मातृ दॆवॊ भव ...................... Salutations to the Mother!

    

     Whenever the word “Women” is uttered, spoken, or written, there is always this urge to give her the 50% share of the world (of men?). This is either out of audacity/ega, or a hauty attitude that wants to bestow upon her what is rightfully hers, or an inner feeling that rouses to than her (for something in return?). The feminine needs neither of this. She is absolute in herself. 

      Then the question of women’ right comes into picture. Deny the women of certain things that is rightfully due to her, then guise yourself in the mask of “Rights Activists” and voice for the women. Some of them do it genuinely; most of them become champions of women’s rights with selfish intentions.

      How many of us have thanked the mother since childhood? How many of us have ventures to fight for the rights of our mother? Have we ever found such a need? Why is it so, that all of womens’ day talk ventures around that beautiful young women who is either oppressed and needs “rights”, or needs to be motivated (through appreciations)?

      Yes! A times we see that women are oppressed! Sexually, domestically, socially, and what not! This again stems from inequality. Why do people always want to give a special status to women? Why at all the discrimination at the first place?

      Most of the discussion about women so far has been “Man” centric. Why should man restrict the women to 50% of all the things? Has mother nature drawn any line to demarcate and say that this half belongs to women (and the other to man)?

Leaving aside the nuances of men and the world, let me venture into seeing women as she is! I pray the divine mother to bless me to see her the way she is!

There are many attributes to a women. But the most beautiful thing about being a women is being a mother! If I were a rights activists I would venture into questioning – “Are women born only to beget?”! God bless all who think likewise. Does only a women who beget qualify to be a mother? It is more of the feminine than women herself. Does not the male sea horse nurse its child more loving than the female one? Is it not worthy of motherhood? Are not the hundreds of Gurus guiding millions of children in our schools to the light of knowledge, less motherly? A mother is the first Guru! A mother feeds her child with the milk of fer knowledge. Have not we seen before, that it was the mothers’ who shaped great men in this land (Bharat)? Jijabai shaped Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj; Bhuvaneshwari Devi molded Swami Vivekananda. Even among the lions, it is the lioness that hunts, the lion stands as a spectator!

I am venturing into a subtler aspect. It is not just enough to respect women. We must love and respect the “Feminine” in this world and the nature.

This land Bharat, has seen women guiding society in all walks of life. Gargeyi and Maitreyi, and others guided us through the light of their knowledge; Rani Durgavati, Rani Chennamma, and Jhansi Ki Rani lead us through their valour; Akkamahadevi and Meera Bai, and others showed us the path of Bhakti (devotion/surrendrance). We have also witnessed austere (Pativrata) women like Savitri. In the past, women have been rebalious and questioned their husbands like never before! Draupadi is the best example.
Even today we see the like of Maata Amrutanandamayi guiding the society through her spiritual vision. We are proud of our sisters and mothers in ISRO who have upheld Bharat name and fame in the world’s scientific field.

It is also said that this land (Akhanda Bharat) os the land of the Goddess herself; each of her body parts having fallen on various parts of this land. These places are called “Shakti Peetas” (Centers of power/energy). These are the power centers that drive Bharat.

We have seen all important things as mother. The rivers, the earth, and the nature herself is the divine feminine.

Whenever we say mother, she is witness to all! In her we see no exclusion! She can never be restricted or limited or concised to something. Any amount of thanksgiving cannot suffice! It is only gratitude and surrenderance!

There are many roles that a women plays, as a friend, sister, wife, mother, and what not! Let this idea be not male centric, for God’s sake! The mother shall bless you and guide you to the path of righteousness! She is the strength (Shakti) and is the source of all creation.  

A befitting way to remember Guru Ji MS Golwalkar

Shri Gurumurthy addressing the audience

An exceptionally eloquent and scholarly lecture by Shri Gurumurthy ji was the best way to remember, and contemplate the life and teachings of Guruji Madhav Sadashiv Golwalkar! At an event organised by “Manthana Bengaluru” at NMKRV Auditorium on 3^rd March on ‘Sri Guruji Golwalkar and Contemporary India’, Shri Gurumurthy’s talk was an eye opener for many. The talk was constructed & navigated in an orderly and profound manner.

