Newsletter of the Bal Sabha of Columbia, MO May 1999 Summer 1999 Issue Volume 2, Issue 2

Swami Vivekananda Sangita Sharma EDITOR’S NOTE Second Grade Ridgeway Elementary School Welcome to another issue of Bal Sandesh, this issue is a column entitled Letters to the the newsletter of the youth group Bal Editor, one which I would like to become a Sabha. This issue includes many diverse permanent addition. As many of you know, this Summer , the great submissions from Bal Sabha kids. It includes articles ranging from religion to Edition of the Bal Sandesh is the last issue religious leader and philosopher, was school activities, as well as creative work with which Gaurav Jashnani and I will be born on January 12, 1863 in Calcutta, such as poetry and pencil sketches. Three involved. We have both enjoyed working India. In his childhood, Biley, as he adult contributors have been invited to on the staff and wish the continuing was lovingly called, was bright and full write articles for this issue – one a feature member Ansuman Satpathy best of luck. of energy. Although his mother found article, Ayurvedic Medicine, provides an We would also like to thank our parent him extremely restless and hard to excellent background on holistic medicine advisors Vellore S. Gopalaratnam, Sandhya Sharma, and Shailesh control, he was not a bad boy. He was practiced in India since the ages. I would Vengurlekar for their support and fascinated by the wandering monks like to thank the kids and adult contributors for their support and willingness to share enthusiasm☯ who were so common in India, and their work. would practice meditation for fun. As I also would like to invite submissions for Chandrasekhar he grew older, he did very well in the next issue and to encourage feedback Senior, Hickman High School school and amazed his teachers. He on previously published articles. New to always wanted to test the truth of what he was told. He would not believe house did not like the noise. One day THANK YOU anything just because someone said it he went out and shook his fist at This issue of Bal Sandesh has been made was true. Biley. "Don't climb that tree any possible through financial sponsorship from: more," he said. "Don't you know that it Days Inn/Travelodge is haunted? There is a ghost in that Howard Johnson/Panda Pals tree, and it will grab you by the neck India’s Rasoi and kill you!" Taj Emporium Biley quietly listened to the old man and said nothing in reply. But as soon as the man went back into the house, RAINBOW Biley began to climb the tree again. One of the boys said, "Oh Biley, don't climb the tree anymore. That ghost will catch you by the neck. Please Meghna Srinath come down Biley. Let's go home." Fourth Grade Biley laughed and said, "Don't be a Fairview Elementary School fool. You know how many times I have climbed this tree. If a ghost lived Beautiful faded blurry colors, in it, it would have caught me a long opening the door to a new day. time ago." The sky looks like a soaked When Biley grew up he always told light blue paper with fluffy soft white people, "Have no fear! Ask questions cotton spread out everywhere. and find out the truth for yourself. Rain droplets have vanished after Never believe anything, unless you mixing with the dazzling sun light. know it is true. Be strong and A peaceful silence grows, as the

fearless!" curved arch spreads across the Biley and his friends would often pleasant sky. play on a big tree in a neighbor's Reference Joy, happiness and excitement fill up house. Like all children, they made a 'The story of Vivekananda' published every corner of my heart as this lot of noise. The grandfather of the by the Advaita ☯ image in front of me gets painted☯ 2 Bal Sandesh Tri-Yearly Newsletter of the Bal Sabha of Columbia, MO DashaDasha AvatarAvatar Sagar Vengurlekar Third Grade, Ridgeway Elementary School

