Today we talk and understand, the Vedic way of expressing ones gratitude to Nature. We believe that God resides in everything. Rather it is the will and wish of God, that He created us, the non living and the living. We both co-exist. We believe (even science today believes) that we have come from the non-living. Science believes that there is ‘chetan’ (atoms) in everything and we believe that there is ‘chaitanya'(God) in everything. The Theory of evolution as suggested by Darwin has already been proposed many thousand years back by us in the form of 10 avatars (incarnations) of Vishnu.
So with this broad outlook we will look into the festival of Nag Panchami (नाग पंचमी) being celebrated today. It is a festival celebrated to worship the Serpents. The serpents are representatives of the reptile world.
As civilisation thrived, we had to cut down forests to make big towns and cities to accommodate more and more people. We knowingly had to drive out the reptiles from their natural habitats. As these reptiles cannot speak and express their emotions to us, for a few time they must have resisted but after finding their fight futile, they sacrificed their homes and went deeper into the jungles.
Our Rishis had a great intellect and an emotional heart. They felt that we need to express our gratitude to this class of animals who are sacrificing their homes for Humans. So they inculcated this practise of celebrating Naag Panchami.
On the occasion of Nag Panchami also want to talk about, the Naga people and Naglok, and giving a broader cultural and social outlook towards the society at large.
Were Nag people humans? Were they part of India? Yes 100%. They were humans and they were a part of India. We have had social and cultural relations with all the different tribes which exist in India even today.
Even today, in modern India, we have the Nagaland. The people residing there are called Nagas. It is just one tribe residing there, from many.
From our history we are all familiar with Vasuki, the serpent King. Just feel like sharing an anecdote about Him. Vasuki has played an important part during the churning of the ocean. Vasuki took part in the incident of churning of the ocean (samudra manthan) by allowing both the devas and the asuras to bind him to Mount Mandar, which was used as a blender in the churning of the ocean to extract “amrut” (nectar). Today it is found that Mount Mandaar or Mandar Hill or Mandar Parvat, as it is popularly known, is located in Banka District, in the State of Bihar in India. A the temple of Lord Shiva, called Vasukinath, literally meaning “the Lord of Vasuki”, is just a few kilometres away from Mandar Parvat, in the State of Jharkhand, in Dumka District.
I believe that this is my countries history and the Serpent King must have played an important part during the debates and discussion which the Devas and the Asuras had during the yesterday years. All these serpents, devas and Asuras were basically humans but names of different types of people who got their names from their characteristics. And the Serpents must have been the anchors of the debate or discussion which took place between the Devas and the Asuras.
Lord Krishna in His celestial song, Shreemad Bhagwad Geeta has called the serpent Vasuki as one His “vibhuti’s.” सर्पाणामस्मि वासुकि: (Amongst the serpents, am Vasuki. And it is this Vasuki, which can be seen around the neck of the lord or lords, Mahadev.
We know and have read about the Nagalok and how Arjun was married to a Nagkanya Ulupi, who gave him a son Iravan, who had participated in the Mahabharat war. And also a reference to that when Bheem, the second Pandav, was poisoned in his childhood and was drowned into a river, it was the Nag people who had saved him. Bheem’s strength is attributed to the potions given to him by them.
So friends, Nag people have been an integral part of our civilisation from years and we have had cultural and social relationships with them. We might have adopted this Nag pooja from them.
So, my readers, our festivals have a divine but cultural and social outlook too, which we need to understand and not laugh upon them. The westerners may call us the land of serpents, but we are far more ahead in our understanding about nature and humans, unlike them. Hence, we need to develop our own understanding about all our festivals.
असित-गिरि-समं स्यात् कज्जलं सिन्धु-पात्रे। सुर-तरुवर-शाखा लेखनी पत्रमुर्वी।। लिखति यदि गृहीत्वा शारदा सर्वकालं। तदपि तव गुणानामीश पारं न याति।।
Pushpadant in his Shiv Mahimna Stotra has written this Shlok for the Lord. It translates thus:
O Lord! Even if we make paper of the land mass present on earth and ink from the water of her oceans, use the trees as a pen and if Saraswati, intelligence personified, sit backs to write about you for the time infinite, then too, it’s a mammoth and daunting task to describe all your qualities.
Today is Vyas Poornima. People celebrate it as Guru Poornima. Indian culture / civilisation personifies God in the form of a Guru. To lead and follow a spiritual life, a guru is needed. Kabirji in one of his doha’s (couplets) describes the importance of guru thus
गुरु गोविंद दोऊ खड़े, काके लागूं पाय। बलिहारी गुरु आपकी, गोविंद दियो बताय।।
Both the Guru and the Lord are standing in front of me and am confused whom should I bow down to first?.
The next line can be translated in two ways:
1. As you, my Guru, have shown me this form of the Lord, I bow down to you first
2. You being my Guru, pointed to the Lord saying, bow at His feet first.
It’s such a beautiful feeling that Kabirji has expressed stating that both the interpretations can be right. As they both, the Lord and Guru are no different.
Ved Vyas is the son of Rishi Parashar and Satyavati, a fisherwomen. The story goes that Rishi Parashar was in a hurry to reach a “Yaag” and had to cross a river to reach the other side. At that time, it was Satyavati who helped him cross the river. In lieu, Rishi Parashar gave her a mantra to beget a son. He also told her that the son would be very intelligent and no one would compare to him in intelligence. Satyavati at that moment invoked the mantra and conceived a child. The boy when born was called “Krishna” as he had black skin. The child was born on an island so was known as “Krishna Dwaipayan” (Dwaipayan – island born). [There may be other stories about the birth of Vyas, and I leave it upto my reader to decide which they like, but one thing is a fact that he was a son of Parashar and Satyavati].
As Krishna grew into an adult, he left Satyavati and promised her to return whenever she needed him. He gained knowledge from the four Kumar’s, Muni Narad and Brahma, Himself. After acquiring his education, he took upon a great task of bifurcating the Veda mantras.
Till then, the Vedas were all one. Krishna took upon him the task of understanding each mantra and started dividing them into Rigved, Yajurved and Samved. Rigved has all the mantra’s invoking Mother Nature and the Gods. Yajurved has mantra’s describing rituals and the technical modalities of performing them. Samved has the same mantra’s of Rigved (a few are different), but they are written in a meter and so can be sung.
It is easy for me to describe in three sentences the work he has done. But to be fair and to give you, my readers a fair idea about the volume of work, am just quoting one figure. Rigved had 12/13 shakhas of which only 2 are available today. The available 2 shakhas have more than 10000 mantras. It was a mammoth task. Also it was Krishna, who with a large heart accepted Tantra and Medicine as Vidya and clubbed them together to make a fourth Ved, Atharvaved. It covers many topics from the duties of the king to a common house holder. (Courtesy – Kanhaiyalal Munshi) The contribution of Krishna Dwaipayan cannot be put into words but due to his effort, people started calling him “Ved Vyas”. (One who has bifurcated the Vedas). He is considered by many as the incarnation of the Trinity, of Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh.
अचतुर्वदनो ब्रह्मा द्विबाहुरपरो हरिः ।
अभाललोचनः शम्भुर्भगवान् बादरायणः।।
(He does not have 4 heads yet He is Brahma, He has just two hands yet He is Vishnu, He does not have a third eye, yet He is Shiv, He is none other than Bhagwaan Badrayan)
After his work was complete, which includes the writing of many Upanishads, he has written the 18 Puranas of which Bhagwat Puran is very famous and known to us. He wrote these Puranas as he realised that what he has written is difficult for a common man to understand. So he has written all the thoughts of Vedas and Upanishads as short stories. This is the height of intelligence when one starts thinking about all this mammoth work.
The one thing I should also mention is about Brahma Sutra. A collection of 555 sutras (aphorisms) in which is said to have compiled the whole philosophy of life. Brahma Sutra is associated with Badrayan as Vyas is also sometimes addressed as. It is said that the island in which he was born was covered with “Badara” (ber/ Indian Jujube) and so the name.
Last but not the least, Mahabharat. It is said to cover every relation and emotion under the sun. It has always attracted researchers from every field, be it historical, social, pshycological, archaeological and many more. It is said that when Vyas invited Ganesh to write the Mahabharat, Ganesh put forward a condition that Vyas will not stop when dictating the story. To which Vyas replied that he will not, but Ganesh too will first understand what is being told and then write. And so was written the Mahabharat of which Shreemad Bhagwadgeeta was the heart.
The Prasthantrayi of Upanishads, the Shreemad Bhagwadgeeta and the Brahmasutra is a gift to this world from Ved Vyas. All the Acharyas have written their commentaries on the three. The Trayi holds a very pious place in the Vedic culture.
It is very difficult to write all the work, in one blog cause as a point is written, a new thought arises which can be written about Ved Vyas. So on this auspicious day, believed to be his birthday and also the day when He completed and gave to the world the 4 Veds, I just bow down to Him with humility.
One last thing I wanted to share with my readers some of whom are my students too. I know that we all feel indebted to our school and tution teachers, rather we all should. But today is not the day to wish them. For them, in India, we celebrate 5th September as the Teacher’s Day. Today is a day to bow down to those teachers (guru) who have taught us how to lead a good and humane life and who leads us onto the path of spiritual development. The wishes should be “Guru Poornima ke Namaskaar” or “Bow down to you on this auspicious day of Guru Poornima”.
Let’s end with the Namaskaars to Lord Krishna as he is Jagadguru in the words of Ved Vyas, himself,
Came across a group called Symphony during this lockdown period. A group of young and budding musicians, lyricists, technicians who believe in creating music. Music which knows no boundaries, no inhibitions but just love and appreciation.
Was introduced to this group through one of its founding members, Mr.Chintan Parekh when he invited me to a demo session of ‘Writing lyrics and composition’, maybe a first of it’s kind in the musical world today. Before conducting these sessions for common people, the team, themselves had spent 3 days working on its module. They themselves had tried to write lyrics and compose them. They themselves went through the whole process and experienced it.
I did attend a demo and found it to be enlightening. First the participants introduced themselves by singing a song and later the same song had to be sung in a different way as suggested by the team. We played a small quiz related with music. Then we were given a theme, on which we had to write a few lines, as a part of a song. The theme our batch was given was ‘Family’. Music for the song was already decided so the tune was ready, we just had to put in words. It was an invigorating process. Some pens ran fast, some took time, but in a while, everyone around was writing.
As and when a verse was written, Mr Keyur Bhagat, with his sister, Priya Bhagat busied themselves to sing those verses on the tune. It was exhilarating and exciting as we could see what was being written by us, was being sung instantly. This motivated us all and within minutes the verse was written and finalised. It was sung too at the same time. Am sharing the version of the song which we wrote and was sung by the team of Symphony.
The team members of Symphony were continuously chipping in their ideas too. Imagine some 15 odd people together thinking up words and making a verse. One needs to experience this! And within an hour, we had bonded like family. Mr.Chintan has a unique ability of keeping people together, entertained and at the same time getting the required work done. Always a smiling facing, ever encouraging, cracking small witty sentences in between, he kept the environment light yet lively.
The next day, My elder son, Prabhav to attended a demo and he being into lyrics showed some interest in joining the“The Magical Journey of song creation : Lyrics and Composition” course designed by the team of Symphony, which spans over 7 days, 2 hour a day. He enjoyed the whole journey at the end of which he was left yearning for more.
Symphony has just begun the journey of music and its going to be a long but exciting. They are holding Mehfils every now and then so budding artists get to showcase their talent and at the same time be a part of their journey. Today, on World Music Day, I dedicate my post to them and call upon young and budding artists from all walks of life to come together and change the world.
Let us all today, reset the musician within us and sail on the journey towards setting a Paradigm of Life.
Gets us drenched with a feeling of oneness and love…
Let us all dance and talk and play in this first rain,
Let us keep aside our inhibitions and brain…
Happy Monsoons…
This is what I had written last year, but the experience this year has been completely different.
Waiting at my window sill,
Watch the water droplets drip,
Dancing as if it is a drill,
Love the drop upon my lip…
I am fine no need of a pill,
The winds blow as they whip,
My life is great, no need of a fill,
Get out and love is the tip…
Am trying to write something in a different way. Maybe the poem might not make sense as a whole, but read the alternate lines and they tell a different story. You will find poem in line 1,3,5 and 7 as well as in line 2,4,6 and 8.
Please drop a message telling me if you liked it or suggesting some other ways to do my poems. Always open for love and criticism.
Just a small state of affairs at all homes during lockdown. The otherwise trifle matter of making tea and washing cups have become a point of discussions with the range from how to wash them and which is the right method to wash the.
Making tea is an art. There are two ways practised in India. One add tea to boiling milk or second add milk to boiling tea. Both have their own different tastes, so I consider making tea an art. Even the Japanese would agree with me!🙃
Regarding washing cups being an art, ask the lady of your house, if you havent understand it till now. No one male would have been left without this experience during the lockdown days.
Dedicated to the 20 Soldiers who sacrificed their life towards their duty towards Motherland India.
I know it might not sound as a perfect poetry, but at the same time would not like to mince my words so have left it as it is without worrying about its metre.
The days of Unlock 1.0 are passing by and we can see people rushing to their jobs not only to earn but a zest and enthusiasm of positivity to survive and live.
Today I want to express my gratitude to all my students, past and present who have cooperated with us during all these times. With you all being there has always kept us young and always in the mode of learning.
My Students…
I dont why but I always wanted to be Teacher,
My parents despised this decision in worry of my future,
The idea of learning, all negativity to withstand,
Is the driving force of my passion, hope all understand…
The smiling face of my kids with questions ready,
Thir opening up with their likes, though slow and steady,
Their dislikes too need to be understood and heard,
So that they do not become the part of the herd…
I just love the days that I spend with my students,
Kids they are, facile, not a hint of fraudulence,
They make me noble and drive out my aggresion
For that’s the reason, that am a teacher by profession…
TYSM KIDS…
Am also a proud father of my son as he is my student too. A dedicated boy of this generation who is a normal child and is moulding me to becoming a better dad and a teacher.
Today on the occasion of Ganga Dusshara, I extend my wishes to you and everyone at home.
Let Maa Ganga delivery us from all our sins and so let us understand this utsav in this context.
GANGA DUSSHARA means the one who takes away our 10 sins (Duss + Hara) from our lives.
These 10 sins are ‘Kaayik’, ‘Vachik’ and ‘Mansik’ (physical, speech (thoughts) and pshycological).
अदत्तानामुपादानं हिंसा चैवाविधानतः।
परदारोपसेवा च कायिकं त्रिविधं स्मृतम्।।
1. To take away even if not offered ie to steal
2. To commit violence for no reason
3. To have adulterous connections
These are the sins committed by the body ie physical self.
पारूष्यमनृतं चैन पैशुन्यं चापि सर्वतः।
असंबद्धप्रलापश्र्व वाङ्मयं स्याच्चतुर्विधम्।।
4. To speak arrogantly,
5. To lie (To spread falsehood)
6. To backbite about others
7. To talk without any reason and what make no sense ie senseless talk
The above mentioned 4 sins are committed through tongue (thoughts)
परद्रव्येष्वभिध्यानं मनसानिष्टचिंतनम्।
वितथाभिनिवेशश्र्व मानसं त्रिविधं स्मृतम्।।
8. To think about snatching others wealth
9. To think that bad happen to others
10. To wrongly insist / persist
These are the 3, and the last of 10, sins committed in our minds
एतानि दश पापानि हर त्वमथ जाह्नवी।
दशपापहरा यस्मात्तस्माद् दशहरा स्मृता।।
O Ganga ! you are the one who will deliver me from the above said 10 sins and so I remember you (bow down to you) on the Dusshara day as “Duspaaphara”.
While writing the meanings, and you my readers, while reading the meanings must have realised that we do commit some or the other sin/s from the above 10 everyday. These first 3 Shlokas bring inferiority complex in us while reading them, but the last ie 4th shloka installs the confidence that Maa Ganga will deliver us from them.
And for this, Param Pujaniya Pandurang Shashtriji suggests thus :
“Human has to bathe / cleanse his body, his thoughts and his mind daily. The body has to be cleansed with water, the thought with ‘Swadhyay – self introspection’ and the mind with ‘Bhakti – devotion’. If we dip in Ganga with this understanding, then Maa Ganga will surely deliver us from our sins”
– Sanskruti Pujan (Utsav Vibhag), based on discourses given by Param Pujaniya Pandurang Shashtriji Athavale.
Lastly, A humble pray to Maa Ganga to keep blessing all of us in the way She has always.
Pray to God that may India receive the rainfall it needs.
Pray to God that let the world feels it oneness with its Creator
And once again Pray to deliver us from our above said 10 sins.
A strong proponent of Hindu Philosophy, yet Savarkar was a pragmatic practitioner of the Philosophy. He insisted for validating religious myths/blind faith against the test of modern science. In that sense he was a rationalist and a reformer. While in prison, Savarkar wrote the work describing Hindutva, espousing what it means to be a Hindu, and Hindu pride, in which he defined as all the people descended of Hindu culture as being part of Hindutva, including Buddhists, Jains and Sikhs. In 1921, under restrictions after signing a plea for clemency (today the narrow minded make fun of him for writing it, but he had a bigger goal in mind and a better work to do than to churn oil everyday in the cellular jail). He was released on the condition that he renounce all his revolutionary and political activities. Travelling widely, Savarkar became a forceful orator and writer, advocating Hindu political and social unity. Serving as the president of the Hindu Mahasabha, a political party, Savarkar endorsed the idea of India as a Hindu Rashtra (Hindu Nation). He even started a temple for the so called untouchables of that time and anointed them as the “pujaris” of the deity of that temple.
