kÉqÉïxÉlSåzÉ Dharma Sandesh a quarterly newsletter of Bharatiya Mandir, Middletown, NY

Let noble thoughts come to us from everywhere. 1.89.1 AÉ lÉÉå pÉSìÉÈ ¢üiÉuÉÉå rÉliÉÑ ÌuɵÉiÉÈ|

Rishis, Munis and great scholars of our dear Bharata. lÉqÉxiÉå Namaste As always, we invite readers to contribute articles of interest in religion, spirituality, and on great Á – OM. We are fortunate and blessed to have characters of India. completed one full year of publication of Bharatiya Mandir’s quarterly newsletter “Dharma Sandesh”. As Let us all pray to the Lord Almighty to shower His we step into the second year of publication we are blessings upon all His children!! even more energized and enthusiastic to bring forth new articles and interesting material to our readers. Sincerely, Your Editorial Board Summer is upon us now and we feel energized by the Email: [email protected] warm weather. Some of us are planning vacations and Web: www.bharatiyamandir.org some of us are cleaning house. Some of us are thinking about outdoor parties and barbeques and some of us are eager to go to outdoor fairs and events. xÉÑpÉÉÌwÉiÉÉ Subhaashitaa

While this is all good, we should not forget God. In In this section, we present a quotation and its the midst of all our excitement and enthusiasm to interpretation/meaning. enjoy the good weather, we tend to forget the Paramaatma (mÉUqÉÉiqÉÉ - Supreme Spirit). He is all- E±qÉålÉæuÉ ÍxÉSèkrÉÎliÉ MüÉrÉÉïÍhÉ lÉ qÉlÉÉåUjÉæÈ | pervading and omnipresent. He resides in all of us and lÉ ÌWû xÉÑmiÉxrÉ ÍxÉÇWûxrÉ mÉëÌuÉzÉÎliÉ qÉÑZÉå qÉ×aÉÉÈ || is constantly watching over us. We should not forget this fact. udyamenaiva-siddhyanti-kaaryaani-na-manorathaihi|

na-hi-suptasya-simhasya-pravishanti-mukhe- In this issue of Dharma Sandesh, we present an article mrugaaha || on Lord Sri Narasimha (pÉaÉuÉÉlÉç ´ÉÏ sɤqÉÏlÉUÍxÉÇWû), who symbolizes this very fact – the Goals and objectives get fulfilled and work gets done omnipresence of the Supreme Spirit. He is present in a only by expending effort, and not just by wishing. If a pillar, He is present in a stone, He is present in the lion is sleeping in the forest with its mouth open, Murti, He is present in the five elements (mÉgcÉpÉÔiÉ animals do not voluntarily walk into its mouth. Pancha Bhuta – water, fire, earth, air and ether), and most importantly, He is present in each and every one A lion must expend effort and chase and attack its of us. We have to be cognizant of this fact and have prey. Only then will it be able to eat. It cannot eat just firm faith in Him. The Lord protects those who have by wishing for it and sleeping. Similarly, one cannot this unwavering belief in Him. get one’s objectives fulfilled just by wishing and praying for them. In addition to prayer, one has to There is also an excellent article on Goddess Lakshmi really work hard in order to achieve things in life. Laziness does not grant anything positive in life. Hard and the magnificent aÉÑ xiÉÉå§ÉqÉç (Guru Stotram – verses work begets success. to the Guru). These are very interesting readings which should stimulate our readers and spark interest Contributed by Dr. Narasim Banavara in them to seek more of the spiritual teachings of Dharma Sandesh Volume 2 Issue 1 Jun2010-Aug2010 Page-1 he was a devotee of Lord and hence the Lord xÉÉD mÉëåUhÉÉ Baba’s Teachings came down to protect him against his own father who was bent upon killing the boy. Here Lord Vishnu states that whoever believes in Him is protected by In this section, we present a teaching of Sri Sai Baba. Him, irrespective of gender, class, or species.