An is a manifestation of the demon , who had stolen the hands hold the wheel and the conch-shell God on earth. believe that when was asleep. and the other two may hold a sword, a whenever the forces of evil begin to gain mace or a lotus, or they may be in the control of the world, the great protection and boon giving modes. preserver leaves the heavens and Vishnu in his second incarnation is in Vishnu turned himself into a boar descends to the earth in different forms to the form of half-man, half-tortoise (Kurma), () and rescue mankind. Vishnu is said to have the lower body being the tortoise. He is descended to the taken on ten but sometimes normally shown as having four arms. In bottom of the ocean to more than twenty-two forms are ascribed the upper two he carries the conch-shell rescue the earth which to him. Some of the forms are cosmic in and the wheel while the lower two are in had been abducted and character while some are based on the protection and boon giving postures or hidden there by a historical events. It is interesting to note carrying a mace and a lotus. demon. After a long that the evolution of these incarnations When the gods were in danger of losing struggle Vishnu (as the from lower to higher forms of life is their authority over boar) slew the demon, reflected in the evolution of mankind. the demons, Vishnu rescued the earth, and Formerly Yagnas were the form of advised them to brought it to the surface worshipping, and after that the worshipping of churn the ocean so and made it ready to the gods began. The first gods are , that they might support life by modeling , and the sky. Then came Brahma, procure the mountains and Vishnu, and Mahesha. The idol of this Trinity (ambrosia) which shaping the continents. was made and placed in the temple for would make them In this way the world worship. The Trinity gave the stories of the strong and was brought into being once again to begin ten incarnations of Vishnu. Of the ten immortal. He another or cycle. The extrication of incarnations (avataras), the most popular promised to the world from the deluge of sin is are and become a tortoise symbolised by this legend and is a creation on which would rest myth. The ten different incarnations are illustrated the mountain as: Mandar, which was AVATAR 1) 2) Kurma used as the churning stick. Narasimha, the fourth incarnation of 3) Varaha 4) Narasimha Together with ambrosia, the churning Vishnu, is in the form of half-man (Nara)and 5) 6) brought to the surface the other thirteen half-lion (Simha), having four hands. Two 7) Rama 8) Krishna objects that had been lost in the deluge. hands carry a wheel and a conch-shell and 9) Buddha 10) They were (consort of Vishnu), two are in the boon giving and protection Sura (goddess of wine), (the modes or tearing at the stomach of the MATSYA AVATAR moon), (celestial nymphs), demon-king. Vishnu assumed this form in In his first incarnation, Vishnu has the Kaustabha (the precious gem for Vishnu’s order to overcome a demon-king who could lower body of a fish (Matsya) and the body), Uchchaihshravas (the divine horse), not be slain by a man nor by a beast, upper part body of a man. He has four Parijata (the wish granting coral tree), neither inside nor outside a palace, during arms; with two he holds a conch-shell and Surabhi (the cow that grants all desires), the day nor the night. Adopting the form of a wheel, while the other two are holding a (the four-tusked elephant), a lion headed man, Vishnu approached the lotus or a mace, or are in the protection Panchajanya (conch-shell) and palace at dusk and hid himself in a pillar at and boon giving postures. (the invincible bow). However, after more the entrance, out of which he sprang and There are several explanations as to churning, the power of the ambrosia was killed the demon-king, Hiranyakashipu. why Vishnu assumed the form of the fish. almost neutralized by the appearance of According to some scriptures the incident One of them describes him as turning into its oppposite, halahala (poison). took place inside a pillar, while according to a fish so as to be able to tow a ship in held this poison in his throat and saved others which , the mankind. The poison was so powerful that Narasimha progenitor of the it turned Shiva’s throat blue, giving him the placed the human race, had name “Neel-kantha” or the “blue-throated demon on his lap taken refuge from a one”. The churning also brought out and tore out his devastating flood. (physician of the gods), entrails. The same story is carrying the pot of ambrosia (amrita) in his The symbolism found in the hands. here is of the where lion-like the fish is described VARAHA AVATAR characteristics of as having a horn. In Varaha (the boar) is the third incarnation fierceness, the Bhagvad-Purana of Vishnu. Its images are divided into two bravery, and the story is further main groups - those entirely in animal form independence elaborated by the and those having an animal’s head on a that claim almost addition of a fight human body with four arms. As is with universal between Matsya and most of the Vishnu incarnations, two admiration. Tri-Yearly Newsletter of the Bal Sabha of Columbia, MO Bal Sandesh 3 VAMANA AVATAR Parashurama took his revenge for the theft in Indian womanhood-faithfulness and The fifth incarnation of Vishnu, is usually by killing the thousand-armed king. Vishnu affectionate compliance. They are looked represented as a dwarf (Vamana) holding a took form of Parashurama, not only to get upon as an example of constancy in water pot in one hand and an umbrella in revenge but to rid the world of oppression marriage. other. He wears a ring of grass on by the Kings/, which he did in his third finger and occasionally carries a the course of 21 battles. The story of this KRISHNA AVATAR book. He has long hair, he wears ear incarnation evidently points to a time in Krishna, the eighth incarnation of ornaments and covers his body with a Indian history when there was a severe Vishnu, is considered the most important deer-skin or loin and prolonged struggle for power between of the ten incarnations. He is usually cloth. In his first the Kshatriyas and Bramhins. shown as blue or black-skinned, having four incarnations, The story behind the name concerns the two hands, and playing the flute. In Vishnu appears in sage’s son, Rama, a brilliant archer, who paintings he is shown standing on one leg either a animal form did his penance in the to Shiva with the other crossed in front, resting on or in a half-human in gratitude for having this skill conferred his toes. He