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Nitya Kalyan August 2007

l+-4 +-4i - {zPs
Published on behalf of Sri Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam
Dharmo Rakshathi Rakshitha: Dharma protects its adherents
Hara Hara Sankara Jaya Jaya Sankara






vasati dasanasi khare dharani tava l agna sasi ni kal ankakal eva ni magna
Kesava dhrta sukararupa jaya jagadi sa hare
O Kesava in the form of the Boar (sukarupa)! The earth rests in peace on the tip of
Your tusk, like the dark marking on the disk of the moon. Hail Hari! Lord of the
universe!
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Title Page - Nitya Kalyan - August 2007


Nit ya Kalyan Augus t 2 0 0 7
Published on behalf of Sri Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam

- l+r in: rl-i+i ei-+imi l-+ ++l+i +-++ il+ r-+i i
;+r +r-ri:i + +-rir e--i l+-e+ zl ini l+-4+-4i mini ii


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Contents - Nitya Kalyan - August 2007

GURU UPADESA
Vinayaka Mahaswamigal 4
Some Cult ural Habit s of Ours H H Sri Jayendra Sarasvati Swamigal 5
Anugraha Bhas hanam H H Sri Sankara Vijayendra Sarasvati Swamigal 6
VEDIC HERITAGE
Swami Vive kananda on t he Ve das and Upanis hads
Sister Gayatriprana 7
Upade s a Sahas ri S Balakrishnan 9
The Bhagavad Git a Padmasri S Balakrishnan 12
DEVOTIONAL LITERATURE
Srimad Bhagavat am Lalitha Manjunatha Rai 13
Sri Adi Sankara Krishnan 14
Swami Bhagavat hi Prof. Kamala Viswanathan 16
Embrac ing t he Me aning of Our Human Exis t e nc e Dr Frank Morales 19
Sri Pada Sapt at i P R Kannan 21
Varahavat ar Veena Santosh 24
TRUE VALUES OF LIFE
Sri Ramayana Sukt i Mukt avali K N Srinivasan 26
PRINCIPLES OF SELF DEVELOPMENT
Advanc e d Yoga Prac t ic e s Yogani 27
We ll-forme d Out c ome s S Ravichandran 29
EPILOGUE
Religious News & Events 32




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Guru Upade s a Nit ya Kalyan Augus t 2 0 0 7



Vinayaka
MAHASWAMIGAL

Each and every aspect of the moorthy of Vinayaka is illustrative of some significant
principle.

Once Vinayaka asked His Father Easwara to give His head. Maha Ganapathi is pleased
only when the greatest thing is sacrificed for Him. A coconut has three eyes just as
Easwara does. Easwara has blessed us, making it possible to sacrifice coconut to
Vinayaka.

A common practice prevalent only in Tamil Nadu is breaking coconut to pieces by
forcefully throwing it in front of Sri Vinayaka. This is called chitaru kai. The coconut
pieces would scatter in all directions and the children would jump and pick up
hilariously the pieces, as a matter of right. I came to know this only from a child. It was
1941. I was adhering to chaturmasya vrata at Nagapattinam. In the temple, a number
of coconuts used to be offered as chitaru kai. And a large number of children would
gather and energetically compete for their share of chitaru kai.

Some elders, who were concerned about the safety of the children, shouted at them and
directed them to go away. A small boy retorted authoritatively, How can you ask us to
go away. If chitaru kai is offered to Pillaiyar, we would certainly come and you have no
right to ask us to go away.

His style of talking and the firmness in his voice made me think, It is true. Once we
make an offering to Pillaiyar, the sole right in the prasada naturally belongs to the
pillaigal.

If the shell of ahamkara is broken, the amrtarasa within becomes available; the
chitharu kai brings out this truth.

5


Some Cult ural Habit s of Ours
JAGADGURU PUJYASRI JAYENDRA SARASVATI SWAMIGAL

We normally think that a person is in bondage only when he is in jail. But actually we
are in chains or in bondage even when we are living in the world outside. We used to
visit many jails for the purpose of bringing about transformation in the minds of the
prisoners so as to bring them over to the right path. Religious teachers belonging to
other religions were doing such a thing, and therefore we thought that we should also
do it. We would visit the jails and then come back and have purification by doing
anushtana and so on. I used to tell the prisoners that they were in fact having a better
life and they could be happier than the people outside because they were very well
looked after in the jails and they had nothing to worry about. I have seen many prisons
in Madhya Pradesh and have gone there and given the prisoners my blessings. I went
there to preach dharma, just to awaken their interest in our dharma and in our
sastras. Some of them who were behaving well could wear white dress and could have
freedom to move about within the compound freely. When some mental transformation
takes place in a prison, he is able to get a job also within the prison and he can earn
and get some promotion and also secure his release a little earlier. I used to tell the
prisoners that the people outside did not have even that much freedom, and they were
much happier than the people outside and that the people outside were in chains and
in bondage all the time.

The question arises how we shall be free from bondage and how we shall be happy all
the time. We have three types of bodies, as we have seen before, namely the gross body,
the subtle body and the causal body. The activities of the subtle body affect the gross
body, and similarly the treatment given to the gross body also affects the subtle body.

Without the subtle body, the gross body cannot function at all. Even if we want to make
a physical movement, we have to invoke the aid of the subtle body. So whatever we do
to the subtle body affects the gross body and vice versa.

Sometimes, we find that a person is doing sraaddha or Pitrukaryas and Devakaryas
etc., regularly and with faith, and he is also doing worship of the Devatas etc., but still
we find that he is not happy. What is the reason for this? I often say that the reason is
the change which has been made by them in their traditional cultural habits. There
may be many reasons for his unhappiness; but in my opinion, this change in cultural
habits is also one of the most important reasons.
(to be continued)
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Anugraha Bhas hanam
JAGADGURU PUJYASRI SANKARA VIJAYENDRA SARASVATI SWAMIGAL




Viveka is most important for man. This enables him to understand and appreciate good
and bad nature of men and matters. The guru-sishya paramparya aims at improving
viveka of the disciples.

In the olden days, the disciples stayed with their gurus, did service to them and learnt
arts and sciences. Thus Sri Krishna learnt from Sandeepini munivar; Arjuna learnt
from Drona. Brahsapati is the guru for devas; Sukracharya is the guru for the asuras.
The gurus always know what would lead to peace and welfare. They teach how to make
the best use of the Five Elements.

Knowledge is beyond religion; it is common for the rich and the poor. Even while
aksharas are taught, it is combined with the sacred namas of Bhagawan.

Our country may not be very rich. We may not have many oil wells. But still, a number
of persons come here from other countries for learning about our Vedic culture and
practices. Though they are highly developed in science and technology, for learning to
live peacefully, they find it necessary to come here.

Formal education alone will not do. If proper value system is not developed, mere
worldly education can at times be disastrous.

Children should be taught to strictly avoid falsehood, jealousy and so on; they should
cultivate an attitude of service and harmony. They should learn to respect their
mothers, fathers and teachers as personifying divinity.

Social service, Nature, God these concepts are not separate compartments. They have
to be understood together; then only a comprehensive knowledge would emerge.

Students should learn to absorb our ancient cultural values and also to master the
modern principles of science and technology.

We pray to God that our children should imbibe good qualities like desabhakti,
devotion to God and attitude of service.
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Vedic Heritage - Nitya Kalyan August 2007



Swami Vive kananda on t he Ve das and Upanis hads
Part I, Se c t ion 3 : The His t oric al Root s of t he Ve dant a
Chapt e r 8 : The St ruggle t o Es t ablis h t he Kingdom of t he Upanis hads (Cont d. )

f) Through Sl ow Assi mi l ati on the Pure, Eternal Vedi c Rel i gi on Has Evol ved Indi a
toward the Hi ghest Ideal

The task before renascent India was profound, problems vaster than their ancestors
had ever faced. A comparatively small and compact race of the same blood and speech
and the same social and religious aspiration [the Aryans], trying to save its unity by
un-scalable walls around itself, grew huge by multiplication and addition during the
Buddhist supremacy. However, it was divided by race, color, speech, spiritual instinct
and social ambitions into hopelessly jarring factions. It had to be unified and welded
into one gigantic nation. This task Buddhism had also come to solve, and had taken it
up when the proportions were not so vast.

So long it had been a question of Aryanizing the other types that were pressing for
admission and thus of making a huge Aryan body of its different elements. In spite of
concessions and compromises, Buddhism was eminently successful and remained the
national religion of India, but the time came when the allurements of sensual forms of
worship, indiscriminately taken in along with various low races, were too dangerous for
the central Aryan core, and a longer contact would certainly have destroyed the
civilization of the Aryans. Then came a natural reaction for self-preservation, and
Buddhism as a separate sect ceased to live in most parts of the land of its birth.

