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- Saints contribution towards Dasa Sahitya
Yathi (Saints) contribution towards Dasa Sahitya Vedas are said to be apauruṣeya, which means “authorless" praising Supreme Lord qualities and is never ending. Out of four vedas, Sama veda is of rhythmic chants, so in one way we can consider dasa sahitya with no beginning or end. For the benefits of devatas, rishis, kings, humans to realize their goals according to their nature, Lord Narayana in Sri Vyasa form compiler of Vedas, Mahabharata, Sutras, Puranas, Bhagavatas is the first and foremost of all gurus to reach supreme using musical melodies to the entire universe. “Geetha Govinda” is shining example of such melodies to enrich Hari bhakti among sat jivas. Subsequently, many other saints followed Lord Vyasa and composed melodious songs as part of their granthas or stotras, which helped even layperson to chant and get the benefits. Out of many saints in the past, Acharya Madhva’s and his followers had maximum contribution to Hari dasa sahitya, without which bhakti movement might not have survived. Example of Sri Madhvacharya’s contribution to Haridasa sahitya started at his early age composed Kanduka stuti while playing ball with rhythm of throw up and down. Most famous dasa sahitya of Acharya – Dvadasa Stotra, which is sung even now continuously for 700+ years in every Madhva mutt and home while offering food to Lord, believed to have music melodies with intrinsic meaning to praise Lord Hari to remove impurities and poison to be fit for consumption. During 13th and 14th century, when Northern India was already under Muslim rule, the people who were practicing sanatana dharma were cruelly punished by Muslim kings, in Karnataka prominent Hindu kings under Vijayanagara Empire started patronizing Haridasa movement that became as strong spiritual force helping a resurgence of a strong Hindu sentiment in Southern India. The Haridasas' who propagated the philosophy of Madhvacharya belonged to two groups - the Dasakuta, those who conveyed the philosophy of Madhvacharya in simple and lucid Kannada to the masses, and the Vyasakuta, those who were required to be proficient in the Vedas, Upanishads and other Darshana (scriptures). This is the greatest contribution in the history of India to imbibe culturally integrated and spiritually connected society till now. Let us see a glimpse of contribution by great saints of Haridasa family: Sri Narahari Tirtha contribution to Hari Dasa Sahitya in Kannada: One of the direct disciples of Acharya Madhva, Sri Narahari Tirtha, who is multifaceted saint and minister of Kalinga (Odissa), being is non-Kannada origin is considered as progenitor of Haridasa cult in Kannada language both in songs and dance art form. He penned songs and hymns, mostly containing the teachings of Madhva in simplified terms and set to music in the vernacular Kannada language. Traditionally, Sri Narahari is also considered to be the founder of Yakshagana and Bayalaata, a dance form which still practiced in parts of Karnataka and Kasargod in present-day Kerala. Though many Kannada songs are attributed to his marvel, only three songs are discovered until today, and being sung even now due to its profound meaning and enhancing the Hari bhakti: 'yanthu marulade nanenthu' meaning - how deluded have I become how deluded.... 'hariye idu sariye..' - meaning Hari is this proper 'tiliko ninnologe neene..' meaning knowing within thyself. With his signature/ankita "Narahari" or "Narahari Raghupathi", sow the seed for Hari dasa movement in kannada started to grow steadily, with other saints following this route. The main objective of Sri Narahari Tirtha was to take the tatva vada of Sri Madhvacharya ( Madhva Siddhanta ) to the masses through a literary medium in lucid native language to purport the true knowledge of vedas and scriptures for emancipation. His contribution as founder to Hari dasa moment has to be ever revered. Sri Padaraja Contribution: Sripadaraja (1406-1504) considered as continuing founder of Haridasa moment authored songs in kannada, squeezing the essence of scriptures for the benefits of common people. Sri Sripadaraja who presided over the matha at Mulbagal in Kolar District, Karnataka, is credited with the invention of the suladi musical structure by reorganizing the Taala system from out of the numerous Desi Taalas (rhythmic patterns) that are still in use. He categorized the Taala under seven categories (Suladi sapta taala), each with a fixed number of counts: dhruva (14), matya (10), rupaka (6), jampa (10), triputa (aadi) (7), ata (14), and eka (4). The counts were measured in terms of Laghu (of one matra duration- notionally to utter four short syllables) and Dhruta (half that of Laghu). He also provided scope for extending these counts (virama) by adding a quarter duration of a Laghu. It appears; two other Taalas (jhompata, a Desi Taala and Raganamatya from folk traditions) were also in use. He has influenced both Carnatic music and Hindustani music through his 133 compositions along with several kirtanas. His songs and hymns were written under the mudra of Ranga Vitthala. As one of the infamous devanagiri hymns on Sri Hari Vayu (calling out glories of Sri Madhva and his incarnations) by Sri Trivikrama Pandita is said to be recited by men only, as its utterance can cause negative effects to female, Sripadaraja composed Sri Madhvanama in Kannada for mahila/ladies, is chanted by most women today in Madhva houses are blessed with similar phala (benefits). A few of compositions samples of Sripadaraja shows us his unconditional bhakti and care for us: In song na-ninegenu-beduvudilla-yanna, saint describes the use of senses to get blessing of Lord Hari. In song bhaktibeku-virakti-beku, Saint says what things are required from Lord to lead a blissful life. In song kangalidyatako-kaveri-rangana, Saint beautifully describes Sri Ranganatha temple in comparison with Vaikunta, this is for us to know the holiness of Sri Ranganatha shetra and benefits. In song jo-jo-jo-jo-jo-ranghadhama, Saint remembers a few deeds of Lord in his dasa-avataras roopas and sings a lullaby to Sri Ranganatha swamy for his yoga nithra/conscious resting. This purpose of this song is for us to remember Lord’s avatara to avoid any bad dreams and thoughts. Sripadaraja was the advisor of Saluva Narasimha Deva Raya of Vijayanagara Empire and was vidya guru for Sri Vyasaraja tirtha. Sri Vyasaraja tirtha contribution: Sri Vyasatirtha (c. 1460 – c. 1539) being ardent student of Sripadaraja, structured Haridasas in to Dasa kutas and Vyasa kutas, being instrumental to take Haridasa movement established by his guru to grass roots of society. Sri Vyasatirtha reign is golden age of Haridasa and had massive growth of vaishanava sampradhaya across India. All Carnatic singers in the world are indebted to Sri Vyasatirtha, as he himself being