<?xml version="1.0" encoding="iso-8859-1"?><rss version="1.0"><channel><title>Diary of hariharan iyer</title><link>http://harikochi.rediffiland.com/</link><description>Diary of hariharan iyer</description><language>en-us</language><item><title>THREE  FORTUNES</title><description><![CDATA[Acharya Shankara Bhagavathpada has written a thoughtful book titled VIVEKACHOODAMANI which means CREST JEWEL OF DESCRIMINATION. Here Descrimination should be understood as the unique quality of Human beings to differentiate between the real and unreal, truth and untruth, senseful and senseless etc., etc.,<BR><BR>In one of the beginning verses, Acharya tells us about three fortunes. These are described as MANUSHYATHWAM, MUMUKSHWATHWAM and<BR>MAHAPURUSHASAMSRAYAM.<BR><BR>These three fortunes are the result of God's Grace.<BR><BR>MANUSHYATHWAM means to be born as Human being. Acharya in one of his another work called PRABODHA SUDHAKARAM tells us that one gets human birth after passing through 84 lakhs other lives. So just imagine the fortune of Humanhood!!  Human beings only has the rare power of descrimination. They have the power of thought. They have the special quality of Intuition and Contemplation. So definitely it is fortunate to be born as human beings.  Even in the sensual plane human beings enjoy the world with all 5 senses better than any other living being. Just imagine.<BR><BR>MUMUKSHWATHWAM is the craving for God, Internal peace and everything above sensual experiences. It literally means aspiration for Liberation from the myriad cycle of births and deaths.Very few get this thought. So  it is the fortunate few who develop this great thought. Because most of us are enthralled by the marvellous charm of sense pleasures and are entangled in life.<BR><BR>MAHAPURUSHASAMSRAYAM is the rarest fortune which means association with great personalities who have experienced GOD. The irony is that first of all it is very difficult to identify Mahatmas. Secondly even if we hear about Great personalities, to get faith in them and to follow their teachings is difficult. Because the doubt in us surfaces and prevents us from following such Mahatmas. Above all there are several gullible people also whose main aim is to cheat, attain popularity and prosperity at the expense of the followers. People with other ulterior motives also thrive because we have blind followers who believe without checking the credentials and motives of the so called "GURUS". <BR><BR>I am not talking about such people. But the personalities like RAMAKRISHNA PARAMAHAMSA, SWAMI VIVEKANANDA, BHAGAVAN RAMANA MAHARSHI, SREE NARAYANA GURU, SHIRDI SAI BABA, SATHYA SAI BABA, MATA AMRITANANDAMAYI etc who has helped the real and sincere seekers to tread the path of sincere spirituality.<BR><BR>But the interesting thing is that world at large refuses to believe them,charge them with baseless criticism.<BR><BR>Anyway just think about the fortune of those people who are endowed with all these three things.  Acharya Shankara is great in telling this magnificent truth.<BR><BR>May god bless all.]]></description><pubDate>Tue, 24 Apr 2007 14:03:57 +0530</pubDate><link>http://harikochi.rediffiland.com/blogs/2007/04/24/THREE-.html</link></item><item><title>THE BHAGAVAT GITA</title><description><![CDATA[Scriptures are literature depicting the essence of Religion. I would like to share my views on one of the magnificent Holy scripture THE BHAGAVAT GITA.<BR><BR>The literal meaning of Bhagavat Gita is Song of the Lord. Lord Krishna himself narrated this benovalent message of Spirituality to Arjuna in the battle field of Kurukshethra. <BR><BR>At the end of every chapter in Bhagavat Gita there is a description. It says that Bhagavat Gita is Upanishad, it is  Brahmavidya, it is Yogasasthram,It is the  dialogue between Sri Krishna and Arjuna.<BR><BR>The Vedas which contains knowledge about everything is divided into two portions which is the Karma portion and Jnana or Knowledge portion.  Karma Kanda by which name it is called contains all those elaborate explanations about conducting different sacrifices, Homas etc. Whereas the Jnana Kanda is called Upanishad which exclusively discuss the ultimate truth and the methods to achieve it.