Gita Jayanti and Jyotisar

Few days ago, 8thDec was the day of Gita Jayanti,the day of the Advent of Srimad Bhagavad-Gita i,e  the day on which Lord Sri Krishna spoke Bhagavad-Gita to Arjuna on the Battlefield of Kurukshetra war.As per Hindu calender, it was a Shukla Ekadashi, 11th day of the waxing moon of Margashirsha month.Also known as Gitopanisad, Srimad Bhagavad Gita contains the essence of Vedic knowledge and one of the most important Upanisads in Vedic literature.The speaker of Bhagavad-Gita is Lord Sri Krishna who is mentioned as Bhagavan or the Supreme God in every page of Gita and, the same is confirmed by all the great acharyas (spiritual masters) like Shankaracarya, Ramanujacarya, Madhvacarya, Nimbarka, Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu and many other authorities of Vedic knowledge.

Thus about 5000 years ago, on this very day Gita was spoken by Lord Krishna to Arjuna, who accepted him as a spiritual master. Arjuna is confused about his duty and surrendered to Lord Krishna and requested him to guide him and clarify his doubts.This is when, Lord Krishna starts speaking to Arjuna.

JYOTISAR - The place where Lord Krishna spoke the Gita

JYOTISAR - The place where Lord Krishna spoke the Gita

The subject of the Bhagavad-Gita entails the comprehension of 5 basic truths: Isvara (the Supreme Lord), jiva (the living entity), prakrti (nature), kala (eternal time) and karma (activity) are all explained in the Bhagavad-Gita. Out of these five, the Lord, the living entities, material nature and time are eternal. The manifestation of prakrti may be temporary, but it is not false. Some philosophers say that the manifestation of material nature is false, but according to the philosophy of Bhagavad-Gita, this is not so. However, the karma, is not eternal. We are suffering or enjoying the results of our activities from time immemorial, but we can change the results of our karma, or our activity, and this change depends on the perfection of our knowledge. We are engaged in various activities. Undoubtedly we do not know what sort of activities we should adopt to gain relief from the actions and reactions of all these activities, but this is also explained in the Bhagavad-Gita.

Sometimes People say that Kurukshetra does not exist and that it's a mythological place, a symbol of the body or Kshetra and the senses. They say it is an allegory to explain certain truths.But,the fact is that Kurukshetra is a place in Haryana State of India. It is located at a 2 hour journey from New Delhi by Train and about by by Bus takes about 3 and haif hours.While travelling by bus there is a stop called “Pipli” on Kurukshetra by-pass. From there catch an auto-rickshaw to reach ISKCON Main Bazaar temple (6 km) and then see the holy places with the assistance from the local devotees, or at a nominal cost one can take the auto-rickshaw to visit all the important places to be seen in and around Kurukshetra.There are so many old temples and historic places to see in and around Kurukshetra that once,one is lucky enough to visit this places, no longer considers the place Kurukshetra and the historical incidents as a myth. One can see everything that is mentioned in the Mahabharata and Bhagavad Gita.

One can visit “JYOTISAR”a place in Kurukshetra which is the Exact Spot where Lord Sri Krishna spoke Srimad Bhagavad-Gita to Arjuna.Today, as a testimony at the place a huge banyan tree can be seen.During the rule of Moghuls, the tree was cut down but, the tree again grew back. What is seen today is the tree that came back to life from the roots of the original tree.There is a board placed on the tree in which is written “The immortal banyan tree witness of the celestial song Bhagavad-Gita”. In fact this place is named as the “Gitopadesh sthal - place where the Bhagavad-Gita was spoken”.Doing the Parikrama or Circumambulation of the tree is considered as a very auspicious.There are a number of historic places and old temples including the recent ones like, ISKCON (International Society for Krishna Consciousness) which has 3 Temples in Kurukshetra: (1) Sri Krishna-Arjuna Jyotisar Temple which is very next to “Jyotisar”, the exact spot where Lord Sri Krishna spoke Srimad Bhagavad-Gita., (2) Sri Sri Radha-Radha Kant Temple, Main Bazaar (3) A preaching centre in Kurukshetra.

Everyone knows, about the famous incident of Grandsire Bhisma lying on a bed of arrows, asks Arjuna for water to quench his thirst.The problem was and could be

only percieved by ones dear to him (Pandavas - Arjuna), that only the special water of river ganges would be able to quench his thirst.Thus,during the course of discussions between Bhismadeva and Yudhisthira Maharaj,when Bhismadeva asked for water, and Arjuna shot an arrow on the ground from which emanated the sacred Ganga

water which flowed into Bhisma’s mouth like a jet that quenched his thirst. This body of water is called ‘Ban Ganga’ which means that the Ganga that emanated from the e shot of a ‘Ban’ (arrow).Today, you can find a lake called Ban Ganga.

Similarly, you can find other places like,

Karnavadha - a long trench where the wheels of Karna's chariot were stuck before Arjuna killed him.

Parasar/Dvaipain: Parasara Muni, the father of Srila Vyasadeva, had his asrama here, about twenty-five miles south of the town of Thaneswar. Duryodhana hid in

the lake here after running away from battle at the end of the Mahabharata war. He came out of the water when the Pandavas challenged him to fight.

Chakravyuha: At Chakravyuha, 8kms south of Thaneswar, the general Dronacarya organized his army in the shape of a discus (cakra). It is also where Abhimanyu, the

son of Arjuna and Subhadra, was killed.

For further reading and details please visit the link;

http://www.dandavats.com/wp-content/uploads3/Jyotisar%20Kurukshetra%20-%20Exact%20Spot%20Where%20Lord%20Krishna%20Spoke%20Bhagavad-Gita.htm

Bhagavad Gita - As it is

There are so many versions of Bhagavad Gita written by so many authors but,  I would like to encourage all my readers to read this version called “ Bhagavad Gita – As it is” written by Srila Prabhupad. I remember myself, from childhood reading so many copies of Bhagavad Gita written by different authors but, they did not make much difference to my understanding of the subject matter of Gita. Yes, I would get the dry meaning of the verses and some interpretation  and I actually got more confused and wonder what is it, all about.Then, once I got a copy of Bhagavad Gita As it is by Srila Prabhupad and just by reading the introduction, I was blown away. I could get so much information and knowledge just by the initial few pages that, I then read the whole book like crazy. Everywhere, in the bus, tram, Lunch time, night etc and completed the book in 7 days. Since then, I keep going back to the book, reading it again and again and every time, I find that I find something new

If you spit into the Sky, it falls into your Eye

This is a old saying from Jamaica and surely, there are similar saying in all the languages. For every action there is equal and opposite reaction aka Karma.Nothing happens by chance.Whatever you experience or happening in this life are the consequences of your actions from your past life which includes this life and countless previous lives.

