12/26/13

Shri Rama Dootham - Story Series - Part 11

Shri Rama Dootham
Click here to read previous episodes - , 123456789, 10

"Sir, Crossing the oceans & reaching the Lanka itself is a big achievement, isn’t it"?, I posed this question not only to bring back the messenger to this world, but also as a lead to post my next question. 

"No!, Hanuman never thought arriving at the island of Lanka is alone sufficient. He knew he has a bigger task than to reach Lanka. Hanuman felt that his task was yet to begin. Now in his mind, he can only focus on finding Sita as his immediate mission and not get satisfied with the mere achievement of reaching Lanka".

"Sir, I agree, but to accomplish a big task, small small milestones have to be reached, which itself is a great success, right"?. 

"Bete!, Only when the Sun rises, darkness vanishes. Only if the messenger’s task is done properly, success is accomplished. Only then the mission of Rama will be completed. So Hanuman had to think clearly and carefully in order to fulfill his task of finding Sita, So...."

I was overjoyed to hear this from Messenger, as I exactly got the point to ask my next question. So I quickly interrupted and asked my next question . 

“Sir, any wrong action that Hanumanji might perform in this arduous task would result in serious consequence, isn't it sir?

"Hmm..." replied Messenger.

"So if that’s the case, who is guiding Hanuman ji to take right decision here?"

I could notice Messenger's eye brows being raised but I decided to continue to explain why I posed this question.

"Sir, let me tell you why I asked this question. At times, my Guru gives me some task to do. Sometimes, he gives clear cut direction on how to perform that action, which really helps. Sometimes the task that He gives is so vague or rather very brief, I keep wondering how to accomplish this task? Who would guide me? While I do the action that I was asked to do by my Gurudev, what if I do something really silly or commit a great mistake, which would result in serious consequences for me & to my guru ?

Messenger smiled at me and said, "Bete, your Guru loves you a lot so does He to all His Students. He never gets hurt with your mistakes as long as you keep trying sincerely & faithfully. But remember, failure is the stepping stone to success. You should learn from your mistakes and not repeat them". 

"But sir, my question is who would guide me ? who guided Hanuman ji on how to search Sita in Lanka? Ram was not near him all the time? My guru wouldn’t be near me all the time. If that’s the case, how will I know if the action performed by me is right or wrong" ? 

Messenger replied, "First of all remember that if your Guru gives you a task, it doesn't mean that He has no one else to accomplish it. He can easily find thousand times better skilled person than You. Inpsite of that, if He finds you as a right person to perform that task, it only means that He loves you and He wants to teach you silently through the task given to you. You may still be performing not upto the mark as compared to any other skilled person, but that does not concern your Master. He is more concerned about how much you could raise above and How much it had helped in your Inner purification..."

"Sir,.... ' I interrupted...

"Wait, Wait... Have patience, let me complete my son....  I know you are waiting to hear the answer for your question... Let me come to that. First, tell me, do you want me to answer your question or shall I quote what Baba (Swami Rama) has said to His students", asked Messenger. 

I quickly jumped and said, “Baba Baba please….”. I just realized, my voice was echoing the entire Dhyana Mandir Hall at Sadhana Dhama where we were having this conversation.  I sometimes totally forget in which material plane we were seated .

"OK", Messenger replied with a smile and closed his eyes and started speaking after taking few minutes time. Is he taking some time to bring Baba here ? Am I now going to hear Baba's voice or the Messenger's voice. I quickly dismissed my thoughts and gave my attention to what Messenger quoted from Baba's teachings.  

"Manas is not an appropriate tool for searching for the Truth. The heart also is not competent. The buddhi (intellect), the faculty of discrimination, is qualified to guide you. When the buddhi, the finest aspect of the antahkarana (internal instrument), is sharpened, and a coordination is established between the buddhi and the different aspects of the mind, then one can have a perfect and orderly mind. Such a mind, when coordinated with the power of the emotions, is able to penetrate into the deeper levels of your being.

Unlike manas that always remains in a state of doubt, the intellect is endowed with the power of discrimination and decision. However, you should remember that a dissipated mind never listens to the intellect. The intellect can guide only a one-pointed mind. Therefore, the most important step in spiritual practice is to make the mind one-pointed, so that it can be guided by the decisive faculty called intellect.

The power of discrimination is the greatest of all benevolent forces within. With the help of contemplation and meditation, one should unfold this power and learn to distinguish right actions from unwholesome ones.

One who lacks the power of discrimination performs his actions without being aware of their consequences. Most of the time, he is driven by his desires, whims, and primitive urges. He usually does not know what truth is, and even if he knows, he fails to practice it in his thoughts, speech, and actions.