<BR><BR>So in this light, The Bhagavat Gita is Upanishad which deals with the essence of Universe. There are 18 chapters in Gita and each titled as Jnana Yoga, Bhakthi Yoga, Karma Yoga, Dhyana Yoga etc. The word Yoga should be understood as that which helps us to unite ourselves with the supreme Lord of this Universe. So in that context Lord Krishna discusses the multifarious paths available for a sincere seeker to delve into the realms of Metaphysical truth.<BR><BR>There is a dramatic setting for the deliverance of this great message.  Arjuna who is a hero in warfare, who has learnt the art of war, who can send arrows with both hands suddenly becomes the centrepoint of depression seeing his relatives, teachers, grand parents arrayed in the opposition  seeking war. He got deluded. At a situation which warranted vigilant and constant action, Arjuna becomes the victim of Inaction. He loses his vigour of warfare. He sinks to the abyss of disappointment and sorrow. Arjuna who is a Kshathriya, whose main duty is to fight the evil and protect the people opines that Sannyasa is much better than this diabolic war.He forgets his real nature for the moment.<BR><BR>Throwing the Bow and arrows down, he sits with his head hung down like a coward. The Hero whose mere name sents shivers down the spine of warriors like Karna and Duryodhana is now sitting quiet in a melancholy mood. Lord Krishna is surprised.The Pandavas are in rare crisis.<BR><BR>Lord Krishna starts the great conversation which has ever since influenced and impressed millions of mankind. Bhagavan calls Arjuna to shed his unmanliness and warrants him to be aware of his valour and kingmanship.<BR><BR>There upon through the 18 Chapters of this Great Message, flows the mighty Ganga of Knowledge which can purify, influence, inspire and energise any sincere reader. There is a systematic, methodical presentation of Facts. In the 2nd Chapter Lord Krishna tells about the Nature of Atman or Ultimate Truth. He also explains very elaborately the Nature of Sthitha Prajna or the person who is always engrossed in the Almighty.Sthitha Prajna means who is rock firm in the knowledge of Atman.<BR><BR>Then we find the principles of Karma Yoga or the Path of Action vividly described. Then the path of Knowledge or Jnana is discussed in detail. In the coming chapter of Dhyana yoga or the Path of Meditation, the techniques and methodology of meditation is <BR>narrated with lucid phrases.<BR><BR>The path of devotion or Bhakthi is discussed in further chapters. At last the mind of  Arjuna is released from the clutches of delusion and he tells Sri Krishna that he will do according to Lord's directions. <BR><BR>There are inspiring verses in Bhagavat Gita which has universal relevance. Bhagavat Gita is not confined to any Religion. It is the life-giving lessons for Mankind as a whole. Gita discusses Human life in general. How to control emotions, How to have a broad vision, How to eliminate negativities, How to cultivate Dynamism  all these questions are effectively answered with enormous insight.<BR><BR>In the Modern world, Management schools and teachers rely much on the Bhagavat Gita for adopting a new vision of Management. There was a recent write up about this. American corporate managers seek solace in Bhagavat Gita and take refuge in this grand treatise for stress management and finding solutions to their complex life riddles.<BR><BR>We are richly indebted to Adi Sankara for the great commentry he has written for Bhagavat Gita. A personality like Sankara can only deal effectively , discuss thoroughly and deliver such a beneficial commentry. His own personal experiences has contributed immensely for this great work.<BR><BR>There are numerous commentries available for the Bhagavat Gita. This itselves shows the glory of this great message.<BR><BR>Let the World read the Bhagavat Gita, imbibe the message, practice it in their daily lives so that world will be a peaceful and useful place to live.<BR><BR>Let God's Grace be showered on all.