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HINDU TODAY

April 2013 Issue 59

Editorial

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF : ARJAN VEKARIA PUBLISHER : PANNA VEKARIA LEGAL CONSULTANT : VIJAY GOEL USA EDITOR VRNDAVAN PARKER AFRICA EDITOR MULJIBHAI PINDOLIA EDITORIAL, ADVERTISEMENT & CIRCULATION VASCROFT ESTATE,861, CORONATION ROAD, PARK ROYAL, LONDON,NW 107 PT TEL: + 44(0) 20 8961 8928 FAX : +44(0) 20 8961 8928 EMAIL : INFO@HINDUTODAY.ORG EDITOR@HINDUTODAY.ORG HINDU TODAY PUBLISHED BY PANNA VEKARIA VASCROFT ESTATE,861, CORONATION ROAD, PARK ROYAL, LONDON,NW 107 PT PRINTED BY EVOLUTION PRINT & DESIGN LTD UNIT 12 LEWISHER ROAD LEICESTER LE4 9LR ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. NO PART OF THIS PUBLICATION MAY BE REPRODUCED OR TRANSMITTED IN ANY FORM OF BY ANY MEANS OR STORED IN ANY RETRIEVAL SYSTEM IF ANY NATURE WITH OUR PRIRWRITTEN PERMISSION, EXCEPT FOR THE PERMIT-TED FAIR DEALING UNDER COPYRIGHT , DESIGNS AND PATENTS ACT, 1988M APPLICATION FOR PERMISSION FOR OTHER USE OF THE COPYRIGHT MATERIAL INCLUDING PERMISSION TO REPRODUCE EXTRACT IN OTHER PUBLISHED WORK SHALL BE MADE TO THE PUBLISHERS. FULL ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF AUTHOR, PUBLISHER AND SOURCE OF MATERIAL MUST BE GIVEN. HINDU TODAY LTD.2007 OPTIONS EXPRESSED IN HINDU TODAY ARE NOT NECESSARILY THOSE OF THE PUBLISHER. THE HEALTH RELATED CONTENT IN HINDU TODAY IS INTERDED ONLY TO INFORM, NOT TO PRESCRIBE AND IS NOT MEANT TO BE ASUBSTITUTE FOR THE ADVICE OF A QUALIFIED HEALTH-CARE PROFESSIONAL Any views or opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of Hindu Today Group.

anagement, though having a modern connotation in the postindustrial era, in fact has its roots in many ancient scriptures.The Hindu scriptures such as the Mahabharata, Ramayana and the Vedas specifically speak of the very same concepts and practices prescribed by todays modern management gurus. From the vantage point of the Ramayana, the scheme designed by Hanuman to destroy Ravanas Lanka reflects the principle known as the SWOT analysis. This SWOT (strength, weakness, opportunities, and threats) analysis is one of the most important aspects of modern day management. Moreover, Jambavants motivating Hanuman to action is a classic example of a good Manager facilitating his personnel to realize their potential and act accordingly. During the war, Ramas army was no match for the forces and weaponry of the Rakshasha King Ravana. With utmost concern, Ravanas righteous brother Vibhishan, who sided with Rama, questioned: How will you defeat this huge army with your limited resources? Rama replied: You must have a clear vision and a cause worth fighting for. In the case of the Ramayana, the cause was to rescue Ramas beloved Sita and the vision was to defeat those malevolent forces plaguing the world. The reply given by Rama stands out as a great lesson in leadership building. Today many prominent leaders of industry opine that one need not necessarily have a vision; rather, they claim it is more practical to go forward one step at a time. However unless one has a vision they will never be able to maintain a trajectory. In the words of the Mahatma Gandhi, The world steps aside for that person who knows where he or she is going. In that parlance, unless you know where you are going, how will the world step aside and aid you in the pursuit of your goals? Teamwork is another lesson from the Ramayana and it is also an important principle in management. Lord Rama applied this same team work in search of Sita and was thus successful in his mission. Similarly organizational skills are essential in a team. All team members must likewise be treated with affection, as exemplified by Ramas behavior towards Vibhishana, Sugriva, Lakshman and Hanuman. One can see the characteristics of a bad manager clearly visible in Ravana who never heeded his ministers and one can see the characteristics of a good manager in Sri Rama. Principles such as encouraging subordinates, rewarding good work, recognition of self-motivation and initiative in decision-making, market survey, market exploitation, time management and the art of communication are all present within the epic of the Ramayana. n Arjan Vekaria Editor in Chief

Ramayan & Management

HINDU TODAY April 2013


Cover Story

Issue 59

Content

What is Where?
From the desk of Editor ............................................................................................. 1 Holy Quote ............................................................................................................................................. Death is just like change of clothes.............................................................................3 Cover story .............................................................................................................................................. Examining Our Treatment of Sex and Gender Minorities .................................... 4 Demystifying Hinduism.......................................................................................................................... Astronomical Dating of the Ramayan ..................................................................... 8 Character of Characters ..........................................................................................12 SHRI RAMA.................................................................................12 Sita......................................................................................................13 Jatayu.................................................................................................14 Ravana ..............................................................................................15 Kumbhakarna ..................................................................................16 Culture...................................................................................................................................................... Ram Navami .............................................................................................................17 Management ........................................................................................................................................... Chanakya The Eternal Management Guru .......................................................... 20 Meditation................................................................................................................................................ Decoding Spirituality................................................................................................21 Vastu ....................................................................................................................................................... Ideal Locations of the Different Rooms in your House ........................................ 22 Geopathic Stress.........................................................................................................25 Religion ................................................................................................................................................... Why Ram Navami follows Navratre ......................................................................26 Inter Faith................................................................................................................................................ Rosh Hashanah ....................................................................................................... 28 Panchang .............................................................................................................................................31 Philosophy ............................................................................................................................................... Miracles by the Departed Souls..........................................................................................................32 Wisdom Pharmacy.................................................................................................................................. A lesson in incense and sensitivity.......................................................................... 34 Astrology ................................................................................................................................................. Travel Abroad ...........................................................................................................36 Remembrance ......................................................................................................................................... Tributes In Honor Of Kulashekar Prabhu ........................................................... 38 Festival...................................................................................................................................................... Hanuman jayanti .................................................................................................... 43 Lord Hanuman and Chalisa .................................................................................. 44 News .................................................................................................................................................... 46 Book Review ....................................................................................................................................... 47 Subscription .........................................................................................................................................48

HINDU TODAY

April 2013 Issue 59

Holy Quote

Death is just like change of clothes


Vasamsi jirnani yatha vihaya Navani grhnati naro parani Tatha sarirani vihaya jirnany Anyani samyati navani dehi (Bhagavad Gita, Chapter II, Verse 22) In English translation: As a person puts on new garments, giving up old ones, similarly, the soul accepts new material bodies, giving up the old and useless ones. Commentary Change of body by the atomic individual - the Atman or soul - is an accepted fact. Even some of the modern scientists who do not believe in the existence of the soul, but at the same time cannot explain the source of energy from the heart, have to accept continuous changes of body which appear from childhood to boyhood and from boyhood to youth and again from youth to old age. From old age, the change is transferred to another body. Transference of the atomic individual soul to another body is made possible by the grace of the Supreme Soul. The Supreme Soul fulfills the desire of the atomic soul as one friend fulfills the desire of another. The Vedas, like the Mundaka Upanisad, as well as the Svetasvatara Upanisad, compare the soul and the Supersoul to two friendly birds sitting on the same tree. One of the birds (the individual atomic soul) is eating the fruit of the tree, and the other bird (Krsna) is simply watching His friend. Of these two birds--although they are the same in quality--one is captivated by the fruits of the material tree, while the other is simply witnessing the activities of His friend. Krishna is the witnessing bird, and Arjuna is the eating bird. Although they are friends, one is still the master and the other is the servant. Forgetfulness of this relationship by the atomic soul is the cause of ones changing his position from one tree to another or from one body to another. The jiva soul is struggling very hard on the tree of the material body, but as soon as he agrees to accept the other bird as the supreme spiritual master--as Arjuna agreed to do by voluntary surrender unto Krsna for instruction-the subordinate bird immediately becomes free from all lamentations. Both the Katha Upanisad and Svetasvatara Upanisad confirm this: Samane vrkse puruso nimagno Nisaya socati muhyamanah Justam yada pasyaty anyam isam asya Mahimanam iti vita-sokah Although the two birds are in the same tree, the eating bird is fully engrossed with anxiety and moroseness as the enjoyer of the fruits of the tree. But if in some way or other he turns his face to his friend who is the Lord and knows His glories--at once the suffering bird becomes free from all anxieties. Arjuna has now turned his face towards his eternal friend, Krishna, and is understanding the Bhagavad-gita from Him. And thus, hearing from Krishna, he can understand the supreme glories of the Lord and be free from lamentation. Arjuna is advised herewith by the Lord not to lament for the bodily change of his old grandfather and his teacher. He should rather be happy to kill their bodies in the righteous fight so that they may be cleansed at once of all reactions from various bodily activities. One who lays down his life on the sacrificial altar, or in the proper battlefield, is at once cleansed of bodily reactions and promoted to a higher status of life. So there was no cause for Arjunas lamentation. Symbiotic Relations In a world of constant change, the only truth is that an individual from any walk of life moves on in his or her eternal journey with an intention of transformation, from one level to another level, from one position to another position, but the individual is the same person who carries all the past experience. Like death is the ultimate state of metamorphosis, in daily life, a minor change in any perspective is even an indication of transformation. We must keep in mind that the change is the ultimate truth of life and we must accept whatever comes on our way and work towards the requirement of the new role. n

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Cover Story

Examining Our Treatment of Sex and Gender Minorities


ing fire of death, I cause great fear to whoever makes the least discrimi- nation between himself and other living entities because of a differ- ential outlook. Therefore, through charitable gifts and attention, as well as through friendly behavior and by viewing all to be alike, one should propitiate Me, who abide in all creatures as their very Self. (Bhagavata Purana 3.29.26-27) Of all human differences, perhaps the most sensitive and difficult to address are those pertaining to sex and gender. The Vedic literatures mention three categories of sex: 1) virile males, 2) fertile females and 3) men and women of mixed gender qualities who are impotent with the opposite sex. This third class of gender, known as napumsa or tritiya prakriti in Sanskrit, is the focus of this article. It involves a minority of people 3 traditionally addressed in archaic English as eunuch or hermaphrodite

Seeing Vishnu in All Beings

n Bhagavans creation there is great diversity, and much of humanitys struggle to advance has involved learning to include all types of people fairly within society. Among human beings there are differences in nature, sex, race, ability, size, weight, skin and hair color, handedness, intelligence, nationality, culture, faith and so on. Understanding these differences, the Lord has solemnly instructed mankind as follows: As the blaz-

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Cover Story

but more accurately known today as homosexuals, transgenders and the intersexed (LGBTI, queer or gay, collectively). Bisexuals are also included in this category although typically they are not impotent with the opposite sex.4 Modern Issues at the Forefront of Current Events are Relevant to Hindus as Well Modern societys treatment of sex and gender minorities is one of the most prominent social issues of our day and for this reason, Hindus should not avoid discussing or addressing it. Nations of the world vary greatly in their treatment of gay people with some advocating condemnation through a penalty of death, others granting full accep- tance and legal equality, but most resting some where in between. The global Hindu community also exhibits great variance in its attitude and approach toward LGBTI people, in accordance with

the many different gurus, sects, temples and congregations that guide and express our faith. The following five profiles of LGBTI Vaishnavas and Hindus are typical of people I come across in my work with GALVA-108, the Gay And Lesbian Vaishnava Association. Names have been changed for privacy reasons but otherwise the experiences described herein, both good and bad, are accurate and real. Hopefully these examples will cause the reader to reflect upon his or her own treatment of sex and gender minorities, especially in regard to the verse cited above. Case Studies of the Struggles of LGBTI Hindus Reveal the Humanitarian Equation Intersex. Kumar is an intersex man of Indian descent living in Western Europe. His family members are Shaivite and he was born with ambiguous genitalia. Diagnosed with Congenital Adrenal

Hyperplasia (CAH), an intersex condition causing XX chromosome female fetuses to develop both physically and neurologically along the male path, Kumar was surgically altered to appear female and raised as a girl (Kumari). However, he displayed masculine behavior in childhood and, as a teen, experienced attraction only to women. Kumar eventually switched his identity from female to male, much to the embarrassment of his traditional Hindu family who initially cut off all contact with him. Kumar had a female partner for many years but could not marry her due to being legally female. His gender assignment surgery as an infant, which he had no voice in and now regrets, caused many physical and emo- tional complications throughout his life. Kumar maintains his faith in Lord Siva and identifies with Sri Ardhanarisvara (Sivas half man, half woman form) and Sikhandi, a character from the Ma-

HINDU TODAY April 2013


habharata who was raised as a girl but later became male. He follows celibacy and occasionally attends temple ceremonies but mostly practices his faith at home. Transgender. Anjali is a transgender woman living in India. Her family is poor and not especially religious but observes many traditional Hindu customs. Born as a boy (Arjuna), Anjali played and behaved like a girl from a very early age. When her parents chastised her for this, Anjali would cry and dream about becoming a woman one day. Despite the many efforts of her parents, Anjali was never able to become the masculine son they so desired. Tensions eventually estranged her from the family, with the exception of one loving aunt, who recognized Anjalis hijra qualities and taught her about the goddess Bahucara. In her late teens, Anjali was sexually abused by men, introduced into prostitution and ended up in the streets of a large Indian city. She eventually connected with the hijra community, which she happily joined. While her life remains difficult and filled with social abuse, Anjali values the friendship and support she receives from her fellow hijras. Free to dress as a woman full-time, Anjali faithfully worships goddess Bahucara and is considering castration or, preferably, a modernday transsexual operation if she can ever afford it. Interestingly, Anjali feels welcome at all the traditional Indian temples she visits but not at the more western associated ISKCON centers, perhaps due to cultural differences and misunderstandings about the third sex. Lesbian. Satyabhama (Satya) is a lesbian living in North America. Her family is Christian but Satya converted to Gaudiya Vaishnavism through the Hare Krishna movement in her late teens, not long after realizing she was attracted to women. Satyas treatment as a lesbian in the Hare Krishna movement has been a rocky road to say the least. Initially she kept her same sex attraction a secret but

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Cover Story

when social pressures to marry became unavoidable, Satya confided her lesbianism to friends and the word eventually got around. Temple authorities insisted she marry a man and in one particularly ugly incident, Satya was raped by a socalled Vaishnava under the plea of curing her homosexuality. Her arranged marriage soon ended in failure and Satya left the Hare Krishna mission, at least externally although never within her heart. After much time and difficulty, Satya eventually got her life together and established a long term relationship with a fellow Vaishnavi. She and her partner, now legally married, faithfully worship RadhaKrishna at home and regularly attend their local temple as a celibate same-sex couple, where they are quietly accepted. Gay Man. Kartik is a young gay man of Indian descent living in a South East Asian country with a large Hindu population. His family members are moderately conservative Sri Vaishnavas. Kartik has always been attracted to men ever since he can remember and has never felt any attraction for women. As a closeted teenager, Kartik was very interested in spiritual life and considered joining the ashram at a temple attended by his family. Temple authorities were very friendly to Kartik and heartily encouraged him to join. However, one day Kartik naively confided to a temple elder that he was gay and the friendly treatment immediately stopped. The temple devotees no longer spoke to Kartik or answered any of his emails. Both he and his family were received coldly at the temple and Kartik was crushed, his faith shaken. Now in his early thirties, Kartik still visits the temple on occasion but feels alienated there. He has few friends and no fellow gay association other than through the Internet. Kartiks parents accept him but not his homosexuality and still harbor delusions of him someday growing out of it or finding the right girl. For his part, Kartik has given up trying

to explain homosexual orientation to his parents. He is still a virgin and maintains his faith in Vishnu but wonders if he will ever be able to find a suitable male partner and lead a happy life of his own. Straight guys are given full social support as soon as they need to marry, Kartik says, but gay men are treated like pariahs and forced to fend for themselves. Bisexual Man. Amit lives in a small city in central India. His family worships Durga, Ganesha and various other devas although Amit himself converted to Gaudiya Vaishnavism while attending college. Amit is a deeply closeted bisexual man. He is mostly same-sex attracted but has some feelings for women also. Because of this, Amit bowed to family and religious pressures to marry and has two daughters with his wife. Nevertheless, he is having doubts about his decision to marry. Amits attraction to men has gotten the best of him lately and secret rendezvous with anonymous male partners has become a fairly regular occurrence. Despite his better judgment and religious training, Amits need for male companionship overwhelms him, even with all the risks involved. While his life appears ideal on the outside and his secret is as yet unexposed, a tempest is brewing inside Amit. He wishes he could be a better devotee of Lord Krishna but cannot seek counsel because he fears complete rejection. Amit wonders if he would be happier living single or with a male partner. Either way, Amit has little luxury to ponder such choices in modernday India, and thus the faade goes on. Traditional Vedic Perspectives on the Rights of the LGBTI Community and Societal Responsibilities towards LGBTI People Several examples regarding the treatment of sex and gender minorities can also be found in the Vedic scriptures. For instance, in the Mahabharata, Maharaja Virata kindly accepts the crossdressing Brihannala into his kingdom and engages

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her in teaching the fine arts to his daughter, Uttara. Significantly, Maharaja Virata does not neglect Brihannala, drive her from his kingdom or force her to dress as a man. Rather, he accepts Brihannalas nature as it is, addresses her as female and offers her a residence within his palace. A similar positive example can be found in the pastimes of Lord Caitanya, when transgender dancers are offered gifts by Jagannatha Misra and invited into his courtyard to entertain and bless the newborn child, Nimai. There are furthermore several positive examples of homosexual men and women in the Kama Shastra, wherein such people are demonstrably accommodated within the fabric of Vedic society and culture. One lone example of ill treatment toward the third gender can be found in the Vishnu Purana, where the Yadavas notoriously ridicule Garga Muni as being an impotent man of the third sex. The ridicule and (likely) false accusation, however, results in Garga Munis anger and the creation of Kalayavana, a demonic king who later terrorizes the Yadu clan. Interestingly, the Artha Shastra specifically forbids the vilification of third-gender men or women (kliba) and imposes a small fine for the offense, whether the targets are actually third-gender or not. Other verses from the Artha Shastra, Manusmriti and Vasistha Dharmasutra enjoin parents

to provide at least some minimal maintenance for their third-gender offspring and instruct a king to do so when there are no relatives. Vedic Civilization Recognizes the Equality of All Living Beings Overall, the consensus of Hinduism supports the idea of caring for and befriending every member of human society, including sex and gender minorities. My spiritual master, His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, elaborates on this as follows: In all communities in human society including the brahmanas, ksatriyas, vaisyas, sudras, candalas, etc. and in the animal kingdom including the cows, dogs, goats, etc. everyone has his part to play. Each is to work in cooperation for the total benefit of all society, which includes not only animate objects but also inanimate objects like hills and land Another hint we get from this statement is that the candalas, or the untouchables, are also not to be neglected by the higher classes and should be given necessary protection. Everyone is important, but some are directly responsible for the advancement of human society, and some are only indirectly responsible. However, when Krsna consciousness is there, then everyones total benefit is taken care of. In conclusion, my hope is that readers will contemplate the examples presented in this article and

consequently improve their treatment of not only of sex and gender minorities, but all living entities everywhere. One who is not envious but who is a kind friend to all living entitieshe is very dear to Me. (Lord Krishna in the Bhagavad Gita, 12.13-14) n

Amara Das Wilhelm


Amara Das Wilhelm was born in 1957 in Princeton, New Jersey. At the age of seventeen he dedicated his life to the service of Lord Krsna (God) and in 1976 received harinama and diksa initiations from his spiritual master, A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, in the Madhva-Gaudiya line of Vaishnava Hinduism. After serving as temple priest for over twenty years in Washington D.C. and Hawaii, Amara Das retired in 1997 to fully devote his time to writing and ministering to the LGBT [lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex] Vaishnava and Hindu communities. In 2001 he founded the Gay And Lesbian Vaishnava Association (GALVA-108), the worlds first LGBT Hindu religious organization and, in 2003, published Tritiya-Prakriti: People of the Third Sex, a groundbreaking book explaining Vedic Hinduisms traditional accommoda- tion of gender minorities in society. Despite his ascetic lifestyle and various disabilities, Amara Das currently serves the Vaishnava and Hindu communities through GALVA108 and related Internet support groups. He regularly performs Harinam Sankirtan (street chanting of the holy names) in Honolulu, Hawaii, and encourages LGBT Hindus all over the world to remain in spiritual life and work constructively to end human prejudice.