usually wears colorful half-animal form. on him. Shiva was pleased with his garments and is richly ornamented. He The later devotion and when fighting broke out may hold a conch-shell or a curved stick in incarnations starting between the Gods and the Demons, his hand. By his side would be his consort from Vamana are all ordered Parashurasma to defeat the and usually some cows (he was in human form. The demons. Parashurama showed born a cow-herd). In the paintings, he is first of them, reluctance. Shiva then gave him shown as dancing with the cow-herds, girls Vamana, is perhaps reassurance and he managed to defeat the (gopis), as a child eating butter, or as significantly a dwarf, Demons. On completing the task, Shiva ’s charioteer addressing him in the thus symbolizing the gave Parashurama many gifts and battle field. under developed weapons, including a magnificent axe Vishnu manifested stage of mankind. () after which he was known as himself as Krishna so as The story behind Vamana concerns , Parashurama (Rama with the axe). to kill the evil king Kamsa. the great-grandson of Hiranayakshipu. The king had been Bali’s rule was so successful that his RAMA AVATAR forewarned that the reputation began to overshadow that of Rama or Ramachandra, the seventh eighth child of Devki Indra who was obliged to seek Vishnu’s incarnation of Vishnu, is normally shown would kill him, so he help in order to regain his supremacy. Not standing, having two arms, with one of imprisoned Devki and wishing to use harsh measures against which he holds a bow. He usually has his slaughtered her new-born such a praiseworthy ruler, Vishnu resorted wife by his right side, holding a blue babies one by one. The to a stratagem. He disguised himself as a lotus. His brother Lakshman, shorter than seventh child, Balrama, dwarf and asked Bali to give him a piece of Rama, stands by his left side, holding a was saved by his land equal to three paces wide on which bow and arrow. kinsmen. When the he could sit and meditate. Bali granted the is usually eighth child was born, request and Vishnu then used his shown kneeling a little in there was a big storm; the supernatural powers to take possession of front and by Rama’s doors burst open, guards fell asleep and heaven and earth in two steps thus right. Vasudeva (Krishna’s father) walked out of depriving Bali of his kingdom. This incarnation whose the prison, taking the baby Krishna with But, in recognition of Bali’s generosity, task was to kill a ten- him to Yashoda with whom he spent his Vishnu refrained from taking the third step headed demon, , childhood. This incarnation of Vishnu has and gaining the underworld as well but who held his wife accumulated a great variety of myths. installed Bali as it’s monarch. The story of captive, Ramachandra Krishna shows all the aspects of human Vishnu’s dwarf is a creation myth has deeply influenced development usually associated with symbolizing the power of Vishnu to cover the Indian psyche and childhood, adolescent and adulthood. the universe. has risen to be a deity There are few stages in a mortal whose life is a subject for worshipper’s life, a counterpart of which PARASHURAMA AVATAR literature and an can not be found somewhere in stories Parashurama, is almost always shown example of moral relating to the activities of Krishna. with an axe in his right hand. He is also excellence. Although many of the stories about him shown as having four hands carrying a As the hero of the great epic of India, concern his superhuman deeds, he also , a sword, a bow and an arrow. Ramayana, he has also passed into the reveals human characteristics. The flute In this, his sixth mythology of countries other than India playing adds to the pastoral character of incarnation, Vishnu whose cultures have been influenced by it. many of his stories and the effect it has on appears for the first Rama is also considered a savior and the Gopikas provides a rich source of time in a complete friend and is said to have the power of speculation on its symbolism which is human form but at the intercession for the dead. When a dead apparent in much poetry and in many same time he body is carried for cremation, the pall- dance forms, notably in South maintains his status bearers loudly repeat the words ‘Ram nam India. as a deity. hai’ (Rama’s name is truth). Rama As the story goes, represents the qualities of fidelity, BUDDHA AVATAR king had gentleness, and steadfastness. In the Buddha, the ninth incarnation of Vishnu, stolen Parashurama’s same way his wife Sita (incarnation of appears at the start of the present age. He father’s wish-granting- Lakshmi, wife of Vishnu), is regarded as has short curly hair and his feet and palms cow, . the embodiment of all that is most admired have the mark of the lotus. Calm and 4 Bal Sandesh Tri-Yearly Newsletter of the Bal Sabha of Columbia, MO graceful in appearance, he is seated on a their powers and enabled the Gods to like a comet and lotus flower. The lobes of his ears are establish their supremacy. The doctrines save the mankind shaped like a pendant and he is shown supposedly put forward by Buddha are far reestablish wearing a yellow robe. The hands are in a removed from Buddha’s teachings as or Righteousness. boon giving and understood by his followers. Ironically, the Kalki will usher in protection mode. Buddhists did in some sense turn to Hindu the Golden Age, a This incarnation belief. The mythology and cosmology that new era of purity is symbolic of the became attached to Buddhism as it and peace and then uneasiness that became a popular mass religion were return to heaven. the Hindu priests rooted in Hindu belief and the Hindu Gods In some text Kalki felt for the inhabited some of the lower heavens of the is described as Buddhists and Buddhist cosmos. riding a white horse their teachings and holding a which were KALKI AVATAR flaming sword. In others, he is described becoming very Kalki, the future and the last incarnation as being four-armed, holding a sword, a popular with the (avatara) of Vishnu, will appear at the end conch-shell, a wheel and an arrow. In still masses. The Bhagwat-Purana says that of the present age (-yuga), when moral others, he is described as a horse headed ‘as Buddha, Vishnu deludes the heretics’. excellence will no longer exist, the rule of man carrying a club instead of an arrow. As Buddha, Vishnu advised the demons to law will disappear and all will be darkness. When riding a horse, he sometimes abandon the vedas, where upon lost all Kalki will then ride forth on a horse, blazing carries a bow and arrow☯