            At the outset Shri Gurumurthy ji informed that he would assess/analyse MS Golwalkar independently. With reverence one looks up to a person, and loses the ability to analyse him, he said. He beautifully added that unless one transcends both appreciation and critique, one cannot see the complete personality.
Here is a brief summary of various points covered by Shri Gurumurthy ji in his talk:-

Social Atmosphere and role of RSS at the time of Guru Ji

RSS was a socially admired organization, yet politically detested one (even today this stands true). The likes of Mahatma Gandhi, JP Narayan, Ambedkar, and other social leaders admired RSS. However, the political establishment always saw benefit in its opposition to RSS.  Typically, RSS had (has) an impact on politics, and not vice-verse. In such a scenario, with the political establishment being unfavorable to the thoughts and work of RSS, Shri Golwalkar built RSS Brick by brick.

Another interesting point brought about by Shri Gurumurthy ji was that the entire discourse on RSS was (is) based on criticism.

Poorva paksha: analyzing RSS by studying conflicting/divergent views

The discourse began with the study of RSS by Walter Anderson and Shridhar Damle. The course slowly moved towards the views of various men and organization in Guru Ji’s time on “Hindutwa” and “Hindu Nationalism”.  Shri Golwalkar took the reins of RSS in the 1939-1940. There was little or no difference of opinion between RSS thought and socio-economic-political thinking around this time (and before). Views of various men were mentioned as under:-

1.      Hyndman: Report on India of (1907) [From the Marxist Archives] quotes in its note:

“The quotations given and the facts adduced in the book (“Hindu Superiority” by Har Bilas Sarda) of more than 450 pages ought to silence forever the foolish and ignorant sneerers at Hindu inferiority”.

2.      Rajani Palme Dutt, an eminent socialist of those times informs through his Book “India Today”, that ‘the Vedas and Upanishads would have given India the same slogans (of freedom and independence) as the english education system. He belittled the criticism that only those Indian’s educated through the English education showed the spine to protest.

3.      In his 1934 book “Glimpses of World History”, Jawaharlal Nehru writes, “It is not easy to draw a line between Hindu Nationalism and True Nationalism”. Further Nehru mentions, “Swami Vivekananda preached eloquently the gospel of Hinduism. It was not anti-Muslim or anti anything. Yet it was Hindu (in all respects)”.

4.      In the book Hind Swaraj, Mahatma Gandhi says, “I hold this to be a mistake. The English have taught us that we were not one nation before and that it will require centuries before we become one nation. This is without foundation. We were one nation before they came to India. One thought inspired us. Our mode of life was the same. It was because we  were  one  nation  that  they  were  able  to  establish  one  kingdom. Subsequently they divided us.

5.      Both Gandhi and Nehru were in agreement that the “Power of assimilation (of conflicting thoughts/ideas) of people was the essence of our culture”. These views were no different from that of Guru Ji.

The Hindu Identity of India

Till 1940, there was a broad convergence of Hindu identity of India (among communists, Gandhians, RSS, and other organizations). The proposition that “Hindu idea is sectional and not wholesome” came after 1940. This was Post Muslim league passing resolution for a separate Muslim nation, and the ensuing politics, the thirst for power, the partition of the country in 1947 etc. In this changed scenario (that is a tectonic shift from convergence in the idea of Hindu identity to that of inferior Hindu identity/secularism) Guru Ji took over the reins of RSS.

RSS did not create the idea of Hindu Nationalism. It only asserted /defended it, because others deserted. This was the changed scenario in which Guru Ji had to head RSS, with new found challenges.

Fight against powerful establishments and popular opinion

In 1951, UN report on ‘Modern western anthropological model of development’ said that those who want to develop must leave their indigenous values, traditions, and all that is their own. Many scholars of this time were of the view that all societies would progress through the same stages to a modernity defined by the West.

Not just in the socio-cultural space, even in the politico-economic arena, the tide was against India and the idea of Hindu Nationalism.

Golwalkar the man with a mission

Shri Golwalkar was never arrested by the context. Despite all the opposition, and a demanding situation to face, Guru Ji always stood by the ideals of RSS and propogated its philosophy. Similar to a dissent note by a judge in a majority judgement, Guru Ji’s philosophy was that of dissent. It was a dissent that had the capacity to light the intellect of the future (and today we are a witness to the same). Philosophy of Dissent is a morale guide for the future.

Shri MS Golwalkar was guided by the “Power of idea” and “Purity of thought”.

Union of ideas and breaking the walls of lies

The views of Supreme Court of India later expressed on Hinduism, Hindutva, minorities, and related subjects have converged with that of Shri Guruji stated decades ago (Refer Hindutwa judgement of the Supreme Court). There is also a substantial convergence between the views of editors and scholars of The “Fundamentalism Project” of the Chicago University in US, and Guruji’s views expressed again decades earlier. Out of the five volumes of the book on “Fundamentalism” brought out by the “Fundamentalism project”, 300 - 350 pages figure about RSS. This study dispels the lies spread about RSS with regards to extremism and fundamentalism.
All of these are in convergence with Guru Ji’s idea of Hinduism and none speak about exclusiveness of Hinduism, but of its inclusiveness.

