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Volume 2

A Family-Magazine from SevA dArShAn KuwAit

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Issue 10

15th January, 2013

For more information contact : Seva Darshan, Kuwait - INDEMB/KWT/ASSN/150 Sevadarshan@gmail.com

Sopanam - January 2013

Sopanam E-Magazine - (For members circulation only)

Subashitam Spiritualism
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2 Sopanam - January 2013

Editorial
While the world celebrated the 1st of January as New Year, we Indians have been waiting for MakarSankranti which marks the transition of the Sun from Dakshinayanam to Uttarayanam. This is the transition that brings about a great change in the environment and has great significance in our nation. It marks the movement from darkness or ignorance to enlightenment or intellectual illumination. MakarSankranti is celebrated in many parts of India with the distribution of til gul( elluunda in Malayalam ). This is a significant gesture as the til brimming in fragrant and delicious oil, stands for friendship and jiggery for the sweetness of behavior. The festival has a great message of national welfare. It spreads the feeling of oneness amongst the people of the nation and ultimately makes them stand up in unison in adversity or in prosperity. And this oneness or fraternity alone will ensure a spirit of selfless service and sacrifice for the society. The MakarSankranthi is when the biggest religious gathering, the KumbhMelatakes place. It draws more than a million devotees. It is also the auspicious date when the MakaraJyothi is spotted on the hills of Sabarimala, witnessed by thousands ofAyyappaBhaktas. It also marks the birth anniversary of the great Indian saint and reformer, Swami Vivekananda. Swamijis message to the world is an inspiration that can lead the nation forward on the right path. SevaDarshan is happy to launch a year - long celebration in Kuwait to commemorate the 150th birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda. Indians ended the Anglican year 2012 on a very sad note with the agonizing attack on our morality and ethics in broad day light. The constant attack on our women and emergence of a mentality that force us to believe our nation cannot independently survive is slowly eating away our confidence. A backlash against this is felt in the social media and the new generation is using all way to demonstrate their protest. Often this creates an atmosphere of distrust in the society which again leads to the stagnation ofthe nations progress. Strict laws against atrocities like rape and corruption is needed. But above all the citizens must have a sense of moral duty to the nation and its people. Our Indian views and dharma must form the basis of our actions and it should reflect in all walks of our life. We hope this long night of self oblivion is over and the birth of an effulgent era of resurgent Bharath is felt with this festive moment. Our mission and work must be like that of the sun which keeps working always to ensure that every creature in the world is kept alive without anticipating anything in return. In the same way we must also ensure that every action taken and every word spoken keeps alive the glory of our motherland across the world. In whateverway possible let us also do the same by contributing to the various initiatives of SevaDarshan in Kuwait.

editorial Board

Krishna Kumar Paliath Vibheesh Tikkodi Anandharaj Konni Reshmy Krishna Kumar

data Management

Ajaykumar Anjaneyam Manoj Nair Rajarajan Ganesan Sindhu Sanjith Suresh Varickolil Roopesh R. Souparnika Advt.Vidhya Sumodh Dr. Sindu Sudheesh Advt. Vinod R . Sundara Raman Divya Satheesh Kumarakam Anuradha Sundara Raman

Creative & design

Asatomaasadgamaya tamasomaajyotirgamaya Mrityoormaaamritamgamaya

Lead me, O Lord, from untruth to Truth from darkness to Light and from death to Immortality.

Sreenivasan C.P. Vinaya Babu. C.K. Sunil Pookode Cover Design - Deepa Namboothiri

For Comments, Submissions & Subscriptions please write to

email : vbkuwait@gmail.com
Sopanam - January 2013 3

Sanskrit Spiritualism

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Sopanam - January 2013

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Rama Avatar of Lord Vishnu

Sindhu Sanjith
Dasharatha and Kaushalya of Ayodhya. Lakshmana and Shatrughna were born to Sumitra and Bharata to Kayikeyi. Lakshmana is the incarnation of Ananta Shesa, the thousand headed snake and is a symbol of eternity on which Maha Vishnu sleeps. Lakshmi Devi, the eternal consort of Maha Vishnu and the symbol of perfect womanhood incarnated as Sita Devi. Sita Devi was the wife of Lord Rama. The sacred epic Ramayana written by the Sanskrit poet Valmiki depicts the life of Lord Rama. It is classified into Bala Kanda, Ayodhya Kanda, Aranya Kanda, Kishkinda Kanda, Sundara Kanda, Yudha Kanda and Uttara Kanda. Each Kanda says in depth about various stages of Lord Ramas life. A brief story of Lord Ramas life can be said as follows. Once as King Dasharatha was preparing to declare Lord Rama as the king of Ayodhya, Kaikeyi interfered and demanded that her son Bharatha be declared as the king and Lord Rama be awarded with fourteen years of exile. Rama readily accepted it and obeyed the orders given to him. His wife Sita Devi and brother Lakshmana accompanied him. During their stay in forest, Sita Devi was abducted by Ravana. Rama sets for an arduous search for His wife. It is during this journey he befriends Jatayu, who tells Rama about Sitas abductor. He also befriends Sugriva and Hanuman who accompany Him in His search for Sita Devi. It is Hanuman who jumps to Lanka and finds out that Sita Devi was confined to the garden Ashoka Vatika. Lord Rama sends His ring thorough Hanuman so that Sita Devi could recognize him. After Hanuman returns from Lanka, Rama and His army stage war against Ravana, the ten headed demon. Ravana was finally killed in the end of the war and Lord Rama gets back Sita Devi. He crowned Vibheeshna, the brother of Ravana as the king of Lanka and returned to Ayodhya where he was greeted whole heartedly by His family members and countrymen. He ruled His countrymen in path of Dharma. He was a very dutiful king who righteously followed the path of dharma and restored law, peace and order in the society. Thus the purpose of seventh avatar of Maha Vishnu as Lord Rama was fulfilled and a great example of Maryada Purushottaman was set for the people to follow.

Sri Rama, the seventh avatar of Lord Vishnu is the true epitome of an ideal person or Maryada Purushotamma. As Swami Vivekananda has said: "Sri Rama is the embodiment of truth, of morality, the ideal son, the ideal husband, and above all, the ideal king." Lord Vishnu incarnated as Lord Rama to restore peace in the universe during the Treta Yuga. Ravana, the ten headed king of Lanka had pleased Lord Brahma with his austere penance to attain a boon that he shall remain as the most powerful being on the earth and shall not be defeated or cursed by the Gods. He ruled the heaven, earth and the netherworlds. Everybody was scared of him and Gods and humans equally suffered from his tyranny. The gods approached Maha Vishnu and prayed and pleaded to end the rule of Ravana. Maha Vishnu assured them that he would incarnate as Lord Rama to bring an end to Ravana and thereby restore peace, law and order and thus end the sufferings of the people. Once when King Dasharatha was performing a religious sacrifice, Lord Agni emerged from the sacred fire and handed him the sacred nectar. He gave this nectar to his wives Kaushalya, Sumitra and Kayikeyi. Lord Rama was born as the eldest son of King

