Contents Vol. 32, No. 4

Maturity 4 Christmas 7 swami paramatmananda Importance of the in Spiritual Life 12 swami gurupadasritananda puri The Four Crowns 19 br. madhavamrita chaitanya Chapter 11: of the Divine Cosmic Form 26 prof. v. muraleedhara menon, india Journey O-M 29 elizabeth mccarthy, u.s.a. MalpensaFiere 30 rajani menon, india Hands that Heal 34 anushree (rondine twist), belize Lilas Around Amma 39

Some articles use the masculine pronoun when referring to God, in keeping with convention and to avoid the clumsiness of constructions such as ‘He or She’ or ‘Him or Her.’

Printed and Published by Swami Jnanamritananda Puri on behalf of M.A. Mission Trust, Amritapuri P.O., , 690 546, India. Printed at Amrita Offset Printers, Amritapuri P.O., Kollam, Kerala 690 546, India. Published at M.A. Math, Amritapuri P.O., Kollam, Kerala 690 546, India. Phone: (0476) 289 6278/7578/6399. Matruvani Office Phone: 08589003341 Editor: Br. Brahmamrita Chaitanya Letters and Submissions: [email protected]

November 2020 3 AMMA’S MESSAGE

Maturity

hildren, while facing difficult situations in Clife, we rarely try to find out the real cause of the difficulties. But unless we do so, we will not be able to find a permanent solution to these problems. For example, if a child starts crying because of hunger, the mother will try to ap- pease him by giving him toys. The child may get distracted for a while. But when his hunger pangs increase, he will start wailing even more loudly. He will stop crying only when his hun- ger is appeased. Some people turn to drugs and drink to forget their problems. Not only do these in- toxicants not solve any problem, they also ruin one’s health and wealth, and rupture family ties. Once, two friends were talking to each other. One of them asked the other, “I heard that you started drinking. Why?” His friend replied, “I’m facing many prob- lems now, and am trying to drown my sorrows in drink.”

4 Matruvani November 2020 5 We cannot change the world according to our whims and fancies. Instead, we must learn to adjust to the situation and respond discerningly.

“So, did you succeed in rose is surrounded by prickly drowning your sorrows?” thorns. To insist that a rose “No, my friend. My prob- bush have no thorns but only lems have learnt to swim in the flowers is impractical. Night alcohol!” always follows day. If there is The root cause of all our joy, there will be sorrow. We problems is our headstrong must accept both. A tortoise desire to have everything go can never behave like an ele- our way, according to our likes phant. Similarly, an elephant and dislikes. This wilfulness is can never be a tortoise. See the source of all our negativi- each for what it is and accept ties, including anger, hatred a tortoise as a tortoise and an and jealousy. Wilfulness is like elephant as an elephant. Do a computer virus that wipes out not leap for the skies in happi- all its data. It undermines our ness, and do not collapse in sense of discernment and de- sorrow. Remain content and stroys our peace of mind. We joyful under any situation. The lose control over ourselves. ability to do so is what we We cannot change the mean by maturity. world according to our whims The mind becomes mature and fancies. Instead, we must only when one stops being wil- learn to adjust to the situation ful. A mature mind can face and respond discerningly. We problems wisely. It is the ulti- must learn to accept what we mate solution to all the prob- cannot change. A fragrant lems in life.

6 Matruvani SATSANG

Christmas by swami paramatmananda puri

wo thousand years ago in what is now known as TIsrael, the Romans ruled the roost. It was an ex- tremely oppressive rule. Things were not so good for Judaism either. The Pharisees or priests had a grip on the people, but there were no mahatmas (spiritually il- lumined souls) guiding them. If there is no one who lives in God, who experiences God, religion becomes just like a body without a soul. The Jews prayed to God to liberate them from Roman rule. Their scriptures said that God would come some day. He would be called

November 2020 7 the Messiah, the Saviour or Misconception of Western — the incarnation of Prosperity God. When Christ says that He There is a misconception that did not come to destroy, but to the prosperity of the Western fulfil, He was speaking of world is due to the teachings Himself as the Messiah. of Christianity, whereas in We are blessed because we India, the economic problems live at the same time as a di- are due to , which vine being. We are close to teaches renunciation. This idea Her; we are Her devotees. reveals a fundamental igno- Amma tells us to do (re- rance of the teachings of both peated chanting of one’s man- traditions. Christ did not come tra), sing (devotional to the earth to teach how to songs), meditate, follow the accumulate riches or to make customs, and obey the rules. society prosperous. He came But that is only part of it. She to teach the lessons that all also stresses love, kindness, religions teach. There is no patience, and getting rid of essential difference between anger and ego. Nobody else religions. They all teach the tells us these things. The saints same thing — how to get rid of not only tell us; they also dem- mental impurities such as onstrate it in their own lives. greed, lust, anger, and pride, In Amma’s life, we see selfless- and how to live in the world ness, the absence of base pas- but not be of the world, being sions, and the ardour of divine ready to leave it at any time. love. Similarly, Christ did not Christ came to uplift soci- tell anyone to give up the rules ety and to make people holy or of Judaism, but radiated kind- pure. Above everything else, ness, love, , renun- He taught renunciation. He ciation, and faith throughout said, “Take my yoke upon you his short life. and learn from me, for I am

8 Matruvani The idea that the prosperity of the Western world owes itself to the teachings of Christianity, and that the economic problems in India are caused by the Hindu teachings of renunciation reveals a fundamental ignorance of both traditions. gentle and humble in heart, wealth and prosperity? Not and you will find rest for your at all! souls.” (Matthew, 11.29) The prosperity in the West- Look at the Western world. ern world is not related to Where does one find that gen- Christ’s teachings. It is the tleness that Christ is talking outcome of human ambition about? Where is the rest that coupled with discipline. It is the the soul gets by taking refuge manifestation of the love for in an Avatar? comfort, wealth and power. “Take no thought for your That is all. This prosperity has life — what you shall eat, or been gained at the expense of what you shall drink, nor yet the teachings of mahatmas like for your body, what you shall Christ. Of course, some of the put on. Is not life more than teachings of both and food, and the body more than Christ are followed, and there- clothes? Behold the birds of fore, there is some peace in the the air, for they sow not, nei- world. The selflessness, kind- ther do they reap nor gather ness and patience that one sees into barns. Yet your heav- are the result of spiritual teach- enly Father feeds them. Are ings. Spirituality is the cure for you not much better than all problems. Materialism only they?” (Matthew, 6.25 – 26) feeds the body and ego. It Is this the gospel of health, never gives peace to the soul!

