Spirituality@warriersonline.com

Vedic Chanting

2009-12-18T04:36:00.000-08:00

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

2009-12-18T04:25:00.000-08:00

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

2009-12-18T03:25:00.000-08:00

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

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

2009-12-12T23:34:00.000-08:00

MAHA GANAPATHIM MANASAA SMARAMI sung by Yesudas

Click here to download in mp3 format.

BHAJANAMRUTHAM SONGS

2009-12-12T23:30:00.000-08:00

Click on the links below to download:

Link 1

Link 2

Abhirami Andhadhi song sung by Sirkali Govindarajan

2009-12-12T23:26:00.000-08:00

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

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

2009-08-14T00:37:00.000-07:00

With best wishes to all on the occassion of Janmashtami.

(CREDITS : SMT. SHANTHI KRISHNAKUMAR)

Madhurashtakam by Adi Shankaracharya (with English Translation)

2009-08-14T00:22:00.000-07:00

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)

2009-08-14T00:21:00.000-07:00

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)

2009-08-14T00:18:00.000-07:00

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

Happy Janmashtami

2009-08-13T22:24:00.000-07:00

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>)

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

2009-07-28T22:27:00.000-07:00

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

E-mail: <iishteam@gmail.com>

Indian Institute of Scientific Heritage.

www.iish.org

Story of two Brahmacharis ...

2009-07-27T01:15:00.000-07:00

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

2009-07-27T00:56:00.000-07:00

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.

If you feel this Article is interesting, please share the same with your friends and spread this message all over the world. Also try to vist the site - www.iish.org

(Courtesy: www.warriers.org)

Ten Point Program for happy families...

2009-07-26T23:43:00.000-07:00

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.

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

2009-07-22T06:27:00.000-07:00

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)

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

2009-07-04T00:53:00.000-07:00

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.

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

701 Slokas in Bhagavad Gita - the explanation

2009-06-26T05:42:00.000-07:00

There is an extra sloka because of the inclusion of Arjuna’s question in the beginning of chapter 13.

This was done to add continuity and is omitted in some texts.

As per the Bhishma Parva of the Mahabharata, the Gita has 745 verses (Krishna has 620 shlokas, Arjuna 57, Sanjaya 67, and Dhritarashtra 1 - making a total of 745 verses).

However, the most popular versions, mostly identical with the one commentated by Sri Adi Sankaracharya, which is said to have 700 verses (Krishna - 574, Arjuna - 84, Sanjaya - 41, and Dhritarashtra - 1 - Total = 700).

The Kashmiri version, commentated by Sri Abhinava Gupta, has 745 slokas.

sources:

1) http://www.gitaaonline.com/extra-sloka/
2) http://osdir.com/ml/culture.religion.advaita/2008-01/msg00072.html
3) http://www.mail-archive.com/sanskrit@cs.utah.edu/msg00307.html

Hari Murali - a devotional album by Yesudas

2009-06-26T05:02:00.000-07:00

Click here to download songs of this album.

Worship - a reality check... (Contributed by: Shri KV Venugopal)

2009-06-26T00:09:00.000-07:00

(Click on the image to enlarge)

Bhagavatham in Malayalam

2009-06-23T02:09:00.000-07:00

Bagavatam in Malayalam

Alternatively, Click here to view in a seperate window.

THE ART OF FORGIVING...

2009-06-20T21:37:00.000-07:00

The most creative power given to the human spirit is the power to heal the wounds of a past it cannot change.

We do our forgiving alone inside our hearts and minds; what happens to the people we forgive depends on them.

The first person to benefit from forgiving is the one who does it.

Forgiving happens it three stages: we rediscover the humanity of the person who wronged us; we surrender our right to get even; and we wish that person well.

Forgiving is a journey; the deeper the wound, the longer the journey.

Forgiving does not require us to reunite with the person who broke our trust.

We do not forgive because we are supposed to; we forgive when we are ready to be healed.

Waiting for someone to repent before we forgive is to surrender our future to the person who wronged us.

Forgiving is not a way to avoid pain but to heal the pain.

Forgiving someone who breaks a trust does not mean that we give him his job back.

Forgiving is the only way to be fair to ourselves.

Forgivers are not doormats; to forgive a person is not a signal that we are willing to put up with with what he does.

Forgiving is essential; talking about it is optional.

When we forgive, we set a prisoner free and discover that the prisoner we set free is us.

When we forgive, we walk in stride with the forgiving God.

Devotional song by M S Subbalakshmi- "Sudhha Bramha Paratpara Ram".

2009-06-20T20:53:00.000-07:00

Click here to download and listen in MS Subbalakshmi's melodious voice the Slokam "Sudhha Bramha Paratpara Ram".

Role of Sanskrit in the Contemporary Society

2009-06-20T20:42:00.000-07:00

It is sad that while the western world is taking so much of interest in learning Sanskrit and thru it get an insight into ancient Indian vedic treasures, it is losing interest amongst we - Indians.

Read this article by B. Mahadevan which explains beautifully, the significance of Sanskrit in the Contemporary Society.

Click here to download in pdf format.

Navaneetham (Midhunam/June) issue

2009-06-20T20:31:00.000-07:00

Navaneetham is the ultimate magazine for spirituality seekers from our community.

It provides insight into many diverse topics.

Try it out today !

Click here to download the June issue in pdf format and read.

(Courtesy: Sunil Menon)

Live with Problems... (Article : Courtesy Sukumar)

2009-06-20T01:10:00.000-07:00

LIVE WITH PROBLEMS
Swami Ishwarananda================

When this topic was given to me, I was wondering what kind of problems we should talk about because, in life, everyone seems to be having a certain amount of problems, whether it is at home, at office, in society, with the wife, the husband, or one's own children. Even Arjuna had a problem on the battlefield - he was our representative then! Who does not have problems? Don't think that Sannyasis are all living in great joy - they also have problems.

Now, when we look at the problem as a problem, it can never be solved. Great people have often said that problems are to be seen as opportunities to grow. The knife becomes sharper only when it is rubbed against a rough surface. There is a story usually told in Balavihars which shows that problems are only opportunities to grow. It is said that in a temple which is on a height, with five steps leading to it made of marble and inside the idol is also made ofmarble. Devotees go there every day to worship. One day, the steps started thinking, "Hey, we are also made up of marble just like the idol; is it not unfortunate that we are being stepped on by people while that idol marble is worshipped? What is it that we have donethat we are suffering like this? It's unfair that the idol is worshipped while we are not." On hearing this, the idol said to them, "There is a reason. Remember 10 - 15 years ago, when this temple was being built, the shilpi or sculptor or workers collected all the marble and started working on all of us? I remember distinctly that when they were working on you to give the shape of the vigraha (idol), you started complaining of being hurt by the instruments. Then the shilpi thought that you are useless and took another piece. Similarly, 4 - 5 of them were removed. When my turn came, I allowed them to work on me because I knew that I was being shaped up for a higher purpose. Finally, I became what I am now only because I bore all that pain. You people complained of pain and hurt at that time and therefore you are what you are."

