Enlightening Discourse on Swami Abhedananda,Shivananda, Greatness of Chennai,Namakirtan about Kaliyuga - Part-1

[Ravishankar Gopal]

Radhe Krishna To all, Celebration is a part and parcel of life. The birthday of a child is celebrated by the parents. The child is joyful and the parents also take delight in it. Well! The birthday of a child is celebrated only by the family and not by others. When parents attain the age of sixty/eighty, it is celebrated by the children. All these celebrations are restricted to the family. There are celebrations like Makara sankaraanthi or Diwali enjoyed by people of a particular religion. People belonging to other faiths do not celebrate them. Such celebrations are restricted to a particular religion. Independence day, Republic day, Gandhi Jayanti are all celebrated by the whole Nation. No difference on the lines of family, religion, etc. is felt here. Nevertheless, it is restricted only to our Nation. Would another country celebrate these? Mother's day is celebrated all over the world. It is not restricted to any one country but is celebrated by all the countries of the world. Thus, it has turned out to be an international function. But the Jayanti (birth anniversary) of a Mahan has become a Universal function, as the Jayanti of Swami Abhedananda that we are celebrating here, this evening, is also being celebrated in 'Go-loka' where Swami Abhedananda is! Mahans do not belong to any particular country or religion. They are universal. Thus, their birth anniversary is celebrated all over the universe. !!! Will Continue !!! Regards & Chant The Maha mantra: Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare Source: http://namadwaar.org/home.php     ---------------------------------

[Ravishankar Gopal]

Radhe Krishna To all, Namadwaar Satsang team and Maharanyam H.H Sri.Sri.Muralidhara Swamiji wishes all members  " Happy Republic Day" ---------------------------------- Discourse contd..... Vallalar says, 'vaazhyadi vaazhaiyaaga vanda Jnaniyar koottam' – by this he means that Jnanis have been coming down the Ages in this country. There is yet another perception to these words of Vallalar. When we look into the ancestral line of a Mahan we find that there had been other Mahans in that lineage at intervals. Just as a banana sapling comes up from the older one, so too, in a family tree of a Mahan we find several Mahans sprouting up, at intervals. It is in this manner that Swami Sivananda had come down in the lineage of Sri Appayya Dikshitar. Great Mahans Appayya Dikshitar and Neelakanta Deekshitar belong to the same lineage. Appayya Deekshitar was a great Siva Bhakta. Swami Sivananda had verily come down in this lineage. We deem Chennai as a mere city. But it is also a great Kshetra (Holy city). We find Lord Kapaleeshwara in Mylapore and Lord Parthasarathy in Tiruallikenni (Triplicane), here. Further, when we move towards Mahabalipuram, we find Lord Nitya Kalyana Perumal in Tiruvidanthai, Lord Sthalasayana Perumal in Mahabalipuram. Holy Towns like Tiruvanmiyur, Tirvottriyur, Tirumazhisai, Tiruvallur, Tiruninravur are all found around Chennai. Thus, this city of Chennai is surrounded by great Kshetras. All these are verily great Holy places, sung by the Nayanmars and Azhwars. It is verily amidst these Holy places that the city of Chennai has been formed. Chennai city enjoys several great historical background. The area known today as Vellacherry was originally known as Vellvi-cherry. Over a period of time it has transformed to Vella-cherry. ‘Vellvi’ means Yaga-yajna. Countless yaga-yajnas had been performed in Vellvi-cherry, the area known today as Vellacherry. Inside the campus of the Indian Institute of Technology (I.I.T) in Chennai is a Siva Temple. A very significant incident took place in this Temple. Man is very vigilant while speaking to another. He does not speak out his real feelings. He utters words contrary to his feelings within. He hesitates to speak his true feelings. He keeps his real feelings hidden. It is only when man loses his sense of balance that his real feelings deep within come out into the open. The insane does not think before he speaks. 'ull-onru vaitthu puram-onru pesuvaar uravu kalavaamai vendum' (says Vallalar)– let me not have the company of one who speaks contrary to his real feelings within. It is said that an insane man is unable to hide his true feelings. Out come all his inner feelings. The Mahan Appayya Deekshitar came across this in a book. As soon as he read that the real feelings of the heart come out only in one who is insane, he decided to conduct 'Atma pariksha' (test of the Atma). He thought, 'I keep calling myself a Siva Bhakta and the whole world calls me Siva Bhakta. Am I really a Siva Bhakta or am I only wearing this mask? Let me test this.’ !!! Will Continue !!! --------------------------------- If any of our members interested to watch this video of the discourse....... Pl click the link below... http://www.namadwaar.org/videos/internal/abhedananda.php

[Ravishankar Gopal]

Radhe Krishna To all, Discourse contd..... Well! One may call himself a Siva Bhakta but should not Lord Siva accept him as His Bhakta? Does not the real glory lie in Siva accepting him as His Bhakta? One may claim to be a Bhakta or the whole world might declare so but if the Lord does not accept it, the Bhakti goes in vain. Let the whole world be indifferent to him or abuse or ignore him, but if the Lord accepts him then he is, indeed, the fortunate, the blessed. The world accepting or rejecting you is irrelevant. God should accept you. Many people lead a religious/spiritual life not for the sake of the Lord but for earning the appreciation of the world. We should test ourselves to know if we really possess Bhakti deep within us. You must have all heard of the flower Oomattham-poo. The name is actually 'unmattham-poo'. In Sanskrit 'unmattham' means madness. It is said that by eating the unripe fruit of this tree one turns insane. Appayya Deekshitar, who had decided to test the genuineness of his Bhakti, called his disciples and said to them, 'I am going to grind the unripe fruit of this tree and eat. I would turn insane. Note down all that I blabber in that state. Then, get the help of a doctor to cure me. Once I regain my sense of balance I wish to know what I had blabbered in this state of insanity.' Appayya Deekshitar ate the unripe fruit of this tree and he became insane. The disciples wrote down all that he uttered in that state of insanity. He was then cured of this state through medicines. He regained his sense of balance. It was found that in that state of insanity he had written wonderful stotras on Lord Siva! Appayya Deekshitar had written many stotras earlier. The play of words in these stotras is simply fascinating. The most surprising fact was that the stotra that came out of him in his state of insanity was unique! It was much more wonderful that those composed earlier, in his normal state.It was only after this 'Atma pariksha' did he feel joyful. He was pleased that he had come out successfully in this 'Atma pariksha'. This incident of ‘Atma pariksha’ of Appayya Deekshitar took place in the precincts of Lord Siva Temple inside the Chennai I.I.T. campus. Thus, Chennai is a great Kshetra. There is an area called Teynampet(tai) in Chennai. The original name for this area was 'Devanaam priyan pettai'! Why was it known as 'Devanaam priyan pettai'? The Poorva mimaamsa used to conduct Yaga-yajna for everything – be it to beget a child or destroy an enemy or desire good health or much wealth. They did not accept God or Atma or Moksha. Those who followed this philosophy were called Poorva mimaamsas.   They always tried to please the Devas and did not accept God or the Atma or the Upanishads. They were known in Tamizh as 'Devanaam priyan' (those who pleased the Devas). The area where people who tried to please the Devas, for attaining their desires, lived was known as 'Devanaam priyan pettai'. Over a period of time it transformed into Teynaampet(tai).