Sri Sai Baba spoke thus – “Your nature is revealed by Lord Narasimha is your acts, gestures, looks, speech, food habits, dress everywhere. He is and the manner in which you conduct yourself. omnipresent. One Therefore, you must pay attention to ensure that your just has to have speech, movements, thoughts and behavior are all faith and believe in correct and filled with love and nobility, and devoid of that fact. When wildness and waywardness. You have to develop the Prahlada stated to humility to believe that you have much good to learn his father that he from others. Your enthusiasm, aspiration, resolution, indeed firmly capacity to work, knowledge and wisdom have to be believed this fact, directed towards the welfare of all and not utilized solely for your selfish ends. You should be broad- taunted him and minded and cultivate all-embracing love.” asked whether Prahlada’s Lord Contributed by Dr. Vijaya Dasari would be there in a pillar. When Prahlada said yes, Hiranyakashipu laughed and said JnanaVihara that if that were indeed true, then he would break the ¥ÉÉlÉÌuÉWûÉU pillar and, thus, the Lord. Saying this, he hit the pillar with his mace. When the pillar broke, Lord Narasimha In this section, we present articles on , emerged, thus signifying His omnipresence. , , , and related philosophy. Story of the incarnation of Lord Narasimha: Jaya Lord Sri Lakshmi Narasimha and Vijaya were the doorkeepers of Vaikunta (uÉæMÑühPû), pÉaÉuÉÉlÉç ´ÉÏ sɤqÉÏlÉUÍxÉÇWû the abode of Lord Vishnu. Once, the Brahmarshis (divine sages) Sanaka, Sanandana, Sanatkumara and Lord Sri Narasimha (pÉaÉuÉÉlÉç ´ÉÏ lÉUÍxÉÇWû) is the fourth Sanatsujatha (the mentally-borne sons of Lord ) came to seek darshan of Lord Vishnu. Avatara (AuÉiÉÉU = incarnation) of Lord Vishnu on this Though they were old and revered, they appeared as earth. Sri Narasimha appeared on earth to annihilate young children. Seeing the young children, Jaya and the vile Hiranyakashipu and protect His Vijaya barred them from entering the gates of dear devotee Prahlada ( ). Since Goddess Lakshmi mÉë¿ûÉS Vaikunta. Instead of respecting the sages, the is always with the Lord, He is also referred to as Sri doorkeepers laughed and insulted them. The sages Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy. were furious at the insolence of Jaya and Vijaya and cursed them to be born as mere mortals and roam the Lord Narasimha is Nara + Simha. Nara means man earth. The doorkeepers then realized their gross and Simha means lion. So, He is half-man, half-lion. mistake and reported this to Lord Vishnu. The Lord He has a torso and lower body like a human being and stated that He was always available for His devotees a face and claws like a lion. This form of Lord Vishnu and that no one, not even His own doorkeepers, could is worshipped with much fervor and devotion in many keep the devotees away from Him. Jaya and Vijaya places, especially in South India. begged forgiveness from the Lord and requested Him to repeal the curse. Even the Brahmarshis left it to the Lord Narasimha signifies the omnipresence, Lord to decide on the punishment of Jaya and Vijaya. omnipotence, omniscience and impartiality of the Lord Vishnu said “the curse cannot be repealed. But I Supreme Spirit. Although Prahlada was a Rakshasa, will give you two options. You can be born as my Dharma Sandesh Volume 2 Issue 1 Jun2010-Aug2010 Page-2 prime devotees in seven lifetimes or you can be born Hiranyakashipu asked for the boon of immortality as my staunch enemies in three lifetimes. You choose which Lord Brahma refused. Hiranyakashipu then which option you want.” asked for a boon that was similar to immortality.