<BR><BR>JAI BHAGAVAT GITE]]></description><pubDate>Thu, 16 Nov 2006 09:16:05 +0530</pubDate><link>http://harikochi.rediffiland.com/blogs/2006/11/16/THE-BHAGAVAT.html</link></item><item><title>VARNA-ASHRAMA DHARMA</title><description><![CDATA[I wish to write about one of the most sensible and important subject of Sanatana Dharma. It is also the most misunderstood and controversial subject. Controversion has erupted only because of vested interests and blatant misconception. This vast subject should be understood from the backdrop of sincere thought.<BR><BR>Varna in the normal sense means Colour. According to the Occupation and physical activity mankind from the time immemorial in Hindu Religion is divided into Four main divisions. They are 1) The Brahmins  2)The Kshathriyas   3) The Vysyas  4) The Shoodras.<BR><BR>The actual and logical derivation for each of these divisions should be first understood before we make any allegation.<BR><BR>Brahmins are those who are engaged in Study and Teaching may it be Spiritual or Wordly Knowledge. People who have this talent belong to Brahmins. Study is very important and The art of Teaching is something exclusive which few people possess. To be a successful teacher one should first imbibe things about the specialised field which he or she selects without any doubt, should be a practitioner of what they teach particularly in Spiritual field. so in this sense we should understand the term Brahmins.<BR><BR>Unfortunately so many misconceptions crept in and the word Varna was understood as the colour of outerskin. This happens due to the degeneration of Understanding of people. So people with fairer skin and those who descended the Brahmin clan were themselves proclaimed as Brahmins whereas the truth was not so. We witnessed numerous  Caste wars. Horrendous descrimination. Heartless Oppression. Inhuman treatments. <BR><BR>This happened because of multiple reasons. The important reason is gruesome ignorance about the Oneness of Truth. Other we can attribute it to Selfishness of particular section of people who always wanted upperhand. This tyranny has weakened the Hindu religion like anything and it has helped other Religions to grow.<BR><BR>The Kshathriyas are those people who rule and protect others. We can say that all those people who has an inborn desire to join the army,police and the forces actually belong to Kshathriya Clan. <BR><BR>The Vaishyas are those engaged in agriculture, cattle rearing, trade and commerce. <BR><BR>The Shoodras are those who help in all works. The mental structure of them is always to readily assist in performing a task.<BR><BR>So when we analyse the definitions of Varnas, we understand that these Four divisions of people are necessary for a well designed world. Whatever be the faith, language,we can find people belonging to these categories everywhere in the world.  Lord Krishna says in the Bhagavat Gita that these four varnas are created according to the value and activity of each section and not by any other criteria. We should understand this well.<BR><BR>Ashrama means the different stages of human life. There also 4 divisions  1) Brahmacharya  2) Garhasthyam  3) Vanaprastham  4) Sannyasam.<BR><BR>Brahmacharyam is the period of Studentship. A person should engage in studies which will give him employment for the smooth functioning of life. In the olden days good values and spiritual facts were also taught to the students in their study period. 15 years is attributed to this.<BR><BR>Garhasthyam is the stage where the student enters the world of Householder. He marries according to the scriptural rules and lead a rightful life, enjoying and fulfilling his ambitions with money earned by rightful means.<BR><BR>Vanaprastha is the time when a person wilfully withdraws himself from the worldly life and prepares himself for a secluded life dedicated to know the Self. He entrusts the responsibilities to his son. In the ancient period, the wife also joins the husband in this.<BR><BR>Sannyas is renouncing everything particularly all desires and completely withdraw themselves from the hustle bustle of world and engage fully in penances and austerities so that they embrace death happily.<BR><BR>If we think naturally and with whole hearted sincerity, we understand the importance of Varna-Ashrama principles of our forefathers. If there is a well balanced system the society will prosper. If individuals follow the Ashram Dharma properly there will be all round peace in households.