Spiritual Blossoms
रामो राजमणिः सदा विजयते रामं रमेशं भजे
रामेणाभिहता निशाचरचमूः रामाय तस्मै नमः ।
रामान्नास्ति परायणंपरतरं रामस्य दासोस्म्यहं
रामे चित्तलयस्सदा भवतु मे भो राम मामुद्धर ॥
Raamo Raja-Mannih Sadaa Vijayate Raamam Ramesham Bhaje
Raamenna-Abhihataa Nishaacara-Camuuh Raamaaya Tasmai Namah|
Raamaan-Naasti Paraayannam-Parataram Raamasya Daasosmy-Aham
Raame Citta-Layas-Sadaa Bhavatu Me Bho Raama Maam-Uddhara ||
Meaning:
I contemplate on Sri Rama, who is the jewel among the kings, who always emerges victorious, and who is the Lord of Sita Devi.
I salute Sri Rama who Destroyed the mighty armies of the demons.
There is no greater refuge than Sri Rama. I am a humble servant of Sri Rama.
Let my mind ever meditate on Rama. O Sri Rama. Kindly grant me salvation.
Hare rama hare rama rama rama hare hare
hare krishna hare krishna krishna krishna hare hare
Lord Hari said to Narada who stood before Him with folded hands, “Go down to Earth and spread the glory of My Divine Name!” Narada remained silent.
The Lord asked him, “What is it son? Why do you hesitate to carry out My command?”
Narada said, “Oh, Lord! I do desire to carry out your command. But the very thought of the atmosphere on Earth sends a shiver down my spine. What if I lose myself in the vagaries of worldly life there?”
Lord Hari assured Narada, “Do not fear. If anything of the kind happens I shall draw you back unto Myself.” Thus assured Narada came down to earth to carry out the command of Lord Hari. 
Leelavati the wife of Varadappa Nayaka, a wealthy Brahmin merchant gave birth to a boy in 1484 at Kshemapura in the Shivamoga district of Karnataka. The baby was named Srinivasa.
He was given good education. At 16 years of age he was married to the pious young girl Saraswati bai. His parents died while he was still young. Well educated and possessing keen business acumen he built up his father’s business of gemstones and pawning: he came to be known as ‘navakoti Narayana’ (one who had earned nine crores)! Srinivasa Nayak was equally known for his tightfistedness. Not a single coin would be dropped in the begging bowl, not a morsel of rice would be offered to Sadhus. His stinginess did not spare even his wife and children.
One day, a poor Brahmin stepped into Srinivasa Nayak’s shop along with his little son. One look at the shabbily clad Brahmin and Srinivasa Nayak pointed to the door. But the Brahmin could not be easily put off! He seemed determined to draw out something from the miser Srinivasa Nayak. He said, “Oh, great dAta! I have come seeking financial assistance from you for the conduct of the holy thread ceremony for my son here.” Srinivasa Nayak’s face flushed with anger on hearing this. But he said calmly, “Oh, Brahmin! Someone has misinformed you. Don’t you know that Srinivasa Nayak does not part with his money for nothing? If you have anything to pawn, bring it here and take its value.”
The Brahmin walked out with his son and went straight to Srinivasa Nayak’s home! Standing at the door he called out, “Oh, Mother!” Hearing the piteous call Saraswati bai rushed to the door. A lustrous, divine Brahmin stood there with a little boy by his side. Looking at the pious and timid lady of the house, the Brahmin said, “Mother! I desire to conduct the holy thread ceremony for my son here. Would you be kind enough to help me?” Saraswati bai stood speechless. She thought ‘oh, divine Brahmin could you not find a better home to seek help?’ But moved by the divine luster of the Brahmin Saraswati bai seemed to suddenly remember the diamond nose ring that had been given to her as a wedding gift by her mother. She thought ‘this diamond nose ring is a gift from my mother and I have the freedom to use it as I like. Offering this to the Brahmin cannot be deemed wrong’.
She, at once, removed the diamond nose ring and offered it to the divine Brahmin. She said, “Oh, Brahmin! Sell this and use the money for your son’s holy thread ceremony.” She, however, cautioned him, “But please do not go to the shop that is down this street.”
Nodding his head and thanking Saraswati bai profusely the mischievous Brahmin went straight to Srinivasa Nayak’s shop!
He now entered Srinivasa Nayak’s shop with his head held high. Srinivasa Nayak looked at the Brahmin and wondered ‘How is this fellow walking in haughtily?’ The Brahmin gave the diamond nose ring to him and said, “Here, take this and give me money.” One look at the nose ring and Srinivasa Nayak’s blood pressure soared high! Locking it in his drawer, he said to the Brahmin, “Stay here. I will be back soon.” He ran out of the shop to his home. A mischievous smile played on the Brahmin’s lips.
“Saraswati!” the loud call sent shivers down the spine of Sarawati bai. Looking at her nose without the diamond nose ring Srinivasa Nayak asked, “Where is your nose ring?”
“Oh, God! Why did that Brahmin go to his shop in spite of my warning?” thought Saraswati bai.
Terribly frightened she tried to hide her act of charity. She said, “I had had an oil bath this morning. I have removed and kept the nose ring inside.”
“Bring it here at once,” commanded the miser.
Saraswati bai ran to Tulasidevi in the backyard. She cried to her, “Oh, Mother! Please save me. I wanted to help that Brahmin and here is my husband demanding the nose ring.” No sooner had she prayed than a diamond nose ring exactly like the one she had offered to the Brahmin fell into her open palm! Tears flowed down her cheeks at the compassion of Tulasidevi. She ran back to her husband and gave him the nose ring. Stunned and confused, Srinivasa Nayak rushed back to his shop with the nose ring. The Brahmin was still there with his little son. Srinivasa Nayak rushed behind the counter and opened the drawer; the nose ring that the Brahmin had given him. was there safe and sound! Both the nose rings looked alike. He looked up and found the Brahmin and the little boy gone! He looked again at the nose ring and an oval shaped light shone there. In it he saw himself as Narada standing in front of Lord Hari and the conversation that had taken place. In a flash everything came up in his memory. He realized that the Brahmin was none other than Lord Hari who had promised to take him unto Himself if he were trapped in the mire of worldliness.
Leaving his palatial home and wealth at once, holding a tamboora in his hand and accompanied by his wife and children he walked out singing the praise of the Lord. In his first composition ‘ana le kara’ (raag shuddha saveri) he bemoans ‘Oh, I have wasted 30 years of my life’. During his wanderings he met with his Guru Sri Vyasa teertha who gave him the name ‘Purandaradasa’.
Purandaradasa wandered about in what was then known as Vijayanagara samrajya (kingdom) singing the glory of the Divine Names of Lord Hari. Innumerable kirtans on the Lord flowed out of his lips. His kirtans are in simple and easy Kannada that even a common man can comprehend and sing. Krishnadevaraya, the emperor of Vijayanagara kingdom, held him in high esteem.
Founder of musical pedagogy Purandaradasa came to be known as ‘Sangeeta Pitamaha’ of Carnatic music. He moved to Humpi during his last years of life and died there in 1564 on Pushya Amavasya at the ripe age of 80.
In one of his kirtans that speaks of the glory of the Divine Name of the Lord, Purandaradasa asks,
(Raag: JOnpuri taal: Aadi)
nara-janma bandAga nAligE yiruvAga Krishna yena bAradE?
Krishna yendarE sakala kashtavu parihara Krishna yena bAradE?
Oh, man! Whilst you have been blessed with a human birth and a tongue can’t you utter “Krishna”?
uttering “Krishna!” removes all woes: Oh, can’t you utter “Krishna?”
malagiddhu maimurittu yELuttalOmme Krishna yena bAradE?
sulidAdutta maneyOlagAdaru ommE Krishna yena bAradE?
whilst you wake up after sleep and stretch can’t you, just once, utter “Krishna”?
dancing about, at least within the house, can’t you, just once, utter “Krishna”?
Krishna yendarE sakala kashtavu parihara Krishna yena bAradE?
uttering “Krishna!” removes all woes: Oh, can’t you utter “Krishna!”
snAna pAna japa tapagaLu mAdutta Krishna yena bAradE?
sAlyAnna shatrasa tindu triptavanAgi Krishna yena bAradE?
even as you bathe or do japa or tapa can’t you utter “Krishna”?
content eating your fill of six rasas can’t you utter “Krishna”?
Krishna yendarE sakala kashtavu parihara Krishna yena bAradE?
uttering “Krishna!” removes all woes: Oh, can’t you utter “Krishna”?
kandana bigibigidu appi muddAduttha Krishna yena bAradE?
mandagAminiyoLu sarasalAdutthalommE Krishna yena bAradE?
while tightly embracing and fondling your child can’t you utter “Krishna”?
while demonstrating your affection to your beloved wife can’t you utter “Krishna”?
Krishna yendarE sakala kashtavu pariharaKrishna yena bAradE?
uttering “Krishna!” removes all woes: Oh, can’t you utter “Krishna!”
durita rAsigalaNu daridu bisAduva Krishna yena bAradE?
Garuda gamana namma Purandara vittalana Krishna yena bAradE?
can’t you utter “Krishna” that casts away, all at once, the influence of planets and stars?
can’t you utter “Krishna!”(calling out to that) Purandra Vittala who moves on Garuda?
Krishna yendarE sakala kashtavu parihara Krishna yena bAradE?
uttering “Krishna!” removes all woes: Oh, can’t you utter “Krishna!”
Source : http://www.namadwaar.org/
சிவன் கோவில் கட்ட இலவச நிலம் தந்த முஸ்லீம் பெரியவர் – மகா பெரியவா செய்த பிரதி உபகாரம் என்ன?
'இந்த ஊர்ல சிவாலயம் எங்கே இருக்கு?''
அன்பர் மாலியின் இந்தக் கேள்விக்கு, கூட்டத்தில் எவரிடம் இருந்தும் பதில் இல்லை.
அவர்களில் பழுத்த பழமான ஒரு முதியவர் மட்டும், 'இங்கே ஒரு பெருமாள் கோயில் இருக்கு. அதுபோக, மாரியம்மன் கோயிலும் அய்யனார் கோயிலும் உண்டு. ஊர் எல்லையில் ஒரு பிள்ளையார் கோயில் இருக்கு. அவ்வளவுதான். மத்தபடி இங்கே சிவன் கோயில் எதுவும் இருக்கிறதா தெரியலையே?'' என்றார். 90 வயது மதிக்கத்தக்க அந்தப் பெரியவருக்கே சிவாலயம் குறித்த தகவல் எதுவும் தெரியவில்லை என்றால், மற்றவர்களுக்குத் தெரிந்திருக்க வழி இல்லையே!
மகா பெரியவா மறுபடியும் ஏதோ சைகையால் கேட்டார்... 'மேல் கோடியில பெருமாள் கோயில் இருந்தா, கீழ்க் கோடியில சிவன் கோயில் இருந்திருக்கணுமே?''