Yes, he had his differences with the Congress and its way of working, but he was never personal. He would criticise Nehru and his government’s policies, but never did he personally attack Nehru or any other Congress leader. Yet, he never got pension as a freedom fighter till Nehru was alive. He received it only in the Government of Lal Bahadur Shashtri.
The Congress and particularly, the Gandhi clan hated / hate him to the core and have not left even a single chance to criticise him or politically oppose his thoughts for their own personal gains. He was named in the FIR for plotting to kill Mahatma Gandhi, but acquitted by the Highest Court of our country, the Supreme Court. Yet even today, the so called Gandhi’s blame him for that dastardly act. They even went to the extent of spying on him for years after independence.
He has written many books too. A few but famous amongst them are worth a read. 1857, The First War of Independence, Maajhi Janmathep, The Six Glorious Pages of Indian History, and Hindu-Pad-Patshahi. His poems are still sung by the young and the old with the same fervour and love for country. “Sagara Pran Talmalla” and “Jayostute” imbibe a spirit of Nationalism and love for one’s own country.
On 1 February 1966, Savarkar renounced medicines, food and water which he termed as atmaarpan (fast until death). Before his death, he had written an article titled “Atmahatya Nahi Atmaarpan” in which he argued that when one’s life mission is over and ability to serve the society is left no more, it is better to end the life at will rather than wait for death. On 26 February 1966 at his residence, Savarkar Sadan, in Dadar, Mumbai, he faced difficulty in breathing; efforts to revive him failed and he passed away at 11:10 a.m.
The radiant Sun light merged into the Sun. Today we can just bow down to this Mananshil Vyaktitva and as a tribute try to imbibe atleast one of his thoughts in our life during the coming years.
Plan to write and dwell upon this great thinker from today for next 3 days as 28th is his birthday. Hope you all will love this 3 blog series. In today’s blog, we learn about him being first in many things, relatively unknown to many of us.
अनादि मी अनंत मी, अवध्य मी भला मारिल रिपु जगतिं असा कवण जन्मला ।। धृ ।।
अट्टाहास करित जईं धर्मधारणीं मृत्युसीच गाठ घालु मी घुसे रणीं अग्नि जाळि मजसी ना खड्ग छेदितो भिउनि मला भ्याड मृत्यु पळत सूटतो खुळा रिपू । तया स्वयेंमृत्युच्याचि भीतिने भिववु मजसि ये ।। १ ।।
लोटि हिंस्र सिंहाच्या पंजरी मला नम्र दाससम चाटिल तो पदांगुला कल्लोळीं ज्वालांच्या फेकिशी जरी हटुनि भंवति रचिल शीत सुप्रभावली आण तुझ्या तोफांना क्रूर सैंन्य तें यंत्र तंत्र शस्र अस्र आग ओकते हलाहल । त्रिनेत्र तो मी तुम्हांसि तैसाची गिळुनि जिरवितो ।। २ ।।
(Do exist from existence, and will exist till the existence, Cannot be killed,Do you know of such enemy who has been born anywhere, who can get me killed…।।)
The poet talks about his own existence for eternity and describes the beautiful understanding of death and soul as described by Lord Yogeshwar in Shreemad Bhagwad Geeta, in the later verses.
The Poet is none other than
– The only freedom fighter in the world who got 2 life sentences for fighting against the British Raj, and yet continued his socio – politico life for his country
– The only writer in the world whose book, 1857, The first war of Independence, was banned by 2 countries before even it went for publication
– The first graduate whose degree was taken back because of participating in the freedom struggle
– The first Indian student who refused to take the oath of allegiance towards the British Crown and the reigning Monarch and so could not practice law even after successfully completing his degree
– The first Indian freedom fighter to burn the British clothes to stake
– The first Indian freedom fighter to call for, “Purna Swarajya”, complete independence from the British rule
– The first jailed politico-revolutionary whose case was heard at International Court if Justice, Hague and the British Government had to apologise to the French for commuting such an act.
– A person who suggested that the Dharma Chakra should find it’s rightful place, in the centre of the Indian Flag, to which our first President of India, Shri Rajendra Prasad, responded positively.
– A person amongst the few, who thought about the development of India, even before it’s independence and started working for it, just as he was released from Andaman Jail.
– The first poet who wrote his poems on the walls of the Cellular Jail in Andaman with the help of Iron nails and coal, sometime even with his own nails. After gaining freedom from the jail, remembered and wrote all those poems, roughly 10,000 lines, all over again.
Such agreat personality, an intellectual, an unparalleled leader, a visionary and a man who could look into the future, unknown to the masses, is none other than Swatantryaveer Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, also known as “Tatyarao”, to those who know him.
Bow down to this great personality and will talk about his political life tommorrow.
Am writing today’s blog in Hindi as it is my national language. That would be my homage to my country. I hope my readers will accept my decision and give me a feedback. Will surely translate and write the translation at the end of my blog for people who do not understand Hindi. Please forgive my grammatical mistakes, if any.
जहाँ डाल-डाल पर सोने की चिड़िया करती है बसेरा वो भारत देश है मेरा जहाँ सत्य, अहिंसा और धर्म का पग-पग लगता डेरा वो भारत देश है मेरा
ये धरती वो जहाँ ऋषि मुनि जपते प्रभु नाम की माला जहाँ हर बालक एक मोहन है और राधा हर एक बाला जहाँ सूरज सबसे पहले आ कर डाले अपना फेरा
वो भारत देश है मेरा
अलबेलों की इस धरती के त्योहार भी हैं अलबेले कहीं दीवाली की जगमग है कहीं हैं होली के मेले जहाँ राग रंग और हँसी खुशी का चारों ओर है घेरा
वो भारत देश है मेरा
जब आसमान से बातें करते मंदिर और शिवाले जहाँ किसी नगर में किसी द्वार पर कोई न ताला डाले प्रेम की बंसी जहाँ बजाता है ये शाम सवेरा
वो भारत देश है मेरा
— राजेंद्र किशन
आज अपनी इस अंतिम पोस्ट में, मैं सिर्फ भारत पर किए गये उपचारों को याद करना चाहूँगा तथा उन उपकार करनेवालों को नमस्कार करना चाहूँगा।
आज के दिन सब से पहले भगवान को कृतज्ञतापूर्वक नमस्कार करता हुं क्यों कि उन्होंने हमें आजादी दिलाई। आप कहेंगे ऐसा क्यों? भगवान ने कौनसी भूमिका निभाई स्वतंत्रता-संग्राम में? किसीको ऐसा भी लगेगा की आप भारतीय लोग हर बात में भगवान को क्यों बीच में ले आते हो? इसलिए इस बात की स्पष्टता पहले कर लें। हां, हम भगवान को हर बात में ले आते हैं क्यों कि उनके बगैर मेरा, आपका या हमारा अस्तित्व ही नहीं! हमारा क्या, इस सृष्टि का अस्तित्व नहीं! और मैं बौद्धिक तौर पर भी इस बात को कह सकता हुं की भगवान ने हमें स्वतंत्रता दिलाई। यद्यपि यह मेरी जो सोच है, वह पांडुरंग शास्त्रीजी आठवले ने बनाई। द्वितीय महायुद्ध में ब्रिटन और उसके साथी देश विजयी हुए। विन्स्टन चर्चिल, जो उस समय ब्रिटन के प्रधान मंत्री थे, उन्होंने अपने जवानों तथा नागरिकों का मनोबल खुब टिकाया एवं बढ़ाया भी। युद्ध के बाद ब्रिटन में तुरंत चुनाव हुए। स्वाभाविक है जिस व्यक्ति ने आपको युद्ध में जीताया है, वही चुनाव में जीत कर आना चाहिए। अपितु हुआ ऐसा की चर्चिल चुनाव हार गए। एटली की लेबर पार्टी सत्ता में आई। वह भारत तथा अन्य देश, जिन पर ब्रिटीश साम्राज्य था, उन्हें स्वतंत्रता देने के पक्षधर थे। जबकि चर्चिल का दृष्टिकोण भारत के बारे में सर्वविदित है। अब ऐसा क्यों हुआ? लोगों का दिमाग किसने घुमाया? तब मैं मानता हुं की भगवान ने घुमाया। कारण समय अब आ गया था जब भारत स्वतंत्र हो तथा दुनिया का मार्गदर्शन करे। (अब क्या वह कर पाया है? यह एक दुसरा प्रश्न है।) इसलिए प्रथम भगवान को कृतज्ञतापूर्वक नमस्कार।
दुसरा नमस्कार उन सभी लोगों को जिन्होंने इस देश की स्वतंत्रता / देश के लिए अपना सबकुछ, यहां तक की अपना जीवन भी, दांव पर लगा दिया। जिन लोगों ने यह नहीं सोचा की उनका खुदका और उनके परिवार का क्या होगा! वाचक मित्रों, आप जरा सोचिए। लड़ाई किसके साथ थी? एक ऐसे साम्राज्य के साथ जिसके क्षितीज पर सूर्य कभी अस्त नहीं होता था। सफलता मिलेगी या नहीं, कोई हमारे बलिदान को याद करेगा या नहीं, कोई प्रकार की अपेक्षा नहीं। बस, स्वतंत्रता के इस महायज्ञ में झोंक दिया अपने आप को। उपर कविता में कही बातों के लिए ही सिर्फ सोचा और उसी के लिए लडे। एक १६/१७ साल का लड़का, खुदिराम बोस, हंसते हंसते सूली पर चढ गया। एक ६५/७० साल के महामानव, लाला लाजपत राय ने हंसते हंसते अंग्रेजों की लाठी झेली और अपनी जान न्यौछावर कर दी। एक ३०/३५ साल का युवा, स्वातंत्र्यवीर विनायक दामोदर सावरकर, परिवार की परवाह किए बगैर आंदामानमें ५० साल की एक नहीं अपितु दो-दो सजा मुस्कराकर स्वीकार लेता है। आज भी भगतसिंह, राजगुरु तथा सुखदेव के बलिदान को याद कर सर ऊंचा उठता है। तात्या टोपे, मंगल पांडे, वसुदेव बलवंत फड़के, चंद्रशेखर आजाद, रामप्रसाद बिस्मिल, असफाकउल्लाह खान, लोकमान्य बाल गंगाधर तिलक, बिपीनचंद्र पाल यह सारे नाम सुनकर सीना अभिमान से फुल जाता है। इस सारी लड़ाई में हमारी माताएं-बहनें कहीं पीछे नहीं थी। रानी लक्ष्मीबाई, कित्तुर रानी चेन्नम्मा, कल्पना दत्त, अरूणा आसफ अली और उन जैसी कई महिलाओं ने भी सक्रिय भूमिका निभाई। कितने नाम याद करें और कितने लिखें, इसलिए यहीं रूक कर सभी को कृतज्ञतापूर्वक नमस्कार करता हूं।
तीसरा नमस्कार उस व्यक्तिमत्त्व को जिसने सारे भारत को एक करने हेतु सारे भारत का भ्रमण कीया। उन्हें लोग आधुनिक भारत का चाणक्य कहते हैं। ५०० से ज्यादा रजवाड़ों को समझाकर, प्यार से भारत में सम्मिलित कर लिया। जो समझाने पर नहीं माने, उनको उनकी ही भाषा में समझाकर सम्मिलित किया। यह व्यक्ति ओर कोई नहीं अपितु महात्मा गांधी की बातों पर अडिग तथा अविचल श्रद्धा रखनेवाले सरदार वल्लभभाई पटेल। उस समय की कांग्रेस का संगठन अगर मजबूती से खड़ा था, गांधीजी की कही हर बात को उठाने तैयार था, तो उसमें इस एक व्यक्ति का बड़ा कर्त्तृत्व रहा है। इस महामानव को हम भारत रत्न से नवाजे या नहीं, वह भारत मां के सच्चा रत्न है। आज हम उनको श्रद्धा सुमन अर्पित कर सके ऐसा कोई स्थान या समाधि नहीं है, यह बात मन को दुखी कर देती है। आज की पीढ़ी उस व्यक्ति के बलिदान को समझ भी पाएगी या नहीं यह सवाल मन को सताता है। क्या उनके परिवार को आज कोई पहचानता है, यह यक्ष प्रश्न है। उनके परिवार के साथ किया गया बर्ताव किसी भी सभ्य समाज को सोचने पर मजबूर करेगा कि क्या इसलिए आजादी के लिए वह सब लड़े होंगे? उनको अपेक्षा भले ही न रही हो, पर हम देशवासियों का उनके प्रति कुछ कर्तव्य है या नहीं?
पर आज भारत विश्वगुरु तो ठीक अपने गली (आशिया खंड) का भी गुरु कहलाने लायक है? तकनीकी विकास एवं आर्थिक सुदृढ़ीकरण से ही क्या हम यह कर पायेंगे? एक समय था जब विश्व भारत से आध्यात्मिक चेतना पाता था। स्वामी विवेकानंद तथा गुरू अरविंद उसकी चेतना थे। विनोबाजी तथा रविशंकर महाराज (गुजरात) जैसै समाज की भावनाओं को टिकाने और बढ़ाने वाले निस्वार्थ समाजसेवी थे। भारत की चेतना हमेशा से भावनिक एवं आध्यात्मिक रही है। आज हम कहां हैं? इसका मतलब कोई यह न समझे की मैं तकनीकी विकास के खिलाफ हुं। पर सिर्फ उसी एक अंग की तरफ ध्यान देकर भी नहीं चलेगा। भारत का तथा भारतीयोंका विकास सर्वांगीण होना होगा। तभी वह फिर से सोने की चिड़िया कहलायेगा। और इस दिशा में पूरे समाज ने काम करना होगा। व्यक्ति की सोच में परिवर्तन लाना होगा। शिक्षा में से भारत के लिए प्यार और संवेदना जगानी होगी। तभी जाकर उसका परिणाम थोड़े सालों बाद दिखेगा।
हमारे जीवन में राष्ट्रप्रेम और राष्ट्रिय अस्मिता यह दोनों को जगाने की अत्यावश्यकता है। सही इतिहास पढ़ाना होगा। वामपंथी तथा दक्षिणपंथी विचारधाराओं से ऊपर उठकर सोचना होगा, लिखना होगा तथा जीना होगा। त्यजेदेकं कुलस्यार्थे ग्रामस्यार्थे कुलं त्यजेत् । ग्रामं जनपदस्यार्थे आत्मार्थे पृथिवीं त्यजेत् ॥ (कुल के हितार्थ एक का त्याग करना, गाँव के हितार्थ कुल का, देश के हितार्थ गाँव का और आत्म कल्याण के लिए पृथ्वी का त्याग करना चाहिए ।) हमने सभी ने अपने कुल, गांव, राज्य से ऊपर उठकर सोचना होगा। अपने मान-सम्मान, जय-पराजय, बड़ा-छोटा इन बातों में से निकलकर हर एक व्यक्ति की बात सुननी होगी। किसके मुंह से कौनसी अच्छी बात कब भगवान बुलवा दे, क्या मालूम!
मां भारती के हित को सर्वोपरि मान सब ने साथ मिलकर निर्णय लेने होंगे।हमारी संविधान सभा ने, हम सब अपने मतभेदों के बावजूद, साथ काम कर सकते हैं, इसका उत्तम उदाहरण हमारे सामने रखा है। हर एक व्यक्ति को जब लगेगा की यह देश मेरा है और इसको सही ढंग से चलाना, संभालना, आगे ले जाना यह मेरी जिम्मेदारी है तभी भारत जनतंत्र होगा। जब हरेक व्यक्ति अपनी राष्ट्र के प्रति जिम्मेदारी समझेगा तभी हमें सच्चे अर्थ में स्वतंत्रता प्राप्त होगी।
इसे करने के लिए हमने भारत भ्रमण करना होगा। भारत के कोने-कोने में जाना होगा। लोगों से यत्किंचीत स्वार्थ के बगैर जुड़ना होगा। लोगों में सोयी भावनिकता तथा आध्यात्मिकता को प्यार से जगाना होगा। तभी राष्ट्रीय चेतना का उदय होगा। तभी भारत महान बनेगा।
हम यह सब न कर सकें तो कम से कम जो यह काम कर रहे हैं, उनके प्रयत्नों में उपयोगी बनें। वह भी न कर पायें तो कम से कम उन प्रयत्नों की सराहना करें। और कुछ नहीं तो उनके काम में रोड़े तो न डालें।
मेरे वाचकों से भी नम्र विनंती है की कुछ छोटी छोटी बातें हम भी अपने जीवन में लाने की कोशिश करें तो वह भी बड़ी देशसेवा होगी। जैसे
१ गाड़ी चलाते वक्त सिग्नल न तोड़ना तथा अपने मोबाइल पर बात न करना।
२ अपने आपको निरोगी रखना। स्वस्थ नागरिक राष्ट्र की संपत्ति है।
३ हर साल अपने घर में अथवा आसपास के परिसर में एक पौधा लगाना और उसकी अच्छी तरह से देखभाल करना।
४ अपने घर के आसपास का परिसर साफ व स्वच्छ रखना।
५ प्लास्टिक का उपयोग टालना।
ऐसी ओर कई बातें हो सकती है, जो वाचक खुद तय कर सकते हैं और अपने जीवन में लाने की कोशिश कर सकते हैं। आओ हम सब मिलकर इतना भी कर सकें तो राष्ट्रदेवता जरूर खुश होंगी और हमें अपना बहुमूल्य आशिर्वाद प्रदान करेंगी।
भारत माता की जय।
वन्दे मातरम।
English Translation
Today, in this last post of this series, i would like to remember those who have showered favours on India and express my gratefulness towards them
I first bow down to God as He is the one who got India, Her independence. You, my reader, may ask me, How come God gave India independence? What was His role in it? How come you Indians always get God involved in everything? On the onset let us clarify this point as such. Yes, God is always a part of my writings and our Indian thought cause we believe that we exist because of him. Not only us but the whole creation exists because of Him. And yes I can logically prove that India got independence according to His wishes. Also at this point I should clarify that this thought has been imbibed in me by Pandurang Shashtriji Athavale. The World War II ended on a victorious note for Great Britain and it’s allies. Winston Churchill, the then prime minister, had led his country to victory through one of the toughest wars. It was he who has given the world the sign of Victory as “V”. He had kept up the high morale of the British troops and citizens during the war. The elections were due that same year and after this victory Churchill coming back to power was a foregone conclusion. But the results were surprising. Labour party with Clement Atlee as its head came to power. Labour was of the view of granting independence to British colonies including India. Winston Churchill’s idea and arrogance about India and Indians is well known to us by now. Now how did this happen? How did the electorate change its mind? I feel that God must have changed their minds. God had his own expectations from India, that let Her be free and guide the world over. (Has She been successful in living upto His expectations? is another question). Thus I first bow down to God.
