Introduction:
With due respect to earlier generation for all the love and affection showered on us, I start writing this article about the some failures attributable to them. Failure mostly is in the dimension of ethics, lack of ethics rather, they imparted to us. Present generation has inherited a much degraded earth from earlier generation. Adding to the pathos we have worsened it further. (to be discussed later in another article on youth today)
Last couple of decades has witnessed a whole of transformation. Science and Technology has drastically advanced. Many of us today are enjoying comforts that are not even in imagination decades earlier. Unfortunately the cultural values are not carried forward with the same vigor. Moral values and ethical standards are taken too lightly. In order to uphold them, demonstration and practice is the only way. Mahabharata says “Aachara Prabhavo Dharmah” meaning Dharma can only be propagated through practice.
Degradation:
Caste system was largely criticized. Many claimed caste system is an insane methodology created to establish divide between humans. Popular opinion is higher castes tampered with Shastras for their own benefit. Even though primary aim of the system is to establish a balance and order in the society, not many bothered to address this point in their criticism. Stress was put on uplifting lower castes but not many paid attention to suffering and economically weak segments of so called upper castes. Despite criticism, when it comes to personal practice like marrying their kids, doing undue favors many still practice caste system. Even politics revolves around caste.
Caste system is replaced by Class System. Class system centered around social status and indirectly on money. This has lead to more divides in the society than caste system like trade unions, workers unions etc., Money and power reached its prime in terms of importance and soon money earning became an obsession to lot of people. Irrespective of moral correctness of their actions, rich and powerful got away.
Relationships have diluted including husband/wife and parents/offsping relations. Elders are not given due respect and the same is being involuntarily passed to us. Ego levels have raised beyond a point resulting in strained relations. Especially in a manner unfamiliar to Indians, marriages has taken a huge hit.
Self centered outlook has grown and lots of people started putting “I” before any cause. This has resulted in increased corruption levels and bribe has become a daily affair for public servants. Aggression and I know-all attitudes have grown among individuals. With such an attitude peoples’ ability to think beyond a point has lowered. Constrained thought and emotional influence has weakened the race.
Movies have deteriorated people even further. Earlier forms like theatre were nearly cremated wit advent of Cinema. Movies, instead of providing knowledge and being used as a means of education, started providing merely entertainment. Also in the name of entertainment, they started contributing more towards moral degradation of people. They started showing Gurubrahma as comedians and Matru and Pitru Devatas as buffoons. They started spreading a deceiving notion of boy-girl love as highest form of love. Is it equal to Brahma padartha mentioned in Vedas? No one knows!!
One positive sign is the improved importance tied to education and literacy levels have increased. How ever this has lead to two types of problems. Some parents put extra pressure on kids for education leading to increased stress levels on kids. Thrust was not put on learning instead it is put on marks/grades and thus creating unhealthy competitive environment. They also failed to understand the differences that exist between kids. Lots importance was put on smarter generation kids who go to study in IIT/IIMs or who manage to settle abroad in countries like US or UK.
Conclusion:
As mentioned at the beginning, we surely appreciate all the good things done for us. This is just an attempt to give a review of mistakes done from an outsider point of view. Our generation has surely gone a step ahead in deteriorating the standards further. Only an ethical revolution can save us and help us in getting back on track to Indian tradition and moral values.
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Sunday, December 27, 2009
Mass Movements -- An Analysis
Introduction:
Mass movements are not new phenomenon to India. Gandhiji, the Father of Nation, advocated and publicized them while leading India’s struggle for independence. His mass movements like Salt Satyagraha and Civil Disobedience movements gathered large massed of India and paved way for India’s independence. They gathered attention not only of British rulers but of the entire world. Gandhiji advocated non-violence as the tool to these movements.
A mass movement can only be lead by a charismatic or an appealing leader. On some occasions it can be instantiated by an appealing cause even if the leader himself is not appealing. It is not easy to drive these sorts of movements. Fundamentally these sorts of movements are driven by strong conviction on the cause, and thus the cause can motivate some of those involved to deviate from the means. Gandhiji himself faced lots of problems while leading non-cooperation movements and had to call off the movement at its peak when some of the masses resorted to violent means. It is not so easy because more often than not the mass is not homogenous both in composition and composure.
Benefits:
Mass movements are surely a genuine way, if advocated properly, to show the majority public opinion to governing body. It helps public to highlight their preference in cases where government is acting against it. It is a great tool in practice of democracy. These can also be used as a tool to educate people. Raja Rammohan Roy created Brahmasamaj and used it in educating people on popularly established social evils such as child marriages and sati. Mass movements can also be used in spreading a concept. Bhakti movement can be cited as an example where propagation of Bhakthi is done by various leaders. This is a specific case where there is no centralized leadership driving it.
Side effects:
Mass movements are not devoid of disadvantages. Primary pitfall lies in faulty cause/leader. If the selfish motives drive the cause then the advantage is soon lost. The driver steers the mass into some unethical/undue cause leading to chaos. We, the Indians, are fundamentally emotional beings. Even though we rationalize things, if some leader tampers with our emotions, we falter. Some selfish leaders have used them as a means to achieve their personal goals.
In some cases, these are being driven by select people appointed just to make sure the movement gathers mass. Masses, in summary, are not volunteered into the movement but are forced into it by core subsect. They may use gundaism to drive it. Also in most times public life is jeopardized to draw governments’ attention to the cause. Transportation, public services are impacted leading to inconvenience to public. In recent times lots of students and young men are being driven into these movements. Some of them are not fully mature enough to handle their emotions well and thus resort to violent means. This can result in damage to public/private property/people and also impacts their education.
Some cases innocent people who are unable to cope up with emotions are resorting to suicides in support of the cause. These can bring pathos to their families and near and dear.
Conclusion:
As a conclusion mass movements are powerful tools in democracy how ever there are adequate chances for their misuse by corrupt leaders.
Mass movements are not new phenomenon to India. Gandhiji, the Father of Nation, advocated and publicized them while leading India’s struggle for independence. His mass movements like Salt Satyagraha and Civil Disobedience movements gathered large massed of India and paved way for India’s independence. They gathered attention not only of British rulers but of the entire world. Gandhiji advocated non-violence as the tool to these movements.
A mass movement can only be lead by a charismatic or an appealing leader. On some occasions it can be instantiated by an appealing cause even if the leader himself is not appealing. It is not easy to drive these sorts of movements. Fundamentally these sorts of movements are driven by strong conviction on the cause, and thus the cause can motivate some of those involved to deviate from the means. Gandhiji himself faced lots of problems while leading non-cooperation movements and had to call off the movement at its peak when some of the masses resorted to violent means. It is not so easy because more often than not the mass is not homogenous both in composition and composure.
Benefits:
Mass movements are surely a genuine way, if advocated properly, to show the majority public opinion to governing body. It helps public to highlight their preference in cases where government is acting against it. It is a great tool in practice of democracy. These can also be used as a tool to educate people. Raja Rammohan Roy created Brahmasamaj and used it in educating people on popularly established social evils such as child marriages and sati. Mass movements can also be used in spreading a concept. Bhakti movement can be cited as an example where propagation of Bhakthi is done by various leaders. This is a specific case where there is no centralized leadership driving it.
Side effects:
Mass movements are not devoid of disadvantages. Primary pitfall lies in faulty cause/leader. If the selfish motives drive the cause then the advantage is soon lost. The driver steers the mass into some unethical/undue cause leading to chaos. We, the Indians, are fundamentally emotional beings. Even though we rationalize things, if some leader tampers with our emotions, we falter. Some selfish leaders have used them as a means to achieve their personal goals.
In some cases, these are being driven by select people appointed just to make sure the movement gathers mass. Masses, in summary, are not volunteered into the movement but are forced into it by core subsect. They may use gundaism to drive it. Also in most times public life is jeopardized to draw governments’ attention to the cause. Transportation, public services are impacted leading to inconvenience to public. In recent times lots of students and young men are being driven into these movements. Some of them are not fully mature enough to handle their emotions well and thus resort to violent means. This can result in damage to public/private property/people and also impacts their education.
Some cases innocent people who are unable to cope up with emotions are resorting to suicides in support of the cause. These can bring pathos to their families and near and dear.