composer and is the initiator of dasa sahitya through Carnatic pitamaha Sri Purandara Dasa, who has given millions of songs for his credits. He being ardent devotee of Sri Madhva, demonstrated that Sanatana dharma is only religion that provides equal importance according to their deeds and not on caste, by inducting famous Sri Kanakadasa in Hari dasa family. Sri Vyasatirtha with his prolific intelligence, knowledge, bakthi, administrative power, teacher and also minister to largest empire of that time, has composed 29 songs with his signature Ankita “Krishna”. It is believed whenever he sings, Lord Krishna will appear in front of him, sometime dancing to his songs. Each song creates ecstasy among Hari baktas for five centuries and continuing. Most significant of them are a few as below: Krishna Ni Begane Baaro – when Sri Vyasaraja requests, Lord Krishna instantly appears, from then composer starts describing the roopa in rest of the song. Ranga Banda – Sri Vyasaraja calls all the people to get divya darshana of Lord Krishna who appears in brindavana and describers . Jaya Vaayu Hanumantha – Sri Vyasaraja describes how Vayu deva does seva as Hanumantha to Lord Rama, Bhima to Sri Krishna, Sri Madhva to Sri Hari (Vedavyasa). Idhu Balu Sukha – Sri Vyasaraja says that none other than Lord Krishna’s feet can bring in eternal happiness and joy moment by destroying all sins. Olaga Sulabhavo – Sri Vyasaraja asks is it easy to get his blessings? Gives examples of Dhruva, Prahlada and Sitadevi getting His blessings to attain Sri Krishna’s lotus feet by their unperturbed devotion. He was inspirational to many of his disciples in Vyasa kuta (yati Parampara) which resulted in most of them followed his footsteps in composing many songs in Kannada. The prominent among them were Sri Vijendra tirtha, Sri Vadiraja swamy and others. Sri Vadiraja Swamy contributions Sri Vadiraja Swamy – student of Sri Vyasatirtha, penned hymns and songs in Kannada to strongly connect with society and people, solving their day-to-day challenges by inculcating Hari Bakthi. He needs no introduction as spiritual guru with “Hayavadana” as his signature, has composed 100+ scriptures, hymns and songs that can uplift sincere devotees in their daily lives and enhance their spiritual knowledge and unconditional bakti by grace of Sri Hayagriva. Some of the songs are composed during moment of situation – for example: his composition “Shobhana vinnere” has gave life to a groom who was bit by poisonous snake in marriage. Even now this song is sung in marriages to get blessed by Sri Lakshmi Hayavadana. Kudire bandide – songs composed out his sheer joyous moment when Sri Hayavadana appears to partake his food offering. Sri Vadiraja swamy’s contribution as yati towards Hari dasa sahitya is unmatched. His compositions are so easy to understand even a lay person (men and women) who has little knowledge of Kannada to follow the meaning to lead an ethical spiritually oriented life. A pick of a few is as follows: Ekadasi nirnayaanalu samane manege – Sri Swamy says how Ekadasi to be followed, from Dasami to Dvadasi, which not only secondary benefits but getting Lord Sri Hayagriva’s blessings. Madhwaantargata vedavyaasaa – Sri Vadiraja swamy recollects Sri Veda vyasa’s life history his deeds, who is ever contemplated by Sri Madhva, requesting His grace to save us with eternal knowledge Jaya Bhimasena – This song seems to be expansion of song “Jaya Vayu Hanumantha” composed by his guru Sri Vyasaraja, describing valor of Sri Bhima. Keshava nama – Sri Vadiraja swamy beautifully blends each of 24 namas with dasaavatara roopas and their deeds. Sri Raghavendra Swamy Contributions Sri Raghavendra Swamy (1595-1671) – considered as avatara of Sri Vyasatirtha, re-ignited Hari bakthi among people by authoring kannada songs with his unbeatable musical expertise and instrumental in gracing the dasa kuta lineage (like Sri Mahipathi dasa (1611-1681), Sri Prasanna venkatadasa(1680-1752), Sri Vijayadasa (1682-1755), Sri Gopaladasa(1722-1762), Sri pannagamma Thimmana Dasa (1722-1765), Sri Jaganatha dasa(1727-1809), Sri Mohana dasa(1728-1751), Helvanakatte Giriyamma(1752-), Neekara Krishna dasa(18th century), Jayesha Vittala dasa (1850-1932)and others). While he himself has many commentaries on Sri Madhva sastra in devanagiri, he has composed two Hari dasa kritis in Kannada for the benefit of people who might not be able to understand Sanskrit and appreciate his philosophical commentaries which are of highest standards. These two songs are primarily composed with an aim to get grace of Lord Krishna and Lord Mukya Prana respectively for emancipation. He uses “Sri Venugopala” as his signature / Ankita and dedicates to Lord Venugopala sculpted by himself. Let us see the gist of songs: Indhu enage Govinda – Most famous song among the Dasa Kritis, which in praise of Lord Krishna in Udupi. In this song he brings in glory of Lord by beautifully explaining a devotees’ mindset in requesting His grace to get release from samsara /life bondage by comparing a person getting lost in the middle of deep dark forest with thorns and poisonous creatures. This song is written in lucid kannada language which can entice every true devotee and makes him realize that it is the best expression to seek grace of only savior, Lord Hari. Avatara traya Suladi – This is very rare known suladi composed by Sri Raghavendra swamy in Kannada, where it starts saying know the glory of Maruta (which is Mukhyaprana) to remove the sins. Suladi has five different poems each in different talas. Let us see only the gist of each poem: 1st poem in Dhruva tala ( Chaturasra jaati) – starts with mangalacharana on Sri Hari, Sri Devi, Sri Maruti and Sarasvati devi, continues to say how they are instrumental in embedding jeeva in body, bringing in relationship with body parts, does all action with the help of Lord Sri Venugopala. The key essence is to say Mukhya prana bring in life to everyone. 2nd poem in Matta tala ( Chaturasra-jaati) – in which Rayaru states Mukya prana does all the karmas being inside the Jeeva and supports the lively hood of every being, with the support of Lord Sri Venugopala. 3rd poem in Triputa tala (aadi tala) – In this unique poem Rayaru states about Lord Sri Venugopala being in every sound, every atom, every names, multiplies Himself in all forms and shapes in unique ways to be seen and worshipped only by Sri Lakshmi and ever be with Her in Sri Mukhya prana. 4th poem in ata tala – Rayaru in this suladi states about the Vayu avatara in this world. 5th poem in Aadi tala – Rayaru states in first avatara, Hanuman destroys are all the rakshasas (demons) as a service to Lord Rama in second avatara, Bheema kills all asuras (evil people) saves the righteous people as a service to Lord Krishna, in third avatara, Ananda tirtha wins over people who spread false narratives to derogate supreme with his commentaries to uplift sat people with right knowledge as a seva to Lord Vyasa. Saint pleads that Guru Sri Madhva to remove bad thoughts in mind, grace to instill righteous knowledge by being always in mind to remember various deeds of Sri Venugopala. 6th poem in Jata tala – is a small one as conclusion states those who always keep their mind in Pavamana feet will be blessed to get released from this worldly ties by Sri Venugopala. Authored by CA Muralidharan H, Chennai