[Ravishankar Gopal]

Radhe Krishna To all, Discourse contd.....

Swami Sivananda who had come down the lineage of such a great Mahan as Appayya Deekshitar any less? While reading the life history of Swami Sivananda we find that he had authored several books. One of the books has been titled as 'Yen vaazhvil kadavull vandaar' – God came into my life. Is not the title appealing? What would one imagine on reading the title? One would, at once, imagine that Swami Sivananda must have narrated on the following lines – 'I sat in dhyana and heard the sound of anklet and Krishna appeared before me playing the flute.' Or, he might have written that the Devi, or Lord Siva or Rama holding the bow had appeared before him. Is this what he calls as the darsan of God in his life?’ With these thoughts if one rapidly turns the pages one finds the words 'God appeared on December 8, in my life.' He then narrates the happenings of that day. All kinds of people visit a Mahan for His darsan because all desire peace. Be he highly educated or illiterate, rich or poor, all desire peace: and, peace is found in the presence of Mahan sans any effort. So, all come to the place of a Mahan. Seeing several people visiting Swami Sivananda, a thief came to the Ashram one night. He got caught. Swami Sivananda called all his disciples and asked what was to be done with him. Each one gave his opinion. One said that he should be handed over to the police; another suggested beating him up thoroughly and sending him away while another suggested just throwing him out of the Ashram. However, Swami Sivananda instructed them, "Go get a chair, a big plate, Ganga water, sandal paste, flowers, fragrant incense and lamp" When all these were obtained, he seated the thief on the chair and himself performed pada-puja (washed his feet and worshipped him) for him! Not only this, the Swami also sprinkled the pada puja water over his head and drank it. All his disciples were aghast. They stood gaping. Swami Sivananda explained, "Don't you all chant the Rudram? Does it not say that Siva is the greatest of all thieves? That He is verily the leader of all thieves? You call Siva a thief but when a thief visits us you are unable to see Siva in him!" This is the day that Swami Sivananda has mentioned as the day of God's visit in his life!

[Ravishankar Gopal]

Radhe Krishna To all, Discourse contd.....

Swami Sivananda was a great Bhakta, Jnani, Yogeeswara. He was easily approachable. Whenever he went out shopping he would fill both the pockets of his kurta with cash. On seeing beggars he would dip his hand in the pockets and pull out handful of cash and just drop it into their hands. He had no count of how much he gave. He possessed such a big heart. In those days only two places were searched if young ones were missing from home. One was Sivananda Ashram and the other was the Ashram of Sarada devi, wife of Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa because only these two would give sanyas right away to anyone who approached them! One day, a young boy came to Swami Sivananda for taking sanyas. Before taking sanyas the head has to be shaved. The person for doing this job was not to be found. He asked the boy to wait in a room. Swami Sivananda locked this room and taking the key along, went in search of a barber. The young boy later asked the Swami, "Swami! Where did you go?" Swami Sivananda said, "I had gone in search of a barber." The youngster asked, "Why did you lock me up in a room?" Swami Sivananda explained, "I locked the room to stop you from going away with a change of heart." Once, an old man asked Swami Sivananda, "Why do you give sanyasa to young boys? I am an old man and you are refusing me sanyasa!" Swami Sivananda said, "Only the freshly bloomed flower is offered at the Lotus Feet of God. Would a dried up and withered flower be offered to God?" Swami Sivananda gives a wonderful definition for the term 'Charity'. 'Charity,' he says, 'is self sacrifice'. Such glorious Swami Sivananda had come down in the lineage of Appayya Deekshitar. The Swamiji (Swami Sundarananda) here, who has come down in this glorious lineage, makes us feel the presence of Swami Sivananda himself. It is verily our fortune. Pandari Sadhus in their kirtans have sung that a Mahan might visit one's home or one might visit the place of a Mahan seeking his company. Both are verily Satsang. It cannot be refuted. However, if we earn the darsan of a Mahan accidentally – say you are in the Central station for taking the train to Bombay. There, a Sadhu awaits his train to Vrindavan. You both did not know that the other would come there. (On seeing him) You at once fall at his feet, "oh, Gurunatha!" That is verily a Satsang that God has blessed you with. So say the Pandari Sadhus. The Satsang that comes about accidentally, sans your effort, is verily one graced by God.

!!! Will Continue !!! --------------------------------- If any of our members interested to watch this video of the discourse....... Pl click the link below... http://www.namadwaar.org/videos/internal/abhedananda.php

--------------------------------- An announcement.... With Lord SriHari's grace and our Guruji's blessings, Global Organization for Divinity is delighted to present Srimad Bhagavatam Telecon Lecture Series by Sri. Ramanujamji, a disciple of HH Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji. Program Details: Duration: 10 hours Date: Every Tuesday & Friday of February 2010 (75 minutes per session) Time: 8:30 - 9:45 PM CT (9:30 - 10:45 PM ET, 6:30 - 7:45 PM PT) Mode: Teleconference. (Registered members will be given a phone number and a passcode to dial in.) Participation is Free and Seats are limited and are allotted on a first-come-first-served basis. Please forward this email to your friends and relatives who may be interested. For registration and further details, please visit our website: www.GoDivinity.Org -----------------------------------

[Ravishankar Gopal]

Radhe Krishna To all, Discourse contd.....

Swami Abhedananda's life illustrates his simplicity, his deep Bhakti and his single minded attachment to the Mahamantra. All these are remarkable features. Today is the 100th birth anniversary of Swami Abhedananda. The Aazhwaars and the Nayanmars have all shown only one path for us. What is it? All of them, from the outset, have shown only the path of Namakirtan. The very first sloka of Srimad Bhagavatam ends with 'satyam param dheemahi'. The Bhagavatam says, "dheemahi" – let us all get together and meditate. 'Param dheemahi' – what does 'param' mean? 'Param' means the highest: 'Para shakti' – the most powerful. So, the Bhagavatam says, 'let us meditate on the highest.' How should that 'param' be? 'Satyam param dheemahi'. What does 'satyam' (Truth) mean? That which does not undergo any change: one which does not vary over a period of time: one that remains the same always and is not subject to destruction. That is verily 'satyam' (Truth). 'Let us all meditate on that one Supreme Truth'. Thus, does Srimad Bhagavatam gives the call to all of us. "Janmaadasya yatho anvaayadhitarahschaarteshvabhijna svaraat tene Brhama hrudaaya aadhi kavaye muhyanti yat soorayah" || (1:1:1) It is verily the very first sloka of the Bhagavatam that Poet Kamban writes as the opening sloka in his Ramayan. He translated the Valmiki Ramayan into the Tamizh language. Valmiki Ramayan begins with 'Tapaswaadhyaya niratam tapasvi vaagvidaam varam| Naaradam paripappraccha Valmiki muni pungavam'. Should not Kamban have taken up this sloka of the Ramayan first for his Tamizh version? But the very first sloka of Kamba Ramayan is the exact translation of the first sloka of the Bhagavatam. Here, no particular Deity is referred. It says, 'Let us bow down to that One Supreme which is the cause of creation, sustenance and destruction of this world, but (Itself) does not undergo any change and carries out all these verily as a Lila.' The Bhagavatam says, 'satyam param dheemahi' – let us all meditate on that Supreme Truth.