The idea of Bharat – Hindu Rashtra – Tolerant/accepting/peaceful culture

Guru ji always mentioned that Nation lives in the minds and hearts of the people.

India is a land of diversity and is full of rich traditions, and heritage. If you put India on one side and the entire world on the other, India has more diversity than the other. In India, we abuse Gods, play with Gods, and beat them up black and blue, and what not. All is acceptable; such is the level of acceptance. Also it is said that there are 33 crore Gods in our culture. Further, in each family everyone worships different Gods. By worshipping more than one God, naturally one becomes tolerant.

The idea of Hindu Rashtra:

a)      “Despite vivid diversity, our forefathers are one and the same”.

b)      The idea of assimilation of noble ideas, thoughts, and cultures is central to India’s life.

Guru ji’s magnanimous personality

In spite of constant abuses, Shri Guru Ji did not give up his patience and respect for opponents. There was one occasion were he reprimanded RSS swayamsevak’s for speaking bad about the then Prime Minister Pandit Nehru in a private conversation. He deeply regarded and respect even his political/ideological opponents. Besides, Pandit Nehru held the office of Prime Minister of India.

Guru Ji commanded respect even among his opponents. The Condolence given to Guru Ji by the Parliament of India, on his death, was led by the former PM of India and Congress leader Smt. Indira Gandhi.

Guru Ji – a visionary

            The greatness of man is measured by the re-occurrence of his words after his time.  On China Guru Ji told that ‘a new Confucian China will emerge out of Communist China with its empire building instincts intact.’ How true this holds today. His views on Pakistan was both funny and true. He said that Pakistan shall be a permanent irritant to the world.

Guru Ji’s message for the future

If we were to follow Guru Ji, then as a Nation we have to transform ourselves. We've developed a follower mentality; the need is to develop a leadership mentality. This is essential for us to lead the world i.e. become Vishwaguru. By doing so, we not only follow Guru Ji’s path, but also fulfill his dream of a “Parama Vaibhav Rashtra”. 

The audience

            Shri Gurumurthy Ji’s lecture was ever inspiring and the effect was seen by the Manthana Talks among people, post the conclusion of the event. The talk gave a renewed spirit to enthusiastic Swayamsevaks to carry forward the divine work of the Nation.

A tribute to the Paramahamsa on his Punya Tithi

The word Paramahamsa means, "Ascetic of the highest order". Among such ascetics was a unique gem from Bengal Sri Ramakrishna. Today is the Punya Tithi of the great soul Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa. He lived a life of a Yogi and lived all his life serving his mother 'Goddess Kali'. His only motive of life was to serve Kali. He lived entire life worshipping her and meditating upon her. He saw her as the mother; the almighty mother of the Universe. He lived as an example to many ascetics. He was also the Guru of Swami Vivekananda. It took a Paramahamsa to recognize a "Vivekananda" in an ordinary boy called "Narendra". 

Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa

His quotes are all inspirational and motivational. Anybody who wishes to make a turnaround in their lives must read the sayings, words, and stories of Sri Ramakrishna. 

He lived a difficult live; both in terms of physical health and also the material comforts that he could afford. He lived a simple live with barely anything to eat for himself or his own wife "Sharada Devi". During his closing days, he severely suffered from throat cancer. Yet, his ailment did not deter him from continuing on his path of service, and that of spirituality. He gave away in alms, whatever he got. He kept only what was necessary for his survival, Even at the trying times of throat cancer he took no medicine or treatment. He saw everything as the prasadam of "Mother Kali'. 

The famous Belur Math and the Ramakrishna Mission was founded by his pupil Swami Vivekananda in honour of his master. Even today, Ramakrishna lives amongst us as an ideal. He is an epitome of surrenderance (to the God), sacrifice (of worldly things), and substance (of how to live life to its fullest potential). He realised the ultimate truth during his life time and also had the fortune of having the darshan of Goddess Kali. 

A photo og Belur Math and Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa

May his life and ideals motivate us to do the right and just things in our lives and also help us to contribute positively to the society in our own ways. 

Vasishta Muni: The epitome of Patience, the ideal family man, and a star

          Every man reaps the consequences of his own acts. Even a reactionary act has its consequences. In any given situation, anger is the passion of fools. The wise are dispassionate towards anger. Anger is evil and anger is poison, say the noble souls. 