Without perfect faith in the higher Reality, he cannot attain freedom from his own anxiety and insecurity. Without discrimination and faith, he may perform his actions, but he lives in a state of doubt.

Unless these two principles—discrimination and faith—are fully unfolded, one cannot rise above the spheres of manas and ego. He cannot distinguish right actions spontaneously, and cannot perform his actions wholeheartedly.

He who listens to the voice of the inner soul and performs actions under the guidance of discrimination, rises above egocentric awareness. He attains foresight and the power of discrimination guides him on the path of righteousness.

Through uninterrupted practice of meditation and contemplation, he one day attains illumination. His whole life is driven by the power of discrimination and faith, and he enters into the kingdom of the eternal heart.

"So my Son", Messenger opened his eyes and said, "Rise above and use your Discrimination as Inner guide to perform your actions. You will never fail. That’s what Hanuman always did when he had task to serve his Master and that’s what you should also do when you perform your actions". 

I got delighted for having got the answer. I quickly opened my book to read verses from Hanuman Chalisa, from where I had left earlier. 

Sahas badan tumhro jas gave | Asa kahi shripati kanth legave || 

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

Sankadik bhramadi 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 

Yam kuber digpal jahan te | Kabi kobid 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 kinha | Ram milai rajpad dinha || 

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 mantra vibhishan mana | Lankeshwar bhaye sab jag jana || 

By heeding your advice. Vibhushan became Lord of Lanka, which is known all over the universe. 

Jug sahastra jojanpar bhanu | Leelyo tahi madhur phal janu || 

Hanumanji gulped, the SUN at distance of sixteen thousand miles considering it to be a sweetfruit. 

Prabhu mudrika meli mukh mahi | Jaladhi langhi gaye acharaj nahin || 

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

Durgam kaaj jagat ke jete | Sugam anugrah tumhre te te || 

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


"Yes. With His Grace, (messenger pointing his Hand at the huge Hanuman Statue at the Dhyana Mandir), I bless all the Sadhaka's to get that Discrimation  as Inner Guide to perform their actions wisely", Messenger replied.  

"Sir, When one is on a worthy mission, all the celestial will be there to help, Am I right sir" ?. 

I realized my questions will never be over so soon....

(to be contd...)

- 'Bansuri

(Please note that the views expressed in this fictional story series are the views of the author's own imagination taking reference from various sources which includes but not limited to Valmiki Ramayana, Kamba Ramayana, Hanuman chalisa along with Swami Rama & Guruji Pattabhiram's teachings. If you find any text inappropriate, the author seeks humble apologies.) 

11/15/13

Bhola - 'Our Friend' (Cartoon series)

Bhola - Our Friend

Bhola - Cartoon Series

Bhola - Cartoon Series

Bhola - Cartoon Series 
Bhola - Cartoon Series

Bhola - Cartoon Series

Bhola - Cartoon Series

Bhola - Cartoon Series

Bhola - Cartoon Series

Bhola - Cartoon Series

Swami Rama

(To be contd...)

- 'Bansuri'

11/12/13

Guru Smarana Day - A Day of Deep Contemplation

Pranams...

Swami Rama Guru Smarana Day 
November 13th is Maha Samadhi day, a special day for all Sadhakas of Himalayan tradition blessed by Gurudeva Swami Rama of the Himalayas. Gurudev left his limited mortal frame on 13th November 1996 and expanded his consciousness into the divine infinite sky of eternity. It is the day of deep contemplation to all of us.

On this important day, listen to special audio clip from our Gurudev Shri.Pattabhiram where He shares a small story to make us understand the beautiful relationship between a Guru & a disciple.  


So friends, let Guru Smarana day, be the day to awaken that intelligence to guide you in experiencing that freedom from your own misery & to experience that unconditional infinite vastness of life. Work in that direction. may Gurudev, enter your path, be with you always, and guide you eternally. 

The suggested Mantra Japa  for November 13 is as follows:

1. Take a comfortable posture by keeping the back, neck and the head along the same straight line. Relax the body completely – do inner journey.

2. Do 21 rounds of Shushumna breathing.

3. Come to Guru Chakra (above the Ajna chakra), imagine a Tirkuti (upward triangle) and in that Trikuti feel the Agni (fire) of Guru eternally glowing.

4. Focusing on the Trikuti, chant "Om Shreem Gurudevaaya Namaha" 108 times.

5. Conclude by chanting Hiranya garbaa aarabdhaam, saeshou vyaasaadhi madhyamaam, Swami Shree Rama Paadaanthaam, Vande Guru Paramparaam.

