoes and avoid their steam and rumble inour lives.

A QUEST

- Subhadra K.

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Along the beautifully tree lined paths of apicturesque town was a pair of a young motherand her five year old, walking holding hands.The curious child was asking questions and thedoting mother replying patiently and blissfully.Evidently the twosome was cherishing thoseprecious moments of their lives. Suddenly, thesight of an object on the emerald grass alongsidethe path brought a sparkle to the innocent eyesof the child who leaped to pick it up. It was acurrency note! The little onebegan to feel excited at thethought of owning something sheis otherwise not allowed to possessat that age by her parents. Butthe bubble was burst by hermother very soon who started toteach the child that other’s moneyis not to be kept as our own. Thechild tried to argue saying ‘Findersare the keepers’ but the motherdidn’t yield. She convinced and led the child intoa nearby store and made her deposit the moneyin a receptacle of collection for the homeless.

The works described as in Vedas are of twokinds- those that relate to Pravritti and thosethat lead to Nivritti. In the above mentionedanecdote what the child was exhibiting is termedin Samskrit as ‘Pravritti’ and the mother ismodifying the same into more evolved ‘Nivritti’.Pravritti means revolving towards while Nivrittimeans revolving away from the centre pointthe world and “I and mine”. This includes allactions performed for attaining ‘Artha’ and‘Kama’ - to enrich “oneself” with money, power,name, fame and anything of grasping nature,irrespective of the kind of action. Even Sacrifices

Homeward BoundHomeward BoundHomeward BoundHomeward BoundHomeward Boundlike Agnihotra, Yagas, Offerings, charitable works,when done with desire for their fruits fall withinPravritti or acts leading to rebirths. Same actionsif done without desire, as offering to the SupremeBeing fall under the caliber of Nivritti orliberation. Pravritti involves experiencing throughsense organs. Nivritti transcends the senseorgans. While Pravritti confuses the mind, Nivrittipurifies the heart. Pravritti makes one seek fromoutside oneself whereas Nivritti leads one into

the self.

Pravritti and Nivritti are the twoessential elements which in rightproportions lead to a healthy andstable society. Pravritti is the naturaltendency of man and ispredominant in his early life. But,only Pravritti results in amaterialistic society and limits manto the “human” level. At some pointhe thinks “enough is enough of sense

enjoyment” and looks for a spiritual dimension inlife. And he is ready for renunciation of selfishactions and worldly desires. Thus only when hetries to break the human tendency, moves awayfrom his sweet self and embraces Nivritti doeshe enter the realms of Morality, Spirituality,Divinity and Godhood. The readiness of a man tosacrifice his body, mind and everything for otherbeings is nothing but the perfection of Karmayoga which leads him to the same point as thegreatest bhakta or the highest jnani would arriveat after years of penance. May it be Sri Rama,Buddha, Mahavir, Jesus Christ, Sri Ramakrishnaor Swami Vivekananda, Sacrifice of oneself iswhat elevated them to Godhood.

- R. AnnapurnaReferences: 1. Srimad Bhagavata Vol.2 Translated by Swami Tapasyananda

2. Karma Yoga a book by Swami Vivekananda

15

As I sat down to begin writing a topic, it wasnot as easy as I initially thought it would be. Iwould start writing and get stuck somewhereand stop writing, cursing myself. The days wererolling fast without much progress. I could notcommunicate properly with myself, about whatI wanted to express in writing this time. Thenan idea flashed in my mind and the result… isright in front of you. No prizes for guessing, itis about Communication.

Famous author Robert Frost rightly said “Halfthe world is composed of people who havesomething to say and can’t and the other halfwho have nothing to say and keep on saying it.”If the art of speaking is nurtured properly,communication gap can be averted. It was alsosaid, “Words are bridges that reduce thecommunication gap and unless that distance isreduced nothing is worth achieving” becausesuccess cannot be achieved or enjoyed alone.The happiness gets doubled when shared.According to a survey 7% communication isverbal, 38% through voice and remaining 55%is through body language. The best examplesare most celebrated artists like Charlie Chaplinand Laurel and Hardy.

One can communicate through walk,standing, eyes and hands better known as bodylanguage. According to psychologists we talk toourselves 90% of the time, in what is called selftalk. What we suggest to ourselves, oursubconscious mind receives and releases thesame like Aladdin’s magic lamp. So be careful inwhat we talk to ourselves. The bestcommunication is between the mother and thechild in her womb. We come across suchinstances in our Upanishads where Madalasacommunicates with her son when he was in herwomb and how wise he was at birth! Accordingto Dale Carnegie, those who speak freely,express their views freely and fearlessly alonecan lead; speaking is a leadership quality. Hewas the author of “How to win friends andinfluence people” still preferred by most of thepeople across the globe. He could connect withthe readers through his work. The power of

THE ART OF COMMUNICATION

communication has been in vogue since timeimmemorial. Even in Mahabharata, Dharma Rajaused this to good effect by uttering words,“Ashwatthama hatah… [kunjaraha]!” With apause and low voice, he could win over his guruDronacharya who took an oath that he willrenounce weapons when he hears the news ofhis son Ashwatthama’s death. We all knowwhat actually happened- an elephant (kunjara)by name Ashwatthama was killed in the battle.Dharma Raja known for his morality did not lie,but could reap rich benefits of communication. Communication is the action of communicatingand communicating is sharing or exchange ofinformation. A set of words when utteredbecomes communication when

