THE STORY OF SATYAVATI

Most of us are familiar with the story of the Mahabharatha and how the great sage Vyasa was born. Satyavati was the mother of Vyasa maharshi and he was also called as ‘ Badarayana and Krisha Dwaipayana. In the “Amsavatarana parva” of the Adi parva of the Mahabharatha, sage Vaisampayana narrates to Janamejaya the story of the origin of Kuru clan and the birth of the Pandavas and the Kauravas. Incidentally he traces the astonishing story of the origin of  Satyavati and how from being “Matsya Gandhi” she became “Yojana Gandhi” miraculously! She was the daughter of a great king called Uparichara Vasu who ruled the country righteously. He was a friend of Indra, king of Devas and greatly respected. On one occasion, river Sukthimati presented two children, a male and a female to the king! The king made the boy the chief of his army and married the girl Girika whom he loved very dearly. They lived happily for a time and planned for the birth of a child when the unexpected thing happened!

The Pitrus approached Uparichara Vasu and wanted him to drive away the wild beasts from the forest! The King was in a dilemma. Should he stay with his dear wife or obey the mandate of the Pitrus? The righteous king decided on the latter and unwillingly went to hunt the wild beasts! But all his thoughts were on his beautiful wife! The Sylvan surroundings of the forest and the ambience heightened his romantic feelings and he could not control his eroticism. In that state

of extreme sensation he ejected! He didn't wish his semen to be wasted, collected it in a leaf, stamped it with his ring, closed it with red Asoka leaves, chanted mantras for the birth of child! He called an eagle and directed it to take the leaf and give it his dear darling wife Girika! On its way the eagle was attacked by another hawk! In their tussle, the leaf dislodged itself from the beak and fell into the waters of the Yamuna below! One Apsarasa (Divine damsel) Adrika by name, cursed by the creator Brahma, was moving about as a fish in Yamuna waters! She took it up and soon the fish was caught! Strangely, on cutting it, they found a man and woman to their shock and amazement! They took them to the king Uparichara Vasu when he adopted the man and he later became Matsyaraja! The Apsarasa was released of the curse and left for heaven!

The woman was given away to a fisherman to be adopted as his daughter!  She was as good as gold and as gentle as lamb. She was called Satyavati and as she lived with the fisherman,she came to be called Matsyagandhi-one with the smell of fish! She helped her father in odd work and ferrying people across the river! The renowned Sage Parasara happened to come on his travel and spotted Satyavati and instantly fell in love with her and her bewitching beauty! “ “Beauty provoketh thieves sooner than gold”. In spite of his spirituality, the great sage could not contain himself and wanted to wed her! Sage Parasara recounted to her the events of her previous birth and the future events also! Satyavati was wonderstruck. Exhibiting her inclination to satisfy Sage Parasara, Satyavati blushed crimson and objected to the presence of many sages on the opposite bank! Catching her intention immediately, the Sage created dense fog which darkened the entire region.

Discreet and wise Satyavati felt that she would lose her virginity if she satisfied the Maharishi! How can she go home and face her father after losing it! She appealed to the sage to consider this aspect properly. The Maharshi replied that she would retain her virginity even after satisfying his desire! It was possible for great Maharshis to grant such boons as they had extraordinary yogic and spiritual powers! She requested that her name should be changed. Thus her name associated with fish-- Matsya Gandhi became “Yojana Gandhi" whose sweet fragrance could be felt from thousands of miles! Satyavati, there upon, satisfied Sage Parasara  and gave birth to Vyasa Maharshi who is described as “Parasaratmajam”! Vyasa was born in an island of Yamuna and hence called “Dwaipayana”. Intent on performing tapas, he took leave of his mother Satyavati and left her! He promised to visit his mother to help her in times of emergency.

Later, king Santanu fell in love with Satyavati and she married him on condition that her children should be the heirs to the throne. It was then that Devavrata, (Bhishma) King Shantanu's’ first son through Ganga, took a vow that he would never marry to facilitate her children becoming kings! Because of that supreme self sacrifice and severe lifetime vow, Devavrata came to be called “Bhishma”! Satyavati’s life was not smooth! He first son, Chitrangada was killed by a Gandharva soon after he came to throne! Her second son Vichitravirya, though he married the

two daughters of Kasi Raja, Ambika and Ambalika, died childless! Satyavati was in a dilemma and didn't know how to prevent the extinction of the dynasty or clan. She remembered the promise of her son Vyasa and summoned him to solve the problem! She directed Vyasa to create progeny and perpetuate the Kuru Vamsa facing extinction! Thus were born three sons Dhritarashtra, Pandu and Vidura! Through Vyasa’s grace Gandhari gave birth to a hundred children who were the Kauravas. The seeds for the Mahabharatha and the terrible Kurukshetra War were sown so early!!!

THE CURSE ON AGNI

We are very well aware of the quality of Fire, the nature of destroying whatever it comes into contact with.There is nothing that can withstand the onslaught of fire! It eats away everything in its uncontrollable blaze! Buildings are reduced to rubble, bodies are reduced to ashes and even forests are destroyed by forest fires which are mostly uncontrollable! What is the reason for this quality of fire? Because of this all consuming nature of Agni or Fire it is called “ Sarva bakshaka”. There is an interesting story in the Mahabharatha which describes how Agni was cursed by the renowned sage Bhrugu to eat everything that comes into his contact! Sage Bhrugu’s son was sage Chyavana whose birth was the prime reason for the curse on Agni!

