we cannot have any choice to dissociate from them or to love them less

आचार्यो ब्रह्मणो मुर्तिः पिता मूर्तिः प्रजापतेः।

माता पृथिव्या मुर्तिस्तु भ्राता सो मूर्तिरात्नमनः॥

मनुस्मृत्याम् २-२२६

ācāryo brahmaṇo murtiḥ pitā mūrtiḥ prajāpateḥ|

mātā pṛthivyā murtistu bhrātā so mūrtirātnamanaḥ||

manusmṛtyām 2-226

The preceptor or Guru is Brahma himself in person

Father is Prajapathi in person

Mother is the earth in person

and

The brother is just oneself in a different body..

This quote is found in some versions of Manusmriti.. And there is a claim too that this is not part of Manusmriti, but it is a prakshipta verse.. or interpolated verse..

Whether it is part of any smriti or not, the message conveyed is poignant..

The Guru is supreme like the ultimate deity himself.. We cannot think of challenging or disobeying the guru

Father is the one who made us what we are.. We simply grew from him.. So he is our maker, the Prajapathi.. The idea needs no elucidation

Mother is like earth.. patience, love, and eagerness to help and nurture even at the cost to herself..

And the brother.. he is just a second version of ourselves..

The message is... we cannot have any choice to dissociate from them or to love them less..

people of sterling character would not get affected seriously by the association

विकृतिं नैव गच्छन्ति सङ्गदोषेण साधवः।

अवेष्टितं महासर्पैः चन्दनं न विषायते॥

सुभाषितरत्नभाण्डागारे

vikṛtiṁ naiva gacchanti saṅgadoṣeṇa sādhavaḥ|

aveṣṭitaṁ mahāsarpaiḥ candanaṁ na viṣāyate|

subhāṣitaratnabhāṇḍāgāre

Materials of genuine quality would not get contaminated or eroded easily.

Just like that people of sterling character would not get affected seriously by the company they keep..

I am talking of people of real quality. And such people are indeed rare.. The general idea that a man can be measured by the company he keeps would apply to the majority. and we are the majority..

The subhashitam quoted above deals with exceptionally great and noble people.

The meaning is --

The noble and virtuous people do not veer towards evil tendencies even if they are in the company of people with evil propensities. A venomous serpent may coil around the trunk of a sandalwood tree. But the Sandal extract would never get poisonous.

Analysis

साधवः noble souls

सङ्गदोषेण because of bad or evil association, company

विकृतिं tendency to do wrong things,

न गच्छन्ति एव indeed do not attain, do not proceed to

महासर्पैः by enormously venomous snakes

आवेष्टितं covered, encircles चन्दनं विषायते न sandalwood does not become poisonous

Padma Prabhodaaya

In the celebrated Aditya Hridayam.. mantra in the Yuddhakandam of Valmikiramayanam, an epithet Padma Prabhodaaya is used to praise the Sun,,

There was a discussion on that epithet elsewhere..

I extract my own reply in that discussion

___________________________________________

"it is not पद्मप्रभोदाय but पद्मप्रबोधाय meaning the one who awakens the lotus from its sleep...

Bhagavan Aditya or the Sun, sending his gentle, tepid morning rays, just makes the lotus bloom..

Of course the word may be having hidden meanings like awakening the seven lotuses in our Sushumna.. Mooladhara, Swadhistaana, Manipura, Anaahata, Vishuddhi, Ajna, and Sahasraara padmaas.."

have mercy on readers

Verses and hymns in Sanskrit are usuallyvery simple and elegant..

And in the normal course they are amenable to simple and fine translations..

I think it is easy to present them in very simple words in any otherlanguage too..

Nevertheless it takes a lot, really a lot, of effort and plodding along like a donkey carrying weight for a whole life to transliterate such great pieces even very badly, and to translate them even in an uglier way ,

and present it to all with the sole result that reading such crap would divest the readers of all their love for the language, the verse and maybe the deity in whose honour the verse was composed by the original and now hapless author..

How many times Shankara, Ramanuja and others would have turned in the graves !

Anyway we achieve that very effectively and precisely too..

