CHICAGO CALLING

A Spiritual & Cultural Quarterly eZine of the Vivekananda Society of Chicago No. 24, 2019 Table of Contents

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EDITORIAL 3 ’S IDEAS ON VEDANTA AS SCIENCE 4 DR. DURGAPRASAD RAJARAM TRAVELOGUE, 2018: SOUTH EAST ASIA (PART 3) 8 SWAMI ISHATMANANDA INTRODUCTION TO THE COVER PAGE 13

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NO 24, 2019 Chicago Calling 2 I was giving a discourse on Ma Saradamani Editorial , and when I mentioned that Mother’s love was equal for all, a hand was raised from among Impartial Love of Ma Sarada the audience. I stopped and looked at that elderly lady who said, “Swami isn’t it true that her love for and Mother were not based on any physical Sri was much more than for anyone relationship. It was a union of the spirit with the else?” Before I opened my mouth to answer, spirit. another woman remarked, “That is natural—Sri Let us go back to the first question, “Was Ma Ramakrishna was her husband.” There was a Sarada’s love equal for everyone?”; To get the murmur in the audience supporting the answer. I answer to this question we have to understand asked myself, is it true that our Ma Sarada loved who Ma Sarada was. , a Sri Ramakrishna just because he was her husband! direct disciple of Sri Ramakrishna A deeper study of the biographies of Sri composed a hymn on Ma Sarada and read the Ramakrishna and Ma Sarada and the incidents in composition to her. their lives suggests that their relation as husband Mother who was, by nature, very humble and and wife was only apparent, but in they shy, listened to Swami Abhedananda’s hymn on were one and eternally inseparable. her and silently accepted the views expressed The married life of Sri Ramakrishna and Ma there. The hymn begins with the description of the Sarada was a tangible demonstration of the truth divinity of Ma Sarada. expressed in , “Verily prakṛtiṁ paramām abhayāṁ varadāṁ not for the sake of the husband is the husband nararūpadharāṁ janatāpaharām, loved, but he is loved for the sake of the Self.” śaraṇāgatasevakatoṣakarīṁ Students of Sri Ramakrishna and Ma Sarada know praṇamāmi parāṁ jananīṁ jagatām. that their birth, marriage; spiritual ministrations To the Divine embodied in human form, were absolutely supernatural phenomena. For the giver of boons and dispeller of fear, who example, we can remember their marriage, which quenches the fire of misery and fills with joy the showed their inseparable connection. It is related hearts of those who take refuge in Her; to Thee my that Sri Ramakrishna had once gone to a salutations, O Supreme Being, O Mother of the neighboring village where Sri , still a worlds”; child, had been carried by her uncle to join a About Ma Sarada, Bhagavan Sri Ramakrishna festival. Her uncle asked the infant Sarada whom said, “She is my Shakti.” -- God and His “Shakti” amongst the gathered persons she would marry, or divine power are the same. and Sarada stretching both her hands pointed out In the Hymn also the Swami wrote Gadadhar, who later became. rāmakṛṣṇagataprāṇāṁ tannāmaśravaṇapriyām, Sri Ramakrishna. Was it merely a childish tadbhāvarañjitākārāṁ praṇamāmi muhurmuhuḥ, prank or was it a pre-vision, which came to Sarada To the gracious Mother Sarada, the from the depth of her divine nature? It is also a embodiment of mercy and the granter of devotion strange coincidence that when people were and knowledge, to Her who is worshipped by the searching for a girl to be married to Gadadhar, he chief of , to Her who (with Sri Ramakrishna) had told them that the bride could be found in the has given a new revelation for the present age, and house of Ramachandra Mukherjee of . who assuages the miseries of devotees taking These two events are perhaps inexplicable by refuge at Her feet; to her do I ever bow down in ordinary human reason, but do they not give us an worship. Was mother partial in her love for Sri indication of the divine Lila (sport), which works Ramakrishna? The answer is, “No”, because She behind the scenes? The lives of Sri Ramakrishna was Sri Ramakrishna herself.

NO 24. 2019 Chicago Calling 3 Swami Vivekananda’s Ideas On Vedanta As Science Dr. Durgaprasad Rajaram (This article is based on the presentation that was delivered at Vedanta Society of Chicago’s 2019 Fall Banquet)