<BR><BR>]]></description><pubDate>Tue, 14 Nov 2006 10:54:57 +0530</pubDate><link>http://harikochi.rediffiland.com/blogs/2006/11/14/VARNA-ASHRAMA.html</link></item><item><title>SWAMI VIVEKANANDA</title><description><![CDATA[It is very interesting to note that India had marvellous spiritual masters who gave touching interpretations to the massive philosophical treatise from time immemorial. Bharat is deeply indebted to one such Master whose monastic name was Swami Vivekananda.<BR><BR>I bow down to Swamiji whose dynamism, vigilant vigour, tremendous will power and unparallel wisdom helped The West to explore the rich treasure house of Vedanta. In fact the lectures of Swamiji in pristine pure English is still the heartthrob of sincere readers.<BR><BR>Swamiji was a born leader. In his biography we read the glorious stories from his childhood days. We can describe him in these words - A gracious child born to a pious mother after she underwent sincere penances, A brilliant boon to mankind, God's abundant Grace to sincere seekers,  A true Master with enormous energy and clarity.<BR><BR>He was a voracious reader whose stress was on philosophy. The oriental and occidental tenets of philosophy was widely read and he had one Longing question which reverberated in his mind - Who is God? Can I realise God? If so How? Whether there is anyone who has experienced God?<BR><BR>He met various people and asked these questions. He could not get a  satisfactory answer. No fulfillment. From his English Professor he learnt that there was a man called Sri Ramakrishna in Dakshineswar Kali temple who was famous for his Trances - blissfull oblivion of the outer world. Narendranath - by which he was known in his pre-monastic days met Sri.Ramakrishna. It was a historic confluence of two great personalities.<BR><BR>Narendranath experienced the bliss of Self. This Vision brought in him a total transformation. He was a different man from that moment. Narendranath was the dearest disciple of Sri Ramakrishna. Utmost Love and deepest regard was there for Narendranath.Sri Ramakrishna lovingly groomed Narendranath to become a beacon of Spirituality. He was to become the watchtower of Spiritual wisdom which has helped millions of people to raise from the slumber of worldliness.<BR><BR>The highlight in Swamiji's life was the Historical speech which he rendered before the assembly of World Parliament of Religions in Chicago. Through one utterance "SISTERS AND BROTHERS OF AMERICA", he paved the way for a great movement. It was the divine call of Broadmindedness. It was the clarion call towards  Global Brotherhood. It warned the world of narrow mindedness, dogmatism and Religious fundamentalism.It was a divine voice which proclamated the sweet, rich, magnanimous dignity of Indian Philosophy.<BR><BR>Through that one speech, the world in general was thrilled to listen, learn and explore Indian Philosophy.  In fact swamiji's innumerable lectures, letters, articles helped Indians to regain their confidence and fight against the European autocracy.  It is said that "IF MAHATHMAGANDHI IS THE FATHER OF NATION, SWAMI VIVEKANANDA SHOULD BE REGARDED AS THE PROUD GRAND ARCHITECT OF INDIAN FREEDOM STRUGGLE".<BR><BR>He lived only 39 years. But through this brief sojourn he instilled hope, confidence, valour, steadfast devotion, pride and the need for magnificent power of self reliance to this Nation. <BR><BR>It is told that people from different walks of life had tremendous transformation. People became Industrious. New ventures were started gaining inspiration from Swamiji's words. TATA GROUP is one grand example.<BR><BR>We are deeply indebted to this Noble soul. All readers of Swamiji have unanimously opined about the enthusiasm and energy they feel while reading his dynamic views. I myself have derived immense ideas which has helped to refurbish my personality. At a time, when the life was undergoing through a low ebb, Swamiji's philosophical views guided me to conquer all inabilities, sorrows and helplessness.<BR><BR>I have sincerely felt always, Swamiji's works should be included in School curriculum, College Syllabus.<BR><BR>Swamiji was a big Orator, singer and writer. He had a grand vision. He was a magnificent personality.