November 2020 9 Necessity of a Role Model why one must bathe at certain Everyone, whether an angel or times, and why one should not a demon, needs a role model. eat certain kinds of food. These We all have role models; maybe are ways of purification. All it is our mum or dad, or some- these rules can be found in both one else. Even if we are the Hinduism and Judaism, and worst demon, we will have a orthodox Jews and demonic role model, but a role follow them even today. All the model, nonetheless. The more ancient religions possibly came enlightened our role model is, from the same source. the more enlightened our life will be. There is a great deal Imitation of Christ that can be learned from the There is a beautiful book life of Christ. called the ‘Imitation of Christ.’ It I wasn’t born a Christian. I is considered the number two was born into a Jewish family, best-seller in the Christian but I never read the Old Testa- world. It was written 500 ment. After going to India, not years ago by a monk named only did I read the Hindu Thomas à Kempis, and the scriptures, I also read the Old book is a gem. Thomas tells us and the New Testament, which how to take Christ as a role is the gospel of Christ. In a way, model. He writes, “‘Anyone I was lucky, because I did not who follows me shall not walk have any misconceptions or in darkness.’ These are the preconceptions about these words of Christ, and by them teachings. I found that they are we are reminded that we must all the same, to an astonishing imitate his life and his ways, if degree, down to the letter. You we are to be truly enlightened may be surprised to hear it. and set free from the darkness They have similar laws regard- of our own hearts. Let it be the ing purity and impurity, about most important thing we do

10 Matruvani then, to reflect on the life of principles to the people. This Jesus.” is what Amma is doing — com- While reflecting on Christ’s forting, healing, inspiring, and life, there will be a particular giving refuge to people. vibration in the room. So many Like Christ, Amma also has hundreds of millions of people a mission, which is a little celebrate Shivaratri (festival longer than Christ’s. She has dedicated to Lord ) on reached out to more people, one night, and so there will be thanks to modern transporta- a special effect from doing tion and communication. It is Shiva on that night. Sim- quite a wonder when one thinks ilarly, perhaps a billion people about it, that even without any celebrate Christmas. That vi- of those things, a large part of bration will trickle down to us the world are devotees of Christ. if we also tune in. He was just one person in an We consider mahatmas in- unknown place, yet what an struments of God. Christ was influence He exerted! Hun- one such divine soul. As Am- dreds of millions of people have ma’s devotees, we can compare been devoted to Him for the the two of them. I find them past two thousand years. And very similar. Amma gets cruci- how many obstacles his disci- fied almost every day of Her ples encountered! They did not life, willingly. Christ knew enjoy a comfortable existence. what was going to happen to There were people trying to kill Him, yet He let it happen be- them. In fact, all of Christ’s cause He knew why He came direct disciples were martyred. to earth. He was here to save None of them died a peaceful souls ( jivas) and to inspire death in bed. Just imagine the them with devotion, wake dedication, faith and surrender them up, get rid of the evildo- they had to their Master! They ers, and impart spiritual are worthy of emulation.

November 2020 11 SATSANG

Importance of the Guru in Spirtual Life by swami gurupadasritananda puri

t is said that there are three kinds of problems in Ilife. There are the minor problems, which can be overcome through simple solutions. For example, if the ink in our pen runs out while we are writing, we can take another pen and continue writing.

12 Matruvani For bigger problems in life, Guru can protect us in such we may need the assistance of crises. In doing so, She gives other people. For example, if us a new lease of life. That is we wish to construct a house, why spiritual aspirants are we must hire a good contractor. known as ‘ ’ — twice born, Thirdly, life itself can be the the first birth being the bio- problem. Situations can bring logical one. Amma’s children our lives to a standstill, mak- are born again, not from Her ing us feel that we cannot womb, but out of Her infinite move ahead by even an inch. compassion. This was Arjuna’s predicament Since early childhood, my in the battlefield of Kuruk- biggest desire was to become shetra, when he was, quite a sannyasi (ordained monk). literally, unable to sit, stand or Back then, whenever anyone lie down. wearing ochre clothes came to …sidanti mama gatrani our house to beg for alms, I mukham ca parisushyati would give them everything I vepathusca sarire me could. My sisters had to watch romaharshasca jayate me closely to prevent me from gandivam sramsate hastat… giving everything away! But … My limbs are when they were not paying quivering, my mouth is attention, I would give away drying up, clothes, money and food. My whole body is My childhood passed with- shuddering, my hair is out my knowing what poverty standing on end, or sorrow was. When I was 12, My bow is slipping from I met my first Guru. He said my hand… (1.28 – 29) that one should be able to stand on one’s own feet by the Lord Krishna alone could save age of 14. So, when I turned Arjuna. Similarly, only the 14, I started distributing tea

November 2020 13 powder to about 600 houses to 2. She will turn any obstacle earn money. In this way, he She encounters, no matter showed me the nature of the how big, into stepping world and opened my eyes to stones to success. the poverty and suffering that 3. Many people all over the countless people experience. world will become Her That Guru also advised me: devotees. “Go to Amma. She is perfect and complete. I am not perfect. Amma knows all about each Leave me and surrender your- one of us — our past, present self to Amma. When you go to and future. In Her omniscience, Her, you will become better… She does not need to test us. Buy a photo of Amma in which Why then does the Guru test She is looking directly into disciples? It is for their sake. your eyes and smiling at you The test is a blow to their ego with compassion. When you and ignorance. It is an intense sit, place that photo such that experience because the disci- Her feet are at eye level and ples still abide in the realm of worship Her. Surrender eve- the body, mind and intellect. rything, both good and bad, at When I first came to Am- Her feet… When you surren- ritapuri, I saw Amma sitting der to Her, do not worry either inside a thatched hut. She about money or your next embraced me and whispered meal…” into my ears, “Don’t worry, He also shared some of his darling son. Amma will look insights into Amma: after you.” She then kissed 1. Although Amma might use both my cheeks, wiped away only a few words when my tears, and put my head in She speaks to us, we will Her lap. She also blessed me feel as if She has spoken a with a during my very lot. first darshan.

