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106th The Kesari Year of Publication

A Cultural and Spiritual Monthly of The Order

DECEMBER Vol. 106, No. 12 2019 CONTENTS ISSN 0042-2983

v Yugavani 9 v Editorial 10 v and Mukti 12 v Sri Ramakrishna: A Unique Husband 17 Srimat Swami Gautamananda Ji v Ideal Role-Modelling 21 Srimat Swami Suhitananda Ji v Sri Ramakrishna’s Advice to Householders 29 Swami Mangalanathananda v Sri : The Ideal Sahadharmini 38 Pravrajika Atmadevaprana v Swami Vivekananda on Family Life: A Glimpse 45 Swami Kritarthananda v Rishi Ideal For Spiritualising Family Life 50 Swami Muktidananda v Brahmacharya in Married Life 59 Swami Purushottamananda v Purity: The Graded Ideal 71 A Sannyasi v Grihastha Ashrama: Opportunities and Challenges 83 Dr. Arathi V. B. v Grihastha Dharma from Ramayana 86 K. Srinivasan v Grihastha Dharma in Mahabharata 88 Swami Samarpanananda

Editor: Swami Mahamedhananda Published by Swami Vimurtananda, Sri , 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 - 600 014. Website: www.chennaimath.org E-mail: [email protected] 4

v A Day in the Life of a Householder: In the Light of Yajnavalkya Smriti 99 Dr. Jayaraman Mahadevan v Saptapadi: Vows with Steps 106 Kasturi Jayaraman v Significance of : Savitri 111 Prema Nandakumar v Living Together: Responsibilities and Challenges 121 Gokul Muthu v Mindful Parenting: Be a Neurosculptor 126 YogaKshema v Why Connection Is the Key to Parenting 134 Nalina Ramalakshmi v The Griha and Grihastha in Indian Culture 137 Sneha Nagarkar v Reader’s Voice 150 v v v PEARLS OF WISDOM v v v

v Taittiriya Upanishad 25 v Rishi Manu 27 v Rishi Atri 28 v Maha Nirvana 43 v Tiruvalluvar 57 v Bhartrihari 58 v Bhagavan Buddha 78 v Bhagavan Mahavira 80 v Guru Granth Sahib 81 v Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu 95 v Varkari Saints 96 v Goswami Tulsidasa 98 v Purandaradasa 117 v Basavanna 118 v Kavi Kshemendra 119 v Yogi Vemana 120 v Ramana Maharshi 144 v Deify Your Day 145 v A Day in a Traditional Sri Vaishnava Family 149

Annual Index page 154 TheVedanta Kesari One hundred and six years and going strong….

He was a much-celebrated and much-feted Swami. His famous address at The World’s Parliament of Religions, Chicago in 1893 had catapulted him to the status of a super star. But Swami Vivekananda was not one to bask in chaffy glory. A letter to one of his trusted followers, from the USA, dated 12 Jan 1895, read, ‘I want to preach my ideas for the good of the world. …What work have you done in the way of advancing the ideas and organising in India? …My life is more precious than spending it in getting the admiration of the world. I have no time for such foolery.’ 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 December 2019 every cell in his body yearned that she regain her lost glory. She had been a beacon light for the 5 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. First issue of Swamiji’s panacea for this lay in India’s very own practical and Brahmavadin ennobling Vedantic wisdom. Vedanta recognises no weakness. It

proclaims that in every individual lies a mine of strength. All that is Kesari The Vedanta needed is an effort to draw from it. Swamiji started looking for the right channel to propagate the powerful message of Vedanta. He opted for the print medium and decided to bring out a journal, giving it the name Brahmavadin. In February 1895, he sent from USA $100 and a letter to his trusted disciple . The letter read: ‘Now I am bent upon starting the journal. Herewith I send a hundred dollars… Hope this will go just a little in starting your paper.’

Broadway,If selflessness Chennai onand 14 devotion September would 1895. have The a form, magazine it would included have bornea poem the of nameSwamiji of speciallyAlasinga Perumal. Brahmavadin became Alasinga’s calling and the first issue rolled out from a press in composed for the occasion. It was titled, ‘The Song of the Sannyasin’. One verse ran thus: “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;

With this message that marked its mission, Brahmavadin made a determined entry into the strife-ridden climate of pre-independence India. The birth of the magazine was certainly an occasion for celebration but the struggles were far from over. One of Swamiji’s letters to Alasinga read: ‘I learnt from your letter the bad financial state

December 2019 that Brahmavadin is in.’ This was followed by another letter that carried the line, ‘I pledge myself to maintain the paper anyhow.’ 6 Bolstered by this pledge, Alasinga Perumal braved on, surmounting many an impediment. Sadly, Swami Vivekananda passed away in 1902, at the age of thirty-nine. 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 1914, the

The Vedanta Kesari The Vedanta a halt. magazine, tottering as it was, floundered and ground to It was at this crucial juncture, that the stepped in to revive it. The Mission was itself in its nascent stages with many a teething problem but nothing could come in its way of reviving the Brahmavadin. First issue of For, had not their beloved Swamiji repeatedly said, ‘The The Vedanta Kesari Brahmavadin is a jewel – it must not perish!” And so, the very next month after Brahmavadin closed, it was resuscitated with the new name The Vedanta Kesari. The history of The Vedanta Kesari is much more than just a tale of sweat, toil and a dream realized. 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. Patrons Appeal Become a Patron of The Vedanta Kesari For the last 106 years, without missing & help us to meet the running cost by a single issue, the magazine has been contributing every month ` 5,000/- & above carrying the invigorating message of Vedanta and alongside, continuously revamping itself to meet the changing needs of the times. Permanent Fund The relevance of Vedantic wisdom to To establish the magazine on firm financial everyday life is all the more pertinent today footing please contribute ` 1,000/- & above than ever before. ‘Arise, Awake and stop not to the Permanent Fund. till the goal is reached,’ is the thundering motto of Swami Vivekananda. The Ramakrishna Mission, as you all know, is a Sponsor a Page unique organization where sannyasis and lay Once a year, please sponsor one or more people come together and endeavour for the pages of the magazine. We need around 600 common good. Let’s join hands in taking sponsors annually. Sponsorship for one page forward our revered Swamiji’s vision and December 2019 in one issue: ` 1000/- mission for The Vedanta Kesari. 7 Outreach Gift To spread the message of Ramakrishna- Vivekananda-Vedanta, please gift The Vedanta Kesari to academic/public libraries & influential personalities of your choice or Kesari The Vedanta those selected by us. 4 Gift Subscriptions for 1 year: Rs 600/-

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Mother’s Counsel One must perform work. It is only through work that the bondage of work will be cut asunder and one will acquire a spirit of non-attachment. One should not be without work even for a moment. My child, you have been extremely fortunate in getting this human birth. Call on God intensely. One must work hard. Can one achieve anything without effort? You must devote some time for prayer and spiritual practices, even though you are in the midst of worldly activities. If you have wealth use it to serve God and His devotees; if you are not wealthy repeat God’s name. Is it right to deprive someone of her or his just dues? Look at this vegetable peel; even this is the cow’s due; one must place it before the cow.

it awayAfter carelessly. someone It takes finished almost her the sweeping same time work to keep and threwit slowly the and broom carefully into as a

corner, Mother said, ‘How strange, my dear! The work is finished, and you throw December 2019 that you save, saves you in turn.” Won’t you need it again? Besides, this thing too formsto throw a partit away. of our Should household. you despise From a thingthat point just because of view it also is insignificant? it deserves some“Him 9 consideration. You must give each one his due share of honour. Even a broom must be shown some honour. The smallest work must be done with reverence.’ One must be patient like the earth. What iniquities are being perpetrated on her! Yet she quietly endures them all. Man, too, should be like that.

PAGE SPONSOR : SRI RANJIT CHAUDHURY, CHAUDHURY, RANJIT SRI : SPONSOR PAGE faults. Learn to make the world your own. No one is a stranger, my child; the whole The Vedanta Kesari The Vedanta worldIf is you your want own. peace, my child, do not find fault with others. Rather see you own Do not fear, my child. Always remember that the Master (Sri Ramakrishna) is behind you. I am also with you. As long as you remember me, your mother, why should you be frightened? — Holy Mother Sri Sarada Devi Editorial Arise! Awake! n his introduction to the Bhagavad Who should awake? And what is the goal? Gita, Sri Shankaracharya writes that People in all stations of life should arise to Ithe Lord desiring the stability of his progress towards the twin goals of socio- creation brought into existence two kinds of economic welfare and spiritual freedom. More people. He projected Prajapatis like Marici and than anyone else, the grihasthas or the others and imparted to them pravritti or the householders should answer this call. The laws of outward action; he then brought into moral degradation seen in society, which is existence others like Sanaka and Sanandana and often blamed upon the youngsters, is in fact taught them nivritti or the laws of inward largely the consequence of householders not characterised by spiritual knowledge standing up to their dharma. This is due to their and renunciation. This two-fold Vedic teaching ignorance of the tenets of dharma, and also due gives mankind abhyudaya, socio-economic to weakness of character and will. welfare, and spiritual freedom. nishreyasa, Truly, the well-being of society depends Dharma or the law of righteousness is that upon the physical, intellectual, moral, and which promotes this two dimensional progress spiritual strength of the householder. Even the

December 2019 – prosperity and emancipation. The Vedic law- givers created a wonderful arrangement called depends upon the quality of the grihastha. Varna-Ashrama Dharma where all classes of fibre of the sannyasi, the cultural-hero of India, 10 Writing about her guru Swami people, situated in different stations of life Vivekananda, makes a very could pursue this two-fold progress. But society suffers whenever there is an imbalance crowning realisation of Swamiji’s philosophy in this pursuit. And this imbalance happens wassignificant that, ‘The observation. faithful householder She says that was theas when cravings dominate man and diminish his essential to the Sanatan Dharma as the faithful power of discrimination. monk. The inviolability of marriage and the The Vedanta Kesari The Vedanta Today, our society is making rapid progress inviolability of the monastic vow, were obverse on the path of abhyudaya. Our buildings are rising and reverse of a single medal. Without noble high, surroundings are becoming clean, travel and citizenship, there could be no mighty communication are increasing in speed, and apostolate. Without the secular, no sacerdotal, variety of pleasures are multiplying. But all this without temporal, no spiritual.’ seems to be coming at the cost of nishreyasa Our . Which is a family of nobility? Nowadays, individual lives are full of tension and our social the wealthy, the powerful, and the famous are actions lack honesty and cooperation; corruption, regarded as nobility. But , crime, and addictions seem to increase by the day. popularly known as M., the householder Decrying the Sanatana Dharma and its spiritual devotee who recorded the divine words of Sri teachings has become a pastime to many people Ramakrishna, says: ‘A noble family is that in and a vocation to some. which many have called upon God before, How do we remedy this situation? Swami which has observed holy festivals such as Holi Vivekananda gives a clear answer through his call, and Durga Puja, and which has fed sadhus, ‘Arise! Awake! And stop not till the goal is reached.’ devotees, brahmanas, and the poor.’ Indeed, nobility begins with conception. and frighten those who sought to harm it, but Quoting Manusmriti Swami Vivekananda says, without biting them. So Sri Ramakrishna wanted ‘a child who is born of lust is not an Aryan. The householders to engage with the world in a child whose very conception … is according to the rules of the Vedas, such is an Aryan.’ A child stay away from tiger-Narayanas or people who should be born of prayers. And such prayers aredignified, very crooked heroic manner. and evil. The third advice was to itself will be possible only when the couple These and other such teachings for themselves have been nobly married. householders given by scriptures and saints are Our scriptures – the shruti, the smritis, the presented in this Special Issue of The Vedanta itihasas – and our avatars and saints have Kesari. The well-being of Sanatana Dharma, and explained in detail how the householders our whole society, depends upon how the householders evolve in understanding the twin duties. Again, in recent times, Sri Ramakrishna ideals of abhyudaya and nishreyasa, and andshould his upholddivine consort their idealsSri Sarada and Devi fulfil recast their shoulder with dynamism their responsibility of the mould for householders. supporting the other three ashramas – In The Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna, we brahmacharya, vanaprastha, and sannyasa. repeatedly see Sri Ramakrishna instructing and The Cover Page of this issue, drawn by Sri motivating the householders. Though he often Gaman Palem of Chennai, presents three stories plunged into samadhi and could not be which highlight the central principles of life –

conscious whether he was dressed or naked, he December 2019 yet kept a keen eye on matters in the world. He Vivekananda narrates, in his lecture on Karma was very watchful of things like cleanliness and Yoga,sacrifice, the story self-control, ‘Each Is andGreat renunciation. in His Own Place’ Swami to 11 tidiness, not wasting anything, not wearing torn show that the householder and the sannyasi are or dirty clothes, putting things in their proper equally great when they hold on to their ideal. The place in an artistic manner, and worshipping scene from the story shows a little bird, its wife God under all conditions. He advised the householder devotees to as food for the three guests in their forest. and their three little ones sacrificing themselves Doshay Balancing these householder birds is a sannyasi, PAGE SPONSOR : KUM. V. DHARSHANI HARI, CHENNAI HARI, DHARSHANI V. KUM. : SPONSOR PAGE gunay manush, or ‘Man is composed of virtues not in the scene, who strong in his dispassion Kesari The Vedanta andkeep vices.’ in mind It means, three things: we have The to firsttake was,a charitable rejects the pleasures of a princess and a kingdom. view of people around us at home and in public The next picture shows Rama and Sita giving when they display their negative traits. This will away their wealth before leaving for vanavasa. In enable us to forgive easily or not even be the Ramayana, this episode reveals one of the offended, and thus preserve peace within and without. The second advice was to learn to hiss, finest moments of Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana’s i.e., to show one’s mettle while dealing with the husband, wife, and brother. The third picture character when they fulfil their duties as son, world. This is a reference to the parable that Sri captures the sublime moment where the divine Ramakrishna often narrated: A snake which couple Sri Ramakrishna and Sri Sarada Devi terrorised people was initiated into a mantra by a achieve the highest spiritual union after which brahmachari. It soon became so pious that even they bequeathed to their children –householders when cowherd boys thrashed it close to death, it and sannyasis – both abhyudaya and nishreyasaa. did not resist them. The brahmachari then chided By the Lord’s grace may every householder the snake for its foolishness. He advised it to hiss arise! awake! to ideals in family life. Article

Dharma and Mukti SWAMI VIVEKANANDA Selected from The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda Vol.5, ‘’

ith us, the prominent idea is Janaka. On the advent of Buddhism, Dharma Mukti; with the Westerners, it was entirely neglected, and the path of Moksha Wis Dharma. What we desire is alone became predominant…. The central fact Mukti; what they want is Dharma. Here the is that the fall of our country, of which we hear word ‘Dharma’ is used in the sense of the Mimamsakas. What is Dharma? Dharma is that which makes man seek for happiness in this world or the next. Dharma is established on work; Dharma is impelling man day and night to run December 2019 after and work for happiness. 12 What is Mukti? That which teaches that even the happiness of this life is slavery, and the same is the happiness of the life to come, because neither this world nor the next is beyond the laws of nature; only, the slavery of this world is to that of the next as an iron chain is to a golden one. Again, happiness, wherever it may be, being within the laws of nature, is The Vedanta Kesari The Vedanta subject to death and will not last ad infinitum. Therefore man must aspire to become Mukta, he must go beyond the bondage of the body; slavery will not do. This Moksha-path is only in India and nowhere else. Hence is true the oft- repeated saying that Mukta souls are only in India and in no other country. But it is equally so much spoken, is due to the utter want of this true that in future they will be in other Dharma. If the whole nation practises and countries as well; that is well and good, and a follows the path of Moksha, that is well and thing of great pleasure to us. There was a time good; but is that possible? Without enjoyment, in India when Dharma was compatible with Mukti. There were worshippers of Dharma, then you can renounce. Otherwise, if the whole such as Yudhishthira, Arjuna, Duryodhana, nation,renunciation all of cana sudden, never come;takes upfirst Sannyasa, enjoy and it Bhishma, and Karna, side by side with the does not gain what it desires, but it loses what aspirants of Mukti, such as Vyasa, Shuka, and it had into the bargain—the bird in the hand is kicked and trodden down by anyone who takes heyday of Buddhistic supremacy, thousands of it into his head to do so; your life is a veritable Sannyasinsfled, nor is that lived in thein everybush caught., When, then in the it hell here, and so is the life hereafter. This is was that the country was just on the verge of its what the Shastras say. Do your Svadharma— ruin! . . . education, habits, customs, laws, and this is truth, the truth of truths. This is my rules should be different for different men and advice to you, my beloved co-religionists. Of nations, in conformity with their difference of course, do not do any wrong, do not injure or temperament. What will it avail, if one tries to tyrannise over anyone, but try to do good to make them all uniform by compulsion? The others as much as you can. But passively to Bauddhas declared, ‘Nothing is more desirable submit to wrong done by others is a sin—with in life than Moksha; whoever you are, come one the householder. He must try to pay them back and all to take it.’ I ask, ‘Is that ever possible?’ in their own coin then and there. The ‘You are a householder, you must not concern householder must earn money with great effort yourself much with things of that sort; you do and enthusiasm, and by that must support and your Svadharma (natural duty)’—thus say the bring comforts to his own family and to others, Hindu scriptures. Exactly so! He who cannot and perform good works as far as possible. If leap one foot, is going to jump across the ocean you cannot do that, how do you profess to be a to Lanka in one bound! Is it reason? You cannot man? You are not a householder even—what to feed your own family or dole out food to two of talk of Moksha for you!!

your fellow-men, you cannot do even an December 2019 We have said before that Dharma is based ordinary piece of work for the common good, in on work. The nature of the Dharmika is harmony with others— and you are running 13 after Mukti! The Hindu scriptures say, ‘No Why, even the opinion of some Mimamsakas is doubt, Moksha is far superior to Dharma; but thatconstant those performance parts of the of actionVedas withwhich efficiency. do not enjoin work are not, properly speaking, Vedas Bauddhas were confounded just there and at all. One of the aphorisms of Jaimini runs broughtDharma about should all besorts finished of mischief. first ofNon-injury all.’ The thus: —‘The is right; ‘Resist not evil’ is a great thing—these आम्ꄾयस् 啍섿यार㔥त्वदानर㔥क्मतदर्थानम् purpose of the Vedas being work, those parts of

are indeed grand principles; but the scriptures Kesari The Vedanta the Vedas that do not deal with work miss the say, ‘Thou art a householder; if anyone smites thee on thy cheek, and thou dost not return him mark.’ an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth, thou wilt ‘By constant repetition of the syllable Om verily be a sinner.’ Many say, ‘When one has and by meditating on its meaning, everything come to kill you, there is no sin in killing him, can be obtained’; ‘All sins are washed away by even though he be a Brahmin’ (Manu, VIII. 350). uttering the name of the Lord’; ‘He gets all, who This is very true, and this is a thing which resigns himself to the Will of God’—yes, these should not be forgotten. Heroes only enjoy the words of the Shastras and the sages are, no PAGE SPONSOR : IN MEMORY OF SWAMI DHYANATMANANDA, CALCUTTA STUDENTS’ HOME, BELGHARIA HOME, STUDENTS’ CALCUTTA DHYANATMANANDA, SWAMI OF MEMORY IN : SPONSOR PAGE world. Show your heroism; apply, according to doubt, true. But, do you see, thousands of us circumstances, the fourfold political maxims of are, for our whole life, meditating on Om, are conciliation, bribery, sowing dissensions, and getting ecstatic in devotion in the name of the open war, to win over your adversary and enjoy Lord, and are crying, ‘Thy Will be done, I am the world—then you will be Dharmika fully resigned to Thee!’—and what are they (righteous). Otherwise, you live a disgraceful actually getting in return? Absolutely nothing! life if you pocket your insults when you are How do you account for this? The reason lies here, and it must be fully understood. Whose ‘Yield not to unmanliness, O son of Pritha! meditation is real and effective? Who can really resign himself to the Will of God? Who can utter heartedness and arise, O scorcher of thine with power irresistible, like that of a enemies.’Ill doth it befit thee. Cast off this mean faint- thunderbolt, the name of the Lord? It is he who तस्म配तमुत鄿ष्ठ यशो लभस् has earned Chitta-shuddhi, that is, whose mind जित्व श配रू् भु敍啍ष राज्य समृद्धम्। मयैवैते निहताः पूर्मेव he who is the Dharmika. निमितमा配र भव सव्साचिन् ।। (Gita,11:33) has been purified by work, or in other words, Every individual is a centre for the ‘Therefore do thou arise and acquire fame. manifestation of a certain force. This force has After conquering thy enemies, enjoy unrivalled been stored up as the resultant of our previous dominion; verily, by Myself have they been works, and each one of us is born with this already slain; be thou merely the instrument, O force at his back. So long as this force has not Savyasachin (Arjuna).’ worked itself out, who can possibly remain In these and similar passages in the Gita quiet and give up work? Until then, he will have the Lord is showing the way to Dharma. Of to enjoy or suffer according to the fruition of his course, work is always mixed with good and good or bad work and will be irresistibly evil, and to work, one has to incur sin, more or impelled to do work. Since enjoyment and work less. But what of that? Let it be so. Is not cannot be given up till then, is it not better to do something better than nothing? Is not

December 2019 good rather than bad works—to enjoy happiness rather than suffer misery? Shri Is not doing work, though mixed with good and 14 Ramprasad [a Bengali saint, devotee of ] evil,insufficient better thanfood betterdoing thannothing going and without passing any? an used to say, ‘They speak of two works, “good” idle and inactive life, and being like stones? The and “bad”; of them, it is better to do the good.’ cow never tells a lie, and the stone never steals, Now what is that good which is to be but, nevertheless, the cow remains a cow and pursued? The good for him who desires the stone a stone. Man steals and man tells lies, Moksha is one, and the good for him who wants and again it is man that becomes a god. With Dharma is another. This is the great truth which the prevalence of the Sattvika essence, man

The Vedanta Kesari The Vedanta the Lord Shri , the revealer of the Gita, becomes inactive and rests always in a state of has tried therein to explain, and upon this great deep Dhyana or contemplation; with the truth is established the Varnashrama system prevalence of the Rajas, he does bad as well as and the doctrine of Svadharma etc. of the Hindu good works; and with the prevalence of the religion. Tamas again, he becomes inactive and inert. अ饍핇�ट सर्भूतानां मै配섃 क셁ण एव च। Now, tell me, looking from outside, how are we निर्मो निरह敍करः समदुःखसुखः क्षमी ।। (Gita, 12:13) to understand, whether you are in a state ‘He who has no enemy, and is friendly and wherein the or the Tamas prevails? compassionate towards all, who is free from the Whether we are in a state of Sattvika calmness, feelings of ‘me and mine’, even-minded in pain beyond all pleasure and pain, and past all work and pleasure, and forbearing’ — these and and activity, or whether we are in the lowest other epithets of like nature are for him whose Tamasika state, lifeless, passive, dull as dead one goal in life is Moksha. matter, and doing no work, because there is no 啍쥈ब्य मास् गमः पार㔥 नैत配तय्यपपद्यते। power in us to do it, and are, thus, silently and क्षु饍र दयदौर्ल्य त्क््वो鄿ष्ठ परन्प (Gita, 2:3) by degrees, getting rotten and corrupted within—I seriously ask you this question and During these last thousand years, the whole demand an answer. Ask your own mind, and you shall know what the reality is. But, what Lord and is sending its prayers to Him; and the need to wait for the answer? The tree is known Lordcountry is neveris filling lending the air His with ears the to name them. of And the by its fruit. The Sattva prevailing, the man is why should He? When even man never inactive, he is calm, to be sure; but that hears the cries of the fool, do you think God inactivity is the outcome of the centralisation of will? Now the only way out is to listen to the great powers, that calmness is the mother of words of the Lord in the Gita, 啍쥈ब्य मास् गमः tremendous energy. That highly Sattvika man, पार㔥—‘Yield not to unmanliness, O Partha!’ that great soul, has no longer to work as we do तस्म配तमुत鄿ष्ठ यशो लभस् ‘Therefore do thou arise with hands and feet—by his mere willing only, and acquire fame.’ all his works are immediately accomplished to …Jesus Christ, the God of the Europeans, perfection. That man of predominating has taught: Have no enemy, bless them that Sattva is the Brahmin, the worshipped of all. curse you; whosoever shall smite thee on thy Has he to go about from door to door, right cheek, turn to him the other also; stop all begging others to worship him? The Almighty your work and be ready for the next world; the Mother of the universe writes with Her own end of the world is near at hand. And our Lord hand, in golden letters on his forehead, in the Gita is saying: Always work with great ‘Worship ye all, this great one, this son of Mine’, enthusiasm, destroy your enemies and enjoy

and the world reads and listens to it and the world. But, after all, it turned out to be December 2019 humbly bows down its head before him in exactly the reverse of what Christ or Krishna obedience. That man is really अ饍핇�ट सर्भूताना ं मै配섃 implied. The Europeans never took the words 15 क셁ण एव च etc. of Jesus Christ seriously. Always of active And mark you, those things which you see habits, being possessed of a tremendous in pusillanimous, effeminate folk who speak in Rajasika nature, they are gathering with great a nasal tone chewing every syllable, whose enterprise and youthful ardour the comforts voice is as thin as of one who has been starving and luxuries of the different countries of the for a week, who are like a tattered wet rag, who world and enjoying them to their hearts’ PAGE SPONSOR : SRI K. AKHILESH, CHENNAI AKHILESH, K. SRI : SPONSOR PAGE

never protest or are moved even if kicked by content. And we are sitting in a corner, with our Kesari The Vedanta anybody—those are the signs of the lowest bag and baggage, pondering on death day Tamas, those are the signs of death, not of and night, and singing, नलिनीदलगतजलमतितरलं Sattva—all corruption and stench. It is because तद煍जीवमतिशयचपलम् ‘Very tremulous and Arjuna was going to fall into the ranks of these unsteady is the water on the lotus-leaf; so is the men that the Lord is explaining matters to him life of man frail and transient’—with the result so elaborately in the Gita. Is that not the fact? that it is making our blood run cold and our

the mouth of the Lord, 啍쥈ब्य मास् गमः पार㔥 death; and Yama, too, alas, has taken us at our नListenैत配तय्य toपपद्यत the े—‘Yieldvery first not words to thatunmanliness, came out ofO word,flesh creep as it withwere—plague the fear of Yama,and all the sorts god of maladies have entered into our country! Who तस्म配तमुत鄿ष्ठ यशो लभस् — ‘Therefore do thou are following the teachings of the Gita?—the Partha!arise and Ill acquire doth it befitfame.’ thee!’ Coming and under then later, the Europeans. And who are acting according to the will of Jesus Christ?— The descendants of Shri have joined the lines of those Tamasika people. Krishna! This must be well understood. The influence of the Jains, Buddhas, and others, we hermetically sealed to you, but, in addition, way to Moksha, and from that one source, the there are obstructions put at every step. It is Vedas,Vedas werewas takenthe first whatever to find any and great proclaim Teacher, the only the Vedic religion which considers ways say, Buddha or Christ, afterwards taught. Now, and means and lays down rules for the fourfold they were Sannyasins, and therefore they ‘had attainment of man, comprising Dharma, Artha, no enemy and were friendly and compassionate Kama, and Moksha. Buddha ruined us, and so towards all’. That was well and good for them. did Christ ruin Greece and Rome! Then, in due But why this attempt to compel the whole course of time, fortunately, the Europeans world to follow the same path to Moksha? ‘Can became Protestants, shook off the teachings of beauty be manufactured by rubbing and Christ as represented by Papal authority, and scrubbing? Can anybody’s love be won by heaved a sigh of relief. In India, Kumarila again threats or force?’ What does Buddha or Christ brought into currency the Karma-Marga, the prescribe for the man who neither wants way of Karma only, and Shankara and

you must have Moksha or you are doomed to Vedic religion, harmonising and balancing in destruction—theseMoksha nor is fit to receive are the it?—Nothing! only two ways Either held dueRamanuja proportions firmly Dharma, re-established Artha, theKama, Eternal and forth by them, and there is no middle course. Moksha. Thus the nation was brought to the You are tied hand and foot in the matter of way of regaining its lost life; but India has three trying for anything other than Moksha. There is hundred million souls to wake, and hence the

December 2019 no way shown how you may enjoy the world a delay. To revive three hundred millions—can it little for a time; not only all openings to that are be done in a day? 16

‘This is the question: Is not your husband God, your child God? If you can love your wife, you have all the religion in the world. You have the whole secret of religion and Yoga in you. But can you love? That is the question. You say, “I love . . . Oh Mary, I die for you! The Vedanta Kesari The Vedanta “ [But if you] see Mary kissing another man, you want to cut his throat. If Mary sees John talking to another girl, she cannot sleep at night, and she makes life hell for John. This is not love. This is barter and sale in sex. It is blasphemy to talk of it as love. The world talks day and night of God and religion — so of love. Making a sham of everything, that is what you are doing! Everybody talks of love, [yet in the] columns in the newspapers [we read] of divorces every day. When you love John, do you love John for his sake or for your sake? [If you love him for your sake], you expect something from John. [If you love him for his sake], you do not want anything from John. He can do anything he likes, [and] you [will] love him just the same.’ —The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda. Vol. 6 - Divine Love Article

Sri Ramakrishna: A Unique Husband

SRIMAT SWAMI GAUTAMANANDA JI

am glad that The Vedanta Kesari is and his wife both voluntarily gave up all desires bringing out a special issue in of worldly life and preferred to live continually I December featuring ‘Ideals in Family Life’, as the core subject, in which my article is their joy with one and all irrespective of barriers on ‘Sri Ramakrishna: A Unique Husband’. likein the caste, infinite creed, bliss race, of religion, God-realization, and gender. sharing The very subject title seems intriguing For example, Sri Ramakrishna once asked because Sri Ramakrishna is considered the Sarada, ‘Have you come to drag me to the great spiritual teacher who advocated worldly life?’, to which she instantly replied, renunciation of ‘woman and gold’ again and ‘Why should I? I have come to help you in the again to his aspirant disciples. mission of your life.’

In the grand hagiographic record of his Sarada knew that Sri Ramakrishna’s life’s December 2019 teachings called The Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna, we mission was to teach mankind the pure religion see him talking again and again about of the Vedas which is Self-realization or God 17 renunciation of ‘woman and gold’. Then how can realization. This was to be through he be called a ‘good husband’ even, leave alone a renunciation of all carnal desires and through ‘unique husband’? But we will not be so surprised intense yearning for God realization. Thus when we learn that he used the terms ‘woman’ knowing well that her role would be as a nun in and ‘gold’ to mean ‘lust’ and ‘wealth’ or in general, his spiritual mission, Sarada replied ‘I have gross and subtle enjoyments of body and mind. come to help you in your mission.’ PAGE SPONSOR : SRI VENKATARAMANAN T., CHENNAI T., VENKATARAMANAN SRI : SPONSOR PAGE Sri Ramakrishna himself said about his Kesari The Vedanta marriage, ‘Just to have gone through the stage Ramakrishna’s life with her was that of a called ‘Grihasthashram’, I had to marry.’ Later husband,Though in forreality all superficial he was observation,her protector, Sri on, he had to teach by example to the spiritual guide, teacher, and trainer of social, householder disciples that marriage was no bar and moral traditions. He groomed her to be a for God-realization. He thus married in his world spiritual teacher and the mantle bearer of his world mission which was to deliver the (Saradamani), and the next twenty-seven years message – ‘Man is divine’, ‘God-realization is the livedtwenty-third with her yeara holy a five-yearlife in which old their girl goal of human life’, ‘Practice of the synthesis of relationship was that of a divine teacher and an four Yogas and harmony of religions’, ‘Service to ideal disciple. This reminds us of the divine man is verily the worship of God’, and spiritual couple, Yajnavalkya and Maitreyi of the ‘The whole creation is one and has a divine Brihadaranyaka Upanishad. Sri Ramakrishna origin.’

The author is one of the Vice-presidents of the and also the head of Sri Ramakrishna Math, Mylapore, Chennai. To Sri Ramakrishna his wife was his heir Sarada narrated later that he was so kind to her to his spiritual mission of spiritualizing human that he never addressed her as ‘thou’ but only life everywhere. One uniqueness of this great as ‘you’. It is common even today for husbands couple was the lack of any physical attachment to address their wives only as ‘thou’. She also between them. We read that Sri Ramakrishna himself proposed Sarada as his bride who was would be worried even if she got slightly physicallysaid, ‘He never indisposed. hurt me with When even she a flower.’ came Heto even when she was just sevena five-year years old old girl.telling He her, started instructing her time, the special medical ‘If anyone asks you, say To Sri Ramakrishna his wife was aidDakshineswar given to herfor theby firstthe that you were married at his heir to his spiritual mission of Master was an eye opener spiritualizing human life to everyone regarding the again in her fourteenth everywhere. duty of a husband! five and not at seven.’ And year he taught her Sri Ramakrishna like everything about her a Vedic Rishi helped his duties in social life and also her spiritual goal of wife to attain the height of spiritual god realization. Later on, Sarada said about this, illumination as we read in the days of ‘I felt as if a pitcher of bliss was kept in my Yajnavalkya and Maitreyi. The garden at heart since then. I never in my life knew what served as an ancient gurukula of

December 2019 suffering was.’ In other words, she had got Vedic times, at the head of which Sri glimpses of the supreme joy of Samadhi or God Ramakrishna presided. 18 realization. Gita refers to such a perennial joy We see the highest achievements in saying यस्मिन्सतो न दुःखेन गु셁णापि विचाल्ते spiritual life attained by both sannyasis and ‘established in which one is not perturbed even householders (including women) who had their by great pain.’ (Gita. 6:22) spiritual initiation and rigorous practice under Sarada once narrated that on one of Sri his protective guidance. If Sri Ramakrishna was Ramakrishna’s visits to when she moulding the minds of his disciples, Sarada was was 14 years, she was asked to sleep with him busy smoothening their hard spiritual life with

The Vedanta Kesari The Vedanta by her in-laws. But Sri Ramakrishna went on her motherly care. speaking to her about spiritual things Sri Ramakrishna never lost any throughout the night! Sri Ramakrishna was opportunity to direct innocent jokes at her. merged in divine consciousness and she also Once in her presence he asked Gauri-ma, experienced equally uplifted divine feelings. ‘Whom do you love more Gaur-dasi, me or her?’ Sri Ramakrishna was an ordained Gaur-dasi understanding his mood replied that sannyasi of the Dashanami tradition of Puri. He it was the Holy Mother. Holy Mother naturally had no external signs of a sannyasi except felt embarrassed. It was an innocent joke that perhaps the absence of the tuft of hair which all enjoyed. There were some un-embarrassing was compulsory for a householder. He never jokes also. Once a young man, a distant relative wore saffron robes. Most uniquely he kept his of the Master, was brought by him to the Holy wife with him, allowed her to serve him his Mother. The Master asked her that she should special food diet and look after the up-keeping look at both of them walking towards her from of his room, his clothes etc. He also took care of a distance and judge who was brighter in her physical, social and spiritual well-being. complexion—a strange proposal indeed by a husband to his wife! Holy Mother as a just think of worldly husbands who are led by the umpire, declared the young man as the winner! nose by their wives?’ The Holy mother said that Sri This unique husband continued to guide Ramakrishna was protecting her from the least his wife even from his celestial abode. Sarada gust of impure thoughts. Once he cautioned Devi narrates how he stopped her from her: ‘Don’t be led away by the talks of some removing her bangles when she became a villagers of Kamarpukur widow and assured her who have come here. that he was ever with her. Those ladies were When she also expressed Sri Ramakrishna gets the credit discussing that the her desire to leave this Paramahamsa who lived for grooming Sarada Devi as an world and follow him, he here did not live a natural ideal woman – as an ideal told her, ‘No, you have to householder’s life with his daughter, sister, wife, nurse, remain on earth to do wife. She also narrated guide and highest spiritual guru many more things’, and how Sri Ramakrishna saw - all rolled into one. showed how she should an old lady talking to her attach herself to her niece and warned her not to be Radhu and keep her mind in her company because she had a bad past life. tied to this world. Thus he made her work for We read in The Gospel of the Holy Mother the spiritual upliftment of people all over the

that Sri Ramakrishna instructed Holy Mother in world for thirty-four long years. She in her December 2019 by drawing the six Yoga chakras on a supreme divine glory guided all his disciples paper. She also narrated how the Master taught including the great Swami Vivekananda with 19 her how to massage well by massaging her authority as the powerful voice of Sri forehand! Ramakrishna himself. Sri Ramakrishna wanted her motherliness Sri Ramakrishna gets the credit for to be known to the inner circle of his devotees. grooming Sarada Devi as an ideal woman – as He told them often that Sarada was his Shakti, an ideal daughter, sister, wife, nurse, guide and and without her his mission would not be highest spiritual guru - all rolled into one. He PAGE SPONSOR : SMT. VIMALA MOHAN, THANJAVUR MOHAN, VIMALA SMT. : SPONSOR PAGE enabled Sarada to be the guiding force — for a Kesari The Vedanta both secular and spiritual, as she was Saraswati long 34 years (1886-1920) — behind the World herselffulfilled, —, that and she that possessed she was allcapable knowledge of giving — Order (The Ramakrishna Order) of sannyasis spiritual liberation because she was Sarada, started by him. ‘giver of salvation’. The role of the highest spiritual head of a Besides, Sri Ramakrishna would consult monastic order that works for both the secular Sarada on how a particular disciple should be and spiritual good of humanity, was not an helped. His instructions regarding strict food ordinary one. Sarada Devi adorned that regime for his disciples was implemented position which Sri Ramakrishna had smoothly by Sarada’s discretion and bequeathed to her. Her’s was a silent compassion. leadership, full of love, compassion and service. In many cases, her ‘No’ was a binding Sri Ramakrishna sent one of his own chosen order for Sri Ramakrishna. The Master jokingly disciples, Yogendra (later Yogananda), for said ‘She said “No” and I with all my spiritual initiation from her, thus making detachment had to accept it! What do you then Sarada Devi the spiritual head of the new Order of sannyasis (the Ramakrishna Order). Sri We also see Sri Ramakrishna providing Sarada Devi accepted thousands of men and Sarada enough ornaments as is worn by a women as her disciples, assuring all of them no rebirth! She said, ‘The Master himself had mother’s words to Sarada long ago, ‘My Gadai promised that he will come to them all before willhousewife. give you Perhapsbetter ornaments he wanted when to you fulfil grow his their end and lead them to liberation.’ Sri up.’ He further added that Sarada desired to Ramakrishna’s unique husbandship can be wear ornaments because compared only to the she was goddess divine couples of the Saraswati who can never He demonstrated before the Hindu Puranas: Shiva and be without such Kali, Narayana and modern world how a man can ornaments, and also for Lakshmi, Brahma and transform his family and social the good of humanity. Saraswati, Rama and Sita, life into a spiritual quest A great scholar and Krishna and Radha etc., enjoying infinite peace and joy writer, wrote regarding where both are equally individually and collectively in Sri Ramakrishna’s endowed with the powers society. uniqueness thus: ‘In the of God, of granting history we see spiritual worldly prosperity as well teachers without as spiritual liberation. marrying and some teachers giving up their

December 2019 They are inseparable parts of the one Brahman. wives for the serious pursuit of spiritual life. It is recorded that Sri Ramakrishna appeared in But Sri Ramakrishna was unique in that he 20 a divine vision to his disciple Swami married with his heart’s consent, kept his wife and asked him to initiate his with him all his life and yet became the disciples not only with his name but also with unparalleled spiritual Master and Teacher. Thus Sarada Devi’s name, thus showing that without we see the supreme spiritual power that was her, liberation was not possible. Sri Ramakrishna, manifesting in innumerable Once Sri Ramakrishna asked Sarada, ‘How roles of human life as an ideal son, ideal many chappatis do you take in the night?’. husband, ideal student, ideal Guru and an ideal

The Vedanta Kesari The Vedanta Sarada was extremely shy and was at a loss as lover of mankind. In every case he alone was to what to reply. The purpose of the question his equal.’ In , Arjuna says about was to deposit a sum of money in her name, the Lord Krishna, न त्त्मोऽस्तभ्यिकः कुतोऽन्य interest of which would help her in the days लोकतयऽपे ्प्रतिमप्रभाव, ‘There is none equal to you after he would have left this world! What what to speak of anyone higher than you. You extraordinary concern for the wellbeing of his are incomparable in your glory’ (Gita, 11:43) wife! And perhaps nowhere in the spiritual Similarly, Sri Ramakrishna was a unique husband that only a person of the highest wife by such a spiritual teacher! Later on Sri spiritual caliber as he could be. He demons- history of this land we find an equal concern for Ramakrishna taught his householder disciples trated before the modern world how a man can that it was the duty of the husband to take care transform his family life into a spiritual quest of his chaste wife even after his departure from this world. joy. leading to the experience of infinite peace and Article

Ideal Role-Modelling SRIMAT SWAMI SUHITANANDA JI of their hero, they become a class of people who are generally peace loving, law abiding, sharing, Gtheenerally, moralists. we find These four are classes people of and caring citizens. Jesus describes such people who are honestgood and people. try to The do good first tocategory others butare as the salt of the earth. do not believe in God or supernatural power. Arnold Toynbee, the famous historian, terms the fourth category of good people as the life so long as they are not in any crossroads or ‘creative minority’. They are a small number of They generally lead a comfortable and dignified have to all of a sudden face some situation people; but their strength lies in their creative which is beyond their control. When forced to faculty. Their life pattern and thought-force face such conditions, they generally lose heart gradually spreads and they form a group or or make wrong decisions. organisation. A research done at Harvard The second category of good people university found that as disease is contagious, December 2019 accept karmaphal, i.e., the workings of the law thought also has a contagious effect. A bad of karma. They know that person living in a locality 21 God is controlling their life and action. Whenever Every good citizen, irrespective neighbours and similarly misfortune comes, they thewill presence influence of a good his of his/her religion, colour, or rely on God for solace and person will have a redressal. Whether their country will have to abide by catching effect. three cardinal principles – Satya, situation changes for Throughout the

PAGE SPONSOR : SMT. SHAMPA MITRA, CHENNAI MITRA, SHAMPA SMT. : SPONSOR PAGE better is a debatable topic; Samyama, and Paropakara The Vedanta Kesari The Vedanta but they certainly receive good citizen, irrespective ofworld his/her we religion, find that colour, every channel to release their emotions. or country will have to abide by three cardinal mental support and find a Those who follow avatars and great souls, principles – Satya, Samyama, and Paropakara form the third category of good people. The – which will make him/her: followers of Rama, Krishna, Buddha, Jesus, Satyavadi – be truthful, Mohammed, Chaitanya, Sri Ramakrishna and Jitendriya – have restraint over the senses, the like fall in this category. They have the and advantage of having a life-example of their Paropakari – do good to others. hero’s struggles, trials and tribulations, spiritual achievements, and responses to Swami Vivekananda said ‘To be good and various situations of life. Thus following the life to do good is the whole of religion.’

The author is one of the Vice-Presidents of the Ramakrishna Order and lives in . Patanjali in his Yogasutra, presents some As points out, his cardinal principles of life which are universal nationalism ‘was a kind of super-nationalism, a सार्भौम महाव्रतं – Yama and Niyama. Yama has kind of internationalism sublimated.’ Ahimsa, non-injury; Satya, In 1886 Sri Ramakrishna had a vision in truthfulness; Asteya, not coveting another’s which he saw that he had devotees across the five aspects to it: property; Brahmacharya, continence; and ocean whose complexion was white and who Aparigraha, non-acceptance of gifts. How to spoke in different languages. Not surprisingly, practice these? some of those who later formed the ‘creative Here come three important aspects of minority’ associated with the Ramakrishna Niyama – Tapas, Movement, had visions of Sri Ramakrishna even Swadhyaya, to observe before they had heard whether I am holding to sacrificeon for a cause; about him. Sister Nivedita, to my ideal; and the most prominent Ishvara Through their lives, the pranidhana, attunement disciple of Swami to God who is the householder followers of Sri Vivekananda, had seen Sri fountainhead of all Ramakrishna upheld sterling Ramakrishna in a vision energy; we shall have to qualities before all classes of the when she was just 17-year link with God to have society. old; this was more than a power whether worldly or decade before she met

December 2019 heavenly. Swamiji and learnt about When we go through the lives of the his guru. Ellen Waldo, another disciple of 22 Swamiji, had the vision of Holy Mother even that all of them were established in the above before any photograph of Holy Mother was mentioneddisciples of qualities. avatars, we are surprised to find taken! In their times, Rama, Krishna, Buddha, The point is that the creative minority Jesus, Mohammed, and Chaitanya had to work touched by the spirit of Sri Ramakrishna were within a framed philosophy and psychology – universal in all aspects irrespective of their favourable or otherwise. Compared to them, Sri class, colour, religion, and country.

The Vedanta Kesari The Vedanta Ramakrishna lived and worked in a very Through their lives, the householder different context — Modern developments and followers of Sri Ramakrishna upheld sterling technological advancements linked people in qualities before all classes of the society. new ways and social life had undergone a sea Mahendranath Gupta, popularly known as ‘M’, change. the author of Sri Sri Ramakrishna Kathamrita, It is interesting to see how in this stood as a strong moralist for the intelligent, changing milieu people lived by the eternal educated middle class society. Suresh Mitra, values, and how the creative minority often addressed as Surendra by Sri facilitated it. Ramakrishna, belonged to the upper middle Swami Vivekananda, the chief propagator class, and he modelled a life marked by sincere of Sri Ramakrishna’s message, had one passion devotion to God and a plain life style. Another – the rejuvenation of India to her pristine glory. devotee, was a benevolent, As his disciple Sister Nivedita says, India was humble zamindar intensely devoted to God and his dream and India was his nightmare. But his always ready to serve the devotees. Girish nationalism did not have any narrow trappings. Chandra Ghosh a brilliant writer and a theatre personality was the bohemian devotee who strata of society continues to pulsate in all the showed how to cling on to truth fearlessly ashramas of our Ramakrishna Order in India rejecting all forms of hypocrisy. Nag Mahashay and abroad. was a poor householder who epitomised the I remember an incident in ‘M’s life. One spirit of renunciation in family life. After Nag morning, ‘M’ was to conduct a class on Srimad Mahashay’s demise, Swami Vivekananda visited Bhagavatam at our in his cottage and in deep reverence rolled on its . When he was going to the class, a sannyasi handed him a telegram. ‘M’ read it, Nag Mahashay! ground for it was sanctified by the foot dust of kept in his pocket, and conducted the class. The Among the renunciate followers, there others later came to know that the telegram were Narendranath, contained the news of his Rakhal, Baburam and daughter’s death! others who came from To think of Sri Ramakrishna and A teenage boy joined aristocrat society; and serve Him is Vidyamaya, and one of our ashramas as a there were Latu, and brahmachari. He was the Gopal representing the following the trail of Vidyamaya a person becomes Brahmajnani only son and naturally the lower strata of society. parents were upset. They Like Jesus, Sri Rama- found some peace by krishna made these visiting him frequently. Initially, they would bring some eatables for December 2019 In the life of Sri Ramakrishna, we see that their son. Gradually, they started bringing renunciates, ‘fishers of men.’ 23 some spiritual stalwarts like Totapuri, Bhairavi eatables for the other monastics too. Later, even after that brahmachari was transferred to some their sadhana and left. In contrast there was other centre, his mother continued to bring Brahmani, and Jatadari came to him and fulfiled another section of people who came to him and eatables for the monastics of the ashrama. Her motherhood had expanded beyond her They gave their everything for his cause. These family! after fulfiling their sadhana stayed with him. were the householders ‘M’, Balaram, Surendra, A young lad wanted to join the PAGE SPONSOR : SMT. G. KAMESWARI DEVI, HYDERABAD DEVI, KAMESWARI G. SMT. : SPONSOR PAGE and Girish as well as renunciates like Naren, Ramakrishna Order. But he had to help his Kesari The Vedanta Rakhal, Sharat, and Latu. parents in looking after his younger sister who After the mahasamadhi of Sri Rama- was suffering from a prolonged illness. Finally, krishna they came together to carry the Cross when the sister passed away, the boy told his of Sri Ramakrishna. They started the Sangha parents about his desire to enter the monastic and today through its branch centres across the life. The mother who had seen the vanities of world, and through the Bhav Prachar Parishads, this ephemeral life gave her blessings. Both the the Yuva Mahamandal, and our initiated parents seriously began to study the teachings devotees, the householder devotees in the main of Sri Ramakrishna. They found joy once again are practicing, preaching, and thus preserving in life by adopting Sri Ramakrishna as their son, Sri Ramakrishna’s message of ‘serving man as and Sri Sarada Devi as their daughter! God’ and accepting God as with and without Whatever they cook at home is happily fed to form. this divine son and daughter. This Ramakrishna spirit of universality, This type of spiritual exaltation is a culture-building and role-modelling for all

common feature in India. We can find such people among all classes, in almost every block of buildings. mother. When his turn came, he touched my four or five years old, was standing ahead of his I met an Iranian lady who was feet and I offered him four toffees. But he exasperated by her unmanageable daughter. picked only one. Then I pressed the other three But after reading the life and teachings of Holy toffees into his little hand. The small boy Mother Sri Sarada Devi she found a solution for became a bit nervous, and the mother more the problem. She started addressing her nervous. The boy stood still for a second and daughter as ‘Radhi’ (Radharani, the intolerably then walked towards the photos of Sri whimsical niece of Holy Mother) and this Ramakrishna, Sri Sarada Devi and Swami acceptance of reality brought peace into the Vivekananda. He placed one toffee each in front family. of them and ran to his mother with only one A Catholic family in toffee in hand! Another occasion. A Argentina who regularly Instead of giving sermons it is small girl 2 or 3 years old attend church services are better to lead the life which the sincere followers of our had come with her parents expect from their of grandmother. When her Argentina. They help the children. turn came the child centre in all possible offered pranams at my ways. When asked how feet. There were two

December 2019 they could harmonise the two ideals in their family, their answer was simple: ‘From birth to previous person. The little girl picked up the flowers on my feet – probably offered by the 24 death we are Catholics, but in our spiritual life we are followers of Sri Ramakrishna.’ The grandmother motioned to leave them flowers and showed them to her grandmother. In Brazil a leading Cardiac surgeon is the Then slowly she again picked them up, put Vice President of our Vedanta Centre. Once there. The girl put the flowers back on my feet. when I was talking with him about the centre, them in her pocket and ran to her he said that he has three sons. Two sons are her with kisses. well settled and running their families. But he grandmother; the happiest grandmother filled The Vedanta Kesari The Vedanta was a bit worried about the third son because It is the responsibility of the house he was still struggling to settle down. Then he holders to see that their children grow up with said, ‘the Vedanta Centre is my third son.’ good samskaras. Children generally imitate the said Christ came and parents. Instead of giving sermons it is better to created the Kingdom of Heaven. In contrast lead the life which the parents expect from Swami Vivekananda not only created the their children. Kingdom of Heaven but also its citizens. Blessed are the parents who can give such Swamiji predicted that since the advent of Sri samskaras to their children. Ramakrishna Satya yuga or the millennium has While staying at Cossipore, Sri started and new generations would come into Ramakrishna declared that those who follow the world endowed with Yoga vibhuti or yogic him are not worldly minded. To think of Sri powers for higher life. Ramakrishna and serve Him is Vidyamaya, and

The devotees were standing in a line following the trail of Vidyamaya a person

becomes Brahmajnani. t waiting to offer pranams to me. A small boy,t Pearls of Wisdom

Taittiriya Upanishad

Taittiriya Upanishad, one of the main Upanishads, presents in आचार뵋पदेशः the guru’s final advice to his students who are about to enter grihastha ashrama.