Puloma, the famous damsel was the wife of sage Bhrugu. She was exceedingly beautiful and the sage was very fond of her. They lived happily according to the righteous ways of sastras. As a result of their happy conjugal life, Puloma conceived. Both Brughu and Puloma were extremely delighted at the prospect of the birth of their child. It was at that time that Bhrugu had to leave his dear wife Puloma and go to perform abhisheka and other religious rituals. Soon after the departure of Bhrugu, there came to his house an Asura! As per the traditions of the time, Puloma welcomed him warmly, treated him like an honorable guest and offered fruits, water and other eatables. But the Asura had evil intentions! Her bewitching beauty tempted him and he loved her! He wanted to take her away and the situation was very favorable since Bhrugu was also away! The Asura had earlier loved her but she was given away in marriage to  sage Bhrugu! He had that grudge in his heart. Now was the best time to kidnap the lady of his heart thought the Asura!

The Asura looked at the sacrificial fire in the yaga Sala and addressed Agni thus: “ Tell me,  whose wife is this woman, first? You carry havis to all Devas! You purify everything that you touch! Have I not loved this Divine beauty earlier? How can I tolerate my first love being given away to sage Bhrugu? I do not accept what Bhrugu has done. Please tell me the truth if I am right. I am angry and want to take my lady love with me! “ Agni was in a dilemma! He did not know what to do. He was in a tight corner. If he were to speak the truth sage Bhrugu would be angry and curse him. If he lied he would go to hell! Coming to a decision, Agni said in a low voice that what the Asura said was right. “You loved her but she was given away to Bhrugu with proper Vedic rites and mantras! You have not done so. Hence she is the rightful wife of Bhrugu”

The words of Agni infuriated the Asura! He took the form of a boar, caught Puloma and sped with the velocity of the mind and wind! Tormented by the Asura and unable to withstand his supersonic speed, the child in the womb of Puloma fell down! The child came to be called  “Chyavana” as he was discharged from the womb of his mother! The child Chyavana was dazzling brilliantly like the Sun! The Asura was reduced to ashes and  left his hold on Puloma! She was shocked at what had happened and burst into tears. Seeing her pathetic situation, creator Brahma came to her rescue and pacified her. Meanwhile sage Bhrugu returned home and saw his new born child Chyavana. Puloma narrated to her husband what had happened in detail in his absence.

Bhrugu raged into anger! He knew that the Asura didn't know her. Someone should have informed him about his wife, Puloma. Otherwise he wouldn't have known her. He demanded the name of the person who had informed the Asura so that he can curse him for what he had done! Puloma said it was Agni who had informed the Asura. It was Chyavana’s  power that destroyed the Asura and liberated her! Burning with anger, Bhrigu, looking at Agni, cursed that he would henceforth would ‘swallow everything!’ Agni was shocked at the curse and said what Bhrugu had done was wrong since he didn't think properly! He too has the power to curse Bhrugu but he wouldn't do that out of respect! So saying Agni withdrew himself from all his activities! There was  total cessation of all religious activities! Creator Brahma pacified Agni, praised him and said that whatever he touches will be purified and he should normally do his duties. Agni was satisfied at this reassurance and came out of his shell! All activities, religious rituals, and yagas continued as usual!

UPAMANYU'S GURU BHAKTHI

Adi Parva of Sri Mahabharatha speaks very highly of the guru bhakthi of one Upamanyu, one of the disciple's of a sage by name Dhaumya. He was asked to rear cattle and Upamanyu implicitly obeyed the order of his Guru. From morning till evening he  allowed them to graze and at dusk he brought them home and stood before his preceptor. Upamanyu was robust in health and constitution. Sage Dhoumya observing his personality, questioned how he maintained his health and figure. Upamanyu replied that he lived by the alms he got from the people. His guru disapproved of his act saying that he should not eat anything without offering it to the Guru! Upamanyu offered everything he got to his guru. The next day, seeing that Upamanyu had not lost weight, the guru wondered how he maintained himself. He replied that after surrendering everything he obtained in the first round, he went for begging for the second time! The Master explained that it does not go well with gurukula vasam! Upamanyu did as he was bid.

The third time, as usual, Upamanyu stood before the sage after bringing back the cattle home. Upamanyu remained the same robust person! The guru wondered how in spite of taking away his food Upamanyu could maintain his personality. When questioned, Upamanyu replied that he was living by the milk of the cows! The sage grew angry and said that he had not allowed Upamanyu to drink milk.The disciple obeyed his teacher implicitly! There was no change in Upamanyu’s constitution! This astonished the guru as he gave away all the food to the guru, didn't beg for alms for a second time, nor did he drink cow's milk! Upamanyu told his teacher that he lived by the foamy milk left by the calves after their feed! Heartless teacher as he was, sage Dhaumya forbade him from drinking that also! Upamanyu, being the most faithful disciple, literally followed the orders of his master and refrained from drinking the leftover milk also! To sustain himself and tortured by hunger, Upamanyu ate “Jilledu” leaves which were bitter and hot! The leaves were unfit for consumption and Upamanyu became blind on account of its ill effect!

Groping and moving about blindly, Upamanyu fell into a well in the area! It was very late in the evening but there was no sign of Upamanyu! Sage Dhaumya was alarmed and thinking that Upamanyu would be angry for the strict orders from him, went to the forest in search of him. Nearing the well,the sage called him loudly and wanted to know where he was. Hearing the call of his teacher, Upamanyu replied that he had become blind and fallen into the well nearby! Sage Dhaumya was sorry for the cruelty on his part and wanted to help him as quickly as possible! He directed Upamanyu to invoke the Divine doctors, the Aswini Devas who would surely restore his lost vision! Upamanyu obeyed the words of his teacher and invoked the Aswini Devas through Vedic mantras! He praised them as responsible for curing the Sun God of his leprosy!  Maya or illusion depends on the Aswini Devas! “ O Aswini Devas! You wear garlands of lotus flowers. You have no death! You support yajnas! You are famous and appear first during the Somayaga!  You were born with youth from the womb! There is no stay for you for nine months in the mother’s womb! I beseech you and request you to grant me my lost vision so that I can live happily! It is impossible for me to praise your great and noble qualities! I am blind and groping in darkness by falling in this well!” prayed Upamayu

Immensely pleased with the praise bestowed on them, and sympathizing with Upamanyu’s pathetic situation, the Aswini Devas presented themselves before him.  They said they were happy and offered him a sweet “apoopam” and asked him to eat it! But Upamanyu said that he would not eat it before offering it to his guru!The Devas were stunned at the words of  Upamanyu. They replied that  sage Dhaumya too was offered “apoopam” earlier and he ate it without offering it to his guru! So Upamanyu can follow his master and eat the sweet offered by the Devas! But the faithful disciple, Upamanyu refused to eat without offering it to his teacher sage Dhaumya! The Aswini Devas were touched by the devotion of Upamanyu for his preceptor. They blessed him with vision and vanished!