I secondly bow down to the people who left their careers, families and laid down their lives for the independence of our country. My young readers in today’s times, it is difficult for us to imagine the situation or the battle at that time. Whom were we fighting against? A nation on whom the sun never set. Yet these people (freedom fighters) just selflessly offered themselves to the country without expecting. anything in return. Neither success, nor an expectation from Indians to remember their sacrifice. They just jumped into the burning fire of the independence struggle. A 16/17 year kid, Khudiram Bose, went to the gallows with a smile on his face. One 65/70 year man, Lala Lajpat Rai accepted the brunt of the English batons and gave up his life. A youth of an age of 30/35, Swatantryaveer Vinayak Damodar Sawarkar, accepted a two 50 year sentence in jail with a question “Will British Raj rule India for that much time?”. Our heads are held high even today while taking the names of Bhagatsingh, Rajguru and Sukhdev for their supreme sacrifice. Tatya Tope, Mangalore Pandey, Vasudeo Balwant Phadke, Chandrasekhar Azad, Ramprasad Bismil, Ashfaqullah Khan, Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Bipinchandra Pal, these and many other names make us feel a sense of pride. Let us also not forget the women power of India. Their participation too was to the fullest. Rani Laxmibai, Kittur Rani Chenamma, Kalpana Dutt, Aruna Asaf Ali and many such brave women participated actively in this fight. We can go on and on with these names, but we will just pause here and now bow down to all the known and unknown freedom fighters.
Thirdly I bow down to the person who unified India, as it exists now, and for that he travelled to every nook and corner of India. He is called the Chanakya of Modern India. He integrated more than 500 big and small kingdoms into India with love and understanding and persuasion. Those which could not be pursuaded through understanding and love were then integrated in the way and language they understood well. The person is none other than, the most ardent follower of Mahatma Gandhi, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. If Congress was strong then, ready to listen to and follow the Gandhian way, it was because of Vallabhbhai Patel who went around meeting person to person, village to village, city to city to propogate the ideas and ideals of Congress then. It does not matter whether we honour this great man with Bharat Ratna (the highest civilian honour in India), but he is truly a gem produced by Mother India. It is with utmost sadness, I have to say that we do not have a place or samadhi where we can pay our respects to this great son of India. Will we be able to understand the sacrifices this man has made? is a question that I leave to my reader to ponder over. Does India know the living generations of his family? The behaviour / treatment with the family of this great martyr makes one think, that did we fight for this? He did not have any expectations, agreed. But the question is that do we have any responsibility towards people like Sardar?
But where does Bharat stand today in the world? Are we the torch bearers of humanity for the world? Will only technological development and strong economic policy make us one? There was a time when the world recognised Bharat for its spiritual doctrines and borrowed from them. Swami Vivekanand and Gurudev Aurobind were it’s guiding light. We had selfless social workers in Vinoba Bhave and Ravishankar Maharaj (Gujarat) who tirelessly worked towards the betterment of the society as a whole. Where are we today? Lest someone understand am against technological development, let me clarify that am not. But only technological development is not going us to lead unto overall development. Don’t we feel that we are taking care of just one part of the developmental process and ignoring others? We, Bharatiyas will have to think holistically. That will help us regain our prosperity and respect. We will have to change the way we think. Will have to imbibe love and emotions for our country through our education system. If we do this today, then we will be able to see it’s fruits a few years later, cause change is slow.
Today we need to inculcate one’s love for his country and the pride of being an Bharatiya amongst all of us. We will have to study our true history for this. We will have to come out of the dogmas of left wingers and right wingers and think; write in that manner and live what we write and demonstrate. . त्यजेदेकं कुलस्यार्थे ग्रामस्यार्थे कुलं त्यजेत् । ग्रामं जनपदस्यार्थे आत्मार्थे पृथिवीं त्यजेत् ॥ (For the good of many, we will have to leave out one. For the good of the village we will have to leave out many. For the good of our country we will have to leave our village. And for self development and realisation, leave this worldly pleasures) We all have to rise above the narrow mindedness of selfishness, victory and listen to each and every citizen of India. We do not know, who will be guided by the God’s to suggest or speak the truth!
We will have to take all our decisions keeping Bharat and Her greatness in mind. We have done this before. The best example is our constituent assembly consisting of people coming from different areas, thoughts and leanings. Yet, for India, they all discussed, argued, debated and made unanimous decisions. Every person should know that it is his responsibility, our responsibility to run this country in a proper manner. To take care of it and to carry it forward on the path of progress is my responsibility, our responsibility. The day realise this and able to do this, will be the day when we will be democratic and independent in its true sense.
And for this, we will have to reach out to every nook and corner of Bharat. Reach out selflessly to each and every Bharatiya and develop a relationship based on love for our country. Will have to rekindle the fire of Spirituality with love and affection. That will be the rise of true nationalism. From that day onwards, India will again be a true torch bearer of humanity.
My readers, if we are unable to do this, let us all be helpful to people who are into it. If not helpful, let us appreciate the people who are doing it. Atleast let us not be thorn in their paths.
Lastly a small request to all my readers. Let us all try and inculcate some small things in our lives and try to contribute in the development of Bharat. Following are a few suggestions:
1. Not to break a red signal or talk on mobile phone while driving.
2. Keep ourselves healthy. A healthy person is an asset to his country.
3. Plant a small plant every year in your house or in your surroundings and take care of it around the year.
4. Keep your surrounding clean.
5. Avoid using plastic.
These are just a few suggestions. You can add / make yours and try to follow them. Let us all pledge to contribute to Bharat in our own small ways, then our Bharatmata would be happy and would also bless us with Her most valuable blessings.
The Rishi’s in their invocation to God ask for youth for our motherland.
Isn’t a country known by its youth? Cause they determine the future of country, don’t they? At the same time it comes to mind that isn’t it too much to pressurise youth with these thoughts of being responsible for their and country’s future? Isn’t it that we expect a lot from a generation which is just growing up and learning? And with these expectations aren’t we doing injustice to them? I am trying to find an answer to these questions and in due course will answer them as well. But till that time let us also dwell upon the shloka I have quoted above.
Yuvasyat Sadhu – the characteristic of the youth is one who is a ‘Sadhu’. Here the word ‘Sadhu’ has nothing to do with having long hair and a long beard but it is being “saral, simple, straight forward”. One of the dictionary meaning also says “uncomplicated”. The youth has to be simple and straightforward. Call spade a spade. But that does not mean that one should sound arrogant. Humbleness is a virtue, which today’s youth needs to learn. One needs to sit at the feet of their elders, listen to their experiences, learn from them and chart their way. One should be able bridge the communication gap which is termed as one of the biggest social problems of today. So being uncomplicated plays a larger part too. One should be clear with understanding and at the same time be ready to listen to others views as well. One needs to move ahead in direction in which their future is secure, in turn securing country’s future.
Next, One who is Adhyayakah. One is a student forever. ONE IS YOUTHFUL TILL THEY ARE LEARNING. One needs to be observant and a quick learner/ grasper from / of situations. One needs to learn to tackle the situations that they are put in and ably handle those times. One should not run after happiness alone and keep themselves bereft of the happenings around oneself.
Ashishth – Ashavaan. The youth should be hopeful. Always positive towards life. Always hopeful about oneself and others too. Hope is what keeps life going.
An hopeful person has self respect, self esteem and self resilience.
Self respect calls for respect for others too.
Self esteem means belief in oneself.
Self resilience means to be able to take decisions on your own.
There can be independent blogs written on these three points. But right now their meanings would suffice.
Dradhishth – one who is decisive. It also means one who is not lead, but leads. The youth should be a leader. A leader of his house, street, village, city, state or country. Here let’s not take the literal meaning of leader as a politician. By being a leader, want to convey that they can show the right path to the society as a whole in any field, be it social, economical, Spiritual or other. One can be a good student or a good teacher, a good citizen or a good soldier, a good businessman or a good son. It can be anything which he or she is good at. But one will be decisive. Show the path. And lead everyone onto it.
I CAN DO should be his philosophy of life. Shivaji with his 2-3 mules, 5-7 mavlas and a few ashrafis (currency at that time) was hopeful of building up Hindavi Swaraj. He himself was confident and build up hope in others too. When Chatrashaal, the prince of Bundelkhand comes to him as a servant and ready to work under him, it is Shivaji who instills the confidence in him to fight against the Moghuls and win back his lost kingdom.
Balishth – one who is strong and courageous. One should have a healthy body. A healthy body is full of youthfulness. One needs to excercise everyday as the phrase goes “All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy”. Or “A healthy mind in a healthy body”. It is only the healthy body which will have a healthy mind. Stay fit and keep fit is the key. Games need to have a prominent place in life and one needs to play even at 60. One can imagine that it was Bheesma who at an age of 160 or so, blew the first conch on the battlefield of Kurukshetra.
Surya Namaskaars have no substitute. Pandurang Shashtriji always in his discourses with the youth said, “You can reason with what I say and apply logic to my thoughts and question them, but let you all know that do trust me on one thing and that is to perform suryanamaskaar everyday”. He himself has performed them till His doctors advised him against doing so.
Yoga is also of utmost importance which helps us keep fit. Bhagwaan Patanjali has built up a whole system to keep the generations fit and healthy. There are many different versions of Yoga today and I leave it upto my reader to decide for himself to decide which school to follow.
Sangh Sakhas too insist on a few basic excercises and games. I have a vivid memory of people in their 60’s and wearing their khakhi half pants playing with the flying disc at the Shaka at Shivaji Park. March past and excercises have had an important part in the Sanchalans held anywhere in India.
So to sum it all up, the youth has to be simple and humble, ever ready to learn, hopeful, develop an “I Can do” attitude and be strong.
Is today’s youth of the world living upto this?, is what I leave upon my reader to decide.
Call upon the youth today to give a thought on whatever I have written during these 10 blogs.
This can go on if they wish, but am satisfied that I have been able to put onto paper what I wanted to convey. Have tried to be simple and tried to convey the gist without going into the details. Could have cited many examples but have left it upon my reader to make an effort to dig out their own.
Jai Bharat
Jai Hind
Vande Mataram
PS : Will end the series tomm in Hindi, my national language, with its translation in English too…
Will be dwelling upon a topic which is a hot topic of discussion always, equality of gender. Equality of Man and Woman. Cause the word above describes the Vedic concept of a lady.
Indian culture has always looked upon a woman to be the half part, equal and important, for the society, not lesser then man, nor better than him. The same applies vice-versa. WE ALL ARE EQUAL. The pitcure created in our society today is that we Indians have been very conservative and do not let our women leave the house. But the truth, is what we all need to dwell upon and find.
The best answer or example about the Vedic thought, we all know is of the “Ardhnarinateshwar” (the form of the Lord who is half Shiv, half Parvati). Vaidiks thought never thinks of the man alone. It has been ever inclusive.
Also let us see all our Goddess from Amba, Bhavani to Kali, except for Saraswati and Laxmi, all have weapons in their hands. And knowledge as well as wealth can be weapons too in a different way. The Goddesses have fought shoulder to shoulder with the Gods against the bad thought (western world will call it evil or the satanic thought) prevailing in our society then. The story of the fight of the Goddess with Mahisasur is still remembered and celebrated as Navratri. Haven’t we all read/heard these stories in our childhood days. Thanks to the Amar Chitra Katha books!!!
Even the Rishi Patnis were equally good administrators. They would manage the whole Ashram when the Rishi was busy with his teaching and research work. Taking personal care of every student and knowing his needs and catering to them was the Rishi Patni’s responsibility. Sometimes it makes me wonder if Rishi’s would have been able manage their Ashram’s on their own? Katyayani, Arundhati, Anusuya are such big names in this lineage. And there have been scholarly women like Maitreyi and Gargi too. Were they the teachers at the Universities of learning for women, is also a big topic for research!
Here the Rishi has asked for a woman who can administer a town. Women in those days were a part of the decision making process. So it is nothing new today for a city to have a lady mayor, or a country to have a lady being it’s defence minister or an external affairs minister and boast about it! But at the same time people need to be proud about it as well. Rather this should have been the way our ancestors would like us to live. The women were also a part of the bureaucracy then. And had an equal say in day to day working of a town or kingdom. Queen always by the side of the King when in audience, is its best example.
Also the women were equally able to fight. We all need to read about the people on the outskirts of North Western India who gave a tough fight to Alexander. After the men, it was the women who took up their arms and gave up their life. Alexander and his soldiers never expected this to happen and were taken aback.
Sometimes when I hear stories of Padmavati and like minded women, am forced to think why did the Rajput’s, the fighting clan perform Jouhar? Couldn’t they have taken up arms and fought? Does it have to do something with taking up services at the darbar of the invaders and becoming slavish? Had Rajputana been independent, and not taken up jobs at Delhi Darbar, wouldn’t they be better with their women? Maybe the atmosphere at that time was such, some people would argue. But from when have we become परिस्थिती वश (dependent on the circumstances)? We have always believed in being परिस्थिती निर्माता (circumstance builders). Yet I leave this to the discretion of my readers to think over.
At the same time, am reminded of Rajmata Jijabai or Rani Chenamma. These women have been the ablest of the administrators of their lands. Even Rajmata Ahilyabai Holkar in this case. All of them have fought against all odds and carved a name in the history of this nation.
Jijabai single handedly brought up Shivaji and turned him into the people’s king. The way she brought up Shivaji and at the same time, sat at her darbar delivering justice is something women of today need to look upto. This administrative aspect of the life of Jijabai when she came to Pune from Karnataka where her husband, Shahaji sent her, has always been overlooked upon. When Shivaji goes to meet Afzal Khan, his ministers ask him about what is to be done in case of something happening to him? Shivaji without hesitating tells them to install Sambhaji in his place and to look after Swaraj under the able guidance of Rajmata Jijabai. This is Jijabai’s work. Even during the siege of Panhalgad, she was very active not only in day to day working of the kingdom but also involved in planning for an escape route for Shivaji. It was She who asks for the Kondana fort to be brought back into Swarajya. She has also brought up Sambhaji the way She did with Shivaji. There are many such things which can be researched on and many work must have been done too.
Rajmata Ahilyabai HolkarRani LaxmibaiBina Das shot Stanley Jackson, Governer of Begal thenKalpana Dutta, part of the revolutionary movement led by Surya Sen which carried out the Chittagong armoury raid
The cultural work of Rajamata Ahilyabhai, the tough fight given to the British by Rani Laxmibai and the women revolutionaries like Bina Das, Kalpana Dutta and even Captain Laxmi Sehgal need a special mention too.
Even in world of politics, Indira Gandhi sets an example of a tough administrator and not a “gungi gudiya”. She is the only Prime Minister as of date to impose Emergency in India. A very astute politician who faced the bullets face up. We may agree or not agree with her ideology and her way of working but She has set up an example.
I just want to say that instead of discussing and debating upon whether men and women are equal,
-Let us come together and work towards the betterment of society and mankind as a whole.
-Let us shed our inhibitions and looking upon our golden past, taking a clue from it, work together.
-Let us all be equal.
In my next blog wish to talk about the youth, then and now.
The next part of the mantra asks for milch giving cattle, and cattle which can lift heavy weights. It also asks for fast running horses. Both are very important for an agro-based economy. Indians have very well recognised the importance of these animals long back.
This task of Animal Husbandry and Farming was entrusted to a class of people known as the Vaishyas. As Shreemad Bhagwadgeeta says, “कृषिगौरक्ष्यवाणिज्यं वैश्यकर्म स्वभावजम्” (Agriculture, Cattle farming and business are the actions, karma that a Vaishya has to perform).
Rishi Kashyap with the help of such God loving and God centric Vaishyas has taken care of this mother Earth, when Brahmins and Kshatriya’s failed to do so. It is a long story which needs multiple blogs to be told, so if anyone is interested to know about it should read characters of Rishi Kashyap and Parshuram as explained by Pujaniya Pandurang Shashtriji Athavale in his lectures summarised in a book called Rishi Smaran and Dashavataar. Due to the huge work of the Rishi Kashyap and the Vaishyas, our mother Earth is also named as ‘KAASHYAPI‘ and ‘URVI‘.