<BR><BR>Reading his works we gain a lot of things.<BR><BR>Salutations to this enthusiastic Cyclonic Hindu Monk.<BR><BR>May more and more people read Swamiji's works,derive inspiration and become noble individuals. Life is not only for enjoyment but for knowing the Eternal Truth. <BR><BR>When individuals change, world also change. Let the world become a good place of living.<BR><BR>OM SHANTI ! SHANTI !! SHANTI !!!]]></description><pubDate>Mon, 23 Oct 2006 13:39:13 +0530</pubDate><link>http://harikochi.rediffiland.com/blogs/2006/10/23/SWAMI.html</link></item><item><title>SRI RAMAKRISHNA</title><description><![CDATA[When we read the Biography of SRI RAMAKRISHNA PARAMAHAMSA, we feel the humble and simple nature of a great spiritual personality the world have seen.  Born to pious and devoted parents, he didn't pursue much material education.<BR><BR>In childhood days itself he exhibited unparallel traits of God consciousness. It is told that once when he was passing through a paddy field, he saw an array of white swans flying in complete unison, he forgot the world and entered into a trance of inexplicable Bliss.<BR><BR>He used to tell that material educative tools always perplexed him particularly Mathematics. He stopped studies and went along with his brother to Dakshineswar near Kolkata.<BR><BR>The childlike purity and simplicity of SRI RAMAKRISHNA attracted Rani Rasmani Devi who was the trustee of Dakshineswar Kali Temple and he was ordained as temple priest.To Ramakrishna, the stone idol was not static but embodiment of pure Consciousness. He used to speak to Mother Kali, offer food as if to his own mother, wave incense and Camphor as if to a Vibrant Human figure. Few could recognize the true devotee in SRI RAMAKRISHNA.<BR><BR>In the garden of Dakshineswar, SRI RAMAKRISHNA undertook serious penances in all the known paths of Indian spirituality. The path of devotion, Knowledge, Hatha yoga and Karma or Action, Tantric rites, Christianity, Islam, Sikhism all were experimented by the sincere SRI RAMAKRISHNA and astonishingly he found out that all paths led him to the one and only God. <BR><BR>His rich contribution to the world was his simple derivation of Rich religious tenets through unparallel parables and dialogues with devotees. He was of the view that there is no point in argument but everyone should strive to realize religion. Each person should exactly find out which path suits him the most flexible,convenient and pursue fervently to reach the goal. Religion is not part-time job but one which should be harmoniously blended with our life.<BR><BR>He had cautioned the world about the dangers of Lust and Wealth in Human Life. We have ample testimonials all over the world how Lust had lured and destroyed people, enormous quarells generated because of wealth. In modern world also we come across heartrending sagas of loss of life due to degeneration of Lust and Wealth.<BR><BR>I believe the biggest Contribution of SRI RAMAKRISHNA to the world is Swami Vivekananda and other monastic disciples who spread benefactory message of Indian spirituality. SRI RAMAKRISHNA gently brought out the spiritual genious in Narendra who became the Cyclonic Hindu Monk without whom Indian Spiritual movement would have not made its mark in the western countries.<BR><BR>We are richly indebted to SRI RAMAKRISHNA for his noble life and teachings. I sincerely believe reading his biography and teachings will instill the sense of simplicity, large heartedness and nobility.<BR>]]></description><pubDate>Thu, 19 Oct 2006 09:26:54 +0530</pubDate><link>http://harikochi.rediffiland.com/blogs/2006/10/19/SRI.html</link></item><item><title>PANCHAMAHA YAJNAS</title><description><![CDATA[When we read the Bhagavat Geetha, the noble thoughts on spirituality gives us inexplicable pleasure. I have been fascinated by the unparallel renditions of Sri Krishna. <BR><BR>Through 18 chapters, various aspects of spirituality are discussed in detail. One such aspect is Karmayoga. Yoga in one angle means all those actions to attain spiritual consciousness. In Karmayoga Lord Sri Krishna depicts the importance of Action in our life and the attitude and ways of performing one's duties.