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.

the salt water flowing from the eye is of no use to anyone.,so also the air that escapes the mouth by way of words

 

We should definitely share any food prepared at home with the housemaid or worker, and that too in a dignified way.

In some Brahmin households of the old, before giving dosa for the veettuvelaiikari, the mami would roll the food over sandy floor-thinking that the velakkari should not get the same standard of food.. Let such mindset die..

The heart should move and the hands should give... the salt water flowing from the eye is of no use to anyone.,so also the air that escapes the mouth by way of words.

I am saying precisely that in a more sharp way.. I know a substantial number among us will only shed Crocodile's tear.. In Palakkad from old times onward, the rice and side dishes preapared at home would be given to the housemaid in part.. she would take the things home..If some children come along with her, they would be given food at home itself.. these were all unwritten rules.. Even the vaticha kanji and kazuneer would be poured to some old attukkal placed in front of the house so that stray cows can take that food..

The namboothiri illams were even more noble.. Usually before closing the padippura for the night, the senior Karanavar would come out and ask.. athazha pashnikkaarundo? അത്താഴപഷ്ണിക്കാരുണ്ടോ anyone starving without taking nigh food outside.. and it was considered a duty that no one should be present around the household with a starving tummy.

The process of writing Ramayanam starts….12

The process of writing Ramayanam starts….12

The story of Valmiki Ramayanam till Hanuman landed up in the Shores of the Island of Lanka was discussed yesterday.. The link to the post is given at the bottom of this post

Story continued..

As his flight to Lanka reached its last lap, the Trikoota Ranges, the green forests, the beautiful valleys, the rivers and rivulets fron the ma

inland of the island flowing towards the sea , all became visible for Hanuman.

Hanuman reminded himself that he was on a mission as a one man army.. and the mission was very hazardous and sensitive too.

His activities in Lanka, inclusing discovery of Sita and reconnaissance for strategic defence locations in the Rakshasa city were of vital importance in chalking out further course of action for Rama, Sugriva and the army of monkeys.

He had alredy stretched his own body to a gigantic size to suit the strenous flight of one hundred Yojanas over the southern seas..

However he knew that if he entered the city of Lanka in that shape, he would be immediately spotted and whatever be his size and strength he could be easily captured by the armed forces of Ravana in his own place.

And sure, getting captured by the enemy was the last item in the agenda of the monkey..

Of course, Hanuman was a very brilliant strategist, and his resourcefulness was beyond any limits in any situation..

So he told himself that he could assume some camouflague and manage to make entry into the fortress at the right time and sezing the right opportunity.

Then Hanuman first reduced his own size to normal levels, stationed himself at some vantage position atop the Trikuta Ranges from where he could get a panoramic view of the entire island, and made a very keen visual assessment of the entire locality.

The island and the city in its midst looked splendid indeed. Ravanas capital city was build atop the Trikoota Ranges..

The city was planned and constructed by the architect of the Gods, Vishvakarma.

The city just gave the impression as if it were just another Amaravathi.. the present city of the God of treasures, Kubera ( In fact this lanka was once occupied by Kubera and Ravana, his step brother had driven him away, captured it, and occupied it too with all his forces).

As Hanuman was jumping aroud, the greens with thick foliage, the creepers and shrubs, all laden with flowers, shook at his footfall, and the shower of flowers fell on his entire body..

It looked as if Lanka was welcoming him with shower of sweet scented flowers.

And once his interest in the adventure has been kindled, Hanuman forgot all his fatigue..

He had undertaken a strenous flight over the sea, facing so many vicissitudes.

But no signs of tiredness were visible in him.. and he was even wondering to himself that there was not trace of weakness could be found in himself.

Standing erect but concealed at the top of Trikuta mountain Hanuman made a survey of the city of Lanka with its fortresses, mansions, ramparts, roads and lanes, gardens and bowers..

The attractive flora and fauna of the locality too did not escape his attentive gaze.