நிச்சயம் இருந்திருக்கும். ஆனால், தற்போது அங்கே சிவாலயம் இல்லை. முன்னொரு காலத்தில் இருந்ததா என்றால், அதுகுறித்தும் அந்த ஊர்க்காரர்களுக்கு எதுவும் தெரிந்திருக்கவில்லை. அனைவரும் மௌனமாக இருந்தார்கள்.
அந்த நேரத்தில் ஓர் இஸ்லாமிய தம்பதி அங்கே வந்த னர். தன்னை லத்தீஃப் பாய் என்று அறிமுகப்படுத்திக் கொண்ட அந்த இஸ்லாமிய அன்பர், தன் மனைவியின் பெயர் மெகருன்னிசா என்றும் தெரிவித்தார். தாம் கொண்டு வந்திருந்த இரண்டு சீப்பு பேயன் பழங்களை யும், ரோஜாப் பூக்களையும் மகாபெரியவா முன் சமர்ப்பித்தார்.
அவர்களை தலை முதல் பாதம் வரை ஏற இறங்கப் பார்த்தது நடமாடும் தெய்வம். கருணை மிகுந்த அந்தப் பார்வையில் மெய்ம்மறந்து போனார்கள் அந்த இஸ்லாமிய தம்பதியர். ஒருவாறு சுதாரித்துக்கொண்டு, சிலிர்ப்பான அந்தத் தருணத்தில் இருந்து மீண்டு, லத்தீஃப் பாய் பேசத் தொடங்கினார். அற்புதமான ஒரு தகவலை விவரித்தது அவரது பேச்சு
.
பல நூற்றாண்டுகளுக்கு முன்னால், அங்கே சிவன் கோயில் ஒன்று இருந்திருக்கிறது. காலமாற்றத்தில் கோயில் சிதிலமாகி, மண்ணுக்குள் புதையுண்டு போனது. கோயில் இருந்த இடமும் பலரால் ஆக்கிரமிக்கப்பட்டு, பலப் பல கைகள் மாறி, இப்போது லத்தீஃப் பாயின் வசம் இருக்கிறது.
'எங்க வாப்பா பள்ளிவாசல் நிலங்களைக் கவனிச்சுக் கும்போது, கூடவே கோயில் நிலங்களையும் குத்தகைக்கு எடுத்து சாகுபடி செய்தாக. ஒரு மரக்கால்கூட குறையாம அளந்து கொடுப்பாக. 'சிவன் சொத்து குலம் நாசம்’னு அவுகளுக்கு இருந்த அதே நேர்மையை யும், நல்ல எண்ணத்தையும், புத்தியையும் எனக் கும் கொடுத்திருக்கான் இறைவன். ஆனாலும் என்ன... எனக்குப் பொறந்த ஒரு பெண் பிள்ளை யும் மன வளர்ச்சி இல்லாம இருந்து, பத்து வருஷத்துக்கு முன்னாடி இறந்தும் போச்சு.
சரி... நாம அறிந்தோ அறியாமலோ பாவம் செஞ்சிருக்கோம்போல; அதனால்தான் அல்லா நமக்கு இப்படியரு தண்டனையைக் கொடுத் திருக்காருன்னு சமாதானம் பண்ணிக்கிட் டோம். காலமும் அப்படியும் இப்படியுமா ஓடிப் போயிடுச்சு. நேத்திக்கு கொல்லைப்பக்கம் மண்ல வேலை செஞ்சுட்டிருந்தேன். அப்ப... மண்வெட்டி ஏதோ கல்லுல பட்ட மாதிரி 'ணங்’குனு ஓசை கேட்டுச்சு. கவனமா மண்ணை விலக்கிப் பார்த்தால்... பெரிய சிவலிங்கம்! ராத்திரி முழுக்க உறக்கம் வரல்லே சாமி! 'அல்லா... இப்ப என்ன பண்றது!’ன்னு புரியாம, விசனத்தோட உட்கார்ந்திட்டிருந்தோம். விடிஞ்சதும் தான், சாமி இங்கே வந்திருக் கிறதா பக்கத்துல இருந்த ஜனங்க பேசிக்கிட்டாங்க. உடனே இங்கே ஓடி வந்துட்டோம். இதுக்குமேல நான் என்ன செய்யணும்னு சாமி தான் வழி காட்டணும்.
மனசார என் நிலத்தை எழுதித் தர்றேன். இதுக்காக எனக்கு பணம், காசு எதுவும் வேணாம். முன்னே இருந்த மாதிரியே அங்கே சிவன் கோயில் கட்டிக்கலாம். ஊர் ஜனங்களுக்கு அது பயன்பட்டுதுன்னா, அதனால ஊர் ஜனங்க சந்தோஷப்படுவாங்கன்னா, அதுவே அல்லாவையும் சந்தோஷப்படுத்தும்!'' என்று நெகிழ்ச்சியோடு, கண்ணீர் மல்கப் பேசி முடித்தவர், அப்படியே இன்னொரு காரியத்தையும் செய்தார்.
''இந்தாங்க, கோயில் கட்ட எங்களோட காணிக்கையா நூத்தியரு ரூபாய். முதல் வரவா இதை வாங்கிக்குங்க!' என்று வெற்றிலை பாக்குத் தட்டில் வைத்துக் கொடுத்தார். அங்கிருந்த அனைவருக்கும் உடம்பு சிலிர்த்துப் போட்டது.
அதுவரை மௌனமாக எல்லாவற்றையும் கேட்டுக்கொண்டிருந்த மகா பெரியவா, புன்னகையோடு சைகையால் அந்த இஸ்லாமிய அன்பரை ஏதோ கேட்டார். அது அவருக்குப் புரியாமல் போகவே, ஒரு சிலேட்டும் பலப்பமும் கொண்டு வந்து மகாபெரியவாளிடம் தந்தார்கள். அவர் சிலேட்டில் எழுதிக் காண்பித்தார்... 'மார்க்கக் கடமையை முடித்துவிட்டீர்களா?’ என்று.
படித்துப் பார்த்த இஸ்லாமிய அன்பர், ''இன்னும் இல்லே சாமி! அதுக்கான பண வசதியை அல்லா இன்னும் எங்களுக்குக் கொடுக்கலை. எத்தனையோ வருஷம் முயற்சி பண்ணியும் மக்கா- மதீனா போகும் பாக்கியம் இன்னும் வாய்க்கலை'' என்றார் கண்ணீர் மல்க.
உடனே பெரியவா, வைத்தியநாதன் நின்றிருந்த பக்கமாகத் திரும்பினார். ''இத்தனை உசத்தியான மனுஷர் நிலத்தைத் தரேன்கிறார். அவாளுக்கு நாம எந்த ஒத்தாசையும் செய்ய வேண்டாமா?'' என சைகையால் கேட்டார். தொடர்ந்து, என்ன செய்ய வேண்டும் என்பதையும் சைகை யாலேயே உத்தரவு பிறப்பித்தார். பெரியவாளின் விருப்பத்தை அப்படியே கூட்டத்தாரிடம் எடுத்துச் சொன்னார் வைத்தியநாதன்
.
அவ்வளவுதான்... ஒட்டுமொத்த ஊரும் சேர்ந்து ஒரே குரலில் ஒப்புக்கொண்டது... ''அவங்க புனித யாத்திரை போய்வர ஆகற செலவு மொத்தமும் நம்மளோடது!''
அதைக் கேட்டு இஸ்லாமிய தம்பதிக்கு மனம்கொள்ளா மகிழ்ச்சி! அவர்களுக்கு மட்டுமில்லாமல், அங்கிருந்த எல்லோருக்குமாக, கை தூக்கி ஆசீர்வாதம் செய்தது மானுட தெய்வம்.
Apaara Karuna Sindhum Gyaanadham Shaantharoopinam
Chandrasekhara gurum Pranamaami Mudhaanvaham ||
A school for the visually challenged, functions in Poonamalle. A teacher from this school came and had darshan of Maha SwamigaL who was then staying in Sivasthanam. He prayed to SwamigaL, "I am planning to bring the school children next Sunday to have Periyavar's darshan. Those children have no eyesight. So they can't have a darshan of PeriyavargaL with their eyes. So PeriyavargaL should talk to them a few words and bless them. I have come to inform this proposal, I want anugraham." Maha SwamigaL heard his words with his holy ears, that was all to it, and the man went away.
On the morning of the next Sunday, that teacher brought the visually challenged children for Periyavar's darshan, in a chartered bus, which was parked outside. An assistant of the sage said, "Periyavar observes silence since yesterday." That was all! There was no limit to the distress of the teacher. He cried openly and slapped his head. A sight that moved the onlookers.
"Alas! These children have no eyesight! They can't see PeriyavargaL! Only if a few words are spoken they could hear them and be happy. Even if Periyavar does not talk to us, we would have a darshan of him and go away. What would these children do? It was only for these children that I came last week and prayed. Now I have become a maha paavi who has disappointed them!" The teacher sobbed again and again.
An unexpected situation. PeriyavargaL came out from his room and signed to the teacher to stop his wailing. He asked for a wooden plank to be placed near the well and sat on it. His silence dissolved. He called each and every child near him, patiently inquired the name, place and the reason for the loss of vision, and blessed the child. The children had Periyavar's anugraham for a full hour. He gave a big plate of fruits, raisins and sugar lumps to the teacher, asking him to distribute them to the children.
Everyone was immensely pleased with this anugraham. The teacher knew no bounds for his joy. He cried even now. Cried in distress earlier, in joy now.
Even today it overwhelms the heart with joy to think about the incident when Maha SwamigaL appreciated the needs of the vision less children and dissolved his vow of silence to bless them with words--a silence that he did not give up even for President V.V. Giri or Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.
Maha SwamigaL is a jnana deepam that never goes off. Let us pray to the flame of light to guide us on our path.
How the Maharshi got his name
Ganapati Sastri quivered with emotion as he walked up to the Virupaksha cave. Luckily for him the Swami was seated alone on the outer pial. Sastri fell flat on his face and held the Swami's feet with both hands and his voice trembled with emotion as he cried: "All that has to be read I have read. Even Vedanta Sastra I have fully understood. I have performed japa (repetition of a holy name) to my heart's content. Yet I have not up to this time understood what tapas is. Hence have I sought refuge at thy feet. Pray enlighten me about the nature of tapas." For fifteen minutes the Swami silently gazed at Sastri as he sat at his feet in anxious expectation. None came to interrupt them at the time. Then the Swami spoke in short and broken sentences in Tamil: (translation)
"If one watches whence this notion of 'I' springs, the mind will be absorbed into that. That is tapas. If a mantra is repeated, and attention directed to the source whence the mantra-sound is produced, the mind will be absorbed in that. That is tapas."
This instruction filled Sastri's heart with joy. He stayed for some hours and ascertained the Swami's name from the attendant Palaniswami to be Venkatarama Ayyar. Sastri immediately composed five stanzas in praise of the Swami in which he contracted his name to Ramana which has stuck to the Swami ever since. In the letter which Sastri wrote next day he added that he must henceforth be called 'Maharshi' since his teaching was quite original.