ॐ ।। वेदमनूच्यचार뵋ऽन्तेवासिमनुशास्त । सत्य वद । धर뤂 चर । स्वध्ययान्म प्रमदः । आचार्यय प्रियं धनमात् प्रजातन्तु मा व्यच्छत्सी । सत्यन्न प्रमदितव्म्‌ । धर्मन्न प्रमदितव्म्‌ । कुशलान्न प्रमदितव्म् ‌। भूत्य न प्रमदितव्म्‌ । स्वध्ययप्रवचनाभ्या न प्रमदितव्म्‌ ।। Having taught the Vedas, the preceptor exhorts the disciple with this post- instruction: Speak the truth. Practise Dharma (righteousness). Be not heedless about the study (of the scriptures). Having offered to the teacher the wealth he desires, do not cut off the line of progeny. There should be no inadvertence about

truth. There should be no deviation from righteous activity. Do not be careless about December 2019 (personal) welfare. Do not neglect prosperity. Do not stray away from learning and teaching. 25

देवपितृकार्यभ्या न प्रमदितव्म्‌ । मातृदेवो भव । पितृदेवो भव । आचार्देवो भव । अतिथिदेवो भव । यान्यनवद्यान कर्माण । तानि सेवितव्यान । नो इतराणि । यान्स्मकग्‌ं सुचरितानि । तानि त्योपास्यान । नो इतराणि ।। There should be no lapse in the duties towards the gods and manes (i.e. Agnihotra etc. and the ceremonies such as Shraddha and Tarpana). Let your mother be a goddess unto you. Let your father be a god unto Kesari The Vedanta you.obligatory Let your sacrificial teacher ritesbe a godas unto you. Let your guest be a god unto you. Let only those works be done by you that are free from blemishes, and not others. Only those actions of ours should be followed by you, that are commendable, and not others (though they are done by us). ये के चास्च््रयाग्‌ंसो 녍रह्मणाः । तेषां त्याऽऽसने न प्रश्र्वर् सितव्म्‌ । श्रद्धया देयम्‌ । अश्रद्धयाऽदेयम्‌ । श्रिया देयम्‌ । ह섿या देयम्‌ । भिया देयम्‌ । संविदा देयम्‌ । You should, by offering seat etc., remove the fatigue of those Brahmanas who are more superior to, or more praiseworthy than us— whoever they may be— by virtue of their distinction in teachership etc. Gifts should be made gladly with shraddha (honour); never give an unwilling gift. The gifts should be made in plenty according to one’s prosperity, with modesty and fear. The gifts should be given in a friendly way.

अथ यदि ते कर्मविचिकत्स वा वृत्तविचित्स वा स्यत्‌ । ये तत 녍रह्मणास्समर्‌शिनः । यु啍त आयुक्त । अलूक्षा धर्कामास्स्य । यथा ते तत वर酇रन्‌ । तथा तत वर酇थाः । Then, should you have any doubt with regard to your duties or conduct in life, you should behave in those matters just as do those Brahmanas there, who are able to judge impartially, who are experienced in those duties and customs, who are not directed by others, who are not cruel, and who are devoted to Dharma and December 2019 desirous of merit. 26 अथाभ्यख्यतेषु। ये तत 녍रह्मणास्समर्‌शिनः । यु啍त आयुक्त । अलूक्षा धर्कामास्स्य । यथा ते तेषु वर酇रन्‌ । तथा तेषु वर酇थाः । And now as regards dealing with persons of ill-fame and accused of some crime, do you deal with them as do the Brahmanas there, who are experienced, and not directed by others, who are not cruel, who are interested in the Law, and desirous of merit. The Vedanta Kesari The Vedanta एष आदशे ः । एष उपदशे ः । एषा वेदोपनिषत् ‌। एतदनुशासनम् ‌। एवमुपासितव्म्‌ । एवमुचैतदुपास्म् ‌।। This is the (scriptural) injunction. This is the advice (to sons and others by fathers and others). This is the secret of the Vedas. This is divine behest (the direction by all those are accepted as authoritative). (All this) is to be done thus. And (all this) must be done thus. Pearls of Wisdom

Rishi Manu Manu is one of most influential Hindu Law givers. Selected codes for householders from his Manusmriti are presented here.

यथा वायुः समाश्रित् वर्न्त सर्वन्तव। तथा गृहस्माश्रित् वर्न्त सर् आश्रमाः॥ All beings depend on the air for their survival, similarly all stations of life depend on the householder for their survival. अ饍रहेणैव भूतानाम् अल्饍रहेण वा पुनः। या वृत鄿स्ता समास्थय विप्रो जीवेदनापदि॥ A wise one should adopt a livelihood where there is no harm to other beings, or if unavoidable, least harm to other beings and live in a safe ambience.

ऋषिय煍ञ देवय煍ञ भूतय煍ञ च सर्दा। December 2019 नृय煍ञ पितृय煍ञ च यथाश啍त न हापयेत्॥ One should never miss out making offerings to the sages (by studying the Vedas), gods, 27 fellow living beings, fellow human beings and manes as per one’s capability. यत्कि椿दपि दातव्य याचितेनानसूयया । Something at least has to be given when sought, without ill-feelings. मातापितृभ्या जामीभिः 땍र配र पु配रण भार्या। दुहि配र दासवर्ण विवादं न समाचरेत्॥

तस्मदेतैरधि啍क्षꥍत सहेतास煍जरः सदा॥ Kesari The Vedanta One should never argue with his father, mother, sister, brother, son, wife, daughter or servants. Even if they scold, one has to tolerate and withstand it always (because they are one’s own and will state things that are for our wellbeing). नात्मामवमन्यत पूर्वाभरसमृद्धिभिः। आमृत्यो श्रियमन्वच्छत् नैनां मन्यत दुर्भाम् ॥ One should never undermine oneself looking at past failures to reach prosperity. As long as one is alive, one should strive for prosperity. Never should one consider prosperity unattainable. सत्य 녍रयात् प्रियं 녍रयात् न 녍रयात् सत्मप्रियम्। प्रियं च नानृतं 녍रयादेष धर्म सनातनः॥ One should speak truth. One should speak in an endearing manner. Never should one speak truth in an unpleasant manner and also endearing falsehood should be avoided. This is the eternal Dharma. धर뤂 शनैः सञ椿नुयाद् वल्मकमिव पुत鄿काः। One should accumulate merit little by little like the mud accumulated (to build the ant- hill) by the termites. सर् परवशं दुःखं सर्मात्मशं सुखम्। एतद्विद्त् समासेन लक्षणं सुखदुःखयोः॥ All that leads to dependence is suffering. All that leads to independence is happiness.

December 2019 This is in short the definition of happiness and suffering. 28 Rishi Atri Rishi Atri prescribed code of conduct for the Vaikhanasas sub-tradition of South Indian Vaishnavism. The ishta, purta, and datta karmas as defined in his Atri Samhita are presented here.

अगꄿहो配र तपः सत्य वेदानां चानुपालनम्। आतिथ्य वैश्र्वदेवश्च इष्टत्यभिीयते ॥

hospitality and performing Vaishvadeva ritual is called as Ishta karma. The Vedanta Kesari The Vedanta Saluting the fires, austerities, truthfulness, preserving and propagating the Vedas, वापीकूपतडागातिदेवतायतनानि च । अन्नप्रदानमारामः पूर्तमत्यभिीयते॥ Constructing lakes, wells, ponds and temples and gardens and distributing food is called as Purta karma. शरणागतसन配रणं भूतानां चाप्यहंसनम् । बहिर्दि च य饍दां दत्तत्यभिीयते॥ Protecting those who seek refuge, non-injury to living beings, charity that is not part of rituals are called as Datta karma. Article

Sri Ramakrishna’s Advice to Householders

SWAMI MANGALANATHANANDA

here is a famous verse in Manu Smriti: hours making garlands for the family deity, यस्मत् तयोऽप्यश्रमिणो 煍ञानेनान्ने चान्हम्। Raghuvir.’1 Tगृहस्थेैव धार्न्त तस्म煍ज्येष्श्रमी गृही॥ The genetic inheritance governed by rules ‘The grihastha is the greatest among the of biology is equally applicable to animals and ashramas, because it is only the grihastha who human beings. But cultural, moral and spiritual provides food and education to the people of inheritance is possible only in man and this is the other three ashramas.’ greatly dependent on the lives of the parents. Today, when we expect moral values among our

The society runs on the strength of a December 2019 grihastha. The quality of a society depends on children, it is the parents who have to take the the quality of the grihastha. So, great care is to responsibility of practising these values and 29 be given towards enhancing the strength, then leading their children on the same path. quality and value of the householders’ life. In Sri Ramakrishna lived a unique householder’s the 19th century the world saw a wonderful life and guided countless people from different incarnation in the sahaja-manush or simple- walks of life — renunciates, religious leaders, man Sri Ramakrishna because of the sahaja-jeevan, simple life led by his parents philanthropists, landlords, businessmen, social reformers, freedom-fighters,

PAGE SPONSOR : PROF. S. RADHAKRISHNAN NAIR, THRISSUR NAIR, RADHAKRISHNAN S. PROF. : SPONSOR PAGE entrepreneurs, professors, doctors, judges,

Kshudhiram and Chandramani Devi. Sri Kesari The Vedanta Ramakrishna once said about them: ‘My wives, widows, sweepers, vagabonds, and even government officials, actors, actresses, house- gentleness. She did not know much about the waysmother of was the the world; personification innocent of of rectitude the art and of which lies in realisation of God. In his prostitutes—towards the fulfilment of life concealment, she would say what was in her conversations, he repeatedly pointed out how mind. People loved her for open-heartedness. My father, an orthodox brahmin, … spent much while living in the world. His instructions are householders could achieve this fulfilment even of his time in worship and meditation, and in available to us in The Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna, repeating God’s name and chanting His glories. the English translation of the original Whenever in his daily prayers he invoked the Bengali book Sri Sri Ramakrishna Kathamrita written by one of his householder disciples, Sri rolled down his cheeks. He spent his leisure Mahendranath Gupta, popularly known as ‘M’. Goddess Gayatri, his chest flushed and tears The author is a sannyasi of the Ramakrishna Order serving in Sri Ramakrishna Math, Basavanagudi, Bengaluru. [email protected] Sri Ramakrishna’s advice to householder On another occasion, he told a devotee: devotees ‘Why do you call the world a deep well or a Sri Ramakrishna’s teachings, which are trackless forest? An aspirant may think so in recorded in The Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna are the beginning; but how can he be frightened by mostly imparted to men devotees and visitors. This article presents some of these teachings that— “This very world is a mansion of mirth; Herethe world I can if eat,he holds here fast drink to God?and makeThen hemerry.” finds world. However, for a detailed understanding of Why should you be frightened? Hold fast to Sriwhich Ramakrishna’s show the path message to a fulfilingfor both life men in and the God. What if the world is like a forest of thorns? women in the world, one should study Sri Sri Put on shoes and walk on the thorns. Whom 3 Ramakrishna Lilaprasanga by Swami should you fear?’ (with two English translations: Sri Ramakrishna the Great Master and Sri Earning and handling money Ramakrishna and His Divine Play), Sri Sarada Sri Ramakrishna in course of his sadhana Devi and Her Divine Play, The Gospel of the Holy renounced money, i.e., wealth. But he had a Mother, and The Complete Works of Swami mature view of money: ‘Money enables a man Vivekananda. to get food and drink, build a house, worship the Deity, serve devotees and holy men, and Advantages of family life help the poor when he happens to meet them. December 2019 Each person is unique. More so in These are the good uses of money. Money is not meant for luxuries or creature comforts or for 30 spiritual journey. So great teachers guide an individual according to the person’s stage of buying a position in society.’4 When asked if one evolution. Sri Ramakrishna, who came to could make an effort to earn more money, he establish the Sanatana Dharma, inspired people replied, ‘It is permissible to do so to maintain a in the family to take advantage of being in the religious family’, and ‘You may try to increase your income, but in an honest way.’5 attainment of life. Speaking to a group of He once cautioned ‘M’: ‘You no doubt need devoteesworld and on achieve 23 March God-realisation 1884, he —said: the ‘Why final money for your worldly life; but don’t worry too The Vedanta Kesari The Vedanta should householders renounce the world? much about it. The wise course is to accept What great troubles the wandering monks pass what comes of its own accord. Don’t take too through! The wife of a certain man said to him: much trouble to save money. Those who “You want to renounce the world? Why? You surrender their heart and soul to God, those will have to beg morsels from eight different who are devoted to Him and have taken refuge homes. But here you get all your food at one in Him, do not worry much about money. As place. Isn’t that nice?”… You are leading a they earn so they spend. The money comes in householder’s life. That is very good. It is like one way and goes out the other. This is what the Gita describes as “accepting what comes of its own accord.”’6 fighting from a fort. There are many many dangers, too. Bullets may hit you. But one To another lay-disciple he once told: disadvantages in fighting in an open field. So should spend some time in solitude and attain ‘Those who have money should give in charity. Knowledge. Then one can lead the life of a The miser’s wealth is spirited away, but the householder. Janaka lived in the world after money of the charitable person is saved. He attaining Knowledge.’2 spends it for a righteous purpose… He who gives away in charity achieves great results. He was living separately with his wife and children achieves the four fruits: dharma, artha, kama, he said reproachfully: ‘And let me say this to and moksha.’7 you. Your father and mother brought you up. An important point to be noted here is You yourself are the father of several children. that the goal of life is God realization, not Yet you have left home with your wife. You have earning money. If we have more wealth, it has cheated your parents. You have come away with to be used in the service of God. Service of God your wife and children, and you feel you have does not mean merely going to temples and become a holy man. Your father doesn’t need serving religious places, but it more any money from you; otherwise I should have importantly means serving all needy creatures. cried, “Shame on you!”’9 As Swami Vivekananda puts it दीन देवो भव, दरिद For those who sought to achieve the देवो भव, ‘Let the destitute be your God, let the highest spiritual realisation, Sri Ramakrishna poor be your God.’ strongly advocated complete renunciation of ‘lust and greed.’ But to householders he Managing duties and relationships advocated: ‘Your path, again, as a married man Sri Ramakrishna asked people to live in is to live with your wife just as brother and sister, after one or two children are born to you, and pray to the Lord constantly that both of you dutiesthe world and and also at thethink same of time fix their minds may have the strength to

God.’on God. Sri He Ramakrishna would say, ‘Fulfil your worldly live a perfect life of December 2019 was a Paramahamsa Service of God does not mean spirituality and self- 10 sannyasi. Yet, he did not merely going to temples and control.’ He described a 31 forget to make serving religious places, but it good wife thus: ‘A good arrangements for his wife more importantly means serving wife, has very little lust and anger. She sleeps after his passing away. He all needy creatures. kept some money in one little. She pushes her of his disciple’s estate husband’s head away from where she would draw a regular interest. from her. She is full of PAGE SPONSOR : A DEVOTEE, CHENNAI DEVOTEE, A : SPONSOR PAGE His mother lived with him at Dakshineswar in affection, kindness, devotion, modesty, and Kesari The Vedanta her last days. Every day Sri Ramakrishna would other noble qualities. Such a wife serves all, spend time with her and render some personal looking on all men as her children. Further, she service. helps increase her husband’s love for God. She One day, Sri Ramakrishna was talking to a doesn’t spend much money lest her husband group of devotees which included Ram, should have to work hard and thus not get 11 Girindra and ‘M’. Ram’s family was passing leisure to think of God.’ through an unhappy situation because of his ‘How long should a man feel obliged to do father’s second wife and he made unpleasant his duty toward his wife and children?’ asked comments on his father and step-mother. ‘M’ one day. Sri Ramakrishna replied, ‘As long as Accepting the reality, Sri Ramakrishna they feel pinched for food and clothing. But one suggested: ‘Then build them a separate home. need not take the responsibility of a son when That will be a different thing. You will defray he is able to support himself. When the young their monthly expenses. How worthy of worship one’s parents are!’8 Then to ‘M’, who pecks it if it comes to her for food.’12 fledgling learns to pick its own food, its mother Mutual love, care and concern is the this, they devote their lives to the service of secret for a happy family life and Sri others.’15 Ramakrishna time and again advised his A lady devotee of Sri Ramakrishna faced a devotees to live in harmony with others. Yet he problem during her meditation and felt emphatically told them that there should be no disappointed. She used to look after her baby- compromise if someone stood on their path of God realisation. To a young devotee who meditation instead of her chosen deity. Sri wanted to lead a spiritual life he said, ‘Show Ramakrishnanephew and suggested his face her would to consider flash the during boy great devotion to your parents; but don’t obey as baby Krishna. And this turned an apparently them if they stand in your way to God. You must worldly activity into constant companionship gird your loins with great determination and with the Lord. say, “This rogue of a father!”’13 On another occasion he said, ‘There is no harm in Enlightened citizenship and spiritual disobeying your elders for the sake of God. For illumination Rama’s sake, Bharat did not obey his mother Pandit Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar the Kaikeyi. The did not obey their husbands great scholar, educationist, reformer and when they were forbidden to visit Krishna. philanthropist of Bengal was a household name Prahlada disobeyed his father for God. Bali for his charity, generosity and compassion. Sri disregarded the words of Sukracharya, his Ramakrishna visited him

December 2019 teacher, in order to please on 5 Aug 1882 and in the God. Vibhishana went When you feed your child, you course of conversation 32 against the wishes of should feel that you are feeding told him: ‘The activities Ravana, his elder brother, God. that you are engaged in to please Rama. But you are good. … It is very must obey your elders in good if you can perform all other things.’14 Similar was his advice for husband and wife. giving up the idea that you are the doer. Throughthem in asuch selfless action spirit, one renouncing develops love egotism, and The Vedanta Kesari The Vedanta Divinising relationships devotion to God, and ultimately realizes Him. … One way to turn our mind towards God, is By these philanthropic activities you are really to divinise our family relationships. Sri doing good to yourself. … There is gold buried Ramakrishna advised the devotees: ‘When you in your heart, but you are not yet aware of it… feed your child, you should feel that you are Go forward… God can be seen. One can talk to feeding God. You should look upon your father him as I am talking to you.’16 and mother as veritable manifestations of God Later Sri Ramakrishna advised a group of and the Divine Mother, and serve them as such. devotees: ‘Remember that daya, compassion, If a man enters the world after realizing God, he and maya, attachment, are two different things. does not generally keep up physical relations Attachment means the feeling of “my-ness” with his wife. Both of them are devotees; they toward one’s relatives. It is the love one feels love to talk only of God and pass their time in for one’s parents, one’s brother, one’s sister, spiritual conversation. They serve other one’s wife and children. Compassion is the love devotees of God, for they know that God alone one feels for all beings of the world. It is an has become all living beings; and, knowing attitude of equality. If you see anywhere an instance of compassion, as in Vidyasagar, know With some of them he may exchange words, but that it is due to the grace of God. Through with others he shouldn’t go even that far. He compassion one serves all beings. Maya also should keep aloof from such people…. A man comes from God. Through maya God makes one living in society should make a show of tamas serve one’s relatives. But one thing should be to protect himself from evil-minded people…. remembered: maya keeps us in ignorance and You must hiss at wicked people. You must entangles us in the world, whereas daya makes frighten them lest they should do you harm. But our hearts pure and gradually unties our never inject your venom into them. One must bonds.’17 not injure others.’18

in service of the greater society beyond the Be a devotee, not a fool Thus we find that if we expand ourselves limited family, we will be ready to see God. A Though immersed in spiritual ecstasy, Sri little spiritual discipline will then unlock the Ramakrishna was never careless about matters treasure within. of life. He would keep his room orderly, things in proper place. He instructed his disciples to Hiss but not bite inspect things thoroughly before they purchase In this creation of God, people are of various nature — the good and the wicked, the available. Once a devotee bought, with one pice, anything and also get the benefits of sale if holy and the unholy. 6 betel leaves while Questions arise about generally 10 were sold. December 2019 Maya keeps us in ignorance and Sri Ramakrishna scolded, how to deal with this 33 variety when God dwells entangles us in the world, ‘Be a devotee, but don’t in all. Sri Ramakrishna whereas Daya makes our hearts be foolish. Don’t get gave a very pragmatic pure and gradually unties our cheated. If you have extra, answer: ‘You may be bonds distribute it to others but intimate only with good never be cheated.’19 people; you must keep away from the evil-minded. God is even in the PAGE SPONSOR : A DEVOTEE, CHENNAI DEVOTEE, A : SPONSOR PAGE Becoming a man and practice of Truth tiger; but you cannot embrace the tiger on that Kesari The Vedanta account. You may say, “Why run away from a tiger, which is also a manifestation of God?” The possessHow dignity do we and define alertness. a human Only being?he whose Sri answer to that is: “Those who tell you to run spiritualRamakrishna consciousness defined is thus:awakened ‘Man possesses should away are also manifestations of God— and why this dignity and alertness and can be called a shouldn’t you listen to them?”... Some water is man. Futile is the human birth without the awakening of spiritual consciousness.’20 And washing the face, and some only for washing practice of truthfulness alone can lead to this platesfit to beor dirty used linen. for worship, This last some sort cannot water forbe spiritual awakening, as Sri Ramakrishna used for drinking or for a holy purpose. In like repeatedly pointed out: ‘Truthfulness in speech manner, God undoubtedly dwells in the hearts is the tapasya of all— holy and unholy, righteous and practice other austerities in this cycle.… Even unrighteous; but a man should not have those engaged of in the worldly Kaliyuga. activities, It is difficult such asto dealings with the unholy, the wicked, the impure. He must not be intimate with them. truth…. God can be realized through truth office work or business, should hold to the alone.’ 21 Even in trivial matters, Sri ‘Is it possible to see God?’ Ramakrishna would hold on to truth as ‘Under what conditions does one see revealed in an incident narrated by himself: God?’ ‘Once I went to Ram’s house in Calcutta. I Sri Ramakrishna’s replies to these happened to say, ‘I shall not take any luchi.’ questions provide the methods to churn the When I sat down for the meal I felt hungry. But butter of knowledge and devotion from the I had said I would not eat the luchi; so I had to milk of the mind. 22

fill my stomach with sweets.’ How to fix our mind on God? Churn the butter Sri Ramakrishna recommended four 24 Sri Ramakrishna is that god-realisation should ‘Repeat God’s name and sing His glories.’ be theOne goal single of note human we find life. in theBut teachings there are of spiritual practices to fix our mind on God: ‘Keep holy company— now and then visit challenges. Comparing the mind with milk, he God’s devotees and holy men.’ taught: ‘If you keep the mind in the world, ‘Go into solitude now and then and think which is like water, then the milk and water will of God.’ get mixed. That is why people keep milk in a quiet place and let it set into curd, and then ‘Always discriminate between the real and churn butter from it. Likewise, through the unreal. God alone is real, the Eternal December 2019 spiritual disciplines practiced in solitude, churn Substance; all else is unreal, that is, impermanent.’ 34 the butter of knowledge and devotion from the milk of the mind. Then that butter can easily be Even as Vedanta prescribes the sadhana kept in the water of the world. It will not get chatushtaya, Sri Ramakrishna prescribed these four sadhanas suited to devotees in the modern detached on the water of the world.’23 world. mixed with the world. The mind will float Butter is the product of milk. The liquid In this world every action produces milk naturally gets mixed with water and results, good or bad. Every karma that we do becomes diluted. But the same milk when produces karmaphala or fruits of action. From The Vedanta Kesari The Vedanta boiled and mixed with curd, changes its very a seed comes the tree. In turn the tree produces nature. In the same way an untrained mind gets thousands of seeds. These seeds in turn give mixed with the world, whereas a trained mind rise to hundreds of trees. In the same way lives in the very same world with a saintly karma and karmaphala form a vicious circle. detachment. In the example of Dharmavyadha The only way we can come out of this cycle of from Mahabharata, we understand that his karma is by taking the name of the Lord. mind had become butter. Though a butcher by We have to exhaust all the karmaphala of profession, he had a deep spiritual knowledge all the accumulated karmas carried from many births to attain mukti. But this is beyond human In the very beginning of his association effort. Hence God, being kapalamochana, which is reflected in the Vyadha Gita. with Sri Ramakrishna, ‘M’ asked four vital destroyer of sins, will wipe out our sanchita questions as if on behalf of humanity: karmas, accumulated karmaphala, and lead us towards mukti. While narrating the demon ‘How ought we to live in the world?’ ‘How, sir, may we fix our minds on God?’ Raktabijasura’s battle with the Divine Mother, the Durga Saptashati states that from every drop of the demon’s blood that fell on the ‘my Hari’. But in her own mind she knows very ground another Raktabijasura was born! Then wellown. thatShe eventhey dospeaks not belongof them to as her ‘my at Rāma’ all. The or Mother Kali stretched out her tongue and did tortoise moves about in the water. But can you not allow the blood drops to fall on the ground guess where her thoughts are? They are on the bank, where her eggs are lying.’27 the same way, God’s name swallows the fruits A famous verse in Hitopadesha says, and then the demon was finally vanquished. In of our action and leads us to mukti. वनेऽपि दोषा प्रभवन्त रागिणां The company of holy men and devotees गृहेषु सर्वेनय निग्रहस्पः । begets yearning for God, inspires us to chant अकुत्सते कर्माण यः प्रर्तते the holy name and helps cultivate निवृतरागस् गृहं तपोवनम्‌ ।। discrimination between the real and the unreal ‘A person with worldly attachments will experience troubles even in the forest; living at tender plant of love of God needs fencing before and handle our desires. The fledgling and home with all the senses under control is tapas it grows into a big tree. Retreating into solitude or spiritual austerity. For one who is engaged in and thinking of God gives this fencing. Sri unblemished actions and free from Ramakrishna advised: ‘If you ask me how long attachments, the very home becomes a you should live in solitude away from your tapovana.’ family, I should say that it would be good for

you if you could spend even one day in such a December 2019 manner. Three days at a time are still better. Seeing God: The conditions One may live in solitude for twelve days, a Sri Ramakrishna always gave an emphatic 35 month, three months, or a year according to ‘yes’ to the question if we could see God. When one’s convenience and ability.’25 ‘M’ asked under what conditions one could see God, Sri Ramakrishna answered it with one How to live in the The fledgling and tender plant of world? word – vyakulata or love of God needs fencing before intense yearning. He said: Sri Ramakrishna’s

PAGE SPONSOR : SRI SRINIVASAN PALANIMUTHU, SALEM PALANIMUTHU, SRINIVASAN SRI : SPONSOR PAGE it grows into a big tree. ‘Cry to the Lord advice was: Kesari The Vedanta Retreating into solitude and with an intensely ‘Do all your duties, thinking of God gives this yearning heart and you but keep your mind on fencing. will certainly see Him. God.’ People shed a whole jug ‘Live with all— with wife and children, of tears for wife and children. They swim in father and mother— and serve them. Treat tears for money. But who weeps for God? Cry to them as if they were very dear to you, but know Him with a real cry.’28 Then he gives a measure in your heart of hearts that they do not belong of this yearning: ‘God reveals Himself to a to you.’26 devotee who feels drawn to Him by the Then using the similes of a maidservant combined force of these three attractions: the and a tortoise, he explained: ‘A maidservant in attraction of worldly possessions for the the house of a rich man performs all the worldly man, the child’s attraction for its mother, and the husband’s attraction for the her own home in her native village. She brings chaste wife. If one feels drawn to Him by the uphousehold her master’s duties, children but her thoughtsas if they are were fixed her on combined force of these three attractions, then through it one can attain Him. The point is, to contact with Sri Ramakrishna. Sri Ramakrishna’s love God…’29 touch completely transformed him into a great Sri Ramakrishna did not prescribe leaving devotee of the Lord. On 14 December 1884 Sri home and becoming an ascetic or reading a lot Ramakrishna visited Star Theatre to see a play of scriptures or going on pilgrimages or on Prahlada, the great devotee of Sri Vishnu. performing religious rituals as conditions to see There took place an interesting conversation God. Wherever we may be in society, if we have between Girish and Sri Ramakrishna: this vyakulata we are sure to see God. ‘Sri Ramakrishna: Have faith in the Divine Mother and you will attain everything. Faith in God’s name and positive attitude Girish: But I am a sinner. , the famous Sri Ramakrishna: The wretch who dramatist led a reckless life before coming in constantly harps on sin becomes a sinner. December 2019

36 The Vedanta Kesari The Vedanta

Sri Ramakrishna standing in ecstasy during a kirtan of Keshab Chandra Sen’s house in Kolkata. He is surrounded by Brahmo devotees, with Hriday, his nephew supporting him. Photo taken on 21 Sept 1879 Girish: Sir, the very ground where I used not always easy to manage all the affairs of life to sit would become unholy. peacefully and snatch time to practice spiritual Sri Ramakrishna: How can you say that? discipline. To a devotee, who complained of not Suppose a light is brought into a room that has having time, Sri Ramakrishna compassionately been dark a thousand years; Does it illumine told: ‘Those who have the time 30 must meditate and worship. But Sri Ramakrishna always emphasized on those who cannot possibly do so Purify your the room little by little, or all in a flash?’ keeping faith in the power of God’s name and in must bow down whole-heartedly to tongue by God twice a day. He abides in the the guru and a positive outlook on life. He once singing God’s hearts of all; He knows that worldly told a Brahmo-spiritual leader, ‘Will you tell me holy name one thing? Why did you harp so much on sin? people have many things to do. By repeating a hundred times, “I am a sinner”, What else is possible for them? You one verily becomes a sinner. One should have don’t have time to pray to God; such faith as to be able to say, “What? I have therefore, give Him the power of taken the name of God; how can I be a sinner?” attorney. But all is in vain unless you attain God 32 God is our Father and Mother. Tell Him, “O Lord, and see Him.’ I have committed sins, but I won’t repeat them.” Praising another devotee, he said: ‘Though Chant His name and purify your body and you are a householder, still you have kept your mind. Purify your tongue by singing God’s holy mind on God. Is that a small thing? The man

name.’31 who has renounced the world will pray to Him December 2019 as a matter of course. Is there any credit in that? But blessed indeed is he who, while leading a 37 Message of hope and assurance householder’s life, prays to God. He is like a man Sri Ramakrishna was quite aware of the problems one has to face in family life — weighing twenty maunds.’33 disease, grief, poverty, misunderstanding with who If finds we have an object the zeal after to removinglead an ideal a stone life, one’s spouse and children and the like. Of Sri Ramakrishna is eternally present to help course in addition to them we have now to face us. With this hope let us walk towards

PAGE SPONSOR : DR. RAVISHANKAR CHANDRASHEKAR, BENGALURU CHANDRASHEKAR, RAVISHANKAR DR. : SPONSOR PAGE the distractions posed by modern media. It is light! Kesari The Vedanta

References 1) The Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna (Originally recorded in Bengali by M., a disciple of the Master). [hereafter Gospel], Trans. by Swami Nikhilananda, Chennai: Sri Ramakrishna Math, 2012, p.3 2) Gospel. p.411 3) Gospel. p.714 4) Gospel. p.285 5) Gospel. p.114 6) Gospel. p.506 7) Gospel. p.696 8) Gospel. p.424 9) Gospel. p.424 10) The Condensed Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna (According to M., a son of the Lord and disciple). [hereafter Condensed Gospel]. Chennai: Sri Ramakrishna Math, 1993, p.280 11) Gospel. pp.701-702 12) Gospel. p.114 13) Gospel. p.755 14) Gospel. pp.722- 723 15) Gospel. p.326 16) Gospel. p.108 17) Gospel. p.161 18) Gospel. pp.84-86 19) Mahendra Nath Gupta (M.) The Recorder of The Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna. Swami Chetanananda, Kolkata: Advaita Ashrama, 2011, p.339 20) Gospel. p.844 21) Gospel. p. 749, 177, 418 22) Gospel. pp.418-419 23) Gospel. p.313 24) Gospel. p.81 25) Gospel. p.313 26) Gospel. p.81 27) Gospel. p.81 28) Gospel. p.83 29) Gospel. p.83 30) Gospel. p.679 31) Gospel. p.159 32) Gospel. p.385 33) Gospel. p.821-822 Article

Sri Sarada Devi: The Ideal Sahadharmini

PRAVRAJIKA ATMADEVAPRANA ri Sarada Devi, the Holy Mother, the the shell. This is the attitude we need while Ideal Sahadharmini of Sri facing the problems of life. SRamakrishna, who literally made the Ramakrishna Ideal more practicable, is perhaps attitude manifested beautifully. Saradamani, an the only known consort of an incarnation of 18-yearIn Holyold maidenMother’s came life, we to findknow exactly that thisher God who did her utmost to translate his husband, a priest at message into action and to spread it. had gone mad. She courageously took a bold Sri Sarada Devi came to guide humanity decision to trek the eighty miles to and she proved through her life that it is Dakshineswar. Reaching there she went possible to lead the happiest, contented, god- straight to her husband and soon found him centred ideal life amidst saner than the sanest, December 2019 the modern clumsy having undergone intense consumerist world with The special mission of her life austerities, having united 38 its hundreds of exacting seems to be to reveal Divine his mind with the problems. We are Motherhood to the world Universal Spirit or inspired by her outlook Consciousness, and poised of turning everything in the Supreme Self. positive, her ’never say die’ spirit, her role in Young, bashful and fresh from village, on her arrival at Dakshineswar, she was asked by spiritual heritage, and her introduction of new her duty-bound husband whether she wanted The Vedanta Kesari The Vedanta valuesfilling upfor theassimilation gap distancing in householder us from life. our to live a typical married life, whether she Besides all these, the special mission of her life wanted to drag him down into Maya? But seems to be to reveal Divine Motherhood to the Sarada who was more than equal to his world. expectations, promptly replied that she had come to help him in his chosen path, and fully An outlook of turning everything positive understood his noble endeavour. Romain A positive approach in life, braving all ups Rolland, in veneration observed, ‘Little Saradamani was to become the chaste sister of a big friend, who venerated her, the immaculate monkeyand downs on is a the nearby first need coconut for everyone. tree hurled Once, a coconuta Sufi saint on washim. strollingThe saint along picked a river it up, bank. drank A and serene soul, whom the disciples associated withcompanion his sanctity of his astrails the andHoly of Mother.’ his faith,1 the firm

the water, ate the flesh and made a bowl from The author is a senior sannyasini of , Colombo. [email protected] The ’Never say die’ spirit of Holy Mother explains this further. Western education, by Though she was destined to live in a small dungeon called ‘Nahabat’ (music room in the individuals, no doubt, but with less and less strengthening the ego, turns out self-confident Dakshineswar Kali Temple) almost in capacity to communicate with other conditions of imprisonment for years, what was individuals. The capacity to communicate, to her reaction? Humbly and cheerfully she love and to be loved, which is so vital to human accepted all troubles, trials and tribulations. She just turned her ‘suffocating’ (as modern only through an education that initiates happiness and fulfilment, comes to a person women call it) role of cooking, scouring, serving, nursing, etc, as a means of joy. development of individuality must lead to the spiritual growth. This first stage of the Speaking about her life in Nahabat, she once second stage in which individuality grows into emphatically declared, ‘I always felt as if a character. Here a person consciously begins to pitcher of bliss was kept in my heart. What a lot achieve ethical awareness and the capacity to love and to be loved by other human beings. the Nahabat for the service of the Master and He quotes Swami Vivekananda asking yetof difficulties there was I had no to consciousnessface while I was livingof any at women and men in the modern age to combine inconvenience, the days passed off merrily these qualities in their personality, ‘Can you without notice. Dakshineswar used then to be become an occidental of occidentals in your a mart of joy!’ 2 spirit of equality, freedom, energy and work,

and remain a Hindu to the very backbone in December 2019 joyfulness. Modern women who may try to religious culture and instincts?’ stampTrue Holy sacrifice Mother’s is role an actas subservient of courage and 39 Her role in filling up the gap distancing us of western education, losing faith in spirituality, from our spiritual heritage helpless should realise that under the influence religion and culture, would surely bring ruin of A recently married Hindu couple settled our total wellbeing. Fascinated by their in U.K. came and the husband complained of an excessive freedom of choice, independence and air of distrust and suspicion, pervading there, minimum discipline and supervision, blindly surrounding them. In his working place, many PAGE SPONSOR : SUSHRI GEETHA I. E., VELLORE E., GEETHA I. SUSHRI : SPONSOR PAGE following the western ways, many already of his colleagues though moving with four or Kesari The Vedanta suffer the pressure of lack of close family connections, a sense of meaninglessness, feelings of alienation, depression etc., and the five women, and in the course of time becoming pressures of living in a highly competitive society. So, is it not equally important that a woman who extends her energies into the wide social

establish peace and orderlinessfield must have at home? first learnt to Swami Ranganathananda Ji Maharaj, the 13th President of the Ramakrishna Order fathers of some children, are yet undecided inspired them to take their stand on the whom to marry legally. On legal divorce, man spiritual relationship subsisting between the has to part with half of his earnings to his legal teacher and his disciple or that between the wife. This is the cause of the dilemma. Divine Mother and her votary, thereby Sri Sarada Devi, is the Divine Spirit of introducing a new value, assimilating which the eternal India, a humanity could move higher up. repository of inner peace and poise. Her advent is The capacity to communicate, to type of householders in And we find another to accomplish a divine love and to be loved, which is so Navagopal Ghosh and his vital to human happiness and wife Nistharini Devi. The up the gap distancing us fulfilment, comes to a person couple were blessed with plan, to show how to fill from our spiritual only through an education that a spiritual outlook and a harmonious marriage. heritage. She stands initiates spiritual growth. before us pointing out the During pregnancy way for the modern Nistharini prayed if a son society which is searching for a noble direction. was born to them, she would dedicate him to She came to teach humanity the way of love, the the service of Sri Ramakrishna. When the art of breaking out of the narrowness of our couple did bring her new-born son as an individual existence into the comprehensive offering, Sri Ramakrishna assured them that he

December 2019 structure of the wholeness of existence. It is would take the child at the right time. And lack of love in family and society, that is the indeed, later when the child grew up as a young 40 cause of all the miseries seen everywhere. lad, he joined the Ramakrishna Order and later Holy Mother demonstrated through her came to be known as Swami Ambikananda. life the capacity of mankind’s innate strength to Thus the noble intention of the parents was love, serve and renounce cheerfully. fulfiled. Her life: A source of encouragement Introducing new values for householders In Holy Mother’s dictionary, to love God to assimilate The Vedanta Kesari The Vedanta means to say a whole hearted ‘yes’ to life, to The householder’s life forms the basis of accept without reservation all that God has society. It is the foundation on which the entire ordained for it. In short, her motto is society stands and if the foundation is strong and based on high ideals, the wellbeing of the For all that has been ‘thanks’ entire society is assured. To all that shall be ‘yes, Welcome!’ For householders of high calibre like Nag Holy Mother used to say ‘We only Mahashay, the divine couple Sri Ramakrishna experience the fruit of our actions. Instead of and Sri Sarada Devi preached by their unique blaming others, one should pray to God and bear with all situations with faith in His mercy. He who endures lasts, and he who doesn’t, ourand scriptures: wonderful ‘It life, is thatnot for real the love sake finds of the its perishes.’4 husbandfulfilment that in the he unionis loved, of souls,but for as theextolled sake inof Her life was a source of intense one’s own self that he is loved. It is not for the encouragement. One example for this is sake of the wife that she is loved, but for the Vishnupriyangini Devi, wife of Kalipada Ghosh, sake of one’s own self that she is loved.’3 They a terrible drunkard. Kalipada Ghosh refused to give money to his family, spending it on wine boundaries, caste or creed, did not exist for her. instead. But his wife Vishnupriyangini Devi who The same tender welcome awaited all who was very pure visited Sri Ramakrishna seeking sought her, whether from east or west. All alike some kind of medicine that would change her were her children. Hers was an all embracing husband’s tendencies. Sri Ramakrishna sent her mother-heart which wrapped itself in love to the Holy Mother. The Holy Mother sent her about every child born of woman, and her back to the Master. He family was the human 5 again sent her to the Holy In Holy Mother’s dictionary, to race.’ Mother, and this love God means to say a whole Yes. Not only was exchange went on three she an unusual wife hearted ‘yes’ to life, to accept times. At last, the Holy renouncing her conjugal Mother wrote Sri Rama- without reservation all that God rights and spontaneously krishna’s name on a bel has ordained for it. helping her husband in leaf that had been offered his chosen path, she even to the Lord, gave it to declared the purpose of Kalipada’s wife, and advised her to chant the her advent as: ‘Thakur (Sri Ramakrishna) Lord’s name. Kalipada’s wife chanted the Lord’s regarded all creatures as the manifestation of name for twelve years. Divine Mother and left me behind to And the miracle happened at Kalipada’s demonstrate this motherhood.’6

For isn’t she the Divine mother, whom the December 2019 pleaded with him to give that wine which Devi Mahatmyam extols as declaring first meeting with Sri Ramakrishna. Kalipada यो मे would make him intoxicated for entire life. Sri प्रतिबलो लोके स म े भर्त भविष्यत, ‘He who is equal 41 Ramakrishna touched him and the to me in prowess alone would be my husband.’7 transformation came about. He turned a new And didn’t she prove that later when Sri leaf, repented for his past, took refuge at the Ramakrishna worshipped her as the veritable form of blissful Mother Shodashi? She accepted Vishnupriyangini Devi’s faith and prayers. And with ease in a state of divine mood, his worship Master’s feet thus proving the efficacy of is her feat lesser than that of Savitri, who and also the result of all the spiritual disciplines PAGE SPONSOR : DR. RAMYA S., CHENNAI S., RAMYA DR. : SPONSOR PAGE snatched away her husband from the hands of practised by him. This inspired her to look Kesari The Vedanta God of Death! One step further, upon all beings as manifestations of the Vishnupriyangini Devi, paved way for his Universal Mother. liberation! Holy Mother’s intense encouragement sustained her to persevere in A silent revolutionary of love her resolution with faith and prayers. In one of his hymns on Sri Ramakrishna, Swami Vivekananda extolls him as ‘A powerful Holy Mother’s universal love – Remedy for weapon to encounter the demon of suspicion modern malady and distrust’ (संशय राक्षस नाश महास्त्). Sri The world renowned Swami Vivekananda Ramakrishna entrusted to Holy Mother and to paid his homage to Holy Mother saying, his disciples the responsibility of encountering ‘Mother! Hundreds of Vivekanandas may this demon by his universal love. As Sister appear in the future by your blessings, but Nivedita meaningfully puts it, Holy Mother is there can be only one Mother like you in this ‘Sri Ramakrishna’s own chalice of his love for world.’ Sister Devamata recalled, ‘Geographical the world – a token left with his children.’8 Especially Mother’s unearthly face beaming love that applies to everyone. It works the same with divine love, shedding divine lustre seems everywhere. Love attracts and unites. It is all- to be winning hearts all over the world more powerful. By love the world is conquered. Love than her life and teachings. The overcomes all opposition, all hatred and all hall mark of her life was this manifestation indifference.’ Yet why is such a wonderful of motherhood and everyone who came to characteristic so rare? He continues, ‘Such her always felt they strong love is very rare received an equal share because we love ourselves of her loving concern and The highest spiritual realization so much that little is left to care. is not a dry knowledge but a be given to others.’10 Sister Nivedita, culmination of love. What one That is why referring whose brilliant intellect, gets by renouncing egoism is to her life as one stillness only love, eternal, everlasting. of prayer, Sister Nivedita service activities and emphatically declares, ‘If I kindinfinite heart enthusiasm was respected for ever go to prison for a by even the world renowned poet Sri prolonged period, none of my friends need Rabindranath Tagore, would when sitting near grieve about it – for I shall immediately take to meditation and try to climb those wonderful melting totally like a baby when caressed by the heights on which the Holy Mother lives.’11 Sri Sarada Devi appear to be a small girl of five December 2019 Mother. Explaining this uniqueness of Mother’s Thus Sri Ramakrishna – who declared Sri love, she says ‘Dear Mother! You are full of love. Sarada Devi, his sahadharmini as his Shakti, 42 and she – the Sangha-Janani, the Mother of the ours or the world’s, but a gentle peace that Ramakrishna Order, the sustainer and giver of Yours’ is not a flushed and violent love, like brings good to everyone and wishes ill to strength to the Order, came to show to none.’9 The highest spiritual realization is not a union of souls. They wanted us to realise the dry knowledge but a culmination of love. What needhumanity to become that love better finds step its fulfilmentby step, become in the one gets by renouncing egoism is only love, more conscious human beings, strive to attain

The Vedanta Kesari The Vedanta eternal, everlasting. Extolling the power of such peace within ourselves and in the world and ultimately understand our real nature. disciple of Holy Mother, says, ‘It is the law of Freedom is inter-linked with love. selfless love, Swami Atulananda who was a v v v

References 1) The Life of Ramakrishna. Romain Rolland. Kolkata: Ramakrishna Vivekananda Center, 1962, p.170 Advaita Ashrama, 1954, p.44 7) Sri Devi Mahatmyam, Chapter V 2) Holy Mother Sri Sarada Devi. Swami Gambhirananda. 8) Sister Nivedita of Ramakrishna Vivekananda. Chennai: Sri Ramakrishna Math, 2001, p.33 [hereafter Sister Nivedita]. Pravrajika Atmaprana. 3) Brihadaranyaka Upanishad, II.4.3 Kolkata: Sister Nivedita Girls’ School, 1961, p.69 4) Reminiscences of Sri Sarada Devi. [hereafter 9) Sister Nivedita. p.69 Reminiscences] Ed. Swami Purnatmananda. Kolkata: 10) Prabuddha Bharata Advaita Ashrama, 2004, p.42 Bhagavadgita”. Swami Atulananda. Kolkata: Advaita . “Reflections on the 5) Reminiscences. p.136 Ashrama, 2004, Vol.109, p.20 6) Holy Mother. Swami Nikhilananda, New York: 11) Reminiscences. p.116 Pearls of Wisdom

Maha Nirvana Tantra Selection from Swami Vivekananda’s talk ‘Each Is Great In His Own Place’. (The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda. 1: 42) I shall read to you a few passages from the Maha-Nirvana-Tantra, which treats of this perform all his duties perfectly: subject, and you will see that it is a very difficult task for a man to be a householder, and The householder should be devoted to God; the knowledge of God should be his goal of life. Yet he must work constantly, perform all his duties; he must give up the fruits of his actions to God. and never think that he ought to be grateful, to do some good work and at the same time never look toIt seeis the whether most difficult it brings thing you in name this worldor fame, to orwork nothing and not at all.care Even for thethe result,most arrant to help coward a man becomes brave when the world praises him. A fool can do heroic deeds when the approbation of society is upon him, but for a man to constantly do good without caring for the approbation

householder is to earn a living, but he must take care that he does not do it by telling lies, or December 2019 byof hischeating, fellow or men by robbing is indeed others; the highestand he must sacrifice remember man can that perform. his life is The for the great service duty of of God, the and the poor. 43 Knowing that mother and father are the visible representatives of God, the householder, always and by all means, must please them. If the mother is pleased, and the father, God is pleased with the man. That child is really a good child who never speaks harsh words to his parents. Before parents one must not utter jokes, must not show restlessness, must not show anger or temper. Before mother or father, a child must bow down low, and stand up in their presence, and must not take a seat until they order him to sit. If the householder has food and drink and clothes without first seeing that his mother and Kesari The Vedanta his father, his children, his wife, and the poor, are supplied, he is committing a sin. The mother and the father are the causes of this body; so a man must undergo a thousand troubles in order to do good to them. Even so is his duty to his wife. No man should scold his wife, and he must always maintain her as if she were his own mother. And even when he is in the greatest difficulties and troubles, he must not show anger to his wife. He who thinks of another woman besides his wife, if he touches her even with his mind — that man goes to dark hell. Before women he must not talk improper language, and never brag of his powers. He must not say, “I have done this, and I have done that.” The householder must always please his wife with money, clothes, love, faith, and words like nectar, and never do anything to disturb her. That man who has succeeded in getting the love of a chaste wife has succeeded in his religion and has all the virtues. The following are duties towards children: A son should be lovingly reared up to his fourth year; he should be educated till he is sixteen. When he is twenty years of age he should be employed in some work; he should then be treated affectionately by his father as his equal. Exactly in the same manner the daughter should be brought up, and should be educated with the greatest care. And when she marries, the father ought to give her jewels and wealth. Then the duty of the man is towards his brothers and sisters, and towards the children of his brothers and sisters, if they are poor, and towards his other relatives, his friends and his servants. Then his duties are towards the people of the same village, and the poor, and any one

December 2019 that comes to him for help. Having sufficient means, if the householder does not take care to give to his relatives and to the poor, know him to be only a brute; he is not a human being. 44 Excessive attachment to food, clothes, and the tending of the body, and dressing of the hair should be avoided. The householder must be pure in heart and clean in body, always active and always ready for work. To his enemies the householder must be a hero. Them he must resist. That is the duty of the householder. He must not sit down in a corner and weep, and talk nonsense about non-resistance. If he does not show himself a hero to his enemies he has not done his duty. And to his friends and relatives he must be as gentle as a lamb. The Vedanta Kesari The Vedanta It is the duty of the householder not to pay reverence to the wicked; because, if he reverences the wicked people of the world, he patronizes wickedness; and it will be a great mistake if he disregards those who are worthy of respect, the good people. He must not be gushing in his friendship; he must not go out of the way making friends everywhere; he must watch the actions of the men he wants to make friends with, and their dealings with other men, reason upon them, and then make friends. These three things he must not talk of. He must not talk in public of his own fame; he must not preach his own name or his own powers; he must not talk of his wealth, or of anything that has been told to him privately. A man must not say he is poor, or that he is wealthy — he must not brag of his wealth. Let him keep his own counsel; this is his religious duty. This is not mere worldly wisdom; if a man does not do so, he may be held to be immoral.

