1 TheVedanta Kesari
Practising the Four FocusYogas in Covid Times page 11
A Cultural and Spiritual Monthly 1 `15 June of the Ramakrishna Order since 1914 2021 2 Kali the Mother The stars are blotted out, The clouds are covering clouds, It is darkness vibrant, sonant. In the roaring, whirling wind Are the souls of a million lunatics Just loose from the prison-house, Wrenching trees by the roots, Sweeping all from the path. The sea has joined the fray, And swirls up mountain-waves, To reach the pitchy sky. The flash of lurid light June 2021 And every shaking step Reveals on every side Destroys a world for e’er. 2 A thousand, thousand shades Thou “Time”, the All-Destroyer! Of Death begrimed and black — Come, O Mother, come! Scattering plagues and sorrows, Who dares misery love, Dancing mad with joy, And hug the form of Death, Come, Mother, come!
The Vedanta Kesari The Vedanta Dance in Destruction’s dance, For Terror is Thy name, To him the Mother comes. Death is in Thy breath, -- Swami Vivekananda 09 June - Phalaharini Kali Puja
Suprabho Roy
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The Vedanta Kesari A Cultural and Spiritual Monthly of The Ramakrishna Order
CONTENTS Vol. 108, No. 6 108th ISSN 0042-2983 Year of Publication JUNE 11 2021
Practising the Four Yogas in Covid Times Smt Lakshmi Devnath
39 FEATURES 16 8 Sri Sudarshanashtakam On the Wings of Death 9 Yugavani Yoga for ‘COVID 19’ Swami Shuddhabodhananda 10 Editorial Yogacarya S. Sridharan Saraswati 14 Reminiscences of Sargachhi 23 Pocket Tales The Journey from Nag Mahashay 25 Vivekananda Way 31 Poorva: Magic, Mircles and Distress to De-stress Dr. Ruchira Mitra Mystical Twelve Dr. Latha Satish & 36 Lessons from Swamis Ms. Devi Shah s 38 Pariprasna all C d 46 The Order on the March o G
n e 34 19 h
W
The Covid Code from Hanuman Smt Uma Maheswari B
29 Regd. Off. & Fact. : Plot No.88 & 89, Phase - II, Sipcot Industrial Complex, Editor: Swami Mahamedhananda Ranipet - 632 403, T.N. Published by Swami Vimurtananda, Sri Ramakrishna Math, No.31, Ramakrishna Math Road, Chennai - 600 004 and Printed by B. Rajkumar, Chennai - 600 014 on behalf of Sri Ramakrishna Math Trust, Chennai - 600 004 and Printed at M/s. Rasi Graphics Pvt. Limited, No.40, Peters Road, Royapettah, Chennai - 600014. Website: www.chennaimath.org E-mail: [email protected] Ph: 6374213070 TheVedanta Kesari
One hundred and seven years
First issue of and going strong…. He was a much-celebrated and much-feted Swami. His Brahmavadin, Septemberfamous 1895 address at The World’s Parliament of Religions, Chicago in 1893 had catapulted him to the status of a super star. But Swami
the world.Vivekananda …What work was have not you one done to baskin the in way chaffy of advancing glory. A letterthe ideas to one and of organising his trusted in followers, from the USA, dated 12 Jan 1895, read, ‘I want to preach my ideas for the good of have no time for such foolery.’ India? …My life is more precious than spending it in getting the admiration of the world. I June 2021 Swamiji, as Swami Vivekananda was fondly addressed, loved and revered his motherland as his own mother. Every breath of his aspired for her well being and every cell 4 in his body yearned that she regain her lost glory. She had been a beacon light for the world until repeated invasions pillaged her ruthlessly and left her not just poverty-stricken but also psychologically drained. The latter struck at the very core, underlying the urgency for
immediate redressal. Swamiji’s panacea for this lay in India’s very own practical and ennobling Vedantic wisdom. Vedanta recognises no weakness. It proclaims that in every The Vedanta Kesari The Vedanta Swamiji started looking for the right channel to propagate the powerful message of individual lies a mine of strength. All that is needed is an effort to draw from it. Vedanta. He opted for the print medium and decided to bring out a journal, giving it the name Brahmavadin ‘Now I am bent upon starting the journal. Herewith . In February 1895, he sent from USA $100 and a letter to his trusted I send a hundred dollars… Hope this will go just a little in starting disciple Alasinga Perumal. The letter read: your paper.’
If selflessness and devotion would have a form, it would fromhave a borne press in the Broadway, name of Chennai Alasinga on Perumal. 14 September Brahmavadin became Alasinga’s calling and the first issue rolled out First issue of The Vedanta Kesari, May 1914 1895. The magazine included a poem of Swamiji The Song of the Sannyasin’. specially composed for the occasion. It was titled, ‘ One verse ran thus: The One hundred and seven Vedanta Kesari years and going strong….
“Strike off thy fetters! Bonds that bind thee down,
Love, hate — good, bad — and all the dual throng,
For fetters, though of gold, are not less strong to bind; June 2021 (Handwritten words in Swamiji’s own hand) 5 With this message that marked its mission, Brahmavadin made a determined entry into
an occasion for celebration but the struggles were far from over. the strife-ridden climate of pre-independence India. The birth of the magazine was certainly ‘I learnt from your letter the bad financial state that Brahmavadin is in.’ This was followed by another letter that carried the line, ‘I pledge One of Swamiji’s letters to Alasinga read: myself to maintain the paper anyhow.’ The Vedanta Kesari The Vedanta
impediment. Sadly, Swami Vivekananda passed away in 1902, at the age of thirty-nine. Bolstered by this pledge, Alasinga Perumal braved on, surmounting many an
Alasinga’s intense anguish morphed into heightened devotion towards the magazine. But the next hurdle in Brahmavadin’s journey came in 1909, in the form of Alasinga’s own demise. In May 1914, the magazine, tottering as it was, floundered and ground to a halt.
in its Itway was of at reviving this crucial the juncture,Brahmavadin. that the For, Ramakrishna had not their Mission beloved stepped Swamiji in repeatedly to revive it. said, The Mission was itself in its nascent stages with many a teething problem but nothing could come ‘The Brahmavadin is a jewel – it must not perish!” Brahmavadin closed, it was resuscitated with the new name The Vedanta Kesari. And so, the very same month when The history of The Vedanta Kesari is much more than just a tale of sweat, toil and a
dream realised. It is a narrative of Swamiji’s passion for India and Alasinga’s devotion to his master. It is a celebration of love, transcending forms. Appeal
been carrying the invigorating message of Vedanta and alongside, continuously For the last 107 years, without missing a single issue, the magazine has revamping itself to meet the changing needs of the times. The relevance of Vedantic wisdom to everyday life is all the more pertinent
today than ever before. ‘Arise, Awake and stop not till the goal is reached,’ is the know, is a unique organisation where sannyasis and lay people come together thundering motto of Swami Vivekananda. The Ramakrishna Mission, as you all and endeavour for the common good. Let’s join hands in taking forward our revered Swamiji’s vision and mission for The Vedanta Kesari.
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।। �셀सुदर㔶नाष्टकम्।। ।। Sri Sudarshanashtakam ।। SRI VEDANTA DESIKA
Sudarshana Chakra is the discus weapon of Lord Vishnu and Sri Krishna held by the lord in his right hand. In the tradition of Sri Ramanujacharya, Sudarshana is personified as the prime devotee and called Charathazhwar. Sri Vedanta Desikacharya (1268 – 1369) composed an ashtakam, a stotra of eight slokas, in praise of Sri Sudarshana. It is said that he composed this stotra to help the residents of Tirupputkuzhi when they suffered from the grip of an epidemic fever.
प्रतिभट�셇णिभीषण वरगुणस्酋मभूषण June 2021 जनिभयस्थनतारण जगदवस्थनकारण । 8 निखिलदुष्करकर㔶न निगमसद्धर्दर㔶न जय जय �셀सुदर㔶न जय जय �셀सुदर㔶न ॥
shorelessOh Sri ocean Sudarshana! of Samsara All and the free enemies themselves of your from Lord’s the devotees cycle of births run away and fearingdeaths. yourThe entireprowess. Universe All auspicious is stabilised attributes by your find mighty their power. home inYou you. cut Those, asunder who all worship the sins ofyou those, cross who the approach you as their refuge. You bless all of your devotees with the knowledge about the
The Vedanta Kesari The Vedanta righteous conduct prescribed by the Vedas. Oh Lord Sudarshana of these auspicious attributes! Glory to Thee! Glory to Thee!
शुभजग饍셂पमण㔡न सुरगण配रसखण㔡न शतमखब्रह्मवन्दि शतपथब्रह्मनन्दि । प्रथितविद्वत्पक�त भजदहिर्बध्नलक�त जय जय �셀सुदर㔶न जय जय �셀सुदर㔶न ॥ Oh Sri Sudarshana! You are resplendent as a precious decoration on the hand of Sriman Narayana, who has the universe as His body. Through your grace, Devas are freed from the
Brahmana belonging to Sukla Yajur Veda hails your glories and pays its tributes to you. The fear caused by the Asuras. Indra and the noble people always worship you. The Satapata
withscholars His ownof this eyes. universe Oh Lord seek Sudarshana your help ofto illustriousovercome theirattributes! contestants. Glory to Ahirbudhnya Thee! Glory Samhitato Thee! states that Ahirbudhnyan (Siva) worships you and sought the boon to see your beautiful form Yugavani
n the Kaliyuga it is difficult to have the feeling, ‘I am not the body, I am not the mind, I am not the twenty-four cosmic oldprinciples; age and I death.’am beyond However pleasure you mayand reasonpain, I and am argue, above the disease feeling and that grief, the body is identical with the soul will somehow crop up from an unexpected quarter. You may cut a peepal-treeI to the ground and think it is dead to its very root, but the next
shooting up from the dead stump. Onemorning cannot you will get find rida new of sprout this Bhakti June 2021 therefore the path of bhakti is best for 9 identification with the body;
the people of the Kaliyuga. It is an easy path. But it isn’t any and every kind of bhakti that enables one to realize God. One cannot realize God without prema-bhakti. Another name for prema-bhakti is raga-bhakti. God cannot be There is another kind of bhakti, known as vaidhi-bhakti, according to which one must repeat realized without love and longing. Unless one has learnt to love God, one cannot realize Him. PAGE DONOR : SRI. R. CHINTHAIAH, CHENNAI CHINTHAIAH, R. SRI. : DONOR PAGE The Vedanta Kesari The Vedanta
onethe namegradually of God acquires a fixed raga-bhakti. number of times, fast, make pilgrimages, worship God with prescribed offerings, make so many sacrifices, and so forth and so on. By continuing such practices a long time Similarly, one practises japa, austerity, and fasting, in order to acquire love of God. But the fan is set Vaidhi-bhakti is like moving a fan to make a breeze. One needs the fan to make the breeze. one spontaneously feels love and attachment for God. aside when the southern breeze blows of itself. Such actions as japa and austerity drop away when One can attain the Knowledge of Brahman, too, by following the path of bhakti. God is all- powerful. He may give His devotee Brahmajnana also, if He so wills. But the devotee generally
doesn’t seek the Knowledge of the Absolute. He would rather have the consciousness that God is — The Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna the Master and he the servant, or that God is the Divine Mother and he the child. Editorial
Am I Ready to Leave? eath is amongst us, assailing us in How to console a bereaved friend or the streets and in our very homes. D One day as Sri Ramakrishna sat in his death has two aspects to it. First is our own relative? death, and secondHow to the face death this of death? relatives Facing and friends. cornerroom speaking looking withpale theand devotees, haggard. ManimohanHe told Sri RamakrishnaMallick of Sinduriapati, that his son camedied that and morning sat in a and death’ which is a wrong association of facts. Speaking of death, we use the phrase ‘life ceremonies of cremation. The devotees poured without beginning and continues until Self- outand hackneyedhe was coming phrases directly of consolation. after finishing Then, theSri realisation.It should actually Birth and be death ‘birth are and two death’. repeatedly Life is Ramakrishna stood up in an ecstatic mood, and occurring related events in life, one following with the pose and energy of a wrestler, struck the other as certainly as day and night. Therefore, “it is good to prepare for death.” “O man, prepare yourself for battle / There, see
June 2021 Deathhis left enteringupper arm your and house sang with in battle great array; vigour: / God. The aids to this are japa, meditation, (Therefore) ride on the chariot of great virtue, / 10 How? — By the constant practice of thinking of Harness to it the two horses of devotion and earnest in these practices — like the woman spiritual practice, / Stretch up the bow of worship, and singing his glories. If we are knowledge, / And set the unfailing arrow of the mind on the pestle — then, even while doing our love of God ….” The vigorous singing and the dutieswho while in life‘husking and theexperiencing paddy’ keeps the 75% joys of andher “spirit of heroic renunciation and strength sorrows of artha and kama, we can, before “the coursing from Sri Ramakrishna’s eyes” raised pestle of death” strikes us, remove the husk and the devotees’ hearts from the realm of grief and The Vedanta Kesari The Vedanta attain the rice — i.e., attain the Reality masked in the manifested world. current of wonderful hope and energy. delusion and filled them with a palpable Truly, it is our inner awakening, our strength of constant practice we should calmness, and our spirit of renunciation, that rememberIf this the is Lord not at achieved, the moment then of by death. the subconsciously assuages the other person’s The Lord assures us in the Bhagavad Gita that grief of death born of ignorance. we attain whatever we are absorbed in at the “Day after day countless creatures are going to the abode of Yama, yet those that mind is still not free from vasanas, if we but remain behind, believe that they will live for givefinal momentup the of body leaving “praying the body. So,to evenGod ifand our meditating on Him”, then He will take us to his says Yudhishthira. So, let us engage with this abode — just as the mahut takes the elephant worldever. What holding can onbe tomore the wonderfulLord within, than worship this?” to the stable without allowing it to again smear its body with dust and mud after a bath. Him in the people around us with selfless service, and once in a while ask ourselves, ‘Am I ready to leave?’ Focus
Practising the Four Yogas in Covid Times SMT LAKSHMI DEVNATH