Sopanam - January 2013

Spiritualism Cultural

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The festival dates back the pre-Vedic period, as even in the Vedas Kumbha Mela is described as a tradition that is already well established. The popularity of Kumbha Mela has only increased over the millennia, gathering millions together every twelve years at each of the four holy places in which the auspicious event occurs and making it the worlds largest gathering of people on Earth for one common purpose. It is said that even those saints and sages who live in divine isolation, high in the Himalayas, engaged only in meditation and austerities, emerge from the mountains to attend the Kumbha. Kumbha is a world-renowned trademark of Indias proud antiquity, and is a matchlessly divine occasion. Spanning a period through January and February, 2013s Purna (Full) Kumbha Mela will take place in Allahabad (the City of God), also known as Prayagraj, a divine location situated on the confluence of three sacred rivers Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati. Kumbha Mela is a microcosm of the beauty and rich diversity of India. One author describes the Kumbha Mela: To watch the Kumbh Mela Processions is to witness the march of the ages. As the holy saints pass by on their various and sundry conveyances elephants, horses, palanquins, chariots, cars, and camels they are continually transmitting waves of powerful shakti (energy) to all the people who witness this awe-inspiring and most auspicious event. Devotees are overwhelmed by the palpable spiritual vibrations that pervade the entire atmosphere. While the parade of saints marches towards the Ganges River, the sounds baffle all description the shout and cries of ash-smeared sadhus mingle with the neighing of horses, trumpeting of elephants, grunting of camels, bellowing of bulls. Gongs and drums beat, trumpets blare, conch shells blow and bells ring. Yet, amidst all the pomp and liveliness, one can also drink in the nectar of Indias ancient spiritual traditions. No matter where you go within the Mela, there will be people sitting in satsang with Indias saints and sages, bathing in the sacred rivers, meditating at the banks, engaging in yogic practices and attending yoga classes, chanting mantras and singing bhajans. Even the 330 million gods and god6

Kumbha Mela

desses of the Hindu pantheon are said to attend the Mela on the inner planes. Every corner of the Mela is permeated with ancient tradition and spirituality. After visiting the Kumbha Mela of 1895, the famous author Mark Twain wrote: It is wonderful, the power of a faith like that, that can make multitudes upon mulittudes of the old and weak and the young and frail enter without hesitation or complaint upon such incredible journeys and endure the resultant miseries without repining. It is done in love, or it is done in fear; I do not know which it is. No matter what the impulse is, the act born of it is beyond imagination, marvelous to our kind of people A new city is erected at the time of the Kumbha Mela, a literal city of tents to house the millions of pilgrims who flock there. This year, between 110 to 120 million pilgrims are expected to arrive in Allahabad for the occasion. The origin of Kumbha Mela lies in the beautiful story of the time when the gods and demons churned the ocean in search of the nectar of immortality. Scientific and technological advances have put a man on the moon and a camera on Mars, but they have failed to bring humanity together on Earth. Each year man becomes more and more alienated and he is held more and more as a prisoner unto himself. Kumbha allows people to come out of this mechanistic and materialistic life and develop a bond of love with others without any discrimination of caste, creed and color. Thus, an important aspect of Kumbha Mela is the incredible unity amidst diSopanam - January 2013

kmwkvImcnIw
Cultural
versity that occurs at these sacred occasions. Another important element is the distribution of nectar in the form of real knowledge. In life, the ability to discriminate between right and wrong and the strength to follow the path of true Dharma require only a little more awareness and unfaltering faith. The Kumbha Mela has the great ability to distribute this very nectar to millions. Kumbha Mela in a New Light: Every nation has its own personality, unique unto itself. India is inherently spiritual by Her nature, and the entire world has long since turned to India for spiritual guidance. However, India has even more to offer the world. Our culture is not only spiritually advanced, but our scriptures have long since taught the messages that are urgent for todays world. For example, India is the only land where rivers, mountains, trees and animals are not only respected, but are also worshipped. In todays age of environmental awareness and ecological conservation, everyone knows that mountains, rivers and trees are great natural resources which must be preserved, conserved and used wisely. We have seen the devastating consequences of deforestation, over-industrialization and the pollution of our water sources right here in India. Yet, Indian culture has preached reverence for nature since its inception so many thousands of years ago. Rivers, especially Ganga, are truly our Mothers. Farming is a primary occupation in India; thus, irrigation is of utmost importance. Ganga and other rivers irrigate not only our farms but also our hearts, minds and souls. It is our sacred rivers that pilgrims flock for the Kumbha Mela. We must remember that these rivers are sacred and treat them as such. The message of the Kumbha Mela in present times must include a renewed care for the land we call Mother. The nectar that Kumbha Mela must disseminate today is a renewed respect for our Earth and her animals, a re-dedication to the laws of our scriptures, and a re-kindled fire of spiritual yearning in our souls. This year, as we celebrate Kumbha Mela just as our ancestors did, we should remember the way in which they lived and the values to which they held. If Kumbha Mela can re-unite us with those sacred roots and with the messages of the scriptures, then it will veritably be giving us the nectar of immortality. Then, and only then, will we attain true peace and liberation.

Sopanam - January 2013

Spiritualism Dharshan

`mcX Zi\w ArmnId Bharath

Thoughts of Swami Vivekananda

Practical patriotism means not a mere sentiment or even emotion of love of the motherland but a passion to serve our fellow-countrymen. Stand up, be bold, be strong. take the whole responsibility on your own shoulders, and know that you are the creator of your own destiny. Arise! Awake! And stop not till the goal is reached. Great undertakings are always fraught with many obstacles. Character has to be established through a thousand stumbles. Everything must be sacrificed, if necessary, for that one sentiment: universality. if the mind is intensely eager, everything can be accomplished-mountains can be crumbled into atoms. Stand up, be bold, be strong. take the whole responsibility on your own shoulders, and know that you are the creator of your own destiny. take up one idea. Make that one idea your life-think of it, dream of it, live on that idea. Let the brain, muscles, nerves, every part of your body, be full of that idea, and just leave every other idea alone. this is the way to success, and this is the way great spiritual giants are produced. Others are mere talking machines. The infinite library of the universe is in our own mind. women will work out their destinies-much better, too, than men can ever do for them. You cannot help anyone, you can only serve i am thoroughly convinced that no individual or nation can live by holding itself apart from the community of others, and whenever such an attempt has been made under the false ideas of greatness, policy, or holiness -- the result has always been disastrous to the secluding one. what the world wants is character. the world is in need of those whose life is one burning love, selfless.

Sopanam - January 2013

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Bharath Dharshan
Traditional walkway from Erumeli to elemannoor Gopakumar Sabarimala- 52 Km

Sopanam - January 2013

Spiritualism Dharshan

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Ramanujan Sreenivasan
American mathematicians solve indian Maths Genius ramanujans deathbed puzzle after 90 years.
Ramanujan's legacy is much more important than anything anyone would have guessed American researchers claim to have solved a cryptic formula that renowned mathematician Srinivasa Ramanujan believed came to him in dreams while on his deathbed, the Daily Mail reported on Saturday. The formula was contained in a letter he wrote to his mentor, the English mathematician G.H. Hardy, from his deathbed in 1920 outlining several new mathematical functions that had never been heard of before, together with a theory about how they worked. It had baffled mathematicians for more than 90 years, but new findings presented at a conference at the University of Florida last month reportedly show that Ramanujans hunch about his formula was right that it could explain the behaviour of black holes. We've solved the problems from his last mysterious letters, said the well-known American mathematician Ken Ono of Emory University. For people who work in this area of math, the problem has been open for 90 years Ramanujan's legacy, it turns out, is much more important than anything anyone would have guessed when Ramanujan died. He said the so-called deathbed puzzle which, according to Ramanujan, was revealed to him by the goddess Namagiri, may unlock secrets about hasan Suroor black holes. We proved that Ramanujan was right. We found the formula explaining one of the visions that he believed came from his goddess. No one was talking about black holes back in the 1920s when Ramanujan first came up with mock modular forms, and yet, his work may unlock secrets about them, said Professor Ono. The Mail said that Ramanujans letter described several new functions that behaved differently from known theta functions, or modular forms, and yet closely mimicked them. Functions are equations that can be drawn as graphs on an axis, like a sine wave, and produce an output when computed for any chosen input or value. Ramanujan conjectured that his mock modular forms corresponded to the ordinary modular forms earlier identified by Carl Jacobi, and that both would wind up with similar outputs for roots of 1, it said. Nobody at the time understood what the Indian mathematical genius was talking about. It wasnt until 2002, through the work of Sander Zwegers, that we had a description of the functions that Ramanujan was writing about in 1920, Prof. Ono said. His team, which used modern mathematical tools to solve the puzzle, was stunned to find the function could be used even today.

