Gollum from lord of the rings – Upcoming Article..

“We wants it, we needs it. Must have the precious. They stole it from us. Sneaky little hobbitses. Wicked, tricksy, false!” - ― J.R.R. Tolkien

Someone pasted this photo and message near the Kitchen of our work place with a note saying “ found a Silver ring – contact so and so to claim it. That made remember this character from the Lord of the Rings and thought Gollum is an interesting character and few things to learn from him. Please, check back to see the full article.

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

Astrology - See what the Future has in store for you

Last week, I visited the local Kmart store and saw this display of Astrology books at the counter. Interestingly, the books are almost sold out.It was not even December and people already curious to know, what 2017 has in store for them.This is the most common and general tendency of the people, to know what is in store.Especially, people like to hear the good news like extra income, Holiday, New job or Promotion or Love.I guess, its a kind of solace for people having some tough time, by reading their Horoscope predictions, they try to find the happy times or spots, that in turn help them some strength or hope to carry on with their life.Yes, we all look at Astrology.Some books like,one from Linda Goodman etc.So, the Horoscopes begin from a life time, a year, month, week or even day wise.

By the way, that reminds me of an real story I heard from one of my friend. Long time ago, he was in a bit of crisis with his life, career etc. So, he turned towards some so called famous astrologer on the web.This astrologer had a personal website, a convincing Video talk of his super natural talents like his sense of intuition etc and then his promise that, I will give you a reading and if you follow my guidance, you will be a extra ordinary person, money, love, success,job, happiness etc.So, my friend ordered the so called reading.He was provided a logon access to the members only privileged area of the website, where he was allowed to download some general books on Astrology, Numerology etc.Then, there was a section called your report. When he  clicked on it, a message would be displayed that Mr X is working on your report and will make it available within 48 hrs or something like that. OK, he waited 48 hrs and finally, got the most precious, much awaited report of his future and some recommendations by thus so called astrologer.My friend then started reading and read couple of few pages in the beginning, in the middle and few in the end. And, to his amazement, noticed that the readings for the days a really generic and randomly repeated at different days of the reports.Finally, he figured out that there are about 25 to 30 different reading,which are randomly repeated for 365 days of the report.And,mean while of course he got a followup email from Mr. X, with an earnest request or advise.He says, Dear so and so, if you follow my instructions, you will notice that the world started reciprocating you with unlimited opportunities. Now, the problem is that you need further guidance on how to respond to those situations, for which I am always available (with fees Of course).Not only that, he got another  email with his team members or affiliates who are experts in their Professions like, Tarot Card reading, Crystal, Psychic etc. Now, all this was too much and also, the problem he had actually got resolved before, he even had got hold of this astrology report and on top of it, all this was a bit too much for him. My friend sent a strong email back asking him to be unsubscribed. Needless to say, once bitten, twice shy – my friend never tried any more of the prediction stuff on the internet.And, after that he continued to live happily ever after...

So, there are few learning's from this experience.Firstly,don't get cheated. There are many cheaters looking for the gullible ones.There are just too many out there, who simply have a software program that does all the calculations and reports automatically. Even, if they are knowledgeable and know what they are doing, for the amount of money you are paying, they cannot afford to spend day, working on your case.It is only a hook or bait to trap you and drag you into their grip.

The Future

Some where on the net, I even read the confessions of a retired Tarot Card reader. She was honest and explaining, why she quit this profession. Initially, she was a college student looking for part time work and was offered as chat consultant to the Tarot card reading. She does not even had a deck of Tarot cards. Someone from other end would ask a question and she would again, pick up a random card from the soft ware and would say, whatever that came up on the card.And, people would go away after spending the time and money ( charged in the increments of minutes). But, finally, she came across this guy who was desperately in love with a girl and he would come for a chat everyday and ask tips about his love life and the girl he was after. Everyday, she would tell him some nonsense but, realised that he was getting no where and situation bit, sensitive and emotional. Finally, she lost her cool and told him that, look if you really want someone to love you, the Cards wont help you. You have to act, please her etc. The person was not happy and get her negative rating etc. And, since she could not cheat people any more, she simply gave up the job.

Secondly, believe in God.Rather than wasting your time and putting faith in people who claim to be astrologers, Put more faith in the words and guidance of God and automatically, you will be taken to the right place at the right time and right experiences. This life is meant for us to learn lessons and reform  ourselves.

Actually,Astrology is a science and comes from the vedas which are said to be composed by the God himself but, in Bhagavad Gita Lord Krishna says, ‘Vedais ca sarvair aham eva vedyah’..I am the complier of the vedas and by all the vedas, I am to be known.

“sarvasya caham hrdi sannivisto
 mattah smrtir jnanam apohanam ca
 vedais ca sarvair aham eva vedyo
 vedanta-krd veda-vid eva caham

I am seated in everyone's heart, and from Me come remembrance, knowledge and forgetfulness. By all the Vedas am I to be known; indeed I am the compiler of Vedanta, and I am the knower of the Vedas (BG15.15)”.