- Importance and relevance of Angara
Importance and relevance of AngAra Out of many religious/spiritual across the world, only followers of Sri Madhva’s apply Angara in their forehead and other places in the body as prescribed by Sri Madhvacharya & sastras. Purpose of this document is to bring in clarity of why followers of Sri Madhva’s apply Angara, are there scientific reasons? Angara – Different meanings: In Sanskrit 'Angara' (आङ्गार) means 'heated' or 'warm' or 'hot coal'. Angaraka (Sanskrit) [from the verbal root ‘ag’ to move tortuously, wind (using ‘agni’); or from the verbal root ang to go] Angara is a word in ancient Sanskrit that means "the fire Within." Baikal is the largest fresh water lake in the world extending 400 miles from one tip to the other located in Russia. The waters of Lake Baikal are icy. The upper stretch of the Angara River is lined with thermal springs spewing hot water, steam and minerals. The temperature of the water is about 36-50 degrees Celsius; it is believe since the river is a very special hot-spring named as Angara. Reference of Angara in Puranas: na bhayam vidyate tasya divi bhaumAntarikshajam viShNordhUpasya sheSheNa yasyAngam ca vilepitam – Padma Purana There will be no fear on earth, sky or antariksha who has applied the dhUpa sheSha of viShNu (angAra) on his body. bhavanti sampadastasya nApadastasya dehinaH harerdattAvasheSheNa dhUpena parimArjati One who applies the angAra after offering it to Shri Hari, will be blessed with wealth and will be free from adversities. pishAchato bhayam nAsti na chorAdi bhayam kvachit shechayitvA harerdhUpam nirmAlyam pAdayorjalam deepam neerAjanam kRutvA devadevasya chakriNaH varShakoTi shatam sAgram viShNorloke maheeyate There will be no fear of devils and thieves to one who offers deepa and neerAjana, applies angAra and wears the nirmAlya of Shri Hari. Preparation of angAra AngAra, basically is a burning charcoal, which is red hot. First, dhUpa should be offered to viShNu by sprinkling dashAngam etc. on the red hot charcoal during pooja. Later it is cooled by putting it in water. It should be kept aside for applying after the completion of pooja. It is applied at all places where gopichandana (sandal paste) is applied. As per practice, Angara should be applied every day without fail. Scientific reasoning of Angara: Charcoal is a light, black residue, consisting of carbon and any remaining ash, obtained by removing water and other volatile constituents from animal and vegetation substances. Charcoal is usually produced by slow pyrolysis, the heating of wood or other substances in the absence of oxygen. It is usually an impure form of carbon as it contains ash; Charcoal has been used since earliest times for a large range of purposes including art and medicine, but by far its most important use has been as a metallurgical fuel. The impure form of coal is made pure through a process to have small, low-volume pores that increase the surface area available for adsorption or chemical reaction and is called as “Activated Charcoal” The medical use of activated charcoal is mainly the absorption of poisons, especially in the case of suicide attempts in which the patient has ingested a large amount of a drug. Activated charcoal is available without a prescription, so it is used for a variety of health-related applications. For example, it is often used to reduce discomfort (and embarrassment) due to excessive gas (commonly known as a fart or flatulence) in the digestive tract. Preparation of “Angara” is to create “Activated Charcoal”: Process of creating Activated Charcoal is to make normal charcoal heated in the presence of a gas (Dasanga) this is then temperature reduced (sprinkling water). This causes the charcoal to become very porous scientifically called as activated charcoal. These pores allow activated charcoal to trap impurities in our body. Activated charcoal is considered to be medicine's most powerful adsorbent and as such, it readily works to adsorb many toxins, poisons and heavy metals from the body, rendering them harmless. People have been using activated charcoal for thousands of years. In World War I, activated charcoal was used in gas masks to prevent soldiers from being poisoned by chemical exposure, and it has been used to treat water (making it tasteless and odorless) since 1930. Applying “Angara” in our body activated charcoal (angara) chemically binds other substances to its surface and can absorb thousands of times its own weight. It also has an incredibly large surface area due to all of its pores – one cubic inch of charcoal has the surface area equivalent to a 150,000 square-foot field. Just a bit of charcoal can absorb so many toxins, atoms, and ions. So applying small quantity of activated charcoal in body is sufficient and applying as a vertical line in forehead and other places where sandal is applied are prescribed. Why vertical? All our nerves system is planned that way, transition of blood through nerves to brain and vice-versa are happening vertically. If we want to get best results, applying angara from bottom-up is prescribed. As we all of our desire is to go up in our life! Why Charcoal? Charcoal is nothing but Carbon. Larger part of our body & universe is made of Carbon, plays very important part being in our DNA. There are now more than 10 million organic compounds known by chemists. Carbon is the only element that can form so many different compounds because each carbon atom can form four chemical bonds to other atoms, and because the carbon atom is just the right, small size to fit in comfortably as parts of very large molecules. The ability of carbon to bond to itself to make a host of compounds makes it ideal as a base for the complexities of the chemistry of life. Simple carbon chains can be lengthened and have functionality added to form useful polymers. Without Carbon copies of DNA would not have been possible. This proves that all of us are correlated/ related through this very carbon by one way or another through the power of Lord (prabitha maha). So it is important for us to have Carbon as our identity & use as a sign to represent that we are all related/connected due to our Lord’s one of the unique creation CARBON. Ang-ara: “Anga” is body, “kara” is maker/giver, establishes ‘Angara’ is symbol of Lord’s name. As all know that the nerves system originate and works seamlessly from head, applying Angara in our forehead makes highest sense. So our Acharya, Sri Madhvacharya gave us the priceless gift to us to bear the Angara in our body with all these benefits. Hail Hari Sarvothama Vayu Jeevothama! Compiled by: Murali H, viseshmurali@gmail.com Click the link below to get “Rare prominent places tour related “Sri Madhva”. https://youtu.be/Po4pv3fQaRU?si=ZMIp3wXW1TzZAZjf
