BODY A FORTRESS !

Every manifest form in this creation has its own fortes and vulnerabilities. And the human body too is no exception.  Almighty conceived  it  as a mighty 'citadel' of power and knowledge yet with some mischievous villains on constant lookout for a chance to subjugate the  fortress into their control. When the trust is in the Almighty's surveillance, is it not a matter of great relief with contentment?

Profuse interlacing of similes is the deft artwork of Annamcharya which is once again flamboyant in the sankeeertana, "Padilamu Kota Pagavaru"...........

'This fortress called the human body is verily secure without doubt.  Nevertheless there are six enemies waiting for an opportunity to siege and bring this fortress under their control.  They are 'Arishadvargas' ! That is, six emotions namely, Kama (desire), Krodha (anger), Lobha (miserly, selfish), Moha (passion), Mada (lust) and Matsara (jealousy).

'In artistic expression, it takes nine laborious months for building this fortress and nobody ever knows by how many persons and for how many times it was brought forth on previous occasions (how many mothers conceived and delivered in previous births).  It is flourishing with majestic central tower of control.  Five robbers are waiting for an opportunity to pillage this virtuous structure.  They are five sense organs; namely Eye, Ear, Nose, Tongue and Skin.

'In this mighty fortress, the King (Atma) is almost alone but for the constant interference by two ministers for their deliberations; namely, Intellect and Mind. Enjoying the prop of these two, seven robust soldiers are boldly moving about in this fortress as per their whims (all the senses).

'The fortress is not sealed one from outside world.  It has nine apertures namely, Two Eyes, Two Ears, Two nostrils, Mouth, excretory and genital organs. Besides there is an excellent communications (nervous) system.  All these are well trained experts in guarding the fortress.  However if one jumps to hasty conclusion that the fortification of this structure is on account of these  only, it is misguided conception. For, it is the Almighty who is the Real Protector of this 'Fortress'.  Then why one shall have any doubts about the fruitful deliverance (liberation) of  this strong and magnificent Fortress?'.......

Banking only on fortes in our personality will generate positive attitude towards  the life living and constant preference for association only with  knowledgeable spiritual elite will purge away all our weaknesses and boost our morale towards everlasting blissful state !

"Padilamu Koa Pagavaru"

Body A Fortress !

Om Shanti !

DIVINE GRACE, THE QUENCHER !

When in utter ignorance what happens?  It is a situation of indulging in things which are not expected of to do and abstaining from things which are expected of to be performed.  Resorting to even heinous acts, is seen particularly in times of drought and famine.  Almighty is let off from the mind. In such a condition, the way out is only by seeking the refuge of the Almighty for gracing the comfort of spring by driving away the scorching famine times.

This theme about the acts of ignorance is dealt in the sankeertana, "Kadu Najnanapu Karavu Kala Mide" of Annamacharya......

'O My Lord!  we are in the thick of acute drought, namely 'Utter Ignorance'.  Please grace us by driving away our ignorance and alleviating our fears.

'Whatever little produce, 'Punya Karma-s' (pious deeds) we harvested with hardship, has been illegally grazed away by the beast, 'Papa Karma-s' (sinful  deeds), thus dwindling our heap of 'Punya-s' in to nothing worthwhile.  O Lord! We have no way left except praying You to guide us in reaching safe shores.

'On account of the scorching sunshine, namely Kaliyuga, our magnificent pond, 'Dharma' (righteousness) parched up and its bed got cracked.  We have been wandering and wandering for quenching our thirst with Your grace.  Hence, please shower mercy by providing us the much sought after quencher; Your Benevolence.

'O My Lord! The gusty winds, namely play of 'Manmadha'  (Cupid, driving us into sensual pleasures) have blown away whatever little hard-earned 'wisdom' we possessed.  I surrender to Thee O Lord! Please grace me with Your benevolence without delay any more!'.......

Parched soul's pleading for the 'quencher' is artfully described here keeping in view about the plight of the multitude sailing in the same boat of Papa Punya-s.  So let us awaken and enjoin ourselves to the mellifluous exhortations of Annamacharya reverberating in the air, for the 'Quencher'!

