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Home , Avadhuta Gita, Dattatreya, Ishvara, Markandeya, Paramatman, Puja thali

Dharma Sandesh kÉqÉïxÉlSåzÉ a quarterly newsletter of Bharatiya Mandir, Middletown, NY

AÉ lÉÉå pÉSìÉÈ ¢üiÉuÉÉå rÉliÉÑ ÌuɵÉiÉÈ| Let noble thoughts come to us from everywhere. 1.89.1 n . Let us all pray to the Paramatma (mÉUqÉÉiqÉÉ) to lÉqÉxiÉå shower His upon all His children!!

Á – . With the blessings and grace of the Sincerely, Supreme (mÉUqÉÉiqÉÉ), we are proud to start our Your Editorial Board sixth year of the publication of Dharma Sandesh. Web: www.bharatiyamandir.org Email: [email protected] Summer is in full swing here. After the brutal winter, we welcome the warmer weather with open arms and full smiles. People are making vacation plans and xÉÑpÉÉÌwÉiÉÉ Subhaashitaa children are happy that school is almost over. In this section, we present a quotation and its Many children are graduating from high school and interpretation/meaning. college, and they are excited to move on to new and exciting programs and endeavors in their lives. The xÉÇUÉåWÌiÉ AÎalÉlÉÉ SakÉÇ uÉlÉÇ mÉUzÉÑlÉÉ WûiÉqÉç | Mandir, as it does every year, has arranged for a uÉÉcÉÉ SÒÂMçüiÉÇ oÉÏpÉixÉÇ lÉ xÉÇUÉåWÌiÉ uÉÉMçü ¤ÉiÉqÉç || by all the graduating students on Sunday, July 6. All graduates are invited to participate in the Puja and samrohati- agninaa-dagdham-vanam-parashunaa-hatam | seek the blessings of Paramatma (mÉUqÉÉiqÉÉ). vaachaa-duruktam-bibhatsam-na-samrohati-vaak-kshatam||

We will be performing Akhand Ramayan Paath A forest burnt down by a fire will eventually grow (AZÉhQû UÉqÉÉrÉhÉ mÉÉPû) under the guidance of Sri back. A forest cut down by an axe will eventually Madanji of Panchavati on June 28 and 29. grow back. But wounds caused by harsh and With the arrival of the holy month of (´ÉÉuÉhÉ inappropriate words will never heal. / xÉÉuÉlÉ) in August, we will celebrate Sri Vara-Maha- Wounds caused to the trees in the forest by the fire or Vratam (´ÉÏ uÉUqÉWûÉsɤqÉÏ uÉëiÉqÉç) on Friday, by the axe will heal and the forest will spring back to August 8, Bandhan (U¤ÉÉ oÉlkÉlÉ) on Sunday, life eventually. Similarly, physical wounds on a August 10, and Sri Janmashtami (´ÉÏ M×üwhÉ person will heal with . But the wounds caused by eÉlqÉɹqÉÏ) on August 17. Then, on Friday, August 29, someone berating another person with inappropriate we will celebrate Sri (´ÉÏ aÉhÉåzÉ words will never heal. These are wounds caused on the psyche. cÉiÉÑjÉÏï). One should be careful when using words. It is said In this issue, I write about Paramatma (mÉUqÉÉiqÉÉ), the that the tongue has no bone to hold it straight; hence it Supreme Being and Lord . I also write moves in all directions without any thought. Many a about the festival of . time, we criticize another person so harshly that the person is wounded for life. We may not realize that it We hope that readers will continue to enjoy reading is a big deal and sometimes we even forget about it, these articles and gain some insight into our Sanatana but the affected person suffers forever.