14 Matruvani That afternoon, Amma I left, feeling hurt. I thought came to the Temple, to myself: what wrong did I where construction work was do? All I did was to obey going on. I went and stood Amma, and now, I am hungry, near Her. While gazing at Her, humiliated and shirtless. Is I thought, “How beautiful She this what happens when one is! I have never seen such a obeys the Guru? mother in my life... those di- As I sat all alone in a dark vine eyes, loving kisses, sari corner of the ashram, I sud- and nose ring… the loving denly heard Amma’s voice: voice with which She called “Who here did not get any me ‘darling son’...” I forgot food?” myself and continued staring I leapt up and said, “Amma, at Her. I did not get anything.” Suddenly, Amma turned to Amma grabbed my left me and yelled, “What are you hand firmly. I thought, “What staring at? Clean the hall!” strong hands Amma has!” I got a rag and bucket and She took me to the kitchen, started to mop the hall. By the placed a huge plate in front of time I finished, it was late at me, and started serving me night. Bhajans had ended. I personally. I did not tell Her was dirty and hungry. I did to stop. Amma stopped when not have a change of clothes the plate was full. either. I went to bathe, using Amma did not just fill my my shirt to dry myself. After stomach; She also filled my hanging it to dry, I went to the heart. The heart and stomach kitchen to get some food. A that Amma filled almost 30 person there scolded me: years ago have never gone “There are timings for every- hungry again. Every time I felt thing. Dinner time is over. Go that I was alone in the dark, away!” Amma always shed Her light.

November 2020 15 Amma’s guidance comes Whatever Amma does is prac- from the inner light of knowl- tical spirituality. edge. She once asked, “How She once said, “No matter did the rishis (ancient seers) how much or how many scrip- discover the medicinal proper- tures you learn, only the ad- ties of plants and the distance vice of the Guru will be of use between various planets, for in your life.” This statement example, before the micro- reveals the greatness of a scope and telescope were in- Guru. vented?” Clearly, there is no Just as we can see the sun correlation between academic only because of its light, we education and spiritual awak- can realize Amma’s greatness ening. only when She reveals it to us. Amma does not need to The love and concern that She teach; She is Herself the lesson, has for each one of us is im- for the naturally virtuous measurable. Let me share an qualities in Her are ideals for experience that highlights this. Her children to practise and Before joining the ashram, cultivate. Scriptural texts are I used to take turns with other nothing but the words of the volunteers to accompany dev- Guru. They gain authority otees from Trivandrum to only when we hear the Guru’s Amritapuri by bus. After en- voice through them. suring that they had darshan There are two aspects to all and food, the volunteer would philosophies: shruti, the time- bring them back to their homes. less, and , the temporal For rendering these services, (i.e. contingent on time and the volunteer did not have to place). What makes Amma’s pay for the trip. The person teachings especially beautiful overseeing these trips bore a is that they are timeless and yet grudge against me. So, when relevant to the times we live in. it was my turn to escort the

16 Matruvani Amma does not need to teach; She is Herself the lesson, for the naturally virtuous qualities in Her are ideals for Her children to practise and cultivate. devotees to Amritapuri, he After walking quite a dis- announced in front of every- tance, I saw a crowd of people one that, henceforth, no one standing outside a house. One could travel for free anymore. among them approached me I told him, “You may insult and said, “You look like Am- me, but you can never defeat ma’s son. A monastic from me. The Mother you see is not Amma’s ashram is coming here. the Mother I see. No matter We don’t know the proper way where we are in the world, She to receive him. Can you please knows what is happening to lead the reception?” us; such is my Mother. You I later learnt that it was Br. spoke that way, knowing that Venu (now Swami Pranavam- I do not have money. I shall ritananda) who was coming. walk to Amma!” The function comprised a spir- I picked up my bag and left. itual discourse, bhajans, medi- Many tried to pacify me; they tation and prasad. After the were even willing to pay for program, I resumed walking to my trip. But I politely declined Amritapuri, covering almost their offers and set off. Usu- 130 kilometres, finally arriving ally, in cities, no one offers at the backwaters at around 2 rides to strangers. Yet, as I a.m. There was no bridge walked, many stopped their across the backwaters then. cars and said, “Please get in. There was a high tide with We can give you a lift.” I gently strong currents, I did not know turned down all such offers. to swim, and did not have

November 2020 17 money for a boat ride. I sat in Bhava, after Amma had fin- total darkness at the boat jetty. ished showering flower petals After a while, a boat rowed on devotees, She called me. by a brahmachari reached me. Though She usually does not Staring into the pitch dark- talk at that time, on that day, ness, he called out, unable to Amma whispered into my ears, see me, “Who has come? ‘A son of mine has come. He is Amma is calling you!” waiting across the backwaters. I jumped into the boat and Get someone to bring him here reached the ashram. Amma at once.’” had just finished Bhava When I heard this, my eyes and was standing by the back- welled up. The swami asked waters. I fell at Her feet sob- me, “Why are you crying?” I bing. Amma said, “Son, you could not say anything. have finally come...” She kissed Once, during his talk, Swa- me with affection, put my head mi Amritaswarupananda said, on Her shoulder, and consoled “When it comes to Amma, all me. Amma then started telling Her children have an equal me stories of the hardship that opportunity.” She and the ashram had under- How true! The Guru’s gone. Putting my hand on Her guidance is impartial. She shoulder, Amma started walk- does not withhold knowledge ing. She held on to my hand from anyone. However, Amma firmly and did not release it does not impart the receptiv- until we had reached Her room. ity towards knowledge. That To me, this was a promise that depends on how much effort Amma will never let us go in we put in. The more effort we this dark forest of worldliness. put in, the more we benefit. Many years later, while May we all become befitting talking to a swami, he said, of Her infinite grace and com- “Once, at the end of a Devi passion.