Upamanyu was besides himself with joy. He didn't believe in what had happened. He went straight to his Guru, sage Dhaumya and reported what had happened. He prostrated before his teacher and waited for his word! Sage Dhaumya was immensely pleased at the turn of events! He blessed Upamanyu and wished him well! He said that all the Vedas, and the Dharma sastras would reach him on account of his blessings! Sometimes, the severe discipline and testing times during gurukulavasa would end in great happiness and benefit for the sishya!

ON UTTARAYANA

Uttarayana signifies the movement of the Sun northward. It is six months from the Makara Sankrathi that falls in the month of January every year.  The other half of the year is Dakshinayana when the Sun turns southward. Uttarayana is considered  auspicious and holier than  Dakshinayana. It is said to be the special period for Sadhana. Bhagawan Sri Sri Sathya Sai Baba does not subscribe to this view which is common in society. Swami says, “ Any day is a good day for starting Sadhana, whether it falls in the Dakshinayana or Uttarayana. One need not wait for the Sun to turn North. The months and the aynas are all related to Prakriti, and so they have only relative values.” According to Swami, Uttarayana is a quality of ‘ Nayana’ or the eye, a matter of attitude or point of view. When the eye is on BRAHMAN, it is Uttarayana, when it is on Prakriti it is Dakshinayana. The duration when you have very good qualities is Uttarayana whatever the almanac says. Swami says that the bitter tongue is similar to Dakshinayana while normal and good taste is like Uttarayana. Geography speaks of  Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn which are just a convention. They come regularly and strictly observe the rules of Nature. Real Uttarayana in one’s life can occur through tremendous efforts. What are these efforts? How can one bring Uttarayana into his life?

According to Swami one has to know and realize that there are only two entities viz the Substance and the Shadow-- the only One and its Appearance caused by ignorance or Avidya. With the dawn of knowledge and the difference between Atma and the Anatma, the seer and the Seen, the Rope and the Snake, there is liberation from Maya! At the end of this Uttarayana the sight of Kailasa is certain! The Avatar comes to lead people to Uttarayana for “ parithranaya sadhunam” where sadhus mean the good, not merely the ascetics. Sadhu virtues may be found even in animals and insects and worms. Virtue is the bedrock of Dharma and the Avatar comes to protect Dharma. Caught in the web of Maya, man is deluded and considers good as bad and bad as good. He is led away by his desires and craves for whatever attracts his eye. “ When you crave for the thought of the Lord,” Swami says, “ and the company of the Godly, then you are in Uttarayana”. On the bed of arrows on the Kurukshetra battlefield, the grand old man Bhisma was in this predicament. He wanted to be in the everlasting world of Bliss. He wanted his Soul to be illuminated with truth. He also desired liberation from the cycle of birth and death. This ardent prayer and yearning of Bhisma earned him the vision of  Krishna when he passed away. That Swami says was the real Uttarayana for Bhishma!

Swami says that our Manas is the engine dragging the coaches viz ‘ Vishaya vasanas along the two rails of Jiva and Deva. Each coach has luggage like ‘ Buddhi, the senses etc’. Our Atma is the driver of the engine. Faith and sraddha are the couplings that have to be fixed tight. Our intellect has to be used properly to get the grace of God. This body is called Karma deha--the working body and should be used for the purpose given. Temples remind us of all pervading God. Our mind should be filled with holy experiences and not go after pleasures and picnics. This body is called 'kshetra, and the Divinity in it is called ‘ kshetragna’. Men and women have to think of Him. This is the surest way for Uttarayana, the holy progress. “ You should not ask for the sweetest or the most attractively packed drug, but the drug you need for the illness you suffer from.” Do not run after the other attractions. “ The Bhogi and the Rogi  should be transformed into the Yogi” counsels Bhagawan Sri Sri Sathya Sai Baba.

Man must be eligible for the vision of God. Humility and love  for all the creatures is the best way to realize the Almighty. Bereft of greed and egoism, sweet in word and deed and thought one should dedicate himself to service to God and society! Swami is unhappy that pilgrimages have become picnic spots and they have become “ Vinoda prayana”- entertainment tours! They should become “ Viveka prayana”- intellectual tours. The real purpose for which man takes up the pilgrimage is totally lost in the purchase of vessels, clothes and a few rarities.When the mind is turned to the God within and the God in the temple you are in Uttarayana direct.

Man becomes fearless when he has faith in God. He is imperturbable as a rock! No danger or difficulty can shake him. What is that we can offer to God who has offered everything to humanity? Foolishly we say that we will do that or give this if our desires are granted or fulfilled! God does not need our offerings whatever they be. Flowers, fruits, jewels and costly gifts are nothing to Him! Swami has declared that no fruits or flowers should be brought to him! He wants only the sweet fragrant manas or heart full of love as an offering to him! He wants devotees to come with empty hands when he can fill them with gifts and grace! The outward meaning of Uttarayana is irrelevant for the Sadhaka or the aspirant for spirituality. It is just for the common man. One who does not think of God and engages himself in trivial pleasures and material bondage is in ‘Dakshinayana’ though he remains in Uttarayana for namesake! The more we turn godly and devote ourselves to spiritual activities the more we are in proximity to Uttarayana!