You don’t need to get angry at God or try to threaten God that I will not pray to you or why are you doing this to me, what have I done to deserve this etc. If you spit into the sky, the sky is not affected but, it is the person who spat gets it back.

In the Canto 7 of Srimad Bhagavatam, we see that Prahlad a small boy of 5 years is harassed by his demoniac father in numerous ways. The reason was that he was worshiping Lord Narayana who Hiranyakashipu considered as his enemy. So he tried everything, to harm, kill the little boy by throwing him into a fire, a room full of snakes, boiling oil, throwing him from a cliff, walking elephants over him. And, what did Prahlad do?. He did not say – Oh God, why are you doing this to me.I am afterall your devotee ? I will stop praying you. He was totally undisturbed and brave, not resisting in any of the acts his father did on him. The Lord took  personally care of him by saving him from all the inconveniences and dangers posed by his Hiranyakashipu.

Similarly, in life we face bad things rather than questioning God, we need to question ourselves why this is happening. Treat others like the way you want to be treated. Definitely, it is not due to your Wife, Boss, friends back biting you. And generally, the tendency is that once you get used to this Habit of blaming others, sometimes those people can't or won't find anyone else to blame and then they turn to the unseen God.

So who is to be blamed ?. The answer to this can be found in Srimad Bhagavatam, Canto 11, Chapter 23 The Song of the Avanti Brahmana which comes as a part of Lord Krishna’s Instructions to Uddhava called as Uddhava Gita. The brahmana who lost all his wealth, betrayed by family members, homeless and roaming as a beggar makes these famous statement “Neither mortal persons, the demigods, the soul, the ruling planets, the reactions of work nor time are the causes of one’s happiness and distress. Rather, the mind alone is their cause, because it is the mind that makes the spirit soul wander in the cycle of material life. The real purpose of all charity, religiosity and so forth is to bring the mind under control. A person who has already composed his mind in meditation has no need for these other processes, and for a person who is incapable of fixing his mind they are of no practical use”. Thus, the Avanti Brahmana became sober by developing a spirit of detachment and became a mendicant and spent his life roaming the world chanting the glories of God.

Lincoln Square Park and Taking Time for Relaxation and Introspection

Lincoln Square Park, Carlton - Melbourne

This is where I go during the lunch break at work. It’s a small area called Lincoln Square Park, situated off Swanston Street in the City of Melbourne between Queensberry and Grattan Streets, Carlton. The location is close to Melbourne's CBD, University of Melbourne and right in front of my work place. I like this place because of the beautiful and majestic trees in the Park. I simply go there to sit down and do my mantra meditation. Sometimes, I simply sit and hear to the birds sounds, see leaves and fruits of the trees. It’s also interesting to see number of people who come here to relax. They normally come here with a take away, have their lunch. What I noticed is that even while having lunch, people are talking on their Mobile. Infect, before they start eating they call someone and finish their lunch while still  conversing. Otherwise, people are busy watching Facebook or WhatsApp. I know a friend who told me that as soon as he goes home, he starts the TV so that he doesn’t feel lonely. While it is good to be social and chatty, what is happening is people are losing their ability to think, plan or introspect. They are afraid to be alone, to be silent and feel uneasy to face the realities of life. To add to this, today's life is so hectic and busy, people rarely get a chance to think deeply about themselves or the world.

Wikipedia says "Introspection is the examination of one's own conscious thoughts and feelings. In psychology the process of introspection relies exclusively on observation of one's mental state, while in a spiritual context it may refer to the examination of one's soul”. So how many people do this.? Very few. And, the result is constant tussle of emotions like, hankering and lamentation, attachment and renunciation, comparing oneself with others,criticize.What I feel is that, it is important for everyone to take time out in silence, close to nature which means even the simple act of sitting under a tree or watching some birds which can be done in anywhere in a city or countryside.

I would like to call Introspection as looking inside. Focusing your attention to your internal world, talking to your mind, finding out what your real intentions are. Is it really needed or required.? How does it matter, what is inside, as long as you are happy, enjoying life, talking to friends ?.

This reminds me a quote "“When you squeeze an orange, you'll always get orange juice to come out. What comes out is what's inside. The same logic applies to you: when someone squeezes you, puts pressure on you, or says something unflattering or critical, and out of you comes anger, hatred, bitterness, tension, depression, or anxiety, that is what's inside. If love and joy are what you want to give and receive, change your life by changing what's inside.” 

                                                                                                                                     ― Wayne W. Dyer."

“Speech is silver, but Silence is Golden proverbial saying, meaning that discretion can be more valuable than the most eloquent words”.

Again in Bhagavad Gita, Chapter 10. Verse 38 line 3 -  Lord Krishna Says the following “maunam caivasmi guhyanam - Of secret things I am silence.Srila Prabhupada further says in his Purport to the verse "Among the confidential activities of hearing, thinking and meditating, silence is most important because by silence one can make progress very quickly".

Halloween day - Trick or Treat ?