‘Kaashyapi’ due to the efforts of Rishi Kashyap. He is the Father of the Indian soil. He holds a special place in our lives. During our rituals, Gotra-uccharan (repeating the name of the Gotra one is born in) is of utmost importance. Gotra means lineage or blood line as we call it nowadays. We Indians believe that we all have our common roots and we belong from the lineage of Sapt Rishis, the seven sages, who made a huge contribution towards buildings our civilisation, culture and society. During these many years many of us have forgotten our Gotra’s. Now being an integral part of our life it is a must to know our Gotra. Shouldn’t we know our ancestors and our lineage? Yet if someone forgets, he/she is considered from the Kashyap Gotra and made to say so ‘Kashyap Gotrotapannoham” (कश्यप गोत्रोत्पन्नोहम् – I belong to the lineage of Kashyap) in all the rituals whenever and wherever required. Today, there has been a huge scientific research related to DNA and Chromosomes, and if anyone is interested can research and find it out from the many information already available on the internet.
‘Urvi’ as She has been uplifted by the Vaishyas. In the Purush Sukta, where the Almighty has been described as creator of the Universe, one of the verses describes thus. “राजन्य: कृत: ब्राह्मणोऽस्य मुखामासीद्वाहू। ऊरू तदस्य यद्वैश्यः पद्भ्यां शूद्रो अजायत॥” (“The Brahmins originate from His Mukha (mouth), the Kshatriya’s from His Bahu (shoulder), the Vaishyas from His URU (thighs) and the Shudras from His PAADA (Feet)”. The Vaishyas come from His Uru and thus the name URVI.
While quoting this above shloka there has been a lot of misunderstanding that the caste system originates from this. And the Brahmins have put themselves at the topmost ladder in the hierarchy. But the thing is that while equating every Varna with the different body parts of the Almighty, the important thing is that they belong to the same Almighty.
At this point, the question I like to ask my readers is that whether your mouth is more important than your shoulders or legs? I think it is these different organs that make us an individual. Every part of the body has its own role and significance. Every part is as important as the other. In the same way, every Varna (caste) is distinct and equally important. No one is big or small, more pious or less. Every Varna (caste) is equal.
The fourth pillar of our society is as important as the first. Shudra’s (and not Kshudra) are the people who provide the basic necessities to the whole human race. In today’s world we call them the service providers. And today we all know and accept their importance in our lives. Yes, during the course of our history, the Shudra’s have been trampled upon and subjugated to different types of tortures from the other 3 Varna’s. And the 3 Varna’s need to correct themselves and apologise to them and take due care of each others sentiments.
But, can we imagine a society without cloth makers, shoe makers, jewellers and all such people who not only provide us our basic necessities but also take care of our needs? And if they are so important to us, how can they be outcastes or untouchables? People living in cities, can you imagine your plight when the regular waste/garbage picker does not come to collect your house waste or society waste. We all start cribbing. Then how can he/she be small? Work doesn’t make anyone small or big, does it? Rather I would say that they are the first people, whom we should be grateful to, as they are the ones who clean our houses by taking away the wastes/garbage and helping us create a pollution free environment in our houses and society at large.
After reading my last 3 blogs, my reader might find my writings as a thing of the past or too conservative. But I appeal to you to apply your minds and brain to the things I have shared. We all agree that we don’t want the caste system as it exists today which discriminates amongst humans. But the whole society is made up by its Intelligentsia (Brahmins), Army (Kshatriyas), Economists (Vaishyas) and Service Providers (Shudras). It exists and maybe known to us by different names but it does exist. At the same time, let us understand that every new born has / should have the right to decide, regarding what he/she wants to do.
These four pillars make our country and I bow to each of them for their contributions towards the society.
Next the Rishi asks for पुरन्धिर् .
What does this mean?
A very integral part of our society, the women who can administer, rule and run a kingdom.Coming up tommorrow…
The rishis in this mantra continue with their prayers for this country. After asking for Vedsampann and Brahmanisth Brahmins, they ask for brave and courageous rulers. Rulers who are well equipped not only in warfare but also in running the state. And at the same time be God loving too.
Let my readers understand that We, Indians, are God centric people. So anything and everything in our lives is God centric. Do we believe and live today in this manner is another question! Also we need to understand that we have been God loving, not God fearing. As well let it also be clarified that Indian Culture or Vedic Religion does not have a concept of Satan or Anti-God, as some other thought processes do have in particular. Will dwell upon this subject in my later blogs.
The land of India, is the land of Kshatriya’s. Our country gets its name Bharat from three Bharat’s, two of whom are Kshatriya’s (which I have mentioned in my earlier blog), Shakuntaley Bharat, Ram’s brother Bharat and Jad Bharat.
Shakuntaley Bharat is a personification of courage. Bharat grew up in the care of his mother, as his father King Dushyant refused to recognise Shakuntala as his consort for a few initial years. It is said that Bharat in a very small age had opened a lion’s mouth to count his teeth. He is the first Chakravartin (the almighty emperor with all other kings of India as his vassals) of this Manvantar (era). He won over all the king’s by his love and those who could not be won over by love, by his sword. But he never annexed those kingdoms. They were given back to the rulers with a condition to follow the law of the land put down by Rishis. The King’s reciprocated to adhere to this condition whole heartedly. The reign of Bharat has been one of India’s Glorious and Golden era. Also some people consider King Bharat as Bharat Muni too, who in his later age gave India, the Natyashashtra (The art of stage performance).
Secondly, Ram’s brother, Bharat. Frankly there are no words to describe this personality. We all have heard about him or read about him. His love for Ram is unparallel in human history. The dialogue between Bharat and his mother Kaikeyi, after realising what folly Kaikeyi had done by sending Ram to exile, on returning from his maternal uncle’s place is worth a read. He has taunted and to an extent even abused his mother for doing what she has done. This dialogue has been put in a song, by a recent but a great poet, G.D.Madgulkar (fondly called GaDiMa) in his collection of poems called Geet Ramayan. And after ruling Ayodhya for 14 years, he just gives it up for Ram, without even a thought of continuing or conspiring, when Ram returns from exile fulfilling his promise to Dashrath. We all know about the valour of Shri Ram and Laxman, but Bharat was equally brave and courageous.
As we are talking about Bharat, am also sharing the story of Jad Bharat – He is considered to be an reincarnation of King Bharat. There are many versions to his story. I share one which I like the most. He is born to a farmer who dies in a short time after his birth. Bharat’s mother too passes away when Bharat is still in his teens. His brothers and sister-in-law’s find Bharat useless and send him off to the fields to work. Bharat looks after the fields and the sheep every day and night. He develops a strong body due to this routine. One days it so happens that a king is passing by in his palaquin. One of his palaquin bearers dies and the King asks his servants to look for another. They find Jad Bharat in his fields and get him to lift the palaquin. But Bharat walks slowly, taking utmost care and walking one step at a time. This makes the King uncomfortable in the palaquin, as the palaquin is imbalanced. So the King shouts out at the bearers and they tell the King the situation. King now calls upon Bharat and asks him as to why is he behaving in this manner? And if he wants more money, he was ready to pay more. Bharat explains “O great King! Am not interested in your money. Nothing, neither happiness nor sadness move me. U cannot buy me out by money nor any worldly riches as I know that I am an Atman (soul). By walking slowly am taking care of not hurting the other Atman (the small organisms on the ground)”. This attitude of Bharat earned him a title of Jad (literal English meaning would be staunch). The King on realising his folly got down from the palanquin and accepted Bharat as his Guru.
The two Bharat’s, Shakuntaley Bharat and Ram’s brother Bharat convey to us the characters of Kshatriya’s of India. Our kings have been learned and understanding as well as caring. They have always given patronage to art and artists. Built huge monuments like temples for God and forts for defending their kingdom. The great dynasties of Maurya’s, Gupta’s, Satkarni’s, Satvahan’s, Rashtrakoota’s, Chalukya’s, Chola’s have thrived in India and made Her stronger.
At this point, I also need to mention The Manusmriti, written by Manu, who is a Kshatriya. Manusmriti is a book of code of conduct of human beings. We may have differences of opinions about the things being written in it, but one needs to break the myth of Manusmriti being written by a Brahmin. I repeat it’s a book written by a Kshatriya. Such learned are the Kshatriya’s of India and have held an important position in the development of India.
Regarding the bravery of the Kshatriyas would mention only a few names and leave it upto my reader to find out about them. Lord Ram, Lord Krishna, Arjun, Chandragupta Maurya, Samudragupta, King Pulakeshin, Maharana Pratap, Chhatrapati Shivaji, Raja Chhatrapati and many more…
Even today the fighting clan is present in the form of our brave Indian Army. The Rajputana Regiment, The Maratha Regiment, The Gorkha Regiment, The Sikh Regiment and all others not only defend our borders but keep our country safe. We sleep peacefully as they are constantly at watch at the borders.
We cannot imagine any country with out an army. Nor can we imagine one without its intelligentsia. So both the Brahmins and the Kshatriya’s are equally important. Both need to respect each other and accept each other’s might. Parshuraam, had worked for this and Ram achieved it. Let us all understand, my readers, that every section of the society has an important role to play in the development of any society.
Now we move towards the third section of the Society, The Vaishya’s, about whom we will continue in the next blog.
This is one of the most read blogs from the day it has been written. I see readers reading it even after 2 years of writing it. I see it as a blessing of my teacher whom I have quoted in the blog. I urge my readers to give me a feedback about this blog, in particular. And thank all for reading the first 6 blogs. The series continues even after this blog
Continuing from last blog, the above Shlok is a prayer for wealth for our (any) country. Wealth of all types. People who will help spread knowledge, people who will rule, people who will fight, women who can administer and rule, healthy cattle, fast horses, swift chariots and above all the youth which is brave and courageous. Also for rains so that we get a good crop and so are carefree about our worldly life. Let us understand it one by one.
It talks about “Aa Brahman Brahmano Brahmavarchashi”. It says God! Please bless our country with Brahmins who are educated in the Vedas and lead a Veda-centric life. They will help our country prosper. The prayer asks for the Brahmins who are learned and work for God, not the ones who are Brahmins by birth or caste.
At this juncture itself, I would like to clarify that am in no way supporting any type of caste system by birth. But at the same time, I also believe that any society, overall, will be divided into 4 main sections. First section will guide it academically and put forth it’s philosophies. Second section, which will rule the country, administer it on the basis of philosophies. Third section, which will take care of countries economy through business and industry. Fourth section but not the least, the part which will look after the basic necessities of the society and provide them to it. Our seers have broadly classified our society thus and named them as Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas and Shudras. These sections have their well defined work areas which one cannot transgress and rules which one cannot overrule. But the choice of work was dependent on the person himself/herself who had the liberty to make his/her choice after gaining an understanding about these four sections. At the same time we should know and understand that all these four sections are very important to the structure of the society and in no way is one greater or better than the other. All are equal. Later they have become based on birth, which must have been due to some compulsions. My limitation, today, is not to go into the details of it. But some other day and with some other topic, would surely like to dwell upon it.
Veda, the word comes from “VID” which means “to know”. “Thought” is very important to the Vedas. “Thought with experience” is what is the Vedas. So many thoughts and many experiences make up the Vedas which have been guiding us over centuries. These thoughts were first passed on from the teacher to his student by word of mouth, that is by repeating and learning what the teacher has said. Hearing was an important part of this whole excercise, so the Vedas are called the “Shruti”. They are considered the highest authority as regards to rules and regulations to lead a wholistic life.
And from these came our surnames. The one who learned it directly from the Guru, are called Ek Pathi (one who learns by listening once) who are called ‘Pathak’. The next who learns after hearing it twice, from Guru and from Ek Pathi’s, are called Dwipathi. Then Tripathi, Chaturpathi and so on. The beauty of our surnames is that it has its own history, which some of you my readers, are not aware of. Every surname has its origin related to the characteristic of our genetical lineage.
The next question which comes to our mind Who owns the Vedas then, if written by so many people? It is but obvious question as the world and society we are living in has made us think like this. This question never came up for the Vedic people as the Vedas belonged to everyone. No doubt, the thought is an individual experience, but when shared becomes the property of all who hear it and know it. So the owner of the Vedas is the “Samaaj Purush” (the society). And this Samaaj Purush is God. So God is the owner of these Vedas.
And if these Vedas belong to the Samaaj Purush, then they have to be taken to them, shared with them. This was done by the “intelligentsia” at that time which we call as Brahmins. From this we infer that anyone who does this work of carrying the Vedas to the common people are the Brahmins.
As, Pujaniya Pandurang Shashtriji explains, that when this class used to work selflessly, they developed a relationship and a strong bond with people to whom they went to. So the people started sharing all good and bad happenings of their life with these Brahmins. The people felt that these people are truly selfless and so people started inviting them to their homes in all good and bad happenings /moments in life. And that is why a Brahmin comes in, in a marriage or a funeral. The people called them to marriages to bless the newly wed couple for a prosperous life and to guide them to lead a pious life. Otherwise the mantras of marriage are to be said by the bridegroom and the bride and not the Brahmins. He was called on the 12th day after the death of a family member so that he will console the family and help them cope up with the loss. Explain the process of death and explain life after death. But today, alas! all this is lost. And we have started worshipping just the outer covering (the tradition and not the thought).
The mantra calls for such Brahmvarchasi Brahmins. Next it asks for the Kshatriyas, ones which are brave and courageous. We will talk about them in my next blog.
Jana Gana Mang-daayak Jay He, Bharat Bhagya Vidhaata,
Jay He, Jay He, Jay He,
Jay Jay Jay He…
Every Indian knows that this is the National Anthem. It resonates the feelings of the great poet Rabindranath Tagore. Rather Tagore resonates the feeling of every Indian through his words. Our modern founding fathers have offered their respect to Tagore by choosing the above words as the anthem.I personally feel as if Tagore is calling up the common man of India as the Bharat Bhagya Vidhaata. And the common man is the one who is asking Mother India for Her blessings and wants to sing Her praise.
At the same time I was compelled, that Bharat has a huge philosophical and spiritual background in the form of Veda’s and the Rishi’s and having a history of more than 10000 years old, to lookout for some thought which would have guided the mankind of Aryavarta. Found many and there must be many more than what I found. But the one’s that touch me personally are two.
1. The Mantrapushpanjali offered at the end of every Aarti
2. The Vedic prayer asking for different class of people and all types of wealth and rains for India’s prosperity.
Let’s begin with the Mantrapushpanjali. It says thus:
My readers after reading this you must have realised that we all have recited or atleast heard being recited after the ‘Aarti’ during Ganeshotsav or Navratri or any pooja at home. It’s an invocation to Kuber, the God of Wealth and also remembers ‘Marut‘ and ‘Avikshit‘. It also makes a note of different types of kingdoms in India ranging from “Samrajyam” to “Maharajyam” which needs an independent blog to be explained.
For me its an ode for a single country. It says “पृथिव्यै समुद्रपर्यंताया एकराळिति” (meaning the land,consisting all the different types of kingdoms, till the ocean is all one).
From the very existence of the Veda’s, Rigved and Atharvaved both have the 1st hymn in them. The second hymn is from the Taitreya Aaranyak and the third and forth hymn from Aitreya Brahman. So from this we know that even years ago, our rishis have nurtured an idea of a single country. We have been repeating it year after year without even thinking what the hymn means. And then, we say that India as a country came into existence in 1947. Our secular historians and government appointed historians have always overlooked the above mantra. The question is Why?
The sad part about history of India is that we always get left leaning historians and right leaning historians but never factual historians. These so called historians have dented the Indian pride in all possible ways, making us aware to different thoughts around the world, but ours. Again I need to caution my reader that am not against any good thought and I believe any good thought can rise in any part of the world and so our (Rishi’s) clarion call is “आ नो भद्रा: क्रतवो यन्तु विश्वत:” – Let all the noble thoughts come to me from all the directions. But the fact is that we lack good historians who will write for the sake of India and to serve India.
History in Hindi has a synonym ‘इतिहास’. इति + हास means ‘this is how it has been’. And true to its meaning our historians have never tried to cover anything. Be it Pandavas were born of the Devas or Dhritrashtra, Pandu and Vidur were born by ‘niyog’ with Ved Vyas. Yudhisthir was good human but had a weak point of playing dice which led to many problems not only in his life but also his brothers, but Vyas Muni has not hidden this part. One can cite many instances from our history. But again Ramayan and Mahabharat, Ram and Krishna are mythology!!! We Indians truly need to understand our roots by finding them and studying them independently.
Back to our topic of One India, United India. This Mantrapushpanjali has been imbibed in our lives in a way that by the time a child grows up, he knows it by heart. But the problem is who will explain it to him as even the ones who are making him recite do not know its meaning! Right now I just want to convey that Bharat is united in letter and spirit from the day She has come into existence.
The second the Vedic prayer asking for everything possible for the growth of a nation.
What work have our rishis and ancestors done to make it a nation?”
Nation the word comes from the root word NAT, meaning ‘to be born‘.
A Nation, as various English dictionaries define, is a large body of people united by common descent, history, culture, or language, inhabiting a particular state or territory.