(continued on page 56...) Article Swami Vivekananda on Family Life: A Glimpse

SWAMI KRITARTHANANDA

Smriti sastras authored by sages starting from Manu down to Raghunandana from Bengal. In India, as we know, everything down the

spirituality. Nothing unspiritual could stand in theages way was of builtthe Hindu on the progressive firm bed-rock mind. For of example, the do not consider a child materially born to be an Aryan (truly cultured person). In Swami Vivekananda’s language, ‘What is an Aryan? He is a man whose birth is ver since the dawn of civilization, December 2019 the ancient law-givers in India, who through religion. …The idea is that a man must 2 Ewere thoughtful people of their be born through religion, through prayers.’ Not 45 times, laid down regimes on the do’s and don’ts only so, but Swamiji went one step further in for people in order that they might attain to the depicting a clearer picture of the Hindus: ‘In fullness of human stature, which is spirituality. this country men are born according to Shastric And those charters were made on the basis of injunctions, they eat and drink by prescribed Vedic teachings. As per the changes that took rules throughout life, they go through marriage place in the society from time to time, various and kindred functions in the same way; they 3

PAGE SPONSOR : A DEVOTEE, TIRUVANMIYUR, CHENNAI TIRUVANMIYUR, DEVOTEE, A : SPONSOR PAGE even die according to Shastric injunctions.’ law-givers wrote a new charter for a new type Kesari The Vedanta of society. In Swami Vivekananda’s opinion, ‘When the needs of the times press hard on it, patterns of human life in different eras. These society adopts certain customs for self- Great men were born in India to fix the preservation. Rishis have only recorded those named Smriti sastras. However, the main were codified and the books they authored are customs.’1 But in the long run the various rules purpose involved in these codes of law is to go framed by the society as an immediate remedy higher and higher gradually until, to use Swami to the then existing problems turn out to be Vivekananda’s witty remarks, ‘one becomes an terrible when crystallized into dead customs. “outlaw”, that is, go beyond laws and become These are the outcomes of those temporary spiritual.’4 Jokes apart, he also said in another means which were resorted to by individuals context, ‘No doubt it is an evil to be bound by for self-protection and which proved later to be laws, but it is necessary at the immature stage very harmful. Thus it is that we have a series of to be guided by rules.’5

The author, a senior sannyasi of the Ramakrishna Order, has authored a number of scholarly books and stays in Belur Math. [email protected] In view of the restlessness of mind among likewise the people belonging to the other three the modern children, the wayward and stages of life depend on the householder.’7 In unbridled freedom in matters of physical and contrast, in this modern workaday world it mental enjoyment leading to unnatural, becomes impractical to maintain all the norms immature deaths, the unrest in married life due laid down by Manu as the life pattern of the society has deviated widely from the olden imitation of the materialist nations leading to times. So, Swami Vivekananda guided the theto selfish downfall endeavours, of our national and above dignity, all, theit is blind high householders of modern times in the path of time to remind our people of their true stature, work. He said mentioning our old rules, ‘There and frame some rules to abide by at all costs and in high spirits. Swami Vivekananda, the nara rishi for this modern age, looked into the dayare something five sorts holy of work,and good. called Second, the worship fivefold state of affairs in the modern society and like a ofsacrifice. God, angels, First, or study. saints, A manas it maymust be. study Third, every our duty to our forefathers. Fourth, our duty to view of our glorious past lives and apply the human beings. Man has no right to live in a necessarypath-finder corrective he has helped measures us take ourselves a retrospect in the house himself, until he builds for the poor also, modern age, so as to rebuild our lives towards or for anybody who needs it. The householder’s a new goal. In doing this he has followed our house should be open to everybody that is poor ancient sages Manu and authors of other and suffering; then he is a real householder. No

December 2019 Smritis, as also many other injunctions from man has the right to cook food only for himself; scriptures like Maha Nirvana Tantra, Srimad it is for others, and he should have what 46 Bhagavatam, and Bhagavad Gita. Above all, he wanted that the most wonderful truths comes into the market, such as strawberries or mangoes,remains. a When man buys the some season’s of them produce and gives first to Puranas must be brought out from the books, the poor. Then he eats of them. This training theconfined , in our Upanishads,and the forests, scriptures, or from andthe possession of selected bodies of people, and lower animals. It is diabolical to say that all scattered broadcast all over the land.6 At the animalswill make are a man created unselfish. for men Fifth, to our be dutykilled to and the

The Vedanta Kesari The Vedanta same time, wherever he found it necessary, he used in any way man likes. One portion of the made a number of amendments for the people food cooked in a household belongs to the of the modern era. We will discuss them animals also. They should be given food every separately in this article. day; there ought to be hospitals in every city in this country for poor, lame, or blind horses, Rules for householders cows, dogs, and cats, where they should be fed According to the Hindu system of law, and taken care of.’8 In another injunction he there are four ashramas or stages of life, says, ‘The rule for a householder about the namely, Brahmacharya or the student life, expenditure of his income is, one-fourth of the Garhasthya or the householders’ life, income for his family, one-fourth for charity, Vanaprastha or the recluse life, and Sannyasa or one-fourth to be saved, one-fourth for self.’9 a life of total renunciation. Sage Manu enjoined that among all the four ashramas the Rules for women garhasthya ashrama is the sustainer and Women are the pillars of the family as also supporter of the other three. He said, ‘As all the society. Swamiji said, ‘The best creatures draw their sustenance from air, thermometer to the progress of a nation is its treatment of its women. The idea of perfect to be taught to our women. Teaching only rites womanhood is perfect independence.’10 But of worship won’t do; their education must be an what did he mean by ‘perfect independence’ eye-opener in all matters. Ideal characters must here? Did he mean complete licence to act as always be presented before the girls to imbue she pleases? Far from that. Besides, among the them with a devotion to lofty principles of modern women a fad has crept in—to be 15 The Indian women in general, ‘trendy’ to use the exact term. That bares open especially from conservative families, evince a the growing tendency to skip boldly everything sortselflessness.’ of pessimistic attitude in matters of ancient and blindly imitate celebrities. They progress. Theirs is an attitude of fear of public feel the society would otherwise ostracize calumny and superstitions based on hearsay. them. To clarify the meaning of perfect Swamiji observed this, and to remove that independence Swamiji declared, ‘Any kind of inordinate fear from their mind he drew a education which undermines the faith of the comparison with the attitude of American Indian woman in the past culture of her race, its women which had made them progress so religion and traditions, is not only useless but much within just a decade of woman suffrage. detrimental.’11 He went one step further, ‘Any He wrote to this effect: ‘The American women attempt to modernize our broaden out in sympathy women, if it tries to take with everything that is our women away from Any kind of education which good everywhere

that ideal of Sita, is undermines the faith of the without losing a bit of December 2019 immediately a failure, as Indian woman in the past their own religion. They we see every day. The intuitively know that it is culture of her race, its religion 47 women of India must a question of positivity grow and develop in the and traditions, is not only useless and not negativity, a footprints of Sita.’12 And to but detrimental question of addition and accentuate his not subtraction. It is the proposition, Swamiji made a climactic comment, ‘If a woman who learns to read uses shall be stored up, and this very act of affirmative and positive side of everything that PAGE SPONSOR : A DEVOTEE, KOCHADAI, MADURAI KOCHADAI, DEVOTEE, A : SPONSOR PAGE

the knowledge only for imbibing vulgar, Kesari The Vedanta frivolous, sensational stories, she had better be what destroys the negative and destructive left illiterate.’13 elementsaccumulating in the the world.’ affirmative16 In fact and there positive is no is What were Swamiji’s plans about alternative left with the women unless they women’s education? He said, that they ‘must receive Sanskrit education, imbibe the ancient make it the mainstream of their life. Swamiji take such affirmative and positive attitude and spiritual culture, and realise in practice all the proceeded to point it out sharply to them. He spiritual ideals of the Rishis; and then they said, ‘The women must go forward or become would take into their hands all questions idiots and soulless tools in the hands of their affecting their status and solve them in the light tyrannical lords. The children are the result of thrown on them by their knowledge of the the combination of the tyrant and the idiot, and truths of religion.’14 What all did he prescribe as they are slaves. And this is the whole history of modern India.’17 Again and again, Swamiji went showed the way: ‘Religion, arts, science, on eulogizing the women of our motherland housekeeping,education or training cooking, in sewing, the other hygiene—the fields? He telling that they are the dynamo of dormant simple essential points in these subjects ought powers. He even pointed to the unrestrained behaviour found in modern or even post- of those sages who could see the future modern women, saying that it was but the unfolding before their inner vision. The purpose vengeance of nature: ‘Every woman is part of of marriage in Hindu life was interpreted by him the Divine Mother, the embodiment of Shakti. as ‘A bond thrown by society round two people This Shakti must be roused. If woman’s power to unite them together for all eternity.’23 Not only is often for evil rather than for good, it is so, but he delved deep into the core of Indian because she has been oppressed; but she will system of marriage in which ‘Each partner rouse the lion in her nature when her fetters acquires half of the merit of the other. And if one drop. She has suffered throughout the ages. seems in this life to have fallen hopelessly behind, it is for the other only to wait and beat perseverance.’18 And with this double-edged time, till he or she catches up again.’24 This has given her infinite patience, infinite defence weapon she will overcome the world in Nowadays divorce and single parenthood a very short time. So Swamiji bade his has become almost the slogan of the day among countrymen, ‘Give me a few men and women couples. Standing on the bulwark of law people feel no scruple in exchanging their life partners world! No man can do this work. It must be with others, caring so little of their children’s who are pure and selfless,19 and I shall shake the done by women alone.’ terrible psychological setback at such acts. As a consequence, children also grow up into Marriage stubborn, unscrupulous, anti-social types of December 2019 As already mentioned, woman is the youth. Their number has grown in alarming central pillar in the family. And the central idea proportion. On careful interview with some of 48 of the life of a Hindu lady is her chastity. Swamiji such victims, it has been found that they can be meticulously pointed out that ‘The wife is the What is the injunction of our old scriptures as corrected when approached with selfless love. upon her chastity.’20 She must remember her also Swamiji’s for the modern married couples? greatcentre dignity of a circle, and responsibility the fixity of at which all events depends and Swamiji said, ‘Every husband must look upon under all circumstances. In India the idea of a all women, except his own wife, in the light of 25 woman is motherhood. The mother’s place being his own mother or daughter or sister.’ And The Vedanta Kesari The Vedanta on the top of the family, her honour should be again, quoting from the Maha-Nirvana-Tantra, protected by the rest of the members at all costs. he said, ‘He who thinks of another woman besides his wife, if he touches her even with his Quoting from the Maha-Nirvana-Tantra, 8:39, he enjoins the householder to follow the manners mind—that man goes to dark hell. Before towards his wife as chalked out in that scripture, women he must not talk improper language, 26 ‘No man should scold his wife, and he must and never brag of his powers.’ In this context always maintain her as if she were his own the scriptural injunction is very advisable for the mother. And even when he is in the greatest modern man. Swamiji quoted from the same scripture, ‘That man who has succeeded in to his wife.’21 With this idea in his mind Swamiji getting the love of a chaste wife has succeeded 27 wrotedifficulties to Mrs. and Bull troubles, on 14 heJune must 1902, not ‘A show race anger must in his religion and has all the virtues.’

Attitude towards children marriage,first cultivate before a great it can respect attain for to motherhood,the ideal of How should be the attitude of perfectthrough chastity.’ the sanctification22 Swamiji belonged and inviolability to the rank of householders towards their children? The scriptural injunction is: ‘A son should be not made suitable to the human system through lovingly reared up to his fourth year; he should progress in chemistry, there is no other be educated till he is sixteen. When he is twenty alternative but meat-eating. So long as man will years of age he should be employed in some have to live a Rajasika work; he should then be treated affectionately (active) life under modern by his father as his equal. Exactly in the same circumstances, there is no That man who has manner the daughter should be brought up, and other way except living on succeeded in should be educated with the greatest care. And meat. Rather let those getting the love of when she marries, the father ought to give her belonging to the upper ten, a chaste wife has 28 jewels and wealth.’ Next Swamiji gave another who do not earn their succeeded in his important verdict on matters of polygamy. He livelihood by manual religion and has said, ‘After 14 years of married life, if there are labour, not take meat. no children in the family, the husband is Forcing of vegetarianism all the virtues allowed to marry another with the wife’s upon those who have to consent, but if she objects he cannot marry earn their bread by again.’29 labouring day and night is one of the causes of the loss of our national freedom.’31 The question of liberty All these injunctions and restrictions may wanted people to understand and utilize liberty In fine, this must be said that Swamiji appear to some as a life with no freedom. in its truest sense. He even went to the extent December 2019 Indeed, how can a person like Swami of saying, “This life is a tremendous assertion of Vivekananda say all that, while he himself was freedom; and this obedience to law, carried far 49 always in favour of freedom? Let us see what enough, would make us simply matter. Too Swamiji says on this pertinent question. In a many laws are a sure sign of death.”32 Yet in

condition of growth. Just as man must have misuse of liberty also: “Liberty does not another context he clarified and warned against libertyvery terse to think way heand says, speak, “Liberty so he ismust the have first certainly mean the absence of obstacles in the liberty in food, dress, and marriage, and in path of misappropriation of wealth etc., by you PAGE SPONSOR : A DEVOTEE, TEYNAMPET, CHENNAI TEYNAMPET, DEVOTEE, A : SPONSOR PAGE every other thing, so long as he does not injure and me, but it is our natural right to be allowed Kesari The Vedanta others.”30 He was not in favour of enjoining to use our own body, intelligence, or wealth vegetarian diet for one and all. In reply to Smt. according to our will, without doing any harm Sarala Ghoshal, editor, Bharati, he wrote on 24 to others.”33 A householder’s challenge is to April, 1897, ‘About vegetarian diet I have to say this—It is undoubtedly sinful to take the life of liberty and obedience to scriptural injunctions maintain this fine balance between creative other animals; but so long as vegetable food is and cultural norms.

References 1) Life of Swami Vivekananda. 2:411. 2) The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda. 9:203. 3) CW. 4:488. 4) Cf. CW. 6:140. 5) Life, 2:134. 6) CW. 3:221. 7) Manu-smṛtiḥ, 3:77. 8) CW. 4:10. 9) CW. 6:114. 10) CW. 8:198. 11) Reminiscences, p.208. 12) CW. 3:256. 13) Reminiscences, p.207. 14) Life, 1:334; Rem.p.63. 15) Life, 2:246. 16) CW. 6:249; Life, 2:272. 17) Life, 1:555. 18) Reminiscences, p.209. 19) Reminiscences, p.209. 20) CW. 8:198. 21) CW. 1:43. 22) CW. 5:180. 23) CW. 8:276. 24) CW. 8:276. 25) CW. 1:68. 26) CW. 1:43-44; Quoted from Mahā-Nirvāṇa-Tantra, 8:40-41. 27) CW. 1:44; MNT 8:44. 28) CW. 1:44; MNT 8:45-47. 29) CW. 3:490. 30) CW. 4:367-68. 31) CW. 4:487. Some missing portions of this text have been supplied from the archives of Belur Math— Author. 32) CW. 5:287. 33) Life, 2:412. Article

Rishi Ideal For Spiritualising Family Life

SWAMI MUKTIDANANDA

ndia has many time-tested great ideals teachings of great saints, and especially the to take human life forward towards great lives and teachings of Sri Ramakrishna, I Holy Mother Sri Sarada Devi and Swami theoretical but very much practical as they Vivekananda which have a special power of have beenhigher lived, fulfilment. practised Theseand integrated ideals are into not transformation. our lives as essential features of our culture. Twin ideals of sanatana culture: Grihastha Impact of modernity on family life: dharma and Rishi ideal We all know that family is the building Grihastha dharma and Rishi ideal are two block of society. However, unhealthy forces, important ideals which have governed and

December 2019 reckless addictive entertainment let loose by pervaded the Indian family life and national the electronic media, and culture for centuries. 50 modern civilizational These two ideals have hazards like urbanization, We have to revive our own enabled us to uplift our consumerism, and time-tested Grihastha dharma individual lives and the permissive life style are and Rishi ideal without further society towards higher having a devastating delay. impact on the family. This materially and spiritually. negative impact is Thesefulfilment, are in fact the both two

The Vedanta Kesari The Vedanta particularly severe on youngsters and children. supporting central pillars of Indian sanatana Added to this is the domination of secular culture. education bereft of higher values. To counter these developments and What is Grihastha dharma? protect our sanatana culture and family life, we Grihastha is part of the ancient Hindu have to urgently take suitable corrective concept called Chaturashrama measures. We have to revive our own time- four stages of human life, with distinct tested Grihastha dharma and Rishi ideal differences based on natural human, which needs identified and without further delay. To bring about this drives, as well as how these stages integrated revival we have to draw inspiration, strength, and guidance from our spiritual reservoirs – life called Purusharthas - Dharma (piety, scriptures like Bhagavad Gita, Upanishads, morality,themselves duties), with the Artha fulfiling (wealth, of the health, four goals means of Ramayana, and Mahabharata, lives and of life), Kama (love, relationships, emotions)

The author is one of the Trustees of the Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission, and the head of Sri Ramakrishna Ashrama, Mysuru. [email protected] and Moksha (liberation, freedom, self- तीर्भ्य स खल्핇वं वर्यन्यादायुषं realization). Grihastha is considered to be the बह्मलोकमभिसम्द्यत े न च पुनरावर्त े न च most intense of all four stages, where a man or पुनरावर्त े ॥ (Ch. Up. VIII.15.1) woman pursues all four goals of life, with ‘Brahma taught this knowledge of the Self Dharma, Artha to Prajapati, and Prajapati taught it to Manu. and Kama. In contrast, Sannyasa is the stage Manu, in his turn, taught it to all human beings. greater emphasis on first three - where the individual renounces Artha and A young man goes to live at his teacher’s house Kama, and pursues Moksha with a single and serves him, and when he is free he studies minded pursuit. the Vedas in the prescribed manner. After The grihastha stage is preceded by finishing all his studies, he goes back home and Brahmacharya (student) stage of life, and marries. But he continues to study the followed by Vanaprastha (retirement, forest scriptures in a sacred place. He also teaches his dweller, still an advisor to the next generation) children and disciples in such a way that they stage. In ancient texts, grihastha stage of life is will be religious. He keeps all his senses under said to extend from the age of about 25 to about control and does not injure any creature other 50. than what is prescribed in the scriptures. This A man or woman enters the grihastha is how he lives his whole life. Then after death stage after a . They build a he goes to Brahmaloka, and he is not born home, raise a family, earn wealth, enjoy worldly again, he is not born again.’ life, and participate in the Grihastha dharma December 2019 society through virtues is the foundational 51 such as charity. They thus If the family life is not institution of society in lead a family centred knowledge-centred and which 99% of the dharmic social life with a spiritualised, society cannot be population live. Hence, if spiritual vision. transformed the family life is not The Chandogya knowledge-centred and Upanishad discusses all spiritualised, society the four stages of life -

PAGE SPONSOR : THE MD, SRI NACHAMMAI COTTON MILLS LTD., SALEM LTD., MILLS COTTON NACHAMMAI SRI MD, THE : SPONSOR PAGE cannot be transformed. To protect and promote The Vedanta Kesari The Vedanta student, householder, retired/hermit and Sanatana Dharma in the present day context, it ascetic. It regards grihastha ashram as the highest because not only do the householders these two ideals. perform the duties recommended for all four is imperative that we find ways to strengthen One way to do this is to inculcate in our ashramas, they also have to produce food and children our time-tested religious and spiritual goods on which people in other ashramas values and the Rishi ideal in a graded manner survive. The shared duties of the four ashramas right from childhood. include tenderness for all living creatures (ahimsa), self-restraint, and other such conduct. What is Rishi ideal? तधैत饍ब्रह् प्रजापतयै उवाच प्रजापतिर्मनव मनुः When our family life is lived according to प्रजाभ्य आचार्कुला饍핇दमधीत् यथाविधान ं गुरोः grihastha dharma with a spiritual goal, we tend कर्मातशेषेणाभिसमावृत् कुटुम्ब शुचौ देश े to become rishis; of course this ascension to स्वध्ययमधीयानो धर्मकान्वदधदात्मन Rishihood is a gradual process. The training सर핈न्दयाणि समप्रतिष्ठाप्याहंसन्सर भूतान्न्य should start from childhood and we should gradually create in young minds, as much the world would also remember and learn, so spiritual samskaras as possible by simple methods. We have to train children to live a These ancient that there may be less fight and less quarrel.’ God-centred life. Their routine should be dotted ideals — Rishi ideal and with remembrance of God like remembering Grihastha dharma — not These ancient God after bath, before eating, and before going only infuse spiritual ideals — Rishi to sleep and even through play like imitation of values in family life, but ideal and child Krishna. They should be taught simple Grihastha dharma meaningful slokas apt to the occasion available legitimate secular — not only infuse abundantly in our Hindu tradition. Grihastha also fulfil all the aspirations of life and spiritual values in jeevana with adhyatma or family life with ultimately lead to spirituality is the Rishi ideal. family life, but the power to transform also fulfil all the Rishi ideal – An effective family life allspiritual the members fulfilment. of It hasthe legitimate secular changer family, and consequently aspirations of life Rishi ideal, given to us by our spiritually the whole society. and ultimately awakened ancestors centuries ago, assures the Grihastha dharma lead to spiritual possibility of higher spiritual experiences to a fulfilment grihastha, who is able to systematically stages of life, namely

December 2019 integrate in his/her daily life spiritual identifies five natural Balya — childhood disciplines and practices of Dharmic principles and boyhood/girlhood 52 right from early childhood. It will be a great life Yauvana — youth changer if we can invoke our spiritual heritage into our lives and ascend to Rishihood even Grahasthya — married life amidst present day challenges of modern Vanaprastha — life detached from worldly society. So we need to adopt Rishi Ideal and affairs and profession by living away from change our family life. But unfortunately we see a decline of both these ideals in present day and increase the intensity of spiritual quest. family, so as to find time for spiritual practices The Vedanta Kesari The Vedanta society. Therefore, how to bring about this Sannyasa — life exclusively given to much needed uplifting changes in the family life spiritual sadhana. is a vitally important subject for the The initial spiritual sincerity of boyhood regeneration of Sanatana Dharma. gradually gets transformed into deep spiritual yearning as one progresses through these Ideal of Rishihood according to Swami stages of life, and it reaches the culmination in Vivekananda Swami Vivekananda says, ‘This Rishi-state is not limited by time or place, by sex or race. ashrama,the final stagehe/she of becomes sannyasa a ashrama.Rishi. Even When while a Vatsyayana boldly declares that this Rishihood livingperson in reaches the family the fifth a person stage calledcan attain sannyasa the is the common property of the descendants of Rishihood by remaining mentally detached the sage, of the Aryan, of the non-Aryan, or any from the world and attached to the divine foreigner. This is the sageship of the Vedas, and within. Some of the close householder disciples constantly we ought to remember this ideal of of Sri Ramakrishna, like Mahendranath Gupta religion in India, which I wish other nations of (M.), Nag Mahashay, and , and many other saints like Gondavalkar Maharaj and Sant aware of it. But this is what our present day Tukaram of Maharashtra, have set forth such youths need to understand. examples of the Rishi ideal. Inculcating spiritual values by well- modern literature and life styles are tilting towardsIf we Indian closely spiritual observe, values, we will and find therethat the is manner from childhood to grihasthya should be also a growing demand for yoga, meditation, andefined integral systematic part of family practices education. in a Though graded and ayurveda in the West. Indeed, our ancient ideally, training to be a Rishi should begin in thoughts, our time-tested family bonds, our childhood, even those who are in the great traditions and culture are silently and subsequent stages of life can also try and quickly proceed forward towards this ideal. the world. Every step in spiritual movement has its own steadilyFollowing influencing three the approaches world – for canthe goodquickly of reward as the Bhagavad Gita says: spiritualize the family: नेहाभिकमनाशोऽस्त प्रत्यवयो न विद्यते । 1) and family life स्ल्मप्स् धर्स् 配रयते महतो भयात् ।। Family life continuously revolves around ‘In this spiritual yoga there is no loss in a lot of work and activities. Therefore, it is any endeavour, there is no diminution of result important to learn the art of spiritualizing day and even the slightest effort performed to day work, deriving inspiration from the righteously saves one from the greatest of following teachings of Bhagavad Gita: danger.’ (Gita 2:40) योगस्थ कु셁 कर्माण स敍ग त्क््व धनञ्जय। December 2019 The central focus of grihastha dharma lies ‘Do all your work being established in 53 in learning to practice spiritual sadhana along Yoga with detachment, O Dhananjaya (Arjuna). (Gita 2:48) material needs of the family, following the twin with secular education, fulfiling the legitimate यत्रोषि यद�ꄾसि य煍जहोषि ददासि यत् । ideals of dharma – Shreyas and Preyas as per यतपस्यस कौन्तय तत्क셁ष् मदर्णम्।। the laws of nature. ‘Whatever you do, whatever you eat, So we see that spirituality and secular life

PAGE SPONSOR : SRI SHARATKUMAR VARIYAR, BENGALURU VARIYAR, SHARATKUMAR SRI : SPONSOR PAGE give away, whatever The Vedanta Kesari The Vedanta Indian sanatana culture. whatever you offer inausterity sacrifice, you whatever practise, you O Thisare closely has distinguishedintertwined since ages in the flow of Inculcating spiritual values by son of Kunti, do that as an Indian culture from other offering unto Me.’ (Gita well-defined systematic practices materialistic cultures of 9:27) the world that have risen in a graded manner from In this context it is and fallen throughout childhood to grihasthya should worth recollecting the history. But because of be an integral part of family following utterances of this inherent spiritual education. Swami Vivekananda on strength of sanatana Karma Yoga collected culture centred on from The Complete Works spiritualized grihastha dharma, it is still a of Swami Vivekananda: ‘Even the least work done for the others awakens the power within; reckon with. The whole world is drawing ideas even thinking the least good of others gradually living, flourishing culture and a mighty force to and ideals from our Hindu spiritual culture instills into the heart the strength of a lion.’ (CW directly and indirectly. We may or may not be 5:382) ‘By means of the constant effort to do wave lengths of the mind generated by Papa good to others we are trying to forget Prajna, ourselves; this forgetfulness of self is the one by Punya Prajna or Deva Prajna which is great lesson we have to learn in life.’ (CW 1:84) consciousness sin consciousness, of the good, thehave divine to be in nullified us. This 2) Cultivating the art of divinising human is called sublimation. Sin consciousness has to relationship in family life be sublimated by spiritual consciousness which Family life is a web is naturally abiding within under the veil of of relationships. It is After a certain age and gaining important to understand ego consciousness. Sri knowledge of the world and its the psychology of human Ramakrishna pointed out relationship. After a transitoriness we must reorient to his householder certain age and gaining our relationship with relatives disciple Girish Chandra knowledge of the world and friends based on divine Ghosh that ‘years of and its transitoriness we relationship. darkness in a cave can be must reorient our instantly removed by relationship with relatives and friends based on taking light into it’; which divine relationship. Tuning our mind to implies that no matter how strong a sinful understand the Divine Will and accepting it is notion a person may have due to ignorance, he the key. can come out of it and get on to the right path

December 2019 य煍ञर्थत्करणोऽन्य लोकोऽयं कर्मन्धन। with the light of spiritual knowledge. The Lord तदर् कर् कौन्तय मुकसंगः समाचर ।। declares in the Bhagavad Gita: 54 ‘Work must be done as a yajna (sacrifice) अपि चेत्सदुराचारो भजते मामनन्भाक् । to the Supreme Lord; otherwise, work causes साधुरेव स मन्व्य सम्ग्व्यवतो हि सः।। bondage in this material world. Therefore, O ‘Even if the vilest sinners worship Me son of Kunti, perform your prescribed duties, with exclusive devotion, they are to be without being attached to the results, for the considered righteous, for they have made the satisfaction of God.’ (Gita 3:09) proper resolve.’(Gita 9:30). Again, We must be able to accept every happening अपि चेदसि पापेभ्य सर्भ्य पापकृतमः। The Vedanta Kesari The Vedanta in the context of the overall scheme of nature सर् 煍ञाप्लवेनैव वृजिन ं सन्तरष्यस।। and the Will of God. Acceptance, humility, ‘Even those who are considered the forbearance, discrimination, strengthening of most immoral of all sinners can cross over this spiritual aspiration, and observance of daily ocean of material existence by seating upasana at home, are to be practised for a themselves in the boat of divine knowledge.’ harmonious family life and to make it gradually (Gita 4:36) oriented towards the divine. All this can go on Swamiji also said that we ascend not from harmoniously with legitimate aspirations and untruth to truth but from lower truth to higher duties of life to make family life not only a truth. Our mistakes, errors and sins, if properly comfortable living place but also a home, school, studied, have subjective lessons for our and a natural great learning centre. transformation. They are spring boards of our 3) Overcoming sin consciousness by spiritual progress and success. It is important to understanding: understand this teaching of Swamiji to forge Overcoming sin consciousness is very our march and graduate to spiritual from important to make spiritual progress. Negative secular aspect of family life very naturally. It is 6) A spiritual and cultural family library transforming into butter and ghee out of the can be setup and all family members should samelike a medium.bud blooming But here into only a flower. the chemistry It is like milk and make it a point to read them. physical form of milk changes because of its 7) The family can be Worship is the inherent potential. Similarly, if we have faith in associated with some good our divine potential as taught by Swami spiritual organisation and also easiest way of Vivekananda and our Upanishads, we can also visit temples periodically. divinising family realize our divine potential through grihastha 8) The family elders can life. So a simple dharma and ascend to the rishi ideal. consult an experienced mode of daily spiritual friend or the family worship should Practical tips for spiritualising family life guru for spiritual guidance. be practised at 1) Worship is the easiest way of divinising 9) Parents and children home led by the family life. So a simple mode of daily worship can sit together at least for half head of the should be practised at home led by the head of an hour before or after lunch family involving the family involving all family members. and exchange knowledge- all family 2) This simple worship should be oriented ideas and freely members performed at a shrine set-up in an appropriate discuss religious and spiritual place in the house with photographs of gods knowledge which children and goddesses according to the faith of the ought to know. family. Children should be taught to recite some 10) The family can have a planned December 2019 scriptures (parayana granthas) everyday spiritually oriented routine for the whole day to 55 according to the family tradition and develop good habits and spiritual samskaras in individual faith, like a few slokas of Gita, the child. These seeds of light will add strength Vishnu-sahasranama stotra, Ramaraksha to their personality and orient their will and stotra, and Lalita-sahasranama stotra. All the intellect towards higher pursuits of life. family members should recite Gayatri mantra 11) We need to create a religio-spiritual at least ten times, duly understanding the educational syllabus that will impart to our meaning. PAGE SPONSOR : SRI SRINIVASA BHARATHA, CHENNAI BHARATHA, SRINIVASA SRI : SPONSOR PAGE children at home our spiritual and cultural The Vedanta Kesari The Vedanta 3) Family members can repeat any values in a graded manner. This should generally known mantra pertaining to the god synchronise with the secular school education of their individual faith, till they receive from kindergarten to class 12. initiation from a guru. 4) Children can be encouraged to chant, Conclusion sing, or do bhajans at twilight time sitting in the Thus the spiritual orientation of all the shrine during arati. members of the family can transform their lives 5) This central shrine and daily worship and help them attain the spiritual ideal. This is the essence of Grihastha dharma and Rishi ideal.

and become a source of spiritual education for This when practised in all families can

at home will fill the house with a spiritual aura t the children. t transform our society. (Continued from page 44...) Maha Nirvana Tantra The householder is the basis, the prop, of the whole society. He is the principal earner. The poor, the weak, the children and the women who do not work — all live upon the householder; so there must be certain duties that he has to perform, and these duties must make him feel strong to perform them, and not make him think that he is doing things beneath his ideal. Therefore, if he has done something weak, or has made some mistake, he must not say so in public; and if he is engaged in some enterprise and knows he is sure to fail in it, he must not speak of it. Such self-exposure is not only uncalled for, but also unnerves the man and

andmakes if he him does unfit not for do the his performance duty, he is nobody. of his Alegitimate householder duties who in doeslife. At not the struggle same time, to get he wealth must isstruggle immoral. hard If he to isacquire lazy and these content things to —lead firstly, an idle knowledge, life, he is immoral, and secondly, because wealth. upon It him is his depend duty, hundreds. If he gets riches, hundreds of others will be thereby supported. … the householder who struggles to become rich by good means and for good purposes is doing practically the same thing for the attainment of salvation as the anchorite does in his cell when he is praying; for in them we see only the different aspects of the same

December 2019 to all that is His. virtue of self-surrender and self-sacrifice prompted by the feeling of devotion to God and He must struggle to acquire a good name by all means. He must not gamble, he must not 56 move in the company of the wicked, he must not tell lies, and must not be the cause of trouble to others. Often people enter into things they have not the means to accomplish, with the result that they cheat others to attain their own ends. Then there is in all things the time factor to be taken into consideration; what at one time might be a failure, would perhaps at another time be a very great success. The householder must speak the truth, and speak gently, using words which people like, The Vedanta Kesari The Vedanta which will do good to others; nor should he talk of the business of other men. The householder by digging tanks, by planting trees on the roadsides, by establishing rest- houses for men and animals, by making roads and building bridges, goes towards the same goal as the greatest Yogi. This is one part of the doctrine of Karma-Yoga — activity, the duty of the householder. There

or his religion, he comes to the same goal as the Yogi by meditation,” showing thereby that what is dutya passage for one later is noton, dutywhere for it another.says that At “if the the same householder time, it does dies notin battle, say that fighting this duty for hisis lowering country and the other elevating. Each duty has its own place, and according to the circumstances in which we are placed, we must perform our duties. If a man retires from the world to worship God, he must not think that those who live in the world and work for the good of the world are not worshipping God: neither must those who live in the world, for wife and children, think that those who give up the world are low vagabonds. Each is great in his own place. Pearls of Wisdom

Tiruvalluvar Saint-poet Tiruvalluvar lived about two thousand years ago in Mylapore, Chennai. Some verses from his Tirukkural, a treasure- house of ethical maxims, are presented here: (Tamil text with English translation)

இ쏁ள்毇쏍 இ쏁வினை뿁믍 சேரா இறைவꟍ ப�ொ쏁ள்毇쏍 ꯁக폍ꯁ쎿ந்த쏍 மா翍翁. Behold the men who sing earnestly the praises of the Lord; they will be freed from the pain-engendering fruits of action both good and evil. அꟍꯁ믍 அறꟁ믍 உடைத்தயிꟍ இல்வா㞕்க ப迍ꯁ믍 பயꟁ믍 அ鏁. If love aboundeth in the home and righteousness doth December 2019

இயலprevail,்பி theாꟍ home இல is perfect்வா㞕்க and its end all fulfiled. 57 வாழ்வꟍ என்பꟍ 믁யல்வ쏁ள எல்ல믍 தலை. Among those that seek after salvation, the greatest are they who lead a virtuous family life, performing aright all the duties that belong to it.

தந்த மகற்கா쟁믍 நன்잿 அவையத鏁 Kesari The Vedanta 믁ந்த இ쏁ப்母 செயல. What is the duty of a father to his son? It is to make him worthy to sit in the front rank in the assembly.

மகன்ந்தை埁 ஆற쟁믍 உதவி இவன்ந்த என்நோற்றꟍ க�ொலஎꟁ믍 ச�ொல. What is the duty of a son to his father? It is to make the world ask, for what austerities of his hath he been blessed with such a son? Pearls of Wisdom

Bhartrihari Bhartrihari (100 B.C. – 500 A.D.), who ruled in Ujjayini sometime and was the brother of King Vikramaditya is famous for three satakas (one hundred verses). Here we present some verses from his Nitisatakam.

येषां न विद्या न तपो न दानं 煍ञां न शीलं न गुणः न धर्म। ते मर्तलोके भुवि भारभूताः मनुष्셂पेण मृगाः चरन्त॥ Those in whom is neither wisdom, nor penance, nor charity, nor knowledge, nor good disposition, nor noble qualities, nor dharma (righteousness) may live in this world of mortals in human form, but they pass through the world like beasts encumbering the earth.

दा啍क्षण्य स्वजन दया परिजने शा腍य सदा दुर्जन

December 2019 प्रीतिः साधुजने नयो नृपजने विद्वज चार्जम्। शौर् श配रुजन क्षमा गु셁जने कान्ताजन धृषता 58 ये चैवं पु셁षाः कलासु कुशलास्तष्핇व लोकस्थिति॥ Show consideration and charity towards relatives, show kindness to those under your care, be always cunning with the wicked, have liking for the noble and holy people, always follow the law with regard to the rules or government, show straightforwardness and sincerity before the learned, have valour to face the enemies, be patient in front of the elders and teachers, be alert when dealing with the women. Those, who are experts in the art of handling people of various types and ages are the pillars of society. The Vedanta Kesari The Vedanta निन्न्त नीतिनिपुणा यदि वा स्तुन्त लक्ष् समाविशतु गच्तु वा यथेषम्। अद्यैव वा मरणमस्त युगान्रे वा न्यय्यत् पथः प्रविचलन्त पदं न धीराः॥ Let the sages blame or let them praise; let the goddess of fortune come or let her go wherever she likes; let death come today, or let it come in hundreds of years; he indeed is the steady man who does not move one inch from the way of truth. Article

Brahmacharya in Married Life

SWAMI PURUSHOTTAMANANDA

Abridged translation from Swami Purushottamananda’s Kannada booklet ‘Pavitrata Svarupini Sharada Maate’.

Lord! Even the moon has dark take care of their feeding in a special way. So, spots; make my mind spotless. over and above the regular menu, Sri Sarada ‘O O Lord! Make my mind as pure Devi had to prepare special delicacies on a daily as those rays of light from the moon.’ basis! All this meant that she had absolutely no This historic prayer welled up from the leisure time at all. For instance, on an average, heart of Sri Sarada Devi. An intense prayer that she had to prepare chapattis out of 7-8 pounds she had to be absolutely pure in every possible way. When did she make this prayer? When she phenomenal amount of work joyfully, with love, of wheat flour daily! But she would do all that December 2019 was at the prime of her youth! Those were the days when she lived in the Kali Temple at spiritual practice. In the midst of all that with an uncommon efficiency, and in a spirit of 59 Dakshineswar, where she phenomenal amount of used to serve and nurse work, she would also her husband Sri O Lord! Make my mind as pure relentlessly pray to the Ramakrishna. as those rays of light from the Lord in her own mind. Japa and prayer would Simultaneously she also moon performed japa-dhyana- heart like the perennial

PAGE SPONSOR : SUSHRI ABHA ASHOKAN, CHENNAI ASHOKAN, ABHA SUSHRI : SPONSOR PAGE tapas and other spiritual constantly flow from her Kesari The Vedanta practices under the river Ganga, on whose direction of Sri Ramakrishna. That was the banks stood her room. On full moon nights, she time an endless stream of people came every would pray with tears in her eyes, ‘O Lord! day to meet Sri Ramakrishna, to listen to his Make my mind as pure as those rays of light amazing words, and to enjoy his heavenly from the moon.’ singing. All those devotees, especially those In this unique prayer of Sri Sarada Devi, who came from far, had to be fed. So, Sri Sarada we clearly see that her conception of purity has Devi had to cook and serve food for all such reached its very zenith. When we study her people. Then, there were the intimate disciples, marvelous life, we can feel the divine fragrance and the special guests. It was Sri Ramakrishna’s habit to treat them in a very special way. And personality. Was not it because she was so that again meant Sri Sarada Devi would have to immaculateof purity wafting that the out paragon of every of incarnations, fiber of her

The author was a prolific writer, a powerful speaker, and a melodious singer. He was the head of Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama, Belagavi, Karnataka when he passed away in 2005. Sri Ramakrishna, chose her to be his better perceive the distinction between the two sexes, half? even though he be a very advanced spiritual A question may arise here: ‘Sri aspirant, is still very far away from the direct Ramakrishna and Sri Sarada Devi were experience of Brahman.’ husband and wife; how can we then call her the When Sri Sarada Devi came to embodiment of purity? Or what do we mean Dakshineswar and started living there, Sri when we still call her the embodiment of Ramakrishna looked upon the situation as an purity?’ ideal situation for testing the depth of his own True. Sri Rama- spiritual experiences. He krishna and Sri Sarada saw that living in intimate Devi were a married Sri Ramakrishna and Sri Sarada contact with his young couple. But we cannot Devi have revealed for humanity wife was the acid test of forget the fact that there a whole new set of values within his purity of mind, of his was absolutely no trace of the institution of marriage knowledge and physical intimacy dispassion, which had between them. That resulted from his being means, their relation was something that had established in the transcended the physical realm; their relation knowledge of Brahman. Fine. He now allowed was based on one looking upon the other as the his wife to serve him personally to her heart’s

December 2019 spiritual Self in oneself; it was the divine content. Not just that; he even allowed her to relation that exists between a Guru and his live in his own room and share his bed with 60 disciple. By leading such a unique kind of him. married life, we can say that Sri Ramakrishna One day, looking at his youthful wife who and Sri Sarada Devi have revealed for humanity was sleeping next to him, he told his own mind, a whole new set of values within the institution ‘O mind, look at this; this is what is called a of marriage. If we have to understand this female body. The whole world is mad after this. phenomenon, we will have to study deeply the The world considers this as the supreme object unique and unprecedented details of their of sense enjoyment. But if you start enjoying

The Vedanta Kesari The Vedanta married life. this, you will forever get trapped in body First of all, Sri Ramakrishna was a consciousness; you will never be able to perfected soul who had achieved the goal of all perceive God who is Truth-Knowledge-Bliss kinds of spiritual practices extant in the vast Absolute. Now, you tell me, O mind, be not a ocean called . He had achieved hypocrite! Don’t desire one thing within you Nirvikalpa Samadhi. He was established in the and utter something else outside. Tell me truly, direct experience of Brahman. Tota Puri, his do you want this sense pleasure or do you Guru who had helped him achieve that pinnacle desire God? If you wish to enjoy a female body, of spiritual experiences had once told him, ‘He then look here, it is right here next to you. You who has rooted himself in renunciation, are free to enjoy it.’ dispassion, discernment and knowledge – Thinking in this way, he was just about to which arise from the direct experience of touch the body of his wife, when all of a sudden Brahman – even though living with and his mind retreated with such intensity from his sleeping next to his wife, will still be senses that he entered into a very deep established in Brahman. He who can still Samadhi! That entire night, his mind did not come down from that supernal state. The next normal husband-wife relationship; and she too day, his mind had to be brought back to his could have become a biological mother like senses after chanting the name of God every other married woman in this world. But, repeatedly in his ears. such was not the mind of Sri Sarada Devi. There Even in our wildest imagination, we was no chance of her relating to her husband as cannot conceive of attempting such a trial by other women do. She was pure enough to sympathize and participate equally in the dispassion and knowledge by means of this highest ideals that her husband had espoused. unprecedentedfire! Of course, Sri exercise; Ramakrishna and he tested came his out own in There was not even a trace of sensuality in her own heart. So much so that even when once her feelings in the mind of Sri Sarada Devi who husband himself raised this issue in discussion livedflying in colors. such close But, whatintimacy might with have her beenhusband the with her, her own ideal of personal purity did during those days? Could she have secretly not quaver! Once Sri Ramakrishna asked his hankered for becoming a mother, which would wife, ‘Look here; you are my lawfully wedded have been quite natural in a girl of her age? wife; you have a right over me, over my body. Well, it was nothing of the kind! There was not Now tell me, do you have any wish to drag me the least trace of such thoughts in her mind. down to a sensual life that is concomitant with Reminiscing about those wonderful days she marriage?’ Immediate came Sri Sarada Devi’s spent with her husband, she later said, ‘It is reply, ‘Why would I ever do that? I have come

impossible to describe the exalted state in here to assist you in your spiritual endeavors.’ December 2019 which Sri Ramakrishna lived during those days. What an answer! Only from a person of Overcome with divine bliss, he would Sri Sarada Devi’s stature could come such a 61 sometimes laugh, and sometimes weep. And reply! There was no un-natural-ness in that quite often he would remain immersed in Samadhi. Sometimes, his body would seem order to please someone either. It was the totally devoid of any sign of life! There were reply, no artifice. They weren’t words said in times when he would spend the entire night in through and through with the purity of the Self! such a seemingly lifeless state! ...’ Shedirect was outpouring therefore ofnot the just heart the legallythat was wedded filled PAGE SPONSOR : SRI B. KASI VISWANATHA VARMA, CHENNAI VARMA, VISWANATHA KASI B. SRI : SPONSOR PAGE Human history has not heard of such a wife of Sri Ramakrishna. She was also a full- Kesari The Vedanta thing as this! Husband and wife, maintaining perfect sexual abstinence, even while living unprecedented spiritual endeavors! Hence she together, is something unique in the known wasfledged capable partner of saying, in ‘I have her come husband’s here to history of humankind. On the one hand, it is assist you in your spiritual endeavors.’ We incredible that Sri Ramakrishna lived in his notice an important feature here: Sri Sarada own Self even while sleeping next to his Devi didn’t arrive in Sri Ramakrishna’s life lawfully wedded wife; and on the other, it is merely to participate in his spiritual life; she equally amazing that Sri Sarada Devi was going to assist him in his spiritual efforts! completely dissolved her own individuality and What does ‘assist’ mean in this context? It means nothing short of ‘Giving a shoulder to spiritual ideal. In fact, Sri Sarada Devi’s the greatest among incarnations in his mission’! achievementidentified herself seems totally to be the with greater her husband’sof the two What is that mission? Eradicating the because, if she had so wished, she had every sensuality, removing ignorance about one’s right to drag her husband down to the level of own true nature and overcoming indiscretion; for sensuality, ignorance and indiscretion are What an answer, indeed! These words will destroying mankind. Leading mankind towards certainly stupefy the masses that are immersed God – such is the scope of the mission of an in the mire of sensuality! Sri Ramakrishna is incarnation! Which ordinary woman indeed can equating his lawfully wedded wife with the ‘assist’ an incarnation of God in His divine woman who gave birth to him, and the Deity mission on Earth? None other than the Mother worshipped in the Temple! These were not of the Universe, the Primal Energy embodied! calculated words aimed at projecting a Seen in this light, we understand that Sri Sarada manufactured image of oneself. These are Devi’s purity was not something that she had sincere words coming straight from the heart of achieved by means of her efforts. Rather, purity Sri Ramakrishna. Sri Ramakrishna’s entire life itself had embodied as Sri Sarada Devi. The is established in utter truthfulness. The more we meditate on this incredible fact, the spiritual ideals that manifested in his life can be understood only if we study his life and more will our personality become exalted. message with an unbiased mind, and if we are more will our heart be purified and so much We have seen that Sri Ramakrishna asked capable of understanding his life against the his wife ‘Do you have any wish to drag me down background of the truths revealed in our holy to a sensual life that is concomitant with scriptures. Only then will we understand the marriage?’ He did this in order to understand true value of his extremely exalted life. Against his wife’s mind. In a similar way, Sri Sarada the backdrop of this awareness of Sri

December 2019 Devi also had once questioned Sri Ramakrishna’s unique position in human Ramakrishna. It is an interesting incident. Sri history, we will realize that it is entirely to Sri 62 Sarada Devi had come to Dakshineswar and had Sarada Devi’s credit that she assisted Sri started living with him. Sri Ramakrishna was Ramakrishna in manifesting an unprecedented lying down on his cot one afternoon. The ideal of marriage! Even though living with his youthful Sri Sarada Devi was massaging his wife, he was able to transcend the pull of the legs. What a romantic situation, indeed! All of a senses and remain established in his inner Self. sudden, Sri Ramakrishna was asked by his This was a unique achievement of Sri young wife, ‘How do I look to your eyes now?’ Ramakrishna. And Sri Sarada Devi had an equal

The Vedanta Kesari The Vedanta A beautiful and youthful wife is share in this achievement of his! questioning her young husband, ‘How do I look Sri Ramakrishna himself praised Sri to your eyes now?’ The answer that Sri Sarada Devi’s contribution towards his Ramakrishna gave to this question is something manifesting the ideal of marriage, ‘If she that will remain unparalleled in the spiritual weren’t so pure, who knows, perhaps my own history of humankind. He replied, ‘The Divine self-control might have succumbed to the Mother who is worshipped in the Temple natural temptation of a wife’s conjugal call. (Goddess Bhavatarini of Dakshineswar), the lady After my marriage, I had prayed sincerely to the who lives in the Nahabat (his own biological Divine Mother, “Mother, remove the least trace mother Chandramani Devi), and you who are of sensuality in my wife’s mind.” Later on, when now pressing my legs – all are the manifestations I lived together with her, I realized that the of the same Divine Mother of the Universe. Truly Divine Mother had more than answered my I tell you, whenever I see you, I see clearly that it prayer.’ is the Divine Mother of the Universe that has What a marvelous phenomenon we see assumed your form to be with me.’ here! The prayer uttered by Sri Ramakrishna here in Dakshineswar was bringing about the purity of a soul such as Sri Sarada Devi? changes in the personality of Sri Sarada Devi in Purity has itself incarnated as Sri Sarada Devi! faraway . By the intense power of his Well, there was no way Sri Ramakrishna’s self- mind, he was sharing the fruits of his severe control could have broken down; and no one spiritual practices with his better half! This is else need have prayed for Sri Sarada Devi’s the only way we can infer these developments, purity. This divine couple had to manifest a discounting the possibility of a coincidence. We unique ideal for humanity. That ideal had to be have to understand that by his intense prayer, made intelligible for the common masses. Only Sri Sarada Devi was absorbing the results of his the spouse can vouch for the character of the spiritual practices, although she was at that husband, or the purity of the wife. Therefore, time, living quite far away from him. Sri Sarada Devi elaborates the unprecedented Similarly, it was because Sri Sarada Devi renunciation of her husband, and Sri was completely immersed in meditation on her Ramakrishna sings praises of his wife’s husband, as it were, that she was able to meet immaculate purity. him on his own exalted spiritual state of mind. Until now, we have seen the empyrean Her own mind and heart – they were heights to which this divine couple raised the immaculate! Therefore, Sri Ramakrishna was standards of their married life. This is just one able to pour out the fruits of his spiritual aspect of purity. Sexual continence alone is not practices into her even from afar. Quite often, the measure of purity. Unchaste thoughts,

we are unable to make the person sitting right possessive thoughts and feelings within one’s December 2019 in front of us grasp the subtle truths of spiritual life! If the mind is impure, it is impossible to these too degrade one’s personality. One may 63 grasp spiritual truths. And here we see that Sri own mind, selfishness in one’s own heart – all supreme impurity. But, when we study how Sri of feelings arising from the mind and heart of Saradasafely conclude Devi was thatable selfishnessto remain pure is indeed in each the of SriSarada Ramakrishna, Devi was able tonotwithstanding grasp the finest strands the these aspects, we can’t but marvel at the enormous geographical distance separating wonderfully ideal life she led; we can’t help but them. What a wonder this is, indeed! If this isn’t feel our own minds and hearts imbibing a little PAGE SPONSOR : SRI PRASANTH BALAKRISHNAN, MUMBAI BALAKRISHNAN, PRASANTH SRI : SPONSOR PAGE

a grand testimony to her great spiritual of her immaculate purity. Kesari The Vedanta capability, what else is? It was for this reason It is for this very reason that Swami that later on, while living with her husband, she Abhedananda sang about her, was able to say, ‘I have come to assist you in पवि配र चरितं यस्या पवि配र जीवनं तथा । your mission’. पविततास्셂पिण्य तस्य कुर् नमो नमः ।। One can’t help but raise a question here: ‘She whose personality is pure, she whose We have seen how Sri Ramakrishna prayed to life is pure, to such a paragon of purity, we offer the Divine Mother, and how he wholeheartedly our repeated salutations.’ praised the purity of his wife. But, was there This is a most exquisite eulogy, which is ever any real danger of his losing self-control in today chanted as a prayer; it also reveals a great the face of a temptation from his youthful wife? truth. The veracity of this eulogy will be Was he not a perfected person, who had quenched all his physical and psychological message of Sri Sarada Devi. Her divine hungers, established in the bliss of his own bashfulness,confirmed by uncommon anyone who wisdom, studies perfectthe life self-and Self? Moreover, should another person pray for control in her words and actions, incredible detachment, brilliant spiritual awareness, the spiritual aspirants in India. These terms occupy terrible austerities such as Pancha-tapa that pride of place in the vocabulary of spiritual she performed – if we study all these aspects of aspirants. Merely by uttering these words, don’t Sri Sarada Devi critically, we get a glimpse of we feel a certain sense of cleanliness in our her true personality. minds? These terms also have a reverse Meditation on the Lord is the path shown psychological effect too. That is, when we utter to us by the ancient Rishis for purifying our mind these words, we may start recalling all the and heart, thereby evolving ourselves spiritually. depraved things that we have done in our lives, We have to meditate on the ever-pure Lord of and we may start shrivelling in fear! But this the Universe and thereby cleanse ourselves of much is true – the purity that arises from an the dirt of ignorance that we smeared ourselves impeccable life is a rarity in this world today. It with, over innumerable lives. Taittiriya is a very rare quality and a priceless acquisition Upanishad has a wonderful prayer: too. The purity that was in Emperor Ambarisha was capable of pacifying the terrible anger of तं त्वा भग॒ प्रविशानि॒ स्वाहा। the Sage Durvasa. The immaculate purity of स मा भग॒ प्रविश॒ स्वहा। Savitri was capable of wrenching her husband तस्मि् सहस्रशाखे। Satyavan from Lord Yama, the god of death! The निभगाऽहं त्वय मृजे॒ स्वहा। incredibly powerful King Ravana couldn’t so ‘O adorable One, may I enter into you, much as even touch Mother Sita who was such as you are. O venerable One, you, such as

December 2019 imprisoned in his own Palace Garden, could he? you are, enter into me. O adorable One, who are 64 glory is unbounded! The power of immaculate purity is infinite. Its greatly diversified, may I purify my sins in you.’ When one cleanses one’s mind of all its The beginner in spiritual life may find it sins, along with the mind, the entire personality Lord,difficult as tothe conceive ever-pure of One. the ever-pure But we need Lord; not it Crystal is a transparent material. Similarly, a worry.will be difficultIt is the to inherent conceive divine and meditate power onof the purebecomes mind purified, becomes becomes transparent. clear Iflike an a object crystal. is same ever-pure Lord that has incarnated as the kept on one side of a crystal, it is clearly visible Holy Mother Sri Sarada Devi. We have to