Editors Note
Since time immemorial Hindu Civilization has provided an environment for the open debate and discussion of evocative issues and differing perspectives. Decisive and at times divisive issues of the day were always addressed in an open arena whereby all viewpoints were given a fair hearing. Based upon the authority of the Vedic literature and the collected wisdom of those experienced in the application of that wisdom, authoritative conclusions were thus established. Today the topic of LGBTI rights is at the forefront of society. In the USA, India and elsewhere major developments have taken place bringing this discussion to the forefront of public perception. Indubitably Hinduism also has an authentic perspective to offer in this debate. Hindu Today Magazine is a platform by which all Hindus can share their observations in accordance with our prodigious and primordial tradition rooted in knowledge and learning. In the spirit of ancient Vedic Civilizations empirical tradition of free expression and deliberation of those matters vital to the welfare of society, Hindu Today Magazine invites all Hindus to dialogue on the tenants and traditions of Hinduism.  Vrndavan Parker

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Issue 59

Demystifying Hinduism

Astronomical Dating of the Ramayan

t has been believed that there is no evidence to determine the dates of events in the Ramayanic era. Some historians of the past even refuse to acknowledge that Rama and other characters from the Ramayana even existed. However, Sage Valmiki has recorded the dates if events in detail, albeit by describing the positions of stars and planets. To decipher the astronomical encodings has not been a trivial task, and not many have attempted to do so. It should be noted that the ancient Indians had a prefect method of time measurement. They recorded the

tithis, days according to the nakshatra on which the moon prevailed, the months, the seasons and even the different Solstices. By therefore noting a particular arrangement of the astronomical bodies, which occur once in many thousand years, the dates of the events can be calculated. Dr. P.V. Vartak has thus attempted to calculate the dates of important incidents that occured during the Ramayanic Era. The correct astronomical records goes to show that Valmikis has chronicled an account of a true story and also, that the an advanced time measurement system was known to the

Hindus (Indians) atleast 9000 years ago. Please refer to Dr.Vartaks celebrated book Vastav Ramayan for further reading. Before coming to the astronomical method, it should be noted that the Mahabharat has recorded a number of facts about Ramayan (and not otherwise). The precedence of the Ramayanic era to that of the Mahabharat can therefore be inferred. An attempt to fix the dates of the events in the Mahabharatera, mainly based on internal astronomical records. The Mahabharat Era has already been dated by Dr.Vartak to 5561 B.C. [Reference:

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April 2013 Issue 59

Demystifying Hinduism

Dr.Vartaks book Swayambhu]. Genealogical links available from the Mahabharat and Puranas, Yuga calculations and some archaelogical findings also provide clues to the dating of the Ramayanic era. Also, literary references to the characters from the Ramayanic Era provide limits after which the Ramayan could not have occured. For example, Guru Valmiki (the author of Ramayana) is refered to in the Taittiriya Brahmana (dated to 4600 B.C) and therefore Ramayana must have before the Brahmana was composed. However, archaeological and literary methods can only provide approximate datelines and for determining the precise time of the Ramayanic events, astronomical calculations may alone be useful. Astronomical Dating Mahabharat states that Sage Vishwamitra started counting nakshatras from Shravana (Aadiparva A.71 and Ashwamedha A.44) and a new reference to time measurement thus initiated. According to the old tradition, the first place was assigned to the nakshatraprevelant on the Vernal Equinox. Vishwamitra modified this and started measuring from the nakshatra at the Autumnal Equinox. Sharvan was at this juncture at about 7500 B.C, which is therefore the probable period when Vishwamitra existed and also that of the Ramayanic Era. Formerly, the year initiated with the Varsha-Rutu (season) and therefore was termed Varsha. Ramayan shows that the flag was being hoisted to celebrate the new year on AshwinPaurnima (Kishkindha 16/37, Ayodhya 74/36). Ayodhya 77 mentions that the flags were defaced and damaged due to heat and showers. These descriptions point to the fact that their new year started on the Summer Solstice when heat and rain simultaneously exist. The Summer Solstice fell on Ashwin Full Moon, so the Sun was

Shri Ramas Date of Birth Now we shall proceed with the astral route. Valmiki records the birth of Rama as Chaitra ShuddhaNavami (9th), on PunarvasuNakshatra and five plants were exalted then; Sun in Meshaupto 10 deg., Mars in Capricorn at 28 deg., Jupiter in Cancer at 5 deg., Venus in Pisces at 27 deg. and Saturn in Libra at 20 deg. (Bala Kanda.18/Shloka 8,9). Ayodhya 4/18 states that Sun, Mars and Rahu were at Dasharathas nakshatra. It was the month of Chaitra, so the Sun was in Revati, Ashwini or Bharani. Naturally, either Rahu andKetu At present, the Winter Solstice was in any one of these nakshatra (Rahu and Ketu are takes place at Moola. Thus a diagonally opposite). shift of 10 nakshatras has ocThe planetary positions on 16th October 5561 B.C., cured since the Ramayanic Era. the date of commencement Precession has a rate of 960 of the Mahabharat War, have been calculated and known years per nakshatra. Therefore, [Dating of the Mahabharat, Ramayan must have occured by Dr. P.V. Vartak]. Therefore, calculating further 9600 years ago, which is 7600 backwards for the astral B.C approximately. combination noted above, the date concludes to be 4th December 7323 B.C. On this Solstice. Naturally, months of Ashdate, Saturn was at 205 deg., Jupiter win and Kartika formed the rainy at 94 deg., Mars between 283 and season. It is therefore concluded 298 deg., Rahu at 179 deg. and Sun that Ashwin Full Moon coincided at 2 degrees. 4th Dec. 7323 therefore with Summer Solstice, that year beis the date of birth of Rama, when ing 7400 B.C. the aforementioned 4 planets exRama started forest-exile in alted. Venus is always within 47 Chaitra and ended it in Chaitra. He degrees from the Sun, and might be was coronated in the same month in Pisces in an exalted state. Thus and one month later, proceeded to Ramas date is confirmed. Ashokavan with Seeta (Uttar 41/18) when the Shishira Rutu terminated. The Date of Exile So it seems that Vaishakha Masa Rama completed 17 years of age coincided with Shishira. So the (Ayodhya 20/45) and his coronaWinter Solstice was at Vaishakha tion was fixed on Chaitra Shuddha with the Sun at Ashwini. At pres9th on Pushya day. However, he ent, the Winter Solstice takes place had to proceed to the forest on the at Moola. Thus a shift of 10 nakshasame day, at the behest of Kaikeyi. tras has occured since the RamaAt this time, Dasharatha states that yanic Era. Precession has a rate of Rahu, Mars and Sun were disturb-

diagonally opposite at Swati nakshatra. This astral configuration can be calculated to have occured around 7400 B.C. Kishkindha 26-13 describes the commencement of the rainy season. In shloka 14, refers to Shravan as Varshika Poorva Masa. Kishkindha 28/2 clearly shows that the rainy season began in Bhadrapada Masa. Further description Heated by the Sun and showered by new waters, the earth is expelling vapours (Kish.26/7) points to Bhadrapada as premonsoon. Kish.28/17 tells that there was alternate sunshine and shadowing by the clouds. Kish.28/14 describes the on-coming rainy season. Thus Bhadrapada was the month of pre-monsoon, that is before 21st June or Summer

960 years per nakshatra. Therefore, Ramayan must have occured 9600 years ago, which is 7600 B.C approximately.

HINDU TODAY April 2013

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Demystifying Hinduism

ing his nakshatra (Ayodhya 4/18). hini, thus in a way imprisoning the Thursday, the 29th Nov. 7306 B.C. Calculating 17 years from Ramas latter. It is to be noted that the conHe completed the required 14 year birth date, the location of Mars can stellation of Rohini is V-shaped. The period in the forest and returned on be determined at 303 degrees in apex of the angle points to the west 5th Shuddha 9th was over, and the Dhanishta nakshatra. From here, and the two limbs towards east, 5th tithirefered to must have been Mars casts its fourth-sight on Kritand therefore appears like a gate. Chaitra Krishna 5th. Amavasya tika. Rahu, after 17 years had been Mars was situated in between the recedes by 10.883 days each sucat 211 degrees in Vishakha, and so two limbs (or two doors) of the gate cessive year. So in 14 years it must was in opposition to Krittika. Being and appeared like a guard. Thus have receded by 152.3 days. DeChaitramasa, the Sun was at Mesha can the simile be explained. ducting 5 Amavasya periods (29.53 and so it could be at Krittika. This Amavasya (No Moon Day) days each), 4.7 days remain which the planetary positions agree with comes 10.883 days earlier each sucimplies that Amavasya came 4 days Valmikis statement. Dasharathas cessive year. 25th November 7323 days earlier on 15th November 7292 nakshatra appears to be Krittika. B.C., 9 days before Ramas birth, B.C. Calculating backwards for 14 Valmiki has beautifully dewas aAmavasya. In 17 years, the years from 29th November 7306 scribed the sky (Ayodhya 41/10), Amavasya shifted by 185.011 days B.C, when the Amavasya was at when Rama left for for345 deg., the Amavasya est exile. He states, falls at 340 deg. (receded Crux (Trishankhu), by 4.7 days in 14 years). Mars, Jupiter and MerThis is Uttara Bhadracury have cornered the pada, the month being Moon. Vaishakha and Phalguna. Since the next Ramas Birth Date 4th December 7323 B.C Milky Way are shining month was Chaitra, Rama-Seeta Married 7th April 7307 B.C in the sky. Crux is on Krishna 5th tithi hapline with Hasta (Corvus) pens to be 5th December Rama Exiled 29th November 7306 B.C. on the southern side. On 7292 B.C. when Rama Hanuman enters Lanka 1st September 7292 B.C the eastern side of Hasta, entered Bharadwaja Hanuman meets Seeta 2nd September 7292 B.C. there are Chitra, Swati Ashram. and Vishakha. As seen Seetu (Bridge) built 26-30th Oct. 7292 B.C earlier, Mars was at 303 Hanumans visit to on the ocean deg. in Dhanishta. CalLanka War begins 3rd November 7292 B.C culations show that JupiHanuman set out to Kumbhakarna is killed 7th November 7292 B.C. ter was in Poorvashadha Lanka in the hopes and at 251 deg. Pushya was mission to search for the Ravana is killed by Rama 15th November 7292 B.C. at the western horizon kidnapped Seeta. He Rama returns to Ayodhya 6th December 7272 B.C. with the setting Moon. reached this destination On the southern side, at night, roamed around from the west to the east, a little until he located all the other planets were situated. backwards. It means that 6 AmaSeeta the next morning. While deSo poetically Valmiki describes the vasyas (each 29.53 days) were comscribing Hanumans return in Sunsketch as if the Moon was cornered pleted and a shift of 7.8 deg. was der Kanda (S.56 or 57 /1/2), Valby the planets. The description of noticed. The original Amavasya miki states using a simile of sea to the sky, 17 years after the birth-date before Ramas birth took place at the sky: of Rama, is perfect astronomically. 353 deg. Deducting 7.8 deg. from it, The Moon was attractive like After 14 years of Ramas stay in we obtain 345 deg. as the position a lotus, Sun like a good crane and a the forest, Valmiki tells that Rohini of this Amavasya which falls in the span from Pushya to Shravana was was imprisoned (6-24-7, 6-93-60, Uttara Bhadrapada nakshatra. Natseen. Punarvasu appeared like a 6-92-60), Mars marched on Rohini urally, the next month was Chaitra, big fish, Mars like a crocodile, Aira(6- 93-46 or 6-92-45) and mars was when the coronation was arranged vata like an island and Swati like a torturing Rohini (5-17-24 or 5-15-22, on Pushya day at 104 degrees. One swan. 5-19-9, 6-113 or 116-2). The bracktithi contains 12 degrees. So the Even though a poetic simile, Valeted seven statements show the moon was in Pushya on 29th Nomiki provides a plot of the nakshavicinity of Mars with Rohini. Calvember 7306 B.C., when Rama protras from the west to the east. When culations reveal that 14 years later, ceeded to the forest. Calculations Hanuman started from Lanka it was Mars was at Ardra and was retroshow that this day was a Thursday, early morning, because Seeta tells grade. Mars therefore moved in the so said by Seeta as well (Ayodhya him to rest for a day in some hiding reverse direction (from Ardra) to 26/9). place (Sunder 56/3,11; 57/18). Since Rohini, resided at the gate of RoRama left for the forest on a it was morning, the Sun was rising

Dates of Few Important Events From the Ramayana

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and appeared like a crane and the moon like a lotus. As both the moon and the sun were present simultaneously in the sky, it probably was a Paurnima (Full Moon Day) with the moon on the western horizon and sun on the eastern. The span of nakshatras streched from Pushya to Shravan, that is from 104 deg. to 281 deg. Punarvasu was also seen. Aairavat connotes an elephant, and it is possible that Scorpio was seen like an elephant showing its trunk. The span of nakshatras from Punarvasu to Sharavan is seen early in the morning of Krishna paksha of Pushya Lunar month. Sun-rise could also be seen. Hence, most probably, Hanuman returned from Lanka of PushyaPaurnima or PushyaVadyapaksha. Hanuman had set out for Seetas search after Ashwinmasa as he himself says in Kishkindha 53/21,22. So he must have started the campaign in Kartikamasa. One month, that of Margashirsha was spent in the cave of Swayamprabha. Some more time was spent in the search upto the South sea, after which Hanuman entered Lanka, possibly on Pushya Shuddha 14th. Thus it highly probably that he returned on PushyaPaurnima or Pushya Krishna 1st. Ravana had abducted Seeta in the season of Hemant (Aranya 16/1) and had given a period of 1 year, that is upto the next Hemant to consider marrying Ravana (Aranya 56/24, Yudh 12/19). Had Seeta not accepted this offer, Ravana would have killed her in Hemant. Hemant is composed of 2 months. Sunder 58/106 or 108 state that Seeta told Hanuman that only 2 months of her life remain, after which she will die. Seeta therefore must have conveyed this to Hanuman before Hemant began, that is, in the season of Sharad. Thus Pushya lunar month coincided with the season of Sharad. According to the above description, Mars was near Punarvasu and Pushya. It was noted that during the (Lanka) war, Mars was at 102 deg. in Pushya. Naturally, since Mars many a time becomes stagnant, Mars would have been

near Punarvasu and Pushya two months earlier. The distance from Kishkindha (Vijaya nagar to Hospet) to the centre of Lanka is about 600 miles. An army can travel about 20 miles a day, therefore accordingly, Ramas army would have taken a month to reach Lanka. Even assuming a pessimistic speed of 30 miles per day, Hanuman may have covered the distance in 20 days. Also, it is known that the army of Vaanar tribe were searching for Seeta in many directions, and therefore, may have taken 2 months to reach Lanka. This army had started searching for Seeta in mid Kartika, and would have reached Lanka in mid-Pausha. The assumption that Hanuman returned from Lanka in the month of Pausha therefore appears to be reasonable. The Vanar army hurriedly returned to Kishkindha and could have spent 20 days in the interim and the date falls at MaaghaShuddha 5th. Rama marched to Lanka in one month and reached there on PhalgunaShuddha 5th (22nd Oct. 7292 B.C). Rama observes, Today is UttaraPhalguni. Tommorrow when the moon will rise on Hasta, we will proceed to Lanka (Yudh s.4). Probably on Magha Krishna 1st (2nd Oct. 7292 B.C), Rama commenced his journey and reached the shores of Lanka on Phalguna Shuddha 5th. Subsequent three days were spent before Rama could cross the sea. Phalguna Shuddha 8th ended. Thereafter, starting on the 9th, Nala built a temporary bridge (Seetu) within 5 days. On Phalgun Shuddha 14th (31st Oct. 7292 B.C), Ramas army crossed over to Lanka. On Phalgun Shuddha 15th, a full moon day, Rama positioned his army at strategic points and surveilled the territory from Mount Suvela (Yudh 38/18). Ravan also observed the approaching army from a tower, held a meeting with his ministers and deployed his army for defence. On Phalgun Krishna 1st (2nd November 7292 B.C.), Ravana arranged his troops at strategic points.