God bless us and the readers too.

About dedicating everything one does to God

About dedicating everything one does to God

Narayanaaya iti samarpayaami

नारायणायेति समर्पयामि

That idea is multi dimensional.

The physical mental and intellectual faculties that put us in action are provided by Him.. at least the devotee thinks so.

So the finished product created through such acton is just reconveyed in His favour.

It is just repayment of some loan taken.

It is not our gift or benevolence to Him

Nonviolence and Truth or honesty.

द्वावेव कथितौ सद्भिः पन्थानौ वदतां वर।

अहिंसा चैव सत्यं च यत्र धर्मः प्रतिष्ठितः॥

इन्दिश्चे स्प्रूचे ३०१५ ४२२८ रामायणे

dvāveva kathitau sadbhiḥ panthānau vadatāṁ vara|

ahiṁsā caiva satyaṁ ca yatra dharmaḥ pratiṣṭhitaḥ||

indiśce sprūce 3015 (4228) rāmāyaṇe

Kausalya tells Dasaratha.. “Oh my Lord, the best among learned men, There are only two paths or highways leading to the destination where righteousness rules. These are the paths of Nonviolence and Truth or honesty.”

this life material just changes bodies like worn out garments and appear again in new clothes

I am inclined to believe the idea found reiterated in HInduism that our existence is not restricted to the period between the birth and death. even without any direct proof...

Rather, like the blessed lord said in Gita, this life material just changes bodies like worn out garments and appear again in new clothes..

The varied stages of growth and maturity in mind and physique we discover among us cannot be explained in any other way..

वासांसि जीर्णानि यथा विहाय

नवानि गृह्णाति नरोऽपराणि ।

तथा शरीराणि विहाय जीर्णा-

न्यन्यानि संयाति नवानि देही ।।२२।।

भगवत् गीता अध्यायः २ साङ्ख्ययोगः

they put such advices in practice in their own lives

When Ramakrishna Paramahamsa

or

Mahatma Gandhi

felt that they should give some advice to the people

the first thing they did, as their biographies reveal,

is that they put such advices in practice in their own lives,

and

convinced themselves about the efficacy of such principles..

What about the social media  shares, social media  pictures, and social media gurus ?

a mass of grass is to be considered more noble and worthy than a man who is of no use to society

 

तृणाञ्चाहं वरं मन्ये नरादनुपकारिणः।

घासो भूत्वा पशून्पाति भीरून्पाति रणाङ्कणे॥

Shargadhara paddhati

tṛṇāñcāhaṁ varaṁ manye narādanupakāriṇaḥ|

ghāso bhūtvā paśūnpāti bhīrūnpāti raṇāṅkaṇe||

Even a mass of grass is to be considered more noble and worthy than a man who is of no use to society and who has no mind to be of any service. The grass being fodder to cattle, keeps the animals alive, and timid soldiers camouflage or hide behind grass and escape from enemies in a battle.

It is another fact that the author in this slokam gives a left handed compliment to soldiers who try to hide from battle..

തൃണാഞ്ചാഹം വരം മന്യേ നരാദനുപകാരിണഃ।

ഘാസോ ഭൂത്വാ പശൂന്‍പാതി ഭീരൂന്‍പാതി രണാങ്കണേ॥

ശാര്‍ന്ഗധരപദ്ധതി

ആര്‍ക്കും ഒരു ഉപയോഗവും ഇല്ലാത്തവരോ ആരെയും ഇത്തിരിയെങ്കിലും സഹായിക്കാന്‍ മനസ്സില്ലാത്തവരോ ആയ മനുഷ്യരേക്കാള്‍ എത്രയോ ശ്രേഷ്ടങ്ങളാണ് പുല്‍കൂട്ടങ്ങള്‍. പുല്ല് കന്നുകാലികള്‍ക്ക് തീറ്റയായി അവയുടെ ജീവന്‍ നിലനിര്‍ത്തി രക്ഷിക്കുന്നു. പുല്‍കൂട്ടങ്ങള്‍ പേടിത്തൊണ്ടന്മാരായ സൈനികര്‍ക്ക് ഒളിഞ്ഞും മറഞ്ഞും യുദ്ധത്തില്‍ നിന്ന് രക്ഷപ്പെടാനുള്ള മാര്‍ഗ്ഗമായും മാറുന്നു.