Ravana by nature was an aggressive chieftain of the demons..

Therefore he expected attacks from all directions at any time. So his security arrangements were very thorough..

And when he abducted Sita, he knew that he was locking horns with one of the greatest warriors of all time, Rama, and therefore he had beefed up his defence fortifications too.

Hanuman, the brilliant military analyst, could easily understand that the defence of Lanka was almost impregnable..

It would have been a tall order for the princes Rama and Lakshmana and the monkey army even to reach the side of the sea where Lanks is located, after negotiating the vast expanse of sea intervening right from the mainland of India located in the North..

In Hanuman's assessment only Sugriva, Angada, Neela and Hanuman himself were capable of jumping over such a large distance and reaching Lanka.

And considering the military strength of Ravana, and the architecture and strtegic location of the fort, even these four might not succeed in entering the city..

Even if they entered, just four monkeys stood no chance in a combat with a huge army of Rakshasas.

Then he told himself that the first priority for him at athat point would be to manage to meet Sita and have a one to one talk with her..

He should also manage to cover as much area he could in the city in a reconnaissance spree, to assess the location of persons, and resources that could be attacked and conquered if an when the war took place..

The first point to be scored at that time was to gain ingress into the city.

At the same time, Hanuman cautioned himself that he should not act with excessive enthusiasm that would give way to errors..

He was all alone..

And His mission was the last hope for recovery of Sita..

If he faltered, everything would be lost..

There wwere no back up plans..

Even the best among people when they are alone and left fending for themselves in such a lonely state were prone to err..

He must enter Lanka and meet Sita.. But he should not permit himself to be discovered by the guards of Ravana..

If they saw him, they might torture him to the confession that he had come from Rama, and once that was discovered, Ravana would not hesitate to kill him and perhaps Sita too..

If that happened, that would be the end of all plans..

The dusk was fast approaching..

Hanuman waited for the Sun to set .

He knew he could not enter the city in his normal size and go unnotices..

So he assumed the size of a thin, hungry monkey, the size of a cat, ostensibly running around the streets of lanka searching for some food.. or out of monkeyish curiosity.

Accordingly as the night fell, Hanuman, assuming the size of a small emaciated cat made his entry into Lanka.. indeed a big leap of success in his mission Discovery of Sita..

=====

The adventures of Hanuman inside the city of Lanka could be discussed during subsequent posts, god willing..

This is the 12 th in a series of posts on Ramayanam..

Uncertainty seems to be the only certainty.

Just like in any other issue, you are talking about known laws of physics.

But just think, there are too many unknown laws of physic, and unknown laws of life in general.

To assert anything either way without having full idea or knowledge of the issue is wrong whether it is in assent or in dissent..

For example we can hear only sound having freqeuncy between 20 and 20000 Hz..

Does it mean there are no vibrations above or below..

Even in a regimented and limited field of study like physics, there are more unanswered questions than which are answered, and even among answered issue there is practically nothing that is beyond doubt. Many things which look right at micro level are proved wrong at macro level and vice versa. Uncertainty seems to be the only certainty.

Therefore, claiming veracity or otherwise merely on the basis of known laws of physics, does it make any sense?

I too happen to be a Master degree holder in applied physics.. degree acquired in 1976. But that looks nonsense after 46 years of living afterwards.

Certain prohibited food items.

 

Certain prohibited food items.

Excerpts from SmritimuktAphalam or Vaidyanatha Deekshiteeyam.