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Bal Sabha children entertain the audience at the 1999 Republic Day celebrations and at /Sankranti 1999 Tri-Yearly Newsletter of the Bal Sabha of Columbia, MO Bal Sandesh 5

Ramesh Khanna, M.D.

This feature article was invited by the Editors in the interest of Bal Sandesh readers. Invited articles of potential interest to Bal Sabha memberships will be a regular Feature of Bal Sandesh. If you have ideas for topics, and/or authors, please pass them on to the Editors

Ayurveda is a word, derived from how to live in a society and in the universe up of the five elements and the soul. two roots: ayur, which means life, and without disturbing the natural balance. These five elements are: veda, knowledge. Knowledge arranged Here is a more detailed definition of ã Prithvi or earth. systematically with logic becomes science. as found in the Charak ã Apa or water. In due course of time, Ayurveda became (an authoritative textbook on Ayurveda), ã Tejas or fire the science of life. Life, according to which says: ã or air Ayurveda, is a combination of senses, Ayurveda is a science that describes ã Akash or space. mind, body and soul. It has its root in ã Advantageous and disadvantageous These five elements are the basic ancient vedic literature and encompasses states of life constituents and every thing can be our entire life, the body, mind and spirit. ã Happy and unhappy states of life explained in terms of these five elements. Despite achieving great success in ã What is good or bad for life For example, the bulky and solid part is the amassing materialistic wealth, why is it ã The span of life. earth, the digestive enzymes, which are that most of us are unhappy? There is responsible for digestion, are the fire, and unrest, anxiety, mental tension, fighting When did Ayurveda originate? the hollow empty belly is the space. These and terror everywhere. This is because Ayurveda is as old as humanity. five elements in their biological form in the some part of our body is not being Ayurveda believes that life is eternal. It living body cause three different kinds of nourished properly. And that is our inner does not belong to any particular country, influences. These are the three primary self or the soul. There must be a proper religion or civilization. It does not belong life forces or three biological humors. The balance between materialism and to any particular period of history. The Ayurvedic term for these forces is . spiritualism. Ayurveda practices the eternity of Ayurveda is also described in As they are three in number they are theory of balance. According to Ayurveda the Charak Samhita. It says that Ayurveda called as Tridosha. In Sanskrit they are health is the state of balance and disease is eternal because of the following known as Vata, Pitta and Kapha. is the state of imbalance. The aim of reasons: ã Dhatus - These are the basic tissues Ayurveda is to give complete health and ã It has no documented beginning. that maintain and nourish the body. not just getting free from physical ã It deals with things that are inherent in They are seven in number – chyle, diseases. Ayurveda aims at making a nature. blood, muscles, fatty tissue, bone, happy, healthy and peaceful society. Two ã Such natural manifestations are marrow and semen. Proper amount of the most important aims of Ayurveda eternal. of each dhatu and its balanced are: Based on several facts and proofs, function is very important for good ã To maintain the health of the society. scholars of Ayurveda, and ancient health. ã To cure the diseases of sick people literatures, it is suggested that the ã Mala – These are the waste materials The word health here does not mean Ayurveda originated before or around 6000 produced as a result of the metabolic physical health only but also spiritual and B.C. activities in the body. They are urine, mental health. Problems like depression, feces, sweat etc. Proper elimination anxiety, nervousness, insomnia mainly Basic Principles of Ayurveda of malas is equally important for good originate from sick mind and soul. Our The universe is composed of five health. Accumulation of malas is a actions, foods and life styles, that we elements. The human body is also made disease state. follow to get happiness and pleasure may ã Srotas - These are the different not be healthy to our mind and soul. No channels that transport food, dhatus, wonder, we are unhappy and not at peace. malas and . Proper functioning The mind and the soul require as much of srotas is necessary for transporting attention as does our body. Our habits or different materials to the site of their emotions like anger, greed, passion, utilization. Blockage of srotas causes attachment, jealousy, not caring for other diseases. creatures, not speaking the truth, creating ã – These are the different types problems for others, not respecting elders, of enzymes for digestion and narrow-mindedness and being selfish, are metabolism. unhealthy for the mind. We may not realize this but they are the cause of most Good Health of our mental problems. To stay healthy, one should live in Ayurveda helps understand each harmony with nature without disturbing the individual at a very subtle personal level natural balance. To live in a natural and prescribes a detailed description balance one has to understand self. about diet, daily routine, life-style, actions According to Ayurveda every individual and activities to be followed. It teaches has a different constitution. The distinct 6 Bal Sandesh Tri-Yearly Newsletter of the Bal Sabha of Columbia, MO Ayurvedic constitution dictates individual’s imbalance may be due to an increase or Some of the symptoms caused by excess diet, life style, daily routine and other decrease in one, two or all the three of pitta in the body are hyperacidity, skin activities. To maintain good health and also doshas. For example, an excess of vata diseases, heartburn, fever, infections, to cure diseases, it is imperative to know causes arthritis and the pitta causes ulcers and liver disorders. the distinctive Ayurvedic constitution. hyperacidity, ulcer and liver disorders. Similarly, eating too much sugar, fat, oily Factors that create an imbalance (increase and fried food, ice cream, meat, dairy Food-related factors that promote good or decrease) of the doshas internally or products and nuts, too much sleep health externally, directly or indirectly, produce especially during the day time and not ã Food should be fresh, hot, usually symptoms of diseases. The causative doing much physical activities increase cooked, tasty and easy to digest. factors can be foods, life-style changes or kapha in the body. Some of the symptoms ã There should be at least four hours other activities. caused by excess of kapha in the body are difference between two meals. asthma, cough, cold, congestion in the ã Many items should not be eaten in one chest, anorexia and obesity. meal. The items eaten during one meal should not adversely interfere with one Diagnosis and Treatment another. For example, ice cream and Thus, every aspect of our life can be hot coffee. related the three doshas. Balancing the ã Feeling tired or heaviness in stomach three doshas avoids many serious after eating is improper eating. problems and leads to healthy life. The ã While eating avoid distractions, i.e. treatment according to Ayurveda is to watching television or reading etc. Eat balance the tridoshas. Diagnosis in the in peaceful and pleasant surroundings. Ayurvedic system involves assessment of ã Eating should not be rushed or too