Dear friends, I am very happy to share with , Chap. VII]”, “..the science of …[CW, you some thoughts on Swami Vivekananda’s ideas Vol. 1, Introduction to Raja Yoga]”, “..spirituality, the on Vedanta as Science. Both Vedanta and Science science of the soul…[CW, Vol. 3, Reply To The Address are vast topics and each of them fills volumes of of Welcome at Paramkudi]”, “.. Yoga is the scholarly writing and books. What I would like to science of higher love…[CW, Vol. 3, , Chap. do is share some central ideas behind science and II]”, “..the science of Vedanta…[CW, Vol. 4, the scientific process, and then more specifically Meditation]”, “…science of the mind…[CW, Vol. 6, The Swami Vivekananda’s views on whether, and how, Importance of Psychology]”, “…the science of those ideas apply to religion and Vedanta. …[CW, Vol. 9, The ].” I Let us start with Vedanta. As admirers of counted close to two hundred occurrences where Swami Vivekananda and friends of the Swamiji uses the word science in the context of Vivekananda Vedanta Society, most of you are spiritual subjects – subjects we normally may think already familiar with not only the conclusions, but of as disparate from or even opposed to science. also the various philosophies and practices of What did Swamiji mean when he talked about Vedanta. I do not presume to know more than you the “the science of religion”? Why did he say do. I want to start with Swami Vivekananda’s “science of religion” rather than, for instance, “the words on the essence of religion. “The essence of art of religion” or “the doctrines of religion”? We Vedanta is that there is but One being, and every soul is will attempt to understand this by looking deeper that One Being in full, not a part of that…Behind all and asking ourselves – What is meant by science? appearance is that One reality. [The Complete Works of What did Swamiji view as characteristics of a Swami Vivekananda (hereafter abbreviated as CW.) Vol. science? What were Swamiji’s views on the 8, Yoga II].” I find this a wonderfully succinct, applicability of the characteristics of science to and at the same profound summary of religion. Vedanta. This idea of the underlying unity of all What exactly do we mean when we refer to existence, is something we find again and again in something as a science? In common usage, we Vedantic scriptures. The second idea in Swamiji’s often hear expressions like “it is a science”. To go statement is that “behind all appearance” – in beyond vague notions, let us clearly understand other words, as one peels away and looks deeper what is meant by science. According to the Oxford and deeper behind gross appearances – there is English Dictionary, science is defined as: “the just One reality. As we go on we will find this intellectual and practical activity encompassing quest for a generalized, and perhaps a unified, the systematic study of the structure and behavior explanation of the physical world, appears of the physical and natural world through through the pages of science as well, albeit in observation and experiment: the world of science different ways. and technology.” This, then, is the definition of When we go through Swamiji’s works, we find science according to dictionaries. It is interesting to in several places he uses the word science in note that one of the words for science is connection with spiritual practices and philosophy. . A Sanskrit dictionary defines vidyA as To give just a few examples, “the science of “vidyA: Knowledge, learning, lore, science. [Practical religion…[CW, Vol. 1, Paper On ]”, “ Sanskrit-English Dictionary, V.S. Apte].” In Swami yoga makes a science of work…[CW, Vol. 1, Karma Nikhilananda’s translation of The , NO 24, 2019 Chicago Calling 4 we find Atma - vidyA translated as “science of the the definition is that it is a “systematic study”. It is Self.” Similar to how various “schools” and sects not merely observation and speculation. Those and sub-sects of Vedanta all come under the broad would just be opinions. But rather, it is a pursuit category of Vedanta, we find various types of for knowledge and understanding following a sciences coming under the umbrella of science. methodology which anyone can follow and verify They include everything from the physical and life the results. In his beautiful introduction to Raja sciences such as physics, chemistry, biology, and Yoga, Swamiji remarks that religious practice, too, geoscience, to social sciences such as psychology has methodologies which anyone can follow and and sociology, to applied sciences such as practice, “In the first place, every science must have its medicine and engineering, and these days in the own method of investigation. If you want to become an world of technology, there is even a growing field astronomer and sit down and cry ‘Astronomy! of data-science. The variety encompasses Astronomy!’ it will never come to you…A certain everything that we can perceive and observe in the method must be followed…Each science must have its universe we live in, and their subjects range from own methods. I could preach you thousands of sermons, subatomic particles invisible to the human eye, to but they would not make you religious, until you our everyday objects, to distant galaxies and the practiced the method. These are the truths of the sages of vast expanse of the knowable universe. Their all countries, of all ages, of men pure and unselfish, who subjects and scales are different, but they all share had no motive but to do good to the world. They all some common characteristics of science captured declare that they have found some truth higher than in the definition. what the senses can bring to us, and they invite One, science is both intellectual and practical. verification. They ask us to take up the method and Though fundamental sciences are intellectual practice honestly, and then, if we do not find this higher pursuits motivated by the search for knowledge truth, we will have the right to say there is no truth in about the observable world, they are also practical. the claim, but before we have done that, we are not There are two parts to this practical aspect. The rational in denying the truth of their assertions. So we first is that the validity of any scientific theory rests must work faithfully using the prescribed methods, and on whether it can be practically observed and light will come [CW, Vol. 1, Raja Yoga].” experimentally verified. The second is the The third characteristic is that the primary application of science to our world. This aspect is domain of science is the physical, natural, and what we call applied science, or technology. In fact, social world around us. In the language of “science and technology” often go together and are Vedanta, science is concerned with the “sensory considered part of the STEM curriculum. Through world” we live in. As the famous physicist Albert the history of the development of science and Einstein put it, “The aim of science is...a society, we find scientific discoveries enabling comprehension, as complete as possible, of the practical applications that benefit society which connection between the sense experiences in their then in turns enables further advances in science totality....”. It is the external, observable universe and research and the wheel goes on. In religion, that the sciences seek to understand. In the words too we find will find Swamiji emphasizing the of Swamiji, “Truth is of two kinds: (1) that which is practical aspect, “If it be absolutely impracticable, no known through the five ordinary senses and by theory is of any value whatever, except as intellectual reasoning based thereon; (2) that which is known gymnastics. The Vedanta, therefore, as a religion must through the subtle, supersensuous power of yoga. be intensely practical. [CW, Vol. 2, Practical Vedanta – Knowledge acquired by the first means is called science; Part I]” and knowledge acquired by the second is called the The second characteristic of science we see in . [CW, Vol. 6, Hinduism and Sri Ramakrishna]” NO 24, 2019 Chicago Calling 5 The physicist Gordon Kane in his book “The through direct means have any applicability to Particle Garden” gives us a scientist’s view of what Vedanta and religious practices? Or is it something characterizes science. He writes, “Science can be which is restricted to the domain of physical and defined as a self-correcting way to get knowledge about natural sciences? To make our lives easier, Swamiji the natural universe, plus the body of knowledge asked, and answered, this exact question, “Is obtained that way. It is both a method and the resulting religion to justify itself by the discoveries of reason, understanding and knowledge. The method requires through which every other science justifies itself? Are making models to explain phenomena, testing them the same methods of investigation, which we apply to experimentally, and revising them until they work. The sciences and knowledge outside, to be applied to the goal of science is understanding. [Gordon L. Kane, The science of Religion? In my opinion this must be so, and Particle Garden, p. 206]” I am also of opinion that the sooner it is done the better. This part – the verifiability of intellectual If a religion is destroyed by such investigations, it was theories – is so fundamental to the scientific then all the time useless, unworthy superstition; and the process that we can say something is scientific, or a sooner it goes the better. I am thoroughly convinced that science if it can be methodically studied and its destruction would be the best thing that could experimentally observed and universally verified. happen. All that is dross will be taken off, no doubt, but In the words of Nobel laureate Richard Feynman, the essential parts of religion will emerge triumphant “If it disagrees with experiment, it’s wrong. In that out of this investigation. Not only will it be made simple statement is the key to science. It doesn’t make scientific — as scientific, at least, as any of the any difference how beautiful your guess is, it doesn’t conclusions of physics or chemistry — but will have matter how smart you are, or who made the guess, or greater strength, because physics or chemistry has no what his name is. If it disagrees with experiment, it’s internal mandate to vouch for its truth, which religion wrong. That’s all there is to it [ Richard Feynman - The has [CW, Vol. 1, Reason and Religion].” In fact, he Scientific Method].” In Swamiji’s view, religious introduces Raja Yoga as such a science, “The science truths, too, can be and should be held to the same of Raja-Yoga, in the first place, proposes to give us such rigorous standards of verification. We find echoes a means of observing the internal states. The instrument of this in his statement, “Religion is realisation; not is the mind itself…..The science of Raja-Yoga proposes talk, nor doctrine, nor theories, however beautiful they to put before humanity a practical and scientifically may be. It is being and becoming, not hearing or worked out method of reaching this truth. [CW, Vol. 1, acknowledging [CW, Vol. 2, The Ideal Of A Universal Raja Yoga].” Religion].” We know from Swamiji’s own life how In Swamiji’s view, traditional physical sciences he was not satisfied with dogmatically accepting and religions are both quests for Truth and a the idea of God, and then met Sri Ramakrishna search for underlying one-ness. In the case of and asked if he had seen God, and for the first time science, it is an external search for universal, tested Swamiji met someone who could say that not only laws that explain the observable universe, to had he seen God but he – the then-Narendranath -- “discover and illuminate Truth” as the marine too, could have this direct experience. It is that biologist and environmentalist Rachel Carson put verifying before accepting as true – “In true religion it, and in the case of religion it is an inward search there is no faith or belief in the sense of blind faith. No to find the underlying oneness behind our great preacher ever preached that… Religion is a existence. To Swamiji, “Science is nothing but the question of being and becoming, not of believing [CW, finding of unity [CW, Vol. 1, Paper on Hinduism],” Vol. 4, The Claims of Religion].” and, “The end and aim of all science is to find the A question we can ask ourselves is does this unity, the One out of which the manifold is being approach of studying, observing, and verifying manufactured, that One existing as many [CW, Vol.1, NO 24, 2019 Chicago Calling 6 Raja Yoga – Introduction].” practicing science is keeping a sense of humility, It is interesting to find Steven Weinberg, a and realizing not only limitations in our current physicist, a Nobel Laureate, and a self-described understanding, but also being aware that our atheist remarking how “The desire for one God and current understanding may not be the full picture, for a theory of the whole cosmos might have the same being able to say “We don’t know” and that cause. [in: We Are All Stardust – Scientists Who advances and discoveries down the road may lead Shaped Our World Talk about Their Work, Their Lives, to different conclusions and we should welcome and What They Still Want to Know].” If we look at those if we are truly in search of the Truth the advances in sciences, we find this thread – of wherever it may lead us. searching for general, unifying principles to Swamiji saw these quests of science not as explain the multiplicity of observed phenomena. contrary to the claims of Vedanta, but rather as From early discoveries of different forms of matter, confirmation and validation of the conclusions of science probed further asking “What is common the essence of Vedanta. He says, “To my mind, if behind this variety? Is there something more modern science is proving anything again and again, it fundamental underlying these?” and science is this, that we are one — mentally, spiritually, and discovered molecules and atoms making up all physically. It is wrong to say we are even physically different. Supposing we are materialists, for argument's matter. And again asking, “What is behind these? sake, we shall have to come to this, that the whole Is there something more fundamental?” science universe is simply an ocean of matter, of which you and further advanced, and through numerous theories I are like little whirlpools.” To my mind, from the and experiments discovered a world of subatomic view of a particle physicist, this is consistent with particles finer than atoms, finer than a nucleus. our current understanding of the physical And the questions, “Why are there a variety of universe. Building upon centuries theories, subatomic particles? Is there a unifying law hypotheses, and experiments we currently have a governing this multiplicity? Is there a unified force “Standard Model” which tells us that all matter – of which the basic forces are a manifestation?” from a speck of dust, to our human body, to continue to be fundamental questions at the heart towering mountains, to stars and galaxies of astrophysics and particle physics research. What stretching out into vast space – all matter, if we Einstein saw as “the supreme task of the physicist” peel away, and look “behind all appearance”, is at was in his time, and still is, “the discovery of the its core is built upon just a little more than two most general elementary laws from which the world- dozen fundamental particles, and their interactions picture can be deduced logically. [The Collected Papers are governed by just four fundamental forces. of Albert Einstein, Vol. 7].” In every science, not just Probed deeper and deeper at that level, our physics, we will find this search for the truth physical bodies and the most gigantic stars are behind multiplicity of appearances and behaviors, built from the same building blocks. In “The Pleasure of Finding Things Out”, Richard this search for a deeper understanding, for the Feynman muses, “I . . . a universe of atoms . . . an most general, perhaps even a single, principle that atom in the universe.” explain the variety. What changes from one science “All science is bound to come to this conclusion in to another is the subject for investigation. “It is in the long run. Manifestation, and not creation, is the this striving after the rational unification of the word of science today, and the Hindu is only glad that manifold that it encounters its greatest successes, even what he has been cherishing in his bosom for ages is though it is precisely this attempt which causes it to run going to be taught in more forcible language, and with the greatest risk of falling a prey to illusions [Albert further light from the latest conclusions of science. [CW, Einstein, Science and Religion].” One remark I’d like Vol.1, Addresses at the Parliament, Paper on to make here, is that an important quality in Hinduism].” NO 24, 2019 Chicago Calling 7 TRAVELOGUE, 2018: SOUTH EAST ASIA (PART 3)