Dharma Sandesh Volume 6 Issue 1 Jun2014-Aug2014 Page-1 We should think before we speak, especially when we The Pranava (mÉëhÉuÉ) sound and symbol Om (Á) is are angry or upset, because at that time, our words are used to represent or Parabrahman. The particularly sharp and severe. If we calm down before declare Á CirÉåMüɤÉUÇ oÉë¼ - meaning the we speak, all will be better off in the long run. single syllable Om is (Kathopanishad,

Chandogya Upanishad, Contributed by Dr. Narasim Banavara ,

Bhagavad Gita).

xÉÉD mÉëåUhÉÉ Baba’s Teachings

Paramatman is pure

spirit or pure In this section, we present a teaching of Sri Sai Baba. consciousness, with no material forms, qualities, Sri Sai Baba spoke thus – “In the Solar System traits, or attributes. the is a miniscule entity. Asia is small in Hence Paramatman is comparison to the Earth. Within Asia, India is just one known as Nirguna country and within India, the district of Anantapur is Brahman (ÌlÉaÉÑïhÉ oÉë¼lÉç) – the one without any gunas still smaller; and Prasanthi Nilayam within Anantapur is tinier in comparison. Within Prasanthi Nilayam, (aÉÑhÉ) or attributes. Paramatman is Nirakara Brahman you perhaps stay in one room. Then, why should you (ÌlÉUÉMüÉU oÉë¼lÉç) – the one without any forms. have an ego that is bigger than the Universe in its Paramatman can also be known as Pure Truth, Pure totality? This is totally an act of delusion, arising from Consciousness, and Pure Knowledge. ignorance. In fact, a great scholar, devotee and role model on the path of spirituality from ancient yore, On the other hand, the terms (pÉaÉuÉÉlÉ) and Bhartruhari stated, “Out of ignorance I behaved like (DµÉU) refer to the Sakara Brahman (xÉÉMüÉU an in rut thinking that there is no one superior to me. Because of the Divine Vision of sages oÉë¼lÉç) and (xÉaÉÑhÉ oÉë¼lÉç) – the one and their teachings, I learnt the truth. Just as a disease with a form and attributes. When we refer to Lord can be cured by taking appropriate medicine, the or Lord or Goddess , we are fickle can be subdued by the Darshan and the referring to the Brahman with form and attributes. teachings of sages and scholars.” - Divine Discourse, This way, we can relate to and form a personal 'My Dear Students', Vol 2,Ch 10, Jun 26, 1989 connection with the Supreme Being.

Contributed by Dr. Vijaya Dasari The term Paramatman is found in several places in the Upanishads. According to Advaita (A²æiÉ - non- ¥ÉÉlÉÌuÉWûÉU JnanaVihara dualism of Adi Shankaracharya (AÉÌS zɃ¡ûUÉcÉÉrÉï)), Ishvara is Brahman associated with (qÉÉrÉÉ -

illusion) in its excellent aspect. As the empirical In this section, we present articles on , reality it is the determinate Brahman; Ishvara has no , , Upanishads, and related philosophy. reality apart from Brahman. Bhagavan or Ishvara is

the Paramatma or Brahman. Paramatman (mÉUqÉÉiqÉlÉç) The Swetaashwatara Upanishad (µÉåiÉɵÉiÉU EmÉÌlÉzÉiÉç) Paramatma (mÉUqÉÉiqÉÉ) or Paramatman (mÉUqÉÉiqÉlÉç) refers developed the conception of a personal , who is to the Supreme Being, the Supreme Self, the Supreme Bhagavan or Ishvara. The Kathopanishad (MüPûÉåmÉÌlÉzÉiÉç) , or the Supreme Spirit. Parama (mÉUqÉ) = supreme; states that never has any man been able to visualize Atma (AÉiqÉÉ) = soul, self, or spirit. Paramatma is also Paramatman by means of sight, heart, imagination, or known as Parabrahman (mÉUoÉë¼lÉç) or Brahman (oÉë¼lÉç) mind. The Anandamaya- (AÉlÉlSqÉrÉMüÉåzÉ) – Seat (not to be confused with Lord , the creator, (or Core) of Supreme Bliss – is the Ishvara of the one of the Trinity ). Upanishads.