6. After Guru Vandana, offer all unresolved problems, negative things and emotions that are bothering you into the Trikuti fire as Aahuti (offering) so that the fire of Guru burns all your negative emotions, karmas, samskaras, and negative tendencies that block your path of sadhana and spiritual progress and instead bring enthusiasm, harmony, health and happiness in the life of disciples and also to their families.

May Baba be with you all and bless you.

In the service of Parampara,
Shri. Pattabhiram & Jyothi

10/25/13

Pappu goes to Bangalore...

Pappu goes to Bangalore
Pappu goes to Bangalore
Pappu goes to Bangalore
Pappu Family is participating this December Camp
Join them....

Winter Camp Info

Vande Guru Paramparam....

Swami Rama

Venue: Sadhana Dhama (Ashram):
Kanva Reservior Road, 4th K.M., Sriramapuri, Kanva Post, Kannamangala Village, Channapatna Taluk, Ramnagar District (Bangalore Rural), Karnataka - 562108, INDIA
Contact : Mr.Narasimhamurthy +91-9901710565 , Contact: Mr. Prashant: Ph: 080-7265217, +91 - 9008940081

To Register for the Summer Camp:
Contact: Mr. Shriram.  Ph: +91-9663570913 

Visit  us on Facebook:
www.facebook.com/sadhanasangama

For regular updates:
www.himalayantradition.blogspot.com

- 'Bansuri'

10/22/13

Shri Rama Dootham - Story Series - Part 10

Shri Rama Dootham
Click here to read previous episodes - 12345678, 9

"Son, the time is approaching for me to leave this place", Messenger's alarming voice hit me hard. 

"Sir, please do not go in the middle. I wish to hear from you How Lord Hanuman crossed the ocean and met Sita Devi and how he came back victorious. Please atleast be here till you finish telling them to me", I pleaded. 

"OK!, that's possible. I will certainly share my thoughts with you on this. But please do not request me further to stay here. I can't stay longer here in this form", Messenger spoke in very kind way looking straight into my eyes. 

Not able to understand what the messenger meant, I decided just to nod my head as I am already overwhelmed for having Him staying with me since Morning. I know, I can't keep Him here for long. 

"Sir, I remember Hanuman met few difficulties even while crossing the ocean, could you please elaborate for me"?,  I posed this question so that the Messenger can continue from where he left earlier. 

"Son!, First obstacle came in the way of Hill “Mynakam”, when it requested Hanuman to stay there for some time so that it can serve Him".

"So surprising, during Ramayana period, even Hill used to talk"! , I chuckled… 

"Son, whether Hill is talking or not, is not important for you to research. What is more important is to understand what message you get out of it. Shall I go ahead or you want more research on this?", the Messenger asked sternly. 

"Sorry sir, please continue...."

Myanakam Hill said to Hanuman, “Even if an ordinary human being visits our place, we attend to him & serve 'Annadhana' (food) as our traditional culture follows & practices ‘athithi devo bhava’. Great Scholar's have said that if you give Annadhana (food) to any athiti (guest), it’s special. If that is the case, if I do Annadhana to a person who is more than special, who is a mahapurush, who is avatharapurush, more than anything who himself is a Rama Dhootan, Ramadasan, how much I would be blessed. So please accept my offerings”. 

I interrupted the Messenger and asked, "So nice, how much love this hill is having on Lord Hanuman. Did hanumanji accepted it" ? 

"Did you think Hanuman is like you, who is thinking of Poori dishwhile doing your Meditation? Anjaneya is on an important task and if he sits here for a while & relax, then in which Janma (life) would he complete His task"?, 

Messenger's return question did not find any answers from me. Instead I asked another question to save my name. 

"Sir, but it’s only for few hours, right? So what harm?"

"Son!, You should always be concentrating on the task given to you. Imagine Hanuman’s plight. There in the sea shore, His ram is crying calling “Sita, Sita, Sita, Sita” (He enacts for me) and here in Lanka, Sita devi must be sobering stating “Prabhu, Raghava, Ramachandra, Rama, Kripalu , Dhyanidhe, Karunanidhe, where are you”… (again He enacts for me with full of emotion), If that’s the case, how in the middle can He sit and have food or feast leisurely, tell me?" ......

I liked this as I could see the Messenger is fully into it. He is not merely sharing the story. No, certainly not. He experiences it as he shares it with me, He is there, He is in the right middle where the Ramayana is happening. This is what I could feel as he is fully merged while narrating the episodes for me...