* It carries good sense that brings cheer tothe listener

* Information is exchanged between twoindividuals and both the speaker and listener arebenefited

* Knowledge is imparted to learners by thelearned

Precisely, the exchange of words turns intocommunication when it is perceived and takenin the right sense. That which creates a mentaltuning between the speaker and the listener,instigates the listener to do an act and bringshim new knowledge and benefit is the truecommunication. Good word has tremendouspower. It results in a good rapport among people.When anyone talks, don’t just hear but listen. Ifwe listen we can communicate better. Regularpractice of listening can bring change graduallyand we can reciprocate. As it is said one cannotbecome a good speaker unless he is a goodlistener.

Sharing information is a symbol of knowledge,but it differs from person to person. What welearnt may trouble us if we try to share it witheveryone we come across. To speak is knowledgewhether to speak or not is wisdom. Usage ofRight word in the Right context will workwonders. For instance a master to his servantwho was working with a nail, “hit on the head”

16

and the latter hits on the former. Be carefulwhile using words, because once uttered theynever come back. “Connecting with oneself andconnecting with others is also a form ofcommunication. Most of the negative thoughtslike ‘I can’t’, ‘I may not’, and ‘I don’t want to’may prove disastrous. Replace them withpositive thoughts like ‘I will’, ‘I can’, ‘I amgreat’, ‘I am strong’, ‘I am intelligent’ andresults will be seen in time. Words spell magicand words spell success. Words havebombarding power. Take for instance the speechof Swami Vivekananda delivered at TheParliament of Religions held in Chicago, U.S.A.

He could create euphoria among the audienceby just saying ‘brothers and sisters of America’.This is the power of words. This has everycharacter required for good communication-right usage of words; Swamiji could connectwith people (listeners) instantly. Properness andbrevity of words will create everlastingimpression in the minds of the people. Evenwithout disclosing who had said, one canrecognize who said it. The statements of thosegreat personalities speak volumes of theirachievements and have become inspirationalquotes for people like us. Strength is life andweakness is death-Swami Vivekananda, My Lifeis my message- M.K. Gandhi, Give Me bloodand I will give you Freedom- Subhash ChandraBose, I have a Dream-Martin Luther King andMy Life is My work- Swami Ranganathananda

are just few examples. Even Lord Buddha hademphasized on Samyak Vachanam (right speech).

Height of communication skills is Publicspeaking. Every one of us may not get anopportunity to speak in public. But let us try tobecome a better personal speaker at least. Byinteracting with our selves, our family members,friends, colleagues and even with our superiorswe can become better speakers. The importanceof speaking is also discussed in Upanishads:Satyam bruyaat priyam bruyaat nabruyaatsatyamapriyam- which means speak truth,speak pleasantly but do not speak unpleasanttruth. If it is unpleasant for everyone try to avoidit (depending on the situation). While speaking,try to do the following and realize the change inyou:

1. do not use harsh language

2. speak pleasantly

3. speak fearlessly

4. try to be brief

5. most importantly, ensure

it makes some sense

6. use simple words

7. avoid controversial statements

8. don’t just hear, try to listen

9. never argue but discuss

10. encourage others to talk

11. do not interrupt the speaker in themiddle

For a successful career it is important todevelop communication skills. There is a growingdemand for communication skills due toglobalization. Communication skills are the needof the hour as they have become a yardstick toassess one’s credentials. Moreover, goodcommunication skills are confidence boosters. Agood communication between oneself and peoplearound would work wonders and brings cheerforever.

-By M. Koti RajasekharE-Mail ID- kotirajasekhar@gmail.com

are just few examples. Even Lord Buddha hademphasized on Samyak Vachanam (right speech).

Height of communication skills is Publicspeaking. Every one of us may not get anopportunity to speak in public. But let us try tobecome a better personal speaker at least. Byinteracting with our selves, our family members,friends, colleagues and even with our superiorswe can become better speakers. The importanceof speaking is also discussed in Upanishads:Satyam bruyaat priyam bruyaat nabruyaatsatyamapriyam- which means speak truth,speak pleasantly but do not speak unpleasanttruth. If it is unpleasant for everyone try toavoid it (depending on the situation). Whilespeaking, try to do the following and realize thechange in you:

1. do not use harsh language

2. speak pleasantly

3. speak fearlessly

4. try to be brief

5. most importantly, ensure

it makes some sense

6. use simple words

7. avoid controversial statements

8. don’t just hear, try to listen

9. never argue but discuss

10. encourage others to talk

11. do not interrupt the speaker in themiddle

For a successful career it is important todevelop communication skills. There is a growingdemand for communication skills due toglobalization. Communication skills are the needof the hour as they have become a yardstick toassess one’s credentials. Moreover, goodcommunication skills are confidence boosters. Agood communication between oneself and peoplearound would work wonders and brings cheerforever.