The Vedanta Kesari The Vedanta from the other side. This is because, there is no sincerely study her life, and think about it dirt in the medium. In a similar way, a mind repeatedly. By doing that, our mind will be able that is free from lust, anger, deceit, hypocrisy, to enter into the personality that was Sri Sarada duplicity, etc., is able to project the divine spark Devi. When we are thus able to dwell on her that lies inside every living being. That is the immaculate personality, we will cleanse reason all spiritual aspirants strive day and ourselves of all impurities; our entire personality will become divinised. mind and heart. Sri Sarada Devi is today worshippednight for just oneand thing eulogized – purification by not of theirjust Purity: Three aspects innumerable devotees all over the world, but Pavitra (Pure), Parishuddha (Pristine), also by thousands of sannyasis and celibates as Chitta Shuddhi (Mental purity), Shuddha पवि配र चरितं यस्या। When Sri Sarada Devi was in Antahkarana (Mental purity), Shuddha Hridaya the prime of her youth, what was the prayer (Pure heart), Manas Shuddhi (Mental purity) – that welled up from the bottom of her heart? ‘O these are Sanskrit terms common to most Lord! Even the moon has dark spots; make my mind spotless. O Lord! Make my mind as pure resorting to all sorts of wrong and devious as those rays of light from the moon.’ What again were the words of praise that Again, due to his dense ignorance, he indulges means. This further intensifies his ignorance! Sri Ramakrishna, her husband, said about her? in yet more sins. Not only does he himself ‘If she weren’t so pure, who knows, perhaps my commit sins, he actively drags others too into own self-control might have succumbed to the his sinful activities. What is sad in this state of natural temptation of a wife’s conjugal call.’ affairs is that he himself is blissfully unaware When we observe all these incidents, a that he is drowning into a great abyss. His own question arises in our minds, ‘Well, then, is conscience would have become so feeble. Why married life also a path to achieving purity?’ The would it have become so feeble? Ignorance! answer is simple: The life of righteous marriage Hence Bhagavad Gita proclaims, ‘If man ever is neither an obstacle to purity, nor a hindrance, wants to rid himself of all his sins and become as is commonly understood today. Sri pure, he has to resort to knowledge; there is no Ramakrishna-Sri Sarada Devi came to reveal other way.’ Who can bring knowledge to this before humanity, the total picture of purity, one ignorant man? It is the knowing ones alone that of the great ideals sought after by man. Today, can do that. But, unfortunately, such knowing when we look at the rampant westernization of ones are very rare. Nevertheless, we will have Indian society, because of which the common one such knowing one, approach him, meet him again and again. We Indian is degrading himself into unimagined to find out at least perversions and sensual depravities, don’t we will have to approach him till our dense December 2019 see the necessity of holding up before the Indian ignorance melts away and knowledge of our society a burning example of purity? If the utter own true nature dawns in us. Katha Up. says: 65 disregard for law and order in society continues उत鄿ष्ठत जाग्रत प्राप् वरान ् निबोधत । ‘Arise, awake, to grow amidst the burgeoning population, we approach the knowing ones and learn about ought to dispassionately see where this will all your true nature from them.’ lead us to in the near future. What sort of a land The Upanishad may have certainly indeed is our country? It is the veritable directed man to do this. But, ignorance does not repository of all spiritual ideals ever known to allow man to approach the knowing ones and PAGE SPONSOR : SRI SUMANTH TIMMADASARI, BENGALURU TIMMADASARI, SUMANTH SRI : SPONSOR PAGE mankind! Man has realized the highest spiritual learn from them. The strangle-hold of Kesari The Vedanta ideals in this pure and blessed land. Hence, it is ignorance over man is enormous! The the duty of India to disseminate all over the gravitational pull of ignorance over man is so world the ideal of Purity. much more powerful than the uplifting Bhagavad Gita says, न हि 煍ञाने स饃शं attraction of the Guru! Swami Vivekananda was पवित्रह विद्यत।े ‘There is nothing comparable to able to discern this terrible fact regarding knowledge that can purify us.’ What does that human nature and said, ‘If the mountain does mean? Man sins because he is ignorant; he not go to Mohammad, then Mohammad will doesn’t know and hence he commits mistakes. have to go to the mountain.’ Similarly, the Ignorance is thus the root cause of sin. Man is knowing ones will have to go the common unaware of the fact that he is ever-pure, ever- people, live amidst them, move from town to awakened, ever-free. What does it mean when town, village to village and bring them to the we say that man is unaware of this fact? Doesn’t Light that they experience. This is because, the it mean he is ignorant? Due to this pervasive dense covering of ignorance in the minds and hearts of people is not something that will get

ignorance, man tries to find happiness by dispelled easily! Hence the pure ones, the careful to ensure that all the feelings that arise knowing ones, instead of merely enjoying their in our heart, all the thoughts that come to our own bliss, should decide to move among the mind, all our imaginations are exalted, pure and common people. Initially, Swami Vivekananda himself did our actions, which are the most important beneficial to us. This is because, our words and not have the mind to do this spreading of light. aspects of our personality, are directly based on His desire was to go to the Himalayas and the feelings, thoughts and imaginations we remain immersed in the bliss of his Self. But Sri entertain. Hence, urgent attention needs to be Ramakrishna’s directive brought him out to bring the life-giving light of the Eternal Religion thoughts and imaginations. This brings forth drawn towards purification of feelings, not only among his own countrymen, but also another question: ‘Without our consent, among the foreign ones. Today, the rays of that without our volition, involuntarily, gross light are lighting up the minds and hearts of feelings and base thoughts arise in our restless thousands of people and making them pure and whole. answer is ‘Don’t be afraid about your mind. What can we do about it?’ The first Swami Vivekananda preached religion to constantly keeping the people of all mentalities helplessness’. And the final answer is, ‘By and attitudes; he company of the right kind preached the four major We have to achieve three kinds of people, constantly

December 2019 paths of spiritual growth of purity: Bhava Shuddhi, studying the right kind of – the four Yogas; he Vak Shuddhi, and Kriya Shuddhi literature, and sincerely 66 preached the synthesis of praying to our Ishta who the four yogas; he also lives within us and preached practical Vedanta for the common constantly observes our people of the present age. At last, he mind, we can lift up our mind to whatever summarized all his preaching in the following heights we wish.’ Vak Shuddhi is the whole of Religion.’ Christ had said we proceed in purifying our mind as mentioned (Purification of speech): As The Vedanta Kesari The Vedanta somethingfew words: ‘Trysimilar: to be ‘Blessed pure and are unselfish the pure – that in above, our tendency to gossip and talk heart, for, they shall see God.’ meaninglessly reduces. Only useful and Purifying the heart is the single important necessary words come out of our mouth. And, teaching that all incarnations of God and saints those words will carry weight. and sages have emphasized upon. When we But we should note one thing here. If our read and hear all this, a question starts forming words have to be pure and wholesome, in our mind – what does it mean to be pure? Although this question has a simple answer, purification of our feelings, thoughts and this is a topic that calls for a detailed get trained by the right kind of people and we imaginations alone will not suffice. We need to deliberation. Anyway, a brief answer to this must have developed the habit of deep study of question will be that we have to achieve three the right kind of literature. This effort bears a kinds of purity: Bhava Shuddhi, Vak Shuddhi, two-fold result: Firstly, our language becomes and Kriya Shuddhi. beautiful, meaningful, and clear. We will then be able to express our experiences and thoughts Bhava Shuddhi thoughts and imaginations): We have to be very clearly, without any ambiguity. Secondly, (Purification of feelings, our thinking processes become enriched by the disciple of Swami Brahmananda who was one fund of language skills we come to possess. of the direct-disciples of Sri Ramakrishna) used Wild feelings, diverse and erratic thinking are to say that the means of attaining to that harmful to our mental health, nor do they help highest level of purity is to keep intensely praying to God. God is the basis of purity and lead us to a state of impurity! the repository of purity that we wish to achieve. us in our efforts at inner purification. They only We must always remember that We have to overcome every obstacle and temptation by praying to God who is the our feelings, thoughts and imaginations lend embodiment of purity. There is no other way, in thepurification distinct offragrance our speech, of purity and purification to our entire of fact! We have to embrace purity and make it personality. our very nature. The life of Sri Sarada Devi throws a new light on this matter. We just have Kriya Shuddhi Aren’t all the actions we perform day-in and to make up our mind to study very deeply her (Purification of actions): entire life, with this end in view; that’s all. The actions of a person derive directly from the day-out but a reflection of our state of mind? returns in store for our efforts! power of knowledge a person possesses and Indeed, a price worth paying for the infinite the power of will that he has developed. Hence our Real purity We have to overcome every The utility and

obstacle and temptation by December 2019 the quality of our actions, necessity of purity, in actions, more specifically, depend entirely upon our praying to God who is the root of rising to the heights of brain-power and will- purity spiritual unfoldment from 67 power. Every act of ours the stage of worldliness, can never be over- Systematic, and 3) Useful. emphasized. But this world is the realm of should be: 1) Efficient, 2) The great secret is that if a person sensuality. In this realm of sensuality, continually works like this, his personality there are very few people who even know that becomes pure over a period of time. If one there is such a blessed state called ‘purity’. PAGE SPONSOR : SRI HEMANT D. VAKIL, MUMBAI VAKIL, D. HEMANT SRI : SPONSOR PAGE When such is the case, how many indeed Kesari The Vedanta increase. If one works systematically, the will know or appreciate the utility of restlessnessworks efficiently, of mind his gets personal calm. If one capabilities performs purity? Moreover, the rare few that do get to hear about this blessed state of purity sense of satisfaction and contentment. His mind generally become afraid that purity will andonly heart useful gradually work, his get heart transformed gets filled withinto a adversely affect their married life. Hence they formidable instrument of power, raising him to avoid any further inquiry into this most the heights of purity. wonderful state that any person could raise Thus, purity in our personality can be oneself to! But then, this is a gross achieved by gradually working towards Bhava- misconception. If we think about it a little, we Shuddhi, Vak-Shuddhi and Kriya-Shuddhi. But will realize that this line of thinking – that that is not the end. There is a state that is the pinnacle of purity. The direct perception of God instance, look at this popular sloka: purity will destroy marital life – is flawed. For requires that highest level of purity in our अहल्य 饍रपदी सीता तारा मन्ददरी तथा । personality. Swami Yatiswarananda Ji (a पंचकन्य स्रेन्नित्य महापातकनाशनम् ॥ ‘Ahalya, Draupadi, Sita, Taara and disturbance and won’t be in peace! Now, some may point out that habitual, serial liars exist, every day, all your sins will be atoned for.’ who go on with their lives happily! But, we ask Mandodari – if you remember these five maidens such persons, are they really able to peep inside been called kanyas or maidens here. And it is the minds of those inveterate liars? Please note that these five women have married women. Moreover, the lives of all these indulge in hundreds of other sinful acts such as commonly known that these five were all cheating,Let hypocrisy, alone fibbing; treachery, there robbery, are many etc. whoIs it is generally considered the normal life of a not clear that such people are far, far away marriedfive too were woman! more Despite than aall deviation these, it isfrom said what that from the supreme ideal, the exalting ideal of if we remember them every day, we will purity? overcome all our sins. What does ‘overcome all But, we need to think and analyze about our sins’ mean? Does it not mean that we will one important issue in this context. Generally, become pure? Therefore, it clearly means that when we say ‘purity’, the ideal of perfect chastity living a life of unbroken chastity alone is not the comes to mind. Or one thinks of ‘sexual’ purity. meaning of purity! This is a pervasive tendency. In India, especially, If this is so, then what is purity? We need this is so pervasive that even the learned to understand the concept of purity in all its persons who are legally wedded to each other various aspects. The Sanskrit word for purity is and are good, cultured people in every respect,

December 2019 pavitra. Etymologically, this Sanskrit word is confess that sometimes they feel a sense of guilt pavi’ means sin or impurity and when they hear the word ‘purity’. They confess 68 ‘tra’ means to go beyond. Therefore, the word that often they feel that there is some sort of puritydefined means as: ‘ achieving inner cleanliness ‘impurity’ in them. In order to realize that a through performing good works by which we scripturally enjoined, legally married life is overcome old sins and don’t commit fresh sins. absolutely no obstacle to leading a pure life, we We need to understand what constitutes ought to see some of the pure couples that still sin in this context. Which acts are sinful, and exist in our society. Their behavior, attitudes, which are not? No man who commits a sin has demeanor and dealings must be observed. Then The Vedanta Kesari The Vedanta a sense that he is sinning. Since he does not we will experience the cool, soothing effect that have that sense, he commits sin after sin. Now, their purity has on our hearts! the trouble is, if we think properly, it is Yet another incredible fact is that purity is impossible to classify which acts are sinful and not the monopoly of only the elite of the society, or only the academically educated people of indeed a moral dilemma. But that act, after society. Here and there, even in the lower strata doingwhich which, are virtuous. our mind Such gets peace, a classification balance and is of society, we come across glowing examples joy, is certainly a noble act, a virtuous act. that diffuse the sweet, enchanting fragrance of Similarly, that act, after doing which, our mind purity in the morass of this world! Perhaps we gets disturbed and gets thrown into choppy could quote some such instances. But, much waves, is undoubtedly a sinful act, an evil act! A better than reading about them will be the sinful act, whether small or big, does not leave impact we feel if we approach them and see the doer’s mind in peace. We just utter a with our own eyes these ‘salt of the earth’. That harmless lie, and see the reaction on ourselves. Our mind will go on experiencing some sort of much more meaningful. would be more useful, more beneficial and But, we may broach one serious issue for celibacy and was the only son of the greatest consideration here, that is worthy of our guru of archery Dronacharya, why is he not attention. Just recall the innumerable saints and hailed as the ideal of purity? On the other hand, sages and prophets, of various levels of spiritual achievements and contributions, who blessed this world with their purifying impact; don’t we find millions worshipping in various did they all fall from the sky? Or did they just humanways and being, benefitting but only a simian? from it, even today, enter this world from another dimension, Hanuman, who was not even a full-fledged passing through a membrane? Didn’t they all Holy Mother’s consolation to aspirants take birth in some blessed household or the It does not take long for a person to skid other? The couples that gave birth to these from the narrow path of perfection, slip from a saints and seers and prophets, what were they position of purity and become a ‘fallen’ man. if not pure?! Jesus Christ said, ‘He that looks at another A subtler aspect of the same issue is there. woman with lustful eyes has already committed If married people can indeed lead a life of the adultery in his mind.’ What a terrifying highest purity, what status are we to ascribe to statement this is! The divine incarnation of the the purity seen in the life of unbroken celibacy? sensuality, to utter such words! permissive west, the land filled to the brim with question. This is indeed a very tricky question. But, all divine incarnations, prophets and

It is extremely difficult to answer this December 2019 Even after practicing celibacy if the personality saints have uttered statements of similar nature regarding character building and protecting practicing celibacy if the personality shows one’s purity. They have all prescribed the 69 is filled with egotism and arrogance, even after glaring weaknesses like infatuation and strictest rules in this regard. Even though that is jealousy, even after practicing celibacy if the the case, spiritual aspirants of this present world personality entertains base desires like hankering for name and fame, then who indeed uncompromising standards of purity. This is would call such a celibate person as pure? Not find it very, very difficult to maintain such high, only that. Sri Ramakrishna’s monastic disciple live in today. Realizing this ground reality, Holy PAGE SPONSOR : SMT. CHAMUTURI, HYDERABAD CHAMUTURI, MADHAVI SMT. : SPONSOR PAGE Swami Brahmananda says that there are many Mothermostly because Sri Sarada of the Deviinfluence gave of the the timesgreatest we Kesari The Vedanta so-called pure people, who develop a peculiar consolation to struggling aspirants of today. She arrogance by feeling ‘I am pure; I live a pure said, ‘In Kali Yuga (i.e., in today’s world), mental life; I am heads and shoulders above all these sins will be pardoned.’ These words were worldly, married people!’ A strange ‘holier- uttered by one who is recognized and than-thou’ complex is developed in such worshipped all over the world as the Divine people. This egotism, this arrogance arising out Mother Incarnate! Out of her great mother- of purity is very subtle and very intense. Hence heart, unable to see the nerve-wracking struggle of her children to attain true purity, she gave this spiritual growth of such people gets arrested, great assurance. She found that her children, removing it also is very, very difficult. The says Swami Brahmananda. When we see all even though living with the greatest care and this, don’t we realize that in order to reach the following the strictest rules, would sometimes pinnacle of purity, something more than the commit a small, inadvertent lapse in their minds. practice of brahmacharya is needed? Even And as a consequence of that mental lapse, their though Ashwattama practiced unbroken own guilt (for no one else would even come to know of it, most of the times) would condemn Dining Hall. I laid their plates and served them them as ‘fallen’! In order to protect her children the dishes. Revered Swamiji too had come from such a despicable situation, she uttered these words. And what a consolation! She has and was speaking to them. It was summer and saved so many genuine aspirants from such a along. He too sat on the floor in front of them precarious condition! Revered Swamiji asked me to fetch him a hand the dining hall had innumerable house-flies. But a word of caution is necessary here. fan. When I gave him one, he started fanning Thinking that the Holy Mother has given us the couple with his own hands to drive away such a blanket assurance, it will be our ruin if we go on indulging in all sorts of depravities couple too since it was quite hot. I said, the flies, and once in a while, he would fan the inside our minds! We have to keep in mind the ‘Swamiji, kindly give me the fan. I will fan them.’ sense in which she has given this assurance. But he didn’t give it to me. He himself went on When we are progressing along the path prescribed by the guru with great sincerity, and speaking to him for some more time, the couple fanning them. They finished their lunch. After trying to lead a pure life, by chance, if the mind left, blessed by their guru. wavers once or twice from the ideal, we don’t By this time, my mind was slowly getting have to lose heart. That lapse will be pardoned. disturbed. I couldn’t help but think in this way: Using this pardon, pick yourself up, hitch ‘He is such a great sannyasi. Moreover, he is a yourself to the ideal again and proceed ahead guru who initiates aspirants into the spiritual

December 2019 along your path with great sincerity. That is the path. Why did he sit in front of that couple and sense in which this statement of the Holy fan them while they had lunch? Why did he 70 Mother has to be understood. could this mean?’ This question started have to drive away the flies himself? What Purity of vision tormenting me. Since I had grown up in a South It was the year 1961. I had joined the Indian traditional household, this doubt along Ramakrishna Ashrama, Bangalore, as a with some other associated questions arose in brahmacharin just the previous year. Srimat my mind. But I still did not have the courage to Swami Yatishwarananda Ji Maharaj was the openly ask him. But, there was in fact no need The Vedanta Kesari The Vedanta President of the Ashrama. He was my guru. This for me to ask them, after all! Revered Swamiji background is necessary to set the incident I himself made a statement at that juncture. He am going to narrate now. uttered, ‘Veritable Lakshmi and Narayana!’ That was it. Not one more word came out of his It was an afternoon around 1.30 pm and mouth. Is not that enough? What more can words convey? couple arrived at the Ashrama. I recall they werewe had a allBengali finished couple. our lunch.They Bywere that initiated time, a It’s been over 40 years since Revered devotees of Swami Yatiswarananda Ji Maharaj. Swamiji uttered those words. But, their impact So, I duly informed him of their arrival. When has grown to gigantic proportions in my mind he came out of his room and spoke to them, he now, and is still growing! That couple was not learnt that they hadn’t yet had their lunch. just a man and a woman! Not even a husband Swamiji asked me if any food was left in the and wife, as the cultured people say! Veritable god and goddess! Was not this the paradigm of because I was the bhandari or kitchen in- the ancient Rishis? chargekitchen. in I thereadily Ashrama. answered I led in the the guests affirmative to the What a pure vision, indeed! Article

Purity: The Graded Ideal A SANNYASI

e will not be deliberating about kid saying ‘I am studying’ and an Einstein Purity per se in this article, saying ‘I am studying’! Wbecause, most of us already None of them is false. All of them are have a rough idea of this concept. But, we have correct. We know that all of them are correct lots of gaps in our understanding of this vital because we clearly understand there is a gradation in the act of learning. Learning is not understanding of this concept. an absolute action. It has innumerable steps, idea. We will try to fill in the gaps in our innumerable gradations, and innumerable enough about Purity. Yet we do not seem to stages. And each of them is indeed called by the As we noted, we all know sufficiently grow in this character trait. Why is that? same name – learning. We may qualify it with words like lower learning and higher learning, Principle of gradation in ideals but we agree that each one of them is indeed Let us place a KG kid, a school boy, a doing the same thing – learning. Thus, they are December 2019 all doing same thing, though there is a college student, a post-graduate scholar, and a 71 research scientist, say for instance, Einstein, in difference in its degree. a line, all standing one beside the other. We ask We urgently need to understand this each one the same question, ‘What are you concept, especially with regard to ideals such as doing?’ The KG kid will say, ‘I am studying’. The Purity. There is a clear gradation in ideals. school boy will say, ‘I am studying’. The college Ideals are not absolute. To some extent we may student, let us hope, says, ‘I am studying’, consider that the lowest end and the highest because, now-a-days, most students take end (as we understand them now1) are PAGE SPONSOR : SMT. RAJAM SUBRAMANIAM, CHENNAI RAJAM SUBRAMANIAM, SMT. : SPONSOR PAGE admission in colleges, not to study, but to ‘set absolute, but there is a spectrum of ideals in- Kesari The Vedanta right’ the college and the university! Let us between. They are graded. hope to get a good college student, in which So, do we understand that when a student case, he will certainly say, ‘I am here for is focussing entirely on his studies, a soldier is studying’. Next, we ask a Masters’ student the same question, and we will surely get the same defending his country, a doctor is focussing answer. You see where this is going. Lastly, a entirelyfocussing on entirely his surgery on fighting saving the patient enemy and true research scholar like Einstein will also say, healing the sick, a mason is focussing entirely ‘I am studying this universe; I am learning how on laying bricks and constructing a building – it works.’ all of them are essentially as pure and as All of them are saying the same thing. But, focused as a monk practicing unbroken what a world of difference lies between a KG Brahmacharya for the sake of God Realization?

The author is a sannyasi of the Ramakrishna Order We do not mean that they are all equal, but, connection, we will start making only essentially the same. They are all like that progress in manifesting these ideals in our own string of KG kid, school student, etc., mentioned lives. earlier. A man took his son to be admitted in There are grades in the level of purity each one of us can achieve in our individual life. We must note that the action, per se, is not related to InstitutionShantiniketan. and He explained, asked in the‘We Office, have a‘What school; all what level of purity or any other ideal is thendo you we teach have here?’ a multi-disciplinary The officer was proud college, of his achieved. In fact, Vedanta holds that any action where we teach the Arts, Science and can assist us in manifesting the highest ideal in Commerce; we have Masters in various our personality. We somehow tend to think that disciplines; we also do Research in cutting-edge ideals such as Purity, Self-realization, God-vision, areas such as Microbiology, Nano-technology, etc., are some absolute etc.’ The man was states of existence. They impressed. He asked his Vedanta holds that any action son to be admitted into grades. We can imagine can assist us in manifesting the the PhD course in themare not. as aThey continuum, have infinite or as highest ideal in our personality. a spectrum. On the one wanted to meet his son. extreme, we exist, and on HeMicrobiology. was a boy Theof 4 officeryears!

December 2019 the other great souls like Buddha, Swami The father could not understand that his son Vivekananda and Sri Ramakrishna. The in- 72 between distance separating us from these great all. He would study diligently, year after year, passinghad to be each admitted class, movinginto the ahead KG School, into college, first of realization and visions of God, which we all will then Masters and then into PhD course! He havesouls to has progressively infinite lower conquer ideals and of move Purity, ahead. Self- could not be admitted directly into the PhD Each of these lower ideals can grow into the one course! This is the mistake we all make. above it in the hierarchy, till it culminates in the A young engineer was attending a job manifestation of the ideal we see in these great interview. After the interview was over, the

The Vedanta Kesari The Vedanta souls. interviewer asked him, ‘Do you have any Sri Ramakrishna was a married man. He questions?’ The young man asked, ‘Sir, what worshipped his own wife as the Divine Mother! will be the salary?’ The interviewer said, ‘You We all understand this manifestation of the are a fresher. We will put you on two years’ ideal in Sri Ramakrishna as ‘Purity’. Well, that is probation, during which period, we will pay you one extreme of the spectrum. Can we Rs.10,000 per month. After your understand that raising a family, and being probationership is completed, we will put you loyal to one’s wife the entire life, is the same into the Rs.16,500 scale. Understood?’ The ideal manifested on a little lower level? Can we young engineer replied, ‘Yes Sir. I will join after understand that when a student rejects a two years.’ distraction of playing video games and Let us do our allotted duty, sincerely and immerses himself in single-minded study of his devotedly. We shall continue to do this till the subjects, that is also a manifestation of the next higher stage opens out to us. This way, same ideal of purity, of course, on a much, stage by stage, we will one day reach the much lower level? When we understand this highest. Swami Vivekananda says, ‘When you are as his own mother. He is thus able to eschew all doing any work, do not think of anything sexuality in himself. That is the main reason beyond. Do it as worship, as the highest why people look at him worship, and devote your whole life to it for the with a worshipful time being. Thus, in the story, the Vyadha and attitude. We all Let us do our the woman did their duty with cheerfulness understand this ideal allotted duty, and whole-heartedness; and the result was that easily. This stage of the sincerely, devotedly. they became illuminated, clearly showing that ideal of Purity is called the right performance of the duties of any Akhanda Naishtika We shall continue to station in life, without attachment to results, Brahmacharya. Now, the do this till the next leads us to the highest realization of the step lower to this is – higher stage opens perfection of the soul. looking upon all women, out to us. This way, ‘It is the worker who is attached to results except one, as one’s own stage by stage, we that grumbles about the nature of the duty mother. There will will one day reach which has fallen to his lot; to the unattached however be one woman, the highest. worker all duties are equally good, and form his lawfully wedded wife, with whom the and sensuality may be killed, and the freedom person may have ofefficient the soul instruments secured. We with are all which apt to selfishness think too physical relations. This is an ideal of Purity,

highly of ourselves. Our duties are determined recognized by our scriptures, and called Eka- December 2019 by our deserts to a much larger extent than we patni-vrata. Now, compared to the stage of are willing to grant. Competition rouses envy, Akhanda Naishtika Brahmacharya, this stage of 73 and it kills the kindliness of the heart. To the Eka-patni-vrata appears like a compromise or grumbler all duties are distasteful; nothing will an opposite state of existence, or degeneration, ever satisfy him, and his whole life is doomed or even as hypocrisy or ‘adjustment’ as we call to prove a failure. Let us work on, doing as we it today! Today’s child plays with dolls, and go whatever happens to be our duty, and being tomorrow he grows up to rule the entire nation ever ready to put our shoulders to the wheel. as the Prime Minister, let us say. Do we hold the

PAGE SPONSOR : SMT. SHUBHALAXMI PITRE, MUMBAI PITRE, SHUBHALAXMI SMT. : SPONSOR PAGE 2 Then surely shall we see the Light!’ Prime Minister to be a lesser man because he Kesari The Vedanta Right now, if we desire to achieve the played with dolls as a child? The Eka-patni- highest, it will end in frustration, which is what vrata ideal of purity is indeed a compromise we see in most people around us. We tend to and hypocrisy, and a fall, if a sannyasi were to think in absolutist terms. We aim directly for adopt that ideal. But, if a married man were to realize the Eka-patni-vrata ideal of purity and raise himself to the next higher ideal of reasonthe final we stage. fail toWe do don’t this. realize the value of the Akhanda Naishtika Brahmacharya, wouldn’t stages preceding the final stage. There is a that be progress? Recall Sri Ramakrishna’s repeated From truth to truth, not from error to truth! exhortation as recorded in the Gospel: ‘You Compared to the highest stage, the should not renounce woman, completely. It is preceding stages look like errors. Take Purity not harmful for a householder to live with his for instance. We all understand the wife. But after the birth of one or two children, manifestation of this ideal in a sannyasi’s husband and wife should live as brother and personality. A sannyasi looks upon all women sister.’3 What is most interesting to note is that stands for alignment of thought and deed, a our ancient scriptures speak of this kind of vital point which Sri Ramakrishna emphasized purity also as Akhanda Brahmacharya! In the repeatedly. As and when we are practicing the Ramayana, there is an incident. Ravana’s son ideal, our thoughts, words and deed must be in Indrajit had to be killed in battle. Indrajit had a unison. We can’t have a fractured personality boon that he could only be killed by one who where thoughts are on one path and deeds are was established in the ideal of Akhanda elsewhere. Look at the following words of Sri was Lakshmana! He was a Ramakrishna: ‘To sit with marriedBrahmacharya. man, and And yet who he killed him finally? It a woman or talk to her a was established in this If a married man were to realize long time has also been high ideal! Purity the Eka-patni-vrata ideal of described as a kind of therefore has many subtle purity and raise himself to the sexual intercourse. There shades. We have Akhanda next higher ideal of Akhanda are eight kinds. To listen Naishtika Brahmacharya, Naishtika Brahmacharya, to a woman and enjoy which means the person wouldn’t that be progress? her conversation is one will be pure in thought- kind; to speak about a word-deed all his life. woman is another kind; Then we have the Urdhvaretas Akhanda to whisper to her privately is a third kind; to

December 2019 Brahmacharya, which means the person has had keep something belonging to a woman and a couple of kids and thereafter has been pure in 74 thought-word-deed. This is the ideal that Sri Therefore, a sannyasin should not salute his Ramakrishna spells out so beautifully in the guru’senjoy it young is a fourth wife, touchingkind; to touch her feet. her These is a fifth. are passage quoted above. The other name for this the rules for sannyasins. But the case is quite ideal is Eka-patni-vrata, or Pativrata Dharma. different with householders. After the birth of one Then we have the Upakurvana Akhanda or two children, the husband and wife should Brahmacharya, which means the person is pure live as brother and sister. The other seven kinds in thought-word-deed for a certain period of his of sexual intercourse do not injure them much.

The Vedanta Kesari The Vedanta life, such as a student. This is the reason why A householder has various debts: debts to the every student was called a Brahmachari in gods, to the fathers, and to the rishis. He also ancient India and the words student and owes a debt to his wife. He should make her the Brahmachari were synonyms. This person mother of one or two children and support her doesn’t follow Akhanda Brahmacharya all his if she is a chaste woman.’4 life, which would have made him an Akhanda Many persons who are serious spiritual Naishtika Brahmachari. He follows Akhanda aspirants ask if Sri Ramakrishna is making a Brahmacharya for some time in his life. Then he ‘concession’ here for the married man. Let us marries and begets children. Thereafter, he understand that there can be no concession in again takes up the practice of the Akhanda spiritual life. But there can certainly be more Brahmacharya. And now he raises himself to than one path to achieve the same ideal! So, no the ideal of Urdhvaretas Akhanda matter what the social status of a person is (for Brahmacharya. Note however that in every marriage or monasticism is indeed a social case, the ideal has to be Akhanda, which means arrangement only), the culmination of the ideal ‘unbroken’. How is it unbroken if he can get of purity remains the same. But the path to married and begets children? The Akhanda realizing that ideal varies depending on the social status adopted by the person. Hence, if said: ‘If one studies the Vedas between the one is a sannyasi, a particular path is lines, one sees a religion of harmony; One point prescribed. If one is a married man, the path to of difference between Hinduism and other realizing the very same ideal is a different one. religions is that in Hinduism we pass from truth Note that Sri Ramakrishna does not say that the to truth – from a lower truth to a higher truth highest ideal itself is different. But, the path for – and never from error to truth. The Vedas the latter is indeed very different. should be studied through the eye-glass of What is urgently required is this – people evolution. They contain the whole history of the should steadily progress progress of religious consciousness, until in manifesting higher and religion has reached 5 higher stages of a People should steadily progress perfection in unity.’ particular ideal. We shall in manifesting higher and higher ‘I fully agree with have the maturity to stages of a particular ideal the educated classes in understand that these India that a thorough people have struggled and overhauling of society is succeeded and have not failed. It is progress in necessary. But how to do it? The destructive human evolution even on a personal level, and plans of reformers have failed. My plan is this. not retrogression and therefore not personal We have not done badly in the past, certainly failure. not. Our society is not bad but good, only I want

We say this understanding is urgently it to be better still. Not from error to truth, nor December 2019 required because, today’s education system and from bad to good, but from truth to higher new means of accessing information have truth, from good to better, best. I tell my 75 enabled millions of people to intellectually countrymen that so far they have done well – grasp the highest ideals. However, such is the now is the time to do better.’6 irony of human existence that this heightened ‘You must remember that humanity intellectual understanding does not enable travels not from error to truth, but from truth these millions in understanding the principle of to truth; it may be, if you like it better, from gradation in ideals! Regarding purity, almost lower truth to higher truth, but never from PAGE SPONSOR : A DEVOTEE, VIDYARANYAPURA, BENGALURU VIDYARANYAPURA, DEVOTEE, A : SPONSOR PAGE every reader clearly recognizes the value of the error to truth.’7 Kesari The Vedanta ideal manifested in Sri Ramakrishna or in ‘Man never progresses from error to Swami Vivekananda. But, most of us are unable truth, but from truth to truth, from lesser truth to link up our present state of existence with to higher truth – but it is never from error to that highest manifestation of the ideal. As a truth. The child may develop more than the result, we spend our entire lives in frustration. father, but was the father inane? The child is the We have witnessed the highest ideal, but we are father plus something else. If your present state unable to live up to it. So, our entire life is spent of knowledge is much greater than it was when in hating ourselves for not being able to live up you were a child, would you look down upon to the highest ideal. And that is the bane of that stage now? Will you look back and call it Indian society. We have to recognize the validity inanity? Why, your present stage is the of each stage of the ideal, and not get caught up knowledge of the child plus something more. in the blaze and glory of the highest ideal only. Then, again, we also know that there may be Swami Vivekananda very beautifully pointed almost contradictory points of view of the same this out repeatedly in his lectures, when he thing, but they will all indicate the same thing. Suppose a man is journeying towards the sun, and as he advances he takes a photograph of learn only from experience.’10 who puts his hand in the fire will be burned; we the sun at every stage. When he comes back, he Spiritual giants like the Avataras and has many photographs of the sun, which he Prophets reveal various stages of the spiritual places before us. We see that not two are alike, ideals. The extreme ideal for the sannyasis was and yet, who will deny that all these are revealed long ago in the Upanishads. There was photographs of the same sun, from different however nothing similar for the married man, standpoints? Take four photographs of this as such, until Sri Ramakrishna and Holy Mother church from different Sri Sarada Devi revealed corners: how different the extreme stage of the they would look, and yet In Hinduism we pass from truth ideal of Purity for the they would all represent to truth – from a lower truth to a married people. We must this church. In the same higher truth – and never from be very careful not to get way, we are all looking at error to truth confused here. The ideals truth from different for the sannyasi cannot standpoints, which vary be the same as the ideals according to our birth, education, surroundings, for the married man. No, that would lead to and so on. We are viewing truth, getting as social chaos and personal degeneration. much of it as these circumstances will permit, Depending on what lifestyle one wants to

December 2019 colouring the truth with our own heart, follow, different stages of same ideal are understanding it with our own intellect, and applicable. But, there is a clear connection in 76 grasping it with our own mind. We can only these stages of the ideals. One grows into the know as much of truth as is related to us, as other and in the end, they will culminate in the much of it as we are able to receive. This makes monastic ideal, which is indeed the highest the difference between man and man, and manifestation possible. Sri Ramakrishna and Sri occasions sometimes even contradictory ideas; Sarada Devi remained married throughout yet we all belong to the same great universal their life; but they were able to manifest a level truth.’ 8 of purity that was totally monastic in nature.

The Vedanta Kesari The Vedanta ‘It is too often believed that a person in Not only did they manifest it, they were able to his progress towards perfection passes from get some of their disciples such as Tarak Nath error to truth; that when he passes on from one Ghoshal, Rakhal Chandra Ghosh, Jogendranath, thought to another, he must necessarily reject Durga Charan Nag, Girish Chandra Ghosh, Ramchandra Dutta and others to manifest the passing through its different stages goes from same level of the ideal of Purity. the first. But no error can lead to truth. The soul truth to truth, and each stage is true; it goes Recall that in the Bhagavad Gita, Sri 9 from lower truth to higher truth.’ Krishna declares, धर्माव셁द्धो भूतषुे कामोऽस्म, ‘I am ‘We do not progress from error to truth, that desire in all human beings which is not but from truth to truth. Thus we must see that opposed to Dharma.’11 Sri Krishna has said it none can be blamed for what they are doing, very plainly; he is himself manifesting as lust because they are, at this time, doing the best and desire, which are unopposed to Dharma; they can. If a child has an open razor, don’t try that means unopposed to a lifestyle which to take it from him, but give him a red apple or assists in personal evolution of man. In the a brilliant toy, and he will drop the razor. But he scheme of evolution of human beings, personal tendencies matter. Some will be able to live enjoying through various senses, procreation, without any of the major human emotions and etc. Ordinay understanding is that all these urges playing any role in their entire life. Many urges constitute impurity and if we wish to there are who seek human emotional support. achieve Purity, we need to eschew all of these. These people constitute human society What Sri Ramakrishna and Sri Sarada Devi everywhere. These people recognize and adopt showed in their lives, what Sri Krishna said in rules and regulations to live by. Human beings the Bhagavad Gita is – we need not eschew all everywhere, at all times, have exhibited this of these urges at once, because for most of us, it ability to conform to rules is impossible to do so at and regulations regarding once. We shall enjoy all personal and social life. What Sri Ramakrishna and Sri these urges, but strictly This sort of existence Sarada Devi showed in their within the rules and leads to concrete personal lives, what Sri Krishna said in the regulations stipulated by growth over a period of every society. We must Bhagavad Gita is – we need not time. That is the Dharma realize that these rules that Sri Krishna is eschew all of these urges at once, and regulations are speaking of here. So, because for most of us, it is ubiquitous and never basically what Sri Krishna impossible to do so at once universal. is saying is this: there are So, we will be able to

transcend the lower ideals December 2019 experiencing all those urges in our life, which, and reach for the next higher ones by following well-defined means of ordinarily speaking, we would consider as this scheme of life. How do we transcend the 77 ‘impure’. Human beings have innumerable lower ideals? That is another subject matter. urges – hunger, sleep, recognition by peers, prestige and status in society, possessions, idea in this process. Suffice it to say that deification is the central References 1) We say this because the higher spiritual ideals are Sri Ramakrishna mentions this idea. The constant PAGE SPONSOR : SRI PUSHKAR MAHAJAN, PUNE MAHAJAN, PUSHKAR SRI : SPONSOR PAGE

revealed to us in the personalities of Incarnations repetition of this instruction tells us how much of Kesari The Vedanta and Prophets. And with each new Incarnation, we importance Sri Ramakrishna gave to this idea. get higher and yet higher ideals. Hence, we say ‘as 4) The Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna: Entry on 6th Dec we understand them now’. We do not know what 1884: Chapter: Bankim Chandra further ideals will be revealed by the Incarnations 5) Complete Works. Vol-6: Notes Taken Down In who will come later. Madras 2) The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda. Vol-1: 6) Complete Works. Vol-4: A Plan Of Work For India Karma Yoga: Ch-IV: What Is Duty? 7) Complete Works. Vol-4: Christ The Messenger 3) See, for instance: The Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna: 8) Complete Works. Vol-2: Practical Vedanta: The Way Entry on 23rd Oct 1885: Chapter: The Master and To The Realization Of A Universal Religion 9) Complete Works. Vol-1: Vedanta As A Factor In repeated in the following entries: 9th March, 1884: Civilization Chapter:Dr. Sarkar; Rules You Forwill Householdersfind this same And instruction Monks; 6th 10) Complete Works. Vol-9: Sayings And Utterances: Mr. Dec 1884: Chapter: Bankim Chandra; 22nd Feb Thomas J. Allan’s reminiscences 1885: Chapter: The Master’s Birthday; 23rd Oct 11) Dharma is one of those Hindu terms which 1885: Chapter: The Master And Dr. Sarkar; There have multiple layers of meaning. What we have are indeed many more places in the Gospel where described here is one meaning. Pearls of Wisdom

Bhagavan Buddha

Selection from Dhammika Sutta which presents Buddha’s code of conduct for sannyasis and householders

Now I shall tell you the household’s rule, by practising which one’s a good hearkener, for by one with possessions it cannot be got— that dharma complete by a bhikkhu attained. Kill not any beings nor cause them to be killed, and do not approve of them having been killed, put by the rod for all that lives— whether they are weak, or strong in the world. December 2019 What is “ungiven”—anything, anywhere, 78 that’s known to be others’, its theft one should avoid. Neither order things taken, nor others’ removal approve— all of this “ungiven” let the hearkener avoid. Let the intelligent person live a celibate life, as one would avoid a pit of glowing coals;

The Vedanta Kesari The Vedanta but being unable to live the celibate life, go not beyond the bounds with others’ partners. In government assembly, or artisans’ guild, or one to another, speak not what is false, not others compel, nor approve of their lies, all kinds of untruthfulness you should avoid. Whatever householder this Dharma approves, in maddening drink should never indulge, nor make others drink, nor approve if they do, knowing it leads to a mind that’s disturbed. Fools do many evils because they are drunk, while causing other people to be negligent. This basis of demerit should be avoided, but fools are delighted, confused with mind upset. Kill not any being, what’s not given do not take, neither be a liar nor addicted to drink, and, let go of sex and the non-celibate life, in the “wrong-time” for food, eat not in the night. Neither necklaces display nor perfumes employ, use the ground as a bed or sleep upon a mat: December 2019 these are the uposatha eight-factored vows made known by the Buddha gone to dukkha’s end. 79 With devotion at heart the uposathas kept, completely perfected in its eight parts, as well the days special in the moon’s half months. on the fourteenth, the fifteenth, and the eighth days, Let that one intelligent with devoted heart,

having kept uposatha, early next morning, Kesari The Vedanta distribute food and drink—whatever’s suitable— to the bhikkhusaṅgha, rejoicing in this act. Support mother and father according to Dharma, do business as merchant to honesty adhering, diligently practising this householder’s rule— then to the self-radiant devas one will arrive. Pearls of Wisdom

Bhagavan Mahavira A Jain householder is called a shravaka and the code of conduct for him/her is called shravakachara. Shravakachara consists of: a) 8 basic restraints or Mula Gunas— refrain from Marganusari Gunas, e.g., earns honest livelihood, worshipful to parents, law-abiding; c) 12 vows— 5 Anu Vratastaking , meat,or vows wine, of honeylimited and nature, five kinds 3 Guna of figs; Vratas b) 35or qualitiesmerit vows, of a nobleand 4 life Shiksha or Vratas. or disciplinary vows; d) Sallekhana Vrata— to die a glorious death in a state of equanimity by voluntarily giving up food without disrupting one’s inner peace when the body is completely disabled and death is unavoidable, and e) Avashyaka or 6 Essential duties— Deva (Arhat) Puja, Guru , Swadyaya (study of scriptures), Samyama (control of mind and senses), Tapas (fasting etc.), and Dana.

Twelve Vows of Shravakachara Anu Vratas Ahimsa Nonviolence Sthula-pranatipat-viraman-vrata Satya Truthfulness Sthula-mrushavada-viraman vrata Achaurya Non stealing

December 2019 Sthula-adattadana-viraman vrata Brahmacharya Celibacy 80 Sva-dara-santosh vrata Aparigraha Non possessive-ness Parigraha-parimana vrata Guna Vratas Dig parimana vrata Not to travel beyond predetermined limits in Restraints of geographical limits the 10 directions (to curb passions esp. greed) Desavakasika vrata To limit one’s movement to a house, a part of it, Stricter geographical limitations a village or town for a stipulated period (1 day to 1 year)

The Vedanta Kesari The Vedanta Anartha-danda-vrata Avoiding indecent language, bodily gestures, Avoidance of purposeless activities gossip, hoarding articles of sense enjoyment Shiksha Samayika vrata Sitting quietly in a place for 48 minutes Vratas Practice of equanimity Bhoga-upbhoga Parimana vrata Retraint on food, perfumes, jewelry, vehicles etc. Restraint on indulgences for 1 hr to 1 year Paushadha vrata 12/24-hour long Samayika Practicing the life of a Monk Atithi Samvibhag vrata Sharing with guests, poor etc. Discipline of share and care Pearls of Wisdom

Guru Granth Sahib

Sikhs consider the Guru Granth Sahib to be the highest authority within the community, and the Holy Book plays a central role in Sikh devotional and ritual life. The Tenth Guru, Gobind Singh consecrated The Granth Sahib as the Living Guru on 20 October 1708. The hymns and teachings contained in the Sikh Holy Book are called Gurbani or ‘Word of the Guru’. Gurbani is an integral part of every Sikh household. Members of a Sikh household typically read some portions of Gurbani every day and many of them visit the Gurdwara once every day. The ideal life commended by the Holy Gurus of Sikhism is that of the householder engaged in December 2019 in contemplation and devotion. beneficent activity, keeping his/her mind absorbed In Sikhism, only God is male and all men and 81 women are female; God is pati and all men and women are Jiva-stri. The Sikh bride and bridegroom enter a Grihastha life by tying the nuptial knot in a ceremony called Anand Karaj solemnised by singing the holy composition in Raag Suhi by the Fourth Guru, Guru Ramdas (1534-1581). The composition has 4 padas corresponding to the 4 stages of (married) life on earth just as the Jiva (stri) has a relationship with parameshwar (pati) God. The word for marriage The Vedanta Kesari The Vedanta circumambulate the Holy Granth Sahib 4 times, while each pada is read and sung. is Anand Karaj which signifies a ‘blissful union’. The bride and the bridegroom together and He Himself pervades it. The universe operates within the laws of nature. Husband and wifeThe havefirst padato live of athe life composition of Truth in states: this world The One focussing God has on only one’s become duty withinthis world the household and looking inward now living a chaste life. At the same time, they should lead a socially responsible life. Seva bhav towards everyone is to be cultivated. Remembering the One God, all duties are to be performed. Together, both the partners have to remember that ultimate goal of life is to attain God, which is possible only with His Grace. By thus following the path of karma and keeping constant attention on the One Absolute, the second stage sets in when ego getting subdued; Jiva begins to turn away from the world in dispassion. He or She now is not Manmukh (self-centred) but becomes Gurmukh (following the Guru’s teachings) and takes shelter at the Lotus Feet of God. Jiva now breaks away from the worldly fears and carefully treads the righteous path. Jiva’s respect and reverence for her Pati Parameshwar increases and she begins to see that God exists everywhere, inside this body and outside as well (sarvvyapak). Within the household, husband and wife give up their individual egos and become one following the Guru, there is no discord now and there is a balance of life. Both equally respect each other. They together engage in satsang and sing praises of God; they experience joy in remembering God. Married life is a Pacca Rishta like the one a Jiva has with her Pati Parameshwar. In this way, with Guru’s Jnan, the Jiva becomes one with God. Moving to the third stage, a change is seen in the Jivas. They have vairag or dispassion towards the world. There is a clear understanding that all relationships including one’s body is transient. The detachment begins now. They spend more time in satsang, sings and recites Gurbani in praise of the indescribable God. The Jiva’s tan December 2019 and man (body and mind) are now imbued with the dye of God. With His Grace, gyan ka diya is lit and the 5 vices – kaam, krodh, lobh, moh, and ahankar break; attachment with 82 relations breaks. The Jiva continues to live in the world with family members, but with the knowledge that nothing is permanent except the One; she continues to perform all duties diligently like a yogi. Atmak Adolta or inner calmness / steadfastness. Now, the Jiva lives in sahaj awastha (knowingly in God’s Will) rising above the states of sukh- dukh, Thenlaabh-haani comes the. Husband final state and of wife together face the challenges with a poise. Both enjoy equal status and there is no room for worries in such a household. Now God is so The Vedanta Kesari The Vedanta dear to the Jiva-Stri that day and night she lives like mastani / diwani of God (intoxicated with love for God). Remembering God, Jiva-Stri does all her duties. She is guided by the knowledge from the word which she gets from Granth Sahib who is her Guru. She gets the support from Guru for worldly as well as spiritual works. A Sikh has to complete his/her journey towards God even while being in this body. In this light, life of a true Sikh is really a pilgrimage. Article

Grihastha Ashrama: Opportunities and Challenges

DR. ARATHI V. B.

he Sanatana Dharma, envisions life understood or interpreted as merely ‘living in as a continuous journey towards marital bonds to enjoy pleasures’. The hype Tself-realization. In nature’s scheme created by the cinema and commercial worlds each soul is unique by virtue and capability. in modern times has misled us to believe in Therefore, no single ‘only path’ to self- unrealistic ideas of marital life. But in reality, realization can be or should be imposed upon the few pleasures in grihastha ashrama are only everyone. Thus Sanatana Dharma encourages the by-products, rather the trivial freebies that every soul to discover its own path in the inner come along with the greater responsibilities journey to self-realization. Every aspiration and and ideals. action generates a natural experiential While the brahmachari or the student/ December 2019 understanding of the inner and outer life. All that celibate devotes all his time and energies culminates into jnana or wisdom says the Lord in towards self-introspection, study and 83 the Bhagavad Gita- सर् 煍ञान परिसमाप्त े । preparation for life, the vanaprasthi, who has Thus, we can manifest the best of our , hands over all potentials, by remaining wherever life puts us. the duties to his next generation and retires to Adhering to the norms of our family, society, afulfiled life of his study, duties austerities, as a grihastha pilgrimage or just culture and background, we can still rise above rest. Yet a very rare few break free from all all limitations and discover the limitless power PAGE SPONSOR : A DEVOTEE, MISSION RD., BENGALURU RD., MISSION DEVOTEE, A : SPONSOR PAGE of the self, the atmashakti, within oneself. sequence to become sannyasins or recluses. Kesari The Vedanta mortal identifications and this ashrama In the Bhagavad Gita, Sri Krishna explains The grihastha’s duties are more complex. He that when done with a not only has to pursue his own personal study, yajna bhava or the spirit A true grihastha lives not just for career and earn his himself and family, the vyashti, thought, word, and action livelihood, but also has to but for the bigger purpose of canof sacrifice,become verily every an support and nourish his upasana, a karma yoga. community welfare, the family. He also has the One of the natural, simple samashti. bigger responsibility and beautiful modes of towards the community this type of a karma yoga is the grihastha and nation at large. He dharma. Grihastha dharma is unfortunately has to support the brahmacharis, vanaprasthas

The author is Chairperson, Vibhu Academy, Bengaluru and is a behavioural and softskills trainer. [email protected] and sannyasins so that their living and pursuits through the grihastha who is explicitly active in continue unhindered. That is why the grihastha these spheres. The cleanliness and orderliness ashrama is called the jyestha ashrama, the elder of a community, neighbourhood and a nation, among all ashramas. This demands not only are again dictated by the culture and behavior dedication on the part of the grihastha but also of the grihasthas who live there. The temple

A true grihastha lives not just for himself and farming, dairy, and many other features that family,lots of theskill, vyashti, planning, but hardfor the work bigger and purpose sacrifice. of maketraditions, a prosperous fine arts, occupations,society are all trades, the community welfare, the samashti. contributions of a grihastha. Indeed the list can It is only when the grihastha stands up go on further…! awakened towards his social responsibilities Thus the grihastha’s life is not merely that the society grows about earning a livelihood prosperous and strong. The two epics Ramayana and and enjoying pleasures The academic structures, Mahabharata explain through with his kith and kin. It is culture, arts, trades, countless tales and episodes the much higher, responsible social structures, polity and complex. It demands nature of dharma and tyaga that and defense systems of a society are all managed a grihastha must be always and patience. Life in mostly by the grihasthas. ready for. grahasthaa lot of sacrifice, ashrama devotion is to

December 2019 The quality of schooling and education in a society depends on the nature and unfold our best potentials. In this 84 grihasthas’ choice, taste and aspirations. The holistic sense, grihasthatrain ashrama and is refine also about our quality of the kingship or government is tyaga and yoga, as seen in sannyasa. But the challenge is to live amidst every pleasure and society. The kings, leaders and bureaucrats are social structures and still be detached and alldefined those by whom the grihasthas the grahasthas who live elect in that or gradually transcend them! The two epics nominate. ‘In democracy, people get the Ramayana and Mahabharata explain through government that they deserve.’ It is the corrupt countless tales and episodes the nature of