It is then that those steps realized that they themselves were responsible for what they are today. The idol continued in humility, "I am grateful to you because you help the devotees to come to me." In this world - karma jagat - everyone will have problems - 6000 years ago Arjuna was complaining of the same thing which you and I today complain. Lord Krishna tells him,

Na Karmanaamanaarambhaat
Naishkarmyam Purushoshnute
Na Cha Sannyasanaadeva
Siddhim Samadhi Gacchati

"By not starting any action you cannot achieve anything nor can you gain anything by giving up action."

Only a right attitude while working can give you peace. Let us look at problems as opportunities to grow. Then our whole attitude will change. I used to tell the parents that children are specially made by the Lord to help them to develop patience!

We will divide problems into three aspects - physical, psychological and spiritual. All of us face physical problems at some point of time - sickness, disease, old age, hearing problems, etc. Sometimes, I feel people who have a hearing problem are lucky - less complaints to hear (!) and therefore less problems.

You may feel that you are deprived of certain things, but if you have the right spirit, it is no longer a problem. Sometimes, the Lord gives us physical problems so that we remember Him. If you believe in the Law of Karma, you understand that it is a result of my own pastactions, so you handle it better. Blaming others or cursing your fate doesn't solve the problem. In fact, others also feel bad about it. So, an intelligent person is one who does not have anything to complain about. So, as far as physical problems are concerned, don't complain - - Have the attitude that they are there because of my own past actions. - The Lord is testing me. - Look for solutions, otherwise live with them.

Now, let us move onto the psychological level - these problems are a little more subtle than physical problems. Today's Management Scientists would say “Emotional sickness ruins a person much more than physical sickness." Today, managing money matters are not so much a problem as managing emotions.

Our Pujya Gurudev started talking about this fifty years ago through His Gita Jnana Yajnas as to how to handle our mind - 'The Art of Man Making' He called it. In this context, I must tell you - once I went to a house where a picture was kept on a table which had 100 pieces put together - a puzzle. I tried to lift the picture and the whole thing came apart. I thought nobody had seen it, but a seven year old boy shouted at me and said, "I spent 2 hours putting it together and you have spoilt it all. Fix it for me or else my mom will not give you Bhiksha! I struggled for one hour and managed to complete it. The boy brought the original picture, compared it and okayed it. Then he disturbed all the pieces and I shouted at him, "I spent so much time doing it and you disturbed it." He said, "Now do it from the backside." I asked him how that was possible, but he insisted I do it. I took more time in doing it. Finally when I completed it and turned it around, the picture did not make any sense although the pieceswere in the right slots.

So, the lesson is when you have a picture in front of you, to assemble the puzzle is a very easy job - not a problem; when you don't have a picture of what it should be, you may assemble it, but it won't make any sense. The Lord has given us a picture - you may call it as the scripture or a Guru. If you have even a glimpse of the picture, then you slowly assemble the pieces. Any scripture which gives you the purpose of your life or if you have attended a camp where you have been told that this is the purpose of your life, then you can integrate yourself, but when we live an aimless life with no momentum, no purpose, no vision, then you live, but when you look back at 60 - 70, life is full of regrets.

So, problems will be there in everyone's life. As Gurudev used to say, the Ganges water comes down from the mountains, the Himalayan heights, and its final destination is the Bay of Bengal. During its journey it faces all kinds of obstacles - small stones, big stones, etc. If it is a small stone going over it, if it is a boulder pushing it. At some places when a mountain comes in its way, it even goes backwards - towards its source, ultimately reaching the sea. Similarly, if we have a direction in life provided by the scriptures or the Acharyas; if we are inspired by that very goal, then in spite of all the obstacles that you will have in life, you will move ahead. Unless you have a great vision or goal, problems will stop you and stopped water, stagnated water is dirty water. Next is the spiritual personality - here also there are problems, but then they are to be faced with a greater awareness, with proper values - like Satyam, Ahimsa, Asteya, selfless work, self - control, devotion to the Lord, etc.

Hints for Concentration

2009-06-08T01:20:00.000-07:00

by Swami Chidananda of Divine Life Society.

Question:

When I try to concentrate, the mind wanders; what is the best remedy for this?

Answer:

You have got the greatest authority giving the perfect remedy. It is simple; yet it is perfect. It is an old, old question. It is one of the chief obstacles to meditation. It is Vikshepa Shakti, one of the greatest manifestations of Maya. Arjuna himself puts this problem before Krishna: “The mind is very flickering and oscillating; and it is as difficult to fix it on the Lakshya as it is to tie the wind.” And, Krishna does not say: “Oh, no; it is easy.” He admits: “It is very difficult to control the mind.” The method suggested by the Lord: “Yes, it is difficult; but itcan be conquered by two things—Vairagya and Abhyasa.”

Why these two things are given is the outcome of a wonderful analysis of why this Vikshepa takes place. Why does mind wander about? Usually the mind goes and fixes itself up wherever there is attachment. Man wants pleasure and happiness; and he thinks he can getthis in the external world of name and form. Therefore various objects keep attracting the mind. Therefore, the mind runs from one object of attachment to another in a continuous succession.

The first thing, therefore, is a wrong conception that there is pleasure in objects. For this Vichara is the cure. Vichara makes the mind slowly learn that pleasure is not outside. He begins to say to the mind: “Do not go to the outside objects. There is infinite bliss within. Turn inward.” Vichara also points out to the mind that the whole world is full of pain.

Actually, one anna of pleasure is mixed with fifteen annas of pain; and that pleasure is also Bhranti-Sukha only, like the pleasure derived from scratching the eczema. A dog bites a bone and hurts itself. Blood oozes from its own palate. It imagines that the blood comes from the bone and is happy; is this real happiness? Vichara gives Dosha-Drishti in sensual objects.

As a result of Vichara, the mind is made to flow inward. A sort of dispassion arises towards the objects. Fixing it inside become easier. Vairagya is dispassion for all objects of this world and the other world.

Once the turning away is there, the mind must be habituated to get itself fixed upon any particular Lakshya chosen by a person. Therefore, Abhyasa is necessary. The old tendency of the mind is there. Bahirmukha Vritti is part and parcel of the mind. It must be counter-acted and it can be done only by the positive practice. In the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, Abhyasa is defined as continuous, unbroken practice, carried on over a long period of time. Vairagya is the negative portion; Abhyasa is the positive portion. If you go on with your practice, it is absolutely certain that one day the accumulated result of this method will keep the mind absolutely fixed upon the Lakshya. Poorna-Dhyana will come and it will lead you to Atma-Sakshatkara.

Pranayama is also a great help. It is important that we should not be discouraged. Ifthe mind used to run a hundred times previously and it runs only ninety-nine times now, it is an advance. If you make the mind move in smaller circles instead of bigger circles, it is definite progress.

Another important point is: develop an intense love for the Lakshya.

Sree Guruvayurappan Sahasranamam

2009-05-26T00:49:00.000-07:00

Click here to donwload this file in pdf format.

You will require Adobe Reader(can be freely downloaded from http://www.adobe.com/) to be installed in your computer to open & read this file.

Sree Lalita Sahasranama Stothram in Malayalam

2009-05-26T00:47:00.000-07:00

Click here to download this file in pdf format.

You will require Adobe Reader(can be freely downloaded from http://www.adobe.com/) to be installed in your computer to open & read this file.

Shri Radha Krishna Sahasranama in Sanskrit and English

2009-05-26T00:44:00.000-07:00

Click here to download this file in pdf format.

