Friday, December 18, 2009

Vedic Chanting

1. Rudram Namakam.
2. Chamakam.
3. Purusha Suktham.
4. Sri Suktham.
5. Manthra Pushpam.


Click here to download in mp3 format and listen.

MS Subbalakshmi melodies

1. Bhaja_Govindam.
2. Ganesha_Pancharathnam.
3. Kasi_Viswanatha Suprabhatham.
4. Madhuraashtakam.
5. Sri_Venkatesa_Suprabhatham.
6. Sri_Kamakshi_Suprabhatham.
7. Vishnu_Sahasranamam.


Click here to download in mp3 format and listen
Bhajanappattukal (2006)




(An East Coast Album)
Singer: Vidhyadharan Master
Lyricist: Traditional
Composer: Heman AK, Prajith

Tracks:

1. Ambikavallabhan
2. Andaname gananatha
3. Andaruloo Palaniandava
4. Jayajaya
5. Kananadashe Sishu
6. Karmukil varna
7. Pandala bhoopathi
8. Pandava kulaprema
9. Vijana sadguru



Click here to download in mp3 format.





Credits: Hamzakutty

Saturday, December 12, 2009

MAHA GANAPATHIM MANASAA SMARAMI..... .sung by Yesudas

MAHA GANAPATHIM MANASAA SMARAMI sung by Yesudas

Click here to download in mp3 format.

BHAJANAMRUTHAM SONGS

Click on the links below to download:

Link 1

Link 2

Abhirami Andhadhi song sung by Sirkali Govindarajan

Click here to download the Abhirami Andhadhi song sung by Sirkali Govindarajan .

Friday, August 14, 2009

Sri Krishna Leela - a Warriersonline exclusive on the occassion of Janmashtami.(PPS COURTESY : SMT. SHANTHI KRISHNAKUMAR)

With best wishes to all on the occassion of Janmashtami.

(CREDITS : SMT. SHANTHI KRISHNAKUMAR)


Madhurashtakam by Adi Shankaracharya (with English Translation)

1. Adharam Madhuram, Vadanam Madhram,

Nayanam Madhuram, Hasitham Maduram,

Hrudhayam Madhuram, Gamanam Maduram,

Madhuradhipather Akhilam Madhuram.



Sweet are your lips, Krishna,

So is your sweet face,Sweet are your eyes, Krishna

So is your divine laugh,Sweet is your heart, Krishna

So is your beautiful walk,Oh Lord of all sweetness,

Everything about You is sweet.



2.Vachanam Madhuram, Charitham Madhuram,

Vasanam Madhuram, Valitham Madhuram,

Chalitham Madhuram, Bhramitham Maduram,

Madhurathipather Akhilam Madhuram.



Sweet are your words, Krishna,

So is your divine story.Sweet is your pitambar, Krishna,

So is your body shape,Sweet are your movements, Krishna,

So is your roaming.Oh Lord of all sweetness,

Everything about You is sweet.



3.Venur Madhura, Renur Madhura,

Panir Madhura, Padhou Madhura,

Nrithyam Madhuram, Sakhyam MadhuraM,

Madurathipather Akhilam Maduram.



Sweet is your flute, Krishna,So is your footdust,

Sweet are your hands Krishna,So are your lotus feet.

Sweet is your dance Krishna,So is your friendship.

Oh Lord of all sweetness,Everything about You is sweet



4. Geetham Madhuram, Peetham Madhuram,

Bhuktham Madhuram,Suptham Madhuram,

Roopam Madhuram, Thilakam Madhuram

Madhurathipather akhilam Madhuram.



Sweet is your song, Krishna,So is what you drink,

Sweet is what you eat, Krishna,So is your sleep,

Sweet are your looks, Krishna,So is your tilak on forehead,

Oh Lord of all sweetness,Everything about You is sweet



5. Karanam Madhram, Tharanam Madhuram,

Haranam Madhuram, Ramanam Madhuram,

Vamitham Madhuram, Samitham Maduram,

Madhurathipather akhilam Madhuram.



Sweet are your deeds, Krishna,So is your path of salvation,

Sweet is your theft , Krishna,So is your play of love,

Sweet are your oblations, Krishna,So is your tranquility,

Oh Lord of all sweetness,Everything about You is sweet



6. Gunja Madhura, Mala Madhura,

Yamuna Madhura, Veechi Madhura,

Salilam Madhuram, Kamalam Madhuram,

Madhurathipather akhilam Madhuram.



Sweet is your berry necklace, Krishna

So is your garland,Sweet is river Yamuna, Krishna,

So are the ripples in the river,Sweet is your water , Krishna,

So is the lotus in the water,

Oh Lord of all sweetness,Everything about You is sweet



7. Gopi Madhura, Leela Madhura,

Yuktham Madhuram, Muktham Madhuram,

Drishtam Madhuram, Sishtam Madhram,

Madhurathipather akhilam Madhuram.





Sweet are your Gopis, Krishna,

So is your divine play with them,

Sweet is your uniting, Krishna,

So is your separation with them,Sweet are your sidelong glances, Krishna,

So is your good behaviour with them,

Oh Lord of all sweetness,Everything about You is sweet



8. Gopa Madhura, Gavo Madhura,

Yashtir Madhura, Srushtir Madhra,

Dhalitham Madhram, Phalitham Madhuram,

Madhurathipather akhilam Madhuram.



Sweet are your Gopas, Krishna,

So are your cows,Sweet is your herding stick, Krishna,

So is your creation,Sweet are your victories, Krishna

So are your accomplishments,

Oh Lord of all sweetness,Everything about You is sweet


(Credits: Lakshmy Prakash)

A short incident, but very meaningful...(Courtesy: Lakshmy Prakash)

One day few kids approached Swami Chinmayananda and said,"Swamiji, what is difference between Krishna and us? He used to be naughty, we are also naughty. He is cute, so are we. Then, why is He the Lord and we are not?"

Swamiji smiled and replied," Well, Krishna was in present all the time. When He was in gokul, He gave his 100% to Nanda, Yasoda, Gopis and his friends. He did not worry about Devaki and Vasudeva who were in prison. When He went to Mathura, He gave his 100% to them. So you see, when you give 100% to where you are and what you do, You are the Lord."

Let us pray on this auspicious day that we can follow His Teachings and live in the present all the time.

STEP BEYOND THE NET (Courtesy: Lakshmy Prakash)

The great Sri Nisargadatta Maharaj observes, “We see the world through the net of our desires, divided into pleasure and pain, right and wrong, inner and outer. The real world is beyond the mind’s ken. To see the universe as it is, we must step beyond the net.”

He then adds, “Stepping beyond the net is not hard, for this net is full of holes!”

What are the holes? How do we find them? When we look at the net, we can find many contradictions. We do and undo at every step. We want peace and love but work hard to create pain and hatred. We want to live long but we overeat. We want true friendship but exploit everyone.

The net of our thoughts is thus full of holes, its contradictions. If we see them, they will go.

Therefore the urgency is not about reading all those books that we have collected at our home library. It is rather about being aware of the mechanical way our mind is working. Krishnamurti called it reading the book of life. The action is needed here and now; of what use is it to think, “Oh I must meditate tonight; I must go to the temple this weekend”? Meditate now – in the form of breaking the habit of imagining and by way of seeing things as they are. Go now to the temple in your own heart – where the light of pure awareness shines, unconditioned by memory.

Are we earnest at all about our own freedom? Or are we content with the praise, “He is a good slave?” When we have given primary importance to social respectability, we thereby put off indefinitely our own breaking free. This does not of course mean we must simply disregard the society and break its laws thoughtlessly. We need to see how we create artificial structures of power or glory and then suffer under their weight. We make somebody a celebrity and then envy her. We make someone else a (so-called) common man and turn indifferent to him. The extra attention we give to the celebrity and the attention we deny to the common man are both actually expressions of our lacking the quality of true attention. In such self-created hierarchy we lose our sensitivity; we live carelessly.

If we are earnest in self-inquiry, we would not live under the pressure of various notions. Fancy ideas of who is great and who ordinary create the false net of the mind. The idea of greatness makes me ‘want to become like that’. Similarly the idea of commonness makes me ‘not want to remain like that’. Either way, I am pursuing an image (or avoiding an image) and, in the process, am failing to know myself as I am. The challenge before us is to ask, “Who am I?” and not to get caught in the wild goose chase of becoming.

Caught in the net, we look out and chase a dream. Stepping out of the net, we wake up. Many dreams, no doubt, are lovely. Alas, all of them at the end are nothing. They are, as a play of Shakespeare is titled, Much Ado about Nothing. The Vedanta therefore gives the analogy of going after the mirage, mistaking it to be real water; or desiring the silver in the (sea shell called) mother of pearl. The Upanishads ask, “Are not all actions (karmas) a sign of ignorance? Are you not chasing one illusion after another through them?” The wise do not (with plan and scheme) do any karma. If at all, karmas take place spontaneously through them. Swami Chinmayananda therefore made a distinction: the unwise act for happiness; the wise act out of happiness. The happiness of the wise is from their intuitive awareness of their own fullness, no matter what.

