1. The Divine Message - Message From Poojyashree Shree Amma - The Ultimate Liberator Bestowed By Lord Shri Krishna!

  Radhekrishna!

People assume that Bhakthi is only for the human beings while it is not so. Every living organism needs Bhakthi.  While doing bhakthi even the plants grow very well. Even the wild animals such as lions, tigers and poisonous snakes also become submissive and gets captivated to Bhakthi. It is a fact. However, Bhakthi cannot be seen with the eyes, it can be realised just as we feel the fragrance. Even the plants realise Bhakthi. When one cuddles and talks to it with love and affection, it blooms exceptionally well and realizes the divinity. India is the only country where Bhakthi is being inculcated in a great way since ages.  The scientists boast of number of inventions but now all the modern scientists have come to a consensus that Bhakthi is the necessity.  To-days’ scientists with the aid of modern instruments boast of having invented which the mass also nod. The truth is our ancestors have already invented which the present scientists have just renamed and they cannot invent anything new. Bhakthi alone is the need of all the souls. Peace and concentration is derived only because of Bakthi. It is surprising to note that in the present day, of so many crores of people, only one or two souls do Bhakthi. This is the state of affairs today. Radhekrishna! Radhekrishna! Radhekrishna! Man’s egoism and self-pride of the so-called inventions is the reason for this. In the past and more of today, there is no self-control in the behaviour of human beings. The mind oscillates like a monkey, which jumps from one tree to another or a dog, which keeps loafing from one place to another for no reason whatsoever. The reason for such oscillation cannot be gauged. It is surprising to note a father grumbling of his dedication towards the family and now being discarded by his own children, to which the son replies that, his way of upbringing his children will be of a different manner.  However, as a father, he also follows the suit of his ancestors. What is required to be inculcated from the ancestors is not done so.  To imagine, of putting into use of a thing when not in possession and to actually use the same when obtained in a different manner is the fact.  The situation changes and the real position is known only then. A doctor, on death of a person can convince people that it is the course of the nature and can talk philosophically. However, when a similar misery takes place with the doctor he is not able to accept it and his viewpoint changes referring him to be a mere mortal. Hence, to know the reality, the need of Bhakthi is necessary.

Once there lived a devotee in a place known as Thirukkannamangai. We do not possess any intelligence, knowledge or devotion to describe the great devotees. However, as the word Bhakthaas is in usage, it is necessary for us to mention about them. Their immense devotion is limitless, uncontrollable, and unquestionable and is of varieties, which is very difficult to explain. Thirukkannamangai is still in existence in the Chozha desam in South India , and is one of the 108 Dhivya Desams.  The presiding deity is “Bhaktha vatsalan” meaning, showering the motherly love and affection.  The devotee, Thirukkannamangaiaandaan, after attending to his morning chores daily went to the temple to worship the God along with the Thulasi (holy basil) garland.  He was always in the thought of the presiding deity Bhaktavatsalan, while sleeping, eating or whatever he did.  He was leading the family life, earned for his livelihood and did all his duties, without diverting his mind from the God even for a nanosecond. To quote the paasuram, akalakillen iRaiyumendRu alarmelmangai uRaimarba, was his thought firmly fixed on the God. This alone is called as Bhakthi.  It is not necessary to wear a saffron robe or to pose any outwardly appearance. The mind should always be in the thought of Bhagawaan.  Thirukkannamangaiaandaan was doing all his karmas dedicating to the Bhagawaan.