SWAMI ISHATMANANDA Vivekananda Vedanta Society of Chicago

In the previous two installments, I covered my ashram devotee, Kaliamma, prepared Dosa for us. 2018 travel to Thailand and Cambodia. After After the breakfast, we went out for sightseeing visiting the old Khmer city of Siem Reap in with another ashram devotee, Kanda Kumar Cambodia, my next destination was . Karthigesu, as our lead. Kanda-ji was an accomplished lawyer and very well versed in the It was a sultry afternoon on February 1st, 2018, history and social context of the places we were at Siem Reap. We reached the airport on time and about to visit. checked in. The airport was small compared to the Our first stop was Sri Maha Kaliammman usual international airports, but it had a rustic Temple. It is a South-Indian style temple with the ambience, which was charming. We noticed the usual gopuram at the entrance. We offered our Angkor style paneling and decorations. The last prayer in front of the image of Mother . Then two days had been a visual gluttony of almost we headed toward the Batu Caves. millennial old structures. I was physically tired The Batu Caves are a series of caves in limestone and looking forward to visiting the modern cities hills. The name came from the nearby Batu river. of and Singapore. The caves, the hill and the adjacent village— all The flight was a short one—about two hours. together are called Batu Caves. The shrine in the My friend, Swami Supriyananda, was the caves is dedicated to Lord Murugan, the Tamil President of KL branch. He name for . The famous golden hued arranged for our reception at KL airport and also Murugan statue, which, which is almost 43 meters for our transfer to the KL ashram. I was to stay in (143 feet) tall, stands at the foot of the hills. It was the monks’ quarter in the ashram and the three unveiled in 2006. Next to the image, a flight of 272 accompanying devotees were to stay at a nearby steps starts. We were warned that the monkeys hotel. could snatch things, so we were careful with our The first thing that caught my attention after belongings. After an arduous uphill climb, we entering the ashram was the majestic statue of reached the main Temple Caves with their many Swami Vivekananda. The 12-foot bronze statue shrines. The main attraction was the presiding was unveiled by Indian PM Narendra Modi in deity, Lord Murugan and his two consorts. It is 2015. I offered pranam and moved inside the said that Batu Caves was promoted by an Indian ashram building while being warmly welcomed by trader named Thamboosami Pillay in mid- the President swami and other ashram regulars. nineteenth century. He was inspired by the shape We had a hearty chat over the dinner. President of the main entrance which resembles Murugan’s Maharaj told us that it would be good for us to see spear (Vel). The steps were a later addition to the the nearby attractions early next day. temple. This temple is the focal point of the annual On the next morning, I got up, completed my Thaipusam festival. Having such a great temple in morning rituals, and went to the kitchen the Muslim–majority nation of Malaysia speaks downstairs for the breakfast. Arup and two other volume about the culture of religious harmony in accompanying devotees were also there. An the country.

NO 24, 2019 Chicago Calling 8 Inside Sri Maha Kaliamman Temple

Swamiji bronze statue at KL Ramakrishna Mission ashram

We explored the main cave and the nearby since many of the readers here may not have even smaller ones. After coming down, we took a little heard of this fruit. It can be called a distant cousin rest at a nearby food stall and drank coconut of Jackfruit, which is abundantly available in , water. Then we made a quick trip to the nearby Sai but Durian is stickier and has a very distinctive Baba temple. Then Kanda-ji took us to a curious strong smell. One can find Durian stalls during the place called Vivekananda Ashram. This institution season. These stalls sell the Durians of the started as a reading club in the early 1900’s by customers’ choice from their stock, and then cut some Tamil devotees of Swami Vivekananda. They open and serve them. You are supposed to wear opened a few schools and still run some of them. plastic gloves to avoid sticky sap from the husk They completely severed their ties with the and the odor from the edible part of the fruit. It Ramakrishna Mission in 1930’s and currently was a unique culinary experience for me. operate as a private company! Their logo is a We came back to the ashram and rested for a striking copy of the Ramakrishna Mission’s. We while. In the evening, Kumar-babu took us out. paid respect to Swamiji’s statue and, keeping note This time it was all the glittering parts of the city of the ‘Private Property’ sign, left the compound that we visited. The Petronas Twin Towers were soon. To our surprise, the road next to it was the first attractions. For quite some time in the named Jalan Vikekananda (Jalan in Malay early 2000’s, they were the tallest buildings in the language is Road). world. At night they looked spectacular. Since we By now it was quite late in the day, and we were didn’t have tickets, we couldn’t visit them, so we hungry. The President Swami arranged for lunch enjoyed the view from a distance. Then there was at a Chinese vegetarian restaurant. Given our Kuala Lumpur Tower, which was also a great experience of the non-vegetarian spicy nature of sight. Kumar-ji was very enthusiastic and expert usual Chinese food, it was a revelation in on customary selfie taking, so we did. We also opposites. Tofu and bean curd served as the main visited As Syakirin and appreciated the protein source in contrast to the milk-based foods architecture from outside. It can accommodate in Indian vegetarian cuisine. I tasted delicious, more than 10,000 people at the time for prayer. authentic Momo after so many years. It reminded Then we walked toward the Klang river where it me of my days in Northeast India. Then we all merges with Gombak River. They are called rivers, went to a durian restaurant. It was more of a but at present they are so narrow that they can be makeshift stall than a restaurant. And, they sell compared to storm drains in some places in only Durian fruits! A few words about Durian, America.