-By M. Koti RajasekharE-Mail ID- koti.rajasekhar@gmail.com

Who serves Jiva, serves God indeed!-Swami Vivekananda

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A bird’s eye view of a metro city at a rushhour provides a viewer a picture of confusionand randomness. But when you zoom intoone unit of that seeming chaos you will learnhow coordinated and timed it is. Apparently“the basic nature of the universe is extremecomplexity, inexplicable disorder; thatmysterious, tangled magnificence popularlyknown as Chaos.” New discoveries in thescience and mathematics of Chaos researchreveal a hidden fractal order underlying allseemingly chaotic events. Fractal as describedby B.B. Mandelbrot is “a rough or fragmentedgeometric shape that can be split into parts,each of which is (at least approximately) areduced-size copy of the whole”. The world-view emerging from this scientific research isnew, but the spiritual implications andsignificance of Chaos and Fractals date backto Vedas and Upanishads.

There are many things in nature that exhibitthe property of self-similarity such assnowflakes, crystals, rivers, and some plantstructures. Indian temples and monumentsexhibit a fractal structure: a towersurrounded by smaller towers, surrounded bystill smaller towers and so on. Quoting WilliamJackson, “The ideal form gracefully artificed

At any given moment, life is compleperiod, it seems to reveal itself as an

purpose, trending in

-Aldous Huxley

ORDERLY

18

Theme compiled by Annapurna R.Sources: Laws of wisdom by R.C.L.and fractal wisdom.com

suggests the infinite rising levels of existenceand consciousness, expanding sizes risingtoward transcendence above, and at thesame time housing the sacred deep within.”

All of reality, from the smallest microcosmicsub-atomic particle, to the largest galacticcluster, seems to follow the samebasic fractal structures. There seems to be abasic drive which compels all consciousentities on an upward spiral of everexpanding consciousness and coherentintelligence. Conscious beings are like fractalsevolving to ever greater scales of magnitude.Along the way we follow the same basicpatterns, but at each stage there are someunique variations. This variety adds spice tolife, spice which can easily lead to confusingchaos. If you know what to look for, the keyfractal structures, you can look beyond themillions of trees and start to see the forest,the unity behind the great diversity ofnature. These insights can be used to createa bridge between Science and Spirituality inyour life. This new knowledge can be appliedto a better understanding of your life, to liveautonomously, based on freedom and yourown contact with the Source of the Universe,the Infinite.

etely senseless. But viewed over aorganism existing in time, having aa certain direction.

y (1894-1963)

Y CHAOS!

19

Despite the feminists’ hues andcries, assaults on women are skyrocketing in India. In this context; itis relevant to bring back AkkaMahadevi the seer-poet and socialreformer of Karnataka, to thepresent turbulent arena. Probably,she may be the first feminist in Indiaas she has been in a constant battleagainst the established institutionsand rituals prevalent in India, in the12th century.

Women who stifle under theestablished powers but unable to getout of the tangles should definitelyturn back to 900 years, to find ateenager who fought for her selfassertion. Some consider AkkaMahadevi as an incarnation ofGoddess Parvathi. From herchildhood itself, she accepted Shivaas her mystical spouse. Sheabandoned her husband KingKoushika when he tried to molesther and leaving behind all the palatialcomforts she stepped into the streets unclothed.On the streets she lived like a wanderingsannyasin. She not only wrote many vachanasabout the foolishness of lust, but challenged itdirectly by living the rest of her life withoutwearing any clothing and covered her bodywith her long flowing tresses.

Akka Mahadevi wished to join a community ofVirasaivas and many of her poems are from thereport of her successful attempt to prove to themale Virasaiva leaders gathered in the city ofKalyana that she was worthy to be a part oftheir community. There is an interestingdialogue between her and Allama Prabhu , theholiest man of Virasaiva leaders:

Prabhu: Why have you come here in theprime of your youth? Our saints resent the sightof a young woman. If you can disclose the

identity of your husband, you canjoin the fellowship of saints, or elseyou can depart.

Mahadevi: I have engrossed inpenance for many years so thatShiva might become my weddedlord! My own people wedded meto Shiva by smearing my body withashes and tying the marital braceletto my wrist… All the world knowsthat the innumerable saints are myparents. Therefore, O Prabhu, Godis my lord; for me, there are noother husbands in this world.

Prabhu questions whether AkkaMahadevi can be “One with God”when she still has human form andworse, a female body.

Mahadevi: Would thesandalwood cease its fragrancewhen it is cut into pieces? Would apiece of gold, even when cut andheated, lose its luster? Would thesugarcane lose its sweetness whenit is squeezed within a press and

then heated? When you search for my bygonesins and hurl them at my face, the deprivationis yours. O Lord, though you may slay me, I willnever cease to love Lord Shiva.

Allama Prabhu and other leaders realize thatthough she is female in appearance, her mind ismerged with God. Akka Mahadevi eventuallyleaves Kalyana and wanders alone through aforest and then up a mountain, where she willbe “united with God like hailstone melting inwater, salt dissolving in water and milk mixingwith water!” She attained enlightenment at anage of 20 years. Her eternal journey ended upin Kadali Vana, near the Srisailam temple, insidea cave. She is said to be merged into the Greatvoid.