I got back from my thoughts with another question to Him, "Sir, but Mynakam, the Hill is requesting with utmost Bhakti (devotion), how can one ignore such pure love ?.."

"Good question my boy! that’s why Hanuman convinced the Hill stating that He will take some rest & food after completing his task of searching Sita Devi. By this, Hanuman ensured that he doesn't hurt the Hill's pure devotion and at the same time ensured He is not deviating from his entrusted task"... 

"Wow, great character… " I exclaimed in awe. 

"Is it? Thanks". 

Why you say thanks sir ?

"You want Lord Hanuman himself to come & thank you or what ?

"No, No.. sorry for deviating, please continue…"

"While Hanuman continued his journey from the Hill, the Deva’s seeing Hanuman’s valiant strength & One-Pointedness, wanted to further test Him and they requested ‘Surasa’, the Nagamatha to block Hanuman’s way".

"What is this? Why do they have to do this in such a tight situation" ?, My instant response stopped Messenger's flow. 

Messenger just gave a stare, which was enough for me to stop my mouth opening further. 

Messenger continued, "So she took a giant form standing on the way of Hanuman with wide open mouth and said, as per the boon given to her, whoever pass through that path has to enter her mouth". 

Hanuman politely said, ‘Mother, I have an important task, let me do that while on return, please do not block my way”.

But she was hesitant and didn’t give any way. Hanuman thought quickly and decided His next step. Step by step he made his body grow bigger and bigger. The Rakshasa (demon) form (which had been assumed by Surasa, the Naga maiden) opened its mouth correspondingly wider and wider. When the mouth was thus enormously wide, all of a sudden Hanuman contracted his body into a speck and, darting through the demon's mouth and body, came out again and resumed his former normal shape.

He then laughed and said: "You have had your wish, mother. I have entered your mouth. What more do you need?"

Pleased by Hanuman’s Budhi (intelligence) & determination, the Naga goddess showed her original form and blessed Him on his Mission and left the way . 

This was not the last of his trials. As he was flying in the sky, for no reason which he could discover, he found his speed obstructed and he suffered like a ship against a contrary wind. Some mighty force, he felt, was holding him and dragging him down.He looked up and down and on all four sides. Then he discovered the cause. It was a huge she-demon in the sea holding him by his shadow below, arresting his speed, and dragging him down.

The demon, holding him by his shadow, said: "Come, come! Long have I been waiting for you. No longer can I bear my hunger," and she opened her mouth like a cave.

At once Hanuman entered her mouth and ripped a way out through her entrails and emerged. The demon died and sank down in the water. Like the full moon emerging from an eclipse, Hanuman shone in the sky and resumed his journey.

Thus surviving many trials with the help of his subtle wit, courage and strength, he flew across the ocean and approached the coast of Lanka covered with plantain and coconut trees.

"So son, what you learnt from this episode, tell me" ?, Messenger asked.

"Sir!, In Mynaka hill episode, Hanuman showed His character, conquered through love and won. In Naga Mata episode, he showed his 'buddhi' (Intelligence) & Determination and won. In the last demon incident you mentioned, He shows his real strength and won, Am I right sir!? ...

"Beautiful! What I wanted to add here is, in same way, in life you would come across so many hurdles & obstacles, especially when you are in the path of Spirituality. But you should never give too much importance to those hurdles. Some hurdles, you would need to win by using your 'buddhi' (Intelligence), some you need to win by your strength, and some by your character & love. That is what Hanuman teaches all of us", Messenger spoke with gentle smile.  

"Sir, please bless me so that I can have all this virtues in me....", I asked with folded hands.

"Hahaha...., you have your Guru's blessing already, what else you need?",  Messenger replied with laughter which echoed whole 'Dhyana Mandir' at Sadhana Dhama. Then he lovingly kept his Hand on my head and said:

"Son!, do your Sadhana & serve the Master. While serving, feel as if you are that squirrel who helped Lord Rama in building the bridge to cross the ocean, Join hands with your Guru who is toiling hard in spreading the message of our Guru Tradition, the rest they will take care of you..., Now can you read the next lines from Hanuman Chalisa for me" ?.. the Messenger asked softly. 

I opened my book and read:

Sukshma roop dhari siyahi dikhava | Bikat roop dhari lank jerava ||

You appeared before 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 harish 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 badai | Tum mam priya bharat sam bhai ||

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

"You are as dear to me as my own brother Bharat".... , the Messenger repeated the last line once again closing his eyes with few tears tinkling down. 

I decided to keep quite for some time....

(to be contd...)