NO 24, 2019 Chicago Calling 9 The Chinese New Year was approaching at content and pay what your heart feels’. It is a that time. Kumar-ji took us to an alley where the charitable organization started by Swami whole place was decorated with red lanterns. It Shantananda , a disciple of Swami was a sight to behold! We also visited one Chinese Sivananda experiences throughout the whole day. I Buddhist temple. Throughout the whole day, one looked forward to the next days’ events. thing came to my notice—Malaysia is a mixture of cultures and religions and most of them could hold on to their uniqueness while living peacefully with others. I really appreciated how a member of an ethnic and religious minority, like Kumar-ji, could be so proud of his Malaysia, which outsiders think is an up and coming haven for religious fanaticism. Kumar-ji took us to a Chinese At the foot of Batu restaurant for dinner, and delightfully, it was not Caves hills, vegetarian! We came back to the ashram late in the with Lord evening, satisfied with all the experiences Murugan throughout the whole day. I looked forward to the statue behind next days’ events. The next day started with my usual personal morning routine, followed by a quick breakfast at the ashram kitchen. Kumar-ji was still our guide this morning. The destination was Putrajaya, which is the federal administrative center, whereas Kuala Lumpur is the seat of the king, parliament, and most of the foreign embassies and headquarters of the companies. It is a planned city where the construction started in the early 1990’s and was built within a decade. Now, it houses most of the federal ministries and other administrative functions. With new buildings, roads, bridges, and a planned green space of 40%, the city looked gorgeous. The Prime Minister’s In the office and the nearby are the places midway of the flight of where we stopped and took some photos. Then we stairs to the came to the Seri Wawasan Bridge. The bright sky, Batu Cave the blue water of Putrajaya Lake and the spanking shrine new sky scrappers were proclaiming the bright future of this vibrant Southeast Asian nation. We needed to buy some personal things, and then we went for lunch where the President Swami and others from the Ashram joined us. The place was Annalakshmi, which is a charitable organization. They served vegetarian food without any price tag. Their motto is ‘Eat to your heart’s NO 24, 2019 Chicago Calling 10 Durian Stall, with Swami Supriyananda

Swami Vivekananda We needed to buy some personal things, and statue at Vivekananda then we went for lunch where the President Swami Ashram. The road and others from the Ashram joined us. The place nearby is also named after Swamiji. was Annalakshmi, which is a charitable organization. They served vegetarian food without any price tag. Their motto is ‘Eat to your heart’s The next day started with my usual personal content and pay what your heart feels’. It is a morning routine, followed by a quick breakfast at charitable organization started by Swami the ashram kitchen. Kumar-ji was still our guide Shantananda Saraswati, a disciple of Swami this morning. The destination was Putrajaya, . They showed us the Temple which is the federal administrative center, whereas of Fine Arts, which was situated a floor above the Kuala Lumpur is the seat of the king, parliament, restaurant. I was amazed by the hospitality of this and most of the foreign embassies and volunteer-driven charitable organization. We had a headquarters of the companies. It is a planned city talk scheduled in the evening, so we came back to where the construction started in the early 1990’s the ashram after the lunch. and was built within a decade. Now, it houses We attended the evening vesper service, and most of the federal ministries and other then I gave the talk on ‘Advaita and Ramakrishna’. administrative functions. With new buildings, The talk was followed by a question and answer roads, bridges, and a planned green space of 40%, session. Many local Ramakrishna Mission devotees the city looked gorgeous. The Prime Minister’s came to attend. It was a pleasant occasion to meet office and the nearby Putra Mosque are the places them over the prasad-dinner. We also had a final where we stopped and took some photos. Then we dinnertime chat with the ashram residents— came to the Seri Wawasan Bridge. The bright sky, because the next destination was calling for us! the blue water of Putrajaya Lake and the spanking The next morning we caught the flight for new sky scrappers were proclaiming the bright Singapore, the Lion City. I’ll keep the Singapore future of this vibrant Southeast Asian nation. episode for the next issue of the e-zine.

As Syakirin Mosque

NO 24, 2019 Chicago Calling 11 KL Tower Chinese Buddhist temple

The alley with Chinese lanterns Majestic at night

On 11 March 1898 Swami Vivekananda commented on Asian civilization: ‘Mark you this—the most marvellous historical fact— that all the nations of the world have to sit down patiently at the feet of India to learn the eternal truths embodied in her literature. India dies not. China dies not. Japan dies not.’ Complete Works, 3.444

NO 24, 2019 Chicago Calling 12 Introduction to the Cover Page: The Controlling Factor Of Our Horoscope Br. Panchatapa