Well,this is my opinion anyway. I personally had this experience that so many bad things are forecasted like a accident, loss of money, reputation but when you put your faith in God and carry on – these things will never take place or even if they happen, you will come out unscathed. As elsewhere in Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna affirms – “Yogakshemam vahamyaham - I preserve what you have and carry on what you lack or, I take responsibility of your welfare”.

My idea of writing this article is not to criticize,downplay the authenticity of Astrology. My aim is to caution the readers about the unscrupulous people trying to take undue advantage of the innocent people.Same way, people some times believe that just because, something is written in their star signs for the yearly predictions etc. they expect the Havens to open up or showers of Gold from the sky.One can use astrology to make important decisions in life, provided you have found a genuine, knowledgeable person well versed in this science.I personally believe in Astrology but, don't put faith in it.

Good luck with everything.

About Spirit and Spirit Animal

 

Not to offend any drunkards out there but, just a point to show that you get what you are looking for.Other day, I was walking in the Melbourne downtown and this was the board that's displayed outside a bottle shop.Basically, shows how much obsessed a person can be about something that he is addicted to.He found a possum (arboreal marsupial species native to Australia) carrying a bottle of spirit.Thus, words mean different to different people.The word Spirit to spiritual seeker is different to the one that is metaphorically used as a synonym to Alcohol.

By the way, a possum is an interesting animal, which is commonly found in Australia. You see it in the gardens, trees, sometimes on fences trying to cross in a hurried way. They are shy creatures and I believe them to be nocturnal - to be seen during evenings and night times.

The word spirit has interesting usage and meaning in different cultures. Bhagavad Gita describes the characteristics of a Spirit Soul as, an immutable, Anti material particle which cannot be cut by any weapon,cant be burnt by a fire or made wet with water.The size of a spirit soul is atomic, that of a 1/10000 of the tip of a hair. A spirit soul is said to reside in the region of the heart and just like a Sun, who illuminates the world with light, permeates the body of a living being with consciousness. 

Gopastami Festival

Lord Krishna and Radha Rani on Gopastami

Two days ago, was the day on which, about 5000 years ago lord Sri Krishna became a qualified cowherd man, which was marked by a ceremonial festival and worship of Cows. Nanda Maharaj, father of Lord Krishna organised a festive celabrations which included decorating, worshipping  the cows and confer Lord Krishna and Balarama, the honor of herding or looking after the cows. Up until then, Lord Krishna was looking after the calves and Nanda Maharaj decided that his son reached the right age of six years and is able to look after the cows.

As stated in the Karttika-mahatmya section of the Padma Purana:

suklastami karttike tu
smrtagopasṭami budhaih
tad-dinad vasudevo bhud
gopaḥ purvam tu vatsapaḥ

"The eighth lunar day of the bright fortnight of the month of Karttika is known by authorities as Gopasṭami. From that day, Lord Vasudeva served as a cowherd, whereas previously He had tended the calves."

Gopastami - Worshiping the Holy Cow

Some of my friends shared these beautiful photos from Krishna Balaram temple and Goshala in Vrindan.The speciality of Gopastami is that Radharani is dressed as a Cowherd boy. Again, an interesting pastime is that, on Gopastami where it was only a Boys and men only event, Srimathi Radha Rani wanted attend the event. So, she and her girl friends dressed as boys, wearing Dhoti, Kurta and silently joined the group to have some fun.

There is one more story that Mother Yashoda was concerned about Krishna going to the forest with the cows and getting his tender feet hurt. She offered Krishna, a nice pair of footwear. But, Krishna refused to wear them saying that, Mother I will wear these only when you give footwear to all my cows.

Thus Gopastami is the day, the Cows are given a bath and beautifully decorated and are worshipped. Krsna said that the cows are worshiped even by the demigods, and He practically demonstrated how to protect the cows. That’s why he is called Gopal and the well wisher of Cows. A Cow is also considered as one of the Mothers. As per Vedic literature,

atma-mata guroḥ patni

brahmani raja-patnika

dhenur dhatri tathaprthvi

saptaita matarah smrtah

Gopastami - Worshiping the Holy Cow

The seven mothers are - the original mother, the wife of the teacher or spiritual master, the wife of a brahmaṇa, the king's wife, the cow, the nurse and the earth.

Not only the Milk of Cow is so nourishing and so many milk products can be prepared from it, its dung is used for fire, when sprinkled with water acts as an antiseptic, its urine has numerous benefits to the health and it is used in Ayurveda medicines and it is said that all the demi-gods reside in the body of a Cow. That is why, Cow is considered as the most holiest of animals and respected in the Hindu culture.

Hello - Its Halloween time

Halloween Decorations

Halloween celebrated recently (31st Oct 2016) in Australia and all around the world.
Trick-or-treat is a customary celebration for children on Halloween. Children go in various, supposedly scary costumes from house to house, asking for treats such as candy or sometimes money, with the question, "Trick or treat?" The word "trick" refers to "threat" to perform mischief on the homeowners or their property if no treat is given.