You will read ADOBE READER to open this file. Adobe Reader can be freely downloaded from www.adobe.com

Shri Krishna Ashtakam in mp3 format

2009-05-26T00:22:00.000-07:00

Click here to download the file and listen using any mp3 player.

Ramayanam in Chitra's melodious voice.

2009-05-25T07:24:00.001-07:00

Download this zip file containing Ramayanam by Chitra in mp3 format and listen using any mp3 player.

Mahishasuramardini Stotram

2009-05-25T07:21:00.000-07:00

Click here to download this file and liste using any mp3 player.

Maha Lakshmi Ashtakam in mp3 format

2009-05-25T07:19:00.000-07:00

Click here to download the file and listen using any mp3 player.

Gopikagitam in mp3 format

2009-05-25T06:54:00.000-07:00

Click here to download the file and listen with any mp3 player.

Gayatri Mantram in mp3 format.

2009-05-25T06:45:00.001-07:00

Click here to download the file and listen using any mp3 player.

Devistuthi in mp3 format.

2009-05-25T06:42:00.000-07:00

Click here to download the file in mp3 format and listen using any mp3 player.

Vishnu Sahasranamam in English

2009-05-22T05:27:00.000-07:00

We have had a tremendous response to our earlier posting of Vishnu Sahasranamam in Malayalam. Based on the viewers feedback we have uploaded some more versions of the same. Click on the links below to download the file of your choice:

Link 1 : Transaltion to English

Link 2: In Sanskrit and English

Link 3: Meanings in English

Poothanam's Jnanapana

2009-05-11T22:58:00.000-07:00

Click here to download in pdf format.

Sree Mantrarajapada Stothram in Malayalam

2009-05-11T22:56:00.000-07:00

Click here to download this powerful stothram of Lord Narasimhan in pdf format.

Narayaneeyam (Text in English)

2009-05-11T22:55:00.001-07:00

Click here to download in pdf format.

Narayaneeyam (English translation)

2009-05-11T22:53:00.000-07:00

Click here to download in pdf format.

Vishnu Sahasranamam in Malayalam

2009-05-11T22:50:00.000-07:00

Click here to download in pdf format.

Ayyappan Devotional Songs

2009-04-17T06:59:00.000-07:00

Click here to download and listen in mp3 format.

The four candles...(Submitted by: Sudhir Warrier)

2009-04-16T02:08:00.000-07:00

Introducing Spirituality at workplace.. (Submitted by Venu Varier)

2009-04-16T01:41:00.000-07:00

Click here to download a nice powerpoint presentation on Swami Chinmayanandaji's thoughts on Spirituality at Workplace.

(Contributed by: Venu Varier)

DURGA SHLOKA

2009-04-16T01:37:00.000-07:00

"Yaa Devii Sarvabhuuteshhu Maatrirupena SansthitahYaa Devii Sarvabhuuteshhu Shaktirupena Sansthitah Yaa Devii Sarvabhuuteshhu Shaantirupena Sansthitah Namastasyaih Namastasyaih Namastasyaih Namo Namah"

Meaning: Goddess Durga is omnipresent. She is the personification of Universal Mother. She is a Mother, who is present everywhere and who is embodiment of power and energy. Great mother, who is present everywhere and who is embodiment of Peace. I bow to that mother, I bow to Durga, I bow to Shakti.

Durga (Devi) Stuti

"Yaa Devii Sarva Bhooteshu Vishnu Maayethi Sabdita Namastasyai Namastasyai Namastasyai Namo Namaha"

Meaning: I bow again and again to the Goddess, who dwells in all creatures in the name of Maya of Vishnu.

"Yaa Devii Sarva Bhooteshu Chetanetyaabhi Dheeyate Namastasyai Namastasyai Namastasyai Namo Namaha"

Meaning: I bow again and again to the Devi, who abides in all creatures as realization.

"Yaa Devii Sarva Bhooteshu Buddhi Roopena Samsthita Namastasyai Namastasyai Namastasyai Namo Namaha"

Meaning: I bow again and again to the Goddess, who dwells in all creatures in the form of intelligence.

"Yaa Devii Sarva Bhooteshu Nidraa Roopena Samsthita Namastasyai Namastasyai Namastasyai Namo Namaha"

Meaning: I bow again and again to the Devi, who lives in all creatures in the form of sleep.

"Yaa Devii Sarva Bhooteshu Kshudhaa Roopena SamsthitaNamastasyai Namastasyai Namastasyai Namo Namaha"

Meaning: I bow again and again to the Goddess, who dwells in all creatures in the form of appetite.

"Yaa Devii Sarva Bhooteshu Chaayaa Roopena SamsthitaNamastasyai Namastasyai Namastasyai Namo Namaha"

Meaning: I bow again and again to the Goddess, who lives in all creatures in the form of meditation and reflection.

"Yaa Devii Sarva Bhooteshu Shakthi Roopena SamsthitaNamastasyai Namastasyai Namastasyai Namo Namaha"

Meaning: I bow again and again to the Devi, who dwells in all creatures in the form of Shakti, the creative power.

"Yaa Devii Sarva Bhooteshu Thrishnaa Roopena Samsthita Namastasyai Namastasyai Namastasyai Namo Namaha"

Meaning: I bow again and again to the Goddess, who dwells in all creatures in the form of thirst.

"Yaa Devii Sarva Bhooteshu Kshaanthi Roopena SamsthitaNamastasyai Namastasyai Namastasyai Namo Namaha"

Meaning: I bow again and again to the Devi, who lives in all creatures in the merciful form.

"Yaa Devii Sarva Bhooteshu Jaati Roopena SamsthitaNamastasyai Namastasyai Namastasyai Namo Namaha"

Meaning: I bow again and again to the Goddess, who dwells in all creatures in the form of race.

"Yaa Devii Sarva Bhooteshu Lajja Roopena SamsthitaNamastasyai Namastasyai Namastasyai Namo Namaha"

Meaning: I bow again and again to the Devi, who lives in all creatures in the modest form.

"Yaa Devii Sarva Bhooteshu Shaanthi Roopena SamsthitaNamastasyai Namastasyai Namastasyai Namo Namaha"

Meaning: I bow again and again to the Goddess, who dwells in all creatures in the form of peace (Shanti).

"Yaa Devii Sarva Bhooteshu Shradha Roopena SamsthitaNamastasyai Namastasyai Namastasyai Namo Namaha"

Meaning: I bow again and again to the Goddess, who lives in all creatures in the form of unshakable faith (Shraddha).

"Yaa Devii Sarva Bhooteshu Kaanthi Roopena Samsthita Namastasyai Namastasyai Namastasyai Namo Namaha"

Meaning: I bow again and again to the Goddess, who lives in all creatures in the form of beauty or brilliance (Kaanti).

"Yaa Devii Sarva Bhooteshu Lakshmi Roopena SamsthitaNamastasyai Namastasyai Namastasyai Namo Namaha"

Meaning: I bow again and again to the Goddess, who dwells in all creatures in the prosperous form.

"Yaa Devii Sarva Bhooteshu Vritti Roopena SamsthitaNamastasyai Namastasyai Namastasyai Namo Namaha"

Meaning: I bow again and again to the Devi, who dwells in all creatures in the form of motion.