than not, a blend of the four traits. However, the choice of yogic path could be based on his or “Smotivatedwamiji, how by cana sense I best of deep help her predilection, he said and added that indebtedness,you?” asked AVivekananda. Western disciple, “Love irrespective of the choice, the goal of the path was, Atmano mokshartham jagat hitaya ca another day, addressing his countrymen, he one’s own personal upliftment and the good of India!” was his spontaneous answer. On the world.’ , ‘for The 21st century is witnessing an said, “My life’s allegiance is to my motherland; the whole series would be consecrated to your onslaught of unprecedented magnitude by a service,and if I hadmy countrymen,a thousand lives, my friends.” every moment of inclusive spirit of yoga, it has cast a calamitous
shroudvirus called over Covid-19.the entire Ashuman if travestying race, sparing the all- no June 2021 amongstAs a his Vedantin, chosen personalSwamiji viewedGods. His the love entire for one be they king or pauper, worthy or heruniverse was deep as Brahman, and unconditional, but Mother one India that was he worthless, literate or illiterate. This is a time for 11 experienced as Bhakti Yoga. When expressed mankind to come together in the spirit of yoga. through the medium of yoga, emotions and This is a time for demonstrating our kindred spirit. Yet this is also a time for self-isolation. Swamiji’s multi-faceted personality radiated This is a time for us to unite with a common withactivities the many become dimensions all-embracing of yogic andwisdom selfless. that ideal. This is a time for expressing abundant were all his own. PAGE DONOR : SRI CHALAPATI RAO K.V., HYDERABAD K.V., RAO CHALAPATI SRI : DONOR PAGE writes, “Bhakti in its highest sense means Kesari The Vedanta love, pure and unselfish. Swami Tapasyananda of yoga as a guiding star for everyday life, spontaneous and continuous attraction of the SwamijiIn anendeavoured incisive recognition to make ofthe the yogic potential path mind to God under all circumstances, accessible to the entire humanity at large. favourable and unfavourable.” Such Reckoning with the diverse personality types unconditional love elevates bhakti to the status that mark the human race, he organised the of Bhakti Yoga. vast corpus of Yogic knowledge into four
of action; Bhakti Yoga for the emotional; Jnana Therefore,Mother it India,is the theduty guardian of each deityone of of us, all Yogacategories. for the They intellectual; were: Karma and RajaYoga Yoga for the for man the withoutIndians, isexception, not in an to enviable express position our bhakti today. dispassionate. The four were not water-tight towards her in a manner that will fortify her to divisions, for any human being, is more often continue executing the daunting task of
Lakshmi Devnath is a researcher and writer with several books and articles to her credit on different aspects of Indian cultural heritage. She holds a Masters degree in Yoga and is currently working on her Ph.D based on the Yogasutras. [email protected] virus; let all individual actions be faithful to that
restprotecting our heads, us. It night is on after her soil night. that She we is build our very our sustenance.lives, day after Therefore, day. It is whenon her she bosom suffers, that we ofpledge. water Letmake the the ‘I’, mighty the ‘me’, ocean.’ and The the power ‘mine’ suffer and the reverse holds true in equal thatsubmit gets to thegenerated ‘you’, ‘us’, from and ‘ours’.singular ‘Little mindful drops activities will converge to generate a vibrant every individual is the only elixir that will nourishmeasure. her Selfless back loveto health. offered byFor, each actions and the 1.38 billion people that we are. This is stemming from this fount are performed in an Karmaavalanche Yoga. of healing energy that will revitalize even state of mind, consciously, and with the Vasudaiva kutumbakam—The whole world right motivation. Such actions earn the epithet, is one family.” Strong conviction in precepts like Karma Yoga. these will give us the realisation that we are Belying the usual yardsticks of grandeur inter-related. Notwithstanding the blatant and and scale, Karma Yoga describes actions as lofty stark discreteness that stares us in our face, we or small only on the basis of the presence or are progenies of a single life source and it is into absence of these qualities. “Each is great in his this inexhaustible wellspring that we ultimately own place,” says Swamiji, enthusing us to merge into. This knowledge generates kinship at perform our respective duties with pride and all times and a shared emotion during periods of calamity, resulting in people uniting to mitigate June 2021 the misery and obtain deliverance from the confidence. However, providing an objective 12 for what is good for the goose need not be for situation. The practice of Jnana Yoga will lead us theand ganderuniversal or definition even for of that duty very is impossible goose in altered circumstances. Recognising the simple analogy will help further drive home this probability of such confusions surfacing, point.to this Therealisation inter-relationship that culminates with in our wisdom. fellow- A Swamiji helpfully provides a simple barometer beings is somewhat akin to that which exists to self-assess our actions. He says, “That which amongst the different elements that make up the
entire body reacts in pain and the hands The Vedanta Kesari The Vedanta featureis selfish of is Karma immoral, Yoga. and that which is unselfish instinctivelyhuman frame. reach If out the to little comfort toe the gets injured hurt, thetoe is moral.” Unselfishness is the distinguishing even as cells within reorient themselves to heal
behaviour,In the down context to ofavoiding Corona the our temptation duties range of Yoga will have us experience this undeniable it. In these trying times, the practice of Jnana exploitingfrom adhering the situation diligently for to personal Covid-specific gains. Wearing of masks, restraining ourselves from spontaneously gives rise to empathy and connectivity that exists amongst us. Affinity reckless spitting on the roads, avoiding of gatherings, staying at home, getting vaccinated, appropriate behaviour becomes self-regulated supportiveness. As a corollary, Covid- not hoarding oxygen or medicines, not rather than a mere compliance to stern overcharging for ambulances … . Karma Yoga in Corona times envelops all these and much, that can think thus, directing our attention to the impositions. But it is only a fine and clear mind much more. The burning need of the hour is a relevance of Raja Yoga. Raja Yoga is about disciplining our thought-processes to facilitate conscious living truly nationalistic spirit. Let all Indians vow jointly to heal Mother India of this tortuous maximum and the medical fraternity is being brain is an asset but a good mind is a necessity. Historyeven when is repleteinvolved with with exampleseveryday life.of brilliantA sharp irresponsibility to fall sick either out of leaders making horrendous decisions. The irrationaltested to bravado the hilt. or sheer It is negligence nothing short in these of mind is a bundle of thoughts. Thoughts are tortuous times. those that we generate consciously and unconsciously. Thoughts form the basis of our against the assault of the virus. Thankfully, in 2021,In scientists 2020, we have were come largely forth defencelesswith a little of thinking deeply and dispassionately. The basket of vaccines to choose from, which if words and actions. And, herein, the importance pandemic has succeeded in making each day a taken can provide us with a protective shield in
many and their repercussions go beyond the be likened to the locked front-door of our rough terrain to negotiate. Its challenges are physiological to impact our psychological houses.the form Theyof increased provide immunity. security A at vaccine all times can health. except against very aggressive break-ins. One such widely-experienced emotion is However, in the unfortunate situation of us fear. Paradoxically, there is fear of both the contracting the disease, despite all precautions, disease and the vaccine. One need not stand in we are uncompromisingly duty-bound to judgment of the feeling, because Raja Yoga restrain ourselves from becoming a link in the accepts all emotions as being real for the person experiencing them. However, Raja Yoga, has its the hallmarks of Raja Yoga. June 2021 horrific chain. Reason and responsibility are goal, freedom from such depleting emotions and Distinctive problems require distinctive 13 this calls for judicious thinking. Cause and effect solutions. Covid-19 has provided us with one relationship is a fundamental tenet of yoga. such situation. Right emotion, right action, right analysis and right perception underlie Swamiji’s approach to yoga as being four-fold. canIgnorance expel ignorance.is the cause Equipping of fear. It is ourselves only light with that can dispel darkness. It is only knowledge that empirical knowledge about the disease and the physical or exclusive to the domain of mystics vaccine is the only sheath that can protect us It is to dispel the notion that yoga is purely PAGE DONOR : A DEVOTEE, MISSION RD., BENGALURU RD., MISSION DEVOTEE, A : DONOR PAGE and renunciates that Swamiji expounded The Vedanta Kesari The Vedanta from the negative impact of thriving elaborately on the four yogas and concurrently superstitions and fear-mongering rumours. emphasised that yoga is an integral part of Taking responsibility for one’s overall everyday life. health is the primary duty of every individual. Even in the days of yore, Patanjali, a notable to combative and healing solutions is an absoluteAs India necessity braves irrespective Corona, a yogicof whether approach one Yoga, a regimen to ensure the well-being of is a leader or layman. Regardless of our exponent of Raja Yoga, devised the Ashtanga every aspect of our psycho-physical system. individual faiths, the spirit of Yoga should be Covid-19, a highly infectious and contagious our beacon light for now and all times to come. Let us all jointly put our shoulders to the wheel being a societal responsibility and a civic and use the universal tools of yoga with all disease, has catapulted ‘personal health’ to also discipline, for, the nation’s medical genuine intent to checkmate the virus, if not infrastructure has been stretched to the vanquish it completely. Reminiscences
Reminiscences of Sargachhi SRIMAT SWAMI SUHITANANDA JI (Continued from previous issue. . .) 61
28.2.61
Maharaj: In 1909 I went to see Holy Question: When somebody gets the Mother at the Udbodhan House. Satyakam experience of Brahman, does he become inert? Maharaj was there. Hearing that I come from can never say what Brahman is. Others get to relief work.” Maharaj: One who experiences Brahman Sylhet, he said, “Once I went to Sylhet to do know from him only what Brahman is not. Suppose someone has realised Brahman. I sat down in the room where Sharat Maharaj was seated. Vaikuntha Sanyal was Another person asks him, “Do you become non- June 2021 andsitting other beside such Sharatthings. Maharaj.From the Hemanner started in existent at that time?” The man who has enquiring about my name, where I came from, perceived Brahman says, “No.” Again, he is 14 perceiver of Brahman doesn’t respond to this. Thenasked, it “Inis presumed that case, that do in youthat exist?”state, The or which I replied, he probably guessed Sat, Existence, remains. But wood and stone also something, and so asked, “Are you an Assami?” (In Bengali a person belonging to Assam is called an ‘asami’, which also means ‘accused’). exist. Is the perceiver’s existence at that time Hence, Sharat Maharaj retorted, “Why should “No,like that not of like wood wood and stone?and stone.” Does there Then remain it is he be an ‘asami’ (accused)?” assumedany awareness? that Chit, The knower of Brahman says, The Vedanta Kesari The Vedanta After that I had the darshan of Mother – I awareness remains even when one cannot didn’t see her face, it was covered with a veil. I prasad sleep at night; that orstate Awareness, is one of considerableremains. But don’t remember whether I touched her feet or suffering. The perceiver of Brahman says, “No, not. Later I got also. Mother used to Jayrambati she usually would be without a veil. there is absolute bliss, supreme bliss.” When cover herself with a veil at Udbodhan. At Sri Ramakrishna used to address Rajani, someone gets a taste of that bliss, nothing else can attract him or her. This is what is called Sat- him grams and beans. One day she went to Udbodhan,a prostitute, and as “Mother”. started peeping She even into used the to house feed 3.3.61 from outside, as she dared not enter inside. Chit-Ananda
in the other incarnations to the extent that it hand and brought her inside, saying, “Sri Question: Did spirituality manifest itself Happening to see her, Holy Mother took her
did in Sri Ramakrishna? RamakrishnaThe author, called one you of the‘Mother’.” Vice-Presidents of the Ramakrishna Order, presents here his conversations with Swami Premeshananda (1884-1967), a disciple of Holy Mother Sri Sarada Devi. when philanthropic work is done with the Ramakrishna. The one who became Rama, the intention of acquiring dispassion. The rationale one whoMaharaj: became RamaKrishna—it didn’t was becomehe who for doing good to others is to feel the happiness became Ramakrishna. Some say Ramachandra and sorrow of others and thus expand one’s was not a full manifestation. However, we know Rama, Krishna, Chaitanya, and Ramakrishna as serve the conscious entity present in man. Purṇa-Brahma . Whatsense ofhappens self. And if the one meaning is ignorant of service of isthis to rationale can be seen in the case of Vidyasagar. samadhi.fully manifested But incarnations there are ( no records.) He served people a lot, but in the end he ChaitanyadevaAll of them used too used to experience to merge in nirvikalpa samadhi became disgusted with their ungratefulness every now and then. But it must be mentioned and turned into a misanthrope. that in Vaishnavism there was over-enthusiasm about Saguna Brahman, or Brahman with attributes. There are three stages. The first is that of Everything takes place as per the need of thatignorance, everything where happens I feel by I the am will the of doer. God. The second is that of knowledge, where I realise perceive that He doesn’t do anything; he just the age. I have heard that Chaitanyadeva remainsthird is thealoof. state beyond knowledge, where I keptpunished Swamiji even at Advaitacharya a level lower forthan propagating nirvikalpa
न कर्त ् 픂 न कर्माि लोकस् सृजति प्रभुः। June 2021 samadhithe Advaita. He philosophy. did not promote Sri Ramakrishna the path tooof न कर्फलसंयोग ं स्भावस्त प्रवर्तत ।। Knowledge in the presence of devotees. “The Lord creates for this world neither 15 Chaitanyadeva kept Knowledge within himself.