This text is considered as the most authentic digest on Smriti..

and the author has quoted from all possible authorities|

Sage and Lawmaker AngiraH says

आङ्गिरः

द्विविधं गर्हितं प्रोक्तं नित्यमन्नं मनीषिभिः।

जातितो गर्हितं चैव तथैवाश्रयगर्हितम्॥

लशुनादिकमन्नं यत्तत्ज्ञेयं जातिगर्हितम्।

अभोज्यानां विजानीयात् अन्नमाश्रितगर्हितम्॥

āṅgiraḥ

dvividhaṁ garhitaṁ proktaṁ nityamannaṁ manīṣibhiḥ|

jātito garhitaṁ caiva tathaivāśrayagarhitam||

laśunādikamannaṁ yattatjñeyaṁ jātigarhitam|

abhojyānāṁ vijānīyāt annamāśritagarhitam||

Sage and Lawmaker AngiraH says

There are two types of Annam or food which are treated as of polluted nature and disapproved by all on all occasions. Some foods are prohibited by their origin and growth and some others are prohibited because of the proximity or touch of some prohibited entities.

When annam or food contains ingredients like ONION, then that food is Jaatigarhita.. or are polluted by their origin itself.

When food is not expected to be taken with or in mixture with or in the vicinity of some entities, such food is termed as polluted by contact.

Smriti Ratna says

स्मृतिरत्ने

लशुनं गृंजनं चैव पलण्डुक वकादि च।

वार्ताकनालिकालंबु ह्यवेयाज्जाति दूषितम्।

smṛtiratne

laśunaṁ gṛṁjanaṁ caiva palaṇḍuka vakādi ca|

vārtākanālikālaṁbu hyaveyājjāti dūṣitam|

Smriti Ratna says

Garlic, Poppy or Ganja plant and leaves, Onion, Mushrooms, Egg plant (Kattirikkaai), the stems of plants growing in water and dirt, are all polluted by their origin or birth.. and they are to be avoided.

मनुस्मृत्यां ५- ५

लशुनं गृंजनं चैव पलण्डुकवकादि च

अभक्ष्याणि द्विजातीनां अमेध्यप्रभवानि च॥

manusmṛtyāṁ 5- 5

laśunaṁ gṛṁjanaṁ caiva palaṇḍukavakādi ca

abhkṣyāṇi dvijātīnāṁ amedhyaprabhavāni ca||

Manusmriti in Chapter 5 sloka 5 says that

Garlic, Ganja, Onion and Mushrooms are not eatable and are not to be eaten by the twice born.

They should not eat things which originate from polluted environs.. like being nurtured by Excreta..Amedhyam

लशुनं सूक्ष्मं श्वेतकन्दनालम्। गृंजनं शाकविशेषः॥पलाण्डुः स्थूलकन्धो लशुनाविशेषः॥

Vaidyanatha Deekshita explains what Lashunam etc as..

laśunaṁ sūkṣmaṁ śvetakandanālam| gṛṁjanaṁ śākaviśeṣaḥ|palāṇḍuḥ sthūlakandho laśunāviśeṣaḥ||

kavakaḥ bhūmau chatrādyākāreṇa utpannam||वकः भूमौ छत्राद्याकारेण उत्पन्नम्॥

Vaidyanatha Deekshita explains what Lashunam etc as..

Lashunam is the plant with white small sized layers.. Garlic

Grinjanam is a type of plant ( called Ganja)..

Palandu is the plant with white fat sized layers..

KavakaH is the thing that grows from the earth in the shapes of umbrella etc.

वैद्यनाथदीक्षितीये स्मृतिमुक्ताफले आह्निककाण्डे॥

From Vaidyanatha Deekshita’s Smritimuthaphalam aahnika Khandam

manusmṛtyāṁ 5- 5

vande guruparamparām

सदाशिवसमारम्भाम् शङ्कराचार्य मध्यमाम्।

अस्मदाचार्य पर्यन्ताम् वन्दे गुरुपरम्पराम्॥

sadāśivasamārambhām śaṅkarācārya madhyamām|

asmadācārya paryantām vande guruparamparām||

Pranams to that hallowed line of Gurus of mine.. Starting with Lord Sadashiva.. that Almighty Shankara Himself, 

and progressing through 

Acharya Bhagavatpada Shankara 

and 

at present being hallowed by the 

Sri Sri Sri Mahasannidhanam 

and 

Sri Sri Sri Sannidhanam of Shringeri..