Let us not think of long years of tapas on the slopes of the Himalayas; that is a grand future plan. What is the present plan? Let us live today with all vigilance, ensuring that no word slips from our mouth wrongly and no food enters our mouth unnecessarily. Let us, if necessary, reprimand somebody who is at fault but not utter one un-parliamentary word. Let us eat sweets (provided we are not diabetic) but not take one more piece than the appropriate quantity. Living now rightly may make the grandiose plans redundant.

Swami Chidananda

Varanasi

Thursday, August 13, 2009

Happy Janmashtami

Dear friends and devotees,

Bhakti is eternal.

Sri Krishna Janmashtami

vasudEvasutam dEva kamsa caaNuura mardanam,
dEvakii paramaanandam kRishNam vandE jagadgurum.

On this holy day, I am forwarding an earlier discourse of Bhagavan Sathya Sai Baba to the students on Sri Krishna Janmashtami.

With love and regards,
Sastry

Bhagavan’s discourse

The Lord accepts only a Pure Heart
Oh Krishna! You don’t eat what I give you,
You don’t eat our home-food,
You go to the houses of the cowherds,
And eat butter stealthily,
You spoil your good name, my dear!
(Telugu poem)

Thus, mother Yashoda expressed her anguish one day, having been vexed by the complaints of the neighbours. She chided Him saying, “Oh Krishna! I have to face a lot of trouble on account of your mischievous pranks. You don’t have taste for the food prepared in our house. You always like the items prepared in the neighbouring houses. How shall I manage with you?” True, people develop a taste for food in the neighbouring houses. A sweetmeat shop owner sitting in his own shop, all the while enjoying the sweet smell of the laddus, develops a taste for puffed rice from another shop.

Kashyapa, a great devotee of the Lord had completely surrendered himself at the Lotus Feet and was totally lost in divine bliss. One day, his wife, Aditi, approached him and advised him, “My dear! We do not have children. You have surrendered everything of yours to the Lord. Why don’t you pray to Him to bless us with a child?”

Emperor Bali, in Krita Yuga, performed many Yagnas. After completion of one hundred and seven Yajnas, he made arrangements for performing the one hundred and eighth Yajna known as Viswajit. As he was performing this Yagna, Lord Vishnu appeared before him as Vamana in the guise of a dwarfish Brahmin. Vamana asked for three paces of land in charity from Bali, which he was about to give. In the meanwhile, Emperor Bali’s preceptor Sukracharya came there and tried to dissuade Bali from giving this gift of charity. He advised Bali, “Please do not give anything in charity to this short Brahmin, much less the three paces of land. Do not underestimate Him. He is not an ordinary Brahmin. He is an Avatar of Vishnu. He is born to Sage Kashyapa, in fulfillment of the boon granted by Lord Vishnu to him.” But Emperor Bali did not pay heed to the advice of his preceptor. He asked Lord Vamana, “Sir, What can I do for you?” Vamana replied, “Oh King! I do not need anything. Just give me three paces of land.” Sukracharya again pleaded with Bali, “Oh King! You consider this person as an ordinary Brahmin. No. No. He is capable of filling the entire universe. It is not wise on your part to grant his request.” But, Emperor Bali turned down his advice saying that he could not go back on his promise, as it was a great sin not to stand by one’s word.

In those days, people considered death preferable to going back on one’s word. But today in Kali Yuga, people make promises and break them at will. Emperor Bali was of pure heart. Once a promise was made, he fulfilled it, come what may!

He said, “I gave a word to this Brahmin boy. I am prepared to face any eventuality in fulfilling my promise. I will offer the fruits of all the Yajnas I have performed, including the one I am now performing to this Brahmin boy. So saying, he put the garland of the fruits of 108 Yagnas performed by him round the neck of Vamana and prostrated before Him. (As He said this, Swami created a necklace of 108 gold coins.)

Vamana covered the entire land given in charity by Bali under one foot. He grew in size and filled the entire universe with His second foot. There was no further space to put His third foot. Then Sukracharya said, “Oh emperor! You did not pay heed to my advice. You underestimated this Brahmin boy and got yourself tricked by His innocent looks.”

Vamana received the offering of Emperor Bali and praised his large-heartedness and blessed him. Vamana was short in stature, but he could fill the entire universe. Being an Avatar, He was Aprameya (beyond all limitations, indescribable and immeasurable) . Human being has limitations, but not an Avatar.

The sunrise and sunset happen according to a predetermined Divine command. It happens regularly, uninterrupted. The sun, the moon and the stars follow a definite pattern of schedule. All the five elements in the universe discharge their duties regularly as ordained by the Lord. Even God Himself observes the rules that He lays down for all. Everything in God’s creation goes on according to a predetermined order and Divine command. Nothing in the universe, including the five elements, has an independent existence. But, unfortunately, man is unable to recognise this divine force that regulates the functioning of the universe. Scientists are making unstinted efforts to discover this divine force. The stars shining brightly in the sky at night are, however, not visible during daytime.

The sun rises in the morning and sets in the evening with utmost regularity every day. The stars glitter beautifully in the sky at night and hide themselves during the day. The wind blows incessantly and sustains the living beings without taking rest even for a moment. The rivers make gurgling sounds as they flow perennially.
(Telugu poem)

What could be the reason for this phenomenon? Scientists probed into this aspect and concluded that the stars were not visible during daytime because the sun was shining brilliantly in the sky during that period. Similarly, they tried to explain the divine force in ever so many ways.

The moment the umbilical cord is cut and the child is separated from the mother, it cries. Why? Nobody could explain and explore this secret. The moment a drop of milk or honey is put on the tongue of the newborn child, it sleeps happily. This means ever since a human being comes out of his mother’s womb, he struggles to satiate his hunger.

Oh man! You struggle hard to acquire various types of knowledge in order to fill your stomach. In spite of all your hard work and acquisition of knowledge, you are unable to experience everlasting happiness. Instead, why don’t you contemplate on the Lord and seek refuge in Him? He will certainly show you a way to overcome your misery.
(Telugu poem)

Every human being thinks that he is born merely for filling his belly. He constantly struggles to acquire food.

There is another interesting phenomenon in nature. The branches of a tree rub against each other due to the wind and fire is born out of that friction between two pieces of wood. How does it happen? Though there is fire in the wood of a tree, it is not burnt away. Why? No scientist could ever discover this secret so far. There are several such inexplicable phenomena in nature. With a view to recognise and understand such phenomena, man is constantly engaged in the quest for Divinity. However, one need not search for God, who is omnipresent.

Oh man! You struggle hard in life merely for the sake of filling your belly. You acquire myriad types of knowledge from various fields. Examine and enquire for yourself what great happiness you have achieved by spending all the time from dawn to dusk in acquiring worldly knowledge and earning wealth, while forgetting God.
(Telugu poem)

Everything in this universe moves strictly according to the Divine Will and force. Man, of his own accord cannot achieve anything. The Divine force manifests itself in several ways in this universe, in the form of various types of energy. People think they are created by somebody. Strictly speaking, nobody has created them. They are natural phenomena that manifest out of Divine will. For example, when two pieces of stone are struck against each other, fire is born. It means there is fire latent in the stone, but does not manifest outside. Thus, all the powers are latent in nature.

A few minutes ago, one boy spoke about Nanda and Yashoda, the foster parents of Lord Krishna. In those days, there was no electricity. People in the village used to go to the house of Nanda (since he was the chief of the village) and lighted their oil lamps from the lamp lit up in Nanda’s house. People were of the belief that they would attain plenty and prosperity if they lighted their oil lamps from the lamps lit in the houses of well-to-do-people. A newly married daughter-in- law by name Suguna arrived in that village. Her mother-in-law told her to go to the house of Nanda and get her lamp lighted from theirs. When Suguna went to the house of Nanda and lighted the lamp, she could visualise Krishna in that flame. On having this Divine vision, she lost her body consciousness. She fixed her gaze on that beautiful form of Lord Krishna and was lost in bliss. She could not even realise that her fingers were being burnt, having come into contact with the flame. She was in total bliss. In the meanwhile, other ladies from the neighbouring houses also came there to light their own lamps. They were wonderstruck on witnessing this scene. They could notice that Suguna was not moving away from the flame even though her fingers were being burnt. They then realised that she had the vision of Krishna in that flame. They sang a song describing this incident. (Swami sang a Telugu song; the meaning of the first few lines is as follows ...)

It seems Suguna had a vision
Of Gopala in the house of Nanda
She saw Krishna in the flame!

