1

However stupendous the Universe, consisting of numerous planets and heavenly bodies is, it should not the least delude and unsettle the seeker. For, it is the mind that makes one perceive and experience the Universe and its magnitude. The inner mind is thus far greater than the visible expanse around. The message of spirituality is that the Supreme verily dwells within one’s own body. All that the seeker should do is remember this message fondly, and strive to live and move under its persuasion.

December 2010 Vol. 46 No. 03

Vicharasetu - December 2010 2

Contents

Infusing Values in an Organization 03

Verses for Introspection

2. Wholesome Devotion – M¡ Gurupriy¡ 11

Prabh¡ta-ra¿miÅ

182. Fruition of Spiritual Pursuit 14

Bangalore Jµ¡na Yajµa 17

Lighting the Lamp of Knowledge – Mala S. 23

Back to Eternity

Dr. T Bhama 29

News & Notes 31

The Supreme Duty of Man ∫… ¥…Ë {…÷∆∫……∆ {…Æ˙…‰ v…®……Ê ™…i……‰ ¶… HÚÆ˙v……‰I…V…‰ * +Ω˲i…÷C™…|… i…Ω˛i…… ™…™……%%i®…… ∫…∆|…∫…“n˘ i… **

áreemad Bh¡gavatam 1.02.6

The supreme duty of man is to develop devotion to the Lord. By such devotion, which has no other motive (than love for the Lord), which flows incessantly (with no obstruction), one’s mind becomes completely peaceful.

Narayanashrama Tapovanam Venginisseri, P. O. Paralam, Thrissur. Kerala - 680 575. India. Fax & Tel. (0487) 2278363 email: [email protected] Website: http://www.brahmavidya.org

Vicharasetu - December 2010 3

Infusing Values in an Organization

[Extracts from Poojya Swamiji’s video conference (Oct 02, 2010) with about 60 Chief Ethics Counsellors of Tata Group, assembled for a 2-day deliberation at Khandala (Maharashtra). This “Ethics Counsellors’ Meet”, had the aim of ‘enhancing employee engagement’ throughout the organization, so as to achieve ‘value-based commitment to improve ethical climate’.]

HariÅ Om Tat Sat. Jai Guru. I shall recite an invocation so that all of you will feel sufficiently spiritually inspired, blessed and there will be a benedictory influence on all concerned. ®…n˘“™… æ˛n˘™……EÚ…∂…‰ S…n˘…x…xn˘®…™……‰ M…÷Ø˚: * =n‰˘i…÷ ∫…i…i…∆ ∫…®™…M…Y……x… i… ®…Æ˙…Ø˚h…: **

Chanting of ‘Om’ has a great effect on rejuvenating and reinforcing our heart, a point that modern medicine recognizes very much. (Poojya Swamiji chants ‘Om’ three times; others across the internet follow.)

First of all, this is a kind of a reunion for me. I have been with the officials of Tata organizations on earlier occasions also. I understand that you have already had two days of deliberations and discussions on how to generate ‘ethical climate’. I congratulate all of you and also shower my compliments on you. That you thought of inviting an ascetic, a sanny¡sin for a discussion like this, particularly with a team consisting of the Chief Counsellors of Tata organizations, is very significant.

Importance and relevance of Values

The objective before you, as I understand, is ‘enhancing employee engagement’. More particularly, you have said that this is a conference on value-based commitment to improve the ethical climate in your industrial units. I have kept this objective in my mind.

Vicharasetu - December 2010 4

How does a value become desirable or compulsory? Can human life Can a society survive without values? Can human be meaningful, relevant and life be meaningful, relevant and progressive without progressive values? When I look into the dictionary, I find ‘value’ without values? is described as ‘worth, desirability and utility’ of anything. It also denotes the qualities on which these depend.

I am sure that all of you, along with your large teams in your respective industries, will be aspiring to become ‘useful and relevant’ to the world. You must be useful to yourselves, your families, the society at large, the nation as a whole, and also to the globe.

Once you understand that this is the import of the Only when term ‘value’, there can be no question of anyone not guided by wanting it. Every one of us should become worthy values, we will and admirable. And only when guided by values, become worthy and admirable. we will become so. If values lead to progress, who will be reluctant to incorporate them, manifest them, pursue them and also take them to the logical climax?

Values are Secular – not Religious

Our country has got a hoary culture. And yet our cultural greatness is even now not fully understood. We have lived for countless number of millennia. In spite of all these generations, during which we had to withstand a number of invasions, you will find that we have preserved our cultural values.

When we established the ‘Foundation for Restoration of National Values’ (FRNV) – in the advisory board of which Sri Ratan Tata also is there – I had done a lot of deliberation on ‘culture’. Many people do not know what ‘culture’ is. Also, there prevails a wrong notion about it. ‘Culture’ doesn’t have a religious connotation. Nor is it merely traditional. The meaning of ‘culture’ pertains to ‘arts, beliefs and other products of human work and thought’. Mark my words: arts and other manifestations of

Vicharasetu - December 2010 5

human intellectual achievements regarded collectively by a society become ‘culture’.

Understand that culture can become so only when it has the stamp of rational approval. The intellectual aspect of human personality should incorporate it, understand it and pursue it. It is fully secular.

Whenever I refer to ‘cultural-values’, I mean values that are blended with cultural note. We are not bringing here any reference to religion or orthodoxy. Rather, you must recognize the harmony and commonality between culture and values. Thus, because we have a great culture, it is understood that we have great values also.

Inspired by Values – not by Material Rewards

When I am addressing you, I see you as great cultural and value-based stalwarts. May be many of you had not thought of yourselves like this earlier.

Now, look at me; I am an ascetic. A mendicant. For We are not the past fifty-five years, I have been travelling in our appointed by country as well as abroad, disseminating age-old anybody. We are values of our country, like a ‘walking university’. In not rewarded by anybody. doing so, what is it that guides me? It is my own personal commitment, perseverance and dedication. We, in our Ashram, along with other sanny¡sins and inmates, are given to the mission of social welfare, loka-sa´graha. We are not appointed by anybody. We are not rewarded by anybody.