The Vedanta Kesari The Vedanta and greedy grihasthas who eventually open dharma and tyaga that a grihastha must be doors to all small and big crimes in the society. always ready for. The lives of Rama and Krishna, Economy of a society is nourished and the Pandavas, Harishchandra, Pruthu, sustained by the grihastha. Apart from the Ambarisha and many more glorious grihasthas describe how they lived their family lives, policies, career opportunities and skills digesting all the joys and sorrows that came by involvedearnings inand an profits, economy. there All theseare also depend the ethics, upon and how they transcended them all eventually the samskara or the nature and habits of the to sublimate into the ultimate experience of grihasthas involved. Even the social norms, brahma anubhuti. justice, law and order, defense and many other Grihastha ashrama is a means to develop aspects of the society are structures set up by nirlipti, living amidst all the material pleasures the grihasthas in the respective societies. Of and instances that life brings forth. A grihastha course the advice and guidance of the who is adept in this kind of a buddhi yoga, as Sri Krishna calls it in the Bhagavad Gita, is no way these. But the implementation is always mostly inferior to a sannyasi in worth. The story of sannyasins and vanaprasthis may influence Dharmavyadha and Tuladhara in the (i.e., they leave their body being established in Mahabharata explains this message beautifully. yoga and thus are never reborn). Kalidasa in his Raghuvamsha kavyam Sri Ramakrishna gives the example of the extolls the virtues of the kings of the Raghu coconut that goes on ripening within the shell. clan. His observations in fact indirectly refer to The kernels of the coconut are initially hard the virtues that an ideal grihastha must adopt: bound to the inner surface. But as the coconut यथाविधिताग्नीं यथाकामार्चतार्थिनम् । ripens, the water element diminishes and when यथापराधदण्डानं यथाकालप्रबोधिनाम् ॥ fully dry, the coconut separates from the shell त्यगाय संभृतार्थानं सत्यय मितभाषिणाम् । completely. When one holds and shakes the यशसे विजिगीषूणां प्रजायै गृहमेधिनाम् ॥ shell, one can hear the sound of the rattling dry शैशवेऽभ्स्तविद्यानं यौवने विषयैषिणाम् । coconut within! An ideal grihastha life is like वार्द्के मुनिवृत्तीं this. He lives within the योगेनान्त तनुत्यजम् ॥ In the modern history of India, system, experiencing everything that comes his The kings of the one of the greatest examples for way. In course of time he Raghuvamsha perform an adarsha gruhini is Holy ripens with experiential the ahutis or the Mother Sri Sarada Devi. She lived wisdom and develops prescribed vedic a wholesome gruhini’s life, busy . Though he ritualistic duties of the nirlipti almost all the time in endless outwardly appears to be grihastha, regularly. They tasks; but deep within, she was ‘involved’ in the grihastha give away generous December 2019 detached, firm, tranquil, and ashrama, he remains detached from its bonds needs of those who perfectly established in the yoga. 85 and identities. approachcharities tothem. fulfil They the punish the offenders according to the nature/ In the modern intensity of the offense. They are alert and act history of India, one of the greatest examples according to the need of time. They hoard for an adarsha gruhini is Holy Mother Sri wealth only in order to be equipped to give Sarada Devi. She lived a wholesome gruhini’s charities in abundance. They speak less so that life, busy almost all the time in endless tasks; PAGE SPONSOR : SRI RAJU Z. MORAY, MUMBAI MORAY, RAJU SRI Z. : SPONSOR PAGE

their vow of truth never gets breached! Kesari The Vedanta (Talkative people tend to speak lies, exaggerate tranquil, and perfectly established in the yoga. but deep within, she was detached, firm, etc., thus restraint over speech is the best way Considering that the quality of a society to uphold truth). They go on expeditions(not to depends very much on the quality of the loot or colonize other kingdoms but only to grihasthas who live there, we must train and obtain noble fame by proving their prowess and guide our younger generations to understand capabilities time and again). They enter the ideals and responsibilities of marital life wedlock not merely to have physical pleasures, along with its challenges and strengths. There but to have good children to continue their is also the urgent need to help them out of the lineage. They learn well the various vidyas or stupid and unrealistic dreams of marital life, knowledge systems in their childhood. On attaining youth, they duly enjoy pleasures of cinema and commercials. The stories, within the limits of dharma. As old age conversationsthat they easily and fall into,insights owing that to the influencesepics and approaches, they detach naturally from all puranas give to us in this matter are most bonds and take up the munivritti or vows of the relevant and useful to draw messages on the sages. They give up the body in the yogic way ideals of the householder. Article

Grihastha Dharma from Ramayana K. SRINIVASAN

ahabharata, the epic is known as आकाशे चरतः अहं धर् अहं अधर्म इति। यं आर्या भारतः पञमो वेदः, प्रशंसन्त स धर्म यं विगर्हन् स अधर्म। MSimilarly, Ramayana too is ‘Dharma and adharma are not moving the fifth Veda. known as the source of dharma, as its about in the sky declaring “I am dharma” or “I protagonist Rama is held to be dharma am adharma”’. What the elders in the society incarnate. रामो विग्रहवान् धर्म is the oft quoted praise is dharma and what they decry is statement. But Ramayana presents the dharma adharma.’ in the contextualized setting and is not a text on Let us see an incident in Ramayana: While Dharmasastra. The source of dharma is Veda exiling Sita, Rama is said to have declared in the and the goal of Veda is to reveal the supreme उतररामचरित:

December 2019 God – the Brahman. स्नहं दयां च सौख्य च यां आदि वा जानकीमपि। वेदवेद्ये परे पुंसि जाते दशरथात्मज। 86 आराधनायालोकस् मुञतो नास्त मे व्यथ॥ वेदः प्राचेतसादासीत् साक्षा饍रमायणात्मन॥ ‘I don’t mind even renouncing Sita to ‘When that Paramapurusha incarnated as serve the people/public as king.’ Rama, the Veda too manifested as Ramayana’ hold Bharatiyas. Ramayana presents the most As a king in order to proclaim his ideal king, ideal husband and wife, ideal father, suzerainty he decided to perform the ideal mother, ideal servants, and ideal friends Asvamedha Yajna, who are held as role models down the asked Lakshmana to abandon the pregnant Sita in the forest andthe Lakshmana horse-sacrifice. left her But hein The Vedanta Kesari The Vedanta millennia. The purpose of poetry must be to present the ideal of good character to the public Valmiki’s penance grove. रामादिवत् वर्ततव्य न तु ‘One must be like Rama and not like according to Hindu tradition is a duly married रावणादिवत्, The ideal performer of a sacrifice Ravana.’and it is exemplified as couple (दम्त्यो सहाधिकारः). The jurisdiction for performance of religious rites lies with In Ramayana, we see Rama in different husband and wife together and the resultant roles – dutiful son, dutiful king , dutiful brother, merit too is attached equally to both of them. In dutiful husband etc. From these we have to fact, the popular story about the background of deduce the dharma of a householder. Ramayana too emphasizes this aspect. Valmiki, First about dharma itself. known as Ratnakara, a hunter came to know Rishis are very careful while crafting the that the merits acquired by him will be shared न हि धर्माध륌 by his wife but not his sins. This caused a

definitionThe ofauthor, dharma. a retired They Principal say of Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda College, Chennai, is now serving as President, Madras Sanskrit Academy. turning point in his life and he took initiation person having all the 16 good qualities. for penance from the sages. As an ant hill was Traditionally, the number 16 is held to formed around his body during severe penance, represent the Supreme Brahman (षोडश कला he became known as Valmiki (born of ant-hill) पु셁षः) and Rama is supreme Brahman only. Thus and he composed the Ramayana. Ramayana stands for the characteristics one पिता माता तथा पुत्र स्वान पुण्यान भुञ्जानाः। भर्तुर्ग्य तु भार्का प्राप्नोत॥ that Valmiki did not devote much attention to must cultivate and practice. It is also significant ‘All relatives enjoy the results of their own describe the childhood or studentship of Rama. karma. But wife alone shares that of her They were passed over. The entire Ramayana husband’s karma.’ story is woven around Rama in his Ramayana story too is inaugurated in the householder’s stage. Adjusting one’s duty to all, is the primary Rama. Lava and Kusa, the young bards were duty of a householder. Rama says to Sita in taughtAsvamedha Ramayana Yajna by – thethe sacrificialsage Valmiki. grove They of Chitrakoota: अनेन वनवासेन मया प्राꥍत फलदयम्। पितुश्चानृणता धर् भरताय प्रियम्तथ॥ visited Rama’s sacrificial hall. They narrated it As husband and wife are together ‘I obtained two things by this Vanavasa. I in the sacrifice during the intervals. absolved my father of his indebtedness (boons is without his wife as she has been abandoned to Kaikeyi) and pleased my brother Bharata.’ inauthorised the forest, to Ramaperform sculpts the sacrifices, a golden and statue Rama of The son must be aware of father’s duties December 2019 Sita and with the statue as his companion, he and must help in the performance of it. Rama was aware of the fact that Dasaratha had 87 to be given to wife and Rama’s conduct, both as promised the kingdom to Kaikeyi’s son at the kingperforms and husband.the sacrifice. Here, It shows we recall the importancethe famous time of marriage with her. He says to statement that Rama never swerved from his Bharata: words, nor his aim failed, nor his duty as पुरा 땍रतः पिता नः स मातरं ते समुदहन्। husband (the famous Telugu statement is okka मातामहे समाश्रौषीत् राजशुल्唂 अनुतमम्॥ bana, okka maata, okka patni – one aim, one The similes used in Ramayana too present PAGE SPONSOR : SMT. LAKSHMI DEVNATH, CHENNAI DEVNATH, LAKSHMI SMT. : SPONSOR PAGE word and one wife). Even during the forest life, different aspects of dharma to us. Ramayana Kesari The Vedanta when Rama was separated from Sita, he would presents the most ideal characters but it wake from sleep and utter the name of Sita, presents in Rama the performance of duties of सीतेति मधुरां वाणĂ व्यहरन् प्रतिबुद्ध्यते. a householder in different situations. Its ideal Ramayana reveals throughout Rama’s can be summarised in Kausalya’s blessings to attachment to Sita and his duty as husband. Rama when he was leaving for the forest. Rama had never used the separation from Sita यं पालयसि धर뤂 त्व धृत्य च नियमेन च । as an excuse for the non-performance of rituals. स वै राघवशार्दल धर्म त्वा अभिरक्षतु।। With the golden statue of Sita, he performed all ‘O scion of Raghu family! Whatever . dharma you follow with steadfastness and too courage (without swerving), let that dharma the sacrifices सङ्क्परामायण starts with Valmiki asking Narada about a protect you.’ The first chapter called    Article

Grihastha Dharma in Mahabharata

SWAMI SAMARPANANANDA

From the Vedas to the Mahabharata Through these books, Hindu sages he Vedas are the records of spiritual presented before the society the four aims in life: realisations of the sages who lived dharma, artha, kama, moksha. These aims in life Tin the Indian subcontinent thousands are meant to liberate a person (man and of years ago. With time, the Vedas, organised into woman) from different levels of bondages. Artha four, have been revered as the fountainhead of (wealth) frees a person from worldly wants, Hindu religious and spiritual ideals. Kama (enjoyment) liberates from emotional Spirituality means to dedicate oneself stress, dharma (religious duties) saves one from fully to Self/God realisation, while religion is being reborn in unwanted species, and moksha the application of the spiritual ideals in a (liberation) frees one from the cycle of birth and society, characterised by do’s and don’ts, death. A book is considered a shastra (sacred December 2019 dogmas, rituals etc. With the change in a book) by the Hindus only if it preaches the way to attain one or more of the purusharthas. 88 society, its religious ideals may change but the spiritual ideal remains intact. To maintain the Valmiki’s Ramayana and Vyasa’s twin ideal of static-dynamic in religion, Hindu Mahabharata are two famous shastras which are sages came up with four classes of literature. itihasa and hence belong to smriti class of Vedanta, in all its aspects, took care of literature. Itihasas are the books that teach the philosophy; Itihasa (Ramayana and four ideals through the stories of bygone era. Mahabharata) and Purana took care of Every person needs a personal myth, and every mythologies; Puranas and took care of society needs societal myths that help them The Vedanta Kesari The Vedanta rituals; and Smritis (books like Manusmriti) sustain and propel forward in the tumultuous took care of the conduct of a devout. Of these, journey of life. Ramayana and Mahabharata have philosophy was unchangeable, while the been doing exactly that for thousands of years. remaining three were open ended. To These books have proved to be the ideal and distinguish the static-dynamic nature of its aspirations of the Indian people. However, these sacred books, the Hindu scriptures were Shruti (Veda-Vedanta) and Smriti parameters of human values, virtues and way of books also do much more – they define the (remaining three classes of scriptures). Shruti life that help a person rise above animal nature classifiedare considered as to be Prabhu samhita, whose and move towards godliness through human life. dictates can never be overruled, while Smriti Mahabharata by the great sage-poet are suhrit samhita – the counsel by a well Vyasa, comes in eighteen sections that have wisher. nearly one hundred thousand verses. It

The author is a sannyasi of the Ramakrishna Order serving in Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda University, Belur Math, . [email protected] contains every kind of literature available in the in its various hues, dimensions, probabilities then India: itihasa, puranas, akhyana, kavya, and consequences. In Udyoga Parva (72.35-37), dharmashastra, artha shastra, niti shastra, Yudhisthira explains the nature of dharma as, moksha shastra etc. Rightly it has been said — ‘Prajna (Right intellect) makes one adhere to Yad iha asti tad anyatra, yad nehasti na tat kva scriptural instructions, which in turn makes chit, ‘In matters of dharma, artha, kama, and one practise dharma. Hri (lit. modesty, sense of moksha, whatever is here, can be seen shame) is the most important virtue of dharma. elsewhere; what is not here, does not exist A modest person stays away from sinful anywhere else.’ This verse activities. This makes his from Mahabharata wealth, status and The central message of recognition in the society work – it is the ultimate Mahabharata is यतो धर्स्तो जयः, increase. The more one indefines dharma the shastra nature forof thisthe ‘Where there is dharma, there has these, the more he is Hindus. Whatever one lies victory.’ a man. A shameless or a sees as Hindu practices stupid person is neither a today, has come directly man nor a woman. He is from the Mahabharata. The ideals and parameters, popularly known as dharma, set by wretched.’ not fit to practise dharma. He is fallen and it for people belonging to different stations of Dharma deals with achara (rites),

vyavahara (dealings), and prayschitta December 2019 thousands of years. (penances and expiation). These three include life have come to define Hinduism for values and virtues. Values are the traits that 89 Dharma in Mahabharata must be cultured by everyone to rise above The Vedas have six auxiliary branches of one’s base nature, while virtues are practised to study (pronunciation, religious manuals, attain nobility of character. grammar, prosody, etymology and astronomy) The non-trivial acts of a person belong to like their limbs (anga), and hence are known as nitya (daily Vedanga. These are considered very important ritual), naimittika (rites performed on special PAGE SPONSOR : SMT. LAKSHMI DEVNATH, CHENNAI DEVNATH, LAKSHMI SMT. : SPONSOR PAGE for the study of the Vedas. Kalpa (religious occasions),one of these kamya five categories (desired), – prayaschitta Kesari The Vedanta manuals) deal with the practical aspect of (penances) and nisiddha (prohibited acts). sutras. Of Nitya and naimittika karma must be performed these, the Srauta Sutras deal with the rigorously, kamya karma should be avoided as sacrifices and comprise of two sets of much as possible, while nisiddha karma must Grihya Sutras deal with the ceremonies and not be done. Practice of penance (Prayaschitta) practicesperformance applicable of the publicto the sacrifices,domestic life and of the a is preached as the way out from the evil effects person. Dharma of karma. However, it is mentioned that if a out from these sutras. Books that deal with person’s acts are deliberate and if he has no dharma are known, the Hindu as Dhama way of life,shastra flows. remorse, then no penance can ever purify him. Mahabharata is one of the more important Tradition, as also conscience, plays dharmashastras. The central message of Mahabharata is the religious corpus is too huge, making it यतो धर्स्तो जयः, ‘Where there is dharma, there impossibleimportant rolesfor anyone in defining to know dharma. all of them. After Also, all, lies victory.’ This great work discusses dharma

one often comes across conflict in dharma born out of unprecedented situation. Mahabharata sages, including Swami Vivekananda, took up advises one to follow tradition and one’s this idea to make various noble traits as conscience, made pure through the practice of dharma, when practised in full. Swamiji’s ideal dharma. In the section named Yaksha Prashna, of service to humanity and Gandhiji’s practice Yaksha, the demigod asks Yuddhisthira, ‘What of non-violence are examples of this. is the way?’ To this the king in exile replies, ‘The Mahabharata also gives freedom of choice way taken by the greats is the way.’ The idea by saying that one must not follow a dharma being, in matters of dharma, particularly when simply because many are following it. One must think of the consequences of an action, good or precedence. This is an unusual aspect of Hindu bad, and only then he should take up that path. a conflict situation arises, one must look for dharma. In the famous episode of Draupadi That is the right . This great work is an inexhaustible precedence and also added that ‘his speech is marrying five husbands, Yuddhisthira quoted storehouse of gems for the householders, so it never untrue,’ implying that his conscience is so is impossible to present all that it has to say by clear that whatever comes out of his mouth has way of instructions to the householders. Here, to be correct. only a few broad ideas are being presented to One very important aspect of dharma in give a glimpse of how Mahabharata treats life. Mahabharata is the acceptance of a lower kind of dharma in which it is prescribed to act in one The goal December 2019 way, and a higher kind of dharma where staying away from that very act under certain There is the story of the sage Mudgala who 90 conditions is considered more meritorious. For example, telling the truth is considered to be his dana dharma (charity). At the end the gods went without food for months to stay firm about meritorious, but not telling the truth (when it is came with chariots to take him to the heaven unpleasant) is considered to be more even while in the body. Mudgala wanted to know meritorious. Similarly, preaching dharma is about the merits and demerits of heaven. On meritorious, but not preaching dharma (when learning that the stay in heaven was temporary it harms or injures others) is considered to be and that people fell down from there once their merits got exhausted, he refused to go. The Vedanta Kesari The Vedanta more meritorious. There are many stories in Mahabharata where truth was subjugated in This is an interesting concept regarding favour of non-violence. dharma: its effects are temporary even in Shanti Parva and Anushasan Parva are heaven. So, the goal has to be to go beyond both more famous for discussions on various kinds good and bad. Mahabharata repeatedly gets of dharma. There are discussions on Raja back to this theme – be free from the Dharma, Moksha Dharma, Dana Dharma, Sheela limitations that have been imposed on you by Dharma, Yoddha Dharma, Mitra dharma and the nature. The ultimate limitation is the idea other such. By the practise of any of the dharma that you are a body. Get out of that illusion and in full, one can attain the highest. Mahabharata be free. takes every value, virtue, duty and quality to Those who cannot devote themselves fully the level of such perfection that it becomes to the path of mukti, they need to follow one or dharma. The great work seems to say, ‘do more of the remaining three aims in life. whatever you may, just take it to the ultimate of Mahabharata, however, stresses the need for a perfection, and you will become perfect.’ Later balance of dharma, artha and kama for the householders, while making moksha as the only believe the inequality amongst men (the castes) goal for the sannyasis. to be real or even presumable. But to perform However, this freedom does not come in a indispensable functions of the society, each day. Mahabharata leads individuals through various means to perfection, some of which are according to certain criteria. These criteria person had to be assigned a fixed role described here. materialistic outlook. Instead, the existing socialwere neverpattern fixed and with also the the motive ultimate of greedspiritual or Dignity goal were kept as the guiding principle of every Whatever be one’s way of life, one has to be dharmashastra, including Mahabharata. conscious of one’s dignity at every stage. The This principle gave rise to a very precise and story of Vidula, narrated by Kunti as a message clear philosophy of life, individual and social, to her sons, shows how staying in one’s dignity according to which the universe was perceived as is important. Vidula was a queen whose son had a complete whole, pulsating with different forms lost a battle and had come running home to save of life spread over various spheres of existence. To himself. The queen mother chided him for this move from one form of life to another, a person cowardly act and sent him back to the battle, has to have done noble work and acquired which he won. Kunti wanted her children to get liberating knowledge. Katha Upanishd says, yatha established in their valour after the exile of karma yatha shrutam – life form evolves twelve years and one year of hiding. ‘Be

according to work done and knowledge acquired. December 2019 established in your true nature, and your Man is considered to be the highest expression of dharma will take care of the rest,’ is the message. life simply because he has the freedom to create 91 During Khandava Vana dahan, the huge new karma, while other life forms are meant for forest was being burnt down in which any working out one’s karma. number of birds and animals got trapped. Amongst them were four sagely birdlings who activities mentioned earlier, concretised the refused to take shelter in a rat hole, saying that This outlook, coupled with five kinds of individual’s ideals and duties. Varna-ashrama is

PAGE SPONSOR : SRI K. SETHU MADHAVAN, CHENNAI SETHU MADHAVAN, K. SRI : SPONSOR PAGE an inglorious one (getting eaten up by a rat).’ ideal of varna-ashrama dharma that defined an Kesari The Vedanta ‘a dignified death (burning in fire) is better than the twin term to denote varna and ashrama. The dignity in old age was to be maintained by a systematic withdrawal from various jatis (castes) into Brahmin, Kshatriya, the world and worldly affairs. Even kings VaishyaVarna consists and Shudra. of four These broad classes classification were quite of preferred to leave everything behind and walk dynamic in nature, with jati moving from one alone in forests and mountains till they met their end. The four ashramas of brahmacharya, varna to another when it could exert influence. garhasthya, vanaprastha and sannyasa were Varna – Ashrama dharma meant to be four stages of life that broadly Inequality in the universe is an inviolable suggested how one should evolve with age. The fact; equality is possible only at the spiritual combined duties born of varna and ashrama level. So, Hindu scriptures did not try to found came to be known as varna-ashrama dharma. a society on a theoretical possibility of equality, Varnashrama dharma consists of: Varna but struggled to work with individuals and dharma (general caste duties), Ashrama dharma groups that they had in hand. Also, they did not (general duties related to the station of life), Varna-Ashrama Dharma (based on the particular sages realised that an artful life requires station of a particular caste), Nimitta dharma (penances), Guna Dharma (duties born of a which one would degenerate and become a particular position, eg., a king’s), and Samanya savage.constant The care, transformation culture and refinement, of the wild withoutinto the (duties common to all). They lay down the laws cultured is possible only through taming and that regulate national, communal, family and training which has been prescribed beautifully individual obligations in general (Samanya) as by the samskaras (sacraments) over thousands well as in particular (Visesha). of years. All the samskaras and allied Dharma is the genus of which the varna- ceremonies are based on the philosophy that ashrama dharma is the species. Without the life is a progressive cycle through a series of concept of dharma, the relevance of caste and incidents centring round the desire to live, to order of life is meaningless for any society. The enjoy, to think, and to retire. It is with this idea very uniqueness of the Hindu society lies in its were meant to sanctify one’s life physically, this epic. The Vedas and the Upanishads emotionally,that the rituals psychically and sacrifices and spiritually. evolved which holding on to dharma, which was first raised in focussed on the universal spiritual values, but Books like Manusmriti detail these Mahabharata detailed the particularised values. samskaras. However, Mahabharata too points at Varna dharma encapsulates a person’s duty them every now and then. towards the society, while ashrama dharma is There are sixteen popular samskaras that meant to make a person evolve from the state December 2019 range from conception to funeral ceremonies - where he/she is. The idea behind setting up of (conception), this structure was that a person could improve Garbhadhana Punsavana 92 (ceremony is performed in the second, third and in life by being what he was, rather than the fourth month of pregnancy), striving to become someone. The mainstay of Hindu scriptures has been the four aims in life Simantonnayana eighth months of pregnancy), and Varna-ashrama dharma. Jatakarma (immediately after(performed birth), Namakarana between fifth(naming and Samanya dharma and Vishesha dharma ceremony), Niskramanah (baby is taken out of comprise of values and virtues, thus making Annaprashana every human value integral to varna-ashrama The Vedanta Kesari The Vedanta feeding of cooked rice to the newborn), dharma. For fear of making the article too long, Chudakaranathe house for the(tonsuring), first time), Karnavedha (piercing (first the list of the values is not given here. In a of the child’s ear), Upanayana and Vedarambha, sentence it can be said that any habit or practice (graduation ceremony), that makes one inclusive, is dharma. That is the Samavartana Vivaha, general principle of Mahabharata and Hindu Grihasthashrama, Vanaprastha, Sannyasa, religious outlook. Antyeshti. Of the four ashramas, Grihastha dharma Mahabharata lists eight kinds of is considered to be most important because marriages and eight kinds of sons. The list is householders alone take care of the remaining similar to what one gets in Manusmriti. three ashramas. Pancha-mahayajnas Samskara: The sixteen sacraments The one common practice of the Hindus The samskaras, sacraments, cover the entire gamut of a Hindu’s life — from the In Yaksha Prashna, the Yaksha asks Yuddhisthira, moment of conception to death. The Hindu ‘Whohas been is a thedead performance person even of though five daily he sacrifices. might be breathing?’ The king replies, ‘One who does not understood by a common man, were committed

to be correct by the person concerned. Defeat perform five daily sacrifices.’ by both the parties, and yet they were justified a Hindu householder, are known as Pancha- of Bhishma, killing of Drona, Jayadratha, MahayajnasThe five daily sacrifices, which are must for Bhurishrava, Abhimanyu and many others were these is Brahma-Yajna done unethically. But Sri Krishna, the supreme to the Vedas and (five their great seers sacrifices). (Rishis) Thein the first form of director of the whole show, never condemned of regular study (Svadhyaya or the )sacrifice of the scripturesdedicated the acts as unethical. and the teaching of it to deserving students And yet, there are many instances when (Adhyapana). The second is Deva-Yajna or the means is shown to be more important than the goal. Rukmi’s offer of support was refused both by Pandavas and Kauravas because of his issacrifice Pitri-Yajna offered or tolibations, the celestial etc., offered in the form to the of arrogance associated with the offer. The war ancestors.oblations poured The fourth into isthe Manushya-Yajna sacred fire. The or third the itself was a dharma-war, in which there was no feeding of guests (atithi Bhuta-Yajna scope for personal vanity. There are also stories or the feeding of animals, especially cows and where a person gave up his life and the life of birds. ). The fifth is the family only to be true to atithi dharma. When Draupadi was dragged to the royal Conflict in dharma court after Yudhisthira had lost everything in In its approach towards life, Mahabharata the gambling match, she cried piteously and December 2019 is extremely realistic; its characters seem to asked everyone present there whether or not spring up from everyday life, with their adharma was being committed through that 93 weaknesses and follies, emotions and stumbles, act. The responses are very interesting (Sabha aspirations and crash landing. The general Parva). Duryodhana was convinced that the refrain is that, weaknesses will be there; dharma was on his side; his own brother overcome them by the practise of dharma and Vikarna believed that it was wrong; and Bhisma become divine. added pathetically to Draupadi, ‘Whatever is Every scripture focuses on philosophy of dictated by the men in power is dharma. In a PAGE SPONSOR : SMT. RUCHIKA SINGH, PALAKKAD SINGH, RUCHIKA SMT. : SPONSOR PAGE life, making it superior to life itself. crisis situation, the words of the weak are Kesari The Vedanta Mahabharata, that way, is unique in the sense overruled by the powerful!’ that at times it treats life as more important In the episode of Viswamitra, he as a king had gone to the ashrama of Vashistha to take shelter and rest for himself and his army. When apadthan philosophy dharma – of the life, dharma and definitely during superior crisis. Viswamitra’s soldiers started pulling and Yuddhisthirato any value or was virtue. made This to aspecttell a lie is justifiedto save his by beating the sage’s divine cow, Nandini, to take army, and Viswamitra stole the meat of a dead it away with them, the sage refused to intervene dog to save his life. When challenged, he replied telling that he was a Brahmin, and hence that he will purify himself of his impure deeds established in the dharma of forgiveness. He, of through prayaschitta, but if his life goes away course added that Nandini may defend herself for want of food, that would be foolish. if she wished so. Similarly, the killing of Jarasandha and Karna was convinced by Kunti, Krishna, Duryodhana were done unethically. During the and Bhishma of his origin as the elder brother great war, a lot of moral violation, as of the Pandavas. But, he refused to let down his friend (mitra dharma) Duryodhana in the hour of crisis. In the process he died, but he did not your goal, and stay true to what you feel in give up his cherished value system. This is define nobility in life. Keep the sight fixed on reminiscent of Sri Rama’s obligations towards be the guiding principle of the Mahabharata. Sugreeva. Sri Rama killed Vali in an unfair battle moment of crisis and conflict — this seems to simply due to . mitra dhrama Relevance today In Adiparva Sharmistha details the Mahabharata was composed during the conditions when one can tell a lie. These are: in period of ferment in the Hindu society when fun, to one’s wife, while arranging marriage, when the non-Aryans were being incorporated in the life is in danger, when one is afraid of losing Aryan fold. This had created a crisis for ethical everything, and to save an innocent person’s life. and moral code of the society. The two races Drona knew that had practically nothing in Dhristadyumna, the son Keep the sight fixed on your goal, common to gel them of his friend-turned-foe and stay true to what you feel in together, but the sages of Drupada, was born to kill moment of crisis and conflict the period came up with him, yet he agreed to — this seems to be the guiding wonderful solutions, and teach him in the martial principle of the Mahabharata. arts. He resolved his into one complete society throughunified all a divergentcommon racescode December 2019 death was destined then why should he give up of life. Mahabharata thus paves the path for any conflict by telling that if his dharma unnecessarily. society that is in the melting pot of cross- 94 Similarly, when Savitri’s husband died and civilisation, as India appears to be today. What Yama took away his soul, Savitri kept walking India needs today is a fresh epic which will behind Yama, to follow her dhrama as a wife. contain the core value system as presented in Her persistent effort, prayer and presence of this great work. mind, succeeded in changing the karma of her The Hindu law-givers believed that no one husband, and he came back to life. These two who followed varnashrama dharma can ever examples show that even if one knows the face a mental crisis. That is why despite every The Vedanta Kesari The Vedanta destiny, one must not give up one’s dharma – adversity, Yudhisthira, Bhishma and even the right course of action in the form of acts, Arjuna never suffered mentally. Today’s crisis persistence and prayer. The possibility of in the society is the crisis of dharma. People are karma getting changed is always there. Even if not willing to do what they are supposed to do. the destiny does not change, one will have the With the sense of responsibility towards satisfaction of having lived the right kind of life. Dharma gone, they have become a mental All these discussions and examples show wreck. This leads to stress, break ups, failure that according to Mahabharata, values are and suicide. dynamic, both for the individual and the society. Mahabharata not only guides one towards a better life, it also presents case studies in which the concerned person has been in a far allThere times. cannot Values be a fixedare setdictated of parameters by inner to deeper and darker hole than a person of impulsionsdefine the good of andan theindividual bad for all in persons various of present times can ever be. No wonder that this circumstances. The conclusion is great work has been the lighthouse for the straightforward – there is no single yardstick to Hindu society for thousands of years. Pearls of Wisdom

Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu

Considereed as an incarnation of Sri Krishna, Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu (1486-1534) initiated the Bhakti movement in Bengal and is the chief proponent of Gaudiya Vaishnavism. (Bengali text with English translation)

閿র হইয়া ঘরে যাও না হইও বাউল। ক্রমে ক্রমে পায় ল�োকে ভবসিꇍ鷁 কু ল।। মর㖕ট বৈরাগ㖯 না করিহ ল�োক দেখাইয়া। যথায�োগ㖯 বিষয় ভু ঞ্জ অনাসক্ত হৈয়া।। অন্তরনি�ঠ কর বাহ্য ল�োক ব㖯বহার। অচিরাতে কৃ ষ্ণ ত�োমায় করিবেন উ駍ধর।। Calm yourself and repair to home— you ought not to become a ‘baul’. By degrees one reaches December 2019 the shore beyond the ocean of samsara. Do not make a display of short-lived renunciation in a 95 getting mired in the objects of senses. Remainingfit of desperation. settled Enjoyin the withdeep restraint within, deal without with the world as needed. And in no time will Sri Krishna set you free. The Vedanta Kesari The Vedanta গৃহস হয়েন ইঁহ�ো চাহিয়ে সঞ্চয়। সঞ্চয় না হইলে কু টু ম্ব ভরণ না হয়।। A householder, he needs must accumulate wealth. Else, the wants of his relatives he fails to meet. Pearls of Wisdom

Varkari Saints The Varkari saints—Sant Jnanadev, Namdev and others—initiated the Bhakti movement in Maharashtra centered around Lord Panduranga. Some of the Abhangs are: (Marathi text with English translation)

देवराज आले मंचकी बैसले। भक्तां दिधलᴂ अभयदान।। दासहो तुम्ह सकळ सुखी रहा। सुखी राहोनियां आनंद करा।। रा配रदिवस माझᴂ करा रे चिंतन। यमाचᴂ बंधन नाहĂ तुम्हा।। विष्णदास नामा गाऊनियां गेला। शेजे पडला देवराणा।। Lord Vitthal is sitting on his bed at the time of shayyan arati, and he is giving his bhaktas the boon of fearlessness. He says: “you are my (householder) devotees, enjoy yourself, be happy—but think of me day and night! then December 2019 the fetters of death can’t bind you!” After Namdev 96 Maharaj had sung for Vitthal, the Lord went to sleep. —Sant Namdev

दळितंा कांडितां। तुज गाईन अनंता ।। न विसंबᴂ क्षणभरी। तुझे नाम गा मुरारी ।। नित् हाचि कारभार। मुखी हरि निरंतर ।। मायबाप बंधुबहिणी। तूं बा सखा चकपाणी ।। The Vedanta Kesari The Vedanta लक्ष लागले चरणी । म्णे नामयाची जनी ।। While grinding and pounding I sing your name, Ananta! I don’t forget your name even for a second, Murari! This is my daily task to grind and sing your name! you are my mother and father, my friend and sister, Chakrapani (wielder of the disc) I’m just watching out for your feet all the time says Namadev’s Jani. —Sant Janabhai हरि बोला देता हरि बोला घेता । हांसतां खेळतां हरि बोला ।। हरि बोला गातां हरि बोला खातां । सर् कार् करितां हरि बोला ।। हरि बोला एकांती हरि बोला लोकांती । देहत्यगा अंती हरि बोला ।। हरि बोला भांडतां हरि बोला कांडतां । उठतां बैसतां हरि बोला ।। हरि बोला जनी हरि बोला विजनी । एकाजनार्दी हरि बोला ।। During all yours household activites, take the name of the Lord! While giving or taking something—say “Hari”, laughing, playing, singing, eating—say Hari! In solitude and among the people! At the time of death — say Hari! Ekanath says: Hari! —Sant Eknath

सदैव हे वारकरी। जे पंढरी देखती ।। पदोपदĂ विठ्ठल वाचा । तया कैचा संसार ।। दोष पळाले पळाले। पैल आले हरिदास ।। प्रेमभातᴂ भरलᴂ अंगी । निर्ल रंगी नाचती ।। गोपीचंदनाची उटी। तुळसी कंठी मिरवती ।।

दुर्ळा या श啍तहीना। त्यही जना पुरता ।। December 2019 तुका म्णे देव चिंती। मोक्ष हातĂ रोकडा ।। The Varkaris who see Pandhari are so fortunate! with every step they sing the 97 name of Vitthal—though householders, how can they be bound in samsar? shame, coloured with the Lord! Even the very weak and powerless, these people are All their faults are just flying off! with limbs filled with love they dance without hand instantly! —Sant Tukaram fulfiled and complete! Tuka says if you have God in yours heart, then moksha is in your

चोखया म्णे निर्ळेसी । नाम गाये अहर्नसी । Kesari The Vedanta तेणे संसारा सुखावा । इह परलोक साधावा ।। साधन हेचि थोर असे। शांति क्षमा दया वसे । ऐकताचि आनंदली । निर्ळा म्णे मिठी चरणी घाली ।। Chokhamela instructs his sister Nirmala: Sing the Lord’s name day and night! consequently your family life will be happly— heaven is right here! To repeat the name of the Lord is a great Sadhana, qualities like peace, forgiveness and compassion will naturally reside in you! Hearing this Nirmala —Sant Chokamela was filled with joy and says: “I have embraced His feet!” Pearls of Wisdom

Goswami Tulsidasa

Tulasidasa (A.D. 1496-1622), the poet-saint revived Hinduism in Central India though his magnum-opus Ramacharitmanas written in the Awadhi dialect of Hindi.

(Hindi text with English translation)

Bala Kand प्रातकाल उठि कै रघुनाथा । मातु पिता गु셁 नावहिं माथा ।। आयसु मागि करहिं पुर काजा । देखि चरित हरषइ मन राजा ।। Rising at break of day, Sri Raghunatha would bow His head to His parents and preceptor and, obtaining their permission, engaged Himself with the affairs of the state. The king was glad at heart to see His noble acts. December 2019 Ayodya Kand 98 बिमल बंस य अनुचित एकू । बंधु बिहाइ बडेहि अभिषेकू ।। प्रभु सप्रेम पछितानि सुहाई । हरउ भगत मन कै कुटिलाई ।। ‘The only unseemly practice in this spotless line is that the eldest brother should be installed on the throne to the exclusion of his younger brother.’ May this loving and graceful expression of regret on the part of the Lord drive away all evel tendencies from the mind of His devotees. The Vedanta Kesari The Vedanta Lanka Kand जथा पंख बिनु खग अति दीना । मनि बिनु फनि करिबर कर हीना ।। अस मम जिवन बंधु बिनु तोही । ज㄂ जड दैव जिआवै मोही ।। “As a bird is utterly miserable without wings, a serpent without its head-jewel and a noble elephant without its trunk, so is my life without you, brother, in case stupid and sensitive Providence compels me to live. (Rama grieving over an injured Lakshmana) Article

A Day in the Life of a Householder: In the Light of Yajnavalkya Smriti DR. JAYARAMAN MAHADEVAN

Introduction Achara Adhyaya (chapter on customs) with 20 n line with the theme of this special verses. Even from among these 20 verses issue of The Vedanta Kesari, this only a few verses that directly deal with the Iarticle explores Grihastha-dharma- daily schedule of a householder are discussed prakarana of Yajnavalkya Smriti here. discusses the activities that a householder is Though there are other Smriti texts that that briefly expected to do in a day – right from waking up elaborately deal with the duties of a till going to bed. As can be noted from verses householder, this is a concise and insightful that have been discussed herein, there are so account on life of a householder. In the process many valuable insights for improving the of explaining the verses, the Mitakshara December 2019 quality of our present day life. commentary of Vijnaneshvara from 12th century is consulted with occasional inputs 99 The Text and the section in focus from Balakrida commentary of Vishvarupa This text is from the Mithila region and it (750-1000 CE). is attributed to Sage Yajnavalkya whose glory It should be noted at the outset that the both as a scholar, householder and also a intention of the article is not to state that the realized soul is known from the schedule of the householder as discussed in Brihadaranyakopanishad. The period of this third century text has to be followed now

PAGE SPONSOR : DR. SUBRAMANIYABHARATHIYAR R., KANCHEEPURAM R., SUBRAMANIYABHARATHIYAR DR. : SPONSOR PAGE rd th Yajnavalkya-smriti is estimated to be 3 - 4 as such. The intention is to place before the Kesari The Vedanta century CE. The text is in the form of a readers the ideals that existed in ancient times discourse by Sage Yajnyavalkya to a group of and to suggest that these can be adapted and sages who seek his guidance on Dharma. In adopted suitably to improve the quality of our legal matters, this text is considered to be very lives individually and collectively. important. In fact, in writing this article, the 1912 edition of the text has been consulted The Approach which was edited by SS Setlur who was a Appropriate verses from the text are given reputed advocate of Bombay and Madras high with a general translation and in the comments courts. section, inputs from the commentaries are The Grihastha Dharma Prakarana is a presented and implications to the current day life are discussed.

short section in the first chapter which is called The author is Director, Research Department, Krishnamacharya Yoga Mandiram, Chennai. [email protected] 1) When to get up in the morning? On what to think on waking up? Regarding thinking about doubts in the 녍섾륇 मु셍酇 चो配थय चिन्तयेदात्मनो हितम्। meaning of the Vedas in the morning, धर्뤾रक् ामान्  व काले यथाश啍鄿 न हापयेत्।।११५।। Mitakshara commentary adds - One has to wake up in Brahma Muhurta. वेदार्संशयांश Then one has to reflect (briefly) about what has चिन्तयेत्, चित्तस्यय अ핍 कुलत्त्व ् तत्तप्रतिभासयोग्य配वा ् – been done (or what is to be done or any doubts One should think about the doubts on the in the meaning of the Vedas/scriptures). Let import of the Vedas, as the mind will be calm, it is a Dharma, Artha, and Kama not be abandoned. Let suitable time for the truths to be understood better. them be done at the proper time according to It is important to note that on waking up capabilities. one should not immediately hurry into activities. A householder should pause and Notes and comments: Duration of sleep at night the day. This verse discusses about waking up. In contemplate briefly and then mindfully start 2) What are the early morning duties? this context, it would be useful to know the ideal duration of sleep for a householder. शरीरचिन्तां निर्셍त कृ तशौच विधिर्द्विजः। Daksha Smriti that has been quoted in प्र섾तः सन्ध्मुपासीत दन्तधावनपूर्कम्॥९८॥ Balakrida commentary for this verse, states– 配व嵍नन् सूर्दैवत्न् जपेन्मन्त्न् समाहितः। यामद्वयं शयान त ब्भूयाय कल्पते। - वेदार्थनधिग楍छच्च शास्त्णि विविधानि च॥९९॥

December 2019 A person who sleeps for two yamas (one After thinking about the (condition of the) yama is 3 hours and hence six hours) attains body (whether it is healthy or otherwise) one 100 Brahman (bliss indicated by that). should cleanse oneself including brushing the It is worth noting that the current day teeth. Then one has to do Sandhyavandana (daily advice of sleep for adults is almost the same. worship of the Sun God) and perform rituals by making offerings in Agni. After that, mantras Brahma Muhurta related to Lord Surya (Sun God) are to be recited Now the next question would be – What is and the study of the meanings of the Vedas and Brahma Muhurta? Brahma Muhurta has been various scriptures are to be done. described in the Mitakshra commentary as

The Vedanta Kesari The Vedanta Notes: प�椿मे अर्प्रहरे (latter half of the last yama (before Sunrise)). Sadakalpadruma (a 19th century Sharira Chinta This verse adds that, after the is अ셁णोदयकालस्य प्रथमदण्डद्बयम्, the first two contemplative state of early morning dandasSanskrit-sanskrit ( danda = dictionary) 24 mins) ofclarifies the Arunodaya that – it mentioned earlier, one should also think about period. Arunodaya means dawn and it is two the state of one’s body. Balakrida commentary muhurtas (muhurta = 48 mins) preceding while discussing the term - शरीरचिन्ता–states: sunrise. If for example - we take 6 am as the शरीरचिन्तां शरीरस्य सामयत-निरामयत-विषया ं sunrise tine, Arunodaya is the duration of 96 चिन्तां निर्셍त after having observed whether the body is Arunodaya is Brahma Muhurta as per this healthy or not. mins that precedes it. The first 48 mins of calculation. (Practically speaking - 4.24 am to This is mindfulness while commencing 5.12 am is Brahma Muhurta if sunrise is at the day. We are reminded of a verse from 6 am). Kumarasambhava (5.33) which emphasizes the importance of physical health - शरीरमा饍य खलु This verse indicates the commencement धर्साधनम्- of the day’s work. Going to the king or a rich Body is the foremost among the instru- person, indicated in the verse, should not be ments for performing Dharma. construed as going for employment. The Mitakshara commentary makes a startling A householder should never neglect his observation. It states – health. He should keenly monitor his health and do the needful. वेतनग्रहणने आ煍ञकरणं सेवा, श्ववृत्तितत्तन् निषेधात-् Sun-centric life Obeying the commands of someone for a Life on earth is sun-centric. We survive salary is considered as doggish activity and because of the Sun. He is also the inspirer and hence it is prohibited. visible divinity. Hence, Sun salutations and This is not stated to insult anyone. But by recitation of the Mantras of Sun are enjoined. this is advised self-reliance for self-sustenance. Householders who are immersed in their daily This presupposes skills/expertise and chores and duties should once in a while look up (at the Sun) and which will help them to king or a rich person is only to get some help (if raise the head, above the monotony of needed).scholarship It is in not one’s to seekown field.employment. Hence going One tohas a mundaneness. What to study?

The Mitakshara commentary while thusto work earn in one’s his bread. agricultural Only those field, who rear are cattle, not December 2019 explaining the portion on reading texts after the capablepractice of trade, any of teach these and work officiate under rituals someone. and The respective professions for various classes 101 शास्त्णि...धर्-अर-आरोग्य-प्रत् िपादकानि of people are described in verses 118-120 of morning rituals, clarifies that अधिग楍छे ् - Yajnavalkya Smriti. In the current day context, One should ponder over those portions this statement from the commentary comes as (every day little by little) that deal with dharma a wake-up call for many professionals who toil (duties and responsibilities), artha (acquiring day in and day out to achieve the goals of and maintenance of wealth), and arogya someone else forgetting their own aptitude and PAGE SPONSOR : SRI ASHISH MAJUMDAR, KOLKATA MAJUMDAR, ASHISH SRI : SPONSOR PAGE (health). worthy goals of one’s life. Kesari The Vedanta How thoughtful! Only when a house- 4) Activities in the midday – before lunch holder equips himself on a daily basis, with these disciplines, can there be progress in life न配व देवान् पितश्ॄं व तर्येदर्येत्तथा॥१००-ख॥ both personal and professional. बलिकर्-सधा-होम-व鵍ययातिथि-सत्क्रियाः। भूत-पित्रमर-ब्-मनु�यणा ं महामखाः॥१०२॥ 3) Commencement of the day’s After bathing (in the noon) one should do transactions (forenoon’s activity) tarpana (water offering) to the departed and उपेयादीश्वरं चैव योग啍मष ार्थसद्धये ।१००- क also worship Gods. (If necessary) then one has to go to the Offering food for the fellow beings king or a rich person for Yoga (acquiring new (animals, birds and insects etc), making things) and kshema (protecting that which has oblations to the departed/ ancestors/manes and been already acquired). worshipping the Gods in homas, studying Vedic Notes: texts and serving the guests – these are the five Does this mean salaried employment? great rituals (for a householder). Notes: others. Whatever remains is to be eaten by the Panchamaha yajnyas daily and not occasionally householder couple. This emphasizes or epitomizes the very purpose of the life of a mentioned in the verse - the Mitakshara householder – a life in the service of others. With regard to the five great rituals When in the current scenario we see life as only for pleasure, our forefathers saw life as an एते पञ्च महायज्ञ अहरहः कर्तव् commentary clarifies opportunity to serve others and gain happiness These are the actions that are to be done through that. every day. Dignity and respect to the servants Implying that, these are not occasional, optional performances. Such was the It is remarkable to note that a commitment of our forefathers to Jiva-seva householder has to ensure that his servant (service to all beings). house has to eat. Such respect and dignity to servants(bhrtya) eats is first.unthinkable Only after thateven the now. lord ofHow the य配पनरेषा ं फलश्रवणं तदेषा ं पावनत奍यपनारम्् Further, the commentary clarifies – compassionate were the sages when they if there is any reference to accruing of any framed these rules! fruits (punya etc.,) due to these actions it is just 6) More on eating! to highlight their purificatory nature (and nothing more). परपाके 셁चिर्नस्यदनिꅍ饍यमन्तणा饃ते।

December 2019 वा啍पणिपादचाप쥍य वर्येच्चातिभोजनम्॥११२॥ are not to be taken as some kind of a great service One should not have desire to eat food at 102 activityThis that implies one performs that, these by five which performances one gains other’s place. But one should accept the invite for punya or merit. These performances are to be a feast from a person who is pious. But, over- seen as an opportunity to protect oneself from eating should be avoided. One should avoid fickleness of speech, hands and feet. the needs of fellow beings and serving them. Notes: being selfish and arrogant, by becoming aware of 5) When to eat lunch? Eating out – No way बाल-सवासिनी-वृद्धग셍भ赍याुर-कन्यकाः। The current trend is either eating out or The Vedanta Kesari The Vedanta स륍भ煍यतिथिभृत्या दम्पत्य शेषभोजनम्॥१०५॥ meal ordering services, where no one is aware The householder couple should eat what of the source of preparation of food. In the remains after serving food to the following context, this advice to overcome the tendency members of/associated with the family - to eat outside is worth noting. Though the children, Svavasinis (married girls staying with situation is not worse in India, still it is parents yet to go to husband’s house), elderly, worsening by the day. pregnant women, ill, unmarried girls, guests and I recently visited a ‘Developed’ South East servants. Asian country and came to know that landlords Notes: there do not prefer to let their house to Indians, Don’t cook only for yourself because Indians cook at home and ‘mess’(?) the Sage Yajnavalkya in this context also adds kitchen, whereas the trend in such ‘developed’ countries is to eat outside. that - न पचेदन्नमात्मने (Verse 104) – one should never cook food only for oneself. It means that if Coming back, basically, one is not sure of cooking in the house happens, it is always for the quality and the hygiene of the food prepared outside house. Further, at a subtler Notes: level, the character and the mood of the person Honoring the Guests who prepares food also plays a part in the On days when there are guests, one has to quality of the food. That is why in Indian serve them to their satisfaction. When the guest households, mothers, during their early is leaving, one has to walk behind him till the morning cooking activities chant various Shlokas in praise of the divinity, thereby that the limits may refer to वासीमत ा, ग्र섾मसीमा, keeping their minds in a pleasant and Sattvik 啍limits.षत्रसीमा It– islimits clarified of the in Balakridabuilding, Commentarylimits of the state. The Vedas also state – village, limits of the region. अन्नमयं हि सोम्य मनः Depending upon the stature & (Chandogyopanisahd 6.6.5) – learnedness of the guest, one can decide the the mind is made up of food. limits to which the host follows the guest. Let us now turn our attention to the present day The bane of overeating treatment of the guests. First of all, we do not It is important to note that, even when have atithis these days – those who appear all accepting a feast invitation from a pious person, of a sudden without any pre-announcement. one should be mindful of the quantity of food. appointment or Over indulgence should be avoided, for an invites. If anyone appears without prior obvious reason, which the Mitakshara appointment,Activities are peoplemostly arefixed annoyed. by commentary also states – December 2019 अतिभोजनं च वर्येत ् अनारोग्यादिहेतु配वा-् terminology atithi is not coined to give license over eating should be avoided as it leads to to peopleAt this to point,barge itinto has others’ to be clarified houses withoutthat the 103 ill health. announcement. It has to be noted that All excesses to be avoided previously Sage Yajnavalkya states (Verse 112), In the context of avoiding excess in that one should not desire to have food at eating food, Sage Yajnavalkya instructs others’ houses. Hence this verse and the the householder to desist from other excesses previous one has to be read together. While also. Fickleness of speech, hands and feet is everyone should strive to cook and eat one’s PAGE SPONSOR : DR. VIRAL KAMDAR, NAGPUR KAMDAR, VIRAL DR. : SPONSOR PAGE to be avoided. The Mitakshara commentary own food, if due to unavoidable situations or Kesari The Vedanta adds – due to travels someone happens to appear चकारात ् न륇त्र섾दिचाप쥍य च वर्येत ् – without announcement, the householder Fickleness of the eyes should also be should not be annoyed. Hence the concept avoided. behind atithi in our culture is to promote ever- ready tendency of the host to serve, and does 7) On hospitality and spending time post not intend to promote intrusion into others’ lunch houses in an unannounced manner. अतिथि ं श्रो配त्रयं तृप्तमासीमन्तमनुव्रजेत्। Who are the pious and dear friends? अहःशेषं समासीत शि�रट ि�टै बꅍधुभः॥११३॥ After sending off the guest, (if time (After lunch) One should walk behind the permits and if there is no other professional/ departing, content, learned guest till the limits domestic duty) one has to spend time relaxing (while sending him off). Rest of the daytime (till with friends who are pious and dear. evening) one has to pass time with pious and The pious – The Mitakshara commentary dear friends.

clarifies– शिष्ट इतिहासपुराणवेदिभिः – heavy. One is reminded of the Bhagavadgita Pious here refers to those who are well statement - नातश्नत त योगोऽत (6.16)। too much versed in Itihasa and Puranas (epics and eating is not conducive for yoga. Whether or not mythology). one practices yoga, from the verse above one understands that eating light at night is The Dear – generally right for householders. इष्ट कावकथाप्रपञ्चचतुरैः - The term dear refers to those who are skilled in poetry and storytelling. Summary and Conclusion From the description above we can see Sri Ramakrishna in his advice to the that relaxing here does not mean wasting time in gossip and unwanted discussions. One has to general outlines and then puts in the details householder states, ‘The painter first draws the spend time usefully by listening to elevating accounts from the epics and mythology or makes the image out of clay, then plasters it, and colours at his leisure. The moulder first developing various artistic tastes and skills. then gives it a coat of whitewash, and last of all paints it with a brush. All these steps must be In the current context, if one has leisure taken successively.’ time, if such friends are not available in person, there are so many videos and audios of lectures Sri Ramakrishna states this to the available on the internet on these aspects. One householder, in the context of necessity to follow certain disciplines in life through which

December 2019 can use the worldwide web for such gainful activities also. The above views from Yajnavalkya Smriti 104 8) Evening activities till going to bed one can attain refinement. is one such basic set of disciplines which when उपास्य प�椿मा ं सन्ध्य 配व嵍नन् तानुपास्य च । systematically adhered to, will give a clear भृत्य परिवृतो भुक्त् नाति तृप्त्य संविशेत्॥११४॥ structure to life. Beginning from waking up in After evening Sun salutations and oblations the morning, planning one’s day, cleansing in Agni and prayers, one has to eat moderately oneself, connecting with and serving divinity (not to fill), with all the dependents including the and fellow living beings, studying texts for self- servants and then go to bed. The Vedanta Kesari The Vedanta Notes: going to bed at the right time and having refinement, being careful about food and finally Think of income-expenditure good living are covered in this life. These are the The Mitakshara commentary adds that factorssufficient that rest determine - all the quality fundamental of life. Adhering factors to of चकाराद ् आयवयगृहचिन्तां निर्셍त - this framework in spirit, facilitates evolution and The conjunction ‘ca’ indicates that one has transformation in due course. Else, unplanned to think about the income and expenditure and life is planning for suffering and illness. other domestic issues and then eat and go to To conclude, let us take a look at a quote bed. from The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda: ‘…the begging excursion would be prudence for a householder to manage his This indicates the necessity of financial a great help to a Sannyasin at a time when the affairs and make ends meet. householders strictly obeyed the injunctions of Quantity of meal at night Manu and other law-givers, by setting apart The interesting concept presented with every day a portion of their meal for ascetic regard to meal at night is that it should not be guests. Nowadays things have changed considerably, especially, as in Bengal, where no The purpose of the quotation is - when a Madhukari (the system of begging one’s food householder leads his life in a systematic piecemeal from several houses, so as not to tax manner as has been outlined in Yajnavalkya the householder, as a bee gathers honey from Smriti, he not only does good to himself, he also ) system prevails.’ (5: 262) supports all others in the society, including This comment by Swamiji about those who aim to achieve self-realization. different flowers householder’s life was in the beginning of 20th आत्मो मोक्षार् जगद्धिताय च century. Nearly a century and half has gone by ‘For one’s own emanacipation and the and we know what the current situation is. good of the world.’