Sree Gurubhyo NamaH 

Sree Gurubhyo NamaH 

Sree Gurubhyo NamaH

Yogavasishtam is doubtlessly one of the greatest works on Vedanta.

The great treatise yogavasishtam even though not part of valmikiramayanam is

a prime philosophical work of supreme value and fame comprises of spiritual lessons imparted by sage Vasishta to Rama.

The authorship of yogavasishtam too is attributed to  Maharshi Valmiki.

True, Visvamitra trained Rama substantially in archery ..

and later on Agastya too did his mite ..

However, it was sage Vasishta who was the guru and teacher for the four boys following the tradition from the earlier generations.

And Yogavasishtam is doubtlessly one of the greatest works on Vedanta.. finding its place of honour along with Upanishads, Geetha, Brahmasutram, ( called the prasthaanatrayam)

The process of writing Ramayanam starts….11

The process of writing Ramayanam starts….11

( This is in continuation of earlier posts in the series on valmiki ramayanam.. the link for the last post is given at the bottom of this … and earlier links could be found in the respective earlier posts..)

The story of Hanuman’s journey to wards Lanka, continues..

After taking leave of Surasa, the Nagamata, Hanumanji rose again to a comfortable height in the sky over the Southern sears and continued with his navigation towards lanka.

A fierce demoness by name Simhika, was occupying the surface of the sea..

Her way of capturing her prey for her food which were the sky borne beings, was very queer.

She could capture the shadow of anything moving over her in the sky, and the moving object too got trapped..

Then she would capture the moving being by growing to a huge form and opening her wide mouth to swallow the prey..

In fact, the king of Monkeys Sugriva had mentioned about the demonic capturer of the shadows in the mid sea, while discussing the possibilities our search operations in the southern direction.

As Hanuman was happily going ahead with his flight in the company of birds, gandharvas, Vidhyadharas, Stars, and clouds of myriad colours, he suddenly felt a drag, a slight feeling of discomfort at being pulled down to the water level..

He remembered Sugriva’s warning about the Chayagrahi (the capturer of shadow ) monster.

And before long the demoness, who had been starved for a long period, made her appearance and told Hanuman that she was happy that such a huge monkey with all flesh and muscles had come to her grips, while she was waiting exactly for such a windfall..

She grew up, opened her mouth and tried to drag Hanuman through her strong breath..

But Hanuman enlarged himself beyond the size of the mouth as and when demoness started opening her mouth wider and wider Hanuman also puffed up this torso..

This was almost similar to what de did with Surasa the Naga mother, ealier in the flight..

Meanwhile, the clever Hanuman was making a through survey of the contents of the mouth of the demoness.. and had seen the crevice leading to her heart..

So when the demoness was holding her mouth wide open, Hanuman just shrunk himself a little, made a fast move, entered the dirty mouth of the demoness, piereced the fleshy layers inside the throat with his sharp fingers, caught hold of her heart, pulled it and managed to pluck it and jump out..

Once her heart was plucked away the demoness died a painful death and fell plump into the bottom of the ocean..

So Hanuman had passed four tests by the Gods now..

First, his take off from Mahendra Moutain, Second his encounter with mount Mainaka, third his rendezvous with the mother of Nagas Surasa and final and fourth, his victory over the demoness Simhika..

The gods all gathered around him and praised four of his great qualities brought to use in the course of this odyssey.. They told Him,

“ You have come out with flying colours in all the four tests given for you.. your victory over this demoness is all the more praiseworthy..

You best among monkeys, you have the four qualities, boldness, discretion, intelligence and efficiency.. all in great abundance, and you have put such sterling qualities to effective use in your recent encounters..

Our expectation and faith that you will emerge successful in your mission undertaken for the welfare of Rama is greatly reinforced.. May you go ahead and may your mission meet with resounding success”

By this time, the journey had reached almost its last lap.. Looking down, Hanuman could see a beach, thick vegetation and edges of rocks and fortressed on the farther side of the ocean.. He knew that he was about to land himself on the shores of Ravanas land.. the Island of Lanka.