BRAHMAN IS ALL

The sixth adhyaya of Swetaswatara Upanishad decries the delusion of a few wise men who think that Nature is the first cause of the universe. A few consider Time as the first cause. The cosmic wheel is made to turn only by the power of God according to the Upanishad! He who envelops the world and who is the author of time and all qualities and knowledge is the Creator of the five elements, earth, water, fire, air and ether! His action is invisible. He is incomparable and has no equal! His power manifests in various ways. His knowledge and strength is inherent in him. Is there any other master or ruler of the world? The Upanishad questions and answers in the same vein that there is none like that! He, the God is the cause. He controls the powers that rule the sense organs! Has he parents? No! He has no birth but manifests in various forms! “ajayamano bahudha vijayathe”.

He is omnipresent, omnipotent and omniscient! He is the indweller of all beings. He is none other than the self within all creatures, the ordainer of all deeds! He is the silent witness of every    word, action, and thought. That is why He is called “ Karma Sakshi”. He is  all Alone! He has no attributes or qualities. In short He is “ Nirguna Brahman”. He inspires and activates the lazy and the lethargic! It is amazing that he multiplies the one seed into many! The Upanishad promises  eternal happiness to those who realize Him in their self!

In a splendid description of that God, the Upanishad proclaims, “ He is the eternal among the eternals, the intelligent among the Intelligences, the one among the many who fulfills their desires. He is the cause which is to be apprehended through discrimination and discipline. By knowing that God one is freed from all fetters.” There will be no end to sorrow without knowing God. In conclusion the Upanishad declares that the ‘wise Swetaswatara, by the power of his penance and through the grace of God has truly proclaimed the highest and the holiest Brahman to the advanced ascetics’ on the approval of the assembly of sages.

This God is interchangeable with Brahman or Atman. The Upanishad asserts that Deva is the light of everything and He is the ‘one swan’ of the universe, self made, the Supreme Spirit. He is the quality in everything, the master of primeval matter and of the Spirit. His knowledge leads to deliverance and release from all sorrow, misery bondage, and fear. The sixth chapter of Swetaswatara Upanishad asserts that it is impossible to end sorrow, confusion and consequences of evil without knowing this joyful, blissful Deva, (Divine Soul).

In short, the Upanishad establishes that it is Deva ( God, Brahman) the primal cause of everything. He is described as the knower, creator of the quality of everything-- the Sarva Vidyah-- all knowledge! God is one in each and every human being and in all living creatures! God is the Soul (Atman) veiled inside, the inmost self inside all living beings and the primal cause is within one self!!

ON LAUGHTER I

“ He who laughs lasts” says a proverb! But how many people are capable of having a hearty laugh? We find many tormented by their sorrows and difficulties! They are unable to come out of their agony! They cannot laugh at their own faults or at the faults of others! As a result of this nature their suffering increases and they cannot come out of their suffering! “One has to find a reason always to laugh. It may not add years to your life but it surely will add life to your years” says a writer! The other day I was frantically searching for my glasses. I had misplaced it and searched for it at every possible spot in my home. I grew wild with my children, wife and others in the family for their carelessness and failure in spotting the spectacles. There was commotion in the house and members ran helter skelter in search of the lost or misplaced glasses of mine! Meanwhile, by chance, I touched my head and felt that some object had secured its place on the back of my head! Shuddering at that, I slowly removed it and found to my pleasant surprise and shock my glasses for which I cursed and abused all at home! I laughed to my heart’s content even as all at home couldn't control their laughter! Tension gave place to laughter and I laughed at my stupidity for troubling many at home. Incidents like this happen quite often and one has to take it easy and laugh it away!

One effective weapon against the sorrow of humanity is laughter. A good laugh heals a lot of hurts! When a child slips and falls down, his friend laughs!  The child, though in pain, forgets it and laughs! He forgets it and joins the other in laughter! Laughter is contagious and you cannot be dull or morose in the company of those who laugh! There is a ’Laughter Club’ where the members continue to laugh to forget their worries and anxieties. According to Thackery ‘ very  good laugh is sunshine in the house’ that dispels the gloom and darkness of sorrow. “ A smile is a curve that sets everything straight and it is the sun that drives the winter out!” We must be cautious of people who always smile for no reason! Outwardly they keep the smile but inwardly they harbor evil intentions and eventually end as villains! Their smile is deceptive! According to Charlie Chaplin the renowned comedian, “ A day without laughter is a day wasted. To truly laugh you must be able to take your pain and play with it.” In other words, you should learn to laugh at your own faults.

What is a good laugh?  It must be a hearty laugh.“A smile starts on the lips, a grin spreads to the eyes, a chuckle comes from the belly but a good laugh bursts forth from the soul, overflows and bubbles all round” says Carolyn Birmingham. It is the healthiest of all laughter!  Laughter is the panacea for all difficult situations. It is better to always laugh when you can. There cannot be any other medicine cheaper than laughter! The parents forget all their worries and bitterness in the laughter of their innocent child! Laughter makes one forget his worries and anxieties. One who laughs is always hopeful!  A man who is hopeless cannot laugh! “An optimist laughs to forget. A pessimist forgets to laugh. Laughter cleanses the soul! As soap is to the body so laughter is to the soul according to another writer. There is plenty of laughter in Nature! The flowers in their captivating colors and in full bloom laugh and dance in gaiety. “Earth laughs in  flowers” says the famous poet Ralph Waldo Emerson. Are we not soothed in our bitter feelings and cares and anxieties at the sight of a field with flowers in full bloom?