A Day in the life of a Householder -Views of Yajnavalkya Smriti and also the commentaries- Time of the Day Activity Brahma Muhurta and doubts Morning BrushingWake up and the planteeth for etc., the worship day and ofbriefly the Sun think god about and scripturalVedic Chanting questions and study of scriptures Forenoon Commencement of day’s work, including visit to patrons Midday December 2019

Post Lunch RespectfulBathing and send five Mahaoff to Yajnas, guests serving after serving food to allthem dependents to satisfaction and guests and and finally eating lunch. 105 Evening till night Evening worship of the Sun and Agni ritual, domestic stock taking of incomelistening and to scripturesexpenditure, and light learning meal fineand artsto bed.

References PAGE SPONSOR : SMT. PRABHA JAGOTA, BENGALURU JAGOTA, PRABHA SMT. : SPONSOR PAGE The Vedanta Kesari The Vedanta 1) Yajnavalkya Smrti (with the Mitakshara Commentary, 2) The Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna. Translated by Swami Balakrida of Vishvarupa, Subodhini and Nikhilananda, Sri Ramakrishna Math, Chennai, 1974 Balambhatta’s Gloss). Edited by S.S. Setlur. Madras: 3) The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda. Kolkata: Brahmavadin Press, 1912 Advaita Ashrama, Seventh Edition, Vol 5. 1959.

Holy Mother’s Reminiscences of the Master

My mother would grieve, “I have married my Sarada to such a crazy husband that she can’t enjoy ordinary married life or have any children and hear them call her ‘Mother.’” One day the Master heard her and said: “Don’t grieve over that, Mother. Your daughter will have so many children, you will see, that her ears will ache at hearing the cry of ‘Mother.’” He was quite right. Everything he said has come to pass. —Sri Sarada Devi and Her Divine Play by Swami Chetanananda, p.123. Article

Saptapadi: Vows with Steps KASTURI JAYARAMAN

t is a common scene in most of the gods. It is a universal belief among the Hindus Hindu marriages, that, once the that every aspect of life is sacred. Hence, every IMangalya Dharanam (tying of thali by the groom around the neck of the bride) is over, is regarded as a reminder that life is a gift from the entire assembly rises to shake hands and God,significant which stage should from be dulyconception respected to cremation and lived greet by sprinkling holy rice grains. An according to His wishes. impression seems to have been etched in their We are born on this earth with certain psyche that the tying of the knot is the climax obligations called Rina of marriage. Of course in a Hindu marriage the missions in life which may be expressed through most important rite is the Mangalya Dharanam. the purusharthas – life’s eternal and certain goals. The specified Vedic But the marriage is not complete both ritually and legally without the Saptapadi. 1) Dharma – that which leads to abhyudaya or

December 2019 In order to have a holistic understanding worldlyseers classified welfare these and goals nishreyas into four or categories: spiritual of the ritual of Saptapadi, one must have a clear illumination; 2) Artha – Wealth; 3) Kama – 106 view of human life, its goals, and the role of Enjoyment; and 4) Moksha – Emancipation. ashramas and samskaras in shaping it, from a Hindu perspective. his missions in life, and progress spiritually in The Bhagavad Gita speaks of the mutual a gradualIn order manner, to discharge a Hindu hishas obligations, to pass through fulfil dependence different stages in between man and life known as the celestials. It It is a universal belief among the Hindus that ashramas. These are The Vedanta Kesari The Vedanta says, ‘You nourish every aspect of life is sacred. Hence, every 1) Brahmacharya – the gods with this significant stage from conception to pursuing studies (yajna cremation is regarded as a reminder that life with spiritual Let those gods is a gift from God, which should be duly disciplines and or sacrifice). nourish you. respected and lived according to His wishes. chastity; 2) Grihastha Nourishing one – living a married another, you shall life; 3) Vanaprastha attain the supreme good.’ (3:11) This परस्रं – living a detached life as an anchorite with or भावयन्त is the fundamental purpose of human without the spouse; and 4) Sannyasa - living a life and marriage. life of total renunciation. This human body is not to enjoy pleasures A Brahmachari becomes a grihastha not but to perform our duties and worship the out of compulsion or tradition. He is given an

The octogenarian author is an active corporate and industry consultant, and a temple lore expert and guide. [email protected] option either to marry or become a renunciate. This is evident from the Kasi Yatra ritual enacted prior to marriage. A Vedic student well versed in shastras, out of his own volition opts for a married life to contribute to the individual and social goals leading to abhyudaya or secular welfare and nishreyas or spiritual

fulfilment. Sacrament of marriage Hindu marriage is not a contractual arrangement between two consenting adults. It karma samskaras, all of which have the purpose is not a social contract temporarily entered into of empowering men and women to achieve union with the Brahman. at one’s pleasure. It is the most important The external samskaras include under the influence of romance to be dissolved religious sacrament necessary for every Garbadhana, Pumsavana, Seemanta, Jatakarma, individual to realize fully his/her potential and Namakarana, Nishkramana, Annaprasana, Chudakarana, Karnavedha, Vidyaramba, ancestors and society. It is not a lust oriented Upanayana, Vedaramba, Kesantha, also fulfil responsibilities towards self, family, December 2019 marital bond with a diminishing value but a Samavartana, Vivaha and Anthyeshti. spiritual bond that continues till the end and The observance of these samskaras is 107 blossoms with age. The four purposes of a Vedic complete only with simultaneous practice of marriage include progeny, physical pleasures, the eight inner virtues such as compassion happiness, and companionship in the towards all creatures, patience, absence of envy, performance of Dharma. purity, tranquility, positive disposition, generosity, and non-possessiveness. Samskaras PAGE SPONSOR : A DEVOTEE, BANKIMNAGAR RAMAKRISHNA ASHRAM, NADIA ASHRAM, RAMAKRISHNA BANKIMNAGAR DEVOTEE, A : SPONSOR PAGE Samskaras are the rites of passage a Rituals related to marriage Kesari The Vedanta person performs during the various ashramas Engagement ceremony, formal bestowal of his life, starting from his birth till death. They of the bride, ceremonial honoring of the groom, are connected with his present and future, taking of the bride’s hand and the rite of the providing meaning, structure, and order to his life. By performing these obligatory rites, a ideal marriage. These have been in vogue for Hindu acknowledges his religious duties, hundredsseven steps, of areyears. the Thefive essentialdivine poetess features Andal’s of an upholds social institutions and religious values, life reveals how the marriage rituals were meticulously observed in those days. On with humility the consequence of his previous hearing about the greatness of Lord confirms his obedience to divinities, accepts karmas in past lives, earns merit for all, and Ranganatha, Andal was convinced that it was verily her Krishna in the form of Ranganatha. to transcend his lower nature. She then goes into a trance in which she becomes a refined religious individual qualified The Gauthama Dharmashastra prescribes foresees her divine marriage with Lord 40 outer karma samskaras and eight inner Ranganatha. She relates this vision in her poem walk seven times. Thus bound by the ritual the Nachiyar Thirumozhi and describes how two were obliged to be faithful to each other. Ranganatha married her with all the attendant In the marriage, the rituals. She refers to ten important steps of the groom bending down, This age old custom is marriage ceremony such as lifts his bride’s feet one followed religiously Reception of bridegroom by one and slips the even today. The Announcement of wedding ceremony silver toe ring (metti) - intricate stages of the another symbol of Dressing up of the bride by her sister-in-law actual Hindu wedding marriage into the second Tying the protecting band call Kappu toe of each foot. The ceremony enforce the Removal of obstacles bride and the groom seriousness of what a Groom holding the bride’s hand marriage entails Taking seven steps together with wedding with a holy cloth through the various vows bondingwith their them, outfits take tied rituals and mantras. Stepping on the grinding stone seven steps signifying health, wealth, good luck, Offering of puffed rice love, strength, food and offspring. They not only Visiting friends and relatives, and taking holy evoke the blessings of the Almighty and pray bath for each other’s health and well being, but also This age old custom is followed religiously December 2019 pray for their families and the whole universe. even today. The intricate stages of the actual Manu declares, ‘The nuptial texts are a Hindu wedding ceremony enforce the 108 certain proof that a maiden has been made a seriousness of what a marriage entails through lawful wife; but the learned should know the the various rituals and mantras. Every ritual marriage to be complete with the seventh step of the married pair walking hand in away with. All these ceremonial rituals revolve aroundhas its own the significancemain vivaha and samskara cannot be – done the 227) Saptapadi. hand around the sacred fire.’ (Manu Smriti VIII

The Vedanta Kesari The Vedanta Saptapadi The seven sacred vows Saptapadi consists of seven steps and By taking the seven vows, in right earnest, seven vows taken by the newly married couple in the presence of Vedic priests, invoking Lord Vishnu’s mercy with the Agnideva or Lord of can be seen as the crux of an ideal Hindu Fire as their divine witness, the couple marriage.in the presence of the sacred fire. These vows demonstrate that two souls are joined for seven lifetimes and will strictly adhere to the solemn He carries to the gods the oblations of the yajna vows. performedAgni, theby us.fire Therefore,God is the hesustainer becomes of life.the witness of the seven vows. ‘O Bride, you have walked one step with In the first vow, the groom swears, In the Ramayana, Hanuman in order to me, so we have become friends, hence you be seal the agreement and friendship between Sri my provider of food vratas, vowed religious observances. May we have around which holding each other’s hands they many sons and may. theyHelp haveme to a fulfil long mylife.’ Ram and the Vanara King Sugreeva, lights a fire The bride complies in return, ‘I am The bride replies, ‘I will always be by your responsible for the home and all household, side.’ In the last and seventh vow, the groom This age old custom is In the second vow, the groom says, says, food and finance.’ followed religiously ‘You have walked two steps with me, ‘We are now husband and wife and are even today. The hence may you become one who will give me one. You are mine and I am yours for eternity.’ intricate stages of the strength.’ The bride accepts the proclamation and actual Hindu wedding The bride in return promises, ‘I will be by says, ‘As God is witness. I am now your wife, we ceremony enforce the your side your courage and strength. I will will love, honor and cherish each other forever.’ seriousness of what a rejoice in your happiness, in return you will The essence of these vows can be love me solely.’ marriage entails condensed as follows: through the various In the third vow, the groom says, ‘May we grow wealthy and prosperous support each other. rituals and mantras. With the first step, we will provide for and and strive for the education of our children and With the second step, we will develop may our children live long.’ mental, physical and spiritual strength. The bride in return promises, ‘I will love With the third step, we will share the you solely for the rest of my life as you are my worldly possessions. husband. Every other man in my life will be With the fourth step, we will acquire secondary. I vow to remain chaste.’ knowledge, happiness and peace. December 2019 In the fourth vow, the groom declares, 109 ‘You have walked four steps with me, you and virtuous children. With the fifth step, we will raise strong have brought sacredness into my life and have With the sixth step, we will enjoy the completed me. May we be blessed with noble fruits of all seasons. and obedient children.’ With the seventh step, we will always The bride in return replies, ‘I will shower remain friends and cherish each other. you with joy, from head to toe. I will strive to Before asking the bride to step on the please you in every way I can.’ PAGE SPONSOR : KUM. AISHEE BAKSHI, IIT MADRAS, CHENNAI MADRAS, IIT BAKSHI, AISHEE KUM. : SPONSOR PAGE grinding stone, the groom declares: Kesari The Vedanta ‘I take thy hand in mine, yearning for ‘You are my best friend and well wisher. In the fifth vow, the groom says, happiness. You have come into my life enriching it. May I ask thee, to live with me, till both of us, you give birth to children.’ with age grow old. To this the bride replies, ‘I promise to love Know this as I declare that the Gods have and cherish you as long as I live. Your happiness bestowed thy person upon me is my happiness and your sorrow is my sorrow. I will trust and honour you, and will strive to householder with thee. That I may fulfil my Dharma of the In the sixth vow, the groom asks, I am the Sky, you are the Earth; fulfil all your wishes.’ ‘Now that you have taken six steps with I am the Thought, you are the Speech; I am the Fire, you are the Fuel; happiness. Will you do the same kindness for I am the Song, you are the Verse; me, you have filled my heart with immense all times?’ I am the Ocean, you are the Shore; I am the Strength, but you are the beauty; spiritual conviction to undertake the onerous I am the Purush and you are the Prakriti; responsibilities of a householder. The Saptapadi Let us live together lovingly and bring up vows provide him an opportunity to know our progeny. beforehand that it is given to the householder alone Let us lead a joyful life of hundred years.’ a) to look after the interests of the members of the other three ashramas, Wedding vows in other cultures b) to perform, in the company of his In every culture, wedding vows outline the same goals, lifelong commitment, devotion debts to the celestials, rishis, manes, self and all and mutual respect. livingspouse, beings, yajnas and homas to discharge his five The common wedding pledge in a Church c) to contribute to the society children of is: character, skill and virtues, and I ___ take you ____ to be my wife/ husband d) to earn, distribute and share wealth to have and hold from this day forward for generated by honest means. better, for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, Saptapadi and law till death us do part according to God’s Holy The Madras High Court, after examining Law. In the presence of God I make this vow and

December 2019 all the relevant texts, came to the conclusion thereto I pledge thee my faith (or) pledge that in reality for the ceremonial validity of a myself to you. 110 Hindu Marriage only two ceremonies are The Priest declares: essential, You have declared your consent before the One consists of the secular element i.e., church. May the Lord in his goodness the gift of the girl (including Sampradana and Kanyadana), and His blessings. What God has joined, men must The second consists of religious element notstrengthen divide. yourAmen. consent and fill you both with i.e., the performance of Panigraha and

The Vedanta Kesari The Vedanta The Muslim wedding pledge is as follows: Saptapadi Bride : I ___ offer you myself in marriage According to section 7 of the Hindu and in accordance with the instructions of the Marriage Act,1955, Holy Koran and the Holy Prophet - peace and A Hindu marriage may be solemnized in blessing be upon him, I pledge in honesty and accordance with the customary rights and with sincerity to be for you an obedient and ceremonies of either party thereto where such faithful wife. rites and ceremonies include the Saptapadi Groom: I pledge in honesty and sincerity (taking of seven steps by the bridegroom and to be for you a faithful and helpful husband. marriage becomes complete and binding when Saptapadi and Grihasta dharma the seventh bride jointly step is before taken. the sacred fire) the Before entering into family life which is a If the bride and the groom are made to vast ocean, the groom has to have a clear idea read and understand the Saptapadi before the of the nuts and bolts of family life. He needs a actual ritual, it will strengthen the moral and mental rectitude, a moral commitment, and a spiritual dimension of marriage. Article

Significance of Vratas: Savitri Vrata PREMA NANDAKUMAR

mong the pillars that have or poetry, being used for this purpose in Tamil successfully held up the glory and homes long ago. It is tailored to the Tamil Agood of India’s Sanatana Dharma, Brahmin community. While the essentials observing a vrata has been of vital importance. remain the same, the details are given a local habitation and the poetry has the sing-song, women alone. A vrata is actually a vow dramatic quality of folk music. The chosen time undertakenThe observation with ofa aparticular vrata is notaim. confined Some are to for this tri-ratra vrata, three-days vow, regularly observed throughout the year with however, remains the same: the aim of purifying the body and mind like ‘The damsel with soft tresses remained Ekadasi vrata. silent As a child growing up in a village, the During the three days; she took no food

observance of a vrata at home always came either... December 2019 with interesting stories from grandmother. How I used to laugh when she described the worshipped 111 trials of Sage Durvasa as he was chased by the On the first of Phalguna month, Savitri Parvati; as devotion is of vital importance …’ Sudarsan Chakra of Vishnu in the Ambarisha Upakhyana. When the Savitri Vrata (known as Karadaiyaan Nonbu in our Tamil families) was this slim booklet, Savitri Paadam in a wayside On a personal note, I consider my finding observed, grandmother’s description of the book shop serendipitous and was amazed that growing child Savitri and the marriage the work had been printed and published by

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festivities in the forest was always a joy, as were Kesari The Vedanta 1 the sweet cakes (kaaradai) that were specially educating child widows. What surprised me made for this vrata. was that a widow who was trying to help others condemned by fate to lead a life of misery gave Often the vratas were accompanied by a such high importance to vratas. So, what is it katha kalakshepa (spending time in listening to that she found that would give strength of mind sacred tales); this helped conserve traditional to an ordinary human being? beliefs and life histories from being totally eclipsed by foreign invasions and religious Her brief introduction to ‘Savitri Paadam’ intolerance of the invaders. Even the recital of transmits the age-long belief that performing the story for an exclusively women-oriented this vrata by women (maidens or married) Savitri vrata, the members of the house and assures one of long and happy married life. But their relations listened to with humility and widows? Obviously Subbulakshmi Ammal felt devotion. I have heard of the ‘Savitri Paadam’, that meditation upon the Universal Mother and

Dr. Prema Nandakumar is a devotee from Srirangam, Tamil Nadu and has several publications to her credit. [email protected] her child Savitri would infuse in the young girls a deep faith and spiritual strength to face any calamity in life. So, the Sister encouraged the reading (or listening to) of the glorious tale. That explains the basic philosophy of a vrata: it

It may be mentioned here that the slender book carriesgives us couragean advertisement and self-confidence for Vratakalpa to face life. Manjari, which describes the methodology of performing twenty-seven vratas. As the years went by, my portfolio of random notes (from what I read and what I watched, and as a Hindu bride learnt to do) became sumptuous. Here was God’s variety! They were all called vratas, but each had a distinct end in view and a system of its own to follow. The vrata-idea was obviously an important component of Sanatana Dharma and all religions engaged themselves in vratas. December 2019 Reading the ancient Tamil epic, Jeevaka Chintamani with Nachinarkiniyar’s 112 commentary, I was amazed by the major and But ever youthful as we are now, minor vratas in the Jain religion, the Even after our seventh stage of life.’2 Mahavratas and Anuvratas. The ancient Tamils had their own vows to be followed. In this Known as ‘Thai Neeradal’ (Bathing in the context the ‘Ramzan Nonbu’ observed by the month of Thai, December-January) and ‘Pavai followers of Islam also may be mentioned here. Nonbu’ as the girls make images of Mother Goddess on the sandbanks for worship, this One interesting ancient Tamil vrata is the The Vedanta Kesari The Vedanta ancient Tamil vrata would give rise to the ‘Thai-Neeradal’. We Tiruppavai songs of Goda understand from the Meditation upon the Universal Devi and Tiruvempavai Paripadal that this vrata Mother and her child Savitri verses of Manicka- concluded with prayers to vachakar during the Vaigai for gifting them would infuse in the young girls a Bhakti Movement (6th to good husbands. The deep faith and spiritual strength 9th century CE). These prayers indicated in the to face any calamity in life. poems are used even work are quite today, of course, with the interesting. Having connotation changed. It is the vrata of the performed the ‘nonbu’, the young girls pray to jeevatman to reach the Supreme Lord and gain the river Vaigai for good husbands, and of course, eternal youth: Nonbu food restrictions are also listed: ‘We ‘May we never come to be called shan’tspiritual take fulfilment. ghee, However,nor drink in themilk.’ Tiruppavai At the Decrepit old men and aged crones,

fulfilment of the vrata, Andal’s Tiruppavai describes the fulsome feast of partaking rice Bathing in the river at sunrise, they installed a sand image of the Devi on the banks of Kalindi With the mind-boggling number of vratas and worshipped Her with sandalpaste, garlands ‘cooked with milk and overflowing with ghee.’ followed all over India (and now by Indians abroad as well), we come back to the question: sprouts of leaves, fruits, cereals and food of sweet-smelling flowers,3 incense, light, What is a vrata? Is it a sure pathway to achieve offerings of various kinds.’ one’s desire? If so, what are its components? There is God’s plenty if we proceed to list This much was visible to me. A vrata the many vratas that are followed today in immediately turns us to some of our great India. Each is an experience, an interesting and heroes and heroines who have observed a vow often a chastening experience; a lesson in and gained an illimitable strength in internal simple living and high thinking. Not only men and external life. We realise that here is a and women, rich and poor, but even sannyasins unique combination of the physical and the (Hindu, Buddhist, Jain) have to observe vratas mental-spiritual, the outer and the inner, the like the Chaturmasya vrata. This vow, followed open supplication for a gift, and a wider appeal annually, is spread over four months of the for the good of all others, one’s family, one’s rainy season. Single-day vratas like Varalakshmi countrymen, humanity itself; so well syllabled puja, , and three-days vrata like by the Hindu entreaty to the Divine, lokah Vat-Savitri – all give attention to detail, be it samasthah sukhino bhavantu, ‘May all beings drawing a rangoli or preparing the utensils and

everywhere be happy and free.’ plates to hold offerings. But whatever the December 2019 Thus it is clear that the vrata idea is quite variety and differences in observance, two ancient. According to some scholars, the Vedas components are the same to all these vows: 113 speak of vrata as a resolve to perform some controlling the intake of food, and a faultless devotion to the Divine. The problem with us is responsibility or guardianship. However, the that we take for granted a ritual like the vrata termaction as perfectly.we understand It could it today, be ais sacrifice,a prayerful a and observe it almost mechanically. But is that vow for achieving something as we saw in the all there is to it? song Paripadal. Retelling the story of Krishna For instance, as I write this essay (in PAGE SPONSOR : SMT. NIRMALA UNNY, ERNAKULAM DIST. ERNAKULAM UNNY, NIRMALA SMT. : SPONSOR PAGE long, long after His presence in the Dwapara September-October), I am observing a vrata Kesari The Vedanta Yuga, the Bhagavata written in recent times (10th CE?) speaks of the Katyayani vrata. The Lamp’. When I entered this house as a bride six gopikas perform a vrata to gain the grace of decadescalled Maa-vilakku, ago, my mother-in-law ‘Lighting the initiated Rice-flour me Goddess Katyayani (Durga) to obtain Krishna into this vrata. With her generosity of as their husband. The ritual is strikingly similar understanding towards a young girl, all that she to the one described in Paripadal which belongs taught me was how to prepare the lamp with to earlier times and is dedicated to obtaining good husbands. The vrata of the gopikas in the milk after a ritual head bath and wearing the Bhagavath is to obtain the guardianship of sarifreshly in theground orthodox rice flour,way, putjaggery ghee and and coconut a piece Krishna, the Supreme Lord. ‘At the beginning of Hemanta (winter light the wick of the new lamp placed in a plate season) the maidens of Vraja observed the of cotton in the aperture of the rice-flour lamp, vows connected with the worship of Katyayani, the lamp withdraws. Then I should say ‘The Lordwith fruitshas gone and back flowers to His and mountain fast till theabode’ light and in

subsisting only on sacrificial food. O King! do pranam to the lamp which had been the tasteless. People following the vrata had to abode of the Lord for the past one or two hours. sleep late at night. It is probably a good She also said that for that time, Lord way to give rest to the body’s organs that often Venkateswara Himself comes down the go into high-gear for most of the year. This way mountain and resides in our house. This must one was trained to gain life-long self-control of be one of the easiest vratas observed in India; the body. The sannyasins in India continue to harsh rules could make a young bride rebel, at observe the chaturmasya vrata even now, least within! Whatever it may be, two points of and they remain in their Mutts and do not the vrata left a mark on my psyche: fasting, and travel. a total faith in the Supreme whose love for his If fasting or such physical controls helped people to gain a healthy body, the constant desires. underlining of faith in the Divine helped them creation brings Him down to us and fulfils our To reiterate once again, the two important control their mind from straying on components of a vrata are unnecessary thoughts and fasting and an unswerving gain one-pointed faith in the Divine. For The two important components concentration within. instance, the story of King of a vrata are fasting and an Perhaps controlling the Rukmangada and the unswerving faith in the Divine. Ekadasi vrata when he controlling the mind. body is not as difficult as December 2019 comes forward to cut Hence the persons doing down his own son so that the vrata can be vrata were asked to spend their time reading 114 saved, used to confuse me in earlier times. Is scriptures or listening to scholars expounding the observance of a vow more important than them. We have an enormous amount of Puranic one’s own dear child? Was it all but blind faith? literature which deal with various vratas. Obviously not. Such tests do strengthen the Speakers have always lectured on them for sinews of the human being, for essentially he is appropriate vratas. Between perfecting the a soldier in the battle of life and must remain physical and controlling the mind, a vrata prepared at all times. For, fasting ensures pure becomes an amazing catalyst for the yoga of

The Vedanta Kesari The Vedanta physical well-being. If the body were not strong, self-perfection. The vrata remains the same as what service can man do for his family, country it was ordained by a Rishi of yore; but the or humanity? Thus, a vrata puts a welcome person who follows it in the right manner break on our easy-going ways and turn for literally achieves a transformation to superior indulgence. states of being. Youth of today have, thanks to availability, I began this essay with the Savitri vrata, made eating out a way of life. They would which was for me, as a child, important only for perhaps do well to undertake a chaturmasya the sweet cakes (kaaradai) my grandmother vrata which was followed by our ancients made as an offering to Goddess Savitri. More including brahmacharins and sannyasins. than seven decades have passed by me, and During the four months of monsoon, one was now, perhaps, I am a little nearer to the truth asked to take a single meal a day with just one about vratas in general, helped by my study of serving. One had to mix everything and eat, so ’s (1872-1950) epic poem, Savitri: A Legend and a Symbol. Widely revered one allowed to say that an item was tasty or as a Mahayogi, Sri Aurobindo meditated upon that the taste buds will not be flattered, nor was the life of Savitri found in the Vana Parva of the In the same manner, Sri Aurobindo’s own Mahabharata. on the tri-ratra vrata observed by The epic poem retells the same story but Savitri to save Satyavan from death, springs up as Savitri’s yoga. She observes the traditional unveiled. Vyasa says Aswapati performed a vrata but we see its contours as Savitri’s yoga vratanow of the praying significance to Goddess of Savitri the vratas for eighteen stand through seven cantos. If Vyasa refers to Savitri years and restricted his food intake in a phased as standing like a piece of wood, not moving but manner: totally indrawn in her silent prayer, Sri ‘Therefore he resorted, with the concern of getting a child, to holy, austere attacked by a sense of hopelessness, the easy wayAurobindo’s to overcome Savitri by committing sits unmoving, , and is then first he observed continence, and restrained the gains other experiences inwardly including the sensespractices: fully. only at fixed time, he ate a little, and a rare strength of mind to face Death who is Daily a hundred thousand oblations he, expectedrising of the on theKundalini morrow. Shakti and finally gains the most excellent among the kings, offered to So what is a vrata or a niyama but the Savitri, and it was only in the sixth part of the pathway to gain strength of body, mind, and day, that he took a small quantity of food.’4 spirit? Swami Vivekananda had told us sharply: Sri Aurobindo transforms this eighteen ‘Strength is life, weakness is death.’ If periodical years’ vrata to propitiate Goddess Savitri into

fasting and avoiding indulgence in food assures December 2019 the discipline of yoga practised by the king as physical and mental strength, faith in the Divine described through eighteen cantos in the epic. or sheer faith in oneself assures us of spiritual 115 It is an amazing reformatting, since an strength to face any calamity. This is indicated enlightened king would not have repeated the by the vrata of Savitri in Vyasa’s narrative. mantra (also known as the Gayatri mantra) as Vyasa refers to Savitri’s tri-ratra vrata as if he were a machine. When a human being a very tough one and indeed, her father-in-law, takes up a vrata, there does occur an inner Dyumathsena tries to convince her that she transformation for his good or for the good of should avoid it. Three days of total fasting by his people. Sri Aurobindo’s Aswapati achieves PAGE SPONSOR : CHI. MOKSHIT KOKKU, HYDERABAD KOKKU, MOKSHIT CHI. : SPONSOR PAGE this young girl? Oh, it is ‘parama dushkaram’, Kesari The Vedanta such a transformation. His thoughts, his view of life around, the need to work for the good of his and with humility: people and his aspirations for the future of ‘extremely‘Be not difficult’! disturbed Savitri about answers it, please; him simplyI shall humanity must have blossomed million fold as be able to carry the vow without blame; only a he sat absorbed in the meditative repeating of the mantra. When the Divine Mother appears and I have initiated it with that resolve.’6 before him, instead of asking for a child to firm resolve makes it go through successfully continue his line, he prays for an avatar to help The child of Aswapati, Savitri is deeply humanity. The Divine Mother gives him the devoted to the Divine Mother. But what is the assurance: use of mere devotion to us without the backing ‘O strong forerunner, I have heard thy cry. This has been a lesson for life imparted by One shall descend and break the iron Law, Vyasaof self-confidence and all those to who‘achieve’ have one’s retold high Savitri’s aim? Change Nature’s doom by the lone spirit’s story in words, with the painting brush and on power.’5 the screen. Wandering for decades in the healthy kind of anchor especially when one seems to be forests of Sanatana Dharma’s varied literature, running all the time in today’s world. It I have learnt this much: each vrata, brief or becomes a reason to pause and take comfort in long, easy or hard, is actually a yoga that carrying out something that appears to have an inspires you to do it perfectly योगः कर्सु कौशलं orderly sequence of activities. It is a kind of discipline when done individually; it gives a aim by stilling the mind योगः चित्ृत鄿 निरोधः. sense of collective when done in groups. It gives andThat with ‘calm self-confidence of mind, all passion about achievingspent’ assures your the doer an indescribable sense of belonging – us of a vrata’s victory. Thus, it is not surprising perhaps it is something to do with a kind of a at all when one sees vratas being performed sense of continuity to carry out a vrata that has even by the younger generation. It provides a been repeated over time, over generations.

References 1) Subbulakshmi Ammal (1886-1969) was widowed 2) Paripadal,Two:ll. 120-123. Translated by K.G. as a child of nine; her enlightened father braved Seshadri social opposition to educate her and she became 3) Srimad Bhagavata, Skandha X, chapter 22, verses 1-3. Translated by Swami Tapasyananda to become a graduate. She established the Sarada 4) Vana Parva, Canto One, verses 8-9. Translated by R. the first Hindu woman from the Madras Presidency Ladies Union in 1912 which would branch out

December 2019 Y. Deshpande as educational and guardianship institutions for 5) Savitri: Book III, Canto IV 116 widows and abandoned women. 6) Vana Parva, Canto IV, verse vi. Translated by R.Y. Deshpande

Holy Mother’s Panchatapa Sometime after the passing away of Sri Ramakrishna, Holy Mother Sri Sarada Devi often had a vision of a bearded sannyasin who asked her to perform the panchatapa ceremony. This severe austerity is observed by sitting for japa and meditation from dawn to dusk, surrounded by four fires and the blazing sun above. Initially, she did not pay heed to it.

The Vedanta Kesari The Vedanta But when the sannyasin insisted she put her mind to it. Also, as Holy Mother’s mind was grief-stricken at the passing away of Sri Ramakrishna, a Nepali sannyasini adept in various kinds of sadhana had advised Holy Mother to perform the panchatapa to calm her mind. In July or August 1893, Holy Mother performed the panchatapa, or the austerity of five fires, on the roof of Nilambar’s house. A thick layer of earth was laid on the roof of Nilambar’s house and four blazing fires of dried cow-dung were lighted in a square, seven and a half feet apart from each other. Recalling her experience, Holy Mother later said, ‘After a morning bath in the Ganges, I approached the fire and found the flames up. I was seized with a great fear and I wondered how I could enter the area and remain seated there until sunset. After repeating the Master’s name, I entered the area surrounded by fires. It felt as if they had lost their heat. Thus I practised this discipline for seven days.’ Later, when an intimate disciple wanted to know the real reason that she went through this ordeal she said, ‘My child, I went through it for the sake of all of you. Can you practise austerities? This is why I had to do it.’ — Sri Sarada Devi and Her Divine Play, p 189 Pearls of Wisdom

Purandaradasa

Considered as the father of Carnatic Music, Purandara Dasa (1484- 1564), a great devotee of Sri Krishna, is said to have composed about 4,75,000 songs. (Kannada text with English translation)

ಸಂಸಾರವೆಂಬಂಥ ಭಾಗ㒯풿ರ좿 ಕಂಸಾ삿 ನೆನೆವೆಂಬ ಸೌಭಾಗ㒯풿ರ좿 Let us have the fortune of family life; Let us be blessed with the fortune of remembering the Lord.

ತಂದೆ ನೀನೆ ಕೃಷ㒣 ತಾ벿 ಇಂ颿ರೆದ�ೇ풿 ಪೊ颿ದ ಅಣ㒣ನು ವನಜಸಂಭವನು ಇಂದುಮು墿 ಸರಸ㒵邿ದ�ೇ풿ಯೇ ಅತ邿ಗೆಯು ಎಂದೆಂ颿ಗೂ ವಾಯುದ�ೇವರ�ೇ ಗುರುವು You are my father, O Krishna, Lakshmi is my mother.

Creator Brahma is my elder brother, December 2019 His consort Sarasvati, my sister-in-law. Vayudeva is my guru for ever. 117

ಭಾರತೀ ದ�ೇ풿ಯೇ ಗುರುಪತꂿಯು ಎನಗೆ ಗರುಡ ಶ�ೇಷಾ颿ಗಳ�ೇ ಗುರುಪುತ㒰ರು ಹ삿ದಾಸರೆಂಬುವರೆ ಇಷ㒟 ಬಾಂಧವರೆನಗೆ ಹ삿ಭಜನೆ ನಡೆಯು邿ಹ ಸ㒥ಳವೆ ಮಂ颿ರವು Bharati, his consort, is one whom I adore. Garuda and Sesha are the sons of my guru. Haridasas are my closest relatives. That place is a temple where Hari’s glories are being sung. The Vedanta Kesari The Vedanta

ಸರುವಾ뒿ಮಾನವನು ತ㒯炿ಸುವುದ�ೇ ಸುಸ್ನನ ಹ삿ಯ ನಾಮವೆ ಇನ್ನ ಅಮೃತಪಾನ ವರದ ಪುರಂದರ풿ಠಲ ನನ್ ಪಾದ ಧ್ಯನ ಕರು貿 ಅನವರತ ಕರ ꢿ蒿ದು ಕಾಯಾ Renouncing all the vain glories is the real bath, indeed. Uttering the name of Hari is drinking the nectar. O Purandara Vitthala, bestow upon me the boon of Contemplation of your holy feet! Protect me always by holding my hands! Pearls of Wisdom

Basavanna

Basavanna, a 12 CE statesman, philosopher and Virashaiva socio-religious teacher in Karnataka, is the founder of Lingayata movement and originator of Vachana Sahitya. (Kannada text with English translation)

ಮನೆ ನ�ೋ�ಡಾ ಬಡವರು, ಮನ ನ�ೋ�ಡಾ ಘನ; ಸ�ೋ�ಂ咿ನಲ좿 ಶು梿, ಸರ್ವಾಗ ಕ좿ಗಳು; ಪಸರಕ㒕ನು풿ಲ್, ತ郍 ಕಾಲಕೆ ಉಂಟು; ಕೂಡಲಸಂಗನ ಶರಣರು ಸ㒵ತಂತ㒰ಧೀರರು. Look at their houses, They are poor; Look into their minds, They are rich.

December 2019 Their touch is pure, It is devoid of lust. 118 In their senses they are upright. They hoard not, The day’s bread is enough. The devotees of Kudalasanga Are free and courageous In their own right.

The Vedanta Kesari The Vedanta ಆರಾಧ㒯 ಪ್ರಣಲಿಗವೆಂದ삿ದು ಪೂರ್ಗುಣವ첿ದು ಪುನರ್ಜತನಾದ ಬ첿ಕ ಸಂಸಾರಬಂಧುಗಳೆನ್ವರೆಂದಡೆ ನಂಟುಭಕ邿 ನಾಯಕನರಕ - ಇಂತೆಂದುದು ಕೂಡಲಸಂಗನ ವಚನ. Once you realize the worshipful Lord as your life And renounce your earlier traits And thus be born again, Still to consider your kith and kin as yours is hell indeed, So says the Lord Kudalasanga. Pearls of Wisdom

Kavi Kshemendra Kavi Kshemendra (11 CE) was a Kashmiri Sanskrit poet. Selected verses from his Charucharya, a collection of ethical verses are presented here.

न बन्धसम्बन्धिं दूषय핇न्नꄾपि वर्येत् । दक्षयजक्षयायाभूत् त्रिनस् विमानना ॥ One should neither offend nor abandon one’s family and relatives. Insulting the three-

न विवादमदान्ध स्यन्न परेषाममर्णः । eyed (Shiva, his son-in-law),वाक्प resulted셁ष्याच्र inश्छिन्न the शि destructionशपालस् शौ ofरिण Daksha’sा ॥ sacrifice. Blinded by arrogance one should not indulge in arguments with others and should not was severed by Shouri (Krishna). behave indignantly with others.बन्धून Byं वा रयhisेद् speechवैरं नैकप filledक्षाश्रयो with भवेत् harshness, । Shishupala’s head कु셁पाण्डस敍ग्रामे युयुधे न हलायुधः ॥ December 2019 One should try to check enmity among relatives. One should never take sides among them. In the battle between Kauravas and Pandavas, Balarama didn’t take sides. 119 बिभृयाद् बन्धमधनं मि配र 配रयेत दुर्तम् । बन्धुम配रपजीव्यऽभूदर्थकल्饍रमो बलिः ॥

Because Bali was the supporter of his relatives and friends he was veritably like a One should support one’s poor relatives; one should protect a friend who is in difficulty. नात्र㔥मर्थर㔥नया धीमानु饍핇जयेज्म् । mythological wish-fulfilingअ tree.ब्धिर्दत्ताशरत्नश्रीरथ्मानोऽसृजद् विषम् ॥ Kesari The Vedanta A wise man should never agitate anyone by begging from him wealth again and again. Even after gifting an excellent horse, gems and goddess of wealth, as the ocean was churned, he started emitted poison. आपत्कलोपयु啍तसु कलासु स्यत् कृतश्रमः । नृत्ृत鄿र्वराटस् किरीटी भवनेऽभवत् ॥

Arjuna had the knowledge of dancing, it came to his use in the palace of Virata (to live incognito).One should have the knowledge of many arts which will help him in his difficulties. As Pearls of Wisdom

Yogi Vemana

Vemana, the Telugu poet-philosopher, is known for his teachings on Yoga and householder’s life. Some of his teachings are:

(Telugu text with English translation)

    When a mean person gets shelter in the house, the householders will get

discomfort. into trouble. It is like a fly entering your stomach and stirring the guts causing  

December 2019   120 Presence of a virtuous person in the family makes it famous and great. It is like having a sandalwood tree in a big forest whereby the entire forest smells like sandalwood.

  

The Vedanta Kesari The Vedanta  What is the use of following the rituals and customs without inner purity? What is the use of making special dishes in unclean vessels? What use is the worship of Shiva without purity of mind and devotion?

    What good is it to bathe in water, to offer treasures and to pay obeisance to gods,

when the mind is filled with impurity of hypocrisy. Article

Living Together: Responsibilities and Challenges

GOKUL MUTHU

ith the changing dynamics This applies not only to spending money. between individuals and social If a person is asked how he would like to spend Wstructures like family, society, a paid vacation of three months, the answers religion, and country, and between men and can be grouped into the same heads. If a person women, marriage is being seen more as an is asked why he is working or why he is doing a option than as a mandate. This has raised the certain action, the answers also will fall under eyebrows of people who want to adhere to one or more of these groups. This applies to any traditions. This article, tries to explore the human pursuit. situation without being judgmental. The These groups are called Purusharthas or

attempt is to understand the institution of ‘human goals’. The four goals are artha, kama, December 2019 marriage and family, the changing paradigms of dharma and moksha. These are mentioned society and the challenges going forward. several times in our scriptures. Even the 121

Goals of Individuals and Marriage kama), white with the wheel of dharma (dharma)colours in and the Indiansaffron flag (moksha) – green – (artha points and to If a person is given 10 lakhs rupees and these categories. asked how he would like to spend it, he would give answers like ‘I will invest it’, ‘I will go on a As every individual has these as his or her goal, every social institution is designed to

PAGE SPONSOR : SRI M. R. KUMAR, SECUNDERABAD KUMAR, R. M. SRI : SPONSOR PAGE travel’, ‘I will buy a car’, ‘I will give in charity’, The Vedanta Kesari The Vedanta etc. He may even say, ‘I will not take it.’ All the enable people to help each other in the pursuit answers can be broadly grouped under four of their individual goals. Family, heads: neighbourhood, city, country, corporates, government, social service institutions, 1) wealth creation, security, livelihood, religions, schools and colleges are all designed health, etc. to help people pursue their goals. Of these, the 2) entertainment, luxuries, enjoyment, family is a very important social institution. fun, adventure, leisure, hobbies, etc. Even among all the relationships in a family, the 3) charity, social service, protection of relationship between the husband and wife is a environment, etc. unique one. It is the closest in all ways. 4) knowledge, devotion, renunciation, Husband and wife help and support each freedom, etc. other in all the four pursuits. To a husband, his

The author is a software engineer in Bengaluru. [email protected] wife is saha-artha-charini, partner in pursuit of old people. It also has its problems if the couple artha, saha-kama-charini, saha-dharma-charini are not well suited. and saha-moksha-charini. They share and From time immemorial, the other way is support each other in their wealth, home, also in practice. The relationship starts as a friends, entertainment, travels, charity ‘friendship’. Initially, they choose to spend time activities and spiritual pursuit. The social together based on their common interests and

religious rituals, and other such entities are continue this relationship lifelong and want to conventions, legal system, financial system, fully aligned to this close relationship between extendpursuits. this When relationship they find to more that domains they want of life, to husband and wife. they decide to get married. Then is the crucial moment of converting a ‘friendship’ into a Unique relationship ‘family’. The families of both should agree. More Of the relations that we have, some are important than that is this: both individuals friends and some are family. Friends are the should completely drop the idea of ‘choice’ and ones that we choose. We choose our friends move into a mindset of a ‘choiceless’ based on common interests and pursuits. As we relationship. If this conversion of attitude is not chose to have the relationship, we have the done, it is always a threat to the stability of the freedom to terminate the relationship anytime. marriage. When the relationship is accepted as Family comes to us without any freedom of choiceless, automatically the couple will do December 2019 choice. We do not have the freedom to choose mutual adjustments and compromises in the our parents, brothers, sisters, children, uncles, areas where there is a mismatch of personal 122 aunts and cousins. As we did not choose the interests and conveniences. Most breakdowns relationship, we have no option to drop it. We of marriage happen when this conversion of may stay away from people with whom we attitude is not done. don’t get along well, but we cannot deny or Thus, the fundamental secret of a disown the relationship. successful marriage is the attitude and practice Amidst these, the relationship between of compromising individual personal husband and wife is unique. In most cases till a conveniences and preferences for the welfare The Vedanta Kesari The Vedanta few decades ago and even today, it is an and happiness of the spouse and family. ‘arranged marriage’. Thus, it directly falls under the ‘family’ category instead of the ‘friend’ Collectivism vs Individualism category. Just as a person does not choose his Collectivism is the social philosophy that parents, siblings or children, he does not the interests of the whole is more important choose his wife too. The same applies to the than the interests of individuals. There is a woman also. Husband is also a choiceless popular saying: ‘The interests of an individual relationship. The marriage is not between two individuals. It is an alliance between two families. It is the two families that decide to can be sacrificed for the family. The interests of form a relationship with each other through the country.a family The can beinterests sacrificed of a forcountry the city. can The be marriage. This has its advantages like quicker interests of a city can be sacrificed for a adjustment by the couple and more stability. A given in 1961 John F. Kennedy says: ‘Ask not stable marriage gives peace of mind and a whatsacrificed your for country the world.’ can do In forhis youfamous – ask speech what conducive environment to young children and you can do for your country.’ Individualism is the social philosophy that the interests of the Buddhism. This made Yoga, Vedanta, Bhakti individual is more important than the interests movements and Buddhism very popular among of the whole. Post-modern liberalism is the people of the counterculture. Many people characterized by a huge emphasis on who were initially attracted by the individualism. The counterculture that started counterculture, including a few famous people in US and Europe during the 1960s was a huge like George Harrison, John Lennon and Steve movement to move away from collectivism. It Jobs, found their way through Indian brought huge changes in the societies all over spirituality. Many Indian gurus traveled to the the world. Many creative geniuses were a West to cater to the lost people of the product of the movement. However, they were counterculture. Many Westerners came to India mostly exceptions than the norm. Many in search of spirituality. people’s lives were wasted away in aimless travel, sex, drugs, and diseases because of them. Rising individualism in India Collectivism wants individuals to follow A similar counterculture is now knocking set norms to serve the cause of the society by the doors of Indian society, though, thankfully, not as revolutionary, but more evolutionary in West, the society gives a lot of freedom to the sacrificing their individual freedom. In the nature. Many youths of India are proudly straight jackets. In the East, the society tries to proclaiming themselves as anti-institution and restrictindividual. people’s But religion freedom. tries Butto fit religion people intoand as ‘left liberal’. The Indian society has been December 2019 spirituality are individual pursuits. In the known to adapt, though at times slowly, to changing times. words of Swami Vivekananda, ‘There cannot be 123 any growth without liberty. Our ancestors freed The economic liberalization of 1991 has religious thought, and we have a wonderful psychologically opened up liberalization in religion. But they put a heavy chain on the feet other fronts also. The caste barriers could not of society, and our society is, in a word, horrid, be broken easily by previous laws and diabolical. In the West, society always had enforcement. Today, the vibrant city-based freedom, and look at them. On the other hand, economy is breaking those barriers. Joint families have become exceptions than the

PAGE SPONSOR : SRI KANNU SOMAIAH, KODAGU DIST. KODAGU KANNU SOMAIAH, SRI : SPONSOR PAGE look at their religion.’ (CW-IV-367) Even the relatively free society of the West was found norm. Many couples are choosing not to have Kesari The Vedanta suffocating by many people of US and Europe. children. Couples do not want to take care of They realized that governments had pushed their parents and grandparents, resulting in mushrooming of old-age homes. This results in Wars and others like the Vietnam War. There dependency on children’s day care centers for wasinnocent a commonstrong peoplemovement to fight infor two BlackWorld children to stay when both parents are empowerment. People lost faith in the religion working. A large number of young people stay as propagated by the Church. Corporates were away from home to work in big cities. This seen as sucking the life out of their employees results in huge number of bachelor and money out of their customers. Overall, accommodations in cities. This changes the there was a strong revolution against all kinds demography and culture of various pockets of of institutions. People were looking for a way to big cities. Multinationals pay huge salaries to break out of all these. very young people, who do not know how to People became fascinated by the free spend the money. As they stay away from family spirituality and ascetic life of Hinduism and as bachelors, they have a lot of time in their hands. This results in rampant consumerism against the old institutions and their ways. The breakdown of the old forced collectivism has delivery have increased. Cities provide various given rise to a new voluntary collectivism. entertainmentand inflation inlike cities. standup Restaurants comedies, and theatre, food Rallies for environment, anti-corruption movies, concerts, trekking, adventure, classes movements, youth’s support for new on cooking, pottery, music, dance, painting, experiments in politics, cleanliness drives, tree reading, writing, etc. Still, there has been an plantation drives, donation drives during increase in partying and consumption of calamities, etc. have resulted from the new alcohol. When young men move alone from collectivism. Social media has acted as a great conservative villages to progressive cities, they catalyst in this. People who are extremely individualistic exposure to the progressive city culture. This do not typically get into any relationship, find it difficult to face the shock of sudden results in increased crime against women. including a live-in relationship. They cannot Heavy competition to get a good job and within commit to anyone else. In case they get into a the workplace is making people more and more relationship, whether a marriage or a live-in, it individualistic. As a part of this huge will not last long. Any relationship needs a liberalization movement, decriminalization of live-in relationships, unconventional sexual orientations and adultery have been some of certain amount of selflessness. Commitments of living together December 2019 the recent judgments of Indian courts. All this is changing the face of Indian society, especially When a couple get married, they are 124 in the cities. making commitments to various entities. Every commitment gives them some responsibilities Effect of individualism on society v Legal commitment – Marriage is a legal Extreme individualism makes a person and some benefits: pursue only personal goals without having any process. This gives the legal right to raise sense of obligation to the society. This is a very children – own or adopted. It gives the framework to the couple to jointly own wealth.