As he progressed, the saw a huge mountain on the shores of Lanka.. the mountain was called Malaya mountain of the south.

Further progress of Hanumanjis mission could be discussed in the next post.. which I expect to publish the next day…God willing..

raw philosophy and practical perception could be at variance

You cannot use raw mud if you want to cook food with a mud pot.. 

You have to make the pot, bake and season it and then only you can use it.. 

There is a lot of difference between physical and chemical states of the materials found in different circumstance and the building blocks for the same materials would not serve the purpose in practical life..

The lack of difference that you point out  between mud and pot made of it would sound good philosophy.. when we make discourses.. 

But in practical terms there can be major issues.

For example Grandmother is a woman, mother is a woman, wife is a woman, sister is a woman, daughter is a woman and grand daughter too is a woman.. there can be colleagues too as woman.. They are all respectable with more or less identical qualities.. Can a man treat all of them in the same way? Similarly can a woman treat all the men of different levels of kinship and acquaintance in the same manner..

Raw philosophy and real life can be quite different.

A jeevanmuktha may see mud and the pot as of same importance.. But most of us are just jeevans... not jeevanmukthas..

The process of writing Ramayanam Starts 15

The process of writing Ramayanam Starts 15

The astute minister of Sugriva, the valiant lieutenant of Sri Rama, Hanuman, jumped over the Southern seas from India to Lanka where the Rakshasa monarch Ravana ruled..

Hanuamas adventurous mission was to search and discover the whereabouts of Mata Sita, whom the Demon Chieftain had abducted.

Surpassing many hurdles, Hanumanji is now stationed near the colony of residential palaces in the city of Lanka where Ravana Himself along with his close kinsmen, generals, ministers and courtiers resided.

The imposing central palace was occupied by Ravana and the other palaces were occupied by his close aides.

The residential colony was under the vigilant and uninterrupted watchful protection of fierce, and really giant sized Rakshasas.

The walls of the buildings were covered with silver sheaths. The main halls and alleys were decorated with gold.. Each house had many rooms, ante rooms, huge halls of various sizes, all well built and well decorated with precious metals, gems, and furnished and upholstered with skins of tiger, lion, deer and other fancy animals.

The armed foot soldiers were backed up by soldiers atop pedigree horses brought in from all parts of the world, and huge elephants too were arrayed in large numbers. It was a round the clock vigil with periodical change of personnel an animals. In addition to this armed guards were patrolling around at regular intervals riding swift chariots..

The signs of supreme affluence and opulence was evident all around. The air was filled with sweet sounds of music emanating from the palaces.. The atmosphere was filled with loud announcements

heralding the victory of the demon king..

Hanuman set out on his mission of reconnaissance with all alacrity.. jumping from one house to another house methodically. He was all alone, away, away from all his kinsmen, but he was bold, no trace of fear affected Him and he went about his job with keen sense of purpose.

Hanumanji started his search from the residence of the demon Prahasta.. He jumped on ahead to the residence of Mahaparshva, Kumbhakarna, Vibheeshana, Mahodara, Viroopaksha, Vidhyujjihva, vidyunmaalee, Vajradamshtra, Shuka, Sarana, Indrajit, Jambumaalee, Sumali, Rashmikethu, Soorya Shatru, Vajrakaya, Dhoomraaksha, Sampaati, Vidyutroopa, Bheema, Ghana, Vighana, Shukanaasa, Vakra, Shata, Vikata, Brhamakarna, Damshtra, Romasha, Yudonmatta, Mattha, Dvajagreeva, Atikaaya, Aksha, Indrajihva, Hastimukha, Akambana, Karala, Pishaacha, Shonitaksha, Pishaacha, Devantaka, Narantaka, Kumbha, Nikumbha, Ugravaktra, Ghora and Ghoraarava

( Hanuman must have been one of the earlier prototypes of census enumerators.. but this enumeration was in secret, in the darkness of the night in a foreign land.. The names can be used even now to name babies especially for the ultramodern parents.)