The reaction movement, led in close succession by Kumarila in the North and
Shankara and Ramanuja in the South, had become the last embodiment of that vast
accumulation of sects and doctrines and rituals called Hinduism. For the last
thousand years or more, its great task had been assimilation, with now and then and
outburst of reformation. This reaction first wanted to revive the rituals of the Vedas -
failing which, it made the Upanishads or the philosophic portions of the Vedas its
basis. It brought Vyasa's system of mimamsa philosophy (the Vedanta Sutras) and
Krishnas sermon, the Gita, to the forefront, and all succeeding movements have
followed the same. (72)

During the hundreds of years since the time of the great reformer Shankaracharya to
the present day, there has been the slow bringing back of the Indian masses to the
pristine purity of the Vedantic religion. These reformers knew full well the evils which
existed, yet they did not condemn. They did not say, "All that you have is wrong; you
must throw it away". It can never be so. Sudden changes cannot be, and
Shankaracharya knew it. So did Ramanuja. The only way left to them was slowly to
bring up the existing religion to the highest ideal. If they had sought to apply the other
method, they would have been hypocrites, for the very fundamental doctrine of their
religion is evolution, the soul going toward the highest goal, through all these various
stages and phases which are, therefore, necessary and helpful. And who dares
condemn them? (73)
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In India, Kumarila again brought into currency the karma marga, the way of karma
only, and Shankara and Ramanuja firmly reestablished the eternal Vedic religion,
harmonizing and balancing in due proportions dharma, artha, kama and moksha
[duty, gain, pleasure and liberation]. Thus the nation was brought to the way of
regaining its lost life; but India has three hundred million souls to awake, and hence
the delay. To revive three hundred millions - can it be done in a day? (74)

Re fe re nc e s

72. CW, Vol.6: The Historical Evolution of India, p.165.
73. CW, Vol.3: My Plan of Campaign, pp.217-218.
74. CW, Vol.5: The East and the West, pp.454-455

Si ster Gayatri prana is a nun of the Ramakrishna Order, who has worked at the
Vedanta Societies of New York, Boston and San Fransisco, and is currently posted in Los
Angels, California, USA




Towards Enduring Harmony
The answers to several questions which are baffling scientists and
philosophers today are contained within the treasure-house of the Vedas,
as well as the solutions to several daunting problems threatening human
society. Access to these answers would open up the possibility of a
quantum leap into a world of new truths and new experiences, and a
study of the knowledge contained in these texts should also help in
understanding the founding principles of one of the most ancient
civilizations in human history. Together these could indicate to us the
road to the establishment of an enduring harmony and happiness on our
planet.
Ris hi Kumar Mis hra
Before the Beginning and after the End
Rupa & co (2001), p. xix


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Upade s a Sahas ri
Chapt e r 1 3 : Eye le s s ne s s (Acaku vaprakaraam) ( Cont d. )
ms+r4
S BALAKRISHNAN

i:4-+i +i +i+i l+ l+lna: i
z4 zi+i l+-+i 44+l-4-++i + ii -+ ii

Bhedo bhedastada cai ko nana c e t i vikalpit ah
J neyam jnata gati r ganta mayyekasmi n kuto bhavet. (23)

Tr.: Difference, non-difference, one or many, such things are imaginary. I am only one;
how can then I accommodate such things as a thing to be known, a knower, a movement,
a mover etc.

Sankara justifies the non duality of Self, by reducing all the plurality and differences to
merely relative concepts.

A study of the theory of relativity in science can also lead to such philosophical
concept. One becomes relevant only if there are more than one. All the triads are only
the one, coming down to transactional level. In the absolute level all the triads are
merged into me; there is no knower, knowledge etc.

If one analyzes very deeply, even differences between two things cannot be properly
defined. If I ask you what is the difference between a cow and a horse you will only
define a cow and a horse. You will never be able to define or quantify the difference.
Any differences between any two objects cannot be actually defined. Therefore all the
plurality and differences can be reduced to a myth.

+ 4 r4 + i44l+ilr 4+i or4 i
ei 4+-+i ma: ei ai:i:s4: ii-x ii

Na me he yam na c ade yamavikari yat ohyaham
Sada mukt as t at ha s uddhah s ada buddho'guno'dvayah (24)

Tr.: I have nothing to acquire or attain; or to drop or reject because I remain without any
change. I am ever free, unattached always without attributes effulgent and non dual.

Sankara uses his oft-repeated phrase 'Heyo upadeya vasjitah' here also to convey the
non-attached nature of the self. You can attain or reach another place if it is away from
you like the heavens or America. Since you are all pervading such an effort is not
relevant. In the same way you can drop or reject something if anything is really
attached to you. How can you drop a serpent which you imagine around your ankles?
You must only know that it is imaginary, no action to shake your leg or use a stick is
called for. This is what is meant by the first line. The second line reiterates the nature
of Atma as ever free, ever unattached, ever effulgent, attribute less and hence non dual.

10
;-4 ei-4i+ lni-e e4ilr+: i
ll-i 4i -r-4l4+i i + ii-- ii

It ye vam s arvadat manam vidyat Sarve s amahit ah
Vidit va mam s vade has t hamrs hirmukt o dhurvo bhave t . (25)

Tr.: Thus with an integrated mind one should know the Atma as all and as available
inside the body. Such a sage will certainly be liberated.

Sankara concludes this chapter giving the fruits of such knowledge echoing the famous
upanisad dictum 'Brahmavid Brahma bhavati 'knowing Atma as everything everywhere
as also available in his own heart the sage is ever free. He is Brahman.

We are reminded of the upanisad words yo veda nihitam guhayam and Lords
exhortation to Arjuna in 18-61 Isvarah sarvabhutanam hrddese Arjuna tishtati'

+++-4n lean 4ii i i
4 +-i4-4i oi-4ri + ii - ii

Krt akrt yas c a s iddhas c a yoge e brahmana e va c a
Ya e vam ve da t at vart ham anyat ha hyat maha bhave t . (26)

Tr.: One who knows the reality, as such is indeed a yogi, a Brahmin, one who has
fulfilled his mission and an accomplished person.

Brahmajnani tu Brahmanah. The knower of Brahman alone is the real Brahmin. All
others are pseudo-Brahmins by birth or by profession.

He alone is a yogi with mind integrated in his Self. He has indeed fulfilled the final and
the only goal in life, the fourth purushartha of Moksha. What about other ignorant
persons? As Dayananda Swamiji says, they just go from womb to tomb and back, just
live and die. Acarya here uses strong words drawing his authority from Isa Upanisad,
Ye ke ca atma hano janah and Gita 13-28 Hinasti atmana atmanam.

They kill their atma repeatedly in each birth! When you do not accept the presence of
some thing so evident, it is as good as eliminating that as non-existent. In Sankaras
words Ajnanam atmatiaskaranao npapatteh. You are totally obliterating the atma just
as Rahu is said to swallow the moon.

ii l+ln+i o e4ie+ 44il+: i
e-4ile-4: s+4: mi-+-4: lmrla+i ii - ii

Ve dart ho nis c it o hye s ha s amas e na mayodit ah
Sanyas ibhyah Pravakt avyah s ant e bhyah si shta buddhi na. (27)

Tr.:The ambiguous meaning of Vedanta has been briefly vetoed by me. This must be
taught to samnyasis who have calm minds by one who has been taught this knowledge.

As a parting advice Sankara gives the qualification of the student and the teacher for
receiving and imparting this great knowledge which has been very clearly explained by
him.
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This chapter specifically concentrates on revealing the sacred and the secret
knowledge. Being raja guhyam it cannot be freely propagated to all and sundry. The
student must have the four-fold values with emphasis on vairagyam. To stress the
same Sankara prescribes renunciation as a qualification; for only the samnyasis have a
favorable ambience for the study and assimilation of such deep knowledge. The
qualification of calm disposition is important. If calmness can be achieved by a
Grihasta or any other asrami, the knowledge can be given. Sankara means vividisa
sanyasa here, which is very conducive to study of scriptures under the guidance of a
teacher. Sankara emphasizes that the teacher must have properly learnt it from a
competent guru, thus stressing the value of guru parampara. The traditional handing
over of the teaching is very important and the guru must be a srotriya and Brahma
nistha. He must not be one who has just picked up Vedanta casually as a hobby or
pastime.

Summary

Ve rs e s 1 t o 8

The nature of Atma as a primary illuminator devoid of any sense instruments is
described. The word I is analyzed as consisting of two parts, the self and the ego. The
self is described as the primary illuminator and the ego which is a part of inner
instrument as endowed with citabhasa, acts as a secondary illuminator.

Ve rs e 9 t o 1 1

The cause of samsara is traced to a mix up with the two illuminators i.e. the two Is and
the remedy is only through sravanam.

Ve rs e 1 2 t o 2 4

The glories of atma to create a continuous akhandakara vritthi are given which will be
very useful for nididhyasanam.

Ve rs e 2 5 t o 2 6

The fruit of the knowledge is given as liberation.

Ve rs e 2 7

Rules for dissemination of the teaching are prescribed.

(to be continued...)

Sri S Bal akri shnan is well versed in several languages including Sanskrit and
Russian. He has published the books: Will a Grihasta get Liberation? and A Spiritual
J ourney. He teaches Vedanta to several students in Chennai and contributes to many
spiritual magazines. His new book, An Elucidation of Brihadaranyaka Upanishad
(based on Vidyaranyas Anubhuti Prakasa) is to be released on 28
th
J uly 2007 in
Chennai.

12

The Bhagavad Ge e t ha
Essence of Hindu Religion
PADMASRI S BALAKRISHNAN

Chapt e r 1 8 : Moks ha Sanyas a Yoga (c ont d. )

The Cons t it ue nt s of ac t ion (Ve rs e s 1 3 t o 1 9 )
18.4 There are five contributing factors to all actions according to Sankhya, namely,
the seat or physical body, the doer or jeevatma, the instruments of mind and organs,
mans efforts and providence (destiny). These five factors play their role whatever action
is performed by body, speech or mind, right or wrong. (In particular, the non-human
factor, namely destiny, disposes of all efforts and plays a leading role.) Therefore, one
who looks upon himself as the sole performer in all actions, that is, the one with
ahamkara, does not see the truth at all and is perverse.
One who is free from ahamkara, that is, one with a proper understanding, will regard
himself only as the instrument of divinity when engaged in any activity and will not be
tainted by the action. The three motivating factors for action are the knowledge, the
knower and that which is known and the three elements of action are the instrument,
the action itself and the doer. Knowledge, action and the doer can each be divided into
three categories according to Gunas.
The t hree -fold divis ions of knowle dge , ac t ion and t he doe r (ve rs e s 2 0 t o 2 8 )
18.5 The knowledge by which One Imperishable Being is seen in all that exists and
which remains undivided among the various divided existences is satvic knowledge.
That knowledge which sees multiplicity of beings in the different creations by reason of
their separateness is rajasic knowledge, while that knowledge which clings to a single
thing or mistakes the part for the whole without regard for the cause and without
grasping the reality, is tamasic knowledge.
18.6 As regards action, any ordained action that is performed without attachment,
passion or prejudice, by one who does not hanker after the fruits, is satvic action.
Action, done with strain by one seeking to gratify his own desires or impelled by ego
(ahamkara), is rajasic action, while that action undertaken through ignorance, without
regard to consequences or to any loss or injury to another or to ones capacity, is
tamasic action.
18.7 As regards the doer, a satvic does all action with vigor and firmness and without
attachment or egoism unaffected by success or failure. A rajasic when action is swayed
by passion joy or sorrow or craving for fruits thereof and acts greedily or with violence
or impure conduct. A tamasic acts in an unbalanced, vulgar, obstinate, deceitful,
malicious, indolent and procrastinating manner.