-'Bansuri'

(Please note that the views expressed in this fictional story series are the views of the author's own imagination taking reference from various sources which includes but not limited to Valmiki Ramayana, Kamba Ramayana, Hanuman chalisa along with Swami Rama & Guruji Pattabhiram's teachings. If you find any text inappropriate, the author seeks humble apologies.) 

10/7/13

This Winter - Twin Camps for Adults & Kids at Sadhana Dhama

Winter Camp 2013

Venue: Sadhana Dhama (Ashram):
Kanva Reservior Road, 4th K.M., Sriramapuri, Kanva Post, Kannamangala Village, Channapatna Taluk, Ramnagar District (Bangalore Rural), Karnataka - 562108, INDIA
Contact : Mr.Narasimhamurthy +91-9901710565 , Contact: Mr. Prashant: Ph: 080-7265217, +91 - 9008940081

To Register for the Summer Camp:
Contact: Mr. Shriram.  Ph: +91-9663570913 

Visit  us on Facebook:
www.facebook.com/sadhanasangama

For regular updates:
www.himalayantradition.blogspot.com

9/27/13

From Dhaarana to Samadhi

Q: Why can't we straight away practice Meditation and skip Dhaarana?

A: To experience Samadhi, we need something more, it’s not just dhaarana or it’s not just dhyana. When we perfect our dhaarana, then there is a spontaneous experience of meditation. Because meditation we cannot do, if I say "I am meditating", it means I am not meditating!! May be conventionally you can say that, just to communicate the idea, but factually it is not so. Because one really cannot meditate, meditation has to happen. As long as the sense of "I" is there, "I am Meditating", the very element of "I AM" will nullify your meditation.

There is a beautiful episode of Swami Rama in the book "Living with Himalayan Masters". When he was very young in the gurukula in the Himalayan caves, he was given the practice of mediation, and he says in the book, there was a big row of students, all siting in the cave, one by one, and His Guru started walking around to find out how well his students are in meditation.

Jyothi Ma on Dhaarana
Then Swami Rama says in the book, I could feel, I could sense, I could hear my guru coming near, hear his walking steps etc., then all the time, I pretended to meditate. When my Guru came and asked “What are you doing?, then Swami Rama opened his eyes and said “I am meditating”.. for which his Guru Bengali Baba replied, "your very statement 'I am meditating', tells me that you are not meditating"Because all your indriyas are outward, when you can hear your guru coming, when you can smell your guru presence, when you can feel his presence, physically here, How can you say that you are meditating ?".

So if the meditation has to be perfected, it has to happen. How can you make it happening? How can you make your meditation to happen, and not you doing it ? There the Dhaarana comes into picture. So initially it is wise on our part to spend more and more time on dhaarana, and not worry too much about dhyana and not at all worry about Samadhi.

Samadhi is bound to come, meditation is bound to happen, provided you focus, you spend more time on your dhaarana. So it is dhaarana, when perfected, when you become the master of your dhaarana, then the other two results Dhyana & Samadhi, fruits of the destination, you are bound to get.

- Extract from the DVD 'Concept of Dhaarana'

9/20/13

Let's Hear from our School - Sadhana Sankalp (2013)

Lets Hear from our School

Sadhana Vidyalaya celebrated Sadhana Sankalp Diwas on July 5, 2013 to rededicate ourselves to the Panch-Kosha way of developing every child of the school in to an integrated personality.  Below is the brief report of the whole event. 

The Panch-Kosha concept is central to Guruji’s vision of holistic education and this vision has led to this mission of a Panch-Kosha based Gurukul System of education. 

This is the foundation of Sadhana Vidyalaya, and it is this system that makes our school, the school with a difference.

Sadhana Sankalp Diwas is going to be celebrated every year and its agenda shall continue to be: Orient, Inspire and Resolve. 

On this first instance of Sadhana Sankalp, the word orient implies turning all needles north, that is, all stake holders orient themselves to the vision and mission mentioned above. Subsequent celebrations would focus on course correction.

Inspiration percolates down the line, from Guruji and Jyothi Maa, through teachers down to school children. An inspired teacher alone can carry the flag of our mission and build a unique organization.

Guruji Pattabhiram & Jyothi Ma 

Guruji at Sadhana Vidyalaya Community Day
 
Jyothi Ma addressing the participants
The session has this deliverable – an action plan for the implementation of Panch-Kosha based system of education.

The Celebration

The program was blessed by the presence of P. P. Guruji and P. P. Jyothi Maa. Our Guest-of-Honor was Shri Shrinivas Murthy who has been associated with the school from its inception and who has significantly and consistently contributed to the development of Sadhana Vidyalaya and has been very active in spreading Yoga Education across South India.