!!! Will Continue !!! --------------------------------- If any of our members interested to watch this video of the discourse....... Pl click the link below... http://www.namadwaar.org/videos/internal/abhedananda.php ---------------------------------

Important Announcement Starting this Saturday Feb 6th, Maharanyam Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji discourses on VIJAY Indian TV every Saturday & Sunday between 6:30 AM and 7:00 AM on the topic "Shakti Pirakkudu Moochinile..." Don't miss it!

[Ravishankar Gopal]

Radhe Krishna To all, Discourse contd.....

Well! The Bhagavatam says 'let us meditate'. What does meditation (dhyana) mean? When we find someone sitting with his eyes closed we remark, 'he is doing dhyana.' Is this true? Anyone sitting with his eyes closed should not be deemed as doing dhyana. He is sitting with his eyes closed. That's all. Even a cat sits for long hours with its eyes closed. Only the thought of stealing milk fills its mind! When a man sits with his eyes closed innumerable thoughts relating to his family and office rise up in waves. Thus, dhyana is not merely sitting with eyes closed. Dhyana is not a mere act. When one claims to be doing dhyana it only reveals the fact that he is not doing dhyana. To explain it in simpler terms – let us say that a person who has been talking to us suddenly gets up and walks away. We call him and ask, "What is the matter? Why are you leaving?" He says, "I feel sleepy. I am going to bed." When a person feels sleepy he can't help getting into sleep. He at once goes to sleep. In the same way, one just gets into dhyana and it is not an action. He would at once get into dhyana and forget himself; one knows not when he would come out of it. One should get into dhyana. Srimad Bhagavatam while speaking of dhyana says, 'susrooshibhih tatkshanaat'. "Let us all meditate on that highest Truth with Namasankirtan," says the Bhagavatam. The Bhagavatam counsels all to do dhyana of that Supreme One with Namakirtan. The Bhagavatam that starts with 'Janmaadasya yathah....' which are verily the words of the Brahma sutra, narrates the story of Ajamila, as the central theme of the Book. This charitra occupies the place in the Bhagavatam as does a pendant in a necklace. It recounts how Ajamila, the worst sinner, was saved by Namakirtan. The same Bhagavatam concludes (in the 12th Canto) with the sloka 'Namasankirtanam yasya sarva paapa pranaasanam | pranaamo dukkha samanah tam namaami Harim Parma!' singing the glory of the great Namasankirtan. Mimaamsa speaks of a way to find out, at a glance, the matter contained in a Granta (book) – 'taatparya nirnaya nidhi'. It says, 'look into what the book says at the outset, at the end, in the middle and repeatedly in other places. You would then know what the book is all about. The Bhagavatam repeatedly speaks of the glory of Namakirtan; thus, Namakirtan is verily the quintessence of Srimad Bhagavatam. Why does the Bhagavatam speak of the glory of Namakirtan? Bhagavata Mahatmyam begins with Narada's visit to the earth. Narada, learning of the onset of Kali yuga on earth, desires to come down to the earth and see what this Age (that everyone was speaking about) was like? Narada was one who wandered all over the universe. He wandered around all 'lokas' (worlds). On coming down to the earth, he desired to bathe in Holy Rivers like the Ganga, Cauvery, etc. He went to Rameswaram where there are many wells containing holy waters. He approached one to bathe. At once, a man stopped him. "Have you the ticket for bathing here?" he demanded of Narada. Taken aback, Narada said, "Ticket?! I am not aware of any ticket for bathing here. I do not have one." The man said, "If you have no ticket leave the place. You cannot bathe in these waters." So, 'alam teerthaih'. Does this mean that Holy waters are only for the wealthy? Consoling himself, Narada moved into a Temple there, thinking, 'I have not been able to bathe in the Holy waters. Let me at least visit the Temple and have darsan of the Deity inside.' Inside the Temple, on one side, he found a board with the words 'dharma darsan' and indicating darsan timings. On the other side was a board indicating darsan on payment. Narada thought, 'if darsan without payment is called 'dharma darsan' then should not 'darsan through payment' be indicated as 'adharma darsan'?' Thus, is it not right to call 'darsan on payment of a sum' as 'adharma darsan', if one without payment is called 'dharma darsan'? Narada felt that in this kali Yuga the Temple was not as it should be; Holy Rivers were not as they should be; all had become places of business dealings. He felt dejected and regretted in having desired to visit the earth. He decided to leave the earth at once.

!!! Will Continue !!! --------------------------------- If any of our members interested to watch this video of the discourse....... Pl click the link below... http://www.namadwaar.org/videos/internal/abhedananda.php --------------------------------- Important Announcement

Sorry in my last posting the timing mentioned was incorrect. Kindly pardon us for the error. From next Saturday's and Sunday's you can watch the Maharanyam Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji discourses on VIJAY Indian TV in-between  6:00 AM and 6:30 AM on the topic "Shakti Pirakkudu Moochinile..." in tamil language....

[Ravishankar Gopal]

Radhe Krishna To all, Discourse contd.....

Just as Narada decided to leave, Sanatkumara arrived there. Sanatkumara asked Narada, "Why do you look crestfallen? I can see traces of fear on the face of one who fears none and nothing! What is it that you fear?" Narada said, "On learning that Kali yuga had set, I desired to come down to the earth. But on visiting the earth I am gripped with fear. Kali is filled with defects (doshas)." Srimad Bhagavatam says 'Kalir dosha nidhe, Rajan!' – Kali is said to be filled with defects (doshas). Kalau kalmasha chittaanaam paapadravyopa jivinaam | Vidhikriyaaviheenaanaam gatir govinda keerthanam || Looking at the fear stricken face of Narada, Sanatkumar said, "An ordinary man may experience fear but you, Narada, how can you experience fear?" Narada asked, "Why should I not experience fear?" Santakumar said, "I cannot believe that you experience fear," and went on to explain, "All feared Hiranyakasippu. Indra feared and so did the nine planetary deities. Yama, Kubera all feared him. All the thirty three crore devas feared him. But Narada! Playing the tamboora, you would enter his court freely, chanting 'Narayana! Narayana!' Hiranyakasippu who cried out in anger demanding his son Prahlad to stop taking that Name was quiet when the same was uttered by you. You could freely enter the palace of Hiranyakasippu who was feared by one and all and also do Namakritan. Couldn't you?" Narada agreed, "Yes." Sanatkumar continued, "Likewise, everyone feared Kamsa. But you freely walked into the tyrant Kamsa’s palace without any fear and do Namakirtan. Couldn’t you?" Narada agreed, "Yes, of course." Sanatkumar pointed out, "The powerful Asura Ravana had imprisoned the nine planetary deities and several others. But you would freely walk into his court and sing Namakirtan. How can you, who had befriended Ravana, Hiranyakasippu and Kamsa and could walk in and out of their courts freely without nurturing any fear, experience fear?" Narada said, "Of course you are justified in placing this question," and pointed out, "They were part of Krita yuga, Treta yuga and Dwaapara yuga. But it is Kali yuga now." "What is the difference between those yugas (Ages) and this yuga," asked Sanatkumar. Narada explained, "In those Yugas the nature of an Asura was different from that of a man. One could easily differentiate an Asura from a man. But today there are many Asuras (Asuric qualities) in every man. I am unable to differentiate a man from an Asura. Hence, I fear this Yuga. Most people are frauds." During the chanting of the Vedas one hears the Vedic chanters frequently chanting 'Deva Asura, Deva Asura'. In Krita yuga there used to be constant fight between the Devas and the Asuras. Devas lived in Deva loka while the Asuras lived in their own loka (world). We do not know where and when the fights took place between them. Since the Vedas speak of the fight between the Devas and Asuras we come to know of it. In Treta yuga Lord Rama incarnated on earth. He was verily God. The Asura Ravana lived in the neighboring country of Sri Lanka. In Krita yuga the Devas and the Asuras lived far, far away in their own worlds (lokas) up above in space. In Treta yuga we find them living in neighbouring countries on earth. Krishna Avatar took place in Dwaapara yuga. In this yuga we find that the Asura came to live as Krishna's maternal uncle! Please note how things transformed in each yuga. In Krita yuga the two lived far apart in different worlds. In Treta yuga they lived in neighboring countries. Later, in Dwaapara yuga they lived closer together as relatives. What is the position in this Kali yuga? The two are born in the same family as father and children and other immediate relatives! This is verily the nature of this Age.