18 Matruvani

The Four Crowns by br. madhavamrita chaitanya

he Sri Ramacharitamanasa, or ‘Lake of Lord ’s Feats,’ Tis a stirring biography of Lord Rama, who lived more than 7,000 years ago. Written by Tulsidas, a 16th-century saint and poet from North India, the popularity of his work rivals that of Sage ’s Ramayana, on which the Sri Ramacharitama- nasa is based. The Sri Ramacharitamanasa begins, not with the birth of Sri Rama, but an exchange between Lord Shiva and His consort, . Sati cannot understand why Shiva, the Lord of the Uni- verse, is so taken by Rama, whom She considers a mere mortal. The all-knowing Shiva patiently explains to Her that Rama is God incarnate. Sati is not convinced. Shiva asks Her to judge Rama for Herself.

November 2020 19 Sati assumes the form of takes offence and immolates , Rama’s consort, and ap- Herself in the ritual fire. After proaches Rama. Smiling, He some time, Sati is reborn as pointedly asks Her where , who undergoes years Lord Shiva is. Sati realizes of austerities before She re- with a shock that Rama has claims Shiva as Her consort. seen through Her pretence. Seeing Her distress, Rama Dharmic Negotiation compassionately blesses Her Resolving conflict maturely with a vision of His divinity. begins with dialogue. Both When She returns, Shiva sides strive sincerely to under- asks how She had tested Rama. stand each other’s perspective Sati lies: She tells Him that, and who is right. The ‘right’ convinced by His glorification side offers incentives to placate of Rama, She had prostrated and win over the other. If that before the latter. Her insincer- fails, it sows seeds of discord ity saddens Shiva, who be- in the erring party in order to comes withdrawn and slips weaken their stand. And if into a state of meditative si- even that fails, war is declared lence that lasts aeons. In those as a last resort. long years, Sati repents for This is the time-honoured Her dishonesty. paradigm of conflict resolution. Alas, Her atonement proves In Hindu literature, these four insufficient. Upon emerging stages are called sama (gentle from His meditation, Shiva dissuasion), dana (persuasion), advises Sati not to attend the bheda (disagreement) and danda (fire ceremony) that (punishment) respectively. , Sati’s father, is going In the episode mentioned to conduct. Sati disobeys. earlier, sama took the form of During the yajna, Daksha Shiva’s insightful words, which casts aspersions on Shiva. Sati Sati is unable to accept. The

20 Matruvani freedom that Shiva gives Her Conforming to the paradigm to see for Herself was dana, as of conflict resolution, Dashar- was the vision Rama vouch- atha strives to cajole Kaikeyi safed Her of His divinity. with sweet words and even When Sati still does not realize concedes to her demand that Her wrongdoing, Shiva gives be crowned king. He Her ample time to repent and assures her that Rama will not realize the mistake of not be- contest this decision. He asks ing open to the Guru (bheda). only that she reconsider her When She still cannot surren- wish to banish Rama from the der to divine wisdom, Sati kingdom. When Kaikeyi does pays a heavy price: the danda not yield, Dasharatha tells her of self-immolation, which sym- that he would not survive bolizes the burning of the ego. Rama’s banishment. Kaikeyi Conflict arises when threatens suicide. The mighty is violated. Dharma is a law monarch falls at her feet and that upholds the harmony of the begs for mercy. When Kaikeyi universe. Though impalpable, remains adamant, Dasharatha it is an intuitive sense of what is ready to forswear dharma: is right or wrong. The more “Let worldwide disrepute be refined one’s moral sensitivity, my lot and let my good name the stronger this intuition. perish; I would fain be damned And yet, dharma is not al- to perdition and forgo heaven. ways clear-cut. Perhaps, no Subject me to all severe hard- other conflict showcases the ships; but let not Rama be complexity of dharma as much screened from my view.” as the crisis created by Kai- Rama’s calm intercession keyi’s demands that her son, saves Dasharatha from dis- Bharata, be crowned king of grace: “In the forest I shall get Ayodhya, and that Rama be more frequent opportunities of exiled to the forest for 14 years. meeting hermits, which will be

November 2020 21 beneficial to me in every way. name means ‘one whose nails On top of it I have my father’s (nakha) are as large as a win- command and your approval nowing fan (shurpa).’ She rep- to boot, mother. Again, Bhara- resents the rapacious nature of ta who is dear to me as life, desire. Assuming the guise of will get the sovereignty: God a comely damsel, she tries to is propitious to me in every woo the brothers. Even when respect today.” told that they are spoken for, Rama’s response reveals His Shurpanakha persists. Even- filial pieties, His unfeigned love tually, her frustration becomes for His brother, His whole- so brazen that she drops the hearted love for holy company, demure act and reveals her and His complete surrender to true, hideous form. It is a Providence, for Rama discerns graphic display of the ugliness the hand of God in the vicissi- of grasping, which wears the tudes of fate. His uncondi- mask of decency but does not tional acceptance of Kaikeyi’s recognize its boundaries. To demands paves the way for the drive home this point, Laksh- routing of demons in the Dan- mana mutilates Shurpanakha daka Forest, the ending of by lopping off her nose and ’s unrighteous rule in Kish- ears and sends her packing. kindha, and the toppling of What follows is a series of Ravana’s regime in Lanka. He skirmishes, which eventually was thus able to reinstate dhar- culminates in the epic clash ma in the country and redeem with Ravana. This is an all-out His father from accusations of war against unlawful desire, abjuring dharma. which Shurpanakha and her In the Dandaka Forest, brother Ravana embody. For a Rama and meet spiritual aspirant, the Rama- Shurpanakha, a demoness yana teaches that there is no who tries to court them. Her reasoning with lust. It is best