          Vasishta Muni was the Manasaputra (born of the mind) of Brahman (the creator). He is the husband of Arundhati (the star). The Arundhati-Vasishta Nakshatra are the only "twin-stars in the sky that revolve around one another. In all other twin stars, one star revolves around the other. That is why the newly wed couples are made to see the "Arundhati-Vasishta" Nakshatra, as they are the ideals of how a couple must be. Also Vasishta Muni is one among the Saptarshis (The seven Great Rishis who are also apparently part of the constellation, Saptarshi Mandala).

Arunshathi-Vasishta Twin Stars

Saptarishi Mandala 

           The Puranas heap praises on Vasishta for his unique quality of patience. He had the patience par the mother earth herself. It so happened that once, King Koushika (later Sage Vishwamitra) came to the ashram of Vasishta along with his large army. Vasishta, a poor hermit had not many resources to feed such a huge army. Yet, he fed them all with sumptuous meal. A surprised Koushika enquired about this miracle and found about the Cow Nandini (Daughter of heavenly Kamadhenu), the fulfilling goddess, prepared all the sumptuous meal for the entire army. It was a wish fulfilling cow and could grant anything. Koushika insisted Vasishta to give the cow to him in return for massive gold and wealth. Vasishta refused, Koushika ordered his army to kidnap the cow. The unprotected Sage Vasishta was beaten and harassed by the army. Seeing the plight of its master, Nandini, built her own army with her powers and destroyed the army of Koushika within minutes. It was then that Koushika realised the power of knowing "Brahman" (the ultimate realty). Drawing inspiration from Vasishta, Vishwamitra took to penance and become a "Brahma Jnani" himself. Vishwamitra though could not let go his anger towards Vasishta. Though being beaten up by an army of strong men, Vasishta never let his cool or lose his temper. 

On another occasion, Vasishta's hundred sons were killed by Kalmashapada (who was engulfed by a spirit named kinkara at the behest of Vishwamitra), a king of the Ikshwaku race who was cursed to become a man-eater by a certain Brahmana. The Brahmana was none other than Shakti, the son of Sage Vasishta. Even at such a difficult time of grief, Vasishta kept calm and had no hatred towards Vishwamitra or even Kalmashapada. During this time of grief, Vasishta tried to commit suicide. Neigh the ocean would not allow him to drown, nor did fire burn him. He tried to drown in a river named Haimavati, but the river, recognizing him as a Brahmana of great merit, fled in a hundred directions to avoid him. Such was the greatness of Vasishta, whom even the nature herself refused to consume. However, the progeny of Vasishta is restored through his grandson Parashara, the son of Shakti (the eldest among his hundred dead sons). 

Shakti Cursing Kalmashapada for blocking his way in a narrow path

          Verily, there is no match to Vasishta will power and his patience. No one has and will match Vasishta. He is a gem never to be. He is example and an ideal for all. May his blessings guide us in the path of forgiveness, perseverance, self-restraint, forbearance, tolerance, and acceptance. 

The story of Angulimala

On the occassion of Buddha Poornima I would like to share the story of Buddha & Angulimala. 
There was one man who was almost mad, a mad murderer.
He had taken a vow that he would kill one thousand people, not less than that, because the society had not treated him well. He would take his revenge by killing one thousand people. And from every person killed he would take one finger and make a rosary around his neck - one thousand fingers.
Because of this his name became Angulimala: the man with a rosary of fingers.
He killed nine hundred and ninety-nine people. Nobody would move in those parts; wherever people came to know that Angulimala was, the traffic would stop. And then it became very difficult for him to find one man, and only one more man was needed.
Buddha was passing a forest; people came to him from the villages and they said, "Don't go! Angulimala is there, that mad murderer! He doesn't think twice, he simply murders; and he will not think that you are a buddha. Don't go that way; there is another way, you can move by that one, but don't go through this forest!"
Buddha said, "If I don't go, then who will go? And he is waiting for one more, so I have to go."
Angulimala had almost completed his vow. And he was a man of energy because he was fighting the whole society: only one man - and he had killed a thousand people. And kings were afraid of him, generals were afraid, and the government and the law and the police - nobody could do anything. But Buddha said, "He is a man, he needs me. I must take the risk. Either he will kill me or I will kill him." This is what buddhas do: they stake, they risk their lives. Buddha went. Even the closest disciples who had said that they would remain with him up to the very end, they started lagging behind - because this was dangerous!
So when Buddha reached the hill where Angulimala was sitting on a rock, there was no one behind him, he was alone. All the disciples had disappeared. Angulimala looked at this innocent man; childlike, so beautiful, he thought, that even a murderer felt compassion for him. He thought, "This man seems to be absolutely unaware that I am here, otherwise nobody goes along this path." And the man looked so innocent, so beautiful, that even Angulimala thought, "It is not good to kill this man. I'll leave him, I can find somebody else."