On hearing this song, Yashoda came there literally running. She saw Suguna’s fingers getting burnt in the flame. While all the Gopis were dancing in ecstasy, Yashoda went near Suguna and pulled her hand away from the flame. She chided her saying “Oh! Suguna! Did you not notice your fingers being burnt on coming into contact with the flame? Do you wish to bring a bad name to us that if anyone goes to Nanda’s house, their fingers will be burnt?” Suguna’s mother-in-law was by nature a short-tempered woman. On hearing about this incident, she came running to the house of Yashoda and made a big issue of this incident. She ordered her daughter-in- law not to go to the house of Nanda again in future, for getting the lamp lighted.
Several miracles happened in the house of Yashoda. After Krishna left for Mathura, the Gopis could not bear His separation and were pining for His Darshan. In such a moment of yearning, Krishna appeared in Gokul. However, neither Nanda nor Yashoda could see Him. All the Gopis gathered at the house of Nanda and prayed that they may be allowed to have Krishna’s darshan. They started complaining, “Nanda and Yashoda! You have kept Krishna away from us. Please tell us where he is.” But, Krishna did not make his appearance in public. He appeared to some Gopis individually in answer to their prayers.

A few minutes ago, a student of our University narrated an incident wherein Swami had appeared before him in answer to his prayers. No one else could see Swami. Then, the boy prayed again, “Swami! What is the use of giving Darshan to me alone? Please give Darshan to all the students; otherwise, they will not believe my words and make fun of me.” I replied, “Does not matter. Let people think whatever they wish to. This is your prapti (deservedness) , only you deserve to see me”. So saying, I disappeared.

Once, Yashoda reprimanded child Krishna saying, “Oh! My dear Krishna! You don’t eat the food I prepared for you. You go to the houses of the milkmaids and stealthily eat the butter stored in their houses. You are creating problems for me. Is it that the butter suffused with mother’s love does not taste good for you?” So saying, she tied Krishna to a mortar with a rope. It is everybody’s experience in the world that we do not like the food cooked in our own house. The items cooked in others’ houses will appear to be tasty. This is quite natural. However, Krishna did not steal the butter from others’ houses for its taste. There is an underlying message in this leela. Here, butter symbolises a pure heart. Wherever such a pure heart is available, Krishna takes it. Such a pure heart will be soft and sweet. The hearts of Gopis were ripened with devotion. They were pure, soft and sweet. Hence, Krishna had gone to their houses to steal their hearts.

Krishna is referred to as “chora” (thief). What does He steal? He steals the butter-like hearts of the Gopis, hearts which are pure, soft and sweet. If you address someone as chora (thief), he will be annoyed. But if you call Krishna as “chiththa chora” (stealer of the heart), He will enjoy this appellation. That is why, devotees sing in praise of the Lord most endearingly “Chiththa chora Yashoda Ke Bal! Navaneetha chora Gopal! Gopal, Gopal, Gopal! Govardhanadhara Gopal!” (“Oh! Yashoda’s little Krishna! Oh! Gopala! Stealer of butter! Oh! Gopala! Lifter of the Govardhana Mountain!”). The song thus sung melodiously with bhava, raga and thala will be liked by everyone. Great Singer-saints like Thyagaraja made sweet offerings to God in the form of Kirtanas suffused with Bhava (feeling), Raga (tune) and Thala (beat) and won His grace. There is so much sweetness in such devotional songs. God’s grace can surely be obtained by such devotional singing. You cannot win the grace of God by empty rhetoric. It is only through devotional singing suffused with Bhava, Raga and Thala, that Divinity can be attained. God will be moved by such Sankirtan. Even the Vedas have extolled the efficacy of devotional singing. Even by chanting the Vedas, God cannot be attained. There are several hymns in praise of God in the Rig Veda, Yajur Veda, Sama Veda and Atharvana Veda. But, not even a single individual chanting those hymns could obtain Divine Darshan. However, when these hymns are set to tune and sung with devotion, they could experience Divine Love. That is why God is extolled as ‘ganalola’ and ‘ganapriya’. Therefore, you pray to God with devotional singing. You can easily win the grace of God. Some people may have a doubt, “We cannot sing well; we have not learnt the art of singing. How can we please God?” Do not worry. You may not have knowledge of music or a mellifluous voice. It does not matter. Sing the glory of God with intense love, in some tune which you know. That is enough to move the heart of God. What is music? It is not necessary to make a special effort to learn music. A simple song with intense love and yearning will move God. For example, you recite a poem, “Rama! Nannu Kaapadu” (Oh! Rama! Please protect me). There will be no sweetness in the poem. It is simply a literary rendering of your feelings. Similarly, if you make an appeal to God saying “Rama! Nannu Kaapadu”, it becomes an empty repetition of words. The same feeling, if it is expressed in a song set to a beautiful tune, “Rama …! Nannu Kaapadu…” it will be so sweet and endearing to Divinity. There is so much sweetness in music. Therefore, if you want to attain God, you have to do it only with devotional singing.

You need not be disappointed if you have not learnt music. Why disappointment? If there is an appointment, there will be disappointment. Therefore, do not make an appointment, in the beginning itself. You sing the glory of God in your own way. That is the easiest way to attain God. The Divine bliss enjoyed by the gopis in Krishnavatar in Dwapara Yuga is unparalleled. Therefore, remember that Divine bliss and try to please God with your love and devotion.

In no Avatar devotees have merged in the Divine Love to such a great extent as in Krishna Avatar. Thousands of devotees have merged in Sri Krishna during His Avatar. Hence, if you want to merge in divinity, devotional singing is the only means. God is said to be ganapriya (pleased by devotional singing). Krishnavatar is the best example for this statement. One simple name ‘Krishna’ sung by a devotee is enough to move Him. The leelas, mahimas and the miraculous deeds performed by Lord Krishna during His Avatar are unparalleled.

Dear students! You are singing several bhajans. All of you are participating in the bhajans. But, each one is singing in his own way. This is not proper. If all of you sing in one voice and one tune with divine feeling, God will surely install Himself in your loving heart. Krishnavatar is the only Avatar that had granted darshan to different people in different ways, clarified their doubts about His divinity and merged them in His own Self. Krishnavatar is the only Avatar that made everyone happy and blissful by His sweet and loving words.

There is nothing superior to devotional singing. What a great joy and happiness you derive by singing the song “Nanduni Yinta Gopaludanta Deepaana Kanipinchenanta” (It seems Gopala has appeared in the flame in the house of Nanda). Therefore, sing such soulful songs with bhava, raga and thala to please God and obtain His grace. You may sing any number of bhajans and songs, but it is only when they are suffused with intense love, devotion and sweet and soft feeling (bhava) you will derive immense happiness and joy.
(Credits: Dr. B.G.Y Sastry <drbgysastry@yahoo.com>)

Tuesday, July 28, 2009

SPECIAL MESSAGE ON DAILY AACHAARAS (CUSTOMS & RITUALS) (Courtesy: Dr. N. Gopalalrishnan, Director, IISH)

DAILY AACHAARAS (CUSTOMS & RITUALS)

Morning getting up at 5.30 and 6.00 am ( optimum active time for the brain).

Prayer sitting on the bed ( to avoid blood pressure jerk for the heart).

Bhoovandanam touching the floor ( to diffuse bio static electricity of body through fingers).

No bed coffee ( to prevent going deleterious materials from mouth to intestine).

Morning ablutions ( to clean the teeth, tongue , face and body cleaning for hygiene).

Minimum ten minutes prayer ( Vedic mantras included, click here to download).

Drinking minimum 6 glass water from 6.00 to 8.00 am (to cleanse the blood).

A prayer before food ( to activate salivary gland and thus the digestive glands).

Doing the work as dharma with full devotions and sincerity (for tensionless mind).

Thinking positives and comparing ourselves with the status of poor , hungry, sick people.

Returning home with a pleasant face and mind, Keep good discussions in the home.

Cleaning face, legs and hands to freshen. Be positive even if any negatives happened.

Spending with family members and listening to the positives and negatives of the children.

Give solutions/suggestions for their problems and appreciation for their achievements.

Eating food together atleast once in every day with family members, if possible always.

Keep the feeling that none is lower or higher among the family members. All are equal.

Ultimate aim and pathways in the family is sharing, caring and curing.

Do some social work for supporting poor, needy hungry, old or orphan or anyone you feel worth.

While doing social service never expect anything in return/ no awards / shawl/ bouquet.

Do all work with yajna bhaava, if possible let your family members also support such services.

Going to bed with a prayer of thanks giving to god for keeping the day pleasant .

And a prayer for making the future days also pleasant and useful for all family members.

With pranams !
Dr. N. Gopalakrishnan,
M. A.; M.Sc.;Ph.D.; D.Litt.;
Director, IISH
Indian Institute of Scientific Heritage.

Monday, July 27, 2009

Story of two Brahmacharis ...

This story will be useful to us.