devotion because that was felt suitable for that agency nor actions, nor (does He bring about) He had to inundate the land with the flood of the union with the fruit of action. It is nature This verse is very important. Whatever that does it all.” (Bhagavad Gita 5: 14) devotion, who would have intoxicated the happens in your life is all due to your nature. regionage. If Advaitacharyalying to the west had of notthe riverhad a Bhagirathi feeling of PAGE DONOR : A DEVOTEE, MISSION RD., BENGALURU RD., MISSION DEVOTEE, A : DONOR PAGE
Queen Victoria’s kingdom, somebody receives Kesari The Vedanta punishment.The will of theWe can Lord say is that not Queen involved Victoria in it. Inis in West Bengal? The unique contribution of even today. responsible for that; but at the same time it is Nityananda and Advaitacharya can be sensed also true that she is not responsible. Similarly, rajoguna increases; and if we withdraw from work,Question: our tamoguna If we increases. engage What in work, should our we conducts himself, he experiences happiness and misery,God has virtuelaid down and some vice, injunctions. accordingly. As People a man don’t know this truth. do? man desires to work and becomes assertive. We need Maharaj:vairagya Whenor dispassion rajoguna to dominates, check this a impulse. This dispassion doesn’t come unless Qurban Sheikh says, “By the will of Allah, we have the desire for liberation. Furthermore, theI have truth seven about God, sons.” we Butcall him he doesn’tan atheist; know if he dispassion comes through philanthropic work. knows,anything we about call Allah. him Ifa atheist—let person doesn’t him knowbe a But note that merely doing good to others doesn’t bring dispassion. Dispassion comes (To be continued...) Hindu, a Muslim, a Christian. Article
Yoga for ‘COVID 19’ YOGACARYA S. SRIDHARAN
uestion illness is the result of imbalance in the three very recent origin, but the Qdiscipline: COVID of Yoga 19 is amore disease than of human system. Patanjali offers nine solutions 3000 years old. What is the link between these humours, bodily fluids and the organs of the like models of meditation and include total in the first chapter of his work. They are more Answer: surrender to the Supreme Being, described by two which stand divided by thousands of years? the town now, is an infectious disease caused him as Ishvarapranidhana COVID 19, which is the talk of is a particular type of Pranayama involving . Another of the tools spread of the disease, the fatality, and the extending the exhalation. Later texts like damageby a newly it causes discovered to the internal ‘Coronavirus’. organs is Thethe Hathayogapradipika elaborated on the cause of concern. The entire medical fraternity therapeutic aspect of yoga and particularly prescribed different methods of Pranayama. June 2021 all over the world is singularly concentrating Over the centuries, the therapeutic part of Yoga 16 disease from spreading and to contain the was further developed extensively by great damageson finding it acauses therapeutic that can solution range up to to stop death. the yogis and continues to progress. Question: Which aspects of Yoga has validated the therapeutic value of Yoga Over the last few decades, scientific research making the discipline an authentic tool for Answer: The primary cause behind Therapy addresses the Covid issue? therapy. Of course, Yoga Therapy is considered Coronavirus affecting a person is low immunity
The Vedanta Kesari The Vedanta combines more than one form of Therapy along a part of ‘Integrated Medicine’, a branch that bodylevel. whereinOne source the explains body has the adequate role of Immunitybiological thus: “Immunity is the balanced state of the with ‘Allopathy’. Therefore, the link between Question: Yoga is generally understood Covid 19 and Yoga is at the level of ‘Therapy’. to be one of the Sad-darshanas, philosophical wheredefences the body to fight has adequate infection, tolerance disease, to avoid or systems, whose aim is Kaivalya, liberation. allergy,unwanted and biological autoimmune invasion. diseases. It is The also immune a state system helps the body to protect you from Answer: Yoga-Sutras of Patanjali, the infection.” How does Therapy find a part in this? most authoritative text on Yoga, mentions Prana. Swami Vivekananda says in his book In Yoga this immune system is called
Raja Yoga: “The Prana is the vital force in every realisation.‘illness’ (vyaadhi) Vyasa, the as commentator, one of the ninesays comes.” impediments (antaraayaas) in the path of Self- being. It is by the Prana that real curing The author a senior mentor and Yoga Therapist, former Managing Trustee, Krishnamacharya Yoga Mandira and member Yoga certification board of AYUSH lives in Chennai. [email protected] Question: How is this Prana the cause titled Jyotsna says that Suryabhedanam, primarily puts down the Vaata Dosha, Ujjaayi Answer: To quote Swamiji again, puts down Kapha Dosha and Shitali puts down and cure of illnesses? “Sometimes in your own body the supply of the Pitta Dosha. Regular practice of Bhastrikaa Prana gravitates, more or less, to one part; the will ensure that the three Doshas remain in balance is disturbed, and when the balance of Prana is disturbed, what we call disease is of the Doshas, knowledge of the relationship betweenbalance. As the illnesses illness areand caused the related by the Dosha, vitiation as or to supply the Prana that is wanting will be produced. To take away the superfluous Prana Before proceeding further, it is essential per Ayurveda, is essential. learn when there is more or less Prana in one to know that Yoga treats each individual as a partcuring of the the disease. body Thatthan againthere is should Pranayama be. The– to unique entity and does not group them feelings will become so subtle that the mind will feel that there is less Prana in the toe or the who is treated rather than the illness per-se. Eachaccording patient’s to illnesses. individual In fact, Prakriti, it is the individualthe basic power to supply it. These are among the characteristic, depends on the predominance of variousfinger than functions there should of Pranayama. be and will They possess have the to two of the three Doshas. be learnt slowly and gradually, and as you see, the whole scope of Raja-Yoga is really to teach June 2021 the control and direction in different planes of illnessesAsana at the and physical Dhyana level, have particularly a prominent body- role to play in therapy. Asanas help deal with the Prana.” related ones such as back pain, neck pain, etc. 17 Question: Dhyana is used largely in dealing with mental illnesses. These three tools work together How does Yoga Therapy work? complementing and supplementing the work of Is Pranayama sufficient or do other Yoga tools one another. Answer: such as Asana and Dhyana also play a part? Question: How can Yoga be used in the things the most Inimportant Therapy, are Yoga the and three Ayurveda Doshas,
PAGE DONOR : SUBRAMANIYABHARATHIYAR R., KANCHEEPURAM R., SUBRAMANIYABHARATHIYAR : DONOR PAGE share certain common concepts. Amongst other
i.e., Vaata, Pitta and Kapha. They in turn are Answer: Kesari The Vedanta present context of Covid 19? related to the three Gunas, which are Sattva, secondly treatment In dealing when affected,with Covid and 19, thirdly, three thestages convalescence can be identified. period. Firstly prevention, authoritativeRajas and Tamas. text, According Hathayogapradipika to Yoga, diseases, Covid 19 is an infectious disease caused are caused by Rajas and Tamas. If we go by the therapy. There is a list of eight Pranayamas the droplets from those who carry the virus popularlyPranayama known finds asa place Ashta as Kumbhaka a primary. They tool arefor eitherby a very symptomatic minute virus. or Itasymptomatic. passes through That air, oris Suryabhedanam, Ujjaayi, Sitkaari, Shitali, why at the basic level, social distancing, Bhastrikaa, Bhraamari, Murcchaa and Plaavini. wearing mask and following guidelines of Detailed instructions for practice and the personal hygiene of washing hands, etc., are insisted upon. Here, Pranayama with emphasis List of illnesses that are combatted by these Pranayamasbenefits for each are of also these given. Pranayamas Commentator are given. throwing out impurities. Nadishodhana Brahmananda in his wonderful commentary Pranayamaon exhalation helps (Recaka in keeping Pranayama) the Nadis helps clean. in Question: How does immunity improve inside the system and thus full immunity is When the Nadis are clean Prana flows freely achieved. Answer: The aim of Pranayama as the with Pranayama? Covid primarily affects the breathing very word suggests is to extend and retain the Prana. The extension is achieved by making the intense, the patient is unable to breath properly, breath deep, long and subtle. The retention is resultingsystem (lungs). in low oxygen When levels the diseasein the blood. becomes Such attained by holding the breath after inhalation. conditions may require intervention through The very process of Pranayama helps in removing the impurities from the body by Shitali Pranayama will help as it also has the potentialoxygenation to deal or ventilation. with fever In apart such from situations, other illnesses of the abdomen, spleen, etc. kindling the fire in our system. With the enormouslyremoval of impuritiesstrengthens Prana our overall will find immunity. its way through the Nadis and fill the system which Pranayama Yogayajnavalkyasamhita, one of includeIn gaining the convalescence strength of the period body. Sitkaari the authoritative texts on Yoga, “He/She is will help as its chronicled benefits consideredAccording to as Yogi/Yogini whose Prana is Question: What are the different kinds of
body as there are no impurities in the Answer: Pranayama? system.within his/her body”, i.e., flowing inside the June 2021 be done in lying position or seated position with the back1) erect.Recaka ThePranayama: Exhalation This can to Question: How does Kapalabhati and 18 Answer: Kapalabhati in Hathayoga, is Bhramari help in this situation? seconds.Inhalation The ratio rate is maintained of breath atwill 2:1, vary i.e., for from 10 personseconds to ofperson. Exhalation, Inhalation will be 5 Kapalabhati,classified under according the category to Hathayogapradipika of Kriyas which, are totally six in number. The benefit of 2) Nadishodhana Pranayama: This is done help in this situation in removal of impurities is that it destroys phlegmatic diseases. It can The Vedanta Kesari The Vedanta throughin a seated right position. nostril, Inhale Hold, throughExhale through left nostril, left caused by phlegm. However, one has to be Hold, Exhale through right nostril, and Inhale cautious in practice of this Kriya as it can cause with care. People having cardiac problems will nostril (Classical style). The Hold must be done of Kapalabhati is “to perform Recaka light-headedness/dizziness, etc. The technique equal. The rate of breath will be based on the do well to avoid the Hold. Also, the ratio can be like the bellows of a blacksmith.” capacity of each individual. (exhalation) and Puraka (inhalation) rapidly Bhramari Pranayama involves inhaling protruded tongue, Hold the breath and Exhale and exhaling with a resonance resembling the through3) nostrils. Shitali Pranayama:The ratio is to Inhale be according through to individual capacity. of this Pranayama as given in Hathayogapradipikasound of a bee. The benefit is of“there the performance arises an indescribable bliss in the heart.” The need of
the hour is to get rid of anxiety and fear and
and Exhale4) Sitkaari through Pranayama: nostrils. Make a hissing t sound with the mouth (while inhaling the air)t this Pranayama will help achieve that. Article
The Journey from Distress to De-stress DR. LATHA SATISH & MS. DEVI SHAH
he current pandemic will prove to frustration and stress, especially since there are be a prominent historical event Twherein the most powerful and present. no definite answers to these queries at dominant human species, considered to be the While these questions and concerns are crown of creation has been humbled by an very natural, it would be unwise to constantly invisible parasitic germ that is merely a dwell upon them as they would only lead one to microorganism, not belonging to either the drown in a whirlpool of anger, sorrow, depression, plant or animal kingdom. Such a nonentity has dejection and self-defeat. Rather, a more adaptive weakened the enormous amass of coping approach would be to make a simple but
by posing the greatest challenge of survival solution focused, which serves as a cushion to fall mechanisms, traumatizing the entire humanity backsignificant on while shift dealing from beingwith the problem taxing focusedemotional to June 2021 to have fallen short and seem to be inadequate clutter, thereby reducing reactivity and bringing itself. All efforts to curtail the situation appear to overcome the unpredictability and about regulation and stability. 19 uncertainty that underlie this malady. Unfortunately, the impact of this these surging emotions, is to become aware of pandemic situation is not limited to the health themThe and first acknowledge and foremost them step ininstead handling of
livelihood, encompassing economic, emotions means identifying and aptly labelling aspect alone. Instead, it endangers the overall educational, social, religious and cultural facets themsuppressing and mindfully or rejecting observing them. howAcknowledging they affect PAGE DONOR : SUBRAMANIYABHARATHIYAR R., KANCHEEPURAM R., SUBRAMANIYABHARATHIYAR : DONOR PAGE the mind and body, and hamper daily Kesari The Vedanta of mental health crises among people. functioning. When this self-understanding as well. Altogether, these can increase the peril Recurring questions such as “How to protect dawns, it illumines the path to further progress towards acceptance and endurance. “How do we take care of ourselves or manage ourselves from being afflicted by this disease?”, there are other practical techniques that can be Apart from this form of introspection, everything if we get affected?”, “How long will helpful in managing one’s thought and this pandemic last?”, “What will be the end of emotional patterns. this?”, “For how long will I be able to dodge or 1. Relaxation onescape and fromso forth, this cause disease?”, tremendous “What willemotional be my There are several ways to relax the body turmoilfuture and due of to my helplessness, near and dear insecurity, ones?”, andworry, so and mind, and each person can choose a
Dr. Latha Satish is a senior psychologist and Technical Advisor at Krishnamacharya Yoga Mandiram, Chennai. [email protected]. Ms. Devi Shah is a psychologist, and Research Associate at Krishnamacharya Yoga Mandiram, Chennai. For e.g., sleeping for 8-9 hours in the night is regarded as a healthy lifestyle practice. However, the same is viewed as detrimental if it is done during the day. Thus, the time and duration of relaxation practice also determine its effectiveness. 2. Planning daily activities suitable method depending on their ease and With isolation, lockdown, masking and convenience. The simplest form is to lie down social distancing becoming the new normal, comfortably with the head placed in a slightly communication and entertainment with friends elevated position, and taking slow and deep and family have become highly restricted. breaths. While breathing smoothly, every muscle of the body starting from the forehead been in great vogue particularly in the last up to the toes, must be kept supple and loose, decade,Although reducing technology the world and socialto a much media smaller have place, it was never sought as a replacement for thoughts arising in the mind during this in-person contact and interactions with near courserelieving must the bodybe treated and mind like ofpassing all tension. clouds Any in and dear ones. However, in the present the sky. circumstances the physical distance and This technique can also be supplemented
June 2021 seclusion can be compensated using the same technology and social media gadgets by sitar, or even the sound of waves. The audio can 20 scheduling regular virtual group meetings with bewith accompanied soft instrumental by visualisations music like of the expansive flute or loved ones, giving a sense of togetherness and natural sceneries like the rising or setting sun, emotional bonding, and alleviating loneliness. For families living under the same roof, this the sandy beach shoring a vast sea/ocean on a situation can be regarded as an ideal beautifulflowers or temperate snowclad mountainsday. Such practicesand rivers can or opportunity to spend quality time with each uplift the mind from mundane preoccupations, other by playing games and singing/listening thus granting relaxation.