- Western Influences on Bharatiya values
Sri K Annamalai was a Deputy Commissioner of Police (Bengaluru) in 2019 when the 2011 IPS quit the civil services. By then, he was already known as Karnataka's 'Singham', a sobriquet for a tough cop. He completed his schooling in the Karur and Namakal district in Tamil Nadu and then moved on to obtain graduation in Mechanical Engineering from PSG College of Technology Coimbatore and finished his Master's degree in Business Administration from the Indian Institute of Management. Sri K Annamalai has hit the headlines for his role in tackling the 2017 riots in Karnataka's Chikmagalur and there were protests in the district when he was eventually transferred out and joined the BJP in 2020. The BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party) hopes that the 37-year old draws in more youngsters ahead of the local body elections slated later in the next few years. Since 2019, he is the third leader to take charge of the BJP's top post in Tamil Nadu. Dr L Murugan was the national SC/ST commission vicepresident and practised law in the Madras high court for 15 years and took over as BJP chief six months after his predecessor Dr Tamilisai Soundararajan was made as the Telengana governor. During the short time that he led the party, Dr L Murugan brought in several known faces to the party such as Sri K Annamalai. During the inauguration of Dr M.R Venkatesh's book: 'Retaining Balance', Sri K Annamalai, the hope, the leader was a guest speaker who expressed his thoughts on the importance of duty, more importantly than rights. He talks about broken myths which have been carefully cultivated over the last 200 years regarding family values, environment as well as need based honesty and living. These cultivated thoughts are basically Abhramic thoughts which does not provide guidelines for the activities/policies of any business to be sensitive to any of these myths. Myths regarding family which include divorce, marriage at any time in life or polygamy are those thoughts that have been arising in society. He also states that, "family is the fulcrum of community, economic thought, duty taking precedance over right are the key thoughts over which economy/business needs to be built for long term sustenance and appropriate reformation based on ongoing developments". It can be seen that there is no family, culture or society inbuilt into the economic model for the past severa; decades after 1947 upto 2014 resulting in corporate frauds and companies collapsing with the drop of a hat. This shows that companies which give back more to the country than what it takes, survives in the long run. Sri K Annamalai also states the importance of monogamy based on Tamil nature. He who does not believe in the institute of marriage, saving up money, taking care of everyone etc runs a company, will result in disaster. All these issues can be taken care of when taught in indian epics/history based lessons implemented in India and around the world which will make individuals, business owners, intellectuals more sensitive towards family values, culture, society and finally a responsible citizen of the world. At a felicitation programme in Udupi, Sri K Annamalai mentions, "Only when Dharma, God and Science connect, today's young generation will follow principles. Nowadays, people are talking more about justice. In the 21st century, we must be under a true sense of Dharma and know its relevance today. But it needs basic sense to teach it." Thus, Sri K Annamalai encourages all people to read Dr M.R Venkatesh's book: Retaining Balance in order to understand the importance of family values, culture and especially Bharatiya values which will bring up India's economy by the year 2025-2026 hitting approximately $5 trillion USD. By following these practises, the economic model will be an India centric model in which it will take over a Western centric India model which we have been using for the last 100-150 years.
- Significance of rituals
We find several rituals being followed in everyday life. The practice of one’s tradition which is known as ‘sadachara, shistachara’ and is essential for sustenance of Dharma. Manu says, yenasya pitaro yataH yena yataH pitamahaH | tena yayat sataM marge tena gacchan na dushyati || One must tread the path taken by one’s fathers and forefathers and only then one does not get into evil. The human life itself is bestowed with a purpose. Just as a bird has two wings to soar high, both ‘Achara’ (Practical applications) and ‘Vichara’ (Theory of philosophy) are essential for an ‘Adhyatma Sadhaka’ to progress and to realise the purpose of his life. Waking up in the morning itself should become beautiful ritual. Contemplation of God as we wake up is a must to make our day purposeful and meaningful. We have to recite: Utthishta Utthishta Govinda Utthishta Garudadhwaja Utthishta Kamala Kaantha Trilokhyam Mangalam Kuru Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare Does this mean we wake up God with our prayer? Definitely not. It means we are seeking His grace to make our day auspicious. In Sanatana Dharma, a prayer is so farreaching that it seeks auspiciousness to the three worlds! Similarly, ‘Hare Krishna’ Mantra quoted in Puranas are a powerful tool in Kaliyuga to remind us of the ‘avataras’ of the Lord and contemplate on their personalities. We then move on to bowing to the different Devatas. These Devatas are present in every part of our body. Science says that we have millions of microbes in our body. Spiritually we have the Devatas. namOstu tAtvikA devAH vishNu bhaktiparAyaNAH | dharma mArge prErayantu bhavantaH sarva Eva hi || ‘Salutations to all ‘tAtvika Devatas’ who, always are engrossed in Vishnu bhakti. May they incite and set us in motion in the direction of dharma’. The human body is like a laboratory. We have 24 Tatvas in our body. Eyes see forms, Ears hear sound and so on. These sense organs cannot perceive sense objects on their own. They are inanimate. So, they need a driving force – a ‘praana shakti’ to impel them into action. This ‘Shakti’ are known as ‘Tatvabhimani Devatas.’ Just as a building cannot help in doing a job, there must be people working in it. Similarly, our body is a building. If the different organs have to work there must be some operator. So, we pray to all the ‘Devatas’ present in our body to direct us in the path of righteousness, through the day. This body is a chariot. The devatas are the drivers. We must know the ‘Devatas’ belonging to each part of the body. Just as chemical bottles are lined up in a laboratory, we need to label them and learn its usage to complete an experiment successfully. Similarly, we need to acquire this higher knowledge from a competent Guru and contemplate on them and be thankful for assisting us in the path of righteousness. ENROL NOW! Online education system - admissions available Please contact Admin@JnanaVidyalaya.org
