Uddhava Gita Translated by Swami Madhavananda

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ISSUE No. 84 JAN ISSUE – MAR No. 201 845 JAN – MAR 2015

RAMAKRISHNA MISSION RAMAKRISHNASINGAPORE MISSION MCI SINGAPORE(P) 033/09/2014 MCIISSN0218 (P) 033/09/201-7183 4 ISSN0218-7183

State of Spiritual enlightenment or illumination. Nirvana releases humans from Pearls of Wisdom the cycle of birth, suffering, death and all forms of worldly bondage.

In this issue... Uddhava Gita Translated by Swami Madhavananda

Pearls of Wisdom 1 Śrī bhagavān uvāca Editorial 2

Power of Faith 3 The Lord said:

Sri Krishna & Gita 9 If through inadvertence the Yogi does some culpable deed, he should burn the sin thereof through Yoga alone. There Lakshmana the faithful 16 is no other way.

Temple Lift 22 The steadfastnesss to the duties of one's own sphere is considered as merit. By the declaration of their merits and Sarada Kinder Garten Concert 24 defects, a restriction is made with regard to actions, which are impure in their very nature, in order to remove people's attachement to them.

Should a man who has got faith in tales about Me and is disgusted with all kinds of work, know desires to be full of misery and yet fail to given them up, then this man of faith, with firm convition, should cheerfully worship Me, as he goes on satisfying those desires fraught with painful consequences, condemning them all the while.

If a meditative man constantly worships Me through the path of devotion mentioned above, all the desires of his heart are destroyed, for I reside in his heart.

Edited and Published by Swami Muktirupananda, President, Ramakrishna Mission, (To be continued) Uddhava Gita 15 (25 - 29) 179 Bartley Road, Singapore 539784 Tel: 6288 9077 Fax: 6288 5798. email: [email protected], Website: www.ramakrishna.org.sg Print Production: EAZI Printing Pte Ltd

1 State of Spiritual enlightenment or illumination. Nirvana releases humans from Pearls of Wisdom the cycle of birth, suffering, death and all forms of worldly bondage.

In this issue... Uddhava Gita Translated by Swami Madhavananda

Pearls of Wisdom 1 Śrī bhagavān uvāca Editorial 2

Power of Faith 3 The Lord said:

Sri Krishna & Gita 9 If through inadvertence the Yogi does some culpable deed, he should burn the sin thereof through Yoga alone. There Lakshmana the faithful 16 is no other way.

If a meditative man constantly worships Me through the path of devotion mentioned above, all the desires of his heart are destroyed, for I reside in his heart.

1 1 Editorial Places of Worship 

Places of worship of God play an important role in a devotee’s religious life. With the help from the external simple or ornate structure and stone or metal symbols he advances to the inner temple of spirit or the Atman. Before his worship in a temple a Hindu devotee prays to God: “O Lord forgive my three mistakes that are due to my human limitations:

1) You are everywhere, yet I worship you in a temple. 2) You are without form, but I worship you in these forms. 3) You need no praise, yet I offer you these prayers.

As human beings we have limitations. In the beginning it is not possible for us to think of formless God or the presence of Him everywhere. To train our scattered mind to be able to focus on something for sometime we need a special place of worship, images and rituals. These things hold our mind steady and undisturbed by unwanted distractions. Therefore the scriptures advise, name and form of God and a peaceful place are necessary for the purpose of devotion and meditation. When we go to a temple and spend sometime in the quiet and holy atmosphere of it and think of God the mind becomes calm. It is able to forget everyday worries and anxieties.