10

Sopanam - January 2013

hnZr`rmkw
Education

Learn with Quiz Master

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. Who wrote the great spiritual poetry Santhanagopalam? Which is the saltiest lake in India? Which is the longest bone in human body? Ananas Comosus is the scientific name of which fruit?

reshmy Krishnakumar

Netaji Subhas National Institute of Sports is located in which city? Which day is observed as World No-Tobacco Day? Folketing is the national parliament of which country? Golden Bails, Silver Bails and Bronze Bails awards are given for which profession? According to Mahabharata, who revealed the fact that Kamsa was not the biological son of Ugrasena?
Answers page - 22

10. Which branch of study is named as Entomology?

Swami Vivekananda's enlightening guidance on education system

Education should be such that it would create human and character ! The burden of knowledge not understood throughout life but somehow filled in the brains does not mean Education ! Education should be such that it will create human, good character inculcating good thoughts. If you learn 4-5 good thoughts and try to inculcate them in you, your education would be better than learning by heart a whole library !

Todays education has completely failed in creating human but has created terrible defects !

Do you understand that the responsibility of spiritual and worldly education should be shouldered by us? Today, the education imparted to you has few good things but there are so many terrible defects that the good things are becoming ineffective. First thing is that the education is not creating human but it is completely negative education. Such negative education or education that teaches only to condemn (our culture) is worse than death

Sopanam - January 2013

11

Views Spiritualism

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Our true identity

A horrific incident has shaken the minds of the Indians all over the world. The terrible gang rape of a 23 year old woman on the streets of the nations capital has put the citizens into a state of shock. While the badly assaulted boy and stripped girl lay on the streets of Delhi, not one of the onlookers came forward to offer their jackets or shawls to cover them from the shivering cold till the police arrived. This is not the first time something like this has happened. And this may not be the last. So what is different this time around? The nation has seen a strong revolt and spontaneous reaction against the crime and against the inaction of the government in taking strong action against the criminals who have done the crime. What has changed is the level of resilience shown by the protestors and the voices raised by people across the social strata. There was no visible political party behind these protests. This is what made the government take notice. The government is seeing now strong reactions from the public at each of these protests. While Anna Hazare must be credited for this mass awakening, it must be acknowledged that the spirit of these protests are driven by the dissatisfaction of the new generation against the inability of the current government. Their sentiments have been hurt at the constant deterioration of the nations image across the world as a nation run by criminals, rapists and corrupt officials. Even worse was the treatment of the protesters by the government. The attack on the protesters by the Delhi police was a grim reminder of the Emergency Era when people were not allowed to voice their protests in any form. Thankfully, the media was spared this time. Even the death of a police officer during the protests came under scrutiny with the government changing its story from time to time. The Delhi government refused to talk to the protesters and when it finally did, it passed the buck on to the Governor who was in charge of the law and order. A read out statement by the Prime Minister was also heckled for his faux pas at the end. The na12

Krishna Kumar Paliath

tions capital was shut down for three days making it look like the government was fighting terrorists of some kind. The political leaders kept giving statements from their secured homes and offices assured that their children are safe at all times. Some even went to the extent of giving mock meetings with unknown protest leaders and sending out trouble makers into the protests to encourage violence. The media has played an important role in highlighting the incidents and the reactions behind this crime. They have almost created a blockbuster with this. But sadly the debates have been centered on punishments and women freedom alone. The more important solution of educating the society and the next generation about equality and how to divert their thought process for the good of the nation has been missing. During many talk shows we see a perverted view of incidents happening across the country. And so even while the debates are on, these incidents keep repeating over and over again. We even here educated high class and middle class men talking of the need of women to be out on the streets in the night. They talk of morality taking a stand when the women being attacked are with men not related to them or when the women have had a few drink of alcohol. Yes, an excess of this is not good for the society but the same applies for the male too. This is where the arguments falter with explanations of the male supremacy when it comes to mental and physical stability. Arguments are being made of Sharia style law for men who commit crimes like rape. But the same laws stipulate harsher laws for women
Sopanam - January 2013

hoWw
Views
and forever putting the women behind veils. Is this what our nation requires? The laws for these kinds of assaults definitely need to be amended. We have seen cases where the woman raped is still treated in coma after 35 years and the rapist is free after serving his term of seven years in jail. Often the rape victim lives with the scar of the torture forever without proper treatment and counseling. Most cases are not even reported fearing social discrimination. Capital punishment for these kinds of crimes can only serve as a deterrent and not a solution. There must be a social and mental connection between the society, law makers and law keepers. Right from school, children need to be taught the importance of equality. And more importantly they need to see and learn this from their homes. The society needs to lead by example. The daughters wishes need not be sacrificed for the sons aspiration. The wifes professional expertise need not be sacrificed for the need of keeping the home running. Men need to stop looking at women as mere commodity to cook and have sex. Moral education must be given to the children. The minds and mindset of the people need to change. Many solutions given on national television out of passion are simply unrealistic to the extent that these may lead to complete breakdown of what little moral values we have remaining to build our nation back to its glory. Our nation has a culture that has been defined over a span of 10000 years or more. For one, it is time for Indians to realize and accept the fact that we Indians are heavily divided by casteism, regionalism and over all, gender bias. We simply quote Manu for convenience sake and blame him for his texts which laid down the rule of living in our nation for the followers of Sanatana Dharma. While some miscreants quote selected verses they completely ignore to inform the society of the higher stand he has given to the woman of the country in the same scripture. We still remain a nation which calls for gender equality and still have reserved seats in trains and buses across the nation. Even in politics we keep aside reserved seats for woman. So while some learned intellectuals champion the cause for equality, their struggle is in fact seen to be taking the lines of unequal compeSopanam - January 2013

tition like in the case of our futile attempts to erase casetism from the society. Unlike many other states, Kerala is famous for having learned and prosperous women in the higher strata of the society. Keralas folklore is filled with courageous women who fought along with men. I personally remember my grandmother who was well versed in Malayalam, Sanskrit, Hindi and even English! And it is also true the woman of the lower caste faced great injustice and attacks at the same time. But today we have a situation where even the father of the family is molesting his daughter and pushing her into prostitution. This mentality did not come from the caste system, western agendas, communist or communal teachings. This is the outcome of the lack of mutual respect in the society. What children learn from their homes is what they reflect in the society. At the same time, we also need to do what we as individuals can do today to make our streets safer. We need to learn to help people in distress at the time they need it the most. Lighting candles after the incident has happened alone will not help. Women can take up self-protection martial arts classes. We wouldnt want to advocate people walking around with weapons. But till we can ensure our streets are safe for our women, there could be some minimum level of protection that can be allowed. While we respect the freedom that needs to be given to girls and boys alike, considering the complex situation present in the society on the whole we would advocate ladies not to travel alone at odd hours and avoid late night parties with strangers or colleagues whom they are not sure about. The same applies to boys also who often fall into drugs and other menace through this. We also expect all parents to be true to their responsibilities. Due to professional and other pressures often the role of being the accompanying person is often handed over to a third person. He or she could be a friend, a cousin, or even blood relation. Just remember it takes a split second for evil to show its face. Lets all take a pledge to help our next generation to grow up and live with respect and courage. Lets all promise to wipe out our corrupt and useless politicians and bring in a new creed that will take our nation forward to glory.