But all of you are employed. You get your remuneration from your employers. You are employed for a purpose. I will be very sorry if you have only a remunerational point of view about your employment. You may want to ask a question. Can there be any other motive? Yes. There can be.

What I want to say is that all along, throughout our life, we sanny¡sins

Vicharasetu - December 2010 6

are guided by values. For the past few months, I have been disseminating this value-based culture through a telecast programme in Asianet, the Malayalam TV channel. We have been discussing values all along. How to make values inspire a human being? And how can values persuade or enthuse him and make his life more meaningful, so that he can take up any given task, pursue it vigorously, zealously, with commitment, dedication and zeal? And while doing so, how to find joy right from the beginning? This is what I speak to our listeners.

Values bestow fulfillment

It is not that we pursue a task and at the end of it, when it fructifies, we become joyous. No! Values are such that when you are enriched and empowered by them, you will be able to proceed with your task in a joyful manner, and at every point of the task, you will have a sense of fulfillment. This is how I am moving around with my mission.

We expect that this programme in Asianet may have more than seven hundred episodes. We have completed only around hundred and sixty. Whether the task will be completed or not, I do not know. But I am doing it with a sense of abundant joy and fulfillment. You may wonder: how does Swamiji get this joy? My dear souls, I get it from my own heart! I am not looking to anything else! It is my mind that produces this joy, preserves it, reinforces it, enhances it and makes it finer and finer every time.

Enriching Contribution to the World

In all this, I have got a formula. What is that? Every day of my life My own ethical-sense tells me that every day of should be enriching to me, and there my life, whatever work I do, should be enriching should be enriching to me and I must be making enriching contribution to the contribution to the world. world.

Why am I telling you all this? When you work, if your consideration is only about contribution to your company, it will be a very constricted

Vicharasetu - December 2010 7

outlook. Your company is only one of the several industries that the nation has. Every thing that you produce goes into the open market. If they are vehicles, they are used for transporting goods, from one point to another. They may be in India, in Asia, perhaps in Europe and other areas also. If they are services, they are availed of by the people. The productivity is always not for Tata Group alone. It is a contribution to the overall productivity of the nation, of the globe.

So you must be able to evaluate your position. Are you merely an employee? No, certainly not! You are an individual – a value-based individual belonging to the society and the nation and also to the globe at large!

Making the Mind Expansive

Infusing values in the Organization implies Each one of you developing such a global vision. To do so, it is should be able the mind that has to become expansive. Your body to incorporate completes its growth at the age of twenty-one or greater and loftier dimensions in so. Thereafter, the mind and intelligence alone your mind. grow. Body itself is employed by the mind and the mind is directed by the intelligence. The intelligence has to find its brilliance and inspiration from what is behind it or superior to it, namely the Soul.

Any ethical endeavour is essentially spiritual, inner and psycho- intellectual in its character. So your conference will be missing its ideal unless you are able to touch the mind and intelligence of people. After going away from here, you must activate your mind, inspire it, empower and elevate it. Each one of you should be able to incorporate greater and loftier dimensions in your mind.

And how will you develop these higher dimensions? When you go up on a mountain and look around, will you not see a vast expanse? Where is this expanse imprinted? Is it not in your mind? If the mind can contain

Vicharasetu - December 2010 8

something so vast and so big, please tell me, is not your mind greater than what it contains?

It is with such an infinite mind that we are trying to derive our needed inspiration. The body may become weak, but mind need not become tired. How many millions of thoughts has the mind been producing! Even now it is not exhausted – it is still capable of producing more.

Spirituality and Professional Excellence

Understand that ethical pursuit is essentially a spiritual one, an inner one. Unfortunately most of you industrial officials think that spirituality is always at a great distance from you. My dear souls, please correct your impression. Everyone of you, by the fact that you are living, is spiritual. You have the mind and the intelligence in you. Neither the mind nor the intelligence is made of matter or energy.

Neither matter nor energy can think, feel, understand or memorize. But the mind and intelligence do all these. Understand that your personality has a quotient or content which is other than matter and energy. Let us call it as ‘spiritual-energy’ or ‘spirit’. Each one of you is made up of it.

Everyone of you is therefore, a spiritual person. From All your ethical now on, all your efforts in your ethical deliberations deliberations should have the spiritual quotient. Let there be the should have the reinforcement of the spiritual inner counterpart spiritual quotient. consisting of the mind, intelligence and ego. The earlier the corporate world comprehends this concept, this proposition, the better for them.

Global Outlook

With this idea in mind, I would like you to think about the relevance of any industry to the human society at large.

When you are born, are you born only to the family, or, are you born to the world? Every newborn child becomes the citizen of the nation, and

Vicharasetu - December 2010 9

he is also a world-citizen. Our billion-population is constituted of individuals who are individually born from individual families to individual parents. So, to be an individual means to belong to the nation, to the globe.

The relevance of an industry also must be understood in the context of this broad human society. An industry brings out productivity in the form of goods and services. All these goods and services are availed of neither by the employees, nor by the investors. These are availed of by the society, paid by the society. They are meant for the society. Only when this is so, that industry can survive and thrive.

What does it mean? When you draw your salary, mind you, that money ultimately comes from the society, not the company! The members of the society who buy the goods or services of your company, pay for it. They give money to the company and the company gets it in the form of a return. A portion of it is given to you in the form of salary.

Why do I say this? Understand that every industry becomes relevant in the context of a healthy society and particularly, for bettering the quality of societal life. That is the purpose. So, whenever you think of your work, have that vision to relate your work to the societal relevance and importance.

Mutuality and Collectivity

Any institution, to prosper well, must have two important values. What are they? Mutuality and collectivity! These ethical values alone will make the institution stable and lasting.

No individual should entertain selfish note. The idea that “I stand separate from the others” is poison to the growth of an institution. It is a bane.