Man makes a place holy or unholy by his thoughts. In the places of worship the atmosphere is holy and uplifting because people pray and think of pure thoughts. Thought is power. It possesses both good and evil force. Go to a casino or a night club and feel how the mind gets influenced by the prevailing impure thought current. The lower thoughts of people assembled there have polluted the whole environment. To feel the presence of God and also to strengthen our devotion to Him we need nurturing environment. A tender sapling needs care and protection. Temple and the association of devotees help us in this task. When one advances spiritually one outgrows the external supports like worship, images and temple. He himself becomes a powerful dwelling place of God.  2  The Power of Faith Editorial Places of Worship Swami Nikhileswarananda  [Miss Arunima Sinha of Lucknow It was on April 11, 2011, that Places of worship of God play an important role in a devotee’s (Uttar Pradesh) is the first female Arunima boarded a train named the Padmavati Express at religious life. With the help from the external simple or ornate amputee in the world to climb structure and stone or metal symbols he advances to the inner Mount Everest. She reached the Lucknow around 9:00 PM to go to Delhi in order to appear in an temple of spirit or the Atman. Before his worship in a temple a summit of Mount Everest on May examination to be conducted by Hindu devotee prays to God: “O Lord forgive my three mistakes 21st, 2013, at 10:55 AM after a that are due to my human limitations: hard toil of 17 hours. She is a the Central Industrial Security Force. Unfortunately, at midnight devotee of Sri Ramakrishna, Sri 1) You are everywhere, yet I worship you in a temple. Sarada Devi and Swami four armed robbers entered the passenger coach by which 2) You are without form, but I worship you in these forms. Vivekananda. Swami Arunima was travelling. Then the 3) You need no praise, yet I offer you these prayers. Nikhileswarananda tells her story.Ed.] robbers started forcing the passengers at gunpoint to give As human beings we have limitations. In the beginning it is not possible for us to think of formless God or the presence of Him Swami everywhere. To train our scattered mind to be able to focus on Vivekananda something for sometime we need a special place of worship, said, "Faith, images and rituals. These things hold our mind steady and faith, faith in undisturbed by unwanted distractions. Therefore the scriptures ourselves, faith advise, name and form of God and a peaceful place are necessary in God, this is for the purpose of devotion and meditation. When we go to a the secret of temple and spend sometime in the quiet and holy atmosphere of it greatness."We and think of God the mind becomes calm. It is able to forget get a practical everyday worries and anxieties. demonstration of this in the Man makes a place holy or unholy by his thoughts. In the places life of Arunima of worship the atmosphere is holy and uplifting because people Sinha of pray and think of pure thoughts. Thought is power. It possesses Lucknow both good and evil force. Go to a casino or a night club and feel (India), the first how the mind gets influenced by the prevailing impure thought female current. The lower thoughts of people assembled there have amputee of the polluted the whole environment. To feel the presence of God and world to climb also to strengthen our devotion to Him we need nurturing Mount Everest. environment. A tender sapling needs care and protection. Temple Her life story is and the association of devotees help us in this task. When one at once thrilling advances spiritually one outgrows the external supports like and inspiring. worship, images and temple. He himself becomes a powerful dwelling place of God.  3  away whatever valuables they surgery even without had. But Arunima, who was by anaesthesia!" The doctors were nature very bold, refused to give amazed at her courage and away her gold chain and purse. determination. Therefore, they Therefore, the robbers threw her performed a two and a half hour out of the speeding train. As soon surgery to amputate her leg. And as she fell on the railroad track, Arunima endured the excruciating another train on the parallel track pain during that period most crushed her left leg below the courageously. knee. She tried to move away from the track but couldn't do so Afterwards, she was taken to a since she was seriously injured better hospital in Lucknow, and and was bleeding profusely. She then, on April 18th 2011, to the was crying bitterly but no one famous All India Institute of came to her rescue. She had to lie Medical Science in Delhi. She was helplessly between the two treated there for long four months parallel railroad tracks for the and was finally provided with a entire night. prosthetic leg. Until her accident, her main passion of life was to However, in the morning of the play an important role in national next day, some villagers came and sports. took her to the government hospital of Bareilly, a city about 3 But, while she was in the hospital kilometers away. The doctors of the All India Institute of Medical observed that she had multiple Science, many friends and injuries on her body: the left leg sympathizers who came to see below the knee was hanging and her, started lamenting that her had developed infection. The career as a promising athlete was doctors were talking among all over. And they expressed their themselves that it was not sad concern to Arunima as well. possible for them to save Arunima For Arunima, more than her since they had no medicine with physical suffering, the thought that them at that time to induce she wouldn't ever be able to take anaesthesia and perform surgery part in sports was the most for the amputation of her leg. painful, and she broke down Arunima, who was then in extreme completely. pain, heard the conversation of the doctors and cried out, "No, I want During this darkest period of her to live! Please perform the life, suddenly, shraddha (faith)

2 4 entered her heart and she said to the books regularly and pray to Sri herself-"No, I'll never admit defeat; Ramakrishna, Sri Sarada Devi and I'll prove that my well-wishers' Swami Vivekananda whenever concerns are wrong!" she would be in distress. She followed those instructions Around this time, she came to sincerely. know from media reports that some people were going to climb On April 1st, 2013, she left Mt Everest shortly. She, therefore, Kathmandu in Nepal and reached made up her mind to make the the base camp on the 17th of impossible possible! Even though April. For one month she stayed handicapped, she decided to climb there to get adjusted to the to the top of Mount Everest and environment. In her tent she thus prove to the world that she made a small make-shift shrine was not going to accept defeat! and placed the photographs of the three holy pictures there and She contacted Bachendri Pal, the performed worship regularly. On first Indian woman to climb Mount May 16th she started for the Everest and signed up for training summit from the base camp. The under her at the Uttarkashi camp journey was arduous. She had to of the Tata Steel Adventure encounter many difficulties. Once Foundation in 2012. After a her artificial leg came off. The rigorous non-stop training for one people behind her were shouting, year, she climbed Island Peak "Move on, move on!", but how (20,305 feet high) as a preparation could she move? She caught hold for her ascent of Mount Everest. of the artificial leg with one hand and somehow dragged herself to a On January 23rd, 2013, she safe place where she could attach visited one of the branch centers her artificial leg. While climbing, of the Ramakrishna Order situated she would often shout loudly 'Jai in Western India, where she was Swamiji' (Victory to Swami presented by the monks with a few Vivekananda!). From time to time books of Swami Vivekananda and she used to take out the photo of a small plastic photograph in the holy pictures and have a look which the pictures of Sri at it and then put it back in her Ramakrishna, Sri Sarada Devi and bag. The Sherpa guide, who was Swami Vivekananda were accompanying her, asked her why depicted side by side. She was she was unnecessarily doing this. instructed by the monks to read She replied, "You won't

3 5 understand. This is my energy determination, he went along with capsule." her.