Dharma Sandesh Volume 6 Issue 1 Jun2014-Aug2014 Page-2 (aÉÉæQûmÉÉS), the of the Guru (Grand The Rig Veda (GauÉåS) has a very famous Guru) of Adi Shankaracharya, called duality Maya, (I.164.20) that was revealed to Deerghatamah and non-duality as the only reality. Maya (illusion) is Auchatyah (GÌwÉ SÏbÉïiÉqÉÉÈ AÉæcÉjrÉÈ). This mantra has the Cosmic Nescience (AÌuÉ±É Avidya or ignorance) been borrowed by Mundaka Upanishad (qÉÑhQûMü that has in it the plurality of subject and object and, EmÉÌlÉwÉiÉç) in mantra III.1.1. The mantra is as follows: therefore, Ishvara is organically bound with the world.

Beyond the or Ishvara is the state of the Infinite ²É xÉÑmÉhÉÉï xÉrÉÑeÉÉ xÉZÉÉrÉÉ xÉqÉÉlÉÇ uÉפÉÇ mÉËUwÉxuÉeÉÉiÉå | Limitless Brahman, which is why in the Srimad , Chapter VII, shloka 24, Sri Krishna iÉrÉÉåUlrÉÈ ÌmÉmmÉsÉÇ xuÉɲirÉlÉzlÉlÉlrÉÉå AÍpÉcÉÉMüzÉÏÌiÉ || tells Arjuna – For many centuries, many scholars have attempted to AurÉ£Çü urÉÌ£üqÉÉmɳÉÇ qÉlrÉliÉå qÉÉqÉoÉÑ®rÉÈ | translate and interpret this mantra from their mÉUÇ pÉÉuÉqÉeÉÉlÉliÉÉå qÉqÉÉurÉrÉqÉlÉѨÉqÉqÉç || respective viewpoints, for example, Advaita (non- dualism) philosophy, Dvaita (dualism) philosophy,

Vishishtaadvaita (qualified non-dualism) philosophy, “not knowing my unsurpassable, imperishable, etc. I will give a brief translation of this holy mantra immutable, undecaying and supreme nature, the and then attempt to give the different variations of the ignorant people (those with poor understanding) think interpretations of the mantra. of Me, the Unmanifest, as having manifested and The translation assumed a finite form through birth.” of the mantra is

as follows: Paramatman and Jivatman:

The Upanishads talk of two different – the “There are two Paramatman and the Jivatman (eÉÏuÉÉiqÉlÉç) or Jivatma. beautiful birds Jivatman = + . sitting on the same branch of Both the Paramatman and the Jivatman, being the same tree. transcendental to the material energy (matter), are These two birds called Atma. Both have this term “Atma = pure are companions consciousness or self” in them. When this “I” is seen and friends. Of to have a sense of limitation and a sense of enjoyer- these two birds, ship and doer-ship, then such an “I” is referred to as one bird is the Jivatman. enjoying the fruits of the tree A Jiva is someone who sees himself to be limited by and the other bird is just witnessing everything that is space and time – he is at one place alone and not going on.” everywhere, and his existence is, at a particular time, alone and not at all . When these senses of The first bird is the Jivatman, who is eating the fruits limitations are inquired upon and are realized to be an of its own . The second bird is Paramatman, error, then this sense of limitation drops and the same who is the witness (xÉɤÉÏ) of its friend’s actions. The “I” is seen to be free from these limitations of time tree is the insentient Universe, which is Samsara and space. At that time, this very “I” is referred to as xÉÇxÉÉU qÉÉrÉÉ AÌuÉ±É the Paramatman. ( ), Maya ( ) or Avidya ( ) component of existence. “Param” means that which is free from all limitations of time, space and objectivity, that is that which is Interpretation according to Advaita: According to there at all times, in all places, and in all objects. Adi Shankaracharya, who propounded Advaita (A²æiÉ Thus, the word “atma” which is the common non-dualism), Jivatman and Paramatman are one and denominator in both these words shows that God is the same; there is no difference between the two. In always realized as the very subjective essence of a his famous treatise -Chudamani (ÌuÉuÉåMücÉÔQûÉqÉÍhÉ - person and not as some objective reality. the Jewel of Discrimination – 580 shlokas), Adi Dharma Sandesh Volume 6 Issue 1 Jun2014-Aug2014 Page-3 Shankaracharya writes the essence of Advaita in half a Paramatman, but is always distinct from Him. Both shloka: these birds are present together on the same branch of the same tree, which is achit (AÍcÉiÉç) – the insentient oÉë¼ xÉirÉÇ eÉaÉÎlqÉjrÉÉ eÉÏuÉÉå oÉë¼æuÉ lÉÉmÉUÈ | or the gross Avidya (AÌuɱÉ) component of existence.