- Vedic practises of cow production - The importance of protecting cows
Hi everyone, I am Moongfali, a cow calf. You might be wondering who I am and why I am telling my story, but I will elaborate that towards the end. For now, please hear me out. I was born in ABC Goshala a few months ago. I was so excited to be finally outside and get a real view of the outside world. My happiness was, however, short-lived. As soon as my mother finished licking me and cleaned me, I was allowed to suckle for a few seconds and then I was tied up alongside other calves. I was confused and didn’t know what was happening so I started crying for my mother. I was even more confused to see humans tying her legs and milking her, since I was very hungry. So I waited thinking they would bring the milk to me. After some time that didn’t happen, so I asked the older calves near me, who said that the milk which my mother produced for me will be ‘sold’ at a higher price so that humans can make sweets and eat. I didn’t know what to do so I started to cry. I heard my mother cry for me too, but she was taken away from my sight and tied up again. I was so hungry that I didn’t have enough energy to cry. I huddled next to a calf friend and fell asleep. When I woke up the next day, a human untied me. I rejoiced thinking that I would finally be free! I was taken to my mother who was very happy to see me. I was so very hungry that I went directly to her udder and started to drink milk. Within 30 seconds someone was pulling me by the rope. My neck hurt and I almost choked. They dragged me beside my mother and tied me next to her, out of reach of her udder. Then to my shock, I saw them collect milk in a pail. My mother was in pain, I could feel it. However she tried to calm me down and cared for me. She whispered to me, “don’t worry I will take good care of you, just hold on tight and be a good girl”. I told her I was hungry, and that I am scared . She said she is there for me and nothing will happen. After they collected milk in the pail, they dragged me away from my mother back to my place. I was tied up and they placed some food which I didn’t feel like eating. I saw this happen to all my friends and grew very sad. I saw grown humans standing in the line and collecting the milk from my mother and other mothers’. This same cycle happened for days. I saw some of my brothers and older cows being taken away in a truck and never coming back again. I saw some mother cows being injected before they were milked and saw them writhe in agony. I also saw them heaving before sitting down, since their udders were inflated and they had no space to move, they were chained in the same spot. The only happy times for me were the times I got to stand beside my mother and the times some human children used to come and affectionately pet me. The rest of the time I was feeling helpless and hungry chained to the same spot. Other calves told me, “don't feel so bad Moongfali, we are luckier than our brothers and other calves on the road who don't even get to see their mother and get no food other than plastic to eat”. Somehow this didn’t make me feel grateful, this made me feel even more sad for my hungry friends and I wished that this would not have to happen to us. I wish humans saw us for who we were- affectionate beings who love to run and play and swish our tails and flap our ears when we are happy. I wish they saw us as living beings rather than commodities and milk machines. Coming back to who I am, I may be just an ordinary cow calf, who wouldn't really hold anyone’s attention. But I am a representative of all the bovine calves of the world and I am responsible to ensure that this kind of cruelty doesn't continue. I would like to ask you humans three questions today. 1. Why do you consider our species holy? 2. Do you really need milk for survival more than us? 3. Where is my father, where are my brothers and where are all the mothers above the age of 6? Please help me understand why you are doing this to us, I really deserve to know this at least. And if you can please choose to live by Ahimsa principles, please do. If you would like to help us all, please consider transitioning to a plant-based diet and reduce if not eliminate dairy products in your diet along with meat and leather. They all come at the cost of our lives and suffering. I chose to tell my story so that if not all, many of you will choose to do the right thing and abide by ‘Dhaarmika Pragya’ and take responsibility for your actions instead of acting according to your convenience. Please remember Ahimsa Paramo Dharma. Yours truly in tears, Moongfali The above is based on many true stories witnessed at religious goshalas which sell milk across the world. Although animals may not speak our language, they communicate in other ways and it's up to us to speak up for them whenever there is injustice.
- Astrology - A common man's guide part 4
Our country is multilingual with people belonging to various sectors and cultural backgrounds. Each sect has their own system of classification of time in the form of years and months. Among them there are two popular classifications namely ‘Souramana ‘and ‘Chandramana’. While calculations of ‘Souramana ‘is based on the movement of the Sun, ‘Chandramana’ is based on the movement of the Moon. People belonging to the states of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Punjab, West Bengal, Assam have their ‘Panchanga’ based on the Sun, while ‘Panchanga’ of Andhra, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Gujarat is based on the Moon. However, it is also published according to the English Calendar. There are sixty years and each one has a name with a ruling Devata known as ‘Abhimani Devata.’ One of the Puranas mentions that once Narada was cursed to turn a female. During that time, it is said that he be got these sixty children whose names are given to the sixty years. Similarly, each of the twelve months is given a name. The name of the month is based on the ‘star’ on which the ‘Pournami’ (full moon) of that month occurs. The twelve months are divided into two sections. When the movement of the Sun is from the South towards the North namely ‘Pushya, Magha, Phalguna, Chaitra, Vaishaka and Jyeshta’ it is known as ‘Uttarayana Punya Kaala.’ ‘Aashada, Shravana, Bhadrapada, Aaswija, Karthika and Marghashira’ when the Sun moves from North to South, it is known as ‘Dakshinayana Punya Kaala.’ The twelve months are further divided into six seasons (Ruthus). Each ‘Ruthu’ has an Abhimani Devata.