22 Matruvani to see it for what it is — the Sita: from , , naked aggression of desire Vibhishana, Prahasta, Malya- — and to nip the problem in the van, Mandodari and Angada, bud. Unless one has perfect i.e. from family, friends and control over one’s senses as foes. Through these petitions, Rama did, one cannot apply the the expedients of sama, dana principles of sama, dana or and bheda are exhausted, leav- bheda, which collectively rep- ing Rama no choice but to resent viveka (discernment), resort to war. when dealing with unlawful The encounter Ravana had desire. It is best to clobber it with the last emissary Rama with the danda of denial. sent is worth examining. An- Not that it is easy to deny gada was no humble suppli- desire. Insisting on gratifying cant. He had come to warn Her desire was the undoing of Ravana bluntly that if he did Sita, who yearns for the golden not capitulate, Rama would deer. Like his sister, Ravana kill him. When Ravana ig- also assumes a guise. Donning nores the threat and insults the ‘holy’ mask of a hermit, Rama, Angada angrily pounds Ravana approaches Sita when the ground with his stout arms. Her guard is down (i.e. when Such was the impact that Ra- Rama and Lakshmana are vana’s crowns (he had 10 away), abducts Her and car- heads) were knocked off, and ries Her away to Lanka. For four of them went flying to the seeker, the only holy desire Rama. When the Lord asks is to be one with the Supreme, Angada about these four here represented by Rama. crowns, he said, “…they were no crowns but the four virtues When Wrongdoing Persists of a king, viz. sama, dana, What follows are numerous danda and bheda, which abide petitions to Ravana to release in the heart of a king — so

November 2020 23 declare the , my lord. Angada’s foot, when the latter They are the beautiful pedes- tells Ravana, “You cannot be tals of statesmanship: remem- saved by clinging to my feet. bering this, they themselves Fool, why do you not go and came to my lord.” clasp Sri Rama’s feet?” When Angada’s insightful com- dharma is threatened, one must ment illustrates how highly the dig one’s heel in and not give in. paradigm of conflict resolution When , the Sea God, was regarded. Ironically, Ra- refuses to help Rama cross the vana co-opts this very scheme ocean to Lanka, even though to win Sita over. He “tried the latter had sat on the shores every kind of threat and en- for three days, fasting and dearment but failed miserably.” praying to appease him, Rama Finally, he threatens to kill Her prepares to fire a missile to dry with the Chandrahasa — iron- up the ocean. Realizing his ically, the sword that once be- mistake, Varuna contritely ap- longed to Lord Shiva, ever pears before the Lord and devoted to Rama — but is promises to help. Rama com- stopped by Mandodari, Ra- passionately allays Varuna’s vana’s noble wife. anxiety and fear. In Sri Rama, When a wrongdoer does not we see a mingling of might and relent no matter what, the op- mercy. Justice must always be posing side must stand firm by tempered by compassion. dharma. As an expression of defiance, Angada challenges Might and Mercy Ravana or members of his court Danda is meant to deter one to move his leg. The most cel- from doing wrong or the ebrated warriors from Lanka wrongdoer from repeating his try but fail. Finally, Ravana or her mistake. Once punish- gets down from his throne and ment has been meted out, it has is about to try and dislodge served its purpose. This point

24 Matruvani is made clearly in the encounter punishment is redeeming. between the two : Par- Rama bestows spiritual lib- ashurama, Himself a divine eration on Ravana when He incarnation, and Rama. The kills him. Though the em- former had been on a crusade bodiment of dharma, Rama is to end the tyranny of the anything but self-righteous. , members of the war- He is not quick to judge or rior caste, who had vindic- condemn. His patience is su- tively killed his father. Thus, perhuman and is borne out of ’s crusade itself empathy for human weak- was an exercise in conflict nesses. resolution, a years-long merci- In an ideal world, wherein less bludgeoning with the dharma prevails, there is no danda of killing. When the need for the rod of chastise- crusade threatens to become a ment. While Rama ruled senseless rampage, Rama Ayodhya, “danda was never checks Parashurama’s reign of seen except in the hands of the terror, thus ensuring the per- recluse, and bheda too had petuation of the race. ceased to exist except among Rama’s humility and tact quite the dancers in a dancing par- literally disarm Parashurama, ty.” There is a play of words who hands over His bow to here. The poet is referring to Rama, thus fulfilling divine the staff (danda) that monks prophecy.1 traditionally carry, and to the God, the ultimate dispens- variety (bheda) of notes and er of justice, is not vindictive. In His dispensation, even (continued on page 33)

1 Parashurama had obtained His bow from Lord , who told Him that when God descended on earth in the form of Sri Rama, His own life’s work would have ended and the bow would pass into the hands of Sri Rama.

November 2020 25 GITA

Chapter 11: Yoga of the Divine Cosmic Form by Prof. V. Muraleedhara Menon, India

he third chapter taught us how to realize the Supreme, pul- Tsating in all creatures. In chapter 11, in response to Arjuna’s plea, the Lord expresses His love for the devotee by revealing His cosmic form. The universe is God’s cosmic form. This world in which we live, though enormous for us, is just a minuscule part of the infinitely vast cosmos. What then about