A writer, Ernest Renan in his book “What is a nation?” writes as follows “A nation is a soul, a spiritual principle. Two things, which in truth are but one, constitute this soul or spiritual principle. One lies in the past, one in the present. One is the possession in common of a rich legacy of memories; the other is present-day consent, the desire to live together, the will to perpetuate the value of the heritage that one has received in an undivided form”, emphasizing the democratic and historical aspects of what constitutes a nation. The nation has been described by Benedict Anderson as an “imagined community” and by Paul James as an “abstract community”. It is an imagined community in the sense that the material conditions exist for imagining extended and shared connections. It is an abstract community in the sense that it is objectively impersonal, even if each individual in the nation experiences him or herself as subjectively part of an embodied unity with others. For the most part, members of a nation remain strangers to each other and are never likely to meet. And herein lies the origin of the phrase ‘strangers in a nation.
Now let us turn to our, Indian, perspective about the nation. We call our nation ‘Rashtra’. Our Vedas have a particular meaning attached to this noun. Atharveda deals with not only the meaning of the word but also how to manage it.
Atharvaveda says “त्वत् जाता: त्वयि चरन्ति मर्त्या: त्वं बिभर्षि”. We are born from you and we play on you, live on you. The first and most important thing about definition of Rashtra is that one needs to love one’s own country to define it, understand it. Country is not mere a piece of land that we fight for it or draw borders. It is a place which is to be loved and worshipped. Many people say “Am Indian, as I am born on this land”. I want to ask them a question “Are you just a citizen because you were born here or as the Constitution of the land says so?” Let me clarify that have the deepest respect for the Constitution of India. But just because the Constitution says so, I believe it! Is there no other reason to believe that one is a citizen of India? So my argument is that if our modern founding fathers would have not stated it, I wouldn’t be a citizen of this country? Is there a feeling, deep inside, that I should have been born in USA or Europe or any other part of the world, but India and lived there? Such people / citizens are more dangerous for the country than Her enemies. So first and foremost one needs to love Her. One needs to feel that I belong to Her.
Next, the Atharvaveda also says, “यस्या: पुरो देवकृता: यस्या: पुरो देवरक्षिता:” This country is made by the Gods and is protected by the Gods. It is the Gods who have made it for me to play on. Only when a person understands and feels this, would he make a good citizen.
Now when we are discussing this, let us also be clear that Veda’s are not talking only about India, but the abovesaid sentences are for each and every citizen of all the countries in the known world. But our common argument is that as it is written in Sanskrit so it is applicable only to India. I ask “Can language be a barrier to any good thought with an universal outlook?”
When we understand and feel the above thoughts, we can define a Rashtra. Am too small to define the same so would take help from my teacher, Pujaniya Pandurang Shashtriji Athavale. He propounds that a country is one which has its own :
1. विशिष्ट विचारधारा (a particular yet outstanding way of thinking / ideology)
2. विशिष्ट परंपरा (a particular yet outstanding tradition)
3. विशिष्ट जीवनश्रेणी (a particular yet outstanding way of living)
4. विशिष्ट धार्मिक दृष्टि (a particular yet outstanding religious view)
5. विशिष्ट आध्यात्मिक कल्पना (a particular yet outstanding spiritual outlook)
So the day we are able to think about our own country in these five aspects we will be able to grasp what our country is. And the need to love it.
An independent blog can be written on each of the above aspects with context to India (and every other country), but maybe later.
I leave it upto my readers to think about these aspects, and will write when my motherland, India, inspires me to write about it.
At the end I just want to emphasize that first we need to love our country. Feel Her. Understand Her. And for this as our seers said “चरैवेति चरैवेति”. (Walk on, Tread on).
Today I make a request to all my readers that before embarking on a trip to any foreign land, let’s go around our own country, first. Let us all admire Her beauty and behold it. There are so many facets of this beautiful land which are still unexplored and should be explored.
We have had a history of more than 10000 years to cherish.
Written by Bankimchandra Chatterjee in his novel “Anand Math” and today immortalised by Her freedom fighters, “Vande Mataram”. Written in Bengali, sharing it’s lyrics in Devanagari.
A simple yet lucid translation into English done by Sri Aurobindo Ghosh is worth a read as well :
Mother, I praise thee! Rich with thy hurrying streams, bright with orchard gleams, Cool with thy winds of delight, Dark fields waving Mother of might, Mother free. Glory of moonlight dreams, Over thy branches and lordly streams, Clad in thy blossoming trees, Mother, giver of ease Glory of moonlight dreams, Over thy branches and lordly streams, Clad in thy blossoming trees, Mother, giver of ease Laughing low and sweet! Mother I kiss thy feet, Speaker sweet and low! Mother, to thee I praise thee. [Verse 1]
Who hath said thou art weak in thy lands When the swords flash out in seventy million hands And seventy million voices roar Thy dreadful name from shore to shore? With many strengths who art mighty and stored, To thee I call Mother and Lord! Thou who savest, arise and save! To her I cry who ever her foeman drove Back from plain and Sea And shook herself free. [Verse 2]
Thou art wisdom, thou art law, Thou art heart, our soul, our breath Thou art love divine, the awe In our hearts that conquers death. Thine the strength that nerves the arm, Thine the beauty, thine the charm. Every image made divine In our temples is but thine. [Verse 3]
Thou art Durga, Lady and Queen, With her hands that strike and her swords of sheen, Thou art Lakshmi lotus-throned, And the Muse a hundred-toned, Pure and perfect without peer, Mother lend thine ear, Rich with thy hurrying streams, Bright with thy orchard gleems, Dark of hue O candid-fair [Verse 4]
In thy soul, with bejeweled hair And thy glorious smile divine, Loveliest of all earthly lands, Showering wealth from well-stored hands! Mother, mother mine! Mother sweet, I praise thee, Mother great and free! [Verse 5]
It still gets us excited when we read it again and again and again. A feeling of nostalgia and Divine.
People say that it starts with the abstract notion of the Motherland and turns to the praise of Goddess! But who will explain to them that for us Indians, we see no difference between the two. From time immemorial, this land has been our Mother. The comparison to Durga and Laxmi is nothing but a feeling that She is the one who protects us and She is the one who has so much of wealth to take give us and take care of us. People forget that Bharat has never crossed Her borders to conquer the world. Yes, She has conquered the world by Her thoughts of Vedic civilisation and Buddhism, but never their lands. People who look at their countries as mere land/s will never understand this. Their perspective of utility of anything and everything, has killed the emotions within humans. Atleast people born in this land need to understand this. Under the grab of secularism, Reverence for Her cannot be and should not be undermined.
The feelings of She being everything is very well emphasised in the third verse (literally unknown to our generation as only the first two verses make the national song). This feeling of our motherland being everything, is something which one will find only in India. Some may disagree and can argue that my statement is wrong and prejudiced for others but let them answer one question. Will you be able to equate your country with the Divine? This, In Bharat, has been possible due to the efforts and lives given up for this by our rishis and ancestors. And due to the thought that everything, living and non living is divine.
When one learns from modern sciences that even the living have evolved from the non living, it justifies the Bharatiya stand for reverence for the creation. We see Divine in everything. At the same time, we see Divine in each person and country. And herein lies the concept or thought or philosophy of “Vasudhaiv Kutumbakam”, The whole world is one family.
This is the Bharatiya civilisation.
Who built it? How did they build it? Does the feeling exist today? Is it practical? Is a question I leave to my readers to ponder over and will try to answer it in my upcoming blog/s.
Till then let us just repeat those lines above and try to inculcate a feeling of motherliness for our respective countries. In our daily run of survival let us not forget the love of our country and the care She has taken, is taking and will be taking.
Friends have added photographs to this blog and tried to make it colourful and presentable. Hope you will enjoy this blog like me first one.
What is my country?
Land of Human Civilisation
Land of Himalayas, Aravalli and Sahyadris
Land of Rivers (Ganga, Yamuna, Brahmaputra, Godavari, Tungabhadra…)
Land of Avatars (Vishnu – Matsya, Kurm, Varah, Narsimh, Waman, Parshuram, Ram, Krishna, Buddha, Kalki, 12 jyotirlings of Shiv…).
Land of Arihant, Siddh, Upadhyay.
Land of God’s and Goddess’s (Indra/Indrani, Agni, Yama/Yami…)
Land of Rishis / Rishi patnis (Yadnyvalkya/Maitreyi/Katyayani, Agasti/Lopamudra, Atri/Anusuya, Jamadagni/Renuka, Vashishth/Arundhati, Vishwamitra, Learned Gargi…)
Land of Acharyas (Shankaracharya, Ramanujacharya, Madhavacharya, Vallabhacharya, Nimbakacharya).
Land of Sikh Gurus (Guru Nanakdevji, Guru Angaddevji, Guru Amardasji, Guru Ramdasji, Guru Arjanji, Guru Har Gobindji, Guru Har Raiji, Guru Har Krishanji, Guru Teg Bahadurji and Guru Govindsinhji)
Land of Saints (Namdeo, Dnyaneshwar, Tukaram, Eknath, Tiruvalluvar, Narsinh Mehta, Kabir, Tulsidas and Meerabai…)
Land of non believers (Charvak…).
Land of scientists (Aryabhat, Brahmagupta, Vishweshvaraya, J.C.Bose, C.V.Raman, Dr.A.P.J.Abdul Kalam…).
Land of mathematicians (Aryabhat, Bhaskar, Ramanuj…)
Land of historians / poets(Valmiki, Ved Vyas, Kalidas…)
Land of nation builders (Chanakya and Sardar Patel…)
Land of Kings (Chandragupta, Samudragupta, Ashok, Harsh, Pulakeshi II, Raja Raja Chola, Krishnadevraya, Rana Pratap and Shivaji…).
Land of Dynasties (Maurya’s, Gupta’s, Chola’s, Satvahan’s, Pallava’s, Chalukya’s, Satkarni’s…).
Land of Holy books (Veda’s, Brahmans, Aaranyaks, Upanishads, Aagams, Shreemad Bhagwadgeeta, Brahmasutra, Puranas, Ramayan, Mahabharat…)
Land of Reformers (Swami Vivekanand, Swami Dayanand Saraswati, Raja Ram Mohan Roy, Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Dr. B.R.Ambedkar, Mahatma Jyotiba Phule, Savitribhai Phule, Maharshi Dhondo Keshav Karve…)
This list is endless (I have missed out many) as the thoughts go on pouring out of my mind into this paper.
My country is what I relate with!
Is it just a piece of land or is it just a handful of states? Is it Her people? Is it the boundaries that mankind has drawn on maps sitting in their cosy rooms? Is it Her thoughts? Is She what I see ? What I hear ? What I know ?
The answer comes back to me and resonates
“MY COUNTRY IS WHAT I FEEL”
She’s my Mother, who in Her bosoms, takes care of me as Her child and looks after all my needs daily. Doesn’t She do it for you too, my reader?
Answer this question and you will know what your country is for you!!!
At the same time I know that it is a piece of land having boundaries, which I have to protect. It is Her people with whom I have to live with. It is Her thoughts which will help me survive. She is what I see, what I hear and what I know.
My country is “Bharat”.
The name derived from :
1. Shakuntaley Bharat
2. Ram anuj Bharat
3. Jad Bharat
Bharat means “devoted to light”, “devoted to knowledge”. Bharat is a land of spiritually self enlightened people.
And hence our seers have rightly said “दुर्लभं भारते जन्म”. It is a rarity to get to spend one’s life in this land called Bharat.
She is diverse, yet united.
She is divided into states, yet one.
Her children speak different languages, yet the language of everyone’s heart is same, the language of love, warmth and affection.
Her children wear different clothes, yet their colours are same, Kesari, White, Green and Blue.
She prays and says
“सर्वे सुखिनः सन्तु, सर्वे सन्तु निरामया:,
सर्वे भद्राणि पश्यन्तु, मा कश्चिद् दुःख भाग्भवेत्।।
ऊँ शांतिः शांतिः शांतिः।।”
It just goes on and on and on, only to make me realise that it will take more than one Life to see Bharat, hear Bharat and understand Bharat.
Friends just 2 years back I had embarked on the journey of expressing my gratefulness towards India, my motherland. I was reading it today and felt that I want to share the whole series (11 blogs) again with all of you. Many must have read it, but how many remember it? So repeating the whole series all over again. There might be a few changes, but those would be nominal.
The next 11 days are a Yadnya (offering myself) for me, which I hope you all will help me complete.
I vow to thee, my country All earthly things above Entire and whole and perfect The service of my loveThe love that asks no questions The love that stands the test That lays upon the alter The dearst and the bestThe love that never falters The love that pays the price The love that makes undaunted The final sacrificeAnd there’s another country I’ve heard of long ago Most dear to them that love her Most great to them I knowWe may not count her armies We may not see her King Her fortress is a faithful heart Her pride is sufferingAnd soul by soul and silently Her shining bounds increase And her ways are ways of gentleness And all her paths are peace
– Sir Cecil Spring Rice…
A poem learnt in the Standard 10 of my school days still resonates at the same frequecy today as it did many years back…
Sir Cecil has written about two countries here, his own motherland (Great Britain) and everyone’s motherland (Kingdom of God). He sets a very sombre tone at the begining and then it culminates into a high pitch by the time it reaches its end. I still remember asking my teacher
“Why has he written about two kingdoms? It’s so confusing,Mam!”
Naturally the question had come out of fear of literature exam then, but my teacher, as experienced as she was, a devout Christian, answered,
“Boy, whatever you want achieve in life you have to strive for it, but at the same time, take care, to serve your nation too. Don’t forget it is Her, your motherland which spends all its time, resources and energy for you.”
“And at the same time also think about life after death. We all believe in it in one way or the other. We all have to strive to enter His Kingdom too, to find eternal peace. Here Sir Cecil through his poem is reminding us about it.”
I frankly didn’t understand about His Kingdom and eternal peace at that time, nor do I do it now as a whole, but the first few verses, just the idea of serving one’s own Motherland, instills a spirit of nationalism in me.
A few years later…
Had grown up. Started attending lectures (Pravachans) of Pujaniya Pandurang Shashtriji Athavale. He while talking about Bhumi (land) as one of the five elements (Panchtatva) while explaining “Panchchame” from one of the verses of Yajurveda explained thus,
“One has to respect the land on which he/she is born and needs to be dedicated to it. All those who learn here and go and earn in other countries find those beautiful and his / her own country unclean and dirty should be drowned into the seas” He went on to explain “How can one forget the love and warmth a person has got from this land! And what about the economic expenses (subsidies) She has borne for you! Forget all that but how can one detach from his / her mother! How can one call mother dirty! All such people are a blot for their own country.”
(Am writing just a gist of what he has said. Any translation mistake is mine alone)
It resonates my feeling that “An Indian should be dedicated to India in the same way as a Brit is to Britain and a American is to America. For Indians, it should be India first”
A few days back…
I come in touch with a student. Know him very well now. The best part is the clarity of thought this boy has. After some initial days of chat he props up a question?
“What is a Pracharak?”
And shares that he wants to be one.
All these everlasting memories and imprints have triggered me to write a blog and express and share my feelings and understanding about my Motherland, our Motherland, India, that is, Bharat….
What is my country?
What is the idea of Bharat?
What is the essence of being an Indian?
What is love for motherland?
And many more…
I plan to write a few blogs and try to find answers to my questions.
I urge my reader to contribute his/her feelings and understandings about the same.
It might be long, so anywhere during this journey if you feel bored then pls share the same
After many days, heard of some activity at the national level and a little excited, a little apprehensive. But everyone would be in such circumstances! A whole new world… How the perspective has changed in a few days!…
We live in the land of मातृ देवो भव। (my Mother is God).
The land which venerates even the rivers and cows as Mother. “Maa Ganga” and “Gau Mata”. Even “Bharat Mata”. People laugh when they hear this. But its natural to equate them to a mother. As a mother selflessly looks after the well being of her child, so do they. As Bhagwaan Ram says,
जननी जन्मभूमिश्च स्वर्गादपि गरीयसी ।
(My mother, my motherland is greater then even the heavens)
So we Indians consider many things around us as our Mother, but today we celebrate our Mother’s at home.
We celebrate the sacrifices she has made for us.
We celebrate the warmth she has given.
We celebrate the efforts she has taken to keep the family together.
We celebrate the ideal of selfless love and selfless work.
Mother is the one who shapes her child’s future. That does not absolve the fathers of their duty. But Mother is someone with whom the child spends most of the day. She takes care of all the needs, likes-dislikes of her kids and trains then to become better humans. The child needs too understands this. And it is out of this respect and adoration, the child bows down to the mother. We dont need to train our kids, the kids learn by seeing what their elders do. And amongst them; firstly what their mothers do! Again I should clarify that it does not absolve the father from his responsibilities. Both are equally important and play a big role in shaping their child’s life.
But
Mother is a mother,
every other relations seems another…
I would like to share a very personal experience from my childhood days. I very clearly remember that in school, when I was in STD 8th, took part in a tableau competition… Was to play the announcer… Being a Gujarati and studying in a convent has its own problems… Pronunciations play a major part… I still remember my teacher sitting besides me to work on my pronunciations… I was not getting one word right, ‘Mother’… She must have worked on it for hours and got to make me pronounce it right… I was very annoyed at that age. Why is she doing this with me? What difference does it make?… I realised it later when we won and stood first in the competition just by 1/2 a mark and the judges appreciating my pronunciations… That was the material gain… But just a few years back I realised it’s spiritual importance, which cannot be expressed in words.
Even today in these days of the lockdown, the only place open for work is the kitchen. She rules over it royally. Her command over not only the kitchen, but the whole house is something we all need to realise and appreciate.
A house of 4 walls becomes a home due to the mother!
A mother is not only the head of the house, but is the heart of the house
And a mother is the best companion inlife!
So on this day we remember the mothers around the world and bow down to them with adoration and respect!
Let us remember, every day is a Mother’s day!