Brahman is Satya (Truth); The Universe is unreal; The Interpretation according to : Jiva is Brahman itself, not different from or beyond According to Sri Ramanujachara (´ÉÏ UÉqÉÉlÉÑeÉÉcÉÉrÉï), Brahman. who propounded the Vishishtadvaita (ÌuÉÍzɹɲæiÉ -

Brahman (the Paramatman), who is qualified non-dualism) philosophy, Ishvara (who is Changeless Existence, is the only Truth. The world Vishnu or ) is the only Truth, but is (jagat) is only relatively real because it is constantly characterized by multiplicity. Ishvara is the Universal changing. Jagat is united with Brahman, but it seems Soul of the pan-organistic body of sentient beings fleeting and unreal because of the superimposition of () and the insentient Universe (Jagat). Maya on the Jiva, which become limiting conditions. The Jiva identifies itself with the body, mind and Ishvara (Vishnu or Narayana or Krishna) is the senses (and becomes filled with ego and the “I” Supreme Cosmic Spirit, who maintains complete complex) when it is deluded by Avidya or Maya. control over the Universe and all the sentient beings, When Brahma-Jnana (oÉë¼¥ÉÉlÉ - knowledge of the which together form the pan-organistic body of Ishvara. The of Ishvara along with the universe Absolute) dawns upon the Jiva through destruction of and the sentient beings is Brahman, which signifies Avidya, then it is freed from its individuality and the completeness of existence. Ishvara is the finitude (limitations) and it realizes its essential Sat- substantive part of Brahman, while Jivas and Jagat are chit-ananda (xÉiÉç-ÍcÉiÉç-AÉlÉlS Absolute Truth – its modes (also secondary attributes), and Kalyana Absolute Consciousness – Absolute Bliss) nature and Gunas (MüsrÉÉhÉ aÉÑhÉ - auspicious attributes) are the becomes one with Paramatman. primary attributes.

Just as a bubble on the surface seems to be in its Ishvara is Parabrahman endowed with innumerable own world, but becomes one with the ocean the auspicious qualities (Kalyana Gunas). Ishvara is moment it bursts, so does the Jivatman realize its perfect, omniscient, omnipresent, incorporeal, unity with Paramatman and become one when it gets independent, the creator of the universe, its active knowledge of Brahman. ruler and also its eventual destroyer. He is causeless,

eternal and unchangeable, and is yet the material and So, in the case of the two birds, the first bird (Jiva or the efficient cause of the universe and sentient beings. ego) seems engrossed in eating the fruits (of its karma) while the second bird (Paramatman) witnesses When Ishvara is thought of as the indweller of all the actions without any interference. When the first beings, he is referred to as the Paramatman, or the bird realizes the futility of its engrossed eating of the innermost self of all beings. When Ishvara is thought fruits of its karma and understands its true nature of as the all-encompassing and the residence of all through knowledge, it turns to the other bird beings, that is, all beings reside in Ishvara, he is (Paramatman). Ego vanishes and the Jiva becomes referred to as the Parama- (mÉUqÉmÉÑÂwÉ). one with Paramatman.