Our Chief Guest was Shri S K Jain, General Manager, National Thermal Power Corporation. 

All teachers actively participated in the day long deliberation and finally evolved an action plan for implementing the system for the year 2013-14.

The proceedings were compered by Ms Basamma in a very lively manner.

The Panch Kosh System

Every human being exists at five distinct levels – Physical Sheath or Annamaya Kosha, Vital Sheath or Pranamaya Kosha, Mental Sheath or Manomaya Kosha, Intellectual Sheath or Vijnyanmaya Kosha and Blissful Sheath or Anandmaya Kosha.

The significance of each of these sheaths to the integration of personality was described by different presenters. 

Annamaya Kosha: Shri Shrinivas Murthy

Shri Shrinivas Murthy on Annamaya Kosha
Pranamaya Kosha: Shrimati Shailaja Karandikar

Shrimati Shailaja Karandikar on Pranamaya Kosha
Manomaya Kosha: P.P. Jyothi Maa

Jyothi Ma on Manomaya Kosha
Vijnyanmaya Kosha: Shri Laxman Karandikar

Shri Laxman Karandikar on Vijnyanmaya Kosha
The fifth or the Anandmaya Kosha and the integration of all Koshas were explained by P.P. Guruji.

Guruji talking on Anandmaya Kosha

Guruji Pattabhiram

Guruji Pattabhiram

Guruji Pattabhiram

Guruji Pattabhiram

The lunch session was followed by open forum in which teachers formed four groups, one for each Kosha except the Anandmaya Kosha and this was followed by a brain storming session in which the four groups identified the activities for the development of Koshas. 

Teachers listening to the speakers

Over the years the school Time-Table has a period for Sanskara and another for Activity on a daily basis. This is in addition to the weekly Physical Education period. The activities needed to be appropriately integrated with the Panch Kosha system in a way they could be practically implemented. The proceedings resulted in fulfilling this requirement.

The activities corresponding to the four sheaths were:

Physical Sheath: Sports activity, Yogasanas

Vital Sheath: Pranayama, Long jump, High Jump, 200m running

Mental Sheath: Chanting mantras, singing, dancing

Intellectual Sheath: Chess, Sudoku, Puzzle solving, increasing difficulty level in science and mathematics problems

The inspired teachers have resolved to effectively implement the plan outlined in the concluding session. This completed the orientation for this year.

It is proposed to review the Panch Kosha program implementation twice a week so that practical problems of implementation are addressed expeditiously.

Cultural Program

After the daylong deliberations and brain storming sessions a cool breeze came in the form of vocal music presentation by teachers. Some teachers presented solo programs while others presented group songs. The evening was further enlivened by mono acting of Shri Prashanth Kumar. 

The highlight of the cultural evening was a wonderful solo dance performance on Krishna Leela by P.P. Jyothi Maa.

Inspirational Dance performance from Jyothi Ma

Krishna Leela Dance performance from Jyothi Ma

Jyothi Ma 
Program ended with a Vote-of-Thanks by Ms Vinutha.

Vote of Thanks


Follow up Actions

The preliminary plan of action was reviewed on 6th, 10th and 13th July and was fine tuned to its present form. Teachers have voluntarily opted for various activities. The Panch Kosha system is now active. 

Guruji allotted a 1-acre piece of land from the Ashram area to be developed as a play ground. Now Volley Ball, Kho-Kho, Long Jump, Throw Ball, Javelin Throw, Discus Throw and Kabaddi facilities are available and children are using these facilities with great enthusiasm. All this was done in the form of a joint effort by teachers and students – first step in Panch Kosha has been taken. It is less than a fortnight and enthusiasm is monotonically growing.

Teachers have identified three thrust areas to create an atmosphere conducive to Panch Kosha System:

[1] Cleanliness in campus 

[2] Discipline and

[3] Language

This is a collective activity and is already underway. Thanks all again for your continuous support & love.

- Shri Laxman Karandikar
Director - Academic Quality
Sadhana Vidyalaya

9/17/13

Shri Rama Dootham - Story Series - Part 9

Shri Rama Dootham
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As it took more time than I thought, to bring back the Messenger in this material world, I continued to recite the next stanza from Hanuman Chalisa along with its meaning…

Hath bajre aur dhvaja biraje | Kandhe moonj janeu saaje ||

Shankar suvan kesari nandan | Tej pratap maha jag vandan ||

Vidyavan guni ati chatur | Ram kaj karibe ko atur ||

Prabhu charitra sunibe ko rasiya | Ram lakhan sita man basiya ||


Shri Hanumanji is holding in one hand a lighting bolt and in the other a banner with sacred threadacross his shoulder

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 propitiates. You are adorable of all.