At one point she saw a number of On May 21st at 10:55 AM, Arunima dead bodies on the way. It was reached the summit (29,029 feet) difficult to go ahead without going and became the first female over them. Arunima mentally told amputee in the world to reach the souls of the dead people, "I do there. She placed the flag of India not know how many of you have on the summit along with the flag fulfilled your wish of reaching the of Tata Steel Company, which had summit of Mount Everest. But if sponsored her. She also took a your wish has remained unfulfilled, two-minute video of all this and I promise that I will perform that told her Sherpa guide to send that task on behalf of all of you and video to India, in order that the return. Please give me your youths of India might be blessings." motivated. In her video, she gave her message to the youth: "Do not When Arunima was about 700 feet stop till your goal is reached even away from the summit, a red light at the cost of death, just as I am shone on her oxygen cylinder here on the top of the world, while indicating that the oxygen in the facing death!" cylinder was almost exhausted. The Sherpa guide asked her to Then she used the snow on the turn back immediately, because summit to create a make-shift altar death was certain at that height and placed the photo, which had without oxygen. Arunima was the holy pictures of Sri able to see the summit from where Ramakrishna, Sri Sarada Devi and she was. She thought, "I have at Swami Vivekananda, on it. After least enough oxygen to reach the worshipping them, she said, "I do summit, and place the flag of my not know how to chant the nation and the photo of the three mantras like the monks of the holy pictures there." She took the Ramakrishna Order, but please greatest risk of her life and started accept my worship performed only moving ahead, ignoring the with the devotion of my heart. repeated warnings from her Please remove the sufferings of all Sherpa guide. The Sherpa had the people of the world, specially threatened that he would not of those who are more unfortunate accompany her and be a witness than me." to her death, but after seeing her

4 6 The Sherpa was getting restless going down, to reduce his extra and displeased with her because it load, he threw away the partially was getting late. Also the weather used oxygen cylinder he was had become terrible. Reaching the using and put on the new one. summit after 11:00 AM is Arunima's Sherpa guide saw it considered suicidal for a climber from a distance and immediately and it was already past 11:00 AM. climbed down and brought that The wind was blowing at a speed partially used oxygen cylinder and of 230 kilometers per hour and the handed it over to Arunima. This is temperature had come down to how she survived. minus 400 C. There was very little oxygen left in Arunima's oxygen During the return journey Arunima cylinder. Even then, Arunima had to pass through many more continued with her worship and, trials. At one point her hand got only after finishing it, started her frozen. She was finding it difficult return journey downward. even to hold on to the rope and Miraculously, within a few minutes move on. The pain in her hand she got another oxygen cylinder, was so severe that she started which saved her life. weeping. Somehow, after a few moments, she regained her faith. This is how the miracle happened: She wiped her tears and told An Englishman was also climbing herself ''Arunima, it is no use up with his two oxygen cylinders. weeping, if you want to survive, Sensing the terrible weather on you have to bear the pain and the summit, he abandoned his keep on moving. As the saying plan of reaching there and started goes: no pain, no gain!" Then 'she his journey downward. Before said to God, "0 Lord, I know that

5 7 Sri Krishna and the Gita you are all powerful and almighty. "Go Forward." Being inspired by Swami Muktirupananda Do you want me to die now? But his words, Arunima is also going remember that I am your forward. She now wants to start a reat prophets come to this or mundane these messengers of daughter. As your daughter I will Sports Academy for the physically Gworld neither for their God set a down-to-earth example try my best not to die. Let me see challenged people; she wants to glorification nor to fulfill any before us. They do not shun the who wins!" climb six other summits of the personal purpose. They appear world as unreal, on the contrary, world; and she is now undergoing in human form in the midst of all they accept and live in it but Ultimately, Arunima survived and training at one of the centers of for ‘bahujana hitaya, bahujana remain untouched by it like a returned. The scriptures say, the Ramakrishna Order for sukhaya,” for the welfare and lotus leaf. If it were not so their "God's grace can enable even a participating in the Para Olympics happiness of human beings. very advent would become lame person to climb a mountain for 2016 as a Blade Runner. She Their actions, thoughts and words meaningless. They are much and a mute person speak fluently." is only 26 years of age. She has a are directed to awaken each soul greater than any idea of God that Arunima Sinha's life is a living long way to go. example of this statement. It is not only that she has only climbed the Swami Vivekananda said, "The highest mountain peak in the history of the world is the history of world but also, on invitation, she a few men (and women) who had has now been travelling to various faith in themselves. That faith places and giving motivational and calls out the divinity within. You inspiring talks, based on the story can do anything." The life story of of her own extraordinary life, to Arunima Sinha compels us to thousands of people. believe in the power of such faith. (Reprinted from Global Vedanta, Swami Vivekananda used to say, Summer 2014 issue)