Interpretation according to Dvaita: According to Vishishtadvaita maintains that although Jivatma is an Sri (´ÉÏ qÉkuÉÉcÉÉrÉï), who propounded the integral component of Brahman and they are inseparable (similar to Advaita), Brahma-Jnana (True Dvaita (²æiÉ - dualism) philosophy, Jivatman and Knowledge of the Absolute) – the identification of Paramatman are two distinct entities and realities, Atman with Brahman is only an intermediate step in never becoming one. Jivatman is chit (ÍcÉiÉç) – the the self-realization process. Only (pÉÌ£ü sentient, and Paramatman is Ishvara. Both have the devotion) can lead to the realization of Paramatman as same attributes, and Jivatman is always dependent on

Dharma Sandesh Volume 6 Issue 1 Jun2014-Aug2014 Page-4 the indwelling God and that leads to Mukti (qÉÑÌ£ü) or Many Hindu Rajput queens have sent Rakhi to liberation of the Jiva. Mughal kings addressing them as “brother” and establishing familial ties and peace between Sources: Upanishads; Srimad Bhagavad Gita; kingdoms. Wikipedia; Shankaracharya.org; advaita.org; Some women make their own Rakhi with simple Contributed by Dr. Narasim Banavara cotton thread, while other women buy decorated silk or cotton Rakhis. These days, there are Rakhis with gold and silver threads, beautifully crafted Raksha Bandhan (U¤ÉÉ oÉlkÉlÉ) embroidered sequins, and studded with semi- The Hindu festival of Raksha Bandhan celebrates the precious stones. Whatever immaculate and chaste love and affection between be the type or cost of the brothers and sisters. Raksha Bandhan (Sanskrit for Rakhi, the underlying “the knot of protection”) falls on the Full Day emotions are the same. (mÉÔÍhÉïqÉÉ Purnima = Full Moon) of the fifth Hindu month of . This festival is observed by On the day of Raksha , Jains, and Sikhs. On this day, the sister chants Bandhan, the sister a prayer and ties a sacred thread called Rakhi (UÉZÉÏ) on performs Puja (worship) to the Lord and then applies her brother’s wrist, and the brother, in turn, promises a red Tilak (vermilion mark) on her brother’s to protect his sister and take care of her under any and forehead. She then ties the Rakhi on her brother’s all circumstances. right wrist and chants a prayer for his health, prosperity, happiness, and general well-being. The Raksha Bandhan finds prominent mention in the holy brother then makes a solemn pledge to care for his Hindu scriptures. In the , Queen sister and protect her always, in every circumstance. Draupadi ties the Rakhi to Lord Krishna and the Lord protects Draupadi in her time of need. In the Puranas, The sister then feeds her brother with sweets and there are other references to Raksha Bandhan and the savories. The brother, in turn, gives gifts to the sister. tying of the Rakhi between Lord , the God of Death, and his sister, , the holy river. In 2014, Raksha Bandhan falls on Sunday, August 10.