We have five fingers in our hand. You will find that these fingers fold in such a manner that you can hold something in your fist firmly. When you hold an item in your hand, four fingers are folding in one way, and

Vicharasetu - December 2010 10

the thumb is folding in the opposite manner. That Any institution, to gives you a firm grip. Now, if all the fingers were prosper well, must have two of equal length and they all folded in the same important values direction, this kind of a firm grip one would not – mutuality and have. Understand that it is very difficult for any collectivity! finger to fold by itself. If one finger fails to cooperate, it will affect the whole grip.

Every individual is like that. Consider the whole corporation to be a hand, a palm and all of you as fingers in it. Everyone of you has a team of workers and so many teams are there under different heads. Only when all of you work in collaboration, with a kind of a comprehensive cohesion, you will be able to take your organization ahead.

So, let the focus be on mutuality and collectivity. How far you are able to feel this, and generate this feeling in the people around, will determine the overall integrity of your organization. (to be continued)

* * *

Vicharasetu - December 2010 11

Verses for Introspection - 2 Wholesome Devotion §…r‰˘x……∆V… ±…x…… x…i…‰x… ∂…Æ˙∫…… M……j…Ë: ∫…Æ˙…‰®……‰n¬˘M…®…Ë: EÚh`‰ˆx… ∫¥…Æ˙M…n¬˘M…n‰˘x… x…™…x…‰x……‰n˘“h…«§……π{……®§…÷x…… * x…i™…∆ i¥…SS…Æ˙h……Æ˙ ¥…xn˘™…÷M…±…v™……x……®…fii……∫¥…… n˘x……∆ +∫®……E∆Ú ∫…Æ˙∫…“Ø˚Ω˛…I… ∫…i…i…∆ ∫…∆{…ti……∆ V…“ ¥…i…®…¬ **

baddhen¡µjalin¡ natena ¿iras¡ g¡traiÅ saromodgamaiÅ ka¸¶hena svara-gadgadena nayanenod¢r¸a-b¡Àp¡mbun¡ , nityaÆ tvaccara¸¡ravindayugala-dhy¡n¡m¤t¡-sv¡din¡Æ asm¡kaÆ saras¢ruh¡kÀa satataÆ saÆpadyat¡Æ j¢vitam . Mukundam¡l¡ 25

Translation:

O lotus-eyed Lord, may our lives be led always with folded hands and a bowed head (in gratitude towards you), with horripilation all over the body, voice choked in devotion and the eyes shedding devotional tears, enjoying the nectar of ceaseless meditation on Your lotus feet.

Points for Introspection:

A devotee worships or does pooja sitting in front of an idol or picture by lighting a lamp and incense sticks, by performing ¡rati, by chanting stutis and mantras, by offering flowers, chandan, etc., or by doing ‘abhiÀeka’. While he whole-heartedly engages himself in these divine activities, he generally experiences extreme love and devotion in his heart for the Lord, which brings about a feeling of sublimity and purity in the mind. His mind becomes full of love for every being and consequently it becomes rid of agitations born of desires and impurities. The mind becomes calm and placid.

Engaging in worship when the devotee contemplates on the Lord – His attributes and divine exploits – he at times feels the presence of the Lord

Vicharasetu - December 2010 12

within himself and remains embraced by the Lord in his own heart, experiencing supreme bliss. He sheds profuse tears of bliss, his whole body becomes full with horripilation; the voice gets choked.

Mostly one has these divine experiences while worshipping. But what about the rest of the day when one has to perform the worldly duties which seem to be apparently non-devotional? While performing the day- to-day activities the mind fails to remember God or to experience God in the heart. All devotional and divine feelings are lost in the midst of intense worldly chores.

Hence, the mind becomes agitated or depressed, gets gripped by tension, anxiety and fear. Helplessly the devotee remembers the peace and calm that he experiences when he sits for worship, revelling in the closeness of God, his own Indweller, who relieves him of all his sufferings.

So, he prays to the Lord that he should live his life with unbroken remembrance of the Lord. This is the whole-hearted prayer of all the devotees. True devotees want their lives to be spent in constant remembrance of God. They contemplate on the holy lotus feet of the Lord, tasting the devotional nectar. They pray that their hands may remain ever-folded in reverence, heads ever-bent in prostration, may there be horripilation always, may the voice be choked with emotions of love for the Lord, and may the eyes shed profuse tears of bliss – ever and ever.

What is this prayer for? It is to be able to remember God in all worldly activities, to be able to see His presence in the whole creation, in all living and non-living objects, to see Him in everything – in whatever we like or dislike. When we see God everywhere, every moment of our life will be filled with divinity and supreme bliss.

This is a very beautiful ¿loka. It melts the heart. When we read it and chant it with feelings, we get a glimpse of the supremely blissful state that a devotee can enjoy. While chanting it again and again, the mind stops and becomes one with the Lord in the heart. One is able to taste the nectar that flows from this union.

Vicharasetu - December 2010 13

Also, there will be a compulsion to be in this union throughout the day, amidst all worldly activities.

Word Meaning: §…r‰˘x… +∆V… ±…x…… (baddhena aµjalin¡) = with hands folded in gratitude; x…i…‰x… ∂…Æ˙∫…… (natena ¿iras¡) = with bowed head; M……j…Ë: (g¡traiÅ) = with all parts of the body; ∫…Æ˙…‰®……‰n¬˘M…®…Ë: (saromodgamaiÅ) = with horripilations; EÚh`‰ˆx… (ka¸¶hena) = with the throat; ∫¥…Æ˙M…n¬˘M…n‰˘x… (svara-gadgadena) = with choked voice; x…™…x…‰x… (nayanena) = with eyes; =n˘“h…«§……π{……®§…÷x…… (ud¢r¸a b¡Àp¡mbun¡) = with tears of joy coming out; x…i™…∆ (nityaÆ) = always; i¥…i…¬ (tvat) = your; S…Æ˙h……Æ˙ ¥…xn˘-™…÷M…±…- v™……x……®…fii……-∫¥…… n˘x……∆ (cara¸¡ravinda-yugala-dhy¡na-am¤t¡-sv¡din¡Æ) = enjoying the nectar of ceaseless meditation on Your lotus feet; +∫®……E∆Ú (asm¡kaÆ) = our; ∫…Æ˙∫…“Ø˚Ω˛…I… (saras¢ruh¡kÀa) = O Lotus-eyed Lord; ∫…i…i…∆ (satataÆ) = always; ∫…∆{…ti……∆ (saÆ-padyat¡Æ) = may be led; V…“ ¥…i…®…¬ (j¢vitam) = life; +x¥…™…: (Prose Order) (Ω‰˛) ∫…Æ˙∫…“Ø˚Ω˛…I…, §…r‰˘x… +∆V… ±…x……, x…i…‰x… ∂…Æ˙∫……, M……j…Ë: ∫…Æ˙…‰®……‰n¬˘M…®…Ë:, EÚh`‰ˆx… ∫¥…Æ˙M…n¬˘M…n‰˘x…, x…™…x…‰x… =n˘“h…«-§……π{……®§…÷x……, x…i™…∆ i¥…i…¬ S…Æ˙h……Æ˙ ¥…xn˘-™…÷M…±…- v™……x……®…fii……-∫¥…… n˘x……∆ +∫®……E∆Ú V…“ ¥…i…®…¬ ∫…i…i…∆ ∫…∆{…ti……®…¬ *