Jaya and Vijaya said “O Lord, we do not wish to be He said “O Lord Brahma, O my lord, O best of the away from you for long. We would rather be born as givers of benediction, if you will kindly grant me the your enemies and die at your hands and then rejoin benediction I desire, please let me not meet death your service after three lifetimes.” Lord Vishnu from any of the living entities created by you. Grant agreed. me that I not die within any residence or outside any residence, during the daytime or at night, nor on the Jaya and Vijaya were first born as Hiranyaaksha and ground or in the sky. Grant me that my death not be Hiranyakashipu in Krita Yuga, and were slain by Lord brought about by any weapon, nor by any human Vishnu in His incarnations as (the boar) and being or animal. Grant me that I not meet death from Narasimha (man-lion). Later, the two were born as any created entity, living or nonliving. Grant me, Ravana and Kumbhakarna in Treta Yuga and were further, the boon that I not be killed by any demigod killed by Lord Vishnu in His incarnation as Lord or demon or by any great snake from the lower . Then, they were born for the last time as planets. Since no one can kill you in the battlefield, Shishupala and Dantavakra in Dwapara Yuga and you have no competitor. Therefore, grant me the were killed by Lord , the eighth Avatara of benediction that I too may have no rival. Give me sole Lord Vishnu. After that, they rejoined the service of lordship over all the living entities and presiding Lord Vishnu. deities, and give me all the glories obtained by that position. Furthermore, give me all the mystic powers In their first lifetime, the two were born as twins attained by long austerities and the practice of yoga, Hiranyakashipu and for these cannot be lost at any time.” Hiranyaaksha to Diti (daughter of Lord Brahma agreed and granted the boon to Prajapati) and Sage Hiranyakashipu. Armed with this boon, . The two Hiranyakashipu attacked the Heavens and usurped it. brothers grew up to be He became the Lord of the three worlds. His atrocities a menace to society, increased and knew no bounds. causing harm to thousands of people While Hiranyakashipu was doing penance, Lord and destroying peoples’ , king of the Gods, attacked his kingdom. There rituals on earth. he tried to kill Kayadu, the pregnant wife of Hiranyaaksha went so Hiranyakashipu. At that moment, Sage Narada far as to take the entire intervened and protected Kayadu. He took her to his earth and submerge it hermitage and raised her there. Sage Narada instructed in the oceans. Mother Earth (pÉÔÍqÉSåuÉÏ) prayed to Lord Kayadu the great truths of philosophy while at his Vishnu to save her. Lord Vishnu appeared as Varaha hermitage. Prahlada, the unborn son of Kayadu and Hiranyakashipu, received this divine knowledge while (uÉUÉWû - the boar) and killed Hiranyaaksha and dug he was still in his mother’s womb. Mother Earth from the depth of the oceans and saved her. After Hiranyakashipu usurped the Heavens, he