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Art & Spiritualism Litrature

Travelogue

IekmlnXrw ArmnId

Eight Years In Paris: Musings Of A Pravasi Scientist Part III

Maiden Air-Borne Flight Experience!
No, my parents are not rich nor I have any political connection, I replied, recovering from the unexpected and curious series of questions from the woman officer, I just had a First Rank in Master degree from reputed Madras University and a reputed medical institution and had taken some French language lessons. Further, I was able to fare well in written test and interview in Delhi French Consulate, that was all! I clarified to quench her curiosity. The ladys inquisitiveness was not unexpected since foreign travel and studies in those days were unthinkable for the overwhelming majority sans money power and/or political muscle! The procedures at the check--in- counter were unexpectedly lengthy and somewhat puzzling. The heavy suitcase was labelled with my name and address in bold letters, tagged and sent in separately through a small conveyor belt nearby and was issued a small acknowledgement slip to be shown, when asked and when retrieving the same at Paris International Airport, the disembarkation port. The small brief case in my hand was allowed as cabin baggage under the condition that it will have to be subject to various checks before entering the aircraft. A small rectangular shaped coupon named boarding pass with flight details, seat number,etc scribbled in bold letters in ink, was issued by the counter clerk, as the entry pass to be retained till the end of the journey. Keep the boarding pass and passport and luggage slip safely and now you have to proceed to the immigration control, before proceeding to the aircraft, the check-in clerk was professional and courteous too. Although I had been told by French Embassy that arrangements have been made to welcome scholarship holders at the airport and to escort them to a temporary
14

The Heavenly Break

Dr. Nandakumar Moorkath
accommodation for a day or two, on arrival at Paris, it dawned on me that I need some pocket money to take care of incidental expenses. Discussions with keralite acquaintances at French Cultural centre had put me on notice that living expenses in France equaled almost 5 times that of Delhi for most items and that for a cup of tea I may have to dish out an amount in French Francs that was equivalent to that of dinner in a good South Indian Restaurant in and around the capital. Further,since the Indian rupee was not tradeable or recognized then internationally (as is the case now, even after 35 years!) I had to get the indian money in my custody changed to French Francs or US Dollars or British Pounds to be able to pay for the various dealings, whether in shops or restaurants or elsewhere. With about 1000 Rupees in my wallet, I approached the State bank of India counter nearby and requested the amount to be converted to French Francs. The counter clerk was visibly amused by my request, hello, my friend, we are allowed to pay, as per Government of India rules, only about 20 Dollars or 10 British Pounds as foreign exchange allowance for foreign- bound travelers and that means we can give you only 20 US Dollars in exchange for about 160 Rupees as currency equivalent at the prevailing rate of about 8 Rupees per dollar! Taken aback, I retorted, : I am not going as a visitor to France, but as a doctoral research student for higher studies If that is the case, the clerk replied, then we are allowed to pay you about 100 US Dollars. I do not have French Francs in my custody now, but you can change Dollars easily into francs when you get down at Paris. For 100 US Dollars, you can get about 500-550 French
Sopanam - January 2013

IekmlnXrw
Art & Litrature
Francs at current rate. The amount may vary since banks there will charge you some commission too for this exchange While collecting the US Dollars exchanged thus, the middle aged man at the counter quipped, this is the official exchange rate for dollar, but if you want to get more , you can get them in black market from the agents outside the airport or in the town, by paying about 20-25 Rupees per dollar Three times the official rate? Is that not illegal? I asked him in disbelief. Yes, do not worry, there are may takers since so much black, unaccounted money is in circulation, not necessarily with people like you, but in hands of businessmen and politicians and others! the tone of clerks reply almost smacked of revulsion for the system! With some foreign currency in dollars safely tucked in my wallet and after ensuring safe custody of boarding pass and passport, I stood in line in a queue marked immigration control. The officer on duty scanned through my boarding pass and passport and enquired curtly, going for a family visit or business trip? I replied, none, I am gong for doctoral research studies, being selected for a French Government scholarship. Oh, congratulations, not many get it, isnt it? his admiration was lit clearly on hid face. His words lifted my ego too and with an official government seal planted in approval of my departure by air from the home soil, I headed straight to the boarding gate indicated on the boarding card. The lighting and arrangements inside the airport were novel and not comparable to those I had encountered so far in railway stations or bus terminals. When I took up an empty seat in the assigned departure lounge, a cursory look at the watch made me realize that the whole procedure from baggage check-in till then had consumed nearly 2 hours! Now another 10 hours till my plane lands in Paris Airport I consoled myself. All the other occupants in the departure cabin were white skinned and seemed to be passengers of European origin . Absence of indian compatriots was not surprising since it was an Air France flight and since foreign travel was considered then the rare privilege of powerful and moneyed persons only! After a never-ending waiting period, an indian employee of Air France shouted at the top of his voice, "time to board the plane, please" and I was quick to get into the line and to get moving. Another person at the door, pointing at a massive bird like structure positioned few yards away said," you will have to walk up to the plane and some body will assist you in finding your seat". As I was moving towards the aircraft, I was simSopanam - January 2013

ply awe-struck! Never before I had seen such a massive flying bird-like machine from such close quarters and since television was unheard of at that time, I had vaguely watched the pictures of aircraft in print only in some glossy foreign magazines that I had occasion to scan in JIPMER library. The whole aircraft appeared to be so massive as a two-storeyed building and the 2 metallic wings, I thought were wide and huge enough to give shelter to 6 huge elephants from pouring rain! If the close-up view of the flying machine dazzled me at first sight, a look at the interior on entry after running up the stairs, dazzled my eyes and mind further! Never before had I see such luxurious seating and lighting arrangements and I felt I had landed in another world of fantasy! Fashionable air hostesses were around to guide the passengers to their assigned seats and every thing inside the aircraft appeared out of this world! As instructed, I tucked my hand luggage on to an overhead cabin and after getting the seat belt fastenned, as instructed by a charming young white cabin-woman, I was ready to dream! Then there were instructions from a white- skinned young looking woman crew member, as to the method of strapping the seat belt and about the precautions to be taken in the unlikely event of unforeseen engine troubles of any sort, including the eventuality of a an unlikely landing on an unscheduled landing strip or even on water! Suddenly, the images and news of terrible and fatal aircraft crashes of the past flashed through my mind and thankfully, the conviction that my favourite gods will come to my rescue, in any unlikely eventuality prevented a possible hysterical mental breakdown! If this is the sort of luxury I have in a transport aircraft, what will I be treated to on arrival in Paris! It was almost 2 o'clock in the morning then but the excitement was so huge that sleep appeared to be not on the agenda at all! I searched for words to describe my elated state of mind then and plainly, it was sheer bliss of a different kind! The blissful feeling took another higher level when the aircraft was on the take-off mode and began accelerating on the runway with break-neck speed. My mind seemed to be flying too with the ascending aircraft and the buildings around the capital city below appeared like packs of dispersed match-boxes when I peered excitedly through the small plastic, translucent windows at either side of the aeroplane. Soon we were air borne and only an announcement over the public announcement system, in a strange English accent, by the captain of the craft reminded me, contrary to the feeling of near- stillness, that we were indeed flying at around 600 miles per hour! (Continued)...
15

Art & Spiritualism Litrature

IekmlnXrw ArmnId

Cu \Kcn
tkma ISeq

tAZ dU JW d A VA AZ B{ BZ VJ c WA WAV t { HA VKAK. I W BAI AK, dAZ dU JW.