Hanuman was really amazed to witness the affluent lifestyle of all these kinsmen and lieutenants of Ravana.

Finally the valiant Hanuman reached the huge mansion of Ravana Himself

He found that Rakshasis with deformed and ugly eyes were guarding the place all around and changing guards at regula intervals. They carried all sorts of weapons like spears, darts, bows and arrows, thorny mazes, and so on..

Various army formations were stationed around the Royal Palace. The army consisted of demons carrying all sorts of lethal weapons.

There were hundreds of well bred horses with soldiers atop. There were elephants caparisoned and armoured and ready for combat at very short notice.

And nearer the palace, there were gardens, bowers, and niches of pleasure all attached to the main building.. The halls were well lit and were stocked with rich food and beverages and the plates and utensils were all made of gold and studded with precious gems. And the urns, plates and cups were ever full with food and drinks..

( This is a condensation of the graphic description of Ravanas place, as found in theSundarakandam of Valmiki Ramaynam.. )

The story can continue.. with grace of God.. next day.

The process of writing Ramayanam Starts.- 10

The process of writing Ramayanam Starts.- 10

--------------------------------------

Continued from earlier post ..

राक्षसीतर्जनं चैव छायाग्रहस्य दर्शनम्

सिम्हिकायाश्च निधनं लङ्कामलयदर्शनम्।

रात्रौ लङ्काप्रवेशं च एकस्यापि विचिन्तनम्॥२९

rākṣasītarjanaṁ caiva chāyāgrahasya darśanam

simhikāyāśca nidhanaṁ laṅkāmalayadarśanam|

rātrau laṅkāpraveśaṁ ca ekasyāpi vicintanam||29

The progress in Lord Hanuman’s flight towards Lanka over the southern seas was where we stopped yesterday..

The mountain Mainaka offered hospitality to Hanuman, which the Lord accepted in token by touching the summit of the mountain by his hands and soared up and proceeded towards Lanka..

The gods and other denizens of heaven were watching in great adulation the activities of Hanuman..

They first saw the first glorious feat of Anjaneya in jumping from the Mount Mahendra..

Then they witnessed the second great feat too.. Negotiating the huge mountain Mainaka which rose in his path..

The king of Devas, Indra was pleased with the attitude of Mainaka in offering help to Hanuman..

Therefore, he reassured Mainaka that the mountain need not have any fears about any aggressive attack from indra..

The Gods were impressed by the two feats of valour by Lord Hanuman.. His strength and valour were revealed in abundance through these feats.. But still they were interested in testing his resourcefulness.

So the devas approached Surasa, the daughter of Daksha Prajapathi, and the mother of all the Nagas and requested her to stand in the way of Hanuman taking the form of a huge Rakshasi or demoness, and obstruct his way and test him..

Accordingly the mother of Nagas assumed the form of a demoness and manifested in the middle of the sea, in a huge and awe inspiring form.. with huge read eyes and a wide mouth with curved and crooked teeth..

Just as Hanuman approached her in his onward air-born odyssey, the demoness accosted him and told that he was ordained as the food for her at that moment, and that he should enter her mouth..

Hanuman understood the greatness of the Divine daughter of Daksha and requested her politely allow him to proceed towards Lanka in his mission of discovery of Sita..

He assured her that once his mission was completed, he would return to her and offer himself as food for her..

The demoness Surasa was adamant..

She said that it was the command and boon of the Creator that anyone crossing her presence should enter her mouth as food.. and the law was immutable..

Hanuman was rather upset..

He told her that she should open her mouth wide enough to accommodate his entry..