Halloween Decorations

Halloween Decorations

I remember the similar thing back from India.I cant remember which festival it is but, on one of the festivals it is customary young people to visit peoples homes and basically do all kinds of mischief like, throwing stones, pouring water etc so that the elders or the house owner gets annoyed, angry and starts shouting words and abusing.The curses are supposed to be beneficial or bring good luck to the people doing the mischief and the pranksters happily go to another house to continue annoying people.Thankfully, I dint hear or see that happening any more in India.

Halloween Decorations

Actually,for few years of my moving to Australia, I have never seen or heard about Halloween at all. Its only, recently say since about four or five years, it became popular. Anyway, its fun for people, good for number of shops to sell the Halloween stuff and make money.And, keeps people busy and entertained. In fact, I have seen few Homes in my suburb have been meticulously decorated with all the scary stuff, like the skeletons, Cobwebs, the Pumpkin, fake Cadavers and fake body parts dripping with fake blood stains etc.

Diwali - Festival of Lights 2016

Diwali or Deepavali is a Hindu festival of lights observed on the 15th day of the month of Kartik. On this day,Lord Rama-Chandra, the seventh avatar (incarnation of Lord Vishnu). returned to his Ayodhya after 14 years of exile during which he killed numerous demons and finally destroyed the king of demons called Ravana in a fierce battle that lasted for seven days.So, on the day of arrival of Lord Rama,People lit their houses to celebrate his victory over evil and welcome their beloved Prince.

Ram, Lakshman, Sita and Hanuman 

Giri Govardhan made of sweets - Iskcon Melbourne

Thus, Diwali is a festival that marks the victory of good over evil.

A Novel way to light up Fire Crackers

Also,a day before Diwali there is a celebration called Naraka Chaturdashi. It is the day, when Lord Krishna killed another demon called as Narakasura. Diwali is also a time of worship of Lakshmi devi. Business man start new books and accounts on this day and its like a new financial year for them. Anyway, the fun part for both kids and adults alike is the exploding the fire crackers, sparklers and other numerous fireworks. The chivalry of people is tested on this day by their ability to go and light-up the Diwali crackers or bombs that make a loud noise and explode made especially for the occasion. And, we have and heard so many funny stories of people trying to light up these bombs but too scared etc. I even saw a you tube video of a person trying to light-up a small bomb, tries a number of time.The trick is to light up the sparky thread at one end of the bomb and should get back to a safe distance within seconds before it explodes. Finally, this poor fellow in his final attempt, thinking that he had definitely lit the bomb, runs back wards for safety with all his might and out of nervousness falls flat on the concrete road and had scratches all over his arms and legs and of course, the bomb never blew. Sometimes, more serious accidents also happens and that’s all the part of the package.

Anyway, in Melbourne we had over share of Diwali in the local Iskcon temple.Kids had some fun, lighting up sparklers etc.There was worship and prayers offered to Lord Rama, Lakshman, Sita Devi and Hanuman. And, on the next day we celebrated the Goverdhan Puja by going around  the replica of Govardhan mountain made of varieties of sweets followed by a sumptuous feast and of course the sweets.

Traditionally,in India the festival of Diwali is celebrated for five days:-

Giri Govardhan made of sweets - Iskcon Melbourne

Diwali Rangoli

The First Day of Diwali called Dhanvantari Trayodasi, also called as Dhantheras. It is the thirteenth lunar day of Krishna Paksh (the dark fortnight) of the month of Kartika. On this day, Lord Dhanvantari appeared, delivering Ayurvedic medicine for mankind.This day marks the beginning of Diwali celebrations. On this day at sunset, Hindus bathe and offer oil lamps with prasada (sanctified food) to Yamaraja (the Lord of Death) and pray for protection from untimely death.

The second day of Diwali is called Naraka Chaturdasi. It is the fourteenth lunar day of the dark fortnight of the month of Kartika and the eve of Diwali. On this day, Lord Krishna destroyed the demon Narakasura and liberated the 16,000 princesses which the demon held captive.

The Third Day of Diwali (actual Diwali) is the day, when worship unto Mother Lakshmi is performed. Hindus cleanse themselves and join with their families and their Pandit (priest) and worship the divine Goddess Lakshmi, the consort of Lord Vishnu, to achieve the blessings of wealth and prosperity, and triumph of good over evil and light over darkness. This is also the day on which Lord Rama returned to Ayodhya.

The Fourth Day of Diwali is the day, Govardhana Puja is performed. Many thousands of years ago, Lord Krishna caused the people of Vraja to worship this sacred hill.

From then on, every year, Hindus worship Govardhan to honor that first Puja done by the people of Vraja. Also, Bagavatham explains that Bali Maharaja was defeated on this day by Lord Krishna’s dwarf brahmana incarnation called as Vamanadeva.

The Fifth Day of Diwali is called Bhratri Dooj. It is a day dedicated to sisters. Just like Raksha Bandhan (brothers’ day), this is a sisters’ day. It was said that, after the fight with Narakasura, Lord Krishna visited his sister Subhadra. From then on, brothers visit their sisters on this day to enquire their welfare.This day marks the end of the five days of Diwali celebrations.