We are approaching a new Gregorian personalities,” Maha (Great) Vidyas (‘revelation, year. Usually during this time, some might feel manifestation, knowledge, or wisdom). Dasha- curious, “How will the new year be?” We will pray are (from left to right of the bottom or logically sort things out as much as we can or panel on the cover page): Kali, , work hard to make coming days as rewarding as Sundari, , , , possible. Still the question returns, is there any , , and Kamala. They astrological prediction? all are considered Tantric in nature. literary Let’s begin with a brief introduction to some means loom, weave, or system, whose two basic concepts. Vedic astrology predicts horoscope important parts of this system are and based on the state of the moon when a person was . For this article book Dasha- O Ma born, the ruling planet(s) of the natal chart and the Sarada by Pravrajika Vedantaprana was helpful. positions of different positions of each planet in Divine Mother assumes nine forms that the zodiac chart. There are nine planets (from left are known as nava-durga (from left to right of the to right of the central panel on the cover page): top panel on the cover page): , Sun, Moon, Mars, Mercury, Jupiter, Venus, Saturn, , , , Northern and Southern nodes of moon (Rahu and ) , Kaalratri, , and and the twelve zodiac houses like western Siddhidhatri. astrology (Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Mother Maha has eight aspects Dhana, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, , Santana, Veera or Dhairya, Jaya or Vijaya, and Aquarius, Pisces). Vidya Lakshmi. Each of them are bestower of wealth According to ancient Vedic astrology in different forms like prosperity, fertility, good calculation a lunar month has approximately 27 fortune, good health, knowledge, strength, solar days (though most recent astronomical progeny, power. calculation says it is 29 days 12 hours 44 minutes If one prays sincerely to Mother, as Sri and 3 seconds). There are 27 stars that come under Ramakrishna says, surely it will be granted may it these 12 zodiac signs. The moon is spending a little be for earthly possessions or attainment of over two days at each zodiac house and one star spiritual joy. gives him company for a night. or In Vedic astrology lunar calendar is important. Aldebaran gets opportunity to spend a little more Each state of moon is called tithi. For example the time with moon. Within these 29 days moon grows third day of waxing period will be called shukla from zero state to full (shukla or brighter half or tritiya. In a 27 lunar days calendar, each tithi comes waxing period) and from full state it returns to its under a Divine Mother. as we see there are 27 new born state ( or darker half or waning different aspects of the great manifestations (10 period). maha-vidyas from , 9 forms of nava-durga This universe is the play of Shakti or cosmic and 8 forms Maha-lakshmi). Not only our birth tithi, power. This cosmic power is manifested in forms but also the power and position of each planet, of Maha-kali, Durga and Maha-lakshmi. The should be taken into account as our bodies – gross followers of Shakti (Shaaktas) believe, “the one and subtle – both are controlled by these planets. Truth is sensed in ten different facets; the Divine Even the each weekday has a governing planet. A Mother is adored and approached as ten cosmic chart is provided for convenience. NO 24, 2019 Chicago Calling 13 Full moon and Lakshmi is the active female power. It is she who Krishna Shukla runs the show. In Srisukta, Vedic hymn to Sri, the Paksha is identified with non-Vedic Lakshmi, an 5th Day 10th Day agricultural goddess. There are mentions of lotus and the in Srisukta. The lotus represents cosmic order, life, and fertility as well as purity. The plant is rooted deep in the mud, but the exquisitely beautiful flower it produces is untainted. Besides purity, the lotus is a New moon symbol of spiritual authority, and the lotus on which Day Planet Day Planet Saturda Lakshmi is seated is in fact a throne. Sun Sun Wed Mercury is the Ma Sarada is a practical example for this theoretical day for description. She stayed many years Mon Moon Thrs Jupiter Planet of her life time among the people with mundane Saturn Tue Mars Fri Venus thoughts; she served them, prayed for them, and Here the question comes, how can the planets uplifted them spiritually – remaining pavitrata be controlled? There are many remedies swarupini embodiment of purity just as water beads up available. Ours is simple and straightforward. on the lotus leaves and immediately runs off, so the Let us begin with Mother Lakshmi. There lotus represents serene detachment as well as are at least three different views of Lakshmi: incorruptibility. 1. One of the original Vedic , Sri, The water showered from elephant trunk represents who was the symbol of light, radiance, rain that is needed for fertility, growth, increase, well- luster, glory, and prosperity, by late Vedic being, and wealth. The elephant, being the mount of had absorbed and assimilated to kings, is also a symbol of authority. herself the probably non-Vedic Lakshmi. Ten-mahavidyas Planets Nava-durgas 2. Non-Vedic Lakshmi retained her original standing among her worshipers and is Bhvaneshwari Moon Mahagauri known as the Tantric goddess Kamala. 3. Lakshmi as the consort of is most Bagala Mars Skandamata widely worshiped today. This third context Kamala Venus Kushmanda comes from Vaisnavism. Vedic Sri represents the divine Matangi Sun Shailaputri resplendence, power, and glory inherent in Shodashi any deity. As such, Sri had connections with Mercury Katyayani every male god; for example, with in regard to sovereignty and fertility, with Tara Jupiter Brahmacharini in regard to wealth and prosperity, with the Vedic Vishnu in regard to the Kali Saturn , or moral excellence. In the later Northern node Chinnamasta Chandraghanta period Vaishnava religion, Lakshmi becomes of moon (Rahu) subordinate to Vishnu and therefore less Southern node Dhumavati Siddhidatri powerful than him. However, in the of moon (Ketu) Pancharatra system, an early form of Vaishnava Bhairavi Ascendant Tantra, Vishnu is the inactive male principle NO 24, 2019 Chicago Calling 14 Mother Durga is the dispeller of durgati or spiritual aspirant. obstacles. Swami Vivekananda realized Ma Sarada Holy Mother Sri Sarada Devi manifested her actually herself is the remover all the obstacles on form as mahavidya at her very early our journey towards Sri Ramakrishna or in other life in at that time when young boys words to become all perfect. just started coming to their Sri Ramakrishna. In this context we can mention Swamiji’s 1894- Mother used to take care of their food. If they eat letter to his brother disciple Swami . too much they may fall asleep and therefore Sri Around that year Baburam maharaj’s mother Ramakrishna was careful about it. He asked her invited Sarada Devi to their home to participate in not feed them as much as they want but only the their family Durga . Swamiji commented: amount Sri Ramakrishna decides. Baburam's mother must have lost her sense owing to Swami ’s book on Holy Mother old age and that is why she is about to worship Durga says, “…many of the young devotees spent some nights in the earthen image, ignoring the living one. (Viz. Holy at Dakshineswar practising spiritual disciplines under Mother Sarada Devi.) Brother, faith is very the Master’s guidance. As overeating hinders difficult to achieve. Brother, I shall show how to worship concentration of mind, he kept a strict eye on their the living Durga and then only shall I be worthy of my regimen, and instructed the Holy Mother to give Rakhal name. I shall be relieved when you will have purchased a six chapatis, Latu five and Gopal-dada and Baburam plot of land and established there the living Durga, the four each. The Mother, however, could not tolerate this Mother. Till then I am not returning to my native land. kind of limitation to her own field of motherly care; and As soon as you can do that, I shall have a sigh of relief hence she gave to each according to his need, much in after sending the money.” This , as we see excess of the Master’s prescription. now, can be considered as Swamiji’s Eternal Durga One day the Master discovered on enquiry from Puja! Baburam that he got five or six chapatis at night, and Each form of Mother Durga in nava-durga, as that the Mother was responsible for this. He accordingly also each form of dasha-mahavidyas governs a went to her and tried to impress on her that she was planet. The 10th of the maha-vidyas takes care of spoiling their future by her heedless affection. But the Ascendant or the ruler of the chart. Astrologers Mother protested saying, ‘Why do you get upset because believe that the ascendant signifies a person's he had just two more chapatis? I shall look to their awakening , in the same way that the future. Don’t you take them to task for this matter of Sun's appearance on the eastern horizon signifies eating.’ The Master said nothing by way of reply, but in the dawn of a new day. Though the assignment of his mind he saluted that all-conquering motherliness planets versus the forms of Mother may vary, yet, a and left the place with a smile”. It is Mother Kamala- general table is provided on the next page. wisdom who fulfills the earthly need and takes to Mahavidya Kamala is not a divine consort of the transcendental plane. Vishnu but the independent and all-supreme Divine Mother. Kamala is not completely Like Kamala, Kushmanda is also the controller auspicious or one-sided. Sometimes she is called of the planet Venus. She is worshipped on the (“the howling one”), Ghora or Bhima (“the fourth day of navratri. She is believed to be the terrifying one”), or Tamasi (“the dark one”). dweller of the Anahata or heart . Swami Kamala and Kali are only apparently two opposite , Sri Ramakrishna’s disciple, and aspects of maha-vidyas. Kamala being the controller later the architect-cum-engineer of Belur Math of Venus, is the bestower of the highest enjoyment remembered that when he was going to visit Ma of the worldly life and Kali, being the ruler of Sarada for the first time at house, as he Saturn, grants transcendental experience to a was walking upstairs, he could feel the lotus of his NO 24, 2019 Chicago Calling 15 heart center bloomed. told me earlier, about you, is true.” However much Planet Saturn represents the resolution of Mother tried to console him by caressing his chin and karma, and the move into higher consciousness. head, he wept all the more and said sobbingly, ‘Tell me Saturn is the teacher, but unlike Jupiter, it is a very that you have taken my responsibility! Tell me that you tough taskmaster teacher. This planet is controlled are none other that Mother Kali Herself!’”…. As by Kali and like Tantric Kamala, Kali embraces the “Shibu-da continued to implore earnestly, Mother kept light and the darkness, for she is the totality. Kali is her hand on his head and said slowly, in a calm yet the ultimate form of Brahman, “Devourer of Time” grave manner, “Yes, it is so.” At this, Shibu-da knelt Swami Ishanananda, a disciple of Sarada Devi down and chanted with folded hands the Sanskrit hymn wrote in his book “My Blessed Days With Holy praising the Divine Mother.”… Then he stood up and Mother: Reminiscences of Holy Mother Sri Sarada wiping his tears was ready to leave. Mother asked Devi” a remarkable story. One morning he noticed Swami Ishanananda to accompany him on Shibu- that “Mother had finished washing cloths and had sat da’s way back to home. Ishanananda immediately down to chop vegetables. … suddenly Shibu-da (Sri followed Mother’s words. “After crossing the village Ramakrishna’s nephew) appeared… he was about to and entering the fields, Shibu-da joyfully exclaimed, prostrate before Holy Mother with tearful eyes. Sensing ‘Brother, Mother is Goddess Kali Herself! She is the that, Mother quickly pushed the cutter aside and stood redeemer of ! By Her grace alone is Liberation, up. Shibu-da lay prostrate with his head on Mother’s do you understand? Brother you are all blessed! Hold feet and said weepingly, “Mother, what will happen to on firmly! Don’t take Her lightly; have to hold onto Her me? I want to hear from you!” Mother said, “Shibu, get firmly.’” up. What is there for you to fear. You have rendered so Kali mahavidya comes in Kalatari form in nava- much service to the Master. How much He loved you! durga manifestations. She is worshipped on the 7th Why should you be anxious anymore? You are already day of nava-. Although Kalaratri is a ferocious leading a liberated life”. I was stunned by what I saw. form of nava-durga, She blesses her devotees with What longing Shibu-da had!... Abhaya (fearlessness) and Varada (boon). Shibu-da said, “No, you take my full responsibility – here and hereafter, confirm now that what you had

