Messages

541

General Discussion / Hindu Fasts , Festivals from April 2016 - March 2017

« on: April 22, 2016, 10:24:07 AM »

Started this new thread to inform , understand all the major Hindu Fasts , Festivals that come in the period April 2016 - March 2017 as Tamil New Year started from 14 April 2016 . There many be differences in the dates of some festivals in North India , South India ( for example Hanuman Jyanathi ) but it does not matter . We can always celebrate the festivals ( in a spiritual sense ) on both the dates .  Swami Sivananda has written a separate book called "Hindu  Fasts , Festivals " and the link to the book is given here :
http://www.dlshq.org/download/hindufest.htm

I will try to post mainly from Swami Sivananda , Kanchi Paramacharya and Bhagavan Ramana about the significance of the various fasts and festivals that are celebrated in India and as a starting point have taken Hanuman Jayanathi that is falling today : Fri 22 April 2016 ( according to North Indian Calender ) .

So far the festivals that were over are :

1) Tamil New Year on THu 14 April 2016
2) Sri Rama Navami on FRI 15 April 2016

Today is  Chitra Pournami , Hanuman Jayanthi on Fri 22 April 2016 ( according to North Indian Calender )

Today i Fri 22 April 2016 is Celebrated as Hanuman Jayanthi in North India .Hanumanh Jayanti or Hanumath Jayanti is celebrated to commemorate the birth of Hanuman, the Vanara god, widely venerated throughout India. The event is celebrated on the 15th day of the Shukla Paksha, during the month of Chaitra (the Chaitra Pournimaa). In South India, especially Tamil Nadu Hanumaan jayanthi is celebrated on the Margazhi month of Moola nakshathram. It is said that Hanumaan was born on the moola nakshathra in Marghazi month. It does not matter which date is correct and we can celebrate Hanuman Jayanthi on both dates ( North India , South India ) . Lord Hanuman is a symbol for Physical Strength , Perseverance and devotion ( to LORD RAMA ) and let us invoke Lord Hanuman for blessing us with lot of physical strength , abundant perseverance and sincere devotion to God to face our challenges in our life cheerfully and come out successful . Very auspicious to start Chanting Hanuman Chalisa and start reading Sundara Kandam from today to receive Lord Hanuman's blessings .

542

General Discussion / Re: Rough Notebook-Open Forum

« on: April 22, 2016, 09:36:17 AM »

Wise words from a Tibetan Buddhist Teacher for a spiritual practitioner .

"You, the practitioner, should first of all be like a bee going from flower to flower collecting nectar. At the stage when you are listening to and studying the teachings, learn all of them carefully, in both words and meaning.

Then, you should be like a wild animal. Not satisfied with a mere theoretical understanding, go to live in mountain solitudes where you can be free from all the busy involvement of ordinary life. Be self-sufficient and firm in one-pointed practice, as you discover directly for yourself the profound meaning of the teachings.

Finally, as you put the teachings into practice and integrate them with your being, you should be like a peg driven into hard ground. Unshaken by thoughts during meditation, remain unwavering. Cut away all limiting concepts of existence and non-existence from within, and directly encounter the face of the ultimate nature of everything. "

- Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche

543

General Discussion / Re: Rough Notebook-Open Forum

« on: April 20, 2016, 06:57:28 AM »

Subramaniam Sir

Thanks for the writeup about Sri PAmban Swamigal . I regularly visit his Samasdhi Shrine in THiruvanmiyur ,Chennai and love chanting his songs especially Kumarsthavam and Shanmuga Kavacham . The PAnchamrutha Vannam is a great song but difficult has complex meanings and words . PAmban Swamigal's Tamil is but tough but they have potent powers embedded in them . A great saint indeed and those who love THIRUPPUGAZ would also love the songs and composition of Sri Pamban Swamigal .