<BR><BR>Man is always in action. It can be mental, verbal, physical. He cannot exist without action. Through this perspective we have to discuss the importance of Karma in our life.<BR><BR>Here comes the Panchamahayajnas advocated to Householders. Yajna means in vedic sense, sacrifices for general well being. People generally understand Yajnas as Homas, Poojas etc. But Yajna Bhavana or Yajna Concept should be understood as those actions which will bring prosperity, peace and general welfare not only to the performer but to the world at large. It is the principle of Give and Take.<BR><BR>Panchamaha Yajnas are Five in number. They are 1)Brahma Yajna 2)Deva Yajna 3)Pitru Yajna  4) Nru Yajna  5) Bhoota Yajna.<BR><BR>Brahma Yajna or Rishi Yajna consists of Tapas,Swadhyaya which means austerities for mental,physical equanimity and study of scriptures with meaning. Through this our knowledge is enriched and can visualise any problem with wisdom and find solutions. Through swadhyaya we are repaying our debts towards Rishis. It is very important for a householder to acquire the necessary knowledge of God and spirituality so that his life in this world will be peaceful and meaningful.<BR><BR>Deva Yajna consists of respectful ablutions to deva concepts of Air, Water, Fire, Earth and Space. These Five elements are indispensable in our life. The physical homas, poojas etc are included in this Yajna. We are made of These five elements. We experience the world because of these elements. We see because of Light which is the manifestation of Fire. We get taste because of Water content in our Palate.  We sense the smell because of Earth element in our nose. We hear because of Air. We feel the sense of touch because of space. So we are indebted to these elements. Indian spirituality has attributed Deva status to Vayu, Agni, Varuna, Bhoomi Devi, Indra. So Deva Yajna is actually Thanksgiving to these Devas.<BR><BR>Pitru yajna means those services we render to our Parents and forefathers while they are living. It is misunderstood as the rites we perform after the death of our loved ones.  We should help our parents, give whatever they want to their hearts's content while they are alive. That is most important. Remembering once in a year and performing services also is recommended. That day if we are able to give food to the poor, Clothes to the needy, these are also termed as Pitru Yajna.<BR><BR>Nru Yajna means treating our guests. Guest or Athithi is one who comes without informing. In our concept Athithi is equivalent to God. It also includes considering all living beings as equal to ourself and providing help when needed. Global brotherhood is a concept of Nru yajna.<BR><BR>Bhoota yajna means giving food to Birds, animals, ants and other living beings which we see around. In our ancient times the householders never used to take food before offering them to other living beings. Also it was common,at night the mother of the house will call out loudly that whether anybody is without food for that night.  Pets are nothing but living beings with whom we should share our food and love. It is told that in the earlier Brahmin homes, Kolams or drawings used to be put in front of the house with Rice powder so that ants will come and eat it. This is a typical example of Bhoota Yajna.<BR><BR>These five Yajnas will definitely help us to live peacefully. We will get mental satisfaction if we are able to do all these yajnas punctually. Material prosperity and Spiritual bliss will follow a person who does these Yajnas with devotion and dedication.<BR><BR>OM SHANTI SHANTI SHANTI!!]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 13 Oct 2006 09:03:28 +0530</pubDate><link>http://harikochi.rediffiland.com/blogs/2006/10/13/PANCHAMAHA.html</link></item><item><title>MATA AMRITANANDAMAYI</title><description><![CDATA[I wish to write about one of the most humble, enchanting, pleasing living personality on this Earth who is lovingly called by everyone as AMMA or MOTHER and whose name is MATA AMRITANANDAMAYI which in English means Mother of Immortal Bliss.<BR><BR>Amma was born 53 years back in a small village in Kerala where the main occupation is Fishing. Eventhough majority of the people are not that educated but have an innate cultural base. God fearing people.