26 Matruvani this cosmos, which has neither This is the idea behind idol beginning nor end? Where are worship. Many people, includ- we? Like space, time is also ing scholars, ridicule idol wor- infinite, and we are ignorant ship, but for me, it is tremen- of its origins. How transient dously uplifting. Realizing the and fleeting is the present mo- microcosm in the macrocosm ment in which we live. is a blissful experience. This In this chapter, we see the same spirit urges us to see the Lord’s cosmic form, which world in the village into which pervades past, present and we were born. future (the three times) as well Similes and idol worship as the sky, earth and the neth- share the same basis. Order, erworld (the three worlds). I freedom, simplicity, beauty and am not particularly drawn to restraint are all divine qualities. this form. I see Him in all that When we perceive God deline- is manifest. He is perfectly ated through these principles, present in both the subtle and we feel joyful because of our the gross. The Lord, who per- spiritual bond with these prin- vades the whole universe, is ciples, for there is a rapport wholly present even in a grain between our soul and the divin- of sand. The sweetness of the ity of these principles. How- ocean of nectar can be found ever, to gain this equal vision, even in its tiniest droplets. I our senses, which are inclined am content, knowing that all towards pleasure, must be re- that I see are manifest forms fined and purified. Divinity of God. That is why I said that enlivens all things. Let our I was not particularly keen to connection with them be spir- see His gross, cosmic form. itual. Then we will not feel like What difference is there be- seeing the Lord’s cosmic form. tween a small and a big picture, Not only that, we will not other than size? feel towards the cosmic form

November 2020 27 the same love and connection We ought to apply this logic we feel towards objects of when it comes to the history of beauty and endowed with at- nations: forget all mistakes tributes. Such was Arjuna’s and wrongs done in the past; state also. Trembling with fear, think only about the good. he pleaded, “O Lord, please We must constantly recite revert to Your previous form.” the verses glorifying the Arjuna’s plea was perfectly Lord’s cosmic form, contem- understandable. God, who plate on their meaning, and pervades the three times and thus purify ourselves. The three worlds, is majestic. But Lord revealed the entire cos- if the all-encompassing and mos within Him and said, “O blazing cosmic sphere comes Arjuna, all these creations will before me, I will be reduced to perish. You are only a tool. I ash. So, let the cosmos remain am the one making you act.” where it is. I need only the May these words ever echo God who manifests Himself in our heart. All our efforts through the creation. Just like must be directed towards be- our obliviousness of the vast coming an instrument in the universe, it is better if we can- hands of the divine. The last not fathom the infinitude of verse of this chapter explains time. Our ignorance of past how we may do so: and future is such a blessing! mat karmakrnmat paramo If we could access the bygone mad bhaktah sangavarjitah past and dredge up the impu- nirvairah sarvabhuteshu rities of past mistakes, how yah samameti mentally agitated we would O Pandava, he who become! The pains of this works for Me, regards birth are already unbearable. Me as the Supreme, is Why then should I suffer the pains of my previous births? (continued on page 38)

28 Matruvani Journey O-M

Not other but Mother Not to see an other only see Mother Until there is no other only Mother.

It is so much simpler to remember this. Then efforts to fix or improve the other fall away.

Not other, but Mother. Always. Only Mother.

Elizabeth McCarthy, USA

November 2020 29 DIARY

MalpensaFiere by Rajani Menon, India

hose who have never met Amma…” the token dis- Ttributor repeatedly asked the huge crowd assembled inside one of the many halls in the MalpensaFiere Con- gress Centre, Milan, Italy. My son and I looked at each other. I said, “We’ve never seen Amma in Italy before.” We joined the long and winding queue for tokens. An Irish man who had flown in from Dublin stood beside us. “She comes to Ireland only once in two years,” he said. “I saw Her in London. Now I’ve come to Milan. She is the most powerful incarnation ever!” It was 5 p.m. The waiting hall was full of young families with children happily

30 Matruvani running around, crawling nature, which is that of bliss under chairs and chasing each and peace. She told a story other. They had their parents’ about time being the greatest names and mobile numbers treasure, which can never be written on their forearms or regained, if lost. She said that pinned to their clothes so that most people fritter their time the parents could be contacted away on petty pleasures, for- if necessary. Videos of Amma’s going the greater goal of life. charitable activities were be- Then the bhajans started ing played on the screen. and the audience sang along, After receiving tokens, we turning the convention centre went down a staircase into the into a prayer hall. The devo- big darshan hall. Many had to tees clapped enthusiastically wait upstairs or sit in outer after each . After the halls where screens showing arati, Amma started another activities on the stage had round of darshan. been placed, until space We went to the dining hall, opened up in the main hall. where there was a delicious Fortunately, we found two assortment of food, from Ital- seats in the last row of the ian pizzas to Indian masala darshan hall. dosas (pancake with stuffed There was a hush as Amma potatoes). We sat with a Ger- slowly climbed down the stairs. man devotee who recounted She had been giving darshan his first darshan many years since morning and had barely ago. He had only come to drop rested. Dignitaries waiting on a friend off as he was “not in- the stage welcomed Her to terested in spiritual people.” their hometown and country. Curiosity made him enter the During Her talk, Amma hall. Suddenly, feeling the di- spoke about how a still mind vine energy in the atmosphere, is necessary to realize our true his heart started pounding!

November 2020 31 He went for darshan and, as and there were still many peo- Amma embraced him, he lost ple waiting for darshan. Amma all sense of self. He was asked everyone to get into the dragged away, as he himself line. We went for darshan. laughingly recalls, “like a sack When Amma saw my son, She of potatoes” and left on the side laughed and said, “Ah! Your to slowly regain himself. Now beard has grown. Son, you he tells Amma, “Never, ever let look good with a beard!” This me leave you!” was a continuation of our last We noticed Ramakrish- darshan in Munich, where nananda Swami entering the Amma had scolded me for hall with volunteers. Amma making him shave. Needless had sent him to distribute to say, I have not dared to ask tokens to those who did not him to shave again, and now have them. Swami and the when Amma saw him, She volunteers went from table to remembered and beamed with table, asking each person, pleasure. “Did you get a darshan token?” We sat beside Her. A Japa- Those who had not been eli- nese girl was complaining to gible for tokens earlier be- Amma, “Our bus always comes cause they did not fit into the last. I can never sit near you ‘never seen Amma’ or ‘never for prasad.” Amma looked at seen Her this year’ category Her compassionately and said, received them, and soon, there “Daughter, the last bus was late were many delighted people only by three minutes.” She in the dining hall, clutching added, “You can always sit precious tokens. next to Amma when we go We went back to the dar- back to Amritapuri.” shan hall, crossing the freezing Then She narrated a story. outer corridor. It was nearly “There was a bad smell coming three o’clock in the morning from one of the rooms. One