The Vedanta Kesari The Vedanta made person. Biologically, no human child can This gives the laws governing inheritance of surviveselfish attitude. without No the one loving can claim care toduring be a self-the wealth. It gives legal assistance if the couple are initial several years. No one can claim freedom not keeping up with their commitments. In case from obligation to the society unless he is a of separation, it ensures alimony, support for Mowgli or Tarzan! Even in that case, he would children, etc. be obliged to wolves or apes. Of the four v Social commitment – Marriage is a social commitment to take care of old people two, he is no different from an animal. He has and children. Family is the smallest unit of a purusharthas, if a person seeks only the first no place in a human society. Even an animal society and this is founded on marriage. The society expects the individuals to give back to family gives old people and children a safe, the society. nurturing, and caring environment. Taking care

makes the society to progress faster by emotional, moral, psychological, etc., needs of breakingSoft free individualism of the binding has old its restrictions. benefits. It theof financial,old people physical,and children educational, is the responsibility medical, has resulted in a lot of youth getting charged up of the couple who are at the center of the family. In return, the couple get their own emotional, participate in social service activities also. medical, and physical needs taken care of. Often it is a common social cause based on a v Religious commitment – In most new collectivism that brings the couple traditions, the vows of marriage are made in a together. They would want to support their religious ceremony. Thus, marriage becomes a religious commitment. Marriage entitles the they want to lead a normal social life in all parents, if the parents are fine with it. In fact, couple to participate in religious rituals other respects. together. Some rituals are exclusively for Thus, it is a not a completely random couples. relationship without any commitment. It is the result of individualism where commitments are v Mutual commitment – The couple have a commitment to each other. They support chosen instead of being imposed.

psychologically. They help each other running Challenges of living together theeach household. other financially, They also sexually, help each emotionally, other in andthe The Indian society has not yet accepted pursuit of their respective individual goals. live-in relationships fully. It is still an exception. Chastity is a mutual commitment. This creates problems in other social circles When a couple decide to live together like family, workplace, and neighbourhood. For without marrying, they are foregoing the legal, example, getting a house on rent may be social and religious commitments. They want to challenging. In a closely-knit family system like stick only to the mutual commitment. Although in India, it can affect the marriage potential of December 2019 today the law gives almost the same legal siblings and cousins. Government protection to even live-in relationships, the documentation like Aadhar, Passport, Visa, 125 couple who decide on this don’t usually seek it. Family card, etc., depend on a legally registered They feel separation is easier without a legal relationship. process. The trend of individualism has The biggest challenge is conversion of the separated the individuals from their families. relationship from ‘friendship’ to ‘family’. Both So, they want the marriage to be only between individuals should completely drop the idea of the two of them and not between their two ‘choice’ and move into a mindset of a ‘choiceless’ PAGE SPONSOR : SRI HEMANT GUPTA, CHANDIGARH GUPTA, HEMANT SRI : SPONSOR PAGE families. They don’t want the ‘free gift’ of in- relationship. Without this conversion, the Kesari The Vedanta laws along with the spouse. They want to ‘try relationship rests on a weak foundation. Mutual out’ the relationship before committing their commitment can be stronger with a family respective families into it. In the West, often member than with a friend. after living together for a few years, the couple If the couple want to support their get married when they decide to extend the parents, it can create problems of acceptability. relationship and want to have children. Many If they want to have children, a stable family is youths have no faith in religious rituals. So, they essential for the wellbeing of the children. A have no stigma in dropping the religious potential instability in marriage can commitment. psychologically affect the children in a very bad Even if they forego the legal, social and way. religious commitments, they stick to the mutual Considering all these factors, a person can commitment. They support each other and are think and decide his or her position on this loyal to each other. Without this commitment, important social trend which may become the live-in relationship cannot exist. They can more prevalent in the future. Article

Mindful Parenting: Be a Neurosculptor YOGAKSHEMA

Introduction nurturing their physical, emotional and arenting is the most challenging, intellectual needs while inculcating universal exciting, perplexing, stimulating, values of love, compassion, benevolence, Pstressful and yet inspiring part of integrity with an eternal love for learning, thus ensuring our world’s future lies in kind,

liesone’s in lifethe especiallyenduring in today’s scientific and oftechnological the child and era. his The parents. significance of parenting confident and competent hands. Introduction to Mindfulness This is the conventionalinfluence way it has of onlooking the life at There have been parenting. new parenting trends and Can we also start December 2019 Mindful living or a mindful approaches for every looking at parenting in a generation. In 2009, the slightly atypical manner? approach is to attempt to live 126 fully in the moment and to Mindful Parenting Can we look at parenting approach took hold based experience each moment as it is as a way to grow and on the book that was evolve as parents? Rather happening written by Jon Kabat Zinn than just raising a child as in 1997. To understand a part of our duty or what mindful parenting is, it is important to responsibility, becoming Neurosculptors – both for ourselves and our children? The Vedanta Kesari The Vedanta Children’s home environment shapes the first understand what it means to be mindful. initial attitudes they develop toward learning. Mindfulness When parents nurture their children’s natural Mindfulness to express in simple terms, curiosity about the world by welcoming their means three important concepts - (i) to be fully questions, encouraging exploration, and present in the moment, (ii) to be aware of one’s familiarising them with resources that can state of mind in a non-judgmental manner and enlarge their world, they are giving their (iii)to be not reactive, in any situation. children the message that learning is Mindfulness also means accepting the reality as it is and not the way we want it to be. Parenting, if YogaKshema were to think of Mindful living or a mindful approach is to worthwhile, fun, satisfying and fulfiling. attempt to live fully in the moment and to ourselves as parents through raising children, experience each moment as it is happening. To defining it, is the art and science of evolving Yogakshema, a Bengaluru based NGO is working to improve the lives of the survivors of chronic illnesses, their caregivers, and the general public. [email protected] Neurosculpting through Neuroplasticity The term Neuroplasticity refers to the brain’s ability to change its structure and function, by expanding or strengthening circuits that are constantly engaged and by shrinking or weakening those that are hardly used. Neurosculpting is the process of remoulding and restructuring our brain by thought, aligning our thoughts with action, and actively practicing some of the tools that slowly chip away our unwanted reactive habits and develop our ability to properly respond and thus sculpt a new brain through increased self awareness. Research in neuroscience in the last few decades, has shown that neuroplasticity is not only possible but that it is also constantly occurring; the brain is always changing. Neuroplasticity is how we adapt to changing conditions, how we learn new facts, and how we develop new skills, at any and all ages.

be mindful means that, instead of thinking Taking another example, when we are eating, about the past or the future, one is completely we need to be fully focussed on all aspects of focussed in a non-judgmental manner on what eating - chewing, taste, smell, colour and texture of food, while being aware of the mind-

is happening in the present moment – ‘Here December 2019 and Now; Now and Here’. To be mindful means body responses to food. In other words, both to slow down and become aware of one’s body and mind together have to be present in 127 thoughts and feelings. the same place and time and without being There is ample research to show that one judgmental about the task on hand. As one tries can fundamentally remodel and restructure the to practice mindfulness even for simple and brain by changing our thoughts, feelings and mundane tasks of our daily life like brushing actions through a process our teeth, bathing, walking, and driving we called neuroplasticity. The principal tenet of Mindful

PAGE SPONSOR : SRI SANJIVKUMAR KAD, AHMEDABAD KAD, SANJIVKUMAR SRI : SPONSOR PAGE start seeing ourselves Training our minds to be Parenting is that we can only Kesari The Vedanta present in the moment is becoming more aware give to our children what we one of the ways to and thus are in a better achieve this process. have given first and position to respond even fundamentally to ourselves. to challenging situations of life. Mindfulness Habit It is essential that mindfulness is cultivated as a habit in all walks of life like Mindful Parenting mindful eating, mindful walking, mindful Mindful parenting is a lifelong practice communicating, mindful cleaning, mindful and it carries with it immense, immeasurable cooking, mindful driving et.al. For example, when we are cooking, we need to be highly parents and children. benefits, for the short and long terms, for both focussed on cutting the vegetables and not on As a prerequisite, the principal tenet of thinking about the week-end plans or on Mindful Parenting is that we can only give to wondering when this chore is going to be over.

our children what we have given first and December 2019

128

fundamentally to ourselves. The cultivation of As we address our innate and deepest kindness, self-compassion, love, healthy self- needs, we also understand and address the acceptance, deepest and genuine self-awareness and self- needs of our children. understanding are To give our full presence to every Rather than getting essential elements of mindlessly caught up in

The Vedanta Kesari The Vedanta moment while interacting with skilful and effective our child is the only truly habitual, automatic, mindful parenting. invaluable gift we can give to our reactive, regretful behaviours, we need to The main purpose children. in instilling mindfulness address them mindfully. into parenting is to It does not mean that one mutually enrich the experience of raising should or would not get angry or upset. It is children. To give our full presence to every natural for a parent to feel negative emotions, moment while interacting with our child is the but acting on them in a deliberate and mindful only truly invaluable gift we can give to our manner is what mindful parenting is all about. children. It entails us to become less attached to outcomes and more mindful of what’s Reacting vs Responding unfurling in our life and our children’s lives. As Mindful parenting also teaches parents to a parent, It means walking our talk in each and become less reactive to the trials and every way. It also means being a role model to tribulations of parenting. It is about pausing our child rather than being a preacher. before responding. When a child behaves in an inappropriate and unacceptable manner, we As a result, more often than not, we can manage a child’s mistake by feel stressed, anxious, depressed and (i) not allowing our emotions to dictate exhausted. our response to a situation, but If and when our brain perceives any (ii) by responding in a calm and kind threat whether real or imagined, it signals the manner, being fully aware that every action will amygdala, the body’s ‘alarm’ system, which tells have consequences. our body to act without thinking to protect us. Parents often tend to motivate the The amygdala, the ‘emotional/irrational brain’ children through extrinsic means (fear of and freeze’ response referred to as the Stress exams, candy, pizza, movie, screen time and so reacts to such threats, through a ‘fight, flight on) rather than use intrinsic motivational Response. methods, such as arousing the natural In everyday parenting, our stress inquisitiveness innate in a child. Extrinsic response often gets triggered unnecessarily by motivation should be used with extreme events that are not actually life threatening. In- caution, as they have the potential for spite of non-threatening life situations like a decreasing innate intrinsic motivation. These child spilling milk, refusing to get dressed on extrinsic methods can also be seen as a ‘carrot time, spending too much screen-time, and stick’ method, which only makes the child consuming too much junk food, our body reacts conform to adult prescriptions for want of as if in a life-threatening situation. carrot or due to the fear of sticks. It comes in When we are going through a stress December 2019 the way of the child tapping into his inner potential, and growing into an independent mindful manner as well as being attentive to 129 thinking and evolving human being. peopleresponse, around we us. have When difficulty our ‘alarm thinking system’ in is a Our kids, no matter what their age, are activated (amygdala hijack), we are unable to capable of setting off a wide range of emotions be objective in our responses. We have trouble in parents, which often trigger unresolved staying focused, and our ability to solve issues from the parents’ own past. Mindfulness problems is diminished. Under such stressful is about letting go of past guilt and shame and moments, we ‘lose control’ and let our PAGE SPONSOR : KUM. SHARADA, CHENNAI SHARADA, KUM. : SPONSOR PAGE focussing on the present moment. Often, emotions rule. Depending on individual Kesari The Vedanta parents’ reactions to children’s behaviour stem experiences and memories, the stress response from their personal childhood experiences and may be triggered more easily for some, than expectations. However, the same parenting others. trend is unlikely to work in the current When children perceive this on a technological era, as times and circumstances regular basis, they make judgments. They are different. In such stressful moments, conclude that this is how grown-ups react to stress and they emulate the same behaviour. their own past experiences, are mostly However, if we choose to be more mindful by inappropriatereactions of parents, and inadequate based and to address justified the on pausing before reacting, we are demonstrating current situations. that they too can respond by pausing instead of Very often, we are on ‘autopilot mode’ reacting. mindlessly driven by our previously-set brain Being mindful can thus help one to break patterns, preoccupied with a future that may out of autopilot ‘survival’ mode and to be in a never happen, and a past that is gone forever. responsive ‘evolving’ mode. Reacting vs Responding Reacting is mindless: Our brains are naturally wired to react. Reactions happen too fast. We are often unaware of how our children are perceiving us; sometimes, our reactions can be very scary to kids. They tend to get the impression that this is the grown-up way of reacting to stress. Responding is mindful: It requires one to take a moment to be aware of one’s reaction, and why it has happened, in order to enable us to form an appropriate response. If we choose to respond more mindfully by pausing, we can be better role models to our kids demonstrating that they too should respond, rather than react.

Mindful parenting practices Benefits of Mindful Parenting for both the 1. Give yourself a few minutes to do basic parents and the child mindful practices every day. Ø Parents become less critical of one’s 2. Use time-tested plans to calm down self and one’s child. when you are stressed. Ø Less critical parenting behaviour and 3. Accept that you too make mistakes fewer hostile emotions, lead to more favourable

December 2019 sometimes. and positive traits in children. 4. Respect your kids. Ø One moves from autopilot, reactive- 130 5. Be kind and promote kindness and mode to a well thought-out, mindful, responsive compassion in your actions. mode. 6. Be aware of what and how you feel if Ø Both parents and children learn to be and when you argue with your child. calm, collected and composed when the 7. Aim to halt your actions momentarily situation is stressful. before retorting angrily. Ø It leads to reduced anxiety and 8. Be able to tap into the power and rebelliousness in children. The Vedanta Kesari The Vedanta potency of gratitude. Ø Lets parents focus and enjoy the 9. Always be attentive to what your child process of parenting, rather than only on end has to say – even if you are against it. Mindful results. communication with children is an extremely Ø Encourage behaviours like accepting important aspect of mindful parenting. and learning from failure in children. 10. Never ignore children. Spend quality Ø time with them. in children and parents. Builds resilience and conflict handling 11. Be a good listener (especially when Ø Both parents and children, they want to tell you something). become aware of their own thoughts, 12. Totally avoid name-calling. Children emotions and feelings and are better are very sensitive. able to regulate the same. This self awareness 13. Being overly permissive is not good. and self regulation will help them to choose 14. Supervise them and be aware of their how they want to behave in any particular goings and comings. situation. Ø Affects both emotional and relational Mindful Parenting as an opportunity to development of the child. evolve Ø The overall relationship between Every situation in life is an opportunity to parents and child improves. transform ourselves. Parenting is the most long lasting of these opportunities. Using Mindful Parenting: Perspectives in neurosculpting, mindful spirituality Mindfulness parenting can transform Mindful Parenting, in effect, describes helps us to anyone. Neuroplasticity, how to comprehend and implement the break our old, the ability of the brain to change, persists through unwanted below: habits and serenity prayer, slightly modified as given here adulthood. It gives hope to Let me cultivate the Serenity and all parents to promote form new, Mindfulness to compassion, kindness, and beneficial accept and deal with the things I cannot resilience in their personal habits through change. lives and also in the neuroplasticity. Let me draw on my Courage and Develop bringing-up of their Skills and Abilities children. Mindfulness to change and Influence the things I can; helps us to break our old, and December 2019 habits through neuroplasticity. We can Let me develop Wisdom and Innate neurosculptunwanted habits our way and through form new,our ‘biases’ beneficial and 131 Intelligence to know the difference. ‘emotional triggers’. The above sublime prayer encompasses the entire gamut of parenting through a life- Conclusion time. Mindful Parenting fundamentally helps us It could be renamed as the ‘Mindful are giving to ourselves and our children. Are we Parenting Prayer.’ to reflect and nurture ourselves to see what we PAGE SPONSOR : SRI SHYAMAL SANYAL, SANYAL, SHYAMAL SRI : SPONSOR PAGE The Vedanta Kesari The Vedanta

Negativity Biases Negativity Bias is a psychological phenomenon that exists in every individual without exception. It has an evolutionary significance. It is the tendency of the mind not only to register negative events or stimuli more readily, but also to dwell on these events for a much longer time. This means that our brain is simply built with a greater sensitivity to unpleasant things and that this is an automatic reaction. Although this negativity bias is very essential to our very survival, it also, prevents us from ‘evolving’. This bias in spiritual parlance is nothing but our ‘Ari Shad-Vargas’. Overcoming or transcending these Ari Shad-Vargas through the process of Neurosculpting is the way to evolve. Due to this bias, we tend to learn negative things more easily than positive ones. So, it is even more essential for parents to recognize and keep overcoming this bias within themselves. constantly cultivating self-compassion? Are we living habits which includes nutrition, physical continuously working towards increasing self- activity, sleep hygiene, emotional hygiene and awareness? Are we calmly and serenely daily mindfulness practices. accepting our mistakes and striving joyfully to Q. My child spends too much time on the overcome them? If we are, this is the message phone / tablet we give to our kids. Then we are on the way to A. becoming neurosculptors. activities including smartphone usage with Setting aside specific time for leisure Becoming neurosculptors empowers risks and rewards is the standard parenting parents to nurture their children in an optimal approach. Mindful parenting would mean manner so that their children, and they setting personal examples on technology usage themselves, can realize their full potential and working together with the child on throughout their entire life-time . improvement for both. Working together and Research evidence shows that children mutually agreed specifics, leading to grow up to be grounded, functional and more being mindful of challenges faced and treading resilient in dealing with their own emotionally them jointly will provide opportunities to co- charged situations, when they see that their own the solution. parents are present in a more emotionally Q. My child does not work hard at his balanced and mindful way. studies, he is not striving for excellence and takes things very easily. We need to recognize that: December 2019 A. Inculcating work ethic involves making Ø Mindfulness is a life-long practice. hard work a joyful exercise and needs parents 132 Ø Simple steps are needed to be practised in order to make mindfulness integral to their own working life. A parent should be parenting. mindfulto find ways of to his/her overcome own the stresses personal related and to Ø Mindful-parenting is an opportunity for professional work balance and cultivate the Neurosculpting. attitude to enjoy their working habits. Working Ø Neuroplasticity is at work throughout with the child on the balance between study life. It is never too late to start mindful habits and play or relaxation habits, then

The Vedanta Kesari The Vedanta parenting. FAQs striving. Below are some of the frequently asked becomesQ. My more child joyful is stressed and fulfiling to meet rather people, than she questions that were discussed at Mindful refuses to meet anybody and refuses to talk to Parenting workshops conducted by YogaKshema. me. She has also reduced her eating. My child Besides the workshop, YogaKshema strongly feels is not concerned about my family and society, that frequent group discussions are vital in she is a loner immersed in her books, it is being able to implement the concepts mentioned worrying me. in this article. Each of these concepts need to be A. Mindfully addressing the parenting put into practice in different ways by parents challenge of social behaviours involves being depending on the age of the child. Ultimately, the mindful and observing and learning that each parents need to set an example by being role child has a unique set of needs and exhibits models, be it in enjoying the hard work they put different and varying levels of liking and in towards parenting, use of electronic comfort in social situations. Mindful gadgets, judicial use of screen-time, healthy communication involves understanding the stated and unstated reasons behind the child’s understand the various motivations that she is behaviour, agreeing with the child if any subject to, and help train the child to observe changes are required, and supporting the child her actions and her motivations in these through the process of change in a non- actions. It may be that the child has been judgmental manner. deprived of certain items forcefully and Mindful communication with our children unconvincingly, that makes the child to steal. plays an extremely important role Once the cause for the behaviour is understood, in mindful parenting. Most often, parents’ the change in behaviour will follow as an reactions to their children’s behaviours stems acceptance of changes desired. from their own childhood experiences and Q. My child and my husband are always adults’ expectations of their times. However, the emotionally reacting to each other and hence same parenting trend is unlikely to work in the mindful, how do I make everybody mindful. are constantly in conflict, while I can be Q. My Child is picking up bad habits like A. Mindfulness is a personal practise and current scientific and technological era. lying, stealing, how do I correct him? sets the individual on a path to evolve. Family A. Being mindful involves accepting the members have to take up the personal practice situation and not being judgemental about the based on the stage of their evolution and a child. Lying and Stealing are incorrect as per mindful parent’s goal is not to react based on a ethical norms of society, of which either the preconceived judgement of other family child is unaware, or, is ignoring due to his/her members’ stage and desire of evolution. The best December 2019 motivations. Mindful parenting will require impact is had when one is focussed on one’s parents to observe the child non-judgementally, response and lets those responses be mindful. 133

Swami Vivekananda’s message: A neuroscience perspective We can look at mindful parenting from Swami Vivekananda’s ultimate Vedantic message to the whole of humanity. v We are all divine beings going through a human experience. PAGE SPONSOR : DR. RAMNIKLAL CHANDULAL SHAH, AHMEDABAD SHAH, CHANDULAL RAMNIKLAL DR. : SPONSOR PAGE The Vedanta Kesari The Vedanta v The goal of life is to manifest this divinity that is already within us. v The purpose of life is to help manifest this same divinity in others too. We can look at Swamiji’s above message from a scientific perspective: v As human beings, we are born to evolve. v Parenting using Neurosculpting, is another way to help us evolve. v by developing our inner potential to the maximum extent, we evolve as parents. v by helping children become Neurosculptors and thus evolve, we help them to realize their own inner potential.

Article

Why Connection Is the Key to Parenting

NALINA RAMALAKSHMI

A strong parent-child connection keeps the lines of communication between parent and child open and clear. It helps the child feel understood, loved and secure.

n a recent conversation I had with Dr Bad phone signal = poor communication Laura Markham, author of Peaceful = misunderstanding and frustration. IParents, Happy Kids and founding editor of , I was www.ahaparenting.com Importance of a strong Parent-Child particularly struck by one thing she said, connection ‘Connection is 80% of parenting. Guidance is Just like the phone connection has to be only 20%.’ That really got me thinking. strong for clear communication to happen over Remember the phones tethered by wire the phone, there has to be a strong parent-child to the telephone jack? If the phone lines were connection so that the parent and the child can

December 2019 bad, the conversations you had were worse. have clear conversations, listen to each other, You listened and enjoyed conversations only understand each other and trust each other. 134 when the lines of When the connection is communication were strong, the child is more Connection is 80% of parenting. clear. Today, instead of willing to listen and landlines, we have Guidance is only 20% cooperate with the wireless connections, parents. The child feels dominated by Wi-Fi and loved, understood, safe and secure. 4G. When there is clear reception, there is a When the baby is inside the mother’s The Vedanta Kesari The Vedanta womb, it is attached to the mother through the signal, and your conversations are interrupted, umblical cord. The baby derives all its nutrients frustratingwonderful flowand abrupt. of conversation. Let’s see Awhat drop can in and energy through the cord. If the mother eats happen when phone connections are weak: healthy food, thinks positive and regulates her One evening, Ruchira is talking to her emotions, the baby thrives and grows. On the daughter, Ramya, who is away in college. The other hand, if the mother has unhealthy eating phone signals are weak and they can barely hear habits, is anxious, stressed, or sad during her each other. Ruchira tells her daughter, “I saw pregnancy, it negatively impacts the growth of your picture on FaceBook. I do like it.” Her the unborn child. daughter responds, “What? You saw my picture Then, the moment a baby is born, the cord and you don’t like it. Oh! Mom! You just don’t get is cut. Now, the baby receives all care and it do you?” Ramya hangs up the phone in anger communication from the parents wirelessly – and frustration.

The author is Founder and MD, ParentCircle, a leading magazine on Parenting published from Chennai. [email protected] without the cord that once connected the child distractions, even if it is for a few minutes a day, to the mother. This wireless parent-child it strengthens the parent-child connection. connection gets a boost with every gentle and Additionally, when loving touch, every attuned response and every you converse with your When you spend vibrant interaction by the parent. If this parent- child, the words you use, quality time with child connection is strong, there is better your tone of voice, your your child listening, communication and understanding between body language and facial parent and child, and the child thrives. On the expressions can either chatting, engaging, other hand, if the connection is weak, the boost your connection without any communication signals the child receives from with your child, or dampen distractions, even if the parent are feeble and therefore, he will not it. When you talk to your it is for a few listen or cooperate. Parents too will have no child in a calm, gentle minutes a day, it idea about what their child is thinking, feeling voice, the connection gets strengthens the or trying to say. This will only lead to a boost. On the other hand, parent-child when you scream at your connection child or shame your child, misunderstandings, conflicts and frustrations. Boosting the Parent-Child connection the connection drops. You need not be physically present with Remember it isn’t the amount of time you your child 24x7 to build a strong parent-child spend with your child that strengthens your connection. But, when you are there with each parent-child connection, rather it is what you December 2019 other, you need to be there for your child do and what you say during the few moments without any distractions. Your child needs to you are together that boosts or dampens the 135 know you are paying full attention to him connection. during those moments. For example: When you are all eating together, if the 20 Simple Tips to Build Daily Connections phone rings, do you answer the phone? Or do you Here are 20 simple tips to help you strengthen your connection with your child that can be easily built into your daily or weekly

PAGE SPONSOR : SMT. DIPALI GUPTA, THANE WEST THANE GUPTA, DIPALI SMT. : SPONSOR PAGE When your child is talking to you and you wait till you finish your meal before you call back? Kesari The Vedanta hear a ‘ping’ on your phone notifying you of a routine: message, do you check your phone and respond 1) In the morning when your young child to it right away? Or do you wait till you are wakes up, let her cuddle up with you for a few done conversing with your child before you minutes. The warmth of your hug energises her check your messages? for the rest of the day. Do you let your child watch TV or mobile 2) Look into your child’s eyes and greet while she eats, while you are doing something him with a smile when he comes to have his else? Or do you share stories and chat with breakfast. Your child knows you are happy to each other while the child is eating? see him and he feels loved. In all the above cases, you may be 3) Send your child off to school with smile physically present with your child. But, if you and a hug. Your smile adds an extra spark to her are constantly being distracted by other things, day. you are not mentally present for her. Instead, 4) When you see your child again in the when you spend quality time with your child evening, greet him lovingly with a smile, no listening, chatting, engaging, without any matter how you are feeling. When you show you are happy to see your child, he feels loved 13) When you have to correct your child, and special. don’t raise your voice and shout. Instead, keep 5) When your child is hurt or in pain, let your cool and talk in a calm voice. Your child is her know you understand how she feels – ‘Oh, more willing to listen to what you have to say. that must hurt so much’. Your child feels 14) Give your child a pat on the back or a understood and safe with you. Hi-Five to show your appreciation for 6) When your child is talking to you, switch off all phones and gadgets and focus on what your and motivates your child to do more. something she has done. It builds confidence child is saying to you. Your child knows you care. 15) Go on nature walks and together 7) Have at least one meal together as a explore the world around you. Remember to family. Make sure you switch of all your phones leave your phones behind so you don’t get and gadgets during this time. Your child feels distracted. Your curious child feels safe to secure that she belongs to a loving, caring family. explore and learn. 8) Set aside gadget-free time every day for 16) Play board games and games such as the whole family, so you can spend time with hide-and-seek as a family. It creates fun your child without the distraction of calls, memories for your child. messages, likes and comments. Your child feels 17) Share stories of your own childhood. important and valued. Your child will love to hear them. She feels a 9) Set aside a few minutes of special time stronger connect to you as she experiences December 2019 to spend with each child every day - play your childhood. 136 together, paint together, sing together, read 18) Do a project or volunteer together. Do together, or just simply chat and get silly. Let chores or cook together. She understands the your child lead the way. Your child feels special value of working together and supporting each and in control. other. Your child knows you are a team. 10) When you greet your child in the 19) Have a weekly outing as a family – evening, take a few moments to just sit down and either going out to eat at a restaurant, or going chat, before either of you rush off to do the next out to play in the playground, or going on a

The Vedanta Kesari The Vedanta task on your lists. Your child has the opportunity picnic etc. Only conditions – no phones or to share her experiences and feelings. She feels gadgets, no nagging, no advising. Your child seen, heard and connected to you. enjoys your company and this strengthens her 11) Before your child settles in for the bond with you. night, thank your child for one thing – for 20) Pray together. Your child feels a connection not just to you, but also to God. This by himself, for being kind and helpful to a gives your child hope and a sense of security. helping you with a chore, for finishing his work friend, or for just giving you a big hug. Your These are just a few ideas on simple ways child knows you noticed and feels encouraged. to connect with your child. You don’t need to be 12) Have a night-time ritual – where you there 24x7 connecting to your child. All it takes spend a few minutes either reading to your is a few minutes a day, or a few hours a week to young child or chatting over a glass of warm keep the connection strong between you and milk with your older child, before they settle in your child. So, go ahead and build-in special for the night. Little moments like this create connecting moments into your daily life and fond memories for your child. experience the joy of parenting. Article

The Griha and Grihastha in Indian Culture SNEHA NAGARKAR

he grihasthashrama or the stage of Sanskrit literature have references to the householder is considered by residential structures. Here we have chosen Tmost of our canonical texts as the three main texts: Matsya Purana, base of the society and therefore the most Brihatsamhita, and Samaranganasutradhara.

grihastha itself means ‘one who is established The Matsya Purana insignificant a home.’ of Therefore, the four ashramas. the Griha The and word the The Matsya Purana (c. 4th CE) is one of the grihastha are inseparable and for a person to earliest texts which deals with architecture and lead a proper householder’s life a real has four adhyayas (254, 255, 256 and 257) residential building is essential. It is through dedicated to this subject. The discussion on the grihasthadharma which the person architecture starts with the description of

observes, that this residential building becomes December 2019 various kinds of prasadas, the most common a ‘home’. Constructing a new house and being the catuhshala prasada. A catuhshala entering it was one of the most important 137 prasada is a house which has an open courtyard rituals of the grihasthadharma. Whether it is in the centre and is surrounded by residential welcoming and serving guests or giving bhiksha wings on all the four sides. A residential wing is to a Brahmachari or a Parivrajaka, the known as a shala. A catuhshala prasada which grihastha’s home was the centre of all these has residential wings, verandahs (alinda) and activities. Most of the Shodasha Samskaras also doors on all the four sides is known as the had to be performed within the home. This sarvatobhadra as is considered ideal for the PAGE SPONSOR : SMT. USHA, MANGALURU USHA, SMT. : SPONSOR PAGE

article focuses on the relation between the Kesari The Vedanta residence of a king or a temple. (254:1,2) The Griha and the grihastha and is divided into text also lists other kinds of catuhshala three parts: 1) Literary references to residential prasadas like Nandyavartam, Vardhamana and structures 2) Archaeological evidences and residential structures 3) Interpretation and absence of an entrance door in a particular conclusions. direction.Svastika. ThisThe text classification also gives details is based of trishala, on the dvishala and ekashala prasadas. Further details Literary references to residential about residences of the king, other members of structures the royal family, commander-in-chief, ministers Many of our ancient texts like the Vedas, as well as the royal astrologer, guru, vaidya, Grihyasutras, Itihasa-Puranas, Ashtadhyayi, sabhapati and purohita are also given. The Kautilya’s Arthashastra as well as classical

Purana also specifies the dimensions of houses The author is Assistant Professor, Centre for Extra Mural Studies, University of Mumbai. [email protected] as per the varnas. Along with the data happiness and prosperity of the grihastha was regarding the various architectural components very essential and this could be achieved by of a residential building, the Matsya Purana also constructing the house according to the furnishes us with information regarding the canonical texts which guaranteed wealth and process of constructing a house. The kind of contentment. land to be chosen for a house, its location – being away from a temple or square, material The Brihatsamhita of Varahamihira used as well as the dana to be given to a The Brihatsamhita is an encyclopaedic Brahmana during the ritual are all enlisted in work approximately dated to the 5th CE and this text and repeated in later texts as well. All authored by the multi-faceted scientist and these rituals as well as regulations were laid scholar Varahamihira. The Brihatsamhita deals down so that the residential structure is with almost every aspect of human life and infused with positive vibrations and the offers us a glimpse of the cultural life of the grihastha and his family members can lead people in the Gupta period. This text has a happy, prosperous lives. All these regulations section called Vastuvidya which deals with the emphasise on having the components of the science of architecture. Varahamihira has house in particular directions to bring in provided a lot of attention to both residential auspiciousness. The grihastha must truly buildings as well as temples and this work is vastu and be blessed considered the forerunner to all later works on

December 2019 with wealth and progeny. the same subject. The science of architecture benefit by living in that The science of construction of residences reached new heights during the Gupta period 138 also brings in an ecological dimension. Since which also witnessed two styles of construction the early historic period (6th BCE) most emerging – nagara and dravida. The residential buildings were made of wood with Brihatsamhita vastu as a place only the foundation made of stone or brick; and of residence. In Sanskrit lexicons this term is procuring wood was a major task. The Matsya used for the housedefines site the as term well as the house Purana clearly states that avoiding nakshatras itself (Ibid). Varahamihira uses the term vastu like dhanistha the person building the house to indicate a residential building only. The text

The Vedanta Kesari The Vedanta had to consult his astrologer for an auspicious enumerates different components of the day and collect the wood from the forest only residence like shala (hall or wing), alinda on that day. The tree which was to be cut was (verandah), vithika (pathway outside the worshipped. Even the orientation of the tree which had fallen was crucial and only a tree doorways. In order to allow more light and air which had fallen in the northern direction was andhouse), to facilitate bhumis better (floors), hygienic walls conditions and thethe suitable and auspicious for the house to be text lays down that the door should not face a constructed. Also trees which grow near the road, tree, corner, well, pillar, temple, a Brahmana’s house and a water sluice. These trees cut from temple complexes etc., were to rules were also aimed at privacy and peace cremation ground, on the confluence of rivers, be avoided. These details indicate that our which are highly required in the life of ancestors not only cared for and valued the grihastha. The Brihatsamhita covers all details environment but also made regulations which regarding the construction of residences from would ensure the welfare of the grihastha and his family. As the protector of the other three Burnt bricks, wood and stone are given as the Ashramas and the support of the society, the mainthe selection materials of for a siteconstruction. to the final plastering. The injunctions and values of Sanatana sadanam, sadma, niketam, mandiram, matam, Dharma played a key role in the construction samsthanam, nidhanam, dhishnyam, bhavanam, process as well. Numerous rituals were vastih, kshayah, agaram, samsraya, nidam, performed during the construction process. Worship was offered to the Vastunara and the vesma, griham and pratisryah (SS, 18.8,9). The site of the house was chosen on the basis of termgeham, griha saranam, was meant alayaḥ, for the nilaya, entire layanam,structure religious considerations and the deities were and was distinct from the shala or the main invoked right at the start. Every architectural part of the house. The text also discusses the component was looked upon with sanctity. The various components of the house like angana, construction would be left incomplete if certain shala, alinda, upasthana, kosthaka and inauspicious omens like breaking of the apavarka which respectively mean a courtyard, measuring string and the sthapati forgetting residential wing, verandah and the last three something would be observed. mean different kinds of rooms. The upasthana could be the reception room where guests were greeted by the host and duly honoured. The Samaranganasutradhara of King Bhoja Kosthaka could mean an inner room. Similarly, The Samaranganasutradhara (SS), an a component called the sudhanta has been early medieval text on the science of mentioned which has been interpreted as the architecture, town planning and iconography is ladies’ apartments which were the most ascribed to the Paramara ruler King Bhoja secured and private sections of the catuhshala (1010-1055 CE) who was a great connoisseur house. The Mahanasa or the kitchen is also December 2019 of art and learning and composed a number of mentioned but its exact location is not 139 other works in Sanskrit like the indicated. Like the older texts, the SS also Sarasvatikanthabharana. Based on earlier provides different dimensions for the houses of works like the Brihatsamhita which we have the four varnas. According to the SS a just discussed, Bhoja’s text is one of the most residential structure had to have the following exhaustive treatises on the science of features: architecture and town planning. The SS gives 24 The ground plan of the house was to be rectangular, similar to a square. PAGE SPONSOR : BALAJI FAMILY, CLEVELAND, USA CLEVELAND, BALAJI FAMILY, : SPONSOR PAGE The Vedanta Kesari The Vedanta different names to denote a house: avasaḥ, Remains of Residential Structures, Rajghat, Varanasi, Gupta Period Each house was to have a courtyard The ceremony of grihapravesha and one to four shalas. The catuhshala Grihapravesha means entering a house, residences were the most common residences generally a new house, and our scriptures in cities. The centre of the house was always left Grihyasutras, Dharmashastras and the open to the sky or covered with a vapi or well. Ramayanaassign a lotgive ofa detailed significance procedure to it.of Thethis The measurements of the different ceremony. The Ayodhyakanda of the Ramayana components of the residence are stipulated. gives the detailed description of Grihapravesha The height of the building and the number ceremony when Lord Rama, Devi Sita and of storeys depended on the varna of the person. Lakshmana entered the newly built hut at Chitrakuta during their exile (56:22-35). The The text also gives measurements of the grihastha and his wife had to perform this residences of kings and ministers. ceremony together at an auspicious time. The details of the Sanatana Dharma has laid site of the house are also a lot of emphasis on given and the positive Sanatana Dharma has laid a lot Grihapravesha because if and negative conse- of emphasis on Grihapravesha it is performed as per the quences of selecting a because if it is performed as per Shastric norms, the particular site are also the Shastric norms, the grihastha Residences, Sanci, 1st Century CE grihastha can perform his enlisted. Depending on can perform his December 2019 grihasthadharma in the the site, the house itself grihasthadharma in the house house without any will be imbued with 140 without any impediment and he impediment and he along certain qualities which along with his entire family can with his entire family can must contribute towards not only prosper but through not only prosper but the welfare of the through their home also grihastha. Based on the their home also serve the society. serve the society. position of alindas or verandahs, a house is deemed to have auspicious and inauspicious features. For Archaeological evidences and residential The Vedanta Kesari The Vedanta example, if the house has one alinda on either structures side the grihastha will gain wealth, grain, and Man in the Palaeolithic Age (Old Stone good fortune. This indicates that our ancestors Age) lived in natural caves and rock shelters. had paid attention to every detail of the Rock shelters are found in large numbers in residential structure so that the grihastha and Central India and man continued to use rock shelters right till the Mesolithic Age (Middle Stone Age). In the Mesolithic Age he began to grihasthashrama.his family who inhabit His wife the and house sons benefit will also and lead a semi-settled life and started constructing prosper.the grihastha Such is a able vastu to fulfilwill fosterall the theduties material of the temporary dwellings out of wattle and daub wellbeing of the grihastha. According to a sloka with bamboo poles. Evidences of such in the SS, a vastu built as per the canonical structures have been found at sites like Chopani injunctions will help in the growth of dharma, Mandu and Sarai Naharai in Uttar Pradesh. The kama and artha in the form of fame, a long life, success and strength: Dharmakamasca dwelling place was realised by man once he true need and significance of a permanent vardhante kirtir ayur yaso balam (20.22) took to agriculture and domestication of Residences, Sanci, 1st Century CE Residences, Sanci, 1st century CE December 2019 animals in the Neolithic Age (New Stone Age). the Ganaa Valley around the 6th BCE and baked bricks were back in use in the Mauryan period 141 family and nascent grihasthadharma which (4th-2nd BCE). The dwellings of the Shunga- revolvedA settled lifearound intensified the thehome. institution Remains of theof Kusana (2nd BCE – 3rd CE) period were at times Neolithic houses are found at sites in India, two storeyed with balconies, columns and specially Kashmir, the Ganga Valley and South terraces. Though we hardly have any actual India. The cities of the prosperous Sindhu- evidence of such houses, their models can be Sarasvati Civilisation (SSC) were very seen on the sculptures at Bharhut, Sanci and well-planned. The SSC people used baked Mathura. Also the contemporary rock-cut bricks of standard ratios (4:2:1) for the architecture was an emulation of the wooden Kesari The Vedanta PAGE SPONSOR : SRI RAVIKUMAR, BENGALURU RAVIKUMAR, SRI : SPONSOR PAGE construction of their houses. The houses either structural residential architecture. Even early had one or two storeys and most houses were temples of the Shunga-Kusana and Gupta equipped with a bathroom and well. This periods were modelled on residential highlights the developed sense of hygiene structures. Excavations in Maharashtra have possessed by the people. The size of an average house was equivalent to a modern two or three Satavahana period (circa 30 BCE - 225 CE). This planrevealed continued catuhshala till the floor end plans of the of Gupta houses period. of the staircases and the entrances to the homes The houses of the Gupta period were built of neverbedroom faced flat. the main Two road. floored The Bronze dwellings and Iron had both stone and burnt bricks. A good Age cultures following the SSC were essentially understanding of the Gupta-Vakataka period rural and used mud and unbaked bricks for the houses can be sought from the murals at the construction of houses. Multi-roomed houses Ajanta Caves in Maharashtra and Bagh Caves in were a rarity. Construction of houses received Madhya Pradesh. Many of these relief a new impetus with the Second Urbanisation in sculptures and paintings show the householder couple (Dampati) leading their grihasthajivana duty of the king or the state to see to it that in their homes. The presence of multi-storeyed every grihastha adhered to a minimum structures indicates the prevalence of the joint standard while constructing the house. The family system. structures of houses were an integral part of town planning which was also to be Interpretation and conclusion superintended by the king and the state In spite of having a very enlightened considered so vital by our society that they tradition of the science of architecture in India, officials. The tenates of architecture were most modern architects and builders were regarded equal to religious canons completely ignore this branch of knowledge because the house which is inhabited by a which was developed by our forefathers family is the basic unit of any society and the keeping in mind the sustainability of the health of the family has its effect on the entire environment, the climatic conditions as well as social structure, polity and economy. For the the physical and spiritual physical, emotional and spiritual health of the well being of the people. family, the house and the All basic features Planning and organisation of the environment in which it lives should enable them essential to make life house to the minutest detail was to cultivate a positive the hallmark of our Indian outlook for life combined account while charting culture December 2019 outfulfiling the house are taken plan. into As with concern and service experts like D.N.Shukla to society as enjoined by 142 point out, the principle the Shastras. Gardens or underlying the traditional Indian house plan is groves like kunja and nikunja also formed a very purity. This idea of purity incorporates important part of the house. These groves sanitation, ventilation and light. Indeed, all the helped in keeping the air around the residence modern housing amenities and designs can be cool and fresh. made as per the house plans given by our As we have seen, planning and traditional sources like the organisation of the house to the minutest detail

The Vedanta Kesari The Vedanta Samaranganasutradhara. Moreover, more was the hallmark of our Indian culture. Today natural materials should be used for construction purposes and the use of cement gains, housing complexes are built at any and concrete should be kept to the minimum if randomhowever, place, in order including to get near maximum a cemetery financial which not fully avoided. The Shala kind of houses is strictly prohibited by the Shastras. Our cities prescribed by our ancient and early medieval have just grown randomly with no planning texts can be a step in this direction. It was the and order and we are all facing the adverse

Remains of a Hosue, Lothal Chief’s House, Mohen-jo-daro Scene of a house from Vessantara Jataka, Cave 17, Ajanata, 5th century CE Royal Pavilion, Mahajanaka Jataka, Cave 1, Ajanta, 5th century CE effects like epidemics, pollution, water and conjugal life, from cooking food to performing electricity shortages and most unfortunately a worship of the gods – there was a place disturbed state of mind. Nature is totally assigned for every function in the house. The discounted while constructing new buildings grihasthadharma was to be extended to all and false ideas of luxury and high living animate beings including animals and birds. It inspired by overtly materialistic ideas are was for this reason that cowpens were a driving the society today. Colossal necessary component of the ideal household. constructions are blocking proper circulation Storage rooms or at least a small area December 2019 of air and light. Many of our modern urban demarcated or pit for storing grain was also a 143 problems are arising because of wrong part of the household. planning and false, This was held true from excessive material values. It is the need of the hour to the royal palaces or Our forefathers amalgamate traditional and prasadas to the home of a envisaged the home of modern principles of commoner. The king and the grihastha as the the common man were architecture in the construction backbone of the entire equally obliged towards PAGE SPONSOR : SRI RANGANATH K. SHETTY, MUMBAI SHETTY, K. RANGANATH SRI : SPONSOR PAGE society. Sanatana Dhrama of homes and making the home Kesari The Vedanta has always considered the medium through which grihasthadharma. It is the both material and service to the society at large can needthe society of the to fulfilhour their to spiritual wellbeing of an be extended amalgamate traditional individual. Architecture and modern principles of also becomes a part of the Dharma. Texts like architecture in the construction of homes and Kautilya Arthashastra comment elaborately on making the home the medium through which service to the society at large can be extended. Chief’s House, Mohen-jo-daro town planning which established a certain order in the urban areas. Today unfortunately Our forefathers laid equal stress on one’s we have forgotten our own sublime traditions personal as well as the society’s wellbeing as and blindly adopted western models of town man was always seen as indivisible part of the planning and architecture. The home was the society and ecology. The foremost ideal of the grihasthashrama was a happy and contented permanently lit. It was the place which took home and the science of architecture was careplace of whereall our needs the sacrificial – from personal fire hygiene was kept to

developed to fulfil this noble objective. Pearls of Wisdom

Ramana Maharshi Bhagavan Ramana Maharshi (1879–1950), one of the greatest spiritual giants of modern India, has given succor and solace to millions of people.

Why do you think you are a grihastha? If you go out as sannyasi, a similar thought that you are a sannyasi will haunt you. Whether you continue in the household or renounce it and go to the forest, your mind goes with you. The ego is the source of all thought. It creates the body and the world and makes you think you are a grihastha. If you renounce the world, it will only substitute the thought sannyasi for grihastha and the environments in the forest for those of the household. But the mental obstacles will still be there. They even increase in the new surroundings. There is no help in change of environment. The obstacle is the mind. It must be got over whether at home or in the forest. If you can do it in the forest, why not at home? Therefore, why change your environment? Your efforts can be made even now— in December 2019 whatever environment you are now. The environment will never change according to your desire. 144 Why should your occupation or duties in life interfere with your spiritual effort?

whatFor instance, happens there or whether is a difference it results between in gain youror loss activities to the employer.at home and But in your the dutiesoffice. Inat homeyour office are performed activities you with are attachment detached andand soyou long are as all you the do time your anxious duty you as doto whethernot care they will bring advantage or disadvantage to you and your family. But it is possible to perform all the activities of life with detachment and regard only the Self as real. It is The Vedanta Kesari The Vedanta

performed. It is like an actor. He dresses and acts and even feels the part he is playing, butwrong he toknows suppose really that that if onehe isis notfixed that in thecharacter Self one’s but duties someone in life else will in not real be life. properly In the same way, why should the body-consciousness or the feeling ‘I-am-the-body’ disturb you, once you know for certain that you are not the body but the Self? Nothing that the body does should shake you from abidance in the Self. Such abidance will never interfere with the proper and effective discharge of whatever duties the body has, any more than the actor’s being aware of his real status in life interferes with his acting a part on the stage. Pearls of Wisdom

Deify Your Day

‘So work,Spirituality says the is Vedanta,the science putting of right God living in everything, for peace, prosperity,and knowing and Him spiritual to be fulfilment. in everything. The ideal of Vedanta, as Swami Vivekananda puts it, is ‘Deification of the world.’ He further clarifies:

Him?Work Heincessantly, is already holding in every life work, as something in every thought, deified, asin Godevery Himself, feeling.’ and knowing that this is all we have to do, this is all we should ask for. God is in everything, where else shall we go to find We present here some simple traditionally recommended daily practices, which our readers can follow to orient their life to this ideal of spiritual living. Wake-up The ideal time for spiritual practices like japa and meditation is brahma muhurta (the period between 3.30 am and 6.00 am; precisely it begins 1 hour and 36 minutes before sunrise, after sunrise. Do not remain in bed after you wake up, for it increases laziness and dullness. and ends 48 minutes before sunrise). So wake-up before five in the morning, and avoid sleeping After waking up, turn to your right side and then sit up. Look at your palms and recite this sloka: December 2019 कराग्रे वसते ल啍ष् करमध्य सरस्ती । 145 करमूले तु गोविन्द प्रभाते करदर्शम् ॥ This prayer for wealth, knowledge and health is addressed to Lakshmi, Saraswati and Sri we thus remind ourselves of our potential divine powers. Vishnu, who reside in the fingers, at the centre of the palm and around the wrist respectively; Then imagine your chosen deity or family deity or your Guru seated in front of you in a nicely bedecked simhasana (throne) and bow down to Her / His feet. Chant respective pranam-

mantras and sincerely pray: Kesari The Vedanta ॐ सर् भवन्त सुखिनः सर् सन्त निरामयाः । सर् भ饍राण पश्न्त मा कश्चिद्दखभाग्भवत् । सर्स्रतु दुर्गाण सर् भ饍राण पश्तु। सर्स्饍बुद्धमाप्नतु सर्व सर्व नन्तु॥ ॐ शान्ति शान्ति शान्ति ॥ ‘May all be happy and healthy. May all see what is auspicious and good. May no one suffer. May all be free from dangers. May all be motivated by noble thoughts. May all rejoice everywhere. May I hurt no one be hurt by my thought, word or deed. May I remember you constantly throughout the day.’ While praying specially remember your family members, people of your locality and your work place.