From: Bouquet of Spiritual Instruction by Viswanathan Sri Ramanasramam
ஒரு முறை வட நாட்டில் இருந்து ஓர் அன்பர் மஹபெரியவாளைததரிசிக்க
வந்தார். மனம் குளிரும்வண்ணம் அவரது தரிசனம் முடிந்த பிறகு, சற்றே நெளிந்தவாறு நின்றார்.
இவரது மனதில் ஏதோ கேள்விஇழையோடுகிறது போலும் என்று தீர்மானித்த பெரியவா,
“என்ன சந்தேகம். கேளுங்கோ” என்றார்.
அந்த வட நாட்டு அன்பருக்கு ஆஞ்சநேயர் குறித்த ஒரு சந்தேகம் நெடு நாட்களாகவே இருந்து வந்தது.
இதுகுறித்துப் பலரிடமும் விளக்கம் கேட்டு விட்டார். ஆனால் எவரிடம் இருந்தும் சரியான பதில் வரவில்லை. அவர், அந்த சந்தேகத்தை மஹாபெரியவாளிடம் கேட்கலாமா என்று யோசித்துக் கொண்டிருந்த போதுதான், ஸ்வ ாமிகளே உத்தரவு கொடுத்து விட்டார்.
“ஆஞ்சநேயரைப் பற்றி எனக்கு ஒரு சந்தேகம்…” இழுத்தார் அன்பர்.
“வாயுபுத்திரனைப் பத்தியா… கேளேன்” என்றார் ஸ்வாமிகள்.
“ஸ்வாமி.. ஆஞ்சநேயர் பலருக்கும் இஷ்ட தெய்வமாக இருக்கிறார். எல்லாருமே அவரை வணங்கி அருள்பெறுகிறார்கள். ஆனால் அவருக்கு அணி விக்கப்படும் மாலை பற்றித் தான் என் சந்தேகம்….”
பெரியவா மெளனமாக இருக்கவே… அன்பரே தொடர்ந்தார்: “அனுமனுக்குத் தென்னிந்தியாவில் காரமானமிளகு கலந்த வடை மாலை சாற்றுகிறார்கள். ஆனால் நான் வசிக்கும் வட இந்தியாவிலோ ஜாங்கிரி மாலைசாற்றுகிறார்கள். ஏன் இப்படி வித்தியாசப்படுகிறது ?”
பதிலுக்காக மஹபெரியவாளையே பார்த்துக் கொண்டிருந்தார் வட நாட்டில் இருந்து வந்த அன்பர்.
தன்னுடைய நீண்ட நாளைய சந்தேகத்துக்கு, பெரியவாளிடம் இருந்தாவது தகுந்த பதில் வருமா என்கிற எதிர்பார்ப்பு அவரது முகத்தில் இருந்தது.கேள்வி கேட்ட வட நாட்டு அன்பர் மட்டுமல்ல… பெரியவா சொல்லப் போகும் பதிலுக்காக அன்று அங்கு கூடிஇருந்த அனைவருமே ஆவலுடன் இருந்தனர்.
ஒரு புன்முறுவலுக்குப் பிறகு பெரியவா பதில் சொல்ல ஆரம்பித்தார்.
“பெரும்பாலோர் வீட்டில் கைக்குழந்தைகள் சாப்பிடுவதற்கு அடம் செய்தால், வீட்டுக்கு வெளியே குழந்தையை இடுப்பில் தூக்கிக் கொண்டு வந்து,‘அதோ பார் நிலா…’ என்று சந்திரனை அந்தக் குழந்தைக்கு வேடிக்கை காட்டி உணவை சாப்பிட வைப்பார்கள் பெண்கள்.
அழகான நிலாவையும் வெளிக்காற்றையும் சுவாசிக்க நேரும் குழந்தைகள் அடம் பண்ணாமல் சமர்த்தாக உணவை சாப்பிட்டு விடும் . சம்பந்தப்பட்ட அம்மாக்களுக்கும் இது சந்தோஷத்தைத் தரும். உங்களில் பலர் வீடுகளிலும் இது நிகழ்ந்திருக்கும்.
சாதாரண குழந்தைகளுக்கு நிலா விளையாட்டுப் பொருள் என்றால், ராமதூதனான அனுமனுக்கு சூரியன் விளையாட்டுப் பொருள் ஆனது. அதுவும் எப்படி ? பார்ப்பதற்கு ஏதோ ஒரு பழம் போல் காட்சி தந்த சூரியனைஅடுத்த கணமே தன் கையில் பிடித்துச் சாப்பிட வேண்டும் என்று தீராத ஆசை ஏற்பட்டது அனுமனுக்கு.
அனுமன் கைக்குழந்தையாக விளையாடிக் கொண்டிருந்தபோது வானத்தில் செக்கச்செவேல் என்று ஒரு பழம்போல்‘ஜிவுஜிவு’ என்று தோற்றமளித்த சூரியன், அவரை மிகவும் கவர்ந்து விட்டது. மனித வாழ்க்கையின் ஜீவாதாரத்துக்குக் காரணமான சூரியனை, சாப்பிடுவதற்கு உகந்த ஒரு பழம் என்று நினைத்து விட்டார் அனுமன். வாயுபுத்திரன் அல்லவா ? அடுத்த கணமே அது தன் கையில் வந்து விட வேண்டும் என்று விரும்பினார்.
வாயு வேகத்தில் வானத்தில் பறந்தார். பிறந்து சில நாட்களே ஆன ஒரு
பச்சிளங்குழந்தை,சூரியனையே விழுங்குவதற்காக இப்படிப் பறந்து செல்வது கண்டு தேவர்கள் திகைத்தனர்.
வாயுபுத்திரனின் வேகத்தை எவராலும் தடுக்க முடியவில்லை.
அதே நேரத்தில் ராகு கிரஹமும் சூரியனைப் பிடித்து கிரஹண காலத்தை
உண்டுபண்ணுவதற்காக நகர்ந்து கொண்டிருந்தது. ஆனால், அனுமன் சென்ற வேகத்தில் ராகு பகவானால் செல்ல முடியவில்லை.
சூரியனைப் பிடிப்பதற்காக நடந்த இந்த ரேசில் அனுமனிடம் ராகு பகவான் தோற்றுப் போனார். இந்த நிகழ்ச்சியின் முடிவாக, அனுமனுக்கு ஒரு அங்கீகாரம் கொடுத்தார் ராகு பகவான். அதாவது, தனக்கு
மிகவும்உகந்த தானியமான உளுந்தால் உணவுப் பண்டம் தயாரித்து எவர் ஒருவர் அனுமனை வணங்குகிறாரோ ,அவரை எந்தக் காலத்திலும் தான் பீடிப்பதில்லை எனவும், தன்னால் வரும் தோஷங்கள் அனைத்தும் நிவர்த்தி ஆகி விடும் எனவும் ராகு பகவான் அனுமனிடம் தெரிவித்தார். இந்த உணவுப் பண்டம் எப்படி இருக்கவேண்டும் என்றும் ராகு பகவான் அனுமனிடம் சொன்னார். அதாவது தன் உடல் போல் (பாம்பு போல்) வளைந்து இருக்க வேண்டும் எனவும் சொன்னார். அதைதான் உளுந்தினால் ஆன மாலைகளாகத் தயாரித்து அனுமனுக்கு சமர்ப்பிக்கிறோம்.
ஆக, ராகு தோஷத்தால் பாதிக்கப்பட்டிருப்பவர் உளுந்து தானியத்தால்
ஆனவடை மாலைகளை அனுமனுக்குச் சார்த்தி வழிபட்டால், ராகு தோஷம் நிவர்த்தி ஆகி விடும் என்பது
இதில்இருந்து தெரிக ிறது.
இப்போது மிளகு வடை மற்றும் ஜாங்கிரி விஷயத்துக்கு வருகிறேன்.
வடையாகட்டும்… ஜாங்கிரி ஆகட்டும். இரண்டுமே உளுந்தினால் செய்யப்பட்டவை தான். தென்னிந்தியாவில் இருப்பவர்கள் அனுமனுக்கு உளுந்து வடை மாலை சாற்றுகிறார்கள்.
இங்கே உப்பளங்கள் அதிகம் உள்ளன. இங்கிருந்து பல வெளி நாடுகளுக்கும் உப்பு அதிக அளவில் ஏற்றுமதி ஆகிறது. ஆகவே, உப்பும் உளுந்தும்
கலந்து கூடவே மிளகும் சேர்த்து பாம்பின் உடல் போல் மாலையாகத் தயாரித்து,அனுமனுக்கு சார்த்தி வழிபடும் வழக்கம் நம்மூரில் அதிகம் உண்டு.
வட இந்தியாவில் பல மாநிலங்களில் கரும்பு விளைச்சல் அமோகமாக இருக்கிறது. சர்க்கரை பெருமளவில் அங்கு உற்பத்தி ஆகி, வெளிநாடுகளுக்கெல்லாம் ஏற்றுமதி ஆகிறது. தவிர, வட இந்தியர்கள் இனிப்புப் பண்டங்களை அதிகம் விரும்பிச் சாப்பிடுபவர்கள்.
அதுவும், அவர்களுக்குக் காலை நேரத்திலேயே —அதாவது பிரேக் ஃபாஸ்ட் வேளையில் இனிப்புப் பண்டங்களையும் ரெகுலர் டிஃபனோடு சேர்த்துக் கொள்வார்கள். அவர்கள் இனிப்பு விரும்பிகள். எனவேதான், அவர்கள் உளுந்தினால் ஆன ஜாங்கிரி மாலையை அனுமனுக்கு சாரதி வழிபடுகிறார்கள்.
எது எப்படியோ… அனுமனிடம் ராகு பகவான் கேட்டுக் கொண்டபடி உளுந்து மாலைகள் அனுமனுக்கு விழுந்துகொண்டே இருக்கின்றன. அது உப்பாக இருந்தால் என்ன… சர்க்கரையாக இருந்தால் என்ன.. மாலை சார்த்திவழிபடும் பக்தர்களுக்கு ராகு தோஷம் தொலைந்து போனால் சரி” என்று சொல்லி விட்டு, இடி இடியெனச்சிரித்தார் மஹபெரியவா. பெரியவாளி விளக்கமான இந்த பதிலைக் கேட்ட வட நாட்டு அன்பர் முகத்தில் பரவசம். சடாரெனமகானின திருப்பாதங்களுக்கு ஒரு நமஸ்காரம் செய்து தன் நன்றியைத் தெரிவித்தார். கூடி இருந்த அநேகபக்தர்களும் பெரியவாளின் விளக்கத்தால் நெகிழ்ந்து போனார்கள்.
Thanks to Mr.Seshadri[BrahminsAssociation Group]
In this Kali Yuga, all the great saints who have incarnated in this holy ‘Bharata’ Desa have chiefly shown us one of the easiest paths to liberation – singing the Divine Names of God. The chief among them was the great saint from South India by the name Bhagavan Nama Bodendra Saraswati Swamigal.
All the Mahans who have ascended the Kanchi Kamaktoti Mutt have belonged to Adi Sankara’s lineage, Bodendra Swamigal being one of the most prominent among them.