Halloween Dressup

Halloween, All Hallows' Eve, or All Saints' Eve, is a celebration observed in a number of countries on 31 of October, the eve of the Western Christian feast of All Hallows' Day. Halloween is celebrated as a day to commemorate the ancestors, Saints and Martyrs.These days, Halloween is becoming popular day of celebration not only among kids but also the adults. So, the day usually the houses are decorated with all scary, ghostly things like, Cobwebs, Skeletons, Pumpkin - Jack o Lantern and anything that displays some touch of spirits. So the Halloween parties of kids consists of celebration by dressing up in ghostly cloths, games, food and plenty of lollies. The adult parties are a mix of scary and stylist historic costumes like Prince,Knights and Princesses or just anything that is different. Whatever it is, it looks like the retailers made a good profit, this year by selling all those masks and Costumes, lollies, electric lamps and Pumpkins. I asked few people but, no one seems to know the origins of wearing the costumes originated from. However, I got the information from net that, Halloween thought to have originated with the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, when people would light bonfires and wear costumes to ward off roaming ghosts. Trying to scare ghosts away by becoming more scarier than them.? Yeah, it looks like we are succeeding in this effort. Well, all for fun and some good time. I came across these photos from my friends Facebook page and she graciously agreed for me to post them on my blog.

Halloween Finger food - Short Bread with Almonds

I had some interesting feedback and comments from friends about this celebration. One of my friend complained that, his son is refusing to come for an evening walk with him because, one of the home's in their street had this really, scary decor of Halloween, a dead body hanging with its throat choked by a rope, in their front veranda, almost on the road. Another colleague told me that, he heard few knocks on the door but, did not open the door because, they are some kids coming to ask for Lollies and treat on the Halloween eve. He explained me the concept of treat or trick which is, when people come asking like that you either trick them by giving them a Gift pack with nothing in it or with a note which says, "You are tricked" and the other option is simply give them a treat, a bag of lollies, chocolates etc. He can’t be bothered to do either and that's why he didn’t open the door.

Halloween jack o lantern

Overall, I see the modern day Halloween as another form of Celebration, having fun, doing something differently, get some happiness and joy in the celebration. It is interesting to note that everyone in this world is seeking Happiness. Not even a crazy person wants misery. In his craziness, he does something crazy that he thinks will make him happy. Even people who go into depression, it’s not that they want to be that way. It is not that they don’t want to be happy. It is just that, they are unable to be happy. The holy scripture called Vedanta Sutra 1.1.12(Vedanta means the pinnacle or end of highest knowledge or Sutra simply means Rules) says, 'Ananda Mayo Bhyasat'- by nature the living entities are pleasure seeking. Furthermore, it is said that because we are spiritual beings nothing material can satisfy us. What this means is that, Objects can satisfy the senses of the body. Various emotional gratifications can satisfy the mind. But the heart is yearning, longing, to love and to be loved. So we are trying to find that experience of pleasure in so many ways in this world but, nothing material can actually satisfy the heart.

Personally, I don’t have anything against Halloween parties or all the fun people are having but, the main point the Vedic scriptures point out is that we are trying to find the pleasure in wrong things and wrong places. And, even if they find some happiness, that is for a short period and fleeting and in fact actually can make people frustrated and angry. The final and true place to repose our love or seek the ultimate pleasure is by connecting with that possessor of that unlimited pleasure, the Supreme God. And once someone experiences that supreme love and pleasure from God, they experience the unlimited bliss and happiness which naturally extends to all the living beings who are part and parcel of the supreme lords creation. This is the love, compassion and happiness experienced by so many saints and devotees of the God that we see in different religions of the world.

I Hope you all had a Good Halloween day celebrations..

Austerity of Speech and Socrates Test of Three

Austerity means being in a state of self-control or a state of denial.In sanskrit, it can be translated as Tapas or following a steady practice with the aim of spiritual or higher gains.In Chapter 17 of Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna explains various types of austrities that elevate ones consciousness from the material or worldly platform to that of spiritual.The verse 15 below, especially talks about the austerity of speech.

“anudvega-karam vakyam

 satyam priya-hitam ca yat

 svadhyayabhyasanam caiva

 van-mayam tapa ucyate

Translation: Austerity of speech consists in speaking words that are truthful, pleasing, beneficial, and not agitating to others, and also in regularly reciting Vedic literature(Bg 17.15)”.

I think, this is a very important verse that is useful not only for spiritual but also for day to day basis. It is the general tendency of people to gossip about something or someone, either at work place or

meeting up with friends.Gossip - is the root cause of so many misunderstandings,tensions,friction between people and friends. The whole atmosphere and the relationships are spoilt just by this.Ever wonder why people gossip ?. I think one reason is that people who feel low or bad about themselves get a temporary relief by talking bad about others or trying to expose or show something negative in others.And, there are so many other reasons like, people gossip to get some attention, popularity, envy, to make them feel part of a group etc. It is said that if you find a fault in someone, it is because you have that same fault within you – hundreds of times more than what you are trying to show in another person. Of course, this is not same as constructive criticism by some well wishers, parents or seniors. Thus, control of tongue or urge to speak nonsense is the most important aspect of Austerity of speech.

In ancient Greece,Socrates was widely lauded for his wisdom. One day the great philosopher came upon an acquaintance who ran up to him excitedly and said, "Socrates, do you know what I just heard about one of  your students?"

"Wait a moment," Socrates replied. "Before you tell me I'd like you to pass a little test called, the Test of Three."

"Test of Three?"

"That's right," Socrates continued. "Before you talk to me about my student let's take a moment to test what you're going to say. The first test is Truth. Have you made absolutely sure that what you are about to tell me is true?"

No," the man said, "actually I just heard about It."

"All right," said Socrates. "So you don't really know if it's true or not. Now let's try the second test, the test of Goodness. Is what you are about to tell me about my student something good?"

"No, on the contrary..."

"So," Socrates continued, "you want to tell me something bad about him even though you're not certain it's true?"

The man shrugged, a little embarrassed.

Socrates continued. "You may still pass though, because there is a third test - the filter of Usefulness. Is what you want to tell me about my student going to be useful to me?"

"No, not really."

"Well," concluded Socrates, "if what you want to tell me is neither True nor Good nor even Useful, why tell it to me at all?"

The man was defeated and ashamed. This is the reason Socrates was a great philosopher and held in such high esteem.So next time, you meet someone and they want to say something to you, You know what to ask?.Is it true, useful and something good ?.