16

Sopanam - January 2013

IekmlnXrw
Art & Litrature

'' z""... k-tlm-Z-cn k-tlm-Z-c-am-sc

Travelogue . dV

tI-cf lnpkv Hm^v t\mv Ata-cn--bpsS jn-m-tKm- I-sh-j-\v -Ww In-n-b-tm Xo--bm-bpw Im-W-W-sa-v D-d-n-n-cp- -ew kzm-an hn-th-Im-\- hn-iz-{]-kn--am-b {]-kw-Kw \-S-n-b C-S-am-Wv. kplrv {]-k--]n-tbm-sSmw Nn-m-tKm-bn-se G--hpw {]-i-kv-Xku-v an-jn-K A-h-\yphneqsS Im-dn t]m-Iptm *A-ta-cn--bn-se k-tlm-Z-cn k-tlm-Z-c-am-sc* F-v kw-t_m-[-\ sN-bv-Xv-sIm-v 1893 sk-]v-w-_ 11\v kzm-an hn-th-Im\- \-S-n-b {]-kw-K-n-s .`mK- -a-\-n Xn-I-n. * \n -\-In-b Du-jv-a-f-hpw lr-Zy-hp-am-b kzo-I-c-W-n-\v \-n ]-d-bm ]-m--hn-[w F-s lr-Z-bw B-m-Z- Xn-an-n-emWv. tem-I-s G--hpw]ucm-Wn-I-amb Ejn-]-c--c-bpsS -t]-cn, Rm \n ]-d-b-s. hn-hn-[ h-K--fn-epw hn-`m-K--fn-ep-ap- e-tm-] e-w ln-p--fp-sS t]-cn Rm \-n ]-d-b-t*sN-dp--n Im-Wm-sX ]Tn- Nn-m-tKm {]-kw-Kw a-\-n-eq-sS ]mp. ku-v an-jn-K A-h-\yp111 Im \n-p. kzm-an hn-th-Im-\- th F- ssk t_m-Uv A-`n-am-\w D-b-n. tdm-Un\v hn-th-Im-\--s t] C-n-cn-p-p. sIm-fw-_-kv Ata-cn--bm -Fn-b-Xn-s \m-\q-dmw hm-jn-I-tm-S-\p-_-n-v \-S- a-X-a-lm-k-t-f-\-n av a-X-{]-`mj-I kz-w a-X-n-s a-l-Xzw am-{Xw ]-d--tm .Fm aX-fpw kXy-am-sa -k-Xyw tem-I-s t_m[y-s-Sp-n-bmWv -hn-th-Im- {iZ-t[-b-\m-b-Xv.hn-th-Im-\--s {]-kw-Kw amsm-en-sIm Nn-m-tKm B-Sv C-kv-yq-n-s ]-Sn-I I-b-dp-tm ]-d--dn-bn-m-\m-Im- hn-Im-cw. A-ta-cn--bn-se X-s BZy I-em-m-]-\-hpw ayq-kn-b-hp-am-Wn-Xv. {Km v hpUn-tbpw ]n-m-tkm-bp-tS-bpw a-p hn-iz{]-iv-k-X Nn-{X--pw a-v {]-ap-J-cp-sS A-aq-ey Nn-{X--fpw C-hn-sS {]-Z-in-n-n-p-v. A-Xn-\n-sS-bn H-cp lm-fn sN-n-ev A--cw sIm-n-b ^-e-Iw. *C-y-bn \n-p- bp-h -ln-pk\ymkn hnth-Im-\- C-hn-sS {]-kw-Kn-p. a-X-a-lm-k-t-f-\-n-se A-t-l-n-s Akm-[m-c-W hn-P-bw ]mmXy ]uckvXy a-X- X-n-ep- N--bv-v h-gn-Xp-d-p*^-e-I-n-se A--c- H-tcm C-ym-mc-t-bpw A-`n-am-\w D-b-pw. *am-io-ehpw {]m]-nItem-I-s ]Tn-n- a-X-am-Wv F-t-Xv F--Xn F-\n-v A-`n-am-\-ap-v. {]-]- k-ln-jv-Wp-Xbn am-{X- \mw hn-iz-kn-p--Xv. F-m a-X--tf-bpw kXy-am-bn kzo-I-cn-p-p. F-m a-X--fn-epw-s]- ,F-m cm-Py--fn-epws]- ]oUn-Xpw A`bmn-bpw A-m-Wn-bm-b cm-Py-am-Wv F-t-sX--Xn Rm A-`n-am-\n-p-p.*.-hn-th-Im-\--s {]-kw-K `m-K- ho-pw a-\-n sX-fn-p h-p. 1983 sa-bv 31 \v sJ{Xn cm-Pm-hv \-In-b ^-v m-kv Sn--n I--en A-ta-cn--bn-te-v ]p-d-s- kzm-an A-hn-sS F-n-bXv 4 \m-ep am-k--v ti-jw .knw-K-q, tlm-f-v, ssN-\, P-m F-o -e--sf-mw I-m-bn-cp-p I- bm-{X. Im-\-Ubn-se hmIqh-dn \n-pw Xo-h-n am--am-Wv Nn-m-tKm-bn-se-n-b-Xv. hn-iz-ta-f-bp-sS A-t\z-j-W-hn-`m-K-n A-t\z-jn-tm a-X k-t-f-\-n {]-kw-Kn-m C-\n B-tc-bpw A-\p-h-Zn-n-s-v a-dp-]-Sn-bm-Wv e-`n--Xv. ssI-n ]-W-an-m-sX A-e hn-th-Im-\--s\ [-\n-I-bm-b H-cp h-\n-X lm-th-Uv k--I-em-im-e-bn-se {Ko-v {]-^-k-dm-b sP.-F-v ssd-n-s\ ]-cn-N-bs-Sp-n. a-X-a-lm-k-t-f-\-n-s \n-hm-l-I k-an-Xn-v sP.-F-v.-ssd-v F-gp-Xn*Cu `m-c-Xo-b k-ym-kn, \-p-sS \m-n-ep- F-m s{]m-^-k-am-tc-bpw H-n-v tN-m-epw A-h-tc-m h-en-b ]-n-X-\m-Wv. F--s\-sb-n-epw C-t-l-s k-t-f-\-n ]s-Sp-n--Ww.*A--s\-bm-Wv hn-th-Im-\- k-t-f-\-n {]-Xn-\n-[n-bm-bn kzo-I-cn--s--Xv. kzm-an-bp-sS {]-kw-Kw a-v {]mkw-Kn-I-sc-sb-mw \n-jv-{]-`-cm-n F--Xv N-cn-{Xw. A-Sp- Zn-h-kw C-d-n-b A-ta-cn- ]-{X- h-en-b {]-[m-\y-tm-sS hnth-Im-\--s {]-kw-K-hpw ]-S-hpw {]-kn-o-I-cn-p. Xp-S-p- Zn-h-k--fn {]-kw-K th-Zn-bn 12 Hm-fw {]-`m-j-W--fm-Wv hn-thIm-\--\v \-S-t-n h--Xv. km-ln-Xy-n-\p- t\m-_ k-m-\tPXmhpw k-t-f-\-n {]-`m-j-I-\p-am-bn-cp- sdm-ta-bv tdm-fn-Mv {]-kw-K-s Ip-dnv Ip-dn--Xn--s\.-.-.*Kn_vfnkv I-Zn-\m D-Zv-Lm-S-\w sN-bv-X a-X a-lm-k-t-f-\-n Xn-I-pw A-]-cn-Nn-X-\m-b H-cp sN-dp--m-c cw-K-{]-th-iw sN-bv-X-tm X-s Iq-sS-bp- k-I-e-cpw A-t-l-ns Bm-I-c-amb kmn-[y-n hnkv-a-cn--s-p-t]m-bn. ]u-cp-j-hpw ku--cy-hpw kz-`m-h-n-ep- em-fn-Xy-hpw Kmw-`o-cy-hpw I-an-gn-I-fn-se I-dp- {]-Im-i-hpw F-mw Iq-Sn hn-kv-a-bm-h-l-am-b Bcq-]w h-iy-am-bn-cp-p. -A-t-lw kw-km-cn-m Xp-S-n-b \n-an-jw ap-X B-g-n \n-p- B I-\- i--n-s kw-Ko-X km-{-X-bn k-Z-v \n-i--am-bn. h-W-t`-Zw \n-an-w A-t-ltm-Sv t\-c-s {]-Xn-Iq-e a-t\m-`m-hw D-m-bn-cp- B k-Z-nse A-ta-cn--m-tc-bpw BKvtfm-km-Ivkam-cmbpw -A-t-lw A-km-[y-am-bn kzm-[o-\n-p.* Nn-m-tKm {]-kw-K-s Ip-dn-v kzm-an hn-th-Im-\- ]n-o-Sv C--s\ F-gp-Xn-bn-cp-p. *cm-hn-se X-s ]m-e-san F-n. sN-dp-Xpw h-ep-Xp-am-b c-v lm-fp-I H-cp-n-bn-cp-p. F-Xm-v F-m cm-Py--fn \npw {]-Xn-\n-[n-I F-n-bn-cp-p. Np-pw kw-kv-Im-cw k--cm-b ]p-cp-jm-cw. G-Xm-v aq-hm-bn-c-tm-fw k-{Xo ]p-cp-j-am-cpm-Ipw k-Z-n. Po-hn-X-n-sem-cn--epw s]m-Xp th-Zn-bn {]-kw-Kn-n-n-m- Rm Cu h-en-b k-Z-n {]-kw-Kn-m t]mIp-p. kw-Ko-X-n-s A-I--Sn-tbm-sS B-tLm-j-]q-w k-t-f-\w Xp-S-n. H-tcm-cp--tc-bpw {]-kw-K-th-Zn-bn-te-v -Wnpw. F-s Du-gw A-Sp-pw tXm-dpw F-\n-v lr-Z-b-an-Sn-v Iq-Sn h-p. \m-hv h-c-p. cm-hn-e-s sk--\n {]-kw-Kn-m-\m-hns-v Rm I-cp-Xn. F-s t]-cp hn-fn-p. F-\n-v th-sd-sbm-pw sN-m-\n-. k-c-kz-Xn tZ-hn-sb a-\-n \-a-kv-I-cn-v {]-kw-Knp-n-S-t-v \o-n. H-cp sIm-p {]-kw-Kw. {]-kw-Kw I-gn--tm Rm B-sI ]-c-h-i-\m-bn-cp-p.*.-A-tX `m-c-X-n-t-bpw ln-p-Xz-n-t-bpw i-w tem-I-n-\p ap-n ap-g-n-b B {]-kw-K-n-s A-e-I A-Sn- a-n a-\-p-\anv Rm B-Sv C-yq-n \n-pw ]-Sn-bn-d-n. Nn-tm-tKm-bn kzm-an hn-th-Im-\--\v a-sm-cp kv-am-c-Iw Iq-Sn-bp-v. te-au-v ln-p t-{X-n-\p k-ao-]w hn-th-Im-\- ]md-bn n-Xn sN-p- hn-th-Im-\- {]-Xn-a. a-X-a-lm-k-t-f-\-n hn-th-Im-\- {]-kw-Kn-p-- 10.-2 A-Sn-bp- sh--e {]-Xna. 1998 m-]n- C-Xm-Wv A-ta-cn--bn-se BZy -hn-th-Im-\- {]-Xn-a.
Sopanam - January 2013 17