More than 300 years ago, in the ‘Mandana Misra Agraharam’ of Kanchipuram, Suguna Devi, the wife of Sri Mohana Pandurangan gave birth to a handsome baby boy. They named him Purushottaman.
The little boy grew up by leaps and bounds. Even in his childhood, he possessed all the qualities of an ‘Avatara Purusha’. The parents were very happy about this.
Sri Mohana Pandurangan worked in Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam in the service of the then Peetadhipati, Sri Viswadhikendra Saraswati Swamigal. One day, when the father was leaving home for his work at the Mutt , Purushottaman cried adamantly that he would accompany his father. No sooner had the Peetadhipati seen Purushottaman’s radiant face and his lustrous form than he enquired as to whose child it was. Sri Mohana Pandurangan at once said that the child belonged to the Mutt! That was because the child was born after the couple was blessed by the Guru.
Pleasantly surprised by the response, Sri Viswadhikendra Saraswati Swamigal asked if he really meant it, or if he was just joking. The father said that he was serious and subsequently, the couple happily gave away the child to the Mutt.
The Guru arranged for the education of Purushottaman and left for Varanasi. The child, along with another mate named Jnanasagaran, learnt the Vedas, Shastras, Itihasas, Puranas and all the scriptures. After having mastered the scriptures, both the students desired to have the darshan of their Guru, who was then in Varanasi. The intensity of their desire made them undertake a journey to Varanasi by foot. Thus both Jnanasagaran and Purushottaman started out from Kanchi for Varanasi.
Jnanasagaran was an expert in ‘jyotisha’ (astrology).From his astrological calculations based on the time of departure, he predicted that they wouldn’t reach Varanasi together and that one would die on the way. The two young boys were grief stricken. Then and there they decided and took the vow that the one who survived would, after the performance of last rites of the dead friend, proceed to Varanasi, have darshan of the Guru and then give up his life by falling into the Holy Ganga.
Just as foreseen, Jnanasagaran passed away en route. Purushottaman reached Varanasi, had darshan of his Guru and paid his respects. Narrating the story about his journey along with Jnansagaran, their vow and his friend’s death, he said that he was going to jump into the Ganges and give up his life. His Master stopped him and advised him that one had no right to commit suicide. This earthly body is a gift of God and we do not have any right to destroy it ourselves. By commiting suicide, one suffers unsaid tortures after death.
The Guru explained to Purushottaman in detail why he should not end his life. But Purushottaman insisted in falling into the Holy Ganga and end his life as he had given his word to his friend. Then his Guru said, ‘You have been born in this world to liberate those millions of souls who are struggling in the ocean called Samsara. Take up Sanyasa. According to Shastras, taking up Sanyasa is akin to taking a new birth. Thus, both your promise and my wish shall be fulfilled.
Purushottaman agreed. The next morning, on the banks of the Ganges in the holy city of Varanasi, Purushottaman was accorded Sanyasa. He was given the name, ‘Bhagavan Nama Bodendra Saraswati’. For a while, the Guru kept Sri Bodendra with himself and gave him mantropadesa.
One day, the guru called Sri Bodendra Saraswati and asked him to go out to the world and spread the greatness of the Divine Name of God. He said, ‘the Vidwans are well learned and would question the statement that mere Divine Name can lead to liberation. You are to properly argue with them based on Shastras and establish the greatness of Bhagavan Nama.”
He instructed his disciple to go to Puri Kshetra and meet a Mahan by the name Lakshmidhara Kavi in order to obtain the book “Bhagavan Nama Kaumudi” which dealt with the greatness of Bhagavan Nama. The Guru asked him to write Granthas based on this Text.
Adhering to his guru’s words, Bodendra Saraswati set out to Puri. It was about midnight when he reached Lakshmidhara Kavi’s home. Not willing to disturb the household at night, the ascetic rested in the pyol outside the house.
That night, a strange incident happened. A Brahmin accompanied by a woman whose form and features resembled one of a lowly caste knocked the door of Sri Lakshmidhara Kavi. A young man came out of the house and enquired what they wanted. The visitor said that he had a doubt that he wanted clarified from Lakshmidhara Kavi. The young man said that he was Lakshmidhara Kavi ‘s son, Jagannatha Kavi. He said that his father was out of town. However he had taught him all the Shastras and that he could clarify the visitor’s doubt. The Brahmin said, ‘I hail from South India. I went on a pilgrimage to the north and when I returned, could not find my wife. It is just now that I found her. However, she has the form and features of one from a lowly caste. I wanted to know if I could lead a family life with this lady again.” Jagannatha Kavi immediately said, ‘Tomorrow morning, take her to the pond adjoining the Jagannath Temple. Dip her in the pond chanting the “Rama” Nama thrice. When she emerges, she will be purified and you can lead family life with her again. His mother, who peeped from the house, corrected him saying that, uttering Rama Nama once would do!
Sri Bodendra was taken aback witnessing this incident. He immediately introduced himself to them and requested them for the book and studied it thoroughly.
The next morning, the whole city was gathered around the pond adjoining the temple. The Brahmin brought the lady and dipped her in the pond chanting the Taraka Mantra. To everyone’s surprise, when the woman emerged out of water, she had shed her current form, and had exactly the same form and features when she lived with the Brahmin earlier, clearly illustrating the power of the Rama Nama. To prove that she had been purified by the Rama Nama, Sri Bodendra Swamigal asked her to cook the meals for the day, and he himself partook of it.
Later Sri Bodendra Saraswati Swamigal returned to Kanchipuram and wrote 8 different Texts that spoke about the greatness of Bhagavan Nama. “Bhagavan Nama Rasodayam” was the most important among them. He instated his successor to the Peetam and set out to live like a real ascetic, relinquishing all pomp and grandeur. Independent in his own way, he reached out to every nook and corner of Tamil Nadu and spread the glory of Taraka Mantra. He initiated everyone who came to him with Rama Nama, irrespective of caste, creed or religion and purified them. It would not be an exaggeration to say that there is virtually no place in Tamil Nadu where he has not set his foot.
One day, Sri Bodendra Swamigal was camping in a village called Perambur in Needamangalam, a place adjacent to Raja Mannarkudi in Tamizh Nadu. A couple came to have his darshan and invited him to their home for lunch. The Swamigal also agreed to come the next day.
On the following day, Sri Bodendra Swamigal arrived at the couple’s residence. He sat down to eat. A plantain leaf was laid and food was served. Just then, he noticed a little boy in the house and asked him to sit down beside him and have his food too. In spite of his repeated requests, the little boy was unresponsive. The parents slowly explained to the Swamigal that the boy could neither hear nor speak. He was deaf and dumb by birth. Hearing this, tears rolled down Swamigal’s eyes. He cried uncontrollably because, just a while back, he had made a proclamation in one of his works that one would escape the fear of death if he sings or hears the Taraka Nama even once. He had thought that the Taraka Nama could spare none as everyone would at least hear the Divine Name knowingly or unknowingly during their lifetime. He felt bad that for this little boy because the little one could neither utter nor hear the Lord’s Name during his lifetime and there was no way out for him!
The devoted couple consoled the Swamigal, "This is our karma and we have accepted it. Swamigal should not shed tears on this account. Please do accept the 'bhiksha' [food]." At the tearful pleadings of the hosts Sri Bodendra Swamigal had three handful of food and then took leave of them. The couple reverentially accompanied the Swamigal to the entrance to the village. Hungry that this boy was, he reached out to the leaf that Swamigal had eaten from, and ate from the remnants. No sooner had he eaten the ‘Uchchishta’ from Sri Bodendral’s leaf than he began singing the Names of the Lord! When the parents returned to the house, they could not believe their eyes seeing their hitherto deaf and dumb child jumping in joy crying out Bhagavan Nama in Bhakti. Indeed, the Uchchishta of the great saint had performed this miracle!
One evening, in the place called Govindapuram, next to Tiruvidaimarudur, Sri Bodendra Saraswati Swamigal sat on the banks of river Cauvery after his regular ‘anushtanas’ . He watched the small kids playing and joined them. He asked them to bury him in the sand and said that he would come out of another place. Fascinated by this play, the kids wanted to do it again and again. This continued for some time. At one point, Swamigal was covered under the sand and he did not come out of the other end. The kids were panicked and called the elders nearby. The elders rushed in and decided to dig the ground in search of the Swami. Just then, a voice came from inside asking them not to do so and that Swamigal had gone into Jiva Samadhi there and wished to be so forever.
Even today, we have Bodendra Saraswati Swamigal’s Jiva Samadhi in Govindapuram, a place between Aduthurai and Tiruvidaimarudur, next to Kumbakonam. It is said that Bodendra Swamigal lives there chanting the Rama Nama all 24 hours and round the year.
Devotees who go there and chant the Taraka Mantra in His Samadhi can hear Rama Nama emanating from the Samadhi when they spend their night there. A few can even see the form of the Mahan in Danda and Kamandala circumambulating the Samadhi chanting the Rama Nama.
Today, anyone going to Sri Bodendra Saraswati Swamigal’s Samadhi Govindapuram with problems and sufferings in their heart and pray with Bhakti are ridden of their ills. That is the greatness of the Mahan who lived more than three hundred years back, and lives in his Samadhi even today.
Bhagavan Nama Bodendra Sadguru Maharaj ki! Jai!
Source : http://www.namadwaar.org/articles/mahans/bodendral.html
After the grand finale of the 10 day long Krishna Jayanthi Utsav at Madhurapuri Ashram, an ashram devotee 
remarked very enthusiastically to Guru Maharaj " How wonderful these 10 days have been! We have done annadhanam to thousands of sadhus.. We have honored and paid respects to so many great vedic scholars and bhagavathas... We have played host to so many . Isn't it great! Would not Bhagavan be very pleased!.." Guru Maharaj replied smilingly, " Yes indeed, Bhagavan would definitely be very pleased if we are also able to give up the thought that we did all of this.... Along with all the dhaanams, let's also give dhaanam of the feeling that ' I did it!' "
Source : http://www.namadwaar.org/cherishedmemoirs/?action=entry&id=1345665639
Once when Swamy Ramakrishna Paramahamsa was sitting with his followers, a stranger came in. He introduced
himself to be a scholar (!!!). He challenged Pramahansa for a open debate in front of the village people to discuss existance of God. Ramakrishna accepted it. The stage was set for 2 days later in the open ground which will be attended by all people of the village and his other followers. The D-day came and both sat in their respective raised seats for debate. The Scholar started off his theory of god's non existence using many theory's in a very simple and understandable way. As every theory was proved(!!!), Paramahamsa was applauding and appreciating the proof of HIS non-existence. The whole crowd was becoming very anxious and they were just wondering what Paramahamsa is appreciating to. Even the scholar got a little worried as to why the why Paramahamsa has nothing to debate about. The scholar finished his final words saying "...by this i have proved that there is no such thing called God".
Now Paramahamsa after appreciating him again, said this words "My Child, Now my faith in God has been doubled. I have got reassured that only GOD can give so much knowledge & oratory skills to anyone. You are a walking example of this. Thanks for this".