<BR><BR>It is very difficult to understand a person of deep spiritual awareness. Amma from the tender age exhibited enormous spiritual energy. Even the family members could not understand it in those days.<BR><BR>She was born with bluish black colour which symbolises eternity. Vastness of the sea, enormity of the blue sky all these are but reminiscenses of broad Spiritual truth.<BR><BR>She could attend only upto 4th standard in school. She had to help her mother in household chores. She had no complaints. All the heavy household duties like washing clothes, cleaning the indoors and outdoors, feeding the cattle, bringing food for the cattle everything she did chanting the holy name of Lord Krishna. <BR><BR>Many a time she used to forget the world and enter into spiritual trance which the material wordly people cannot understand. People thought she had lost mental balance. Actually Amma was enjoying the spiritual bliss.<BR><BR>At the age of 18, she started her spiritual mission of training disciples. Through her unique, all encomposing motherly spiritual embrace her grace flowed to the people. People started pouring in thousands seeking pure motherly love. <BR><BR>Life of Amma was not smooth at that time. Antagonists formed group to oppose the activities of Amma. They accused Amma was cultivating blind faith. On numerous occassions they tried to disrupt Amma's activities. But gradually oppositions faded away.<BR><BR>In 1987, upon the call of her devotees all over the world, she and her disciples went on a world tour. There after she continuously visits various countries blessing people.<BR><BR>Her compassion to the world has given birth to various institutions <BR>which includes a Super Speciality Hospital which provides excellant treatment at subsidised rates for the poor, Educational institutions like Amrita Vidyalayams(1st standard to 12th) Medical College, Engineering College, Pharmacy College, Dental College, Nursing College, Computer Training institutes, Industrial Training Centres etc which imparts value based education in respective fields.<BR><BR>She has installed temples where people can perform religious worship themselves. There are Ashrams all over the world where spiritual training is provided by amma's disciples.<BR><BR>Amma is trying fervently to spread the message of Spiritual brotherhood among the people and her mission has helped a lot in spreading the message of world peace. In fact United Nations Organisation has included Mata Amritananda Mayi Math in thier list of relief volunteers which was prompted by the enormous relief work which Amma undertook in the event of Tsunami disaster. She has built large number of houses in different locations.<BR><BR>Amma is pure Consciousness. Imbibing her teaching and living according to that will cleanse the individual, provide immense internal peace. <BR><BR>As usual, the majority of mankind are not able to understand Amma.<BR>Accusations, criticisms and bad propaganda is following Amma too.<BR><BR>Amma is like ever flowing Ganga. She undertakes numerous humanitarian projects and fulfills it with remarkable skill.<BR><BR>Let more and more people understand Amma and be recepients of her boundless Grace.<BR><BR>OM SHANTI SHANTI SHANTI !!!<BR><BR>]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 11 Oct 2006 09:07:41 +0530</pubDate><link>http://harikochi.rediffiland.com/blogs/2006/10/11/MATA.html</link></item><item><title>SAGE VEDA VYASA</title><description><![CDATA[I have always stood amazed at the wisdom and creativity of Sage Vedavyasa who created the Great Epic Mahabharatha, Great Purana Mahabhagavatham, Brahmasuthras and so on.<BR><BR>All these works are philosophical masterpieces which depict the various stages and events in human life. Vyasa has dealt with all the situations of Life.<BR><BR>We become really humble when we read the great works of Sage Veda Vyasa. I am of the firm opinion that everyone should read in detail all the works of Vyasa.<BR><BR>We can surely derive immense insight as to how to lead a peaceful and righteous life from the Literary renditions of Vyasa.