The Great War started On Phalgun Krishna 2nd, Ramas army seiged the gates of Lanka.Angada proceeded as Rama emmisary on a peace mission to Ravanas court. However, any peace proposal was rejected by Ravana and the next day (Phal.Kr. 3rd), RamaRavana war commenced. The great war spanned 13 days and concluded on Phalgun Krishna Amavasya, with the death of Ravana. The very next day, Chaitra Shuddha 1st was celebrated as a Victory Day. This tradition still continues to be a New Yearss Day and is marked by hoisting flags. End of Rama-Ravana War. Ravana killed. 15th November 7292 B.C was then PhalgunaAmavasya. Valmiki states that Ravan came out for the last battle on the Amavasya day (Yudh. 93/66) and was killed. In the description of the battle, Sage Valmiki writes, Kosala snakshatra Vishakha is aspected by Mars (Yudh. 103/37). The annual motion of Mars is 191.405 degrees. In 14 years, it will progress by 159.58 degrees. At the time of Ramas exile, Mars was at 303 deg. 159 deg. added to this provides Mars at 102 deg. in Pushya. From Pushya Mars could cast its fourth-sight on Vishakha. So, the calculations presented so far seem to be correct. It also shows Valimiki sminute observations and time recording capabilities. Thus the date of the last battle of the War is 15th November 7292 B.C. n

Dr. P.V. Vartak


Dr. P.V. Vartak is a renowned scholar who has been instrumental in unfolding many scientific facts from ancient Indian scriptures in Sanskrit and has presented it to the modern day generation in lucid and intelligible form. He was born on 25 th Feb 1933 at Pune, Maharashtra, India. Besides being a spiritualist & a medical professional, he combines in himself the attributes of a Historian, Astronomer, Astrologer, Mathematician, Philosopher, Counsellor, Orator & Author. As a seeker of truth, he does not differentiate between the followers of different religions and faiths.

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Character of Characters
SHRI RAMA A symbol of courtesy and virtue, a being of morals, ethics and values; Ramchandra who in the words of Swami Vivekananda is the embodiment of truth, morality, ideal son, ideal husband and an ideal king, is believed to be the reflection of perfect man (Maryada Purushottam). The prefix Shri depicts that Rama is always associated with the essence and indispensability of four Vedas. According to the Hindu mythology, Rama was born in Treta Yug, but His identity was most clearly defined in the 11th century AD when Tulsidas translated the Sanskrit epic Ramayana into vernacular language and called it as Ramcharitmanas, when He rose among myriad devotional groups as a Hindu God. LORD RAMA The principal scripture /epic- RAMAYANA revolves around Ramas life, portrayed as a Hindu Deity who is believed to be the seventh incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Lord Rama is accredited to have taken birth on the earth to destroy the sinful and evil forces which existed in the form of demons in that age. He is supposed to be a Brahman i.e. the Absolute and the Supreme as well as Ishwara i.e. the Almighty. As a manifestation to infinite auspicious endowments, He is the indispensible source of the Supreme bliss, positive energies and an ultimate refuge to all jivas(individuals) and henceforth a cardinal subject of the jivas prayers. Customarily, He is depicted as a standing figure, with an arrow in his right hand, a bow in his left and a quiver on his back. He is depicted in princely adornments with a tilak or a mark on the forehead, and as having a dark or a bluish complexion, which elucidates his affinity with Vishnu and Krishna. He is believed

Shri Rama

to have possessed extraordinary abilities, which is witnessed time and again in various extracts of the Ramayana. Lord Rama is celebrated as an ideal luminary who descended on Earth as a charming prince of Ayodhaya and eventually showcased the path of righteousness the highest form of Dharma; rescued the jivas on the earth from the shackles of evil forces and bestowed the paramount and absolute bliss on the creatures of the earth. CHARACTER SPECULATION Rama is a paragon of virtues. The Ideal son: He is an excellent and an unmatchable example of a compliant, obedient and devoted son. An extract from Ramayana quotes that how submissively He accepts His step-mother Kaykeis will to face an exile for a period for fourteen years. The Ideal brother: Rama-Lakshmans love is cited as an ideal of brotherly love. Another extract quotes that how Lakshaman becomes adamant and decides to face

the exile together with his brother Rama and shadows him throughout the period of banishment. The Ideal husband: He was a devoted husband to his only wife Sita even though the culture of many wives to a king was common at that time. The Ideal friend: Ramayana even contains the extracts when Lord Rama served as an ideal and faithful friend to many characters such as Sugreev, Vibhishan and many others during their difficult times or trials. The Ideal King: He followed all codes of conduct for Kings as laid down in our scriptures. According to the epic, the people in his kingdom lived in prosperity and peace without any fear of robbery, often termed as Ram Rajya The Ideal Enemy: According to an extract in Ramayana, when Vibhushan refused to perform the last rites after Ravans death(the most evil demon and brother of Vibhishan); Shri Ram said to him, If you do not do it, I will. He was my brother too!

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Maryadapurushottam: He acts as an epitome of Supreme extent of Righteousness. RAMA IN ANY HUMAN Virtues of Shri Rama are infinite in regard to Valmikis Ramayana and are the source or the stepping stones to follow an effective way of life even in the present scenario. 8 Ram is revered for his immeasurable compassion, courage and compliance to religious values and duties. To the human sight, it represents the follow-up of the basic principles of life in order to delve a suitable way of life. 8 After a long and arduous search which tests his personal strength and virtue, Rama fights a cumbersome war against Ravanas armies. In a war of powerful and magical beings, greatly destructive weaponry and battles, Ram slays Ravana in battle and liberates his wife Sita. Though it is depicted as a phase in Ramas life, it is a vivid illustration of a humans life which full of trials at every single moment. It teaches a lesson to face the odds with the complete strength. The term magical depicts the innate energies often hidden in human and unexplored by him in purview of his full potential. 8 Having completed his exile, Ram returns to be crowned king in Ayodhya (the capital of his kingdom) and eventually becomes emperor, rules with happiness, peace, prosperity and justicea period known as Ram Rajya. The Ram Rajya could only be established with the view of social service and abandoning the principle of self. It contradicts the self-obsessed behaviour of humans which if practiced, results in self- destruction. Hence a broader outlook towards the society is desirable along with the self. The above extract also showcases the acceptance of duties and responsibilities as and when required or demanded by the circumstances. n

Sita

DEVI SITA A perfect illustration of loyalty, morality and an ideal woman, she served as the role model of wifely devotion throughout her life as described by Valmiki in the great epic Ramayana. Her role is portrayed as the symbol of true womanhood with respect to the customs prevalent in the Treta Yug. The prefix Devi denotes the notion of idealism in feminism. Devi Sita, consort of Lord Rama enshrines the ideal nature as a wife, mother and women, which altogether forms a requisite in women, according to the Hindu mythology. GODDESS SITA As per the principal scripture /epicRAMAYANA by Valmiki, Sita is revered as the avatar( incarnation) of Mata Lakshmi(the Goddess of wealth and consort of Lord Vishnu) who was found by king Janaka buried under the Earth, hence she is often known as dharti-putri (daughter of mother Earth). In some

versions, she is also supposed to be a holy maiden(Singaravelu), while in others, she is called as Ravanas daughter who was abandoned, put in a urn and buried in a field near King Janakas empire, where she was found by Janaka while plowing the land. Even some stories present Sita as being the natural daughter of King Janaka. How-soever her origin may be, but she is commonly depicted as a Goddess of immeasurable patience, perseverance, divinity and spirituality. CHARACTER SPECULATION The Ideal wife: When her husband Rama was banished from Ayodhya for an exile of 14 years, Sita as an ideal wife abandoned herself from the worldly and materialistic pleasures, charms and amenities of her palace and stood by her husband as a companion in his exile. 8 The Ideal woman: She acts as an epitome of Supreme extent of Righteousness and maintained her Satitava(womens

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Dignity) though she was abducted by a demon Ravana who kept an evil eye on her and her faith in Rama was instilled in spite of Ravanas herculean powers. 8 The Ideal mother: Sita got refuge in the hermitage of sage Valmiki when she was banished from the household in lieu of her imprisonment in Lanka. But she was pregnant at the time and delivered twins, and named them Luv and Kush. She brought up her sons single handedly in the hermitage. She nurtured them to the extent that they unwittingly defeated their Father in an Ashwamegha Yajna (traditional custom). HUMAN IN-SIGHT 8 Test of time: Sita is forced to prove her chastity not once, but twice in a trial of fire which served as a demonstration of her honour and dignity, compelling her in fire which she undertakes without questioning and where she emerges out unscathed to prove that she was unsullied. The Trial By fire (Agni Pariksha) is a simile used to demonstrate the frequent tests in ones life by myriad different characters/incidents, as a part and parcel of his life and to which the time demands effective proofs by humans. 8 Sitas decision to face the exile along with her husband was an independent decision and serves as an exemplary demonstration of the unconditional support by one towards his kins as and when questioned by destiny. 8 She was the embodiment of right thought and right action. Despite being an incarnation with innate powers, she committed to her role as a humanly character and faced the adversities at every instant of her life including the exile period and her abduction period. It is an ideal message to the human to confront the problems and hardships in life which further signify the importance and essence of the upcoming good times. 8 One of the extracts in Ramayana depicts that how Sita was fantasized by merely glancing at the golden Deer and asked his husband to bring it to her, but it eventually formed the undesirable reason for her abduction. It is a clear message that mere glancing and fantasizing the gleaming objects does not prove their worth and instantaneous fantasies may often not ascertain its real time value. n

Jatayu
Jatayu, a demigod in birds demise played a succinct but a conspicuous and indispensible role in Ramayana in the arduous run of Sitas saviour. It is believed that when Ravana had abducted Sita and vehemently forced her to take to Lanka, then on his way, he was ceased by this bird, though only for some time. Jatayu valiantly fought against Ravana to save Sita from his clutches and did not give up though

he was fatally injured by the mightier and more powerful Ravana. When Rama and Lakshamana went searching for Sita, they found the injured Bird on the way who apprised them of Sitas abduction by Ravana. Further story of Ramayana is based on Sitas liberation and thus Jatayu served as a pivotal clue for Rama to save Sita. Character Speculation Human In-Sight 8 Fighter: despite the unfavourable conditions, he fought against the wrong without caring about the consequences, even though it had had cost on his life. It basically implies fight against the wrong under any circumstances. 8 Pivotal clue: he served as the most indispensible clue in the search of Sita. Even the old and destitute can make a mark. 8 Realization of full potential: Though Jatayu was a meek character when did not give up till the last breath, similarly human should focus his energies to optimize ones efficiency. n

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ashamukha, Dashagriva or Dashakantha, depicting the power of ten (dasha- ten), is often used to describe an authoritarian, dexterous and dominant character of the great epic Ramayana. Ravana, the king of Lanka, was the principal adversary of Rama in the epic. As the son of Brahmin sage -Visharva and a Daitya (demon) princess Kaikesi, Ravana was partly Brahmin and partly Daitya in his semblance. It is believed that he was bestowed with the knowledge of divine weapons and necromancy, due to a boon granted by Lord Brahma and hence he was an unbeatable, fearless demon who ruled the entire world. One of the cardinal extracts in Ramayana elucidates that how once, he abducted Sita avatar(incarnation) of Goddess Lakshmi (The Goddess of wealth) and consort of Lord Rama, which eventually led to a cumbersome and exhausting war between Ramas and Ravanas armies. Consequently, the war led to his downfall with Ravanas pathetic end by Lord Rama who succeeded in emancipating his consort. Character speculation- Human In-sight 8 Brahmin Character: As he was the son of Brahmin sage Visharva, so he mastered Vedas and other holy scriptures under the care of his father. In accordance to Hindu mythology, he is believed to be the one of the most acquainted and scholarly human to exist on Earth. It shows the immense hard work and dedication demanded in any task as a requisite to its accomplishment. 8 Exemplary scholar: Mythlogically, he is always delineated

Ravana

as ten headed which can be elucidated in view of his possession of immense mental strength and potential to the extent of ten people and probably so he was said to have ten heads. It outlines the importance of commitment and zeal to achieve the impossible through sheer hard work. 8 Supercilious: He was disdainful about mortal men, so did not ask for any protection from human being in the grant of boon from Lord Brahma in reward to his austerity in prayers. But as per Ramayana, he was killed by a mortal being Rama. This chapter of his life teaches that one should not be contemptuous of submissive or tolerant beings. 8 Kshtariya: he learned about the art and techniques of Kshatriyas life. It shows his attempt to seek an all round development. 8 Daitya character: because of his maternal grandfather Sumali who continually watched

on him, he retained the qualities of demons. It was the Daitya (evil) forces in him that eventually lead to his destruction. In a nutshell, 1 bad business takes over 100 goods. 8 Ten heads representation: probably, his ten heads depicts an amalgamation of his qualities which could entirely showcase his actual being. While five of his heads may supposedly denote Dedication, intelligence, leadership, determination and passion while the other five may depict his ambitious nature, proud, aggression, lust and his suppression of weak. 8 Disguise: As he confronted Sita in disguise of a Sage and asked for dakshina (beggary) but Sita could not realise his actuality which eventually lead to her abduction. Obnoxious aspects often appear in fantasizing disguise, but in the long run, one may suffer with the consequences. n

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Kumbhakarna

umbhakarna served as one of the important characters in Ramayana. His name depicts the person with ears like a pot. (kumbha pot, karna- ear). Giant in size, he was a Raaksha (demon) and a brother of Ravana. Despite his monstrous size and great hunger, he had an innocent mind and good character though he killed many sages and ate them to show only his power. He took a penance to get the blessings of Lord Brahma who offered him a boon. But Kumbhakarnas tongue slipped to Nidraasan (seat of sleep) instead of Indraashan (seat of Indra). As a result, he slept for six months and would keep awake for the next six months. At the time of war with Ramas armies, Ravana asked Kumbhakarna for

his assistance. Though he was unwilling but for the sake of his dynasty, he joined the war and eventually he was killed by Lord Rama. Character speculation- Human In-sight: 8 Passion: to eating, to sleeping as depicted in the epic. The positive aspect which can be brought out is the devotion and conviction towards any action. 8 Excess/overmuch: on the one hand, while eating and sleeping depicts passion, the over eating cause obesity and laziness as also showcased in Ramayana. Probably, his six months of sleep and over size was a consequence of over eating. Thus, it insights a message

that the excess of anything proves fatal. 8 Innocence ,loyalty and partiotism- He plunged himself in the war against his own will for the sake of his brother Ravanas call and in the name and honour of His Rakshasa (demon) clan and dynasty. This clearly outlines the message of instant actions at the need of the hour. 8 Think before you speak: at the time of granting of a boon, he misspelled words and eventually asked for nidraasan an act which repented later, so it definitely calls for time lag to give a thought to what one speaks as it is an irreversible process. n K. Gheerawo

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Culture

Ram Navami
his essay seeks to share how our country got the name Bharat, the significance of Ram Navami and definition of Culture. Bharat Residents of the sub-continent called their home Bharat after the ancient king Bharata, whose name means one who is capable of nourishing and protecting. King Bharata was capable of protecting and nourishing the Golden Bird of India when it was the flourishing international center of wealth and culture. Bharata also means lover of knowledge or in this case the land that loves knowledge. Which is why in most systems of Indian philosophy the importance of knowledge is always emphasized? When Alexander crossed the River Sindhu is 325 B.C., he renamed it as Indus. Ram Navami Ramayan was probably the most popular TV serial ever. When we did the 14 kms trek from Katra to Vaishno Devi in 1989, people stopped walking during the telecast. Starting 8.45 am there was a mad scramble to the nearest TV set. The Story of Valmiki - In the early part of his life, Valmiki was a nameless highway robber. One day the great saint Narad was passing by and Valmiki attacked the holy man. Narad asked Valmiki, why he was robbing him. Valmiki replied to take care of my family. Narad said when you rob a person you incur a lot of sin. Would your family share that sin also? I am sure they will answered Valmiki. Narad asked Valmiki to tie him, go home and ask his family whether they were ready to share his sins along with the money he was taking home. The members of Valmikis family refused to share his sins. Thats when the robber understood the truth. He asked Narad for forgiveness. Narad taught the robber how to worship Bhagwan. It is said that the robber so engrossed himself in meditation that ants built anthills around him. After years, a voice came from nowhere asking the meditating robber to get up from his meditation. The voice named him Valmiki meaning he that was born in the anthill. Story behind Ramayana Once Valmiki was walking through the forest and saw doves romantically involved with each other. As the sage was busy enjoying that sight an arrow passed him and struck the male dove. Valmiki saw the hunter and called him a wretch but immediately as a saint felt he should not have spoken like that. Then a voice from the sky said O, Valmiki, do not be distressed. Yours words are poetic. This is the right time for you to write the story of the Ramayana. Valmiki wrote the entire Ramayana as the narration of the crying female dove to him. Valmiki used the Ramayana to express the pure Advaita philosophy, the contents of the Upanishads. Ram is