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

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

"Hmm….."  Messenger softly acknowledged having heard what I recited…and told with a smile "You too are greedy to listen more from me, isn't it" ? 

I just nodded my head in affirmation with a return smile. 

"Tell me Beta, what is needed to achieve any set goal" ?,  Messenger suddenly posed a question to me..

After a brief thought, I replied “Determination”..

"What else"?

"Clarity..!"

"What else" ?

"Commitment...!"

"Hmm..?"

"To have a plan in place…!"

"All are OK, but what you should have in basic before you get all these additional qualities ?

"Sir, I fail to find any definite answer, you only please clarify…" I surrendered finally.... 

Messenger replied, "Son, to do any work or to achieve anything what is more important than anything else is the enthusiasm that you should have to do it. Without it, you cannot achieve anything and with it, you can achieve everything. Even 90 year old man if he has enthusiasm can do anything, and with no enthusiasm even a 20 year young man cannot achieve anything. Age is not limitation when one has enthusiasm in doing anything".

"Hanuman shows this when he readily accepts the job of crossing the ocean... Didn't He ? asked the Messenger looking straight into my eyes.

"Sir, I understand, but I have one doubt here.. It may be idiotic question as well.. Can I ask? "...

"Son whatever you have asked till now are all idiotic only, never mind, I am tuned to it, Go ahead".. said the Messenger with the twinkling eyes....

Strangely, this taunt from the Messenger didn't hurt me, rather I was feeling more happy to know that the Messenger is now more willing to listen to me...  So I continued with my question...

"Sir, why did Hanuman choose to go through Akasha marga to cross the Ocean? Doesn't he know swimming" ?

"Hahaha… Bete, with Ram blessings, Hanuman can cross the Ocean through Akasha Marga or through Jal Marga…or He can also drink the entire Ocean if he wish, but He did not do it because if He drank all the Ocean, then how can the sedhubandhana leela would happen later. For every action there is a reason…. The blessed one’s do them so casually that we fail to understand them many a times …"

"For your understanding let us assume that Hanuman decided to cross the ocean through Akasha, because flight goes faster than the Ship, isn’t it ? Hahaha..... the Messenger laughter echoed the whole Dhyana Mandir, in the Sadhana Dhama Ashram... 

"Ah! Yes, now there is logic…." Now I too joined in that laughter.... 

"You know what He did immediately..."? the Messenger again posed a question to me... 

I know whatever answer I would give, it wouldn't be right, so I decided to keep quite & waited for the Messenger only to answer it…

"Hanuman himself was quite aware how important & critical is the mission entrusted to Him and as he was taking leave of all fellow monkeys, Sugriva, Rama & Lakshmana, He knew to achieve anything one need both manusya (human) effort and lord’s anugraha (blessing), so he decided to start the journey with a Prayer. Now tell me, to whom he prayed first ?

Again.. I thought for a moment and before I answer.. the Messenger interrupted stating…

"Tell me, Because of whom you are peaceful and Happy in life now...."?

"My Guruji… !",  I instantly answered…

"Yes, Hanuman first salutes to His Guru, the 'Sun' God since he learnt all Vedic scriptures from Sun, then He Salutes to the Lord Indra, Brahma, the devotees of the Lord, his own father (the Wind-God) and then mentally paid obeisance to Rama and Lakshmana. He then bowed down to all the rivers and oceans before embarking on the mission". 

I interrupted by asking, "Sir, I understand why Hanuman prays to his Guru & to Rama & Lakshmana, but why others? "..... 

Without any hesitation, the Messenger replied gently, "Hanuman realizes that to accomplish his mission, he needs Lords as well as the natural forces like rivers and oceans cooperation and blessings. The manner in which Hanuman starts his mission is indeed a lesson for all of us on how we should initiate any critical mission".

"Hanuman then says:

- He will go as fast as Ram’s weapon in search of Sita 

- Like how Ram’s arrow reach the target accurately, he too will search Sita Devi accurately. 

- Like how ram’s arrow after achieving the target, returns back to its original place, He too will come back to ram’s feet. 

- Like how in all Lord Ram’s arrow, the name ‘Ram’ is imprinted, in same way, He too would always utter the Lord's name ‘Ram... Ram...’ 

and adding to it Hanuman states that He has Ram’s ring which He feels would give Him the strength & guide Him to Success".

I knew it's morally not right to question the deeds of Lords, but nevertheless I was prepared to be open to my Messenger to pose any question that arise in my mind, as I am willing to get myself corrected before Him. So I decided to ask that question which lingered in my mind.. 