Nava-durga Position in

Shailaputri Muladhar/Root

Brahmacharini Swadhishthan/Sacral Kushmanda Kamala Chandraghanta Manipur/Naval

Kushmanda Anahata/Heart

Skandamata /Throat

Katyayani /Eye

Kalaratri Kalaratri Kali Mahagauri Soma/Forehead Mars is a planet that is full of energy and like a Nirvana Chakra/crown Siddhidatri warrior in nature. It represents red blood cells in of the head the human body. NO 24, 2019 Chicago Calling 16 The mars stands for all types of desires, the while with Harish in pursuit. After going around it cause for a soul to be born again and again. seven times, she could run no farther. Then, as she told The warrior God in is it, she stood firm and assumed her own form. Putting Kartikeya or Skanda. In nava-durga form her knee on his chest, she grabbed hold of his tongue and Skandamata is the controller of Mars as well. She slapped his face so hard that he gasped for breath, so dwells in the throat chakra. Sri Ramakrishna used to hard that her fingers reddened. At that moment the go to every now and then. Being his shakti, usually gentle Sarada Devi revealed herself in the form our Mother, could keep her mind in the working of Bagalamukhi and enacted the physical stance condition by pulling her mind down to the of stambhana”. vishuddha or throat chakra level. This incident describes the actual presence of Skandamata is worshipped on the fifth day of Bagala and shows her stopping an adversary by Navratri. Iconographic description says she carries grasping his tongue and striking him. The tongue baby Skanda (Murugan or Kartikeya) in her lap. represents speech, or vaak, which is the divine Devotees, who worship this form of Goddess creative power that encompasses the entire range Durga, get the benefit of worshipping Lord of consciousness. Shown holding on to her Kartikeya as well. This unique feature is possessed adversary’s tongue, Bagala has the ability to render only by Skandamata form of Mother. motionless the creative and destructive power of Similarly, in the Ramakrishna-Vivekananda consciousness in any of its manifestations. These movement each monk of the is encompass motion, thought, and intention, the considered as flag bearer or soldier. The Mother of manifest forms of speech at the gross, subtle, and the Order of these warrior-monks or their Sangha causal levels -- the three levels of the world of our Janani is none but Sarada Devi. Therefore, by experience. pleasing the Sangha Janani, one would get blessings Not only the expressible word, an individual of each and all the monks of the Order. experiences four levels of speech; words for Bagalamukhi mahavidya is the boss of Mars as feeling, thinking, and beyond.. The highest is para well. One of Bagalamukhi’s common epithets is vak, the supreme, infinite consciousness without Pitambaradevi, “the goddess dressed in yellow.” qualities or conditioning (). It is our divine She is associated with stambhana , which is nature, our true Self — ever present, unchanging, the yogic power of stopping, or to immobilize, to and illuminating all of our experience. paralyze, to restrain an enemy. Spiritually Next, pasyanti vaak, is the visionary stage, the urge stambhana can be illustrated using an incident from for self-expression. When we begin to think about the life of Holy Mother, that took place around whatever has flashed, ideas begin to take shape in 1889 in the village of . Harish, a logical sequence. This level of awareness is devotee of Sri Ramakrishna, returned home after called madhyama vaak, the intermediate, Sri Ramakrishna’s mahasamadhi. Neglecting his formulative phase. For more definite ideas a form wife and family during that time he was going expressed in language needed. This is vaikhari here and there and to remedy the situation, his vaak, the level of articulate speech. Vaikhari vaak is wife administered drugs and spells, and Harish both subtle and gross. The subtle form is the became visibly deranged. As Devadutta Kali thoughts in our mind, now shaped into words, described in his article “One day he caught sight of phrases, and sentences but not yet uttered. The Holy Mother on the road and began to chase her. When gross form is what comes out of the mouth — the she reached the family compound, she found that no one expression of our consciousness embodied in was at home. She began to circle the granary, all the physical sound.`