Various Gods and Goddesses in our Hindu mythology are represented with smiling faces! Is it not a sign that all humanity should be smiling? According to Psalm 42.5 “God has a smile on His face”. Plato the illustrious Greek philosopher says that even the Gods love jokes!  Humor and cutting jokes is not an easy task. The most difficult thing is to cut a joke and make others laugh! There are certain souls that can never understand a joke and laugh heartily. Humor and the ability to cut jokes is an inherent quality and the gift from God! Only a few are blessed with  this rare gift. God is is described as one playing with the lives of His creatures! “God is a comedian playing to an audience too afraid to laugh” remarks Voltaire the French philosopher! God is “Ananda Swarupa” He is the embodiment of bliss or ananda! He radiates bliss wherever

He is and on all devotees. It is mirth and laughter that can erase the day to day problems and situations that raise their ugly head in our lives! “ Grim care, moroseness and anxiety, all this rust of life ought to be scoured off by the oil of mirth. Mirth is God’s medicine”says Henry Ward  Beecher.

An interesting incident from the Ramayana! At the time of the coronation of Sri Rama, after his return, Lakshmana felt sleepy and started yawning! He felt astonished at this and laughed! All the dignitaries including Sri Rama couldn't understand the reason for Lakshmana’s laughter. Rama thought it was because he brought back Sita after a long stay in Lanka! Sita too was offended thinking that Lakshmana was laughing at her! Vibhishana, Jambavan, Sugriva and Anjaneya felt that they were being laughed at! In fact Lakshmana had nothing to do with such thoughts. He had guarded his brother Rama all the while without a wink! But suddenly, on this momentous occasion he felt sleepy and couldn't control yawning! At this thought he laughed and it took some time for others to understand the predicament of Lakshmana! Laughter, without proper reason, is likely to be misunderstood and may create complications! It may question the sanity of the individual too! On the whole laughter is the medicine that can heal many untoward situations in our life! Let us cultivate healthy laughter and be happy!

SRI MANIKANTA DASAKAM

                                                     SRI MANIKANTA DASAKAM

                                        (Composed by KRISHNAMURTHY YAYAVARAM)

1 Sailagra Vasa mahimojvala charu rupam

Ekagra chitta budha vatsala kanja netram

Srikantan sauri mahimanvita bhavya putram

Dhyayami devamanisam Maniknta murthim

I always meditate on the form of MANIKANTA residing on the hill who has great power and excellent form! He is particular of showering love on the wise. He is lotus eyed and the sacred offspring of Lord Siva and Lord Vishnu!

2 Jnana swarupa varadayaka chapa hastam

Bhaktharti nasaka bhavabdhi varaika potam

Panchamruta Priya ghrutardra vapur vilasam

Dhyayami devamanisam Maniknta murthim!

You are the embodiment of Jnana. You offer boons to your devotees. You hold the bow in your hand. You remove the sorrows of your bhaktas. You are the only boat helping bhaktas cross the sea of Samsara! You love Panchamruta--(a mixture of milk fruit, ghee, curd, and honey). You are happy with ghee abhishekam. I always meditate on the form MANIKANTA!

3 Sri Karthikeya vara sodara Dharma Sastham

Sakara divya subha dayaka chanda thejam

Lokesa sarva Jana jivana Jyoti rupam

Dhyayami devamanisam Maniknta murthim!

You are the special brother of  Krthikeya. You are called Dharma Sastha. You have a fine form. You grant every good thing. You have brilliant unbearable effulgence. You are the Lord of the world. You are the flame and spark of the life of all beings!  I meditate always on the form of MANIKANTA!

4 Sri Mohini Priya visesha vilasa balam

Damodraja Siva sannutha moda murthim

Kshema pradayaka visishta visala netram

Dhyayami devamanisam Maniknta murthim!

You are the special playful darling child of Mohini praised by the creator Brahma, Siva and Vishnu. You are the personification of Ananda. You grant salvation to devotees. You have special seductive broad eyes. I always meditate on the form of MANIKANTA!

5 Bhutadhinatha bhuvanaika saranya murthim

Bhitarthi duhka mala soshana baddha diksham

Sangita Lola lay tala vimagna chetam

Dhyayami Deva manisam MANIKANTA murthim!

You are the chief of Bhuta ganas. You are the refuge to all nations. You are very fond of  music, beat and tala. I always meditate on the form of MANIKANTA!

6 Manikya vajra makutojvala kanti punjam

Dedipya hara vara nupura patta baddham

Ananda Kanda maravinda dalayathaksham

Dhyayami devamanisam Maniknta murthim!

You dazzle with resplendent Vajra and Manikya and other precious stones and bright coloured garlands and nupuras. You are seated in the Pattaa baddha pose. You are the child of Bliss and  with broad lotus eyes! I meditate on the form of MANIKANTA!

7 Pampa Nadi thata virajitha mohanangam

Yogisa vandita Maha sikharadhi vasam

Vyaghradhiruda vara balaka palla vanghrim

Dhyayami devamanisam Maniknta murthim!

You are the most attractive form shining on the bank of river Pampa! Great yogis bow down to you in devotion. You reside on the great peak of Sabari hill! Yo ride on the tiger and your feet are very tender and delicate! I always meditate on the form of MANIKANTA!

8 Jyoti prakasa duritapaha saumya murtim

Jnana pradipa bhava sagara tharakesam

Jyotirmayaika nilayam Mani kundaladyam

Dhyayami devamanisam Maniknta murthim!

You dazzle as a flame and ward off all sins. Your’s is a gentle, soft form. You are the promoter of Jnana. You save people from the cycle of Samsara. You are the only repository of the Divine flame! You are endowed with diamond earrings! I always meditate on the form of MANIKANTA!

9 Lambodara Priya sahodara kambu kantam

Bimbadharam parama pujya visala phalam

Amba priyam sakala roga haram pavitram

Dhyayami devamanisam Maniknta murthim!

You are the dear brother of Lambodara- Ganapati. You have a spotless white neck and soft reddish lips. You are the most worshipped God and have a broad forehead. You are the darling of your mother Devi and ward off all diseases.You are very sacred. I always meditate on the form of MANIKANTA!