Ref: Akka Mahadevi - An epic of times byGayathri Sundaram. “Love of the Divine: SisterMahadevi” by Sri Danesh A. Chekki.

AKKA MAHADEVI

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There was a great soul. He had three disciples.They were amazing by nature. The first two hada kind of desire in them but the third one wasdesireless. One always claimed recognitionwhereas the second one wanted recognition butsilently and the third one never wanted it. Soone day the Guru told all three of them that heis going to give them a task before giving sannyasdiksha. Then the guru sends them to threedifferent Islands. First disciple who always wantedrecognition was sent to an island where therewas a small hamlet, few animals and a denseforest, whereas the second one was sent to anisland which had no hamlet, but only animalsand a dense forest and third, the one who neverwanted recognition was sent to an island whichhad no hamlet, no animals but only a dry forest.After 5 years when Guru with his other disciplesvisits all three islands they come across a strangesituation. In the first place they find no hamlet,no animals but a dry forest and the disciple in adire condition. In the second island they find noanimals but a dry forest and the disciple in anunhealthy condition. But in the third island theyfind a hamlet, healthy people, animals and denseforest with beautiful lakes and of course aspiritually awakened soul. Guru immediatelydeclares the third one as his successor. Hebrings back all three of them and asks how theyhave spent the 5 years.

First one says that initially after seeing thehamlet and all facilities he started working withthem. He did what he could do for all. Butsometimes when people were not getting hislunch or dinner on time he used to get offendedand used bad language. He always used toremind them inspite of the favours he is doingfor the sake of their development, they are notable to feed him. That added more fuel and hebecame more arrogant. He even asked them tocut the trees for his shelter and for firewood.

Second one says he felt lonely after seeing onlyanimals. He tried his level best to do sadhanabut nothing worked. Then with great difficultyhe cut the trees and made a shelter and hestarted collecting firewood for cooking and spenta lot of time in search of food in the forest.

What he could do was only this. Later he sawfew people coming from a different island tosettle down there. Initially he was happy butsoon he realized that they are expecting morefrom him and in return he was getting nothing.Few months he tried his level best to teachthem but unfortunately did not succeed inanything. They also got fed up and left theplace.

When Guru asks the third disciple, he saysafter seeing the forest he was more excitedand felt, this is the right situation and rightplace for him to work hard. The first thing hedid was to find out the right place to stay. Hecollected dry wood fallen on the ground andbuilt a small hut. Then he did a geographicalsurvey and took contours. He knew that, if hewas able to divert water properly and makesmall water bodies then in rainy season theforest will have blossoms. His only sadhana wasto work all day to create water bodies, makesmall pits around plants and trees and findsome ‘Kandas’ for eating. At night beforegoing to bed he used to sing the glory of theLord and invoke that spirit within. After twoyears he was able to see a few water bodies,green trees laden with fruits and birds chirping.This change invited wild animals. After seeingthis change he got more inspired and tookplantation work at different places withoutdisturbing the animals. In the third year hesaw a few people coming to this island. Heinvited them and gave them food. They saidthat they were in search of a place to live in.When they arrived he found that they neededproper guidance and love. Gradually he taughtthem Ayurveda, Yoga and the language of birdsand animals. He explained to them that if wetake care of the forest, animals and birds, theywould take care of us in return. Now, the samepeople are growing their paddy. They have akitchen garden and they are more religious.They have given up eating non-vegetarian food.They have understood that harming wild animalsand cutting trees will create imbalance in theecology.

The third disciple has proved that hard workwhen combined with shraddha pays and in hiscase it led to winning over the Guru’s grace.

Three Disciples!

- Swami Nachiketananda

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We owe our existence on this earth to Herentire flora and fauna living in perfect harmony.The integral element of Hinduism has beenrecognizing the roles of biotic and abioticelements of the nature.

Vata Savitri - a vowed religious observance,popular in Maharashthra, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar,Orissa performed by married women on the fullmoon day of the Jyeshtha month (May-June) fora long and prosperous married life. Vata, theBanyan tree, or Kalpavrksha or the AsvatthaVrksha, in Hindu religion representseternal life because of its ability to expand,regenerate and live for an incredible length oftime. It has ever been associated with theworship of the Divine. In Bhagavad Gita theHoly fig tree is recognized as His vibhuti-“Asvattah sarvavrkshanam …” meaning “of alltrees I am Asvattha” (Ch.10:26).

Legend goes that, Aswapati, the noble king ofMadra desa after severe austerities includingSavitri-yajna performed under an Asvattha treebegets a child whom he named Savitri. Whenher father permits her, Savitri chooses Satyavanas life partner. But the prophecy was that hewould live for only one more year. But thedetermined Savitri follows her heart and marriesSatyavan. Three days before the destined dayof his demise, she observes a fast and on thethird day she follows Lord Yama who takesaway Satyavan’s life, implores Him with long,intellectual and clever debates under anAsvattha tree. And with her sheerdetermination and devotion she wins back herhusband’s life from the lord of deathexempliflying that nothing is impossible tohumans. In the foot prints of Sati Savitri, theforemost of Hindu Pativratas, women observe afast and tie threads around a banyan tree andpray for the same husband in every birth andhis long life.