The Vedanta Kesari The Vedanta songs together, and to pursue or revive hobbies that had been tucked jogging or brisk walking in a park or along the away, like gardening, Among rigorous practices, dancing, arts and crafts, tailoring Acknowledging and embroidery, baking, freshbeach outlook(whilst maintainingto face the thechallenges norms of of social life. emotions means distancing) can enliven the mood, providing a While engaging in these practices, preferably media can also be used identifying and making them a daily habit, it is crucial to toetc. showcase In fact, the one’s social aptly labelling talents or impart them them and mindfully amend the states of the mind so that the most to others through online observing how they consciously monitor how they influence and appealing practices can be adopted in the best coaching classes or affect the mind possible manner. blogs or YouTube and body. For many people, sleeping is the best form videos, which will of relaxation. However, this type of relaxation enable others to may be considered appropriate if it is timely. constructively manage their spare time as well. For those who feel deprived of going on consequent behaviours and experiences like pilgrimages or attending religious congregations, having crying spells, shunning people, shouting various forms of religious activities can be and overreacting, turning away from duties and conducted from home by setting up chanting responsibilities, etc. Further, the entire groups and inviting friends and companions to physiology itself can be disrupted, manifested participate, writing spiritual notes based on the through palpitations, shortness of breath, discourses and talks attended, or even praying excessive sweating, loss of appetite, indigestion, together with the whole family which can provide a great amount of inner strength and this whole chain reaction may be well understoodinsomnia or byeven most having people, nightmares. they fail toAlthough realise to keep all members of the family united as the that such disturbances that drive the courage to face any difficulties. Further, it serves physiological functions awry tend to together.” compromise the immune system, thereby proverb goes, “A family that prays together stays making a person more aspect of planning is to vulnerable to infections and adhereAnother to a proper important routine, Filtering one’s thought diseases. just like following a process is a crucial step timetable, beginning right one’s thought process is a towards health and wellness. Therefore, filtering from the time of waking up crucial step towards health June 2021 in the morning, exercising and wellness. The common or doing some Yoga, thinking style in the present 21 Pranayama or meditation, self-grooming, scenario is to look down upon oneself as a cooking, eating balanced meals at appropriate victim who has fallen prey to an overpowering intervals, attending classes, spending time with disease. The reason for this type of catastrophic the family, reading or pursuing hobbies, and thinking is a lack of discernment between that also resting. When there is proper scheduling which is controllable and uncontrollable. While of the daily routine, it keeps the day anchored the disease which is an external condition cannot be controlled, our response to it is well PAGE DONOR : SUBRAMANIYABHARATHIYAR R., KANCHEEPURAM R., SUBRAMANIYABHARATHIYAR : DONOR PAGE and also gives a sense of satisfaction of The Vedanta Kesari The Vedanta meaningfully utilising one’s time. Thus, within our control. Once this differentiation is planning and organising are conscientious clear, the overwhelming feelings of fear and activities that reduce distractions in the mind. insecurity will be automatically mitigated. With this background, it would be 3. Altering maladaptive thoughts worthwhile to examine one’s own thoughts Every action begins with a thought. Thus, which will reveal that most of the thoughts a thought is the seed which sprouts into an revolve around the consequences of contracting action. Therefore, bringing about a change in the disease, thus triggering the obvious chain reaction. On the contrary, diverting the thoughts towards ways of contributing in any action requires a modification at the ruminative and pessimistic, they will generate dealing with this crisis would make one feel thought level. If the thoughts are going to be unpleasant emotions like panic, anxiety, grief, more optimistic and empowered. There are irritability, demotivation and loss of
several organizations that serve those who have enthusiasm, which will be reflected in the been afflicted and also those belonging to the underprivileged sections of the society who restoration of your emotional wellbeing and also suffer the side-effects of the situation in the help you unearth your own power of resilience and discover ways to stay healthy. crunches. Thus, one way of extending help is by These care providers may use just a few form of loss of employment and severe financial supporting these organisations either sessions to enable you to come out of this Monetarily or Materially or even by engaging as pandemic related distress. Thus, seeking such M helplines that freely provide this form of anpower (Vitamin 3M), according to one’s help is highly beneficial. There are many capacity and capability (whilst taking all the One such initiative has been undertaken necessary precautions). In this manner, the psychological first aid (PFA). biologicalmental energy activities is towards refined, positivity. which in turn channelizes one’s emotions, deeds and by the Indian Association of Clinical 4. Seeking help Psychologists (IACP) to extend its support to Seeking professional help is a sensible Psychological Support Group” comprising of the general population through the “COVID-19 solution when one feels unequipped to handle trained mental health experts, which aims to their problems. During these times of crisis, provide free telephonic/online counselling, to engulfed with disease and death, it is very normal help people in emotional distress cope better for people to feel anxious and/or depressed. with this crisis.
June 2021 Psychologists and counsellors who are trained to The helpline is called Paramarsh, which listen and empathetically understand your can be reached at 91 804 719 2224, from 22 v v v specific circumstances will facilitate the 9 am – 9 pm. Death This life may end at any moment. No one knows when. Equip yourself for the journey with spiritual treasures. To arrive empty-handed at an unknown place involves much suffering and sorrow. Birth is inevitably followed by death. At death you go to an unknown
The Vedanta Kesari The Vedanta place, so you must prepare yourself for the journey. Always be ready for the great call.” — Swami Brahmananda At the time of death, there is a battle between the prana and an outer force. But do not imagine that they are two different forces. They are like two concentric circles, the bigger one trying to destroy the other. Once when I was at the point of death at Puri, I perceived this distinctly; as if I had one foot outside the door and another inside. I could see both sides. Death is no more terrible when there is no attachment. One must keep out attachment. Al the trouble is due to love being centred on specific objects. — Swami Turiyananda At the time of death, a man loses his wits, he becomes enveloped in a sort of mental darkness. If only once he can utter the name of God at that time, he may be saved as God takes charge of him. Unless one has acquired the habit of constantly thinking of God by long practice, everything becomes confused on account of the pangs of death, and one cannot think of God even once. So, what is necessary is to constantly meditate on Him and pray to Him. — Swami Vijnanananda Pocket Tales
Naren Saves a Performance GITANJALI MURARI A fictional narrative based on incidents from the childhood of Swami Vivekananda.
alidasa’s play Shakuntala has opened at the theatre,” Shibu cried excitedly. “K “Let’s go,” Naren said, and the boys reached just in time for the show. announced the director and a hush fell over the audience. The curtain rose to reveal a forest. As soon as they were seated, the lights dimmed in the hall. “Act one,”
While hunting, King Dushyant spotted the beautiful and innocent Shakuntala. It was love at first sight. The king made a proposal of marriage and the fair maiden shyly June 2021
23 PAGE DONOR : SUBRAMANIYABHARATHIYAR R., KANCHEEPURAM R., SUBRAMANIYABHARATHIYAR : DONOR PAGE The Vedanta Kesari The Vedanta
accepted. The happy couple spent idyllic days at the hermitage, forgetting the rest of the
world. One day, a messenger arrived from the palace. “I must return, my beloved,” thinkingDushyant of told me.” Shakuntala, The king parted “it’s an fromurgent his matter…I dejected shall queen soon and send the fordirector you.” Slippingannounced a gold an intermission.band on her finger, he continued, “Whenever you will look at this ring, I’ll know you’re “The actors are brilliant,” Naren declared, “especially the one playing Dushyant.” “Yes,” agreed Shibu, “his acting is very real.”
The author is a media professional and writer. The Crown of Seven Stars is her first novel. She lives in Mumbai. [email protected] Illustrator: Smt. Lalithaa Thyagarajan. [email protected] rage, Afterhe cursed the interval, her, and the lo andplay behold, proceeded on the with way act to two. the palace, Shakuntala lost her ring. WithoutLost the in thoughtsring, she wasof Dushyant, unable to Shakuntala convince Dushyant failed to attendshe was to his Sage wife. Durvasa. Shedding In a tears, fit of she returned to the forest. The audience heaved a sigh, deeply moved by the queen’s sorrow.
palace.In Ontime, seeing a boy the was ring, born Dushyant to Shakuntala started and up fromshe named his throne, him Bharat. remembering Years rolled his marriage by. One today, Shakuntala. a fisherman With found a cry the of royal anguish, ring inhe the rushed belly to of thea fish forest. and he immediately took it to the
Now came the final act. In the forest, Dushyant was astonished to find a small child pry open the mouth of a lion and count its teeth. “Who are you, O fearless one?” he asked the boy. chargedBefore up theBharat stage. could reply, a loud shout startled everyone in the theatre. “In the name of the law, I command you to stop the performance,” a government official, waving an order, June 2021 he pleaded, “this is the last act…if you could wait—” 24 The actors froze and the director rushed out from the wings, wringing his hands. “Sir,” Dushyant. “This man is a thief! You are under arrest...come with me at once!” “The law doesn’t wait for anyone,” yelled the officer and pounced on the trembling
“How dare you interrupt the performance?” A firm voice rang out clearly in the hall. “TheThe officer boy is spunright,” around. members Naren of the had audience jumped tocried his out,feet, “we’ve eyes flashing. bought “Lettickets the for actors this finish their job, officer…then you can do yours.” The Vedanta Kesari The Vedanta play…get off the stage immediately.”
The officer hesitated, but when the clamour to see the play to its end grew, he quickly left the hall with the warning, “I’ll be waiting outside.” “If it weren’t for you, the play would’ve been ruined,” the director thanked Naren. The“Indeed,” play the resumed, audience and agreed, when “because at last he King spoke Dushyant up, we too reunited found the with courage his Queento face Shakuntalathe officer.” and his son Bharat, everyone cheered and burst into thunderous applause.
Brave, bold men, these are what we want. The brave alone do great things, not the cowards. What we want is vigour in the blood, strength in the nerves, iron muscles and nerves of steel. — Swami Vivekananda PULLOUT FOR REFERENCE Covid Special Issue - 2 Messages from ISSUEISSUE 4010 India's Spiritual General
Swami Vivekananda is India's Spiritual General, exhorting us − inspiring us, to stand up and fight, to transcend difficulties and sufferings, to manifest the highest in ourselves in the worst of moments. In this special issue on Covid, we present eleven of Swami Vivekananda's inspiring messages of strength. Each message of strength gives a way to respond to the extraordinary crisis, that we, individually and collectively, are facing.
01 Recognize the infinite strength within you
… every one of us, All battles begin with a every being, has as recognition of one’s real strengths his own background and weaknesses. If we think of June 2021 such a reservoir of strength, ourselves as mere biological … only these locks, these entities, then even a virus looks 25 bodies, are hindering us from like a mortal enemy. expressing what we really are to the fullest CW.III. 408.1 But, if we think of ourselves as having an infinite reservoir of01 strength, then, we know that we can have the inner resources to fight any battle at multiple levels – physical, emotional, psychological, intellectual, and spiritual. It is then a battle we are likely to win. PAGE DONOR : SUBRAMANIYABHARATHIYAR R., KANCHEEPURAM R., SUBRAMANIYABHARATHIYAR : DONOR PAGE The Vedanta Kesari The Vedanta
02 Always remain fearless We have a place for Fearlessness is the key to us winning the battle struggle in Vedanta, against Covid. but not for fear. All Fearlessness does not mean unscientific and fears vanish when you risky behavior like moving around without masks. begin to assert your own nature CW. V. 286. 5 Fearlessness means not giving way to unfounded fears, or stigmatizing neighbors and acquaintances who have been afflicted.
Designed & Fearlessness means dealing with the ailment patiently developed by and carefully, without giving way to panic reactions, even ILLUMINE if we have to face it in ourselves and those around us. Knowledge Resources ® www.illumine.in 03 Build your immunity
Swami Vivekananda recognized that inner Until the body is in a state strength and resilience determines how we, to admit the germs, until the body is degraded to a both as individuals and as a society, are lower vitality so that the germs may susceptible to external influences – not just enter and thrive and multiply, there is at a physical level, but also intellectually, no power in any germ in the world to culturally, and economically. Therefore, this produce a disease in the body is the time to build immunity and resilience, CW III. 288.2 as an individual, and as a community.
04 A challenge outside is a call to rise from within
The force from the Serve the needy − that is 05 outside evokes the force a great ideal to live for within CW. VIII. 245. 3
June 2021 There is no greater Any crisis is really an opportunity to Dharma than this service 26 grow. of living beings CW. VI. 502.8 The Covid crisis is an opportunity for all of us to strengthen ourselves This is the moment where each of us at a physical level; strengthen our can affirm the Dharma of service. relationships with people around us; This service need not be carried out strengthen our ability to act collectively in some village, or as part of an NGO, for a common cause that has affected
The Vedanta Kesari The Vedanta but to our friends, our relatives, the poor and rich alike; and strengthen members of our community, and to the ourselves as a nation in areas like public at large. quality of our health care system and our state of preparedness to deal with Moreover, it is an opportunity to serve such challenges in future. in so many different ways – through some physical help; through financial We can either react or cope with the help for those who may have lost pandemic that has affected us, or their income; through emotional help transform the situation into creating a for those facing a crisis in their own better tomorrow. family, etc. This need is great, but our collective capacity to serve is far, far, greater. Combine reason with emotion 06 Forget yourself and 07 … let everyone have an infinite think about others amount of heart and feeling, and This is the time where narrow at the same time and infinite thinking and selfishness can cause amount of reason CW.II. 145.2 harm. One example is occupying scarce hospital beds even if you don’t really need it, simply because If Covid affects our family or loved ones, you have some influence and it is natural that we may be emotionally money to do so. Rather, by being affected. unselfish, using scarce resources But if we let emotion rule rather than reason in a measured manner, and helping and science-based actions, we could end those in need in whatever manner up ‘punishing ourselves’. One example is necessary, our own minds will when families insist that doctors prescribe become clearer and stronger, and powerful antibiotics and other drugs, even we are likely to awaken our inner though the scientific evidence doesn’t strengths. support the use of such drugs. Even the least work
Emotionalism without reason is also visible done for others awakens June 2021 when people let go of safe social-distancing the power within; even practices because of their emotional desire thinking the least good of others 27 to be part of a religious congregation, or a gradually instills into the heart the large social function like marriage, etc. strength of a lion CW. V. 382.1
08
PAGE DONOR : A DEVOTEE, VERSOVA, MUMBAI VERSOVA, DEVOTEE, A : DONOR PAGE Don't believe in rumors; and don't spread weakening ideas The Vedanta Kesari The Vedanta
Crises are the breeding grounds for lies, rumors, and tendentious exaggerations. All around us, we experience Tell a child a WhatsApp and other social media messages carrying all lot of ghost kinds of unverified information and stories; news media and stories, and TV channels competing with each other to show horrifying let him go out into the scenes and create panic in users; and friends and relatives street in the evening. turning into overnight doctors based on some cursory There is a little stump readings on the internet or some experiences they have of a tree. What does the heard about. child see? A ghost, with hands stretched out, Swami Vivekananda's message here is clear – these rumors ready to grab him and messages will end up creating unnecessary fear, CW. III.22.2 thereby weakening you – besides, of course, conveying information that could be more harmful than helpful. Don't criticise the efforts 09 Suffering will only make 10 being made by others you stronger
Tremendous efforts are being In suffering is greater strength made by many people to deal than in doing CW. IX. 255.3 with the multiple challenges that have arisen – the oxygen crisis, Many of us have experienced terrible making medicines available, suffering during this crisis. Several have lost treatment of Covid patients, dealing near and dear ones. with the economic backlash on How do we deal with the pain associated people, etc. Government entities, with loss and suffering? Do we allow it private companies, NGOs, to overwhelm us, making us incapable foreign countries, pharmaceutical of fighting? Do we allow it to weaken us, companies and vaccine producers, both physically and emotionally, thereby NRIs, and individual good destroying our resilience? Do we allow it to samaritans are all contributing in make us fatalistic, thereby making us lose their own way. Our role in these both today's battle and tomorrow's war? efforts is to help, encourage, or get out of the way – but not to criticize, Swami Vivekananda reassures us gently – pull down, and continuously raise suffering can strengthen us immeasurably, doubts and objections. endowing us with the fortitude and resilience June 2021 necessary to deal with life on equal terms. It Break not, pull not is our approach to the suffering and pain we anything down, but 28 experience, that is critical. build CW II. 384.3
11 Spread positive thoughts
This is a time for strength, for positivity, for mutual encouragement, and mutual help.