Then he said to Buddha, "Go back! Stop there now and go back! Don't move a step forward! I am Angulimala, and these are nine hundred and ninety-nine fingers here, and I need one finger more - even if my mother comes I will kill her and fulfill my vow! So don't come near, I'm dangerous! And I am not a believer in religion, I'm not bothered who you are. You may be a very good monk, a great saint maybe, but I don't care! I only care about the finger, and your finger is as good as anybody else's so don't come a single step further, otherwise I will kill you. Stop!" But Buddha continued moving.
Then Angulimala thought, "Either this man is deaf or mad!" He again shouted, "Stop! Don't move!"
Buddha said, "I stopped long ago; I am not moving, Angulimala, you are moving. I stopped long ago.
All movement has stopped because all motivation has stopped. When there is no motivation, how can movement happen? There is no goal for me, I have achieved the goal so why should I move?
You are moving - and I say to you: you stop!"
Angulimala was sitting on the rock and he started laughing. He said, "You are really mad! I am sitting and you say to me that I am moving, and you are moving and you say that you have stopped.
You are really a fool or mad - or I don't know what type, what manner of man you are!"
Buddha came near and he said, "I have heard that you need one more finger. As far as this body is concerned, my goal is achieved, this body is useless. When I die people will burn it, it will be of no use to anyone. You can use it, your vow can be fulfilled: cut off my finger and cut off my head. I have come on purpose because this is the last chance for my body to be used in some way; otherwise people will burn it."
Angulimala said, "What are you saying? I thought that I was the only madman around here. And don't try to be clever because I am dangerous, I can still kill you!"
Buddha said, "Before you kill me, do one thing, just the wish of a dying man: cut off a branch of this tree." Angulimala hit his sword against the tree and a big branch fell down. Buddha said, "Just one thing more: join it again to the tree!"
Angulimala said, "Now I know perfectly that you are mad - I can cut but I cannot join."
Then Buddha started laughing and he said, "When you can only destroy and cannot create, you should not destroy because destruction can be done by children, there is no bravery in it. This branch can be cut by a child, but to join it a master is needed. And if you cannot even join back a branch to the tree, how can you cut off human heads? Have you ever thought about it?"
Angulimala closed his eyes, fell down at Buddha's feet, and he said, "You lead me on that path!" And it is said that in a single moment he became enlightened.
Next day he was a bhikkhu, a beggar, Buddha's beggar, and begging in the city. The whole city was closed. People were so afraid, they said, "Even if he has become a beggar he cannot be believed.
That man is so dangerous!" People were not out on the roads. When Angulimala came to beg nobody was there to give him food, because who would take the risk? People were standing on their terraces looking down. And then they started throwing stones at him because he had killed nine hundred and ninety-nine men of that town. Almost every family had been a victim, so they started throwing stones.
Angulimala fell down on the street, blood was flowing from all over his body, he had many wounds.
And Buddha came with his disciples and he said, "Look! Angulimala, how are you feeling?"
Angulimala opened his eyes and said, "I am so grateful to you. They can kill the body but they cannot touch me, and that is what I was doing my whole life and never realized the fact."
Buddha said, "Angulimala has become enlightened, he has become a brahmin, a knower of Brahma."
It can happen in a single moment if the energy is there. If the energy is not there, then it is difficult.
The whole system of yoga is how to create energy, more energy. The whole dynamics of tantra is how to create more energy in you, so you become a floodlike phenomenon. Then you can become good or bad.

Buddha: A lump of the divine

Buddha was the epitome of Knowledge and Compassion. HIs life and words are relevant even 25 centuries after his time. What a great soul must he be, who inspires millions even 2500 after his time. Those who drink and digest the nectar of his words are sure to attain liberation. His urged all to shun anger and to take care of the thoughts that shape our personality.

He emphasized on self-belief. 

He said, "No one saves us but ourselves. No one can and no one may. We ourselves must walk the path."

With regards to love and self, he said, "You can search throughout the entire universe for someone who is more deserving of your love and affection than you are yourself, and that person is not to be found anywhere. You yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe deserve your love and affection. "

His words may be repeated endlessly. Such profound words is seen only among a few. The pearls among men are very few. The disciplined and an all loving mind is seldom seen. The fire of spirituality seldom burns in one's self. Buddha in all respects was (and is) a beacon of light, who dispensed darkness with the light of his 'knowledge', and eliminated the devil with 'love and compassion'.