10 Devadi Deva Mama pthaka nasa hethum

Karunya purna mama kalpa tarur vibhasam

He Dinabandhu bhava bandhana moksha diksham

Dhyayami devamanisam Maniknta murthim!

On the God of Gods! You are the cause of destruction of all my sins! You are full of compassion. You are my Kalpavruksha--the wish fulfilling tree. You are the savior of the poor and dalits! You are capable of releasing people from the fetters of mundane existence-samsara! I always meditate on the form of MANIKANTA!

I humbly offer this garland of ten flowers at the lotus feet of Swami Ayyappa on the eve of  MAKARA JYOTI on 14.1. 2018. New Year Greetings to all my viewers

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ON NATURE

Man has become too materialistic! In his rat race for money he has lost many other comforting things in life! Modern Life is fast and he has no time to stand and stare at beautiful Nature that God has given him to experience and enjoy! ‘Look deep Into nature and then you will understand everything better. Nature’s peace will flow into you while cares will drop away from you like the leaves of Autumn.The sea is emotion incarnate. It loves, hates and weeps!’ Normal forests and jungles have disappeared and in their place concrete jungles have come up! Environment is totally damaged by the pollution of modern day transport and other emissions! It requires an aesthetic and sensitive mind to appreciate nature and its grandeur! Poets have waxed eloquent on the beauty of nature and its exquisite charm. The banished Duke in the Forest of Arden read “books in the running brooks and sermons in stones.”(As You Like It Shakespeare). Just living the boring life is not enough. The magnificent mountains, clear blue sky, multicolored clouds and their patterns, murmuring streams, dense jungles, tall trees, flowing rivers, enchanting  flowers and many others beckon to Man to come near, observe and drink deep their beauty!

“ Our task must be to free ourselves from this prison by widening our circle of compassion to embrace all living creatures and the whole of nature in its beauty” say the renowned scientist Albert Einstein. Sylvia plath, the eminent modern poet remarks, “ I feel my lungs inflate with the onrush of scenery--air, mountains, trees, people. I thought “This is what it is to be happy” It was the nature poet William Wordsworth who glorified nature through his poems on daffodils and others. He calls nature a teacher that can educate and edify us! The stanza from one of his poems is outstanding. “ One impulse from a vernal wood  May teach you more of man  Of moral, evil and of good Than all the sages can.” Lord Byron, the Romantic poet echoes the same love and admiration for nature in these lines: “ There is a pleasure in the pathless woods There is a rapture on the lonely shore.  There is society where none intrudes. By the deep sea and in its run  I love not man the less but nature more.”

Man becomes jaded by the regimen of his daily routine! He requires a change wherein he can forget, for a while, all his worries, problems, and other troubles that invade him incessantly! There is nothing better than nature to look up to for comfort and solace! The best remedy for those who are afraid or unhappy is to go outside, somewhere where they can be quite alone with the heavens, nature and God! Nature shall definitely bring solace and satisfaction to the suffering soul! We have a number of parks and resorts that cater to the aesthetic nature of individuals in cities and towns. While visiting forests and jungles is out of question for every Individual, these parks and resorts can help man in comforting and bringing solace to his tormented soul!

Is nature for the mere enjoyment and comfort of the troubled soul of man? That is one of the major objectives of the creation of God! Nature is called ‘Prakriti’ the kinetic and dynamic energy! It is also called Maya or illusion that distracts man by its play and beauty! Man is lost in the contemplation of the beauty of nature. Is there anything in nature that is not beautiful? But still, Man is not much obsessed with nature! He has learnt how to get the maximum benefit from nature. Science and technology has helped him in this field. He has exploited nature to the maximum! He has abused and misused all the natural resources almost to the extent of extinction! This process is continuing. Fuel, oil, coal and other dear resources are extracted without any respite! How long can nature resist the onslaught of man for his selfishness? A time may come when the resources fail! Man should be concerned about it!

What does nature teach? It teaches regularity. The sun rises regularly and sets according to the laws of nature. Morning and night happen regularly. You cannot change it. The seasons are regular one succeeding the other smoothly and silently. “ Dina yaminyau sayam prataha sisira vasanthau punarayataha” says Sankara in his Bhaja Govindam Stotra! Monsoon is regular except for some aberrations! The waves beat against the shore regularly! Regular changes take place according to seasons. Man should learn regularity in action from nature! Without Nature man cannot exist! He should preserve nature, not destroy it! Every tree serves man in various ways though he cuts them for his benefit! They take in carbon dioxide and release oxygen for man! They help man though he hurts them.The tall mountain beckons to man to rise high and be imperturbable! The rivers, trees, and every object of nature proclaim that man should be helpful to his fellow beings as nature is to him! Let us understand this lesson from nature , respect and preserve it for generations to come!

IGNORANCE AND KNOWLEDGE

The Fifth Adhyaya of Swetaswatara Upanishad reverts to the use of the word “ Brahman” instead of “Rudra”. It points out that the imperishable, infinite and highest Brahman are hidden in the two--knowledge and ignorance! While ignorance is perishable, knowledge is immortal and both are in the control of another. It is the fiery seer that rules over every form, source and cause! Manifest in every living and non living form, that God withdraws all of them into Himself! He creates a number of chiefs and rules over them. He is the Lord of all creatures born from the womb! He is like the sun that illuminates everything above and below! It is He that ripens everything according to time! It is this ruler of the world who allots qualities to all creatures! What is that which is hidden in the Vedas and the Upanishads? It is Brahma being the source of itself! The seers and gods, realizing its source became immortal!

Who can enjoy the fruits of his actions? The Upanishad says that only those endowed with qualities and actions that can fructify shall enjoy the fruits of their actions! He, the lord himself, follows three paths led by three qualities assuming all forms! Of the size of the thumb and brilliant like the sun, He has the will and self consciousness! This may be called  a ‘ living soul’ which is infinitesimally small! The Upanishad calls it “ a part of the hundred thousand part of the point of  hair divided a hundred fold!” Yet it is the chip of the same block--potentially Infinite. What is its nature and sex? The Upanishad asserts, “ It is neither female nor male, not yet is it neuter.” It merges with whatever body it takes!