Question: You carried a pocket-photo of Swami Vivekananda on your climb to the Everest and placed it at the summit, along with the to its innate divinity, its own divine human beings can have. God is Indian tri-colour. What has been so special about Vivekananda? splendor. Out of boundless omnipresent but we do not see Answer: You see, Vivekananda was an extra-ordinary person. compassion they show humanity Him. Bu we recognize Him when Everything about him was far removed from the ordinary. Rarely, do how to disentangle themselves He comes before us in human you find a person who is so heroic and so triumphant under all kinds from the snares of delusion, form, accepting its limitations. of circumstances. I needed that spirit. The power to conquer and to sorrows and miseries and From birth to death the glorious not give up. To emerge triumphant Vivekananda does that to you. become free. The truths and and exemplary life of Krishna is a At the same time, he is as soft and loving as a fresh bloom. Where values they manifest are eternal living commentary on the do you find such a rare combination? Vivekananda has blazed a trail and not limited either to a immortal Gita. He is the for the youth of this country, because he is the path finder to this particular group of people, or personification of his own ancient nation. If the youth of this country emulate the ideals he place or time. In every field of teachings set forth in that espoused, I am convinced that we will soon become a leading nation human activity, whether spiritual scripture. In Vivekananda’s of the world. (Reprinted from IQF Newsletter Issue 18 Year 2013.)

6 1 8 Sri Krishna and the Gita Swami Muktirupananda

reat prophets come to this or mundane these messengers of Gworld neither for their God set a down-to-earth example glorification nor to fulfill any before us. They do not shun the personal purpose. They appear world as unreal, on the contrary, in human form in the midst of all they accept and live in it but for ‘bahujana hitaya, bahujana remain untouched by it like a sukhaya,” for the welfare and lotus leaf. If it were not so their happiness of human beings. very advent would become Their actions, thoughts and words meaningless. They are much are directed to awaken each soul greater than any idea of God that

to its innate divinity, its own divine human beings can have. God is splendor. Out of boundless omnipresent but we do not see compassion they show humanity Him. Bu we recognize Him when how to disentangle themselves He comes before us in human from the snares of delusion, form, accepting its limitations. sorrows and miseries and From birth to death the glorious become free. The truths and and exemplary life of Krishna is a values they manifest are eternal living commentary on the and not limited either to a immortal Gita. He is the particular group of people, or personification of his own place or time. In every field of teachings set forth in that human activity, whether spiritual scripture. In Vivekananda’s

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words, “To whichever phase of by time. Swami Vivekananda yoga. (Gita 2-48) or “Tasmad on earth which he described in his life you look, you will find the remarked, “The teachings of asaktah satatam karyam karma the text: (16-1-3) Fearlessness, character of Sri Krishna perfect. Krishna as taught by the Gita are samachar” - Therefore always purity of heart, charity, self- As if he was the embodiment of the grandest the world has ever perform action which has to be control, non-injury, truthfulness, knowledge, work, devotion, power known. He who wrote that done, unattached; man attains fortitude, kindness, unselfishness of concentration and everything!’ wonderful poem was one of those the highest by performing action and so on. He worked for the (Vol. 6 –p 458). Krishna never rare souls whose lives sent a unattached. (3-19) welfare of all beings and never taught anything that is not wave of regeneration through the thought of himself. He defeated unattainable by human beings. world. The human race will never Krishna was an ideal householder many ruthless kings, tyrants and Divinity is within the reach of all, again see such a brain as his who and an ideal sannyasin all in one. replaced incompetent ones but liberation is open to all. God’s wrote the Gita.” ( Vol 7 p 22). As a householder he discharged did not become the king himself. grace is not limited to a chosen all his duties, shouldered Kings vied with one another to few nor God-realization is a In the Gita we find two ideas responsibilities, followed social obey and serve him, but he never matter of good luck or fluke. which stand paramount: the first customs and obligations. And as cared for any earthly kingdom or Anyone who is earnest and pines is the harmony of best ideas of a great spiritual teacher taught wealth. He left the kingdoms in for can seek the grace of God. different sects, schools of higher truths to saints and sages the hands of just and capable Approach God in any way you philosophy then existing and the and guided common people on rulers. He vanquished the tyrants like and He responds, this second is non-attachment. the path of dharma and of Mathura, Magadha and other promise we find in the Gita. Krishna’s life itself illustrates the spirituality. He taught people to monarchies and founded a new best example of detachment. He live in the world do all their duties kingdom in Dwaraka but put The Gita is meant for all, men and led a ceaselessly active life, every keeping the mind on God, in other someone else on the throne. women, common people and moment of his life pulsated with words, a God-centred life. “Mayi philosophers, sinners and saints, creative activity but with utter sarvani karmani sannyasya He was the personification of sannyasins and householders. detachment. He dispassionately adhyatma chetasa” – surrender selflessness and detachment and Everyone can derive inspiration brought great waves of changes all action to Me, with your heart all his actions were centred round from this perennial source, find without unsettling anything. It is resting on the Self, being free the upliftment and welfare of the solace in its rejuvenating words rare to see another person like from expectation, anguish and masses – Loka samgrah (3-25). and find fulfillment of his quest. him who was full of wonderful idea of ownership, do thou fight. This is the lesson he taught in the That is why it has cast a spell on power of rajas and at the same (3-30) or “yatah pravrittir Gita: “ Yadyadacharati shresthah people for thousands of years. time endowed with wonderful bhutanam yen sarvamidam tat tadevetaro janah” – Whatever Great acharyas, saints, renunciation. His advice in the tatam.” – From whom proceeds a great man does, that others philosophers, so also ordinary Gita is: “Yogastha kurukarmani the activity of all beings, and by follow; whatever he sets up as a people have tried to disseminate samgham tyaktva Dhananjaya”. whom all this is pervaded, standard, that the world follows. its light and wisdom, broadcast its Established in yoga, O worshipping Him through his own (3-21) Ordinary people learn more redeeming message to one and Dhananjaya, perform actions, work a person attains perfection. from the living examples of great all. Thousands of years have giving up attachment and (18-46). souls than by the teachings of passed but still its message unconcerned as to success or Krishna manifested Daivi sampat, scriptures. Krishna, a leader of remains undiminished, undimmed failure: this equanimity is called divine wealth of virtues in his life the masses, knew this very well.