VATA SAVITRI POURNIMA

Satamanam bhavati Satayuh purushaSatendriya Ayush yevendriye’ pratitishtati

‘One hundred’ has always been a magicalnumber and is used to depict wholeness of qualityand quantity. It is every man’s ambition to liveto be a hundred. This ultimate form ofbenediction wishes the seeker with the Vediclife of 100 years. During those Veda Aayus tohave fully functioning Indriyas and all the facultiesestablished intact to observe the Nitya karmasordained by the Vedas and Shastras and topursue the noble Vedic way of life doing Panchayajnams, Sanshya Vandhanams, Service toAcharya, Bhagavan and His Bhagavathas.

In Indian families, when a boy is initiated into“Upanayana,” all his elders bless him saying“Satamanam Bhavati Satayur…” meaning “Mayyou live to be a 100 years old!” Similarly, wecan see elders and friends blessing a newlymarried couple wishing them a 100 years of lifetogether. The reason for such a blessing can betraced back to the Isavasyopanishad which says

Kurvanneveha karmani jijivisecchatam samahevam tvayi nanyatheto’sti na karma lipyate nare II2II One must desire to live even a hundred years

by doing prescribed karma only. Thus is it rightfor you, not otherwise; [if this is done, then]karma will not bind the human.

When one blesses another with a “Satayur” ora “100 years of life,” one is not referring merelyto length of life but to the quality of life. Thereis no point in living for 100 years with poor orsimply no quality of life. The Isavasyopanishadsays in the above verse, a life that is lived bothzestfully and purposefully is the only one that isreally worth living for 100 years. A life of realquality must be full of good action, useful deedsand noble efforts, if it has to attain the state ofPurnatva or Totality.

(25th June 2010, Friday)

SATAMANAM BHAVATHISATAMANAM BHAVATHI

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Now we will see how to express relationships in Samskrit involving nouns.xÉÏiÉÉ MüxrÉ mɦÉÏ? sItA kasya patnI?xÉÏiÉÉ UÉqÉxrÉ mɦÉÏ| sItA rAmasya patnI.Whose wife is Sita? Sita is Rama’s wife. UÉqÉÈ MüxrÉ mÉѧÉÈ? rAmaH kasya putraH?UÉqÉÈ SzÉUjÉxrÉ mÉѧÉÈ| rAmaH daSarathasya putraH.Whose son is Rama? Rama is Dasaratha’s son. ÍzÉuÉÈ MüxrÉ ÌmÉiÉÉ? SivaH kasya pitA?ÍzÉuÉÈ aÉhÉåzÉxrÉ ÌmÉiÉÉ| (AjÉuÉÉ ÍzÉuÉÈ MüĘ́ÉïMåürÉxrÉ ÌmÉiÉÉ|) SivaH gaNeSasya pita. (athavA SivaHkArtikeyasya pitA.)Whose father is Siva? Siva is Ganesha’s father. (Or Siva is Kartikeya’s father.) sÉuÉÈ MüxrÉ mÉÉæ§ÉÈ? lavaH kasya pautraH?sÉuÉÈ SzÉUjÉxrÉ mÉÉæ§ÉÈ| lavaH daSarathasya pautraH.Lava is whose grandson? Lava is Dasaratha’s grandson. urÉÉxÉxrÉ mÉëÌmÉiÉÉqÉWûÈ MüÈ? vyAsasya prapitAmahaH kaH?uÉÍzÉ¸È urÉÉxÉxrÉ mÉëÌmÉiÉÉqÉWûÈ| vaSiShThaH vyAsasya prapitAmahaH.Who is Vyasa’s great grandfather? Vasishtha is Vyasa’s great grandfather. MüÈ UbÉÑuÉÇzÉxrÉ MüÌuÉÈ? kaH raghuvaMSasya kaviH?UbÉÑuÉÇzÉxrÉ MüÌuÉÈ MüÉÍsÉSÉxÉÈ| raghuvaMSasya kaviH kAlidAsaH.Who is Raghuvamsa’s poet? Kalidasa is Raghuvamsa’s poet. MüÉÍsÉSÉxÉxrÉ mÉëÍxÉ®Ç lÉÉOûMÇü ÌMüqÉç? kAlidAsasya prasiddhaM nATakaM kim?MüÉÍsÉSÉxÉxrÉ LMÇü mÉëÍxÉ®Ç lÉÉOûMüqÉçç AÍpÉ¥ÉÉlÉzÉÉMÑüliÉsÉqÉçç| kAlidAsasya ekaM prasiddhaM nATakamabhij~jAnaSakuntalam.What is (the) famous drama of Kalidasa? Kalidasa’s one famous drama is AbhijnanaSakuntalam. SìÉåhÉxrÉ ÌmÉërÉÍzÉwrÉÈ MüÈ? droNasya priyaSiShyaH kaH?AeÉÑïlÉÈ SìÉåhÉxrÉ ÌmÉërÉÍzÉwrÉÈ| arjunaH droNasya priyaSiShyaH.Who is loved disciple of Drona? Arjuna is Drona’s loved disciple.All ‘akAra’ ending masculine nouns have ‘sya’ at the end of the word expressingrelationship as shown below:UÉqÉÈ – UÉqÉxrÉ rAmaH – rAmasya : Rama – Rama’sÍzÉuÉÈ – ÍzÉuÉxrÉ SivaH – Sivasya : Siva – Siva’sÌuɱÉsÉrÉÈ - ÌuɱÉsÉrÉxrÉ vidyAlayaH – vidyAlayasya : School – School’szÉoSÈ – zÉoSxrÉ SabdaH – Sabdasya : Word– Word’s