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an Avatar of Lord Vishnu and Lord Ram projects the Indian ideals of life. Rama is the perfect man, Sita the perfect wife and Lakhsman the perfect brother. There are many versions of the Ramayana. The Hindi version is written by Tulsidas, the Malayalam one by Thuncheth Ezuthachan. The original text was in Sanskrit. RAMA means SARVESHU RAMANTE ITI RAMAH that means which revels in every one of us, the pure light of Consciousness, the Atman, and the self. Ramchandra Period (2350-1950 B.C.) The story of Lord Rama is important as it brings South India into view for the first time. While in exile Lord Rama visited various places, one of them being a place called Janasthana, a colony of the Rakshasas situated south to the middle of the Godavri. The Rakhasas ill-treated the Munis and Lord Rama espoused their cause and killed a number of Rakhasas. In order to seek revenge, Ravana decided to abduct Sita away. In the Jain version of the Ramayan, it is Lakhsman and not Lord Rama who killed Ravana. Since the sect propagates non-violence, it was unacceptable to have Lord Rama indulging in violent acts. Some people have asked for Evidence that Lord Rama ever existed? My answer to that is another? In matters of faith, evidence has no meaning. Philosophy - Lord Rama stands out as the most glorious characters found in our scriptural literature. Lord Rama is considered as the ideal of perfection. The human personality consists of different facets, some more developed than the others. In the case of Lord Rama, every facet of his personality is seen projected to absolute perfection. He was an ideal son, perfect husband, a devoted brother. When Valmiki highlighted one aspect of his personality to perfection, he could not do justice to other facets. This is why some critics find inconsistencies in the divine character of Lord Rama. One such criticism against Lord

Issue 59

Culture

present system of coalition or minority rule. So when Lord Rama heard a single dissenting noise against him he made the great sacrifice by sending his Queen away. In todays world, crores of rupees are found in Ministers houses yet none of them has the decency to resign. While we keep on harping for honesty amongst our rulers, here was a Ruler who was honest to the point and we criticize him. Which man would want to be separated from his wife? Another criticism of Lord Ramas character is his apparent cowardice when he hid behind the tree to shoot his arrow at Vali. Vali and Sugreeva were monkey kings. Vali was vicious and over threw his brother Sugreeva and usurped the throne. Lord Rama made Sugreeva challenge Vali and while the fight was in progress Lord Rama Lord Rama stands out as shot down Vali from behind the most glorious characters a tree. Like in Mahabharat, the Kauravas won the game found in our scriptural literaof dice by unfair means so it is accepted that the Pandavas ture. Lord Rama is considered had to use similar means to win the war. Thank Bhagwan as the ideal of perfection. The they were not like todays rulhuman personality consists ers. Atal ji gave the Pakis two full days to retreat from Kargil. of different facets, some more What did the Pakis do? Mined the entire place making our developed than the others. soldiers lame ducks. A mother who lost her son on Tiger Hill would be proud rather than admire the beauty in his character loosing your son to a land mine! rather than critize him for leaving Through this act Valimiki conhis father. If Lord Rama had not honveys a deeper significance to manoured his fathers promise, think of kind. Vali represents the lower nahow his father would have felt. King ture of man while Sugreeva is the Dasaratha died a proud father, went opposite. Vali is said to have gone up with his head high. Is there a betthrough extensive austerity and acter way to leave this world? quired a boon by which he acquired Any man who leaves this world half the strength of his opponent. with unfulfilled desires is bound to There was no way anyone could beat carry the burden on to his next birth. Vali. This was meant to convey that Another common criticism against the sense objects of the world are Lord Rama is his sending away Sita powerful. They can make you their to the forest in response to a taunt of slave taking away your intellect. washerwomen questioning the puThrough this episode what Valmiki rity of the Queen. The part of Lord is suggesting is to stay away from Ramas personality that is faulted is these objects initially until you gain his ideal kingship. In those days an control over them. As you build up ideal king was that one who was acyourself control you come closer cepted by all his subjects unlike the to the sense objects but now they

Rama is leaving his aged father, King Dasaratha and going away to the forest. Lord Rama new that his father would not survive the sorrow of his exile yet he left. What Valmiki was depicting was an ideal son to a father. A situation was created to highlight the greatness of Lord Rama. It was eve of Ramas coronation when step mother Kaikeyi demanded that younger brother Bharata be crowned King and Lord Rama sent away to the forest in exile. Inspite of these challenges Rama stood out as a real son. It was the sons duty to fulfill the fathers promises inspite of insurmountable challenges. Lord Rama decided to undergo the hardship of a fourteen year exile to honour his fathers word. We must the

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HINDU TODAY

April 2013 Issue 59

Culture

have lost the ability to overpower you. This is not escapism but being plain practical. If I am not prepared for something why must I get into it headlong? It is the recipe for failure. As a nation, we were not prepared for the Indo-China War of 1962. Yet chacha Nehru got into it without knowing the state of preparedness of our forces. Nearly forty years after that manmade disaster, the soldiers of today still shudder at the thought of taking on the Chinese. Lord Rama carried bows and arrows always! Did it mean that he represented Violence? This symbolizes his alertness and readiness to fight against inequity and thus establish justice and peace. By leading from the front, Lord Rama was setting an eg for the rest to emulate. Man must not be weak and accept unrighteousness meekly. What it means that if somebody hits / wants to kill you, do not take it lying down or else it would be construed to be a sign of weakness. If you do not respond you will perpetually be cribbing, unhappy. It is something that leaders of today must learn from the character of Lord Rama. Indian forces are not to cross the Line of Control what ever may be the provocation. Our jawans are dying, women becoming widows yet we must fight with our hands tied. Thousands of Kashmiri Pandits have become homeless during the last twelve years of Pak sponsored terrorism yet we must be good boys. The onus for Peace is always on us. Unprovoked firing across the LOC is a regular feature. Yet we will respond but never dictate terms. What Lord Rama symbolized was Aggressive Goodness, what our politicians symbolize is Cowardice. My heart bleeds for the armed forces. This is what Lord Krishna had to say excerpts from The Holy Geeta commentary by Swami Chinamayananda Ch III on Karma Yoga. Verse 4 Not by non-performance of actions does man reach actionlessness, nor by renunciation does he attain Perfection. By mere renunciation of action, no one attains perfection. Arjunas intention was to

run away from the war front, and, therefore, this misguided Hindu was to be re-educated in the right understanding of the immortal culture of the Vedas. Verse 21 What a great man does, then other men also do, whatever he sets up as a standard, that the world ( people ) follow. What Krishna is saying that unless Arjuna acts diligently, the chances are that the entire community, will follow the low standards of retreat from action set up by him and thus they will ultimately invite a general decadence of culture in life. The very creed of Krishna is active resistance to evil. His non-violence is not the instinctive incapacity of the day-dreaming coward who cannot stand up against injustice and fight for the accepted principles of national culture. Take these two verses and think of how our politicians behave. They ask the armed forces to fight, mostly, with their hands tied, refuse to take tough decisions stop the nation from bleeding, want to show the world how tolerant, large hearted we are. With such examples, why do we blame our sportsmen for lack of killer instinct? Our cricketers are the good boys, will never fight back - be aggressive, accept bad treatment on foreign soil, never offend our guests. How can we expect them to win matches when the nations leaders have set such appalling standards? Desire is the root cause of all unhappiness. Till Sita was happy with Lord Rama, she never found any difference between the life style of Ayodhya and the jungle. That was till she spotted the golden deer (Ravana in disguise). On hearing Lord Ramas voice she gets anxious about his safety. She urges brother Lakhsman to go to his aid. Although Lakshman assures her that Lord Rama cannot come to any harm, she reprimands him. In the original Ramayana Sitas words leave much to be desired. What Valmiki was trying to show that once a persons mind gets filled with desire, you will say things that you might normally not have said or for that matter do not mean at all. Such is the power of desire. So shell

shocked was Lakshman with Sitas words that he chose to keep silent and went into the forest leaving her unguarded. So also today, we will go to any extent to acquire materialistic objects, some sell drugs/ fake products, become extortionists, cheat small investors and so on. Is there any end to the amount of money that we desire? All that we get is materialistic comfort. Spiritual and cultural values alone can save the world. That is the message of the Ramayana. Since Lord Rama functioned in the world outside with a perfectly controlled mind, the result had to be Rama-Rajya. It is the spread of such literature that has sustained the culture of our country. Now some of you may ask, what is Culture? It is the sum total value of values expressed through art, religion, literature, social institutions and behaviour, the overt acts of individuals and mass action inspired by collective urges. Its first characteristic is Continuity. A distinctive culture comes into existence when people develop a continuos way of life. This is expressed in many ways like common traditions and norms of conduct, common institutions (marriage, family) common memory of triumphs achieved (Ramayana, Bharata war fought at Kurushetra between the Pandavas and Kauravas). Example where ever we go in India there are certain accepted norms of conduct. The most important characteristic of a vital culture is a common outlook among the people, who when faced with adversity, difficulty can generate a collective will to action. However, when the collective will to resist adverse circumstances is weak, the culture starts decaying (do you think it is happening today, since a common will to tackle the countrys problems seems to be lacking). When a person belongs to a religion whose origin is outside Bharat, no longer does he identify with the traditions and triumphs of the past or draw inspiration from epics like Ramayan or Mahabharat. n Sanjeev Nayyar

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HINDU TODAY April 2013


Management

Issue 59

Management

Chanakya The Eternal Management Guru


Also, beneficial things should not be destroyed. For example, destroying respected religious symbols can lead to problems. Secondly, a leader should protect the subjects from robbers or any other external factors that can erode the wealth of the people, the state, or the employees of an organisation. Most importantly he should not rob them himself! But how can a leader ensure such protection? Here are some tips: should protect the subjects from thieves. If a thief is caught, punish him immediately. If he is left free, the fear of the thief returning lingers in the minds of all. Strict actions will ensure the peoples confidence in the leader. 8 Dont Rob Your Own People Robbing does not just mean stealing money and other physical objects. Honour, dignity, and gratitude can be stolen as well. If a person truly deserves it, then give him rewards and awards. Your people are your greatest assets. Pay them well, pay them on time. Remember, only if your own army is strong will it fight for you. A leader also has to be a good fighter. And when he has to fight for his people he needs to do his very best. As Faye Wattleton said so beautifully, Whoever is providing leadership needs to be as fresh and thoughtful and as reflective as possible to make the very best fight. n

leader is a protector. He can be compared to a shield that saves the subjects from external enemies. But, what would happen if the protector himself became the destroyer? Consider Chanakyas words seriously, or expect your subjects to feel insecure. He says, Reasons for dissatisfaction of subjects: By doing harmful things and destroying beneficial things, by failing to protect from thieves and by robbing (them) himself. (7.5.19-26) First and foremost, a leader should not do anything that will harm people or the organisation.

8 Be The Wall

The leader has to be like a wall a protection as well as a barrier. When an outsider tries to attack your subordinates, step in front of them and face the challenge yourself. An employee may not know how to take care of himself. In such situations, the mighty leader is his/her only hope. So be there when they need you. 8 Take Action Against Outsiders Anyone who disturbs the happiness and the peace of my subjects will not be spared! said a king. Similarly, as indicated in the verse, Chanakya says that the king

Dr. Radhakrishnan Pillai


Radhakrishnan Pillai from the university of mumbai, department of Philosophy is the founderdirector of Chanakya institute of Public leadership (CiPl) a research based organisation that is working to promote indian concepts in management. he has done an extensive research on kautilyas Arthashastra, the well known book on management written in 4th bC from Chinmaya international foundation (Cif), kerala under the guidance of dr gangadharan nair, the dean of Adi shankara samskrit university. he later proceeded to do his mA in sanskrit and a Phd. in the subject. he is a certified management consultant from the international institute of management consultants. he is the director at sPm foundation and founder director of Atma darshan a spiritual tourism company. in this article, part of a series, prof pillai focuses on kautilya guide to leadership.

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HINDU TODAY
Meditation

April 2013 Issue 59

Meditation

Decoding Spirituality
pirituality is the latest trend today among people from all walks of life. Human beings are attracted towards spirituality at present because they are tired of their materialistic lives,as they donot experience any happiness through materialism. The more they have chased after materialism, to that extent they have lost themselves; they have forgotten themselves. Their attention has become completely extroverted. To search for spirituality means to go within, because there are so many paths of spirituality, from both the East and the West, as a result of which people are totally confused about what is right and what is wrong, or what they should select. World is an illusion is what a great philosopher had said once.In todays scenario,those words would be quite apt,as the wolrd today has become a world of deception.It is only when people experience deception, they seek a spiritual path. However, even when they come onto a spiritual path, after some time, they again experience some kind of deception. This is why people move away from religion. No matter which religion they belong to they have to understand what true spirituality is and go into the depth of that spirituality. Originally, the religious founders definitely had spiritual powers. They lived as messengers of god. They came on this earth whenever there was a need, and played their role with the help of Gods power & might. Now, because people have become body conscious, they have forgotten their religion. Hence they do not practise the teachings that were shared by those great re-

ligious founders. No matter how much they study, inside they are empty; as they do not have that true spiritual knowledge. Hence in order to experience true peace, happiness and power it is necessary to go within, because only then can we realize what true spirituality is. No matter how much someone searches outside, they can never find true spirituality. Spirituality means that we should be connected with the Source. For that we need to have the recognition of that Source. Who is He? Where does He reside?There is no doubt that He is One, He cannot be different for different religions. He is One for all. He teaches us to have eternal spiritual love for each other whilst maintaining that incognito, internal connection with HIM. This is only possible when we become introverted, and when we are able to keep our mind under control through the power of concentration. Unfortuantely, in present scenario,our minds and sense organs are not under our control, as a result of which we perform bad

actions by coming under the influence of lust, greed and anger. Spirituality helps us in liberating our mind from all these unwanted desires & finish them off. Spirituality means to open the eye of the mind and, realize who I am.We should understand the philosophy of karma to such an extent that every action we perform should be accurate and filled with spirituality. Even if our actions are mundane, they should reveal spirituality. The quality of our thoughts & actions must be filled with spirituality because the foundation of human life is the quality of our thoughts. If we have the feeling of positivity and of bringing benefit to others, then automatically our thoughts would be filled with those qualities. And if our thoughts are of quality, then our interactions with others will also be of quality,which in turn would bring harmony in our relationships. . n

Rajyogi Brahmakumar Nikunj ji


Rajyogi Brahmakumar Nikunj ji is an international speaker, columnist, spiritual educator and an experienced meditation teacher. His life is the epitome of dedication, selflessness and commitment towards self- and world transformation. For the past 22 years he has a treasure of valuable experiences resulting from sacrifice and community services. A linguist in 07 languages,he has been writing columns regularly for over 40 national and international dailies. Educated in Mumbai(India), he carries a blend of eastern spiritual wisdom of cultures. With a background in Massmedia ,Communications & IT, he has travelled all over the world creating importance of values among mediapersons . He firmly believes that mass media, corporates & community development activities have a huge potential to impact peoples life positively.

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HINDU TODAY April 2013


Vastu

Issue 59

Vastu

Ideal Locations of the Different Rooms in your House

s per the tradition of Vedic worship, the rituals of Vastu pujan, Bhumi pujan, Bhumishodhan, and Shilanyasa are performed at an auspicious time before commencing the construction of a building. This is done to seek permission from Goddess Bhumi Deva, and to get her blessings and assistance in ensuring the success of the construction venture. The Puja also seeks for forgiveness for the disruption of the many living beings already on and in and around the land and cleanses the property of negative energy. Apart from invoking divine grace, these rituals are aimed at creating a harmoni-

ous balance and connection with Nature to attract its agreeable support and favourable effects of the Sun and other planets and stars. When moving into a new construction, there is a natural desire and hope that the building would be a source of prosperity, joy and peace for the people residing in it and that the life of its residents would be protected from adversities and hazards; they should live in a cordial, mutually benevolent and progressing atmosphere and avoiding arguments and clashes. All projects initiated in the buildings having maximum Vastu benefits are expected to lead to success and do.