!!! Will Continue !!! --------------------------------- If any of our members interested to watch this video of the discourse....... Pl click the link below... http://www.namadwaar.org/videos/internal/abhedananda.php --------------------------------- Important Announcement

On Saturday's and Sunday's you can watch the Maharanyam Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji discourses on VIJAY Indian TV in-between

[Ravishankar Gopal]

Radhe Krishna To all, Discourse contd.....

Vyasa goes on to describe this Age of Kali. He says men would be short lived in this Age – 'alpaayushah'. One may question, 'Sir! How do you say that the life span of people in this Age is short? I am eighty years old!' Well! Taking up the life of Dasarata who had lived for 60,000 years is not your life span 'alpaayush' (insignificant)? When we compare today's life span with the other Ages does not 80 or 100 years seem insignificant? 'manda bhaagyah' – When you take a walk to the market do not, even by mistake, enquire after the welfare of a friend or an acquaintance you might meet with. He would at once list out all his troubles. You would certainly regret, for, your head and heart would weigh heavy with his sorrows. In this Age none will enjoy all comforts of life – wealth, home, good health, children, etc. When someone nurtures the desire to visit the Temple, do bhajan, participate in Satsang, this Age of Kali will not tolerate it. It would throw all kinds of block in his path; whereas, those who move on unrighteous ways would enjoy all comforts of life. Thus, Vyasa describes the state of Kali. Fear would grip the one who reads this. Later, in Canto 12, Vyasa describes the ways of Kali. Neelakanta Deekshitar who came down in the lineage of Appayya Deekshitar has written a book on the ways of this Age of Kali. He writes, "Do not worry if you have not been able to get employment. Become a Swamiji! People face lots of trials and tribulations in their life. They would naturally approach a Swamiji for succor. So they would come to you. Advise them to perform a puja for relief (and charge a fee). If they find no solution and return to you, tell them that the puja done was not enough and that another puja has to be conducted!" Mahans have predicted the ways of Kali. Today, we find them coming true. Nevertheless, Srimad Bhagavatam that predicts the ways of Kali also offers words of solace. yatphalam naasti tapasaa nayoge na samaadhinaa | tatphalam labhate samyak kalau keshava kirthanaat || 'Do not fear. There is a potent medicine for Kali. By the use of this medicine you can fence off the negative aspects of Kali and lead a comfortable life. Those who do Namakirtan will not be touched by the evil doings of Kali and lead a comfortable and protected life.' What is the tattva of the Mahabharata? Draupadi was born out of 'Agni' (fire). During the performance of Ganesha or Navagraha homa we offer things into the Agni (fire) because we believe that these deities would appear in Agni. Thus, Draupadi, representing the power of god, was born out of Agni. The Mahabharata describes Duryodana as the incarnation of ('amsa') Kali purusha. It was verily Kali who held the reins of the kingdom. So, in the very presence of Dharmaputra, Bheeshma, Drona and other great men, Kali purusha took control of Draupadi, representing god, through deceitful means. He enslaved god. What does this mean? Kali would by some means try to bring down Temples and worship in Temples. Neither Bheeshma, nor Drona, nor Dharmaputra nor Nakula-Sahadeva nor Arjuna could do anything (to save Draupadi). So, in this Age of Kali neither Dharma Shastra nor Brahm sutra nor the Upanishads can help in creating the Divine presence. Thus, at a time when the god (Draupadi) had been enslaved and all – the Shastras, Brahma sutra, Patanjali Yoga sutra, the Upanishads – were unable to free her, as their hands were tied, divinity with a view to save itself cried out, 'Govinda!' and the entire situation changed. What does this show? It shows that it is verily through Namakirtan that divinity would spread all around in this Age of Kali. The Deity in the Temple where Namasankirtan is performed gains divinity. Divine Presence arises in the home where Namasankirtan is performed. Divine presence fills the man who does Namasankirtan, transforming his whole life. All Mahans born in this Kali have shown this way.

!!! Will Continue !!! --------------------------------- If any of our members interested to watch this video of the discourse....... Pl click the link below... http://www.namadwaar.org/videos/internal/abhedananda.php --------------------------------- Important Announcement On Saturday's and Sunday's you can watch the Maharanyam Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji discourses on VIJAY Indian TV in-between  6:00 AM and 6:30 AM on the topic "Shakti Pirakkudu Moochinile..." in tamil language.... Don't miss it! ----------------------------------- Regards & Chant The Maha mantra: Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare

Source: http://www.namadwaar.org/home.php     ---------------------------------

[Ravishankar Gopal]

Radhe Krishna To all, Discourse contd.....

All have heard of Sri Ramakrishna. Every evening he would go to the banks of the Ganga. Bhavatarini Temple in Dakshineshwar where he lived stands on the banks of the Ganga. In the evening, standing on the banks of the Ganga and lifting up his two arms, he would do kirtan of the Mahamantra

"Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare:

Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare", all alone. Lost to the world he would dance, immersed in the Mahamantra. It was at this time that a Mahan by name Tottapuri comes to meet him. Tottapuri advises Sri Ramakrishna, "You have to earn Brahma Jnana. You have to attain the state of Jivan Mukti. If you would turn your vision inward, fix your mind in its source in the heart and destroy the mind you would earn Brahma jnana." At once Sri Ramakrishna runs to Goddess Kali and asks, "Mother! Tottapuri is giving me 'upadesh' (instructions). Should I adhere to his 'upadesh'?" Goddess Kali says, "Yes. I have brought him here only for your sake. Do as he instructs." Following his instructions, Sri Ramakrishna attains the highest state within a few minutes. Tottapuri envies Sri Ramakrishna, as the state of samadhi that he had attained after struggling for thirty-eight years through control of senses ('indriya nigraha') and severe penance had been attained by Sri Ramakrishna in a trice. However, even after attaining the highest state of Brahma jnana, Sri Ramakrishna continued to do kirtan of the Mahamantra, on the banks of the Ganga. Tottapuri criticized Sri Ramakrishna for doing Namakirtan even after attaining the high Advaitic state. On finding him doing Namakirtan, with his hands clapping, Tottapuri would taunt him, 'Oh, are you pressing chapatti in your hand?" Sri Ramakrishna would only smile in reply and continue to do Namakirtan! Once, Tottapuri was struck with severe stomach pain. He came to the banks of the Ganga and seeing Sri Ramakrishna doing Namakirtan there, said to him, "I am suffering from severe stomach pain. I have tried all kinds of medicines but to no avail. I have decided to jump into the Ganga and give up my life." Sri Ramakrishna said, "I will treat your stomach pain. If my treatment does not cure you, you may then fall into the Ganga."  Tottapuri, at once, asked him, "What medicine do you prescribe?"  Sri Ramakrishna said, "No medicine. Just sit here." Sri Ramakrishna, clapping his hands, began to do kirtan of the Mahamantra. At once, Tottapuri was cured of his stomach ache. Namakirtan cures the disease of even Jivan Muktas. The glory of Namakirtan is unique. No words can describe it. Do you know who introduced the Mahamantra to Swami Abhedananda?