"Yaa Devii Sarva Bhooteshu Smrithi Roopena SamsthitaNamastasyai Namastasyai Namastasyai Namo Namaha"

Meaning: I bow again and again to the Goddess, who lives in all creatures in the form of memory.

"Yaa Devii Sarva Bhooteshu Dayaa Roopena SamsthitaNamastasyai Namastasyai Namastasyai Namo Namaha"

Meaning: I bow again and again to the Devi, who dwells in all creatures in the form of mercy or kindness (Dayaa).

"Yaa Devii Sarva Bhooteshu Tushti Roopena Samsthita Namastasyai Namastasyai Namastasyai Namo Namaha"

Meaning: I bow again and again to the Goddess, who lives in all creatures in the form of satisfaction.

"Yaa Devii Sarva Bhooteshu Matru Roopena SamsthitaNamastasyai Namastasyai Namastasyai Namo Namaha"

Meaning: I bow again and again to the Devi, who lives in all creatures in the form of Mother.

"Yaa Devii Sarva Bhooteshu Braanthi Roopena SamsthitaNamastasyai Namastasyai Namastasyai Namo Namaha"

Meaning: I bow again and again to the Goddess, who dwells in all creatures in the form of illusion (Bhram).

"Indriyaanaamadhistaatri Bhootaanaam Chaakileshu YaaBhooteshu Satatam Tasyai Vyaaptidevyai Namo Namaha"

Meaning: I bow again and again to the all pervading goddess, who continuously controls the senses of all creatures and governs all elements.

"Chiti Roopena Yaa Kristnam Yetadhyaapya Sthithaa Jagat Namastasyai Namastasyai Namastasyai Namo Namaha"

Meaning: I bow again and again to the Goddess, who pervades this world and controls in the form of awareness.

Mahabharat Serial Title Song

2009-04-11T00:15:00.000-07:00

Listen to the beautiful song sung by Mahendra Kapoor for the popular Mahabharat serial. This song invokes a special feeling, every time we listen to it.

More of Swami Sandeep Chaitanya's discourses..

2009-04-10T03:36:00.000-07:00

His Holiness Swami Sandeep Chaitanya continues to mesmerise devotees with his powerful discourses on the essence of Bhagavad Gita and its powerful teachings.

Swamiji has his own inimitable style of explaining the verses of Gita in context with the day to day realities of our daily life. He explains with great ease the most trivial issues that continue to plague our minds and the answers to many suppressed queries on various rituals or superstitions.

He has a scientific approach to each of these issues and comes out with explanations which even a layman can grasp easily. Mixed with humorous examples and witty answers, His Holiness embeds the preachings of Gita in our hearts for all times.

We have more of his lectures at Uuttara Guruvayurappan Temple, Delhi .

A presentation on Swami Vivekananda's preachings...(Submitted by Venugopal Varier)

2009-04-10T03:33:00.000-07:00

Click here to download this powerpoint presentation with very powerful messages on various subjects.

(Contributed by: Venugopal Varier)

Swami Sandeep Chaitanya's Sampoorna Gita Jnana Yajnam, Day 1 at Uttara Guruvayoorappan Temple, Delhi

2009-04-08T01:27:00.000-07:00

Swami Sandeep Chaitanya's Yagnam at TVM Dhyana Sloka Part 1

2009-04-08T01:19:00.000-07:00

Bhagavad Gita - 108 Talks by Swami Sandeep Chaithanya

2009-04-07T23:41:00.000-07:00

Swami Sandeep Chaithanya gave a series of talks on Bhagavad Gita for 108 days in Cochin, Kerala, India during December 11, 2005 to March 28, 2006. These are the capsule version of his lectures translated from the Malayalam notes appeared in the Mathrubhumi daily in Kerala. Swamiji has a unique style of explaining the preachings of Gita which touches chord with everybody.

Click here to read the article on the every day's learnings of this 108 days session. Translation is by A.P. Sukumar, Vancouver, Canada. (sukumarcanada@yahoo.com). Please visit http://www.sobg.org/ to see the latest on Swami Sandeep Chaithanya's activities.

The Mantram Handbook by Eknath Easwaran

2009-04-06T00:39:00.000-07:00

The Mantram Handbook: A Practical Guide to Choosing Your Mantram and Calming Your Mind.

By Eknath Easwaran

The mantram, or mantra, is a short, powerful, spiritual formula from the world’s great traditions, repeated silently in the mind, anytime, anywhere. Examples of mantrams are Rama, Rama, used by Gandhi, or My God and My All, repeated by St. Francis of Assisi, or Om Mane Padme Hum. Easwaran taught the use of the mantram for over forty years as part of his passage meditation program. He explains how the mantram works, and gives practical guidelines for using it to focus our thoughts and access deeper resources of strength, patience, and love. The mantram can help us replenish our energy, release creativity, and heal old conflicts. These resonant phrases work equally well for parents with young children, colleagues at work, couples in a relationship, in illness or depression, and even at the time of death. And Easwaran shows how repetition of the mantram can open the door to a life that is increasingly meaningful and fulfilling.

Click here to download and read this wonderful book.

(Courtesy: Aruby Rogers)

Hanuman Chalisa with line-by-line translation in English

2009-03-26T06:15:00.000-07:00

JAI HANUMAN GYAN GUN SAGAR JAI KAPISH TUHI LOK UJAGAR"

Shree Guru Charan Saroj Raj, Nij Man Mukar Sudhari, Barnau Raghuvar Bimal Jasu, Jo dayaku Phal Chair

With the dust of Guru's Lotus feet, I clean the mirror of my mind and then Narrate the sacred glory of Sri Ram Chandra, The Supereme among the Raghu Dynasty. The giver of the four attainments of life.

Budhi heen Tanu Janike, Sumirow, Pavan Kumar, Bal Buddhi Vidya Dehu Mohi, Harahu Kalesh Bikaar

Knowing myself to be ignorent, I urge you, O Hanuman, The son of Pavan! O Lord! Kindly Bestow on me strength, wisdom and knowledge, removing all my Miseries and blemishes.

Jai Hanuman Gyan Guna Sagar
Jai Kipis Tihun Lok Ujgaar

Victory of Thee, O Hanuman, Ocean of wisdom and virtue, victory to the Lord of Monkeys who is well known in all the three worlds

Ramdoot Atulit Bal Dhamaa,
Anjani Putra Pavansut naamaa.

You, the Divine messager of Ram and repository of immeasurable strength, are also Known as Anjaniputra and known as the son of the wind - Pavanputra.

Mahebeer Bikram Bajrangi,
Kumati Nivaar Sumati Ke Sangi.

Oh Hanumanji! You are valiant and brave, with a body like lightening. You are the Dispeller of darkness of evil thoughts and companion of good sense and wisdom.

Kanchan Baran Biraaj Subesaa,
Kanan kundal kunchit kesa.

Shri Hanumanji's physique is golden coloured. His dress is pretty, wearing 'Kundals' ear-rings and his hairs are long and curly.

Hath Bajra Aur Dhvaja Birjai,
Kandhe Moonj Janeu saage.

Shri Hanumanji is holding in one hand a lighting bolt and in the other a banner With sacred thread across his shoulder.