Everyone wants their home to be the haven of health, happiness, prosperity and social prestige to themselves and their family. If Vastu Shastra was so pervasive and an integral part of the Indian culture and religion, why does it no longer have the same importance in our lives today? In order to seek an answer, we should have to have a quick look at its brief history. Vastu Shastra is counted among the sixty-four principal faculties of knowledge which emanated directly from the Vedas. Several hymns or formulae in the Rigveda and Yajurveda pertain to the origin of Vastukala (architectural and constructional

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HINDU TODAY
Vastu

April 2013 Issue 59

Vastu

art). Like the four Vedas there are four Up-vedas, namely, Gandharveda, Dhanurveda, Ayurveda and Sthaptyaveda. Of these, as mentioned in the introductory article, the last one happens to be what was developed as the Vastu Shastra in the successive ages the periods of the vedic scriptures like the Brahmans, Aranyaks, Upanishads and Puranas. The subsequent post-vedic times of the Ramayana and Mahabharata are believed to be the periods when this knowledge (of Vastu) was deciphered and disseminated in its most evolved and practicable form. The planning and architecture in the grand cities of Lanka, Ayodhya, Hastinapur, Dwarika in that era are regarded as exemplary monuments of Vastukala. After the devastating war of Mahabharata, the world entered the Dark Age (Kaliyuga) when no development of any kind could take place. With gradual revival of civilization, the ancient architectural knowledge again came into use in several parts of India between 800 - 600 B.C.; the royal palaces, buildings of rich traders and several Buddhist monasteries and other religious centres and temples were the major outcomes of this resurrection of the Indian archaeology. But the cultural and socioeconomic development faced a setback with the invasion of Alexander around 400 B.C. However, this was only a temporary phase. Soon, with the endeavors of farsighted geniuses like Chanakya, the Indian economy as well the Vastu-based grand constructions of individual houses, community centres, palaces, forts, warehouses, temples, monasteries, universities etc, and all round progress gained glorious momentum and blossomed in the golden era of the regime of Chandrgupta Maurya and his successors. The heritage of ancient knowledge lost its originality and grip on

peoples life in the mist of the opportunistic trends and consequent anarchy on the sociopolitical and even religious fronts. Foreign invasions from the Northwest and the West resulting in the political and cultural subjugation of India in the medieval era devalued the role of Vastu in the Indian system of life. The luxurious and lavish lifestyles of the foreign rulers adversely influenced the architectural designs as well. In lieu of the disciplines of Vastu Shastra, the focus then shifted to gorgeous appearance, huge structures, artificial decoration, creature comforts and excessive possession of land. Gradually increasing influence of western culture, the greed of builders and contractors, space constraints coupled with growing populations (especially, in the metro cities) have practically ruined the meaning and vital relevance of Vastu Shastra in the modern times. Given that the invaluable repository of Vedic knowledge cannot be found in its original form today and in view of the unavoidable constraints (of space, environment and costs) of the present circumstances, it is certainly not feasible to follow the principles and teachings of Vastu Shastra in totality. However, as the ancient and modern scholars have opined, many of its guidelines and architectural formulae or tips of internal and external designs are simple and adaptable even today. With a little care, wisdom and will on our part, we can be blessed by the power of Vastu in our existing or future houses (and other buildings, if any, owned or constantly used by us). The present series of articles on Vastu aims at elucidating the relevant and practical tips in this regard. It may be recalled that it is not the size or cost of the house but the impact and intensity of specific kinds of energy fields and natural forces from specific (geo)

directions that are of significance in Vastu. The subtle as well as the gross roles of the cosmic energy of the Sun and the five basic elements (pancha tatvas) are of paramount relevance here. The Northeast and the East directions assume a leading role with respect to spiritual effects and religious and devotional accomplishments. The home-temple, meditation chamber or place for devotional rituals is therefore advised in Vastu Shastra to be located in these directions. We had discussed the Northeast and East directions and the place for devotion/worship/meditation and related matters with practical guidance in the previous issues of this magazine. As per the excerpts from the principal scriptures on the knowledge of Vastu, the broad guidelines on the most suitable directions for the positioning of the important rooms (including kitchen, bedrooms, living room, drawing room, etc) were also presented in that issue. It may be added that having a basement and open ground (brahmsthana), plants and trees (garden) within the building premises is also recommended in the Shastras. Further interpretations of some scriptural excerpts indicate that the electrical appliances (e,g, heater, refrigerator, cooler, telephone, television set, music system, etc) should be placed in the southeast angle or in the southward portion (of the house/room). Specific guidelines for interior settings and decoration are also given in the teachings of Vastu Shastra. We shall discuss these aspects with respect to the location of important rooms in the successive installments of this series. In the present article we consider the location and design of the bathroom(s). Bathing has a vital place in daily life. It has been given crucial importance in healthcare under

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HINDU TODAY April 2013


Vastu

Issue 59

Vastu

Ayurveda and Naturopathy. Alporate the guidelines of the Vastuit be not possible in the existing most all creatures bathe in their Scriptures prior to the construction structure of the house or building, own style. Right from the tiny butof the house. The builders and arone could simply change the positerflies and small birds to giant elechitects could adopt the same practions of the ventilators or taps etc. phants and bears, everyone enjoys tice at the stage of initial planning Only one door is sufficient in the dipping into a pool of water be of the multi storied complexes. bathroom, with windows or ventithat a collection of dew-drops, tiny As per the guidelines of Vastu lators in the East. If exhaust fan is a pots or rivers, ponds or an ocean, Shastra, bathrooms should be conmust, it should be fixed in the eastas per ones requirement and constructed in the East with as much ern or northern direction. Geyser venience. open space around them as posand other electrical appliances, if The delight of diving and bathsible. The windows/ventilators any, should be fixed in the agneya ing in the fresh streams of water of the bathroom should open in angle (Southeast corner), because in a river or a pond certainly cant the East. The obvious reason is the of the favourable effect of agni be found in the tubs, roof-showers direct reach of sunlight from this (fire, heat) in this direction. or buckets of the bathrooms in our direction. While taking a shower/ As fire and water have oppohouses. Still, we all need to clean bath it would give the natural adsite natural properties, so too have and freshen our body by a the kitchen and the bathgood shower or bath every rooms in the terminology day. It energizes the body of the Vastu scriptures. As fire and water have opposite and calms the mind as well. Therefore, the kitchen and natural properties, so too have the However, the exploding dining room should not kitchen and the bathrooms in the population, increasing polface the bathroom. Also terminology of the Vastu scriptures. lution and the drying up of the bathrooms and toilets natural resources of water should be located at a safe Therefore, the kitchen and dining have made it impossible for distance from the kitchen room should not face the bathroom. most of us to have the luxand the dining room. Also the bathrooms and toilets ury of bathing in a natural As we have discussed should be located at a safe distance spring or a river every day. earlier, the principles of Therefore, we have to make from the kitchen and the dining room. Vastu Shastra are derived do with the bathroom(s) infrom deeper understandside the house or premises ing of the gross and subtle of our buildings. vantage of absorbing the vital eleenergies of the five basic elements With the influence of western ments and energy from the sunrays (pancha tatvas) so as to maximize culture and use of western techin the morning by facing the East. the favourable impacts of the deniques of construction, our overall Therefore, it is advised to have the sired elements in the specific porliving styles and housing patterns taps for the shower/bath/wash tion (room, as per its use) of the have restrained the architectures basin in the East. house and minimize the untoward of our houses. This has virtually Bathrooms should not lie in the influences. We shall continue with imposed the negligence of the Northeast or Southwest corners broad guidelines on the positionneed of Vastu Shastra. For examof the house. The bathrooms and ing and design of other rooms in ple, the position of the kitchen and toilets should never be constructthe successive installments. n the dining hall is constrained by ed beneath the staircase or someCoralie Felicitas Srivastava that of the drawing room which, where in (a patch available in) the M.Phil, Ph.D, honoriscausa in turn, restrains the designing of central portion of the house as this Coralie Felicitas Srivastava is a the bedroom, study room, etc. The will let the bacteria and infections London-based researcher, writer bathrooms and toilets then are to be retained in the house; people and a VastuShastra consultant who has received her Ph. D denaturally confined to be located residing in such houses would sufgree from the Zoroastrian Colwherever possible as per the refer many health problems. lege on the importance of using the Universal strained structure of the house. Toilets should not be constructScanner and VasatiYantras to obtain optimum health and create a stress free environment The limitations are unavoidable in ed near the bathroom in the East and life. She is an expert at counter balancing case of multi storied buildings as direction. If it is a must to have Geopathic stress and negative energy fields per the pre-laid water supply and the toilet attached inside the bathin a property using metal rods and Yantras. She has received an Honorary Doctorate drainage pipelines. However, if room because of space constraints, from the Indian Institute of Complementary one cares and aspires to benefit the it should be in the Southwest or Medicine and is the Vastu consulting editor for the Hindu Today. most from Nature, one can incorNorthwest corner. However, if

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HINDU TODAY
Vastu

April 2013 Issue 59

Vastu

Geopathic Stress
Interview of Gennye Lion Rainbow Anderzon
lines and underground cavities. The distorted vibrations can become abnormally high and harmful to living organisms. Geopathic Stress does not cause illness, but lowers your immune system, so you have less chance of fighting any illness. GS also prevents your body absorbing vitamins properly, minerals; trace elements etc. from your food (and supplements) and can often make you allergic to foods, drinks and environmental pollution. Living or sleeping over these frequencies has been linked to cancer and many other illnesses. In addition, over the last 100 years, man has added Electromagnetic Stress (EMS) due to all the new technology in and around our homes and places of work. How do you deal with Geopathic Stress? With distant Healing through Dowsing the practitioner connect to higher frequency energies and become a channel for healing. Their own personal healing team who reside in the higher dimensions are carrying out the actual healing process. The reason we cant see these beings is because we live in the 3rd dimension where everything is tangible, while they reside in the 5th dimension or above. These beings are typically angels and archangels, ascended masters and personal spiritual guides. The healing process of one house takes typically 2 3 weeks depending how heavily affected it is. Around 15 minutes is spent on one house a day until the healing is complete. The healing of one property will address in particular, Geopathic Stress and broken ley lines, but it will also heal negative blocks, sink places, toxic streams, negative imprints, electromagnetic stress and other radiation. Many more elements are addressed and the healing can be costumed to the client. They may have specific request about fittings and fixtures in the property. 3. Apart from calming GS what other techniques do you follow? In the Earth Healing process I cover varHow long have you been a healer and what significant incident triggered your desire to become a healer? I have been a Healer for 3 years, but have been doing healing alternative therapies for 12 years. I had a very strong experience in Italy at the conception of my daughter, both myself and my partner could feel the presence of this new Soul, it was very strong. My partner also saw a ball of light in our bedroom, we felt very humbled and privileged from this deepening experience. At that point I had already started my Dowsing Earth Healing Course and decided that I would like to go deeper with Healing in general. Not long after this experience I was by chance contacted by a very experienced Healer/Therapist for massage. We started to exchange treatments and I ended up training in all the Healing Commodities and Spiritual Readings that he and his business partner are teaching. How did you come across Geopathic Stress? A colleague at work had previously recommended a lady who specialised in Digestive Health and Distant Healing through Dowsing. I felt very open to this ladys methods so I asked her to intuitively scan my house and my health through Dowsing and she came back with some interesting findings. I was suffering form Candida Albicans (overgrowth of unfriendly bacteria in the gut), and my house was heavily affected by Geopathic Stress. She suggested a Digestive Cleanse and a rebuild programme with supplements coupled with an Anti-Candida diet in conjunction with healing my house through Earth Healing. The results were amazing, within a month my health was rapidly improved. What is Geopathic Stress? Geopathic Stress is a natural radiation that rises up through the earth and is distorted by weak electromagnetic fields created by subterranean running water, certain mineral concentrations, fault ious elements that will affect a property adversely, such as, toxic underground water streams, broken or blocked ley lines, negative underground blocks, portals, sinks, negative patterns in the building, negative energetic imprints in the building, non beneficial thought forms that has been left in the building, and many more forms that can affect the property and the people living there negatively. I also neutralise mobile mast emission and WiFi as this EMS has a negative effect on humans. Radon Gas can also be neutralised and transformed into something beneficial, so I always check for radon gas, especially in the south country (UK). I also carry out a form of advanced spiritual healing called Divine Healing Master Key to Ascension, in addition I give people Soul Contract Readings, and of course massage. Tell us some of your success stories? One of my lady clients had suffered from overgrowth of Candida Albicans for a long time. After I healed her house her Candida reduced significantly, combined with a Cleanse Programme. Another lady client had suffered from a frozen shoulder for some time and after a few sessions of massage I suggested that she should have her house healed. Since the healing was done her shoulder problem magically disappeared, I havent had to give her a massage for her shoulder since. How do you want to spread this knowledge and where do you see yourself in a few years time? Id love the whole world to know about this as it will heal so many issues in peoples lives. My current way of spreading it is through blogging on my website, articles and interviews. You tube videos etc. I can see myself training other Healers in the future. Ultimately I would like to take my work to a level where I can reach an audience all over the world. n Coralie Felicitas Srivastava

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HINDU TODAY April 2013

Issue 59

Religion

Why Ram Navami follows Navratre


Why Janmashtami follows Rakhi& Ram Navami follows Navratre Both Rams and Krishnas births are celebrated after 8-9 days of rituals involving purification of body and or mind. Krishna was born exactly eight days after RakshaBandhan as the eighth son of Devaki and Vasudeva. The eight day rituals involve eight days of mental purification starting from RakshaBandhan where one is required to control the sexual lust. The moli or thread put on the day of RakshaBandhan is removed only on Janmashtami and indicates learning to control the lust for the next eight days. Ram Navami on the other hand is celebrated as a birth of Lord Rama, the consciousness after eight days of Navratre on the ninth day. Navratre is a process of purification of mind, controlling of kaama, krodha, lobha, moha and ahankara. The ritual involves living a Satvic lifestyle during Navratre period. The era of Krishna came after Ramas era when the love in the society was much more. Rama was in any way labeled at MaryadaPurushottam. What is the significance of the Swastika (Sathiyo)? During a marriage ceremony, the swastika is painted on the

wall or entrance of the house to wish for the well-being and happiness of the newlyweds. The word swastika means auspicious in the Sanskrit language. It is regarded as a divine sign by Hindus and is usually found in temples, symbolizing the four directions, thus making it a universal symbol. It sends out pure vibrations for universal peace and prosperity. The lines turning inwards tell us that each individual being a part of the Universe has to turn inwards in order to attain salvation. Each person has to strive for his or
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her self-realization by turning inwards. How to get rid of negative thoughts Darkness is absence of light and similarly negative thoughts are absence of positive thoughts. The answer to negative thoughts is to bring positive thoughts back. Ideal mind is devils workshop and will always think negative. Here are the ways 8 Think differently as taught by AdiShankracharya. Once Menka approached Arjuna

HINDU TODAY

April 2013 Issue 59

Religion

with lust and said that she wanted to have a son like him with him. Arjuna said that why wait for 25 years consider me as you son from today. 8 Think opposite as taught by Patanjali. For example if you are having a though to steal, silently start thinking of charity 8 Think positive as taught by Buddha. Make a list of positive action to be done today as the first thing in the morning and concentrate on that list. Divert your mind to the pending works. Its a type of behavioral therapy. Understanding the concept of Shiva and Shakti After the life force leaves the body even the wife does not likes to come near the body (BhajaGovindam). This life force has no weight, water cannot wet it, air cannot dry it, and weapons cannot cut it (Bhagwat Gita Chapter 2). The scientific description of this life force comes from the first MahaVakya, from Aitareya Upanishad in Rig Veda, which describes that Consciousness or Intelligence is the Brahman (Pragnanam Brahma). This life force or the intelligence represents the conscious energy, energized consciousness or energized information. In computer language this intelligence is both the fed in data and the software to operate this data. The software is driven by the power of intention and by the process of attention. In Vedic language the data is the Purusha or Shiva and the software the Shakti (Sakti). While the data or the Shiva is inactive and idle, without Shakti or energy, the data has no value and it makes Shiva a SAVA. When Shakti moves toward Shiva it becomes awareness or consciousness. In Vedanta language it is called as soul or Brahman. For comparison, what relationship Matter and Energy have in Physics; Purusha and Prakruti in

Samkya Philosophy; Infinite and Zero in Mathematics; Potential and Kinetic Energy in Energetics; Meaning and Word in Linguistics; Father and Mother in sociology; the same is with Shiva and Sakti in understanding the mystery of Vedanta. Shiva and Sakti are thus two inseparable entities in Indian mysticism. Just as moonlight cannot be separated from the moon, Shakti cannot be separated from Shiva. Kashmir Shaivism says that Shiva without Shakti is lifeless (Sava) because wisdom cannot move without power. Shiva and Shakti are different from the masculine and feminine aspects of the human body. In tantric spiritual path, one seeks to develop a perfect harmony and balance between masculine aspects (example mental focus, will, intellect) and feminine aspects (example sensitivity, emotion). Shiva or the data is classified in the body in three subgroups: creation, protection and destruction. These in Hindu mythology are called the Brahma Vishnu and Mahesh. Some add another two more dimensions in them making them five and these are revelation and concealment. One can find these qualities in anything thats alive. The Shakti or the forces (power) are also sub classified in five sub types. 8 Chitta Shakti: Pure consciousness or the awareness of God. 8 Ananda Shakti or pure bliss. 8 Gnana Shakti or the knowledge of God. It is the pure knowledge which organizes and orchestrates the infinite correlative activity of the universe. 8 Kriya Shakti or pure action which is the actions directed toward God (action which doesnt have the bondage of karma. Action which has the bondage of karma comes from the ego. Its based on beliefs and expectations and interpretations and fears and

judgments and past memories, whereas non-binding action, which is non-Karmic, is called Kriyaaction rooted in pure awareness and creativity) 8 Desire (IchaSakti: the desire or intention to unite with God) Deepak Chopra in his Book, Path of Love Describes Shakti as under: If the voice of God spoke to you, Her powers would be conveyed in simple, universal phrases: 8 Chitta Shakti: I am. 8 Ananda Shakti: I am blissful. 8 Gnana (Gyana) Shakti: I know. 8 Kriya Shakti: I act. 8 Icha Shakti: I will or I intend. These powers, if used towards acquiring spiritual wellbeing, any action (pure kriya) directed by the desire (pure ischa) leads to pure knowledge (pure gnana) and ends with internal bliss (ananda). On the other hand, in routine life if these powers are governed by the ego, then the Action (Kriya) leads to Memory (Gnana) and the memory leads to desire (Icha) and then action again. According to Tantra, Satchidananda is called Shiva-Sakti, the hyphenated word suggesting that Shiva or the Absolute and Sakti or its creative power, are eternally conjoined like a word and its meaning; the one cannot be thought of without the other. n

Dr. K.K. Aggarwal


President, Heart Care Foundation of India; Sr Consultant Physician, Cardiologist and Dean Medical Education Moolchand Medcity; Chairman Ethical Committee Delhi Medical Council; Chairman (Delhi Chapter) International Medical Sciences Academy; Hony Director IMA AKN Sinha Institute (0809); Hony Finance Secretary National IMA (0708); Chairman IMA Academy of Medical Specialties (0607); President Delhi Medical Association (0506), President IMA New Delhi Branch (9495, 0204); Editor in Chief IJCP Group of Publications & Hony. Visiting Professor (Clinical Research) DIPSAR.