പട പേടിച്ചു ഓടിയൊളിക്കുന്ന ആളുകള്‍ക്ക് കവി ഒരു ചെറിയ കൊട്ടും കൊടുക്കുന്നുണ്ട് ഈ ശ്ലോകത്തില്‍‍

do not try to correct the two legged cattles with Gunas or virtues

द्विचरणपशुषु भ्रातर्मा दर्शय गुणानेतान्।

पशवोऽन्ये गुणसाध्याः खादन्त्येते गुणान्येव॥

इन्दिश्चे स्प्रूचे ३०१७४२२९ कवितामृतकूपे

dvicaraṇapaśuṣu bhrātarmā darśaya guṇānetān|

paśavo'nye guṇasādhyāḥ khādantyete guṇānyeva||

indiśce sprūce 3017(4229) kavitāmṛtakūpe

This advice from Kavitaamrutha koopam could be understood and appreciated only if we understand that the गुण is used or applied with two meanings, in different context. Guna means the good qualities, merits, advantages etc. Guna means a thick rope that could tie and pack things tightly ( Maybe rope is called Guna because of its utilitarian value.. )

Here, the poet tells the earnest reader that it is a futile attempt to try to convince by bestowing great attention and generosity, and by trying to inclucate good qualities and correct the path of a wayward man who is not much better than a cattle with two legs. Gunas or ropes would work better with other beings in the category of cattles. Cattles other than the two-legged ones could be tied and kept in control using the Gunas or ropes. But men, who happen to be not much better than cattle, if you try to restrain and discipline with the rope of great virtues and qualities, they will just gnaw at the controls, break them and return to their indisciplined ways.

Oh brother, do not try to correct the two legged cattles with Gunas or virtues. They will resisist control and break the rules. Gunas or ropes would work effectively on other cattle with four legs.

Of course the statement is bitterly sarcastic. But cannot disagree entirely.

K V ANANTHANARAYANAN

भ्रात brother द्वि two चरण feet पशुषु cattle ( to cattle with two feet, men) एतान् these गुणान् virtues, good habits मा do not दर्शय show अन्ये other पशवः cattle गुण by virtues, by ropes in the case of cattles… गुण in Sanskrit means good virtue, good conduct and it also means a thick rope that would tie cattles etc. साध्याः capable of being controlled, capable of being put in place, capable of being satisfied एते (द्विचरण पशवः) these two legged cattle गुणानि एव even the ropes खादन्ति would gnaw like a rat and destroy it.

Rama would have no opportunity to give gifts to the same person for the second time

द्विः शरं नैव संधत्ते द्विः स्थापयति नाश्रितान्।

द्विर्ददाति न चार्थिभ्यो रामो द्विर्नैव भाषते॥

इन्दिस्चे स्प्रूचे ३०२४ १२८० महानाटके

dviḥ śaraṁ naiva saṁdhatte dviḥ sthāpayati nāśritān|

dvirdadāti na cārthibhyo rāmo dvirnaiva bhāṣate||

indisce sprūce 3024 (1280) mahānāṭake

Rama would not, and would have no occasion to train his arrows on the same target, because he would have finished off the enemies with the first hit

Rama, would give no chance for those depend on him to have desires and entreaties in their heart because he would have fulfilled them even as such desires arose.

Rama would have no opportunity to give gifts to the same person for the second time because the first munificient gift from the Lord would have fulfilled all that the received would have wanted.

Rama would not utter a word second time because the words uttered by Him for the first time would be so clear, definite, determined and final. No double talks at all.

( A quote from Mahanatakam.. a traditional drama based on Ramayanam… the authorship of this Drama is attributed to Lord Hanuman himself.)

K V ANANTHANARAYANAN

The process of writing Ramaynam starts ..13

The process of writing Ramaynam starts ..13

(This is the 14th post in a series dealing with the story of Valmiki Ramayanam.. The link for the earlier post is given at the bottom.