He who, restraining the organs of action,
sits thinking of the sense objects in mind,
he of deluded understanding is called a hypocrite.
- Bhagavad Gita Ch. 3, Verse 6

That man who, restraining the organs of action, sits revolving in his mind, thoughts regarding the objects of the senses is a man of sinful conduct. He is self-deluded. He is a veritable hypocrite.

The organs of action must be controlled. The thoughts should also be controlled. The mind should be firmly fixed on the Lord. Only then will you become a true Yogi. Only then will you attain to Self-realisation.

-Swami Shivananda, The Divine Life Society, Rishikesh.

Let us understand this ‘hypocrite’ word more from below story.

Story of two Brahmacharis

In the olden days, a young woman was living with her 3-year-old son in a house near the banks of a river. In the hot summer season the waters of the river had receded and people would walk across knee-deep waters to cross the river. The woman left her house and went across the river to gather some wood from the countryside. When she came back to the river, to her horror, she saw the river in floods. Lots of heavy rains in the mountain regions caused the waters to make the river swell with water. The woman was worried about her 3-year-old son. He could wander around to the rapidly flowing waters of the river and can drown. The mother was getting hysterical with fear and worry.

Just then two young and well built Brahmacharis (celibate students) were passing by and the mother, crying and begging, asked the Brahmacharis to help her go across the river. She told them about her 3-year-old son left alone to play by the house.

The Brahmacharis remembered the strict rules that they should not touch any female, lest that could arouse desires. That they should not be in the company of any females.

One Brahmachari whose name was Harshananda, reminded himself of the strict rules and said he cannot help the young woman. The other Brahmachari whose name was Devananda, immediately carried the mother on his shoulders and started swimming across the strong currents of the river. He safely delivered the mother to the other side of the river and swam back.

The Brahmacharis resumed their journey towards the Ashram where they were staying with their Guru. Harshananda, who refused to help could not believe the breach of the strict regulations and was constantly harping on it, muttering and thinking about it all the way.

When they reached the Ashram, the Guru asked them how their day went. The irritated Brahmachari Harshananda immediately spoke out in strong condemnation about the behaviour of his companion. Then the Guru asked the other Brahmachari.

Devananda said: I carried the mother across the river and forgot all about it but it seems my friend is still carrying the woman in his mind.

The Guru was pleased with Devananda who used his discrimination and helped the mother and spoke about the true meaning of hypocrisy as taught in the Bhagavad Gita.

BHAGAVATH GEETHA FOR THE MODERN LIFE

By Dr. N. GOPALAKRISHNAN, Ph.D., D.Litt. Scientist, (CSIR)
Hon. Director Indian Institute of Scientific Heritage


FEW WORDS ABOUT LORD KRISHNA

Lord Krishna is a friend for those who consider him a friend with suhrut bhakti. He guides you through the correct pathway, just like a friend.

Lord Krishna is a god for those who consider him a god with Eeswara bhakti. He gives blessings and atmopadesa just like he has done to Uddhava and Arjuna.

Lord Krishna is a lover for those who approach him with great affection with prema bhakti,. He gives the love and affection to them and teaches others how to submit yourself to the devotees and friends .

Lord Krishna was like a son to Kunti and Gandhari . Even while advocating Arjuna for fighting the war, he kept that status of a son, with them. They always showed the vatsalya bhakti.

Lord Krishna is a psychologist, for those who are mentally/ psychologically disturbed due to tension and worries in their life. He advised them : ‘ Do not get depressed when you are facing the unhappy experience and do not get excited, when you are facing a joyous experiences. Keep a stabilized mind’.

Lord Krishna is a sociologist, who gave the warning that the society follows the foot steps of the great men. Great men should always be careful when they do/ tell/ comment about anything or about anybody.

Lord Krishna is a social reformer, who gave the status of Rajapatnee ( Just like Mao Tse Tung, in China gave national women status for the women prisoners when he released them from Chinese jail) for thousands (16000) of women prisoners who were in the jail of Narakasura.

Lord Krishna is a physicist who said that energy and matter can neither be created nor be destroyed, if one form of energy and matter changes, it will appear in another form.

Lord Krishna is a philosopher who said that successes and failures are part of everyone’s life. One has to face them philosophically.

Lord Krishna was a king maker , but never became a king even in Dwaraka. That was obvious in his performance even after Kurukshetra war.

Lord Krishna consoled everyone using applied philosophy and by taking their pain and also by giving a rational explanation of cause and effect theory for the misery in their life.

Lord Krishna kept his words of impartiality, by giving his own soldiers (Yadava sena) to Kouravas and standing himself with the Pandavas in the Kurukshetra war.

Lord Krishna kept the universal truth that none is enemy or friend to a divine power/god . He proved that everyone is equal to the almighty (god) by not taking a weapon (by himself) against Kouravas. He never treated those who are standing with Kouravas were his enemies.

Lord Krishna proved himself that even the Avataras -incarnation of gods- cannot keep themselves away from performing the dharma entrusted upon them. If they do not perform their dharma, the rule of the nature will collapse.

Lord Krishna showed the viswaroopa in Kurukshetra for informing Arujuna and others, that what has told as the message of Bhagavath Geetha is the rule of the nature bestowed upon each and every individual.

Lord Krishna showed the viswaroopa to Duryodhana to warn him that he (Krishna) is unconquerable by any force or power when adharma is performed.

Lord Krishna showed the viswa roopa to Bhishma on the banks of river Ganga to inform the world that he is approachable to anyone who wishes to reach him through devotion , Bhakti, for getting the blessings, wherever they are .

Lord Krishna showed that he can bow his head before anyone and can even go ‘down to earth’ and demonstrate the level of patience by listening to everyone and to any type of defaming words , even that of Sisupala .

Lord Krishna showed the world that , whoever is on the path of adharma, need not be tolerated. Hence Krishna even did not hesitate to kill his own uncle who was literally following adharma every minute of his life. Thus Krishna protected dharma.

Lord Krishna showed the world that if Adharmic forces are powerful in a war, use the adharmic force of the same coin , to annihilate adharma, because dharma has to survive for the welfare of the society .

Lord Krishna advised Arjuna, even though, Bhishma and Drona are the men with name and fame, who know all the principles of dharma and should be respected with all honor, they were in the side of adharma . Hence one need not pardon them nor respect them while fighting in the battle field. The battle field is the place where the test for the success of dharma and failure of adharma are aimed at.

Lord Krishna showed the far sightedness by putting the idol of Bhima to Drutharashtra, when the latter tried to embrace and insult the former .

Lord Krishna was a Dharmacharya, who advised Dharmaputra, that he will not incur any sin by killing Drona or Bhishma, or any of the relatives or gurus, because the war was for protecting the dharma and protecting the country is the duty of the Kashatriya.

Lord Krishna was a great mediator and advocate of peace to one and all, all over the Bharata varsha and world.

Lord Krishna was a great, colleague who could give the help and support at the time of crisis in life as seen in the life of Sudhama/ Kuchela.

Lord Krishna did not allow Balarama to stay where dharma based war was taking place, without participating in the side of dharma. He informed Balarama that every avatara has to protect the dharma, if not possible keep away from the place where the action for protecting the dharma is taking place. He said ‘Oh Balarama, you may better go to pilgrimage….if you cannot stand with dharma’

Lord Krishna did not prevent even the self annihilation of his own people ( Vrushni vamsa) as he knew that they are leading themselves the worst quality life. They can ruin the society with all negative qualities. Better themselves killed, than the society affected by their misbehaviors.. said Krishna

Lord Krishna took the hunter with him, who became the cause of Krishna’s death and he never cursed the hunter.

Lord Krishna is the protector of all. He never took the sins of others on his shoulders, but he corrected the people to become sinless and lead the dharma based life.

Lord Krishna did not die for sinners, but lived for making sinners non sinners and for guiding them to the sinless pathway.

Lord Krishna never cursed anyone in his life, but blessed everyone, including those who cursed him (Gandhari, Uttanga, and so on).

He never cried and begged to god to protect him, when the hunter sent the arrows, resulted in the dehatyaga of lord Krishna.

Lord Krishna was a leader of the soldiers of dharma and not a shepherd for innocent people .
Wherever Krishna was present, he was the leader, protector, guide, friend and advisor. He always advised everyone to depend on their own courage and strength. The divine power is within and not in the sky….

Lord Krishna never ‘get himself in the trap of Satans’, or cried for the mercy of ‘gods in the sky’.
Lord Krishna never cursed anyone or anything even the so called enemies, or even those who defamed him in many occasions. He acted as a model for others even under very crucial situations.

Lord Krishna never said take my body or drink my blood for removing the sin of the devotees. The sin of the people is to be removed by those who committed the sin by dharmic actions. Gods or avataras cannot become the wholesale dealers of the sin of the sinners.

Lord Krishna could see the friends and foes within and outside and could do the needful, so that none could jump from one side to the other for money or power as it is told in the stories of other religion.
Lord Krishna was a great mediator for all issues in the society just like he was for Pandavas.