the dosha that is out of balance and slow. Chew the food properly. therapy attempts to balance it by ã Fruits should not be mixed with meals. prescribing natural medicines, and Either take a separate serving of fruits appropriate diet and life-style. or eat between two meals. The root cause of a disease is not always ã Do not drink water one hour before or inside the body. The cause may be outside after the meals to avoid dilution of the body. A problem in the family relations digestive juices. or a work place related stress can lead to Proper regulated sleep is equally tridosha imbalance. The permanent relief important to maintain the balance of bodily requires that the root cause be removed. functions. Early to bed and early to rise is When a disease is cured according to the key to good health. For an average Ayurveda tradition, not only the physical person six hours of sleep is sufficient. The majority of foods and activities we symptom is relived, the person as a whole Sleeping longer invites laziness and is a are accustomed to in the modern world are is treated. cause of disease. believed to create imbalance between the Detailed history and patient examinations Regular exercise according to the distinct doshas. They are discussed briefly below: are mandatory to find the root cause of a constitution is very beneficial for good disease. One of them is pulse examination. health. is advised as the best type of Factors responsible for increasing vata: By checking the pulse, the Ayurvedic exercise as it takes care of the physical, ã Eating too much cabbage, cauliflower, physician can find the position of Tridosha. mental and spiritual health. Yoga and broccoli, sprouts, beans, dry fruits, The dosha that is aggravated or out of Ayurveda go hand in hand. mushrooms and raw foods. balance is brought under balance by using Toxins (malas) accumulate in the body ã Too much traveling by any means of different kinds of therapies. The mental as a result of the metabolic activities. transportation. situation, family relations and other outside Elimination of these toxins from the body is ã Staying awake till late night or not factors are thoroughly examined. The root essential. When toxins accumulate beyond sleeping at all. cause of a disease need not always be certain safe limits, disease will ensue. To ã Eating of junk food, frozen foods and physical. maintain proper bodily functions and to stay food that has been microwaved. Ayurvedic treatment does not believe in healthy regular elimination of these toxins is ã Excessive exposure to high noise level symptomatic treatment, rather, the removal required. Ayurveda prescribes an or high sounds. of the root cause to give a permanent relief. elimination therapy called Panch . ã Watching too much television and over Symptomatic relief by medicine invariably Another important factor for maintaining exposure to computers or any other creates new problems as a side effect of good health and staying active even in old kind of electric gadgets from which the main treatment. The treatment mainly age is called rejuvenation therapy. A strong waves are emitted. comprises of powders, tablets, decoctions, healthy person should take rejuvenating ã Indulging in too much sexual activity. medicated oils etc. These are prepared preparations to maintain good health and ã Excessive imagination, overworking or from natural herbs, plants and minerals. stay young. There are many such too much sports. Medicines from natural sources are Ayurvedic preparations available that can ã Taking too much medicinal, accepted and assimilated in the body be taken according to the season and the recreational and stimulant drugs. without creating any side effects. individual constitution. Activities that involve excessive Besides medicine, great emphasis is put competition, habits like drinking too much on adherence to constitution, specific life General Diseases tea, coffee, alcohol and smoking increase style and dietary intake. Panch Karma The state of balance or equilibrium pitta in the body. It is also increased by therapy is also used as a treatment in many between the three doshas in the body is eating hot, spicy foods, excessive intake of diseases. called the health and the state of imbalance tomatoes, eggplant, spinach, onions and Ayurvedic methods of diagnosis and or disequilibrium is the disease. The by too much exposure to heat and sun. treatments are based on simple and natural Tri- Bal Sandesh principles. To conclude we can say that, can be described by the number of teaches a very systematic and determined by the dominence of doshas. involved, the specific tissues effected, the scientific way of life that balances both - tem aggravated the dosha Fundamental principles, health rules, genetic in origin. The male seed, sperm, disease is primary or secondary, strength, knowledge of individual constitution of the and the length of time of the disease. arious herbs, minerals and the constit specially therapy can be time of conjugation, the dominant factor of Chikitsa isease Management safely used to promote good health, in the sperm (predominance of Ayurveda longevity. a or kapha must understand the exact quality, nature weaker or exaggerate the similar attributes and structure of disease, d Mental Constitution prakruti imbalance. The body has its own Vedic philosophy classifies human sper vata intelligence to create balance and the inhibit some of the characteristics in the satvic rajasic . These kapha There are four main classifications of rough, vata management of disease in moral dispositions and their reactions to suppress the oily, heavy, smooth, and shodan, or cleansing; shaman or palliation environments kapha. Vata kapha satvajaya or are both cold. T . Ayurveda Satvic exaggerated in the of the fetus. qualities that imply perception vata Ayurveda and Relationships consciousness, purity and clarity. These kapha If both parents are of Ayurveda, our life is a constitution, the offspring will inherit a the happiness. All movements and activities predominant constitution. The relationship between you a person leads to a life of sensual parents and therefore of parents and children. restlessness. is darkness, inert country, climate, and emotions. Equally important is the heaviness and materialistic attitudes. , the Disease Pr your relationship between constant interplay recognizes the three , vata, pitta kapha consciousness, and the gunas seven , or tissues, plasma, blood, inner relationship in an individual vata- -kapha ciousness. three , or wastes; feces, urine and relationships are life, and Ayurveda agni healing art that helps bring clarity in predominance of relationship. Clarity in relationships brings , or any of these factors. The root cause of , and compassion is love, is therefore love is clarity. Without the clarity do , - - , caused by a wide Ayurveda is an art of make up. insight that brings harmony, happiness, joy The s According to the attributes of these and bliss in our daily life, in our made up of five elements, but the humors begin to accumulate at their Ayurveda, can definitely bring longevity to by the three biologi Vata air together constitute the , fire and in the pitta such that one can get insight to deal with pitta kapha kapha. the psycho biological continues, the accumulated reaches one’s inner hurt, grief and sadness. - overflow in the original site and Ayurveda Vata, pitta, are present in ev aggravated then enters and creates ences used to compile this article: organ. In every person they differ in ific weak tissue where Kaviraj Pratap S. Chauhan, Jiva