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According to the Gita, “Think and and milkmaids of Brindavan. He relatives and also on the virtuous bewildering dogmas and work for the happiness of others treated with respect poor and sinners.” (6-9). doctrines of various sects. The because our happiness and Sudama, low-born Vidura, Kubja, old religion was buried under a wellbeing lies in the happiness the deformed woman, the hunter Krishna is the God of the lowly mountain of theories, bundle of and wellbeing of others. All life is who shot him and others. These and the humble, the poor and the beliefs and thoughtless interconnected, and guileless villagers loved him as beggar, the virtuous and the observance of ceremonials and interdependent. Separating their own child and sought his sinners. Scholarship and wealth rites. The diverse ideas of oneself from the totality is misery. protection. He behaved with all are powerless to attract Him and religion clashed with one another Those who seek exclusively their without the slightest air of He is won by faith, love and creating a lot of disarray in own happiness they never attain superiority. What a glorious and devotion. Before Buddha Krishna peoples’ minds. At the right time it. On the contrary, those who adventurous life he led in that opened the door of religion to Krishna appeared and saw some work for the happiness of others rustic atmosphere! Every Hindu everyone, specially to common truth, some good in all the sects do not lose it. This mysterious child loves and feels thrilled to masses without any conditions. and bound them together in a law of nature the Gita tries to read the lilas or sports of young He brought the light of spiritual cohesive form. He taught a articulate in many ways. The Krishna. knowledge and its realization to simple religion of faith, devotion sooner we learn this lesson it is one and all irrespective of all and surrender freeing it from good for the human society. When he grew a little older he social prohibitions and caste conflicting view points and Swamiji also said, “I can secure went for his studies to Sandipani rules. He made it simple so that it pedantic assertions. Any one my own good only by doing you Ashrama. He lived like other was within the reach of the could practice it without any caste good. There is no other way, students and did all the manual common people. He declared in barriers or fear of authorities. none whatsoever…. (Vol.6- and menial works of the Ashrama the Gita – “ye yatha mam This religion did not require any p.317). with deep devotion and humility. prapadyante tamtathaiva special qualification, preparation The same humility and equipoise bhajamyaham. By whatsoever or training. According to Krishna, Krishna was so great that sages, we notice in his later life whether way people worship Me, even so everyone is fit to worship God, saints and monarchs held him in he lived in palaces or in the do I reward them; for it is My path everyone is fit to take God’s high reverence and eagerly humble cottages of the poor. that people follow in all things.” name and God does not make sought his company. Inspite of Great was his respect for elders, (4-11). People offer their worship any discrimination between His such exalted status he was pious people and saints. He did to God alone under different children. What He values is humble and self-effacing. He not hesitate to sit at the feet of names and forms, through sincere devotion and not thought of himself as the servant holy people to learn from them. various symbols and rituals. From ostentatious sacrifices. The Gita of all and devoted his life in Did he not teach in the Gita to Him alone comes the fulfillment of says, “Patram pushpam phalam service of all beings. “Ikshate wipe out one’s puny ego and love their myriad desires, either toyam yo me bhaktya prayacchati yoga yuktatma sarvatra all beings as the manifestation of material or spiritual. – “He who with devotion offers Me samadarshanah – He sees God? “Suhrin mitrary udasin, a leaf, a flower, a fruit or water, himself in all beings and all madhyasta dveshya bandhushu” The great contribution of Krishna that devout offering of the pure- beings in himself. (6-29). He – He excels, who looks equally on was to simplify religion and minded one I accept.” (9-26). played and mixed freely with the well-wishers, friends, enemies, cleanse it from the welter of Krishna’s advice is: follow any simple and rustic cowherd boys indifferent, impartial, malicious, confusing theories, rituals and path, take up any method, pray in