(to be continued...)
Padmasri S Bal akri shnan is a jurist, who spent nearly five decades of his life in public
service holding important and high ranking positions. His books are: Introduction to
Hindu Religion, Worship of Deities in Hindu Religion, and The Vedas and Hindu Religion.


13



Srimad Bhagavat am (Contd.)
LALITHA MANJUNATHA RAI
Chapt e r 1 0 1 : Mat s ya Avat ara
Parikshit then asked Shuka to relate to him in detail the Matsya Avatara of the Lord.
Shuka said:

When there is fear of destruction of dharma or the Vedas or the world itself, the
Lord descends to Earth to protect them. At the end of the previous kalpa,
Brahma went to sleep and the world was submerged under water. When
Brahma was sleeping an asura by name Hayagriva stole the Vedas from Him.

The asura then disappeared under the water with the Vedas. The king who was
then ruling was Satyavrata. He was a great devotee of Narayana. At the end of
pralaya when the world was recreated, king Satyavrata was born as the son of
Vivasvat, one of the twelve Adityas, and the Manvantara was called Vaivasvata
Manvantara.

One day, Satyavrata was performing his worship on the banks of a river. When
he took up water in his palms to offer argyas to the pitris, he found a tiny fish
in his hands. He dropped the fish into the river and it said, O King, protect me
as there are big fishes which will eat me up in the river. He took the fish home
in his kamandalu.

The fish kept growing bigger and bigger at a very fast pace and soon did not
have enough place to move about. Finally the king took it to the sea and
dropped it there. The fish said, The sea is full of sharks and whales, which will
eat me up. Why did you bring me here? The king smiled and said, You are not
an ordinary fish. I know Who You are. You are Lord Narayana, Who has
donned this form for some purpose. The Lord replied, You are right. I have
taken this form with a purpose. Seven days from today, the three worlds will be
submerged under the water. Mahapralaya is coming. You will see a boat,
coming towards you. Enter it, with the seven rishis. I will be in the waters. Tie
the boat to one of my horns with the help of Vasuki, who will serve you as a
rope. The Fish vanished.

Satyavrata saw Earth fast disappearing and also saw the boat. He, with the
seven rishis, went reciting the Lords name. The Lord took them under His
protection. The king saluting the Lord, asked Him to teach him atma vidya. The
Lord taught atma vidya to Satyavrata. He taught him about gnana, bhakti and
karmayoga. In the waters Narayana in the form of a fish fought with the asura
Hayagriva and restored the Vedas to Brahma at the end of the Pralaya.
Satyavrata was reborn as Shraddhadeva, the Manu of Vaivasvata Manvantara.
(to be continued...)

Smt Lal i tha Manjunatha Rai is a great devotee; a very senior member of the Guild of
Service, devoted to the cause of social uplift.
14


Sri Adi Sankara (contd.)
KRISHNAN
30. Acharya, the Social Reformer


Acharyas devotion to his mother had arisen from the Brahman consciousness, mingled
with Bhakti.

He remembered his promise to his mother and started preparing for her funeral rites.
All the villagers had assembled by then. The Acharya said, "I will perform her funeral
rites. Even though it is not proper for a monk, it is my duty and desire that I shall
perform her final rites.

The villagers called him a cheat and a hypocrite. They said, You, being a monk, have
no relationship with anyone. You have no right to perform the funeral rites of your
mother. We will never allow you to do that.

The illiterate villagers would not accept the point made by the Universal Teacher,
Jagatguru Sri Sankaracharya.

They left the place in anger and banned anyone from helping the Acharya in performing
the funeral rites. The Acharya was left alone with the body of his mother.

Acharya was and is the Guru for the entire universe. It seems, even gnanis, who have
corrected the ways of life of many of their opponents, are made to face extraordinary life
situations sometimes, in some way or the other, in their own life time!

The Acharya carried his mother's body with great difficulty. No Mantras, no cries, no
traditions, no water, no fire Everything was Sankara, Sankara, Sankara.

How far could He carry? Only till the garden yard behind the house. And, he placed her
body there. He looked up. He got His voice back: Hey Agni Bhagwan! Till now, as per
household Dharma, I have not offered you ghee or wood. But now I am offering you the
more sacred body of my mother. Please take her! The fire engulfed her body
immediately. Her body went back to the place where it belonged. It was a tearful adieu
to the mortal remains of the mother.

Kaladi now is a pilgrim attraction. There is a temple of Sri Adi Sankara and Sri Sarada.
There is also a Veda Pathashala and a Sankara math. The Sanskrit college in Kaladi is
considered to be the best of its kind in south India.

King Rajashekhara, who had met Acharya when the Acharya was eight years old, heard
about His visit to Kaladi. There had been a significant deterioration of social life and the
king was thinking of a social reform. The arrival of the Acharya provided the right
opportunity for him. He decided to institute social reform under the Acharya's
instructions and guidance.

The King met the Acharya and briefed him about his plan. Agreeing to the king's
suggestion, the Acharya said: "Very well, I shall draft a brief code. You should discuss
its good and bad points with the scholars here and then institute it. This will be
conducive to the welfare of the people". Soon, a book incorporating sixty four edicts was

15
written. The king was very happy and read it many times. The book was given the title,
Sankara Smrit i, 'the code of Sankara'.

The king convened a meeting of scholars to discuss the merits and demerits of the
code. The Acharya also attended the meeting. The scholars said that the principles put
forth by the Acharya were against the scriptures and were harmful to the society.
During the debate that followed, the scholars were gradually silenced by the super-
human scholarship and divine brilliance of the Acharya. But they refused to admit
defeat.

They took recourse to a novel idea to have their way. At two places, separated by nearly
fifty miles, they arranged for two meetings on the same day and at the same time. The
delegates at both the meetings separately informed the king that they were challenging
the Acharya for a debate. If he could defeat them in debate, they would accept his code.

The Acharya agreed. Would it be possible for him to be present at both the meetings at
the same time?

Jaya Jaya Sankara Hara Hara Sankara

(to be continued...)
Shri Kri shnan, a staunch devotee of Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam and a devout religious
scholar, is a Post Graduate in Electronics from Madras University and has done
Management from J amnalal Bajaj, Bombay. He is software professional and runs an IT
company in Bombay.


(12) : zvP uPP Aux _UPzvSa \z
uSvPP Gu BQ?

u: zu |S Azx Au P Czu.

(13) : zPUS CPUS x u x?

u: b[P Aizu.

(14) : zvP uP G Gu PukQ?

u: zu.

(zu uU P P |S zx u
_UPzu AhQ. GvPUPsk x SiPa \
CUP n[P AhxPsh CUQ
Gx Pzx.)

16

Swami Bhagavat hi

PROF. KAMALA VISWANATHAN

Chapt e r 1 2 : Pilgrimage t o Sabarimalai (c ont d. )



We reached Chothanikkarai Devi temple on the night of 15
th
April. On 16
th
morning,
the kattunirai was done inside the Chottanikkarai Devi temple. The executive officer of
the temple brought a bronze lamp that was lit just before the kattunirai started. Swami
initiated the ritual and poured ghee using a silver cup (materialized during the just
concluded Sivarathri festival at the peetam representing jyothir lingams from all over
India) and asked all accompanying him to fill the coconut with ghee. There were 13 of
us including Swami and the coconut got filled with 13 silver cups of ghee! After the
mudra was over, Swami suddenly asked my husband to come forward and carry the
irumudi. When we were to leave the temple, the executive officer suggested that we take
the lamp along with us, but Swami declined.
Another interesting coincidence was that the van which was booked to go to the
foothills of the sannidhanam had exactly 13 seats excluding the driver. On the way, all
had breakfast at Ethumanoor. I had earlier resolved not to eat anything till I reach
sannidhanam. I revealed my wish to Swami and sought his blessings to successfully
undertake the pilgrimage.
In the van I was sitting near Vinod Bhaskar who was also going to Sabarimalai for the
first time. There was yet another devotee like us who was sitting at the back of the van.
Vinod and I were discussing our pilgrimage in a very low voice. I told him that climbing
the sacred eighteen steps is considered as most significant and since we do not have
irumudi we may not be able to climb the sacred steps. This thought had been troubling
me. I further added that if Swami wishes, he could ask us to keep our bags (dark blue
bags were specially made for all of us to carry our personal belongings) on our heads
and bless us to climb the sacred steps. I added that since we both were going for the
first time, I was praying that Lord Ayyappa would understand our anxiety and heed to
our prayers. We were singing devotional songs all the way. Swami suddenly told my
husband that we have to take a jyothi (bronze lamp) with us to sannidhanam and that
we should buy one on our way. En route at Erumeli, we got the lamp and proceeded to
river Pamba. Since there was a huge crowd of pilgrims, the driver had a hard time
getting a parking place.
To our great surprise, there was hardly ankle deep water in the river Pamba and Swami
suggested that we wash our feet, hands and face and sprinkle water on our head. We
started climbing chanting Swamiyai Saranam Ayyappa after doing namaskarams to
17