(O) saras¢ruh¡kÀa, baddhena añjalin¡, natena ¿iras¡, g¡traiÅ saromodgamaiÅ, ka¸¶hena svara-gadgadena, nayanena ud¢r¸a- b¡Àp¡mbun¡, nityaÆ tvat cara¸¡ravinda-yugala-dhy¡n¡m¤t¡-sv¡din¡Æ asm¡kaÆ j¢vitam satataÆ saÆpadyat¡m. ■

It should not be that one feels devotional during the half-hour worship in front of the Idol, and for the rest of the day his attitude becomes different. Everything one does should constitute worship, ensuring that devotion and worship remain ceaseless. That alone will make the seeker a wholesome devotee, forging a continuous bond with the supreme Reality. Such incessant worship leads to spiritual perfection. — Swamiji

Vicharasetu - December 2010 14

Morning Rays

Prabhata-rasmih

182 Fruition of Spiritual Pursuit

10 March 2010

HariÅ Om Tat Sat. Jai Guru. Spirituality or spiritual pursuit always deals with your own personality. You are to set right the disharmonies and constrictions of your mind and intelligence. When these constrictions are removed, automatically the mind will become very facile and effective. Of course, during s¡dhan¡, a number of good and benevolent qualities should also be cultivated. Because many people may not know about them, our scriptures have extolled these great good qualities. By incorporating these virtues your mind becomes more enriched and expansive.

B y spiritual practice, you must be able to absorb By incorporating and assimilate any input from the world, and at these virtues your the same time, generate timely response to deal with mind becomes more enriched and whatever difficult situations and impacts you face. expansive. In other words, when you interact with persons, places and events, you must not get intimidated or affected by them, on the one hand; and on the other, you must have the necessary resolve, impetus, inspiration and determination to go ahead with your interactions, in spite of the challenges and persecutions involved. If these two aspects are ensured and accomplished, I don’t think you require anything else in your life.

Spirituality facilitates this two-fold accomplishment. How does it do that?

First of all, understand that your personality is biological only in the bodily level. The moment you enter and touch the mind, intelligence and

Vicharasetu - December 2010 15

ego level, your personality is beyond matter and energy.

The mind, intelligence and ego revolve around what we generally call the ‘Self’ or the ‘Soul’. I would like to put it this way: The body is at the gross level. Inside the gross body, employing the body is the mind. Still inward and superior is the intelligence. Still more so is the ego. Go beyond the ego and reach the Soul.

At the Soul level you will find that you have got a ‘zero’ nature. There, no action or vibration ever takes place. No effect or affectation ever befalls there! It is a level into which none of the bodily, intelligential or egoistic effects reach. In the same manner, no action takes place in that level. We call it as ‘akart¤tva’ and ‘abhokt¤tva’ – a state of non-doership and non- enjoyership.

Understand that such a level is there within you. It is already there. You do not have to acquire it. That is why, in spite of the gravest misfortunes and the greatest calamities and impacts, victims are able to go to sleep. When you recover from all the troubles and anxieties, it is your mind that recovers. And it does so only because of the Soul.

At the same time, the Soul is infinitely potent. All egoistic, intelligential, mental and physical activities are possible only in Its presence. Understand that this Soul has a zero factor, and at the same time it is Infinite too! Whenever you want, you must be able to resort to its zero- aspect or tap its infinite dimension. So, never become panicky. Do not be deluded thinking that to rescue you, some help should come from outside.

Another phase of your s¡dhan¡ is about your reliance Look to your on the Supreme. Religion advocates that God is own mind and always supreme, and you should rely upon Him. make its reliance stronger. But understand that the reliance belongs to you, to your mind. Once you have that reliance, you need not even look to God. Then what should you do? Look to your own mind and make its reliance stronger. It is not God that matters here, but your own mind’s quality of reliance. Make the mind see God in every thing. Let every object, every

Vicharasetu - December 2010 16

incident, every development and every accident become Godly.

Your s¡dhan¡ now becomes three-fold. Seeing God in everything, relying upon God for everything, and recognizing the existence of the Soul, which has the zero-factor as well as the infinite potential. If you club these three, then there is nothing more that you require. This is the summum bonum of the entire spiritual pursuit. This is the climax of all devotional, religious, philosophical or yogic pursuits.

This will answer all your needs and will provide you all the impetus and enthusiasm to lead a glorious life. HariÅ Om Tat Sat. Jai Guru.

Vicharasetu - December 2010 17

Bangalore Jµ¡na Yajµa

Lata Gopalkrishna

The aircraft carrying our beloved Poojya Swamiji, along with M¡ landed at the Bangalore airport at sundown on Thursday, Oct 28, 2010. Sri C. S. Sridhar accompanied them. It was an eagerly awaited occasion for the Bangalore devotees to have Poojya Swamiji in their midst.