What qualities does the Soul exhibit when it takes up a body? Its birth and development is dictated by the thoughts, contacts, sights and passions as well as by the food and drink  taken by the body. The soul assumes various forms in different places according to its past deeds, good or bad. The embodied soul can take any form, gross or subtle. Though the soul is responsible for joining the body, it is seen as a separate entity! This is because of  the qualities and acts of the body!

He, the Brahman has no beginning or end! Out of chaos he has created everything!  His forms are many but He pervades the entire universe alone! It is through the knowledge of this Brahman that one is freed from the fetters of mortal existence! He is said to be grasped by the mind. To Him existence and non existence is one and the same.Those who have realized Him have achieved eternal salvation!

The Upanishad presents a three fold Brahman-- Atman, ‘all part of Infinite highest Brahman and contained in oneness. First theme is of default state of ignorance inhuman beings. The second is realized state of knowledge and the third of elevated, eternal, omnipresent Brahman that embraces both. The Upanishad states that ignorance is perishable and transient while knowledge is eternal and everlasting. Knowledge delivers everyone. It liberates the individual. The Swetaswatara Upanishad is noted for the mention of the word ‘ Kapila’ (in verse 5.2) the founder of Sankhya School -- atheistic of Hinduism. The word Kapila' may also mean red color. In verse 5.10 a reference is made to the genderlessness of the Brahman- Atman ( soul, self) present in every Being! Lola Iwe find similar echoes in Aitareya and Taittiriya Aranyakas!

WHY IS DARBHA (GRASS) SACRED?

The first thing to do before performing the Yajna is to get the sacred Darbha grass! It should be very sharp at one end and be of good quality! One who is very intelligent and sharp in intellect is called “ kusagra buddhi'”--having mind as sharp as the end of darbha grass! There is a variety of darbha grass extremely sharp at its end called “Viswamitra darbha”. Using this sacred darbha, a round formation called “pavithram” is made which has to be worn on the right ring finger. Any ritual has to be done by wearing this “pavitram”.There will not be any impediment in work if it is worn. Special care and attention has to be bestowed to gather this type of darbha grass. A good day has to be specified for collecting this grass. One should go to the place where it is grown since it grows only in clean places. Darbha grass is another form of water says the Veda! No distinction should be drawn between the two!

There is an interesting story related to darbha grass. There was a terrible demon Vrutrasura who tormented the Devas time and again. He invaded heaven and captured many Devas and their wives!This came to the notice of the Indra, king of Devas! He became furious and wanted to put an end to the atrocities of the demon. Nothing could stop the demon Vrutrasura! Indra had no other alternative but to use the all powerful and lethal Vajrayudha! He struck the asura with the Vajrayudha in the hope that it will kill the demon and solve the problem of the Devas! But what a wonder! The unassailable Vajrayudha had no effect on the demon and he grew more ferocious frightening Indra himself! It had just the effect of the touch of the blade of dry grass on Vrutrasura! Indra was shocked to see what had happened! He was totally at a loss and did not know what to do.

The Creator Brahma was a silent spectator to the encounter between Indra and Vrutrasura! He too was amazed at the fall of the Vajrayudha and the discomfiture of Indra, king of Gods. He wanted to help Indra caught in a tight corner! How can the Vajrayudha of Indra fail? The asuras are not only terrible, but have enormous spiritual power and invincibility because of the boons sanctioned by the Devas themselves! Brahma did not keep quiet! He took the fallen Vajrayudha into his hands and drenched it in the water in his ‘kamandal.’ He commanded Indra to attack the asura with the reinforced Vajrayudha and he did as he was bid! The reinforced Vajrayudha had a wonderful effect on the asura! It began cutting him bit by bit!  Hands first, legs later and every part of the body of Vrutrasura was systematically cut as blood flowed profusely like a river from his body!

Vrutrasura was infuriated at the humiliation he suffered in the hands of Indra! Instead of feeling sorry for his evil deeds, he wanted to take vengeance on Indra!  He now thought that Indra had no power as his Vajrayudha failed! The Creator Brahma too was powerless as he made the Vajrayudha powerful by soaking it in water! So, logically, it was the water in the kamandalu' that was powerful! He felt that he should see that there is no good water available in the world! So thinking, he dragged his profusely bleeding body to every water body and drenched himself!!  Both Brahma and Indra were aghast at what the injured demon was doing! Brahma immediately  came into action! He converted all other water bodies untouched by Vrutrasura into  Darbhas! It is for this reason that Darbha grass is considered equal to water and sacred! During eclipses of the Sun and the moon Darbha grass is spread on pickles and other food materials for this reason! We cannot clean pickles with water! Darbha grass has the effect of cleansing with water! In all our religious rituals Darbha grass is a purifier!

There is another story in our Puranas regarding the sanctity of Darbha grass. Garuda, went to Heaven and brought ‘Amrit’ to end the slavery of his mother! He fought against the Devas and Indra but made friends with him later! He allowed Indra to take back the vessel with ‘Amrit’ soon after the release of his mother from slavery! A few drops of the Divine nectar had spilled on the Darbha grass on which the Amrit kalasa (vessel) was kept as Indra took it away! Thus Darbha grass became immortal and sacred for ever! The snakes, brothers of Garuda, licked the sharp Darbha grass and their tongues were torn!! Thus they became double tongued according to Puranas!