brought his wife and son to his palace. As Prahlada Seeing his brother killed by Lord Vishnu, grew up, he began to show his devotion to Lord Hiranyakashipu was furious. He stated that he would Vishnu in every one of his activities. His father was perform penance and seek boons from Lord Brahma very angry at this. He said, “my son, Vishnu is my and then destroy Lord Vishnu. He did rigorous prime enemy. You should not worship Him.” penance for several years. Pleased with his austerities and penance, Lord Brahma appeared before But Prahlada did not listen to his father one bit. Hiranyakashipu and told him to ask for boons. Hiranyakashipu tried different tactics several times to Dharma Sandesh Volume 2 Issue 1 Jun2010-Aug2010 Page-3 put some sense into his son and wean him away from pillar and asked if Lord Vishnu was there in that Lord Vishnu. But Prahlada did not budge from his pillar. Prahlada said yes. He said, “O father, Lord faith. The furious Hiranyakashipu was beyond reason Vishnu is in this pillar, He is also in a twig; He is and then ordered that his own son be put to death for everywhere, in everything in all the worlds.” worshipping Lord Vishnu. Obeying their master’s Hiranyakashipu then roared, “if your Vishnu is indeed command, the attendants of Hiranyakashipu attempted in this pillar as you say, I am going to break this pillar in several ways to kill Prahlada. Once they had an right now and destroy your Lord.” Saying this, he hit elephant trample Prahlada. Another time, they threw the pillar hard with his mace. him off a cliff. Yet another time, they had him drink poison. But each time, Prahlada was saved by the At that moment, Lord’s grace. Lord Narasimha appeared from Hiranyakashipu became desperate. His son Prahlada the pillar. He was not listening to him. Instead he was worshipping fought valiantly Lord Vishnu, his father’s staunch mortal enemy. At with the demon that time, Hiranyakashipu’s sister came Hiranyakashipu forward to help her brother. Holika had a boon from and defeated Lord Brahma which granted her protection in fire him. In the end, when she needed it. The fire would not burn her and Lord Narasimha she could be protected from harm when someone tried put the Rakshasa to harm her. Holika said that she would use this boon Hiranyakashipu to enter the fire with Prahlada. She thought that the on His lap, sat fire would burn him and she would remain unscathed. on the threshold Hiranyakashipu agreed. of the palace and dug his claws deep into Hiranyakashipu’s belly and Holika entered a disemboweled him, thus killing him. large fire holding Prahlada in her lap. It was twilight, meaning neither day nor night. Lord The little boy Narasimha was neither human nor animal nor a Prahlada prayed demigod. He was half-man, half-lion. He was not a fervently to Lord creature that Lord Brahma created. He was self- Vishnu. The fire incarnate. He was sitting on the threshold of the burnt Holika to ashes palace. So He was neither inside nor outside. He put while Prahlada Hiranyakashipu on His lap, meaning Hiranyakashipu remained unscathed. was neither on the earth nor in the sky. The Lord used Lord Brahma His claws to kill the demon. So, no weapon was used, explained to Holika animate or inanimate. So, keeping in line with Lord that since she used the boon for an evil purpose (i.e. to Brahma’s boon, Lord Narasimha still managed to kill another person), the boon turned into a curse for vanquish Hiranyakashipu. her and killed her. This event is marked as Holi Dahan in the Phalguna month of the Hindu year. Lord Narasimha was roaring in fury like the lion He was. All the Gods appeared and began to pray to Him. Seeing his sister burn to ashes in front of him and No one, including all the Gods who had assembled seeing Prahlada still praying to Lord Vishnu, there, could pacify Him. In His terrifying and fierce Hiranyakashipu went mad with anger. He dragged form while killing Hiranyakashipu, He is known as Prahlada into the palace and commanded that Ugra Narasimha (Narasimha the Fierce). Perturbed, Prahlada worship him as the Lord of the three worlds. the Gods prayed to Goddess Lakshmi to come and Prahlada refused. Hiranyakashipu then roared, “where appease the Lord. Goddess Lakshmi came and tried to is this Lord Vishnu that you so much adore and appease Him, but still She was unsuccessful. Then, on worship? Where is he now?” Prahlada answered, “He the advice of Lord Brahma, young Prahlada came is everywhere.” Hiranyakashipu then pointed to a forward and prayed to the Lord. Hearing His dear Dharma Sandesh Volume 2 Issue 1 Jun2010-Aug2010 Page-4 devotee’s prayer, the Lord calmed down and became Sources: Sri Narasimha Puranam; Sri Bhagavatha peaceful. He placed His hand on Prahlada’s head in Puranam; Sri Guru Charitra. assurance, benediction and blessing. Contributed by Dr. Narasim Banavara There is one other story here. Hiranyakashipu’s stomach and intestines held a particular poison called Consorts of Lord MahaVishnu Kaalakoota. When Lord Narasimha dug His claws into the demon’s belly to kill him, the poison began to Everyone in the Hindu Religion worships Lord scathe the Lord. The effects of the toxic poison were Vishnu by one name or another, like Vishnu, Krishna, unbearable. This led to much suffering for the Lord. Ranganatha, Venkateshwara, and so on. With every His roars began to increase and become fiercer by the name He has a consort by a different name. There is a minute. Goddess Lakshmi brought the fruits of the mythological story behind each one of them. In the Audumbara tree (figs) for the Lord. When he affixed next few issues of the newsletter, I will try to give you the figs to His fingernails, the figs acted as an antidote a bird’s eye view of these stories. to the toxic poison and the Lord’s suffering was alleviated instantly. He then became peaceful and Sri MahaLakshmi (´ÉÏ qÉWûÉsɤqÉÏ) According to Sri embraced Goddess Lakshmi. He is then known as Sri Lakshmi Puranam, Sri MahaLakshmi was born to Lakshmi Narasimha. sage Bhargava and Khyaathi and she lived happily in That is when the amazing power of the fig fruits Swarga. Once sage Durvasa (Audumbara) was demonstrated. Both Lord got angry at Lakshmi as she Narasimha and Goddess Lakshmi were pleased with ignored him. So, he cursed the Audumbara tree that bore these fruits and granted her and, as a result, she had several boons to the tree. Lord Vishnu, who had to go to the bottom of the incarnated as Lord Narasimha, said – may this Milky Ocean (¤ÉÏUxÉÉaÉU - Audumbara tree become a Kalpa-Vriksha (MüsmÉuÉ×¤É - Ksheerasagara). When the divine all-wish-fulfilling tree) forever. May there Devas (Gods) and always be bunches and bunches of fruits on this tree. (demons) wanted to obtain