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Interview

Issue 59

Inter Faith

Rosh Hashanah

reen, crisp, tart grannysmith apples smothered in dripping, sticky honey. These are my memories of Rosh Hashanah as a child. I remember the anticipation with which I awaited the round plate that our counselor at the Jewish day-care center would place in front of us, apples sliced ever so delicately, with what seemed to be a vat of honey next to it. We were permitted one piece at time, and wooden popsicle sticks served as knives for spreading. Grasping a crescent-moon shaped piece of apple with one hand, I would lather on as much honey as a popsicle stick could hold; then the race began to get the apple into my mouth before the precious honey dripped off and onto the table. Memories of fruit and honey. Crunchy and smooth. Sour and sweet. Cool and warm. A perfect blending of

tastes and textures. A moment of Heaven for a small child. These are, of course, memories that seem to be purely culinary. They are not memories of God, nor even of culture or history. I am sure that prior to the much-anticipated placement of the apples and honey on our tables, the teachers mustve shared with us -- perhaps for many preceding days -- the meaning, the stories, the significance and the history of this most sacred day. I am sure that we were not permitted to dive into our treats without demonstrating some understanding of the holiday upon us. Yet, those memories have not stood the test of time. As vividly as I can see the tray of apples, as clearly as I can feel the cool crunch of the apple between my teeth, as much saliva as the mere memory generates more than thirty years later, I have no recollection of any kind of the religious training that most certainly accompanied this. A tragedy of sorts, yes. But this tragedy of modern, reformed Jewish education in America may point also to a precious and compelling aware-

ness of the felt-sense of religion. For, while I cannot conjure up the faintest recollection of any words spoken by the teachers (or even the rabbis) regarding this holiday, the mere thought of apples and honey brings a flood of tears to my eyes and deep warmth to my heart. It is this felt-sense, this inexplicable, un-nameable, undefineable yet unbreakable connection to Judaism that -- even after having lived for 15 years in a Hindu ashram where I have devoted my life to the service of a Hindu saint, even after having taken vows of renunciation in the Hindu tradition, even after becoming a speaker/ teacher/leader to Hindus around the world -- causes tears to flow spontaneously from my eyes every time I hear chanting of the Torah or every time I light the candles of the menorah on Hanukkah. It is this absolutely indissoluble link between a Jew to Judaism -- regardless of whether that Jew could tell you anything about the most sacred of days other than that one eats apples and honey -- which has kept the religion alive, strong and flourishing for thousands of years despite invasions of every possible kind from every possible corner. It is that link that causes me to cry, neither tears of joy

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Inter Faith

nor tears of sadness, but merely tears of truth, as I say Lshana tova to myself, as the waters of a river I sacrilegiously yet profoundly worship as the Goddess flow outside my window. What is religion then? It is not the teachings I cannot remember that link me inextricably to the sound of the Torah chanting. It is not the sermons in the temple I missed while my friends and I gathered in the bathrooms to gossip. It is not the prayers I no longer know nor the holidays I no longer observe. It is certainly not the identification, externally, with world Jewry that connects me, for a tiny number of people in my life today even know Im Jewish. In fact, in the land in which I live being white means Christian. There isnt even awareness of another religion. So, if religion is neither in the teachings nor the services nor the prayers nor the community identification, what is it? What, after having become fully absorbed into an Indian Hindu spiritual culture, causes my heart to race in delighted anticipation at every inter-faith gathering as the Jewish Rabbi takes the podium? What is this bond? What is this link that defies and surpasses practice and lifestyle? In the peacekeeping and interreligious harmony community there is much talk about the artificial lines of religion, about unnecessary borders and boundaries between faiths, about the necessity of realizing that all is One. Yes, all is One in the way that all drops of water are of the ocean. The molecules are all H2O. They all came from the ocean and ultimately will return to the ocean. But surely on some level, even if not detectable by microscope, water which has sat in a pool of the Himalayas, surrounded by mineral rich rocks and foliage, unknown to pollution, in a world of silence and serenity must be different than water which flows through the gutter of an impoverished, polluted, crime-ridden city. There must be something, on some molecular or energetic level, different about these 2 drops of water. That, of course, does not deem one better than the other or justified in oppressing or killing the other, but there

must be some qualitative difference in these molecules. Even if you take the drop from the gutter and put it in the Himalayas, wouldnt it, on some level, retain any bit of its gutterness? Similarly, if you take the drop from the Himalayas and put it in the gutter, despite the sewage and trash with which it is now associated, wouldnt that molecule remain, forever, somewhat different than the others? The Chief Rabbi of Israel once lovingly said to Swamiji, as I tried unsuccessfully to serve him another plate of fruit during the Hindu-Jewish Summit in Jerusalem, You can take her to

India, you can make her a Hindu, but you can never take the Jewish mother out of her. Perhaps in this lifetime being a mother, or at least a biological mother, was not part of my destiny, but being a Jew certainly was. n

Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswati


President of Parmarth Niketan and also the founder/chairman of an international non-profit humanitarian organization called India Heritage Research Foundation.

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Festival

Issue 59

Cover Story

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April 2013 Issue 59

Cover Story

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HINDU TODAY April 2013

Issue 59

Philosophy

Miracles by the Departed Souls

amayana and Mahabharata are two great Hindu epics. They are treasure houses of Hindu Wisdom. The more you read them, the more meanings you get. The deeper you go, you come up with new interpretations. If you want to compare those incidents and anecdotes with Big bang theory or Theory of Evolution, Quasars or Quantum Physics, Theory of Relativity or highest philosophy it gives scope for all those things. What happens to us after death? Where do we go from here if you believe in rebirth? Is there any place where you spend your time before rebirth?-- are few of the questions that come to our minds. Some people claim that they see the departed souls in their dreams and some others say that they saw great people who have died long ago. Can the departed souls come back to earth in the same form after some time? (It is true that great saints visit earth now and then. I myself had one such experience. When Swamiji Krishna of Ayakkudi, Tenkasi was doing GanapathyHoma in one of the houses in Madurai, he suddenly asked every one to prostrate in one particular direction showing a vacant space up above --near the roof. Later he told that one of the great souls who lived in the house came to bless everyone. Later the owner of the house took Swamiji upstairs and showed the picture of his great grandfather. He was a saint who died at least 50 or 60 years ago). Two incidents in the Ramayana and Mahabharata give some interesting information about these things. Dasaratha came back in

flesh and blood to earth and embraced Rama and Lakshmana long back after his death. In the Mahabharata Duryodhana, Bheeshma, Abimanyu and others came back to earth 15 years after their death in the battle and took some of the living people with them to the heaven! Read about these interesting things in more details below: Dasaratha appears to Rama (chapter 121,Yudda Kanda, Valmiki Ramayana) Dasaratha stood in his chariot. He came back from Indraloka. Rama and Lakshmana bowed before him who was standing in his aerial car in the sky. Dasaratha took Rama and Lakshmana and embraced them. They mutually praised each other. Dasaratha even told Sita not to mistake him for sending her to Agni pareeksha (Fire Test). After addressing all the

three he ascended to Indraloka in his chariot. Mounted on his aerial car, full of majesty, his body blazing with effulgence, Dasaratha returned to the abode of the Sovereign of the Gods. Before Dasaratha left, Rama requested him to forgive Kaikeyi and Bharatha and accept them as his wife and son. Dasaratha told Kaikeyi before dying that she was not his wife anymore and Bharatha was not his son. Mahabharata Miracle When Mahabharata was recited in the assembly of King Janamejaya he also did not believe that the dead came back to earth. He asked whether he could see his dad Pariksheet, immediately Vyasa brought him to earth. Mahabharata gives more information about different levels of living places for the departed. In the

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Philosophy

SthreeParva of the epic, there is a discussion about the people who died in the war. When Dhritarashtra asked about them, Yudhishtra told him those who fought valiantly and whole heartedly, they all went to Indraloka. Those who fought unwillingly, went to Gandarvaloka and those who fought and backed out or killed when begged for life, they all went to the place of Yakshas. Bhagavad Gita and Tamil Sangam Anthology Purananuru say in clear cut terms that those who are killed in war go to heaven. Reappearance of those who died in the great Bharata war is narrated in chapter3 of AsramavasikaParva in Mahabharata. I summarise only the important points: At the request of Gandhari, Dhritarashtra and Kunthi, the great Rishi of miraculous powers Vyasa did this. He asked everyone to assemble on the banks of Ganges.WhenVyasa called the names of the dead people, they all came out of Ganges water and appeared just above the water. The Pandava and Kaurava armies rose up with big uproar. Bheeshma and Drona came out first. Thousands of dead people appeared with them. Dhritarashtras sons, Pandavas sons, army commanders from both the sides, all appeared in front of the assembled Rishis, general public and the royal families on the banks of River Ganga. Dhritarashtra and Gandhari got divine vision by the grace of Vyasa. All of them spoke with the dead throughout night. Everyone was happy. There was no enmity. Women who have lost their husbands and sons were happy to see them back alive. Vyasa told the Kshatriya ladies, they can accompany their husbands if they wanted

to. Several women came forward and went to heaven with their husbands. They entered the Ganges water along with their husbands. All of them disappeared in the water. Then Vyasa told Dhritarashtra that his sons are ever happy like he saw them today. Three years after this incident Dhritarashtra, Gandhari, Kunthi all died in a forest fire. In fact, they refused to move away from forest fire and sacrificed their lives voluntarily. This narration proves that people live after their death in various planes till the time of their rebirth comes. They are happy and there is only love in the heaven and no hatred even between born enemies. Only great Rishis (seers) like Vyasa can bring the dead back to earth for a short period. In the Ramayana we heard about physical touch and embrace. Here no such embracing was reported. There was always a distance between the dead and the alive. Mahabharata has more on this topic of the departed souls in different places. Anyone interested can do a deeper study. Departed Souls in Tamil Epic Silappadikaram Tamil epic Silappadikaram also has one such story. Kovalan, the hero of the epic was sentenced to

death by the Pandya king under the false accusation of stealing the queens anklet. Fourteen days after this execution, his wife Kannaki was standing under a tree and Kovalan came back to earth in an aerial car and took Kannaki to heaven. The tribal women in the hill watched this in awe. They praised her as goddess and reported the incident to the Chera King Senguttuvan. The story of what women had seen under the Venkai tree at the top of the hill Tiruchenkunru astonished all who heard it. The wonder struck king decided to erect a s temple for Kannaki and marched all the way to Himalayas with an army and brought back a holy stone from the Himalayas. He bathed the stone in the Ganges and made it holier. This episode shows that 2000 years ago the values and beliefs were same throughout India. n

Santanam Swaminathan
Santanam Swaminathan was born in Nagappattinam in Tamil Nadu. He is working as a tutor at the University of London and a Health Advocate in a London hospital. He hails from a journalist family. His father Santanam was the News Editor of Dinamani in Madurai. He translated Anna Karenina of Leo Tolstoy in 1940s which runs to 1500 pages. It was considered a great achievement at that time.

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Issue 59

Wisdom Pharmacy

A lesson in incense and sensitivity


ith daily life inundated by a quickened pace and multitude of responsibilities, I have come to greatSandra Rossetter ly appreciate small but heartfelt rituals that stand as reminders of what is important. Burning incense is one such act; it is an affirmation of purpose, honoring roots to bless future direction. Often, I will burn incense, passing through each space of my house and will consciously set intentions for each room. Slowing down to appreciate the blessings life offers, burning incense can be akin to prayer or meditation. The Vedas hold the oldest reference to incense and is known as agarbatt in Hindi.It is specifically cited in the Atharva-veda and the Rigveda. In India, incense has traditionally been used for creating pleasurable aromas but has a dual role in the modern system of organized incense. It is included in theAyurvedic medicinal system as a healing tool. As such, the crafting of incense is presumed to have been carried out by medicinal priests and the art of incensemaking is deeply connected to the Ayurvedic medicinal system in which it has its foundation in. Its role in healing led to the tradition being passed on through religious practices. Rooted in Hinduism the knowledge and use of incense was assimilated by Buddhists. Buddhism rose in India, and with it incense became a revered part of the religion; so began the journey

Discovering Aloeswood

Above:One of the few large Aquilaria trees remaining in Bhutan.


www.forestpathology.cfans.umn.edu

of incense to China. Wondering monks brought the knowledge of incense making to China somewhere around 200CE. (http://

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Incense_ of_India) Embraced by varied cultures, the ritual was carried on the backs of a traveling but evercon-

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Wisdom Pharmacy

nected story of human spirituality. Today burning incense plays a role in many religions. According to the Ayurvedic system, the ingredients for the production of incense fall into five classes: Ether (fruits), Water (stems and branches), Earth (roots), Fire (flowers), and Air (leaves). Recently I visited a dear friend. She gifted me a portion of her favorite incense, Aloeswood. I accompanied her on the mission to seek out this scent. We found it in nestled between precious gems and jewelry in a display case at a favorite shop she frequently visited for teas and oils. The sticks, made from compressed material, and lacking a bamboo core, came wrapped in soft brown paper and werepackaged beautifully in a black box with golden Japanese characters which I could not read. In Japan the incense is known as jinkoh, but Aloeswood has many names. Agarwood,eaglewood, gaharu, oudandcalembac are a few. This range exemplifies how widely appreciated this scent is. Agarwood falls into the Earth class, along with Sandalwood, Frankincense and Myrrh. Even prior to lighting the stick, I found the scent to be instantly intoxicating. The breath of the smoke smellssweet and woody. It dissipates quickly but is smooth and comforting bringing to mind shades of amber. As the smoke twirls upward in a graceful dance, it conjuresup images of golden light, sifting through the rustle of leaves to touch and warm the ground beneath. It speaks of protection. It is welcoming and embodies a unique richness. The exquisite aroma quickly became a staple,and accompanying everyday prayer became part of my routine. I came to love this scent so much, I sought its source. Where did this magical adornment come from? I wondered what the plant or tree would look like that harbored this delight. My research on the subject has proven to be nothing short

of stimulating.Aloeswood comes from the Aquilaria tree, a rain forest evergreen that is endemic to Southeast Asia. The true source of Aloeswood is somewhat of a mystery as it is the result of the Aquilaria tree secreting a dense resin to protect itself. The core of the tree produces a shield of dark resinous salve to wall the trees heart. It is speculated the cause could be tripped by fungus or intrusive beetles. The scent was so adored that ancient trees were cut down without discretion, leading to the demise of the population until mere extinction. Learning this informa-

I found the scent to be instantly intoxicating. The breath of the smoke smellssweet and woody. It dissipates quickly but is smooth and comforting bringing to mind shades of amber.
tion manifested itself as a shiver through my spine. Reflecting on and taking responsibility for how I toohad burnt precious sticks with abandon. The trees are currently widely recognized as endangered and are protected via international agreements. The Convention of International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna, known as CITES, is accepted by 169 countries and intends that the trade of Agarwood products does not threaten the species. Sadly, illegal harvesting of wild specimens does occur. This risk has spurred a movement to research the cultivation and controlled production of Agarwood with varied success.

The University of Minnesota partnered with the Rainforest Project Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to saving and sustaining the rainforest, completed over 12 years of research on the matter. (http://www.agarwood. org.vn) The result of their effort has shed light on a methodology for creating the resin in planted trees;it is a solution, allowing for sustainable production. Withthis breakthrough, the cultivation of Agarwood has transformed into an economic engine for some of the worlds poorest populations. I am graciously appreciative of taking on this knowledge. The experience has showered me with lessons to sit with. Each one that has come to mind has an important application to the way I live my life. The things we find pleasure in, especially that which we extract from our natural environment, come at a price. All life is worthy and as such should be honored. It is our responsibility to educate ourselves about the history and stories of things and to research in order tobe empowered and make sound choices. The connections that web these lessons together reveal the unexpected gift of new perspective. Uncovering the story of Agarwoodhas given me insight and is an example of how a treasured resource can be unintentionally threatened. However, the current response is also an example of how, if recognized,we as a planet can change. Furthermore, if we set out with the right intentions our capacity can lead to a synergistic outcome. I find it beautiful that prior to researching this I had associated the incense with protection and earth. The incense used for a millennia, has been traditionally used to heal and protect. Now, the production of Agarwood could play a part in healing the rainforest and providing a possible livelihood to people in need of answers and positive change. n

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Issue 59

Astrology

n modern era, it has become the dream of each and every one to travel abroad. Many of them aspires to settle even in foreign land. But is it possible for each individual ? We will try to find out astrologically whether the planets present in the horoscope of a particular native promise this or not. Foreign travel can be classified under two distinct heads : 8 Occasional or frequent travel overseas. 8 Long term or permanent residence abroad. According to Sloka 8 and chaptervi of Jatak Parijat, when the lord of ascendant occupies 12th house and Mars is conjunct with the Moon in a malefic sign identical to 10th house one goes to foreign land. -The

Travel Abroad
ascendant lord at any of duhsthan (6th, 8th or 12th) is known as Dehakasht yoga and invites the native for bodily sufferings, privation, over-exertion and general physical debility. It also include Moon & Mars conjunction in a malefic sign in 10th house. This is quite opposite to Amla Yoga which is said to confer good reputation etc. Another stanza in chapter-xi of Jatak Parijat says when the lord of 12th house from the house which is occupied by lord of ascendant is in depression or weak, the native having such configuration goes to foreign country. In above stanza the emphasis is on 12th from the house occupied by lord of ascendant. When this 12th house is influenced by way of placement or aspect by different planets the results are as under : 8 If Venus influences the lord of 12th, whom Venus should be friendly, residence abroad is permanent. 8 If the as pecting planet happens to be the Sun, the residence will be in a small township. 8 If the 12th lord from the placement of ascendant is combust, it could be in some significant place. 8 If however 12th lord is otherwise strong it could be a metropolis. Travel abroad, if we look at it logically, must involve houses, signs and planets which indicate movement. Out of moveable signs, Aries, Cancer, Libra and Capricorn, more particular signs are Cancer (being a watery sign) and Libra (being an airy sign. Out of dual signs, Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius and Pisces, particular signs are Gemini (being an airy sign) and Pisces (being a watery,,sign as well as ruler of 12th of, natural zodiac. Sagittarius too has its importance since it rules over 9th house of natural zodiac. Out of fixed signs, Taurus, Leo, Scorpio and Aquarius, particular signs are Scorpio (being a watery sign) and Aquarius (being an airy sign. Of the planet/planets the Moon, a watery and changeable in nature has an important say along with the lords of concerned houses. Of the houses, 9th and 12th figure in most often in charts showing foreign travel/lands. Some times 3rd house can also

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Astrology

carry some clue because it is related with travels and planet/planets placed in 3rd house aspect 9th house a house indicating foreign travel. Broader Rules & Foreign Travel 8 Venus, Mars and/or Moon placed in a moveable sign. 8 When Rahu is placed in a moveable sign one will get help of other communities in a foreign land. 8 The ascendant lord be placed in 7th house identical to a moveable sign. 8 Ascendant lord posited in a moveable sign aspected by a planet posited in a moveable sign. 8 Saturn in constellation of Swati, Poorvashada, Ashwini, Krittika, Uttaraphalguni or Uttarashada. 8 The lord of 10th house in 9th house identical to a moveable sign. 8 The 10th house and 10th lord in a moveable sign. 8 Mercury in the constellation of Ashlesha, Jyestha or Rewati. 8 Rahu in the constellation of Ashlesha, Jyeshta, Rewati, Punarvasu, Vishakha or Poorvabhadra. 8 The 12th lord placed in a moveable sign. 8 Ketu posited in 9th or 12th house in moveable sign. 8 The lords of 6th or 9th or 12th posited in 6th, 9th or 12th respectively. 8 Jupiter posited in 4th, 6th, 8th or 12th house in a sign indicating foreign travel. 8 The lord of 10th house posited in star of Rahu or Ketu or Saturn. 8 The ascendant lord as well as Moon sign lord be placed in a moveable sign/signs. 8 The lords of 9th and 12th posited in moveable signs or there should be exchange between 9th and 12 lords or there should be exchange between lord of ascendant and the lord of 9th house.