One day, do we have to sell chocolates ? It’s all about Karma

Selling Chocolates

Seriously, many of you must have done this at least once. Selling Chocolates, on the behalf of your Child to raise donations or funds to your child’s school or some Welfare society ? . So, I walked into the kitchen at my workplace to warm up my lunch and right there on the Microwave, I saw a box of Chocolates (Freddo Frogs) and an interesting message “ One day You’LL have to sell Chocolates for Your Child’s school. Contribute to the sense of social obligation for everyone to purchase NOW, before it is your turn....” This raised some interesting thoughts and doubts in my mind about law of Karma, action, inaction and reaction.

Logically speaking, as per the above statement, we can derive that everyone who has or would have a child, children will have to sell chocolates, because it is normal that almost every kid school goes to a school. And, every school has and will have one of these fund raising activities, passed on to its students which are passed on to their parents. After all, it is for a good cause and kids should learn these things quite young and of course parents are there to support them. Then, secondly it is a social obligation to buy a Chocolate because who knows, one day you will be doing the same thing. And, if you don’t buy one – tomorrow you may have to sell chocolates yourself and then, because of your bad Karma, you won’t be able to sell any chocolates, either eat them yourself or donate them to your friends for free and pay from your pocket. What if you don’t eat chocolates at all and you won’t buy or sell any chocolates ?. Shut up you silly mind, I said to my mind. It is really getting complicated. Of course, the seller (one of my colleague, did not use the word Karma but, that is what it implicitly means.) These days, everyone knows about Karma and that’s how all the roadside beggars, Chuggers gets all the money. Really, the intricacies of Karma – the law of action and reaction are very hard to understand. If this can get so complicated for a simple thing like this one, what about our daily dealings ?

There is an interesting verse from Chapter 4, Text 17 of Srimad Bhagavad Gita,

karmano hy api boddhavyam
boddhavyam ca vikarmanah
akarmanas ca boddhavyam
gahana karmano gatih

Translation: The intricacies of action are very hard to understand. Therefore one should know properly what action is, what forbidden action is, and what inaction is.

     So there is Karma – an action or deed performed which produces resultant good or bad reactions, Vikarma – actions that are performed through the misuse of one's freedom and for which one suffers in the present life or by going down to take birth in the lower life forms  and Akarma - Actions that free one from the cycle of birth and death. There is also something else called Ugrakarma – actions that are really harmful to a person doing them and also to the whole society and environment.

So Bhagavad Gita advises us that if one is serious about spiritual life and desirous of getting free from this material body, do something good for ourselves and for the whole society, one needs to be careful about the actions one is performing. Because, Karma (Vikarma, Akarma, Ugrakarma) is like a fire, whether you know it or not, it will still burn – if not handled properly.

Karma Cafe

Now sometimes people might get so much bogged down by thinking all these things and they decide to stop doing any work or activity. Infect, this is what Arjun wanted to do. He wanted to renounce work because work means actions and reaction. But Lord Krishna explained him that the very nature of a soul is to be active and conscious. No one can service in this world by inactivity, even if one is inactive, his mind is always actively thinking. Thus one who physically restrains his senses but, mentally thinking about the sense objects is called a pretender and he cannot achieve any good. Lord Krishna in Bhagavad Gita explains, how one should perform his duty without expecting any results, always thinking of him, offering the results to him called Karma Yoga. There is also Jnana Yoga, path of Knowledge and Bhakti Yoga – path of devotional service explained in Bhagavad Gita. Knowing all these will make one not hate Karma but, appreciate it.I recently read a facebook status message which read " Love the Karma ; The guy who to told me off in the parking lot, came for the job interview".

How Can You Learn About God?

Sunrise - A Chalk Pastels Painting by my Son Gopal

“Wow, it a beautiful painting of a Sun setting” –I said, looking at this painting of my 8 year old son. “No Daddy, it is a sunrise” my son replied. “Oh, sorry it looked like the birds are coming back home” I replied. “No, they are actually flying away for food” my son said.Ok, whatever it is, it’s a nice painting - I quickly corrected myself. So, this is what it is. Every one of us has their own perception of reality, what they see, how they see and how they perceive things. Depending on one’s mood, perceptions and Psyche one interprets things in a different way. I am sure, someone else looking at this might wonder, where is the sun ?

One of the question or thought that I always get and many philosophers wondered is that, does two people share same reality. Do they see or the same object or hear the same sound at the same time. How do we know ? We simply assume that because, this is so and so, I can hear, feel, touch it, the other person also should be perceiving it in the same way. But, it is a well-documented, researched  and noticed fact that our perceptions are greatly influenced by the amount of attentions that we pay to a particular thing, by past experiences, motivations, context, faith and so many other factors. In other words, our reality is built by ourselves or the experience of reality is psychologically constructed.

An interesting verse from Srimad Bhagavatham explains that “Atmavan Manyatae Jagat” - everyone looks at the world from their eyes, thinks of others from their position. For example, when a person is hard of hearing, he thinks others can’t hear. A man thinks others like himself. I have recently experienced this thing.Something happened to my right ear and for about, two days I could not hear anything. But, when I speak, my voice would amplify and I would hear it myself and too loud. So, what I used do was, to speak too soft or low to others and my friends would not understand what I am saying and they were saying, what.? Thank God, it’s all over and I am back to normal.

There is a nice story of Frog who used to live in a small well. One day, another Frog which visited a Ocean came to see him and was trying to explain him how vast is the ocean. But, this frog which is accustomed to living in a small three feet water and had no experience of  seeing an ocean  is trying to figure out how big is the ocean compared to his well. He said, is it bigger by 10, 20, 100, 1000 times.? How can there be any water reserve that’s bigger than that.? An Ocean is beyond the limits and comprehension of that Frog in the well.

Similarly, people try to apply their logic and reasoning to know, find out God. They try to define God by logic, reasoning, by experiments. But, the Supreme God is beyond our material sense perception and material knowledge. For example, think of  Something like – God Paradox or Omnipotence Paradox, which try to define God and his powers through logic and reasoning. Man can go on arguing for centuries and millenniums but, cannot come to a conclusion.  

(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Omnipotence_paradox)

The omnipotence paradox is a family of semantic paradoxes that address two general issues and three specific issues:

Is an omnipotent entity logically possible?

What do we mean by "omnipotence"?

What do we mean by "power"?

What do we mean by "logic"?