Conclusion:
As a conclusion mass movements are powerful tools in democracy how ever there are adequate chances for their misuse by corrupt leaders.
Saturday, November 28, 2009
Aarya-2 -- Mr. Imperfect and Confused
I had a hidden feeling that over past couple of decades Indian Cinema has largely helped in deterioration of Indian Traditional Values. Barring movies by few directors like K. Viswanath, there were movies, portion of whose, attacked the traditions. Some attacked Guru-Sishya relation by treating Teachers like buffoons. Some attacked Parent child relation by making fathers look like idiots. But thankfully not many movies in Telugu attacked marriage system completely and made a ridicule of it. This I must say is merely a relative comparison with the bollywood movies which repeatedly attacked marital relation.
In Aarya-1 its director Sukumar tampered with “love”. I am not much worried about it as there was no precise description/guideline for boy-girl love. But in Aarya-2, he tampered with marriage, which is not in good taste. Especially when the movie is targeted for youngsters who are future of the country and supposed to be torch bearers for our cultural values into future. It is also risky as if it “influences” them and it is proven fact that bad influences faster than good.
Story Line:
Honestly I am confused or the director is confused rather. Storyline says it is story of a man who wants everyone to be happy. It is real good as Sarve Janah Sukhinobhavantu is real good thing to preach. But before passing this judgement, please mind that definition of everyone is merely Aarya, his friend and his lover turned wife. What’s so special in this? I am unsure. Either I misunderstood the storyline or the director misunderstood definition of everyone. Also most part of the story every lead character looks like a sadist in the making than anything else. Of course it was packaged and written on top of it as lighter vein.
Performances:
Arjun:
He is usual routine self. There is nothing special that can be mentioned here. I would hate to know a person like his character in real life. His dance performance is also good.
Navadeep:
He did justice to his allotted role as supporting artist. He probably is getting breaks in his second entry with revised look.
Kajal:
She is beautiful if that is all is required for heroin. But she did her bit of acting too when required. If only characterization is a bit better, I would have been happy. She depicted confused bubbly girl who is confused about love. I could have tolerated her that far. But she is confused even after marriage. Its unpardonable. If today’s girl identifies herself with the lead character, then I dare say future of our tradition is in real risk.
In Aarya-1 its director Sukumar tampered with “love”. I am not much worried about it as there was no precise description/guideline for boy-girl love. But in Aarya-2, he tampered with marriage, which is not in good taste. Especially when the movie is targeted for youngsters who are future of the country and supposed to be torch bearers for our cultural values into future. It is also risky as if it “influences” them and it is proven fact that bad influences faster than good.
Story Line:
Honestly I am confused or the director is confused rather. Storyline says it is story of a man who wants everyone to be happy. It is real good as Sarve Janah Sukhinobhavantu is real good thing to preach. But before passing this judgement, please mind that definition of everyone is merely Aarya, his friend and his lover turned wife. What’s so special in this? I am unsure. Either I misunderstood the storyline or the director misunderstood definition of everyone. Also most part of the story every lead character looks like a sadist in the making than anything else. Of course it was packaged and written on top of it as lighter vein.
Performances:
Arjun:
He is usual routine self. There is nothing special that can be mentioned here. I would hate to know a person like his character in real life. His dance performance is also good.
Navadeep:
He did justice to his allotted role as supporting artist. He probably is getting breaks in his second entry with revised look.
Kajal:
She is beautiful if that is all is required for heroin. But she did her bit of acting too when required. If only characterization is a bit better, I would have been happy. She depicted confused bubbly girl who is confused about love. I could have tolerated her that far. But she is confused even after marriage. Its unpardonable. If today’s girl identifies herself with the lead character, then I dare say future of our tradition is in real risk.
Saturday, November 7, 2009
Karma - A Perspective
What is good Karma and what is not? Is there a standard?
Answer is Yes. Karma that is abided by rules of Dharma laid out by Vedas, experts on Vedas. Manu Dharma Sastra is considered best book which laid out human dharma. If we are deviating from it, we are not doing good karma. Sastra has laid out the dos and donts for each varna and each asrama (like brahmachari, grihasta etc.,) If we are violating these we are not doing good Karma.
True realization is when you do all karma with out attaching yourself to fruit and not emotionally bonding yourself to the karma itself. King Janaka attained it. To wise men like him happiness and sorrow are one and the same. He was childless for long but he was not sad. At the same time he did not sit idle stating that it is vidhi. Instead he did all yagnas, homas for getting a child.(Karma) When he got Lord Rama as his son-in-law he did not go overboard with his joy. When his daughter had to go to forest with Rama he did not doom in sorrow. He was simply unattached, neither to sorrow nor to joy.
Ravana did lot of good deeds and tapas. How ever he did some wrong deeds like falling for other persons wives. Lord Rama had to wait till his bad karma dominates his good one so that he can kill Ravana. When he had Goddess Lakshmi in form of Sita in his Lanka, he looked at her with kama and that kept nullifying his good karma. In fact Hanuma said after Rama killed Ravana “Sita killed Ravana by staying in his Lanka for 9 months. Rama merely shot an arrow on the corpse left”
Eg
1. Actin sought here would be to correct the individual, if possible. If someone is not willing, it makes sense to do inevitable. If one lets his emotions here it is going to be tough to do “good karma”
2. Donating money is good karma. Doing it for sake of increasing bank balance of punya is deed of ordinary. Real wise man helps for sake of helping not for punya or fame. Helps because helping someone in need is dharma.
3. Some one cheated you by doing a bad karma. There is no unique answer here. Revenge definitely is not a right answer. Nor giving the person taste of his own medicine is recommended. Ideal way would be not to bother about it and continue doing what is dharma. When we are not doing Dharma ourselves what right do we have in pointing out fault of others? (This something that haunts me most of the times)
Answer is Yes. Karma that is abided by rules of Dharma laid out by Vedas, experts on Vedas. Manu Dharma Sastra is considered best book which laid out human dharma. If we are deviating from it, we are not doing good karma. Sastra has laid out the dos and donts for each varna and each asrama (like brahmachari, grihasta etc.,) If we are violating these we are not doing good Karma.
True realization is when you do all karma with out attaching yourself to fruit and not emotionally bonding yourself to the karma itself. King Janaka attained it. To wise men like him happiness and sorrow are one and the same. He was childless for long but he was not sad. At the same time he did not sit idle stating that it is vidhi. Instead he did all yagnas, homas for getting a child.(Karma) When he got Lord Rama as his son-in-law he did not go overboard with his joy. When his daughter had to go to forest with Rama he did not doom in sorrow. He was simply unattached, neither to sorrow nor to joy.
Ravana did lot of good deeds and tapas. How ever he did some wrong deeds like falling for other persons wives. Lord Rama had to wait till his bad karma dominates his good one so that he can kill Ravana. When he had Goddess Lakshmi in form of Sita in his Lanka, he looked at her with kama and that kept nullifying his good karma. In fact Hanuma said after Rama killed Ravana “Sita killed Ravana by staying in his Lanka for 9 months. Rama merely shot an arrow on the corpse left”
Eg
1. Actin sought here would be to correct the individual, if possible. If someone is not willing, it makes sense to do inevitable. If one lets his emotions here it is going to be tough to do “good karma”
2. Donating money is good karma. Doing it for sake of increasing bank balance of punya is deed of ordinary. Real wise man helps for sake of helping not for punya or fame. Helps because helping someone in need is dharma.
3. Some one cheated you by doing a bad karma. There is no unique answer here. Revenge definitely is not a right answer. Nor giving the person taste of his own medicine is recommended. Ideal way would be not to bother about it and continue doing what is dharma. When we are not doing Dharma ourselves what right do we have in pointing out fault of others? (This something that haunts me most of the times)
Sruti, Smriti ad Purana
Sruti: Heard.
This is not written by some one. That’s why it is called Apourusheyam. Vedas are srutis. Vedas are books with out a beginning and with out an end. How can a book be with out a beginning? So Vedas mean no books. It is accumulated Knowledge passed from one generation to another by great Rishis of our country. Till the time of Vyas Vedas have no division. How ever Vyasa recognized that by the end of Dwapara people become weak and their intelligence is going to be diminished. They can’t handle the huge knowledge in Vedas. So he has partitioned them into – Rig Yajur Sama Adharvana. His intention being people who can handle only one veda will handle one. Etc., The sur names Trivedi and Dwivedi came from this only. Those are family who had expertise in 3 and 2 vedas respectively.