Swami. At Pampa Ganapathi Peetam, Swami suggested that we just lift the doli
(pallakku) in which he was to go up and then hand over the same to professional
carriers. We proceeded up the malai with Swami. It was a rare experience trekking up
the dense forest. It is only through Swamis grace that I was able to climb the hills in
spite of suffering from painful corns in my feet. It was really an unforgettable
experience. Since the temple had closed after the noon pooja, we had a light lunch and
waited till we got accommodation. In the room after taking bath, just as we were getting
ready to go to the temple, my husband and a couple of devotees went to buy twelve
coconuts for breaking at the altar just before climbing the sacred steps, as per Swamis
instructions. After pada namaskaram to Swami, we assembled to go to sannidhanam.
Swami then said that he as Lord Ayyappa will be waiting atop the eighteen steps to
receive us. He suggested that we place our bags on our head and climb the steps after
breaking the coconut! He further said that there were some devotees who had come for
the first time and were worried whether they would be able to climb the sacred steps.
Wonders never cease!
Hearing these words of Swami both Vinod and I were totally taken aback. We were
overwhelmed with emotion as we realized that Swami knew our innermost thoughts
and lovingly fulfilled our ardent prayers. Can words describe Swamis compassion and
deep concern towards his devotees? We fell at Swamis lotus feet and thanked him.
There was a big crowd and we had to wait to climb the sacred steps. Swami waited atop
the steps as Ayyappa and blessed all of us to climb the sacred steps. He wanted to
place the bronze idol of Lord Ayyappa and the bronze lamp inside the sannidhanam
and then take it back to the peetam. He asked a couple of devotees to meet the mel
santhi (chief priest) and find out if that can be done. They enquired and found that no
idol is allowed to be kept inside the sannidhanam. They said that the Devasom
authorities will confiscate the idol if found with us. We briefed the chief priest about
Swami and the peetam. However, he was not able to appreciate the divinity of Swami.
Finally it was agreed to have flower abhishekam to Lord Ayyappa after deepa aradhanai
in the evening. At this point of time, Swami showed the divya jyothi in his chest. Mel
Santhi and his deputies were taken aback. Their attitude towards Swami was turned
inside out.
After deepa aradhanai, we were told to be ready for pushpabhishekam for Lord
Ayyappa. In front of the sannadhi, Swami suddenly showed darshan with two
damshtras (teeth) coming out on either side of his mouth. On seeing this, the presiding
priest rushed out with a flower garland, garlanded Swami and with great devotion,
chanted Amme kshamikkanam (meaning Oh! Devi, please forgive.) Chills ran down our
spine as we watched the divine spectacle in awe. The priests fell at Swamis feet and
apologized. Like any other normal human being, the priests could not understand
Swami and appreciate his divinity initially since Swami looks like an ordinary man.
After the pooja got over, the priests approached Swami and requested that he along
with all of us witness a special darshan of Lord Ayyappa when abhishekam with
different items would be done the next day early morning at five.
After having a wonderful darshan of Lord Ayyappa, we went to Malikappurathu Ammas
sannidhanam. Swami gave me a lemon and asked me to give it to the priest inside the
sannidhanam. Though there was a huge crowd, I could manage to go near the
sannadhi and give the lemon to the priest. He kept that at the feet of Malikappurathu
Amma and gave back the lemon along with turmeric powder as prasadam. We went
around all the places and worshipped all the deities before returning to our room. Back
in the room, we witnessed another hair-raising incident. Swami materialized amrutham
(nectar) from thin air and gave it to all of us. The experience was thrilling, to say the
least.
18

Next day early morning when we reached the sannidhanam, Swami was given a warm
welcome by the priests and the abhishekam to Lord Ayyappa commenced. We
witnessed the entire ritual in blissful peace and prayer. After the deeparadhanai, the
priest gave Swami some coins with which they had done kanakabhishekam to the Lord.
Swami distributed the coins to all of us. It was a unique, unforgettable divine
experience for all of us. None can even dream of having darshan of Lord Ayyappa at
such close quarters and witness the abhishekam at a time when the temple was flooded
with countless pilgrims. When I think of all the divine experiences, I still find it hard to
believe. It all happened because of the divine grace of Swami. The experiences of
Sabarimalai made a deep impression in all our minds.
Thus, through Swamis grace, we all could fulfill our dreams of a Sabarimalai
pilgrimage. While returning, my husband wanted me to go through another route via
Sabari Peetam and Neelamalai along with couple of other devotees. Swami and the rest
of the devotees returned through the same route which we took on the way up. It was
very strenuous for me to climb down the hills (may be because of the absence of
Swami). I took two hours. Swami and the rest were waiting anxiously in the van for us.
After reaching, I apologized to Swami. After chanting Swamiye Saranam Ayyappa, we
left Pampa and reached Tripunithura. As per Swamis instruction, all of us removed the
chandana Ayyappan malai and handed it over to him. We then departed to our
respective homes and Swami left the next day to the Siddhar Peetam.
The real wonder in the trip was that though millions of pilgrims throng to Sabarimalai
year after year to get a mere glimpse of Lord Ayyappa for a few seconds, we were
fortunate and gifted to be able to go to Sabarimalai along with Swami and have an
unsurpassed divya darshan of Lord Ayyappa. Swami, as Lord Ayyappa incarnate, made
our dreams come into reality.
Swamiyai Saranam Ayyappa
(to be continued...)
Prof Kamal a Vi swanathan is an ardent devotee of Swami. She and her husband Sri
Viswanathan have had many spiritual experiences in their association with Swami. Both
were scientists with BARC (Bhabha atomic Research Center), Mumbai.

Swamy Bhagavathi Si ddhar Peetam is located at Plot 1/ 12, First Main Rd., Balaji
Nagar, Selaiyur, Tambaram (East), Chennai 600073 (Ph: 044- 22292524/ 3938) E-mail:
sidar107@gmail.com
Ya ksha p ra sna m

(12) Yaksha: How kshatriyas become eligible to go Swargaloka?
Dharma: By learning the dhanurveda properly and by protecting the people of
their country.
(13) Yaksha: What is the common dharma between kshatriyas and satpurushas?
Dharma: Performing yajnas.
(14) Yaksha: When kshatriyas are considered men?
Dharma: When afflicted with fear. (The idea is that when they gain mastery in
dhanurveda and protect the people of their country, they earn their entry in
Swargaloka. While they fail to protect their people because of fear, they are
treated like ordinary men, who are caught in the vicious cycle of births and
deaths.)
(to be continued)

19
Embrac ing t he Me aning of Our Human Exis t e nc e

DR. FRANK MORALES, PH.D.
(Sri Dharma Pravartaka Acharya)

Who among us has never, at some contemplative point in our lives or another, asked
ourselves the truly big questions, questions about the ultimate meaning of this world, and
of our lives in it? Questioning the reason for our human existence is a very natural pursuit
on the part of any human being. Indeed, unlike any other species of life, human beings
alone have been gifted by God with the unique cognitive ability to engage in self-reflection
upon our very own existence as human beings. To be human means to question what it
means to be human.

It is especially when such existential questions arise in our minds that we find ourselves
understandably turning to the precise fields of knowledge that deal most directly with such
questions: the sister fields of religion and philosophy. In the following, I will answer this
universal query from the perspective of the most ancient religio-philosophical system on
earth, Sanatana Dharma.

The nature of existence has been dealt with by many philosophers, both Western and
Asian, from the beginning of time. Whether we are speaking of Thomas Aquinas and his
metaphysical distinction of existence and essence, Soren Kierkegaard and his attempts to
come to grips with the problem of existence from a Protestant perspective, the
Existentialists of the 20th Century, or the Samkhya and Vedanta schools of Sanatana
Dharma, the nature of our existence has been on the minds of some of history's greatest
thinkers.

The most basic of all philosophical questions that can be asked is: Why do human beings
exist? When I open my eyes in the morning, why is it that there is something rather than
nothing? In order to sufficiently analyze this question, the question itself really needs to be
divided into two closely related questions: a) why do we exist at all, b) why do we exist as
human beings. I'll try to answer both from the perspective of Yoga spirituality and Sanatana
Dharma.

According to the ancient wisdom of Dharma, we exist to begin with because it's our very
innate nature to exist. The sacred scriptures of both Yoga and Sanatana Dharma teach us
that our true, innermost nature is that we are atman, or eternal units of consciousness. We
have the Absolute (Brahman, or God) as both our causative and substantial source, and as
the ontological sustainer of our existential being. Having God as our underlying source
necessarily follows that we naturally share in many of God's essential attributive qualities.
Because we participate in God's innate attributes - and if not to a quantitatively equivalent
degree, then certainly to a qualitative one - we too share in many of God's qualities. One of
those attributes that both God and we have in common is necessary existence. In other
words, both God and we we (atmans or souls) are eternal by our inherent nature.

Never was there a time when we came into being, and never will there be a time when we
cease to exist. So, in a way, we exist because we cannot but exist, being purely spiritual
beings in essence. Such is our nature, for it is the nature of God, the ultimate source of our
being. A deeper question than the principle of necessary existence, however, is: why is it the
case that we were even gifted with necessary existence to begin with? Sanatana Dharma
answers this in the following manner. Brahman (God) is One (ekam). But as a natural
result of the overflowing abundance of the Infinite, God decides to become more than One.
God thus becomes One (vishishta-advaita). Consequently, in addition to Brahman, we also

20

have atman (individual have our own individual existence in attributive relationship with
Brahman (God) in order to know, and love, and serve Brahman.

The second part of our question on human existence, "Why do we exist as human beings?"
can then be understood from understanding the first part. As beings who partake in God's
necessary existence and attributive nature, we are currently in a state of self-imposed
separation from God due to our self-destructive fascination with ego and the objects of ego.
It is ego, and the subsequent selfishness and self-centeredness that result from ego, that
produce the various layers of illusory self that we mistakenly identify with our true,
spiritual identity. The "human person" is in actuality a complex symbiosis comprised of
several distinct aggregates, including physical body (deha), mind substance, (manas), Intel
force (prana), and ultimately atman as the source of consciousness and animating source.
While the "human person" is an artificial and temporal construct comprised of these many
elements, it is the atman alone that is the true self, and that is eternal, true, beautiful,
indestructible, and blissful by its own inherent nature, having God (Brahman) as its source
of being.