NO 24, 2019 Chicago Calling 17 significance of giving the example of “Calcutta”? Skandamata Bagala Before leaving His earthly body one day in Cossipore garden house “The Master seemed to have returned from some far-off land and while still in that mood of aloofness, [to Sarada Devi] he said, ‘See, the people of Calcutta appear to be crawling about like worms in the dark. Do look after them.” (“Holy Mother” by Swami Gambhirananda). Therefore, Sitting quietly stops the motion of the body, which Sarada Devi, as Tara-Tarini, in the forms of Mother in turn calms down the mind. The remaining states and guru uplifted the consciousness of her of pratyahara, dharana, dhyana, and samadhi are a disciples from worms-like state to - continuum of ever decreasing activity, culminating consciousness. in the experience of the Self as pure, For the first time when Swami Vivekananda unconditioned consciousness. accepted the Divine Mother, that night he sang the Worship of Ma Sarada makes us capable of song, “Amar Ma Tvam hi Tara -- O my Mother you attaining the blessings of planet Mars, and also are surely Mother Tara”, sitting in Sri master our own universe of consciousness. Ramakrishna’s room in Dakshineswar and Mother Tara Tara means Sarada was residing there in Nahavat, the next door “She who building where Sri Ramakrishna lived. saves”. She In nava-durga system Brahmacharini is is also worshipped on the second day of navratri and is known as the one who takes care of Jupiter. In this form Tarini, one Mother did austerities to get Lord Shiva as her who makes husband. She carries -mala, rosary in the right Brahmacharini to overcome. hand and in the left. It is stated that She guides and protects, and offers the ultimate during her penance she spent many years on the knowledge, which gives salvation. The Buddhist diet of flowers and fruits and then several years on tradition stresses these qualities of this Goddess, the diet on leafy vegetables while sleeping on the and in Tibet she is worshipped as an important floor. Further she even stopped eating leaves while embodiment of . Not only Tara, but all staying at open place in scorching summers, harsh these great wisdoms are present in and winters and stormy rains. She was known as other religions, in various names. Aparna. In Sanskrit parna means leaves; a-parna She controls planet Jupiter and its effects on means without-leaves. earth. Jupiter, in Vedic astrology, performs the role Brahmacharini form of Sarada Devi is pictured of spiritual teacher, Guru. wonderfully in “Sri Sarada Devi: A Biography in Once Sarada Devi’s disciple asked why he is Pictures”[pub: Advaita ]. “Sometime in not feeling his spiritual shift after initiation? She 1893, at Nilambar Babu’s house, Holy Mother answered, “Suppose you are asleep in Calcutta and performed the Panchatapa, or “Austerity of Five Fires”. someone is removing you with your couch to Banaras. On the roof of the house, about six feet apart, four Will you at that time know that you are on your way to blazing fires of dried cow-dung were lighted. The sun, Banaras? When you wake up you will be surprised to which shone brightly overhead was the fifth fire. Holy see where you have come.” Banaras is known as the Mother and bathed in the , and city of Lord Shiva. This place is not considered as approached the fires. They were required to sit, an earthly place but the place of consciousness that surrounded by the four fires, and meditate from sunrise is beyond all fathomable planes. And what is the to sunset. NO 24, 2019 Chicago Calling 18 At first Holy Mother felt extremely nervous, but she the main flow and side flows are consumed by the received encouragement from her companion. Thinking two . This form represents both self-sacrifice of Sri Ramakrishna, she entered the area, surrounded by as well as the awakening of the kundalini – spiritual the fires and immediately felt that the fires had, as it energy. were, lost their heat. The two women came out, when Sacrificing her self, Sarada Devi, when was in the sun sank below the horizon. They went through this mortal frame, took care of all. She was ordeal for seven consecutive days from dawn to dusk. embodiment of self-sacrifice. Holy Mother now felt an inner peace. Her fair The spiritual energy is believed to flow via complexion, however, became dull. Years later, when a three naadis: Sushunma, Ida and Pingala. Later two devotee asked her about the need of such austerity, she are active in every beings at all times and when said: “Yes, it is necessary. , the Divine Mother, sushusnma is activated, liberation comes as the practised austerity to obtain Shiva as Her husband”. center stream of blood is accepted by Mother Then, to make light of the whole thing, she added: “I Herself. Until Mother takes care all are bound to performed this austerity more or less for show; otherwise come back to the cycle of birth and again people would say: “What is extraordinary about her? and again because of worldly desires. She eats, sleeps, and moves about like ordinary people”. According to the Vedic astrology, Rahu may This is, you know, a kind of vow, which women love to give positive results under a very few limited observe. Yes, they often observe such religious vows”. conditions. One of such combination is when When an intimate disciple wanted to know the real placed in the house Virgo, in the aspirants birth reason for her going through this ordeal, she said: “My chart, the purity of the virgin removes all of its child, I went through it for the sake of all of you. Can negatiivity. Who can be more satwik and pure you practice austerities? This is why I had to do it”. virgin than Sarada Devi? According to the Hindu mythology, once the Chinnamasta is sometimes shown to be body of a demon was cut in two parts: standing upon (the god of sexual desire) (astrologically) the head is called Rahu or the and his wife , who are copulating on a lotus or northern node of moon and the headless body is cremation pyre. Therefore, another way to excel in named Ketu or the southern node of moon. The spiritually is to conquer kama, the lust. head represents ego and therefore the serves as the Nava-durga-Chandraghanta also controls Rahu. root of all worldly desires, while headless body On the third day of navratri She is worshipped . As stands for ego free complete divinity. This she wears the semi-circular moon () on information might be helpful to revisit her forehead and the half-moon on her forehead Chinnamasta-Dhumavati forms of dasha-mahavidya looks like the bell (), she is called Chandra- and Chandraghanta-Siddhidatri forms of nava- Ghanta. It is believed that the sound of the moon- durga. bell on her forehead expels all evils away from her Chandraghanta Chinnamasta Chinnamasta devotees. She resides in the navel or is the self- chakra. Below that level live Kama and Rati. decapitated Sri Ramakrishna, in appreciation of . Sarada’s triumph over lust, said to his disciples in The Mother later times, “…After marriage I prayer to the Divine holds her own Mother, ‘O Mother, remove even the least taint of severed head carnality from the mind of mu wife.’. When I lived with in one hand, her, I understood that Mother had really granted my a scimitar in another. Three jets of blood spurt out prayer. [Swami Tapasyananda: Sri Sarada Devi, The of her bleeding neck: her severed head is drinking Holy Mother]. NO 24, 2019 Chicago Calling 19 Dhumavati is the widow form of the Divine Dhumavati Mother. She rides on a puller-free chariot. She manifests herself at the time of cosmic dissolution, pralaya and is “the Void” that exists before creation and after dissolution. She is a great teacher, one who reveals ultimate knowledge, which is beyond the illusory divisions, like auspicious and inauspicious. Siddhidatri Dhumavati is described as a bestower of all Matangi maha-vidya rules the effects of planet types of , attainments and in nava-durga she Sun, which is the controller of political, is worshipped as Mother Siddhidatri. She is government administration, general body health worshipped on the ninth day of Navratri. Both as etc. High blood pressure, heart patients, people Dhumavati and Siddhidatri forms, Mother provides with weak or badly placed Sun in their charts may direction and energy to planet Ketu. get some relief through her. We did not see any In tantric practice the toughest one is to purpose to discuss in detail about materialistic practise Siddhidatri and only people who reached areas that are covered by each planet, however, their peak in Sadhana, can try reaching her. She here just mentioned to show how much individual grants samadhi while living and salvation after self, his/her surroundings and up to the cosmic death. She is positioned at the crown of head or level things can be affected by planets! Nirvana Chakra. She is very pure; as pure as Mother Mother Matangi is also considered as tantric Sarada. ’Had she not been so pure,’ he (Sri Sarasvati, the goddess of music and learning, Ramakrishna) said to his disciples in later times, governs speech (Vaak), and the arts. She holds who knows whether I might not have lost my self- in hand. Sri Ramakrishna confirmed many control from her inducements?” In Sarada form, times Sarada Devi is “Saraswati Herself”, Siddhidatri is “Ramakrishna Jaya-dayini”. Goddess Shailaputri also governs the energy Half of her life Ma Sarada dressed like Goddess and direction of Sun. In Sanskrit Shaila means the Dhumavati. Once one of her disciple asked, the mountain and due to which Goddess was known Sakti or the divine consort of a divine incarnations as Shailaputri, the daughter of the mountain. As the or Krisha left their bodies before their day begins with sunrise, Her worship is on the husbands; why the opposite happened in case of very first day of navratri. She resides in the root Sarada. Mother answered, “The Master (Sri chakra and opens the door to move upwards Ramakrishna) used to see the Divine Mother in through kundalini. everyone. He left me behind this time for teaching the motherhood of God to humanity.” Misery, pain, disease, death and the like are Shailaputri Dhumavati’s field of play. Through these She uplifts Her children. As Swami Abhedananda realized Sarada Devi Matangi was -dharma-patrim -- Savior of religion in every age, we too can have a glimpse of it through her accepting of widow form. Before coming of Governing maha-vidya of moon, on the other hand, Sarada Devi, immense was the pain of the widows is Bhuvaneshwari. Bhuvana-Ishwari means the of British India. She started taking part in all Queen or ruler of the Universe. All the Universe is auspicious activities and society started to look her body and all beings are jewelery on her infinite upon widows with respect. being. NO 24, 2019 Chicago Calling 20 She is capable of turning situations according who is Beautiful in the Three Worlds. As Shodashi, to her wish. It is considered that even all the nine Tripurasundari is represented as a sixteen-year-old planets and -Vishnu-Shiva (Tri-) girl, and refers to the sixteen syllable mantra, cannot stop her from doing anything. Once which consists of the fifteen syllable mantra plus a Hriday, Sri Ramakrishna’s nephew, showed final seed syllable. She directs all effects, houses, disrespect to Sarada Devi. Sri Ramakrishna and stars of mercury. cautioned him, by saying, if the she gets angry, Assuming her Katyayani, the Warrior Goddess none in the three world can save him. form, Durga destroyed demon and is Moon controls mind – both at cosmic and worshipped on the sixth day of navratri. individual levels. It looks after the activities of The Ramakrishna Sangha belong to moon in individual’s horoscope. For peace of the dasanami of Shankaracharya as mind, sound sleep, good friends, undisputed Tota Puri was the guru of Sri matrimony she is worshipped. She is said to give Ramakrishna. This Puri sannyasins belongs to the relief from lack of concentration also. Sringeri Math (located in South India) and their The whole universe is nothing but the presiding deity is Kamakshi. Shankara reflection of one’s own mind. Inspiring her himself placed Sri Yantra here, and arranged for its children Sarada Devi said, “Everything depends on daily worship. There Mother is manifesting herself the mind. Nothing can be achieved without purity of in Shodashi form, who is also known as mind. It is said, "The aspirant may have received the Rajarajeswari, Tripurasundari or Sri Vidya. grace of the Guru, the Lord and Vaishnavas, but he There are two commonly known ways of comes to grief without the grace of 'one'.“ That "one" worship of the mahavidyas namely, Kalikula is the mind. The mind of the aspirant should be Upasana that is prevalent in Bengal and Sri Kula gracious to him.” As our mind is the creator of our Upasana the worship that is in vogue in the South own world, therefore, the final message Sarada India. Devi says, “…no one is stranger, this world is your According to Sri Kula practice Shodashi should own….” be worshipped on the full moon night and new Bhuvaneshwari’s nava-durga-manifestation is moon nights are most auspicious for worships in Mahagauri. As name suggests, Goddess Kali Kula system. However, Sri Ramakrishna Mahagauri is extremely (maha) fair (gauri). Due to worshipped Ma Sarada as Shodashi on the new her extreme fair complexion she is compared with moon night of June 5th, 1872. In - the moon. Mahagauri resides on Soma or forehead the chief deity of the Sri Kula has been called chakra. Up to this level mind plays role. Beyond Samrajni — the queen amongst all the goddesses. this, remains Nirguna Nirvikalpa mind-free state Shyama or Kali is Her chief attendant. As to adore only This Goddess is worshipped on the eighth the King, the minister is to be pleased first, that is day of navratri. why a sadhaka after attaining the siddhi, fulfillment Mahagauri in Kali worship, also gains access to the worship of Sri Vidya. Sri Ramakrishna’s life itself comprises scriptures, therefore, after the Kali-realization he performed the worship of Sri Vidya-Sarada Devi. Sannyasin Sri Ramakrishna prayed this Samrajni, the highest manifestation of the Primordial Energy Bhuvaneshwari uttering: O Lady, O Mother Tripurasundari who art Tripura-Sundari literally means the goddess the controller of all powers, open the door to perfection!