Spiritualism Health

ArmnId BtcmKrw

KRODHAM
''kaamam krodham lobham moham tyaktvaa(a)tmaanam pasyati soham aatmagyaana viheenaa moodhaah te pachyante narakanigoodhaah"

- The worst enemy of mankind.

Arun Kumar. n the other person. One for whom anger has become a habit, loses happiness in all spheres of life, and in all fields of endeavour. Bad temper alienates one from parents, life partner, family and friends. No one wants to speak to such an individual and no one is bold enough to point out such a persons mistakes. As a result, the flaws increase. The result being misery, problems and mental pain. How does anger arise in man? When he experiences a need, he looks for some commodity or facility to balance that need. If there is any obstruction to this effort, he tries to remove it with force. If the obstruction stands firm to ordinary force, more force is used. Even then, if the obstructing person or thing is unyielding, man becomes intolerant. Unmindful of the consequences of his action, the thwarted man increases his force even more in his effort to remove or destroy the obstruction. It is precisely this mood which is called the anger. Have you ever paused to visualize what happens when anger works on you? Let us itemize: 1. the eyes get congested 2. the blood pressure shoots up 3. the nerves become strained often leaving us trembling and incoherent 4. Ones awareness is lost 5. the immune system is lowered 6. the mind becomes imprinted with harmful emotional habits 7. One becomes psychologically hated by ones family and friends. 8. A great deal of energy is squandered. These are the reasons why a man feels exhausted after an outburst. And yet, throughout his life man

Sloka 26-Bhaja Govindaham

Meaning - Free yourself from desire (or lust), anger, greed, and delusion. Meditate on who you are. Ask of yourself, who am I? The fools who fail to understand the self are caught even here in hell-fire and suffer torture. If you want to be virtuous, if you want to make yourself a peaceful and happy person, you have to eradicate all emotions. And among the emotions, the most evil is anger. Can you conscientiously say that you derived any benefit or profit from anger at any time? The answer obviously will be NO. Anger is a vile emotion that wreaks havoc on individuals and families. It harms you before it harms

18

Sopanam - January 2013

BtcmKrw
Health
of the effect of my anger, I am losing my energyphysically, mentally, financially. So in my own interest, I should be at peace at you. From your part, you should not get angry with me. I have decided to be tolerant with you and I will be very careful not to get angry Repeat above words several times as autosuggestions. Further, imagine yourself in circumstances under which your anger arises. Remembering the words or actions of the situation which annoys you, confirm your resolution and prepare yourself to meet such a situation unemotionally and tolerantly whenever it arises again. Try to conduct yourself with understanding and awareness for a few days you will not get angry with that person. If, once again, you find yourself getting angry with that particular person, a measure of penance is indicated. Forgo your next meal. When you fast with this idea or aim, your resolve will come repeatedly to your mind and you will get stronger impression. The above mentioned practice takes less than an hour. Try it sincerely to get amazing results. Neutralization of anger is particularly imperative when one has taken up Yoga. Yoga is a way of life for reducing tension, ridding one of the wrong concepts in the mind, bringing one close to Truth and eventually getting communion with Truth. Each person is born with a purpose. The purpose of this life is to gain that self-knowledge (atmagyaana), which dispels all types of anger. If one wants to gain atma-gynaana, there is no other way, expect renouncing anger.