544

General Discussion / Re: Rough Notebook-Open Forum

« on: April 17, 2016, 05:04:49 PM »

What Ramana Maharshi told About NAMA MAHATHMYA
& Nama Japa --


http://athma-spiritualbliss.blogspot.in/2013/08/nama-mahathmya-nama-japa-or-nama-smarana.html

An illiterate peasant from a village came to meet Ramana
Maharshi & stood hesitatingly far away from him, for a long
time. Maharshi noticed this,got up, went near the villager &
the conversation between them as reported by another
person is as follows--

 I was curious about this villager and why Bhagavan had gone
out of his way to meet him. So, while the discussion continued
I slipped away and caught up with the villager, before he left
the Ashram. I asked the villager what he and Bhagavan had
talked about. He said that Bhagavan had asked him why he
was standing there so far away. "I told Bhagavan, 'I am
only an ignorant, poor villager. How am I to approach
you who are God incarnate?'"
"What did the Maharshi say then?" I asked.
"He asked me my name, what village I was from, what work
I did and how many children I had, etc."
"Did you ask Him anything?"
"I asked Him how I could be saved and how I could
earn His blessings."
"What did He tell you?"
"He asked me if there was a temple in my village. I told
him there was. He wanted to know the name of the deity
of that temple. I told Him the name. He then said that
I should go on repeating the name of that deity and
I would receive all the blessings needed."
By the above incident we can know the greatness of GOD's
name & its repetition.

545

General Discussion / Re: Rough Notebook-Open Forum

« on: April 17, 2016, 05:03:16 PM »

Ramakrishna Paramahamsa  said--


http://athma-spiritualbliss.blogspot.in/2013/08/nama-mahathmya-nama-japa-or-nama-smarana.html

?In the Kaliyuga, man, being totally dependent on food for
 life, cannot altogether shake off the idea that he is the
body. In this state of mind it is not proper for him to say,
?I am He.? When a man does all sorts of worldly things, he
should not say ?I am Brahman.? Those who cannot give up
attachment to worldly things, and who find no means to shake
off the feeling of ?I,? should rather cherish the idea: ?I am God?s
servant. I am His devotee.? One can also realize God
following the path of devotion.?

Have faith in the name of God. Then you won?t need even to
go to holy places. One should always chant His name. Even
when one is performing one's duties, the mind should be left
with God.

546

General topics / Re: Happy Ram Navami Fri 19 April 2013

« on: April 17, 2016, 04:49:56 PM »

Going through this old thread after a long gap and interested to re-read many of the wonderful things discussed in this thread about the glory of chanting RAM NAAM especially the one instruction given by Bhagavan Ramana tp Prof NR Krishnamurthi Aiyer .

547

General Discussion / Re: Sri Rama Navami -15.04.2016:

« on: April 16, 2016, 07:38:10 AM »

Rama Nama Mahima by Kanchi Mahaswamigal

In our Hindu religion Sri Rama and Sri Krishna have been blessing us in two inseparable forms. One was born in Dakshinayanam (period beginning mid July ? upto mid January) and the other in Uttarayanam (period beginning mid January ? upto mid July).

Sri Rama was born in Uttarayanam, at the end of Panguni / beginning of Chithirai, a special month. Sri Rama was born in Sukla Paksha ( the fortnight between Amavasya and Pournami), on the day of Navami ( the ninth day of the fortnight).

Sri Krishna was born on Ashtami (the eighth day of the fortnight). Rama was born in the Treta yugam and Krishna in the Dwapara yugam. Both of them are of blue colour and of the same form. Rama ensured that he followed the path of Dharma all through his life. Krishna not only followed the path of Dharma all through, but also blessed us with his Bhagavad Gita. This way, there is a lot of similarity between Rama and Krishna.

There, Rama goes with Viswamitra to protect the yagna and the first being killed by him is Tataka. Here, Krishna, immediately after his birth, kills Puthana.

When we see the similarities between them, we find that they emphasize that any task carried out for the protection of Dharma is always right.

Rama and Krishna are the lamps leading us on the right path in our lives.

Moreover, Rama Nama ( the word ?Rama?) is a glorious name. ?Ramethi Rama?, ?Krishneti Krishna?. Rama is He who destroys all our sorrows. ?Ramethi Rama? means ?Rama who gives us all happiness?.

Rama is that ?Supreme Being?, who, right from Dasaratha?s time, since very old times, has destroyed sorrow and brought happiness in the lives of many.

Maha Vishnu was in the form of a Guru and was born as Dasaratha?s son Rama. Dasaratha had no children for a very long time. With the birth of the child, this worry was destroyed. When asked what the child should be named, they chose the name ?Rama?, which removes all difficulties and brings joy. Dasaratha gave his son this name in a very very joyful state of mind.