Ayurveda, en organ or system. Charak Samhita (Text w - vata, pitta translation by P.V. Sharma), kapha vata pitta, - - ) and equal types at affect the ã Ayuervedic Institute, 11311 ( , and in equal Disease can result from Menaul N.E., Albuquerque, NM☯ combination of these three . To unresolved anger, fear, anxiety, grief or Interesting Internet Links d individual constitution is the doshas Ayurvedic Internet Resources Ayurveda, Ayurveda causative factors in disease processes: www.holisticmed.com/www/ayurvedic.html American Institute Of Vedic Studies l, internal, external, www.vedanet.com/healingcourse.htm Prakruti, Individual Constitu Ayurvedic Foundation habits and supernatural factors. Disease www.ayur.com conception by the three suse, overuse and Ayurvedic Institute and kapha ique - www.ayurveda.com sight, taste and smell. The disease itself 8 Bal Sandesh Tri-Yearly Newsletter of the Bal Sabha of Columbia, MO

Brooklyn Bridge, New York Golden Gate Bridge, California

BRIDGES Aditya Srinath Sixth Grade, Smithton Middle School

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Bal Sabha members participate in 99 celebrations. Some dancers from the 1999 Bandana also performed at area elementary schools in early spring.

The colors of the Indian flag are as follows:

Saffron (top stripe) represents courage and Indian Flag sacrifice Arjun Khurana Kindergarten White (middle stripe) represents truth and Ridgeway Elementary School peace

Green (bottom stripe) represents faith, fertility and chivalry

The emblem in the center was added upon independence in 1947. It is a Buddhist “Dharma ” or the “wheel of life”☯ Tri-Yearly Newsletter of the Bal Sabha of Columbia, MO Bal Sandesh 9 The Glory of : A Divine Story Murari Lal Nagar, Ph.D.

Once upon a time, long ago, there was Buddhism he went to Tibet, China, respect. a fierce fight between Gods and Japan, Cambodia, Thailand, and many Swami Vivekananda advocated that demons. The Gods lost and the other Asian countries. He got settled all countries in the world adopt OM as demons won. Gods met with OM and there permanently and brought the the name of their Gods. He requested him to lead them. people to peace, progress, and recommended that OM temples be "What is in it for me?" asked OM. prosperity. He became an ornament to built as common prayer halls for all the "Whatever you demand" replied the Buddha's hairdress, shining as the religions. Swami Rama too Gods. "No Vedic prayer shall be recited apex. People wore him in rings. He worked for the same ideal idea. When without placing me first." said OM. took many forms, shapes and sizes. we have offered our prayer to OM, we Gods said "OM" in approval. OM took it King of Cambodia wore him in his coat have prayed to all the Gods and lightly. Yet he scored a victory for of arms and decreed his Royal Orders Goddesses because in him reside all. Gods. as OMKARA. OM is one syllable, but is composed The demons gathered their forces A question arises: OM was only one! of three sounds (a+u+m) signifying the and attacked the Gods once again. How could he accomplish all these trinity of Indian Gods (Brahma, Vishnu, Indra, the King of requested OM to win wonders in so many countries at the and Shiva); creation, sustenance, and the war for Gods. "What will be my same time? The answer is: OM is all. dissolution; earth, sky and heaven; Rig, reward?" queried OM. “You are now All is OM. There is nothing in this world Yajus, and Sama (Vedas); holy fires; our Supreme Commander. You will be and beyond too that is not OM. He and the triad of waking, dream, and respected and will receive honor and existed in the past. He exists at sleep. praise from all." OM exerted a little present. He will continue to exist in the OM is the beloved name of the more this time around. The demons future. He possesses extra-ordinary , the Universal Supreme Soul. had to run away. divine power. He is everywhere. He Exactly like a dollar (coin) It has four The demons attacked a third time. knows everything. OM indeed is the quarters, the fourth being above and Indra requested OM to lead Gods to Eternal Brahman. Truly is OM the beyond the earlier three. It cannot be victory once again. "What do I get?" Supreme Power. Knowledge of this grasped by out bodily sense organs asked OM. powerful syllable, one get all that is such as eyes, and ears. Only , the “You will be honored as the greatest desired. OM is the Universal God, the realized souls, experience it in their of all, the highest of all, the most Eternal One. All Indian religions award hearts through deep intense meditation superior power."--This time OM came him the foremost place and regard him on OM. Thus OM is a means as well as out in his full form. He crushed the as the greatest one with honor and the end. Just like Shri and Ganesh, OM demons completely. They were makes a beginning holy and reduced to dust. They got scattered. auspicious. Obstacle are removed. They were gone for ever--never, ever Success is guaranteed. OM appears in to come back again. the beginning, middle and end of Peace was restored. The world was books. A child begins his studies by happy. OM became so great, highly first uttering OM. OM means Yes, honored and universally respected that Agreed, Approved, and So be it. We he was invited to foreign countries, can all use OM effectively in place of near and far. Riding the "vehicle" of “okay“☯

1 2 3 15. Patliputra was its ancient name 4 INDIAN CITIES 18. India’s Silicon Valley 19. The Portuguese ruled in this port city Vellore S. Arthi 5 6 Sixth Grade, Smithton Middle School 20. The “City of Joy” 7 Down See if you can solve the crossword puzzle comprising of 8 9 2. Where the Palace on the Lake serves as hotel Indian cities – Answers on Page 10 10 11 3. A city in 12 6. The Nizam ruled here Across 13 14 7. The Gateway of India on the west 1. A city in the picturesque northernmost state 15 16 9. Host to Emperor Shah Jahan’s monument 4. Capital city sans New 10. The palace here is grandly lit for Dussera 5. East India Co. had its base in this southern city 17 11. Textile city in 6. Holy city in the mountains of Uttar Pradesh 18 14. Kozhikode is its other name 8. A cup of tea anyone? 16. Buddhist fresco paintings found in the caves here 12. The pink city of India 19 20 17. This city in Rajasthan is famous for it sarees 13. A popular hill resort 10 Bal Sandesh Tri-Yearly Newsletter of the Bal Sabha of Columbia, MO DANCE OF INDIA Ahona Chatterjee Sadvidya First Grade Ridgeway Elementary School Jagan Kandala, Ph.D.