slips into the grip of anger again and again. When anger becomes a habit, through repetition, then the slightest of the pretexts allows it to rise again. You must train yourself not to get angry at all. Unless anger is neutralized, one cannot get peace or happiness at any time. You can get rid of this anger by following the below mentioned practice. Take a piece of paper and write down the following. Practice 1. List out the persons with whom you are prone to get angry. 2. List them in decreasing order. 3. (The first name will almost invariably be that of your life partner and next kids.) 4. record the answer to the question: why do i get angry with that person 5. is the fault wholly that persons or have i too contributed to it? 6. what concrete action i have taken so far to rectify the mistake? 7. in case the fault is wholly that of the other person, could i succeed in rectifying it through my anger? Having completed the above exercise, one must consolidate the conclusions and prepare a plan for the future. A process of autosuggestions gives the best results. Bring the person with whom you most often get angry into your mental picture and say I should not get angry with you again. Because
Sopanam - January 2013

Krodha (anger) is the product of kama (lust), which is the result of the mode of passion. when lust and hankering are unsatisfied, the element of krodha appears, which is the formidable enemy of the conditioned soul
19

News Spiritualism
Seva Darshan Adhyathmika Samathi Mandala Pooja Celebrations

hmI ArmnId

20

Sopanam - January 2013

hmI
News
Seva Darshan Adhyathmika Samathi Mandala Pooja Celebrations

Sopanam - January 2013

21

News Spiritualism
Dear Members & Readers, We are happy to announce that Seva Darshan will be conducting a full day programme on 25th February 2013 namely "Bharat Vikas 2013". As a part of the mega event to be held in February 2013 we will be publishing a special printed magazine. We invite short stories and poems from Seva Darshan members and Sopanam magazine readers. The best articles selected will be published. terms & Conditions 1) The theme of the poems must be based on "Integral development of Bharat". 2) The short stories and poems should not exceed 1 page. 3) Last date of Entry Submission- 31-01-2013 For further information and Entry submission please contact us on sevadarshankuwait@gmail.com or vbkuwait@gmail.com

hmI ArmnId

Quiz Answers
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. Poonthanam Sambar (Rajasthan) Femur Pineapple Patiala May 31 Denmark Cricket Umpire Narada Study of Insects

22

Sopanam - January 2013

tkhm hymw
Seva Vrithandam

Seva Darshan Completed Projects

Krishnajyothi Project
Palaghat

Shri Saraswati Vidhya Mandiram

Marayoor

Seva Darshan Kuwait is a socio cultural organization of families with the sole purpose of initialing a need for Seva. Seva Darshan Kuwait which is in existence since 2005 and a registered organization with the Indian Embassy. Seva Darshans working principle is, Manav Seva is Madhav Seva. Seva Darshan and its affiliate organizations aim at unifying various forms of art, culture, thoughts, customs, philosophies and traditions and thereby help in reforming the Indian society. In the year 2008, we completed our Krishnajyothi project which helped rehabilitate over 40 blind people to a two storied building in the Palaghat district in Kerala state. The Krishnajyothi Swasraya Kendra is today a center for vocational studies and self-employment training for blind people in the district. In 2011, we started work on the Marayoor Shri Saraswati Vidhya Mandiram School for tribal children. The school is expected to be functional by the next academic year. This year, we have initiated the VIKAS programme which is aimed at building a residential school for children in Tiruchirapalli, Tamil Nadu.

Sopanam - January 2013

23

Spiritualism Dharshan

amXr Zi\w ArmnId Mathru

Salt

Pepper

K d !

V 16 d {W T Y L MG. GJ VKU d J Ta{ f. d X ZAI BK. dBZ, dBZ, , IK dBZ. KW CW . dBZA dBZA BK. VJA AK cBZ x J K K. x V 29 CA V{JOZ d E J K Z. KZ cJ dJa d. ddL, d zV, d AZ AK, dAK.{ i dJa iK AMK. U B{WK vVj. { dbJ LE zV K fV. Z d. AMK JMK AMK d K a d. { W V LcW G AK BZ. LI d d diVAK?. d, YG J KA E IK? A AK, KK YE W Vic GJ i WAK c. IT c, d X, X, AG JX. BZ d KEAK, AK. VJX VA ?. K X K?. Z cVj W VK d AZ, AZ, A B{ dAK. dAK. dB{W YG{ dAK B{ bdLcJA. dJU bdLc, {W d AU bdLc, {VJ A dB{.. bB{ c
24

GJMAUbdLc. BZ K K LKJ x i K cB{. K OZa bdLcJ cA TA O d d K. AGJW JK { Aa OW K dJa d. JW d c. f cc. J J cc VJK I L {V. IJ {JW KK K HMM. Y JBK d H IW d X {M ,. d VCWdAK YECW ZA f bJA B. d CVHK d ! VJX A{ZAUW BK { b. KU VJJa {{K. c 'WK b d " Ja JAM K Z b MJK. L b d. W d{ dVJ J x Z. dAx cJ x O W d{ d
Sopanam - January 2013

amXr Zi\w
. J d K AK w L? VAC B MZ C bAU . ZA U dBZA AK Z K. cB{ { d dV O ZcBZ J WK w I. d . { b AK. { x YG. A M. MGI dAI. AJ, AJ T{ Ja JZ K. cWAJa UAxJW WAK, M A fAU. cJ AKZA b AK . iAK G TA b {AI AK . X VKK x K K IK. AU MW WAK . x I c T{ AK N G{ TA cd WK. Lf G{W b MJK. JW V . x cMJ , M f{ I. AMG d . KG x{Z M fW K bdLV . HGAK VAV U cJa . dAK J JV JG 144 dcAOZ c VHK. x{ZA J f K K xL AK? dJa { JJ f L VAV VJK?. BZ cMK . bdL bLcJ AU f I. WX MJX VAV ic. BZ IKG dd
Sopanam - January 2013

Mathru Dharshan

BZ J{GG d K. Ta x . d{U a . c Xd b. bL v cb fAU bdLc dA I KZ TA. W YGA { di., b xJa . { AJA T V... {VKK c c AK b MJV... ZA K VAa f B{ E ... VKMZ c X. d K x I. { x bKCW c z WC TW IKCW . fZ W VK KKCW Z NW K . d K KA E AOZ K. T{, AAK fdB{ a VA.... dA VA O{ JAX AK... B{ U x N cJ fA VAN AAG A dVPJa Z AAG....