Samskrit

By Krupalu Ogeti, Secretary, Samskrit Bharati, Hyderabadokrupalu@samskritam.net

- Lesson Four

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Champakulam Boat RaceKerala’s winding stretches of backwater are famous for their native boat

races, which are held every year during the harvest season. The boatfestival season begins with the centuries-old Champakulam boat race,which marks the beginning of a month long festivities. The boat racessignify the excellent team spirit, integration and amity of the people of thisbackwater land. The boat races are occasions of great excitement to theKeralites.

In the boat races, a boat is manned by four helmsmen, 25 singers and100-125 oarsmen who row in unison to the fast rhythm of the Vanchipattu-the song of the boatman. It is an amazing site as thousands of peoplegather at the water front to cheer the huge black crafts, as they cut theirway through the waters to a spectacular finish. Many of these boat racefestivals in Kerala have curious legends and myths attached to their origin.

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Champakulam boat race is associated with a legend. MaharajaDevanarayana of Chempakasseri built a temple for Lord Krishna. But justprior to the installation of the deity, the king came to know that the idolwas inauspicious. His ministers suggested to bring the idol of Sri Krishna,presented to Arjuna by Lord Krishna Himself, from the Karikulam temple ofKurichi. The ministers went to the place to bring the idol. While returningfrom the temple they spent a night at Champakulam to perform a puja.From there, boats of the entire area accompanied the idol in colourful,ceremonial procession through the lake to the temple. Celebrating thatmoment, the whole procession is enacted every year with the sameenthusiasm. There is a huge turnover of people who come to witness thisevent. The age-old tradition is kept alive till date. This year the event fallson 26th June 2010.

-Ref: History of Kerala

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Movements like “Go green”, “Green peace”, “Save the Earth” havepicked up great momentum in the recent past in the modern world.But this is an age old concept to Hinduism. The most ancient andexpressive environmental invocation is found in the Vedic Hymn- PrithviSukta of the Atharva Veda. This Vedic prayer invokes Divine interventionto bless and protect the environment. According to Prithvi Sukta,Mother Earth is adorned with mountains, hills, plains, heights, slopes,forests, plants, herbs and treasures. She takes care of every creaturethat breathes with, things strength-giving and nourishing. She givesshelter to all the seekers of truth, who are tolerant and haveunderstanding. May she give us joy, health, wealth, prosperity andglory. The source of the creative spirit, we depend upon Mother Earth!

According to the Vedic conception Environment, God and Humansare integral parts of one Whole or the Brahman and they function withmeticulous and marvelous coordination. The relationship orinterdependence between the various elements of the environment issymbiotic in nature. The human lifestyle was thoughtfully moulded soas to conform to the principles of rest of the nature and not to trespassthe subtle boundaries of their harmonious interdependence.

Reverence, compassion and non-violence towards all elements ofenvironment have been central to the Sanatana Dharma. The Vedicseers were well aware that each organism small or big, simple orcomplex plays an indispensable role in the balance of environment. Thiswas achieved through different approaches like Gods taking the formof animals like fish, turtle, boar etc., designating plants the status ofworship like Tulasi, depicting animals as vehicles of Gods and so on. Dueto this respect people refrained from activities that would disturb theNature. If they had to do a constructive activity that could hurt thepeace of one or more elements they would perform puja like Bhoomipuja and seek forgiveness. The performance of daily Agnihotra, yagasand the churning of ocean were some of the acts of periodic purificationof environment.

“Mata bhumih putro aham prithivyaha”(earth is our mother and we are her children).

The Goddess Earth

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Trees that can neither think nor read giveshade, flowers, fruits and wood silently andgracefully. Whereas the man who has beenblessed with the most advanced brain and thehighest level of consciousness, blinded by greed,selfishness and ignorance has crossed the limitsof accepting and degraded the symbioticrelation into exploitation. Still, the all forgivingmother has been tolerating his misdeeds. But ifman continues to play deaf ear to Nature’srebukes, he has to face the wrath of Herfierceness. The atmospheric deviations that weare experiencing are just the tips of the iceberg.

In the wake of globalization India is losing hernativity. Our culture was intrinsically pro-environmental but mimicking the consumerismof the West led to contributing to the woes ofearthly beings. It is high time we pick our actsup before it is too late. We can do something assmall as carrying our good old cloth bags to ournext shopping trip, use one glass less waterthan yesterday, turn the lights off when weleave a room, use reused paper for jottingdown an address and so on.

MEANING:

Unto the Heaven be Peace, Unto the Skyand the Earth be Peace,

Peace be unto the Water, Unto the Herbsand Trees be Peace,

Unto all the Gods be Peace, Unto Brahmaand Unto All be Peace.