The story up to the stage of Hanuman entering the city of Lanka has already been given in the earlier posts.)

Hanuman makes his entry into the city of Lanka.

He was impressed to the core by the grandeur of the city.

He felt very happy having arrived at such a beautiful place, and the sights around was a treat to his eyes.

But the thought about his mission actually worried him a little.

The fortification and security arrangements he encountered were so perfect and posed a stiff challenge to any intruder or trespasser.

He was really perplexed a little as to how he could succeed in piercing the security cordon erected by the demons and manage to meet Sita, who must be in captivity under the highest order of secrecy.

As he was treading his lonely path with measured steps , engrossed in deep contemplation, the moon rose.

And just as he entered and walked into the magnificient city, his apprehensions about the difficulties in overcoming the security bothered him all the more.

He saw sentries and soldiers doing the rounds all along the streets, with outstretched weapons like daggers, swords and maces all ready to strike at moment’s notice.

He thought to himself , “only a handful out of the best among the monkeys, Sugriva the king, Angada, the prince, Hanuman himself, and his colleagues, Jambavan, the boar, Kumuda, Sushena, Mainda, Dvividha, Kushaparva and Kethumala, could , if at all ‘ enter the city and attempt an ambush and lay siege on the city, if a battle arose..

The only encouraging feature was that once the entry was effected, the greatest of the archers, Rama and Lakshmana too could enter not far behind, and finish off the victorious job and redeem Sita and the honour of the Solar race and the monkey clan..

The thought of the valour of his colleagues and the princes Rama and Lakshmana, propped up the self confidence of Hanuman and lifted his mood.

Even in the moonlit night, lanka shone as if it was still day light..

The large multi-storeyed mansioned all aroud , decorated with gold, gems and bright stones, were all lighted up for the early night, and the city was as sweet and gay as any city could be..

it resembled the city of Bhogavathi, the abode of Nagas.

And, as Hanuman was making a stealthy entry in the city, the City of Lanka herself ( Lanka Shree or Lanka Laksmi or Lankini) spotted him and appeared before him.

The presideing deity of Lanka, protected by Ravana, assumed a grotesque form meant to threaten Hanuman and stationed herself in front of the monkey Hanuman, the worthy son of the wind god.

She produced a wild, harsh and loud cry and asked Hanuman,

“You wretched d weller of the forest, who are you? Why have you sneaked into my city? Answer me immediately and anyway before your body and life part company of each other.. Take notice that this city of Lanka is under the ptotection and control of Ravana, the great..’

Hanuma Replied

“ Madam, why are you standing on my way showing that ugly face of yours, and why are you shouting at the top of your voice? Pray tell me..”

The lady replied.

“ I am the guardian deity of the city of Lanka..

You can consider me as the city of Lanka itself in this human form.

I am working under the orders and directions of great Ravana.

My duty is to protect this city.

No one is capable of conquering me.

Mind you, you silly monkey, you cannot enter this city ignoring me.

If you make a further step ahead, I shall kill you, and your dead body would be sleeping for ever seeing deathly dreams. “

Hanuman was not impressed by the form of the Lady, nor her shouts and references about Ravana. He just stood there impassively like a solid rock.

And he responded to her in a matter of fact tone..

‘Madam, I am a small monkey. I stayed into this island and while wandering around, saw this beautiful city. I just wanted to stroll around enjoying the attractive environment and architecture. It is just my curiosity.. I shall just go away after spending some time here.”

By now the demoness Lanka was seething with rage. She retorted in a harsh voice.

“ You wicked monkey, do you expect to enter this city on your sight seeing spree, ignoring my warning ? This place is protected by Ravana and his orders are clear..

You cannot enter without defeating me. And that is an impossibility..’

Hanuman replied..

“ Madam, why are you so worked up? I have not come here to take permanent residence.. I shall just look around and then leave without making any fuss..’‘

The patience of Lankini ( the lady ) has hit a rock bottom by now.

She stretched her right palm fully flat and gave Hanuman a very heavy thrash.

The impact of the flat palm did not give much pain to Hanuman, but the entire episode had angered and irritated him beyond tolerance levels.