The Vedanta Kesari The Vedanta This is not the time for blaming, finding fault, spreading predictions of doom and destruction for the country, and some of us trying to convince ourselves and others that we Indians can do nothing well, and that we are ever dependent on foreign help. Positive thoughts will give strength to those afflicted by Covid and give them the will to fight; positive thoughts will give strength to those serving Covid patients and energize them to work vigorously; positive thoughts will give the public faith and strength, and will The remedy for weakness boost their mind and body’s intrinsic ability is not brooding over to withstand an ailment; and most important, weakness, but thinking positive thoughts will lift and bless those who of strength... Teach men of the strength that is already within are creating them with optimism and a desire them CW. II. 300.1 to contribute in this situation.
If you have any questions on this issue, do post your queries on www.vivekanandaway.org You can also access previous issues of Vivekananda Way here. Article
The Covid Code from Hanuman SMT UMA MAHESWARI B
uttan could wait no longer for his boy. His mind wandered with K thoughts about his mother, sat perched Ammammaon the window sill (maternal of their home in Thiruvananthapuram. She was stationed at overlookinggrandmother) the driveway, impatiently to reach home. waiting He thewho hospital, was the managing,Head Nurse treating in the KIMSand monitoring Hospital
the way to Chalakkudy to bring her from their pandemic. He was so engrossed in his thoughts oldfor Acchan’sancestral car. home, Acchan where (father) she stayed had drivenalone. Heall thatthe incessanthe did not influx notice of she patients had come during into thehis saw the car turn into the compound, jumped room until she spoke to him. down from the sill and ran out the door to
“So Kuttan … a penny for your thoughts?” June 2021 welcome his grandmother – almost forgetting she said. “I want Amma (mother) to come back herhis masksparkling in his white excitement. sari peep “Acchaa out of… wherethe rear is wanthome. her I worry to be atthat the she hospital is always anymore.” in danger of 29 ammamma ?” Kuttan excitedly asked. He saw catching the virus. What if she falls sick ? I don’t stopped him and said “No Kuttan … let us go in understand that she is extremely good at what door – and ran to welcome her with a hug. She she does.“I know The howhospital you feel.needs But her you now need more to He helped carry her bag inside the house, than ever. She is in a responsible position, and and sanitise first”. and she disappeared into the washroom. Kuttan washed his hands and face and waited of each other.” PAGE DONOR : SRI. R. KRISHNAN, CHENNAI KRISHNAN, R. SRI. : DONOR PAGE for her. Finally, his grandmother came to sit on I’m sure the doctors and nurses will take care Kesari The Vedanta the dining table, and Kuttan promptly plopped himself on her lap. They exchanged details of “But I want her to be safe, I want her to the month’s happenings, she told him about warmcome back,hug, and and said I feel “Do so helplessyou remember !!” he saidthe how lonely it was in Chalakudy, and he regaled bursting into tears. Ammamma gave him a her with funny incidents that transpired in his Do you know that even the strong and brave online school sessions. story of Sri Rama and Hanuman that I told you? Kuttan could not wait to listen to her Kuttan’s eyes grew wide as he wiped his eyes. enthralling stories - their favourite bedtime Hanuman felt helpless and frustrated ?” activity. She would spin tales sending him into “Really ? But he is the strongest – the bravest !!” the world of fantasy and imagination, he would “Yes, his exemplary bravery and he exclaimed. Ammamma smiled. picture himself as the hero, the God, or the poor perseverance is well known. You remember
A recognised Bharatanatyam dancer/teacher with a background in computer science, the author teaches at School of India, Bengaluru, and trains young minds to study their curriculum through Kinaesthetic learning — through dance, movement and music. [email protected] “We see that even the most courageous and skilled intellectuals can be bogged down facedHanuman the fearful flew overdemoness the oceanSimhika, to who Lanka drew in momentarily by despondency. During these himsearch to ofher Sita? by Whilecapturing flying his over shadow. the sea, He he days of extreme despondency, the feeling of defeated her, and the Gandharvas sang this helplessness can be overwhelming. We do not know when the virus will be eradicated, or यस् त्वेानि चत्वरि वानरेन् यथा तव । verseस in्मति hisर्तिर् praise:धतिर्द셍क्यं स कर्सु न सीदति ॥ natural to feel isolated, worried, helpless and lonely.when the But world remember will return — by to remembering normal. It is Hanuman, we can gain the wisdom, the power, whosoever“Do you has know the four what virtues this means of courage, ? They the courage and good health to tide over these vision,sang – intellect, ‘O king amongand skill, all that Vanaras! person Like will younot trying times.” fail in any task.’1 Hanuman was truly powerful, “Do you know, Hanuman has given us the determined and would never take his attention away from his goal.” COVID CODE to overcome this pandemic?” Ammamma asked with a twinkle in her eye. persisted. “But you say he was helpless?” Kuttan “Really …. When ? How?” Kuttan asked. “He has asked us to keep in mind the five
June 2021 Lanka. Once he landed, he wasted no time, and “We need to employ our intellect, and essential requirements to beat this virus: immediately“Yes. Hanuman set out tothen search flew for on Sitaand Devi.reached He identify truth from falsity while assessing safe 30 searched high and low, in homes, buildings, practices and keeping away from endangering towers, courtyards, streets, parks, and ourselves as well as others around us. marketplaces, and yet he could not locate her. We need to develop our strength both He felt so dejected and despondent. He physically with a daily routine of exercises, as despaired that the rakshasas might have slain well as mentally by calming the mind with Her, and was apprehensive as to how he would meditation and connecting with people who respond to the barrage of questions that would make us happy and enrich our interactions.
The Vedanta Kesari The Vedanta be posed by the wise Jambavan, the powerful We have to work on building our courage
would be meted out by King Sugreeva. Angada, and feared the strong punishment that circumstances, we need to remain collected and “He sat down, and didn’t know how to notto facegive in and to panic. tackle the situation. In dire proceed. His mind then realised that this feeling We must focus on our health in order to of helplessness was the root cause of all the escape the disease. Taking nutritious food, questions, doubts and fears that disturbed his maintaining distancing, wearing of the mask, mind.” taking the vaccine are all steps towards achieving this. अनिर핇दः श्यो मूलं मूल अनिर핇दः परं सुखम् । Ammamma then quoted another shloka: We need to think before we speak, अनिर핇दो हि सततं सर्वारषु प्रवर्कः ॥ analyse the outcomes before we say anything which might impact the reasoning and thought wealth. Non-Despondence is the ultimate processes of others around us.” “It means – ‘Self Reliance is the root of all promoter of all meaningful work.’”2 (Continued on page 33...) happiness. Confidence is the perpetual
a gi c, M ira cle s a M nd lve the ystical Twe
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LAKSHMI DEVNATH Roles Reversed The Story of Periaazhvaar (Continued from the previous issue. . .)
t was Poorva who resumed the conversation. “It seems to be a long walk to Srivilliputhur. Do you think you could tell me a story?”
“Of course,” said the Swami. “A very long time ago, there was a place called June 2021 Varaaha Kshethram. Kshethram is a Sanskrit word that means ‘place’ and Varaaha means 31 ‘boar’. It is believed that Lord Vishnu, taking the form of a boar, had rested in this place for some time along with Goddess Mahalakshmi. And that is how this place got its name. Villi andIn this Kandan. place They was were a forest expert called hunters. Shenbaga Aranyam. Shenbaga, or champaka in Sanskrit,IOnce, is the a kind younger of flower, brother, and Kandan,aranyam saw means a tiger ‘forest’. and Inwent the after forest it. lived When two Kandan brothers, did
PAGE DONOR : SRI SRINIVASARAMAN GOVINDARAJAN, CHENNAI GOVINDARAJAN, SRINIVASARAMAN SRI : DONOR PAGE not return, Villi got worried and went looking for him. The search was unsuccessful, and The Vedanta Kesari The Vedanta
informed him that Kandan had fallen prey to the tiger. Villi, exhausted, fell asleep under a tree. In his dream, Lord Vishnu appeared and gently called Kaalanemi, and if Villi dug below the very tree under which he was resting, he would The Lord added that, long ago, He had come to Shenbaga Aranyam to destroy a demon temple and install the deity in it. find a vigraham of Himself in a reclining form. Vishnu further directed Villi to build a
sinceWhen this place Villi wokewas constructed up, he eagerly by setVilli about …” implementing the Lord’s commands. As days went by, in place of the forest arose a puthur, a new city. There he built a huge temple. And
“It came to be called Srivilliputhur!” Poorva completed the sentence. “Swami Thaatha,
all this Thetime author I never is a researcher realized and that writer youwith various were books telling and mearticles the on storyIndian musicof Srivilliputhur. and culture to her You’recredit. really amazing.” [email protected] Illustrator: Smt. Lalithaa Thyagarajan. [email protected] Swami feigned surprise. “And isn’t it a fantastic coincidence that we’re back at Periaazhvaar’s house!” The
It had been a long, exciting day. The sound of music reached Poorva’s ears. Leaving the Swami behind, she ran to the
pleasedoorstep. come She here.” saw Periaazhvaar singing and moving his hands about as though inviting people in. And this made Poorva curious. With a smile, she called out, “Translator Thaatha,
month-old.The Swami He destroyed laughed asa devil he strode in the towards form of aher, cart “Cheeky and sucked girl, herethe life is theout translation:of the brightly ‘O smilingladies with ogress, curly Pootana.’” locks, come here and see the arms of this child, a mere four-or-five- “That’s Krishna’s story,” cried Poorva.
mother of Krishna. His songs convey all his experiences as young Krishna’s mother. The verses“Exactly! start with Periaazhvaar, the birth of in Krishna. a mood of devotion, is imagining himself to be Yashoda, the June 2021 feeding him, teaching him to walk and to clap, singing him lullabies, and as you heard, 32 They go on to describe the Aazhvaar’s joy in bathing baby Krishna, dressing him up, other exploits of Krishna as well.” boastingThe ofSwami him, added,like any “These young songs mother will would. not only The become songs ofpopular Periaazhvaar with devotees describe but many will
also influence poets like Bharathiyaar, the great Tamil bard of the nineteenth century.” Looking at Poorva, the Swami asked, “I’m sure you are familiar with Bharathiyaar’s
The Vedanta Kesari The Vedanta She nodded and the Swami said, “You’ll have several opportunities to listen to many famous song, ‘Theeraadha vilayaattu pillai’?”
moreNot songs venturing of Periaazhvaar. a guess, Poorva After all, merely we are looked going at to him. be here for a while. Incidentally, do you know why Periaazhvaar chose to make garlands as a way of worship?”
“It was because he was inspired by the story of a garland-maker in the ancient city of Mathura.There Listen he visited to this Kamsa’s story. Krishna, garland-maker along with and his asked brother him Balarama, for a garland. went The to the man city was of Mathura to kill Kamsa.
overwhelmed by Krishna’s request, for he recognized Krishna as Lord Vishnu Himself. With folded hands, he said, ‘Yogis and scholars pine for Your darshan. Look at my good fortune decided– You have that blessed he too me would with spend not only his Yourlife making presence garlands but also for by Lord asking Vishnu.” me for a garland.’ Periaazhvaar read about this incident in the famous epic poem, the Bhagavatham, and The Swami turned towards Poorva and said in an urgent voice, “Poorva, do you hear
what I hear?” Poorva looked at him. It was unusual for the Swami to get excited, and all she could ancienthear was Nedumaaran, the Aazhvaar thesinging. sharp, spear-wielding king of the southern Pandyan city of Koodal,“Listen celebrated carefully his to victory’.” this song,” he said. ‘The Lord resides in Maalirumsolai where the He stopped and said, “This Nedumaaran is none other than our own Shrimaara. Such
Poorva could not understand what he was hinting at. She was more interested in references will help later-day historians to arrive at the dates of the Aazhvaars.”
findingShe out looked how manyaround songs for the Periaazhvaar Swami. He waswould walking compose towards in all. the And hut would which all he of hadthem said be wouldon Krishna? be their temporary home.
otherPoorva avataars ran of behind Vishnu him. as well. “Thaatha,” she called out to him, when the answers flashed across her mind: 473 songs, not all of them on Krishna; some of them would be on the June 2021 33 Much as she was used to miracles and mind-reading by now, this left Poorva open- mouthed. Dazed, she walked towards the hut. As she was about to enter it, a bat, hanging upside down, swung itself close to her face and countered, “Didn’t someone say that nothing could astonish her?” and went to sleep. To be continued Stupefied, Poorva staggered towards her bed but lay down unwittingly on the floor ( . . .) PAGE DONOR : SRI BHARATHI SESHADRI, CHENNAI SESHADRI, BHARATHI SRI : DONOR PAGE The Covid Code from Hanuman (Continued from page 30...) Kesari The Vedanta “Of course, that is a wonderful idea. Now
“I have taught you a shloka that also talks relieved as she saw the little boy smile in his rememberof these 5 …” virtues Kuttan – wondered. have I not?” Ammamma sleep,it’s time performing for you heroic to sleep.” acts in Ammamma his dreams, was no asked with a smile. “Which one ? I don’t doubt. Here is the transliterated shloka that “Ok, let me give you a jumble to solve – andunscramble started thewriting letters out and the you jumble. will findKuttan the shloka”. Ammamma took his scribbling pad, Ammamma gave Kuttan. Can you unscramble it? stared at the jumble, and spent the next fifteen DIRBHUD ABLAM HOASY IYAHARDM minutes unscrambling the letters. At the end, ATAYANVMBRHI AOGAARMT he shouted triumphantly “I’ve got it ! DAAAMYJ VKA PTMAVATU AC Ammamma, can I tell Amma about this shloka References: the next time we call her ? It will keep her safe”. TAMUANH MTANASRA ETHABV 1) Valmiki Ramayanam, Sundara Kandam. 5.1:198 2) Valmiki Ramayana 5.12:10 When God Calls Nag Mahashay DR. RUCHIRA MITRA This is the twelth story in the series on devotees who had a role in the divine play of Bhagawan Sri Ramakrishna.