"Kadu Najnanapu Karavu Kala Mide"

Parched For Divine Grace!

Om Shanti !

LIFE OF RENUNCIATION !

A 'Life of Renunciation' is far better than that of 'Hollow Relationships', the former of which can be vested in those who daringly embark on Life of Wisdom.  Otherwise the entanglements engulf into deeper and deeper unending bondage extending in to future births.

This theme about the vanity of earthly relations is dealt by Annamacharya in the sankeertana, "Vatti Joli Enta Ledu Vairagyame Sukhamu"......

'What is the use of having 'hollow relationships' which are mere waste.  Compared to that life, 'renunciation' is far better.. This is to be comprehended by one with devout effort in wisdom.

'The involvements in the worldly matters enlarge as many as one shows interest in them.  If one wishes to perform tasks for the sake of other beings, then they are innumerable to do. If one starts seeking acquaintances in the society, then there is no dearth of relationships that crop up. But if one seeks salvation, the realization of it is  not that easy. That is, accomplishing  activities in the ever expanding earthly acquaintances might be easier when compared to getting salvation.

'If one does wish for indulging in any sort of tasks they turn out to be aplenty. Willful involvements in indiscreet relations can easily result in landing into deeper entanglements. So is, with the bundle of copious passions and desires that keep on multiplying by leaps and bounds.  Only when one gets vexed up with them and intently seeks peace of mind, he becomes relaxed and blissful.

'If one wantonly indulges in, he is subjugated by the play of the powerful sense organs. Only by determined abstinence from them brings contentment and happiness. And it is the realization of surrender by taking refuge in the Almighty, one attains the highest position of relaxation with satisfaction and happiness!'....

On many a previous occasion we had dwelt about the noble qualities of the wise ones seriously seeking salvation in this very existence.  Being detached; Unaffected by the dualities of pains and pleasures, happiness and sorrow, wealth and poverty et cetera; Being in the witness role without reacting to circumstances taking place around (only responding in absolute necessity). And these are traits in a seeker too which keeps him always in a blissful state! Renunciation is the highest noble mental attitude maintainable  coolly amidst the mundane relations, like 'a lotus in the mud' !

"Vatti Joli Enta Ledu Vairagyame Sukhamu"

Lotus in Mud!

Om Shanti!

THOUGHT IS DESTINY

Watch  your  thoughts, they become your words;

Watch  your  words,  they  become  your actions;

Watch  your  actions, they  become your  habits; 

Watch  your habits,  they become your character;

Watch  your character,   it becomes your destiny!

-Lao Tzu

'Thought' - essence of the mind and intellect gifted by the Almighty for the human beings, elevating their status from the other beings in this world. It is for the intellect to consider how best this gift could be utilized for realization of the 'intent and purpose' of the lives of the beings.  Is it not worth to ponder over the 'Self'?  The thought process is to be for unification of the Individual Self with the Universal Self, by being in constant  awareness of the Almighty. For a few wise ones this awareness is associated with them naturally.  But in case of other beings it has to be a conscious persistent effort.

This theme of persistent effort for delivering of one's life through this mundane plane as well as in the paraloka-s (other planes), is dealt by the poet savant Annamcharya in his sankeertana, "Iha Para Sadhana Mi Talapu".....

'The contemplation (about the Almighty) brings us peace of mind with contentment in this world as well as in other worlds. For a wise one by nature this awareness is ever present.

'The wealth and riches possessed, makes one normally intoxicated and fumbling.  Even in such condition having the thought of the Almighty is the worthy thought.  The thought of Him by one who is unyielding  with determination even amidst glamorous lusty women, is the worthy thought.

'The thought of the Almighty which keeps one unperturbed and maintains cool even in the provocative youthful age, is the real thought. The thought of Him which enables one to maintain balance even in the vagaries of pleasures and pains, is the true thought.

'The thought of the Almighty which enables one to steer through the passage of worldly living  without any passions and desires, is the worthy thought.  This is the thought that enables one safely surrender to the Almighty for salvation!'.......

Mind is the carrier. Destination is your choice. Let there be clear vision of steering through, with full alertness, amidst all side-tracking lures ! Your Forte? Thoughts of 'out and out' Divinity only in every breath to become one with the Supreme!