There lived two friends who were very intimate to each other. They were always together and would consult each other for all the matters. Both of them had pet dog of each.  Both of them were extremely affectionate towards their dogs and took their dogs wherever they went. Once, both the friends went to the temple along with their dogs and left their dogs besides their footwear. By nature, dogs are more faithful to their masters than the human beings are.  Who has infused such faithfulness in them?  Such is the dogs’ faithfulness. While both the friends worshipped the God with ecstasy, one of the dogs bit the footwear of the master of the other dog.  On noticing this, the other dog, expressing its faithfulness towards the master bit the footwear of other dog’s master.  Thus, both were involved with this act and started fighting with each other.  We often emphasize that the human beings quarrel like dogs, despite having the so-called sixth sense. What is the use of that?  People are living with ego, anger, jealous, hatred etc.  The dogs ferociously fought with each other and one of the dogs killed the other dog. The friends came out after worshipping. The master of the dog that was killed forgot his friendship towards his friend and due to the affection beat the dog severely with a stick to its death. Even today we find many people devoting their love and affection towards a dog by carrying them in an air conditioned car, vaccinating them, taking them for morning stroll forgetting their home, children etc. It would be wiser to show such devotion towards the God than to a dog. The master of the killed dog due to the affection and fondness towards his dog forgot his friendship of years and beat the other dog to its death. As a shameful act of their devotion towards the dogs, in a fraction of a second they forgot their friendship and started fighting with each other. The peoples’ mind is very wretched and do not know where they will give the same, or when they will get detached of it or for what reasons they will quarrel etc. The friends fought with each other, bursting with ego extremely.  When a person is victimised to ego he will surely perish. Though they were very close to each other due to ego, they fought with each other. Where comes the ‘dearness’ of their friendship? As a result, their friendship of years was a false one. They hurt each other severely and died in the process.   

The devotee, Thirumangai Aandaan who came to the temple witnessed the surprising scene. When a tiny child recites a poem or when a person sings extraordinarily we consider it as a surprising note. Where comes surprise in these?  By mere practice, any one can achieve these feats. The mere surprise is such loving friends due to the affection towards their dog killed each other without using their sixth sense.  Thirkkannamangaiaandaan was stunned and stood standstill.  He could not think of anything excepting their mean mindedness who devoted their affection and love towards a dog instead of the God and killed each other in no time. Thirumangaiaandaan felt that this would have not happed had they did bhakthi and devoted their affection and love towards the omnipotent God.  Bhakthi did  not attain by merely going to a temple or applying kumkum or sacred ash on the forehead. The friends went to the temple regularly but did not attain bhakthi as otherwise the mishap would have not happened.   Thirumangaiaandaan was concerned of the people for not having devotion towards God and having oscillating mind and behaving worse than a loafing dog.  People talk of science and innovations.  Science was very much there in the olden days also and nothing has been invented today.  With the aid of science, only milk was turned to curd and to ghee.  The cooked food tastes good when common salt is added to it.  That is also science only.  We can quote countless.  Swimming or taking bath in the early morning also is considered scientific. If fools criticise our ancestors it is only their foolishness and nothing else. We are basking in the sun of inventions of our ancestors.  

Tears rolled down from the eyes of Thirumangaiaandaan and he felt that in no matter of time four lives had been killed, including the dogs due to utter foolishness and for not having done bhakthi.  If devotion and affection is shown towards the God instead of a dog, one can be showered of everything including salvation of birth (moksha). He further felt that if mere mortals for faithfulness of their dogs have done so much then what God would not do for the affection and love shown towards HIM.  With this thought in his mind, surrendering himself totally to God, and having unconditional faith on HIM that, he would take care of him and his family, without doing his duties sheltered in the front yard of the temple. The people started laughing at him and enquired him that who would take care of his family. Thirumangaiaandaan realized that GOD took care of everyone and not himself and started meditating continuously. He also felt that why he should have a thought that, it is ‘me’ who takes care of his family. He was concerned about the people for not doing Bhakthi and yet had steadfast devotion towards the God. After immense meditation for three days, Thirmangaiaandaan had a divine vision of Bhagawaan and attained salvation. This was the divine legend of the devotee, Thirumangaaandaan.  Those who spread this message and listen are benefited of God’s grace and can move towards the divine path of bhakthi.  The devotees like Thirumangaiaandaan have showed path of devotion and bhakthi. However, they have not limited it. This is one of the ways of innumerable way of doing bhakthi.  Our sathgurus H.H. Poojyashree shree Amma and Mahan Brahmashri Gopalavallidasar also conveys the same.  One should not be attracted and attached to everything. Only when one desists and gets detached of such desires, he feels very light and the inner soul enjoys the divine bliss.  To attain this, the only way is to chant Lord Krishna’s name (Namajapam). To enjoy the divine experience and to attain the purpose of human life it is necessary to chant Lord Krishna’s name with the constant thought of Guru (GURUDHYANAM), which is the simplest way.  Radhekrishna! This is the life story of the devotee, Thirumangaiaandan and is a fact.