यमेवैष वृणुते तेन लभ्य
It is attainedn by coming him alone to whom know It aboutchooses the (Kathopanishad. From 1.2:23) the beginning, Sri Ramakrishna spiritual eminence of Sri ORamakrishna, a homeopath doctor, along with his friend, went to meet him at Youbestowed have attainedhis love on a very him, lofty“I am state.” very glad Speaking to see aboutyou. It himis for Sri you Ramakrishna that I am here told …. others, Do not “This fear. was sitting in the veranda. On being asked about Dakshineswar. A man with a japamala in hand Sri Ramakrishna, this religious looking man Durgacharan decided to renounce family 1 man is like a blazing fire.” simply said, “He has gone to Chandannagar. life, with Sri Ramakrishna’s permission. But
June 2021 before he could appeal, Sri Ramakrishna told disappointed, they noticed someone from inside him in an ecstatic mood, “What harm is there in Come another day.” As they stood there very 34 the room beckoning them to come in. They eagerly went in, and found that it was none other than Sri Ramakrishna himself! likeremaining the ancient a householder? king Janaka. Only Your keep life willthe bemind an This physician was Durgacharan Nag, who examplefixed upon of God.how Remaina householder in the world should unattached, live.” This
from Deobhog, a remote village in erstwhile East Durgacharan’s humility was peerless. Sri Bengal.later was He revered was bornas Nag in Mahashay. 1846. He He studied hailed prophecy was fulfilled to the letter. Ramakrishna introduced him to Narendranath homeopathy under Dr Beharilal Bhaduri2, a The Vedanta Kesari The Vedanta renowned physician of Kolkata and soon “This man has genuine humility. There is no established a successful homeopathic practice. hypocrisy(later Swami in Vivekananda)it.” Girish Ghosh, with the these illustrious words: However, expectation and fame did not taint dramatist, famously commented on him. When a rich man, being cured of a painful
with money, Durgacharan accepted just his fee makeDurgacharan’s himself smaller humility: and smaller “When until he Maya had ofdisease, Rs. 2. gratefully He could offerednot tolerate him a worldlysilver box talk; filled if atattempted last reduced to trap himself Nag toMahashay, such a degree he began that heto anyone started mundane conversation, he would could easily slip through the holes of her net!” skilfully divert it towards spiritual discussion. His wife Sharatkamini was a vidya stree His practised severe austerity. He stopped dedicated and self-effacing, simply his co- taking salt, sugar and spices to control his pilgrim. Her mind was tuned beyond – pure, the tastebuds. He wore only a plain small dhoti. physical plane, which eased his spiritual pursuit. Seeing his frugal lifestyle, Girish Ghosh
The author is a devotee and researcher on Ramakrishna-Vivekananda literature. Her doctoral thesis was on the life stories of Sri Ramakrishna. [email protected] from the corner of the courtyard in front of his head of his rascal ego so severely that it cannot raisecommented, its hood “Nag anymore.” Mahashay has knocked at the bowed down to it reverentially, sprinkled its house. It became a flowing stream! Durgacharan One day, when Sri Ramakrishna was water on his head, and prayed to Ganga to purify seriously ill with throat cancer, Durgacharan him. Soon the villagers came running, and all came to see him. Sri Ramakrishna told him, could bathe in it. Hearing of this incident, Swami “The doctors have failed. Can you do anything Vivekananda commented, “The wish of a great
moment and resolved to transfer Sri possible. Their infallible willpower can even soul like Nag Mahashay can make the impossible Ramakrishna’sto cure me?” disease Durgacharan to himself. reflected He said, for “Yes, a liberate people.” His reputation as a holy man spread now.” Understanding what he planned to do, Sri across the region and people came to him for RamakrishnaI can cure you. simply By your pushed grace, him I will away. do it right spiritual advice and to enjoy his holy company. Swami Vivekananda once said, “The whole of Durgacharan spent most of his time in Deobhog, East Bengal was blessed because of the birth of managingAfter the Sri household Ramakrishna’s and looking mahasamadhi, after his He frequently used to be in samadhi aged father. He concealed his glowing spirituality Nag Mahashay.” during the last few days of his life. Following Sri Sarada Devi used to cite him to her disciples as Ramakrishna’s advice, he never went on June 2021 anunder epitome a veil of of renunciation great humility. and Even humility. Holy Mother pilgrimage. While on his deathbed, he told Sharatchandra Chakraborty3, “Sri Ramakrishna Swami Turiyananda, one of the direct- 35 has come here to show me the holy places. disciples of Sri Ramakrishna, mentions an Please tell me the names of the pilgrim spots father so that he could have true devotion to incident: “Nag Mahashay asked me to bless his japa etc., and you have seen, and I will visit them one after another.” As Sharat mentioned the name of God. I told him that he was doing visioneach place of it –and Haridwar, vividly describedPrayag, Kashi, what Puri he wasand
PAGE DONOR : SRI SUBRAMANIAN RAMAKRISHNAN, BENGALURU RAMAKRISHNAN, SUBRAMANIAN SRI : DONOR PAGE what else was needed? Nag Mahashay replied, Sagardwip – Nag Mahashay immediately had a Kesari The Vedanta good‘What will is his the japa use of rowing a boat which is anchored? Father is much attached to me. What ill, looked so fresh that it seemed like he had seeing. Nag Mahashay, in spite of being terribly do?’ I said, ‘If he is not to love just taken a bath in the holy Ganga! Sharat understood he was witnessing Sri soa son that like he you,gets whomout of elseattachment he would for love?’ me.’ Oh! He cried out, ‘Don’t say so, don’t say so! Bless him Ramakrishna’s grace on his beloved disciple. mahasamadhi in Once, on an auspicious day, instead of 1899, uttering “grace, grace” and looking What a great man Nag Mahashay was!” staying in Calcutta and having a dip in the Ganga, steadfastlyNag Mahashay at the passed picture into of Sri Ramakrishna! he came to Deobhog. When his father chided him letters in the annals of spiritual history, as he livedNag a life Mahashay’s exactly name as prescribed is written in bygolden Sri for this, Durgacharan replied, “If a man has true Ramakrishna — a householder yogi! devotion, Mother Ganga reveals herself in his house.” And truly, a streamReferences: of water They gushedLived with out God, Swami Chetanananda, pp 227-249 Endnotes: Gospel mentioned in the Gospel Swami Shishya Samvad and 1) A far-off town in Bengal 2) Dr Behari Lal Bhaduri met Sri Ramakrishna: 29-10-85 and is often Sadhu Nag Mahashay . 3) Swami Vivekananda’s householder disciple and author of Reminiscences Lessons from Swamis The Dec 2020 Special Issue of The Vedanta Kesari was on the topic ‘Lessons from Swamis’. New content on this topic is being serialised this year. Swami Omkarananda orn in an affluent family Anangamohan Niyogi grew up as a dear student of Mahendranath Gupta, author of The BGospel of Sri Ramakrishna, in whose school he studied. As a youth he excelled in studies and physical exercises. After completing his MA in Philosophy in 1919, he joined the Order at the Bhubaneswar Math. He received mantra-diksha from Holy Mother Sri Sarada Devi and sannyasa-diksha from Swami Shivanandaji in 1923. Throughout his life he engaged himself in intense work and deep study of scriptures. In 1929, at the young age of 35 he became a Trustee of the Order and served for long as head of Advaita Ashrama, Kashi, and
June 2021 Kakurgachi Yogodhyan. In 1966, he became a Vice-president of the Order and served in that capacity until his mahasamadhi on 8 May 1973. 36 Life-long learning
one day at Kankurgachi. After completing my course at the Belur Math Training Centre, I visited Swami Omkarananda
I: “Maharaj, I have finished my training, so I have come to offer my pranams to you.” The Vedanta Kesari The Vedanta Swami Omkarananda: “Has someone beat you with a shoe?” I: “No.” Swami Omkarananda: “Then your training is not complete. Your ego has not been crushed. You see, our training continues throughout life. ‘As long as I live, so long do I learn.’ Continue to learn always. Is there any end to learning, my boy?” great Ilearner, was very so touched he was ever by his fresh.” words. I have been doing the Master’s work for the last forty-eight years in the West, but I am still a student. Tantine (Josephine Macleod) once said: “Swamiji was a —Swami Chetanananda, Minister-in-Charge, Vedanta Society of St. Louis, USA
Swami Vandananada . A. Narayan Iyengar, born in 1915 in Bengaluru, was the grandson of Sri Narayana Iyengar a disciple of Holy Mother Sarada Devi who later took sannyasa and came to be known as Swami Srivasananda. After graduating from Madras University, Narayan followed his grandfather and joined the Ramakrishna Order at Mayavati
M Ashrama in 1938. He received his mantra-diksha from Swami Vijnananandaji and later sannyasa-diksha from Swami Virajanandaji in 1947. He was named Swami Vandanananda. He served the Order in various capacities including as Editor, Prabuddha Bharata, and General Secretary of the Order from 1979 to 1985. He attained mahasamadhi in 2007 aged 91.
Alertness in spiritual life
was toI joined receive the donations Order at Belurand to Math acknowledge and my first them. posting Swami was Vandananandaji at the Head Quarters asked Office me to in draft Belur a Math. Swami Vandananandaji was then the General Secretary of the Ramakrishna Order. My work
Covering Letter to be sent along with the receipt. I drafted it and showed it to him. While ending the letter I had written, “We pray to Sri Ramakrishna to shower his blessings on you all.” Seeing that line he said, “You see you have written ‘We pray’. Neither you nor I pray to Sri
Ramakrishna for all the donors; then how can you write that. That will be an untruth. If you write June 2021 —Swami Shrikantananda, Adhyaksha, Ramakrishna Math, Pune like that then you must pray first and then write. Otherwise just say, ‘With best wishes’. That’s all.” 37 Swami Trayambakananda hakti received his mantra-diksha from Holy Mother Sri Sarada Devi and joined the Ramakrishna Order in 1917. He received the sannyasa-diksha from Swami SSaradanandaji in 1923. He served as pujari in Belur Math, Udbodhan, Mumbai, Mysuru and Colombo centres and passed away in Kankhal Sevashrama in 1978 aged 81. PAGE DONOR : SRI VASANTHA DHANYA, KOTESHWARA, UDUPI DIST. UDUPI KOTESHWARA, DHANYA, VASANTHA SRI : DONOR PAGE
Spiritual progress Kesari The Vedanta
the hallmark of the Swami. Once he told me about a question he had asked Swami Saradanandaji and hisSwami answer. Tryambakananda (Shakti Maharaj) was living in Kankhal. A childlike simplicity was
“I was living in Udbodhan at that time, not long after my joining the Order. One day I asked Swami Saradananda, ‘Maharaj, I am not making any spiritual progress, I think I am wasting time.’” Sharat Maharaj listened patiently and replied, “With what intention did you leave home and join the Order?” I replied, “I was not particularly interested in God realisation. I did not like samsara notand likehence this left samsara home.” also, Sharat and Maharaj want only said, Sri “I Thakur. see. You Then did not you like can samsara see your and own left progress. home. You will see that you will be creating another samsara within the Sangha. A day will come when you will — Sri Raghu Raman, Australia Questions & Answers
QUESTION:
After seeing the Visvarupa (Cosmic Form) of Krishna, why did Arjuna find it impossible to Pariprasna MAHARAJ: The answer is given in the Gita itself. stand it and wanted to see Krishna’s ordinary form only? he witnessed the whole cosmic process of creation, preservationArjuna was overawed and destruction; to see the eternity cosmic in Form all its in phases which of past, present and future, in one instant of insight. His mind was not then prepared to have that all-embracing Srimat Swami Tapasyananda Ji (1904 – vision. So he prayed for that higher insight to be 1991) was one of the Vice-Presidents of withdrawn and wished to be allowed to have his the Ramakrishna Order. His deeply ordinary consciousness, in which he saw Krishna along convincing answers to devotees’ with other things of the mundane plane. questions raised in spiritual retreats and There is a great lesson conveyed through this. in personal letters have been published There are many spiritual aspirants who are in a great in book form as Spiritual Quest: hurry for spiritual experiences. But they forget that Questions & Answers. Pariprasna is a unless one has the capacity to contain these experiences, selection from this book. it is better that they are withheld, as indeed it is done in the dispensation of the wise Providence. June 2021 Technically it is said that one must become more and more Sattvika if these experiences are to be harmoniously integrated with one’s consciousness. To be Sattvika means to develop the capacity and 38 quality of the nervous system and the brain to stand the impact of these experiences. To take an
burnt up. So also our nervous system, which has been made by nature to stand the ordinary natural experiencesexample, an ofelectric life, will bulb be thatput to is unduemade tostrain stand when current higher at 250experiences volts cannot crowd take on it500 in itsvolts. unprepared, It will be natural condition, that is, before it has gradually become more and more Sattvika.