Though Dasaratha named his son ?Rama?, this word ?Rama,Rama? has been there in the Upanishads since ancient times. It is also called ?Taraka Namam?. It is said that this name helps us tide over our difficulties. It has helped millions of people in doing so.

Since the child destroyed the worry of Dasaratha?s family, he was named Rama.

By killing Tataka, he also destroyed the worries of the Devas.

Rama destroyed the worries of the Rishis and brought them joy. He went to the forest for 14 years and there, gave darshan to many Rishis and made them happy.

Rama nama gives peace and happiness to one and all even today.

The Jayanthi Utsavam (birth celebrations) of the Rama Nama falls on Sri Rama Navami every year. On that day, each of us should meditate on Rama and chant Sri Rama, Sri Rama. This will ensure that all our worries are destroyed and our lives will be filled with happiness.

During Rama?s reign, the people were not worried about whether something was available or not ( they were contended with whatever they had).

?ramo ramo ranamathi iraha mano gataha?. If Rama Rajyam is established in the world, it would be a period of happiness.

When Rama ruled his kingdom, his subjects kept chanting ?Rama, Rama?, because of which they never faced any scarcity, be it for food, fuel or other things. May Sri Rama bless us to establish such a situation in our country (a situation of contentment), to chant Rama, Rama,Rama and get rid of our sorrows and worries, to pray ? sabko sanmati de bhagwan? and obtain good intellect.

आपदामपहर्थारम् दातारम् सर्व सम्पदाम् I

लोकाभिरामम् श्रीरामम् भूयोभूयो नमाम्यहम् II

Aapadaamapahartaaram daataaram sarva sampadaam I

Lokaabhiraamam sriraamam bhuyo bhuyo namamyaham II
यदावर्णयत्कर्णमूलेन्तकाले

शिवो राम रामेति रामेति काश्याम् I

तदेकम् परम् तारकब्रह्मरूपम्

भजेहम् भजेहम् भजेहम् भजेहम् II

Yadavarnayatkarnamoolentakaale

Sivo rama rameti rameti kashyam I

Tadekam param taarakabramharoopam

Bhajeham bhajeham bhajeham bhajeham II
श्रीराम राम रामेति रमे रामे मनोरमे I

सहस्र नाम तत्तुल्यम् राम नाम वरानने II

Sri rama rama rameti rame rame manorame I

Sahasra nama tattulyam rama nama varaanane II

548

The teachings of Bhagavan Sri Ramana Maharshi / Re: Our Bhagavan-Stories

« on: April 14, 2016, 04:33:48 PM »

On the evening of 14-4-1950, I went at 6-30 and stood in the queue arranged for an orderly darshan of Bhagavan and when I got up on the raised mound opposite the door of the room where Bhagavan was sitting, and stood there for a while with my sight concentrated on him and prayed to him mentally, ?Oh Prabho! Won?t you for once radiate on me your compassionate look?? Bhagavan?s eyes slowly began to open and from those eyes, a mild and compassionate look came on me. That was the last time I had the great fortune of his compassionate look.
At 8-47 that night, Sri Ramana, the embodiment of light and enlightenment, left his mortal coil.
(Suri Nagamma in 'Letters from Sri Ramanasramam' 'Brahmanirvana'.)

549

General Discussion / Re: Happy Tamizh New Year - 14th April 2016:

« on: April 14, 2016, 08:51:24 AM »

Happy TAmil New Year 2016 to all our Members here . As I Am right now in Rishikesh sending my warmest Tamil New Year Greetings from the Banks of Mother Ganga and hope this New Year brings in health , happiness , prosperity and peace to all of us .

550

General Discussion / Re: Rough Notebook-Open Forum

« on: April 08, 2016, 10:12:56 PM »

But as per the call of Arunachaleswara, he went to Tiruvannamalai
and from there he went to Bangalore.  He attained Maha Samadhi on 30.5.1929, in Tiruvanmiyur,
on the outskirts of today's Chennai. His Samadhi is said to be in Tiruvanmiyur, Chennai.