                    Radhekrishna, Radhekrishna, Radhekrishna, Radhekrishna, Radhekrishna, Radhekrishna.

 

(Our Guruji Amma is the embodiment of simplicity (saulabhyam) has been doing Sathsangam in all possible ways amidst her household chores to the mankind on whole and was thus rendering a sathsangam to a devotee of overseas on phone)

It is fortunate to listen and be blessed to Guruji Amma’s Sathsangam through phone irrespective of one’s domicile in any nook and corner of this universe and many more souls should yearn to enjoy this bliss! Since people are easily tempted to the uncivilized activities and are trapped in the web of movies, television programmes and some unpleasant magazines, more and more Sathsangams should be encouraged and attended to keep oneself engaged in the union of the Almighty, which is the only eternal truth. Just as hills are made of hard stones alone and its originality cannot be replaced, likewise Bhagawaan is the eternal truth and at a stage each one realizes this truth. Its no compulsion and even those who have disassociated will realize this truth. Such is the greatness of Bhakthi and Naamasankeerthana. Since, Naamasankeerthana is the Kali Yuga Dharma, there is no match to it. Radhekrishna!

 

Top

 

2. Mahatmas - New Bhaktacharitras Each Month

India is the holy land with so many bhaktas (devotees). When we go through the Indian history, there must be a bhakta in every period. That is the greatness of this sacred land. Bhaktas are the role model for all the bonded souls. They enjoy their life in a perfect way. Bhaktas surrender themselves to the Lotus feet of Lord. By hearing or reading bhaktas' divine story, the bonded soul is enlightened to come out of the worldwide bondages.

Radhekrishna! Sincere chanting and listening to the great stories of devotees will surely give a peace of mind to everybody, even in this 21st century. So many people think that listening to the devotee's stories is a waste of time and there is no benefit at all. If somebody wants to realize the power of bagawan, first of all they must listen bhaktha charithram [stories of devotees]. There are so many advantages in listening to baktha charithram.

Radhekrishna! This human birth is blessed to do service to Bhagawaan. It is very unique to do service to the bhakthaas who lead their lives thinking that Bhagawaan's happiness alone is their happiness. One should try to involve himself in doing service to the bhakthaas in all possible ways. The thinking of the common people is restricted only to their family, husband, wife, children etc., while bhakthaas think and care about the entire world. The bhakthaas never possess any self-centered thought of their own. They do not give importance to any of their needs such as their life, their health etc., But, when someone is very needy or in trouble they give prime importance to them. Hence, the ordinary soul's utmost duty should be to attend to all the needs of the bhakthaas. It is only due to such bhakthaas even today the truth, justice, honesty etc., is in existence. Therefore, Parakaalar decided to offer his life to do service to the bhakthaas.

Everyone earns money in this world. A person might have been penniless at a period in his life and just to prove to this world that he has come up only due to his hard work and self-confidence might be earning today. Some people might earn money to lead a luxurious life. Some of them earn money in all possible ways to satisfy their needs. Here, Parakaalar earned money by looting the travellers. His heart and mind was fully filled with the thought of doing service to the bhakthaas with that money. His thought was always firmly fixed with how to serve the bhakthaas and satisfy their needs and take care of their daily food. He was least bothered about his needs or the needs of his wife or friend's needs. This was an extraordinary bhakthi. With God's immense grace he was continuously getting money for this pious service. One can understand the secret of this supreme celebration of doing service to the bhakthaas only when one is blessed with the immense mercy of a sathguru. This is not any ordinary, worldly, imaginary story while this is a real bhaktha charithra. In this way, Parakaaalar the so-called Neelan, Thirumangaimannan looted the travellers with bhakthi for performing the bagawath kaingaryam.