!!! Will Continue !!! ---------------------------------

Guided "Hare Rama" Meditation at Redding, CA http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3zKmGSCgkuI

[Ravishankar Gopal]

Radhe Krishna To all, Discourse contd.....

All of you will be surprised to know that it was Bhagavan Ramana Maharishi who asked Abhedananda to perform Mahamantra kirtan! This piece of information might raise a question in you – ‘I have read many books about the life of the Maharishi. But no book relates this incident.’ But here a point has to be taken note of. It was only later in his life have many incidents, visits and conversations been recorded. Many Sadhus and countless devotees have visited him during his early life on the hill. None has kept record of what had transpired between them and Bhagavan Ramana. Like Gautama Buddha, Swami Abhedananda was also a married man with a wife and child. The fire of renunciation was burning within him. One day, his wife asked him to take care of the child while she went into the kitchen to attend to the milk on the oven. When she returned, her husband was not to be found. He had walked out of home never to return. He had walked away from his wife and child just as Buddha had walked away, leaving behind his young wife and children. Swami Abhedananda wandered around a while and then came to Bhagavan Ramana Maharishi. Just as ordinary people seek Satsang (company of holy Sadhus) Mahans also get together for Satsang. Contemporary Mahans do get together. Thus, Swami Abhedananda went to Bhagavan Ramana Maharishi. He found devotees seated quietly, doing Atma vichara. He also sat amidst them. Bhagavan Ramana Maharishi tapped on his shoulder and said to him, “Do not sit here. Go and do Mahamantra kirtan. You have come for that only.” Until then Swami Abhedananda had not known the Mahamantra. He wondered what to do. He went to the podigai hill in Kuttralam. He went and sat inside a cave there. He was still not convinced about what Bhagavan Ramana had told him. He sat with his eyes closed. At this time there lived a wealthy family in a nearby village. The only child in the family had been struck with some disease. Doctors could not cure the child and had given up the case. The child had been brought back to the village home. The whole family was drowned in deep sorrow. Village women who used to go to the forest to collect woods for the fuel informed the family about the presence of a Swamiji in the forest and suggested that they seek his counsel in the matter. At once, the whole family rushed to Swami Abhedananda. Swami Abhedananda had only recently walked out of his home. He sat in the small cave on the hill. He thought, ‘Bhagavan Ramana has advised me about the Mahamantra. These people think that I have some supernatural power,’ and playfully said to them, “Do incessant chanting of ‘Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare! Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare!’ all through the night. Your child will be saved.”

[Ravishankar Gopal]

Radhe Krishna To all, Discourse contd.....

Swami Abhedananda had advised them playfully but the family returned home and chanted the Mahamantra all through the night with deep reverence and faith. In the morning the child was back to normal state! The elated family went to Swami Abhedananda with garland, fruits and other offerings and honored him in gratitude. The Swamiji was struck with wonder at the power of the Mahamantra. He at once took hold of the Mahamantra. He wandered all over the country. He has done kirtan of the Mahamantra in all the Temples of Tamizh Nadu. He has performed the kirtan day and night. Wherever he went people came in thousands. There was only the chanting of the Mahamantra and nothing else – no discourse, no other kirtan. It was only singing the Mahamantra. He would begin the chanting in a booming voice and it would be so to the end, notwithstanding the long hours of chanting. All people attracted by his Atma shakti and santi would do kirtan all through the day and night. During his last days, Swami Abhedananda went to Haridwar. He had an amazing experience there. He suffered from a heart disease. He was taken to Delhi for treatment. But he returned to Haridwar as he desired to be on the banks of the Ganga. He lay on the banks of the Ganga when verily Goddess Ganga appeared before him. She entered into the body of Swami Abhedananda. The Swamiji said, "Ganga devi has entered my body. Therefore, after death my body will not show any signs of a dead body." Just as he had predicted, his body shone with luster for seven days. The hands and legs could be stretched out and bent as could a body with life. He seemed as if in sleep. Swami Chidananda, the disciple of Swami Sivananda, performed all the final rites to be done to a sanyasi. Swami Abhedananda's body was wrapped in cloth and then floated in the Ganga. Of such great glory was Swami Abhedananda Maharaj. Yogi Ramsuratkumar's glory came to light due to Swami Gnanananda. Yogi Ramsuratkumar was in Thappovanam where Swami Gnananada lived. I have earlier said that Mahans meet with other Mahans and do Satsang together. Numerous people used to come to Swami Gnananada seeking solace for their troubles. One day, a man had come to Swami Gnanananda and poured his heart out regarding some deep trouble in his family. That night, Swami Gnanananda did not sleep. He kept walking about and seemed deeply worried. Swami Gnanananda's attendant Balu asked him, in a concerned voice, "Numerous people come and pour out their troubles to you. Why do you trouble yourself over all these and suffer your body? Could you not just listen to their woes and leave it at that?" The day had dawned. Just then a man passed by in a cycle asking at each door if they had old newspapers to sell. Swami Gnananada pointed out to this man and said to Balu, "Every morning we read the newspaper. Once we have gone through it, it loses its value. Yet, we do not have the heart to throw it away. We also try to earn something out of these out-of-date newspapers. We stock up these newspapers at home. It is the same with the empty bottles and cans. Without the heart to throw them away we stock them up. Over a period of time we find the collection of papers, bottles and cans grown into the size of a hill! We then desire to do away with these but at the same time are also greedy to earn something out of it, though a few coins only. The man on the cycle desires to get hold of such old newspapers, bottles and cans. Mahans are like the man on the cycle who takes away the old, waste newspapers. They take up all the sins of the world, happily and without any worry. Have they come down only to receive the sins of the people? They receive the sins and give back their tapas and help people ashore. I have come down only for this." In this way, Swami Gnanananda explained the glory of Sadhus.

[Ravishankar Gopal]

Radhe Krishna To all, Discourse contd.....