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any way, worship Him in any Illumined souls come to fulfill and and also support one another. means the power of reasoning manner, and fix your mind on not to destroy. They see behind Any hasty judgement about this and rationality. Yet it is a tragedy God, because He is the goal of all human weaknesses and great scripture will deprive the that human beings irrationally life. He also warns “Yatdagre distortions a sincere longing to reader of its universality, fight for few dogmatic beliefs. vishamirva pariname reach higher dimensions. practicality and splendid amritopamam – spiritual practice Sometimes these attempts by synthesis. The religion taught in the Gita is is like poison at first but like men take bizzarre forms and two-fold: selfless action and calm nectar in the end. (18-37). He is create hostile environment. We have to remember one key meditation. All of us cannot so large hearted he never uttered Krishna did not reject the point that the Gita does not renounce the active life in the a word of ridicule or prevailing traditions, ideas and preach dogmatically one yoga world and retire to a solitary place condemnation against those practices of his time but infused in either bhakti – jnana or karma or solely to meditate. The Gita is the seeking only pleasures or them new higher meaning and a single method of spiritual mandate for action. Both have to enjoyment in the world or life. He removed the defects and practice for all seekers. For the go hand in hand, it recommends interested only in securing imperfections from the old ideas simple reason human beings the harmonious blending of the material ends. made them relevant and have different temperaments. two. Actions done with selfish pragmatic. Krishna was Therefore different minds need motives bring misery and In the Gita he says not all people concerned with everyday life of diverse forms of religious sorrows. To gain self-mastery but only those devotees who are man and his spiritual growth. The disciplines for their growth. The and to purify the mind meditation virtuous ones approach Him for author of the Gita showed that Gita very wisely refrains from upon God or the Supreme power the fulfillment of their various every doctrine contained some forcing a person to follow a rigid is necessary. Mediation removes desires. They are fortunate ones good and truth though lacked ideal for which he is not fit and the weakness and cleanses the whether their devotion is deep or perfection or holistic vision. It has no interest. Such rigidity will mind from self centered and shallow, high or low. “caturvidha was clear to him that the result in more harm than good. narrow ideas. Therefore it does bhajante mam, janah sukritino existence of various sects served Therefore it gives equal not advise us to give up the world Arjuna – Four kinds of virtuous the needs of people of diverse importance to all spiritual but to renounce the destructive, people worship me, O Arjuna! a temperaments. He carefully practices and faiths. Take any divisive ego – the ideas of, ‘I am person in distress, the seeker of studied all mutually antagonistic path suitable to you and grow. this and I am that.’ Material knowledge, the seeker of ideologies and multiple faiths and Other paths are not useless but prosperity and spiritual wealth are enjoyment and the person of wove them all harmoniously they are meant for other people. the two wings of the enlightened wisdom.” (7-16). Vivekananda together. In the Gita we find The goal of all paths, the Gita human society. Scriptures like says, “His was the first heart that different systems of philosophical emphatically points out is God- the Upanishads and the Gita are was large enough to see truth in thoughts, teachings of religious realization. To repeat again what like maps. They show the way all, his the first lips that uttered sects, yogas and many modes of Krishna has said; “In whatever and remove the doubts. Mere beautiful words for each and all.” worship of God. To a beginner all way people worship me, even so worship and recitation of them will (Vol 1 -438). these statements may appear do I accept them and bless them. lead us nowhere. We have to contradictory and paradoxical. The same God is worshipped by walk, exert ourselves to reach the The Gita But in reality, they are all in different ways.” (4-11) We goal. complementary to one another live in an age of science. Science

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6 7 15 Lakshmana the Faithful Jayasekhar

(Continued from the previous issue)

Lakshmana’s Dharma is to apartments he had waited outside. protect Rama’s interest at all Even then the palace must have cost been ablaze with the intrigue of However, Lakshmana’s concept of Rama’s banishment. The poet Dharma was in described Rama contrast to that of leaving Kaikeyi’s Rama’s. To him, palace serenely like a Rama and Rama’s great yogi and none interest were observed any change paramount – above in his mood. On the all ethics, politics, other hand rules, traditions. Lakshmana Concepts such as accompanied him with Dharma held no sway eyes suffused with over Lakshmana tears and filled with when Rama’s interest wrath. was threatened. And he did not hesitate to show it, and exhibited No words were it with force if exchanged while they necessary, even proceeded to inform against his own father Kausalya of the whose word Rama banishment. But worshipped. Devoted seeing her distress at service to Rama was the news and hearing his ideal in life and her anguished the meaning of his lamentations, existence. Lakshmana could not hold it any longer. His We see the height of his devotion grief and anger burst forth in a when Rama was banished to the tirade against Kaikeyi and forest. He had accompanied Dasharatha. He minced no words. Rama to Kaikeyi’s palace when she summoned Rama. While “O Noble Kausalya, it does not Rama entered the inner please me either that Rama

16 should renounce the kingdom on infatuated with Kaikeyi and whose the orders of a woman and go to senile affections have thrown him the forest. Old age has brought into a reprehensible dotage.” about a change in the King, who is Strong words these, improper ruled by his passions; what words even. But Rama did not take will he not utter? The words of the offence, for he understood King, who is senile, are puerile. Lakshmana. He knew that Which son, if he called to mind the Lakshmana was speaking out of history of past monarchs, would anger at the injustice done to heed them?” Rama whom he worshipped. So he tried to pacify him, speaking Addressing Rama he continued, softly, calmly and telling him of the “While people are not yet aware of importance of adhering to this matter, assume the reins of Dharma. government with my assistance! O Raghava, who will dare resist, “O Lakshmana, I know that your when armed with my bow, affection and loyalty for me are standing at your side, I lend you unequalled and also that your support? Would it not prove a trial valour and strength are irresistible. of strength with death itself? O The despair shown by my mother Bull among Men, with my sharp is excessive. In this world, it is arrows I shall depopulate the city Dharma that is of importance; truth of Ayodhya, if they dare oppose is supported by Dharma. Our you. I shall exterminate all father’s words have their root in Bharata’s supporters and those Dharma. O Hero, he who receives who defend his interests. It is not a a command from his father, question of resignation. Our father mother or guru may not disregard has become our enemy, let him be it. I may not oppose the will of my imprisoned, or even slain. Even if Sire, and it is on his command that a spiritual preceptor dominated by Kaikeyi has sent me away. pride forgets what is just or unjust Renounce your ignoble design; it and does not follow the straight is not in conformity with the path, should one obey him? On Dharma of a Kshatriya. Honour what authority is the king your duty and do not resort to bestowing the kingdom on Kaikeyi violence; this is my advice!” which is yours by inheritance, O Valiant Hero? Let the Queen and With these words and more did Rama witness my valour. I shall Rama seek to counsel and give slay my aged father who is solace to Lakshmana and