And may we realize that Peace.

Om Peace, Peace, Peace.

Shanti Paath

Dyauh Shantihi Antariksham Shantihi PrithviShantirapaha Shantihi

Aushadayaha Shantihi Vanaspatiyaha ShantihiViswadevata Shantihi

Brahme Shantihi Sarvam Shantihi ShantirevaShantihi Sama Shantiredhi

Aum Shantihi Shantihi Shantihi

(Atharva Veda - 19.9.14)

MEANING:

Unto the Heaven be Peace, Unto the Skyand the Earth be Peace,

Peace be unto the Water, Unto the Herbsand Trees be Peace,

Unto all the Gods be Peace, Unto Brahmaand Unto All be Peace.

And may we realize that Peace.

Om Peace, Peace, Peace.

Shanti Paath

Dyauh Shantihi Antariksham Shantihi PrithviShantirapaha Shantihi

Aushadayaha Shantihi Vanaspatiyaha ShantihiViswadevata Shantihi

Brahme Shantihi Sarvam Shantihi ShantirevaShantihi Sama Shantiredhi

Aum Shantihi Shantihi Shantihi

(Atharva Veda - 19.9.14)

World Environment Day isobserved on June 5th2010.

- Annapurna R.

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God sleeps in the Minerals, Dreams in the Plants, Thinks in the Animals, And Awakes in Man.

-German philosopher Schelling

Omnipresence

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YOGA SADHANA SHIBIRA  Yoga  Sadhana  Shibir  for  a  healthybody  and  a  spiritual  mind  is  beingconducted  by    Swami  Shivanandamayifor  Police  personnel  of  “TrafficTraining  Institute”  at  GoshamahalGrounds.    Every  week  a  batch  of  50  to60  people  are  trained  in  differentYogasanas  and  Pranayama  and  arederiving  great  benefits.    On  an  averagearound 3000 Police Officers will  receivetraining  under  the  expert  guidance  ofSwami  Shivanandamayi.

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A unique and inspiring Personality DevelopmentCamp took place at Nachiketa Tapovan from 2nd

to 9th May 2010. We express our heart-feltthanks to all parents for supporting us in ourendeavour to teach our Indian Values and cultureto the children. The camp has touched the livesof nearly 45 children. This is a great achievementfor all of us. It was an opportunity for childrento escape normal routine and responsibilitiesback home, meet new people and learn lessonsthat will stick with them forever. Each day ofthe camp was a blessed day for the children asSwami Nachiketananda and SwamiShivanandamayi have presented new ideas andactivities filled with energy to promote spiritualityand cultural values in the children.

The variety of events this camp had wasincredible. For the participants, it was joyful andtransformational. Visuals were shown taking theaudience through the illustrious lives of our saintsand sages of yore. Advice was given on howchildren could imbibe values in their lives. TheYoga with Mantras was so soothing and nourishingto the body and soul. Children enjoyed the Bhajansession and got immersed in the melody of

A Report on SummerCamp-2010

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devotion. Arts and Crafts taught by SmtMamata Agarwal and Smt Madhavi were veryinspiring and reinforced the creativity of thechildren. A variety of fun-filled games wereconducted to develop concentration skills inchildren. One programme blended into the nextperfectly. The children enjoyed the wholeexperience together as a family.

This was not just a camp for the participants,but also for us, the organizers and teachers!The rewards of spending the time togetherwere priceless. Children put in a lot of effort inmaking the camp successful and the parentsneed to be appreciated for sending their childrenon time. Special thanks to volunteers of Tapovanfor taking care of all the arrangements.Valedictory function was held on the final dayand Parents were thrilled to see their childrenperform. The power point presentations bycampers from different groups were amazing.Many spoke about the positive changes thecamp had brought in their lives. Parents agreedthat this camp was beneficial to their children.The camp came to an end with children makingpromises to practice what they have learnt.

SwamiShivanandamayi

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SPONSOR OPTIONSAnna daanam maha daanam; vidya daanam mahattaram.

Annena kshanika trupthihi yaavajjeevanthu vidyaya.Vidya Mandir at Nachiketa Tapovan is currently able to accommodate a family ofabout 150 children who receive all-round nourishment from man-makingeducation to milk-n-meals and basic health-aid in an atmosphere of genuinelove. Kind-hearted Well wishers have been the unseen force behind this offeringto God. We thank you for your continued support.

Vidya Daanam (Education) Rs. 4500/year/child

Anna Daanam (Mid-day Meals) Rs. 3500/day

Ksheera Daanam (Morning Milk) Rs. 700/dayVastra Daanam (Uniforms) Rs. 600/2 pairsDinnerware (Steel Plates & Glasses) Rs. 5000/ 50 setsStationery Supplies (Copier Paper) Rs. 5000/termFestivals Celebration Rs. 1500/festival

Oushadhi (Medical Supplies) Rs. 5000/month

Celebrate your Special Days with the Children at Nachiketa Tapovan!

PUBLICATION

The CDs comprise instructions given on different yogic techniquesbased on an extensive research done by Swami Nachiketananda and

assisted by other Swamis and volunteers. 'Om' - A divine melody is firstof the series. All the CDs are available at the Nachiketa Tapovan

premises at Kavuri Hills, and also in leading bookstores.