At an occasion, Parakaalar stayed in a village along with his ministers in search of money. It was a very thrilling incident. There was a strong storm wind blowing and there was none on the streets of the village and it was about to rain heavily. Neelan was very much worried about the money to perform the Thadhiaaradhanai for the next day. He was barely in need of money. He hid himself at the front yard of a house. A lady who was living in the nearby house was washing a plate. It seemed to be a gold plate. Immediately, Parakaalar snatched the plate and started running. His happiness knew no bounds and he immediately thanked God for showing him way for performing the next day's Thadhiaaradhanai. The lady was from a blessed Guruparamparai and hence uttered the words, "Asmadh Gurubyonamaha", which is the way of paying salutation to one's Guru. Parakaalan was stunned and moved when he heard this. He felt that this lady was a gem of a bhakthai and seemed to be a great vaishnavi and hence decided not to loot from her and immediately threw the gold plate towards her. He thought of looting the cheats and the people who troubled the innocents. Though the lady was panicked she picked the plate and ran away. The surprising thing to be noted is the Guru dhyaanam that saves us wherever we are. It is a known fact that Thirumangaimannan was very well aware of the bhagavathaas and hence returned the plate to the lady. But the truth here to be noticed is when one does Gurudhyaanam he will be perfectly rescued from any sort of trouble or from any wretched person. The lady who entered the house with the plate narrated the incident. On hearing this, her husband was stunned and told his wife for her way of reacting to Parakaalar. He was very musch sure that it could be Parakaalar alone who could do such a dashing act for a holy cause and felt very sorry for his wife's inability in not fulfilling Parakaalan's needs. Such is the greatness of our Parakaalar. There are many more incidents to be shared about this dashing personality. Let us share them in the next month. Radhekrishna!

To be continued................

Top

3. Krishnam Vande Jagadhgurum - Extracts From The Holy Bhagawath Geetha

Radhekrishna.Hinduism is an ancient religion. All the things that have been spoken in Hindu religion can be applied in practical life. Although in 21st century till everyone can apply this in his or her daily life. The aim of Hindu religion is to provide total happiness to everyone at all times (or any point of time). The essence of Hinduism is told in "Bhagawad Gita". In order to realize what is said in Bhagawad Gita it is a compulsory (must) to have an unconditional faith on Bhagawad Gita. So many people have benefited in their lives because of the (by reading) shlokas of Bhagawad Gita. In Bhagawad Gita, Bhagawan Shri Krishna has told the way to lead a happy life in such an easy way that even a normal layman can easily understand. The slokas are so simple that anyone can understand and use it practically.

YathkarOshi yadhashnaasi YajjuhOshi dhadhaasi Yath!
Yaththapasyasi Kountheya! Thathkurushva madharpanam!

Radhekrishna! In this world, Bhagawaan is performing extraordinary activities. In spite of Bhagawaan's immense mercy on us, which the people do not realize in His astonishing power, they keep jumping in ego for having done everything. They fail to experience the joy in their own activities as well as in recognizing Bhagawaan's part of performing the activity for them. Thus, they ruin their whole life. Life is only to experience the happiness and not otherwise. The human beings very normally possess the egoism. They think they have achieved everything, won everything. But, the truth is that nobody can perform an activity like Bhagawaan nor even think like Him in performing it. Radhekrishna! People boast about themselves for having achieved everything. Just imagine, a lizard can move upside down. Can a man do the same? A stork alone can stand on one leg. Can ever man try to imitate it? Fishes always live in the water, which again is not possible by a man. This itself proves that man's thought of doing everything as it is, is mere foolishness. Man has his own limitations and can do them up to his abilities. Human beings possess a quality in performing an exceptional work, which a lizard, stork or a fish cannot do. The human beings alone can do the "Bagawath Dhyaanam". Bhagawaan has recited the Bhagawath Geeta, with the goodwill on the welfare of the human beings. Everybody perform their activities but fail to experience the joy. The secret in experiencing the joy is said by Bhagawaan in this shloka. YajjuhOshi, meaning, what you perform as oblations (homam).