Raksha Bandhan is Contributed by Dr. Narasim Banavara primarily celebrated by Lord Dattatreya (´ÉÏ S¨ÉɧÉårÉ) brothers and sisters, but over the centuries, it Lord Dattatreya is known as Gurudeva Datta. He is has evolved to the Guru of all . He is the Supreme Guru. As an celebrate the filial incarnation of the Paramatma or Supreme Spirit, Lord affection between men and women who are Dattatreya came down to earth to spread the biologically unrelated but who consider the other universality of true religion. He descended on this person as a brother/sister. According to one legendary earth to establish Satya (xÉirÉ - the universal truth), Rta narrative, when Alexander the Great invaded India in 326 BCE, his wife Roxana (Bactrian: Rokhsana or (GiÉ - the cosmic order), and Dharma (kÉqÉï - the Roshanak) sent a Rakhi to King Porus (Sanskrit: Puru; perennial principles) in all their entirety. Greek: Poros), asking him not to harm her husband in battle. In accordance with tradition, Porus, a Hindu Lord Dattatreya is an ancient incarnation of the Rajput king, gave full respect to the Rakhi. On the Trinity Brahma-Vishnu-Shiva. He is a complete and battlefield, when Porus was about to deliver a final perfect manifestation of the three primordial energies blow to Alexander, he saw the Rakhi on his wrist and and the three primary Gunas (qualities) of restrained himself from attacking Alexander (positivity, goodness and wholesomeness), personally. (passion, energy and movement), and (negativity, lethargy, darkness and ignorance). He Dharma Sandesh Volume 6 Issue 1 Jun2014-Aug2014 Page-5 encompasses all these Gunas and, at the same time, in matted locks and wears a tiger-skin as His only transcends all these Gunas. garment. His body is smeared with Bhasma (pÉxqÉ holy ash). The three heads of Lord Dattatreya represent the Lord Dattatreya is an (AuÉkÉÔiÉ), the Supreme three primordial energies of iÉåeÉxÉç - Tejas (brightness, Philosopher and ever-anchored in Spirit. He is illumination, knowledge and fiery energy representing Avadhuta, he who has shaken off from himself all Lord Brahma), AÉåeÉxÉç - Ojas (lustre, vigour, vitality worldly feelings and obligations. He is dispassionate and action representing Lord Vishnu), and iÉmÉxÉç - and detached from the worldly goings-on and assumes the form of a total and supreme recluse. (religious austerity, stringency of penance, severe meditation and sacred learning representing Lord Dattatreya incarnated on this earth as the son of Lord Shiva). The three heads also represent the xÉ×̹ - the great sage Maharshi (qÉWûÌwÉï A̧É) and his wife, Srishti (creative energies), ÎxjÉÌiÉ - Sthithi (sustaining the lady (SåuÉÏ AlÉxÉÔrÉÉ). “Datta” = “given” and energies) and sÉrÉ - Laya (annihilating energies) “Aatreya = “son of Atri”. Therefore, “Datta + associated with the Trinity – Lord Brahma, Lord Aatreya” means “given as the son of Atri”. Vishnu and Lord Shiva respectively.

The Shaandilya Upanishad (zÉÉÎhQûsrÉ EmÉÌlÉwÉiÉç) (3.2) Lord Dattatreya holds the and states: What is the reason for the Supreme Lord to be representing the aspects of Lord Vishnu, the referred to as Dattatreya? There has to be a reason. and representing the aspects of Lord Shiva, The great Maharshi Atri performed severe penance to and the and representing the appease the Supreme Lord and beget a son. Pleased aspects of Lord Brahma. with the Maharshi’s penance, the radiant and illustrious Supreme Lord, out of His own accord, The Shankha (conch) is used to sound the Á (OM) – donated Himself to Maharshi Atri as the fruit of the the primordial sound and the first word of the Hindu sage’s austere penance. That emerged as a scriptures. The rotating Chakra (discus) is a round son to Maharshi Atri and his wife Anasuya. That is circle with no beginning and no end, and like the why the Supreme Lord is known by the name of universe it is constantly moving and in a state of flux. Dattatreya. Holding the discus in His hand, Lord Dattatreya is the controller of time though He is beyond the cycles of The form of Lord Dattatreya time – past, present and future. The Lord uses the Symbolically, Chakra to destroy the karmic bonds of His devotees. Lord Dattatreya is depicted with The Damaru (drum) is used to awaken those souls three heads, six who are still sleeping in the slumber of ignorance. The arms, and Trishula (trident) indicates that Lord Dattatreya has standing under an transcended the three Gunas of Sattva, Rajas and Audumbara Tamas and He uses the Trishula to vanquish the ego (AÉæSÒqoÉU fig) tree. and ignorance of all creatures. He is surrounded by a cow and four The Japamala (rosary) is symbolic of yogic energy dogs, who are his and prosperity. While the Lord uses the Japamala to constant liberate one soul after another when that soul companions. In contemplates on Him with true devotion, it is also an His hands He indication for devotees to constantly chant the Lord’s holds a Shankha name in order to seek emancipation from this illusory (zÉ„¡û conch), world. The Kamandalu (water bowl) holds the nectar of pure with which the Lord revives the souls Chakra (cÉ¢ü discus), Damaru (QûqÉà drum), Trishula thirsty for knowledge, liberating them from the (̧ÉzÉÔsÉ trident), JapaMala (eÉmÉqÉÉsÉÉ rosary), and endless cycle of births and deaths. Kamandalu (MüqÉhQûsÉÑ water bowl). He wears His hair Dharma Sandesh Volume 6 Issue 1 Jun2014-Aug2014 Page-6 The cow represents (MüÉqÉkÉålÉÑ), the all- Ashtanga (A¹É…¡û rÉÉåaÉ - the eightfold path of wish-fulfilling celestial cow and the Audumbara tree Yoga). later coded the works into the Yoga represents -Vriksha (MüsmÉuÉפÉ), the all-wish (rÉÉåaÉxÉÔ§É). fulfilling celestial tree. Both these elements grant true devotees fulfilment of all their wishes and desires. Lord Dattatreya is always found under the shade of the Audumbara tree next to the divine Kamadhenu.