Now we are in a time when knowledge of Vedas is rarest. People blame Brahmins for leaving Vedas behind and getting on with other professions. How ever argument in favor of them is simple and candid. Who is ready to give food to a Brahmin who gains authority on Veda? I have witnessed with my own eyes Veda pundit in Bhadachalam temple who sit in a corner and wait for somebody to give sambhavana (Dakshina) and who can’t beg money live on small salary temple pays out to them(imagine case of others who don’t have sucha job also and working as Sanskrit pundits in colleges. They are never on par with Physics/math lecturers). On the contrary a vyartha(useless) Brahmin like me who cannot even recite a single verse in veda with swara is filled more than enough money in my pocket. At least it is because of TTD which pays Rs3000 as stipend for students who learn veda vidya we still know that there are Vedas.
Smriti: Remembered
Smritis are at a lower level than Sruti and are written/professed texts that aid humans in regularizing lives. These are given to aid people who cant read/understand Vedas. These are mostly generated by great people who have authority on Srutis and try to help people by giving easy access. In case of any contradiction between Smriti and Sruti, one has to remember that Vedo Dharma Mulam (Gautama Smriti). Manu smriti is most popular of them which was adopted loosely for hindu law today. To be honest today's law contains very less of Manu Smriti and more of today's intelligence.
Smritis for each Yuga
Mau Smriti ->> Manu is first Man as per hindu mythology. He has given Dhrama Sastra that every one must adhere to. His is more suited to Kruta Yuga
Gautama Smriti ->> is written with slight customizations for Treta Yuga (Customizations based on Yuga Dharma) In Treta Yuga itself deterioration started in terms of following Karma
(Don’t remember name) but suited for Dwapara Yuga
Parasara Smriti ->> Suited for Kali Yuga. I am trying to find a copy of this book if available.
Purnas
These are main sources that are with in our reach now. Ramayan, Bhagavatam, Bharatam etc.,
Ramayanam is Ideal Life
Bhagavatam is Divya (blissful) Life (Lifes of great devotees )
MahaBharata is Practical Life.
If one sees Characters in these Itihasas they understand what to do and what not to do. Vyasa has proclaimed that what ever is present in MahaBharata is present in reality and what ever is not written is not any where. He writes with sad feeling that people are becoming bad and bad. If we read 2008 New Year days news in Mumbai where a mob of 70-80 people molest two young girls by stripping their dresses and attacking them in public, are they not reminding the kauravas(100) who try to strip Draupadi in Kuru Sabha? (In 2007 same incident repeated in Gateway of India location where a woman was molested by Mob in front of her boy friend/hubby which is sickening)
This is not written by some one. That’s why it is called Apourusheyam. Vedas are srutis. Vedas are books with out a beginning and with out an end. How can a book be with out a beginning? So Vedas mean no books. It is accumulated Knowledge passed from one generation to another by great Rishis of our country. Till the time of Vyas Vedas have no division. How ever Vyasa recognized that by the end of Dwapara people become weak and their intelligence is going to be diminished. They can’t handle the huge knowledge in Vedas. So he has partitioned them into – Rig Yajur Sama Adharvana. His intention being people who can handle only one veda will handle one. Etc., The sur names Trivedi and Dwivedi came from this only. Those are family who had expertise in 3 and 2 vedas respectively.
Now we are in a time when knowledge of Vedas is rarest. People blame Brahmins for leaving Vedas behind and getting on with other professions. How ever argument in favor of them is simple and candid. Who is ready to give food to a Brahmin who gains authority on Veda? I have witnessed with my own eyes Veda pundit in Bhadachalam temple who sit in a corner and wait for somebody to give sambhavana (Dakshina) and who can’t beg money live on small salary temple pays out to them(imagine case of others who don’t have sucha job also and working as Sanskrit pundits in colleges. They are never on par with Physics/math lecturers). On the contrary a vyartha(useless) Brahmin like me who cannot even recite a single verse in veda with swara is filled more than enough money in my pocket. At least it is because of TTD which pays Rs3000 as stipend for students who learn veda vidya we still know that there are Vedas.
Smriti: Remembered
Smritis are at a lower level than Sruti and are written/professed texts that aid humans in regularizing lives. These are given to aid people who cant read/understand Vedas. These are mostly generated by great people who have authority on Srutis and try to help people by giving easy access. In case of any contradiction between Smriti and Sruti, one has to remember that Vedo Dharma Mulam (Gautama Smriti). Manu smriti is most popular of them which was adopted loosely for hindu law today. To be honest today's law contains very less of Manu Smriti and more of today's intelligence.
Smritis for each Yuga
Mau Smriti ->> Manu is first Man as per hindu mythology. He has given Dhrama Sastra that every one must adhere to. His is more suited to Kruta Yuga
Gautama Smriti ->> is written with slight customizations for Treta Yuga (Customizations based on Yuga Dharma) In Treta Yuga itself deterioration started in terms of following Karma
(Don’t remember name) but suited for Dwapara Yuga
Parasara Smriti ->> Suited for Kali Yuga. I am trying to find a copy of this book if available.
Purnas
These are main sources that are with in our reach now. Ramayan, Bhagavatam, Bharatam etc.,
Ramayanam is Ideal Life
Bhagavatam is Divya (blissful) Life (Lifes of great devotees )
MahaBharata is Practical Life.
If one sees Characters in these Itihasas they understand what to do and what not to do. Vyasa has proclaimed that what ever is present in MahaBharata is present in reality and what ever is not written is not any where. He writes with sad feeling that people are becoming bad and bad. If we read 2008 New Year days news in Mumbai where a mob of 70-80 people molest two young girls by stripping their dresses and attacking them in public, are they not reminding the kauravas(100) who try to strip Draupadi in Kuru Sabha? (In 2007 same incident repeated in Gateway of India location where a woman was molested by Mob in front of her boy friend/hubby which is sickening)
Marriage - A Perspective
I must confess that I was thinking about similar thing for quite sometime. (May be because it is nearly time for me to start this whole exercise) I hate the bad culture of Pelli Chupulu. But I could not find a convincing alternative. I have thought about almost all the options right from KanyaSulka days to VaraKatnam days to Love marriage days. There is no fool proof alternative. It cannot be designed because we have the habit of looking for loophole.
1.KanyaSulka – The man with money will reign. I am really surprised to see that some of us are really following it even today even though in a more sophisticated format. Girls/Parents today are also evaluating the pay packet, fixed assets, depreciating assets etc., before closing in on the man. Even though it does not look as gross as Kanya Sulka, it ultimately means the man with less money will lose out in the game.
2.VaraKatnam – The man sells himself off for money. I hear “I want to marry a girl who is working or an MCA/BTech with 65% above in academics”. I am tempted to ask if it is Varakatnam offer in easy monthly installments.
3.Love marriage – The less I talk about this the better. I am an ardent hater of the word “love”. Every time some one utters this word, I hear “lust” instead.
Vedas are the basis for human (hindu) life and represent how one should get on in the world. This is the ideal side. There were times when people confirmed to it. Marriage is a most important thing in life of any person. The mantras chanted at the time of marriage are nothing but promises made by the couple to ideal life for years to follow and blessings from the elders. It enforces a household discipline. When the bridegroom says “mama”, the priest recites all the mantras for him. (It means on behalf of him the priest is making the promises) And honestly not many understand what promises are made at that time. We are busy in waving hands to friends or things about honeymoon plans.
King Janaka when giving his daughter Sita to Lord Rama said “Iyam Sita mama Suta Saha Dharma charitava”. (Please take my daughter Sita to follow you in Dharma as wife) Here he talked about Dharma but not Artha, Kama or Moksha. If you follow Dharma, all three follow. If you follow Kama ignoring Dharma, you can never achieve Moksha. (Mokha is state where you need not take a rebirth to face problems of the world) That’s why wife is called Dharma Patni rather than Kama patni.