A set of 8 'Yogic CDs'were released on

1st April 2007.

Cost of eachCD is RS.35/-

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Dear Atman,

Nachiketa Tapovan has launched a massiveAshram project in Kodgal village, JadcherlaMandal in Mahboobnagar district with anoble vision of providing Free Education,Medical aid, Vocational training and Spiritualupliftment for the underprivileged. Temples,Dhyana mandir, Residential Campus, VidyaMandir and Dispensary are given priority inthe 1st Phase of construction. With the graceof the Almighty we have been movingforward towards the completion of some ofthese projects.

First we want to thank our supporters andwell wishers for accomplishing our goals ofconstructing a Dhyana Mandir andResidential Campus at the Ashram. Yoursupport was essential for meeting thesubstantial expenses of this Humanitarianwork for which we are deeply grateful. Atpresent our top priority is the major TempleProject and Vidya Mandir which are underconstruction. The total cost for these projectsis estimated at Rs 2.9 Crores Currently wehave collected Rs 1.19 Crores. The rest ofthe funds have to be raised to inauguratethe Ashram. For the coming year, our goal

is to continue reaching out to more andmore souls with our basic spiritual services,programs and publications and also toaccomplish a number of smaller projects atNachiketa Tapovan, Kavuri hills and Ashramat Jadcherla.

We hereby make a fervent appeal forgenerous donations. You can contribute tothe project in any manner possible. Pleaseparticipate in this noble task so that ourcultural heritage and religious traditions willbe safeguarded for the coming generations.

It may kindly be noted that donations toNachiketa Tapovan are exempted fromIncome Tax U/S 80 G of IT Act, 1961 of Govtof India. Donations in the form of cheques/Demand drafts may please be drawn in favourof Nachiketa Tapovan.

Yours in the service of Motherland

Swami Nachiketananda

AN APPEAL

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“This Atman is first to be heard,then thought about and then

meditated upon.” - Swami Vivekananda

Sri Sarada Devi Saswatha Jnananidhi Trust (Regd)

(Appeal for donations to VivekanandaScholarships for poor students)

Dear Atmabandhus,

Nachiketa Tapovan strongly supports the causeof Sri Sarada Devi Saswatha Jnananidhi trustand appeals on their behalf for donations tomeet the cost of educating the poor but brilliantchildren who have secured best results in S.S.Cand Intermediate exams. The Trust intends togive ‘Vivekananda Scholarships’ every year fortheir higher education in and around RayadurgTown. For that they wish to establish ‘Sri SaradaDevi Saswatha Jnananidhi Trust’ by the Graceof the Holy Trio in Rayadurg with Rs.10 lakhspermanent fund as fixed deposit, using only theannual interest for the scholarships to the poorevery year. Hence we earnestly request all thedevotees of the Lord to donate liberally to thistrust and support them in this noble cause.

Note: Please send your crossed DDs/Cheques infavour of “Sri Sarada Devi Saswatha JnananidhiTrust, Rayadurg” payable at Andhra Bank,Rayadurg to the address given below.

Yours in the service of Motherland

Swami Nachiketananda

ADDRESS:  Swami  ArchananandaSri  Venugopala  Swamy  Temple

  Tahsildar  Road,  Rayadurg  (post)-515865,Anantapur    Dt  A.P

Cell  No.  9490765381

Our forthcoming IssueNo. 6, July 2010 willbe a Guru Pournimaspecial and we invitereaders and writers tosend articles on Gurusfrom various fields.

Please send the articlesbefore June 10th.

email: nachiketanjali1@gmail.com

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a) You can send articles by email tonachiketanjali1@gmail.com or by post toNachiketanjali, Nachiketa Tapovan, PlotNo.70, Phase I, Kavuri Hills, Madhapur,Guttlabegumpet, Serilingampally, RangaReddy District. A.P., with your full name,address and contact details.

b) No article is returned.c) Your article should be reader friendly with

a positive view point.d) No controversial or political issues are

published.e) Word limit for an article varies from 250

(one column) to 1000 words (fourcolumns). Writers can contact theeditorial team for further details.

f) The styles of references should be as perthe ‘Documentation of Sources’ given atthe end of the Merriam Webster’s CollegiateDictionary.

g) Editor reserves the right to accept/ rejectarticles and edit the selected articles.

h) Unsolicited articles are not acknowledged.i) The Editor does not accept responsibility

for the author’s views.j) Articles received will be published in one

of the forthcoming issues.

A NOTE TOWRITERS:

BOOK REVIEWWe request Publishers to send two copiesof their Spiritual, Philosophical andReligious books for publishing a BookReview in our “Nachiketanjali” - monthlyMagazine.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTNachiketa Tapovan is indebted to all thewell-wishers, donors, patrons and advisorswhose immense help and cooperation inmultiple ways has helped us accomplishour goals.

with best wishes from

Griha Constructions, Chennai

“Be Good and Do Good”- Swami Vivekananda

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Mukti canbe attainedonly by him

who hasforgotten

self.- Sri Ramakrishna

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