समुद्सने देवि! पर्तस्तमण्ले । Now before stepping on विtheष्ण floor,पत्न नbowमस्तभ to्य Motherपादस्पर क्षमसEarth् andमे ॥ chant: ‘O Mother Earth! You are the consort of Sri Vishnu. The ocean is your clothing, and the mountain, your bosom. I salute you. I am about to step on You, so please forgive me.’ Be grateful to God that He has blessed you with another day of life. Exercise ‘You will be nearer to Heaven through football than through the study of the Gita’ says

So some physical exercise should be done daily. Regularly practise Yogasanas like Suryanamaskar Swami Vivekananda. The meaning is that we should be physically fit for any endeavour in life. Bathing with guidance from qualified teachers. Before bathing, touch the water, and invoke in it the presence of all the holy rivers chanting गंगे च यमुने चैव गोदावरि सरस्वत। नर्दे सिन्ध कावेरि जलेऽस्मन्सन्नििं कु셁॥ Pray to God that this act of bathing should cleanse your mind along with cleansing of the body. Your body is the grandest of all temples and your chosen deity resides in it. While bathing imagine that you are bathing the deity. You can chant your Ishta mantra or the following mantra: ॐ 配रम्कं यजामहे सुगन्धि पुष्टिवरम् । उर्व셁कमिव बन्धनन्मत्योर्मुक्य माऽमृतात् ॥ December 2019 Swami , one of the direct-disciples of Sri Ramakrishna and the 3rd President of the Ramakrishna Order, ran an orphanage in Sargachhi, West Bengal. While giving bath to the 146 orphans, he would chant this mantra. So mothers can chant this mantra while bathing their children. Before wearing your clothes touch them respectfully, be grateful to the farmers and weavers, thank God that you have clothes to wear while millions don’t have proper clothes. Worship Every home should have a shrine. If you cannot afford to allot a separate room for shrine,

The Vedanta Kesari The Vedanta set-up a shrine in a prominent location in the house. With a soft clean cloth wipe the images,

pranam mantras of the deity. Offer food cooked in home and lovingly invite the Lord to accept yourburn offering. a few incense Offer some sticks, kumkum light an or oil sandal or ghee paste lamp, daily offer and flowers then apply chanting it on the your dhyana forehead. and Devotees of Sri Ramakrishna can follow a booklet Devapuja by Swami Harshananda to get a quick glimpse about puja, or read Meaning and Significance of Worship by Swami Saraswati for a deeper understanding of the puja ritual, especially the worship of Sri Ramakrishna. Japa, meditation, parayana The method of japa and meditation should be learnt from a proper guru by a process called initiation. In the Ramakrishna Order, selected senior sannyasis bestow spiritual initiation to interested men and women irrespective of caste-colour-creed and religion. The same tradition is followed in Sri Sarada Math. If you have not received initiation yet from a guru, pray to your beloved deity for a guru. Think of the deity seated in a lotus in the heart-region and repeat the name of the deity or simply ‘OM’. You can also repeat the Gayatri mantra. If one has not received of some texts or stotras. Some popular texts for parayana are: Bhagavad Gita, Devi Mahatmyam, Vishnuany mantra sahashranama, to do japa and Lalita does notsahashranama, know specific Hanuman mediation Chalisha,techniques, Rama one canRaksha do parayana Stotra, Mukundamala Stotra, Tiruppavai, Aditya Hridayam, and Sundarakandam from Ramayana. There is also a tradition of writing the deity’s name in a notebook daily for a predetermined number. Sri Mahendra Nath Gupta, a householder disciple of Sri Ramakrishna and the chronicler of The Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna advised many people to daily write in a notebook Sri Sri Durga- Sri Sri Sarada-Ramakrishna Sharanam. Try to sit as a whole family for the daily morning and evening prayers. Devotees of Sri Ramakrishna should learn the songs sung during the evening aratrikam in the Ramakrishna ashramas. At sunset, light a lamp and along with the other members of the family, sing hymns of the Lord and meditate a while. Food Think of the kitchen as a place of worship, where you prepare to worship the Divine Mother in the form of hunger. The kitchen should always be clean and organised. Keep a picture of Mother Annapurna or Holy Mother Sri Sarada Devi in your kitchen. In the kitchens and dining taken when she sat watching her children eat. While preparing food, chant your mantra or any December 2019 namehalls of of the God. Ramakrishna Swami Ranganathananda, ashramas, we keep as a ayoung specific brahmachari, photograph served of Holy as Mother, a cook whichin Mysore was Ashrama. He used the time available when the rice or vegetable was cooking, to memorise Gita 147 and other scriptures. Offer all the food-items to God before serving. Do not waste food. The Taittiriya Upaniasad instructs: अन्नं न निन्द्यत्। त饍व्रतम्।…अन्नं न परिचक्षीत। त饍व्रतम्। ‘One should not speak ill of food; that is the vow. One should not discard food; that is food.’ The body, which is the portal of all our endeavours, be it worldly or spiritual, depends on food for its sustenance. So the food should not be belittled in any way. Sri Krishna declares in the Gita,

अहं वैश्र्वꄾ्रो भूत्व प्राणिनां देहमाश्रितः। Kesari The Vedanta प्राणापानसमायु啍त पचाम्यन्न चतुर्विम् ।।15:14।। union with inward (Prana) and outward (Apana) breath, I digest the four kinds of food. Becoming the digestive fire, Vaisvanara, I function within the bodies of all living beings. In Before beginning to eat close your eyes and pray for a few moments: ‘O God, let this food give me the strength to do Your work and to realize You.’ Then chant the Gita verse ब्रह्माणं बह्म हविर्ब्रह्म बह्मणा तम्। ब्रह्म तेन गन्व्य बह्मकर्समाधिना ।।4:24।। Brahman is the instrument to offer with; Brahman is the oblation. By Brahman is the oblation offered into the fire of Brahman; Brahman alone is to be reached by him who meditates on Him in his works. Always sit and eat. Avoid talking while eating. Apart from paying attention to the taste and nature of the food, imagine that with each morsel of food, you are gaining shakti, balam, virya, tejas, ojas, and pavitrata Feed the pet animals or birds in your house before you eat. . As often as possible, the family should eat together and at fixed times. Greet the Lord within everyone When you meet someone, greet with the name of God such as Hari Om, Jai Ramakrishna, or Jai Ma. Teach your children to do so. How to work Every work should be done with shraddha. If you develop a habit of remembering God while working, you will be able to work without exhaustion or boredom. In 1920s, Swami Vireswarananda, who later became the 10th President of the Ramakrishna Order, had to write hundreds of address labels to post a magazine. It was tiresome. But he took it as an opportunity to remember various names of God as most of the Indian names are names of gods and goddesses. But it may always not be possible to think of God throughout the work. Swami Brahmananda, a direct-disciple of Sri Ramakrishna and the 1st President of the Ramakrishna Order, gave an easier alternative: Remember God at the beginning of a work, in the middle, and at the end.’ While working even for an employer, don’t think that you are a mere paid staff. Swami Ranganathananda, the 13th President of the Ramakrishna Order, would often advice people: ‘Do a clerk’s work, but not with a clerk’s mind, but with the mind of a free citizen of India. A small mind converts a big work into smallness; and a big mind transforms all small work into big

December 2019 work.’ What a change in attitude and dignity! An executive in a big NGO in Karnataka, who is a medical doctor by profession and has to face countless challenging, irritating issues every day, 148 keeps a small slip on his table with the simple words: ‘In spite of’. These words remind him to seek ways of serving the person in front of him in spite of his own tiredness or the other person’s irritating behaviour. Holy reading Swami Brahmananda, once advised a devotee: ‘I am giving you the knowledge of Brahman in just one sentence. Read Kathamrita (The Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna) regularly every day. If you read Kathamrita daily, the distractions of worldly life, attachment to the worldly life, and all

The Vedanta Kesari The Vedanta that will slowly decrease and intense longing for God-realisation will dawn.’ Some time in a day, read any scripture or biography of saints and devotees. In this digital age, you can also listen to online discourses. Sleep Have a light supper. Cultivate the habit of writing the meaningful events of the day in a diary. This record will tell you how you are progressing and also guide you to correct yourself. Try to sleep at the same time every day. Before going to bed at night, sit on your bed and meditate for few minutes, bow down to

at their feet along with all the results of all your day’s works. Pray to God to pardon you for any mistakesyour Ishta committed devata, and and your pray Guru; for mentallystrength taketo refrain handful from of your repeating favourite them; flowers pray andfor strength offer them to forgive and forget the wrong done to you. Pray for the welfare of all as in the morning. While lying, imagine that you are on the lap or at feet of the Divine Mother. Chant your mantra or the name of the Lord as you slip into sleep. Pearls of Wisdom

A Day in a Traditional Sri Vaishnava Family Waking up in the morning: We wake up in vastram (cloth) on our body. But we must not the Brahma muhurtham, before 4:30 a.m. wipe our body with that wet vastram. No While getting up, we chant ‘Hari’ seven times. soap should be used for bath. Only natural While still in the bed, we remember Sri Vishnu and the episode of Gajendra powder, Shikakai powder, mud are to be Moksham and pray to him and seek his used.items We like must rice not flour, take besan,bath after green returning gram blessings that all our works during the day from temple, shubha karyams (auspicious go on smoothly. occasions) and after performing Puja. We Stepping on the ground: Before leaving the must take bath after returning from bed and stepping on the ground, we inauspicious occasions like attending a remember Varahavatara, and then seek cremation. While travelling when we cannot forgiveness of Bhooma Devi for placing our get water in the prescribed manner, we can feet on her. do Mantrasnanam. Ablutions: Teeth is brushed only with neem Vastram: Both married men and women sticks and mango leaves. Tooth brush and must wear dhoti/saree with kacham. December 2019 tooth paste are never used. Morning bath is Puja and Vratam: Only men can pluck done 1½ hrs before sunrise. Bathing is never Tulasi. Tulasi should not be plucked on 149 done after nightfall. Seven types of snanam amavasya, pournami, Sunday, Tuesday, are mentioned in the scriptures: Mantra, Bowwma, Agneya, Vayavyan, Divyan, and in the afternoons. We should observe Manasan and Varunan. Tap water is never EkadasiFriday, Dwadasi, Vratham firstand dayupavasam of month on theand night year used for bathing. Bathing should preferably of Krishna-Paksha Ashtami, Chaturdasi, Amavasya, and Poornima. sea. If river or sea are not nearby, temple Food should be cooked Food preparation : Kesari The Vedanta tanksbe in theand flowingwell can water be used. of a Waterriver orused in thefor only after taking bath. For cooking, only bathing should have contact with bhoomi river/lake/well water is to be used. Water (earth) and sun rays should fall on it. Water should be in direct contact with earth and level in river, tank etc., should be such that sun light must fall on it. Water should be we can bend down and immerse our full drawn directly from the source and not body. Sankalpam must be done before taking though pipes. No steel vessel should be used bath, and we should imagine that Ganga to store water. Only mud, silver, copper or brass vessels are to be used. Water stored for pouring water on the head, water from the more than 24 hrs turns impure. Only mouthwater is should flowing not from fall onthe the feet body. of Lord. It is betterWhile if someone, who has already taken bath, Partaking of food: Food must be eaten firewood or coal should be used for cooking. pours water on our head instead of we sitting on the ground. Food must be had only directly pouring water on ourselves. While on leaf. Milk shall be taken only at night time. taking bath we must always have some Only satvik food should be eaten. Article Readers’ Voice

Story of My Mother A DEVOTEE, CHENNAI

my elder brother, Ramasamy. When Ramu was hardly 2 years, he suddenly fell ill with high Ifever.n 1967 It my was parents a polio Smt. attack. Umayal After A. 13 and days Sri whenArunachalam Ramu opened were blessed his eyes with his theirhands first and child, legs were paralysed. My religious parents prayed to Lord Muruga to cure him and vowed to go on pada yatra to the Murugan temple in Palani. Meanwhile, medical treatment and physiotherapy continued. After a few months of treatment, the hands and the right leg became functional, but the left leg remained paralysed. Ramu slowly learnt to walk with caliper shoes. The pada yatra is done every year during the Thai Poosam festival in the month of January. For at least 40 days prior to the yatra, the devotees take a vow to lead a disciplined pure life. They begin the yatra from their village temple with only a single set of dress and a blanket, keep no money and entirely depending on God for food and shelter. On reaching the foot of Palani hillock, preferably the day before Thai Poosam, the devotees climb 700 steps to the hilltop and have December 2019 darshan of Lord Dhandayudhapani. As an offering devotees carry various types of Kavadi (i.e., 150 burden) like tender coconut, paddy and other grains, goat, a specially designed and decorated wood or steel frame.

my mother took food without salt and prayed to Lord Ganapathy and Mother Kali to give her the strengthTo keep to carry their Ramu vow, my all parentsthe way. did While their Ramu first pada walked yatra with in 1971. his shoes As a preparation,in the day, at for night 40 days my parents carried him on their shoulder. During the yatra my mother would not talk with anyone; she would repeat ‘Hara Hara Sankara, Shiva Shiva Sankara’ and walk alone. Sometimes they had to

The Vedanta Kesari The Vedanta suffer from terrible pangs of hunger for want of annadhanas (places where food is given to pilgrims). They walked for 6 days continuously covering 165 kms from their village and reached the foot of the hilltop on the 7th day, a day before Thai Poosam.

higher education and worked as a Tamilnadu Government employee before settling down in a privateAfter business. some Myyears, mother my mother in gratitude went continued alone on tothe go yatra. on the By yatra the everyLord’s year grace, to thankRamu the finished Lord. This year (2019) was her 49th yatra in her 76th year! Before this year’s yatra, my parents and I had gone on pilgrimage to Belur Math, Kamarpukur, Jayrambati and Varanasi. Though my parents were tired, nothing could stop my mother from keeping her vow. Walking barefoot when she was nearing Palani, she experienced severe chest pain. She also had a deep bleeding wound in her feet. When my aged father reached Palani by bus,

she again experienced terrible chest pain. But she did not disclose it to my father not wanting to troubleshe told him.him onlyThe aboutnext day the when wound we and took took her some to a firsthospital aid treatment. to treat her On foot the waywound, back she to Chennaitold the doctor about her chest pain. Tests revealed that she had had severe heart attacks! She was immediately admitted to ICU. There were several blocks and she underwent bypass surgery in February. By Lord Muruga’s grace she is recovering well. My mother served as a school teacher for 37 years before retiring as a headmistress in 2001. Interestingly, while studying in Lady Willingdon Teachers Training College she lived for two years in the women’s hostel run by Sister Subbalakshmi at the , where Swami Vivekananda stayed for 9-days after his triumphant return from the West in 1897. My mother was also an ideal teacher who regularly invited home her poor students for food and also provided them uniforms, notebooks etc. To her students and to us, her regular teachings were: v Get up before dawn and pray to God; offer pranams to elders; light lamp before Tulsi plant. v Patiently bear with all and live harmoniously adjusting with different situations and people. v Respect elders and obey their orders. Be humble and practise self-discipline. v Do household work and help other family members. v Feel for others and serve them as your own; be always hospitable to guests and visitors. v Before eating, see that others are fed. v Take care of parents and elders in their old age. v Feed animals and grow trees. December 2019 v Live with dignity and be independent. v Constantly remember God. 151 v v Serve others and forget about it completely. Develop self-confidence and tremendous willpower. v When we die we will not carry this body with us, so use it fully for the welfare of others. v Do not be greedy or covet others’ things. v Always be positive. PAGE SPONSOR : SRI RAMAKRISHNA YATHRA SERVICES, CHENNAI SERVICES, YATHRA RAMAKRISHNA SRI : SPONSOR PAGE v Kesari The Vedanta The scriptures declare matru devo bhava ‘May your mother be a God unto you’. I am blessed When there is work, always be the first to volunteer. to see God in my mother.

My Daughter – My Inspiration GUNJAN CHATTOPADHYAY, PURULIA am an alumnus of Ramakrishna Mission Vidyamandira, Belur Math and am currently working as an English teacher in a government school in Purulia district, West Bengal. I I was blessed to spend my days in Vidyamandira when Srimat Swami Gautamananda Ji, one of the present Vice-presidents of the Ramakrishna Order was its Secretary. I was blessed again to receive mantra-diksha from Srimat Swami Ranganathananda Ji Maharaj. I am a proud father of my daughter, Suravi, now studying in 8th standard. It has been my constant endeavour to take her for sadhu-sanga so that she imbibes good samskaras; and Suravi too is happy to interact with the swamis. I strongly feel holy company is indispensable to keep the ideals of love, tolerance, and forbearance alive at home. Youngsters appear to grow wiser than elders. I recollect how I was mildly reprimanded by Suravi for using rude words to her mother. I

Suravi offers pearls of wisdom to both sides. confide in her to dispel the cloud of conjugal turmoil, one of the common occurrences in family. Last year, when I announced at home that a sannyasi would visit our house, Suravi’s happiness was very palpable. When Maharaj (as swamis are addressed) did not savour the sumptuous dishes on the dining table, Suravi was surprised. Noticing it, Maharaj remarked, ‘Many dishes make many diseases.’ While taking leave of her, Maharaj offered her another piece of wisdom through a simple formula: ‘Remember ABC; A for avoid, B for bad, and C for company.’

enticing multi-media, working parents’ short temper – all add up to regularly create an atmosphere of confusionUpkeep andof ideals disturbance. in a nuclear I personally family is feel quite studying challenging. The Gospel Undesirable of Sri Ramakrishna peer group influence,is a great help in cultivating family ideals and it also provides solutions to the challenges of family life. The Gospel is replete with parables, which enable one to also develop soft-skills. Both Sri Ramakrishna and Holy Mother Sri Sarada Devi have repeatedly stressed on learning the art of mind management, for, mind can make or mar our life depending on how we handle it.

December 2019 Patriotism Begins at Home 152 B. VIJAYALAKSHMI, MUMBAI wami Vivekananda’s message that every human being has a divine potential in her/him and everyone should aspire to realise it, inspired me when I was 35 years old. I had then Sjust settled into a family life with my husband and two sons. Swamiji’s words guided me in carrying out my duties diligently. Another source of culture were my in-laws who lived with us. I learnt from them all the household chores and the ways of following our family traditions and festivals. PAGE SPONSOR : DR. ALOK K.R. PAUL, CLRI, CHENNAI CLRI, PAUL, K.R. ALOK DR. : SPONSOR PAGE The Vedanta Kesari The Vedanta I strongly feel that children should be taught the realities and values of life at the early age so that they can face the problems and challenges with proper mind-set. I taught my children about Swamiji’s ideals right from their childhood. We ensured that they received Upanayanam at a young age. They grew up with a strong pride in being born in this great land of saints, philosophers, and avatars. My experiences in life have convinced me that our cultural and spiritual tradition is a great help in facing the tough challenges of life. My younger son who is a classical Carnatic musician,

Carnatic music to beat the stress of the materialistic life in Mumbai metropolis. inspired my elder son to develop a fine taste for the same. Now, our family as a whole turn to I am proud that in our own small way, my family recognises our indebtedness to our country and our responsibility towards our culture and tradition. This is our understanding of patriotism. If Sister Nivedita could come leaving behind the comforts of England to serve her Guru and ‘her India’, can we not stand up to do the same? Volume 106 December 2019 153 The Vedanta Kesari PAGE SPONSOR : DR. ALOK K.R. PAUL, CLRI, CHENNAI CLRI, PAUL, K.R. ALOK DR. : SPONSOR PAGE The Vedanta Kesari The Vedanta The Vedanta Kesari - Annual Index 2019 Features Index

C Chiselled Narratives Dr. Chithra Madhavan Ghatika – An Ancient Educational Aug. 46 Institution (Sculpted Narratives) Ancient Centre of Learning at Bahur Sept. 35 Important Educational Centre of the Chola Oct. 34 Times, An Ancient Vedic Institution, an Nov. 33 Cover Story Seeds and Indian Ethos of Conservation, Ramasubramanian Jun. 11 Sharing and Freedom Sant Tukaram Arpana Ghosh Jul. 11 Grow and Design your Life Swami Shantachittananda Aug. 11 Singing to the Divine: The Sopana Sulini V. Nair Oct. 11 Sangeetham of Kerala Swachh Mangaluru Abhiyan for Swachh Swami Ekagamyananda Nov. 11 December 2019 Bharath 154 E Editorial Solitude Jan. 9 The Task Before Us Feb. 9 Enlightened Electorate May 9 Rama Rajya Jun. 9 Shiva Jnane Jiva Seva Jul. 9

The Vedanta Kesari The Vedanta Swami Mahamedhananda The Water Story Aug. 9 The Voice Sept. 9 Know It to Be Your Foe Oct. 9 Swachh Bharat: Our Pride - Our Nov. 9 Responsibility Arise! Awake! Dec. 10 Editorial, Guest Ramakrishna of the Heart (Guest Editorial) Swami Tyagananda Mar. 9 Japa: Chanting of a Mantra (Guest Swami Brahmeshananda Apr. 9 Editorial) O Order on the March, The Jan. 51, 52, 52, -Nov. 52, 50, 53, 52, 52, 52, 52, 53 P Pariprasna Swami Tapasyananda Jan. 22, 25, 25, -Nov. 31, 34, 33, 33, 34, 46, 47, 43 Pocket Tales The Ghost in the Tree Sept. 24 Hanuman, I'm Waiting for you Gitanjali Murari Oct. 25 Shiva’s Demon Nov. 25 Poorva: Magic, Miracles and the Mystical Lakshmi Devnath Twelve A Curtain Raiser Jun., Jul. 31 An Era Begins Aug., 31 Sept. Roots in the Air and Shoots in the Soil Oct. Nov 31 Reminiscences of Sargachhi Swami Suhitananda Jan. 11, 11, 12, -Nov. 13, 11, 17, 18, 16, 18, 17, 15 S December 2019 Scriptural Prayers Dakshinamurti Stotra Sri Shankaracharya Jan - Oct 7 155 Atmarpanastuti Sri Appayya Dikshitendra Nov. 7 Special Report Ramakrishna Math & Ramakrishna Feb. 31 Mission: Synopsis of the Governing Body Report for 2017-18 Golden Jubilee Celebrations of May 52

Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda Smriti Kesari The Vedanta Mandir, Khetri 125th Anniversary of Chicago Addresses : Nov. 24 Concluding Programme T Topical Musings A Message to Garcia Jan., Feb., 49, 46, Mar. 50 What Are We Now? Apr. 50 What We Truly Are May 48 Our Sadhana Jun., Jul., 51, 50, Aug., 50, 50, Sept, 51, 45 Oct., Nov. V Vedas: An Exploration, The The Braahmanas Jan., Feb. 46, 49 The Aaranyaka Mar. 48 Upanishads: The Acme of Philosophical Lakshmi Devnath Apr. 46 Literature Gods of the Vedas May 46 Vedic Society Jun. 46 Vivekananda Way It is the Youth who will transform this nation Jan. 27 Take up an ideal and give your whole life Feb. 27 to it Stand on your own feet Mar. 27 Awaken the spirit of 'rajas' within you Apr. 27 Believe in Yourself Illumine Knowledge Catalysts, May 27 Be bold and fearless Mumbai Jun. 27 Expand your heart Jul. 27 Be open to learning from anyone Aug. 27 Develop a gigantic will Sept. 27

December 2019 India – the Punya Bhumi Oct. 27 India – the giant awakens Nov. 27 156 Y Yugavani Incarnation Jan. 8 Guru Feb. 8 Prayer Mar 8 Meditation Apr. 8 The Vedanta Kesari The Vedanta Self-surrender May 8 Worship Jun. 8 Ego Jul. 8 Vidya Maya - Avidya Maya Aug 8 Yearning for God Sept. 8 Suffering Oct. 8 Money Nov. 8 Mother’s Counsel Dec. 9 W What is Religion? What is Religion? Jan. - 48, 48, Apr. 47, 49 The Thirst for God is Religion May 43 Religion is a Necessity Jun. 49 Religion is Common Sense Jul. 48 Religion: Being True to Your Own Nature Aug. 48 Realising Spirit as Spirit Sept. 48 My Ideal of Religion Oct. 49 Religion Is Between You and Your God Nov. 48

Articles Index

A A Day in the Life of a Householder: In the Dr. Jayaraman Mahadevan Dec. 99 Light of Yajnavalkya Smriti ‘As’-‘Is’ Hybrid, The Swami Satyapriyananda Jul. 35 An Amazing Maze Swami Satyapriyananda Sept. 43 B Bishop John J. Keane: In Defense of Swami Asim Chaudhuri Jul. 24 Vivekananda Brahmacharya in Married Life Swami Purushottamananda Dec. 59

D December 2019 Dharma and Mukti Swami Vivekananda Dec. 12 157 Asim Chaudhuri Sept. 11 Monastic Life, The Defining Moment in Swami Vivekananda’s G Go Forward! Swami Brahmeshananda Aug. 18 Grihastha Ashrama: Opportunities and Dr. Arathi V. B. Dec. 83 Challenges

Grihastha Dharma from Ramayana K. Srinivasan Dec. 86 Kesari The Vedanta Grihastha Dharma in Mahabharata Swami Samarpanananda Dec. 88 Guru, The—Compilation Swami Vivekananda Jul. 46 I Ideal Role-Modelling Swami Suhitananda Dec. 21 If Swami Vivekananda Were Here Today William Page Jun. 35 J Just Read the Gospel Swami Medhasananda Mar. 16 L Life in the Kingdom of Heaven in Indian and Gopal Stavig Apr., May 17, 16 Western Thought Living Together: Responsibilities and N.Gokul Muthu Dec. 121 Challenges Lyrics in Terracotta – Ratneshwar Temple of Devashis Nandy Jul. 21 Bhattamati M Swami Satyapriyananda May 38 Meditation on the New Year Swami Chetanananda Jan. 17 Mapping Actions to Fire Sacrifice Mindful Parenting: Be a Neurosculptor YogaKshema Dec. 126 P Pearls of Wisdom Taittiriya Upanishad Dec. 25 Rishi Manu Dec. 27 Rishi Atri Dec. 28 Maha Nirvana Tantra Dec. 43 Tiruvalluvar Dec. 57 Bhartrihari Dec. 58 Bhagavan Buddha Dec. 78 Bhagavan Mahavira Dec. 80 Guru Granth Sahib Dec. 81 Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu Dec. 95 Varkari Saints Dec. 96 December 2019 Goswami Tulsidasa Dec. 98 158 Purandaradasa Dec. 117 Basavanna Dec. 118 Kavi Kshemendra Dec. 119 Yogi Vemana Dec. 120 Ramana Maharshi Dec. 144 Deify Your Day Dec. 145

The Vedanta Kesari The Vedanta A Day in a Traditional Sri Vaishnava Dec. 149 Family Philosophy of Bhagavad Gita N. Gokul Muthu Aug. 25 Purity: The Graded Ideal A Sannyasi Dec. 71 R Ramakrishna-Vivekananda in ‘The Land of Swami Atmashraddhananda Jan., Feb., 32, 31, Five Rivers’ Mar. 35 Reader’s Voice Dec. 150 Rishi Ideal For Spiritualising Family Life Swami Muktidananda Dec. 50 S Saiva Religion and Philosophy: A Glimpse Dr. R. Gopalakrishnan Mar. 22 Saptapadi: Vows with Steps Kasturi Jayaraman Dec. 106 Seeing God Everywhere N. Gokul Muthu Jun. 41 Self-Effacing Nature of Sister Nivedita, The Pravrajika Bhavaniprana Jun. 19 Prema Nandakumar Dec. 111 Sister Nivedita and the Hindu Society Dr. Purba Sengupta Feb. 16 Significance of Vratas: Savitri Vrata Some Thoughts on Spiritual Life Swami Satyapriyananda Jan 40 Special Gift by Subhas Chandra Bose, A Swami Surarchitananda Aug 43 Sri Ramakrishna’s Advice to Householders Swami Mangalanathananda Dec. 29 Sri Ramakrishna: A Unique Husband Srimat Swami Dec 17 Gautamananda Ji Sri Sarada Devi: The Ideal Sahadharmini Pravrajika Atmadevaprana Dec. 38 Story of a Locket, The Dr. Hironmoy N. Mukherjee Feb. 21 Sukesaa: A Less Known Seeker of Truth from Dr. M. Jayaraman May 13 a Popular Upanishad Swami Vijnanananda and the Ramakrishna Swami Balabhadrananda Oct., Nov. 36, 35 Order Swami Vivekananda on Family Life: A Glimpse Swami Kritarthananda Dec. 45 Swami Vivekananda in Sri Lanka: New Dr. Shyamali Chowdhury Jun. 22 Findings T

The Griha and Grihastha in Indian Culture Sneha Nagarkar Dec. 137 December 2019 Two Versions of Swami Vivekananda’s First William Page Jan. 24 Chicago Speech 159 Suman Bhattacharyya Mar. 31 V Two Poets: Hafiz and Vivekananda Vivekananda’s Visit to Shillong, Swami Asim Chaudhuri Apr., May 21, 21 Value of Discipline, The Prof. Sudha Shastri Jul. 43 Visual Portrayal of Swami Vivekananda in Diane Marshall Sept, Oct 19, 19

American Media, The Kesari The Vedanta W When Indians Meet… : An Encounter with Ramasubramanian Apr. 33 the Native America as part of an engagement with the Parliament of World Religions Why Connection Is the Key to Parenting Nalina Ramalakshmi Dec. 134

Authors Index A Arpana Ghosh Sant Tukaram—Cover Story Jul. 11 Swami Vivekananda’s Visit to Shillong Apr., May, 21, 21 Asim Chaudhuri Bishop John J. Keane: In Defense of Swami Jul. 24 Vivekananda Asim Chaudhuri The Defining Moment in Swami Vivekananda’s Sept. 11 Monastic Life Arathi V. B., Dr. Grihastha Ashrama: Opportunities and Dec. 83 Challenges Atmadevaprana, Pravrajika Sri Sarada Devi: The Ideal Sahadharmini Dec. 38 Atmashraddhananda Ramakrishna-Vivekananda in ‘The Land of Jan., Feb., 32, 34, 35 Swami Five Rivers’ Mar. B Balabhadrananda, Swami Swami Vijnanananda and the Ramakrishna Oct., Nov. 36, 35 Order Bhavaniprana, Pravrajika The Self-Effacing Nature of Sister Nivedita Jun. 19 Brahmeshananda, Swami Japa: Chanting of a Mantra— Guest Editorial Apr. 9 Go Forward! Aug. 18 C Chetanananda Swami Meditation on the New Year Jan. 17 Ghatika – An Ancient Educational Institution Aug. 46 (Sculpted Narratives) Ancient Centre of Learning at Bahur Sept. 35 Chithra Madhavan, Dr Important Educational Centre of the Chola Oct. 34 Times, An December 2019 Ancient Vedic Institution, an Nov. 33 160 D Devashis Nandy Lyrics in Terracotta – Ratneshwar Temple of Jul. 21 Bhattamati Diane Marshall The Visual Portrayal of Swami Vivekananda in Sept, Oct 20, 19 American Media E Ekagamyananda, Swami Swachh Mangaluru Abhiyan for Swachh Nov. 11 The Vedanta Kesari The Vedanta Bharath—Cover Story G Gautamananda Ji, Srimat Sri Ramakrishna: A Unique Husband Dec. 17 Swami The Ghost in the Tree—Pocket Tales Sept. 24 Gitanjali Murari Hanuman, I'm Waiting for you—Pocket Tales Oct. 25 Shiva’s Demon—Pocket Tales Nov. 25 Seeing God Everywhere Jun. 41 Gokul Muthu, N Philosophy of Bhagavad Gita Aug. 25 Living Together: Responsibilities and Challenges Dec. 121 Gopal Stavig Life in the Kingdom of Heaven in Indian and Apr., May, 17, 16 Western Thought Gopalakrishnan, R. Dr., Saiva Religion and Philosophy: A Glimpse Mar. 22 H Hironmoy Mukherjee N. Dr. The Story of a Locket Feb. 21 J Jayaraman, M., Dr. Sukesaa: A Less Known Seeker of Truth from a May 13 Popular Upanishad Jayaraman Mahadevan, Dr. A Day in the Life of a Householder: In the Light Dec. 99 of Yajnavalkya Smriti K Kasturi Jayaraman Saptapadi: Vows with Steps Dec. 106 Kritarthananda, Swami Swami Vivekananda on Family Life: A Glimpse Dec. 45 L Poorva: Magic, Miracles and the Mystical Jun., Jul. 31 Twelve: A Curtain Raiser Poorva: Magic, Miracles and the Mystical Aug., Sept 31 Twelve: An Era Begins Poorva: Magic, Miracles and the Mystical Oct. Nov 31 Lakshmi Devnath Twelve: Roots in the Air and Shoots in the Soil The Vedas: An Exploration: The Braahmanas Jan., Feb. 46, 49

December 2019 The Vedas: An Exploration: The Aaranyaka Mar. 48 The Vedas: An Exploration: Upanishads: The Apr. 46 161 Acme of Philosophical Literature The Vedas: An Exploration: Gods of the Vedas May 46 The Vedas: An Exploration: Vedic Society June 46 M Solitude Jan. 9

The Task Before Us Feb. 9 Kesari The Vedanta Enlightened Electorate May 9 Rama Rajya Jun. 9 Shiva Jnane Jiva Seva Jul. 9 Mahamedhananda, Swami The Water Story Aug. 9 The Voice Sept. 9 Know It to Be Your Foe Oct. 9 Swachh Bharat: Our Pride - Our Responsibility Nov. 9 Arise! Awake! Dec. 10 Medhasananda, Swami Just Read the Gospel Mar. 16 Mangalanathananda, Sri Ramakrishna’s Advice to Householders Dec. 29 Swami Muktidananda, Swami Rishi Ideal For Spiritualising Family Life Dec. 50 N Nalina Ramalakshmi Why Connection Is the Key to Parenting Dec. 134 P Prema Nandakumar Significance of Vratas: Savitri Vrata Dec. 111 Purba Sengupta, Dr. Sister Nivedita and the Hindu Society Feb. 16 Purushottamananda, Brahmacharya in Married Life Dec. 59 Swami R Ramasubramanian When Indians Meet… : An Encounter with the Apr. 33 Native America as part of an engagement with the Parliament of World Religions Ramasubramanian Seeds and Indian Ethos of Conservation, Sharing Jun. 11 and Freedom—Cover Story S Samarpanananda, Swami Grihastha Dharma in Mahabharata Dec. 88 Sannyasi, A Purity: The Graded Ideal Dec. 71 Some Thoughts on Spiritual Life Jan. 40

December 2019 Mapping Actions to Fire Sacrifice May 38 Satyapriyananda Swami An Amazing Maze Sept. 43 162 The ‘As’-‘Is’ Hybrid Jul. 35 Shankaracharya, Sri Dakshinamurti Stotra— Scriptural Prayers Jan. - Oct. 7 Shantachittananda, Swami Grow and Design your Life Aug. 11 Shyamali Chowdhury, Dr. Swami Vivekananda in Sri Lanka: New Findings Jun. 22 Sneha Nagarkar The Griha and Grihastha in Indian Culture Dec. 137 Srinivasan, K. Grihastha Dharma from Ramayana Dec. 86

The Vedanta Kesari The Vedanta Sudha Shastri, Prof. The Value of Discipline Jul. 43 Reminiscences of Sargachhi Jan. -Nov. 11, 11, 12, 13, 11, 17, Suhitananda, Swami 18, 16, 18, 17, 15 Ideal Role-Modelling Dec. 21 Suman Bhattacharyya Two Poets: Hafiz and Vivekananda Mar. 31 Surarchitananda, Swami A Special Gift by Subhas Chandra Bose Aug. 43 T Tyagananda, Swami Ramakrishna of the Heart— Guest Editorial Mar. 9 V Vivekananda, Swami Guru, The—Compilation Jul. 46 Dharma and Mukti Dec. 12 W William Page Two Versions of Swami Vivekananda’s First Jan. 24 Chicago Speech William Page If Swami Vivekananda Were Here Today Jun. 35 Y YogaKshema Mindful Parenting: Be a Neurosculptor Dec. 126 Book Review Index Book and author / publisher Reviewer A Light to the West by Pravrajika Anandaprana Swami Tapoyajnananda, Oct. 41 Poonampet A Story of Self-Sacrifice by Shri Kumud Vijaynath Bhat, Mysore Aug. 40 Ranjan Roy Chowdhury Translation by Prof. Shirshendu Chakrabarti Brahmasutra Shankarabhashyam Swami Brahmeshananda, Varanasi Feb. 45 Chatussutri Tr. and Commentary by Swami Shuddhabodhananda Saraswati. Caturyuga Calendar of Vaisvasvatha Prof. R. Gopalakrishnan, Chennai Jan. 44 Manvantara (Puranic Chronicle) by R. December 2019 Parthasarathy 163 Classical Yoga Philosophy and the Legacy of Pravrajika Vrajaprana, Santa Mar. 44 Samkhya: by Gerald James Larson Barbara, US and Wade Dazey, Prof. Emeritus, University of Wisconsin—Whitewater Concept of Cow in the Rigveda by Doris K.Panchapagesan, Bengaluru Sept. 40 Srinivasan Concept of Spirituality in Art: Past, Present and Jayanthi Varma , Chennai Aug. 40 The Vedanta Kesari The Vedanta Future. Published by Swami Suparnananda, Secretary, RMIC. Dashavatar : Ten Incarnations of Lord Prema Raghunath, Chennai Jun. 44 Mahavishnu narrated by KV Gayathri. Essentials of Hinduism—A Practice Guide Prema Raghunath, Chennai Oct. 42 by G.S. Nilakantan Facets of Vivekananda published by Prema Raghunath, Chennai Nov. 41 Ramakrishna Sarada Mission, Dakshineswar Gita Bodh by Uday Karanjkar Gokulmuthu, Bengaluru Aug. 42 Human Values in Indian Literature by Gokulmuthu, Bengaluru Sept. 41 N.S.Anantha Rangacharya and others Human Values in Religions by M.A. Jayachandra Prema Raghunath, Chennai Jan. 45 and others Indian Cultural Unity Edited by Sabyasachi Prema Raghunath, Chennai Jul. 40 Bhattacharya Indian Epigraphy by D.C. Sircar Dr. Santanu Dey, Ramakrishna Jun. 44 Mission Vidyamandira Indian Philosophy of Nada and its Vocal Prof. R. Gopalakrishnan, Chennai Jul. 41 Applications by Justice B.S.Raikote Indian Traditions in Search of Unity through Jayanthi Varma , Chennai Sept. 40 Music. Published by Secretary, RMIC., Gol Park, Kolkata - Living Imprints of Indian Culture Jayanthi Varma , Chennai Nov. 42 by Swami Atmashraddhananda Pictorial Ramayana by Swami Prema Raghunath, Chennai Jun. 44 Raghaveshananda Rethinking the Cultural Unity of India Edited by Prof. R. Gopalakrishnan, Chennai Mar. 46 Sabyasachi Bhattacharya. Science Universe Expansion in India published Prema Raghunath, Chennai Nov. 41 by Ramakrishna Sarada Mission, Dakshineswar See God with Open Eyes : Meditation on Prof. Sumita Roy, Hyderabad May 40 Ramakrishna by Swami Chetanananda Siva I am Siva I am Published by Adi Shankara N. Hariharan, Madurai Nov. 41 Vedanta Pratishtanam December 2019 Sri Padukasahasram of Sri Vedanta Desika-Vol-1 Prof. Mohan Ramanan, Hyderabad Apr. 44 164 & 2. Transcomposition in Tamil by Sri R Kesava Ayyengar and English Translation by Sri D. Ramaswamy Iyangar Sri Ramakrishna’s Stories published by Sri Prema Raghunath, Chennai Jun. 44 Ramakrishna Math, Mylapore, Chennai Swami by Swami Chetanananda Swami Shantivratananda, Mysuru Jan. 44 & Swami Vimohananda

The Vedanta Kesari The Vedanta Swami Vivekananda’s Relevance in Meeting the Prema Raghunath, Chennai Apr. 44 Challenges of the 21st Century published by RMIC, Gol Park Swami Vivekananda’s Vision of Future Society Prema Raghunath, Chennai Jul. 40 published by Secretary RMIC The Divine Vaishnava Alwars. Tamil original Varsha Sundararajan, Chennai Sept. 42 by Kurinji Gnana Vaidyanathan. Trans. by Kasturirangan Jayaraman The Patityagramanirnaya by Stephen Hillyer Dr. Ruchira Mitra, Hyderabad Sept. 41 Levitt The Upanishads A Study of the Oriental Texts By Swami Brahmeshananda, Varanasi Jun. 43 N.Jayashanmugham Uniqueness of the Ramakrishna Incarnation and Prema Raghunath, Chennai Oct. 40 Other Essays by Swami Bhuteshananda. Edited and Translated by Swami Vimohananda What The Buddha Taught by Walpola Rahula K. Panchapagesan, Bengaluru Nov. 42 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 and Ramakrishna Mission, Belur Math declared open a Math centre at Uttarkashi, an ancient holy town in the Garhwal Himalayas on 20 Oct 2017. There was already an ashrama, named “Ramakrishna Kutir”, on a small piece of land since 1963. It was maintained directly by the Belur Math, and 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. In view of expanding Swami Vivekananda’s ideal of service and spirituality among the masses we plan to purchase some land measuring at least one acre around Harsil Valley, near Gangotri. Along with 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. December 2019 An estimated cost of Rs. 2 crores is required to set up and develop this additional unit of our Math. We request our friends and devotees, trusts and corporate bodies to contribute 165 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 Branch Name: Uttarkashi Branch

A/C No.: 601802010006696 Kesari The Vedanta IFSC: UBIN0560189 Foreign contributions may kindly be sent through the headquarters at Belur Math (Ramakrishna Mission, Belur Math, Howrah-711202; email- [email protected]) requesting it to credit the fund in Uttarkashi Math A/c. Kindly send us email (to [email protected] ) or SMS (to 9447051231) after the transaction intimating the purpose of your donation as “Donation for purchase of land and development of the Math.” Please also send your PAN and full postal address. Donations towards our Math are exempted from IT under 80G Act. May Sri Ramakrishna, Ma Sarada, Swami Vivekananda bless you all. Yours in the Lord, Swami Amaleshananda Adhyaksha Ramakrishna Math, Halasuru 113, Swami Vivekananda Road, Halasuru, Bengaluru – 560008, India Mobile: +91-8025367878, 9845764016, Email: [email protected]

Installation of Swami Vivekananda’s Statue An Appeal Swami Vivekananda traversed for seven long years through the length and breadth of India as an itinerant sannyasi before he went to the West. During this period, he visited Bengaluru from 3rd to 7th November 1892. He stayed in Kalappa Dharma Chhatra, a charitable choultry in the Tulasi Thota locality. This locality is close to Krantivira Sangolli Rayanna (KSR) Bengaluru City Railway Station. So, it is certain that Swamiji moved around this area during his stay. To commemorate Swamiji’s holy stay in this historic city, on the occasion of the 125th anniversary of his addresses at the World’s Parliament of Religions in Chicago, USA, Ramakrishna Math, Halasuru has initiated the effort to create a National Monument by installing a 12 ft. bronze statue of Swamiji outside the new 3rd entrance to KSR Bengaluru City Railway Station. The Indian Railway Board and the General Manager of the South December 2019 Western Railways have happily issued necessary approval and permission to carry out the 166 task on a 125 x 65 ft plot at this new entrance. The estimated cost is about Rs. 60 Lakhs as per the details given below:

Swamiji’s statue 16 lakhs Construction of Mantapam 30 lakhs Fencing 10 lakhs Maintenance 4 lakhs

The Vedanta Kesari The Vedanta Total 60 Lakhs

We humbly appeal to devotees, admirers, general public, corporate bodies, and philanthropists to contribute to this noble work of honouring the patriot-saint of India. All donations to the Ramakrishna Math are exempt from Income Tax under Section 80G of the IT Act, 1961. Donations can be made in favour of ‘Ramakrishna Math’ stating the purpose as Vivekananda Statue at KSR Railway Station. The bank details are: Bank name : HDFC Branch name : Indira Nagar Branch A/C No. : 01841110000036 IFSC Code : HDFC0000184 May Swami Vivekananda bless us all. Yours sincerely Swami Tattwarupananda Adhyaksha SRI RAMAKRISHNA MATH, THANJAVUR A NEW SUB-CENTRE OF SRI RAMAKRISHNA MATH, CHENNAI An Appeal Dear Devotees, Ramakrishna Math & Ramakrishna Mission centres across the world motivate people to come together & serve humanity as a form of worship in the fields of Health Care, Education & Spirituality. Ramakrishna Vivekananda Educational Trust run by the devotees of Bhagawan Sri Ramakrishna at Mariyamman Kovil (near Thanjavur) is rendering service in the rural areas of Thanjavur District for the past 26 years. This trust is now taken over by the Ramakrishna Math & Ramakrishna Mission, Belur, Kolkata & is functioning as a sub-centre of Sri Ramakrishna Math, Chennai from July 2019. To expand the service activities, a new Math of this sub-centre is being started in Thanjavur town. We seek your generous contribution for these activities:

1. Getting land for the Ashrama Rs.80 lakh 4. Renovation of the existing Temple Rs. 20 lakh 2. Establishing the Ashrama with a new Temple Rs. 3 crore 5. Rural development projects Rs. 1 crore 3. Nitya Pooja of Sri Ramakrishna Rs. 50 lakh 6. Endowment for Sadhu Seva Rs. 50 lakh AN APPEAL TO DEVOTEES AND WELL-WISHERS Dear Friends, Namaste. We pray for you and your family. Sri Ramakrishna Math, Chennai has been rendering service for over 120 years to the society in the fields of Health, Education, Publication of Spiritual & Inspirational books and magazines both in English & Tamil, cultural activities, relief work etc. In order to execute the projects on hand, we appeal to you for contribution. December 2019

Service activities in brief Expenses Your support needed 167 Maintenance of Vivekananda Centenary Girls Hr. Sec. School for under Monthly Rs.7,20,000/- Rs.8000/- privileged (900 students) Per student Rs.800/- For 10 Students Maintenance of Sri Ramakrishna Math National School for under privi- Monthly Rs.2,80,000/- Rs.8000/- leged children (350 students) Per student Rs.800/- For 10 students Monthly Rs.1,20,000/- Rs.10,000/- Rehabilitation Service to Leprosy afflicted persons – 120 beneficiaries Per beneficiary Rs.1000/- For 10 beneficiaries Monthly Rs.5,40,000/- Rs.9,000/- Medical Service to 600 - 800 poor patients daily Per patient Rs.900/- For 10 patients Kesari The Vedanta Nursing Assistants Training for poor rural girls Rs.25,000/- Per batch Rs.7,50,000/- – 30 students per batch of 1 year Per student Rural development – Education, Women Welfare & Medical Help, Alcohol Monthly Rs.1,00,000/- Rs.5000/- de-addiction – 100 beneficiaries Per beneficiary Rs.1000/- For 5 people Sri Ramakrishna Daily puja, Neivedyam and Arathi Rs.10,000/- Per day Daily Annadhanam for 200 devotees Rs.10,000/- Sadhu Seva per day for 50 members Rs.5,000/-

Donations for both Thanjavur & Chennai Math may please be sent by cheque / DD favouring “Sri Ramakrishna Math”. For Online donation please visit https://donations.chennaimath.org Transfer directly & intimate us along with PAN details through email. Donations are exempted from Income Tax under Section 80G. May the blessings of Bhagavan Sri Ramakrishna be on you is my earnest prayer to Him. Sri Ramakrishna Math 31, Sri Ramakrishna Math Road, Yours in the Service Mylapore, Chennai-4. & : 24621110. of the Humanity, email : [email protected] Swami Gautamananda website : www.chennaimath.org For more details : 98409 87307 Adhyaksha December 2019

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‘I am the mother of the December 2019 169 wicked, as I am the mother of the virtuous. Whenever you are in distress, just say to yourself “I have a mother”. The Vedanta Kesari The Vedanta To a mother a son is always a son.’

–Holy Mother Sri Sarada Devi With Best Compliments Southern Electronics A Fully Defence-oriented Unit 16-A, Peenya Industrial Area Phase I, Bangalore - 560058 Phone: 080-8394292 / 2252708; Fax: 2264828 December 2019

170 ‘Remember one thing. If you want peace of mind then give up fault-finding. If you would search for fault at all, find out your own faults and The Vedanta Kesari The Vedanta shortcomings. Learn to accept everyone as your own. No one is alien to you, the whole world is yours.’ —Holy Mother Sri Sarada Devi December 2019

171 The Vedanta Kesari The Vedanta With Best Compliments Prime Academy In Pursuit of Academic Excellence

New No. 20, old No. 10, Justice Sundaram Road Mylapore, Chennai - 600 004 Phone: 2467 1478, 2467 1298 Email: primeacademy.com, [email protected] December 2019

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‘First of all, our young men must be strong. Religion will come afterwards. Be strong, my young friends; that is my advice to you. You will be nearer to Heaven through football than through the study of the Gita. These are bold words; but I have

The Vedanta Kesari The Vedanta to say them, for I love you. I know where the shoe pinches. I have gained a little experience. You will understand the Gita better with your biceps, your muscles, a little stronger. You will understand the mighty genius and the mighty strength of Krishna better with a little of strong blood in you. You will understand the Upanishads better and the glory of the Atman when your body stands firm upon your feet, and you feel yourselves as men.’ —Swami Vivekananda With Best Compliments December 2019 Shri Guru Kripa Learning Centre 173 (A Unit of Taxpayer Plan Pvt. Ltd.,) ‘Shri Guru Padhuka’ 27, Akbarabad 2nd Street, Kodambakkam, Chennai - 600 024. Tel : 044 - 24837667 / 24847667 / 24803737 / 24801372 Email : [email protected] The Vedanta Kesari The Vedanta

‘Education is not the amount of information that is put into your brain and runs riot there, undigested, all your life. We must have life-building, manmaking, character-making assimilation of ideas. If you have assimilated five ideas and made them your life and character, you have more education than any man who has got by heart a whole library.’ —Swami Vivekananda December 2019

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With Best Compliments SIFY The Vedanta Kesari The Vedanta The mind is like milk. If you keep the mind in the world, which is like water, then the milk and water will get mixed. That is why people keep milk in a quiet place and let it set into curd, and then churn buter from it. Likewise, through spiritual discipline practised in solitude, churn the butter of knowledge and devotion from the milk of the mind. Then that butter can easily be kept in the water of the world. It will not get mixed with the world. The mind will float detached on the water of the world. —Sri Ramakrishna December 2019

175 The Vedanta Kesari The Vedanta December 2019

176 The Vedanta Kesari The Vedanta Pranams to Holy Trio

Muthuraman & Sons Agencies No: 29, Stringers Street, Chennai - 600 108. Ph.No: 044 - 2536 7320 / 2536 3703 / 2538 2990 Fax.No: 044 - 2536 6719 [email protected], [email protected], [email protected] December 2019

Whole sale dealers: 177 1. Seshasayee Paper & Boards Limited, 2. Malar Paper Mills Pvt. Ltd. 3. Servalakshmi Paper Ltd.

Our Sister Concern: Kesari The Vedanta Sethu Enterprises

No: 29, Stringers Street, Chennai - 600 108.

Wholesale dealers: Premium Stationery from ITC Class mate & Paper Craft Note Books SPB Success Note Book / Examination Paper Ruled / Unruled December 2019

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182 ‘Each soul is potentially divine. The goal is to manifest this Divinity within by controlling nature, external and internal. Do this either by work, or worship, or psychic control, or philosophy — by one, or more, or all of these — and be free.

The Vedanta Kesari The Vedanta This is the whole of religion. Doctrines, or dogmas, or rituals, or books, or temples, or forms, are but secondary details.’ —Swami Vivekananda With Best Compliments City Union Bank

Never mind failures; they are quite natural, they are the beauty of life—these failures. What would life be without them? It would not be worth having if it were not for December 2019 struggles. Where would be the po- 183 etry of life? Never mind the strug- gles, the mistakes. I never heard a cow tell a lie, but it is only a cow— never a man. So never mind these failures, these little backslidings; Kesari The Vedanta hold the ideal a thousand times; and if you fail a thousand times, make the attempt once more. —Swami Vivekananda December 2019

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With Best Compliments

The Vadasery Handloom Weavers’ Store Kesari The Vedanta New No. 25, R.K. Math Road, Mylapore, Chennai - 600 004 Head Office: Nagercoil Tel No: (044) 2464 1746

For High Quality 10 x 6, 9 x 5, 9, 8, 4 Dhoties and towels December 2019

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187 The Vedanta Kesari The Vedanta With Best Compliments 1. Sri Ramakrishna Trust, 2. Sri Ramakrishna Ashrama, 3. Sri Ramakrishna Mat.Hr.Sec.School, Chengam – 606 701. Tiruvannamalai Dt., E-mail: [email protected] Phone: 04188 - 222252 ‘The powers of the mind are like rays of light dissipated; when they are concentrated, they illumine. This is our only means of knowledge.’ —Swami Vivekananda December 2019

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The Vedanta Kesari The Vedanta Scope Software Pvt. Ltd., Regd. off.9, (Old No.4), 10th Street, Nanganallur, Chennai - 600 061. Phone : 2267 2449 Email: [email protected]

‘Let positive, strong, helpful thought enter into their brains from very childhood. Lay yourselves open to these thoughts, and not to weakening and paralysing ones.’ —Swami Vivekananda With Best Compliments Krishna Agencies & Services Company

163, 37th Cross, 7th main, Jayanagar, Bangalore - 560 041 Phone : 080-2663 0927/2663 0370 Fax : 91-80-2663-0927. E-mail : [email protected]

Whatever you think, that you will be. If you think yourselves weak, weak you will be; if you think yourselves strong, strong you will be. —Swami Vivekananda December 2019

189 The Vedanta Kesari The Vedanta With Best Compliments HINDU MISSION HEALTH SERVICES, 100 FEET ROAD, HINDU COLONY, NANGANALLUR, CHENNAI - 600 061. Ph: 2224 3709 / 2224 3026 / 2224 0668. Fax: 2224 1285. Visit us @www.hmhealthservices.in MULTI SPECIALITY HOSPITAL - 24 HOURS  Fully Equipped ICU / IMCU and Haemodialysis Units  All Medical Specialities like Nephrology, Neurology, Diabetology, Gynaecology, ENT, Gastro, Opthamology, Dental, Psychiatrist, Geriatric etc.  All Surgical Specialities including Cancer Treatment, Urology, Orthopaedics and General surgery  Fully Equipped Operation Theatre with Laminar Air Flow to ensure Zero Infection Surgeries  Round the clock Delivery Care  12 hours Physiotherapy department with well-trained Physiotherapists at nominal charges.  12 hours Dental care by specialists dentists  24 hours Ambulance Service with Life Saving Equipment – Pickup and drop facilities – Outstation also. OTHER FACILITIES:  Hi – Tech Laboratory, Hi – Frequency Digital X-Ray Unit, Scan, Emergency Casualty

December 2019  Approved Health Provider for Mediclaim – TPAS Public & Private Sector  Upgraded Haemodialysis Facility at Affordable Cost is our Speciality 190  Donations to this Charitable Institution Qualify for Income Tax Relief U/S 80G.

With Best Compliments

The Vedanta Kesari The Vedanta If one is without kindness, how can one be called a human being? —Holy Mother Sri Sarada Devi

Shree Jayalakshmi Binding Works

Account Books and School Note Books Manufacturers Dealers in Paper & Stationary # 3/30, Badrian Street, Chennai - 600 001 Phone: Off: 25386661, 42326661. Cell: 9940097705 E-mail: [email protected] S. No Location Phone 15 AB15a Madipakkam 48689668 1 AB1 Adyar 42607045 16 AB16 Perungalathur 48575939 2 AB2 Thiruvanmiyur 42134438 17 AB17 Kotivakkam 43590926 3 AB3 Ashok Nagar 42134441 18 AB20a Dhandeeswaram Nagar - 48564096 Velachery 4 AB4 Mahalingapuram 42134442 19 AB21 Medavakkam 48564095 5 AB5a RTO 48570921 20 AB22a Agaram 7397327429 6 AB6a Thiruvanmiyur - II, 48568394 Kalachetra Road 21 AB23 Adambakkam - II 48564094 7 AB7 KK Nagar 42616027 22 AB28a DLF - Chemanchery 48569331 8 AB8 Nanganallur 43586241 23 AB29 Valasaravakkam 48565757 9 AB9b Nolambur 48576939 Franchisee 10 AB10b Vananthurai 48564027 24 Pammal - 1 42873141 11 AB11 Vijayanagar 42134691 25 Sriperumbadur 9994225330 12 AB12a AGS Colony - Velacherry 48564098 26 Ullagaram 7358605021 13 AB13 West Anna Nagar 42645121 14 AB14 Ambathur - I 42134839 December 2019

MERIT TECHNOLOGIES INDIA LTD 191 E1, TVK Industrial Estate, Guindy, Chennai - 600032, Ph: 044 - 22501864 - 67 E-mail: [email protected] Visit us @ www.meritbulkhandling.com RAPID LOADING SYSTEM The Vedanta Kesari The Vedanta Bulk Storage, Weighing & Loading Rapid Loading System (Rail & Truck) Auto Sampling System EPC in Bulk Material Handling Electronic Weighing (Rail & Road) Telescopic Bulk Loading System Air Blaster System Gate, Valve & Telescopic Spout December 2019

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M.N. ORTHOPAEDIC Kesari The Vedanta HOSPITAL

‘Ramakrishna Paramahamsa was the only man who ever had the courage to say that we must speak to all men in their own language!’ —Swami Vivekananda December 2019

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