the Heavenly Nectar (AqÉ×iÉ – Lord Narasimha then crowned Prahlada as king of the Amrita) from under the ocean, Lord Vishnu agreed to . He said, “You are my blessed devotee. Though you have been born in the lineage of help them. He took the Avatara of a Tortoise (MÔüqÉï - Rakshasas, you are still very dear to me. Live long ) and formed the fulcrum for churning the and prosper. Whenever you desire to have my ocean. He held the Meru Parvata on his back so as to darshan, I shall appear to you instantly.” Thus giving make the churning easier. The great serpent Vasuki him several boons, the divine couple departed to was the rope. The Devas and the Asuras churned the Vaikunta. ocean. From the depths of the ocean emerged Sri Lakshmi sitting on a beautiful lotus flower and Sri Narasimha Jayanthi – the day that Lord Narasimha holding a lotus flower in her right hand. Then incarnated – appears on the Shukla Chaturdashi day of (the Moon) emerged from the ocean. Since she was the month of Vaishaka in the Hindu calendar. The born from the ocean, Lakshmi is called the daughter story of Lord Narasimha and Prahlada gives a number of the Milky Ocean (¤ÉÏUxÉÉaÉUMülrÉMüÉ - Ksheerasagara of moral instructions such as: Kanyaka). Since Chandra was also born at the same • The Lord prevails everywhere. He is omnipresent. time from the ocean, Lakshmi is referred to as the • God will always save His true devotees. sister of Chandra (cÉlSìxÉWûÉåSUÏ – Chandra-sahodari). • Devotion to the Lord can be practised at any point of time. Age does not matter. Prahlada was a very Sri Lakshmi was astonished by the enormous strength young boy. But he had firm devotion to the Lord. and beauty of Lord Vishnu and fell in love with Him, • Constant faith in God leads to devotion. married Him and went to Vaikunta (uÉæMÑühPû), the abode • The people who practice evil will be punished. of Lord Vishnu. She always remains close to Lord

Dharma Sandesh Volume 2 Issue 1 Jun2010-Aug2010 Page-5 Vishnu’s heart and comes in Her own Avatara as His Sri Lakshmi once a day all the sins will be washed consort every time the Lord takes a new Avatara. away. If She is worshipped twice a day one will attain material wealth and food. If She is worshipped The word Lakshmi is derived from the word Lakshya thrice a day all enemies will be vanquished. Sri which means “aim” or “goal”. sɤrÉiÉå CÌiÉ sɤqÉÏ | Sri Mahalakshmi will be appeased and will heartily bless Lakshmi is supposed to aid mankind in attaining their one who worships Her constantly. worldly and spiritual goals. If one focuses on the goal and works hard towards it, then Sri MahaLakshmi will LMüMüÉsÉÇ mÉPåûͳÉirÉÇ qÉWûÉmÉÉmÉÌuÉlÉÉzÉlÉqÉç | automatically bless that person. ̲MüÉsÉÇ rÉÈ mÉPåûͳÉirÉÇ kÉlÉ kÉÉlrÉ xÉqÉÎluÉiÉÈ || The lotus represents ̧ÉMüÉsÉÇ rÉÈ mÉPåûͳÉirÉÇ qÉWûÉzɧÉÑÌuÉlÉÉzÉlÉÇ | purity and spiritual power. So as Sri qÉWûÉsɤqÉÏpÉïuÉåͳÉirÉÇ mÉëxɳÉÉ uÉUSÉ zÉÑpÉÉ || MahaLakshmi sits on ekakalam-paten-nityam-mahapapa-vinashanam | the lotus flower and dwikalam-yah-paten-nityam-dhana-dhanya- holds a lotus in Her samanvitah || trikalam-yah-paten-nityam-mahashatru- hand, She is the vinashanam | Mahalakshmi-bhavey-nnityam- power of Vishnu. Sri prasanna-varada-shubha. Lakshmi is the embodiment of grace, Sources: Vishnu Purana, Lakshmi Purana, Religious charm, beauty and Life and Thought in India by Monier Williams. splendor. She brings spiritual strength to Contributed by Dr. Padma Sundaram. mankind through love. Her devotion Sri Guru Stotram ´ÉÏ aÉÑÂxiÉÉå§ÉqÉç and love for Lord Vishnu are endless and (Verses to the Guru) incomparable. So, it is said that through love and devotion to Sri Lakshmi, one can reach Lord Vishnu.