Subramaniam Sir

Coincidentally today I visited Sri Pamban Swamigal Samadhi in Thiruvanmiyur and was happy to read your post on return .
Coming back to yoru post , are u aware of Pamban Swamigal meeting Bhagavan Ramana during his trip to Thiruvanamalai ?

551

The teachings of Bhagavan Sri Ramana Maharshi / Re: Bhagavan Ramana Teachings

« on: April 07, 2016, 06:58:22 AM »

Questioner: How can the mind be made to vanish?
Sri Ramana Maharshi: No attempt is made to destroy it. To think or wish it is itself a thought. If the thinker is sought, the thoughts will disappear.
Questioner: Will they disappear of themselves? It looks so difficult.
Sri Ramana Maharshi: They will disappear because they are unreal. The idea of difficulty is itself an obstacle to realisation. It must be overcome. To remain as the Self is not difficult.
Questioner: It looks easy to think of God in the external world, whereas it looks difficult to remain without thoughts.
Sri Ramana Maharshi: That is absurd; to look at other things is easy and to look within is difficult! It must be contrariwise.
Questioner: But I do not understand. It is difficult.
Sri Ramana Maharshi: This thought of difficulty is the chief obstacle. A little practice will make you think differently.
Questioner: What is the practice?
Sri Ramana Maharshi: To find out the source of `I'.
~ from 'Talk 244'; 29th August, 1936

552

The teachings of Bhagavan Sri Ramana Maharshi / Re: Bhagavan Ramana's Quotes in Picture Format

« on: April 06, 2016, 02:25:04 PM »

553

The teachings of Bhagavan Sri Ramana Maharshi / Re: Bhagavan Ramana Teachings

« on: April 06, 2016, 02:09:19 PM »

MORE TALKS WITH RAMANA MAHARSHI
Date: 16.9.42 Time: 10.15 A.M.

50. When i entered the hall a discussion was going on about self-enquiry. Bhagavan was in his usual posture with adorable countenance.

A frequent visitor said: Bhagavan has said that self-enquiry is simple, direct and effective. Though I try to follow the same I cannot say I have understood it. I put the question 'Who am I?' but there is no proper response from within. However, I am getting a sort of stillness.

Bhagavan: "How can you get the answer in words? It is not a regular mental enquiry to elicit a concrete answer. It is only a tool to direct the mind back to its source."

Visitor: Yes, I follow. But the result is not clear to me. There is a short-stillness which does not last.

Bhagavan: You should be steadfast in sadhana. By repeating the process you fix attention on the ego. the 'I'- thought. Whenever the doubt arises repeat the process and make the enquiry. Try to reach the source of the ego. Once you reach the source, by one-pointed effort, your peace will not be disturbed.''

NN Rajan.

554

The teachings of Bhagavan Sri Ramana Maharshi / Re: Bhagavan Ramana Teachings

« on: April 03, 2016, 12:56:27 PM »

CONVERSATIONS WITH ANNAMALAI SWAMI
Q: Sometimes God appears to devotees in a physical form. Is the form of God real or is it just imagination?
AS: If you see names and forms you are looking at your imagination. If you only see the Self you are looking at reality.
Namdev and Tukaram had great devotion to Krishna. They
thought of Him so much that He often appeared before them and talked to them.
I once asked Bhagavan, 'How did these saints see Krishna?
Was the form they saw a real form??
Bhagavan answered, 'How did they see Him? In just the same way that I see you and you see me. They would have seen a
physical form in just the same way that ordinary people see ordinary forms.?
These words had such a powerful effect on me that I immediately entered a blissful state in which all my hairs stood on end.
When devotees told Bhagavan that they had had visions of
Rama or Krishna, he would sometimes reply, 'Oh really, and where is Rama now?'
When the devotee admitted that he could no longer see the vision Bhagavan would say, 'Visions come and go; they are not permanent. Find out who is having the vision.'
The formless Self is the only reality. It is the real nature of
God. In His real form God never appears or disappears; He is always present. If you turn your attention towards the Self and
keep it there you will experience Him as He really is.
?Living by the Words of Bhagavan?, p. .293

555

The teachings of Bhagavan Sri Ramana Maharshi / Re: Aksharamanamalai Celebrations - important pointers

« on: April 02, 2016, 11:40:47 AM »

Slow and meditative chanting of the Arunachala Siva Maha Mantra

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C6WWVMd05M8