- Science and Technology
Artificial intelligence is drastically affecting our world today both positively and negatively. These influences of artificial intelligence can be split into five main ‘battlegrounds’ including economic development and jobs, global power, psychological control and agency, metaphysics as well as India’s future regarding Artificial Intelligence. The first chapter of Rajiv Malhotra’s ‘Artificial intelligence and the Future of Power’ highlights the important aspects of Artificial Intelligence, the two most fundamental concepts being machine learning and big data. Machine learning mainly consists of the variety of experiences that are used to train algorithms as well as building models which help to understand and perform actions that are considered to be intelligent. Machine learning can also be split into three main types of systems including natural systems, human systems as well as unconscious systems. Natural systems account for the biology, chemistry and physics of natural causation meaning that scientists do not have any sufficient information to disprove theories that fall under the natural system categories. So, there is no authority available to teach the rights and wrongs of natural systems. Human systems are similar to natural systems in the sense that there is no authority to confirm the rights and wrongs of these systems. However, using examples, machines have the ability to accumulate their knowledge over time eliminating the need for any outside authority. Lastly, unconscious behaviours include those that are not intentional by humans as humans are not as self-aware to realise and understand their own unconscious thoughts. Machines however, have the capability to analyse the unconscious patterns and profile patterns that people exhibit unintentionally. Big data entails the number of data sets that are used to train machines. Big data includes private information that may be collected from individuals consisting of car and home ownership, voting histories, credit histories, health as well as criminal records. How humans interact with technology have also been drastically changing through the use of mobile phones, smart homes (google homes), wearables etc by not only interacting with humans but also influencing the way humans behave, think and feel. Through the expansion of machine learning, AI is able to curate data and constantly analyse this data to mimic the behaviours and emotions of humans. These machines soon start to easily identify certain human emotions as well as intuitions Through this increase in technology, the gap between humans and machines is shrinking. As such, they are exceeding limitations of humans such as speed, accuracy, efficiency as well as durability. As highlighted by Malhotra, artificial intelligence can be seen in real life examples such as driving an automated car. This automated car is able to collect a wide variety of external data including traffic conditions using cameras and sensors. This data that is being collected can be easily shared among other automated cars to effectively manoeuvre throughout the street when driving, However, when having human drivers, these drivers do not have the ability to communicate with other drivers thus reducing the efficiency of traffic conditions, pedestrians etc. The irony in machine learning is the fact that though humans are the ones creating these machines, these machines end up being much more intelligent than humans. This is due to the durability of machines being able to obtain and store information more efficiently than humans, with humans having limitations to their memory. However, though machines seem to be ‘perfect’ in their own way, they are still susceptible to biases consciously or unconsciously through these machine learning applications. These machines are also used in a way that allows for screening of job applicants. For example, at Amazon, a machine learning model demonstrated there was gender bias against the resumes of females based on the history of male candidates. Hence, artificial intelligence entails big data as well as machine learning. These machines are capable of obtaining information from their surroundings as well as algorithms which help them to efficiently store information for a longer period of time compared to human memory. However, it can be seen that there is sometimes bias regarding data that is collected. The more accurate data that is being inputted, there is less chance for error.
- Born in India residing in the west
The day starts off with western languages, western outfits, western foods and western interests. The least insular country is now debating on the topic of intolerance. Moreover the country runs by philosophers rather than ideologists. Therefore now it has been named as a dangerous place to live in. We have become so obsessed that even our own Vedic and cultural way of living has to be taught by westerners. Copper utensils, the recent crush was in use even before Vasco Da Gama found India. “Pranayama” is the daily routine of Indians which have now bounced backed from westerns as a new breathing exercise. The most fascinating thing is that the "Thoppukaranam (Tamil)" done in temples of India are now being practiced as brainstorming exercises in western schools which we failed to replicate upon. India is said as a Diabetic Capital due to the consumption of white poison (sugar, salt and rice) in the eyes of the world but we have forgotten that all the fertilisers and highbred seeds originated from west. Considering “Panjabootham” (water, land, fire, air and firmament) as devotional is now used for treatment of diseases. The interesting thing is that 91% of Indians follow cross border news but the 70% of global news is from US and UK. "Matha Pitha Guru Deivam" has now changed as "Mobile lust atheism". The key to destroying a country is to destroy their root which is probably the culture. Indians have even forgotten our own civilised culture preached by forefathers. This has been mentioned because of the few reasons such as Indian king's never fighting in war when the opponent had no weapons, family relationship rather than living together, philosophic mind instead of ideology. The longest ever literatures on earth are the Vedas but we Indians acknowledge it only when its rubber-stamped by westerns. The Indian family system is one of the finest but we are dependent on western styles which lead to the creation of orphanage and old age homes. The western idea of nuclear families has lead to degradation of the Indian joint family system. Joint family systems where values and discipline taught, kept the nation in order. Indian family systems which encouraged savings made helped us to sustain even when there was a famine or depression. But now looking upon western practices we have started saving less or even zero which is a blind belief. A fact to be known that 46% of US citizens could not even spend $400 emergency expenses. Our religious locations was not only place of worship rather it was a book of knowledge. Now in Indian movies, they being portrayed as place to find your new crush. Indians had a habit of sipping a few drops of water before having food, we were taught it was a super natural thing but now studies gave an answer that it stimulates the oesophagus for the arrival of food. These were mentioned in Ayurveda which we never took seriously. To conclude Indians were a much civilised society and Pioneers in knowledge than we think. Looking to the west is a must in areas such as english ,technology, future coordination. The world has become one global village. Let's start revising the way of living and get away from the blind spot. We will think as Bharatiya and implement Vedic tradition. Indian eyes with additional western lens are a perfect combination. A tree may grow big with branches but to withstand it needs a long and strong cultural root.