Shankar Suvna Kesari Nandan,
Tej Pratap Maha Jag Vandan.

Oh Hanumanji! You are the emanation of 'SHIVA' and you delight Shri Keshri.
Being ever effulgent, you and hold vast sway over the universe.. The entire World proptiates.
You are adorable of all.

Vidyavaan Guni Ati Chatur,
Ram Kaj Karibe Ko Atur

Oh! Shri Hanumanji! You are the repository learning, virtuous, very wise and Highly keen to do the work of Shri Ram,

Prabhu Charittra Sunibe Ko Rasiya,
Ram Lakhan Sita man basyia.

You are intensely greedy for listening to the naration of Lord Ram's lifestory and Revel on its enjoyment. You ever dwell in the hearts of Shri Ram-Sita and Shri Lakshman.

Sukshma roop Dhari Siyahi Dikhwana,
Bikat roop Dhari Lank Jarawa

You appeared beofre Sita in a diminutive form and spoke to her, while you Assumed an awesome form and struck terror by setting Lanka on fire.

Bhim roop Dhari Asur Sanhare,
Ramchandra Ke kaaj Savare.

He, with his terrible form, killed demons in Lanka and performed all acts of Shri Ram.

Laye Sajivan Lakhan Jiyaye,
Shri Raghubir harashi ur laye.

When Hanumanji made Lakshman alive after bringing 'Sanjivni herb' Shri Ram Took him in his deep embrace, his heart full of joy.

Raghupati Kinhi Bahut Badaai,
Tum Mama Priya Bharat Sam Bahi.

Shri Ram lustily extolled Hanumanji's excellence and remarked, "you are as dear To me as my own brother Bharat"

Sahastra Badan Tumharo Jas Gaave,
Asa kahi Shripati Kanth Laagave.

Shri Ram embraced Hanumanji saying:
"Let the thousand - tongued sheshnaag sing your glories"

Sankadik Brahmadi Muneesa,
Narad Sarad Sahit Aheesa

Sanak and the sages, saints. Lord Brahma, the great hermits Narad and Goddess Saraswati along with Sheshnag the cosmic serpent, fail to sing the Glories of Hanumanji exactly

Jam Kuber Digpal Jahan Te,
Kabi Kabid Kahin Sake Kahan Te

What to talk of denizens of the earth like poets and scholars ones etc even Gods Like Yamraj, Kuber, and Digpal fail to narrate Hanman's greatness in toto.

Tum Upkar Sugrivahi Keenha,
Ram Miali Rajpad Deenha

Hanumanji! You rendered a great service for Sugriva, It were you who united Him with SHRI RAM and installed him on the Royal Throne.

Tumharo Mantro Bibhishan Maana,
Lankeshwar Bhaye Sab Jag Jaana.

By heeding your advice. Vibhushan became Lord of Lanka, which is known all Over the universe.
Juug Sahastra Jojan Par Bhaanu,
Leelyo Taahi Madhur Phal Jaanu

Hanumanji gulped, the SUN at distance of sixteen thousand miles considering It to be a sweet fruit.

Prabhu Mudrika Meli Mukha Maaheen,
Jaladhi Langhi Gaye Acharaj Naheen.

Carrying the Lord's ring in his mouth, he went across the ocean. There is no wonder in that.

Durgam Kaaj Jagat Ke Jeete,
Sugam Anugrah Tumhre Te Te.

Oh Hanumanji! all the difficult tasks in the world are rendered easiest by your grace.

Ram Duware Tum Rakhavare,
Hot Na Aagya Bin Paisare.

Oh Hanumanji! You are the sentinel at the door of Ram's mercy mansion or His divine abode. No one may enter without your permission.

Sab Sukh Lahen Tumhari Sarna,
Tum Rakshak Kaahu Ko Darnaa.

By your grace one can enjoy all happiness and one need not have any fear under your protection.
Aapan Tej Samharo Aapei,
Tanau Lok Hank Te Kanpei

When you roar all the three worlds tremble and only you can control your might.

Bhoot Pisaach Nikat Nahi Avei,
Mahabir Jab Naam Sunavei.

Great Brave on. Hanumanji's name keeps all the Ghosts, Demons & evils spirits away from his devotees.

Nasei Rog Hare Sab Peera,
Japat Niranter Hanumant Beera

On reciting Hanumanji's holy name regularly all the maladies perish the entire pain disappears.

Sankat Te Hanuman Chhudavei,
Man Kram Bachan Dhyan Jo Lavei.

Those who rembember Hanumanji in thought, word and deed are well guarded against their odds in life.

Sub Par Ram Tapasvee Raaja,
Tinke Kaaj Sakal Tum Saaja

Oh Hanumanji! You are the caretaker of even Lord Rama, who has been hailed as the Supreme Lord and the Monarch of all those devoted in penances.

Aur Manorath Jo Koi Lave,
Soi Amit Jivan Phal Pave.

Oh Hanumanji! You fulfill the desires of those who come to you and bestow the eternal nectar the highest fruit of life.

Charo Juung Partap Tumhara,
Hai Parsiddha Jagat Ujiyara.

Oh Hanumanji! You magnificent glory is acclaimed far and wide all through the four ages and your fame is radianlty noted all over the cosmos.

Sadho Sant Ke Tum Rakhvare,
Asur Nikandan Ram Dulare.

Oh Hanumanji! You are the saviour and the guardian angel of saints and sages and destroy all the Demons, you are the seraphic darling of Shri Ram.

Ashta Siddhi Nau Nidhi Ke Data,
Asa Bar Din Janki Mata.

Hanumanji has been blessed with mother Janki to grant to any one any YOGIC power of eight Sidhis and Nava Nidhis as per choice.

Ram Rasayan Tumhare Pasa,
Sadaa Raho Raghupati Ke Dasa.

Oh Hanumanji! You hold the essence of devotion to RAM, always remaining His Servant.

Tumhare Bhajan Ramko Pavei.
Janam Janam Ke Dukh Bisravei.

Oh Hanumanji! through devotion to you, one comes to RAM and becames free from suffering of several lives.

Anta Kaal Raghubar Pur Jai,
Jahan Janma Hari Bhakta Kahai.

After death he enters the eternal abode of Sri Ram and remains a devotee of him, whenever, taking new birth on earth.

Aur Devata Chitt Na Dharai,
Hanumant Sei Sarva Sukh Karai

You need not hold any other demigod in mind.. Hanumanji alone will give all happiness.

Sankat Kate Mitey Sab Peera,
Jo Sumirei Hanumant Balbeera

Oh Powerful Hanumanji! You end the sufferings and remove all the pain from those who remember you.

Jai Jai Jai Hanuman Gosai
Kripa Karahu Gurudev Ki Naiee

Hail-Hail-Hail-Lord Hanumanji! I beseech you Honour to bless me in the capacity of my supreme 'GURU' (teacher).

Jo Sat Baar Paath Kar Koi,
Chhutahi Bandi Maha Sukh Hoi.

One who recites this Hanuman Chalisa one hundred times daily for one hundred days becames free from the bondage of life and death and ejoys the highest bliss at last.

Jo Yah Padhe Hanuman Chalisa,
Hoy Siddhi Sakhi Gaurisa

As Lord Shankar witnesses, all those who recite Hanuman Chalisa regularly are sure to be benedicted

Tulsidas Sada Hari Chera,
Keeje Nath Hriday Mah Dera.