An amazing incident took place at this time when Yogi Ramsuratkumar was at Thappovanam. Those of you who have visited the Thappovanam know that the Brindavan (Samadhi) of a great Madhwa Sanyasi, Sri Raghotthama Swami, is nearby. His aradana celebrations were going on. Many families had come there to participate in it. At this time River Pennaiyar, which usually had not much water, was flooded. A little boy had gone into the river to bathe. His leg got caught between two rocks there. His head was above the level of water. Try as he might, he could not pull his leg out. He was struggling to get out. None could dare to get into the gushing river. Looking at the plight of the boy, his relatives and other people stood on the banks of the river crying helplessly. All of them rushed to Swami Gnanananda in the nearby Thappovanam for help. Swami Gnanananda told them, "I am not able to help you all. But there is a very powerful one out there. Approach him." Swami Gnanananda pointed to Yogi Ramsuratkumar, sporting a beard. None knew his power. All had mistaken him for a beggar. Mahans will never exhibit themselves. They all asked in wonderment, "This man!" Swami Gnanananda told them, "Take him to the river." Yogi Ramsuratkumar used to hold a hand palm fan in his hand. He walked this way and that on the banks of the River Pennai, shaking the fan and chanting 'Om Sri Ram Jaya Ram Jaya Jaya Ram!' At once the rocks broke into pieces and the boy came out safely. This is verily Nama prabhav (glory of Nama). Once, a devotee asked Yogi Ramsuratkumar, "Bhagavan! You are so great. You are capable of performing lots of miracles. How is it Bhagavan?" Yogi Ramsuratkumar said, "The entire cosmic is a miracle. Everyone's body is a miracle. Everybody's life is a miracle. But this beggar is not capable of doing any miracle. Only Ram Naam is doing miracles." Mahans would never claim to perform miracles. Do you know from whom Yogi Ramsuratkumar received the upadesa of 'Om Sri Ram Jaya Ram Jaya Jaya Ram'? It was from Papa Ramdas of Kanhangad. He did incessant chanting of Ram Naam. Samarta Ramdas kept doing japa of 'Sri Ram Jaya Ram Jaya Jaya Ram' in Satara. He was an amsa of Hanuman. He was born on danur month in Moola nakshtra. At the time of birth there was even a short tail on him. He did incessant chanting of Ram Naam and through Ram Naam he performed great work. He used to chant 'Om Sri Ram Jaya Ram Jaya Jaya Ram'. Papa Ramdas also did japa of the same Nama. Papa Ramdas used to wander all over the country on foot. He carried no money on him. All he carried with him was Ram Naam! Once, he went to a village near Jhansi. He begged for his food. He would speak a word or two with the people there and retire to a solitary place. There was a cave on the small hillock there. People warned him against going into the cave as there was a cobra living in it. Unmindful of the warnings, Papa Ramdas went into the cave at night. He sat in it and did japa of 'Om Sri Ram Jaya Ram Jaya Jaya Ram'. Since the mouth would go dry due to the incessant chanting, he used to keep a little jaggery in his kurta pocket. Now and then he would drop a little jaggery into his mouth. A little while later, the cobra came out. Papa Ramdas remained unperturbed. He said to the cobra, "Oh, Rama! You have come in the form of a cobra? Come! Take some prasad." And, he placed a little jaggery in the mouth of the cobra! He then took the jaggery from the cobra's tongue and ate it up as the sanctified prasad! The next morning he walked out of the cave and down the hillock to the village. The villagers were amazed to see him back safe. This is verily the greatness of Ram Naam.

[Ravishankar Gopal]

Radhe Krishna To all, Discourse contd.....

Sri Ramakrishna, Samarta Ramdas, Papa Ramdas, Yogi Ramsuratkumar, Swami Abhedananda, Swami Sivananda, Thiagaraja Swami, Swami Purandara dasa, Tukkaram, Namdev, Mira bai – all did Namakirtan. What do you find when you move around India? The Aazhwars, the Nayanmars, Bodendra, Sadguru Swami, Sridhara Ayyaval, Kumara guruparar, Arunagirinathar, Bhagavan Ramana, Seshadri Swami, Bhadrachala Ramdas, Purandara das, Ashta dasas (in Karnataka), Narasimha Mehta in Gujarat, countless Panduranga Bhaktas in Maharashtra, Mira bai in Rajasthan, Swami Haridas in Uttar Pradesh, Sri Ramakrishna, Sarada devi, Swami Vivekananda, Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, Rabindranath Tagore in Bengal, Guru Nanak and Guru Gobind Singh in Punjab. Only Bharat desa gives birth to such Mahans. So pure is this land. Such great Mahans keep coming (on this land). Everyone says that Bhagavan Ramana speaks of Vedanta. But he has composed songs on Lord Arunachaleswara. Arunachala pathigam, Arunachala Ashtakam, Arunachala nava manimalai, Arunachala Akshara manamalai. In Aksharamanamalai, Bhagavan Ramana speaks of the glory of Nama – 'Arunachalamena agame ninaippavar agatthaiye ver-aruppai, Arunachala!' (Oh, Arunachala, thou dost root out the ego of one who thinks 'Arunachala!' in his heart). One should not mistake that by the words 'Arunachalam-yena agame ninaippavar' (when one thinks 'Arunachala' in his heart) Ramana referred only to the form and not the Name because later, he sings, 'Peyar ninaitthidave pidithizhuthanai un perumai yaar arivaar, Arunachala!' (Oh, Arunachala, who can know thy glory of pulling unto thyself one who thinks of [your] Name!?). He very clearly mentions 'Name' (peyar). 'Peyar ninaitthidave' – as soon as one thinks of the Name (and not the form). Bhagavan has experienced this in his own life. At Madurai, the question of 'what is death' arose in him and through death experience his ego was annihilated. Just as the Maharishi Katvanga attained Jnana in a moment of the snapping of fingers, so too, did Ramana attain Jnana in a trice. Even after this experience he continued to live at Madurai. One day, there was a guest at home. When asked 'wherefrom he was coming' he said, "Arunachala!" It was mere hearing the Name 'Arunachala' that brought about a change in Ramana and this became the deciding factor in moving to Arunachala. The Name! The result of hearing the Name. 'Peyar ninaitthidave pidithizhutthanai un perumai yaar arivaar Arunachal'. What does 'pull' mean? If you keep doing Namakirtan, God would come and pull you unto Him, even if you are not willing to come! Thus, here Ramana clearly refers to the Name. Thus, the glory of Nama has also been spoken by Bhagavan Ramana.

!!! Will Continue !!! --------------------------------- Guided "Hare Rama" Meditation at Redding, CA http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3zKmGSCgkuI ---------------------------------

An Announcement

[Ravishankar Gopal]

