Fwd: Introducing Joseph Iyengar ...
Venkatachalam Subramanian
V.Subramanian
From: Subrahmanian S <mani1936@yahoo.
Introducing Joseph Iyengar ...
A friend of mine from Chennai writes:
Engrossed in a cassette, in which a lecture extolling the virtues of the sacred 'Tulsi plant' is being delivered, are Sridhar and Hema Sridhar at their flat in Triplicane, Chennai. They run the monthly magazine: Namadhu Business.
After listening for a few moments of the interesting anecdotes in chaste Tamil that unravel the story of the holy basil, one would want certainly to know the name of the speaker.
To that question, "This is D. A. Joseph's lecture series on Tulsi," say the journalist-couple! That is reason enough to probe for details.
"I was barely nine when I was attracted towards the ideals of Hinduism," says 52-year-old Joseph rather casually when contacted on phone.
Over to Dr Joseph ...
- "Even as a young boy, I would contemplate on matters such as God, soul, salvation and Heaven. It was my burning desire to delve into different cultures and understand the ideology behind our religious doctrnes, which was a vast expanse of sea in front of me. Nevertheless, I took my own time to comprehend every wave of faith, the varied beliefs and cultures".
- "The arduous route took me to several religious heads for explanations. It was during my question-sessions with Veeraraghava Iyengar, as a student of B.A., that I found my answers to the internal spiritual quest in me and I surrendered before my guru."
That was the beginning of Joseph's journey into the world of Vaishnavism. And he paid a heavy price for it. His parents disowned him on account of his religious stand.
Joseph was born in Madurai and he studied at the Tyagaraja College there. A Masters in English Literature and a Law Degree from Bangalore are his academic achievements, while traditional pursuits have made him well-versed in Sanskrit, Hindi, Tamil, the Vedas, Philosophy and Vaishnavism.
Living in Pondicherry at present (Ph: 0413-2210187, e-mail: dey...@yahoo.com) , Joseph recalls how he had fervently visited temples, universities and cities for lecturing, to arrive at where he is today. Numerous places of worship in Tamil Nadu have also featured his lectures on the Bhagavad Gita, and the myriad aspects related to Vaishnavism.
What was the response?
- "Strong opposition, insults, and affronts have made me a man of steel in steering ahead towards my goal. It has helped me focus better. But there is so much of sweetness amidst the chaos too".
- "How can I forget the titles conferred on me by the Jeeyar of Sriperumbudur, the spiritual stalwarts who appreciated my lectures at Srivilliputhur or the jovial way in which people call me "Joseph Iyengar" during my lectures?"
- "I have given about 5,000 lectures and released cassettes and CDs on nearly 1,000 topics".
He does not market them through any agency but sends them to people by post (even to those abroad) on request.
He had given the Doctors at JIPMER in Pondicherry a 20-week Bhagavad Gita lecture. He is on the Board Members of the Sanskrit Department, Annamalai University. He spoke on Hindu philosophy there.
Some of his well tapes that have received instant response are:
- Aditya Hrudayam,
- Sudarshana Sahasranamam,
- Garuda Puranam
- The biography of Sri Raghavendra.
Joseph has like-minded wife and son, and regularly lectures at Sri Kalatheshwaran Temple in Pondicherry.
But why hasn't he changed his name?
- "No, that's where I stand unique. I strictly follow a lifestyle according to my convictions, and don't bother about such superficial makeovers that one is identified with"
- D. A. Joseph "Iyengar"
Am I not right in getting excited to rush to you with the story!
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Courtesy:Subrahmanian S.H
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