We come across performing various oblations in our Hindu dharma such as in marriages, punyagavachanam (a child's naming ceremony), for victory, for the improvement of health, for prosperity, on death of a person etc. One might think all these are mere foolishness. No. It is not so. Everything is clearly said in the Vedha manthras. While performing an oblation, with the strength of the Vedha manthras and the ingredients offered in the holy fire it yields the needed results till today and many of them experience it. It may be pointed out in some cases that the expected results are not attained. The reason for the same is the lack of devotion while performing it. Any activity done with wholehearted dedication will surely bring victory and if done with lack of dedication will only yield failure. Various types of ingredients are present and each homam differs from the other in using these ingredients. All the oblations are not performed with the same manthraas or ingredients or the samithu (dried wooden sticks). In some of the homams clothes are offered while in some the cooked rice is offered and in some other oblations ghee is offered. Similarly, there are differences in the Samithu that are used. The samithu used while performing the oblation for good health is different from that which is used while performing a Sudarsana homam. Such is the specialty of the homams that are performed in our Hindu dharma. Our sacred Hindu dharma advises in performing the oblations everyday.

Earlier, at a period continuous oblations were performed in our holy Bhaaratha bhoomi. Even today, in some or the other corner of our country such oblations are still being performed. As some people perform the same with an attitude of certain materialistic expectations, the results achieved from it ends with the completion of the homam. Whereas, if one wishes to preserve the results forever with them then, it has to be performed purely with the thought that it is being done for the sake of bhagawaan alone. Bhagawaan says this as YajjuhOshi, which means, what you perform as oblations (homam). Whatever oblation is performed or whichever samithu or leaf is offered in the fire has to be wholeheartedly done for the sake of Bhagawaan alone that surely gives us the experience of enjoying it forever. At the same time, the results are also attained and above all Bhagawaan's immense mercy is showered on us. Hence, there is every possibility of enjoying its effects permanently. While performing such oblations one has to spend his money, time and also the time for inviting his near and dear for it. To forget these expenses and to attain and enjoy the peace and happiness, one has to offer the same to Bhagawaan alone wholly.

Many of them may complaint that in spite of performing the oblations they are not happy. The reason for the same is very clear that the activity is not performed with the devotion on God and is simply performed for mere pomp and to wash away one's sins. When the same is performed with the wholehearted dedication and devotion to God then surely it will yield great results and hence Bhagawaan refers it as 'YajjuhOshi'. Let us experience the meaning of the next word of this shloka in our next issue. Till then surely try to follow the tips given to enjoy the pleasure while doing your daily duties. Radhekrishna!

Radhekrishna...

Poojyashree Shree Ammavin Thiruvadigale Saranam Saranam Saranam.

Top

4. The Divine Songs - Dhivyaprabhandham

Naalaayira Dhivyaprabandham

 

Meen nokkum neeL vayal soozh viththuvakkOttu ammaa 

En paal nOkkaayaagilum un patRRu allaal patRRu ilEn

Thaan nOkkaathu eththuyaram seythidinum thaarvEnthan

KOlnOkki vaazhum kudi pOnRu irunthEnE !

 

{Sri Kulasekara Aazhwaar’s PerumaaL Thirumozhi – 690/1000/4000}

 

Meaning:

 

Even if the sea water gets completely drained out the fishes residing in it does not get worried as they have a dwelling place called Vitthuvakada. Hey Lord of Vitthuvakkodu!! Even if you do not bother or care for me I would never leave you as you are my only ultimate supreme goal and refuge. A king who rules the kingdom, even if he troubles the people of that kingdom they have a faith that one day or other the king would save them. Similarly I am having unconditional faith on you that one day or other you would shower your grace on me.

 

Explanation:

Radhekrishna! A very amazing paasuram indeed! Sri Kulasekhara Aazhwaar quotes various examples to tell the intensity of faith on bhagawaan that he has and also assures that he will never leave Bhagawaan at any cost. He vividly tells us the several ways of faith one has to have on Bhagawaan. In this paasuram, the dhivya dhesam known as Viththuvakodu is described that it is filled with lush green fields. The fishes live in the water and when the water in the sea gets fully evaporated the place of survival for these fishes is Viththuvakodu alone.