The Vedanta Kesari The Vedanta WhenIn Sri the Ramakrishna life of Sri Ramakrishna was about to we induce come theacross experience several devoteesof the Nirvikalpa who reacted state inin ano manner less a similar to Arjuna when the Great Master brought on them higher experiences by an act of his will.
person than Narendra (as Swami Vivekananda was known in his early days), the Swami reacted in great fright, even like Arjuna. In the case of some other devotees of the Master too, the same inebriation.unpreparedness But within to stand a few higher days experiences of his experiencing was evinced it, he whenprayed the that Master he might induced be restored in them to such his oldexperiences state. Hriday, by anSri actRamakrishna’s of will. Mathur constant Babu attendant, wanted also to have wanted the very state much of Bhava, the experience devotional of Bhava Samadhi, but not being able to contain it, was soon praying to be restored to his original
Vaikuntha Nath Sanyal whose experiences are recorded in Sri Ramakrishna, the Great Master. He, state. Among those devotees who attained to Bhava Samadhi on the Kalpataru day was one named
containedtoo, unable, and to containabsorbed the in mood harmony had towith pray one’s to the earthly Master consciousness to put him again only intowhen his men ordinary have consciousness. All these show that spiritual moods and experiences of an exalted type can be could not stand the experience of the cosmic Form of the Lord and preferred to experience His humandeveloped form. a highly Sattvika nature. From these recent examples we can understand why Arjuna Article
On the Wings of Death SWAMI SHUDDHABODHANANDA SARASWATI
Birth and death from dream to the waking, the jiva goes from Birth and death are the two unavoidable this body to another loka 3 painful events in everyone’s life. Though the The jiva leaves behind all that is done and (field of experience). birth of a child may be rejoiced by the relatives, experienced in the dream there itself and it is certainly painful to the newly arriving enters the waking state. Similarly, leaving behind everything done and gained in this newly born child. Everyone enters this world world, the jiva goes to another loka. entity. It is clear from the invariable crying of a can be taken from this. People earn punya to go to heavenly lokas hereafter, but none A lessonearns with a confirmed irrevocable return ticket to papa, sin, to go to hell. Sinful actions are returndepart tickets.from here. Only Itthe is solaceirrevocable is that becausethe return it indulged in to amass quicker gains here in this cannot be cancelled unlike other confirmed date is not disclosed by Parameshvara. loka. June 2021 Otherwise the person will be jeevanmrita, dead but the papa travels with the jiva to another even while living! Such a departure of the loka. AllTherefore, such things a viveki, obtained a wise remain man, here should only, 39 individual entity jiva leaving behind the desist from sinful deeds. The departure of the jiva from the present time the subtle body of the individual embodiment is best illustrated by a heavily accompaniedpresent physical by abody few otheris called necessary death. Atfactors that loaded cart starting its journey on a village departs and travels to the next body and enters rugged road.4 it. Such an entry is the new birth of that jiva. PAGE DONOR : DR. HARISH B. NAIK, MANGALURU NAIK, B. HARISH DR. : DONOR PAGE The Brihadaranyakopanishad, Jyotirbrahmana, making noises A becausecart loaded of the with heavy many weight. things Kesari The Vedanta and Saareerakabrahmana1 describe in detail Similarly,driven by the a sentient vijnanamaya entity jiva (say a bull) goes this transmigration. The Chhandogyopanishad2 also describes it. This is to inculcate vairagya present physical body inhabited or(i.e., illumined the entity by in the mind of a mumuksu by highlighting the theendowed self-luminous with the subtle chaitanya, body) departsabiding inwith the unavoidable pain involved in the birth and expiration making sounds of groaning, hiccup death. etc. While on the verge of death People who shift their residence from one The Upanishad gives the illustration of a place to the other, transport their goods to the atma from the dream state to the waking to describe new one. In olden days, a cart was the vehicle. paralokagamanajiva ( endowed, transmigration. with ignorance) Like returning going goods of karmaphalas, upasanaphalas and At death the subtle body overloaded with the The author is a senior Vedantic Acharya teaching Prasthanatrayi with Bhashya and Prakarana granthas including Yog Vasishta in English for more than four decades. His writings are available at https://rubhuvasishtha.wordpress.com/ [email protected] vaasanas is the cart. While waking from the sorrow befalls the person who is on the verge dream, the things of dream are left behind but of death when the vital parts of the body are their samskaras or impressions are brought being extracted by the prana, vital air in the into the waking state. Similarly, while leaving form of udana-vayu. the existing body, the home, wealth, properties subtle body from the gross one. From the are left behind whereas the load of their groaning, hiccup, etc., Its of function a dying is person to eject it the is vaasanas accompanies further. Vaasanas, very clear that the process of death is an karmaphalas and upasanaphalas serve as the prompting factor of transmigration. The cart is some tinsels of joy accompanied by more directed by its cartman to the destination. So agonising state. So is the birth. In between also the self-luminous of transmigration, one’s sorrows may be available.sense of In commerce this repeated has cycleto be leads the jiva to its next The departure of the destinedchaitanya body. (Paramatma) jiva from the present embodiment is best pleasuresused to at find the outcost of if purchasing of paltry fleeting Such an entity cannot have illustrated by a heavily enormous sorrows is departureAtma or is all-pervasive.arrival. How loaded cart starting its the majority and drift along can atma leave a body and journey on a village thejustifiable. sense pleasures It is easy coveted to ape
June 2021 rugged road. reality atma cannot travel. by the masses. But it needs take to another one? Yes, in 40 But it appears as though endowed with upadhi transient and sorrowful state of samsara in its courage to find out the (upadhi). right perspective. Only a rare few can do it. after its reflection in it When the body gets emaciated by disease5 It is similar to the reflection or or old age the subtle body is thrown away from upadhiappearance on its of own. the sunWhen in aa water-vesselvessel etc., filled moves, up all limbs like a fruit from its stalk. The with water. Atma has no connection with the Brihadaranyaka Upanishad gives the example appearance as if the sun moves. Similarly, when of three types of fruits.6 The Vedanta Kesari The Vedanta the subtle movement body of separated reflection from in it the gives gross a false one can fall when struck by a stick. So also a healthy travels, chidabhasa atma- person can die on account A mangoof being even struck if raw by chaitanya) in it moves. This is mistaken as the travel of atma. When the (reflection person was ofalive, it is oudumbara the chidabhasa in his subtle body that keeps sinceweapons its bond etc. The with second the stalk is that gets of aloosened. wild fig Similarly,(called old age naturally). It falls naturallyloosens the when bond ripe, of subtle body with the gross one resulting in thathim sentient.gross body At stops.death, This the subtleis what body lay peopleleaves death. The fruit of ashvattha pippala the gross one. As a result, the chidabhasa in there is no travel or arrival for the ever all- impact of a strong wind. Likewise, ( a person) tree can is pervasivedescribe asatma atma. leaving the body. In reality diethe on third account example. of being Its fruits struck fall by even lightning, by the Here is a piece of information which all earthquake, cyclone, tidal waves etc. are supposed to know, and remembering which The route adopted by the jiva or the should develop vairagya, subtle body while departing from the gross
dispassion. A great body after getting separated from the vital or jiva travels parts is described by the Sruti as pratinyaayam endowed with the upadhi of prana. The word pranaAfter the death, atma having emerged from its place in the heart indriyas or senses also because they subsist on during(through the the sleep reverse gains routethe waking of entry). state Thethrough jiva prana. literally means vital airs. It is used for the route of naadis, nerves. But at the time of entire subtle body. The ignorant person on the death, it goes back in the heart in the reverse verge of But death, here having the word got intense prana signifiesweakness the in order through the route of nerves. Unlike such the body becomes unconscious as it were. Then movements earlier to travel from one state of the senses such as eyes etc., reach that entity, consciousness to one of the other two, the i.e., jiva in hridayam, heart, in the sense buddhi present entry in the heart through the nerves is only to proceed further to the next body after atma conditioned by buddhi (vijnanamayah Theabiding eyes therein. etc., indicate It is well-known all sense organs, that the organs jiva is antahkarana) is described of actions, besides faculties of thinking and). asdeath. praanaaya The purpose eva which of such means final entryto sustain of jiva the in the heart (theprana seat of the waking state are stationed in their it is going to take birth.7 respectiveknowing. All places these and along are with actively vital engagedairs during in vital airs ( ) in the next gross body where new body for undergoing bhoga (enjoying and spreads its their functions. This is described as if a fishnet June 2021 It is wellbhogya known that the jiva takes the net to catch the sense objects and accomplish is operated to catch the fish. The jiva jiva on the verge of dying is 41 obviouslysuffering) weak.of Such (objects an entity of unable enjoyment to work or being withdrawn totally into one’s buddhi or actions. At the time of death, the network is cannotsuffering). procure The objects of pleasure and subtle body to take with oneself to the next suffering for which purpose the new body is body. being assumed. There is no room for such a The faculties of perception, action and doubt. The karmaphalas of the departing jiva thinking etc., operating through their acquire the objects of experience beforehand. corresponding organs and others derive their The Sruti i.e., the Vedas, give an illustration of a powers to function from their presiding deities PAGE DONOR : SRI MOHAN AGADKAR, HYDERABAD AGADKAR, MOHAN SRI : DONOR PAGE king. Suppose a king is on his way to visit a Kesari The Vedanta enable their counterparts in the body to village-leaders etc., who are hired servants of functionsuch as the by sun, lending moon, the Indra required etc. These powers deities to particular place in his kingdom. The officers, them. This phenomenon is regulated by the his arrival by keeping food, drinks and prarabdha-karmas of jivas. Once that is over, the accommodationthe king and receive etc., benefits ready. from Similarly, him, wait the for body that was useful for bhoga parents and the other relatives of the newly body is on the verge of being dropped, (enjoyment these or interesting to note that the Sruti refers to the powerssuffering) in isthe no organs more so.etc., As return a result, and when merge this in newarriving entity child to wait be bornwith itsas requirements.Brahman only It tois their main deities. The perception, actions and remind us that the jiva is nothing but Brahman thinking etc., in the dying body stops, though in reality. Only due to ignorance and indriyas consequent upadhis, Brahman appears as a electrical gadgets stopping their functions sansari jiva. when the etc., power are supplystill with is cut the off jiva. .8 For It is example, like the the sun, the presiding deity of eyes, who used again the to favour the eyes earlier while living for the vijnana sake of bhoga, abandons them at the time of impartedImmediately to reach after thethe departure, destined loka. once9 necessary knowledge (called ) is The Sruti does not give all these details belonging to (adityamsha) abiding in the eyes for people to chalk out their travel plan by death. As a result, the ocular power aspect leaves them and merges in its source of the sun. choosing the desired body and the loka. The Then the jiva is unable to see the form. This is entity on the verge of death is almost unconscious. There is no free will at that time. of action. This is a universally known fact. These both types of knowledge are true for all functionaries – sense-organs, organs People say that this dying person does not see, programmed by the results of the individual’s karmas and upasanas in these faculties become one accordance with the laws of hear etc. At that time all with the subtle body. If you directly know atma . The Sruti cautions Actual take off by the jiva during this sojourn on earth, all to be careful and Ishvara The dying person is it is well done. If not, great selective now itself as not conscious of anything calamity (of transmigration) directed by the scriptures from the external world. awaits you. while deciding what to do Then how can that jiva upasanas June 2021 know about its future body and think repeatedly (i.e., to take off from here and reach the next karmas etc., determine our future. Either we ). The present 42 Ishvara by attain the direct self-knowledge forever, never prarabdha karma there is a glow of cognition at destination? According to the laws of jnana and vairagya. The Kenopanishad warns to return or at least pray to Ishvara sincerely for about the future body and loka by the projectionthe tip of specific of vasanas. nerve This which phenomenon gives it a clue is everyone: If you directly know atma during this10 called pradyota, sojourn on earth, it is well done. If not, great seeing the dream world though totally unaware Therefore, we should not be complacent with light. It is like the dreamer thecalamity smoothly (of transmigration)running life. The awaits Sruti warns you. The Vedanta Kesari The Vedanta of one’s waking state. Guided by such direction because these topics are beyond the purview of takes off from the present one. The gate of exit fromthe jiva this having body isidentified determined with by the the future lokas bodyto be apourusheya human intellect on their own (i.e., reached. Higher lokas are reached through the The entities). that accompany Jiva brahma-randhra, aperture in the head like the The Sruti further adds that the result of vidya (upasana) and karma besides the lokas, the other parts in body are used as a way eyes, and ears as the case may be. As for other samskaras, impressions in the antahkarana in the form of vasanas called purvaprajnaa Thus the jiva gets pradyota just before accompany the jiva travelling to the next loka.11 departingof exit. It is and determined departs byalong one’s with karmaphalas. the main These three serve as the cause of the future savijnana immediately after the departure. Pradyota pranas and the senses. It becomes Vidya birth and bhogya (objects of enjoyment and from which particular nerve to depart. (the upasana nd karma include both vihita, knowledge of the next body) is given to tell suffering) etc., available therein. ( ) a enjoined and nishiddha, forbidden. Vidya The travelling subtle body of the jiva coupled
body. Then karma serves as the cause of decides the specific types (species) of the next elementswith vidya is (upasana), like the seed, karma whereas and purvaprajna the sperm purvaprajnaa manages or carries out the two etc.,(vasanas) are necessarycovered bysupplementary the constituent factors gross for five it proficient or deficient features of that body. But among them because that alone is capable of The soil, manure, water, sunlight etc., are carrying– vidya and out karma. the Purvaprajnaa other two. isTherefore, prominent necessary.to grow. It isBut like the a seed seed growing is the originalinto a big locus. tree. importance should be given to develop good The reason why the Sruti gives the illustration vasanas or samskaras. Five gross elements that of a goldsmith is because he uses the same gold go into the constitution of the future body also that constituted the old ornament to make the accompany. elements of previous body go into the How does the jiva reach the next body? constitutionnew one. Here of also new a portionone. When of the the gross earlier five ornament is melted, its shape gets destroyed. takes the support of the next straw and then A leech having reached the tip of a straw only withdraws its remaining part from the the old shape is left behind as a corpse. The previous one. So does the jiva. The Sruti says spermThen a andnew ovum shape of is parents given. In cast the the case shape of jiva, of very clearly that like a leech, atma or the jiva
bhutamsha June 2021 Thenew actualbody. Thebody portion is in the of fiveplace gross of ornament. elements theleaves sense the earlierthat it bodyknows only it afteras depicted fixing the by next the ( ) of earlier body represent the gold. 43 one accurately. It remembers the next body in Thus the subtle body covered by bhutamsha vasanas that reveal the next body. travels to take the next body. The The material cause of the future body transmigration is not only revealed by the Sruti, The Sruti describes the material cause of but also discussed and established accordingly the future body with an illustration of a in the Brahmasutras, Tadantarapratipatti 13 goldsmith.12 The goldsmith makes new adhikarana. One thing is certain that the topic
PAGE DONOR : SMT. H.S. ASHA, VELLORE ASHA, H.S. SMT. : DONOR PAGE ornaments by melting the earlier one. The basic The Vedanta Kesari The Vedanta material gold is the same for both the earlier by the common masses. One has to depend on of transmigration is objectively non-verifiable and the present ornament though their forms the Vedas which are the highest means of pramana, knowledge, in the case of panchikrita apourusheya, i.e., things beyond the purview of earlierare different. body aloneAs for servethe new as thebody seed, of the though jiva the it human intellect. gross ( ) five elements used for the has further growth by other conducive factors. Transmigrating from lower heavens The travelling subtle body is covered by the The mode of transmigration described so far is a mode of jiva taking to the next body earlier body. They are minute because of being veryportions little ofin measure grossified and five so elementsare not visible. from The the Chandogyopanisad another mode of departure isabandoning described in the the existingcase of the human inhabitants one. Inof further nourished by the sperm of the virya, heaven procured by the route called pitryana or father,new body the created ovum by those of the five mother elements besides is shonita, dhuma marga or daksinayana marga all nourishing factors such as food, drink etc. . (southern solstice) As usual, the entity that travels is the subtle body endowed with karmaphalas etc., born in thousands of many and varied species, elements. While descending down to earth it expressed in its soliloquy as it were. ‘Being getscovered united by constituentsuccessively portionwith akasa of five gross wives, wealth, kinsmen etc., in crores. With the vayu dhuma abhra I have experienced relation with children, megha (space), including (air), corns. The(vapour), exit from the vegetation(non-raining to wretchedsole purpose one of never fostering thought the family, of Paramesvara zealously I aclouds), womb through (raining the sperm clouds) of anda male vegetation is very earned wealth by means fair or foul. Me the 14 consequences by getting subjected to great sorrows(Visnu) evenin this in womb. the dream. Taking Now the I suffertransient its difficult being dreaded with only rare chances. body as permanent and being carried away by becomeThe rain similarmay fall to on that. the oceanThe space, also. Inair, this vapour, case clouds,those jivas vegetation when swallowedetc., are only by the fish carriers etc., will of prohibited deeds, but never took to my true these jivas who are in a condition of a swoon as welfare.insatiable Thus thirst having for sense-pleasure, suffered in manifold I did many ways it were. They do not undergo the suffering even while falling from heaven or when the corns or vegetables are pounded, cut, boiled, eaten etc. on account of karmas, I am awaiting now the These jivas who have come through the earlier alltime the when time.’ I16 shallThis way get outof thinking from this continues hellish mentioned carriers get the next body without womb. Thereafter, I will worship Paramesvara June 2021 the prior knowledge of the next body. Those and is born. But after birth, the earlier decision jivas who are not entitled for heavens either by isuntil forgotten the jiva and faces the finally same oldthe gamedelivery of samsara trauma 44 devayana (arcimarga or uttarayana marga) or continues in full swing. The above portion from pitryana and whose karmas are very bad, Adhyatma Ramayana also describes the directly get bodies of vegetation etc., and go to anatomical development of the human fetus next body after exhausting that karma. They get day by day, week by week and month by month. the knowledge of future birth and the rule of jaluka Suicide and Euthanasia go to Brahmaloka through devayana path do It is well-known that Vedavyasa is its author.