MahaLakshmi is also referred to as Shakthi (zÉÌ£ü) in Her universal form with eight arms. She is also Mother Earth (pÉÔSåuÉÏ - Bhudevi) and giver of spiritual and material wealth (´ÉÏSåuÉÏ - Sridevi). She is always at MahaVishnu’s heart (ÌuÉwhÉÑWØûSrÉMüqÉsÉuÉÉÍxÉlÉÏ – Vishnu-hrudaya-kamala-vasini). Her secondary manifestations are the Ashtalakshmi (A¹sɤqÉÏ). They are Adilakshmi (AÉÌSsɤqÉÏ), Santanalakshmi (xÉliÉÉlÉsɤqÉÏ), Dhaanyalakshmi (kÉÉlrÉsɤqÉÏ), Vidyalakshmi (ÌuɱÉsɤqÉÏ), Vijayalakshmi (ÌuÉeÉrÉsɤqÉÏ), Dhairyalakshmi (kÉærÉïsɤqÉÏ), Dhanalakshmi (kÉlÉsɤqÉÏ) and Gajalakshmi (aÉeÉsɤqÉÏ). Each one represents one aspect of life. In the Sri Laksmi Ashtotharam ( sɤqÉÏ Sri Dakshinamurthy – Lord as the Primeval Guru A¹Éå¨ÉUqÉç – 108 names) and the Lakshmi Sahasranamam (´ÉÏ sɤqÉÏ xÉWûxÉëlÉÉqÉqÉç – 1000 names), aÉÑÂoÉëï¼É aÉÑÂÌuÉïwhÉÑÈ aÉÑÂSåïuÉÉå qÉWåûµÉUÈ | Her beauty, qualities and Her numerous names are aÉÑÂxxÉɤÉÉiÉç mÉUÇ oÉë¼ iÉxqÉæ ´ÉÏ aÉÑUuÉå lÉqÉÈ ||1|| mentioned. The Guru is Lord Brahma, the creator; the Guru is At the end of the Sri Mahalakshmi Ashtakam (eight Lord Vishnu, the protector; the Guru is Lord Shiva, verses to the Goddess), it is said that if one worships Dharma Sandesh Volume 2 Issue 1 Jun2010-Aug2010 Page-6 the destroyer of evil and who assimilates everything ÍcÉlqÉrÉÇ urÉÉÌmÉ rÉixÉuÉïÇ §ÉæsÉÉåYrÉÇ xÉcÉUÉcÉUqÉç | unto Himself at the end of time. The Guru is verily the iÉimÉSÇ SÍzÉïiÉÇ rÉålÉ iÉxqÉæ ´ÉÏ aÉÑUuÉå lÉqÉÈ ||6|| Supreme Spirit, Brahman. Salutations to that Guru!

My salutations to that teacher who showed me (by oÉë¼ÉlÉlSÇ mÉUqÉ xÉÑZÉSÇ MåüuÉsÉÇ ¥ÉÉlÉqÉÔÌiÉïqÉç | teaching) the one to be known, who is but awareness ²l²ÉiÉÏiÉÇ aÉaÉlÉxÉSÛzÉÇ iÉiuÉqÉxrÉÉÌSsɤrÉqÉç || (pure consciousness) and who pervades all the three LMÇü ÌlÉirÉÇ ÌuÉqÉsÉqÉcÉsÉÇ xÉuÉïkÉÏxÉÉͤÉpÉÔiÉqÉç | worlds comprising the sentient and the insentient. pÉÉuÉÉiÉÏiÉÇ Ì§ÉaÉÑhÉUÌWûiÉÇ xɪÒÂÇ iÉÇ lÉqÉÉÍqÉ ||2|| xÉuÉï´ÉÑÌiÉ-ÍzÉUÉåU¦É-ÌuÉUÉÎeÉiÉ-mÉSÉqoÉÑeÉÈ | I salute my great Guru, who is immersed in divine uÉåSÉliÉÉqoÉÑeÉ-xÉÔrÉÉåï rÉÈ iÉxqÉæ ´ÉÏ aÉÑUuÉå lÉqÉÈ ||7|| bliss, who is eternally happy, who is the manifestation of unalloyed wisdom, who is beyond anything My salutations to that Guru who is the sun that dichotomous, who is like the sky, whose sole aim is blossoms the lotuses of Vedanta and whose lotus feet the understanding of iÉiuÉqÉÍxÉ – iÉiÉç iuÉqÉç AÍxÉ | (Thou are made radiant by the jewels of all the Srutis art That – meaning that the Supreme Spirit (Upanishads). Paramaatma is verily the individual self or Jeevaatma; in other words, there is no difference between the two; cÉæiÉlrÉzzÉɵÉiÉ-zzÉÉliÉÈ urÉÉåqÉÉiÉÏiÉÉå ÌlÉUgeÉlÉÈ | the Paramaatma resides essentially in every ÌoÉlSÒlÉÉSMüsÉÉiÉÏiÉÈ iÉxqÉæ ´ÉÏ aÉÑUuÉå lÉqÉÈ ||8|| individual), who is one, who is forever, who is pure, who is firm, who is the witness for everything that Salutations to that Guru who is verily the eternal goes on in this world, who is beyond emotions and consciousness, changeless and beyond time, who is who is bereft of and beyond all the three Gunas of the very nature of peace, who is beyond space, who is Sattva, Rajas and Tamas. pure and who is beyond the manifest and unmanifest.