Radhe Krishna To all, Last Sunday was 'Holi festival' and the other important day was Chaitanya Mahaprabhu's Jayanthi.... Namadwaar bring's out A loving tribute to Chaitanya Mahaprabhuji. Pl click the power point presentation... http://www.namadwaar.org/index.html This day is celebrated as 'Holi' Day. After Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhuji's descent on earth on this day, it is also a 'holy' day. His Holiness Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji Discourse contd..... It was verily Chaitanya Mahaprabhu who spread the Mahamantra all over the world. He was born in Bengal, five hundred years back. Man is beset with many worries. He is worried about the marriage of his daughter, education of his son, construction of a house, etc. In the same way, Mahans are also beset with a worry – how to carry the people of the world ashore? How to do good to them? – Mahans are verily children of God. As they are filled with bliss, wherever they go joy and peace spreads. They sprinkle joy everywhere. Through mere love they transform everything in the world. Wherever they move, whosoever they touch, they become healthy, peace descends on them, and fears fly away. Just as the vasanta ruthu (spring) spreads joy even without its knowledge, so too, Mahans bless people and fulfill their desires – merely by their presence. Mahaprabhu was beset with a worry. Srimad Bhagavatam, Vrindavan, Radha-Krishna yugalam and the Mahamantra were verily Mahaprabhu's lifeline. Srimad Bhagavatam repeatedly speaks of the state in Kali. Reading this, Mahaprabhu was worried over the state of the people in Kali. 'What is the way out for them?' He began to think. There are 108 Upanishads. They bear different names and of them, only one Upanishad appearing in Krishna Yajur Veda, bears the name 'Kali santarana Upanishad'. This Upanishad bears the term 'Kali', the name of this Age. Thus, whatever has been said in this Upanishad is verily the only way for the people of Kali. 'Santaranam' means to help cross over. How to cross over this Kali? A way is shown. When we desire to admit our child in a school we enquire about the primary education in the school in the locality. It is just the beginning. We do not then enquire about the education in higher classes. Only when the child reaches higher class do we enquire about the syllabus for that class. Not before that. Is Narada an individual? Yes and no. One who guides you to God is verily Narada. The Guru who leads you to God is verily Narada. Thus, here, Narada represents all Mahans. Dwapara yuga had come to an end and Kali yuga was about to set. Narada approaches Brahma and asks, "Have you not created all these?" Srimad Bhagavatam says even at the outset 'tene Brahma hrudaaye aadi kavaye muhyanti soorayah'. We speak of Valmiki being the first poet (aadi kavi). But the Bhagavatam calls Brahma the 'aadi kavi'. What was that first kaavya composed by Brahma? It is said to be the Vedas. A kaavya should contain the nava rasaas in it. It contains all the nava rasaas in it and therefore, 'tene brahma hrudaaye aadi kavaye'. 'Dhyayan kritaye, Yajnaih tretayam, Dwaapare archayan yathaapnoti tathaapnoti kalau sankeertya Kesavam' – (the dharma of Krita yuga is dhyana, of Treta yuga performance of Yajna, of Dwaarpar yuga archana and of Kali yuga singing the glory of Lord Kesava) is the ordained yuga dharmas. Our religion does not speak of the same dharma for all. A householder can hit and kill a snake and he does not incur sin. If a land dispute ensues between him and his neighbor he can fight for his right; he can go to the court and settle the matter. It is not wrong. But a Sanyasi (ascetic) is not right in killing a snake. The dharmas are different for a Brahmachari, a grahastha (householder), a vanaprastha (hermit) and an ascetic. While a householder is permitted to kill a snake or even a cow when attacked, a Sanyasi is forbidden from even plucking a flower. He has to follow ahimsa to that extent. Sanyasa is akin to walking on the rope. It is very difficult to follow. Just as dharma differs as per the asrama (walk of life), so does dharma vary as per the Yuga (Age). Each Yuga viz. Krita, Treta, Dwaapara and Kali have different dharmas ordained. Thus, the Shastras have ordained Namasankirtan as the dharma for this Kali yuga. There was a Maharishi by the name Chyavana. He has written a smriti in which he says, 'Sruti smriti puraanesu Rama Naama prakirtitam: tan Naama kirtanam bhooyah taapatraya vinaasanam.' – I have gone through the Vedas, Itihaasaas and Puraanaas deeply, repeatedly and have found that the quintessence of all these is verily Rama. 'Ra' is moolaadhara and 'Ma' is the sahasraara. Therefore, one who does japa of 'Rama' would become a Yogi, would become a Bhakta, would become a siddha; he would become verily God Himself! 'Rama' is a simple two-lettered Mantra.

[Ravishankar Gopal]

Radhe Krishna To all, Discourse contd.....

Thiagaraja, in one of his kirtans, questions Rama, "Evaruni?" – Who are you, Rama? Bhaktas can be broadly classified into Saivites and Vaishnavites. These are the two prominent branches in our religion. The chief Mantra of the Saivites is the five lettered 'anchaakshara') "Namasivaya". This Mantra Namasivaya enjoys the glory of Lord Siva Himself giving upadesa of it to Saint Manickkavaasagar at Tirupperundruai. The chief Mantra of the Vaishnavites is the eight lettered ('ashtaakshara') "Narayana". This Mantra enjoys the glory of Lord Narayana Himself giving upadesa of it to Saint Thirumangaiaazhwar. This Aazhwaar says, 'Chant 'Narayana' while in trouble, also while not in trouble.' Thiagaraja swami asks Rama, "Oh, Rama! Who are you? Are you Lord Siva? Or, Lord Madhava?" Thiagaraja himself goes on to explain, "If the 'jivaakshara' 'ra' is removed from Narayana, it would sound 'Nayana' which means one who has no way out ('gati'). If the letter 'ma' that is the 'jivaakshara' in the Mantra Namasivaya is removed from it, it would sound as ‘Nasivaya’ which means inauspicious. Taking the letter 'Ra' from Narayana and 'Ma' from Namasivaya your Name 'Rama' has been coined. Thus, one who chants 'Rama' receives the blessings of both Lord Narayana and Lord Siva." Adhyatma Ramayan speaks of the fate of one who chants Ram Naam. It describes the beauty of Rama. Rama was extremely handsome. He would go to the court on learning that his father Dasaratha desired to see him. Dasaratha was extremely fond of his son Rama. Rama would wear a Paduka (foot wear) while walking to the court of his father. At the entrance to the court he would remove the Paduka, as it is not respectful to enter the court wearing the Paduka when Sumantra the esteemed minister, Vasishtta the family Guru, great Vedic Scholars, his own great father Dasaratha and several other great people were present. Rama would look compassionately at the Paduka with the thought, 'did not this Paduka protect my feet from dust, thorns, etc. but I am unable to take it into the court. I have to leave it at the entrance.' The 'kataksha' (benevolent glance) of Rama placed the Paduka on the throne for fourteen years! If the gracious glance of Rama could place the 'jada' (insentient) Paduka on the throne can one speak of the blessings that we would enjoy if it were to fall on us? The only way to receive His 'kataksha' is Rama Nama kirtan. The only aim of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu was to make all perform the Mahamantra kirtan. Let me narrate an incident from the life of Mahaprabhu. Srivasa Pandit, an aged man, was deeply devoted to Mahaprabhu. He lived life in strict accordance with scriptural injunctions. Every evening Mahaprabhu would visit his home along with several highly learned scholars. He would then begin Namakirtan and the whole night would verily be a heaven. Mahaprabhu would sing and dance the whole night in bhav. When he did Namakirtan in deep bhav, one would wonder if he were Rama or Krishna or Matsya or Koorma or Nrisimha. The several aspects of God would be exhibited in him. I have already said that a good work always faces oppositions. In the same manner, the neighbor of Srivasa Pandit lodged a complaint with the king that due to the noisy bhajan all through the night none in the neighborhood could sleep peacefully. The king, at once, sent an order banning bhajan in Srivasa Pandit's house. The order said, 'if anyone dared to perform bhajan, against the order, he would be arrested immediately.' This order deeply disturbed Srivasa Pandit. Nevertheless, he was too scared to inform Mahaprabhu about this order. Why? He wondered how Mahaprabhu would react to this. One should exercise caution in moving with a Sadhu. A crow and a hawk might sit side by side. But when they open out their wings and fly, the crow can fly only to a very limited height while the hawk would fly away high into the sky. Mahans may live amidst us. All said and done our mind cannot move higher than the matters concerning our family, office, etc. while Mahans' minds would reach very great heights. They wander in very high plane. Therefore, Srivasa Pandit was too scared to inform Mahaprabhu about the king’s order and request him to stop conducting bhajan in his house. At the same time he was jittery that as a result of Mahaprabhu's Namakirtan here, the king might arrest and drag him on the street in chains. The very thought of this made him nervous. He had lived very respectfully in this Town all these years and to face such dishonor at this age! He felt caught between the devil and the deep sea.