Lord Krishna’s Bhagavath Geetha is a subject of curriculum in hundreds of modern Universities world over, due exclusively to the merits of the messages, not because of the ‘fear of the god’.
It is said that in hundreds of schools in the developed countries Bhagavath Geeta is chanted with the morning prayers.

It is said that Pope has given an instruction that Christian priests also should learn Bhagavath Geeta.

Lord Krishna’s approach of management is the part of modern integrated management curriculum, which even the western, developed society has adopted as a part of their life style.

Now let us go through the messages of Lord Krishna……

1. Since peace and happiness are assured by performing the duty as a yajna to god/divine power/ omnipotent omnipresent universal power, do the duty as a dharma for attaining supreme peace – (18-62)

2. Always remember that everyone with whom you are connected for your work, is also the embodiment of the divine power. This will not give you the feeling of animosity towards them. (18 –62)

3. No duty should be there, which you feel you cannot perform. If you feel so it is due to your ignorance only. Over come this attitude and perform your duty (18 –61)
4. Many a times due to ignorance , if you are not doing your duty, you may be compelled by the circumstances/environment to do the same duty or even a worse duty than the original one. Hence do your dharmic duty whenever it is to be performed. (18- 59)

5. Even with minor negatives present in your dharma, do not give up your duty/ dharma. Refine your dharma and perform it with full devotion.

6. Performing the duty obtained by one’s own nature, one need not attain sin and he will not loose his name or fame. (18 –47)

7. Do the duty undertaken by you with full devotion and also as a worship towards the god. Doing your duty, let it be a pushpanjali . (18 –45)

8. Remember ! Some people’s nature may provide them, valor, fearlessness, firmness, cleverness, and steadfastedness even in a battle. This nature is due to the environment in which he was borne and brought up. (18 –43)

9. Some people may have a subjugation of mind and senses, enduring hardships for the discharge of one’s sacred duty, eternal and internal purity, forgiving the faults of others, straightness of mind, senses and behaviors, trust and faith in the opinion of the scholars. This is their nature. Hence remember different people have different nature and temperament . (18 –42)

10. There are three types of qualities in each and every individual and also each and every aspect of life. These three qualities are called Satwika, Rajasika and Tamasika (from various stanzas of chapter 17 & 18)

11. The nature of people, the food, the work, the result of the work, the route of the work, the aim of the work, the mentality of the persons, the happiness/ or enjoyment, the decisions all can belong to any one of these three classes saatwika, rajasika or tamasika. Hence while doing your duty remember that, there can be any one of the three types/or mixed nature/quality, can be in your pathway (various messages from chapters 17 & 18)

12. The saatwika qualities of different items are : Food that promote longevity, intelligence, vigor, health, happiness, and cheerfulness, and which are sweet, bland, substantial, and naturally agreeable are satwika food (17-8).
Doing the sacrifice expecting no return is satwika sacrifice (17-12) worshiping the divine power, respecting elders and wise men, keeping purity, straightforwardness, continence, and harmlessness and the bodily satwika thapasya (penance) ( 18 –15).
Doing our duty as dharma without attachment is known as satwika karma (18-9). The action which is ordained as per the dharma which is not accompanied by the feeling of doership, and has been done without any partiality or prejudice and it is done without seeking the return or reward is the satwika action (18-23)
One who does that action free from attachment, endowed with firmness and vigor, unswayed by success and failures, is the satwika doer (18 –26).
The satwika intellect is the one which determines the paths of activity and renunciation, what should be done and what should not be done, what is fear and what is fearlessness, and what is bondage and what is liberation .
(18 –32 the unwavering firmness in making a decision for a positive mission is the satwika firmness (18 –33).
Try to get yourself elevated from the rajasika level or thamasika level to satwika level in all the above !

13. Desire, anger and greed should be reduced to the level of nil . They are called the doors to hell (16 –21)

14. You are always dragged towards the senses of hearing, sight, touch, taste, and smell as well they influence your mind . Control the desire and the senses (15- 9)

15. Both the cause and instrument are the products of the nature. Hence things are happening due to the fact that nature has decided that it should happen . Hence analyze the situation before reacting (13 –20)

16. Get yourself elevated into the these qualifications: absence of pride, freedom from hypocrisy, non violence, forbearance, straightness of body, speech and mind, devout service of the preceptor, internal and external purity, steadfastness of mind and control of body , mind and senses, dispassion towards the object of enjoyment of this world and the next and also absence of egotism, pondering again and again on the pain and evils inherent in birth, death , old age and diseases, absence of over attachment, equipoise of mind towards both favorable and unfavorable circumstances, unflinching devotion towards the divine power ( 13 / 7 –11)

17. He who is alike to friends and foes, as well as to honor and ignominy, who remains balanced in heat and cold, pleasure and pain, and all other contrary experiences in the life and is free from over attachment, and he who takes the praise and reproach alike and is given to contemplation and contentment with any means of subsistence whatsoever entertaining no sense of ownership and attachment in respect of what is said to be ‘mine’ and full devotion in dharma, he is the ideal manager (12 –19)

18. He who never rejoices or hates, nor grieves, nor desires and who renounces both good and even action and is full of devotions on dharma is the best person considered to manage the situation (12 –17)

19. He who is malice towards other, friendly and compassionate, rid of the feeling that “ I am” and “ mine”, balanced in joy and sorrow forgiving by nature, ever contented and mentally united with the dharma, and surrendered the mind to the ultimate truth and dharma, is an ideal person (12 - 13 &14)

20. These are the divine qualities required for peace in life: reasons for doing the things, right knowledge, unclouded understanding, forbearance, veracity, control over the senses and mind, joy and sorrow, evolution and dissolution, fear and fearlessness, non-violence, equanimity, contentment, austerity, charity, fame, and obloquy (10 -4 &5)

21. The supreme spirit is rooted in the knowledge of the self controlled man whose mind is perfectluy serene in the midst of many contradictions like sorrow & joy, success & failures, heat and cold, happiness and unhappiness, etc. (6 –7)

22. One’s own self is the friend and one’s own self is his enemy also. Hence properly treat and give training your ‘self’ for facing the positives and negatives in the life ( 6 –6)

23. One should live oneself by one’s own efforts and should not degrade oneself, for one’s own self is one’s own friend and one’s own self is one’s own enemy (6– 5)

24. Remember that the wise look with same eye on a scholar, endowed with the learning and culture, a cow, an elephant a dog and a priah because all are the embodiment of the divine power (5 –18)

25. The light of the knowledge should kill darkness of the ignorance. The light of the knowledge is to be made brighter with that of supreme knowledge ( 5 – 16)

26. Once you have realized the ultimate truth of life, you can attain the level of a karma yogi who perform action only with their senses, intellect and body as well, withdrawing the feeling of mine in respect of the action and shaking off the attachment. (5-11)

27. Doing the duty as a part of the dharma, one will not incur the sin, whatever he has to do ( 5 –10)

28. One is a karma yogi or jnaana yogi, the ultimate truth remains the same that everyone has to perform the dharma as his duty . Both karma yogi and jnaana yogi ultimately reach the same point (5 – 4 )

29. Those who have doubts in everything, there is no life here or in any other world. Hence have faith in yourself, in others and also on what we are doing. (4 –40)

30. He who has mastered the senses and has purified himself with the knowledge of ultimate truth, and he who performs his dharma can attain supreme peace, wherever he is ( 4 –39)

31. There is no purifier as great as knowledge, he who has attained purity of heart through a prolonged practice of karmayoga / devotion in his work, he attains the ultimate happiness through peace ( 4 –38)

32. Get the correct knowledge or advice from those who has/have it. Then lead yourself through that correct pathway . ( 4-34)

33. Sacrifice through knowledge is superior to the sacrifice performed with material things. All actions without exception culminate in knowledge. The knowledge is the experience of that karma ( 4 –33)

34. Self discipline/ control is the greatest sacrifice one can follow through controlling our mind and senses ( 4 –26)

35. Get oneself, self disciplined in success and failures, joy and sorrow, etc. because they are part of the life. Controlling the mind to face these duals ( 4 – 22)
36. Wherever action is required perform it, wherever inaction is required follow that. In some places you will have to perform action, some other places action is to be performed through inaction (4 – 18)

37. The truth about action must be known and the truth about inaction also must be known. And also the truth about prohibited actions. Rationally analyse each and every aspect and then only act ( 4 – 17)

38. It is always to be remembered that nature will follow the path of righteousness. For the protection of virtuous, for the extirpation of evil-doers, and for establishing dharma on a firm footing, the nature will follow the correct pathwy whenever it is required. Nature performs ‘ its duty’ through noble people (4 –8)

39. Your ignorance should never cover the true knowledge that you are expected to have on all issues you are facing. Know about the truth through acquired knowledge then perform your duty ( 3 –38)