The Vedanta Kesari The Vedanta The mode of death also reveals the danger not return(leech) in thisapplies kalpa. to them.The others Those whojivas havewho gone to lower heavens by pitryana take to their that is inevitably present in committing the future bodies according to the remaining good ending the life solves one’s grave problem that or bad karmas. The rest of the varieties who do suicide. A jiva committing suicide thinks that not belong to these two categories get cannot be remedied otherwise. Though this appears to be so on its face value, it results in with repeated births and deaths. an intensely torturous condition for that jiva. subjected to insignificant bodies 15of insects etc., the normal death when the earlier prarabdha The plight of the fetus in the womb ends naturally, the jiva on the verge of dying In The new body of the human species gets the knowledge of the future body and the comes to the experiential level of full previous body is left like a leech taking support of the next body. This is as per the laws of the mother’s womb. Remembering its past lives consciousness on becoming five months old in person commits suicide, the prarabdha of that by the heat of the womb it decides as follows as bodyIshwara is not since over. the The new next body body is is ready. not yet When ready. a including the deeds therein and being afflicted There cannot be knowledge about the new is advisable to safeguard one’s interest right body. The leech method of leaving the earlier now while living by setting the right values, the body is not possible. The existing physical body goal of life and conduct. Refusal to accept any has already ended. But there is no new body. universal law or not knowing it cannot be a The subtle body of such a jiva is fully active with pangs of hunger, thirst etc. But they cannot follow them and safeguard your interest. Even asolution. peasant Itcannot is like plead the ignorance laws of a of country. laws of Youthe country in any court of law. The Vedas speak of thebe satiated earlier tenement for want withoutof physical arranging body. It another is said to be a very torturous state. It is like vacating one, only to throw oneself on the footpath. ultimate truth unfolded in the Upanishads, From the foregoing discussion it should be both verifiable and non-verifiable topics. The clear that euthanasia also leads to a similar results here, the prediction of eclipses with suffering because the next body is not ready for utmostefficacy precision of certain without sacrifices any meantmodern for gadgets some the departing jiva. Epilogue the Vedas can be inferred in the case of non- are verifiable. Based on this, the correctness of ourselves is left to our unbiased approach. It is in the interest of all humans to know verifiable subject also. Thus to make or mar what is death and what is in store thereafter. It
References June 2021 Kenopanishad Brihadaranyakopanishad. 45 1) 4-3:34 to 4-4:6 10) . 25 Brihadaranyakopanishad. Ibid. 2) 5:10 11) 4-4:2 Ibid. 3) 4-3:34 12) 4-4:4 Kathopanishad Chandogyopanishad. 4) 4-3:35 13) 3-1-1 to 7 Brihadaranyakopanishad. Ibid. 5) . 2-1:1 14) 5-10:5 and 6 Ibid. Brahmandpurana, Uttara khanda, Adhyatma 6) 4-3:36 15 5-10:8 Ibid. Ramayana, Kiskindha Kanda, 7) 4-3:36 16) Ibid. PAGE DONOR : SRI V. GANESH, TRICHY GANESH, V. SRI : DONOR PAGE
8) 4-4:1 8:21 to 39 Kesari The Vedanta 9) 4-4:2 THE COVID CODE FROM HANUMAN SOLUTION बुद्धिर्लं यशो धैर्यं निर्यत्픂 अरोगता । अजा蕍य वाक्टुत्픂 च हनुमत् स्रणाद्भवेत् buddhir balam yasho dhairyam nirbhayatvam arogata ajadyam vakpatutvam ca hanumat smaranaat bhavet || buddhi – intelligence, balam – strength, yash – fame, dhairyam – courage, nirbhayatvam – fearlessness, arogataam – disease-free health, ajadyam – briskness, vak patutvam ca – and articulateness of speech, bhavet - will all last forever, smaranat -if you meditate, Hanumat - on Lord Hanuman at all times. The meaning is: “By remembering Sri Hanuman, we can gain intellect (wisdom), strength (power), fame (glory), courage, fearlessness, good health, briskness (activeness, agility) and eloquence (talent of speech, oratory skills). The Order on the March News & Notes from Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission In response to the rampant spread of Covid-19 infections in recent weeks, the Belur Math campus has been closed to devotees and visitors from 22 April. A decision on reopening the campus will be taken after assessing the pandemic situation in the coming months. Sri Dharmendra Pradhan, Union Minister for Petroleum & Natural Gas and Steel, visited Belur Math on 24 April.
June 2021 Values Education and Youth Programmes Vivekananda Institute of Human Excellence, Ramakrishna Math, Hyderabad, is an institute that is 46 imparting Swami Vivekananda’s man-making ideas to students, professionals, and the general public for the last 20 years. From January to April 2021 the institute conducted 61 half-a-day to six days’ online courses under 15 broad topics in which 13,396 people participated. Delhi centre conducted 21 workshops on values education in which 1584 teachers and parents participated. Covid-19 Relief Delhi centre, in April, distributed 125 LED projectors among as many Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya schools to enable them to provide online education. Sinthi centre in Kolkata, Bagerhat centre in Bangladesh, PAGE DONOR : SRI UMA MAHESHWAR KIRAN ATI, OSHAWA ATI, KIRAN MAHESHWAR UMA SRI : DONOR PAGE The Vedanta Kesari The Vedanta Durban and Phoenix centres in South Africa distributed groceries and grains among the needy. Fire Relief In a devastating fire at an interior village of Arunachal Preadesh 115 houses were burnt down. Narottam Nagar centre provided food grains, groceries, and utensils to the affected families. Karimganj centre in Assam and Thanjavur centre in Tamil Nadu provided food grains and garments to one and 40 families respectively whose houses were burnt down. Bhubaneswar centre installed a pump set in a village in Bhadrak district where many house were destroyed in a fire accident. Distress Relief Eight centres in India distributed 930 saris, 1051 shirts, 1857 trousers, 1152 sweaters/jackets, 1300 blankets, etc among the needy people. RAMAKRISHNA MATH, UTTARKASHI Ganganagar, P.O. Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand, 249193 Mobile: 9447051231; Email: [email protected]
Offering to Bhagavan Sri Ramakrishna: An Appeal Dear Devotees & Friends, Ramakrishna Math & Mission, Belur Math declared open a Math centre at Uttarkashi, an ancient holy town in the Garhwal Himalayas on 20th Oct 2017. There was already an Ashrama on a small piece of land, named “Ramakrishna Kutir” since 1963, maintained directly by Belur Math, where sadhus of our Order used to stay for intense Tapasya in the traditional monastic way, begging food from outside and living a simple austere life. The same tradition continues till date. Monks and brahmacharins of the Ramakrishna Order regularly visit this Ashrama in great numbers on their pilgrimage to the Chardham- Kedarnath, Badrinath, Gangotri & Yamonotri. In view of expanding Swami Vivekananda’s ideal of service and spirituality among the
masses we plan to purchase some land around Harsil Valley, near Gangotri. Along with June 2021 retreat centres for sadhus and devotees, some welfare activities for the benefit of the poor and underprivileged will be taken up after acquiring and developing the land. 47 A sum of Rs. 2 crores is estimated to set up and develop the additional unit of the Uttarkashi Math. We request our friends and devotees, trusts and corporate bodies to contribute liberally to complete this project of welfare and spirituality at the earliest. Donations can be made by NEFT/RTGS to the account given below: A/C Name : Ramakrishna Math, Uttarkashi
Bank Name : Union Bank of India Kesari The Vedanta Branch Name : Uttarkashi Branch A/C No. : 601802010006696 IFSC : UBIN0560189 Kindly mention the purpose- “Donation for purchase of land and development of the Math”, the PAN and full address of the donor by email to [email protected] or SMS to 9447051231. Donations towards our Math is exempted from IT under 80G Act. May Sri Ramakrishna, Ma Sarada, Swami Vivekananda bless you all. Yours in the Lord, Swami Amaleshananda Adhyaksha SRI RAMAKRISHNA MATH Reserve Line, New Natham Road, Madurai 625 014. Tamil Nadu Phone: 0452- 4225613; Mob: 7010444456 Email:[email protected]; Visit:www.rkmmadurai.org APPEAL FOR FREE DISPENSARY We pray that Sri Ramakrishna and Madurai Sri Meenakshi-Sundareswara Shiva bestow THEIR blessings on you all. Our earnest appeal to Devotees, well-wishers, and the public to extend a helping hand for our Free Dispensary Services. Sri Ramakrishna Math, Madurai is rendering the following services for the past 30 years: 1) Spiritual services, 2) Free Dispensary, 3) Free Tuition Centre, 4) Poor Feeding, 5) Free Eyecare camps, 6) General Medical camps and 7) Sarada Vidyalaya School. Free Medical Services in the following special fields are rendered free of cost to all the patients without any discrimination of gender, caste, and creed. 1) Allopathy, 2) Skincare, 3) Homeopathy, 4) Acupuncture, 5) Acupressure, 6) Physiotherapy. These free services include Doctor consultation, Sugar level tests, and June 2021 Medicines. 48 On all weekdays the Homeopathy Department is open between 10.00 am and 1.00 pm and the Allopathy Department is open between 5.00 pm and 8.00 pm. On an average 100 patients are benefitting daily. Free Eyecare camps: Every third Sunday a Free Eye camp is conducted. This is going on for the past 7 years. Nearly 13,000 patients have benefitted and 2450 underwent cataract operation free of cost. Our Earnest Appeal: The number of patients is increasing day by day. Consequently,
The Vedanta Kesari The Vedanta the expenses on medicines are also increasing. So far, we don’t have a separate fund for our dispensary. At present, we incur an expenditure of nearly Rs.2,50,000 per month and Rs.30, 00,000 per annum exclusively for the purchase of medicines. So, we request you to donate liberally towards this noble cause either for Recurring Expenditure or as an Endowment. Donations may be sent by Cheque/DD in favour of “Sri Ramakrishna Math”. The bank details for Online payment are: Account Name: Ramakrishna Math; Bank: Tamilnad Mercantile Bank, Branch: Thallakuluam, Madurai 625002; IFSC code: TMBL0000163; SB A/C No.1631 0005 0308 739. After Online payment please intimate us by email or through mobile, your address, mobile number, and PAN number. Yours in the Service of the Lord Swami Kamalatmananda Adhyaksha June 2021
49 The Vedanta Kesari The Vedanta June 2021
50 The Vedanta Kesari The Vedanta 51 Vol.108. No.6 The Vedanta Kesari (English Monthly) June 2021. Regd. 52 with the Registrar of Newspapers for India under No.1084 / 1957. Postal registration number: TN / CH (C) / 190 / 2021-2023. Licensed to Post without prepayment TN/PMG(CCR)/WPP-259 / 2021-2023. Date of Publication: 24th of every month. Posted on 27.05.2021
The weak have no place here, in this life or in any other life. Weakness leads to slavery. Weakness leads to all kinds of misery, physical and mental. Weakness is death. There are hundreds of thousands of microbes surrounding us, but they cannot harm us unless we become weak, until the body is ready and predisposed to receive them. There may be a million microbes of misery, floating about us. Never mind! They dare not approach us, they have no power to get a hold on us, until the mind is weakened. This is the great fact: strength is life, weakness is death. Strength is felicity, life eternal, immortal; weakness is constant strain and misery: weakness is death. — Swami Vivekananda
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