Who wants to live in an ideal world? We can make practical amends to them without compromising the underlying ground rules. One may say that wife & husband should be like friends and is the practical side of it. But it is as well said in vedas. (One step in Saptapadi is for ever lasting friendship) Role of wife in progeny’s prosperity is evident. There is no Chatrapati Sivaji if Jijiabhai is not his mother and we would have never heard of Swamy Vivekananda if Bhuvaneswari Devi is not his mother.
Unless people understand this there cannot be a permanent solution. If I can convince my parents on all decisions of my life, I don’t see why I cannot convince them abt dowry. (unless there is reluctance to convince)
As concluding word I would want to reemphasize that Marriage is not business, it should be understood by both man and woman.
1.KanyaSulka – The man with money will reign. I am really surprised to see that some of us are really following it even today even though in a more sophisticated format. Girls/Parents today are also evaluating the pay packet, fixed assets, depreciating assets etc., before closing in on the man. Even though it does not look as gross as Kanya Sulka, it ultimately means the man with less money will lose out in the game.
2.VaraKatnam – The man sells himself off for money. I hear “I want to marry a girl who is working or an MCA/BTech with 65% above in academics”. I am tempted to ask if it is Varakatnam offer in easy monthly installments.
3.Love marriage – The less I talk about this the better. I am an ardent hater of the word “love”. Every time some one utters this word, I hear “lust” instead.
Vedas are the basis for human (hindu) life and represent how one should get on in the world. This is the ideal side. There were times when people confirmed to it. Marriage is a most important thing in life of any person. The mantras chanted at the time of marriage are nothing but promises made by the couple to ideal life for years to follow and blessings from the elders. It enforces a household discipline. When the bridegroom says “mama”, the priest recites all the mantras for him. (It means on behalf of him the priest is making the promises) And honestly not many understand what promises are made at that time. We are busy in waving hands to friends or things about honeymoon plans.
King Janaka when giving his daughter Sita to Lord Rama said “Iyam Sita mama Suta Saha Dharma charitava”. (Please take my daughter Sita to follow you in Dharma as wife) Here he talked about Dharma but not Artha, Kama or Moksha. If you follow Dharma, all three follow. If you follow Kama ignoring Dharma, you can never achieve Moksha. (Mokha is state where you need not take a rebirth to face problems of the world) That’s why wife is called Dharma Patni rather than Kama patni.
Who wants to live in an ideal world? We can make practical amends to them without compromising the underlying ground rules. One may say that wife & husband should be like friends and is the practical side of it. But it is as well said in vedas. (One step in Saptapadi is for ever lasting friendship) Role of wife in progeny’s prosperity is evident. There is no Chatrapati Sivaji if Jijiabhai is not his mother and we would have never heard of Swamy Vivekananda if Bhuvaneswari Devi is not his mother.
Unless people understand this there cannot be a permanent solution. If I can convince my parents on all decisions of my life, I don’t see why I cannot convince them abt dowry. (unless there is reluctance to convince)
As concluding word I would want to reemphasize that Marriage is not business, it should be understood by both man and woman.
Monday, October 26, 2009
Purana Prasasthi
Vedas are main foundations for Hindu Dharma. Lord Brahma has four heads each of which reciting one veda. Vedas are abundance of knowledge but are only with in reach of very few. Puranas on the other hand are illustrations of knowledge present in Vedas in a form that is easy to understand by all. Brahma used to have a fifth head for Puranas (which was chopped off by Lord Shiva) These Puranas are very relevant to us and the thrust in this Knowledge dose is on Part of puranas that are very powerful.
Bhagavata Purana:
Dasama Skanda:
Dasama Skanda of Bhagavata Purana is mainly focusing on Sri Krishna Leelas. Lord Krishna who is treated Paramatman himself (Krishnastu Bhagavan Swayam) incarnates among innocent people of Nandavraja. He shows many leelas that are pleasure to hear to devotees. It is a custom in hindu families to read out the Dasama Skanda to pregnant ladies so that they get a cute and naughty kid like Krishna. It is also a custom to start Bhagavata purana with Dasama skanda. Also it is believed that any threats to the kid (like the death threat from Kamsa) would be amended by the power of Dasama Skanda.
Rukmini Kalyana:
Rukmini is the incarnation Godess Lakshmi for pairing with Lord Krishna who is incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Rukmi, the brother of Rukmini, tries to get her married to Sisupala. Wicked Jarasandha supports this marriage. Rukmini writes to Lord Krishna and sends the letter through a brahmin priest. Lord Krishna rushes to fetch Rukmini and takes her to Dwaraka by defeating all the kings. It is a practice in hindu families to make unmarried girls/boys recite Rukmini kalyanam so that marriage gets settled soon. Also they believe that power of recital can make any underserving marriage to brides get cancelled and they get good husband like the way Rukmini got Lord Krishna.
Ramayana:
Sundara Kanda:
At the beginning of sundarakanda every good person is in distress. Rama and Sita for their separation, Vanaras for their inability to cross ocean and find sita. Ravan on the other hand is happy to have Sita with him. At the end of Sundara Kanda, Rama and Sita are happy to know each others safety. Vanaras are happy for they accomplished their mission to find sita. Ravan was in distress for his lanka was destroyed by a Vanara and his son Akshya was killed. Sundara Kanda is believed to have power of removing distress of good people. In case of families encountering many problems, they used to arrange for Sunadarkanda sravanam and it is believed that problems will be resolved by the power of sundara kanda. Also in Sundara Kanda when ever there is a problem/confusion, Hanuman recites shortened version of Rama Katha and that gives him power to overcome problem. It is also a custom to start Ramayana purana with Sundara Kanda.
MahaBharata:
Vishnu Sahasranama:
Maha Bharata is called panchama veda. Sage Vyasa promises that Mahabharata would contain everything that is there in the world. This is a brave promise. Along with rivalry of Kaurava Pandava cousins, Mahabharata has elaboration on Dharma. There are numerous episodes where Vidura and Sanjaya criticize Drutarastra and explain him nature of Dharma. Hindu marriage has a promise stating in Dharma Ardha Kamas Groom will not leave wife. It does not cover Moksha because Moksha superior of all should be pursued on ones own. No support would rendered by others in moksha even by the spouse. In Mahabharata Vyasa says he has given way to Dharma, Ardha, Kama as well as Moksha. Dharma Raja was taken to Bhishma (in his death bed) by Lord Krishna and Bhisma gives lectures to him on Dharma. Finally upon questioning by Dharma Raja what's the supreme order and how lay man can achieve it; Bhisma gives Dharma Raja and the whole world Vishnu Sahasranama stotra. This is a real gift to mankind
Bhagavadgita:
Lord Krishna himself summarizes the content of all Vedas and Upanishads into BhagavadGita. Even though intended audience is Arjuna, it is given to mankind by Lord as an aid in pursuit of Moksha, the supreme ideal. Even today many hindus start their spiritual endeavor with Gita.
Virata Parvam:
Pandavas face lots of problems because of their cousins and start the Agnata Vasa(secret stay) in Virata Parva. Virata parva also has similar effects of relieving from problems especially ones caused by cousins. At the end of Virata Parva Pandavas become happy again for completing the terms enforced by kauravas and also settles marriage of Abhmanyu with Uttara (King of virata's daughter). Also they meet with Lord Krishna who is their power and also their near and dear. It is also a custom to start Mahabharata purana with this chapter.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Some Random questions
Some random questions I have posed to my friends after readin article on "put" naraka
Questions:
Unfortunately I could not find the article through the link provided. Two questions 1. It is said by Lord Krishna in Gita
"vasamsi jirnani yatha vihaya
navani grhnati naro ’parani
tatha sarirani vihaya jirnany
anyani samyati navani dehi "
"As a person puts on new garments, giving up old ones, the soul similarly accepts new material bodies, giving up the old and useless ones." If the person wears new body after death, then where is this concept of forefathers requesting to Save them? By the concept of Lord they would have assumed new bodies. I am assuming the forefathers seen in below story is the "soul" as rest as mentioned died already.