- Gandhari
Dritharashtra was born blind. Bhishma wanted to get him a suitable bride. He had heard about the great qualities of princess Gandhari belonging to the Kingdom of Gandhara. He also knew that she had performed ‘Shiva Aaradhana’ and had obtained a boon to beget hundred children. So, Bhishma became keener in seeking her for Dritharashtra as it would continue the lineage of Kuru Vamsha without any hindrance. As such, he personally approached the king of Gandhara with this alliance. When approached, the King of Gandhara too tempted with the alliance, in spite of Dritharashtra’s blindness, as it was an alliance from the great Kingdom of Hastinapura. Gandhari did not choose to raise her voice against this decision but decided to blindfold herself even before entering into wedlock. The entire Hastinapura was astounded by her act and bowed to her in respect. This action of Gandhari never prevented her from shying away from her ordained duties. She did not become a burden to her family, instead, she discharged her duties in such a righteous way that she became recognised for her ‘Dharmasheelate.’ Her duties towards her husband, the elders, gurus were impeccable. Gandhari although blindfolded her external eyes, her internal eyes were always vigilant. Her righteous outlook at times made Dharmaraja closer to her than Duryodhana. That is why Shri Veda Vyasa, in the Mahabharata, describes her staggering personality in a very unbiased way as ‘Dharmajna Dooradarshini’. After swayamvara with Draupadi, the Pandavas brought her to Hastinapura. Unable to tolerate this victory of the Pandavas, Duryodhana and the others wanted to chase them away. But Gandhari welcomed Draupadi with open arms and paid due respect to her. She Later, acknowledging the wickedness of her sons, did not want such a beautiful daughter- in- law to live in the same palace. So, she told Kunti and made all arrangements for them to be in a different palace. When Krishna came to Hastinapura as an ambassador of peace, all elders in the royal assembly advised Duryodhana to share half the kingdom with the Pandavas. During this discussion, Gandhari interrupted and to everyone’s great astonishment she said, ‘This Kingdom rightfully belongs to Pandu. Therefore, Pandavas are their rightful heirs. Thus, Duryodhana should hand over the entire Kingdom to them! Dharmaraja should rule it with guidance from Bhishma and Dritharashtra.’ Although these words were bitter, it was the truth. So, when Krishna returned to the Pandavas, Dharmaraja who had equal respect for Gandhari, first asked, ‘What did Gandhari say?’ Gandhari’s words carried much weightage among everyone. This ‘Dharma Nishte’ of Gandhari had made Duryodhana confident that in spite of his atrocities, his mother’s blessing would bring him victory. Gandhari, although very Dharmic, was torn between ‘Dharma’ on one side and the attachment to the family on the other. But her character stood tall when Duryodhana fell at her feet seeking her benediction. She lifted him with both her arms and said, ‘yatra Dhama, tatra jaya:’ which did not auger well for him. He had to leave without a second word. Gandhari, during Draupadi’s humiliation in the assembly, regretted that she should have killed Duryodhana even as a baby. At that time, full of anger she told Dritharsahtra to banish Duryodhana from the kingdom immediately. Only after hearing this did Dritharashtra stop the atrocity. Does this mean she was insensitive as a mother? How could it be? As she, even as a young girl had prayed to Shiva for hundred children? So, on the other hand Gandhari unable to bear the loss of her children did not hesitate to curse the Lord of Lords, Krishna, whom she felt was the cause of her ‘Kula naasaha!’ She felt that if Krishna had willed, everything could have been reversed! So, at the moment of sorrow of loosing all her children in the war she cursed Krishna that even ‘His Kula’ should be destroyed in a similar fashion where all his people should perish in mutual fights. Gandhari, in spite of her being amidst the worst sinners, ever remained a ‘Dharma Jyothi’ throughout her life. She was a brave mother who did not hesitate to speak up for Dharma even if it was to oppose her own children. Thus, it is the duty of every mother to see her children tread the path of Dharma and possess the courage to correct them if needed.
- Current Affairs
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the final resting place of Sri Adi Shankaracharya which is one of the most revered Hindu sages. This samadhi has be reconstructed after it was damaged in the 2013 floods. Thus, BJP has invited sadhus and devotees to take part in this nationwide celebration. Russian President Vladimir Putin has scheduled to pay an official visit to New Delhi on the 6th of December 2021. The reason for his visit is to attend the 21st India-Russia Summit with Prime Minister Narendra Modi with this summit being the first face-to-face meeting between both leaders. The Indian Government has cautioned people not to subscribe to Starlink Internet Services, which is led by Elon Musk's Space-X satellite broadband. This is due to the fact that the internet service is not licensed and is yet to offer satellite-based internet services in India. The World Health Organisation (WHO) designated SARSCoV-2 variant B.1.1529 as a ‘variant of concern’. This variant of SAR-CoV-2 has been named as Omicron and was first detected in the Botswana region of South America on November 24th. As a result, South Africa is witnessing a sharp increase in COVID-19 infections coinciding with the detection of the new variant. India's Railways have launched a new scheme called the 'Bharat Gaurav Scheme' on the 23rd of November 2021. Under this scheme, private tour operators can take trains on lease from railways and run these trains on any circuit of their choice. As such, private operators would also get the freedom to decide routes, fares and quality of services on the trains. Anyone including trusts, societies and even state governments are permitted to apply, to lease these trains and run them on special theme-based tourism circuits. On the 19th of November 2021, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced to repeal all the three farm laws that were passed in 2020. Through the process of repealing, a law is nullified. Parliaments will reverse laws when they think that it is no longer required. On the 19th of November 2021, several countries witnessed the next eclipse of the moon being the longest partial lunar eclipse of the Century. This same eclipse occurred approximately 580 years with this one lasting 3 hours and 28 minutes. 