40. One’s own duty though devoid of merits, is preferable to the duty of another well performed, even death in the performance of one’s own duty brings blessedness. As each and every one is expected to perform their duty mixing of all the duties can lead to collapse of the society ( 3 – 35)

41. Attraction and repulsions, are rooted in senses, and one should never be allowed to sway himself by the senses, because they are the enemies standing in the way of redemption (3 –34)
42. You should always remember that for whatever a great man/leader does that very thing other men also will follow, whatever standard he sets up, the generality of men follow the same.
Hence do the right thing and set the right precedence/ model for others, always ( 3 –21)

43. Do all the duty with minimum attachment so that its success and failures will not drag you to sorrow. You can keep the stability of the mind ( 3 –19)

44. Every minute, everything/everyone in the universe ( whether it is an atom, the Sun, the wind or cloud, or tree, or animal) is doing its duty. Hence do your duty as it is expected from you. ( 3 –8)

45. Controlling the senses should be inwardly, merely showing that you are controlling the senses outwardly is of no use and he is called hypocrite. Never ‘act’ for show and never become a hypocrite ( 3 –6)

46. Remember that each and every living and non living being has to perform action/duty. None can exist without performing duty. Hence you also have to perform your duty (3 –5)

47. One cannot attain freedom from action without entering into action ( that is without acting – doing their duty) . Nor does he reach perfection merely by ceasing to act ( 3 –4) By becoming a sanaysi one cannot attain perfection, if that sanyasi, himself is not undertaking his mission.

48. There are two types of action/karma in the world. Learning and teaching which is the philosophy known as sankhya yoga which is the first type of action and the second type of action is doing mechanical work which is the karma yoga. The work with intelligence and work with body are the karma ( 3 –3)

49. With the attainment of the placidity of mind, all the sorrows come to an end and the intellect of such a person of tranquil mind soon withdrawing itself from all sides becomes firmly established on the mission and duty that is dharma (2 –65)

50. The one who is continuously dwelling in the sense objects develops attachment for these materials , from the attachment springs up desire and from the desire of getting the material for the enjoyment ensures the anger ( when the fulfillment does not occur). From that anger arises infatuation from infatuation confusion of memory, from the confusion or the memory loss, the loss of rational thinking and from that arises the complete ruin of the total aim of life and loss of dharma. Hence one should reduce the attachment or over attachment towards anything ( 2 –62,63)

51. Whenever you are dragged towards an adharmic duty or whenever your senses are dragged towards a negative, follow the example of a tortoise. The tortoise draws its limbs from all direction, like that you have to withdraw the senses from the issues (2 –58)

52. The one who could attain placidity remains unperturbed amid sorrows, who remains unexcited over pleasures and who keeps minimum attachment, no anger, and no fear, he can attain everything ( 2 –57)

53. Remember your responsibility is in your doing the duty which you have undertaken by yourself, or the society has given to you. Do not worry very much whether the duty will culminate in success or failure whether the duty and result will lead to appreciation or criticisms (2 –47)

54. Keep the happy and unhappy experiences at a stabilized vision and mission level. Whether profit or loss, success or failure, pleasure or pain, hard or soft, happy or unhappy. Keep in memory that these pairs are part of every one’s life and go ahead in doing the dharmic duty undertaken by you (2 –38)

55. While doing the duty, if you are facing failures console by thinking that you have done your duty to the best of your capacity and if it is a success , enjoy the fruit of success (2 –37)

56. If you are not doing your duty, the society will say that you are a coward, and failing in doing the duty , others will use all the unbecoming bad words about you. For any self respecting persons, it will be a terrible experience, worse than death ( 2 – 35,36)
57. Infamy brought to a man enjoying popular esteem is worse than death. Hence do the dharmic duty everytime, everywhere and do not withdraw from the responsibility bestowed upon you by the society (2 –34)

58. Considering the duty as the utmost dharma for a person of your stature, do not keep away from performing that duty . A great person if keeps away from dharma, it will set for precedence. And people will quote that you have done that way ( 2 –31)
59. The life which is something cannot be defined and itself is something which cannot be clearly explained also. Before the birth and after the death what is the status of the jeevtama is unknown. But the known part is during the living process/ life you know you are living. Utilize it – the time, energy and all whatever is available for you- to the best possible level. ( 2 –26)

60. Look deep into various aspects of life. You can experience that many people see the total life as something wonderful, some talk the life as wonderful and some hear the wonderful experience about the life. But none knows exactly what is the ultimate reality/fact in life. But one thing is clear we have to do our duty in this life (2 –29)

61. All living being born will have to die one day . Before the last day of your life comes, the duty expected from you should be performed. Death is inevitable for all living beings. Hence do not worry much about the death also (2 – 27)

62. Human being is built with the soul in the material body. That soul is something which cannot be killed, or perished. That is the one existing forever. That is present everywhere at all times. Hence the universal energy expect you to perform your duty ( 2 –25)

63. Do not worry a much about anything, things will come and go. Think seriously and act cautiously. Great scholars will never feel sad about anything which inevitably is to be performed ( 2 – 11)

64. Wherever you are, consider it as kurukshetra (means working place). Perform your duty as though you are in dharma kshetra (means the place where dharma is to be performed) with utmost sincerity and devotion !

65. Whosoever you are, know deep about your dharma and perform your duty with utmost sincerity and devotion

66. Whatsoever you are keep the rules and guidance given by the dharma while doing your duty !

67. Do not worry very much about the success and failure, profit and loss, happy or unhappy, ups and owns, small or big, appreciation or criticism, difficult or easy, hot or cold, every aspect of these opposites or part of life. As long as you are on the surface of the globe earth keep yourself as a model for other karma yogis , to follow.

This is the essence of Bhagavath Geetha.

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Sunday, July 26, 2009

Ten Point Program for happy families...

Dada Vaswani, head of Sadhu Vaswani Mission is a great Philanthropist, Philosopher, Author, Poet and a thrilling international speaker. During his last visit to Chicago he presented at Chinmaya Mission Chicago a talk on "Art of Happy Home and Family".
During his talk he gave ten point practical advise for house holder to make the home a happy home. He concentrated on developing the understanding for the others (Not with mind but with heart).
Here are excerpts of the ten points
1. Avoid the next quarrel:
Never lose temper at the same time. Don't let the sun set on your quarrels (Never prolong fights if at all started). It is OK to say "I am sorry" to your spouse.
2. Do not expect perfection from your spouse:
Marriage is coming together of two imperfect beings. Don't expect wife or husband to like this or that, accept them as they are.
3. Be a Good Listener:
Don't interrupt your spouse when he/she is speaking. Think before speaking, it is a good idea to weigh before you speak. You are master of unspoken words but slave of spoken words. Better than listening from ear is listening through mind (with attention) and better than that is listening from heart.
4. Be a good forgiver:
Some people forgive but they keep the memory alive or they forgive conditionally. Forgiveness should be complete and unconditional.
5. Grow in the spirit of humility:
Be humble. Egos bring arrogance which divide and separate people.
6. Learn the art of appreciation:
We all like to be appreciated. Not being appreciated by the spouses is one of the biggest complaint. Always appreciate in front of others. Never criticize your in a company of friends and relatives, you will get opportunities in privacy.
7. Do not argue:
Winning love and friendship is far greater than winning an argument. It is OK to discuss with a open mind.. Learn to win love and affection rather than arguments.
8. Develop healthy sense of humor:
Learn to laugh and be cheerful. It is a great tonic for healthy living and being accepted by friends. It is important to laugh with others and NOT at others.
9. Always lend a helpful hand:
You will win over if you have this attitude of offering a helpful hand with or without asking.
10. Bring GOD back into your home:
This is one of the most important one. Have a common time for prayers. It brings families together. Families that pray together stays together.

Wednesday, July 22, 2009

"MadhuraAshtakam" a soothing bhajan sung by Anuradha Paudwal...

Here is a song called "MadhuraAshtakam" a soothing bhajan sung by Anuradha Paudwal...