2. Bhishma is one of the greatest Bhaktas of Lord and has attained VishnuLoka/moksha. Moksha is said to be lifeless state and oneness with God.
prahlada-narada-parasara-pundarika- vyasambarisha-suka-saunaka-bhishma-dalbhyan rukmangadoddhava-vibhishana-phalgunadin punyan iman parama-bhagavatan namami
"To the saintly devotees of the Lord, headed by Prahlada, Narada, Parasara, Pundarika, Vyasa, Ambarisha, Suka, Saunaka, Bhishma, Dalbhya, Rukmangada, Uddhava, Vibhishana, and Arjuna, I offer my respectful obeisances."
He is one of the top list devotees of Lord. Would Lord allow him to suffer in Put, if in Kaliyug people stop offering Shradda to him?
Answers from Nanda's thought:
You are asking questions to wrong people. I will give it a try.
#1) The people who die can come back to earth only if new kids are taking birth. So the author (or whoever it is) is saying that if you are not giving birth to kids, there might be possibility that the forefathers will have to wait longer to back to earth. IMO, these are very complex things and it would be difficult to comprehend.
#2) Bhisma might have got the mukti (because he is one of the greatest devotees) but The author is saying that Bhisma took a vow to make his father suffer.
Answers from my thought:
Let me try to give my understanding of the concept.
#1) Shraddas are offered in a way to give respect to our forefathers in name of remembrance. Concept explained so that child donot ignore them and express gratitude. But in reality the moment the soul leaves body all attachments related to that birth are gone. (excepting the karma phala or Punya Papas) . An example of this is shown in Maha Bharata when Arjuna is sorrow for death of his best son Abhmanyu. Lord Krishna takes him to Loka where Abhimanyu's soul is residing and Abhimanyu could not recognize his father. Then to Arjuna it becomes evident that soul knows no attachments. So the concept of forefathers waiting is just symbolic representation so that son's get motivated to offer their respects. (Source Bhramasri Malladi Chandrasekara Sastry's Bharatam)
#2) Bhisma has attained mukti and has no need to suffer 'Put'. He is one of the foremost devotees of Lord Krishna and has given us the famous Vishnu Sahasranama. Yudhistara (Dharma Raj) is treated as one most qualified on Dharama Sastra and amsa avatar of Yama Dharma Raja.(when Vidura dies, his soul gets merged into Dharama Raj showing this) But Lord Krishna after MahaBharata war, takes him to Bhisma so that he can learn things from Bhisma. When Yudhistara questions Bhisma, what is the simplest way and unique way to get rid of all papa and get moksha; Bhisma delivers Vishnu Sahasranama. Offering Shradda to Bhisma is again as mentioned earlier taking an occasion to thanks him for the contribution he has made.
Questions:
Unfortunately I could not find the article through the link provided. Two questions 1. It is said by Lord Krishna in Gita
"vasamsi jirnani yatha vihaya
navani grhnati naro ’parani
tatha sarirani vihaya jirnany
anyani samyati navani dehi "
"As a person puts on new garments, giving up old ones, the soul similarly accepts new material bodies, giving up the old and useless ones." If the person wears new body after death, then where is this concept of forefathers requesting to Save them? By the concept of Lord they would have assumed new bodies. I am assuming the forefathers seen in below story is the "soul" as rest as mentioned died already.
2. Bhishma is one of the greatest Bhaktas of Lord and has attained VishnuLoka/moksha. Moksha is said to be lifeless state and oneness with God.
prahlada-narada-parasara-pundarika- vyasambarisha-suka-saunaka-bhishma-dalbhyan rukmangadoddhava-vibhishana-phalgunadin punyan iman parama-bhagavatan namami
"To the saintly devotees of the Lord, headed by Prahlada, Narada, Parasara, Pundarika, Vyasa, Ambarisha, Suka, Saunaka, Bhishma, Dalbhya, Rukmangada, Uddhava, Vibhishana, and Arjuna, I offer my respectful obeisances."
He is one of the top list devotees of Lord. Would Lord allow him to suffer in Put, if in Kaliyug people stop offering Shradda to him?
Answers from Nanda's thought:
You are asking questions to wrong people. I will give it a try.
#1) The people who die can come back to earth only if new kids are taking birth. So the author (or whoever it is) is saying that if you are not giving birth to kids, there might be possibility that the forefathers will have to wait longer to back to earth. IMO, these are very complex things and it would be difficult to comprehend.
#2) Bhisma might have got the mukti (because he is one of the greatest devotees) but The author is saying that Bhisma took a vow to make his father suffer.
Answers from my thought:
Let me try to give my understanding of the concept.
#1) Shraddas are offered in a way to give respect to our forefathers in name of remembrance. Concept explained so that child donot ignore them and express gratitude. But in reality the moment the soul leaves body all attachments related to that birth are gone. (excepting the karma phala or Punya Papas) . An example of this is shown in Maha Bharata when Arjuna is sorrow for death of his best son Abhmanyu. Lord Krishna takes him to Loka where Abhimanyu's soul is residing and Abhimanyu could not recognize his father. Then to Arjuna it becomes evident that soul knows no attachments. So the concept of forefathers waiting is just symbolic representation so that son's get motivated to offer their respects. (Source Bhramasri Malladi Chandrasekara Sastry's Bharatam)
#2) Bhisma has attained mukti and has no need to suffer 'Put'. He is one of the foremost devotees of Lord Krishna and has given us the famous Vishnu Sahasranama. Yudhistara (Dharma Raj) is treated as one most qualified on Dharama Sastra and amsa avatar of Yama Dharma Raja.(when Vidura dies, his soul gets merged into Dharama Raj showing this) But Lord Krishna after MahaBharata war, takes him to Bhisma so that he can learn things from Bhisma. When Yudhistara questions Bhisma, what is the simplest way and unique way to get rid of all papa and get moksha; Bhisma delivers Vishnu Sahasranama. Offering Shradda to Bhisma is again as mentioned earlier taking an occasion to thanks him for the contribution he has made.
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Sundarakanda Prasasthi
Sundarakanda:
Valmiki has named chapters(kandas) in Ramayana so as to depict the content clearly.
Bala Kanda -- tells abt Rama's childhood
Ayodya Kanda -- Life in Ayodhya
Aranya Kanda -- Rama's life in Aranya
Kishkinda Kanda -- Life in Kishkinda
Yudda Kanda -- Rama's war with Ravana
But Sundara Kanda -- ??? Doesnot clearly tell what it contains.
Sundara Kanda is one such chapter that does not clearly tell what is there in the chapter by looking at the name. In fact it appears to be a cryptic name with some rahasya in it. Sundara Kanda is terated as one of the powerful chapters and is read by devotees. It has so many slokas which are treated as mantras themselves. Mantra is a sloka which generates power by recital.
Hanuma
Hero of the chapter is Hanuman. Scene at the beginning of the chapter is
Sita -- in sad state in asoka vana
Rama -- in sad state in kishkinda
Vanaras -- in sad state near beach unable to cross the sea.
Ravana -- in happy state with possession of Sita
At the end of chapter
Sita -- in happy state anticipating Rama's arrival
Rama -- in happy state knowing whereabouts of Sita
Vanaras -- in happy state for discovering sita
Ravana -- in sad state with lanka half destroyed and death of Son Akshaya
Hanuma is the responsible for this transformation. Even today he is considered as the one who brings prosperity to good people and trouble to bad.
Viswanatha started his sundara kanda in Ramayana Kalpavriksha as
Entavadu kavalenippudu yatpratibha vishistudi
Antavadini nenagugunippudu tatpratibha vishistudani
It shows the confidence and the confidence that is given by a medicine called Rama Bhakti. So whats Sundaram in Sundara Kanda?
sundare sundaro ramah sundare sundari katha
sundare sundari sita sundare sundaram vanam,
sundare sundaram kavyam sundare sundarah kapih
sundare sundaram mantram sundare kim na sundaram.
1) Rama is sundara. Pumsam Mohana Rupaya --> meaning even men would fall in love with him.
2) Katha is Sundara. Ramayana is still being received with awe for its beauty of story. It is dharma shastra illustrated
3) Sita is sundari. It is the reason why Ravan kidnapped her away.