The four dogs surrounding Lord Dattatreya represent the four Vedas – Rig Veda, Yajur Veda, Sama Veda and Atharva Veda – watchdogs of the Ultimate Truth and the repositories of Spiritual Wisdom.

The tiger skin symbolizes potential energy. Lord Dattatreya, wearing a tiger skin, illustrates the idea that He is the source of the creative energy that remains in potential form during the dissolution of the Lord Dattatreya wrote the (AuÉkÉÔiÉ universe. Of His own divine will, the Lord activates the potential form of the creative energy to project the aÉÏiÉÉ), a text of eight chapters on the Advaita (non- universe in endless cycles. dualistic) (philosophy). Lord Dattatreya sang this Gita spontaneously after purifying Himself in Lord Dattatreya is ÌSaÉqoÉU - Digambara – the one with meditation and becoming absorbed in the an unclad body. The unclad body symbolizes the uninterrupted bliss of Brahman (oÉë¼lÉç - Supreme transcendental aspect of the Lord. Since most things Consciousness). The Avadhuta Gita guides one to reduce to ashes when burned, ashes symbolize the seek God and immerse oneself in God-consciousness. physical universe. The ashes on the unclad body of the It is the highest knowledge on the Self and is meant Lord signify that Dattatreya is the source of the entire for the seekers of self-realization. universe that emanates from Him, but He transcends the physical phenomena and is not affected by it. The aim of life is to realize the Absolute Truth and to be eternally free. Purification of the heart is essential Lord Dattatreya is the master of yoga. The three to this realization. Practice of Dharma (duty, virtue, matted locks on the head of the Lord convey the idea righteousness), fasting, devotion to God, undertaking that integration of the physical, mental and spiritual pilgrimages, reading of holy and sacred scriptures, energies is the ideal of yoga. Lord Dattatreya is breathing exercises, and other such religious practices glorified as the upholder of Dharma. The Sattvata are meant to purify the heart. Once the heart is (12.109-114) states: He is Jnana- purified and remains constantly pure, then the (¥ÉÉlÉqÉÔÌiÉï), the form which personifies spiritual uninterrupted darshan (SzÉïlÉ - vision) of the Supreme wisdom. He directs men and Gods along the path of Self is possible. spiritual progress. He protects the Vedas and regulates the conduct of people. Constant chanting of the Lord’s name, studies of the sacred scriptures, and pilgrimages all inspire people The philosophy and teachings of Lord Dattatreya and create a strong determination and faith in them to see and realize God. Ultimately, it is the faith and true Lord Dattatreya was a great philosopher. He had knowledge that brings about the realization of the several esteemed disciples, including Lord Absolute Truth. The Avadhuta Gita contains this (the sixth incarnation of Lord Vishnu), knowledge in its purest form. Patanjali (the author of the Yoga Sutras) and the thousand-armed Kartaveerya Arjuna, the king of the Lord Dattatreya’s primary teaching was God- Yadus. The Purana (qÉÉMüÉïhQåûrÉ mÉÑUÉhÉ) consciousness. One must eternally strive to achieve it. Until one realizes God and becomes one in God- states that Lord Dattatreya taught Patanjali the Dharma Sandesh Volume 6 Issue 1 Jun2014-Aug2014 Page-7 consciousness, one must not give up, one must not stop, or break one’s efforts in this path of realization. Special Puja by all 2014 Graduates There should not be any doubt about the divinity of the Supreme Spirit. Faith and true knowledge are the A Special Puja for the 2014 graduates of our community will be held on Sunday, July 6, 2014 at means to achieving this realization. 10:00 am at the Mandir. All the graduates (High School, College & Professional Schools) are invited The primary tenets of the Dattatreya tradition thus are: to join. Please call Chitra Chauhan ph. (845)238- 1. Everyone should know oneself first and one 1800 or Bhautika Patel ph. (914)443-4639, if you plan should know one’s reality, which is to participate. If any Graduate cannot participate, their Paramatman / Brahman. parents can sit for the Puja. A Puja Thali will be 2. One should realize the relationship between reserved for them. Please pass the word around. God, man and creation, and the underlying General Body Meeting kinship, unity and oneness of these three The General Body Meeting of the India Temple entities. Brahman is immanent and the all- Foundation, Inc. will be held on Sunday, July 6, 2014 pervading reality in all matter. It is the origin, after the . The Annual Report of the activities support and sustenance of all. of the Foundation will be presented for approval. Election for the seats on the Board of Directors will 3. To obtain this vision and discern this Truth, be held. one should conquer one’s ego through Yoga and renunciation. 4. The Guru’s grace is indispensable. One has to Some Upcoming Special Mandir Events surrender oneself totally and unreservedly at Akhand Saturday, June 28 to the feet of the Guru. His grace awakens Jnana Paath Sunday, June 29 (¥ÉÉlÉ - knowledge) by which one can Puja by all graduates Sunday, July 6 recognize the reality of Brahman, which is the real Self of all beings. Sri Guru Purnima Saturday, July 12