Wishing you all, my readers and your mother’s a very Happy Mother’s Day.Let’s give Her the best She deserves!
Rana Pratap fought Akbar and his army and built his own army from the tribals, “Bhils”, he met in the Aravalli ranges, when his relatives and the others did not help him.
The Charan Durshaji Aadha has written 72 Duha’s (verses) on the greatness of Rana Pratap and has sung them in presence of Akbar, which everyone needs to read.
Will share a few of them here for you all to read and understand them…
Totally there are 76 verses which the poet without any fear has sung them in from of Akbar.
Will urge all my readers to find these verses and learn and appreciate the poetry of the poet.
Rana Pratap had defeated Akbar’s forces many a times but it is not known to us as the history we study does not tell us. Historians call Akbar the Great and as a saviour of all, then why did Rana have to live in the jungles of Aravalli? Had he gone there for a picnic? History is quiet about this. Why? Can we not give justice to Maharana Pratap?he had taken a pledge to live in the jungles and sleep on the floor and eat simple food till He drives Akbar and his forces out of India.
Today on His birthday, bow down to this Great warrior and all His ancestors!!!
Maybe the only poet to write National Anthems of two countries, India as well as Bangladesh.
Gurudev had been at the foremost in the struggle for independence in his own way. He started a school of education in Kolkatta, where students learnt in natural surroundings. It was not a typical school, but a school where a student could explore his / her artistic abilities. He wanted to prepare the generation which would guide India after Her independence.
He also gave up his title of “Sir”, conferred upon him by the British King at that time, to protest against the brutal massacre of Indians at Jallianwala Baug.
A very humble poet, who has written many a poem, a few which I share here as my “namaskaars” to this great soul. Am quoting His poem which his apt for the situation today.
If thou speakest not I will fill my heart with thy silence and endure it. I will keep still and wait like the night with starry vigil and its head bent low with patience.
The morning will surely come, the darkness will vanish, and thy voice pour down in golden streams breaking through the sky.
Then thy words will take wing in songs from every one of my birds’ nests, and thy melodies will break forth in flowers in all my forest groves….
The way Gurudev has described the situation is something which we all need to learn in this situation. We all need to imbibe this quality of Patience with us.
Bow down to this great son of Mother India and let us celebrate his life with love, warmth and affection.
I bow down and go to the Sangh, Dham (Religion) and Buddha for enlightenment.
I purposely began with Sangham Sharanam Gacchami as opposite to what people say. Cause I believe that even He, The Enlightened One, will agree with it. Go the the Sangh first. Follow your “Dharma” second. And then come to me. Buddha, as history tell us, is the first to establish a Sangh, for propagation of religion. He gave a very well designed way to spread religion through the Sangh. India will always be indebted to Him for this. And as a result, we see that Buddhist thought and philosophy has not only spread all over Asia, but also dominate the thinking process of Asia in a way. The famous travellers HuenTsang and FaHien with the help of King Ashok, King Bimbisara have translated many of the Buddhist literature into Mandarin and helped in spreading the word of Buddha far and wide.
Buddha means the enlightened one.
Buddha means unattached.
Buddha means the great leader.
Readers, last blog had left a question unanswered that why are the followers of Buddha, a proponent of Ahimsa (non – violence), fish eating or meat eating? Has He allowed this? Friends, let us go back to the era when He lived. To propagate His thought, he approached the intellectual class at that time. This class did not respond to His call. So He accepted whosoever responded to His call. He accepted them as they are and yes believed that slowly they would change their ways of eating. And change, they did. But if it is translated as meat eating is allowed by Buddha, then it’s our misconception about Him. He cannot be blamed for the misinterpretation.
And so I believe what my spiritual master has told me.
An individual who guides lacs and crores of people to lead a simple and an austere life should be accepted as an Incarnation of God. And Buddha is no different.
I bow down to Buddha today, and submit myself to His care and warmth.
The latest rage on Instagram is about Boys Locker Room Stories. Dont want to get into the details of what the boys said. In short, they are discussing about calling a girl out and planning to rape her. It’s disgusting when I read it.
At the same time, we as a society need to find solutions too. Just criticising the boys or naming them in front of their families or maybe even subjecting them to some legal action will not be a permanent solution. Am not saying no to doing all this, but this is just a temporary solution. Will this not continue later? Rather it would with such type of boys being more alert about their chats and the ways to keep people away from them.
Let’s talk about long term solutions.
1. The families should be more engaging with growing kids, irrespective of gender of the child. Parents need to spend more time with kids, talk to them about their thought processes and problems. Talk and accept the thoughts of the younger generation with an open mind.
2. The society too needs to mould itself somewhere at some juncture which I think has arrived. The society too needs to see the relations between kids with an open mind, treat them as good friends and give them the space to spend time with each other. In no ways I am advocating spending time alone, but in publicly space without offending anyone.
3. The education system talks about sex education and educating kids thus. We have been doing this from a long time now yet the eagerness to know, to understand has led to different problems of such kinds we are discussing today. The system needs to educate the kids the right and the wrong, atleast when it comes to physical relationships. They need to mould them better. Teachers are the best people to mould their students in their teen age.
4. Openness in thoughts does not mean that we can talk about anybody or anything in the most weirdest of the manners. There is a limitation to this too. Kids need to made to understand the importance of values and especially boys need to be made to have a good outlook towards girls. Not to treat them as objects of pleasure or fun. Freedom to express comes with responsibilities needs to be emphasized.
5. There should be healthy discussions and debates amongst the younger generation on how to think, what to think and let them evolve through their thought process. At the same time, these discussions and debates need to facilitated by including the thoughts of wisdom from our books and experiences of our elders. The moderator needs to have a balanced view and should not be swayed by any one thought process.
In the same breath, I say, there will be many solutions to these problems but we as responsible humans and people need to come out and talk about them.
I personally am not shocked at what has happened cause this must be happening for a long time now. It has just seen the light now, that’s all. It’s the right time to strike when the iron is hot. Am happy that many boys are coming out very strongly against such things. So am positive that not all boys are bad. There may be a distracted or disillusioned few but we need to get them back too as they too are our kids.
Remember Readers!
The candle light vigils will only highlight the problem, not help us find solutions.
The girls can protect themselves. They do not need protection.We need to change our way of looking towards them.
It is high time that we as a just society sit, think, discuss and find a solution.
In an unprecedented move, the tri-forces of the Indian Military Service, saluted the Corona Warriors all over India by showering petals, fly pasts and small gifts. For the first time, the three chiefs of Army, Navy and Airforce went to the Police memorial and paid their respects to the Police personnel who are guarding India, within. A rare moment of history now collected in pitcures…
As Lockdown 2.0 comes to an end and Lockdown 3.0 begins, am appalled at the situation where the Corona warriors (Doctors, Nurses, Paramedics and Police) are being beaten up in some places. It is not a story of one place, but many places in India.
Yes, India did stand in unison, a few days back to appreciate them too. But the way a few people are treating them is not only bad but goes to show how ungrateful, a certain class of people are.
Readers, I want to ask a few questions which are constantly coming up in my mind again and again. And I am sure they would be in your mind too.
Soldiers give up their lives guarding and saving our borders, and are called martyrs. And rightly so. But are the Corona warriors who are putting themselves at maximum risk in this situation to save us, to save Humanity, being rightly recognised and appreciated? For me personally I feel that those who have given up their lives are martyrs too. What do you feel?
The pictures of the kids looking at their father, who has just returned from duty after 20 days, but cannot go near him, hug him, are heart wrenching. He too is sitting outside the house, waiting to be serve the food. The longing for hug in both the pairs of eyes makes me numb. How can we be so cruel? But this is the time for Social Distancing. Do we realise the importance of our father, our family in these situations ?Isn’t giving up an opportunity to hug ones own children, martyrdom?
The nation may not consider them as martyrs, the society may not, their own families may not, but for me they are giving their lives so that humans can survive. They are doing much a bigger work then the soldiers at this moment. So I repeat, they are martyrs and they all should be honoured.
I would end with a a few lines… (have tried to write from the perspective of a policeman’s child)…
Many of you might have felt that why begin with wishes for May Day first and Maharashtra Day the last! Cause that answer lies in its history.
My kid today morning asked me, “Pappa what is the importance of this day? Why is it celebrated as international workers day and Maharashtra day?”
An unexpected question from a 7 year old made me think. I did explain to him about the socialist revolution and their fight for the cause of workers. A lot of workers blood was shed while fighting for their rights. How 1 May was chosen to be International Workers’ Day to commemorate the 1886 Haymarket affair in Chicago. In that year beginning on 1 May, there was a general strike for the eight hour work day. On 4 May, the police acted to disperse a public assembly in support of the strike when an unidentified person threw a bomb. The police responded by firing on the workers. The event lead to the death of eight and injury of sixty police officers as well as an unknown number of civilian killed or wounded. Hundreds of labour leaders and sympathizers were later rounded-up and four were executed by hanging, after a trial that was seen as a miscarriage of justice.
And also how India after independence was divided into linguistic states. How Maharashtra and Gujarat were born! How there was bloodshed for the same! Some politicians just for their own selfish motives dividing India on basis of language. India after being divided on basis of caste, class, kingdoms (small and large), religion; now was Her turn to be divided on basis of language. And as I write today, do not know how many times more will She be divided and on what basis and in which context…
While explaining all this I was lead to think that, is this the only reason to celebrate / commemorate 1st May? Or is there some other reason too? Can our human history be so narrow-minded? So took to the internet to find my answers. And I was proved right. History is always broad minded, not like humans who write it.
Sharing a few excerpts of what I found on the internet…
“The earliest May Day celebrations appeared with the Floralia, festival of Flora, the Roman goddess of flowers, held on April 27 during the Roman Republic era, and with theWalpurgis Nightcelebrations of theGermanic countries.
The day was a traditional summer holiday in many Europeanpagan cultures.
While February 1 was the first day ofspring, May 1 was the first day ofsummer; hence, thesummer solstice on June 25 (now June 21) wasMidsummer.
As Europe becameChristianised, the pagan holidays lost their religious character and May Day changed into a popular secular celebration.
A significant celebration of May Day occurs in Germany where it is one of several days on whichSt. Walburga, credited with bringing Christianity to Germany, is celebrated.
The secular versions of May Day, observed in Europe and North America, may be best known for their traditions of dancing around themaypoleand crowning the Queen of May.
Fading in popularity since the late 20th century is the giving of “May baskets,” small baskets of sweets or flowers, usually left anonymously on neighbours’ doorsteps”.
(Source – Wikipedia).
I hope this clarifies your question and is a justification for wishing May Day first and Maharashtra Day last.
Humans have been naturalists from the very beginning. The last few hundred years have made them more aggressive towards nature and environment. On this very day, let us all pledge to take care of our environment and love the nature.Let’s save Mother Earth not out of necessity. She is our mother and takes care of Her Children without any expectations. Let us coexist and thrive to achieve what the Creator has made us for.
The day, divine Ganges was brought down upon the Earth. Indians will always be indebted to Bhagirath for this marvel. Coming down from the glacier, through the Gomukh is an engineering marvel itself. Let’s have a look at it. After the pictures have shared a poem written by Vijayalakshmi Harish explaining the descent of the Ganges…
The Arrival of the Ganges.
over a snow-covered mountain top in heaven some secret river lies stirring not earthwards this river of the Gods
and then a prince disturbs her peaceful ferocity with determined prayer to cleanse the sins of his forefathers
look she trembles with wounded pride! not a mere mortal river is she a Goddess, her anger awakened but she must proceed
the Gods have asked her so she shall go but she makes her displeasure known threatening to swallow all of existence she follows
the earth shakes it cannot hold her weight her power her strength her majestic gait life-giver, she is now a messenger of death
in her anger she is beautiful, this world cannot sustain her only he who wields the trident can reign in her fall
and then the Mahadev traps her even as she falls in a mighty torrent thinking she will sweep him to the nether regions
in his locks she is lost struggling, she resembles the naga around his neck she spits like a cobra
this immortal river stays tangled in his locks for many a year till, defeated and frustrated she begs forgiveness
and then with his blessings she trickles down still furious in pace but in heart at peace
the mother of all rivers- this river of rebirth her sound like thunder her hair like streaks of lightning
celestial beings witness the skies are lit the parched earth satiated Ganga has descended
Am beginning a series through which I will be sharing my thought process through which I am going through now. With a positive frame of mind and positive thoughts would love if you all can give your feedback too.
On His birthday am just sharing a stotra written by the Adi Shankaracharya with the story behind it. One doesn’t know if the story is true or a folklore but the shatak (षटक) written by the great teacher needs just to be read again and again to experience bliss.
This is one of the rare stotras written by Adi Sankara identifying himself as the Supreme Soul and clearly explaining his theory of non-dualism. It is has a remarkable tempo.
There is a story that one of his disciples started saying Shivoham like the Acharya without understanding its significance.
The Acharya visited a black smith’s house and happily drank one tumbler of molten iron and ordered the disciple to do so. Naturally he was not able to it.
The Acharya told him that as for himself the molten iron or ice cold water are not different because he has realized that he is no different from Supreme So and till the disciple attains that state, there is no point in his repeating Shivoham i.e “I am the Supreme Soul”.
मनो बुद्ध्यहंकारचित्तानि नाहम् न च श्रोत्र जिह्वे न च घ्राण नेत्रे न च व्योम भूमिर् न तेजो न वायु: चिदानन्द रूप: शिवोऽहम् शिवोऽहम् ॥१॥
I am not the mind, the intellect, the ego or the memory, I am not the ears, the skin, the nose or the eyes, I am not space, not earth, not fire, water or wind, I am the form of consciousness and bliss, I am the eternal Supreme Soul…
न च प्राण संज्ञो न वै पञ्चवायु: न वा सप्तधातुर् न वा पञ्चकोश: न वाक्पाणिपादौ न चोपस्थपायू चिदानन्द रूप: शिवोऽहम् शिवोऽहम् ॥२॥
I am not the breath, nor the five elements, I am not matter, nor the 5 sheaths of consciousness Nor am I the speech, the hands, or the feet, I am the form of consciousness and bliss, I am the eternal Supreme Soul…
न मे द्वेष रागौ न मे लोभ मोहौ मदो नैव मे नैव मात्सर्य भाव: न धर्मो न चार्थो न कामो ना मोक्ष: चिदानन्द रूप: शिवोऽहम् शिवोऽहम् ॥३॥
There is no like or dislike in me, no greed or delusion, I know not pride or jealousy, I have no duty, no desire for wealth, lust or liberation, I am the form of consciousness and bliss, I am the eternal Supreme Soul…
न पुण्यं न पापं न सौख्यं न दु:खम् न मन्त्रो न तीर्थं न वेदा: न यज्ञा: अहं भोजनं नैव भोज्यं न भोक्ता चिदानन्द रूप: शिवोऽहम् शिवोऽहम् ॥४॥
No virtue or vice, no pleasure or pain, I need no mantras, no pilgrimage, no scriptures or rituals, I am not the experienced, nor the experience itself, I am the form of consciousness and bliss, I am the eternal Supreme Soul…
न मे मृत्युर्शंका न मे जातिभेद: पिता नैव मे नैव माता न जन्म न बन्धुर् न मित्रं गुरुर्नैव शिष्य: चिदानन्द रूप: शिवोऽहम् शिवोऽहम् ॥५॥
I have no fear of death, no caste or creed, I have no father, no mother, for I was never born, I am not a relative, nor a friend, nor a teacher nor a student, I am the form of consciousness and bliss, I am the eternal Supreme Soul…
अहं निर्विकल्पॊ निराकार रूपॊ विभुर्व्याप्य सर्वत्र सर्वेन्द्रियाणाम् सदा मे समत्वं न मुक्तिर् न बंध चिदानन्द रूप: शिवोऽहम् शिवोऽहम् ॥६॥
I am devoid of duality, my form is formlessness, I exist everywhere, pervading all senses, I am neither attached, neither free nor captive, I am the form of consciousness and bliss, I am the eternal Supreme Soul…
I bow down to this Supreme Soul…
Today is also the birthday of Ramanujacharya, the chief proponent of Vishishtadvaita. Bow down to this great Soul as well.
A day when Bhagwaan Rishabhdev broke His year long fast by drinking sugarcane juice through his cupped hands (Varshi Tap Paarna)…
A day when Maa Ganga descended on Mother Earth…
A day when Bhagwaan Vyas started dictating Mahabharat to Bhagwaan Ganesha…
A day when farmers in India start the farming work for the monsoon season by decorating their cattle and worshipping their fields (Bhoomi Pujan)…
At the beginning, I mentioned that its is one of the 3 and half mahurats, auspicious time to begin anything new. Akshay Tritaya alongwith Dusshara, Gudhi Padwa and Kartik Poornima (half day) are considered as the most auspicious days to begin a new venture. Akshay Tritiya day falls on the 3rd day of the bright half (shukla paksha) of Vaishakha of the lunar month. (It falls in later half of April or first half of may according to western calendar). The whole day is a day to acquire wisdom, think and begin anew.
“Akshay’ means one which never diminishes. Tritiya means the third day. So it is believed that anything that we acquire or begin on this day, will never be diminished.
Bhagwaan Rishabhdev, the first Tirthankar of the Jains, broke his fast on this day. A year long fast! I always wondered how they could do it. But this is “Tap”, ( the readiness to bear both pain and happiness, not to be delighted in one’s happiness and not to be bogged down in distress). Also, they (24 Tirthankara’s) in their pursuit of finding the truth about oneself, sometimes got lost in themselves and forgot to partake food. The fire within, for this pursuit was so hot that it engulfed all other worldly desires. Today many a people emulate them. My namaskaars to all of them, first. At the same time, my question is that are we in the same pursuit? With same intensity to find the truth? I do not doubt the intentions of anyone, but at the same time, I want to gently remind my readers at least, the facts about our ancestors, the way they thought and lived.