Sadvidya can be translated as "proper home, serve the teacher and get educated. There are many different types of Indian education". When we say proper However Aaruni did not send his son to classical dances. These are Kathak, education, our understanding is present gurukula at seven. Svethakethu stayed , Kathakali, , day schooling where we are trained for a home and his behavior was that of a , and Manipuri. Kathak began in living. However this word sadvidya has a pampered child. This attracted comments temples of India, and soon moved to different meaning. This meaning is from their neighbors. As a result, sage courts where the kings and nobles lived. explained in our scriptures called vedas by Aaruni decided to send Svethakethu to a The people who performed Kathak were great sages. gurukula. By that time, Svethakethu was called Kathakars. Kathakars mean story- In the vedas, many of the truths are twelve years old. For twelve years tellers. They told stories of Lord Krishna’s narrated as stories. If we believe that all Svethakethu learned a lot, became a mischief. There are three main types of the universe is the result of God's creation, scholar and then returned home. Kathak gharanas (families). They are While talking to his son after his return, Benaras gharana, Jaipur gharana, and Aaruni realized that his son did not show Lucknow gharana. Kathak has been the obedience of a learned person. A strongly influenced by Hindu and Muslim learned person is complete and behaves traditions. This can also be seen in like the fluid in a completely filled pot. salami. Salami means greetings. The When a pot is half-filled, the fluid is namashkar is from Hindu tradition, unsteady. So the father decided to teach whereas the adab is from the Muslim him obedience. He called him and asked tradition. You may have seen the him what he had learned. Svethakethu angrakha in the Muslim tradition or the replied that he had learned everything. lehenga from the Hindu tradition. These Aaruni then asked the son whether he had are the dresses dancers use when they learned about "aadesam". Svethakethu perform Kathak☯ replied that his teacher did not talk about aadesam. So he asked his father to explain aadesam to him. This is what the sage explained to his son. In a general sense, aadesam means giving an order or it can also be described then we are all his children. as the person who gives an order and As children, it is our duty to live up to the further knowing about him. According to expectations of our parents and make them the vedas, this means knowing about God, happy. So if we are all children of God, we who commands the whole universe. If one also have to make Him happy. knows about God, one will know about How is this possible? We have this everything. How is it possible? physical body with life. We call this "life" in If one knows what is at the root, one can the physical body as soul. When someone know everything. Consider the example of is carrying a load on his back, we can a clay pot or toys made of clay. All of these recognize that he is carrying a weight. items are made of clay. They are just When the person rests the weight for a shaped differently and serve different moment, he feels light or rested during that purposes. So when you say clay, all these period. He feels relieved of the weight and items come to mind. Similarly, when you feels happy. But when a soul is carrying think of gold, the different ornaments made weight, you can feel it even though you from gold and the different parts of the cannot see it. So in order for the soul to body which they adorn come to mind. feel happy, it has to get rid of the weight or However we know that these are living and load. This is made possible through non-living things. Non-living things give rise understanding God and making Him to non-living things, in other words, we can happy. create non-living things from non-living In the story that follows, we will come to things. However, when you look at the Answers to the Indian Cities crossword puzzle understand the meaning of this. Long ago, universe, God's creation, has both living 1J A M M 2U 3M there was a learned and scholarly sage. and non-living things. If you can 4D E L H I E A E His name was Aaruni. Since the time of his understand and know about Him, it means 5C H E N N A I 6H A R D W A R forefathers his family had nurtured many you have learned about everything just like P Y U 7M U D T U great scholars. Very late in life he was the examples we have talked of earlier 8D 9A R J E E L I N G M blessed with a son whom he named about clay and gold. So one who learns 10M 11A G R B Y H R 12J A I P U R A Svethakethu. about God and mends his life to please 13S I M L A B U 14C I In the olden days, children were sent to Him, will be able to make his soul lighter. O E 15P A T N A A 16A R D D E L J gurukula (a type of school) at the age of This is Sadvidya☯ E A 17K I A seven. They would stay at the teacher's 18B A N G A L O R E C N A T U T 19D I U 20C A L C U T T A Tri-Yearly Newsletter of the Bal Sabha of Columbia, MO Bal Sandesh 11 Science Olympiad Pranita Katwa Letters to the Editor Eighth Grade West Junior High School