We thus find ourselves in human form (and sometimes other forms!) in an endlessly
unsuccessful attempt to selfishly enjoy ourselves in the illusion that we can have a
meaningful existence without the benefit of God's love. We are identifying with the temporal
shallow instead of the profound, with the material instead of the spiritual, with the illusory
instead of the real. The meaning of life in human form is to thus reverse this negative and
self-defeating tendency to serve our ego, and to instead once again serve God. We are here,
as human beings, to transcend our merely human nature, to re-embrace our true identity
as eternal spiritual beings, and to partake of the Divine nature that is our birthright, that is
our natural state of being, and that is our true home. We are here to know, and to love, and
to serve the Divine.

In Sanatana Dharma, God is presented as the source of all goodness, acceptance,
compassion, and non-judgmental love. God is embraced and loved without restrictions,
without fear, without force, and without loss. This is a very different conception of the
Absolute when compared to the notion we find in the Western, Abrahamic religious
constructs of Judaism, Christianity and Islam. Unlike in the Abrahamic religions, in
Sanatana Dharma we find a concept of God as not only being a thoroughly transcendent
source of reality, but also as a lovingly imminent and intimate friend who provides us all
with a means for achieving immediate knowledge. The path of Sanatana Dharma offers us
such profoundly philosophical works as the Bhagavad Gita, Upanishads, and Vedas for the
unfailing guidance and knowledge necessary to comprehend life's meaning. It also offers us
a systematic path of spiritual practice that leads directly to a personal experience of the
Divine. This path includes the ancient and highly effective processes of Yoga, meditation,
puja, and devotion to God.

To truly know the answer to the meaning of human life, however, it is not enough
ultimately to merely engage in an intellectual understanding of Truth. Rather, we need to
personally experience the sweet taste of Truth as the immediate presence of God in our
hearts and in our lives. To experience the profound bliss of God's presence in your life, and
to truly know why we have the joy of existence, please explore the profound depths of
spiritual realization that Sanatana Dharma has to offer you. To be human is to ask.


Dr. Frank Moral es (Sri Dharma Pravartaka Acharya) has been a practicing American Hindu
for over 30 years. He has a Ph.D. in Religious Studies and is recognized as one of the leading
Hindu Acharyas in the nation. He is the Founder and President of the International Sanatana
Dharma Society. To contact Sri Acharyaji, email him at: info@dharmacentral. com.
21


Sri Pada Sapt at i (c ont d. )
P R KANNAN

-i4 +- e+m4+ --ni++iln+i
+inirl+ll-ml-4ni i4iul+i i
4ai--44-ia4ia+++i-+i4 ++-4--44i
4i+i: =++i 4il=+i: mi mi4r ii - ii

Deviyam tava sannatesa-makuta-svarloka-kallolini-
Kallolahathibhir-visesha-vimala jiyan-nakha-srenika
Yaddhavalyam-avaptum-apta-kutukas-toye tapasyantyami
Minah phena-kanascha mouktika-ganah sankhascha sankamahe (27)

Devi ! When Siva prostrates at Your Sripada (during quarrels of love), the row of Your
fingernails shine specially white, because of the beating of the waves of Ganga, residing
at Sivas head. Long live the row of nails! We suspect that the fishes, the froth bubbles,
the pearl groups, the shells are all performing penance in the waters (of the Ganga) in the
fond hope of attaining the shining whiteness of Your fingernails (by contact).

Sastras say that company makes a man and emphasize the primacy of good company.
The beings in the Ganga waters long for the noble association of Devis fingernails in
order to attain radiance, which in fact stands for Gnana.

Durga Sahasranamam says: Padanguli-prabhajala parajitha Divakara (44)

Durga, whose fingernails in the Feet spread their radiance far and wide, defeating the
Sun.

4i+ m-lmr: srirlr+ +- --l-i++
i+ l- +i-4i-+ +rl-4r+i l-riil+4 i
+ +i+uima+nri: mi+im4-il++i
ii-si: l+n mr-4 lmrei mi l-+i rlm+i: ii -c ii

Mane Sambhu-sira: prahara-charitham naiva tvad-icha-krutham
Jane Devi padabjayostu Purajin-murdhna virodhad-idam
Ethe pada-nakhamsu-baddha-kalahah Sitamsu-Mandakini-
Bhogindrah kila Sankarasya sirasa sankam vina rakshitah (28)

Devi! We think that the attack of Your Feet on the head of Siva (during prostration) at the
time of quarrel of love is not as per Your wish. It is due to the hostility of Your lotus Feet
with the head of Siva, the vanquisher of the three cities. The reason is: The Moon, The
Ganga and the serpent Sesha, who bear ill-will with the rays of the nails of Your Feet
(having been defeated in brilliance), are protected without doubt at the head of Siva.


22

The Moon, the Ganga and Sesha could not stand competition with the brilliant rays
emanating from Devis finger - nails in the Feet and, having been defeated, they were
driven away by the rays. They were offered refuge by the ever compassionate Siva on
His head. Your Sripadas, taking the opportunity of Sivas prostration, launch an attack,
even against Your own wishes, on the three enemies who had been defeated, but
protected at Sivas head.

In Anandalahari, Sankaracharya says:

Tvadiyam soundaryam niratisayam-alokya paraya
Bhiyaiv-asid-Ganga jalamaya-tanu: Sailatanaye
Tadetasyas-tasmad-vadana-kamalam vikshya kripaya
Pratishtham-atanvan-nijasirasi-vasena Girisah

Daughter of Himavan! On seeing Your unparalleled beauty, Ganga was afflicted with
great fear and took the form of water. Siva, on noticing Gangas lotus face, put her on His
head with compassion and bestowed fame on her.

l- --ri+-nu4li ni+i +4
+iil+ -=l+in-= +imi4i- ei:4 +: i
reini+-+: --4 +4n: miril-mi4i-
i+i 4-il+ +i+erle -+i4l-in=4+ ii - ii

Devi tvach-charanojvalan-nakhamani-srenishu lino naman-
Abhati sphatikachala-sphutatati-sayiva soyam Nata:
Hamsalina-vapu: svayam Kamalabhu: Kshirabdhi-sayiva cha
Sribhartha Maghavapi nakasarasi snayanniv-alakshyate. (29)

Devi! Nataraja (Siva) prostrating at Your Feet, merges in the brilliance of the finger nails
and shines as if reclining on the white radiant Kailasa mountain. Similarly, Brahma
shines as if sitting on his carrier, Hamsa; Vishnu, the consort of Lakshmi, shines as if
reclining on the milk ocean; Indra shines as if bathing in the Manasarovar lake in
Swargaloka.
In Devi Bhagavatham, Siva praises Devi:

Na cha vidanti vadanti cha yenyatha
Hariharaja-krutam nikhilam jagat
Tava krutas-traya eva sadaiva te
Virachayanti jagat sacharacharam (3:5:4)

Those who say that Hari, Hara and Brahma have created all worlds do not know the
truth. The three Gods themselves have been created by You and they create the Worlds
with moving and stationary objects (due to Your granting them the necessary abilities).
:ini+lnl-i lr4nlmnim e4-4ir+i+
+iii-i-4il+ 4i-+res-4-+i-4il-+ i
+i-4-4i+m-er-s=i- l--+ir+i
l-m+l+il+ +-4ri--nil+ --i4r ii + ii

23

Dolakeli-vidhou Himachala-siladese samabhyahatat
Padagrat-tavayani yavaka-rasa-prasyandanan-yambike
Tan-yabhyagata-sumbha-sangara-bhavad-rakthambu-vistarana-
bindukshepa-nibhani nanda-damari-vandyani vandamahe. (30)

Ambike! When you play on the swing in the Himalayas, Your Sripadas touch the rugged
rocks of the mountains. Red lac particles from Your Feet drop on the rocks. The women
from the heavens worship these red particles, because these are the brief forerunner of
the heavy flood of blood of Sumbha, the demon on the battlefield. We worship this red
dust.

In Keelaka Stotram of Durga Sapthasathi, we find:

Soubhagyadi cha yatkinchit drusyate lalanajane
Tatsarvam tatprasadena tena japyam idam subham. (12)

Good fortune etc. found in women is all due to the Grace of Devi; hence this blessed
Stotra should be chanted.

Sri P R Kannan is a religious scholar settled in Mumbai. He is well versed in devotional
literature and it is a joyful and educative experience to listen to his spiritual discourses.
Golde n words
Objective possessions and subjective passions are handicaps in the race of realization.
Offer God real flower grown in the garden of your heart; fragrant, beautiful and
delighting.
Offering all the deeds of man at the feet of the Lord is the real yajna. Every action
performed by man must be considered as an offering to the Lord and as the Lord's work
itself.
Only in fear of sin can you experience peace and nonviolence. Only in love of God can
you foster truth and love. In social morality you can experience righteousness.
Only through renunciation can immortality (oneness with God) be attained.
Peace of mind cannot be gained by wealth or fame or skill. It can be achieved only
through sacrifice.
Peace or distraction, calm or anxiety, it is the product of one's thoughts and deeds.
Prayer alone makes life happy, harmonious and worth living in this universe. Prayer
brings man and God together and with every sigh nearer and nearer.


Sri Sathya Sai Baba

(Compiled by: Sidharth Pannu sid_temple@yahoo.com)

24

Varahavat ar
VEENA SANTOSH



Sage Kashyapa, the son of Marichi rishi, married the thirteen daughters of Daksha
Prajapathi. Of them, Diti gave birth to demons, Aditi gave birth to gods, Vinita gave
birth to Garuda and Aruna. Out of the various sons of Diti, two brothers named
Hiranyaksha & Hiranyakashyapu were very notorious and had gained terrific powers
obtained from their continuous sadhana of the gods. The very sight of these two, sent
devas into hiding.

