Japo Re Japo – Ram Naam Japo

              If one chants the holy names of the lord, even in helpless condition or without desiring to do so, all the reactions of his sinful life departs, just as when lion roars, all the small animals flee in fear. – Bhaktivinoda Thakur

We have noticed in the recent years, there has been an exponential rise in drugs and alcohol addiction, divorce rates, acts of violence, old parents being thrown out by their children, sexual crimes against women, love-jihad cases, being unpatriotic, antisocial, getting in depression and anxiety eventually leading to suicides amongst children.

As per the Bhagavat Gita the increase in Kama(Lust), Krodha (Anger), Lobha (Greed), Mada (Ego),Moha (Attachment),matsarya(Jealousy) are the reasons for the evil in the society.

Today when we open the news channels in the morning all we hear is about how many people have dies in the wars happening across the globe.

An unrighteous rule leads to the rise of terrorism or naxalism. The scriptures say that a righteous leader or govt in power will always lead to a happy and prosperous nation and a peaceful world.

Some people have linked the terrorist attacks to religion. I strongly believe that no religion would support the killing of innocent civilians be it Islam or any other religion. I am sure holy places like Mecca-Madina are to bring sense of happiness and joy to the pilgrims and devotees visiting it.

The western modern-day solution to these problems seem to be setting up of deaddiction and rehabilitation centres for drug abuse along with therapy for depression and sex education of sexual crimes. I believe these are myopic solutions.

I believe an holistic approach would be to give them spiritual education at an early age so that they develop the courage and valour to face the problems of the world.

I believe when children get attached to bad influences they get caught in a vicious circle. If children get attached to God and have faith in him they would not get attached to bad influences and in case he does, he would get back to normal, as he would have stains of spirituality in him, inculcated at an early age.

Hinduism says, the easiest way to get attached to God is to recite the name of Lord continuously. Having a realised guru helps in the spiritual process.

Shrimat Bhagavatam says sravana (listening),kirtana (singing),smarana (meditating),pada-sevana (serving),archana (praising),vandana(worshipping),dasya (slaving), sakhyam (friendship) and atma—nevidanam (surrender of the self) these nine processes are accepted as pure devotonal service.

Man has progressed enormously in his intellectual capacities, he has reached the moon and also has AI enabled driverless cars, but sadly had dropped down on his value system. There is need to make sure that the spiritual quotient gets better in every individual so that we can have a peaceful world.I am sure all religions and leaders would coincide on that.

PS: This article is inspired by the Satsang of Shri Hit Premanand Govind Sharan Ji Maharaj

Importance of Naam Jap
Education in schools and righteousness in leadership

Solution to today's Issues plaguing the world

Hellish World

Those that have an attitude of service towards others are the beauty of society. - Mata Amritanandamayi Devi

Everyone here comes and recites ”Amma Amma Amma”
Some glossy,some through heartfelt devotion.

Though each one here claims to be a devotee.

Many smile, some from within,many a plastic
Some cry instantaneously in her arms,relieving their burden.

Though each one here claims to be a devotee.
 
Few sensible,innumerable fools 
Some with deep pain,some artificial
some fake tears, all find a way in.

Though each one here claims to be a devotee.

Some come in search of happiness,some to bury their sorrow.

Few are compassionate here,many egoistic.

Though each one here claims to be a devotee.

Some praise,some hurl abuses,some shed tears,some smile
Many are selfless,few selfish.
Though the mantra here seems to be DONATIONS, DONATIONS and more DONATIONS.

Though each one here claims to be a devotee.

She consoles each one,
whether rich or poor,
knowledgable or ignorant,
whether selfish or selfless
with same ounce of love and compassion.

For her,each one is her devotee ,her child.

Ten Books that Change Lives Forever

Books are your best friend.

1.Letters of Swami Vivekananda

   

 Thought provoking letters by Swami  Vivekananda.Inspiring and leave a mark on every soul.

                                                                              

                                   

2.Bhagvad Gita – By Prabhupada

“A google map for a person trying to reach his destination.” –T.R.Sreejith

3.Ignited Minds – by APJ Kalam

A new dawn  to a student consumed by studies,marks and parental pressure.Gives the purpose and vision to achieve greater heights.

4.The day I stopped Drinking Milk –by Sudha Murthy

A collection of heart warming short stories instilling values from every section of the society from all over the globe. One of the stories “Bombay to Bangalore” simply touches the soul.

5. Vidhura Niti –English Translation by KM Ganguli

A step by step guide on how to rule a kingdom in a righteous manner.A must read for Modi,Trump and Hu Jintao.

                "Even Harsha Bhogle's commentary falls short in comparision...."-T.R.Sreejith

6. Tiruvalluvar’s Kural –by C.Ragagopalachari

“Its like  Amazon ,it delivers”.-T.R.Sreejith

7.Stay Hungry Stay Foolish – by Rashmi Bansal

25 fascinating stories.Humbling. A must read for budding and wannabe entrepreneures. 