and Mercury conjunct any where in the chart. 8 Lord of 3rd house posited in a moveable sign. 8 Lord of 2nd posited in 7th house in a moveable sign. 8 Rahu or Ketu in 4th, 9th or 11th house. 8 Navamsha lagna being Capricorn or Pisces or lord of 12th be placed in sign Pisces in navamsha chart. 8 The lord of 8th house aspecting 12th house or 12th lord. 8 Lord of 8th house aspecting 2nd house or lord of 2nd, one will get higher education in foreign land. 8 Lord of 12th posited in 4th house, one will get education in foreign land. 8 Lord of 12th house posited in 9th house in a moveable sign. 8 Jupiter aspecting 12th house or lord of 12th. Let us see what are views of classics and the savants of astrology Sage .Parashara says that 3rd and 7th houses are the houses for travel, the 9th house indicates pilgrimage and 10 house travel to far off places vide his book Brihat Parashara Hora Shastra, page No.6-7, 1st edition by N.K.Krishna Rau. Kalidasa indicates 3rd house for short journeys, 4th and 9th for travelling (apparently abroad), 7th house indicates journeys with interruptions and 12th house for going to foreign land in his book Uttarakalamrita khanda-4 and slokas-41/2, 111/2 and 151/2 by V.Subramanya Sastri. Satyacharya says one must consider the 9th house for travel abroad vide his book Jaathaka Satyachareeyam page No. 16, 20, 21, 41, 79 by C.G.Rajan edition-1955. Jaatak Parijat gives the views of Garga, Varahmihira, Kalyan Varma and states :hat it is from 7th house that one can calculate all about any journey a person may undertake in chapter-44 and sloka-1. Nevertheless the 12th house relates to wandering far away from birth place and possible perma-

8 The Sun, the Moon, Venus

nent residence and good fortune in foreign country vide chapter-11 and sloka-23,24,25. Chapter-13 and sloka-1, chapter-15 and sloka-73. Dr.B.V.Raman in his book Hindu Predictive Astrology vide pages154,168 and 170 refers 3rd house for short journey, 9th for long journey and 10th for foreign travel. Example: Here we are discussing a practical example in which the above mentioned rules fit very well.. Male Native: DOB: 18/06/1975, TOB:10:10 AM 1ST, POB : Jullundur Leo sign rises in ascendant, lord of ascendant the Sun is placed in 11th house conjunct with lord of 7th Saturn. Lord of 9th house in conjunction with lord of 5th and 8th Jupiter, lord of 3rd and 10th Venus is in 12th house and lord of 12th the Moon in 2nd. 8 12th house and 12th lord Moon are aspected by 8th lord Jupiter and 9th lord Mars.. 8 12th house and Venus are under the influence of 8th lord Jupiter.. 8 12th lord Moon in mutual aspect to 8th lord Jupiter and 9th lord Mars... One should always study 4th house. A heavily afflicted 4th and 4th lord is an indication of separation from mother and motherland, in this case 4th house is afflicted by the placement of Rahu and lord of 4th is in a trik bhava under the aspect of Rahu, thus 4th house and 4th lord suffer affliction indicating displacement. Same 4th house from Moon should be studied and 4th lord from Moon. In this case 4th house from Moon is under the aspect of separative planets the sun and Saturn while 4th lord from Moon, Jupiter, again in a trik bhava conjunct with Mars and aspected by Saturn and Rahu..hence all the conditions required are met with.. Thus rules mentioned above are applicable... native after doing his B.Tech went abroad in March2000, had one years training over there and well settled abroad. n

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indu Today Magazine is saddened to report that Kulashekara Das (Colin Jury) passed away in his sleep on March 12, 2013 in Alachua, Florida, USA. It was our honor to feature an article by him in our January 2013 edition detailing the early phases of Srila Prabhupadas Krsna Conscious movement in the UK. As in his life, Kulashekars bodily demise was characterized by an intense interplay imbued with devotion to his Lord Sri Krishna and to his Gurudeva Srila Prabhupad. His final day was spent in hours of Japa, (Mantra Meditation dur ing which he chanted 16 rounds of the Hare Krsna Mantra) and in discussions of Srila Prabhupada, Srila Bhakti siddanta Saraswati Thakur and the need to educate the masses. Just before bed his last act was to post a picture of Sri Venkateshwar and the words Jai Venkatesh! It has been noted that the path leading up to the inner sanctum at the Temple of Sri Venkateshwar is called the Kulashekar Path. Though his sudden departure was a shock to his friends and family it has also been seen as a reminder that Lord Krsna never forgets his devotees. Hindu Today Magazine is honored to share some of the many affectionate tributes recognizing his service and contributions to the spreading of Krsna Consciousness with our esteemed readers. TRIBUTES IN HONOR OF KULASHEKAR PRABHU Vincent James Fiorentino Shrutakirti das (Srila Prabhupads personal servant): I first met Kulashekar Prabhu during Kartika 1972 at Radha Damodara temple, Vrindavan & later at the Manor in August, 1973. I always liked him very much

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Tributes In Honor Of Kulashekar Prabhu


and knew him as the first devotee to be initiated in the UK. He was also an excellent Mrdunga player. Srila Prabhupada showed him lots of affection during that time. He always loved Srila Prabhupada very much. I am happy that he was able to be with Devotees at the most important time of his life. I am sure Srila Prabhupada made arrangements for him before, during and now after his passing. He is one of Srila Prab hupadas many soldiers that gave his life to help Srila Prabhupada in his mission. I look forward to being with him in the future by the mercy of Srila Prabhupada. Ed Mac Millan: I remember when Srila Prabhupada visited the Manor in 1977. He was very ill and the kirtans were quite subdued. Bhagavan had told us to all sit down and we were having a kirtan in front of Prabhupada. I was standing at the temple room door nearest the altar when it opened and in walked Kuleshekar. Immediately he started dancing and Prabhupad turned to look at him and gave him this beau-

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Photo Credit: Guru Das


tiful smile. Kula was ecstatic and I could see the special bond between the two of them. Of course everyone got up and started to dance. There are tons of Kula stories but the truth was in those early days the devotees would live day to day praying for mercy. Things were so primitive and when Prabhupada would visit, as he did every year, the intimate service kept them going till they could see him again. Bhajahari Murphy: Kula had a knack of making Krishna Consciousness exciting. Especially back then. Just by his coming to Cardiff with Prabha Visnu and Sukarma Prabhu, Kula collected up to 7 or 8 new devotees in a short time. Kulashekhara Prabhu was so attractive to us. He could lead amazing kirtans, he was a brilliant cook, he was carrying an amazing philosophy with him, and he knew how to tell stories. He had us all enraptured by tales of his personal association with Srila Prabhupada. After a blissful Kirtan and an intoxicating feast, he would sit for hours and tell us so many stories. He would invariably

haveus rolling around laughing ecstatically at his nectar Prabhupada memories. He also convinced me that we would form our own Rock Band with help from George. Ha! He was definitely a bit of a dreamer but by his association, and because of his love for Srila Prabhupada the Welsh Yatra was born. From his preaching came Nara Hari, Vicitravirya, Gunarnava. Yaduvendu, Adwaita Acharya, Janakaraja and myself all in a very short period of time. Many many others were influenced, like my old friend Colin, who was there at the time, but did not shave up. These days he comes up from Wales quite often to stay with me and visit Bhaktivedanta Manor. He still remembers Kula with great affection and is now chanting 16 and following Srila Prabhupada 40 years later. Kula, I will never forget what you did for us all back in those halcyon days fare thee well brother I will miss you till we meet again. Wish I could have been there for you in these later years, as you were there for us when we needed you most. Surely Srila Prabhupada and Lord Chaitanya will take care of Kula. Your eternally grateful brother, Bhajahari das. Cosmic John: I served with him many times and found him to be a great and sincere devotee of Lord Krsna and very loyal to Srila Prabhupada. He was very fired up in the 1970s and an inspiration to serve Krsna with and thus Ruby St. in Cardiff will always be in my memory. He was a great cook and a wonderful Sankirtan man. A small flat in Ruby St. was the Nama Hatta Sankirtan base camp, with a nice Panchatatva and Prabhupada pic ture as our Altar piece. It was a very busy time lots of street Sankirtan and book /magazine distribution and hot dhal and chapattis to help us all get through those cold Welsh winter days. A blissful time. All done in an atmosphere of Missionary zeal knowing we were

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the first giving out Lord Chaitanyas mercy in that area in our Gurus service. All Glories to HG Kulashekar Das our Team leader there. I shall also miss him here on Facebook and his posts. May He forgive me of any offence I may have caused him. All glories to his service. May Sri Krsna shower his Prema upon him. Caitanya Dasi: It is with great sadness to learn that our god brother, Kulasekara dasa passed away suddenly. An apparent heart attack was the cause of death. This month he had relocated to Alachua, FL. He is fondly remembered for his years of service in the UK, and his days back with the Beatles and the recording of the Hare Krishna album. He was especially close to L. Subramaniam and members of the Shankar family, Zakir Hussain and others. Vrndavan Brannon Parker: On one of my last trips to India, Kula drove me to the SFO airport from Santa Cruz. It was a 2 hr. journey and it was remarkable for some reason I couldnt understand at the time. We had a blissful time recalling Prabhupad and speaking about the Lord. He was remarkably cheerful and charming. I did not know it would be the last time we would be together. He was always absorbed in memories of Srila Prabhupad, George Harrison and Krishna. I also recall the time as a 16 year old boy; he hired me to work at his print shop LA. It was the first and one of the only times any of the elder devotees had gone out of their way to help me in a practical way. It was a kindness I always remembered. I am convinced he is now with Prabhupad and George chanting, dancing and feasting and imbibing on the sweet nectar of Lord Krsnas Prem. Jayanta Dasa: Kulaji, I cannot believe that youve left us, my dear Gurubhai! It was just last week that we spoke and you were so happy that youve received a large order for your curry business! I loved your stories and pastimes with Sriman George very much! Your pictures with Srila Prabhupada are so ecstatic! We will miss you so much;

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You are a very special soul, a very nice friend! Hare Krsna, Kulaji! Aravinda Das: I was with Kulashekar Prabhu during his last hours. He complained of chest pain earlier that night but after some time it seemed to subside. Just before the chest pain he had finished his 16 rounds of the Hare Krishna mantra. He had accidentally skipped his insulin shot at lunch and had just taken one before the chest pain. He was also on amoxacillin for a tooth abscess. Early this morning I found that he had passed over night. He had a peaceful look on his face. Sevananda Das: Kulashekar Prabhus passing is a very sad thing for me, even though I havent seen him for many years. I first met, and spent a lot of time with him in London in 1974. He was always blissful, always preaching, and always blissfully in love with Srila Prabhupada. I am sure that Lord Krishna will take care of him. Pat Sharma: I remember him well back in Brooklyn... leading Harinam on 5th Ave... I also remember that he had not met a Brahmacarini with the likes of me... all full of Sass and Vinegar was I... I pray that he reaches shelter at the Lotus Feet of Their Lordships Sri Sri Radha Madhava. All Glories to Srila Prabhupada! Mahashakti Das: I had the opportunity to meet and hear from Kulasekhara Prabhu about two or three years ago when he was in L.A. Wonderful stories and lots of love. He spoke in a very direct way. As I recall, wasnt he SPs first European disciple? He will be greatly, greatly missed. Brian Wooley: Aapprox. 11:15 a.m. one Thursday morning just off Oxford St. in November 1972, Kula gave me the Krsna Trilogy & Sri Isopanisad. Then he invited me to lunch at Bury Place (London Temple). So I went just after 1 p.m., and after eating 1.5 plates of Sabji and rice, Kula came over to me and was amazed that a new face could eat that much Prasad. More or less, from then on, Kula was my guide into Krsna Consciousness. He used to write me often and in fact, I ended

up calling him siksa guru. Because, in a letter he wrote me in December 1972, he said: Radh Govinda wants us home a hundred times more than we want to go. This made me think this movement is all about love and inspired me to throw in my lot with the Hare Krsnas. My fave track is Siksastakam, where Kula is dueting on the mrdanga with Srila Bhaktivedanta Swami. Kula got beaten up in Israel for doing book distribution and harinam and a soldier had the audacity of putting his cigarette out on Kulas shaved head! He nearly froze to death one winters day in Munich, on distribution. He is the only devotee to ever visit me at home, and that, twice a journey of 190 miles there and back. He blessed the home by staying over and cooking, too. Bhaktivaibhava Swami: I had extensive association with Kulashekara prabhu in Hamburg (Germany) in the early days. He attracted crowds of people during harinams, playing the mrdanga and singing so expertly. He left us too soon, but I am confident that he is being placed at the lotus feet of Srila Prabhupada. Arundhati Sherbow: Kula is surely in a better place now. Very good thing he said about the great japa... going deep. The grace of suffering for a devotee makes them turn to Krsna! Dear Kulashekara. He was one of Srila Prabhupadas soldiers. The first British devotee! I knew Kula in the early days at Iskcon Press and London and always had a fond feeling towards him. He was a totally sincere devotee of Srila Prabhupada and Prabhupada loved him dearly. Srila Prabhupada and Krsna will never forget all the service he did. I pray he is enclosed in Srila Prabhupadas warm embrace and I will chant for him over next few days. Hare Krsna. I feel much sadness at his leaving, but he will

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Letter (Excerpt) From Srila Prabhupada to Kulasekhara Bombay - 10 January 1972 - Cardiff, Wales My dear Kulasekhara, Please accept my blessings. I beg to acknowledge receipt of your letter dated November 27, 1971, and I am very much pleased to hear from you that you are feeling the wonderful result of this preaching movement by yourself opening a nice center in Cardiff, Wales, and I am encouraged that there is such nice re- sponse by those people there. Our business is simply to plant the seed of devo- tional service wherever we go and to give everyone a taste of this transcenden- tally relishable activity of life So now you have taken great responsibility to plant the seed of Krishna Consciousness in Cardiff, Wales, so I think that if you take the matter very seriously and remain cool headed, that you will attract the attention of Krishna who will give you all opportunity. In this way, because you are responsible leader, Krishna will force you to advance in Krishna Consciousness. So you may know it that you are very much favored by Krishna Your songs and poems are very much liked by me. Syamasundara informs me your proposal for travelling party for roving all over England and Wales, just like Kirtanananda is doing in America. I think this is a good proposal, and you may compose many such nice songs for attracting the young people from villages and towns. I very much approve of such travelling SKP program. Thank you very much for helping me to spread Lord Caitanyasmovement. I hope this will meet you in good health and cheerful mood. Your ever wellwisher, A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami. Kulashekars Last Public Messages Srila Prabhupada was a very special visitor to this planet. I had many very intimate and personal exchanges with him. He honored me in front of all the devotees in NY in 1976, and used to carry my photograph in his spectacle case. Blessed way beyond my comprehension, unworthy to the max, lost without him. All ways, always with him. His exchanges were divine and real. He had the best sense of humor and a cutting wit. When he got you it was unique and indefensible. When he praised you the Sun appeared from behind the clouds. If he shouted at you, you paid attention big time; when he instructed you it went right to the heart. When he embraced you with his stare ~ you were loved. There is a need for ALL the laws on the planet to be changed to reflect a Universal Spiritual Consciousness that now exists and is understood across all boundaries, races and religions. WE HAVE to start seeing everyone as a part of the Divine. Achintya Beda BedaTattva. This means that we are inconceivably, simultaneously one and different from God. The same quality, different in quantity. When one does not treat another human being as a living embodiment of the divine we create offenses to the soul and regress. The Namaste Pranam is to the Lord residing in the heart of the other person, not just to that person. It says I recognize that the Supreme Lord is residing in your heart and that you the jiva, a divine spark of that Supreme, is present alongside Him. A jiva or soul has the potential to become a Brahma and create Universes with all living entities if/when fully empowered by the Lord. Higher than this is to transcend the material energy completely and become fully cognizant in the Spiritual World ~ pure bhakti. This understanding of the Spirit would end all wars. All enmity between religions and people, as regardless of skin color or belief, we respect each other as a part of God. When one advances in pure bhakti, (Loving Devotion to God), one sees (understands) that it is the Divine Couple seated in the heart and serves only Them in love. This is the highest perfection. It starts with the Namaste and ends in the Dandavat Pranam. (Prostrated like a stick). Shanti Peace means being with Krsna. n

probably be chanting eternally for the pleasure of the Lord. William G Benedict: So sad to just hear that my dear friend and God Brother Colin Kula Jury has departed from this world. I want to say that Kula had a lot of love and compassion in his heart. I got to know him in the early 1980s when he came to Berkeley. He came to me with an idea to start a company supplying 100% pure sandwiches to the local convenience stores. We called the business Pure Foods. He proved to be one true friend during the darkest hours of my life and I will never forget his love, compassion, and friendship. Kulas faith never wavered for one moment and he was convinced that Srila Prabhupada had some purpose for him. Now his struggles are over and I have no doubt that when it was time to leave, His Divine Grace Srila Prabhupada was there to make him fearless and peaceful. There can be no doubt that Srila Prabhupada will never be ungrateful to those boys and girls who dropped everything and came to serve him in those magical mystical times of Srila Prabhupadas manifest leela. Kula is the first English disciple of His Divine Grace, and is forever very very dear to him. Ros Murphy: God speed, Kula. Thanks for preaching to me to join all those years ago (1972).Hare Krsna! Pritha Dasi & Husband: We are so sad to hear of Kula passing. He was a good friend of mine from 1968 to 1972.I am Prithas husband. At first we were Colin and Dick, just a couple of crazy mixed up Kids. Then we met Mukunda, Guru Das, Samsundar and their wives in London and they taught us divine love and devotion. We joined them at the same time and for 3 years I was known as Digvijaya. It has only been the last few months that we regained contact with him and heard about all his trou-