The Genesis of Bangalore Yajµa

Recently a few devotees from Bangalore – having listened to ‘Muktisudhakaram’, the serial being telecast by the Malayalam channel, Asianet – went to the Ashram and invited Poojya Swamiji to conduct a Jµ¡na Yajµa in this city. It was a unique case – the initiative for the spiritual dissemination came from the fondness of devotees for their exponent of ‘Mukti’. Although his calendar was full with activities and events, Poojya Swamiji still found a slot to accommodate the Bangalore programme. We were all overwhelmed by Swamiji’s kindness and concern.

After a few meetings, it was decided that the Jµ¡na Yajµa would be jointly organized by Centre for Inner Resources Development (CIRD), Bangalore, and Unnati Centre of Sree Guruvayurappan Bhajan Samaj Trust (SGBS) Trust. With the enthusiasm of Sri Ramesh Swamy of Unnati Centre, further plans got unfolded. Not only did he provide the beautiful auditorium, he also agreed to do the outreach.

A temporary hermitage

From the airport, a few of the devotees accompanied Poojya Swamiji and M¡ to the residence of the hosts, Smt Usha and Sri Padmakar Chandrachood. The couple had, in a short span of a few days, converted their home to resemble an Ashram, fit for hosting Poojya Swamiji and M¡. Those of us, who had seen the place earlier, were wonder struck by the transformation of the abode.

Vicharasetu - December 2010 18

To the chanting of ‘Sv¡gatam Guro’ and other hymns, the waiting devotees escorted Poojya Swamiji and M¡ to a flower-decked and lamp-adorned living room of the house. Once seated and comfortable, Swamiji and M¡ spoke affectionately to each of the devotees. The devotees too, one by one, went up to offer their respects and pra¸¡ms. Everyone’s joy knew no bounds.

Later in the evening, we all left for our homes, albeit reluctantly, so that Poojya Swamiji could settle down and take some rest.

P¡da-pooj¡

Next morning we all reassembled at Swamiji’s temporary residence, for the p¡da pooj¡. The ‘home environment’ was being readied for a sublime function where the devotees express their utmost reverence to the Guru by offering worship at his Holy Feet. Flowers carefully picked and cleaned, along with other articles and containers, were quickly lined up for the solemn occasion. M¡ spoke about the importance and significance of paying our respects to Gurudev in this manner. Sri Vaman and Smt. Asha Kamath performed the p¡da pooj¡ with all reverence and piety on behalf of all assembled devotees. Later, the devotees paid their obeisance in a calm and orderly manner receiving pras¡da from Poojya Swamiji, while Sri Aravindan sang melodiously. Thereafter Swamiji addressed the gathering.

Public Discourses at Unnati Centre

Oct 29 (evening) & 30 (morning) in Malayalam: The topic was ‘Bhaktiyude menmayum mahimayum (Glory and Greatness of Bhakti)’. In line with ‘Mukti-sudhakaram’ – the telecast of 11th skandha of áreemad

Vicharasetu - December 2010 19

Bh¡gavatam, in channel ‘Asianet’, Swamiji based his talk on the true import of devotion. Swamiji emphasized that true bhakti is seeing the Lord in one’s own Self and in all those one interacts with.

On the second day, Swamiji explained how young Prahlada was fearless as he only saw the Lord Sri Hari everywhere. Swamiji elaborated on the dialogue between Prahlada and the asura boys, and the idea that the Lord goes out of the way and devises unique ways and means to protect a Bhakta.

Oct 30, 31 & Nov 01 (talk in English): In the evening of Oct 30, was the inauguration of the three-day discourse on ‘Transforming Life through Spiritual Wisdom’.

Sri Kannan introduced Poojya Swamiji to the audience. Expressing his gratitude to Poojya Swamiji for accepting the fond invitation of the devotees, he said, “Swamiji is not new to Bangalore. He was here just two years ago and inspired us to take part in the value restoration movement across our nation through Foundation for the Restoration of National Values (FRNV).” After the welcome address, Poojya Swamiji was garlanded by Sri Venkatraman, CFO, Tata Group.

Poojya Swamiji’s invocatory verse ‘yaÆ ¿aiv¡Å samup¡sate’

Vicharasetu - December 2010 20

stirred the process of transformation. Thereafter, it was an hour and half of pure wisdom, during which Poojya Swamiji unravelled the limitless potential of the mind and its endless development: “The entire world is an aggregate of matter and energy. The body is a small constituent of it. The distinguishing feature of the human being from an animal is his singular capacity to think. Our intelligence is radiating with knowledge and therefore the intelligence must become a repository of spiritual wisdom.”

During the subsequent days Poojya Swamiji explained that spiritual wisdom is to understand that the fulcrum and focus of our life is the mind and that we should make the mind grow qualitatively. Poojya Swamiji dealt with transformation at length: “Everyone has the capacity to transform oneself, and spiritual wisdom enables the transformation.” He quoted extensively from Bhagavadgeet¡, áreemad Bh¡gavatam, Upanishads, Yogav¡siÀ¶ha R¡m¡ya¸a and various texts.

Classes by M¡ Gurupriy¡ji

On the mornings of Oct 31 & Nov 01, M¡ spoke about Guru Bhakti. Selecting pertinent ¿lokas from Vivekac£·¡ma¸i, M¡ chanted them in her sublime voice and explained the meaning with clear guidelines that anyone could follow. Quoting Bhart¤hari’s ¿loka, she explained that everything in the world has an inherent element of fear; vair¡gya or dispassion alone can bring in fearlessness. “The way to develop vair¡gya is constant association with the Guru and service to him.” As M¡ was speaking, all of us could truly feel how fortunate we were to be in the presence of a Mah¡tm¡! The Guru in the abodes of his disciples

Poojya Swamiji, along with M¡ and others, chose to visit Ammini Aunty and Savitri Aunty, two of his ailing elderly disciples. By Poojya Swamiji’s presence, Ammini Aunty felt lively and rejuvenated. For her, Swamiji’s visit will remain an unforgettable event. Poojya Swamiji also accepted the invitation of Smt. Vasanthi Murali, and visited her house.