32 Matruvani son complained about it to instead of finding fault with Amma. But no one discovered others, the world will become the source of the smell. One a much better place. day, the guy who complained Finally, darshan ended. visited his wife, who said, ‘Oh, Amma stood up, and throwing your socks are so smelly!’ Thus, Her hands into the air, called the guy who complained about out “Mata rani ki jai!” (“Victory the smell was himself the to the Queen Mother!”). She source of the smell!” walked swiftly up the stairs Amma’s point was surely and into Her room, preparing that, often, we think others are for yet another day of darshan, a problem but never ourselves. including Devi Bhava in the If we try to improve ourselves evening.

(continued from page 25) cadences in music and dancing. conflict is absent in an ideal A dharmic utopia embraces life world. There will always be in all its variety, including differences between people, both the soul-uplifting joys of but where dharma prevails, music and dance, and the mo- mere expostulation (sama) is nastic life of austerity and enough to drive reason or sense control. It is not that good sense home.

Dear Readers, Share your experiences or poems, and inspire thousands. All submissions are subject to approval and may be edited. Email your submission to [email protected]. By submitting your artwork or article, you give your consent to have it published.

November 2020 33 SERVICE

Hands that Heal by Anushree (Rondine Twist), Belize

oddess Kanyakumari is depicted as a young virgin. GAt the same time, she is hailed as , Mother of all creation; in other words, a mother who has never given birth. The same can be said about our beloved Amma, who was born to play the role of uni- versal mother.

34 Matruvani Like any loving mother, She subsidized advanced medical cares for all of Her children care to Her poor and disad- and looks after their every vantaged children. In addition, need. Destitute widows re- the M.A. Math also provides ceive monthly pensions from routine medical care to people Amma’s charity. The unem- in their own communities. ployed receive vocational AIMS operates several sat- training so that they can earn ellite hospitals. The Amrita a livelihood with dignity. Am- Charitable Hospital in ma’s feeding programs satiate Kalpetta (AKCHK) is one of the hunger of entire communi- five satellite charitable hospi- ties. Her scholarship schemes tals that AIMS runs. Situated enable poor students to pursue in the Wayanad district of their studies. The sick and ail- Northern Kerala, on India’s ing get the medical care they Western Ghats, it provides free need but would not have been medical care to the indigenous able to afford otherwise. population in the remote trib- In 1998, Amma founded the al hamlets and villages of Amrita Institute of Medical Wayanad. Kalpetta, the capital Sciences (AIMS), a state-of- of Wayanad, is accessible only the-art, super-speciality, by steep roads running teaching hospital in , through dense forests and Kerala. Sprawling over more mountains, making travel dif- than 125 acres, the hospital ficult, especially for the sick can accommodate a daily pa- and elderly who need medical tient volume of about 3,500 attention. There are no gov- outpatients. It is now ranked ernment medical colleges in as one of the best hospitals in Wayanad, and access to medi- South Asia. Through AIMS, cal care is limited. Their vil- Amma is fulfilling Her desire lages have few amenities. The to provide free or highly health indicators of these

November 2020 35 Dr. Ajitha, to focus on the tribal communities. The doc- tors were instrumental in set- ting up the satellite hospital in 2005, and in developing it to its present capacity. In the early days, they saw few pa- tients, maybe 20 a day, but they tribal people are poor com- worked hard to build trust in pared with the general health the community by initiating indicators in Kerala. outreach services. Today, they Wayanad is home to more see an average of 200 outpa- than half of the four lakh tients a day. On busy days and (400,000) indigenous tribal during the monsoon, they see people in Kerala. Most of the up to 400 patients daily. patients at AKCHK are from The doctors noticed that these tribal communities. Most some patients and those ac- of them, especially the women companying them would come and girls, are severely mal- to the hospital without break- nourished and vulnerable to fast. By the time they leave the conditions such as anaemia. hospital, they would be tired They suffer from repeated in- and hungry. This was how the fections and are prone to dis- hospital started the scheme of eases like hypertension, heart providing free lunch to all disease and diabetes. Social those visiting AKCHK. ills like alcohol abuse and il- During visits to the tribal literacy also plague their com- villages, AKCHK staff real- munities. ized that the root cause of the Amma asked the doctors in villagers’ ailments was their charge of AKCHK, Dr. San- poor diet. Dr. Ajitha observed jeev Vasudevan and his wife that people often consumed

36 Matruvani rice gruel alone without veg- monsoon season. It also pro- etables or curries, a meal ut- vides umbrellas during the terly lacking in nutritional rainy season and blankets in value. Such meals became winter. The hospital also built prevalent after the tribal com- a home for a needy family. munities transitioned from Through their outreach ef- their traditionally nutritious forts, hospital personnel began harvests of ragi (finger millet), to understood better the needs other millets and other super of their patients, and found grains. They now have access other ways to assist them. only to subsidized rice. This Regular medical camps are discovery prompted the hospi- conducted twice a week at tal to distribute mung beans, Modakkara and Edaguni. Ad- peanuts, chickpeas and other ditional camps are organized proteins to the villagers regu- weekly in association with larly. other NGOs involved in tribal AKCHK also initiated oth- work. er humanitarian activities. It AKCHK provides a number built toilets in some tribal of specialist services. Provided colonies in a bid to end open by doctors from AIMS and defecation and to alleviate as- other neighboring areas, the sociated health risks. Noticing specialist services now in- that many tribal people did not clude General Surgery, have access to potable water, the hospital facilitated the construction of approximately 28 wells that provide clean drinking water to the com- munities. It has distributed tarpaulin sheets to cover the roofs of homes during the

November 2020 37 Dermatology, Endocrinology, instruments in Her hands, ENT, Gastroenterology, Gy- healing and helping those in necology, Internal Medicine, need in Wayanad. Orthopedics, Pediatrics, Psy- The word ‘darshan,’ which chiatry and Community Den- refers to Amma’s hug, has a tistry, and are offered on a broader meaning in . purely voluntary basis. To It means vision. One is blessed date, more than `68 lakh (6.8 by seeing and being seen by million) worth of free medi- someone or something auspi- cines have been distributed to cious. But there is another the tribal patients. For more context to the word vision. details, visit www.amritakri- Amma’s vision of universal pa.org. motherhood makes Her reach The tribal patients are Am- out Her helping hands to more ma’s children, and so are the and more of Her children. She doctors who care for them. Dr. is the very embodiment of the Sanjeev and Dr. Ajitha are universal mother.