4% od the moon's diameter was immersed in the dark umbral shadow of Earth at maximum eclipse. On the 22nd of November 2021, Karnataka celebrated "Kanakadasa Jayanthi" to pay tribute to Sri Kanaka Dasa, who was a 15th Century poet, saint and social reformer. On this day, Chief Minister Basavaraja Bommai garlanded the photograph of Kanaka Dasaru in Begaluru. This festival is celebrated to mark the birth anniversary of Saint Kanaka Dasa, every year. The year 2021 marked the 527-birth anniversary. Early works of this Saint include poems like Ramdhyana Mantra, Narasimha sthothra and Mohanatarangini. On the 23rd of November 2021, the Weather Bureau of Australia declared a La Nina weather phenomenon which has has developed in the Pacific Ocean for the second consecutive year. Developments of this phenomenon will bring above average rainfall across central, north and east Australia. HSvj Foundation's e-magazine provides an in-depth analysis of various topics that are covered including Adhyatma, Philosophy as well as basic modern Hindu practices that should be followed on a daily basis. Each issue is bundled with fascinating articles which reiterate the importance of modern living through our experienced authors. The Bharath Bytes e-magazine is published and distributed electronically on a monthly basis. With a global focus for our younger generation, the e-magazine will carry analytical feature pieces on the significance behind Sanatana Dharma and fact-based fundamental knowledge. This e-magazine will be distributed across the globe. I would like to sign up for this Bharath Bytes E-magazine. TO SIGN UP, PLEASE DOWNLOAD FROM OUR WEBSITE PROVIDING YOUR NAME AND EMAIL ADDRESS. www.HSvjFoundation.com Privacy policy: Protecting your privacy is important to HSvj Foundation. Accessing this website and/or registering, you consent to your personal information being collected and maintained as per Privacy policy C R O S S W O R D - 3 WEST TO EAST 3.WHO ACTED AS A SECRETARY TO KING DHRITARASHTRA? 5.WHICH ACHARYA GAVE THE THEORY OF CARVAKA? NORTH TO SOUTH 1.NITI______AGREEMENT KEY TO PROVIDE ACCESS TO CHILDREN IN TECHNOLOGY BASED LEARNING PROGRAMS 2.BHAKTHI TOWARDS THIS GOD GAVE COURAGE TO KUNTI 4.MADHWACHARYA'S BROTHER 7.THIS RAJA WAS CURSED BY SHAMEEKHA RISHI EAST TO WEST 6.THE SON OF AN ACHARYA WHO HAS NEVER TASTED PURE MILK 9.THIS PANI PROVIDES METEROLOGICAL OBSERVANCES SOUTH TO NORTH 6.HE IS A PIONEER IN PROVIDING A STRUCTURED COMPILATION OF ASTRONOMY 8.THIS SKANDAM HAS 2 DIVISIONS:HORAMS AND TAAJIGA
- Management lessons from lord Hanuman part 1
We all know that Lord Hanuman is an inseparable character in the Ramayana. Many concepts of modern management like communication, problem solving skills, decision making, leadership skills, humbleness etc., were all practically demonstrated and taught to the world by Lord Hanuman. Communication skills: We all are aware of how important communication skill are to succeed in our day to day life. Let us understand how skilful Hanuman was in communication which was well appreciated by Sri Rama himself. Sri Rama and Lakshmana came in search of Sita in the Rishyamukh Parvat (mountain). Sugriva’s agents saw Rama and Lakshmana wandering in the forest with a bow and arrow. They were terrified and rushed to inform Sugriva that Vali might have sent them to kill him. Sugriva on hearing this from his agents tried to flee, fearing for his life. Hanuman, one of Sugriva’s Minister stopped him and said “A King should not be terrified on the sight of two young warriors”. You know that Vali has a curse and if he attempts to come here, he will die. Due to convincing communication from Hanuman, Sugriva asked Hanuman to meet the two young warriors in the guise of a saint. Sugriva further said to Hanuman to 'study their gesture, manners, and their speech; observe their attitude. Inspire them with confidence and enquire from them tactfully the reasons for coming to them here,' further analysing their conversation and decide if they are our friends or foes. After you are convinced, bring them here if they are not harmful.' As instructed Hanuman disguised as a saint, approached Rama and Lakshmana. Hanuman spoke to them graciously” You look like Rajarishis and Taapasis but I wonder why you armed with bows, and arrows. He then humbly introduced himself that “I am Hanuman, Minister of Sugriva banished by his elder brother Vali, the King of Kishkinda. King Sugriva is a righteous person and he is seeking your friendship. I want to hear a reply from you.” Rama after listening to Hanuman, said to Lakshmana “Lakshmana, did you observe how articulate Hanuman spoke! There is nothing impossible to a king who has a minister like him”. Sugriva was so lucky to have him as his minister. By analysing Hanuman’s words he seems to be well versed with Vedas, Vyakaranas (Grammar), and the essence of Upanishads. One can never talk like this without that knowledge. His eyebrows and forehead didn’t move unnecessarily. His voice was neither too loud nor like mutter or whisper. Hanuman started, continued, and completed his words in a single tone. "Let him convey our purpose of presence in this forest was in search of Sita and my name is Rama and you are my brother Lakshmana and we are the sons of King Dasharatha of Ayodhya.” When Hanuman heard this gracious speech, who always wished that Sugriva should triumph, resolved to bring about a friendly alliance between Rama and his King.
- Food and Hygiene
A third incident regarding the influence of food on the mind is narrated in the Mahabharata which is about Shalya, King of Madra Desha. Shalya was a great warrior. Duryodhana himself mentions the name of Shalya along with Bhima, Keechaka and Balarma as one of the strongest people of that time! Such a Shalya was avatara of a 'Karmaja Devata.' He was Pandu's wife Madri's brother. He was the Maternal uncle to Nakula and Sahadeva. His support in the war was supposed to be for the Pandavas. However, as he was coming to take part in the Kurukshetra war, he was deceived by Duryodhana, who hosted a grand dinner for him. As a result, Shalya became indebted to Duryodhana and was forced to take his side during the war. So, after Karna's death, Shalya, had to lead the Kauravas in its finishing stages. Acharya Madhva in ‘Krishnamrutamaharnava’ describes the importance of Vishnu Naivedhya. He says kotiyanta sahasraitu mAso poshana kotibhi: yath palam labhyate pumbhi: Vishnor naivedhya bhakshanAth Punya that can be obtained by performing vratas like ‘Chandrayana’ a thousand times; or the merits gained by observing a crore ‘upavaasa;’ can be easily obtained merely by partaking Vishnu Naivedhya. Each mouthful of ‘Vishnu Naivedya’ is equal to a ‘Chandrayaan Vrata.’ If great souls like Shalya and Bhishma can be affected by food, what about ordinary souls like us. Jagannatha Dasaru says in ‘Anu Hari kathamruthsaara’: hridayadi roopavu vadanadi nAmavu udaradi naivedhyavu shiradi padajala nirmAlyava darisuta kovidara sadhana kAyuvude pahlavidu bAldudake.. While the mind contemplates on the Lord, the mouth should recite His Names and the stomach should be filled with Hari naivedhya……This is the right way of life of a ‘sajjana.’ The above verse is an echoe of Sri Madhva 's verse from Krishnamrutamaharnava: hridiroma nAma naivedhyam udare pAdoadakamcha nirmAlyam mastakechasoachyuta Thus, purely prepared food has a great impact on the person. And, the thoughts while preparing food does affect the minds of those who eat it. If formal ‘Naivedhya’ is not possible every day just remember God before eating. It will cleanse the mind, fill it with pure thoughts and Bhagavad chintana which will help in developing Jnana and Bhakthi. During his Krishna avatara, Krishna was with the cow boys in a forest. The boys were hungry so Krishna asked them to approach the Brahmins who were performing a ‘yaaga.’ When the Brahmins were approached for food, they were formal in their rituals and refused to give him the food. However the womenfolk immediately responded and rushed with food from the backyard to offer it to Krishna. This was accepted by Krishna and they were all given ‘Sathgathi’ says Bhaghavata. Women can offer the daily cooking to the Lord which will help develop pure thoughts in her family members. So good, pure food and satvik thoughts are absolutely essential for the ‘saadhana’. That is why prohibited food should be avoided. Let us also as far as possible, develop the right food habits and lead a physically, mentally and spiritually healthy life.