One day, the arrogant Hiranyaksha summoned Varuna (the god of oceans) to a fight.
Varuna told him that he was no match to Hirayaksha and that he should fight with
someone his own size like Vishnu. In an attempt to provoke Vishnu to fight him,
Hiranyaksha hid Bhoomidevi (earth) under the ocean and waited for Vishnu.

Finding that the Earth disappeared deep into the waters, Manu (son of Brahma) who
was ruling the Earth under the directions of Brahma, became worried. He went to
Sathyaloka and represented to Brahma how his work had been spoiled. In turn,
Brahma meditated upon Bhagawan Maha Vishnu. Even while Brahma was praying,
Bhagawan appeared in the form of Varaha. The sacred form was in the size of a thumb
in the beginning; grew greater than the size of a big elephant, surprising Brahma and
all others. His roar echoed in all directions.

To kill Hiranyaksha and restore Bhoomidevi, Vishnu took incarnation as Varaha (wild
boar). The Varaha avatar is said to have come out of Brahmas nose as a tiny pig, Who
quickly grew into a mighty animal with the head of a boar and body of a human.

Varaha descended from the skies and went straight into the depth of the ocean to
rescue Bhoomidevi where, He lifted her gently between his tusks and proceeded on His
way up. Hiranyaksha witnessed this scene and was surprised by the size of the beast.
He immediately understood that this could be none other than Vishnu in disguise. He
vasati dasanasikhare dharani tava lagna sasini
kalankakaleva nimagna
Kesava dhrta sukararupa jaya jagadisa hare

O Kesava!, in the form of the Boar (sukarupa)! The
earth rests in peace on the tip of Your tusk, like the
dark marking on the disk of the moon. Hail Hari!
Lord of the universe!
(The Boar avatara is identified with sacrifice both
in the Vishnupurana and Bhagavata. As sacrifice
(of worldly affairs) is essential for the stability of
mind for contemplation on God, it is symbolized by
the Boar form of the Lord.)

25
now challenged Vishnu to a fight to prove His power but Varaha ignored Hirayaksha
and kept heading to the surface. Hiranyaksha called Him shameless for turning away
from a fight. Varahas eyes turned red with anger. He gently put bhoomidevi down and
accepted Hirayaksha's invitation to fight. A fierce fight ensued between the two which
continued from morning to evening. Brahma and all devas watching this became
worried, as the rakshasas (Demons) strength normally increases after dark.

It is true that the strength of the asuras would increase during sandhyakalam. This is
in accordance with the boon given by Bhagawan Himself. But they can never overpower
Bhagawan. Only because of devotion, Brahma reminded Bhagawan about this.

Sandhyakalam has been described as being more favorable to the evil forces in many
places. So our elders have advised us to spend the sandhyakalam in
sandhyavandhanam, Gayatrijapam, meditation and so on.

The fight between Hiranyakshan and Bhagawan became more and more fierce.
Hiranyakshan hit powerfully with his mace and the Bhagawans mace fell down.
Hiranyakshan saw Bhagawan weaponless and hence threw away his mace. Everybody
appreciated his yuddha dharma. Bhagawan summoned His sudarshana chakra and it
was there in His hands immediately. Seeing this, Hiranyakshan also took his
shoolayuda (trident). Chakrayuda destroyed the shoolayuda of the asura. He resorted
to his maya tactics. But in the presence of Chakrayudha, none of his tricks worked. So
he attacked Bhagawan with his hands. Bhagawan also, without using Chakrayudha,
delivered a blow to the asura on his ear with His hand and it was the asuras end.
Devas praised Bhagawan:

4ri+i4: ei:4 +- +reris4l+i
ns=i -+i++ll: =il+rl+: i
+i --i4ti4s4r l-nil+ z4i:
4+i-si: ei-sil: -+l+lr+-r-r++4 ii

Sri Namboodhri says: Hey Bhagawan, Hiranyaksha, who possessed a huge body, was
crushed by Your lotus-like hands; blood flooded from his face; he fell down and died duly
praised by the rishis assembled there. Then the great sages, who had become extremely
happy, praised You aloud greatly. (Sri Narayaneeyam: 13-8)

Bhagawan gave darshan to Brahma, devas, rishis and other great devotees as
Yajnavarahamurthi (Ub zv). The Vedas declare `kmo d {dUw: (Ub
q:).

He then saved Bhoomidevi and re-established dharma. Bhagawans presence in the
heart of the devotee becomes so intense and real while he contemplates on such sacred
episodes relating to Him; Is there anything that could not be attained by such devotees!

Smt Veena Santosh, hailing from a reputed vaishnavite family in Kerala, is a young
mother living in US. She is well versed in Srimad Bhagavatam and Sri Narayaneeyam.
She strongly believes that cultivating interest in the minds of our youngsters in our
devotional literature is the best way to ensure a peaceful and prosperous future for the
mankind.
26

True Values of Life: Nitya Kalyan - July 2007
Sri Ramayana Sukt i Mukt avali (c ont d. )
K N SHRINIVASAN

4 +-i:-+il+ +i-+-4 -+i: i

Rama offers oblations to Dasarata and says: That kind of food which a man eats, that
food is food for his gods also. (Ayodhya Khanda 102-31)

+i-4+: +i4+iri:l-+ +-i:44+ir: i
;+-+r+-+ ++i-+: +lr+l+ ii

Rama tells Bharatha: The man is not independent; nothing moves according to his
desires; destiny is inevitable; results of past actions drive man here and there.
(Ayodhya Khanda 105-15)

e- m4i-+i l+4i +++i-+i-e4-4i: i
e-ii: l-s4ii-+i: 4ri-+ il-+4 ii

All the acquired treasures perish after a point; all positions when attained foretell
downfall; all unions end in separation; life also ends in death.
(Ayodhya Khanda 105-16)

4i =ni+i +=i+i +i-4++++i=44 i
- +r-4 i+-4 +i-4+ 4ri=44 ii

When fruits ripen, their only fear is their impending fall; for a man born in the world,
there is no positive fear other than death.
(Ayodhya Khanda 105-17)

4iir - i --i:-eil+ i
+- eil-+ +ri: ri4-4-m +i: ii

Even a house built with strong pillars gets dilapidated after long use; so does the
human being wither away and get prone to old age and death.
(Ayodhya Khanda 105-18)


Vividhavidyabhushana Shri K N Srinivasan B.A., B.L., author on a variety of subjects,
introduces the pearls from Valmiki Ramayana, which would help even simple, uneducated
Indian villager to imbibe the moral values of our Vedic culture and enable him to live a noble
and peaceful life.

27


Principles of Self Development Nitya Kalyan July 2007

Advanc e d Yoga Prac t ic e s
YOGANI
Le s s on 5 8

Q: My question relates to the effects of combining the methods recommended by you
with the ones that I am formerly accustomed to. Will they enhance each other or will
they be counterproductive?

Relating to the most recent addition - Sambhavi - all I can say is Whoa! You could most
definitely say I'm going through that "clunky" stage! The ability to hold anal sphincter
tone, contract abs, breathe with a hiss on exhalation, cross your eyes to reach the third
eye . . . all simultaneously . . . is really quite a task, much less to try to do it in a
relaxed mode.

A: Of course, whatever you practice is your choice. If you are following an established
teaching, there is no wish here to interfere with that. In that case, just consider these
lessons to be "food for thought."

If you are trying to piece things together yourself, then some definite advice is offered.

First, less is more in spiritual practice. Simplicity is the key. Trying to put together
overlapping pieces from several sources is not going to help you, unless you are
advanced and are filling in clear gaps in your current practice. You don't seem to be in
that position yet, but you will be if you keep at it long enough.

It is suggested you simplify what you are doing. You will know you are practicing at the
right level if you are having stability (and fun!) instead of knocking yourself out trying
to do too much. The best measure of the stability of your practice is how you feel
afterward in daily life. If you feel frazzled during the day, go back and stabilize your
practice at a comfortable level. Always make sure you rest adequately at the end of
meditation.

Remember that we are working with natural abilities inherent within our nervous
system. The ways in are delicate, and don't work well if we muddy things up too much
with divided attention. These natural abilities are:


1. Our mind's ability to become still, opening our nervous system to the infinite
field of pure bliss consciousness.

28
2. The ability of our breath and attention to cultivate our spinal nerve, enabling
our whole nervous system to become fertile ground for pure bliss consciousness
to grow in us.

3. The ability of our sexual energy to rise and enliven the spinal nerve to an
ecstatic conductivity which expands throughout our nervous system, and
beyond.

4. The ability of the senses to refine and travel inward along the many roads of
ecstatic experience.

5. The ability of pure bliss consciousness expanding in us and beyond to reach a
unified level of awareness encompassing all of existence. We come to know
ourselves as that.

We want to stimulate all these abilities into their natural manifestation. This is the
road to enlightenment. But we can't be successful by beginning with everything at
once.

Rome was not built in a day. We must develop each level of practice into a stable habit.
It is like that in the application of any knowledge. We develop a stable habit at each
level of knowledge. First we learn step one. We do that until it is well established. Then
we can add on step two, stabilize that, and so on. If we try and do steps one through
ten all at the same time, we will have little chance of success. It is like that with
anything new we undertake. It is like that in academic education. We take class after
class, working our way from the beginning gradually through to the end.

The difference here is that it is all being laid out fairly quickly, far faster than anyone
can take on in practice. For some additional perspectives on building up practices, it is
suggested you go back and reread the lesson called, "What is your time line?"

If it is advancedyogapractices you want to use as your primary practice guideline, then,
at this stage, it is suggested you don't muddy up your practice with other methods.
Start slow with meditation. Get that down first. Then after a few weeks or months, add
on basic spinal breathing. Get comfortable with that. Then, later, you can add on the
practices in subsequent lessons. Take on practices one at a time, not all at the same
time. This is mentioned over and over in the lessons.