2 17 Kausalya. And then to clinch his Lakshmana they provoked him all argument Rama invoked fate or the more. The poet said that destiny as the cause and that they Lakshmana was furious at these should all therefore accept what words of Rama and was terrifying had happened. to behold like a lion that had been provoked. He burst forth in a tirade “My Friend, did Kaikeyi formerly at these words of Rama, throwing show any difference between her scorn on him. son and me? I am convinced that the cruel words she uttered were “What! Does it become a fearless due to destiny and nothing else. warrior to say that destiny is This mysterious force named irrevocable and suffering destiny may not be set at nought, unavoidable? The weak and it is this unalterable and fixed cowardly are subject to fate, but decree that is evident in the valiant souls, who are masters of change of my fortune and themselves, do not bow to destiny. Kaikeyi’s feeling towards me. That hero, who by his spirited Which man can combat destiny, O efforts opposes destiny, does not Saumitri, since nought but its fail in his undertakings; destiny is results are evident? The Rishis of powerless before him. Today it will rigid austerity are themselves be manifested how little account swayed by destiny and, giving up destiny is to one who is stout- their ascetic practices, yield hearted. Today the difference themselves to anger and passion. between man and destiny will be That which without their clearly shown. Today people will knowledge or being aware of the behold destiny bow to my valour, source, prevents people carrying and they will assist at a coronation through their undertakings, is it not that destiny had opposed. I shall the work of destiny? Supported by overcome destiny like an this truth I do not grieve over the intoxicated elephant that has cancellation of my coronation. Do broken its chains.” you also not distress yourself on this account. Know well that And again he repeated his resolve destiny is inexorable.” to defeat by force the resolve of his father and Kaikeyi and all Rama had thought that these those who supported them. words would strengthen his “Today I shall deprive the King of arguments, instead they backfired his power and endow you with on him. Instead of pacifying supreme authority. Say what foe

3 18 shall I deprive of his life today? and said angrily, “Not satisfied Issue your commands, so that I with getting the kingdom, he is may subjugate the country, I am pursuing us here. He has come to your slave.” slay us. But the son of Kaikeyi shall not escape with life from me And herein was Lakshmana’s today. What sin is there in killing virtue. In spite of his fury he did this destroyer of Dharma? It is not act unless Rama allowed it. He surely no sin to kill one who did not act on his own. Impatient? comes to slay us. We will make Yes. Angry? Yes. But him pay for all the harm he has nevertheless he would not take done to us. We shall destroy him one step without Rama’s consent. together with his army. The beasts So final was Rama to him that of prey in the forest shall feast on however much he disagreed he their flesh.” would not act on his own. After the tirade and scorching words, all But Rama knew Bharata better. Rama had to say finally was, “O After chastising Lakshmana for his My Friend, know well that I am harsh words, spoken without due resolved to obey my Sire; this is thought for their consequences, he the right path!” and his anger proceeded to say why Bharata subsided. He accepted the was coming to the forest. “I know decision, and focused his attention why Bharata is coming here now. on what best could be done next. He knows the way of Dharma. He He then resolved to accompany is coming here to give the Rama to the forest so as to serve kingdom to me. If he had been in him. Ayodhya he would have dissuaded Kaikeyi from acting This again showed another thus. It is wrong of you to think ill characteristic of Lakshmana: as of Bharata. Tell me. Do you want quickly as he got angry, just as the kingdom? I have only to tell quickly did his anger subside. This Bharata and he will hand it over to is seen not only from the above you with pleasure.” incident, but also from the episode And as quickly as he got angry, of Bharata going to the forest to Lakshmana calmed down, and bring back Rama. Lakshmana saw was ashamed for having him coming from afar and jumped suspected Bharata. But we cannot to the conclusion that he was blame him; he just wanted to coming to get rid of Rama once protect Rama. and for all. He rushed to Rama

4 19 This offering of the throne actually crying she should rejoice for her took place at a different occasion, son was doing a great and noble in a slightly different context. After act. A mother should feel proud the battle for the recovery of Sita that her son was able to live up to was over and they had returned to the high ideals of Dharma. She Ayodhya and the coronation of blessed Lakshmana with these Rama had taken place, the words: coronation of the Yuvaraja or Regent was to take place. Bharata Rāmam was the eldest after Rama. He had daśaratham viddhi also ruled the kingdom in Rama’s mām viddhi absence. Yet Rama offered janakātmajām, Lakshmana the crown. His Ayodhyām ṭavīm a intention was actually to show viddhi Bharata’s greatness. A lesser man gaccha tāta would have been insulted and yathāsukham. would have complained, but not Bharata. Instead he said, “Yes “From now on consider Rama as Lakshmana, take it.” But your father Dasharatha, and look Lakshmana had no interest in upon the daughter of Janaka as power. He turned it down, for all myself. Let the forest be Ayodhya he wanted was to serve Rama. to you. Go cheerfully my son.” (Ayodhya Kandam chapter 40 Lakshmana worshipped Sita verse 9).