Click here to download this in mp3 format and listen. The lyrics are as hereunder:

madhuraashtakam
adharam madhuram vadhanam madhuram
nayanam madhuram hasitham madhuram
hridayam madhuram gamanam madhuram
madhuraadhi pathEr akhilam madhuram (2)

vachanam madhuram charitham madhuram
vasanam madhuram lalitham madhuram
chalitham madhuram bhramitham madhuram
madhuraadhi pathEr akhilam madhuram (2)

vENur madhurO rENur madhurah
paaNir madhurah paadhou madhurou
nrithyam madhuram sakhyam madhuram
madhuraadhi pathEr akhilam madhuram
geetham madhuram peetham madhuram
bhuktham madhuram suptham madhuram
roopam madhuram thilakam madhuram
madhuraadhi pathEr akhilam madhuram (2)

karaNam madhuram tharaNam madhuram
haraNam madhuram smaraNam madhuram
vamitham madhuram samitham madhuram
madhuraadhi pathEr akhilam madhuram (2)

kunjaa madhuraa maalaa madhuraa
yamunaa madhuraa veechee madhuraa
salilam madhuram kamalam madhuram
madhuraadhi pathEr akhilam madhuram (2)

gOpi madhuraa leelaa madhuraa
yuktham madhuram bhuktam madhuram
dhrishtam madhuram sishtam madhuram
madhuraadhi pathEr akhilam madhuram

gOpaa madhuraa gaaO madhuraa
yashTir madhuraa srishTir madhuraa
dhalitham madhuram phalitham madhuram
madhuraadhi pathEr akhilam madhuram (2)

Saturday, July 4, 2009

English translation of most Hindu prayers, stotras and namams (Courtesy: Sri P.R. Ramachander)

Our pranamams to Shri P.R. Ramachander for the wonderful effort of his to bring our ancient stotras and namams translated in English for the benefit of many of us who will find this very useful. We are indebted to him for having done this tireless and selfless effort for all generations to come..... TEAM Warriersonline salutes this great human being and recommends all members to take benefit of his blessings.
Shri P.R. Ramachander is an iyer belonging to Kerala, a retired scientist who has hobby of translating stotrams and free matching of horoscopes through internet. He provides free free horoscope matching facility to all people. He can be contacted at ramya475@hotmail.com.

Click here for the list of 396 Stotra Ratnas & their translation in English. This includes the following prayers:

I.Prayers addressed to Vishnu

Vishnu Sahasranamam
Achyuthashtakam
Sri Ranganathashtakam of Adhi Shankara
Sri Ranganatha stotram of Parasara Bhatta
Namam Japikkuga(From Malayalam)
Narayana Suktham
Sree Vishnu shodasa nama stotram
Thiruppavai(From Tamil)
Dasavathara sthothram
Dasavathara sthothram(Vedanta Desika)
Dasavathara sthothram(Jaya Deva)
Dasavathara sthothram(Malayalam)
Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Karavalambam
Runa Vimochana Nrusimha sthotham
Hari Nama Keerthanam(Malayalam)
Hari Nama Mala Stotram
Sri Hari Stotram
Sri Hari Sarana Sapthakam
Haryashtakam
Pandurangashtakam
Jai Jagadish Hare(Hindi)
Bhagwatcharana stotram
Sangushta nasana Vishnu stotram
Pratha Smarana Stotram of Brahmananda
Kamalapthyashtakam
Govindashtakam of Adhi Shankara
Venkatesa Suprabhatham
Sri Venkatesa Stotram
Sri Venkatesa Mangalam
Sri Hari Nama Ashtakam
Sri Mathsya Stotram
Sri Vamana Stotram
Sri Parasurama Stotram
Sri Lakshmi Venkatesa Charanaravinda Stotram
Sri Venkatesa Karavalmba stotram
Ashta vimsathi Vishnu nama stotram
Narayana Jaya(Malayalam)
Nyasa Dasakam of Vedantha Desika
Palayachyutha Stotram of Vadhiraja theertha
Vairagya Panchakam
Narasimha Panchamrutham
Mangalya sthavam
Vishnu bhujanga prayata stotra
Bhagavan Manasa pooja
Abhilashashtakam
Pandava Gita
Varaha Kavacham for getting children
Narayana Kavacham
Ezhuthachan's Narayana Jaya(Malayalam)
Venkatesha Vajra Kavacha Stotram
Dheena Bhandu Ashtakam
Narayana Stotram
Kaivalyashtakam
Mangala Gitam
Shiva Ramashtakam

II.Prayers addressed to Rama

Samkshepa Ramayanam
Raghothamashtakam
Ahalya krutha Rama stotram
Nama Ramayanam
Sri Rama stotram by Jatayu
Sri Rama stotram by devendra
Sri Rama Bhujangam
Ramashtakam
Ramachandrashtakam
Sri Ramachandra Sthuthi of Thulasidas
Rama Raksha Stotram
Sita Rama Stotram
Mahadeva Krutha Rama Stotram
Rama Mangalasasanam
Rama Premashtakam
Pratha smarana Rama Stotram
Brahma krutha Rama Stotram

III.Prayers addressed to Krishna

Bhaja Govindam
Madhurashtakam
Mukunda Mala
Mukunda Mukthavali
Gopika Geetham
Sri Krishnashtakam of Adhi Shankara
Guru Maruth Puradheesam
Bala Mukundashtakam
Radhakrishnashtakam
Sri Krishna Mangalam
Gopala Vimsathi of Vedantha Desika
Gopala Ashtakam
Guruvayurappan(Malayalam)
Govinda Damodhara Stotram
Sri Krishna Stotram
SriGopala Stotram
Guruvayupuresa Suprabatham
Nandakumarashtam
Prana Pranaya Sthavam
Sri Krishna manasa puja
Ambadi Paithal(Malayalam)
Anjana Sridhara(Malayalam)
Guruvayupuresa sthavam(Malayalam)
Shikashashtakam By Chaithanya Maha Prabhu
Prathama Kunja Vihari ashtakam
Krishna ashtakam-II
Bhishma Sthuthi
Vasudeva krutha Krishna Stotram
Indra Krutha Krishna stotam
Krishna Sthava Raja

IV.Prayers addressed to Shiva

Shiva Sahasranamam
Shiva panchakshara stotram
Shivaparadha kshamapana stotram
Thiruvembavai(From Tamil)
Shivanada lahari
Shiva Manasa Pooja
Linga Ashtakam
Chidambareswara stotram
Vaidyanatha Ashtakam
Uma Maheswara Stotram
Vaidyanatha Namaskaram
Shiva Shadakshara Stotram
Veda Sara Shiva Stotram
Daridrya Dahana Shiva Stotram
Ardha Nareeswara Ashtakam
Sri Dakshinamurthy Ashtakam
Viswanathashtakam
Pradosha Mahatmyam
Margabandhu stotram
Bilwashtakam
Maha Mrutyunjaya stotram
Shiva Thandava stotram by Ravana
Shiva Mangalshtakam
Pasupathyashtakam
Sashakthi Shiva Navakam
Shankarashtakam
Sadashivashtakam
Chandra shekahrashtakam
Dwadasa Jyothir Linga Stotram
Shiva Bhujanga Prayatha Stotram
Shiv Chalisa(Hindi)
Bhaja Gaureesam
Shiva nama malyashtakam
Shivashtakam by Adhi Shankara
Shivashtakam by Chaithanya Maha Prabhu
Shiva Raksha Stotram
Shivashtakam II
Shiva Mahimna Stotram
Viswanatha Suprabatham
Chidambarashtakam
Shiv aarthi (Hindi)
Jambunadhashtakam of Ayyaval
Thirupalliyezuchi of Manikka Vasagar
Gaureesashtakam
Rudrashtakam
Shiva Ashtotharam
Shiva Panchanana Stotram
Pratha Smarana Shiva Stotram
Shiva DWadasa Nama Smarnam
Shiva Kavacham

V.Prayers addressed to mother Goddess

Mahishasura Mardini Stotram
Abhirami andathi(From Tamil)
Annapurnashtakam
Devi mahathmya Sthothra Ashtakam
Indrakshi Sthothram
Kanaka Dhara Sthothram
Lalitha Sahasranamam
Phala Sruthi of Lalitha Sahasra Namam
Lalitha Trishathi
Lalitha Pancha Rathnam
Mahalakshmi ashtakam
Ashta Lakshmi Stotram
Soundarya Lahari
Bhavani ashtakam
Bhavani Bhujangam
Shyamala Dandakam by Maha kavi Kalidasa
Tripura Sundari Ashtakam
Tripurasundari Vijaya Sthavam
Devi Stotram
Meenakshi Pancharathnam
Meenakshi Navarathna Mala Sthuthi
Manthra Mathruka Pushpa Mala Sthavam
Rajarajeswari mantra mathruka sthavam
Sri Durga Apad udharaka stotram
Sri AmbaPancha Rathnam
Vageesi sthavam
Arya Navakam
Sri Maha Lakshmi Sthuthi
Kalyana Vrushti Sthavam
Shriya Shatkam
Janaki Panchakam
Saraswathyashtakam
Devi Karumari Amman Storam(From Tamil)
Durga Chandra Kala Sthuthi
Kalpa Shakhi Sthavam
Varahi anugrahashtam
Varahi Nigrahashtakam
Kathyayani sthuthi
Nava Rathna Malya Stotram
Sri Meenakshi Sthothram
Maha Lakshmi Aarathi(Hindi)
Sree Stotram
Sri Mahalakshmi Sthuthi
Saraswathyashtakam
Vijayalakshmi Stotram
Durga Chalisa(Hindi)
Mariamman Thalattu(Tamil)
Gauri Dasakam of Adhi Shankara
Kamakshi Suprabatham
Jnana prasoonambika stotram
Sri Durga Aarhti(Hindi)
Sri Durga Stuti(Hindi)
Santoshi mata aarthi(Hindi)
Ma Kali aarthi(Hindi)
Bala satha nama stotram
Bhagawathi Stotram
Devi Kshama Prarthana Stotram
Tripura Thilakam
Mookambika ashtakam
Ananda Lahari Of Adhi Shankara
Sidha Lakshmi Stotram
Vani Stotram
Abhirami Stotram
Sitalashtakam
Sankata namashtakam
Ashta dasa Shakthi Peetha Stotram
Bala Mukthavali Stotram
Vamsa Vrudhikaram Durga Kavacham
Maha Lakshmi Kavacham
Ananda Valli Stotram
Radha Kavacham
Ashta Lakshmi Stotram II
Akhilandeswari Mathruka Pushpa Mala
Durga Kavacham
Bhagathyashtakam
Maha Lakshmi Ashtakam II
Durga Pancha Rathnam
Durga Ashtakam
Swayamvara Parvathy Mantra Mala Stotram
Annapurna Devi aarthi(Hindi)
Sri Pada Sapthathi of Mepathur
Shakthi mahimna stotram
Sharada Bhujanga Prayata Ashtakam
Devya aarathrikam
Lakshmi ashtothara satha nama stotram
DEva Krutha Lakshmi stotram