What is the relation between power and logic?

The omnipotence paradox states that: If a being can perform any action, then it should be able to create a task that it is unable to perform. Hence, this being cannot perform all actions. On the other hand, if this being cannot create a task that it is unable to perform, then there is something it cannot do.

In the Mahabharata it is mentioned that the Supreme God cannot be perceived by logic and reasoning but, he is actually residing in the hearts of the great Paramahamsa devotees and through their mercy one can learn about the God.

Here is a nice excerpt from one of Srila Prabhupad’s lecture -

Lecture on SB 7.9.8 -- Hawaii, March 21, 1969: So our folly is that we are trying to study Krsna, or God, by our own standard, frog standard. We do not know how great Krsna is, how His potency is great, how He is manufacturing, how He is... Because we think, "If we have to manufacture something, I require some tools, I require some energy, I require some ingredients. I have to collect it. Then I can make." Therefore we are surprised, "How Krsna can make, or how  God can create, this universe? Where is that instrument? Where is that ingredient?" They cannot. They are thinking in that way, that "I require instrument. Krsna requires the hammer and the saw to manufacture this comic manifestation." I am thinking in that way. Therefore I cannot believe it, how the cause of this cosmic manifestation can be a person. They are thinking impersonal. Impersonal bigness, they think it is very important. Actually, it has no value. Background is person. Krsna says in the Bhagavad-gita that “brahmano hi pratisthaham” I am the basis of the impersonal Brahman. That is the mistake of civilization. We think everything in our own standard.

Can we keep Geeta Upadesh Photo at Home and Geeta Saar

Geethopadesha Painting

I indirectly heard of people saying irrational things about having a picture of Lord Krishna Instructing Arjuna- famously called as Geethopadesha.All these comments are based on ignorance or lack of spiritual knowledge and misunderstanding of the Scriptures like Bhagavad Gita or Mahabharata. These comments are baseless and absurd. One person said that the health of the person got affected immediately after putting one of these picture at home, someone said there is lot of quarrel and fighting within the family. But, millions of these Pictures exist in temples and homes in India and all over the world.

Recently I heard these type of question from someone close to me, I thought I will write an article that will dispel the people's doubts, wrong notions and myths. The question was, Is it OK to keep a photo of Geetopadesh at home.? Someone told us that, keeping the picture creates rivalry and fight amongst brothers.

This is what I have advised ....

Firstly, all these kind of advices and comments should be completely ignored. Because, it is clear that they do not know, what they are talking about. People try to apply their mundane logic and reasoning to the spiritual matters.

Geethopadesha or Srimad Bhagavad Gita, is the divine discussion between Supreme Lord Sri Krishna and Arjuna.Bhagavad Gita contains 18 Chapters and 700 verses. Bhagavad Gita  is really a book for the whole mankind because, it contains the explanations to the mysteries directly related to a human being and the world around them. It explains the 5 main topics which deal with the knowledge of Isvara - Supreme Lord who is the supreme controller, The jiva or the living entity which is controlled, the relationship of a living entity to the Supreme, Prakriti or the material nature, Kala – the eternal time factor and the Karma – the action and reaction experienced by the living entities.

Bhagavad Gita, actually enlightens a human being to actually to fight – an internal battle that everyone has to go through, every day and every moment of life. Reading it assures one’s victory over the greatest  internal enemies called Arishadvarga, the six passions of mind or desire, which are kama (lust), krodha (anger), lobha (greed), moha (attachment), mada or ahankar (pride).

Bhagavad Gita, not only tells a person how to become, tolerant, humble and see everything and everyone in relation to the Supreme God but, it also makes one realised that we are all Spirit souls, who are separate from this material body. The body changes but, the Soul remains the same.Thus, the actions we perform in one body and their reactions are carried forward to our next body.And, also our actions and behaviour in this body determines our next body.

So, please do not have any doubts or negative thoughts that this picture will cause trouble or friction among the family members. Hang the painting in a prominent place in your house like a living room or anywhere you can constantly able to see it. And each time you see the picture, may Lord Krishna inspire you to become righteous, uphold dharma, be truthful and believe in god.

Remember this verse 18.65 of Bhagavad Gita,

man-mana bhava mad-bhakto

mad-yaji mam namaskuru

mam evaisyasi satyam te

pratijane priyo 'si me

TRANSLATION : Always think of Me and become My devotee. Worship Me and offer your homage unto Me. Thus you will come to Me without fail. I promise you this because you are My very dear friend.

Yes, in this life things doesn't always go as per our plan and more shockingly it looks as though, the more good we do, more bad things are happening to us. And, then we start grieving, why is this happening to me.? I have been just and good for as far as I remember. But, remember life doesn't start and end with this body we have today. We have numerous lives and numerous bodies before and who can tell what good or bad things we have done in our past lives.?

Excuse my brevity but, I will tell a brief incident from Mahabharata that illustrates the powerful law and effects of Karma.

After the Kurukshetra war, Dhritarashtra questioned Lord Krishna this way.” Krishna, I know and also people say that you are the Supreme Lord in a human form. Thus, I want to ask you this.How unfortunate is that, I was born blind, even though had 100 sons, today not even one remains.? What kind of justice is this.?.” To this Lord Krishna replied, my dear King- hundred lifetimes ago, you were a hunter.One day to climbed the top of a tree and when about kill the small birdlings, the mother bird attacked you.You then, pierced a arround into its eyes and killed all the baby birds. Then, Dhritarashtra asked – but Krishna, why hundred lives.?  and Krishna replied - Because, to beget 100 sons, you need a lot of piety and it took you 100 lives to get that good credits.

For further details of Karma, how it works - please refer to my article,

http://ausram.blogspot.com.au/2014/08/fare-evasion-karma-instant-and-delayed.html

Again, dont get mental about what wrong things, you have done in your past lives, consult astrologer and spend money on some pooja or ceremonies.

Remember this verse from Bhagavad Gita 18.66,

sarva-dharman parityajya

mam ekam saranam vraja

aham tvam sarva-papebhyo

mokshayishyami ma sucah

TRANSLATION : Abandon all varieties of religion and just surrender unto Me. I shall deliver you from all sinful reactions. Do not fear.