(continued from page 28) devoted to Me, is free from attachment, and is devoid of hatred for any being, comes to Me. (11.55)

In his commentary, Sri Shankara hailed this verse as the heart of the . In essence, this verse means that a devo- tee who serves the world properly and selflessly, who surren- ders all his efforts to God, who sings the glories of the Lord, and who is peaceful, detached, dispassionate and filled with love for all, is worthy of being an instrument in the hands of God. (to be continued)

38 Matruvani LILAS

Lilas Around Amma

Her Grace

In January 2007, I was in Delhi for an official meeting. On the day of my departure, the friend I was staying with hand- ed me a copy of Matru- vani, saying, “Enjoy read- ing!” Before that, I had never even heard about Amma. Soon after board- ing the flight, I felt a magnetic pull towards the magazine and fin- ished reading the entire issue in one go. When I reached home in , I started thinking about Amma

November 2020 39 continuously. My desire to By that evening, a huge meet Her and to be in Her crowd had gathered. Fortu- presence grew, day by day. nately, as we had reached the One morning in March, to my ashram that morning, we utter astonishment, I saw a could get seats in the second full-page advertisement in the row from the dais. At about newspaper announcing Am- 6:30 p.m. Amma arrived on ma’s visit to Kolkata. Elated, I stage. Her impeccable white immediately made inquiries to sari and mesmerizing smile find out more about the pro- reminded me of , gram. of Knowledge and On the morning of the first the Arts. Amma enthralled the program, my mother and I audience with Her melodious went to Amma’s ashram on singing and words. Finally, Budge Budge Road. As both Her darshan started. We had my father and my husband been eagerly awaiting it since were busy with work, they morning, and seated in the could not join us. While my second row, we were sure that mother and I were looking we would receive darshan around the ashram, a brah- early. macharini announced Am- Suddenly, a huge group of ma’s arrival to inaugurate the people arrived from nowhere Brahmasthanam Temple. It and pushed us far behind. By was the first time I was phys- then, it was nearly 9 p.m. I ically in Amma’s presence. started to worry about when Watching Her consecrate the I could get back to my dia- temple was truly memorable. betic father. My mother, too, I still remember the way was feeling uneasy because Amma showered rose petals of her back pain. I broke as blessings from the temple’s down in tears and fervently dome. prayed to Amma to help us.

40 Matruvani To my utter surprise, amidst pain, purely by Amma’s divine all the chaos, a brahmacha- grace. He also received Am- rini came to me, handed over ma’s loving hug at the end of two tokens, and helped us his life. He passed away in through the crowd to the July 2010. front. When I reached Amma, In hindsight, I feel so bless- I felt overwhelmed by grati- ed because despite the intense tude and devotion. After re- grief I felt, I was able to re- ceiving Her loving hug, gain my mental strength and Amma affectionately asked positive attitude towards life my mother and me to sit be- through Amma’s blessings. side Her for some time. May Her blessings and grace In those days, my husband illumine all of our lives. and I, who were both profes- — Sohini Dhar, India sional painters and teachers, were enjoying successful ca- Indian Food reers. We travelled interna- tionally, had our own exhibi- Years ago, I used to be scared tions, and frequented art mu- of taking Indian food to seums. Little did we know that school. All the children would dark clouds were hovering ridicule me for the ‘strange’ over life’s horizon. way in which I ate, and they In November 2008, my would look at my food with husband was diagnosed with disgust. A boy sitting behind pancreatic cancer. We sought me would constantly pull my all possible medical treatment hair whenever I took a bite, with the best of Indian doctors. and it would make me feel While the doctors worried over ashamed while eating. I his deterioration, my husband thought Europeans and peo- continued painting until the ple who did not live in India last day of his life without any hated our food. Eventually,

November 2020 41 despite my parents’ reassur- my life. Of course, Amma has ances, I stopped taking In- done so much more. She is so dian food to school. I was selfless: always giving and much too young to explain to helping countless people in my parents the struggle I was one way or another. My par- going through. ents tell me many stories One day, my parents took about how Amma travels to me to Amma’s program in the many places to help people all Netherlands. It was like a big over the world. Her dedica- festival. Indian food was being tion is marvellous. I used to served everywhere, and thou- be wonderstruck hearing how sands of Europeans, who much time Amma dedicated came to see Amma and have to loving and serving others. Her darshan, ate the food with I can never even imagine do- relish. ing a fraction of what She That was when my dad told does. me how much these people Though She works tire- loved Amma, and that I should lessly, Amma is always happy, not worry about eating Indian as She spreads positive vibes food at school. From then on, and hugs people with love and I did not hesitate to take In- compassion. Whenever I listen dian food to school. I told my to Her devotional songs, tears classmates that this was the come to my eyes. food I ate and that they should Amma initiated me into not judge me for it. My strug- education. Her blessings con- gles still continued, but I found tinue to guide me and my fam- a new confidence. ily. We can never forget Her Though it might be a small kindness and compassion to- thing, the sight of so many wards us. Europeans eating Indian food — AmritaSai Elango at Amma’s program changed (10 years old), Belgium

42 Matruvani