 

 

Sri Kulasekhara Aazhwaar holds the lotus feet of Bhagawaan and sobs asking Bhagawaan to shower His mercy on him. He adds, if in any case Bhagawaan does not shower His mercy on me, still he will not lose faith on Him and change his mind and surrender at anybody else’s feet. Our mind should be firm and fixed on one Bhagawaan alone at all times and should not leave Him at any cost. Whatever may be the reason, once when we surrender a God we should not leave Him, as He is the most supreme and special in all respects.  Gajendran, the elephant hence cried out in anguish as “AadhimoolamE”. The Lord who is the title-holder of the word, “AadhimoolamE “, was captivated with Gajendran’s bhakthi and destroyed his sorrow immediately. In the same way, Sri Kulasekhara Aazhwaar says that he will not hold anybody else’s feet. Here, he quotes an example that goes as follows.

 

It is the King alone who can destroy his pupil’s sufferings and satisfy the needs of the common people. He alone looks into the pain and sorrow of his citizens and runs the kingdom. Instead of doing so, if the King gives more and more pain or burden the citizens to pay more tax or give some other problem still the people do not lose hope on the King. While they still have trust on him, saying he will surely rescue them some day from all their difficulties. The King’s people have a strong belief that they are under his control and hence keep longing for his mercy on them. They wait patiently for the King to rescue them as he holds his position and hence they have a strong faith on him that he will surely rescue them from all difficulties. In these days also, when it is the people’s rule and all the selected members together create problems, yet the affected people wait and long for their expected good results. In the same way, we should have a strong and steadfast faith on God at all times. It doesn’t mean that if any King does injustice to his people, God also will do the same to the fallen souls. God alone will surely uplift everyone from his or her sufferings as; He is the “ocean of mercy” (Karunaasagara). When we continue to keep this steadfast faith on Him with devotion, we will be able to realize His compassion on us.

 

Let us continue with the next paasuram in the next issue of our Vedhanaadham. Radhekrishna!

 

 Radhekrishna...

 

Poojyashree Shree Ammavin Thiruvadigale Saranam Saranam Saranam.

 

5. Spring Of Spiritual Showers - Experiences Of Bhaktas, Disciples Of Poojyashree Shree Amma, Our Gurujiamma

An experience of a disciple in his own words

Jai Shree Poojyashree Shree Amma

Radhekrishna... Radhekrishna... Radhekrishna... Radhekrishna.

 

Jay Shree Radhekrishna
Jay Shree Poojya Shree Shree Amma
Jay Mahaan Brahmashri Gopalavallidasar

Radhekrishna Radhekrishna Radhekrishna…

 

Radhekrishna !!
Jai Shri Poojya Shree Ammavukku .. Jai!
Sarvam Guruvaarpanam.

I wish to narrate a miracle that I experienced this Sunday - 17th July 2005.
My family and I were getting ready to go to Kampala from Entebbe. We live in the hotel (in which I work) in Entebbe and we had planned the trip to Kampala after many days and we were all quite eager to have the outing.

The time was around 10 am in the morning and we were to leave in about 30 minutes. I received a call from house-keeping department of the hotel that there was a very big leakage of water from the water supply system and that rooms 114 to 128 were fully water logged. I had kept many of my personal belongings in room 119 which is not a guest room but actually a store room. The house keeping department requested me to open room 119 and allow them to remove the water. I was concerned because, if I have to open that room then I would have to wait until they finish - since that room could not be left open. This would upset our plans to go to Kampala. But somehow, even as I was approaching the room 119, I had a certain calmness of mind as if there was nothing serious. As I was approaching the rooms,I saw that from room 114 all the rooms were water logged so badly that water was standing about one-and-a-half inches above the carpet. I opened room 119 and found that there was not even a drop of water in that room. All the five rooms before it and 8 rooms after it were full of water.

I was so surprised as I kept thinking about this. We  have been doing namajapam and our Guru's krupa is so great that she is taking care of every problem that comes to us Then why should I worry myself about serious problems? I ask myself. This experience I feel is giving me a lot of dhyanam and I want to hold on to this more and more.

I am reminded of the words in a marathi bhajan "apaara mahima". I dont remember that bhajan but the words "Apaara mahima" come to mind repeatedly when I think of this incident.

Radhekrishna !!
Jai Shri Poojya Shree Ammavukku Jai!
Sarvam Guruvarpanam!

Shivakumar M.K.
(Entebbe-UGANDA)

Radhekrishna!!!!!

Guruji’s shishyan / shishyai