Finally, I would like to share this beautiful message famously called as Geeta Saar written by Bal Gangadhar Tilak

'Whatever happened, happened for the good.

Whatever will happen, will also happen for the good.

What did you lose that you are lamenting about?

What did you bring with you that you have lost?

What did you produce that got destroyed?

Whatever you have, you received it from here.

Whatever you gave, you gave it back here.

What belongs to you today, belonged to someone else yesterday

and will belong to someone else tomorrow.'

So go-ahead and keep this picture where ever you want and I will guarantee that you will get immense spiritual and material benefits just by having this in house. Look at the picture, think of the love and mercy Krishna has for his devotees. He did all the best he could do to avoid the war. He took up the menial job of a driver (Charioteer) because of his compassion and love for his friend,devotee Arjuna. He gave wealth equal to him, simply by accepting some chipped rice from Sudama, his childhood friend. He eat Banana peels offered to him with love and devotion by Vidura and his wife.Rejected opulent preparations made by Duryodhana because there is no love.

A god who is bound by his devotees love, mother Yashoda tied him to a grinding stone.What to speak of his devotees, he awarded liberation to Putana a demoness who came to kill him when he was merely a baby. And, also all the demons who got killed by him got liberation.

And of course, the final concluding verse of Bhagavad Gita says,

“yatra yogesvarah krsno

 yatra partho dhanur-dharah

 tatra srir vijayo bhutir...

Wherever there is Krsna, the master of all mystics, and wherever there is Arjuna, the supreme archer, there will also certainly be opulence, victory, extraordinary power, and morality...” 

So why not have all these in your home ?

Albert Park Lake and How to Achieve Peace

Albert Park Lake

Albert Park Lake

Last weekend, I went for a walk in the Albert Park with my kids. I actually dropped my elder kid at the Basketball training in the MSAC - Melbourne Sports and Aquatic centre and walked to the Albert Park lake which is just opposite to the place. Though, the weather was still a bit cold and windy with mild sunshine, I decided to go for a walk. It was a nice 120 acres lake with varieties of activities like, Kids play area, Barbeque area and a walking track around the Lake. What caught my attention was the birds swimming in the lake - there are Ducks, Swans of different varieties.There 

Ducks @ Albert Park Lake

are number of people walking, jogging, cycling, people having picnic etc. There was a young man, who brought lots of bread crumbs and feeding to the birds which was an interesting and happy sight to watch. I told that the lake area is a habitat to number of other interesting life species like Kookaburra, Sulphur crested cockatoos, possums and Geckos. This was one of the important places of Aboriginal Wurundjeri tribe, who lived here for nearly 40,000 years. Just about 3 Kms from the City, this is a nice area for people who want to relax and take a break from the concrete jungle of the city. There is ample Public transport, Tram no 12 which has a stop just nearby. There is also ample Ticketed Parking available around. This lake is part of the Albert Park which is about 260 Acres and maintained by Parks Victoria.

The place was peaceful and I was suddenly reminded of a wonderful verse from 2nd Chapter of Bhagavad Gita - Verse 70.

" āpūryamānam acala-pratistham

samudram āpah praviśanti yadvat

tadvat kāmā yam praviśanti sarve

sa śāntim āpnoti na kāma-kāmī

TRANSLATION : A person who is not disturbed by the incessant flow of desires — that enter like rivers into the ocean, which is ever being filled but is always still — can alone achieve peace, and not the man who strives to satisfy such desires.

                                                                             (Bhagavad Gita As It is 2.70 by Srila Prabhupad)"

Ducks and Swans @ Albert Park Lake

Albert Park Lake

Albert Park Lake

The analogy of an Ocean by Lord Krishna explains that, one must be like an Ocean which is not disturbed by flow of rivers. And, the water levels of the ocean does not depend on the rivers flowing into it and remains steady. What this means is that, as human beings we are always bombarded by constant flow of thoughts and desires. The mind is always asking and desiring for things. You just go for a drive in the car and the mind starts its desires factory. You see a Coffee shop, it wants a Coffee, see an Ice cream shop, it wants an ice cream, see a furniture shop – it want you to buy that Great looking couch. One day, I was going in the tram and met a acquaintance and started talking. He showed me from the Tram window, a Couch / Sofa-cum bed and told me. “ Did you see that one ? I am waiting for my next salary and would buy it on the Pay day. Keep my fingers crossed, nothing else come up in between”. I actually, heard from a wonderful lecture on how to control your minds desires. Imagine, you are driving on a busy road in the city and you have your kid sitting in the front seat with you. He would be telling you so many things, how he needs this and that, looking at shops etc. And, as a sensible person, you simply ignore whatever he is saying and concentrate on your driving. And if he really needs something, use your intelligence to judge and act accordingly. Similarly, our mind is like a nasty, chatty child, who keeps on blabbering this and that. But, we should ignore that and focus our attention on our goal. Not that, you started at point A to go to pointB, meanwhile stopped at C, bought D, looked at E, F ... Z and came back home without going to point B.

Elsewhere in Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna explains hierarchy of senses, Mind, Intelligence and Soul. One more Analogy that comes to my mind is that of a Charioteer, where the Soul is the passenger, the driver is the intelligence, Horses represent the senses. Please refer to my previous blog post.

http://ausram.blogspot.com.au/2013/11/control-of-mind-body-and-senses.html

Your Inner voice – How to Listen and Act

What is this thing called the inner voice ? Well it is quite personal, guiding, caring, clear voice that seem to guide you, give you assurance and take you toward your goals. When everything else seems gloomy, scary and confusing, that something speaks from within your heart, the Voice that gives Courage, assurance and faith to believe in yourself - I like to call that as The Inner Voice. The voice of your ever well-wisher, the Supremely merciful God.

As Mahatma Gandhi said " Everyone who wills can hear the inner voice. It is within everyone." Everyone, Including the  President, Pope, a thief, a criminal ? Ok, I am not any of these but, still how do I know that whatever I am hearing which is supposedly an Inner voice is not my own imagination, hallucination or the mind playing the tricks.? 

I am bit hesitant to say, that a number of time in my life and I am sure many of you would have had the same experience of an hearing an inner voice speak. Please read on..