8.Srimad Bhagavatam – by Kamala Subramanium

One of the 18 puranas on Lord Vishnu (Krishna).Suka Vyasa’ son recites to King Parikshit who is cursed to die in seven days.Amazing spiritual fevour,still has the beauty in modern day retaining the essence and simplicity.

            “The idea of Rukmini (Krishna’s consort) still mesmerises……Aditya Chopra’s DDLJ still a beginner”- T.R.Sreejith

9.Narayaneeyam

100 stories by Melpathur Narayana Bhattathiri who is praying to Lord Krishna to cure him from his disease .Gets relived of his disease on the 100^th  day.

          “Beautiful ,Simply Beautiful”— T.R.Sreejith

10.Songs of Kabir – by Rabindranath Tagore

Classy, Melodious, Sufism, ecstasy, spiritual, realization

“A R Rehman no way near”—T.R.Sreejith

Parippally orphanage a symbol of love not Taj Mahal

Love is opening up of the soul,not an obsession.

I celebrated my Diwali along with some bright  children of Parippally Orphanage adopted and run by Mata Amritanandamayi Devi Math ,burst crackers with them ,played football and enjoyed every bit of it.

It is the just the joy and smiles on the faces of these children that make Paripally a symbol of Love.

I believe the people who meet the children here light up,rather then the other way round.

Some curious thoughts come to my mind.

I am very astonished that people believe “Taj Mahal” is an epitome of love.Taj Mahal was constructed out of sheer madness and it cannot be a symbol of love.

It is symbol of selfishness, of anarchy and obsession as demonstrated by the Shah Jahan by cutting of the hands of the labourers who built the Taj Mahal so that they are not able to replicate the structure.

I am still astounded by the ignorance of people who call Taj Mahal a monument of love.

A symbol of love ,is a place where people feel happy and smiles come from within the heart and soul –like the Parippally Orphanage. 

Misplaced Compassion

Righteousness is the truth within.

Today we are in danger of falling prey to misplaced compassion. Like pleading for the case of Afzal Guru,by some prominent people like P.Chidambaram and a few JNU students.

Also the recent case of Burhan Wani ,being projected as a martyr by some media channels.

I believe totally in the word compassion in both letter and spirit, but shouldn’t we be careful of misplaced compassion. Burhan Wani being treated as  a Hero is pretty unfortunate.

Shouldn’t we  exercise compassion towards our innocent people who have lost life’s because of Burhan and Afzal Guru.Shouldn’t the people killed by these terrorist deserve more respect , thought and prayers.

Shouldn’t the country be righteous towards these innocent citizens whose near and dear ones have been lost.

Shouldn’t the media and the people think a little about the innocent people who have faced the brunt of theses hardcore militants. Also in the cases of some famous film personalities the media does exercise false compassion thus influencing a major chunk of people instead of sticking to the truth and being righteous towards the innocent people who have been affected by them.

Today in the name of compassion we are pardoning hardcore terrorists, (the media projects them as matyrs) we are showing compassion towards them and being absolutely heartless towards the innocent people who were killed by them. Thousands of pages of print media , plenty of prime time has been devoted to these fundamentalists but not a single ounce for my innocent citizens.Are they not our citizens?

Many army men,many paramilitary jawans have lost their lifes doing their duty.There children and mothers  have not done any sin,do they not have any expectations from my country and its people.

Don’t they deserve better. Is law not same to all. Give it a thought.

India and its Ideals

ॐ असतो मा सद्गमय ।
तमसो मा ज्योतिर्गमय ।
मृत्योर्मा अमृतं गमय ।
ॐ शान्तिः शान्तिः शान्तिः ॥

Meaning

Lead me from falsehood to truth,

Lead me from darkness lead me to light,

Lead me from death to the immortality

Om Peace,Peace,Peace.

India -A land from where spirituality and philosophy have again and again rushed out and deluged the world.A land of the greatest sages from where wisdom originated and spread its wings.

The land with the mighty snowcapped Himalayas at the top and rivers roaring like the oceans. The ideal of India is based on the ages of tapasya and sadhana of its Sages ,Rishis and Mahatma’s-their Renunciation ,not based on its filmstars,cricketors,or politicians.India has been blessed with numerous gems over a period of time-like Lord Krishna,Buddha,Shankara, Chaitanya,Ramakrishna Paramhamsa,Ramana Maharshi and Mata Amritanandamayi Devi to name a few.

Religion is instilled in the blood and veins of every Indian.And their religion is not about fanatism or convertions,their ideal of religion is based on –“Loka Samasta Sukhino Bhavantu” meaning everyone in this world be happy and prosperous.

Indian history also practically validates this argument ,that India has never attacked any other country-it has never believed in the use of force  to get more land or show supremacy though it is the same India which has withstood the shock of centuries,of hundreds of foriegn invasions.It is the same land which stands firmer than any rock in the world with its undying vigour and indestructible life.