Notwithstanding his outburst Famous words were these. And against Kaikeyi – that was due to Lakshmana was true to them. Sita his overriding concern for Rama’s herself testified to it when welfare – Lakshmana’s attitude to Hanuman discovered her in the women in general was one of Ashoka grove. Sending her respect and a little shyness also. message to Rama and And he took to heart his mother Lakshmana through Hanuman she Sumitra’s advice to him. While said of Lakshmana, “The pure- Kausalya had cried and wailed at hearted hero, dear Lakshmana, Rama’s exile, Sumitra was proud parted from his own mother and that her son Lakshmana would came away with us. All the time in follow his brother to the forest. the forest he regarded me as his She blessed him for it. And she mother.” And as she thought of his consoled Kausalya that instead of loyalty her eyes filled with tears

5 20 over the injustice done to him. Did which to end this short article. she not insult him and fling burning words at the selfless and Nāham jānāmi keyūre devoted friend? nāham jānāmi kuṇḍale, Nūpūre tvabhijānāmi The greatest tribute to nityam pādābhivandanāt. Lakshmana’s respect for Sita came when the brothers first met “I do not recognise her bracelets Sugriva. Sugriva brought out the nor do I know her earrings. I only jewels the Vanaras had picked up recognise her anklets – the jewels when Sita had thrown them down she wore on her feet – for I from the Pushpaka Vimana while worshipped her feet alone,” being carried away by Ravana. implying that he had never Seeing them Rama cried out in intentionally raised his eyes above grief. “O Lakshmana, see these her feet. jewels and cloak of Vaidehi. They (Kishkindha Kandam chapter 6 look as intact as they were while verse 22). adorning her body.” Lakshmana’s reply, which truly showed with what deep respect he held Sita, is famous and is a fitting tribute with

6 21 A new Lift to the Temple

ur Temple was built in O the year 1952 without the facility of a lift. Many of our devotees and visitors used to find it difficult to climb the stairs because of old age and other health issues. They had to be contended with watching So the long felt need for the passenger lift was fulfilled on September the worship and other rituals 24, 2014 when it was inaugurated. Now it has become easy for old from the Level one through the devotees and visitors to reach the main hall of the temple and witness closed circuit television. To the worship and participate in Chanting and Singing devotional Songs. solve this pressing necessity it was decided to install a lift. Soon after the Mission appealed to its devotees, well wishers and friends for funds. The response was good. We are very grateful to all of them.

22 A new Lift to the Temple ur Temple was built in O the year 1952 without the facility of a lift. Many of our devotees and visitors used to find it difficult to climb the stairs because of old age and other health issues. They had to be contended with watching So the long felt need for the passenger lift was fulfilled on September the worship and other rituals 24, 2014 when it was inaugurated. Now it has become easy for old from the Level one through the devotees and visitors to reach the main hall of the temple and witness closed circuit television. To the worship and participate in Chanting and Singing devotional Songs. solve this pressing necessity it was decided to install a lift. Soon after the Mission appealed to its devotees, well wishers and friends for funds. The response was good. We are very grateful to all of them.

Sarada Kindergarten The 22nd Graduation cum Concert

he colourful performance, Kindergarten. She also touched Tmelodious music and thematic upon the importance of short dramas were the highlights bilingualism and Sarada’s effort in of the Sarada Kindergarten 22nd creating the Little Tamil Story annual graduation cum concert. Books that were written and The annual ceremony was held illustrated by children. on 27 September 2014. 159 This was followed by a reality Aladdin. It included characters children received their graduation 157 K2 children performed in the show entitled: Sarada’s Got such as Pinocchio and the Frozen certificate from Ms. Sim Ann, concert. It started with “Voices of Talent. Three teams showcased Sisters. The drama focused on Minister of State for Ministry of Sarada”. They played musical the power of honesty and love. Education and Ministry of instruments such as drums, their talents and the judges finally Communications and Information. xylophones, pianica and sang two decided that everyone in Sarada The children also combined their songs – Hello to all the children of has talent. interest in dancing with exercise In her speech, Ms Sim Ann the world and I like to teach the and created a routine called: praised Ramakrishna Mission for world to sing. The Tamil drama tackled current Dancercise. The routine warmed its service to society and spoke of day problems such as too much up slowly but ended with Bangara the achievements of Sarada dependence on the mobile music and dance steps. phones and tablets, heavy school bags for children and bags on The performances culminated in MRTs. The problems were a colourful Indian dance entitled: solved through the wisdom and Malang Malang that was vibrantly wit of Tenali Raman. presented.

The English Musical Drama was entitled: The new adventures of

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Sarada Kindergarten The 22nd Graduation cum Concert

The English Musical Drama was entitled: The new adventures of

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Ramakrishna Mission Wishes all our Readers, Members and Devotees a Happy, Peaceful and Contented New Year 2015