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bles and tribulations. Amazingly he remained true to his beliefs and his beloved Guru. A big thank you to all his friends that remained loyal to him. May he rest in peace. Soma Das: One story that Kula told me was that his father had a Jaguar car. And he drove Srila Prabhupada in his Jaguar to an engagement. And Srila Prabhupada told him his father was a gentleman. Michael Madhusudan Blumert: Kulas love for, and dedication to, Srila Prabhupada was WAY more than I have, and he was always mesmerizing when he talked about all his pastimes with Srila Prabhupada. Thank you Kula Prabhu. I will genuinely miss you, and look forward to getting your association again.Yes, Srila Prabhupada loved him, and he loved Srila Prabhupada. Danny DiNicola: I only met Kula once in person, in LA at the beginning of 1980. We have been computer friends for years and we shared our original music about Krishna with each other. I will miss him. As he was engaged faithfully in Krishnas service in this life so it will always be. Hare Krishna Kulasekhara Prabhu! These are recent quotes from Kulashekara Prabhu: Just pray to Srila Prabhupada, he can do anything... trust me! Never stop making music, even if no one

hears it or cares... it is the most sacred offering to God, and is in our line. It is said that when one attains realization, he immediately begins writing songs about Krsna! Blessings! Here is my latest ~ still not 100% complete, but getting there. Martin A. Raghavendu Lewis: When he was here in the Santa Cruz area, he came over to my place on several occasions. Some- times I would cook and sometimes we supplied the foodstuffs and hed cook and I had the feeling that whether or not it was formerly offered or not that is was somehow prasadam. Kula must have been some kind of avadhut? What else explains him? One minute he would be making fantastic schemes to make grand sums of money (although he was totally broke) and the next minute he would be telling stories of his amazing and very intimate association with Srila Prabhupada. He went through much tribulation in his later years but he never doubted Krsna Consciousness for a second and that is certainly the result of sadhu sanga and a serving mood. Swarup Hebel: I first met Kulashekhara when in mid to late 1970 he arrived from London to work for ISKCON Press in its early days in Boston. Truly memorable. In the days, weeks and months that fol42

lowed I got to know Kulashekar. He loved to talk and I just thought he was such a colorful, funny, intelligent and talented guy aside from being a very sincere disciple of Srila Prabhupada. Oh and when hed talk about Prabhupada hed glow and couldnt keep himself from grinning ear to ear. He loved Srila Prabhupada, loved Krishna consciousness and he made me laugh. He was in a class by himself. He was my God brother. He was my friend. Good bye Kula. Im certain youll get to your destiny. If not now then very soon. Lord Krishna makes that guarantee in Bhagavadgita. Youre one of the good guys and a rare soul, indeed. All glories to Srila Prabhupada and your glorious service at his lotus feet. Shawnell Tolliver: May you rest in peace Colin. You were an inspiring friend and wonderful person. Thank you for cooking me yummy food and for teaching me the art of meditation. You will be missed. With love. Nichola Eccentra: Colin was such a peaceful inspiration in the middle of the craziness called Social Networking. I am going to miss him immensely. His light will continue to shine on even after he has left us. Whether it was his pioneering Lighting Work with Pink Floyd or the Radha Krsna Temple Album with the Beatles, his Sankirtan or his 3-D Computer Art, Kulas influence was profound Mathura Das: I am in deep shock. Kula had a great influence on my early devotee life. I later introduced him to Crispian Mills in 94-95 at a devotee reunion at the Manor. Crispian got the idea to call his soon to be famous Rock group KULA SHAKER from his friendship with him. All Glories to Kula, one of the most original, talented, beautiful free thinking devotees of all time. Most beloved by Srila Prabhupada and by all the devotees who knew him well. n

HINDU TODAY

April 2013 Issue 59

Festival

Hanuman Jayanti
ardent devotion towards hanuman that is similar to what lord hanuman showed towards lord Rama. Arising from Anjana He was born in Treta Yuga, about 2 million years ago, to Anjana and Kesari. His mother is considered to be an apsara who was born on earth as female vanara due to a curse. His father is assumed to be the son of Brihaspati. Anjana and Kesari worshipped lord shiva and performed intense prayers to lord shiva. Pleased with their prayers and devotion he granted them with boon they longed for. Therefore he is also considered as his avatar or reflection of lord himself. He is also regarded as son of Lord of Wind (Vayu). There are various sources that give account of birth of Shri hanuman. In Eknaths Bhavartha Ramayana (16 century CE), it is stated that King Dasratha with his three wives were performing Putrakama yagna in order to receive children, simultaneously at a different place Anjana was worshipping Lord Shiva. As a result of King Dasratha and his consorts hard and intense prayers they received sacred pudding (Prasad) to be shared by his consorts to have children. This resulted in birth of Lord Rama, his most beloved Bharata, his loyal brother Lakshmana and youngest brother Shatrughana. By ordinance of divine, a bird snatched some part of the pudding and released it while flying somewhere near to Anjana in the forest. Vayu, the lord of wind helped the pudding to reach the outstretched arms of Anjana, who was in middle of her prayers. She consumed the pudding and gave birth to lord Hauman. This makes Hanuman a sibling of lord rama. Shortly after his birth, he was blessed by gods of swarga lok, to be the most powerful person in three loks i.e. swarga lok (the heaven), patal lok (the hell) and prithvi lok (earth). Since then Hanuman is considered to be the symbol of energy, therefore he is assumed to change his form to anything of any size at his will. n Prakhar Sharma

his festival marks the birth of one of the greatest devotee and disciple in history of Hinduism, Lord Shri Hanuman also known as Pawanputra, Marutinandan, Bajrangbali, Anjaniputra, Anjaneya. He is the son of the Wind God (Varuna). His birth, Hnuman Jayanti, is celebrated on the 15th day of the Shukla Paksha, during the month of Chaitra (the Chaitra Pournimaa). He is venerated throughout India, as he is an ardent devotee of Lord Rama, and he is worshipped for his undaunted and persistent devotion towards lord. The festival brings new energy among the devotees. It also marks the New Year in the state of Odisha, according to oriya calendar. In Maharashtra, Hanuman Jayanti is celebrated on the full moon day (purnima) of the Hindu lunar month of Chaitra. On the day of festival, devotees can be seen from the morning in temples. It is considered as an important festival in the religion. Hanuman is considered to be an avatar (incarnation) of Lord Shiva. He is represented as the prime symbol of strength, valour and energy. He is also the symbol of devotion and dedication. This day marks his birthday therefore devotees pray him today and seek for his blessings. The spiritual activities and prayers start at dawn because he was born at dawn. Prayers are offered in great devotion and devotees have high enthusiasm and energy on this day Innocent Devotion In Ramayana, Lord Hanuman saw Goddess Sita apllying similar tilak called sindoor. He asked mata to explain why she did so. In reply mata said that this sindoor shows that she belongs to shri ram and represent her devotion towards him. On hearing this lord hanuman said that he is completely devoted to lord Rama and applied the whole bottle of sindoor to his whole body. This is the simple reason behind the orangish statue of hanuman at temples. People can be seen with orangish tilaks on their forehead to represent their

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Lord Hanuman and Chalisa


ord Hanuman was the eleventh incarnation of Lord Shiv. He was the son of Anjana and Kesri. Kesri is foster father of Hanuman and son of Brihaspati. Hanuman is also referred as Pavan Putra as Pavan Dev is considered as Hanumans spiritual father. Lord Hanuman was born at the most auspicious hour of the morning of the 8th of the Lunar month, Chaitra, at 4 oclock on the most blessed day, Tuesday. Hanuman Jayanti is celebrated as the birthday of Hanuman, which falls during the month of Chaitra. It falls on the full moon day in March or April. Prayers are offered at sunrise. Hanuman is worshipped either individually or worshipped with Lord Ram by his side. It is said that Lord Hanuman took birth to assist Lord Ram in defeating Ravan. Lord Hanuman is one of the seven Chiranjivis. He is considered as the only learned scholar who knows the nine Vyakaranas. The moment Hanuman was born he was hungry and nothing could satisfy his hunger. When he looked around he saw the orange glowing ball called the sun. He hurried across the sky to reach Indras abode. Indra Dev protected the sun by hurting his Vajra at Hanuman. Hanuman was injured and fell on to the ground. Vayu, the Wind God, was enraged. The gods realized they had done wrong and immediately assembled to assuage the father and comfort the child. Each one of the Devtas gave the Hanuman gifts. Hanu means the chin and man means hurt so he got his name due to his hurt chin. Hanuman then returned home with all his gifts and grew up as a mischievous child.

It is also said that there was fight between Lord Hanuman and Shani. Shani lost the fight and requested Lord Hanuman to release him promising in return that if a person prayed to Lord Hanuman he (Shani) would moderate or eliminate the malefic effects of his influence on that person; following this, Lord Hanuman released Shani. Shanis day is Saturday and hence those people who are suffering from the effect of Shanis Sada-Sati or any ill effects of any

planets it is said that the person who worships Lord Hanuman on Saturday or Tuesday no ill effects of any planets can touch him. In Mahabharat Lord Hanuman is also considered as the brother of Bhim as they both are also considered as Pavan Putra (son of wind). Sindur and Oil: Once after bathing, Sita made a red spot with sindur on her forehead. When Hanuman asked for an explanation Sita replied, It is

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because of this that Your Masters life is prolonged. When he heard this, Hanuman smeared sindur all over his body. Once when Hanuman was proceeding to Lanka with the Dronagiri hills Bharat struck him with an arrow and wounded his leg. The wound healed with a mixture of sindur and oil. Hence sindur and oil are Hanumans favourites. Hanuman with Five Faces (Panchmukhi Hanuman): One finds quite a few idols of the five faced Maruti. The five faces are of an eagle (garud), a boar (varaha), a hayagriv, a lion, and a monkey. The idol has ten arms wielding a flag, a sword, a noose, etc. It is believed for the five faces of a deity is that the deity keeps vigilance and has control over the five directions - north, south, east, west and the upward direction. Beej Mantra of Lord Hanuman: Aum aeem bhreem hanumate, shree ram dootaaya namaha. We pray to the Lord Hanuman, who is the greatest server and messenger of the Lord incarnate, Shri Ram. Shri Hanuman Chalisa Shri Guru charan saroj raj Nij mane mukure sudhar Varnao Raghuvar vimal jasu Jo dayaku phal char. Budhi hin tanu janike Sumirau Pavan kumar Bal Budhi Vidya dehu mohe Harahu kalesa vikar. Jai Hanuman gyan gun sagar Jai Kapis tihun lok ujagar. Ram doot atulit bal dhama Anjani-putra Pavan sut nama. Mahavir Vikram Bajrangi Kumati nivar sumati ke sangi. Kanchan varan viraj subesa Kanan Kundal Kunchit Kesa.

Hath Vajra aur Dhuvaje viraje Kandhe moonj janehu sajai. Sankar suvan Kesri Nandan Tej pratap maha jag vandan. Vidyavan guni ati chatur Ram kaj karibe ko aatur. Prabu charitra sunibe ko rasiya Ram Lakhan Sita man Basiya. Sukshma roop dhari Siyahi dikhava Vikat roop dhari Lanka jarava. Bhima roop dhari asur sanghare Ramchandra ke kaj sanvare. Laye Sanjivan Lakhan jiyaye Shri Raghuvir Harashi ur laye. Raghupati kinhi bahut badai Tum mam priye Bharat-hi sam bhai. Sahas badan tumharo yash gaave Us kahi Shripati kanth lagaave. Sankadik Brahmadi Muneesa Narad Sarad sahit Aheesa. Yam Kuber Digpal jahan te Kavi kovid kahi sake kahan te. Tum upkar Sugreevahin keenha Ram milaye rajpad deenha. Tumharo mantra Vibheeshan mana Lankeshwar Bhaye sub jag jana. Yug sahastra jojan par Bhanu Leelyo tahi madhur phal janu. Prabhu mudrika meli mukh mahee Jaladhi langhi gaye achraj nahee. Durgaam kaj jagat ke jete Sugam anugraha tumhre tete. Ram dware tum rakhvare Hoat na agya binu paisare. Sub sukh lahai tumhari sarna Tum rakshak kahu ko dar na. Aapan tej samharo aapai Teenhon lok hank te kanpai. Bhoot pisach nikat nahin aavai

Mahavir jab naam sunavai. Nase rog harai sab peera Japat nirantar Hanumant beera. Sankat se Hanuman chudavai Man Karam Vachan dyan jo lavai. Sub par Ram tapasvee raja Tin ke kaj sakal Tum saja. Aur manorath jo koi lavai Sohi amit jeevan phal pavai. Charon Yug partap tumhara Hai persidh jagat ujiyara. Sadhu Sant ke tum Rakhware Asur nikandan Ram dulhare. Ashta sidhi nav nidhi ke dhata Us var deen Janki mata. Ram rasayan tumhare pasa Sada raho Raghupati ke dasa. Tumhare bhajan Ram ko pavai Janam janam ke dukh bisravai Anth kaal Raghuvir pur jayee Jahan janam Hari-Bakht Kahayee. Aur Devta chit na dharehi Hanumanth se hi sarve sukh karehi. Sankat kate mite sab peera Jo sumirai Hanumat Balbeera. Jai Jai Jai Hanuman Gosahin Kripa Karahu Gurudev ki nyahin. Jo sat bar path kare kohi Chutehi bandhi maha sukh hohi. Jo yah padhe Hanuman Chalisa Hoye siddhi sakhi Gaureesa. Tulsidas sada hari chera Keejai Das Hrdaye mein dera. Pavantnai sankat haran, Mangal murti roop. Ram Lakhan Sita sahit, Hrdaye basahu sur bhoop.
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News

Issue 59

News

Science and Spirituality

rofessor Dr. B. B. Puri, Chairman, the board of Trustees for Research Institute of Vedic Culture (NGO), Vastu Research Centre, World Academy of Spiritual Sciences, held a symposium on Science and Spirituality and the release of his latest book, In search of God : One soul many Gods, on the 2nd of March, 2013, at the India Habitat Centre, New Delhi. Mr. D. R. Kaarthikeyan, Padmashri, Former Director CBI, was the Chief Guest, Dr. P.P Trivedi, Chancellor (IGTAMSU), Padamshri Dr. H. C. Manchanda, Chairman of the Cardiac Dept. of the Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, Dr. H. K. Chopra, Head of Moolchand Hospital, Dr. A.K. Merchant, Trustee of the Lotus Temple, Delhi, where Guests of Honour. Along with Mr. Pranav Gupta, MD Publisher, the hall was full of other dignitaries and eminent members of the community. Prof. Dr. B. B. Puri is a multifaceted personality and he is a Senior Practicing Architect, Research Scholar, Author and Vastu Advisor. He is associated with numerous professional organizations. His achievements highlight his versatile character. Prof. Dr. B.B. Puri has added a new research dimension and scientific approach to Vedic Culture making it a modern concept. His mission is to propagate new dimensions in understanding Vedic Philosophy. Prof. Dr. B.B Puris creative ability have earned him many commendations from Dr. Zakir Hussain, Shri V. V. Giri, Dr. Giani Zail Singh, Dr. Shankar Dayal Sharma, Shri. K. R. Narayanan, Former Presidents of India. He was also honored with a shield and testimonial by Smt. Indira Gandhi, and Shri. Rajiv Gandhi, Former Prime Ministers of India. He has traveled widely and has participated in and headed many National and International Conferences and Seminars. He is the recipient of numerous awards and notes of appreciation from renowned personalities. He has

Dr. Coralie Srivastava, Vastu Shastra and Geopathic Stress Consultant and Editor for Vastu Shastra, Hindu Today, were a few of the scholars who were awarded a Gyan Jyoti Award.
been honored with the Bharat Gaurav Award (1996), Bhaskar Award (1997) Business Initiative Development Award (1998), The Gem of India Award (1998), National Excellency Award (1999), Health Excellence Award (2000), The International Academician Fellowship Award. Prof. Dr. B. B. Puri has written more than 120 books, the then Honble President of India, Dr. Shankar Dayal Sharma, has released his popular books entitled Vedic Architecture & Art of Living and Applied Vastu Shastra in Modern Architecture at the Rashtrapati Bhawan, New Delhi . His books entitled Vastu Science For 21st Century to Enjoy the Gift of Nature, The Ageless Mind, The Art of Blissful Living, Spiritual laws of Vedic Philosophy, Domestic Herbal remedies

and Life Before Death have all been very well received by readers. Professor Dr. B.B. Puri gave a lecture of the importance of Science and Spirituality and introduced the subject of his much sought after latest book, In Search of God :One Soul many Gods. Thereafter followed speeches by Dr. Trivedi, Mr. D. Kaarthikeyan, Dr. A. K. Merchant and the other distinguished members on the dias. To make the evening more special, a few PHD scholars of the Vastu Research Centre and the Research Institute of Vedic Culture, were awarded the Gyan Jyoti Award for excellence in research and development of Vastu Shastra and Vedic Culture. Dr. R. Mehra, director of the Design Gurukul, Dr. Anand Bhardwaj, Vastu Consultant, Dr. Sandeep Chawla, Astro -Vastu Consultant, Mr Ajay Puri, Architect, Dr Abha Purohit, Architect, and Dr. Coralie Srivastava, Vastu Shastra and Geopathic Stress Consultant and Editor for Vastu Shastra, Hindu Today, were a few of the scholars who were awarded a Gyan Jyoti Award. The evening was a huge success and the Hindu Today, London, would like to felicitate Prof. Dr. B.B. Puri for his unremitting endeavor in the service of spiritual wisdom and wishes that it go on with undiminished vigor. n

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HINDU TODAY

April 2013 Issue 59

Book Review

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HINDU TODAY April 2013


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