"Sir, you said Lord Hanuman does not have any ego, then why does He say all these before leaving, I feel these statements may be sign of ‘Ego’... ?"

"Good Question Son!, Hanuman knows very well that any power that he Has belongs to Ram, There is no Ego in him. He states all this to show His enthusiasm & to make the entire Vanara group to be motivated. It does not mean ego. You should also have such enthusiasm but at the same time you should have humility in you like Hanuman. Its very difficult as it’s only a subtle difference. If you have too much confidence, it can easily turn into ego. So you should be very careful".

"Sir, but how to realize this Ego and to overcome it?.... 

Messenger gently closed his eyes & replied, "I will tell you what Swami Rama says, to understand this. He Says:

A person walking on the path of self-transformation should be aware of the dangers of egoism. Even while practicing the great virtues of truthfulness and nonviolence, a person can feed the ego. The ego related to the realm of spirituality is more subtle and injurious than the ego related to one’s worldly success.

During the period of seeking, the student may become too intellectual, ignoring sahaja bhava (spontaneous intuition); conversely, he may become too emotional; ignoring reason. An emotional trip is as dangerous as an intellectual trip; each feeds the ego.

A person becomes a slave to his ego when he thinks of selfish gains. A selfish person dwells in a state of doubt since his conscience constantly reminds him of his wrong attitude. On the one hand, he is pulled by his selfish desires, and on the other, he is alarmed by his inner voice. He is torn apart by these two forces.

Do not ever condemn yourself in any way. Learn to appreciate and admire yourself, but see that you do not feed your ego. It is the arch enemy on the path, though it can be polished with some effort.

Acknowledge your weak points, let the power of discrimination counsel your ego, and make a strong resolution to overcome your weaknesses. While working on the removal of weaknesses, you have to be very vigilant. Ego does not want its weaknesses exposed. The more you hide your weaknesses, the more they grow. Remind yourself that you are on the path of inner purification and self-discovery. It requires great courage. Stand firm during this internal battle, and support your Atman, even at the cost of dismounting the ego and all its retinue.

A human being is miserable if he fails to unfold and use his inner potentials. In order to unfold his inner potentials, he must purify the ego or surrender it to the higher Reality. After renouncing slavery to the ego, he can emerge from the confines of body, senses, and mind.

Only a profound method of meditation can help to purify the ego. A purified ego does not create barriers.

By practicing diligently, one may attain concentration of mind, one may speak the truth, and one may serve others, but one cannot realize the Truth unless one surrenders one’s ego to the higher Self. Only after rising above egocentric awareness, can one find the universe within. Only then can one learn to love all and exclude none. One who does not love one’s fellow beings, cannot love God at all.

The most important step toward self-transformation is to shed one’s ego, to surrender it to the higher Reality, and thereby attain the light of discrimination and pure faith.

Once ego surrenders itself to the highest Truth, you have attained victory, and spiritual illumination is yours. Soon after the victory over ego, all other virtues, such as humility, love, selflessness, compassion, and kindness, spontaneously unfold. These virtues are prerequisites for self-transformation. When these virtues blossom, a human being becomes a saint. These saintly qualities send a silent invitation to the Lord of Life.

"Hanuman didn't for a moment looked at other vanaras and thought proudly, “See only I can cross, not you people”. No!, certainly he did not do that. He only bowed to all and stretched his two hands, folding his two legs, twisting his long tail once, opening his mouth wide open, with the force, he jumped saying “Jai Sitaram” and climbed up to highest peak of the Mahendra promontory, and stood like a pillar supporting the vault of the sky. Then poising himself for flight, with hands and tail outstretched in air, his neck drawn in, his legs bent, and his chest contracted, he pressed down his feet and rose sheer into the sky and clove through the air towards Lanka".

"Hanuman pierced into the Akasha....." 

stating this the Messenger again went into silence... then suddenly with thundering blooming voice, he said, "Bolo.. Jai Ram Ji Ki,... Bolo, Jai Ram Ji Ki".......

I too joined.... 

Jai Ram Ji Ki.....
Jai Ram Ji Ki.....
Jai Ram Ji Ki.....

(To be contd..)

-'Bansuri'

(Please note that the views expressed in this fictional story series are the views of the author's own imagination taking reference from various sources which includes but not limited to Valmiki Ramayana, Kamba Ramayana, Hanuman chalisa along with Swami Rama & Guruji Pattabhiram's teachings. If you find any text inappropriate, the author seeks humble apologies.) 

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