I simply, thought that I would write on something from Bhagavad Gita. I just thought of a random number in my mind, 10:11 and looked up in Bhagavad Gita and this is the verse that I found in Bhagavad-Gita As It Is and this verse inspired me to write about the Inner Voice.

“tesam evanukampartham

 aham ajñana-jamm tamah

 nasayamy atma-bhava-stho

 jñana-dipena bhasvata

TRANSLATION : To show them special mercy, I, dwelling in their hearts, destroy with the shining lamp of knowledge the darkness born of ignorance.

Inner voice and Bhagavad Gita :- Lord Krishna at number of places explains that how he as Paramatma (Supersoul) is residing in the heart of every living entity. This does not mean that whatever actions a living entity performs for example, a sinful person is approved by the Lord. The supreme Lord tries to speak to the soul and explain him not to do a wrong thing but, like a when a soul like a spoilt child refuses to listen to him, he will regretfully sanctions it. So an Inner voice in the context of Vedic literature  means the voice of the Supreme God.

Other Interpretations of Inner voice :- Its interesting to note the use of this Inner Voice by various authors in different contexts. According to some, it a Intuition that comes from Mind, an inspiration, a gut feeling, the Psycho somatic indications and responses of one’s body etc. Some people talk of developing your power of listening to your inner voice by emotional intelligence, by brain exercises etc. Then some people talk of Holy Angels, Guiding Angels – how to recognise them, how to attract them etc. As I said in the beginning, there are some problems with people claiming to hear this inner voice. Because one's perception of inner voice depends on, one's level of consciousness and what a person considers an Inner voice to be. For example, a man was questioned as why he killed someone. He told the police that his inner voice told him to do. Similarly, people can claim or blame the inner voice to be the cause of their actions. Of course, in Bhagavad Gita Lord Krishna says, “Yanti deva Vrata devan” in Chapter 9.25, people who worship, Demigods, Spirits, Ghosts, Ancestors take birth or go to them and one who worships him will come to him.

Conclusion :- As per the Holy scriptures of India, one’s consciousness  needs to be purified by practice of spirituality and devotional service. And, to the extent ones consciousness is purified, one starts perceiving the presence of Super Soul in his heart. But, generally it is advised that in the neophyte stages of one's practice of spirituality, when one gets or hears his inner voice speaking, he needs to check the instructions are in accordance with the scriptures and holy books. Furthermore, one is advised to take guidance of a senior devotee or a Spiritual Master on these matters. Because, who knows I might get an inner voice speak to me and say that, give up your job, renounce everything and go to Himalayas. But, that may not be the real inner voice but, a conscience or my Intellect that got tired of the busy, stressful, hectic life style. Then, what I have to do is to go to Bhagavad Gita and see what Lord Krishna spoke about renunciation, did he approve Arjuna to give up his responsibility and become a sanyasi or something else.? I also have an option of asking some seniors who would advise me about danger of giving up work, without our mind and senses getting completely purified.

Twenty Spiritual Instructions that will lead you to Moksha or Liberation

What is Moksha or Liberation ? Basically, it means freedom from the miseries and greatest problems of the life. As explained by Lord Krishna, Janma, Mrytu, Jara, Vyadhi - Birth, Death, Old Age and disease. These are the problems everyone has to go through in their life.And, on top of these or subset of these are the problems like,

The ādhyātmika duhkha or tāpa is that which is caused by bodily suffering and mental anguish. Hereditary diseases like Diabetes, disabilities like blindness or lameness and diseases caused by the violation of the rules of health and sanitation are classed under this. The mental agony caused by worries and anxieties, attachment and aversion, also comes under this group.

The ādhidaivika duhka or tāpa is that which is caused by daiva. The word daiva includes the power of time, nature and the unseen hand or fate. Diseases caused by the changing seasons, misery caused by the elemental forces like floods and fire, suffering caused by black magic or disembodied spirits or gods who are displeased, natural tribulations due to hunger, thirst and old-age belongs to this group.

The ādhibhautika duhkha or tāpa is that which is caused by other bhutas or living beings, like wild animals, snakes, or enemies.

Thus, some of these problems cannot be got rid of like a physical, hereditary disease like a genetic disorder and they needs to be endured. Some others like disease due to change of weather, Hay Fever , enemies can be countered by taking appropriate precautions.But, the ultimate solution to these sufferings is to back, back to godhead, to Vaikunta where there are no miseries. In order for this to happen, one has to raise above to the the level of spirit, connect ourselves to the Supreme God through Yoga.

The below is a nice forward I received from one of my friend.

Obviously, I am not a Master or practicing all these things to be telling others. Especially, some of the things like getting up at 4AM in the morning, I know some great souls who actually get up at 3Am and finish their sadhana of Chanting Hare Krishna Mantra on beads before sunrise. I cant do it. I struggle to get up at 5AM but, these are nice standards or Goals that someone serious about spiritual life should aspire to achieve. Please note my comments are in Italic.

  

1. Get up at 4 a.m. daily. This is Brahm Muhurt which is extremely favourable for meditation on God.

Yes, no doubt and I am able to do it some time. This is the time, the whole world is sleeping and there is noise or disturbances. Also, in shastras it is said, this time the Mode of Goodness is prevailing.As soon as sun comes up, your mind is running.I have to go there, do this, catch a train, attend a meeting so on.

2. ASAN: Sit on Padm, Siddh or Sukh Asan for Japa and Meditation for half an hour, facing the east or the north. Increase the period gradually to three hours. Do Sirshasan and Sarvangasan for keeping up Brahmacharya and health. Take light physical exercises as walking, etc., regularly. Do twenty Pranayamas.

I sometimes do Sirshasan and Sarvangasanand they are quite effective. Even, if you do for 3 to 5 mins, you feel great difference and energy in your body.

3.JAPA or Mantra Meditation: Repeat any Mantra. Personally, I chant

Hare Krishna Hare Krishna

Krishna Krishna Hare Hare

Hare Rama Hare Rama

Rama Rama Hare Hare .... and there are other Mantras like

Om or Om Namo Narayanay, Om Namah Sivay, Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevay, Om Saravanabhavay Namah, Sita Ram, Sri Ram, Hari Om, or Gayatri, according to your taste or inclination, from 108 to 21,600 times daily.