Vicharasetu - December 2010 21

Preamble for an annual event

During the concluding day, while delivering his ‘vote of thanks’, Sri Ramesh Swamy said: “There is a providential power that works whenever such a Jµ¡na Yajµa is conducted. Such a wonderful satsang was organized so quickly. Let me assure you, Swamiji, that we – Unnati and CIRD – are not two different organizations; we are one. We are all devotees of yours, who want to have this wonderful thought with us to change and transform. The will to change ... that strength we require from you. This is your place; and you don’t have to be invited to come to your place. You will decide when you want to come. That is how we would love it to be. Thank you very much for this wonderful, enthralling experience.”

Smt. Lakshmi Prabhakaran and Smt. Sathi Achyutan, who looked after Poojya Swamiji’s bhikÀ¡ preparation, came all the way from Thrissur, along with Sri Prabhakaran, Sri Balakrishnan and Sri Aravindan. CIRD Bangalore felt honoured by the presence of volunteers and devotees from Delhi, Chennai and Trichy.

A number of us went to the airport to bid farewell to our Gurudev on Nov 2. Though physically he left Bangalore, we know that he is with us, always. Jai Guru!

* * * Usha Padmakar

For me, it all started when I was reading the Amar Chitra Katha version of the story of Mirabai. I was so touched by Mirabai’s devotion to Lord Krishna, that I cried profusely and asked the Lord, “When will you come to me?” And with these thoughts I slept off.

Next afternoon, I received a call from M¡ saying that there was a sudden plan of coming to Bangalore for a 4-day talk by Poojya Swamiji at the

Vicharasetu - December 2010 22

Unnati centre. M¡ asked me whether Padmakar and I could host Swamiji. I was dumbstruck at the speed at which the Lord had answered my prayers. I was very happy that Swamiji was coming. Both Padmakar and I got busy organizing the details.

From that day till Swamiji came, it was a hectic and hazy dream. At times I felt anxious or scared thinking whether the preparations to host Swamiji would be perfect or not. At such moments, I talked to Swamiji mentally and prayed to him to help. Every time some solution would simply materialize. All the close devotees of Poojya Swamiji in Bangalore joined together to set up our house to receive him. It was a great joy. The preparations gained momentum when on 28th morning the Thrissur devotees of Poojya Swamiji also arrived.

Finally Poojya Swamiji arrived. Padmakar garlanded Poojya Swamiji and I garlanded M¡. As I was doing so, I couldn’t control my tears. It was a dream come true for all of us. We were very happy, thanks to Smt. Vasanthi Murali, Smt. Jayanthi and Sri Kannan for inviting Swamiji to Bangalore.

While Swamiji was being led to his room, he said: “So I have invaded your house; normally I invade people’s hearts”. I was speechless and replied in my mind, “only through our hearts Swamiji, you have come here”. Jai Guru!

Vicharasetu - December 2010 23

Lighting the Lamp of Knowledge [Report on Jakarta Programme]

Mala S.

Jai Gurudev. Nutan Swamiji, accompanied by Br. Prasanna, arrived in Jakarta (Indonesia) on the 15th of October 2010. This being the first programme of our Ashram to be held in Indonesia, the hearts of the devotees of Jakarta kept calling out to Poojya Swami Bhoomananda Tirthaji for guidance and blessings. It was only through Poojya Swamiji’s blessings that devotees from Malaysia (Rema, Anjalai, and Unnikrishnan) and Jakarta (Praba Madhavan & family, Sridhar and myself) converged to work together, and felt immensely enriched every moment.

The five-day discourse series titled “Bhagavadgeet¡ – A revolutionary message for transforming life” began on the 18th of October at the Mangala Vinayaka Temple hall, which is also the Chinmaya Mission Centre in Jakarta.

Nutan Swamiji began the discourse highlighting the background setting of the Bhagavadgeet¡. “This was not a peaceful setting as it was in the case of other expositions like the Yoga-v¡siÀ¶ha, áreemad Bh¡gavatam, Mu¸·akopaniÀad, or any other Upanishad. It was a battlefield and both the teacher and the pupil were warriors. The setting clearly implies that for pursuing the yoga of Bhagavadgeet¡, activities can never be considered a hindrance

Vicharasetu - December 2010 24

to the s¡dhan¡, but rather, an opportunity for purifying and expanding one’s mind – an instrument to lead one towards the ultimate freedom.”

Nutan Swamiji explained in a very simple language the S¡´khya Yoga presented in the 2nd chapter of Bhagavadgeet¡. The truth of the immortality of the Soul so beautifully explained created a stillness in the hall taking the listeners to a different horizon. Then Swamiji brought the entire Bhagavadgeet¡ yoga to a practical level, by explaining how to treat the desires by the three-fold pursuit of samatva (evenness of vision), yajµa vision (a comprehensive vision of the world), and surrender.

“The Bhagavadgeet¡ pursuit,” said Nutan Swamiji, “asks us to divinize our activities by instituting the vision that whatever we do is a small part in the Universal Yajµa of the Lord”… “In the entire Universe, everything is natural and harmonious. Right from the creation and destruction of galaxies, movement of the sun and the planets, to the flowering of a plant – everything is natural. There is no desire involved anywhere. We must cultivate this comprehensive vision leaving no room for selfish desires. All activities should become natural – in tune with the Infinite.”

“Surrender,” said Nutan Swamiji, “is the easiest and yet the most difficult pursuit. When you understand what ‘surrender’ is, then it is easy; if not grasped well, it is difficult. Surrender means non-expectation – accepting every situation as given by the Supreme. The real surrender can only be to the Guru; it will lead to complete ego-effacement”.

Nutan Swamiji concluded the discourse explaining how the meditational s¡dhan¡ and interactional s¡dhan¡ help each other, finally making the seeker’s personality well integrated and vast like the ocean.

The four-day series of morning talks titled “Understanding Life – based on Ka¶hopaniÀad” began on the 19th of October. After dwelling briefly on the great sacrifice performed by V¡ja¿ravas and the improper d¡na that he offered because of the greed and miserliness of his mind, Nutan Swamiji

Vicharasetu - December 2010 25

discussed extensively the four-fold qualities (viveka, vairagya, ¿ama- dam¡di-¿a¶ka-sampattiÅ, and mumukÀ¡), which Nachiketas had in ample measure, and which made him a fit recipient of Brahmavidy¡.