I have come to light the lamp of love…
"I have come to light the lamp of love in your hearts, to see that it shines day by day with added lustre. I have not come to speak on behalf of any particular Dharma (religion), like Hinduism. I have not come on any mission of publicity for any sect or creed or cause; nor have I come to collect followers for any doctrine. I have no plan to attract disciples or devotees into My fold or any fold. I have come to tell you of this Universal unitary faith, this Atmic principle (principle of the Spirit), this path of love."
- Bhagawan's Discourse on 4th July 1968 in Nairobi (Kenya, East Africa).
Reference: "Sathya Sai Speaks", Vol. – VIII, Chapter – 22. Page: 118
This Sai has come in order to achieve the…
"This Sai has come in order to achieve the supreme task of uniting the entire mankind as one family through the bond of brotherhood, of affirming and illumining the Atmic Reality (Reality of the Spirit) of each being in order to reveal the Divine which is the basis on which the entire Cosmos rests, and of instructing all to recognise the common Divine Heritage that binds man to man, so that man can rid himself of the animal in him, and rise into the Divine, which is his goal."
- 19th June 1974 in `Brindavan', Bangalore.
"Sathya Sai Speaks", Vol. – XII. Chapter – 38. Page: 229
The Message I Bring
"All religions teach one basic discipline - the removal of the blemish of egoism from the mind, restraining it from running after trivial joys. Every religion teaches man to fill his being with the Glory of God, and evict the pettiness of conceit. It trains him in methods of detachment and discrimination so that he may aim high and attain liberation. Believe that all hearts are motivated by the one God; that all faiths glorify Him alone; that all names in all languages, and all the forms man can conceive denote the same divine principle; His adoration is best done by means of love.
Cultivate that Eka-bhava (attitude of Oneness) among men of all creeds, all countries and all continents. That is the message of love, I bring. That is the message I wish you to take to heart."
- 4th July 1968 in Nairobi (Kenya, East Africa).
"Sathya Sai Speaks", Vol. – VIII, Chapter – 22. Page: 118
I have come to help all to acquire serenity
"I have come to help all to acquire this Sathwic (serene) nature. You might have heard people talk about My miracles, of My creating this and giving that, of my fulfilling all your wants, of My curing your illnesses. But they are not as important as the Sathwa Guna (state of serenity and calmness) I appreciate, promote and instill. Of course, I confer on you these boons of health and prosperity, but only so that you might, with greater enthusiasm and with less interruption, proceed with spiritual sadhana (pursuit)."
- 25th July 1958 in Nellore, Andhra Pradesh.
"Sathya Sai Speaks", Vol.- I, Chapter – 11. Page: 62-63
I have not come to start a new cult
"You must have noticed that I do not speak about Sai in My discourses, nor do I sing of Sai during the Bhajan with which I usually conclude My discourses. And you must have wondered why. Let me tell you the reason. I do not want the impression to gain ground that I desire this Name and this Form to be publicised. I have not come to start a new cult, I do not want people to be misled on this point. I affirm that this form of Sai contains within it the forms associated with all the names that man uses for the adoration of the Divine. So, I teach that no distinction should be made between the names Rama, Krishna, Ishwara, Sai - for they are all My names."
- on 17th May 1968 in Mumbai
"Sathya Sai Speaks", Vol.- VIII. Chapter – 19. Page: 95-96
On the occasion of the World Conference of
Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organizations.
Reference: "Sathya Sai Speaks", Vol.- VIII. Chapter – 19. Page: 95-96
Do not propagate My Name
"I do not have the slightest intention to utilise the Seva Samithis (Service Organisations) for propagating My Name. No! I am content only when spiritual endeavours and disciplines to elevate and purify man progress everywhere. It is only through these practices that My universal reality will be revealed. So, do not limit Me to the boundaries of any one name and form.
Your aim should be to see the same God in all the Forms that are worshipped, to adore Him in all the Names, nay, to be conscious of His presence as the inner motivator of every living being, in every particle of matter. Do not fall into the error of considering some to be men worthy of reverence and some unworthy. Sai is in everyone; so, all deserve your reverence and service. Propagate this truth; that is the function I assign to the Seva Samithis (Service Organisations)."
- From Bhagawan's Discourse on the occasion of
World Conference of Shri Sathya Sai Seva Organisations,
- on 17th May, 1968 in Mumbai
"Sathya Sai Speaks", Vol.- VIII, Chapter-19. Page: 96
No annihilation now, only transformation
"Rama, Krishna and other Avatars had to kill one or more individuals who could be identified as enemies of the dharmic (righteous) way of life, and thus restore the practice of virtue. But, now, there is no one entirely good, and so who deserves the protection of God? All are tainted by wickedness, and so who will survive if the Avatar decides to destroy the wicked?
Therefore, I have to correct the buddhi (intellect), by various means; I have to counsel, help, command, condemn and stand by as a friend and well-wisher to all, so that they may give up evil propensities, and recognising the straight path, tread it and reach the goal. I have to reveal to the people the worth of the Vedas, the Shastras (India's ancient scriptures) and the other scriptural texts, which lay down the norms of sacred living."
- on 23rd Nov 1964, in Prashanthi Nilayam
"Sathya Sai Speaks", Vol. – IV, Chapter – 38. Page: 224-225
I am determined to correct you
"Let me tell you, it is only those who know the scriptures, that can understand Me. I am determined to correct you only after informing you of my credentials. That is why I announce My Nature by means of miracles - that is, acts which are beyond human capacity and human understanding. Not that I am anxious to show off My powers. The object is to draw you closer to Me, to cement your hearts to Me. Getting to know Me is also a part of your destiny."
- on 24th Nov 1961 in Prasanthi Nilayam
"Sathya Sai Speaks", Vol. - II, Chapter-26. Page: 140-141
I only Echo
"If you accept Me and say yes, I too respond and say "yes, yes, yes!" If you deny Me and say "no", I also echo "no". Come, examine, experience and have faith; that is the method of utilizing Me."
- Bhagawan's Discourse on 23rd Nov 1964, 8 PM, in Prasanthi Nilayam.
Reference: "Sathya Sai Speaks", Vol. – IV, Chapter – 38. Page: 226
Why should the Lord Himself incarnate?
When people forget the One and run after the world, there can be no love, no sacrifice and no spirit of detachment and hence there is a decline in Dharma. It is then that the Lord takes human form and comes among men to restore their sense of values. You may ask, why should the Lord Himself incarnate? Why can He not set about the task of restoring Dharma through the many minor gods He has at His command?
This question was placed before the courtiers by Akbar himself for, he laughed at the Hindu idea of the Formless adopting Form, and descending into the world as an Avatar to save Dharma. Tansen asked for a week's time to furnish the answer and got it granted by His Imperial Majesty. A few days later, when he was in the pleasure boat of the Emperor sailing across the lake with the royal family, Tansen cleverly threw overboard a doll made to look like the Emperor's little son, crying at the same time, "Oh, the Prince has fallen into the water!" Hearing this, the Emperor jumped into the lake to rescue his `son'!
Tansen then disclosed that it was only a doll and that the prince was safe. He allayed the anger of Akbar by explaining that he had perforce to enact this drama in order to demonstrate the truth of the Hindu belief that God takes human form to save Dharma, without commissioning some other entity to carry out that task. Dharma is the son that God loves so dearly. Akbar could have ordered the many personnel he had on board to jump in and rescue his son; but his affection was so great and the urgency so acute that the Emperor himself plunged into the lake to pull out the `son'.
The decline of Dharma is so acute...
The decline of Dharma is so acute a tragedy; the intensity of affection that the Lord has for good men is so great that He Himself comes. The Lord is Love itself. He comes in human form so that you can talk to Him, move with Him, serve Him, adore Him, and achieve oneness with Him, so that you can recognise your kinship with Him."
- Bhagawan Baba's Discourse on 13th Dec 1964 in Venkatagiri,
on the occasion of Prashaanthi Vidwan Mahaasabha.
Reference: "Sathya Sai Speaks", Vol.- IV, Chapter – 45. Page: 262-263
The pious prayed, and I have come
"The Lord comes as the Avatar when He is anxiously awaited by saints and sages. Sadhus (the pious) prayed, and I have come. My tasks are primarily two: Veda Rakshana and Bhaktha Rakshana - fostering of the Vedas (ancient Indian spiritual scriptures) and fostering of Bhakthas (devotees)."
- Bhagawan Baba's Discourse on 25th Jan 1963 in Prashanthi Nilayam
Reference: "Sathya Sai Speaks", Vol.- III, Chapter – 1. Page: 9-10
Dive deep, get immersed
"You must dive deep into the sea to get at the pearls. What good is it to dabble among the waves near the shore and swear that the sea has no pearls in it? So also if you aspire to benefit from the Avatar, dive deep and get immersed in Him. Half-heartedness, hesitation, doubt, cynicism, listening to tales, etc. are all of no avail.
Unflinching faith - that alone can bring victory. This is true to any worldly activity, is it not? How much more true must it be, therefore in the spiritual field? But if you have already attached yourselves to a particular Name and Form, do not change it, do not choose another in its place."
- Bhagawan Baba's Discourse on 10th July 1959, Bangalore
on the occasion of Akhanda Bhajan
Reference: "Sathya Sai Speaks", Vol. – I, Chapter – 21. Page: 130-131
I have not come for propaganda…
"I have not come for propaganda or publicity or gathering disciples or devotees. I am yours and you are Mine. Where then is the need for publicity? I do not give lectures but `mixtures' for your mental health and moral re-invigoration. So take My words as medicine for your spiritual health."
- Bhagawan Baba's Discourse on 25th June 1960, Gokhale Hall, Chennai
Reference: "Sathya Sai Speaks", Vol. – I, Chapter – 26. Page: 165
This human body has not come in vain
"Many hesitate to believe that things will improve, that everyone will be happy and joyful, that the Golden Age will ever dawn. Let me assure you that this Dharma Swarupa (personification of Righteousness) has not come in vain. It will succeed in averting the crisis that has come upon humanity."
- Bhagawan Baba's Discourse on 3rd March 1965, Prashanthi Nilayam
Reference: "Sathya Sai Speaks", Vol. – V, Chapter – 11. Page: 70
Who is Sai
I am the embodiment of Love
"I am the embodiment of Love; Love is My instrument. There is no creature without Love; the lowest loves itself, at least. And its self is divine too. So, there are no atheists, though some might dislike Him or refuse Him, as malarial patients dislike sweets or diabetic patients refuse to have anything to do with sweets! Those who preen themselves as atheists will one day, when their illness is gone, relish God and revere Him.
I had to tell you so much about My Truth, for, I desire that you should contemplate on this and derive joy therefrom, so that you may be inspired to observe the disciplines laid down by Me and progress towards the Goal of Self-realisation, the Realisation of the Sai that shines in your hearts."
- 19th June 1974 in Brindavan, Bangalore.