Dear Editor: Dear Editor: If you’re looking for an extracurricular

activity, Science Olympiad may be just The article was well written except for I enjoyed reading the last issue of Bal the thing. It’s available for students in some misinformation and missing Sandesh. It is heartening to see the grades 6-12 and is a great opportunity information. Regarding its origin, Bal children of Indian origin making deep to experience participating in a Sabha did not exist until I started it in commitments in the publication of this competition. Each school that November 1986. It’s first meeting was periodical. It is even more gratifying to participates in Science Olympiad has a held at my house in which several see the Bal Sabha thriving and team that consists of no more than 15 interested families were invited to expanding in its scope. There are not students and 1-2 coaches. discuss the organization of children’s many original members active in the There are two divisions in Science group meetings. In this meeting Asha Bal Sabha today. Nevertheless, as it’s Olympiad, C and B. The C division is Shukla gave the name “Bal Sabha” to one of the original members, I would for high schools and has a different set the group. The overall goal was to like to emphasize the important of events than the division B for middle provide children a monthly forum to contributions of Shukla family in the schools and junior highs. There are a learn about India. It included among genesis and growth of Bal Sabha. Dr. variety of events ranging from anything other topics, cultural heritage & Shivendra Shukla, having had prior like building airplane models to solving diversity, history, geography, religions, experience of organizing and running crimes in a forensic lab. constitution, famous people and two children’s group in the UK and The competition levels start at places etc. In later years we also had San Antonio, Texas, on arrival to Regional and advance to State and yearly themes eg. Cities of India, Columbia quickly organized the finally to Nationals, but the competition monuments etc. It was open to any existing informal children’s group into can be very intense. The important “interested” family. I must mention that a very cohesive and educational thing isn’t to win, but to have fun and the enthusiasm of children and organization to which Asha Shukla learn from your mistakes, although parents was boundless. Various other suggested the name of Bal Sabha. placing first in some events may gain activities of the group have already With the help from other members, he you scholarships (it you’re in the C been described in the January 1999 framed the rules and regulations of the division). For example, in the state issue of Bal Sandesh. In December club. For the next decade, under Dr. level for division C, there is a 1993 I handed over (with some Shukla’s leadership, the Bal Sabha scholarship available for the team that persuasion) responsibilities for Bal blossomed into a vibrant club. places first in an event called Water Sabha coordination to Mrs. Leela Shuklas, guided the group to Quality that deals with biology. Jashnani which she continued in participate in the activities of the subsequent years with great efficiency. Cultural Association of India, an active It gives me pride and pleasure that the India organization of the University of children’s association is growing well. Missouri. Bal Sabha children actively Publication of the Bal Sandesh is took part in the celebration of India particularly an important dimension Festival in 1987. The Key to the given by the new members of the Bal success of the club was the total Sabha and I send congratulations for involvement and commitment to the this task which we envisioned to do cause by the families of Viswanath, from year one but never did it. The Bal Shukla, Shah, Gopal Krishna, Khanna, Sabha of Columbia has an important Guntaka, Kandala, Chowdhary and mission for children of families from Nagar. India and I am confident that it will always be on the path of success. Ramesh Khanna Shivendra D. Shukla Another benefit of Science Olympiad is that kids can express their ideas in their own way because coaches are prohibited from working with the team. Coaches are just for consulting and guidance, so team members work together to win. Science Olympiad takes a lot of time and effort, but as you know, hard work pays off☯

12 Bal Sandesh Tri-Yearly Newsletter of the Bal Sabha of Columbia, MO

Friends of the Community Things I Build Suresh Mohan Prashant Katwa Fifth Grade Sixth Grade Russel Boulevard Elementary School Smithton Middle School

I have thought of the friends of the Teachers community who are essential for our Teachers are very important high quality of life. Following are because they educate us. Though some of them that I wanted to underpaid, they contribute mention. immensely to the betterment of all of our lives. Doctors Doctors do their best to try to cure Janitors Janitors clean up schools, public Building is fun, building is cool, people's illnesses. We cannot It's one of my favorite things to do. measure the extent of their services. places and streets. They recycle I build bridges, I build cars. People live longer lives because of many of the materials. They help I build airplanes, I build stars. doctors. make the town a better and cleaner I build Jupiter, I build Mars. place. I even build czars. I build stations, I build trains. Police Officers School Bus Drivers I build runways, I build planes. Police officers work day and night. I build tractors, I build cranes. They hardly ever get rest. They School bus drivers are responsible I build wheelchairs, I build canes. enforce laws and make sure that for the safe travel of school children I build doors, I build windowpanes. they are obeyed. They catch to and from the school. The bus I build arms, I build peoples veins. criminals. Their most important drivers maintain the buses on I build buildings, I build bowling schedule so that the students get to lanes. priority is to keep people safe. I build mountains, I build the Ne- People do not have to be scared of school and return home on time. braska Plains. the Police unless they do something I build heads, I build brains. wrong. We should be ever grateful to all I even build when it rains. these friends of the community for I build tables, I build chairs. their service. I build peaches, I build pears. Postal Workers I build wigs, I build hair. Postal workers help deliver mail to I build everything with care. everyone. They bring a lot of joy to Building is what I do for fun, people everywhere. Instead of going to the park to run. Building is fun, building is cool, Fire Fighters It's a better thing to do then watch the dog drool. Fire fighters always come when Wait, what's that, I think I hear the there is a fire and save lives and phone ring. property. They risk their lives while Well, I got to go, so see you when carrying out their duties. the birds sing.

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Editorial Staff Phone E-Mail Tara Chandrasekhar 446-6143 [email protected] Graurav Jashnani Ansu Satpathy Parent Advisors Published Tri-Yearly Vellore S. Gopalaratnam 446-0663 [email protected] Republic Day Issue– January Summer Issue – May Sandhya Sharma 875-4162 [email protected] India Nite Issue (Fall, Section of India Nite Booklet) Shailesh Vengurlekar 445-4391 [email protected]