Nutan Swamiji painted a vivid picture of young Nachiketas, when he stood firm rejecting all the worldly allurements that Lord Yama offered him. His single-minded quest was the knowledge of the transcendental Truth. Swamiji, with ¿lokas from the Upanishad, elaborated on the truth of our Immortal Soul as exposed by Yama, the Lord of Death, to young Nachiketas.

On Oct 17, Nutan Swamiji addressed a small group of listeners at the Jawaharlal Nehru Indian Cultural Centre (JNICC) on “Science and Spiritual quest”. “In science, experiments are done with the material objects,” said Nutan Swamiji, “but in spirituality the experiment is with one’s own personality, to discover one’s true identity. This science of the real identity is also verifiable. Scriptures record the results of all these inner experiments, and one can verify the scriptural statements by doing the experiment himself.”

Nutan Swamiji discussed the three great discoveries made by the Rishis of yore as a result of their inward enquiry: 1) Their own real identity – the Immortal Self, 2) That real joy is a natural characteristic of our Soul, and does not depend on anything external, and 3) That Consciousness or Non-dual Knowledge is the Ultimate source of the Universe. The talk was followed by a vibrant question and answer session.

On Oct 23, in the half-day programme, titled “Discovering Inner

Vicharasetu - December 2010 26

Resources”, held at the Grand Hyatt, Nutan Swamiji addressed a group of 30 senior executives representing a broad cross-section of the expatriate community. Swamiji effortlessly brought the focus from external situations to the mind and its responses, and stressed on the need for constant processing of the mind through interactions and introspection. “Being successful,” urged Swamiji, “means being successful with our own mind. The key to success lies in keeping the mind open to embrace both success and failure.”

“Know your own mind,” urged Nutan Swamiji, “analyze your personality with a free and open mind, as you would study a biological specimen on the dissection table. Only then can you lead the mind and intelligence of others and be an enlightened leader”. Responding to questions in a post group-discussion session, Swamiji highlighted the need for sharing, transparency and openness in any work environment. His remark that in any field “discipline leads to real freedom” made the participants pause and think.

On Oct 24, in the auditorium of the S¡dhu Vaswani Centre in Jakarta, Nutan Swamiji spoke on the “Essence of Hinduism”. Preferring to use the term ‘San¡tana Dharma’ (The eternal law of sustenance) instead of Hinduism, Swamiji spoke about it being a culture and a civilization rather than a religion. “The Vedas are the fulcrum of this dharma,” said Nutan Swamiji, “and all the various practices – vows, worships, and rituals – in this dharma are based on the fundamental truth of our immortal Identity. Even music, art and physical exercises manifest the

Vicharasetu - December 2010 27

Unity in diversity, and have the sole purpose of leading man to realize his identity with the One Reality.”

Swamiji concluded the discourse with a revelation that even thousands of years ago in our San¡tana Dharma, the wise people were deeply concerned about ecology and long-term welfare of human society. “The rivers, the mountains and benevolent trees were worshipped as deities so that people would not pollute or destroy Nature.”

Acceding to a loving invitation, Nutan Swamiji visited the Geeta Class, being conducted regularly for the past fifteen years, at the residence of Sri Seetal ji and Smt. Polly. The small dedicated group took great pleasure in the presence of Nutan Swamiji and sang bhajans and chanted stotras in melodious chorus. Replying to their enquiry, Swamiji explained briefly the fundamental s¡dhan¡ of Bhagavadgeet¡.

The Satsangs, where devotees got an opportunity to interact closely with Swamiji in an informal manner, were vibrant sessions. Some days it would be deep, sublime sessions with the focus on the Truth and the s¡dhan¡ to be practised to realize it. Other days it would be visitors wanting to know about the Ashram, how it is run, etc. In this context, Br. Prasanna Swaroopa showed them the pictures of the Ashram and its various activities. The visiting devotees were delighted to see a picture of Nutan Swamiji feeding birds and squirrels crowding around him.

On the 26th of October, Nutan Swamiji, accompanied by Br. Prasanna, left for Cochin via Singapore. A seeker who came in contact only a few days ago said, “When I was bidding farewell to Swamiji, I felt as if my own father was leaving”. Later, another devotee said, “We heard about

Vicharasetu - December 2010 28

the close affinity that birds and animals share with Nutan Swamiji. I think it is true for human beings too. All of us are feeling very much drawn to him”. Even the Indonesians who had an opportunity to be in close contact with Swamiji, often ask in their typical cheerful manner, “Apa Kabar Swamiji (How is Swamiji)?”

Nutan Swamiji came and lit the lamp of Knowledge in the minds of people in Jakarta. It is our earnest wish that many more people come and get exposed to this vast treasure of knowledge – the supreme Brahmavidy¡, which is our own heritage. Our heartfelt gratitude to our Gurudev Poojya Swami Bhoomananda Tirthaji for his blessings, which made this programme successful. Jai Guru!

* * *

Vicharasetu - December 2010 29

Back to Eternity

Dr. T Bhama

Years back I had a telephone call: “I am Dr. Bhama, from Thrissur. Namaskar, Swamiji. I am a regular listener of your Geet¡ Tattva Sameeksh¡, which is quite inspiring and enlightening. I would like to see you and ‘become close’ to the Ashram. I wish to know more about spiritual practices. I would like to do s¡dhan¡….”. “Where are you staying” I asked. “Peringavu” said the caller. “OK, come to the Ashram”.

This was the beginning of Bhama’s contact with me, as I can remember. She had been listening to the Geeta discourses being held in Thrissur every year, ever since 1996.

Heading the ‘Sudharma Laboratory’, Bhama was wholesomely loyal to her professional life of pathology. The entire town looked to her ‘Sudharma’, for pathological findings, especially in critical cases.