ON DOING GOOD

“ Do good, be good, and see good. This is the way to God” says Bhagawan Sri Sri Sathya Sai Baba! It is good to hear such things from avatars and spiritual leaders. But it is easier said than done! It is similar to what we call “ Purana Vairagya”. After listening to a powerful spiritual discourse on the Ramayana we come home with pious thoughts and want to conduct ourselves in righteous ways like the hero Sri Rama! But our thoughts evaporate as soon as we return and we tend to follow the qualities of Ravana! That is human nature! Our mind is so unstable and forgetful that we don't care for what we have heard from the great speakers. If every person were to follow the words of the great masters, the world would not be so bad as it is today! We hear endlessly and forget immediately! We can compare our mind to the dog’s tail which remains straight as long as it is kept straight by force and returns to its original curve soon after the force is released. Man has become so selfish that he does not think of others. He wants to do good for himself at the cost of others! He is satisfied if he gets the benefit while the other man suffers. The days of self sacrifice and service to society are gone! He revels in earning money compromising various other values in life!

Great saints and sages direct us to do good and see good! But man is accustomed to see the bad in others and things rather than the good in them! We are expected to be the bee and the butterfly that lands on various flowers and drink deep the sweet honey in them! We see the defects in others more easily than the the virtues and the good in others! Doubt, suspicion and hatred contribute to this attitude of the Individual! When we point a finger at someone we forget that three fingers are pointed at us! In short, for every fault we find in others, we have three defects in ourselves! Every Individual thinks he is perfect and the other person is wrong! This  attitude has to change. The butcher mercilessly kills animals for his business. But is he really without mercy? No! He is merciful to his family and children. We fail to see the positive side of things while stressing on the negative side! Ravana, the villain in the Ramayana, despite his evil nature and despicable character, was great devotee of Lord Siva and pleased Him by reciting  Sama Veda!

We not only see no good but do no good! We don't go to help others in difficulties. We remain mere silent spectators while others are in dire need of support and help! An accident takes place on the busy public road and the victim is in a critical state! The passers by remain at a  distance and look nonchalantly! It is rarely that a person voluntarily comes out to help the affected accident victim! Civic consciousness, which is absolutely essential for man, is significantly absent in present society! It is the duty of every citizen to question any wrong and come to the rescue of anyone in suffering! We could imagine what would be our state if we are in the same situation.

Which of the three mandates given above is easy? All the three are equally difficult!! While doing good is difficult in itself, seeing good is definitely more difficult and being good is much more difficult! Being Good requires certain spiritual qualities like pity, compassion,acting according to dharmic or righteous principles, understanding, selflessness and service mindedness! These qualities aren't found in many people! Among the three qualities viz “ Satwa, Rajas and Thamas, good people have Satwa predominantly. Such individuals are good by nature. People with Rajas in preponderance are short tempered, irritable,and egoistic. Thamas makes people lethargic, dull and thick skinned! To be basically good one has to keep good company, have faith in God and a motive for service to  society!

The three ideal states “ do good, be good and see good” are inextricably interfused! You cannot do one without the other. You cannot do good without being good! Unless you see good in others you cannot understand the person properly! Man is a mixture of all the three gunas or qualities mentioned above. His actions and thoughts are dictated by the particular quality that dominates the person! But a person with “Rajas” can always try to control himself and cultivate the better quality “Satwa” by keeping good company! Similarly, one with “Thamas” can surely discard his lethargy and go for the best quality “Satwa”. Subjected to the eternal invasion of the inner enemies--” Arishadvargas” like desire, anger miserliness, attachment, arrogance, and hatreds, man loses his balance! When he controls his desires and gets himself detached from material connections he becomes good! When he becomes good he sees good and consequently does good also! Thus the duty of every human being is to do good, be good,and see good! That should be the ideal goal of every individual in society! The way to God shall be thrown open to such good people without any doubt!

RUDRA IS EVERYTHING

 The Fourth chapter of the Swetaswatara Upanishad refers to the indestructible Being in the Rig Veda in which all Gods reside! There is no use of reading the Rig Veda if one doesn't understand and know that Being! He would become Immortal by knowing it!  The Vedas, sacrifices , rituals and the three divisions of time issue forth from the Creator! The soul is enveloped in Maya in this. Nature is declared as Maya and it is the great Lord that does it. All creatures in the universe are parts of Him. He is the single cause of everything. All meet in Him and again separate from him! He is the bestower of blessings and adorable God. By discerning Him one becomes Immortal.The Upanishad declares that this support and source of Gods is none other than Rudra Himself who saw the world soul when it was born!

The Upanishad wants all to offer worship to the Lord, the ruler of all the bipeds and quadrupeds. What is his nature? The Upanishad declares that he is subtler than the subtle! Out of the chaos He has brought into being manifold forms and envelopes them! He is Himself the guardian of this world but none can see Him! He is hidden in all things.The great seers of Brahman merge into Him. Knowledge of Him releases one from the cords of death! He is very delicate like the  film over melted butter! He releases one from all bonds! This God is the great Self, the dweller in the innermost recess of heart! He is under the limitations of understanding and mind.

There was a time when darkness disappeared and neither day or night or being or non being existed! Who was present at that time? The Upanishad declares that it was the blessed Lord Siva alone who was present. It was the adorable light of the Savior from which our ancient wisdom emerged!

Has anyone understood or known Him? None have grasped His nature that has no beginning , middle or end! He is incomparable! The Upanishad calls Him the “Great Glory”! He is invisible as the naked eye cannot spot Him! He transcends all senses! Blessed are those who realize Him through their knowledge, understanding and mind. They attain immortality! One approaches Him trembling, saying “ Thou art the unborn--O Rudra may thy gracious face protect me forever”! The Katha Upanishad declares, “ The knowing Self is never born, nor does it die. It sprang from nothing, and nothing sprang from it. It is unborn, eternal, everlasting and primeval. It is not slain when the body is slain.”

The references to Rudra, and Siva in the Swetaswatara Upanishad were significant for Saiva Siddhanta and Saivism. The word Siva, it is said, is mentioned as an adjective seven times in the Swetaswatara Upanishad! The Upanishad plays “the same historic role for Saivism as the Bhagavad-Gita for Vaishnavism”!