<BR><BR>I have experienced rich delight from his writings and the interesting thing is that there are several angles through which we can explain each story. Tremendous dimensions! Enormous possibilities! Full of creative energy!<BR><BR>It is said that Vyasa did not get full satisfaction even after writing works such as Brahmasutra and other Puranas. In that event he undertook the creation of Mahabhagavatham which narrates in detail the life and teachings of Multi-faceted divine personality Lord Krishna.<BR><BR>One can find the ultimate literary genius of Sage Vedavyasa in this one publication. Eventhough Bhagavatham tells us about the other incarnations of Lord Vishnu, in fact the soothing and vibrant story of Lord Krishna is which makes Bhagavatham the sweetest literary piece the world has ever seen.<BR><BR>One can find Romance, Playfulness, righteous diplomacy, terrific administration skills, heroic valour and imitable sense of living the great values in the life of Lord Krishna.<BR><BR>It was because of sage Veda vyasa we got this great work.<BR><BR>We can pay our respects to this legendary writer by living according to his ideals and propogating his enchanting works.<BR><BR><BR>]]></description><pubDate>Mon, 09 Oct 2006 14:12:01 +0530</pubDate><link>http://harikochi.rediffiland.com/blogs/2006/10/09/SAGE-VEDA.html</link></item><item><title>SREE SANKARACHARYA</title><description><![CDATA[This is about Sree Adi Sankaracharya one of the greatest Spiritual Masters the world have ever seen.<BR><BR>It is the previlege of Keralites that Shankaracharya emerged from Kerala, God's Own Country- if at all we can call it by that name because of Adi sankaracharya and Mata Amritanandamayi.<BR><BR>Adi Sankara, the legendary master learned Indian Scriptures at the very early age and started his spiritual sojourn to emanicipate the ignorant masses.<BR><BR>The rotten practices of Hinduism together with Budhist dogmas had indeed made the life of Indian miserable. It was at this historical crisis, Shankara appeared and spread spiritual light.<BR><BR>The commentary he wrote for Upanishads, Bhagavat Gita and Brahmasutra indeed helped people to imbibe the true meaning of these great works. It was in fact Shankara gave a practical and altruistic direction to the Hindu way of life.<BR><BR>He had created principles for Sannyasa Life, Integrated Temple Rituals.  It was his noble endeavour to correct the Hindu devotional system.<BR><BR>In Bhagavat Gita Lord Krishna says, whenever virtue subsides and vice prevails, God descend as Incarnation to protect the Virtuous and remove evil forces.  Shankara in that sense was indeed an incarnation who used his short stint of life (32 years) to save and protect the great religion of Sanatana Dharma (another name of Hinduism). <BR><BR>We, Indians are deeply indebted to Shankara for his noble life and teachings. It is said that Knowledge is indeed the saviour. Shankara lived to spread knowledge, nourish knowledge and nurture knowledge.<BR><BR>If the modern world could learn Shankara Philosophy and live accordingly I think we have ready solutions to all our problems.]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 04 Oct 2006 13:27:04 +0530</pubDate><link>http://harikochi.rediffiland.com/blogs/2006/10/04/SREE.html</link></item><item><title>PANGS</title><description><![CDATA[This is about the world we see around.<BR><BR>I feel sad when I look at people who are ignorant about Life and its great value.<BR><BR>I feel dejected when I see innumerable hapless individuals who suffer in homes and hospitals from terminal diseases like AIDS,CANCER etc.<BR><BR>I writh in pain when I look at the poor students who find it difficult to pay for their fees, clothes, books.<BR><BR>My spirit take a downturn when I hear tragic news of Terrorist attack.<BR><BR>My moral indignation takes ignition when I listen to the horrendous stories of corruption, scandal and misappropriation of Government Funds by callous officials and politicians.<BR><BR>I hung my head in shame when I read stories of Religious Conversion and narrow minded theories of Semitic religions.]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 29 Sep 2006 09:54:20 +0530</pubDate><link>http://harikochi.rediffiland.com/blogs/2006/09/29/PANGS.html</link></item></channel></rss>