The challenge used to be finding the knowledge. Now the challenge is applying it in an
orderly way. It is in your hands.

The guru is in you.

The author, Yogani , is an American spiritual scientist with many years experience in
blending powerful yoga method with the modern lifestyle. Over the years, he has crossed
the lines between many traditions, developing an effective integration of practices. It is a
flexible, scientific approach rather than a rigid, arbitrary one. www.aypsite.com


29
Principles of Self Development Nitya Kalyan August 2007

We ll-forme d Out c ome s
RAVICHANDRAN

In studying excellence the founders of NLP discovered that excellent people pay most
attention to the desired outcome, i.e. how they want things to be. Knowing what you
want is fundamental to NLP. Just as important is being sure that what you want is
really worth having, so that you will be satisfied when you actually achieve it.

Most of the times we have some idea of what we want but our thoughts are ill-defined
or defined in a narrow way. Unless you know what you want, you will not be able to
know when you have it. This operating principle is a reminder to consider carefully
before we start what outcomes we want. Before something happens in the external
world, it must first happen in the internal world. By imagining the desired outcome in
detail you make it more real for yourself. When the mind has a defined target it can
focus and direct until it reaches its intended goal.

When you know your outcome, you give your brain a clear picture of what kinds of
information need high priority. An outcome is considered well-formed when it has met
the following salient five conditions.

1 . St at e your out c ome in pos it ive t e rms .

Make sure your goal is stated in terms of what you do want. In order to stay focused on
achieving your outcome, you need to have some kind of representation of your goal
inside your head a mental map in fact. Since you cannot make a mental map of a
negative, it must be created in a positive in order to be effective. Our minds are not
capable of directly processing a negative. Suppose someone says to you Dont picture a
pink elephant. Dont hear it trumpeting in your ears. Of course you have to think of a
pink elephant first. As one NLP trainer put it, you cant think about what you do not
want to think about, without thinking about it first.

All of us move between attraction and avoidance, pleasure and pain, the tendency to go
toward what we want or what gives us a pleasure and away from what we do not want
or what causes pain. This is called directionality. In terms of formulating an outcome
you need to go toward. Some of the words that indicate directionality are: want, get,
achieve, go for, include, accomplish etc.

Instead of using I do not want to feel nervous when presenting, use I want to feel
confident when I present.

2 . Be as s pe c ific as pos s ible .

The more specific you can be about what you want, the clearer you will be. And more
power you will command to achieve what you want.

Making the outcomes specific is, converting ideas into actual. To say I want to be
happy / rich / successful gives you no direction or definition. Generalities get us
nowhere.
30

Anne Lindan says, When you get down to the specific wording of your outcome, the
first thing to check for, are words that have no precise meaning; the words like
satisfaction, fulfillment, happiness etc. Ask yourself what, where, when, and how
specifically do I want it.


3 . Have an e vide nc e proc e dure .

Evidence is a word, we use in NLP to test the validity of an outcome and to ensure it is
achievable. Make sure your evidence provides you with realistic feedback about
whether you are reaching your goal or not. Engage all your senses in describing the
result you want.

When you have your outcome, how will you know it? What you will see then? What you
will hear then? What you will feel then? These processes in turn determine our internal
state and our internal state coupled with our physiology, ultimately drives our
behavior. And by means of our behavior we create our outcome.

4 . Be in c ont rol.

Your outcome must be initiated and maintained by you. If it requires other people to do
certain things or not do certain things, it is not an acceptable outcome in NLP practice.
Are you going to take the first step or will you wait for someone to act first? If you wait
you will end up reacting. David Molden says, There are, fundamentally, two places to
be in this life. One is being a cause; the other an effect. The former puts you in the
drivers seat; and the latter makes you a passenger. So be proactive take action to
make your goal happen.

Steve Andreas and Charles Faulkner give an example. Say your goal is I want my boss
to quit criticizing me. Since this requires your boss to change, it is not something that
is within your control. If you reformulate it as what can I do or experience that will
allow me to remain resourceful, no matter what my boss thinks? it puts you in charge
of your goal. This gives you a sense of your own worth and ability to act even when
your boss criticizes it.

5 . Ve rify t hat your out c ome is e c ologic ally s ound and de s irable .

A major strength of NLP concerns ecology. Bodenhamer says, Changes made at one
point in a human system, must fit together with and adapt to the other parts of the
system in a healthy way. Human systems include family, work relationship, friends,
and community. If you gain from one area at the expense of another area, this benefit
will not last. NLP says that we need to evaluate behavior and change in terms of
context and ecology.

Pause for a moment and imagine that you have already achieved your goal. While you
have successfully achieved the goal, have you discovered any downside to the
situation? Is there anything you can alter about the way you achieved the goal that
would improve the situation or there any other people you forgot to take into
consideration?

31
It, therefore, becomes necessary to ask, - What will happen when you achieve the goal?
What will not happen when you achieve this goal? What will happen if you do not
achieve the goal? What will not happen if you do not achieve the goal?

Conc lus ion

Well-formed outcome reinforces our focus, spurs from within, makes us stay in the
right course of action and tells us when we have actually achieved it.

(to be continued)
S Ravi chandran is a famous HRD consultant, specializing in individual counseling and
offering solutions for the problems of interaction in organizations affecting productivity
and profit. Many of his counseling and training programs, tailor-made for challenging and
conflicting industrial, organizational situations have proved to be very successful. He may
be contacted by E-mail: ravichandrans1008@yahoo.co.in

Dis t ort ions in Indology
Some plainly ridiculous misinterpretations were handed down as translations of
the original Sanskrit texts, all of which resulted in grave misunderstanding of the
Vedas and the suppression of their true significance. Such an elaborate
falsification of ancient Indian history, quite apart from its other consequences,
deprived humankind of the scientific insights contained in the Vedas. The
distortions were a result of two clearly discernible motives; serving the interests
of British colonialism and, secondly, lending support to the proselytizing activities
of Christian missionaries.
Several scholars were assigned to a study of the languages, history, religion and
life of the Indian people. For example, the East India Company offered Max
Muller generous funds to undertake a translation of the Rig Veda. A new branch
of specialization known as 'Indology', came into existence and became a favorite
subject of study, both for promoting the work of Christian missionaries and for
consolidating the British hold over India.
Max Muller made three assertions: preposterous assertions: 1. The Rig Veda, the
oldest of the Vedas, was composed around 1200 BC; 2. The Rig Veda is a work of
the Aryans; 3. The Aryans were a foreign race of people who invaded India and
subjugated the indigenous people. Overwhelming evidence is now available to the
effect that each of these propositions is utterly untenable. However, so deep has
their impact been, and so strong the support they received from entrenched
vested interests, that these falsehoods hold sway even today.
Rishi Kumar Mishra
Before the Beginning and after the End, Rupa & co (2001), p. xv
32



Re ligious Ne ws and Eve nt s

Ja ya Ja ya Sa nka ra ! Ha ra Ha ra Sa nka ra !

(1)
Maha Pe riyaval Jayant hi


Harati to Holy Padukas of Maha Swamiji
The Jayanthi of H. H. Sri Maha Swamiji was celebrated in a grand style at Bridgewater
Temple, New Jersey, USA on June 9th 2007. Holy Paduka Puja was conducted by
Brahma Sri Phalac handar, Priest of Sri Venkateswara Temple, NJ. The Puja was done
by Smt . Me e ra Rajagopal and Sri S. Rajagopal of CT.

(2)
Experience of a Lifetime (Ramesh.Bhattiprolu@gmail.com)

Veda Vidyarthi Sammelan [Conference of Vedic Students of Karnataka]
2nd, 3rd & 4th July, 2007

Vedic teachers (Adhyapakas) and students (Vidyarthis) were invited for this three day
conference held in B'lore on 2nd, 3rd & 4th July, 2007. Conference was held in the
presence of Sri Sankara Jayendra Saraswati Swami of Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam. His
Holiness (HH) called for this conference with the objectives:
- Meet all the veda and shastra branches related schools(patasalas) in K'taka and also give
each of these schools an opportunity to showcase the work done by them over the years.
Listen to their problems and help them in whatever manner deemed fit.
- Give vidyarthis a chance to meet other vidyarthis from different patasalas.
33
- Convey the common message of "Sampradaya Bhajan and its glory" to veda vidyarthis and
the adhyapakas.
Around 750 vidyarthis from about 34 patasalas turned up with 100+ adhyapakas. The
schedule for the three day conference was sent by mail to them earlier and so most of
them a day in advance to be ready for participation. A couple of Kalyanamantapas were
organized for the stay and food. Since so many veda vidyarthis attended the seminar, HH
made sure there are 4 meals served everyday and sumptuous meals at that.