Tulsidas always the servant of Lord prays. "Oh my Lord! You enshrine within my heart.!

Chopai
Pavan Tanay Sankat Haran , Mangal Murti Roop.
Ram Lakhan Sita Sahit, Hriday Basahu Sur Bhoop.

O Shri Hanuman, The Son of Pavan, Saviour The Embodiment of blessings, reside in my heart together with Shri Ram, Laxman and Sita

I asked Krisha... (Submitted by : Muktha Radhakrishan)

2009-03-25T03:27:00.000-07:00

Click here to download this beautiful powerpoint with lots of learning.

Contributed by: Muktha Radhakrishnan

Narayaneeyam audio in mp3 format

2009-03-18T02:15:00.000-07:00

Click here to download all the 100 parts of Narayaneeyam in Mp3 format sung beautifully by Sukumarji.

If the link does not work, visit http://www.guruvayoor.com/ and click the audio link from the left side menu options.

Courtesy : Rajani Iyer

Indian Mythology.

2009-03-18T01:56:00.000-07:00

Click here to view lots of information, stories, etc. from the Indian Mythology.

Link to external site/s, Courtesy: Neelima

Interview with Swami Sandeep Chaithanya

2009-03-13T03:15:00.000-07:00

Swami Sandeep Chaithanya (Acharyan of School of Bhagavad Gita) gave an interview during his visit to Vancouver, Canada in March 2008. I talked to him on various topics on spirituality and practical Vedantha. The video is in Malayalam.

Sukumar

Guruvaayoor ekaadeshi tozuvaan pookumpool - old song

2009-03-12T23:09:00.000-07:00

Click here to listen to a very old song in Malayalam - Guruvaayoor ekaadeshi tozuvaan pookumpool

Adi Sankaracharya's Bhaja Govindam

2009-03-12T03:49:00.000-07:00

Bhaja Govindam - Sri Shankaracharya

Adi Shankaracharya is widely known for his teachings on Vedanta. Shankaracharya was born in the village of Kaladi, in South India, about 2500 years ago to his Brahmin parents, Sivaguru and Aryamba.

He composed the Bhaja Govindam prayers that evokes the mood of devotion to Lord Govinda, Krishna. It is in this prayer that he emphasizes above all else the importance for developing devotion for Lord Krishna, which is the principle means for attaining the Grace for the Supreme, and the freedom from further rounds of reincarnating in material existence. It is this prayer that leaves us no doubt that his final instruction was to give up our egotistical differences and surrender to Lord Krishna. It also encapsulates the sum and substance of all Vedantic thought in whatever other works that he had written.

There is a story attached to the composition of this Hymn. It is said that Shankara was walking along a street in Varanasi one day, accompanied by his disciples. He heard an old scholar teaching his grammatical rules. Taking pity on him, he went up and advised him not to waste his time on grammar at his age but to turn his mind to God in worship and adoration. The Hymn to Govinda was composed on this occasion. Besides the refrain of the song beginning with the words "Bhaja Govindam", Shankara is said to have sung twelve verses, hence the hymn bears the title "Dvadasamanjarika-Stotra" (A hymn which is a bunch of twelve verse-blossoms). The fourteen disciples who were with the Master then are believed to have added one verse each. These fourteen verses are together called "Chaturdasa-manjarika-Stotra" (A hymn which is a bunch of fourteen verse-blossoms).

Lyrics & translation in English

bhajagovindam bhajagovindam govindam bhajamuudhamate sampraapte sannihite kaale nahi nahi rakshati dukrijnkarane

Worship Govinda, Worship Govinda, Worship Govinda. Oh unwise! Rules of Grammar will not save you at the time of your death.

mudha jahiihi dhanaagamatrishhnaam kuru sadbuddhim manasi vitrishhnaam yallabhase nijakarmopaattam vittam tena vinodaya chittam

Oh unwise! Give up your thirst to amass wealth, devote your mind to thoughts to the Real. Be content with what comes through actions already performed in the past.

naariistanabhara naabhiidesham drishhtvaa maagaamohaavesham etanmaamsaavasaadi vikaaram manasi vichintaya vaaram vaaram

Do not get drowned in delusion by going wild with passions and lust by seeing a woman's navel and chest. Bodies are flesh, fat and blood. Do not fail to remember this again and again in your mind.

naliniidalagata jalamatitaralam tadvajjiivitamatishayachapalam viddhi vyaadhyabhimaanagrastam lokam shokahatam cha samastam

Uncertain is the life of man as rain drops on a lotus leaf. Know that the whole world remains a prey to disease, ego and grief.

yaavadvittopaarjana saktah staavannija parivaaro raktah pashchaajjiivati jarjara dehe vaartaam koapi na prichchhati gehe

So long as a man is fit and able to support his family, see the affection all those around him show. But no one at home cares to even have a word with him when his body totters due to old age.

yaavatpavano nivasati dehe taavatprichchhati kushalam gehe gatavati vaayau dehaapaaye bhaaryaa bibhyati tasminkaaye

When one is alive, his family members enquire kindly about his welfare. But when the soul departs from the body, even his wife runs away in fear of the corpse.

baalastaavatkriidaasaktah tarunastaavattaruniisaktah vriddhastaavachchintaasaktah pare brahmani koapi na saktah

Childhood is lost in play. Youth is lost by attachment to woman. Old age passes away by thinking over many past things. Alas! Hardly is there anyone who yearns to be lost in Parabrahman.

kaate kaantaa kaste putrah samsaaro.ayamatiiva vichitrah kasya tvam kah kuta aayaatah tattvam chintaya tadiha bhraatah

Who is your wife? Who is your son? Strange is this samsara. Of whom are you? Where have you come from? Brother, ponder over these truths.

satsangatve nissngatvam nissangatve nirmohatvam nirmohatve nishchalatattvam nishcalatattve jiivanmuktih

From Satsanga (knowledge of the Truth) comes non-attachment, from non-attachment comes freedom from delusion, which leads to self-settledness. From self-settledness comes Jivan Mukti (liberation).

vayasigate kah kaamavikaarah shushhke niire kah kaasaarah kshiinevitte kah parivaarah gyaate tattve kah samsaarah

What good is lust when youth has fled? What use is a lake which has no water? Where are the relatives when wealth is gone? Where is samsara (the continuaiton of birth and death) when the Truth is known?

maa kuru dhana jana yauvana garvam harati nimeshhaatkaalah sarvam maayaamayamidamakhilaM hitvaa brahmapadaM tvaM pravisha viditvaa

Do not boast of wealth, friends, and youth. Each one of these are destroyed within a minute. Free yourself from the illusion of the world of Maya and attain the timeless Truth.

dinayaaminyau saayam praatah shishiravasantau punaraayaatah kaalah kriidati gachchhatyaayuh tadapi na mujncatyaashaavaayuh

Daylight and darkness, dusk and dawn, winter and springtime come and go. Time plays and life ebbs away. But the storm of desire never leaves.

dvaadashamajnjarikaabhirasheshhah kathito vaiyaakaranasyaishhah upadesho bhuudvidyaanipunaih shriimachchhankarabhagavachchharanarih