4. DIETETIC DISCIPLINE: Take Sattvic food, Suddh Ahar. Give up chillies, tamarind, garlic, onion, sour articles, oil, mustard and asafoetida. Observe moderation in diet (Mitahar). Do not overload the stomach. Give up those things which the mind likes best for a fortnight in a year. Eat simple food. Milk and fruits help concentration. Take food as medicine, to keep life going. Eating for enjoyment is sin. Give up salt and sugar for a month. You must be able to live on rice, dhall and bread without any chutni. Do not ask for extra salt for dhall and sugar for tea, coffee, or milk.

Again, my personal experience is that when you eat heavy especially for dinner and also if you eat late, you next day is ruined. Firstly, you won't be able to get up early in the morning and the whole day you will be yawning and feeling sleepy.

5. Have a separate meditation-room under lock and key.

Yeah, its good to have one, if it is practical or make one part of your living room or any room a regular place of meditation. Have a Altar set up, nice pictures of Lord etc.

6. Do charity regularly, every month, or even daily, according to your means, say six paisa per rupee.

In Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna  says that “Acts of sacrifice, charity and penance are not to be given up but should be performed. Indeed, sacrifice, charity and penance purify even the great souls.

yajna-dana-tapah-karma

na tyajyam karyam eva tat

yajno danam tapas caiva

pavanani manisinam BG 18.5 “

But, be mindful of whom you are donating to.Suppose you to donate to a beggar on the street and if he goes and spend the money you gave him on drugs and alcohol, you get a part of the negative karma.

7. SVADHYAY: Study systematically the Gita, Ramayan, Bhagavat, Vishnu-Sahasranam, Lalit Sahasranam, Adity Hriday, Upanishads, Yog-Vasishth, the Bible, Zend Avest, the Koran, the Tripitakas, the Granth Sahib, etc., from half an hour to one hour daily and have Suddh-Vichar.

Daily reading uplifts your consciousness and suddenly, your worries and problems don't bother you as much. You still deal with them but, hey this is not the end of the world.Plus, your consciousness is purified and you get higher taste etc.

8. Preserve the vital force (Veerya or Semen) very very carefully. Veerya is God in motion or manifestation, Vibhuti. Veerya is all power. Veerya is money. Veerya is the essence of life, thought and intelligence.

Unfortunatly, when we tell this to the youth, they will simply laugh and make fun but, this is a fact and all the Holy books of the world stress this point.

9. Get by heart some prayer, Slokas, Stotras, and repeat them as soon as you sit on the Asan before starting Japa or meditation. This will elevate the mind quickly.

Prayers are your personal shields. You get strength,protection, will power from them.Again, the simple and most sublime one is the Hare Krishna Mantra.

10. Have Satsang. Give up bad company, smoking, meat and alcoholic liquors entirely. Do not develop any evil habits.

I cannot stress this fact, a man is known by the company he keeps. One rootworm, one bug destroys the whole tree.

11. Fast on Ekadasi day or live on milk and fruits only.

Give some rest to your organs – Stomach, Liver, Heart and take time to rejuvenate.

12. Have a Jap Mala (rosary) round your neck or in your pocket or underneath your pillow at night.

For practical purposes the beads are kept in a cloth bag.

13. Observe Moun - Silence for a couple of hours daily.

Many saints and great people do this and have done this. It is said that if you practice voluntary silence with your mind focused on god for 10 or 12 years, they get a power called Vak Siddhi, means whatever you say will become true.At Least, helps one to maintain their sanity.Srila Prabhupad said, Chanting Hare Krishna Mantra is practicing Silence or Moun.

14. Speak the truth at all cost. Speak a little. Speak sweetly.

Krsnadasa Kaviraja Gosvami defines eloquence as "truth spoken concisely."

15. Reduce your wants. If you have four shirts reduce the number to three or two. Lead a happy contented life. Avoid unnecessary worry. Have plain living and high thinking.

I dont need to extrapolate on this. Retail therapy might be good but, hurts when paying the bills.I know a friend, who decided to clean his Wardrobe after 2 years and found 20 unused T Shirts.

16. Never hurt anybody. Control anger by love, Kshama (forgiveness) and Daya (compassion).

Remember, what goes around, comes around.

17. Do not depend upon servants. Self-reliance is the highest of all virtues.

18. Think of the mistakes you have committed during the course of the day, just before retiring to bed (self-analysis). Keep daily diary and self-correction register. Do not brood over past mistakes.

Yes, repent for your mistakes and resolve to never repeat them.Dont loose your heart if you fail.Remember, as a kid you fell down so many time but, never gave up trying to walk. And, today you are walking with such a style and elegance.

19. Remember that death is awaiting you every moment. Never fail to fulfil your duties. Have pure conduct (Sadachar).

Srimad Bhagavatam says, with every sunset and sunrise you are getting closer to death and if you don't use your time to know about God, learn scriptures, your life is wasted.

20. Think of God as soon as you wake up and just before you go to sleep. Surrender yourself completely to God (Saranagati).

Lord Krishna in Bhagavad Gita 6.47 says,

yoginām api sarvesām

mad-gatenāntarātmanā

śraddhāvān bhajate yo mām

sa me yuktatamo matah

"Of all yogīs, the one with great faith who always abides in Me, thinks of Me within himself, and renders transcendental loving service to Me is the most intimately united with Me in yoga and is the highest of all. That is My opinion." (BG 6.47) So one who thinks of the Supreme Lord always is the greatest yogī, the supermost jñānī, and the greatest devotee at the same time.

This is the essence of all spiritual Sadhanas. This will lead you to Moksh. All these Niyamas or spiritual canons must be rigidly observed. You must not give leniency to the mind. Share this with more brothers. Create awareness in this regard amongst friends and contacts. Within your individual field of reach, may you take these thought and deploy them to the masses, the saints through various media - print, electronic or any other. Please do not hesitate in this self-less work. Your duty is to give your near and dear ones this opportunity, leaving the rest to the Almighty One.