"Sathya Sai Speaks", Vol. – XII. Chapter – 38. Page: 229
I am neither man nor God…
"I am neither man nor God nor an astral spirit; I am neither a Brahmin (the priestly class), nor a Kshathriya (the warrior class), nor a Vaishya (the business class), nor a Shudra (the working class); The appellations of Brahmachari (celibate) or house-holder, or recluse or monk do not describe Me; I am the Sathya Bodhaka, a Teacher of Truth, as Sathyam (Truth), Shivam (Goodness) and Sundaram (Beauty). Your reality too is Sathyam, Shivam and Sundaram.
Without Truth there cannot be Goodness; without Goodness, what does Beauty avail? The effect of truth on the mind is Goodness; the joy that flows from Goodness is the genuine Beauty that artists love. The three are really one and indivisible. Experience this Truth; this Truth as Goodness and this Goodness as Beauty. That gives the highest Bliss."
- 6th March 1970 in Prashanthi Nilayam.
"Sathya Sai Speaks", Vol. X, Chapter – 7. Page: 33
Every divine principle is manifest in this form
"This is a human form in which every divine entity, every divine principle, that is to say, all the names and forms ascribed by man to God, are manifest.... Do not allow doubt to distract you; if you only install, in the altar of your heart, steady faith in my Divinity, you can win the vision of my Reality. Instead, if you swing like the pendulum of a clock, one moment towards devotion and another towards doubt, you can never succeed in comprehending the truth and win that bliss. You are very fortunate that you have a chance to experience the bliss of the vision of the Sarvadaivathwa swaroopam (the form that is all forms of the Gods) now, in this life itself."
- Bhagawan Baba's Discourse on 17th May 1968 in Mumbai
On the occasion of the World Conference of
Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organizations.
Reference: "Sathya Sai Speaks", Vol.- VIII. Chapter – 19. Page: 99-100
Supra-worldly Divinity in Human form
"…Let Me draw your attention to another fact. On previous occasions when God incarnated on earth, the bliss of recognising His Divine nature was vouchsafed only after the Avatar had left the world, in spite of plenty of patent evidences of His Grace. And the loyalty and devotion they commanded from men arose through fear and awe, at their superhuman powers and skills, or at their imperial and penal authority.
But, ponder a moment on this Sathya Sai Manifestation; in this age of rampant materialism, aggressive disbelief and irreverence, what is it that brings to It the adoration of millions from all over the world? You will be convinced that the basic reason for this is the fact that this is the Supra-worldly Divinity in Human form."
- Bhagawan Baba's Discourse on 17th May 1968 in Mumbai
On the occasion of the World Conference of
Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organizations.
Reference: "Sathya Sai Speaks", Vol.- VIII. Chapter – 19. Page: 100
You cannot understand the nature of my Reality
"Since at this place those who have devotion are gathered and people of all nations have come, I cannot but tell you one fact. World conferences dedicated to religion or spirituality have no doubt been held before; also, conferences of followers of particular faiths. But these have been held only after the demise of the founders and divine inspirers. This is the very first time that a World Conference is held, of persons devoted, while the incarnation is present before every one, with the body assumed for the purpose, bearing the name that is chosen for it by Itself.
I must tell you this fact, because ninety-nine persons out of hundred among you do not know my Reality. You have come here drawn by diverse needs, a taste for spiritual matters, eagerness to develop the institutions to which you are attached, admiration or affection, love or reverence or a spurt of enthusiasm to join others and share with others your own exultation.
In truth, you cannot understand the nature of my Reality either today or even after a thousand years of steady austerity or ardent inquiry even if all mankind joins in that effort. But, in a short time, you will become cognizant of the bliss showered by the divine Principle, which has taken upon itself this sacred body and this sacred name. Your good fortune which will grant you this sacred opportunity that is far superior to what was available to anchorites, monks, sages, saints and even personalities embodying facets of divine Glory!"
- Bhagawan Baba's Discourse on 17th May 1968 in Mumbai
on the occasion of the World Conference of
Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organizations.
Reference: "Sathya Sai Speaks", Vol.- VIII, Chapter – 19. Page: 98-99
Do not get deluded
"Since I move about with you, eat like you, and talk with you, you are deluded into the belief that this is but an instance of common humanity. Be warned against this mistake. I am also deluding you by my singing with you, talking with you, and engaging myself in activities with you. But, any moment, my Divinity may be revealed to you; you have to be ready, prepared for that moment. Since Divinity is enveloped by humanness you must endeavor to overcome the Maya (delusion) that hides it from your eyes."
- Bhagawan Baba's Discourse on 17th May 1968 in Mumbai
On the occasion of the World Conference of
Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organizations.
Reference: "Sathya Sai Speaks", Vol.- VIII. Chapter – 19. Page: 99
My power is immeasurable…
"My power is immeasurable; My truth is inexplicable, unfathomable. I am announcing this about Me, for, the need has arisen. But, what I am giving you now is only the gift of a 'Visiting Card!' Let Me tell you that emphatic declarations of the Truth by Avatars were made so clearly and so unmistakably only by Krishna. In spite of the declaration, you will notice in the career of Krishna that He underwent defeat in His efforts and endeavours on a few occasions; you must also note that those defeats too were part of the drama which He had planned and which He Himself directed. For example, when many Kings pleaded with Him to avert the War with the Kauravas, He confessed that His Mission to the Kaurava Court for ensuring peace had 'failed!'
But, He had not willed that it should succeed! He had decided that war would be waged! His Mission was intended to punish the greed and iniquity of the Kauravas and to condemn them before the whole world.
Now, I must tell you, that during this Sai Avatar, there is no place for even such 'drama' with scenes of failures and defeats! What I will, must take place; what I plan must succeed. I am Truth; and Truth has no need to hesitate, or fear, or bend."
- Bhagwan's Discourse on 19th June 1974 in Brindavan, Bangalore.
Reference: "Sathya Sai Speaks", Vol. – XII, Chapter – 38. Page: 227-228
'Willing' is superfluous for Me…
"'Willing' is superfluous for Me. For, My Grace is ever available to devotees who have steady Love and Faith. Since I move freely among them, talking and singing, even intellectuals are unable to grasp My Truth, My Power, My Glory, or My real Task as Avatar (divine descent). I can solve any problem however knotty. I am beyond the reach of the most intensive inquiry and the most meticulous measurement. Only those who have recognised My Love and experienced that Love can assert that they have glimpsed My Reality. For, the Path of Love is the Royal road that leads mankind to Me."
- Bhagwan's Discourse on 19th June 1974 in Brindavan, Bangalore.
Reference: "Sathya Sai Speaks", Vol. – XII, Chapter – 38. Page: 228
Do not attempt to know Me through…
"Do not attempt to know Me through the external eyes. When you go to a temple and stand before the Image of God, you pray with closed eyes, don't you? Why? Because you feel that the inner eye of Wisdom alone can reveal Him to you. Therefore, do not crave from Me trivial material objects; but, crave for Me, and you would be rewarded. Not that you should not receive whatever objects I give as sign of Grace out of the fullness of Love."
- Bhagwan's Discourse on 19th June 1974 in Brindavan, Bangalore.
Reference: "Sathya Sai Speaks", Vol. – XII. Chapter – 38. Page: 228
Why argue over Me?
Who exactly is the Baba, you discuss and debate?! What does it matter to you who I am? You are concerned about your goal, your ideal, your experience, your effort, is it not? Why then worry about My Origin, My Nature, My Mystery, My Miracle?
When you cannot grasp your own basic reality, why waste time in exploring the essence of Godhead? As a matter of fact, you can understand Me only when you have understood yourself, your own Truth.
The gross can grasp only the gross; its categories of knowledge can proceed only as far as that. Fish die when they have to breathe the air above the water. Children can learn the alphabet only with the help of boards, slates, pencils and pieces of chalk. Sadhakas (spiritual aspirants) going through the primers of spirituality need symbols, images and rituals. You cannot discard Name and Form until you transmute yourself into the Nameless and Formless; just as the fish needed water and could not come up into the atmosphere, so long as they did not transmute themselves into land animals, giving up their aquatic nature.
That is the reason why the Nameless and Formless has often to assume Name and Form, and come before humanity with limitations imposed by its own Will, so that it may be loved, respected, worshipped, listened to and followed; so that the purpose of humanity may be fulfilled.
- Bhagawan's Discourse on 4th March 1962 in Prashaanthi Nilayam
on the occasion of Maha Shivarathri
Reference: "Sathya Sai Speaks", Vol. - II, Chapter-31. Page: 164-165
The chief characteristic of Sathya Sai is…
"The chief characteristic of Sathya Sai is equanimity, forbearance, Sahana (fortitude). There are many who are engaged in criticism and calumny. Many papers publish all types of writings. Many pamphlets are printed. All kinds of things happen in the world. My reply to all these is a smile. Such criticisms and distortions are the inevitable accomplishments of everything good and great. Only the fruit laden tree is hit by stones thrown by greedy people. No one casts a stone on the tree that bears no fruit!"
- Bhagawan's Discourse on 22nd Nov 1981 in Poornachandra Auditorium, Prashanthi Nilayam.
Reference: "Sathya Sai Speaks", Vol. – XV, Chapter – 33. Page: 179-180
You too have the Sai principle in you …
"It is impossible for anyone to understand or explain the meaning and significance of Swami. This is an Incarnation which is beyond anyone's comprehension. Trying to explain Me would be as futile as the attempt of a person who does not know the alphabet to read a scholarly treatise, or the attempt to pour the Ocean into a tiny waterway. You can at best only prepare yourself to receive and benefit by the Ananda I confer, the Bliss I grant.
You too have the Sai principle in you, but the difference is a matter of `wattage'. You have bulbs of zero watt power and also bulbs of high wattage giving dazzling light. The same electric current passes through them no doubt, but, how incomprehensible must be the' Supreme' for the' molecule.
- Bhagawan's Discourse on 9th Oct 1970 in Prasanthi Nilayam.
Reference: "Sathya Sai Speaks", Vol. - X, Chapter - 28. Page: 170-171
Even if the entire world opposes Me unitedly…
"Embodiments of Love! Even if the entire world opposes Me unitedly, nothing can affect Me. My mission is essentially Mine. I am engaged in doing good. My heart is ever full of benediction. I have no ego. I do not own anything. This is My truth. Those who have faith in this, My Truth, will not hesitate to dedicate themselves to it. Those who have doubts and defects react with anger and fear. But the person with no doubt and defect will not react so. I am aware of this and so I am always in Ananda (bliss)."
- Bhagawan's Discourse on 22nd Nov 1981 in Poornachandra Auditorium, Prasanthi Nilayam.
Reference: "Sathya Sai Speaks", Vol. - XV, Chapter - 33. Page: 180
The Divine has to reveal Itself
"The Divine is now denoted by various words that are common currency in limited human vocabulary. They name phenomena revealing the Divine as 'miracles', `magic', 'wonders', etc. Of course, man cannot contain in his mind more than he can hold. He cannot express in words the inexpressible. Only those who have dived deep and contacted the underlying principle of Love can visualize Divinity with some clarity. The Divinity that is Me has not been acquired or earned, nor has it been added or evinced after the lapse of some years, in the middle of this life.