AZÉhQ-ûqÉhQûsÉÉMüÉUÇ urÉÉmiÉÇ rÉålÉ cÉUÉcÉUqÉç | ¥ÉÉlÉzÉÌ£ü-xÉqÉÉÃRûÈ iÉiuÉqÉÉsÉÉ-ÌuÉpÉÔÌwÉiÉÈ | iÉimÉSÇ SÍzÉïiÉÇ rÉålÉ iÉxqÉæ ´ÉÏ aÉÑUuÉå lÉqÉÈ ||3|| pÉÑÌ£üqÉÑÌ£ü-mÉëSÉiÉÉ cÉ iÉxqÉæ ´ÉÏ aÉÑUuÉå lÉqÉÈ ||9||

My salutations to that Guru who revealed to me the My Salutations to that glorious Guru, who is Truth, which is unfragmented, infinite, timeless established in Knowledge and Power, who is adorned divinity, and which pervades the entire universe – with the garland of Truth and Knowledge and who movable and immovable. grants both worldly prosperity and spiritual liberation.

A¥ÉÉlÉ-ÌiÉÍqÉUÉlkÉxrÉ ¥ÉÉlÉÉgeÉlÉ-zÉsÉÉMürÉÉ | AlÉåMüeÉlqÉ-xÉqmÉëÉmiÉ-MüqÉïoÉlkÉÌuÉSÉÌWûlÉå | cɤÉÑÂlqÉÏÍsÉiÉÇ rÉålÉ iÉxqÉæ ´ÉÏ aÉÑUuÉå lÉqÉÈ ||4|| AÉiqÉ¥ÉÉlÉmÉëSÉlÉålÉ iÉxqÉæ ´ÉÏ aÉÑUuÉå lÉqÉÈ ||10||

My salutations to that reverential teacher, who opened My salutations to that Guru, who, by bestowing the my eyes by applying the divine collyrium of self- knowledge of the Self, burns up the bondage created knowledge in my eyes, which had got blinded by the by accumulated actions of innumerable births. cataract of ignorance.

zÉÉåwÉhÉÇ pÉuÉÍxÉlkÉÉå¶É ¥ÉÉmÉlÉÇ xÉÉUxÉqmÉSÈ | xjÉÉuÉUÇ eÉ…¡ûqÉÇ urÉÉmiÉÇ rÉÎiMüÎgcÉixÉcÉUÉcÉUqÉç | aÉÑUÉåÈ mÉÉSÉåSMÇü xÉqrÉMçü iÉxqÉæ ´ÉÏ aÉÑUuÉå lÉqÉÈ ||11|| iÉimÉSÇ SÍzÉïiÉÇ rÉålÉ iÉxqÉæ ´ÉÏ aÉÑUuÉå lÉqÉÈ ||5|| My salutations to the lotus feet of that Guru, whose My salutations to that reverential teacher, who charanaamrita (water in which the Guru’s feet are revealed to me that, which pervades everything in this washed) has the power to completely dry up the world, whether animate-inanimate, or movable- endless ocean of transmigration (samsara) and reveal immovable, or sentient-insentient. the essence of all wealth (liberating knowledge).