25

Mathru Spiritualism Dharshan

amXr Zi\w ArmnId

Salt

Pepper

Eat Warm Stay Warm

Winter is a great time to explore natural and environmentally-friendly ways to stay warm. As human beings are warm-blooded animals, our body vigorously works to maintain an ideal internal temperature to ensure all organs and mechanisms work properly. Eating the right foods also make a huge difference. Body warming foods not only stabilizes the body in the cold climate but maintaining a healthy body temperature enables us to function more optimally and ward off potential colds, infections, and other illnesses. The cooler weather makes us crave for comfort foods like tea, coffee, spicy foods, alcohol, fried foods, chocolates and hot soups Usually non vegetarian foods like meat, chicken and eggs are considered to be heat generating foods. But there are several vegetarian options as well which help the body to keep warm and stay healthy. They include whole grain cereals, nuts, root vegetables ,spices and certain fruits. Use all of these lavishly in your diet. Traditional grains like jowar, bajra, barley, oats and corn have great warming properties. Whole pulses like moong, chana, and soyabean are also quite useful for driving away the chills. Have them in the form of gruels, in rotis,or boiled. Cereals heat up the body. Try to consume chappathis made of wheat or oatmeal. Use rice sparingly as rice would cool your body. Avoid barley, sago and ragi . Besides generating heat, spices like cinnamon, ginger, turmeric, garlic, cloves and pepper also contain phytochemicals that act as decongestants, are anti-microbial and antiinflammatory. Ginger and garlic especially are great decongestants and improve blood circulation. Ginger gets its spicy flavor and thermo genic quality from its combination of two pungent compounds: gingerol and shogaol. For extra warmth, try a cup of ginger tea or treat yourself to a handful of crystallized ginger, natures candy with a kick. Masalas and spices like red chilly, black pepper, cardamom and cloves are body heating foods. Granted ,having fruits in cold climate is not everybody's favorite piece of advice,but
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dr. Sindu Sudheesh seasonal fruits and vegetables like dark green vegetables, carrots, pumpkin and amla,mangoes papaya and pine apple are great sources of iron, folate and vitamins A, B complex and C, which boost immunity and combat viruses and bacteria that cause infections .Having these fruits will surely keep the body warm, at the same time decreases the appetite for snacks and lifts the spirits. Almonds, Peanuts can wonderfully warm your body. Include more of drumstick as well as drumstick leaves in your food . A bowl of healthy and wholesome soup is not only nutritionally sound, but will also make you feel full and prevent you from eating junk food. Thanks to its high level of caffeine, a steamy mug of green tea will pick you up as it warms you up. As far as possible reduce the intake of caffeinated beverages like energy drinks, coffee and tea. High levels of caffeine in the body cause dehydration.Water is one of the most neglected nutrients during winters. Sip water, juices, green tea and kahwa at regular intervals throughout the day to keep yourself warm and hydrated. A great and healthful source of winter warming is to eat cooked root vegetables like carrots, onions, turnips, yams, and sweet potatoes. Working out, exercising, and moving during the winter may not seem like the most enjoyable activity, but it works!

Sopanam - January 2013

Bala Lokam
Lord Ayyappan was adopted by the King of Pandalam, a district in Kerala. Raja Rajasekhara was the ruler Pandalam at the time. The Raja heard a child wailing on the banks of the River Pampa when he was on a hunting expedition. Puzzled, he moved in the direction of the voice to find a beautiful infant there. The resplendent baby lay there with a gemstone bell tied around his neck. The king had no children and so, was thrilled by the sight of this lovely but abandoned child. He was an ardent devotee of Lord Shiva and his queen was a devotee of Lord Vishnu. They had prayed long to their deities to bless them with a child. Now, the Kind accepted the child as God's response to their prayers for an heir to the throne. Manikantan was given the right kind of education and grew into a handsome boy, well versed in academics and martial arts such as Kalaripayattu, then the common tradition in Kerala. The Cheerappanchira Kalari at Muhamma, in Alappuzha District thoroughly trained him in the martial arts. In the meantime, the Rani too gave birth to a son. But the king still regarded Manikantan as his elder son and hence, decided to crown him as the Yuvaraja (heir). The King's minister was always against Manikantan becoming the heir to the throne, so he, along with his cronies, manipulated the Rani and asked her to fight the king's decision. On Manikantan's coronation day, the queen pretended to suffer from tremendous stomach ache. As planned, a fake practitioner was called in and prescribed "the milk of a tigress" as the cure of the queen's illness. As no one else dared to come forward to complete the task, Manikantan himself volunteered and went to the forest in search of tigress milk. The king tried in vain to stop him and was constantly praying for his safety, hoping he would come back alive. Manikantan enters the forest, comes face-to-face with the terrible demoness Mahishi and slays her almost effortlesslly. In doing this, he also releases a beautiful woman who had been cursed to become Mahishi. This young lass asks Ayyappan for his hand in marriage, but he declines, as he has vowed to be a celibate. However, he gives her his word that she would be would be housed right next to his temple and would be visited by pilgrims. He also said that
Sopanam - January 2013

_metemIw

AYYAPPAN

he would marry her if the number of new pilgrims stopped. Now, that young lady is worshiped as Maalikapurathamma. Some versions of the story say that Maalikapurathamma was a young girl in Cheerappanchira family where Ayyappan was trained for Kalari. Manikantan then enters the palace riding the very tigress, followed by her cubs. The minister, convinced of Ayyappan's divinity, confesses to his plot and prays to him for salvation and the wellbeing of the kingdom. Manikantan disappeared forthwith, but since the king refused to eat anything if Manikantan did not come back, he gave his foster father one more Darshan before ultimately leaving. Ayyappan embraced the King, thereby granting him Moksha (salvation). The king requested the Lord to allow him to build a temple for him. The Lord then shot an arrow that fell at the peak of Sabrimala and asked the King to construct the temple there. Ayyappan also explained how the Sabarimala pilgrimage shall be undertaken, emphasizing the importance of Penance Vratams (austerities) and what the devotees can attain by His Darshan. The sacred Sabarimala shrine now lies north of the holy river Pampa.
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Bala Lokam Spiritualism

_metemIw ArmnId

26th January 1950 is one of the most important days in Indian history as it was on this day the constitution of India came into force and India became a truly sovereign state. In this day India became a totally republican unit. The country finally realized the dream of Mahatma Gandhi and the numerous freedom fighters who, fought for and sacrificed their lives for the Independence of their country. So, the 26th of January was decreed a national holiday and has been recognized and celebrated as the Republic Day of India, ever since. Today, the Republic Day is celebrated with much enthusiasm all over the country and especially in the capital, New Delhi where the celebrations start with the Presidential to the nation. The beginning of the occasion is always a solemn reminder of the sacrifice of the martyrs who died for the country in the freedom movement and the succeeding wars for the defense of sovereignty of their country. Then, the President comes forward to award the medals of bravery to the people from the armed forces for their exceptional courage in the field and also the civilians, who have distinguished themselves by their different acts of valour in different situations. To mark the importance of this occasion, every year a grand parade is held in the capital, from the Rajghat, along the Vijaypath. The different regiments of the army, the Navy and the Air force march past in all their finery and official decorations even
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the horses of the cavalry are attractively caparisoned to suit the occasion. The crme of N.C.C cadets, selected from all over the country consider it an honour to participate in this event, as do the school children from various schools in the capital. They spend many days preparing for the event and no expense is spared to see that every detail is taken care of, from their practice for the drills, the essential props and their uniforms. The parade is followed by a pageant of spectacular displays from the different states of the country. These moving exhibits depict scenes of activities of people in those states and the music and songs of that particular state accompany each display. Each display brings out the diversity and richness of the culture of India and the whole show lends a festive air to the occasion. The parade and the ensuing pageantry is telecast by the National Television and is watched by millions of viewers in every corner of the country. The patriotic fervor of the people on this day brings the whole country together even in her essential diversity. Every part of the country is represented in occasion, which makes the Republic Day the most popular of all the national holidays of India.

Sopanam - January 2013

Sopanam - January 2013

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