4) Vanam is Sundaram. Asoka vanam has become resourceful once sorrow of Sita is taken away by Hanuma
5) Kavyam is sundaram. Ramayana is still being received with awe for its beauty of narration. For example Ayodhya Kanda starts with word Gachchatam --> meaning move. It is a symbolism Valmiki uses to depict something is going to move. By the end of Ayodhya Kanda, Rama/Sita/Lakshmana move to forest. Dasaradha moves to swarga loka. Bharata movs to Nandigrama. Even throne of Ayodhya moves to Nadigrama. This is the skill of valmiki illustrated in Ramayana
6) Kapih is Sundara. Most temples show hanuman as red colour idol but in reality Hanuma is yellowish colour and very sundara. He is Navavyakarana Pandita and is an illustration how and when to speak.
7) Mantram is Sundaram. Rama nama is mantra that is althrough in Lanka. You may be surprised but every rakshasha wants to get reward by killing Rama.Even through hate they are reciting Rama mantra. Everytime there is a crisis Hanuma recites Rama nama and gets rid of problem in sundara kanda. So what is not sundaram in Sundara kanda??
Valmiki has named chapters(kandas) in Ramayana so as to depict the content clearly.
Bala Kanda -- tells abt Rama's childhood
Ayodya Kanda -- Life in Ayodhya
Aranya Kanda -- Rama's life in Aranya
Kishkinda Kanda -- Life in Kishkinda
Yudda Kanda -- Rama's war with Ravana
But Sundara Kanda -- ??? Doesnot clearly tell what it contains.
Sundara Kanda is one such chapter that does not clearly tell what is there in the chapter by looking at the name. In fact it appears to be a cryptic name with some rahasya in it. Sundara Kanda is terated as one of the powerful chapters and is read by devotees. It has so many slokas which are treated as mantras themselves. Mantra is a sloka which generates power by recital.
Hanuma
Hero of the chapter is Hanuman. Scene at the beginning of the chapter is
Sita -- in sad state in asoka vana
Rama -- in sad state in kishkinda
Vanaras -- in sad state near beach unable to cross the sea.
Ravana -- in happy state with possession of Sita
At the end of chapter
Sita -- in happy state anticipating Rama's arrival
Rama -- in happy state knowing whereabouts of Sita
Vanaras -- in happy state for discovering sita
Ravana -- in sad state with lanka half destroyed and death of Son Akshaya
Hanuma is the responsible for this transformation. Even today he is considered as the one who brings prosperity to good people and trouble to bad.
Viswanatha started his sundara kanda in Ramayana Kalpavriksha as
Entavadu kavalenippudu yatpratibha vishistudi
Antavadini nenagugunippudu tatpratibha vishistudani
It shows the confidence and the confidence that is given by a medicine called Rama Bhakti. So whats Sundaram in Sundara Kanda?
sundare sundaro ramah sundare sundari katha
sundare sundari sita sundare sundaram vanam,
sundare sundaram kavyam sundare sundarah kapih
sundare sundaram mantram sundare kim na sundaram.
1) Rama is sundara. Pumsam Mohana Rupaya --> meaning even men would fall in love with him.
2) Katha is Sundara. Ramayana is still being received with awe for its beauty of story. It is dharma shastra illustrated
3) Sita is sundari. It is the reason why Ravan kidnapped her away.
4) Vanam is Sundaram. Asoka vanam has become resourceful once sorrow of Sita is taken away by Hanuma
5) Kavyam is sundaram. Ramayana is still being received with awe for its beauty of narration. For example Ayodhya Kanda starts with word Gachchatam --> meaning move. It is a symbolism Valmiki uses to depict something is going to move. By the end of Ayodhya Kanda, Rama/Sita/Lakshmana move to forest. Dasaradha moves to swarga loka. Bharata movs to Nandigrama. Even throne of Ayodhya moves to Nadigrama. This is the skill of valmiki illustrated in Ramayana
6) Kapih is Sundara. Most temples show hanuman as red colour idol but in reality Hanuma is yellowish colour and very sundara. He is Navavyakarana Pandita and is an illustration how and when to speak.
7) Mantram is Sundaram. Rama nama is mantra that is althrough in Lanka. You may be surprised but every rakshasha wants to get reward by killing Rama.Even through hate they are reciting Rama mantra. Everytime there is a crisis Hanuma recites Rama nama and gets rid of problem in sundara kanda. So what is not sundaram in Sundara kanda??
Monday, May 4, 2009
Varna Ashrama Dharmas
Started by a friend (Nanda Kishore)
There are many concepts in BHAGAVAD-GITA and let us try to have some information/discussion on one of them - "varnashrama dharma"
In GITA, two definitions or explanations are given for "varnashrama dharma"
Social divisions:
1) The Brahmanas - The intelligent class directing society by giving guidance and advice to the king or government
2) The ksatriyas - The ksatriyas take the positions of king or politicians and the military
3) The vaisyas - The vaisyas are responsible principally for the production food and the protection of the cows
4) The sudras - The sudras have little intelligence and must therefore be engaged in the service of one of the other three classes
The social body should work as a coordinated unit with different members of the society acting in their respective positions as brahmanas, ksatriyas, vaisyas and sudras according to their qualities (Please note that the divisions are made as per qualities and not based on caste)
There are also four spiritual divisions
1) brahmacary - student life
2) grhastha - married life
3) vanaprasta - retired life and
4) sunnyasa - renounced life
Shark(Saarth's nick name) , You can take this forward.
My Response:
Varna:
As rightly pointed out divisions are made as per qualities and not basesd on castes. Later they were made into castes. In Gita Lord Krishna says "Janmana Jayate Sudra Samskarena Jayate Dwijah" -- Every one is Sudra by birth and by quality he displays he may become a dwija. Also he clearly says "Chaturvarna maya srustam" -- I have created only four varnas but it is humans who have created other subcastes and panchama caste.
With in this castes they have made enough subdivisions so that men have sufficient reason rto fight and kill each other. I was just listening to Lyrics of Dashavataram "Raayini Maatram" Song where hero is a Srivaishnava and says he will not bow his head to Lord Shiva. And Veera Shaivites kill him. In Vedas, upanishads and other scriptures it is clearly said that there is only one God. But people divided him and found one another reason to kill each other.
It is a customary argument since ages that only upper castes are allowed to read vedas. This is false and falsity established by humans. Vedas are Swara pradhanas. Every mantra of vedas has a swara attached to it and it has its impact only when swara is followed. Incorrect swara is like insulting Gods and thats the reason why people who cannot correctly pronounce were denied access to vedas. There is a story in Upanishad where a boy named Jaabali who does not know who his father is approaches Gautama Maharshi for learning veda. Gautama asks hm abt his Gotra and Jabali replies that he does not know it as he does not know who his father is. Appreciating his quality of speaking truth despite knowing that speaking truth may not get him admission, Gautama grants him admission and teaches him Veda.
What is it Veda that only some people are denied access to it? Vedas are libraries of knowledge and giving access to knowledge to one who does not deserve it can lead to danger. For example: Ekalvya has learnt Archery on his own. One day when he is practising a dog came barking along the way and this lead to concentration lapse for him. He uses his skill on the poor animal and seals its mouth. Any one learning Archery would be told that his skill should be used only for attaining peace and protecting the state. Ekalavya does not have fundamental qualities of archer and has every chance of misusing his skill. So Drona asks him for his thumb so that he cannot practice archery. It is a different story that we see lots of movies where Drona/Arjuna are made Villians. Drona has done Dharma but it is now interpreted as attrocity of a brahmin on a tribal.
Regrading Ashrama Dharma's I can write only after reading relevant portion in Manu Smriti and Parasara Smriti. Parasara Smriti is more applicable to Kali yuga.
There are many concepts in BHAGAVAD-GITA and let us try to have some information/discussion on one of them - "varnashrama dharma"
In GITA, two definitions or explanations are given for "varnashrama dharma"
Social divisions:
1) The Brahmanas - The intelligent class directing society by giving guidance and advice to the king or government
2) The ksatriyas - The ksatriyas take the positions of king or politicians and the military
3) The vaisyas - The vaisyas are responsible principally for the production food and the protection of the cows
4) The sudras - The sudras have little intelligence and must therefore be engaged in the service of one of the other three classes
The social body should work as a coordinated unit with different members of the society acting in their respective positions as brahmanas, ksatriyas, vaisyas and sudras according to their qualities (Please note that the divisions are made as per qualities and not based on caste)
There are also four spiritual divisions
1) brahmacary - student life
2) grhastha - married life
3) vanaprasta - retired life and
4) sunnyasa - renounced life
Shark(Saarth's nick name) , You can take this forward.