Dharma Sandesh Volume 2 Issue 1 Jun2010-Aug2010 Page-7 lÉ aÉÑUÉåUÍkÉMÇü iÉiuÉÇ lÉ aÉÑUÉåUÍkÉMÇü iÉmÉÈ | iÉiuÉ¥ÉÉlÉÉiÉç mÉUÇ lÉÉÎxiÉ iÉxqÉæ ´ÉÏ aÉÑUuÉå lÉqÉÈ ||12|| Nutritional Care in Diabetes

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There is no higher truth than the Guru, no higher Mrs. Damini Radhakrishnan penance than (service to) the Guru, and there is nothing superior than the realization of the knowledge (Post-graduate Diploma in Dietetics; Licensed Dietitian in New York State; Has been a dietitian for the last 32 years) of the truth imparted by the Guru. My salutations to such a Guru! When: Sat, June 26, 2010, 11 am - 12 noon

Where: Bharatiya Mandir qɳÉÉjÉÈ ´ÉÏ eÉaɳÉÉjÉÈ qɪÒÂÈ ´ÉÏ eÉaɪÒÂÈ | Even non-diabetics can benefit from this event. qÉSÉiqÉÉ xÉuÉïpÉÔiÉÉiqÉÉ iÉxqÉæ ´ÉÏ aÉÑUuÉå lÉqÉÈ ||13|| The talk will be followed by a question/answer

session. For further information, please call Mrs. My salutations to that Guru, who is my Lord and the Raj Arora at 692-0467 or 914-443-8455. Lord of the Universe, my teacher and the teacher of the entire Universe, and who is the Self in me and the Some Upcoming Special Temple Events: Self in all beings.

Purnima June 26 aÉÑÂUÉÌSUlÉÉÌS¶É aÉÑÂÈ mÉUqÉSæuÉiÉqÉç | aÉÑUÉåÈ mÉUiÉUÇ lÉÉÎxiÉ iÉxqÉæ ´ÉÏ aÉÑUuÉå lÉqÉÈ ||14|| Special Puja for 2010 July 4

Graduates

My salutations to that Guru, who is the beginning of General Body Meeting July 4 the Universe and yet he himself is without a beginning, who is the highest deity, and for whom Sri Guru Purnima (Sri July 25 there is none superior. Vyasa Purnima) Shraavan Maas (as July 27 aÉÑUuÉå xÉuÉïsÉÉåMüÉlÉÉÇ ÍpÉwÉeÉå pÉuÉUÉåÌaÉhÉÉqÉç | observed in U.P.) ÌlÉkÉrÉå xÉuÉï ÌuɱÉlÉÉÇ SͤÉhÉÉqÉÔiÉïrÉå lÉqÉÈ ||15|| Shraavan Maas (as August 10 observed in other parts of India) My salutations to Lord Dakshinamurthy (a form of Sri VaraMahaLakshmi August 20 Lord Shiva), who is the Guru of all the worlds, who is Vratam the physician to cure all the ills of the samsara, and who is the repository of all knowledge. Shraavan Purnima August 24 (Raksha Bandhan)

Sri Gayathri Pratipat (Sri August 25 iuÉqÉåuÉ qÉÉiÉÉ cÉ ÌmÉiÉÉ iuÉqÉåuÉ iuÉqÉåuÉ oÉlkÉÑ¶É xÉZÉÉ iuÉqÉåuÉ | Gayathri Japam) iuÉqÉåuÉ ÌuÉ±É SìÌuÉhÉÇ iuÉqÉåuÉ iuÉqÉåuÉ xÉuÉïÇ qÉqÉ SåuÉSåuÉ ||16|| Childrens’ Weekend August 28 & 29

Day Camp O God of all Gods, you alone are my mother, father, kinsman, friend, knowledge and wealth. You are Our quarterly newsletter is called “Dharma everything to me. Sources: several; Contributed by Mrs. Raj Arora & Sandesh” (kÉqÉïxÉlSåzÉ). “Dharma”, in simple Dr. Narasim Banavara terms, refers to righteousness, conduct, a sense of duty, virtue, and the ultimate truth. “Sandesh” Mrs. Damini and Dr. V.N. Radhakrishnan of means a message or news. So, Dharma Sandesh Middletown, NY have generously sponsored the refers to a message of Dharma. printing of copies of this issue of Dharma Sandesh. Dharma Sandesh Newsletter Editorial Board: Devotees may note that all the writing of the content Mr. Om Arora and the editing of the newsletter are strictly voluntary. Dr. Narasimhaswamy (Narasim) Banavara Mrs. Tina Sodha

Dharma Sandesh Volume 2 Issue 1 Jun2010-Aug2010 Page-8