This bouquet of twelve verses was imparted to a grammarian by the all-knowing Shankara, adored as the bhagavadpada.

kaate kaantaa dhana gatachintaa vaatula kim tava naasti niyantaa trijagati sajjanasam gatiraikaa bhavati bhavaarnavatarane naukaa

Oh mad man! Why this engrossment in thoughts of wealth? Is there no one to guide you? There is only one thing in three worldsthat can save you from the ocean of samsara. Get into that boat of satsangha quickly.

jatilo mundii lujnchhitakeshah kaashhaayaambarabahukritaveshhah pashyannapi cana pashyati muudhah udaranimittam bahukritaveshhah

There are many who go with matted locks, many who have clean shaven heads, many whose hairs have been plucked out; some are clothed in saffron, yet others in various colorsall just for a livelihood. Seeing truth revealed before them, still the foolish ones see it not .

angam galitam palitam mundam dashanavihiinam jatam tundam vriddho yaati grihiitvaa dandam tadapi na mujncatyaashaapindam

Strength has left the old man's body; his head has become bald, his gums toothless and leaning on crutches. Even then the attachment is strong and he clings firmly to fruitless hope.

agre vahnih prishhthebhaanuh raatrau chubukasamarpitajaanuh karatalabhikshastarutalavaasah tadapi na mujncatyaashaapaashah

Behold there lies the man who sits warming up his body with the fire in front and the sun at the back; at night he curls up the body to keep out of the cold; he eats his beggar's food from the bowl of his hand and sleeps beneath the tree. Still in his heart, he is a wretched puppet at the hands of passions.

kurute gangaasaagaragamanam vrataparipaalanamathavaa daanam gyaanavihinah sarvamatena muktim na bhajati janmashatena

One may go to the Ganga, observe fasts, and give away riches in charity! Yet, devoid of jnana, nothing can give mukthi even at the end of a hundred births.

sura mandira taru muula nivaasah shayyaa bhuutala majinam vaasah sarva parigraha bhoga tyaagah kasya sukham na karoti viraagah

Take your residence in a temple or below a tree, wear the deerskin for the dress, and sleep with mother earth as your bed. Give up all attachments and renounce all comforts. Blessed with such vairagya, could any fail to be content?

yogarato vaabhogaratovaa sangarato vaa sangaviihinah yasya brahmani ramate chittam nandati nandati nandatyeva

One may take delight in yoga or bhoga, may have attachment or detachment. But only he whose mind steadily delights in Brahman enjoys bliss, no one else.

bhagavad giitaa kijnchidadhiitaa gangaa jalalava kanikaapiitaa sakridapi yena muraari samarchaa kriyate tasya yamena na charchaa

Let a man read but a little from the Bhagavad-Gita, drink just a drop of water from the Ganga, worship Murari (Krishna) just once. He then will have no altercation with Yama (the lord of death).

punarapi jananam punarapi maranam punarapi jananii jathare shayanam iha samsaare bahudustaare kripayaa apaare paahi muraare

Born again, death again, birth again to stay in the mother's womb! It is indeed hard to cross this boundless ocean of samsara. Oh Murari! Redeem me through Thy mercy.

rathyaa charpata virachita kanthah punyaapunya vivarjita panthah yogii yoganiyojita chitto ramate baalonmattavadeva

There is no shortage of clothing for a monk so long as there are rags cast off the road. Freed from vice and virtue, onward he wanders.One who lives in communion with God enjoys bliss, pure anduncontaminated, like a child and as someone intoxicated.

kastvam ko.aham kuta aayaatahkaa me jananii ko me taatah iti paribhaavaya sarvamasaaram vishvam tyaktvaa svapna vichaaram

Who are you? Who am I? From where do I come? Who is my mother,who is my father? Ponder thus, look at everything as essence-less and give up the world as an idle dream.

tvayi mayi chaanyatraiko vishhnuh vyartham kupyasi mayyasahishhnuh bhava samachittah sarvatra tvam vaajnchhasyachiraadyadi vishhnutvam

In me, in you and in everything, none but the same Vishnu dwells.Your anger and impatience is meaningless. If you wish to attain the quality of Vishnu soon, have Sama Bhaava always.

shatrau mitre putre bandhau maa kuru yatnam vigrahasandhau sarvasminnapi pashyaatmaanam sarvatrotsrija bhedaagyaanam

Do not waste your efforts to win the love of or to fight against friendand foe, children and relatives. See yourself in everyone and give up all feelings of duality completely.

kaamam krodham lobham moham tyaktvaa atmaanam bhaavaya ko aham aatmagyaana vihiinaa muudhaah te pachyante narakaniguudhaah

Give up lust, anger, infatuation, and greed. Ponder over your real nature. Fools are they who are blind to the Self. Cast into hell they suffer there endlessly.

geyam giitaa naama sahasram dhyeyam shriipati ruupamajasram neyam sajjana sange chittam deyam diinajanaaya cha vittam

Regularly recite from the Bhagavad-Gita, meditate on Vishnu in your heart, and chant His thousand glories. Take delight to be with the noble and the holy. Distribute your wealth in charity to the poor and the needy.

sukhatah kriyate raamaabhogah pashchaaddhanta shariire rogah yadyapi loke maranam sharanam tadapi na mujnchati paapaacharanam

He who yields to lust for pleasure leaves his body a prey to disease.Though death brings an end to everything, man does not give up the sinful path.

arthamanartham bhaavaya nityam naastitatah sukhaleshah satyam putraadapi dhana bhaajaam bhiitih sarvatraishhaa vihiaa riitih

Wealth is not welfare, truly there is no joy in it. Reflect thus at all times. A rich man fears even his own son. This is the way of wealth everywhere.

praanaayaamam pratyaahaaram nityaanitya vivekavichaaram jaapyasameta samaadhividhaanam kurvavadhaanam mahadavadhaanam

Regulate the pranas (life airs within), remain unaffected by externalinfluences and discriminate between the real and the fleeting. Chant the holy name of God and silence the turbulent mind. Perform these with care, with extreme care.

gurucharanaambuja nirbhara bhakatah samsaaraadachiraadbhava muktah sendriyamaanasa niyamaadevam drakshyasi nija hridayastham devam

Oh devotee of the lotus feet of the Guru! May thou be soon free from Samsara. Through disciplined senses and controlled mind, thou shalt come to experience the indwelling Lord of your heart!

muudhah kashchana vaiyaakarano dukrijnkaranaadhyayana dhurinah shriimachchhamkara bhagavachchhishhyai bodhita aasichchhodhitakaranah

Thus was a silly grammarian lost in rules cleansed of his narrow vision and shown the Light by Shankara's apostles.

bhajagovindam bhajagovindam govindam bhajamuudhamate naamasmaranaadanyamupaayam nahi pashyaamo bhavatarane

Worship Govinda, worship Govinda, worship Govinda, Oh unwise! Other than chanting the Lord's names, there is no other way to cross the life's ocean.

Maha Lakshmi Stotram

2009-03-12T03:39:00.000-07:00

Maha Lakshmi Stotram

Namaste stu mahamayesripithe sura-pujite, Sankha-chakra-gada-hastemahalaksmi namo stu te.