The Divine has to reveal Itself through these manifestations, largely shaped and modified by the nature of the times, the region and the cultural environment. The signs and wonders that I manifest are given names that do not convey the purpose or effect. They can be called chamathkaara (that which is inexplicable), that lead on to samskaara (refinement), which in turn urge one on towards paropakaara (helping others) and finally result in saakshaathkaara (vision of the divine)."
- Bhagawan's Discourse on 23rd Nov 1976 in Prasanthi Nilayam
Reference: "Sathya Sai Speaks", Vol. - XIII, Chapter - 25. Page: 164-165
Few have realized My purpose and significance
"I never exult when I am extolled, nor cower when I am reviled. Few have realized My purpose and significance; but I am not worried. When things that are not in Me are attributed to Me, why should I worry? When things that are in Me are mentioned, why should I exult?
I am Ananda, Shaantham, Dhairyam (Bliss, Equanimity and Courage). Take Me as your Aathma thathwam (principle of the spirit); you won't be wrong. Resolve from this day to see only the good in others, to develop the good in yourselves. That is the best Sadhana (spiritual practice)."
- Bhagawan's Discourse on 30th March 1965 in Rajahmundry, Andhra Pradesh
Reference: "Sathya Sai Speaks", Vol. - V, Chapter - 23. Page: 128-129
Do not exaggerate the significance of miracles
"You elaborate in your lectures the unique powers of Sai, the incidents that are described as 'miracles' in books written on Me by some persons. But I request you not to attach importance to these. Do not exaggerate their significance; the most significant and important power is, let Me tell you, My prema (love). I may turn the sky into earth, or earth into sky; but that is not the sign of Divine might. It is the prema, the sahana (fortitude) that are my unique signs. When you attempt to cultivate and propagate this love and this fortitude, trouble and travail will clog your steps. You must welcome them, for without them, the best in you cannot be drawn out."
- From Bhagawan's Discourse on the occasion of
World Conference of Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisations,
in Mumbai, on 17th May, 1968.
Reference: "Sathya Sai Speaks", Vol.- VIII, Chapter-19. Page: 98
The power of Sai is limitless
"The physical eyes cannot visualize the Truth. It gives only false and fogged information. For example, there are many who observe My actions and start declaring that My nature is such and such. They are unable to gauge the sanctity, the majesty and the eternal reality that is Me. The power of Sai is limitless and inexhaustible. All forms of 'power' are resident in this palm."
- Bhagawan's Discourse on 19th June 1974 in Brindavan, Bangalore
Reference: "Sathya Sai Speaks", Vol.- XII, Chapter - 38. Page: 226
Always be mindful of My true nature…
"People may be very near (physically) to the Avatar, but they live out their lives unaware of their fortune; they exaggerate the role of miracles, which are as trivial, when compared to My glory and majesty, as a mosquito is in size and strength to the elephant upon which it squats. Therefore, when you speak about these miracles, I laugh within myself out of pity that you allow yourself so easily to lose the precious awareness of my reality..."
- Bhagawan's Discourse on 19th June 1974 in Brindavan, Bangalore
Reference: "Sathya Sai Speaks", Vol. - XII, Chapter - 38. Page: 227
You can observe Me and My activities…
"You can observe Me and My activities; note how I adhere to righteousness, moral order, truth and universal compassion. That is what I desire you to learn from Me. Many of you plead for a 'Message' from Me, to take to the Samithi (Sai centre) of which you are members. Well, My life is My message. You will be adhering to My message if you so live that your lives are evidence of the dispassionate quiet, the courage, the confidence, the eagerness to serve those who are in distress, that My life inspires you with."
- From Bhagawan's Discourse on the occasion of
World Conference of Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisations,
in Mumbai, on 17th May, 1968.
Reference: "Sathya Sai Speaks", Vol.- VIII, Chapter-19. Page: 96-97
I need nothing…
"I need nothing, however great or small, in this Universe. At no moment has desire affected me for any thing or activity. I have come to give, not to receive. And, what you can offer Me is just this: pure, unadulterated love. When you offer Me that, I derive Ananda."
- Bhagawan Baba's Discourse on 23rd Nov 1974, Prasanthi Nilayam.
Reference: "Sathya Sai Speaks", Vol. - XII, Chapter - 53. Page: 311
My activities are not for publicity
"My activities are not for publicity or propaganda or even to confer joy on others! They are for conferring joy primarily on Me! I have no need to please others and to earn approval or appreciation. For, I and you are not distinct entities; you are I and I am you. I am the current that flows into every bulb and illumines it. Those who see Me as separate are seeing falsehood. I am in your hearts; you are in mine. Don't be misled into doubt and distress."
- Bhagawan Baba's Discourse on 20th July 1972, Prasanthi Nilayam
Reference: "Sathya Sai Speaks", Vol. - XI, Chapter - 43. Page: 281-282
I do not need any publicity…
"I do not need any publicity, nor does any other manifestation of the Lord. What are you daring to publicise? Me? What do you know about Me, I ask you? You speak one thing about Me today and another tomorrow. Your faith has not become unshakable! You praise Me when things go well and blame Me when things go wrong. You flit from one refuge to another.
And even before your Bhakthi (devotion) ripens, you strive to lead others, you collect donations and subscriptions and plan mandirs (temples) and sangams (associations); all this is mere show, which brings spiritual loss, rather than spiritual gain.
When you start publicity you descend to the level of those who compete in collecting clientele, decrying others and extolling themselves. Where money is calculated and garnered, and exhibited to demonstrate one's achievements, I will not be present. I come only where sincerity, faith and surrender are valued."
- Bhagawan Baba's Discourse on 15th Oct 1964, Prasanthi Nilayam
Reference: "Sathya Sai Speaks", Vol. - IV, Chapter - 35. Page: 210
My activities and movements will never be altered…
"My activities and movements will never be altered, whatever one may say about them. Meanness may prompt people to remark on My dress or they may talk cynically of My hair, but I shall not be affected a bit. My discourses, My plans for Dharmasthaapana (establishment of righteousness), My movements, I shall not alter in the least. I have stuck to this determination for many years now and I am engaged in the task for which I have come, to inculcate the path of Prasanthi (supreme peace). I shall not stop, nor retract a single step…
Not even the greatest scientist can understand Me by means of the categories to which he is accustomed. I always smile at those who deride Me, and even those who praise Me. I am always full of happiness, whatever may happen. Nothing can come in the way of My Smile. Derision and calumny only tend to make it grow bigger and more joyful."
- Bhagawan Baba's Discourse on 30th Nov 1965, Prasanthi Nilayam
Reference: "Sathya Sai Speaks", Vol. - V, Chapter - 42. Page: 234-235
rom one of the Great talks of Kanchi Periyava – short, simple yet profound, lucid, humorous too.
நாம அத்வைதத்த எடுத்துட்டாலும், த்வைதமா இருந்தாலும், விசிஷ்டாத்வைதமா இருந்தாலும் ஒரு ஜீவனுக்கு இறுதி இலக்கு பரமாத்மா தான். இதுல 'செகண்ட் தாட்' டே கிடையாது. ஆனா என்ன ஒவ்வொரு மார்க்கமும், ஒரு ஜீவாத்மா எப்படி, எந்த சூழ்நிலைல, என்ன வழிமுறைல பரமாத்மாவை அடையும்கறதுல வேறுபடறது.
இங்கே இருக்கற நிறைய பேர் கணிதம் படிச்சிருப்பீங்க என்ற நம்பிக்கைல சொல்றேன். மத்வாசார்யாரின் த்வைத மார்க்கம் கொஞ்சம் ஸ்ட்ரிட். சங்கரரின் அத்வைத மார்கத்துல பரமாத்மாவுக்கும் ஜீவாத்மாவுக்கும் உள்ள தொடர்பு ஒரு சதுரத்தின் பக்கத்துக்கும் அதன் சுற்றளவுக்கும் உள்ள தொடர்பு மாதிரி. அதாவது பக்கத்தை மிகச் சரியாக நாலு மடங்கு செய்தால் அதன் சுற்றளவு வந்து விடும். நான்கு என்பது ஒரு RATIONAL நம்பர். எந்த Ambiguityயும் கிடையாது.
ஆனால் த்வைத மார்க்கத்தில் ஜீவாத்மாவுக்கும் பரமாத்மாவுக்கும் உள்ள தொடர்பு ஒரு வட்டத்தின் விட்டத்துக்கும் அதன் சுற்றளவுக்கும் உள்ள தொடர்பு போன்றது. விட்டத்தை பை (Pi)மடங்கு பண்ணா அதன் சுற்றளவு வரும். ஆனால் நீங்க படிச்சிருப்பீங்க பை என்ற நம்பர் ஒரு Irrational number என்று. அதாவது அதை இரண்டு முழு எண்களின் விகிதமாக எழுத முடியாது. இருபத்து இரண்டு bi ஏழு அப்படீங்கறது ஒரு approximation தான். பை (Pi) என்ற இந்த விகிதம் முடிவில்லாமல் அனந்தமாகப் போய்க்கொண்டே இருக்கும் என்று உங்களுக்குத் தெரியும். மூணு புள்ளி ஒண்ணு நாலு அப்படீன்னு எழுதி அதற்குப் பிறகு கோடி கோடி இலக்கங்கள் போட்டாலும் பை (Pi) என்ற எண் முடிவு பெறாது. எனவே வட்டத்தின் சுற்றளவை அதன் விட்டத்தைப் போல இத்தனை மடங்கு அப்படீன்னு சரியாக, உறுதியா சொல்லவே முடியாது. விட்டத்தின் எல்லை அதன் சுற்றளவு தான். சுற்றளவு என்பது ஒரு முழுமையான எண். வட்டத்தின் விட்டமும் ஒரு முழுமையான எண். ஆனால் இவை இரண்டின் விகிதம் ஒரு முற்றுப்பெறாத எண். விட்டம் தான் ஜீவாத்மா, சுற்றளவு தான் பரமாத்மா என்று எடுத்துக் கொண்டால் பரமாத்மா ஜீவாத்மாவின் இலக்கு என்றாலும் அது ஜீவனின் இத்தனையாவது படிநிலை என்று உறுதியாக சொல்ல முடியாது. விட்டத்தின் ஏதோ ஒரு முடிவிலி மடங்கில் சரியாக வட்டத்தின் சுற்றளவு வரலாம். ஆனால் எத்தனை துல்லியமாக கணக்குப் போட்டாலும் (Pi)பையை கோடி தசம ஸ்தானம் வரை எடுத்துக் கொண்டாலும் விட்டத்தின் மடங்குக்கும் சுற்றளவுக்கும் ஒரு சிறிய மைன்யூட் வேறுபாடு இருந்து கொண்டே தான் இருக்கும். அதே போல ஜீவனின் இலக்கு பரமாத்மா என்று சொன்னாலும் பரமாத்வை அடைய (பரமாத்மாவாக மாற) ஜீவாத்மா எண்ணிலாத, கணக்கற்ற படிகளை கடக்க வேண்டி இருக்கிறது. ஒரு ஜீவன் சாதனைகளை செய்து படிப்படியாக எவ்வளவு தான் முன்னேறினாலும் அது சுற்றளவை நெருங்கலாமே தவிர சுற்றளவாக மாற முடியாது. த்வைதம் ஸ்ரீமன் நாராயணனை சுற்றளவாக நிர்ணயம் செய்கிறது. உலகின் எண்ணிறைந்த ஜீவன்கள் தான் வட்டத்தின் எண்ணிறைந்த விட்டங்கள். விட்டம் சுற்றளவாக மாற எண்ணிறைந்த முடிவிலியான படிநிலைகளைக் கடக்க வேண்டும். இதை தான் அவர்கள் தாரதம்யம் என்று அழகாகச் சொல்கிறார்கள். அதாவது ஒரு ஜீவாத்மா பரமாத்மாவாக முழுவதும் மாறி விடுவதை , எப்படி கணிதம் விட்டம் சுற்றளவாக மாறி விடுவதை தடை செய்கிறதோ , அப்படி த்வைதத்தின் பஞ்சபேத தத்துவம் தடை செய்கிறது. விட்டம் சுற்றளவா மாறுது அப்படீன்னா பை (Pi) அப்படீங்கறது ஒரு Rational நம்பர் அப்படீன்னு ஆயிரும். கணிதத்தின் முக்கிய எண்ணான பையின் அழகே அது கணிக்க முடியாமல் irrational ஆக இருப்பது தான். எனவே ஜீவன் மற்றும் பரமாத்வாவின் உறவும் இப்படி நிச்சயமற்று Irrational ஆக இருக்கிறது என்கிறார் மத்வாச்சாரியார்.