Before long, she brought her foster daughter, Bhavana, who is now a medical doctor, to the Ashram. One day Bhama drove in, with a new microscope in hand. Fixing it on my table in the front verandah of the old Ashram building, she said: “Swamiji, I would like you to inaugurate this machine. I have brought a blood sample and please see it through this lens.” It was unusual, no doubt, but not surprising at all!

After some time, she sought initiation into Brahmavidy¡, which I gave. In the background of her first meditational experience, she built a room for sitting in meditation. She spoke to me about it. Bhama wanted me to inaugurate it. We went there as desired. Many of our devotees also were present on the occasion.

Vicharasetu - December 2010 30

She telephoned me, when I was in Jamshedpur, about the sudden operation of her breasts, infected with cancer. She also had the chemotherapy course. The manner in which she took to it, recovered, reconciling with the new phase of life, was verily remarkable. “Being a doctor, I cannot be indifferent to what medicine says” was the remark she made.

Bhama was not married. Years passed. But for her extreme attachment for Bhavana, and the consequent trouble she felt often, her life was quite peaceful and harmonious with whatever transpired. With very few words, but with sufficient intense feelings of pious concern, Bhama used to conduct her professional and domestic life. Loyal and responsible, nonetheless with the attendant concerns, Bhama deserved the well being and peace she evidenced. Every time a medical need or consideration became necessary, Bhama was there.

May be it was her spiritual strength and attunement that enabled her to live with the health challenge for a fairly long period. She had a trouble free end, with a heart fulfilled. She was all love, concern and readiness, for all those she knew well, ever sensitive to help and reach to. She left her body on Oct 31. She was 72.

It is for Bhavana to remember her aunt’s life, incorporate and pursue with fondness and loyalty, whatever Bhama liked most and desired her to do, with the necessary loyalty and depth. This is what any good person should do, when a dear or near one departs. ■

* * *

Vicharasetu - December 2010 31

News & Notes

❏ Programmes in Delhi: Poojya Swamiji accompanied by Nutan Swamiji and M¡ reached CIRD at Vasundhara (UP) on Nov 14. Guru-archan¡ was performed on Nov 15 by Smt. Deepti and Sri Ravi Mehrotra on behalf of all the devotees. ViÀ¸u Sahasran¡ma S¡rvajanika Yajµa was conducted on Nov 21 morning. Details of Delhi programme will be published in the next issue.

❏ 9th áreemad Bh¡gavata Tattva Sameeksh¡ Satram will be held in Naimish¡ra¸yam, Paralikad, Thrissur, from December 24, 2010 to January 02, 2011. Organized jointly by Narayanashrama Tapovanam and Hind Navotthana Pratishtan, this great jµ¡namahotsava (wisdom- festivity) intends to ensure the prosperity and well-being (kshema- ma´gala) of one and all, by instilling spirituo-social values presented in áreemad Bh¡gavatam. About 40 speakers are expected to speak highlighting the values presented in different portions of the Text. ViÀ¸u-sahasra-n¡ma S¡rvajanika Mah¡- yajña will be held on Jan 02, 2011, the concluding day of the Satram.

❏ 16th Annual Geeta Tattva Sameeksh¡ in Thrissur will be held between 16 and 23 January 2011 at the Vadakkunathan Temple Sreemoolasth¡nam. Poojya Swamiji will speak (in Malayalam) on the 16th chapter of Bhagavadgeet¡.

❏ Prize Distribution to children of Cultural Heritage Class: On Nov 06, a prize distribution function was held in the Vijµ¡na Bhavan recognizing and encouraging merits and talents in the children. Prizes were given for recitation of Sanskrit verses, good conduct, highest attendance, etc. Students who performed well in their respective schools were also rewarded. Presence of parents added societal significance to the gathering. They were delighted to find their children reciting Sanskrit ¿lokas with ucc¡ra¸a- ¿uddhi, r¡ga-¿uddhi and bh¡va-¿uddhi (refinements in pronunciation, tune and emotion). Some children narrated their personal experiences

Vicharasetu - December 2010 32

and the impact of Cultural Heritage Class on their growth. The parents also expressed their feelings about the transformation caused by the Class in their children as well as in the home environment.

Poojya Swamiji expressed his satisfaction regarding their progress. While mentioning that this was a facility not available during his own childhood, he urged them to utilize these opportunities effectively to enrich and enhance their personality.

❏ Nov 08. Poojya Swamiji inaugurated Bh¡gavata Sapt¡ham at Kallippadam Mahavishnu Temple, Shornur and addressed the assembled devotees.

❏ Poojya Swamiji, along with M¡ returned to the Ashram on Nov 02 after conducting Jñ¡na Yajña in Bangalore. A report on the Bangalore Jµ¡na Yajµa appears on page 17.

❏ Nutan Swamiji returned from Jakarta on Oct 26 after conducting a series of discourses there. A report of the programmes at Jakarta appears on page 23.

❏ Forthcoming programmes: Poojya Swamiji, along with M¡, will visit Mumbai during Feb 02-08, and will reach Jamshedpur via Kolkata on Feb 11. They are scheduled to return to the Ashram by Mar 04. Nutan Swamiji will visit Malaysia during Jan 26-Feb 07. Details of these programmes will be published in the next issue. ■

Vicharasetu - December 2010 33

Leave and Live Joyously x……i™…Ci¥…… ∫…÷J…®……{x……‰ i… x……i™…Ci¥…… ¥…xn˘i…‰ {…Æ˙®…¬ * x……i™…Ci¥…… S……¶…™…: ∂…‰i…‰ i™…Ci¥…… ∫…¥…» ∫…÷J…“ ¶…¥… **

n¡tyaktv¡ sukham-¡pnoti n¡tyaktv¡ vindate param , n¡tyaktv¡ c¡bhayaÅ ¿ete tyaktv¡ sarvaÆ sukh¢ bhava . Mah¡bh¡ratam, á¡nti Parva 175.22

By refusing to renounce (atyaktv¡), one cannot gain happiness. Without giving up the lower, the higher cannot be attained. One cannot sleep fearlessly, without letting go of his clingings. Therefore, leave everything and live joyously.

* * *

Vicharasetu - December 2010