My Response:
Varna:
As rightly pointed out divisions are made as per qualities and not basesd on castes. Later they were made into castes. In Gita Lord Krishna says "Janmana Jayate Sudra Samskarena Jayate Dwijah" -- Every one is Sudra by birth and by quality he displays he may become a dwija. Also he clearly says "Chaturvarna maya srustam" -- I have created only four varnas but it is humans who have created other subcastes and panchama caste.
With in this castes they have made enough subdivisions so that men have sufficient reason rto fight and kill each other. I was just listening to Lyrics of Dashavataram "Raayini Maatram" Song where hero is a Srivaishnava and says he will not bow his head to Lord Shiva. And Veera Shaivites kill him. In Vedas, upanishads and other scriptures it is clearly said that there is only one God. But people divided him and found one another reason to kill each other.
It is a customary argument since ages that only upper castes are allowed to read vedas. This is false and falsity established by humans. Vedas are Swara pradhanas. Every mantra of vedas has a swara attached to it and it has its impact only when swara is followed. Incorrect swara is like insulting Gods and thats the reason why people who cannot correctly pronounce were denied access to vedas. There is a story in Upanishad where a boy named Jaabali who does not know who his father is approaches Gautama Maharshi for learning veda. Gautama asks hm abt his Gotra and Jabali replies that he does not know it as he does not know who his father is. Appreciating his quality of speaking truth despite knowing that speaking truth may not get him admission, Gautama grants him admission and teaches him Veda.
What is it Veda that only some people are denied access to it? Vedas are libraries of knowledge and giving access to knowledge to one who does not deserve it can lead to danger. For example: Ekalvya has learnt Archery on his own. One day when he is practising a dog came barking along the way and this lead to concentration lapse for him. He uses his skill on the poor animal and seals its mouth. Any one learning Archery would be told that his skill should be used only for attaining peace and protecting the state. Ekalavya does not have fundamental qualities of archer and has every chance of misusing his skill. So Drona asks him for his thumb so that he cannot practice archery. It is a different story that we see lots of movies where Drona/Arjuna are made Villians. Drona has done Dharma but it is now interpreted as attrocity of a brahmin on a tribal.
Regrading Ashrama Dharma's I can write only after reading relevant portion in Manu Smriti and Parasara Smriti. Parasara Smriti is more applicable to Kali yuga.
Vaikunta Ekadasi
Today is the auspicious day of Vaikunta Ekadasi. This is the day on which most temple including Tirupati and Bhadrachalam would crowded for getting vaikunta Dwara darshan.
It is also called Mukkoti Ekadasi ie., the day on which 3crore Devatas come to visit Lord Vishnu through uttara vaikunta dwara. Devotees observe fast on this day and spend time reciting Lord's Keerthans.
The significance of Vaikunta Ekadasi can be traced back to the Padma Purana. The Purana indicates that Lord Vishnu took the form of ‘Ekadasi’ female energy to kill demon Muran. Impressed by ‘Ekadasi,’ Lord Vishnu told her that whoever worships him on this day will reach ‘Vaikunta’. Rice is avoided during ekadashi days as it is believed that the demon Mura finds a dwelling in the rice eaten on Ekadasi day.
Fasting and indulging in Lord's Japa on Ekadasi is called Ekadasi Vrata. Noted devotee King Ambareesha observed this Vrata and his story of lesson given by Lord Vishnu to Sage Durvasa is known to every one. (if not I will write in a separate mail) Here is a sloka that tells significance of Ekadasi Vrata
"na GaayathryA para manthra: na Maathu para dhaivatham
na KaasyA: paramam theertham na EkAdasyA : samam vratham"
Meaning:
There is no manthram that is superior to Gaayathri manthram ; there is no dhaivam superior to one's mother;
there is no sanctifying theertham better the Kaasi and there is no vratham that is more sacred than EkAdasi Vratham .
Tit-Bit:
Devatas are said to be mukkoti (3crores)। Will there not be any growth in their population? (if possible explain)
Some Queries of friend
1) All these things must have be formulated to move man closer to GOD. i.e. make him a better human being. But in Kaliyuga, it is not happening.
These things are surely formulated to move man closer to GOD perfect. In Kaliyuga it may not be seen happening and that is exactly the characteristic of Kaliyuga.
In Kruta Yuga (Satya Yuga) people did not know what bad is.
In Treta Yuga people knew what bad is and but never did it.
In Dwapara Yuga people did bad deeds but there are good fellows who constrained them
In Kali Yuga bad becomes norm and good becomes exception. It is surely a rarity to find a perfect man here.
2) Do you really think that a person who commits 10 murders and then performs Ekadasi vratham will reach Vaikunta?
I think so but I cannot show any tangible proof. But there is a clarification demanded here. If a person does 10 murders, he will not attain Vaikunta until he pays for those murders. There are swarga and Naraka defined that give punishments to sins. There will be series of rebirths that might happen giving him scope for undergoing fruit of his papa and there will be cases when papa will be experienced in same life itself.
In a book called Panduranga Mahatyam, Tenali Rama Krishna portrays a character called Nigama Sharma. Brahmin by birth but chandala by nature. He makes his wife and parents suffer. Never takes care of offspring. Also he molests daughter-in-law of a kapu family and starts having illicit affair with her. So in essence he brings down every one attached with him. He pays for the sisn when he loses every one including his wife and kid who are burnt alive infront of his eyes. He then pays for the sins he has done when he is left all alone in a state where there is no food, no senses working. In the end he gets Vaikunta after he reaches holy presence of Lord Pandu Ranga.
Net - Net what I can say is one has to pay for his sins there is no exception. It can be in same birth or series of rebirths. But as we do not have longevity of life that can clearly show whether people are paying for sins, we might think they are leading happy life.
Friend's Response:
>> Net - Net what I can say is one has to pay for his sins there is no exception. It can be in same birth or series of rebirths. But as we do not have longevity of life that can clearly show whether people are paying for sins, we might think they are leading happy life.
This is where my point lies. We just don't seem to understand this. From morning to evening we commit so many sins (physical and mental) and just a customary visit to temple on a particular day will not help. (Today morning I saw around 50 vehicles parked at lord venkatesware temple near my house)
I am not losing faith in these customs. I am losing faith in the concept that these customs will move man closer to GOD in kaliyuga. (Most of us visit temple out of fear and not because of Bhakti)
My Response:
I am not losing faith in these customs. I am losing faith in the concept that these customs will move man closer to GOD in kaliyuga.
Customs can help in big way if they are practiced in right spirit by understanding the rationale behind. But we cannot deny that a portion of blind followers can get some benefit out of it.
My personal opinion is to try and understand heart of the customs and practicing them is a wise gesture. It is unwise to ignore them by stating that they do not add value. It is karma (duty) yoga as first step before going to bhakti/gnana yoga. There will surely be some blessed who might reach gnana directly but for rest of us it falls into same route of Karma --> Gnana --> Bhakti.
(Most of us visit temple out of fear and not because of Bhakti)
We are not (sofar) Paramahamsa to help all those who are not getting benefit out of customs, I can claim to have surpassed my ability if I help myself. If my ability gets extended to help some more people in future I would volunteer to help them. But for now I visit temple only for two reasons.
1. To get some tranquility in my mind and heart and ease any tensions of my mind.
2. I have made a rule to give dakshina of 11 Rs to every priest in my near by temples every week. I was moved by the fact that most of them (especially priests of surrounding Gods in temple) are living in utter poverty. I cannot say that my paltry sum can relieve them of poverty but it is some Aatma samtrupti on my behalf. I took this resolve after my recent visit to Tiruttrini where I have seen priests who are requesting devotees to visit surrounding temples so that they can earn Rs2 as Dakshina.
It is also called Mukkoti Ekadasi ie., the day on which 3crore Devatas come to visit Lord Vishnu through uttara vaikunta dwara. Devotees observe fast on this day and spend time reciting Lord's Keerthans.