Surasa opened her mouth as wide as ten yojanas.. and then Anjaneya made himself as large as ten yojanas so that her mouth could not accommodate him…

Then the demoness opened her mouth by a larger width of twenty, thirty, forty, fifty, seventy, eighty ninety yojanas, and hanuman enlarged himself to identical girth so that Surasa’s wide mouth could not accommodate him..

Finally Surasa enlarged her mouth to a width of one hundred yojana..

Hanumanji was clever enough not to carry on with the game any more..

He suddenly reduced his own girth to the size of a thumb , and entered the huge cave-like recess of the mouth of Surasa, and before she could understand the trick played by Hanuman, he just floated back out of that wide mouth.

And floating on the sky outside, the revered monkey lord told Surasa..

‘ My pranams to you, Devi Dakshayani, the mother of Nagas, As commanded by you I have entered your mouth, and has emerged out.. May I be given permission to proceed ahead in furtherance of the duty assigned to me in the service of my Lord Rama.. May I go ahead in search of Sita.. The boon given to you by Brahama about people not going away from you without entering your mouth has been obeyed”

Surasa was pleased with the resourcefulness exhibited by Hanuman.

She assumed her divine form.. and told Hanuman..

“ Son, I am pleased with your resourcefulness..

You may now proceed in furtherance of your mission for the benefit of that great Soul Rama and may you succeed in uniting Rama and Sita the daughter of Videha king Janaka..”

Seeing this act of great wisdom and alacrity on the part of hanuman, the Gods were greatly pleased.

Hope to continue with the story the next day.. if permitted by God..

cleverness counts

 

शोभते विदुषां मध्ये नैव निर्गुण मानसः

अन्तरे तमसां दीपः शोभते न अर्कतेजसाम

shobate vidhushaam madhye naiva nirguna maanasaH

antare tamasaam deepaH shobhate na arkatejasaam

When he lands up among the learned people, the dull minded cannot shine

Awick might produce some light in darkness but it is ineffective in open sunlight..

को अतिभारः समर्थानां किं दूरं व्यवसायिनाम् को विदेशः सविद्यानां कः परः प्रियवादिनाम्

ko athibhaarah samarthaanaam kim dooram vyavasaayinaam ko videshaH savidyaanaam kaH paraH priyavaadinaaM...

Nothing can be excessively heavy to lift for the clever man,

No distance is too long to cover for the really industriosu

No land can look alien or foreign and uncomfortable for the one who is well educated

No human being can be an enemy to the one who takes care to utter only sweet words..

this is also a subhashitam in that series..

fatalism

 

Fatalism  happens not from any basic flaw in the sloka or the content.. 

It is the attitude of the one trying to interpret. Whenever something unpleasant happens to us we always tend to take a psychological retreat by trying to attribute the cause for the difficulty, or adverse situation, to the account of someone else.. 

The presumption that our woes stem from the machinations of others is ill conceived.. 

And the basic idea this slokam try to convey is that.

It is not a message canvassing laziness or abandoning of bona fide efforts on our own part to tide over the situation.

 But when things are out of hands for reasons beyond our control, a word of consolation is offered. That is all.

There will be situations where howsoever best we would try to control a situation, it may go completely out of our hands for no conceivable reason.. 

In such situations it is better to avoid the tendency to put blame on others and console ourselves, on the vagaries of fate, if that thought may be of some relief to us..

If you read in this a message that we should flow along pliantly allowing us to be thrown here and there by the erratic swings  of fate, that is an extreme interpretation. 

Of course each is entitled to his own perception.

bhakthi

 

Bhakti is in the realm of exploring the relation    between the living human being  who is living                  with limitations and the Supreme                 Being with infinite mahima..

However, on some situations, Bhakti, defined and distorted perhaps in many ways, enters the realm of politics, and one strong man or group gets legitimacy to rule over the liberty and possessions of others invoking that religion.

This leads to grave dangers.

A definition of any word is good enough and safe only in the hands of a person who respects orders. Charging with spears or drawn swords calling out diving name of any religion is also given the colour of Bhakti.