In addition, one should: Sri Vara-Maha- Friday, August 8 1. Have purity of thought, word and deed. Lakshmi Vratam 2. Chant the Lord’s name and meditate on it. Raksha Bandhan Sunday, August 10 3. Have and love for all beings. 4. Render selfless service at the feet of the Guru Sri Krishna Sunday, August 17 and surrender completely and unconditionally. Janmashtami Nand Mahotsav Sunday, August 24 In the Srimad Purana (´ÉÏqÉSè pÉÉaÉuÉiÉ mÉÔUÉhÉ), Sri Ganesh Chaturthi Friday, August 29 the Supreme Lord Krishna (´ÉÏ M×üwhÉ) narrates the above to His disciple (E®uÉ). The primary teaching that arises from this discourse is God- Mrs. Reeta and Mr. Rakesh Patel have generously sponsored the printing of copies of this issue of consciousness. One must always fix his mind on God, Dharma Sandesh. Devotees may note that all the meditate on Brahman, and not let anything or anyone writing of the content and the editing of the newsletter lead him astray from that path. One should be are strictly voluntary. completely detached from all worldly things and this physical body. Such a man is truly liberated and truly Our quarterly newsletter is called “Dharma happy. Jai Guru Datta!! eÉrÉ aÉÑ SåuÉ S¨É !! Sandesh” (kÉqÉïxÉlSåzÉ). “Dharma”, in simple terms, refers to righteousness, conduct, a sense of Sources: Upanishad, Sri Markandeya duty, virtue, and the ultimate truth. “Sandesh” Purana, Sri Guru Charitra. means a message or news. So, Dharma Sandesh refers to a message of Dharma. This article has appeared in Dharma Sandesh before. Dharma Sandesh Newsletter Editorial Board: Dr. Narasim Banavara Dr. Padma Sundaram Contributed by Dr. Narasim Banavara Dharma Sandesh Volume 6 Issue 1 Jun2014-Aug2014 Page-8