The significance of Vaikunta Ekadasi can be traced back to the Padma Purana. The Purana indicates that Lord Vishnu took the form of ‘Ekadasi’ female energy to kill demon Muran. Impressed by ‘Ekadasi,’ Lord Vishnu told her that whoever worships him on this day will reach ‘Vaikunta’. Rice is avoided during ekadashi days as it is believed that the demon Mura finds a dwelling in the rice eaten on Ekadasi day.
Fasting and indulging in Lord's Japa on Ekadasi is called Ekadasi Vrata. Noted devotee King Ambareesha observed this Vrata and his story of lesson given by Lord Vishnu to Sage Durvasa is known to every one. (if not I will write in a separate mail) Here is a sloka that tells significance of Ekadasi Vrata
"na GaayathryA para manthra: na Maathu para dhaivatham
na KaasyA: paramam theertham na EkAdasyA : samam vratham"
Meaning:
There is no manthram that is superior to Gaayathri manthram ; there is no dhaivam superior to one's mother;
there is no sanctifying theertham better the Kaasi and there is no vratham that is more sacred than EkAdasi Vratham .
Tit-Bit:
Devatas are said to be mukkoti (3crores)। Will there not be any growth in their population? (if possible explain)
Some Queries of friend
1) All these things must have be formulated to move man closer to GOD. i.e. make him a better human being. But in Kaliyuga, it is not happening.
These things are surely formulated to move man closer to GOD perfect. In Kaliyuga it may not be seen happening and that is exactly the characteristic of Kaliyuga.
In Kruta Yuga (Satya Yuga) people did not know what bad is.
In Treta Yuga people knew what bad is and but never did it.
In Dwapara Yuga people did bad deeds but there are good fellows who constrained them
In Kali Yuga bad becomes norm and good becomes exception. It is surely a rarity to find a perfect man here.
2) Do you really think that a person who commits 10 murders and then performs Ekadasi vratham will reach Vaikunta?
I think so but I cannot show any tangible proof. But there is a clarification demanded here. If a person does 10 murders, he will not attain Vaikunta until he pays for those murders. There are swarga and Naraka defined that give punishments to sins. There will be series of rebirths that might happen giving him scope for undergoing fruit of his papa and there will be cases when papa will be experienced in same life itself.
In a book called Panduranga Mahatyam, Tenali Rama Krishna portrays a character called Nigama Sharma. Brahmin by birth but chandala by nature. He makes his wife and parents suffer. Never takes care of offspring. Also he molests daughter-in-law of a kapu family and starts having illicit affair with her. So in essence he brings down every one attached with him. He pays for the sisn when he loses every one including his wife and kid who are burnt alive infront of his eyes. He then pays for the sins he has done when he is left all alone in a state where there is no food, no senses working. In the end he gets Vaikunta after he reaches holy presence of Lord Pandu Ranga.
Net - Net what I can say is one has to pay for his sins there is no exception. It can be in same birth or series of rebirths. But as we do not have longevity of life that can clearly show whether people are paying for sins, we might think they are leading happy life.
Friend's Response:
>> Net - Net what I can say is one has to pay for his sins there is no exception. It can be in same birth or series of rebirths. But as we do not have longevity of life that can clearly show whether people are paying for sins, we might think they are leading happy life.
This is where my point lies. We just don't seem to understand this. From morning to evening we commit so many sins (physical and mental) and just a customary visit to temple on a particular day will not help. (Today morning I saw around 50 vehicles parked at lord venkatesware temple near my house)
I am not losing faith in these customs. I am losing faith in the concept that these customs will move man closer to GOD in kaliyuga. (Most of us visit temple out of fear and not because of Bhakti)
My Response:
I am not losing faith in these customs. I am losing faith in the concept that these customs will move man closer to GOD in kaliyuga.
Customs can help in big way if they are practiced in right spirit by understanding the rationale behind. But we cannot deny that a portion of blind followers can get some benefit out of it.
My personal opinion is to try and understand heart of the customs and practicing them is a wise gesture. It is unwise to ignore them by stating that they do not add value. It is karma (duty) yoga as first step before going to bhakti/gnana yoga. There will surely be some blessed who might reach gnana directly but for rest of us it falls into same route of Karma --> Gnana --> Bhakti.
(Most of us visit temple out of fear and not because of Bhakti)
We are not (sofar) Paramahamsa to help all those who are not getting benefit out of customs, I can claim to have surpassed my ability if I help myself. If my ability gets extended to help some more people in future I would volunteer to help them. But for now I visit temple only for two reasons.
1. To get some tranquility in my mind and heart and ease any tensions of my mind.
2. I have made a rule to give dakshina of 11 Rs to every priest in my near by temples every week. I was moved by the fact that most of them (especially priests of surrounding Gods in temple) are living in utter poverty. I cannot say that my paltry sum can relieve them of poverty but it is some Aatma samtrupti on my behalf. I took this resolve after my recent visit to Tiruttrini where I have seen priests who are requesting devotees to visit surrounding temples so that they can earn Rs2 as Dakshina.
What is Daivam and what is Karma
Hinduism's foundation is based on karma siddanta (principle). Almost every scripture of religious importance starting from Vedas to Bhagavad-Gita talks about the Karma siddanta. It is a simple principle how ever it is widely misunderstood.
Karma siddanta says you reap what you sow. If you plant a mango seed you would enjoy mango fruit but not apple fruit. Simple isn't it? In a practical scenario, it says your action(karma) today determines what you face tomorrow. A student who has an exam tomorrow and works hard today, gets good marks tomorrow. A student who does do it, gets less marks. Means day in day out you keep doing karma and enjoy/suffer the karmaphala. (fruit of karma). Heck! what is confusion in it?
Lets try to extend this principle a little further:
Hinduism says the living being keeps encountering series of rebirth's in a circular fashion. Well proof? Here is what Lord Krishna Says in Bhagavad-Gita
Source: Yoga Vasistam -- A lesson taught by Vasista to Lord Rama. Considered a seminal book on philosophy even before Bhagavad-Gita. (I used my interpretation here though)
Karma siddanta says you reap what you sow. If you plant a mango seed you would enjoy mango fruit but not apple fruit. Simple isn't it? In a practical scenario, it says your action(karma) today determines what you face tomorrow. A student who has an exam tomorrow and works hard today, gets good marks tomorrow. A student who does do it, gets less marks. Means day in day out you keep doing karma and enjoy/suffer the karmaphala. (fruit of karma). Heck! what is confusion in it?
Lets try to extend this principle a little further:
Hinduism says the living being keeps encountering series of rebirth's in a circular fashion. Well proof? Here is what Lord Krishna Says in Bhagavad-Gita
| vasamsi jirnani yatha vihaya navani grhnati naro ’parani tatha sarirani vihaya jirnany anyani samyati navani dehi "As a person puts on new garments, giving up old ones, the soul similarly accepts new material bodies, giving up the old and useless ones." How ever it is not always true that we get human birth. Last birth may be a cockroach or tiger or any thing else. The current life is determined by karma we have done in earlier lives. meaning the karma phala does not end after death, instead it carries forward to next lives. Earlier illustrations are easy to believe as there is a concrete proof we can see with our own eyes, this illustration is a little difficult as the proof cant be seen with senses. (I somehow cant understand why even people who understood mathematical induction principle cant apply same here :-)) Now that we have got the principle lets see a small illustration here. Two students attend same classes, study same time but one is able absorb the gist of education where as the other does not. Here the visible Karma is identically done by the students. What's is the reason why one succeeds and other does not? It is because the previous karma has taken over (from previous life or same life) and the negative karma show impact. Negative karma could be lack of strong foundation of basics. Given this background lets inspect the question. When some one says "daivam karunichindi", it essentially means his earlier karma has started showing its positive impact in his current life. When some one repents stating "Idanta na karma", it simply means his bad karma is taking over his current karma. As opposed to many religious beliefs GOD is not some body who sits and observes each and every person day in day out and try to reward/punish for actions manually. We can say it is an automated program written GOD himself so that his intervention is not required. He merely does the production support. :-) So if every things is determined by the prarabda karma, what is need to work(karma) now? For future lifes as first reason. Secondly previous karma is taking over only if you current karma is not strong enough to nullify. So we need to work even now. |
Source: Yoga Vasistam -- A lesson taught by Vasista to Lord Rama. Considered a seminal book on philosophy even before Bhagavad-Gita. (I used my interpretation here though)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