The evening before the conference began, the students reported at the Kanchi matam at
Malleswaram, Bangalore. The evening's highlight was seeing a crowd of young boys enjoying
the Sampradaya Nama Sankeerthana.
On the 2nd morning, the conference was opened to the vedic chantings of several hundreds
[including the patasala adhyapakas, vidyarthi and the Sankara matam veda pandits]. HH
presided over the conference and chanted vedas along with the vidyarthis. The entire
Kanchi Matam Hall was packed with these children and their teachers. It is amazing to see
the discipline these children showed during the entire duration of the conference. They
arrived for each session on time, they chanted vedas fearlessly, they made very little noise
in general. The chantings by about 750 of them filled the hearts of those present there.
They all kept looking at HH with adoration and love in their eyes. HH ensured every child
was given breakfast, lunch, evening snack and dinner.
Until the last day, the Sampradaya Bhajans really attracted the children so much that they
participated with enthusiasm and vigor. In fact some of them stood up and started dancing
during the Bhajan.
The patasala adhyapakas met HH in private and explained the practical problems they face
and received advise and help [monetary or guidance on running patasalas]. HH has
felicitated every adhyapaka by showering gifts on them. HH also gave each child a silver
pendant, sambhavana and prasadam with his hearty blessings.
To me, a humble volunteer, it has been a once in a lifetime experience!
(3)
Veda Sammelan to be held
26th to 29th July 07

With the Blessings of Pujyasri Acharyas, Veda Dharma Shastra Paripalana Sabha is
organizing a Veda sammelan from 26 to 29 July 07 at Sri Siddhi Vinayaka Temple, Veda
Dharma Kainkarya sabha, Tiruvenkada Nagar, Ambattur, Chennai 53.( 94440-14247,
26583552)



34
Schedule

26-07-07
7.30 am -
11.30 am
Sri Veda Vyasa Puja Rig, Yajur, sama Veda Parayanam
2.30 pm-
5.30 pm
Veda Parayanam
7.00 pm Discourse Pitrupujanam -Dr. Brahmasri K V Seshadrinata
sastrigal (Former Principal, Madras Sanskrit College)

Discourse Nityakarmanushtanam -Dr. Brahmasri P M
Vijayaraghava Ganapatigal (Madras Sanskrit College)

27-07-07
7.30 am -
11.30 am
Sri Veda Vyasa Puja Rig, Yajur, sama Veda Parayanam
2.30 pm-
5.30 pm
Veda Parayanam
7.00 pm Discourse Aapastambha dharma sutram
Dr. Brahmasri Mani Dravid sastrigal

28-07-07
7.30 am -
11.30 am
Sri Veda Vyasa Puja Rig, Yajur, sama Veda Parayanam
2.30 pm-
5.30 pm
Veda Parayanam
7.00 pm Discourse Aapasthamba Gruhya sutram
Nannilam Brahmasri V Rajagopala Ganapatigal
(Editor, Vaidikasri)

29-07-07
7.30 am -
11.30 am
Sri Veda Vyasa Puja Rig, Yajur, sama Veda Parayanam
9.30 am Avahanti Homam
2.30 pm-
5.30 pm
Veda Parayanam
7.00 pm Discourse Veda vyasa Mahima
Brahmasri V G Subrahmanya Ganapatigal

Contact numbers: 044-26583552, 94440-14247
35

(4 )
Sarvam Sakt himayam (From "nbalasubramanian" nbalasubramanian@yahoo.com )

KUMBABHISHEKHAM

Shakthi is the female principle of the Absolute Reality and is worshipped variously as Dakshayani,
Parvati, Durga, Lakshmi, Saraswati and so on.

Shakthi remains as the deity or Kula Devataa of most of the Hindus. For Hindus, even our earth is
also Bhudevi, a manifestation of Goddess. The Shakthi Peethas are places of worship consecrated to
Shakthi.

According to legend, in the Satya Yuga, Daksha performed a yagna (named Vrihaspati. Daksha was
angry because his daughter Sati had married the 'yogi' God Shiva against his wishes. So Daksha
invited all the deities to the yagna except Shiva and Sati. Unmindful of this, Sakthi desired to
attend the yagna. She had expressed Her desire to Shiva, Who tried to dissuade Her from going.
Shiva eventually allowed Her to go escorted by His ganas (followers).

But Sati was not given any respect. Daksha insulted Shiva. Sati was unable to bear Her father's
insults towards Her husband; so She discarded Her body by jumping into the sacrificial pit. When
Lord Shiva heard about it, He became furious. Daksha was killed by Shiva's ganas and all the deities
who had stood by Daksha were duly punished.

Shiva Peruman then carried Sati's body all over the world in a state of grief. At the request of all
other gods, Lord Vishnu severed Sati's body into 51 pieces with His Sudarshan Chakram, so that
Lord Shiva would become normal again. The parts of Sati's body fell at different places which came
to be known as Shakthi Peethas.

These Shakthi Peethas are spread over not only in India, but also in Nepal, Pakistan, Bangladesh,
Srilanka. Devotees of Goddess Sakthi desire to undertake pilgrimage to all these temples at least
once in their life time.
As everyone cannot visit all these temples, our Paramacharyar Sri Sri Chandrasekarendra
Saraswathi Swamigal advised to construct a temple with all 51 Devis at one place. "Sri Kanchi
Kamakoti Seva Trust" was formed and the temple was constructed and Maha Kumbabishekam was
performed in 1987 by Kanchi Kamkoti Peetathipathi Shri Jeyendra Saraswathi Swamigal
after installing 51 Devis and the Main Deity as Kamakshi at the center of the temple.
The temple is situated in Koteshwar Road, Ambaji, Gujarat, near Mount Abu. (From Ahmedabad it
is 180 Kms. Bus services are there from Ahmedabad to Ambaji. From Ambaji, we can take Auto
rickshaws to go to Kamakshi Mandir, nearly 3 Kms. From Chennai we can reach Ahmedabad by
Navajeevan Express. Alternatively, from Chennai, we can go to Mount Abu Road by Jothpur Express
and from Mt. Abu Road, it is 22 Kms. Plenty of Bus services are there to go to Ambaji.)
This Trust for the 25 years, with the blessing of H.H. acharyas, has been rendering valuable services
in various Charitable and Religious activities. As the temple does not have a Rajagopuram so far and
also requires maintenance to some extent, the Trust undertook the construction of Rajagopuram and
to perform maintenance wherever required at an estimated cost of Rs.60 lakhs. The Trust also plans
to start a Vedha Patasala along with this Project. The Trust has planned to perform Maha
Kumbabishekam by November 2007.

36
All devotees are requested to take part in the auspicious work by contributing their mite and to
receive the blessings of Sri Kamakshi Devi. Cheques / DDs may be drawn in favor of "SHREE
KANCHI KAMAKOTI SEVA TRUST, A/C. RAJAGOPURAM" payable at any bank in INDIA and sent
to:

Shri V. Ramamurthy, 4/18, Third Main Road, Kasturibai Nagar, Adayar, Chennai 600020 Phone: (044)
24902344 Mobile: 94441 45922 Or

Shri R. Viswam, 7/64, Shraddhadeep Complex, Ankur Road, Naranpura, Ahmedabad 380063 Phone:
(079) 27474079 Mobile: 98254 57990

(Book titled "Sri Sakthi Prabhavam" in Thamizh language (Released by Sri H.H. Jayendra
Saraswathi Swamigal) is available with Shri. V. Ramamurthy, 4/18, Third Main Road,
Kasturibai Nagar, Adayar, Chennai 600020. TEL: 044-24902344, Mobile: 9444145922.
The book is also available with
Pusthak Bharathi, Sannadhi St., Mylapore, Chennai-4. (Next to RAASI SILKS), and
N Balasubramanian, F-3, Al-Mamoor Complex, (New no.23), Vepery High Rd., Periamet,
Chennai-3. Tel: 25611405
This book contains all information of 51 Sakthi Peetams. The price is Rs.75/-. (Postage
Rs.25/- extra in India) The sale proceeds are to be utilized for the KUMBABHISHEKHEM of
this temple.)

Heart has to be strengthened
By degrees the heart has to be strengthened. If one man is made, it equals the result of a hundred
thousand lectures. Making the mind and lips at one, the ideas have to be practiced in life. This is
what Shri Ramakrishna meant by allowing no theft in the chamber of thought.
You have to be practical in all spheres of work. The whole country has been ruined by masses of
theories. He who is the true son of Shri Ramakrishna will manifest the practical side of religious
ideas and will set to work with one-pointed devotion without paying heed to the prattling of men
or of society. Havent you heard of the couplet of Tulsidas: The elephant walks the market-place
and a thousand curs bark at him; so the Sadhus have no ill-feeling if worldly people slander
them.
You have to walk in this way. No count should be taken of the words of people. If one has to pay
heed to their praise or blame, no great work can be accomplished in this life. The Atman is not to
be gained by the weak. If there is no strength in the body and mind, the Atman cannot be
realized. First you have to build the body by good nutritious foodthen only will the mind be
strong. The mind is but the subtle part of the body. You must retain great strength in your mind
and words.
I am low, I am lowrepeating these ideas in the mind, man belittles and degrades himself.
Therefore, the Shastra (Ashtavakra Samhita, I.11) says: He who thinks himself free, free he
becomes; he who thinks himself bound, bound he remainsthis popular saying is true: As one
thinks, so one becomes. He alone who is always awake to the idea of freedom, becomes free; he
who thinks he is bound, endures life after life in the state of bondage. It is a fact. This truth holds
good both in spiritual and temporal matters.
- Swami Vivekananda
Courtesy: www.uttishthata.org
37

{zPs & Nitya Kalyan & {Z` H$`mU
Hara Hara Sankara Jaya Jaya Sankara
Dear Readers
Nitya Kalyan published on behalf of Sri Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam is a purely
service oriented project. It is a mission with noble objectives and not a commercial
magazine. There are a number of publication programs to be taken up under this
project, in the interest of preserving and spreading our Vedic Heritage and
Devotional Literature.
It is our moral obligation to share our spiritual wealth with all the peoples of the
world to ensure universal peace, harmony and prosperity. And then, our youngsters
should be informed about their spiritual heritage so that they would take up the
responsibility of preserving it in future. This sacred effort needs your
encouragement, participation and support.
This E-magazine comes to you free. All of those who would like to contribute may
kindly support it by donations or advertisements or sponsorships.
Acceptance of advertisements from the devotees is subject to certain norms. They
may have the relevant details but should also include some good spiritual /
theological quotations. Pictures of deities or our Acharyas and other spiritual gurus
are also acceptable.
The magazine is uploaded as a file in the yahoo group Nitya Kalyan
(http://groups.yahoo.com/group/nityakalyan) by 25
th
of every earlier month. This
group has been specially created to provide a platform for healthy exchange of
ideas among readers and authors of Nitya Kalyan. The group members can easily
download the magazine and also have the advantage of the discussions.
Those who want to receive Nitya Kalyan through individual E-mails or want any
further details may please communicate with nityakalyan_magazine@yahoo.com



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Pranams to our Pujyasri Acharyas
Arusuvai Vithakar S VISAALAM

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