Mother Ganga descending upon the earth is one of the most beautiful glacial phenomenon, an human can envisage and see happening in his own lifetime. Bhagirath, the great King, was able to do this. It’s an engineering marvel. Even today, people go upto ‘Gomukh’, the caves from where Ganga appears, but the exact place of Her beginning is still unknown. The flow of Ganga is continuous and divine. The divinity within Her waters is something which will never be diminished “Akshay”.
Mahabharat, the great epic, was started to be written today. It has covered all relations and all topics under the Sun. There is an episode before the Mahabharata was started to be written. When Bhagwaan Vyas asked Ganesha, the God of wisdom, to write his dictation, Ganesha said that it would be possible only on one condition that Vyas would not stop once he starts dictating. Bhagwaan Vyas readily agreed and put forth his condition that Ganesha will understand what is being told and then write it down. And so it is said that Vyas would speak a few sentences which were difficult to interpret for Ganesha and would take a break. The truthulness behind the episode is difficult to be adjudged, but this conveys to us the greatness of Bhagwaan Vyas. The Mahabharat in it’s true sense is a book of undiminished “akshay” wisdom.
The farmers all over India consider this day as an auspicious day to begin their farming work. With monsoons just a few weeks away, the tilling of the soil has to be done. They worship the soil as well as the cattle which is going to be useful for his work. It is an expression of gratefulness towards both of them, due to whom the humans get food. We, Indias have always seen God everywhere. For us, He is omnipresent. So we bow down to the soil too. With all the pain that She (Mother Earth) will bear, She will return good fruits to Her children in form of crops. And that is a undiminished “akshay” blessing to Humanity as a whole.
On this most auspicious day of Akshay Tritiya, I wish all my readers a very Happy Akshay Tritiya.
May Bhagwaan Rishabhdev bless us with understanding about penance and help us move away from the fruits of our action.
May the ever flowing Ganga cleanse our bodies and minds and fill them with divine thoughts.
May Bhagwan Vyas and Ganeshji bless everyone with undiminishing wisdom.
May Goddess Annapurna bless every field with lots of crops and every kitchen with unlimited, but delicious meals.
अग्रत: चतुरो वेदा: पृष्ठत: सशरं धनु: । इदं ब्राह्मं इदं क्षात्रं शापादपि शरादपि ।। Meaning : Parshuram who is well-versed with the four Vedas and sports the bow and arrow upon his back, that is the one who has the radiance of both the Brahman and the Kshatriya, will destroy the evil doers either with a curse or with an arrow.
Today is the day when Bhagwaan Parshuram was born to Maharshi Jamdagni and Mother Renuka. The fifth child to the couple but the most loved and adored one.
Parshuram is said to be famous for his wrath towards the Kshatriyas and is said to have made Mother Earth free from Kshatriyas 21 times. Yes 21 times seems an exaggeration, but history tell us that He did kill 21 kshatriya kings of His time, who did not believe in the authority of the Vedas, or rather we should say that those who believed that they can fend for themselves and they cannot be questioned.
There is also a story behind Parshuram’s birth, about why did He have the qualities of a Kshatriya though born a Brahmin, but I leave it to some other time. Also there is a folklore about Him beheading His own mother on the orders of His father. I will leave it for some other day too. Am making a mention to these events of His life, as people are generally aware about these events and have genuine questions about them.
One more intriguing fact about His life is how much He lived! As He is read about in the Ramayan and Mahabharat too. And did He really exist during the ages of Ram and Krishna? Will write about it as and when He permits me to.
Today will talk about His cultural work. The extensive work that He has done to lead the humans living an animal life, to a human life. After being asked to go away by his Guru (teacher), Kashyap, He walked all His way, to what we call the Konkan region, today. The region lies between the Sahyadri mountain ranges and the Arabian Sea. It was an area inhabited by people who led an uncivilized life.
Parshuram lived amongst these people and taught them, the humane ways of living, thinking and worshipping. He moved amongst them. He loved them. He cared for them. He answered each an every small question they had. He made them change their ways of living towards a more civilised and cultured life.
It is believed that when Parshuram came to this region, He established a place to work from, known as Gokarn, which some say, is present day Goa. But one thing is for sure, that He did come here, stay her and establish the rule of Dharma in this region. Hence, this region is befittingly called the “Parshuram Kshetra” (the land of Parshuram).
Along with Parshuram, came many Brahmins from the Trihotra area and settled down with Him. They assisted Him in his work and their lineage still exists called the “Chitpavan” Brahmins. Chitpavan means the ones whose minds are pure. There is also one more meaning to the word which means “pure from the pyre”. They are believed to have risen from the ashes of the pyre which took Parshuram to His final destination.
On this day of His birth, we not only bow down to the Great Parshuram but also need to acknowledge the work He has done to uplift humanity.
We bow down to Bhagwaan Parshuram, the killer of evil and the protector of goodness.
The director of Tom and Jerry series and Popeye, the sailor man, Gene Deitch, passed away yesterday.my generation will always be grateful to him and his work, which made us smile, laugh and roll on the floor watching his work.
Vashi – Navi Mumbai and Thane creeks are now flooded with them. Just sharing a few pics…
Initiate our souls into the light Flamingo yes your hue is burning bright Your colors lighting up the night We migrate out of darkness within you
Enlighten us to heal our weary hearts To be with love and never to depart Appreciating brand new starts Your beauty resonates us deep within
We want nothing more than with you to be free To fly away from stress along with thee Our wings could only hope to grow As beautiful as yours unfold You are the breath of freshened air Our spirits call to breathe repair
In my memory of you I see poise Noticing your stance without a noise Perfectly still you are seen Tranquil in life’s pond so serene
As we pass through to become in ourselves Teach us how to become nothing else Than the magnetic beautiful creatures Spirit designed with every feature
We are a gift to the flowing Always coming always going There never seems to be enough Time in the universe thereof To take a moment to enjoy And therefore we destroy
This is an ode to your sweet nature A song of love and light not danger A memory we are creating A vibrant show of figure skating
In the circle of acceptance now Our wings are rising up to bow Take in the scenery with deepened breath Never afraid of shaking hands with death
For we are peaceful and at rest Knowing we always do our best A true beginning has no end Drinking from life as we befriend The journey of our soul path In a spiritual rose bath
The country of Switzerland light up its Matterhorn mountain in the Alps range with the flag of India to express its solidarity with the citizens of India in their fight against COVID-19.
Thank you Switzerland for standing with us!
It also projected the flags of a few other countries which I share herewith.
One of the five main acharyas in India, the other being Aadi Shankaracharya, Madhvacharya, Nimbakacharya and Ramanujacharya.
Vallabha means “dear one“.
Born today, that is the 11th day of the dark half of lunar month of Chaitra at Champaranya.
Son of Illamma and Lakshman Bhatta.
People say that His was a still birth so his parents left Him under a tree wrapped in white clothes. Later Shree Krishna appeared in their dreams to tell them that it is He who has arrived in this form and is well alive. The bewildered parents rushed back to the place to find the kid alive.
Studied Vedas at a very young age and earned the title of “Baal Saraswati“. Participated in many debates and earned the titles of “Acharya” and “Jagadguru” at the age of 12.
Later travelled throughout India, not once, not twice but thrice to explain Krishna bhakti and spread Vaishnavism.
He gave discourses on Bhagwat at 84 different places known as “Baithakji” (seats of learning) today. These “Baithakji’s” still have a relevance for all the practising Vaishnavas even today and a visit to any Baithakji is a divine experience. Every Vaishnava wishes to visit all the 84 places once in his life time.
Later, in Gokul he initiated his first disciple and laid the foundations of what we know today as Pushtimarg (Path of Grace). He made the first Vaishnava by giving / teaching him the important “Brahma Sambandh” (Realisation of a person’s relation with the Almighty).
He gave the mantra, “Shree Krishna Sharanam Mamah” (श्री कृष्ण शरणं ममः) to Surdasji and initiated him to the Vaishnavaite fold. We all know Surdas through his devotional songs which he has sung for the Lord Incarnate. The mantra itself explains complete devotion to Lord Krishna.
“SHARANAM” means to offer oneself to the wish of God. To believe that it is only Krishna who can take care of oneself. To believe that He operates our life and full submit oneself to Him and become His instrument.
He took Samaadhi at a very young age of 52 into the waters of the Ganges at Kashi.
His work “Madhurashtakam” is a lucid yet romantic version for Shrinathji, the deity at Nathdwara. In it, He glorifies Shrinathji and all His activities, ending every verse with the line “Madhuradhipate Akhilam Madhuram” (every act of the Lord is madhur). Madhur as a noun means sweet, tender, full; as an adjective means melodious, beautiful, sweet.
Many of His works are still being read and His followers are still trying to understand what the Acharya has written.
He talks about God being in the form of a child. He has hence asked Vaishnavas to worship the “Baal Krishna” (Krishna in child form). And treat the Lord as a child. As we fulfill all the wishes of the children, we should fulfill all the wishes of the Lord. The devotees express their love for the Lord by acts of giving Him a bath and feeding Him and making Him sleep. The tradition of 8 Darshans, from Mangala (Rising) to Shayan (Sleeping) are started by Vallabhacharyaji. The significance of these 8 darshans is that the Lord is just like us. He is no different and so we need not be afraid of Him, rather as He is a child, shower Him with all the love we can.Such a personality is called the Mahaprabhu.
Our seer’s called him so meaning He is the greatest amongst the Gods. Revered Pandurang Shastriji Athavale explains it in his own simple way that “Jo Bhagwaan ko milne bulaaye aur Bhagwaan ko aana pade, aise jo log hain unhe Mahaprabhu kehte hain”, (the Lord upon being called, is compelled to come to meet, such is a Mahaprabhu)
On this day of Varuthini Ekadashi, I bow down to this anshavataar and during these days hope that we all will chant the mantra he gave to this world “Shree Krishna Sharanam Mamah”.
My Bhabhi shared these pics and I couldnt stop myself from sharing with you all… A poem on Tulips at the end to lift up our mood…
Tulip Gradens of Srinagar…
You didn’t care much for Easter or for flowers for that matter yet I went to the store and bought a bouquet of pink and yellow tulips.
Now here I stand in the midday sun my shaking fingers clutching the long green stems, as a warm, slow tear drips off my chin. I kneel down and set the flowers down next to the temporary sign that holds your name, wondering again why I even bothered.
I grab a handful of the dirt that now hugs your body and cringe at the thought of you laying just feet below me. I can’t help but wish that you were here.
A day before you gave you words, a form of prayer,
I felt as if the God has taken a form, in their flair…
“I create” is what You trust and believe in the most,
And “I will come again” when the world is way lost,
The above two phrases are not just words alone,
But the drive to do HIS work, as it is my own…
A very spontaneous flow of words which just flowed through the mind, and I have just written it the way the words shaped up. No editing, no correcting, so it might sound raw, but I dont want to change a word, as it has come from within.
My dear friends, the world is passing through a very bad phase, when we are fighting against our own selves, as these viruses are also allegedly man made. Don’t know where this fight will lead us to, as it is too early to take a call.
One thing is for sure, it can be fought only with Prayer.
The symbolic language of the crucification is the death of the old paradigm, resurrection is the leap into a whole new way of thinking…
– Deepak Chopra
The moon and stars they wept The morning sun was dead The Savior of the world was fallen His body on the cross His blood poured out for us The weight of every curse upon Him
One final breath He gave As Heaven looked away The Son of God was laid in darkness A battle in the grave The war on death was waged The power of hell forever broken
Today is Good Friday. The day when the Son of God gave up his life for the betterment of humankind. Just yesterday was the Holy Thursday when Jesus had his last supper with his disciples and spoke about his imminent death. He was treacherously caught that day night itself and produced before the Pilate. Religious leaders insisted on Jesus’s crucification and relenting to this pressure, the Pilate agreed. Jesus was crucified today. His last words “God, Forgive them, for they know not what they do“, are enough to explain his love for humankind. We all know that Death is no good thing, rather it’s a sorrowful parting. But Jesus gave his life for the good of many, so it is called Good Friday.
Lets remember Jesus Christ throughout the day.
Let’s His thoughts and deeds be a guiding force of our lives.
Let His love soothe the mankind during these days and give us the strength to stay strong and come out of this pandemic
Will end with my favourite school prayer…
Our Father, Who art in heaven, Hallowed be Thy Name. Thy Kingdom come. Thy Will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
Meaning : I bow down to Hanumaan and ask for His protection, the one who was born of Anjani Mata, one who is the best amongst the Vanars, a very able minister and most loved by Shree Ram.
I have purposely not translated Vanar as monkey as people would literally do. As I have already clarified in my blogs before that according to Sanskrit grammar, the word Vanar can be broken up as Va + Nar, meaning the one who has a doubt about being a Human. Nar here is used in context with being Human and not just to signify a male.
We have been trying to understand the various qualities about being the messenger of God. (Ramdoot). Today we take up Hanuman’s quality of being a minister.
He has been an advisor to King Sugreeva. A King who was banished from His Kingdom by his brother, Vali. Hanuman as a minister, true to his oath, stayed with Sugreeva, even during his period of banishment. He used to guide Sugreeva on all important matters.
Sugreeva’s friendship with Ram is a long term vision of Hanuman. It was Hanuman who met Ram and Laxman in the forests, when they were searching for Sita, who was abducted by Ravan. The dialogue between Hanuman and Ram needs to be read, understood and implemented in life, which Valmiki has written. At that moment, Hanuman invites Ram to meet Sugreeva, suggesting that the Vanar King can help Ram in His pursuit for Sita.
Hanuman, then tells Sugreeva to make friends with Ram and Sugreeva trusting him fully, does so. This friendship of Ram and Sugreeva goes so long, that when Shree Ram enters Sarayu river to end His Avtaar, Sugreeva too rushes to Ayodhya and enters Sarayu, after Him. At that time too, Sugreeva leaves Prince Angad in the care of Hanuman. Such is the love and trust, that Hanuman commanded.
Will also share the links of my previous blogs so you all can read them too.
Wishing you all a very Happy Hanuman Jayanti.
Let us all be determined like Hanuman who knows only Ram in his life.
Let us all be dedicated like Haanuman who knows only the work of Ram in his life.
Let us all be disciplined like Hanuman who has chanted only the name of Ram in his life.
But the one who is brave, can kill, yet forgives is Mahaveer.
I wish all my readers a very Happy Mahaveer Jayanti.
Mahaveer
– an apostle of Non Violence (Ahimsa)
– an apostle of Non attachment (Aparigraha)
– an apostle of Non stealing (Asteya)
– a proponent of Truthfulness (Satya)
– a proponent of Chastity (Brahmacharya)
A great soul born to King Siddhartha and Queen Trishaladevi of the Ikshvaku dynasty. He was called Vardhamaan, as his birth brought lots of wealth and name to his father’s kingdom.
He lived a prince’s life. He married Yashodhara and had a daughter from her, Priyadrashana.
He renounced life at an early age of around 30 and left all the attachments, even clothes. It is said that he took just a piece of cloth on renunciation and that too during the journey through the woods tore of and was entangled in the thorny bushes. He became “Digambara” (one whose clothes are the directions of the sky).
He performed severe penance for 12 years and attained Keval Gnan (blissful knowledge) before he gave his first Deshna. In total it is said that he gave total 55 pravachans in his life as an ascetic and He travelled the breadth and width of India. His final teachings (sermons given on the last 6 days of his life) are still studied by the munis of the Jain order.
There is a story that He was bit by, Chandkaushik, the serpent. But instead of bleeding blood, he bled milk. Let us understand this with a historical perspective. Mahaveer was moving through a jungle, which the people living around, asked Him not to enter as it was inhabited with the people who poisoned people who entered their home. They called themselves the ‘Nag’ people. Chandkaushik was their head. When he saw Mahaveer entering the jungle, he followed Him and at an appropriate time he tried to poison Mahaveer. But the poison had no effect on Mahaveer. Bhagwaan Mahaveer then reached out to these people and gave them love and warmth. And they took refuge in Him.
There is an another incident where it is said that a person hammered nails into Mahaveer’s ears as a part of the fruits of the Karma, Mahaveer had done in his lives before. Now I dont doubt this incident at all. But the youth today is a little sceptic about it. It is very simple, the person must have abused Mahaveer in a very bad way and the words must have felt as iron nails being pierced into His ears.
At the age of 72, he attained Nirvana (liberation of the soul from the law of karma and life after death). A Jal Mandir exists even today in Pawapuri, in Bihar where he attained Nirvana. It is a very revered place of pilgrimage for Jains.
Let us also understand that Mahaveer did not start the Jain Dharma. He just carry forward the legacy of the 23 Teerthankara’s before him, from Adinath also known as Rishabhdev to Parshvanath. But it seems that He reached out to the masses and Jain thought came to be established as a Dharma.
Mahaveer’ s legacy was carried forward by the word of mouth by his 11 disciples called the Gandhara’s. They spread His thought far and wide. Many of His works are lost and a few which remain are a part of the Jain Agamas, which were compiled later.