NO 24, 2019 Chicago Calling 21 Purify her (the Holy Mother’s) body and mind, the final one. There are surely many different manifest Thy-self in her and be beneficent. Afterwards levels of achievement in between. The name he performed the rituals according to the "Bhairavi" means "Terror" or "awe-inspiring," so scriptures in the semi-conscious state, while the the one who has achieved the state of bhairavi, is Mother lost normal consciousness and went into beyond the fear of death, which, in Vedanta, we Samadhi. At the end Sri Ramakrishna, too, entered call the state of Brahman. Goddess Bhairavi is the into complete Samadhi. adorable ideal for all of them. She is also called After a long time returning to the semi- Tripurabhairavi. "Tri" means three, "Pura" means conscious state again, he offered his all — the fortress, castle, city, town. Tripura convey three results of his Sadhanas, his rosary, everything — different stages of consciousness i.e., waking, along with his own self to Ma Sarada. dream and deep sleep. Sri Ramakrishna started his sadhana in the Iconography shows She is holding book, rosary, Kali-Kula, merged it with Sri Kula, he started his and making fear-dispelling and boon-conferring with the worship of the Ruler of the universe in the gestures. image at the Kali temple and completed in the Bhairavi is the “time” factor. In Sanskrit time is body of a lady who is the embodiment of spiritual also called lagna. In Vedic astrology it is of knowledge itself. This assimilation of the harmony immense importance and technically is termed as of all the spiritual paths is Shodashi Sarada Devi, ascendant. When lagna becomes heavily afflicted who is inseparable from Sri Ramakrishna. person becomes weak, both physically and mentally. In human body, she controls all organs and she manifests Herself in different names Ananda, Nata, Bhuvaneswari, Rudra, Chaitanya, Annapurneswari, Navakoti and many other Bhairavis. In Indian classical music Bhairavi is a notable raaga. Music composed based on various versions Shodashi Katyayani Bhairavi raaga are often found to work as music May it be Katyayani or Tripura Sundari, both therapy, probably because of the connection forms control all the houses and stars that are between the Goddess of the raaga and the organs associated with Mercury. To please this planet of this gross body. worship of it is necessary on Wednesdays. Each Bhairavi image shows in one of her day of the week in Indian calendar is named after hands. Mother Sarada not only each day used to a planet. Ruling planet of Wednesday is Mercury do millions of japa, but also repeatedly advised her or Budh (Sanskrit name). It may be just a children to perform japa as much as possible as in coincidence, still worth mentioning, that Sri her words: japaat siddhi – attainment through japa. Ramakrishna was born on Wednesday. Mercury is the God of intelligence, communication, fine arts, After Sri Ramakrishna left humor and wit. All these qualities are prominently His body, Sarada Devi always manifested in Sri Sarada Devi – as if Mercury is used to see a young blessed by these traits by Sarada. moving around her. Mother Bhairavi is chosen ideal of all The last one of the dasha-mahavidyas Bhairavi of Bhairavi yoginis. our discussion is depicted as the “fierce goddess”. Once during her visit to Kalighat (one of the oldest According tantric practice, yogini is a beginner Kali temples in Calcutta) a practicing bhairavi aspirant of the system, while the state of bhairavi is suddenly blocked Mother’s way and chanted a NO 24, 2019 Chicago Calling 22 Hymn to her. Listening to it, pleased Sarada Devi Umesh Dutta, a disciple of Sarada Devi, prayed wanted to give her some alms, which she refused to Mother to grant him the bliss that is beyond this by saying, “I know what to accept from whom” mundane world. At first Mother said, he will and stepped aside. When Mother left, she took experience it in time. Still he prayed kneeling dust of the place where Sri Sarada Devi was down with folded palms to grant it just for five standing and placed it on the crown of her head. A minutes -- that would help him to understand practicing bhairavi recognized the maha-vidya what is it actually. Mother did japa on his head and Bhairavi! left the place. He felt as if he is under the spell of All through this journey with Mother She deep intoxication. Holding the rails of verandah, showed us everything beginning from the subtler he could see Mother only all around --- Ma, Ma, than the subtlest to the infinite –: it is Her and Her Ma, the whole universe has became covered by alone. The three types of peace that are necessary Mother alone. Within a few minutes that mood adhyatmik (from our own body and mind), adhi- went away. [Mother Sarada Devi by Brahmachari bhautik (from other living beings – humans, Akshaychaitanya] animals, etc.) and adhi-daivik (natural phenomena-- Therefore, instead of going through tantra, heat, cold, etc.). mantra, yantra and worship of so many goddesses Commonly astrologers suggest to keep who are the bosses of so many planets and their chanting various and perform sacrifice combinations -- it is easier to take refuge in one () as the remedy of the afflictions due to and only Ma Sarada. At the end of the planets. But by going through all these pages it is priest utters this mantra along with seen each and every area of this manifested circumambulation of Mother’s image from left to universe is the play of different form of One right. In the same mantra replacing Durga with Mother. Once we can realize this truth, absolute Sarada, we can chant while we are moving around peace is possible . in her world. It says:

ॐ भूतानि सारदा भुविानि सारदा om bhūtāni sāradā bhuvanāṇi sāradā स्त्रीयोिरश्च अनि िशुञ्च सारदा strīyonaraśca api paśuñca sāradā यद् यद् नि 饃श्यं खलु सैव सारदा yad yad hi dṛśyaṁ khalu saiva sāradā सारदा स्व셂िात् अिरं ि निनञ्चत्॥ sāradā svarūpāt aparaṁ na kiñcit

Every being is Sarada, every place is Sarada, Every women, men and animal is Sarada Whatever we see are all Sarada There is nothing other than Sarada.

NO 24, 2019 Chicago Calling 23 Advertisements Vivekananda Vedanta Society of Chicago (VVSC) : Book Store Ramakrishna-Vivekananda & Vedanta Literature available Order can be placed online: http://www.vedantabooks.com/ Eternal Literature : The Vedas, Bhagavad Gita, Bhagavatam, Brahma Sutra, in original Sanskrit with English translations. The Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna, Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda, Vedanta scriptures, Sanskrit texts. We are on amazon smile too!

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