O Mahamaya, abode offortune, who art worshippedby the Devas, I saluteThee; O Mahalakshmi, wielder of conch,disc and mace, obeisance to Thee.

Namaste garudarudhekolasura-bhayankariSarva-papa-hare devimahalaksmi namo stu te.

My salutations toThee, who rides the Garuda and art a terror to Asura Kola; O Godess Mahalakshmi, remover of all miseries, my obeisance to Thee.

Sarvajne sarva varadesarva-dusta-bhayankari,Sarva-dukha-hare devimahalaksmi namo stu te.

O Godess Mahalakshmi, who knowest all,giver of all boons,a terror to all the wicked,remover of all sorrow, obeisance to Thee.

Siddhi-buddhi-prade devibhukti mukti-pradayiniMantra-Murte sada devimahalaksmi namo stu te.

O Godess, giver of intelligence and successand of worldly enjoyment and liberation, Thouhast always the mystic symbols as Thy form,O Mahalakshmi, obeisance to Thee.

Adyanta-rahite deviadyasakti mahesvariYogaje yoga-sambhutemahalaksmi namo stu te.

O Godess, Maheshwari, without beginning or an end, O Primveval Energy, born of Yoga, O Mahalakshmi, obeisance to Thee.

Sthula-suksma-maharaudremahasakti-mahodare,Maha-papa-hare devimahalaksmi namo stu te.

O Mahalakshmi,who art both gross andsubtle, most terrible, great power, great prosperityand great remover of all sins, obeisance to Thee.

Padmasana-sthite deviparabrama svarupini,Paramesi jagan matar-mahalaksmi namo stu te.

O Godess, seated on the lotus, who art the Supreme Brahman, the great Lord and Mother of the universe, O Mahalakshmi, obeisance to Thee.

Svetambara-dhare devinanalankara-bhushite,Jagat-sthite jagan-matar-mahalaksmi namo stu te.

O Godess, robed in white garments anddecked with various kinds of ornaments, Thouart the mother of the universe and its support, O Mahalakshmi, obeisance to Thee.

Mahalaksmyastakam stotramyah pathed bhaktiman narah,Sarva-siddhim-avapnotirajyam prapnoti sarvada.

This hymn to the great Goddessof Wealth, if read with devotion, will bestow all success, will grant all worldly position.

Eka-kale pathen nityammaha-papa vinasanam, Dvi-Kalam yah pathen nityamdhana-dhanya-samanvitah

If always read once a day, great sins will be destroyed. If always read twice a day, wealth and prosperity will ensure.

Tri-kalam yah pathen nityammahasatru-vinasanam,Mahalakshmir-bhaven-nityamprasanna varada subha.

If always read three times a day, the great enemy(ego) will be destroyed. Mahalakshmiwill be ever pleased with that auspicious one.

Harivarasanam - Video & lyrics

2009-03-12T02:36:00.000-07:00

Harivarasanam Viswamohanam Haridadhiswaram Aaradhyapadhukam Arivimardhanam Nithyanarthanam Hariharathmajam DevamashrayeSaranam Ayyappa Swamy Saranam AyyappaSaranam Ayyappa Swamy Saranam Ayyappa

Repository of Hari's boons,Enchanter of universe,Essence of Hari's grace,He whose holy feet is worshipped, He who kills enemies of good thought, He who daily dances the cosmic dance, Son of Hari and Hara, I take refuge in thee God.
My refuge is in you Ayyappa,My refuge is in you Ayyappa.

Saranakirtanam BakhtamanasamBharanalolupam NarthanalasamArunabhasuram BhoothanayakamHariharathmajam DevamashrayeSaranam Ayyappa Swamy Saranam Ayyappa Saranam Ayyappa Swamy Saranam Ayyappa

He who likes song of refuge, He who is in the mind ofdevotees, He who is the great ruler, He who loves todance, He who shines like the rising sun,He who isking of all beings, Son of Hari and Hara, I takerefuge in thee God. My refuge is in you Ayyappa,My refuge is in you Ayyappa.

Pranayasathyakam PraananayakamPranathakalpakam SuprabhanjithamPranavamanidram Keerthanapriyam Hariharathmajam DevamashrayeSaranam Ayyappa Swamy Saranam AyyappaSaranam Ayyappa Swamy Saranam Ayyappa

He whose soul is truth, He who is the darling of allsouls, He who created universe, He who shines with aglittering Halo, He who is the temple of "OM", He wholoves songs, Son of Hari and Hara, I take refuge in thee God.
My refuge is in you Ayyappa,My refuge is in you Ayyappa.

Thuragavahanam SundarananamVaragadhayudham Vedavavarnitham Gurukrupakaram KeerthanapriyamHariharathmajam DevamashrayeSaranam Ayyappa Swamy Saranam AyyappaSaranam Ayyappa Swamy Saranam Ayyappa

He who rides a horse, He who has a pretty face, He whohas the blessed mace as weapon, He who bestows gracelike a teacher, He who loves songs,Son of Hari and Hara, I take refuge in thee God.
My refuge is in you Ayyappa,My refuge is in you Ayyappa.

Tribuvanarchitam DevathathmakamTrinayanam Prabhum Divyadeshikam Tridashapoojitham ChinthithapradamHariharathmajam DevamashrayeSaranam Ayyappa Swamy Saranam AyyappaSaranam Ayyappa Swamy Saranam Ayyappa

He who is worshiped by the three worlds, He who is thesoul of all gods, He who is the lord of Shiva, He whois worshipped by devas, He who is who is worshippedthree times a day, He whose thought is fulfilling, Sonof Hari and Hara, I take refuge in thee God.
My refuge is in you Ayyappa, My refuge is in you Ayyappa.

Bhavabhayapaham BhavukavahamBhuvanamohanam BhoothibhooshanamDhavalavahanam DivyavaranamHariharathmajam DevamashrayeSaranam Ayyappa Swamy Saranam AyyappaSaranam Ayyappa Swamy Saranam Ayyappa

He who destroys fear, He who brings prosperity,He who is enchanter of universe, He who wears holy ashas ornament,He who rides a white elephant,Son of Hari and Hara, I take refuge in thee God.My refuge is in you Ayyappa, My refuge is in you Ayyappa.

Kalamrudusmitham SundarananamKalabhakomalam GathramohanamKalabhakesari VajivahanamHariharathmajam DevamashrayeSaranam Ayyappa Swamy Saranam AyyappaSaranam Ayyappa Swamy Saranam Ayyappa

He who blesses with enchanting smile, He who has is very pretty,He who is adorned by sandal paste, He who has a pretty mien,He who is a like a lion to the elephants, He who rideson a tiger, Son of Hari and Hara, I take refuge in thee God. My refuge is in you Ayyappa,My refuge is in you Ayyappa.

Srithajanapriyam ChinthithapradamSruthivibhushanam SadhujeevanamSruthimanoharam GeethalalasamHariharathmajam DevamashrayeSaranam Ayyappa Swamy Saranam Ayyappa Saranam Ayyappa Swamy Saranam Ayyappa

He who is dear to his devotees, He who fulfills wishes,He who is praised by Vedas, He who blesses life of ascetics,He who is the essence of Vedas, He who enjoys divine music, Son of Hari and Hara, I take refuge in thee God.My refuge is in you Ayyappa, My refuge is in you Ayyappa.