VI.Prayers addressed to Lord Ganesa

Ganesa Dwadasa Nama Stotram
Ganesa Shodasa Nama stotram
Ganesa Pancha ratnam
Eka Dantha stotram
Sankata Nasana Ganesa stotram
Ganesa Mangalashtakam
Ganapathi Sthavam
Ganesashtakam
Ganesa Manasa Pooja
Vinayagar Agaval(Tamil)
Ganesha Kavacham
Vinayaka Kavacham(Tamil)
Ganapathi Atharva Seersha
Ganesh ki aarthi(Hindi)
Ganesha bahya pooja
Yama's Ganesa Ashtotharam
Vigneswara Ashtotharam
Pratha smarana Ganesa Stotram
Ganesa SAranam (Malayalam)
Ganashtakam

VII.Prayers addressed to Lord Subrhamanya

Guha panchakam
Skanda Sashti Kavacham(Tamil)
Subrhamanya Bhujangam
Sri Subramanya Pancharathnam
Shadanana ashtakam
Shanumuga stotram
Subrahmanya Karavalambashtakam
Kandhar Anubhuthi(Tamil)
Swaminatha Shad Pathi
Shanmuka Kavasam(Pamban Swamigal)
Subrahmanya Kavacham
Kanda Guru Kavacham of SAnthanantha SWamigal (Tamil)
Pragya Vardhaka Karthikeya Stotram
Karthikeya karavalamba stotram
Subrahmanya Shodasa Nama Stotram

VIII.Prayers addressed to Lord Ayyappa

Ayyappa Suprabatham
Harivarasanam
Sastha Pancha rathnam
Sastha Dasakam
Mani Kanda Stotram
Bhootha natha dasakam

IX.Prayers addressed to planets

Surya mandalashtakam
Nava Graha Sthothram
Adithya hrudayam
Surya ashtakam
Nava Graha Peeda Hara Stotram
Nava Graha Storam of Vadiraja Theertha
Sanaischarashtakam
Sri Angaraka stotram
Runa mochana mangala stotram
Adithya Kavacham
Chandra Kavacham
Mangala Kavacham
Budha Kavacham
Guru Kavacham
Shukra Kavacham
Sani Vajra Panjarika Stotram
Rahu Kavacham
Kethu Kavacham
Budha pancha vimsathi nama stotram
Sri Chandra Stotram
Sri Brihaspathi Stotram
Sri Shukra Stotram
Sri Rahu Stotram
Sri Kethu Stotram
Pratha smarana Surya Stotram
Nava Graha Suktham

X.Prayers addressed to holy rivers

Valmiki Krutha Gangashtakam
Shankara Krutha Gangashtakam
Kalidasa Krutha Gangashtakam
Ananda Theertha Krutha Gangashtakam
Dasa hara Ganga sthothram
Yamunashtakam

XI.Prayers addressed to Lord Anjaneya

Anjaneya stotram
Hanumath stotram
Hanumath Pancha Rathnam
Hanumath Bhujanga Prayata Stotram
Hanumath Stotram II
Hanumath Mangalashtakam
Hanuman Chalisa(From Hindi)
Yantodharaka Hanumath stotram of Vyasaraja theertha
Veera Hanuman Kavacham (Tamil)
Apad Udharaka Hanumath stotram

XI.Philosophical prayers

Nirvana shatakam
Athma Panchakam
Sadhana Panchakam
Kaupeena Panchakam
Prasnothara Rathna Malika
Aparaokshanubhoothi of Adhi Shankara
Natho Upadesa stotram
Nirvana Manjari of Adhi Shankara
Sankara's Dasa Sloki
Shad Pathi of Adhi Sankara
Maya Panchakam of Adhi Shankara
Dhanya Ashtakam
Anathma Sri Vigarhanam
Saptha Sloki Gita
Bharata Savithri
Chathusloki Bhagawatham
Chathu Sloki Gita
Tri sloki Gita
Vijnana Nauka

XIII.Model daily prayer to all Hindus

Daily model prayers for all Hindus

XIV.Vedic Hyms

Laghu nyasa
Rudram
Chamakam
Purusha suktham
Narayana suktham
Sri Suktham
Vishnu suktham
Mantra Pushpam
Durga Suktham
Saraswathi Suktham
Devi (Vak) Suktham
Nila Suktham
Bhoo Suktham
Medha Suktham
Pavamana Suktham
Shaala Suktham
Vaasthu Manthras

XV. Prayers to other Gods and General prayers

Garbha Raksha stotram
Dattatreya stotram
Jnanappana(From Malayalam)
Mathru panchakam
Narada Bhakthi Suthram
Gurvashtakam
Guru Paduka stotram
Guru Paduka Panchakam
Thodagashtakam
Kala Bhairava Ashtakam
Pratha Smarana Sthothram
Gomatha sthuthi
Gayatri mantras of Several Gods
Sudarshana Ashtakam
Garuda Dandakam of Vedantha Desika
Kasi Panchakam
Maithreem Bhajatha
Dhyana Slokams for different Gods
Para puja stotram
Varamangalashtakam of Kalidasa
Parameshwara stotram
Sai Nathashtakam
Jai Sadananda Yadhu Natha
Jai Gurudeva Sai Natha
Prayer to Shirdi Sai(Hindi)
Sathya Sai Suprabatham
Aswatha Vruksha Stotram
Sri Raghavendra Stotram
Mangalya Prarthana
Thulasi Kavacham
Shirdi Sai Ashtotharam
Mangalashtakam

XVI. Parayana material

Sundara kandam
Samkshepa Sundara kandam
Devi Mahatmyam (Chandi)
Bhagwad Gita in Verse
Sri Ramodantham
Yaksha Prasnam
Pasurappadi Ramayanam


All the contributions in this web site are of Sri.P.R.Ramachander, who is the retired Head of Division of Economics and Statistics of Indian Institute of Horticultural research., Bangalore.
Sri Ramachander was born in Kerala, brought up in Andhra Pradesh, studied in Tamil Nadu, West Bengal and Delhi and worked for 36 years in Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu.
His hobbies are astrology, history, sociology, Studies on Hinduism , Telling of stories to children, and cartooning. Being a multi linguist, he always dreamt of bringing the majesty of Hindu religion to the English knowing population of the world especially Hindus. This humble work has its origins in that dream.
He is 68 and lives in Bangalore and not very sure for how long he can continue with his diverse interests.
He wishes to thank his dear Wife Smt.Jayalakshmi for patiently suffering his cranky habits and supporting his diverse interests. His daughter Mrs. Meera Venkatesan has been his source of inspiration behind this web site.He wishes to thank her also. Of course several of his admirers living all of the world have constantly encouraging him. His thanks to each and every one of them.
Another service rendered by him is Free Matching horoscopes for Matrimony

For the past six years, he has been providing free service to match horoscopes for matrimony regardless of caste, creed and place of origin. If you are interested kindly send the horoscopes of the bride and groom by E-mail. (The horoscopes can be written in English, Tamil or Malayalam. It can be even in Hindi but the numerals should be Arabic. His e-mail Id is ramya475@hotmail.com .

He says - "If the horoscopes are not available with you, please send only date time and place of birth of the groom and the bride. I am normally prompt in my replies .I can also be contacted personally after fixing an appointment at Bangalore, India. My phone number is 080-23605686. My address is

P.R.Ramachander
475 A, I B Cross,
Mathikare Extension,
Bangalore-560054

Please note that I follow the system which is popular in Kerala and Tamilnadu."

Please do look at his other efforts on the web :
Stotraratna
Raja thatha's corner

Keralaiyers
My blog