Bhagwaan Mahaveer has shown us a path to live in harmony with nature. He is also one of the persons whom we can emulate in our lives, in these trying times. His way of thinking, living are an ideal to not only the people who follow Him, but also to the people who do not know Him. This blog is just a small introduction to a great life, which lived on earth centuries before.
Siddhivinayak Temple, MumbaiAnother pic from the same templeThe PMHe lights a lampHe stares and praysMahant Swami MaharajTejendraprasadji, Acharya Koshalendraprasadji, Lalji Maharaj Vrajendraprasadji…Ratan Tata SirMy House WindowThe view from my balconyMy SocietyRNA Complex, KandivaliRNA Complex – 2GirgaonDubaiDubai – 2Jawans at the borderSome imagination!!!
Every Indian household, which considers itself cultured, lights a diya in the evening at their homes. Our Vedic Sanskriti has always been the worshipper of radiance, worshipper of Light.
Today we all will light the lamps adhering to signify the triumph of light over darkness. But at the same time, if we continue doing what is not expected from us in these times, like as a citizen not to follow the rules strictly of Social Distancing and Lockdown, or just forwarding messages without checking their truthfulness or even admonishing about things not within our ambit of understanding, then will this lightening of the diyas help?
Let us follow Social Distancing at its strictest level. The next few days, weeks or maybe even months are times to be alert, vigilant and disciplined. Our country doesnt expect anything else. Can we not reciprocate?
Let us stay at home. Spend time with family and self. These are the days of self assessment and improving the understanding about ourselves. Can we not do this for ourselves.
Let us learn to respect nature. Let us learn to live together with all the living creatures however small and large. Have been receiving and seeing videos of rare birds being seen in cities nowadays. Can we not create an environment where we can coexist?
Let us believe in God. For it is Him, who takes care of everyone of us. It is difficult to accept these times as His care, but when we dwell deeply, we might understand His way of teaching.
Let us enjoy these times. Be positive. Be healthy. And let’s keep away from all the negativity in this world. And move together towards the best world we can create together.
Just heard the Prime Minister, Mr Narendra Modi, asking citizens to light up a diya, torch, cell phone flash or a torch on 5th April, 2020, at 9pm for 9 minutes. Spend time with oneself and think about 130 crores of faces of the children of Maa Bharti.
Am instantly reminded of a poetry written by the former Prime Minister, Shri Atal Bihari Vaypayee, so sharing the lyrics with you all…
भरी दुपहरी में अँधियारा, सूरज परछाई से हारा भरी दुपहरी में अँधियारा, सूरज परछाई से हारा अंतरतम का स्नेह निचोड़े अंतरतम का स्नेह निचोड़े, बुझी हुई बाती सुलगायेआओ फिर से दिया जलाये… आओ फिर से दिया जलाये… आओ फिर से दिया जलाये…
हम पड़ाव को समझे मंज़िल हम पड़ाव को समझे मंज़िल, लक्ष्य हुआ आंखों से ओझल वर्तमान के मोहजाल में वर्तमान के मोहजाल में आने वाला कल ना भुलायेआओ फिर से दिया जलाये… आओ फिर से दिया जलाये… आओ फिर से दिया जलाये…
आहुति बाकी, यज्ञ अधूरा, अपनों के विघ्नों ने घेरा आहुति बाकी, यज्ञ अधूरा, अपनों के विघ्नों ने घेरा अंतिम जय का वज़्र बनाने अंतिम जय का वज़्र बनाने नव दधीचि हड्डियां गलाएँआओ फिर से दिया जलाएँ… आओ फिर से दिया जलाएँ… आओ फिर से दिया जलाएँ…….
Readers, Friends, please read this poem, understand the meaning as it sounds exactly written for this situation.
Rama valued his father’s pride more than his own pain & defended his father’s honor that haters tried to stain. He embarked on journey with no hate in his brain For his divine loyalty drained out the feeling of disdain.
When the people witnessed him depart It broke them & torn their souls apart. Yet they realized Rama’s magisterial art When he said, that he lives in everyone’s heart.
Though he was unjustly treated by his stepmother His heart still melted with affection for his brother. For they mutually respected one another & this brotherly love no cruel conspiracy could smother.
Rama’s spiritual values till this day we celebrate Because even though he was victimized by his unforgiving fate Yet on his shoulders he carried his responsibilities‘ weight & with integrity he conquered all kinds of hate.
– Sidharth Jain, New Delhi
The poem beautifully enumerates the topic. Feel what can I write after all these words. I should be grateful to my brother from Delhi, who took time out, to write this, even though he didn’t want to. He shared that he did it out of respect for me, but I very well know and believe that Ram residing in his heart has made him do this.
Ram, the name itself gives goosebumps to millions of his followers.
Ram, the name itself gives one the confidence to win in every battle.
Ram, the name itself instills arouses passion for the Motherland.
But today I want to talk about Ram as an ideal son. Will not describe the events described in the poem as they are self explanatory. But will talk about संतान।
सम्यक् तनोति इति संतान। A child is one who carries forward the goals of parents.
And we can see the same characteristics in Ram. His forefathers King Aja, King Raghu, his own father King Dasrath have all lived their lives for the betterment and development of society. It is said that even the Devas, used to ask them for their help. Similarly Ram too, has worked towards development of society as a whole. The 14 years spent in exile were for the upliftment of the people who lived a uncivilized life. Fighting with the Rakshasas, who felt that spending uncivilized way of life is the only aim in life, is just a small part of the exile. Historically, all the events of abducting of Sita, meeting the Vanars, the Ram Ravan war, took place in the last 14 – 16 months of exile. So the question arises what did Ram do for the initial period? He, like his forefathers, lived amongst the uncivilized people and developed relations with them. He spent time with them and slowly but steadily made them understand the basic tenets of a cultured life. Led them to the path of civilisation.
Similarly like his forefathers, he always gave respect to the words of the Rishis. When Vishwamitra came to Dasrath to ask for Ram, to fight of the Rakshashas who were disrupting their yadnya. Dashrath, a father denies. But it is Ram who reminds him of his duties and expresses his willingness to go with the Rishi.
Ram is a very obediant son. He never questions his parents. When his father told him that he would be crowned the King, he agreed. The next day, when Dasrath banished him to exile, he agreed. He did not argue. Rishi Valmiki notes that there was not even a minute change in his expression in both the instances. He is always ready to do as his father tells him too.
I dont want to make this blog a long read, by writing many such instances from Ram’s life. But would sure love as always to raise questions to make everyone of us think.
Will we listen to what our father says, even if it is against our wishes?
Will we still command the same respect for our mother who for some reason strip us off our powers?
Will we complete every wish of our parents even if it means giving up our lives?
Let us all try to find genuine answers to these questions as devotees and followers of Ram. On this day of Ram Navmi, if we can sit back (lockdown days) and think and find answers to the above questions, then I do not think, India would need an old age home, anytime in near history.
Wishing you and your families a very Happy Ram Navmi.
May Lord Ram bless the world and lead us to light from these dark days of the pandemic.
Let’s understand it in today’s context. The lockdown will not be forever, so let’s wait for the best. Patience and Perseverence are important at this moment.
Tathastu! A blessing from God. Every now and then people line up at His residence to ask for something. To correct something. To change something. And while asking, we forget whether the thing we are asking for is truly needed or our asking is out of just boredom.
My Elder brother and Spiritual Master His Divine Holiness, Pandurang Shashtriji Athavale (Dadaji) always tell us during his discourses that think before you ask. Because if by chance God accepts your wish and says Tathastu, you do not know the consequences of it.
Friends, today while reading a message I was again reminded of this. Will share the message first with you all.
This qurantine is Gods way of accepting a ton of wishes of:
Kids: Can we have no school and play all day? – Tathastu
Women: can we have the undivided attention of my husband who works so hard?- Tathastu
Husbands: I’m sick of this traffic and commuting i wish i cud stay at home and work n Get paid – Tathastu
Working Moms: I wish I could spend some quality time with my kids and relax – Tathastu
Students: I wish i wouldnt have to study for my exams? – Tathastu
Old Parents: Wish our kids could spend more time with us rather than being busy everyday? – Tathastu
Employee: Hate my job, i need a break.- Tathastu
Employers: Have no life, wish could sit home and watch TV – Tathastu
Mother Earth: I cant breathe, i wish I could get a break from all this pollution and chaos – Tathastu
Think about in today’s context and let’s all now think what all have we asked from Him.
Shouldn’t we think before asking for something?
How deep and futuristic should we be before asking?
Why should we ask when all our basic needs are being satisfied?
Friends resting, relaxing and playing at home, let’s all think about such small things in life too.
Wishing all my friends, students, fellow bloggers and their families a very Happy New Year on occasion of Gudhi Padwa, Ugadi, Yugadi, Navreh (Kashmir) and Cheti Chaand.
The day, when :
Brahma (The Creator) created the world. It is believed that after the deluge, Brahma, recreated the world. The time restarted.
Rama returned to Ayodhya, from exile, alongwith Seeta and Laxmana, and people hoisted Gudhi’s outside their houses to welcome them.
Shalivahan defeated the Huns and returned to Paithan, his capital.
As it is considered an auspicious day, (one mauhurat amongst the 3 and a half auspicious mahurats), it is said thatShivaji along with his Mavlas began his conquest for a Hindavi Swaraj.
Today, I want to talk about Shalivahan, the great Satvahan King. A few thousand years back, after Gazni had invaded and looted and plundered India, the Huns entered India. They were just interested in two things. Women and Gold. They were considered amongst the most uncivilized people, then. They faced no or little resistance when they entered India and so entered deeper and deeper and reached Central India.Here they faced the first big resistance. It was from none other than the Satvahan King Shalivahan. He invigorated his soldiers and forced the Huns back to their country. He emerged victorious and returned back to Paithan. People welcomed him by hoisting Gudi’s outside their houses.
(There is another version of historical events, wherein it is said that Shalivahan defeated the mighty Vikramaditya and returned to Paithan. I leave upto my reader to decide his/her own version)
But the question which comes to everyone’s mind is that every king, to expand his kingdom attacks another kingdom, and one of them would surely emerge victorious. So what is so big that an entire calendar was started in Shalivahan’s name?
As I said above, that Shalivahan defeated the Huns. The folklore says that the people of his kingdom had heard about the exploits of the Huns and were not ready to fight them, fearing their ferocity. Shalivahan, then made these mud doll soldiers (mud dolls made into soldiers) and brought them to life and led them into the war to defeat the Huns.
Now this sounds mythological and against scientific temperament. And I agree.We need to understand our history with a right perspective. The people were not ready to fight. They were mentally not prepared to fight. They had become doll like, just did their routine work and tried to live happily. They didn’t want any problems in their lives. Shalivahan toured his Kingdom, talked to his people and motivated them to lift up arms to defend their motherland. The people trusted their King and his will to defeat the enemies. So they with this new found vigour fought against the Huns and emerged victorious. The citizens of Paithan welcomed their brave King by hoisting Gudhi’s outside their houses.
The Gudhi signifies Brahmadwaj. Sometimes it is also referred to as Indradhwaj. Gudhi is a bright colorful silk scarf-like cloth tied at the top of a long bamboo. On top of it, one or more boughs ofneemleaves and mango leaves are attached along with a garland of flowers. This arrangement is capped with a silver, bronze or copper pot (handiorkalash) signifying victory or achievement. The whole arrangement is hoisted outside each household, typically to the right, or through a window or terrace and will be visible to everyone passing by. Gudhi is believed to ward off evil, invite prosperity and good luck into the house.
The delicacies cooked at home on this day is just the one which blends with the season of Spring. And we all wait to just get back him to nourish them.
Today is a day when the lockdown has begun. On the New Year Day, we are all at home.
Let’s plan to do something which is good for everyone of us in the family.
Let us decide one thing that we all will sit together in the evening and pray to God for the well being of Mankind. Ram Navmi is coming up, if we all know, we can chant Ram Raksha Stotram together.
Let us study our history, culture and Sanskruti.
Let us understand the importance of values and try to imbibe them in our lives. It is said that it takes 21 days to inculcate an habit. We have 21 days. Let’s decide and try to get one good valuable habit into our lives.
Again wishing you all a very Happy New Year and a Happy Chaitri Navratri.
I know that the vegetable markets in the morning have been full with people and the media is showing it till now. I understand the danger associated with it and in no way support it.
But at the same time there is a part of Mumbai which is usually crowded but today listening to the PM and the CM, people have abandoned these places. They look so beautiful, empty. Sharing a few pics for your eyes.
Dont know who the photographer/s is, but dedicated to the photographer/s… Thank you so much for making our day.
Air India Building, Nariman PointAsiatic Library, Old Customs HouseMarine DriveGirgaon ChowpatyGateway of IndiaNariman PointChhatrapati Shivaji TerminusHutatma ChowkMantralayHotel Taj, Gateway of IndiaRajabai TowerThe docksKoliwadaChurchgate StationLifeline of Mumbai
It’s a treat to see all these monuments in this manner. We have so many good things around us which we fail to notice, but today let’s sit back and enjoy every such small thing.
And then thinking in today’s context. The world today is realising that am a living being. I am a mere mortal. I can die. And this fear of death has led to the rise of Humanism.
I know I have exaggerated a bit, but atleast people today have realised the importance of living and life. Ask people from Italy, Iran or USA, where many have lost their dear ones and are constantly living in the fear of death. The complete lockdown has made people live with families and in isolation, we all do think Who am I?
नाऽहं पशु, अहं मनुष्यः। (Am not an animal, am an human).
When Aristotle said that “Man is by nature a social animal, an individual who is unsocial naturally and not accidentally is either beneath our notice or more than human. Society is something that precedes the individual. Anyone who either cannot lead the common life or is so self-sufficient as not to need to, and therefore does not partake of society, is either a beast or a God.”, we didn’t understand it. But today in the times of social distancing we suddenly realise what he meant.
The question which comes to my mind is that are we truly social, in it’s TRUE sense? When we have to save ourselves and the society as a whole from this dreaded virus and stop it from spreading, we have started acting selfish. I can understand that when a person sees death in from of him, he will try to save himself first. But it isn’t that way. Death is not the end of this disease. It is curable through isolation. Can we not isolate ourselves and perform our social duty?
Was Aristotle wrong with his conclusion? Not at all. Even animals isolate themselves for many reasons like for reproduction, due to geographical distances, ecological reasons and many more. It is for their survival and propagation of their species. Then can we not as rational animals, (we boast that we can think, reason) do the same for a few days, as the administration guides us.
Well, these are the days to spend in family isolation and think
Who we are?
How are we related?
Are we living upto our relations?
Are we truly a family person?
So in the coming days let’s move a step in this direction and also speed up the quest for finding out Who am I?
THANK YOU DEAR CARONA, जरूरी था तुम जैसों का डर होना।
मानव बनाकर उस खुदा ने भेजा था इस जग में, पता ना चला मशीन बना कब खुद से दूर हुआ मैं । दौड़ भाग करते-करते , इस दिल को तो था, पत्थर होना ।। THANK YOU DEAR CARONA जरूरी था तुम जैसों का डर होना ।
सब घबराएं तुमसे, जबकी अदृश्य हो तुम भी , हर पल यही सोचूं थम ना जाएं सांसें मेरी भी। भान ना रहा कभी मुझको कैसे होता है मेरा जगना और सोना।। THANK YOU DEAR CARONA, जरूरी था तुम जैसों का डर होना।।
नहीं जरूरत आज किसी की, और ना ही था जरूरी कुछ भी, खुद से आज मिला हूं मैं, बंद करके खीड़की और दरवाजे भी। आज मिला है वक्त अपनों में हंसने का , तो फिर काहे को रोना। THANK YOU DEAR CARONA. जरूरी था तुम जैसों का डर होना।।.
– Shivkumar Singh, Saki Naka, Andheri.
A poem written by my friend explaining our situation right now. At the same time seeing the positive side in the last stanza. The time to spend with oneself and with ones family. A much needed thing in our life of running after money, career and enjoyment.
Actually the enjoyment is in staying with the family. Am at home from last 5 days and am literally understanding what I have missed. I realise that my sons have grown big and they have started understanding a lot of things. We are playing and watching plays / movies together.
Yesterday played the game Mahabharat. A well made game with a lot to learn. We could just play for 2 hours but it was a learning experience for all of us. It’s a board game but not made on the lines of Business or Monopoly. It’s a complete different game where a maximum of 6 players can play. One learns about the different characters of Mahabharat as well as the different incidences which have occurred during that time. A much needed game in these times. A big shout out to “Lotus Light Publications” for making this board game
At 5pm, with the whole of India, we too clapped and rang our ‘thalis’ in appreciation of the medical staff and the people who run essential services. In these tough times, they are still working for us to keep our lives moving. It was an exhilarating experience to see everyone in their windows standing, clapping, appreciating and expressing their gratefulness. The idea of the Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, has instilled a feeling of being one, Indianness, amongst all. Even the strongest of his critics have applauded Mr.Modi’s skill to get people together.
The idea of Janta Curfew itself was a beautiful thought which people followed and implemented to the fullest. I too stayed in the house from midnight to today morning 9am. It is an experience where I too learnt many things with my family. Doing small things and helping wife with small things is a good experience.
Hope you all are doing fine and take care of your health.
Let us be one in this fight against this dreaded disease.
Let us understand the importance of being together.
Let us live our lives with our families and spend the best time of our lives…
The whole world is on a virtual lockdown phase. We too, in India, are going through “Janta Curfew” today. To fight the dreaded disease, let us all come together.
Let us appreciate the people who work and operate essential services as well as the Medicos who aren’t caring for their lives, for our lives.
Indian first 
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