ஒரு சுவாரஸ்யம் என்ன அப்படீன்னா ஐன்ஸ்டீனின் ஈர்ப்பு பற்றிய சமன்பாடுகளிலும் இந்த பை அப்படீங்கற நம்பர் வருது. அப்படீன்னா நம்மால் பிரபஞ்சத்தில் எதையும் இது இதன் இத்தனை மடங்கு அப்படீன்னு சொல்ல முடியாது. எதிலும் ஒரு நிச்சயமின்மை இருக்கவே செய்யும். இதை தான் மத்வாச்சாரியார் பஞ்சபேதம் , அதாவது சமமின்மை என்கிறார். ஒரு ஜடப்பொருளும் ஜீவாத்மாவும் பேதப்பட்டது, ஏன் ஒரு ஜீவன் இன்னொன்றில் இருந்து பேதப்பட்டது. ஒரு ஜீவன் பரமாத்மாவிடம் இருந்து பேதப்பட்டது. என்கிறார். சங்கரர் மாதிரி சி இஸ் ஈக்குவல் டு ஃபோர் ஏ (C= 4A) அப்படீன்னு சொல்லிட்டா, பரமாத்வா ஜீவனின் இத்தனையாவது படி அப்படீன்னு சொல்லிட்டா நாம பரமாத்மாவை வரையறை செய்து ஒரு குறிப்பிட்ட வரம்புக்குள்ள அடைச்சுட்ட மாதிரி இருக்கும். ஆனால் வேதாந்தம் பரமாத்மாவை நி-சீமா , எல்லையற்றவன், வரம்பு வரையறை அற்றவன் என்று சொல்கிறது.
எனவே மத்வாச்சாரியார் ரொம்ப சைன்டிபிக்-கா சி இஸ் ஈக்குவல் டு பை டி அப்படீங்கறார். ஒரு சுவாரஸ்யம் என்ன அப்படீன்னா திரிகோணமிதில சைன் (sine) மற்றும் காஸ் (cos) மதிப்புகளை கண்டுபிடிக்கும் 'டைலர்' சீரீஸை அப்பவே கண்டுபிடித்தவர் மத்வாசாரியார். அவர் ஒரு பெரிய கணிதவியல் மேதை கூட .அவர் எவ்வளவு அழகா தன் சித்தாந்தத்தை கணிதத்தில் இருந்து, கணிதத்தின் ஒரு அழகான எண்ணில் இருந்து எடுத்திருக்கார் என்பது அற்புதம்.
சரி இங்க விசிஷ்டாத்வைதம் ,அதாவது ஆண்டாள் போன்ற ஆழ்வார்களின் நெறி என்ன அப்படீன்னா, பரமாத்மா என்பது வட்டம் போல மாயத்தோற்றம் காட்டும் ஒரு சதுரம் என்பது. இந்த மார்க்கம் த்வைதம் மற்றும் அத்வைதம் இரண்டையும் ஓரளவு ஒத்துக்கொள்கிறது. அரிஸ்டாடிலின் கோல்டன் மீன் (Golden Mean) அப்படீன்னு சொல்வாங்களே அது மாதிரி .ஒரேயடியாக ஒரு ஜீவனிடம் நீ தான் பரமாத்மா அப்படீன்னு சொல்ல முடியாது. அவனுக்கு மிதப்பு வந்து விடும். அதே போல உன்னால் எத்தனை சாதனை செய்தாலும் பரமாத்மாவாக எப்போதும் மாற முடியாது என்று சொன்னால் அவன் மனமுடைந்து விரக்தியாகி விடுவான். எனவே நீ அஞ்ஞானத்தில் இருக்கும் வரை பரம்பொருள் உனக்கு ஒரு குழப்ப வட்டம். நீ ஞானம் பெற்றால் அது உனக்கு ஒரு தெளிந்த சதுரம் என்று சொல்கிறது இந்த நெறி. அதாவது வெளியே குப்பன், சுப்பன், கந்தன், கண்ணன் என்று பலபேர்களில் அழைக்கப்படுபவர்கள் பஸ்ஸில் ஏறியதும் கண்டக்டருக்கு 'டிக்கெட்' ஆக மாறி விடுவது போல.
பெரியாவாளுக்கு நிகர் பெரியவாள்தான்.
Vinayaka or Ganesh or Ganapathi or Vighneswara all indicate the Elephant-God, who is popular among young and old, and who is worshipped as the very first deity, before regularly beginning any ceremony or samskar, any yaga of yajna, any vow or fast or pilgrimage. He is the Lord of the ganas or divine forces, inside and outside the human body; He is the Lord, who masters and overwhelms vighna or obstacle, however imminent or eminent. This is the natural effect of the fact that Ganapathi is the God of Intelligence, vidya or buddhi.
Another name for Vinayaka is 'Vighneswara'. Easwara is one who is endowed with every conceivable form of wealth: riches, knowledge, health, bliss, beauty, etc. Vighneswara is the promoter of all these forms of wealth and removes all obstacles to their enjoyment. He confers all these forms of wealth on those who worship him. Vinayaka is described as "Prathama Vandana" (the first deity who should be worshiped). As everyone in the world desires wealth and prosperity, everyone offers the first place for worship to Vighneswara.
Ganapathi is a God revered in Tantric lore, and also, by various Vedic mantras. The elephant is proverbially the most intelligent among the mammals and it is vegetarian, indicating its sathwic nature. Ganapathi has the head of the elephant, for, it indicates the Intelligence through which obstacles in the path of achievement, secular as well as spiritual can be overcome. There is a popular verse, used on most occasions when Ganapathi is invoked. It mentions various attributes of this God: Suklambaradharam (wearing white vesture) is the first. This is the symbol of purity, for, ambara means also the sky (space, ether), the akasa of the heart. Ganapathi is pure, having universal love and compassion. Vishnu is the second attribute, ascribed to Him.
Vishnu means that He is present everywhere, at all times. Sasivarnam is the third adjective used. Of the complexion of ash, or Vibhuti, that is to say, glowing with spiritual splendor, with the majesty of spiritual attainments, achievements and potentialities. These are also called Vibhutis, for, in the Gîtâ, we find Krishna saying, 'wherever you see Power, Glory, Majesty (Vibhuti), know that it is Mine'! Ganesha is bathed in His Divine Glory; that is the significance of the attribute Sasivarnam.
Chathurbhuja (four-handed) is the next fourth denotation. This means that apart from the two visible hands, He has two invisible hands, that are available for the two divine uses of:
1. Blessing the devotee and
2. Guarding him from danger.
The last fifth of the descriptive word is Prasannavadanam (of bright countenance). The countenance depicts the inner calm, happiness and balance, inner grace and mercy, the consciousness of strength and sovereignty.
What is the esoteric meaning of Ganesha's elephant head? The elephant is noted for its acute intelligence. Ganesha's elephant head symbolizes sharpness of intellect and the highest power of discrimination. Because of the purity of his intellect, Vinayaka is also called the giver of buddhi (intellect). He responds to the prayers of devotees and hence is known as Siddhi Vinayaka (the Vinayaka who grants what is sought).
In a forest, when an elephant moves through the jungle, it clears the way for others to follow. Likewise, by invoking Ganesha, the path is cleared for our undertakings. The elephant's foot is so large that when it moves it can stamp out the footprints of any other animal. Here, again, the symbolic meaning is that all obstacles in the way will be removed when Ganesha is accorded the place of honor. The journey of life is made smoother and happier by the grace of Ganesha.
Vighneswara is also regarded as one endowed with the wisdom of the elephant. The elephant is noted for its supreme intelligence. it is also known for its absolute loyalty to its master. The direct proof of this is Sai Githa (Bhagavan's elephant). Ordinarily hundreds of cars will be passing on the road. Sai Githa will take no notice of them. But when Swami's car happens to pass that way, she will instinctively notice it, She will rush to the road raising her familiar cry. What love for Swami! It will be no exaggeration if faith is equated with the elephant.
When an elephant moves among the bushes, its path turns into a regular passage for all animals. It is thus a pacesetter for all animals.
The mouse is Ganesha's vehicle. The mouse is a clever and lively creature. As a symbol it means that we should be clever and diligent in our actions. The mouse also symbolizes the darkness of the night. The mouse can see well in the dark. As Vinayaka's vehicle the mouse signifies an object that leads man from darkness to light. The Vinayaka principle thus means that which removes all the bad qualities, bad practices and bad thoughts in men and inculcates good qualities, good conduct and good thoughts.
Without intelligent discrimination, no skill or strength can be profitably used. One must know how fire, for example, or the electric current has to be used and how far one can deal with it as an instrument for our needs. The senses of man are also like fire; they have to be kept under constant vigilance and control.
No worship can succeed unless the heart is pure and the senses are mastered. Ganesha is the God who helps overcome obstacles; but, He will create obstacles when good endeavor is obstructed by bad influences; He will clear the path for the sincere sadhaka. He is Prasannavadanam (of bright countenance), of beneficial looks, when you pray to Him for good ends; but, He will not be that when you seek His help for nefarious stratagems! He is Pranava-Swarupa, the Om personified; so He is auspiciousness itself.
Vinayaka is a leader for all deities. Faith in Vinayaka should be developed as the exemplar for all deities and He should be worshiped as the embodiment of Divinity.
Ganesh Gayatri
Om Eka Dantaya Vidmahe
Vakra Thundaya Dhemahi
Thannoh Dhantih Prachodhayath
Om Shanti ... Shanti ... Shanti
Realizing that Elephant-faced One,
with one tusk is God;
Meditate on the One Who has a curved trunk;
May He enlighten our intellect.