Women form a soul in this holy land.Matrudevo bhava –meaning be one for whom the Mother is God.Every women is looked upon as mothers ,there is no question of lust or any carnal desire- that is the ideal of this ancient land unlike the west where women are observed a mere objects for sensory satisfaction.The highest ideal of a wife is purity and being chaste unlike the west.

Here it is very interesting to note that the western media ,asks India to take care of its women-to a country that taught the world how to look upon its women.

In India ,women is the embodiment of sacrifice, from the time of her birth ,to her family , to her husband and then to her children-she sacrifices.In India if father is the breadwinner, mother is the soul of the family .

Indian culture instill values of Atithidevo bhava meaning be one for whom the guest is god.It has been generous and magnanimous in giving back to the world be it knowledge,spirituality,wisdom,yoga or Ayurveda,or the architecture and design of its temples-it never charges.

The values of Indians are rooted in purity ,compassion and truth.

The Surya Putra:'KARNA'

Destiny decides who you meet in life but it’s only your heart that can decide who gets to stay in your life….

"Everything won’t go the way you want to.Everything is destiny.That’s what the law of Karma states.Even if you do nothing wrong, you may be at the receiving end", I have heard many people saying.

When Nokia was being sold out or taken over by Microsoft , its CEO remarked that it did not do anything wrong but we lost out.(Android had taken over the smart phone category and Nokia was out of business).

My mind goes back to KARNA,the character in Mahabharata,a skilled Archer,supremely talented,known for his generosity,know as danveer karna.But when the battle of his life was fought he lost out to Arjuna.
Though he had more expertise and skill than Arjuna.

He had two curses in his life ,one that he would not be able to recollect the teachings when he needs it the most:By parasurama as he had not declared himself to be a kshatriya while learning the archery.And second that his wheels of his chariot would get stuck in the land and would be a reason for his death:By a brahman farmer whose cow was accidentally shot down by Karna,his only source of living.

What was the fault of Karna? Is it Karna’s destiny?
The first curse that he was a ‘Kshatriya’ was not even know to him.
And second says that he killed a cow was accidental,it was not even in rage.

The scriptures and the gurus say it is “Karna’s Karma”.I leave it to you to decide.

Coming back to Nokia I am sure it will bounce back to be one of the leading Smart phone manufacturers again.

Hey maa tujhe pukaaru main

I blame you for my miseries

I blame you for my sorrows
I blame you for my misfortune
I blame you for my suffering

I blame you for my illness

I blame you for my downtroddeness

I blame you for my hopelessness 

Hey maa tujhe pukaru main

Hey maa will you forget

Hey maa will you forgive

Hey maa will you uplift

Hey maa will you cure

Hey maa will you listen to my plea…

Spirituality

" Beyond right and wrong, there is a garden, I will meet you there."

                                 

Gita is sometimes confused to be text on war often stressing on being a war preaching.

If gita was a text on warfare ,Krishna could have easily killed Duryodhana with one arrow and ensured Arjuna's victory.Gita is a text in which Krishna wanted to uplift arjuna's mind to face the challenges of life head on, to deal with circumstances of life with courage and strength.To not run away from facing the problems of life.

Today the focus of education has become science and business management where ,there is no subject on spirituality that teaches how to solve difficulties that form a part of experiences of life.To teach children how to face real life problems spiritual education is a must. There is a great need to make spiritual education a part of school curriculum so that children can face situations of the world better and to develop acceptance to changes in the environment.
Just like there is a separate course on business management there has to be a course on spiritual management.

And this need not be misinterpreted as converting to extremism,because the focus here is to strengthen the people to life life more happily.

Devotion and Beauty

"Nothing truly valuable arises from ambition or from a mere sense of duty, it stems rather from love and devotion towards men and towards objective things."

Beauty is the manifestation of divinity within. It is a god given gift.

It needs to be preserved by constant purification of the mind and body.

Beauty is a function of devotion not a function of  cosmetics.

The more we are towards kanchan and kamini ,the more we are towards impurity.

The more we are towards devotion and love to Krishna, the more we get towards purity.

Devotion is attained by means of sravanam,kirtanam,smaranam,arcanam etc. as laid out by the scriptures.

Divine Spark

"I know you are tired but come, this is the way."

                                                                                -Rumi                              

Every aspect of life requires a divine spark for it to be done well.

Whether it is a rescue operation, or starting a new business venture or even getting a mobile activated.

Even the smallest of task or work or to be executed completely requires a divine will. Any task to see the light of day requires a divine touch. Until and unless there is a divine will , no activity will get completed.

Man has become so composed in himself that he feels that everything is done by him, and each accomplishment is his own. He has become so consumed in himself that he has forgotten essence of the divine aspect of life.

As the Uttarkand flood relief are on,lets pray that the divinity in the place and people will give them strength and courage to pass through the difficult period.