!!! Will Continue !!! ---------------------------------

1. US - Namadwaar Inaugural Ceremony http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qJUbsefrZJ8 2. Namadwaar message read out by Hon. Mayor, Manvel, Texas http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=83XrVFGXUYE --------------------------------- UPCOMING: SATSANGS IN SINGAPORE & MALAYSIA By Dr. A. Bhagyanathan                                               March 12-16 : Singapore March, 12 , 7 pm, Talk on "Glory of Hinduism" at Macpherson Community Centre, Singapore March 13 - overnight: Mahashivaratri Lectures at Geyland Siva Temple March 14, 6.30-8.00 p.m. Lecturre with Mahamantra Kirtan with Singapore GOD Satsang at Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple March 15 Lecture on "What is your True Strength?", at Global Indian International School                                                March 18-20 : Malaysia March, 19  Youth Program at Kuala Lampur GOD Satsang March 20 morning: Satsang and lecture at an orphanage March 20 6pm: Mass Prayer with Mahamantra at GOD Satsang Malaysia Center, No. 11A Jalan USJ 11/1J 47620 UEP Subang Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia.

[Ravishankar Gopal]

Radhe Krishna To all, Discourse contd.....

Srivasa Pandit had a beautiful image of Lord Nrisimha. After his daily bath and other ordained rituals, he worshipped Lord Nrisimha. After ‘abhishek’ and ‘archana’ he was about to do 'karpoora aarati'. At this time, Mahaprabhu was reading the Bhagavatam at his own home. He was reading the chapter in the Seventh Canto dealing with Prahlad charitra. When he began to read the scene of Lord Nrisimha appearing in Hiranyakasippu's court for the sake of His devotee Prahlad, Mahaprabhu closed the Bhagavatam. He was filled with Nrisimha 'avesh'. Mahaprabhu himself had turned into Lord Nrisimha. He was totally unaware of the world. Some great power drew him to Srivasa Pandit's house. On reaching his house he banged at the door with both his hands. Srivasa Pandit heard the loud noise and wondered who would bang so loudly at the door. Mahaprabhu had a very thin, soft physique. He was as delicate as a soft creeper. Srivasa Pandit moved swiftly to the door and opened it. On seeing Mahaprabhu, he at once realized that Mahaprabhu was not his own self but was in Nrisimha avesh. When Lord Nrisimha Himself had come to his home would one worship the idol? Therefore, Srivasa Pandit kept the idol of Nrisimha aside and led Mahaprabhu to the seat. Mahaprabhu, in Nrisimha avesh, sat in yogaasana. Srivasa Pandit performed puja to Mahaprabhu in Nrisimha avesh. When the puja was over, Mahaprabhu in Nrisimha avesh, roared like a lion. Srivasa Pandit shivered from head to foot on hearing the loud roar. Mahaprabhu then exclaimed, "Srinivasa! All the people in the world can experience fear. But how can you experience fear?" It was a hard slap across his face. He thought, 'God! He knows all my thoughts!' But it was not surprising that Mahaprabhu could read his thoughts. Mahaprabhu continued, "Do you know why I have come down? Only to bring out Hari Naama from the lips of all – animals, birds, creepers, plants, trees, sentient and insentient things! With some I would plead, to some I would speak sweet words, some I would beat, some I would threaten, I would fall at the feet of some – using various means I would make everyone chant the Naama. That is verily the purpose behind my Avatar. Don't think that you are doing this job. Where there is my Will, even trees, plants, creepers, wood and everything will chant the Naama. If you doubt my words, I will prove it to you." Mahaprabhu was still in Nrisimha 'avesh'. He got up from the seat and moved into the room where Srivasa Pandit's little granddaughter was in the cradle. The baby's name was Narayani. All the devotees followed him. Mahaprabhu tapped the baby and said, "Narayani! Chant the Naama!" At once the baby, clapping its tender hands, began to sing, "Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare! Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare!" Mahaprabhu fell down in a swoon. He came out of the 'bhav'. The very purpose of Mahaprabhu's Avatar was only to teach all, in Kali, the Naama spoken in that Upanishad.

[Ravishankar Gopal]

Radhe Krishna To all, Discourse contd.....

Narada sought Brahma (counsel for a way in Kali yuga) and the latter advised that this was only thing to be done by all in Kali. The term 'Upanishad' means 'Jnana'. It also means 'one who would lead you to Brahman'. So, you may be a worshipper of Siva or Vishnu or Shakti or any other god. You may visit any Temple, follow any kind of worship. But do Mahamantra kirtan as well. This would be a great help in all your sadanas. Those who do japa, special worship of deities would utter some Mantras and snap their fingers around their head and body.This is known as 'dik bandanam' – protection (fence) from all directions. There are several ghosts, spirits in the astral plane. If such fencing is not done they would disturb our japa. Likewise, this Mahamantra is the 'dik bandanam' in the Kali yuga. If you keep chanting this, the defects ('dosha') of Kali will never touch you. It will never enter the home where Namakirtan is done. If you do Namakirtan prosperity, health, longevity, wealth would all be yours. It is a very simple way. Thus, Brahma advises Narada that in this Kali yuga one should do japa of Narayana Mantra. Narada asks, "If it is Narayana's Name that has to be chanted are there not 1008 Names for Him? Which one should be chanted?" Brahma says,

"Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare! Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare!"

Narada, "Would we attain Brahma Jnana through this Naama?" Brahma, "It will come about if uttered three and a half crores times." Narada, "How to keep count of it?" Brahma, "If a man chants this everyday for 4 hours, it would add up to 3 1/2 crores in 16 years." Thus, have Mahans have kept count. It is very simple. Narada asks, "Is there any fast rules and regulations to be followed?" Brahma, "There is no rule or regulation governing this. That is very the rule!" One can chant it before eating or after eating, while sweeping, walking, travelling, lying down, even in the toilet. There is no restriction as to time and place. Chanting the Naama does not call for help from another. There is no fear of going wrong. It does not involve any kind of expense. It is a very simple path that earns the highest benefit. Bhagavan Nama Bodendra says, Though one may do Namakirtan daily, when it is done on special days like Ekadasi or during an auspicious time, it brings forth great benefit.' Swami Abhedananda lived as the very embodiment of the Mahamantra. May all those who are here this evening receive the blessings of all Mahans; may their lives be filled with good health, wealth, success, and may all be blessed with Jnana, vairagya and Bhakti. Let us all chant the Mahamantra for a while.

--------------------------------- 1. US - Namadwaar Inaugural Ceremony http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qJUbsefrZJ8 2. Namadwaar message read out by Hon. Mayor, Manvel, Texas http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=83XrVFGXUYE