He just held together his left fingers and thumb pressed into the palm making a tight fist, and delivered a mighty punch on the face of the demoness..

In fact Hanuman had eschewed greater violence just because he knew his antagonist was a lady..

Lankini caught the punch on her face and her ugly face and body shook violently and writhing in agony she fell on the ground motionless.

Hanuman was filled with remorse and pity..

He was indeed very sad that he caused agony to a lady, even though that lady was a wicked demoness.

However, the lady came to her senses after some time, and rose and stood up before Hanuman, and told him in a sumbissive and and friendly tone.

“ Oh, the Valiant one, may you be pleased on me. May you be pleased to grand protection for me.

Oh Hanuman, you are indeed great.

I am the city of Lanka and I have been conquered by your valour.

I have been under the control of Ravana under captivity.

A boon has been granted to me by Brahmadeva. that a valiant monkey would come to my city and

I would be beaten.. That was the day for my freedom..

And it has been further informed by Brahmadeva that when I get beaten by that monkey, it was the sign that the destruction for Ravana and his clan was imminent.

That day has arrived.

The doom fo r Ravana and his people is just a call away.

Hanuman, you can now enter the city of Lanka and do whatever you deem fit and proper.. I am sure you will do things that are for the benefit of Rama and Sita..”

Saying this the LankaSri took leave of Hanuman and left.. and along with her the fortune of Ravana too must have left him..

The story will continue next day.. God willing..

You have to interpret things in the proper context

Upanishads say you are Brahman because the inner core within you is occupied by that supreme one, it is of same brahman material. 

This need not make you arrogant in a physical or material sense. 

You have to interpret things in the proper context.

Many godmen cheat us by spelling out platitudes.

You cannot swallow a sharp knife made of pure iron saying that iron is the most essential ingredient in haemoglobin which is your life blood.

We have to be realistic.

distinctive priorities

 

वस्त्रमुख्यमलङ्कारं घृतमुख्यन्तु भोजनम्।

गुणमुख्यन्तु नारीणां विद्या मुख्यस्तु पण्डितः॥ ३३

नीतिसारे॥

vastramukhyamalaṅkāraṁ ghṛtamukhyantu bhojanam|

guṇamukhyantu nārīṇāṁ vidyā mukhyastu paṇḍitaḥ|| 33

nītisāre||

Even though there are many materials used for make up that projects a person at his best, the choice of clothes is the most important

In a full meal, there are many dishes and delicacies, but pure and nice ghee is the most important and distinctive feature of a meal.

For a lady, the best distinguishing feature is her nice character.

And for a scholar, his level of education and knowledge are the vital features

വസ്ത്രമുഖ്യമലങ്കാരം ഘൃതമുഖ്യന്തു ഭോജനം।

ഗുണമുഖ്യന്തു നാരീണാം വിദ്യാ മുഖ്യസ്തു പണ്ഡിതഃ॥ ൩൩

നീതിസാരേ॥

ഒരാള്‍ക്ക്‌ അണിഞ്ഞൊരുങ്ങാന്‍ പല സാധനങ്ങളും ഉണ്ടെങ്കിലും നല്ല വസ്ത്രങ്ങള്‍ ആയിരിക്കും അയാളെ ഏറ്റവും ആകര്‍ഷണീയനാക്കുന്നത്.

ഒരു ഊണിനു എത്രയധികം വിഭവങ്ങള്‍ ഉണ്ടെങ്കിലും നല്ല നറുനെയ്യ് വിളമ്പിയാലേ ഊണ് ഊണാവുകയുള്ളൂ

ഒരു വനിതയ്ക്ക് അവരുടെ ഗുണങ്ങളാണ് ഏറ്റവും പ്രധാനം

ഒരു പണ്ഡിതന്നാകട്ടെ അദ്ദേഹത്തിന്റെ പഠിപ്പും അറിവുമാണ് അദ്ദേഹത്തെ മുന്‍നിരയില്‍ നിൽക്കാന്‍ സഹായിക്കുന്ന പ്രധാന ഘടകങ്ങള്‍.