"Iha Para Sadhana Mi Talapu"

Root Is Shoot;

Thought Is Destiny!

Om Shanti!

QUEST IN NAIVETE !

Almighty conceived thus ; "Let One Become Many" - That is the Origin of Creation; Essence in Illusion; a Play of the Almighty! Then how rich would it be if the 'Many ' forms emerge with diversity instead of monotony of uniform nature.  Hence nature is ruled by the balancing principle of 'Diversity'.  Diverse flora and fauna unique and distinguished in their own way carved out by nature - A pageantry of colours, fragrances, attributes!

Ultimately, the one who perceives the principle of 'oneness' in all diverse forms is at peace with the supreme knowledge gained about the Almighty's Play of Illusion.  The way Annamachaya asks, rather 'naively', the Almighty about the diversity in Creation and becomes contented on realization of the Supreme Truth, is well described in the sankeertana, "Deva Ni Pakshapatamo Tirige Lokula Velito"........

'O My Lord! It is incomprehensible for me about the diversities manifest in this Creation.  Is it because of Your partiality?  Or is it on account of the varied fates (ordained by their karma phalas of last and present births) differing from individual to individual?  When You are in the hearts of all beings in equal measure (samam sarveshu bhuteshu tishtantam visweswaram - Gita), why so many disparities in individual lives?

'The length of Day and length of Night are same to all of us without discrimination.  Then why there are so many differences in pleasures and pains experienced by the individuals?  The births and 'prana' (vital force) are same for all beings.  Then why there are disparities in experiencing the 'papa punya'-s (pious and sinful deeds)?

'Matter to listen is same and hearing capacity is same. Then why so many abysmal variations in the sects and faiths?  Our visions (eye sight) are same; our thirst and appetite are same; Then why there is so much divergence in our 'guna'-s (individual attributes and traits)?

'O My Lord! You are dwelling in all our hearts in equal measure without discrimination.  Then why so many worries, misfortunes and difficulties?  Is it not strange?  In awareness of Your Play, however, I have taken refuge in You and am complacent and contented about my life'..........

Thus we start off with an innocent inquiry about awesome diversity in this Creation and realize the 'hand behind ' (The Master Puppeteer!- DP of 11.01.2016) in this stage show with multiple role players. Understanding the 'Theme' is understanding the 'Supreme' !

"Deva Ni Pakshapatamo Tirige Lokula Velito"

One Plot Many Players !

Om Shanti!

  

RAINFALL IN OCEAN !

Intent of this birth - Meaningful living, best utilization with proper understanding of the purpose of this life gifted by the Almighty;  and not to be 'Rainfall in Ocean', carried away by the illusory pleasures which turn out to be wasteful pursuits ending up nowhere.

This theme is dealt with in the sankeertana , "Vananidhi Gurisina Vanalivi" by the poet savant Annamacharya.........

'All actions in this world not done with the awareness of the Almighty are like 'rains falling into the ocean' ; not useful to anybody and 'thoughtless deeds' ; mere wasteful drudgery.

'Just as the moonlight shone in a forest  is not useful for the people of the communities in plains, purposeless living is wasteful.  They on the other hand cause painful fatigue in the heart and mind.  If one forgets the Almighty, who blessed this physical being and goes after the other persons, it only leads to more and more bondages, thus making this existence a wasteful one.

'Acquaintances and relations with affectations are deluding as the distant hills look smoothly curved contrary to their real rugged nature.  Seeking shelter under other persons results in not doing any good but only cause more worry in slighting treatment subjected to.  If one relegates the Almighty who is ready to shower grace like that of rich  and ripe harvest yield, and runs after the wasteful contacts of the mundane beings, what is the use?  It only results in exasperation!

'Day to day friendships, relations are like the gold coated articles which do not have intrinsic worth.  One who does not boldly seeks the shelter of the Almighty, is one like the wasteful existence of a half dead being!'..........

Thus we understand that our lives are gifted by the Almighty not to be wasted like 'Rainfall in Ocean' but meaningfully carve out our own destiny with a spiritual pursuit towards assured liberation!

"Vananidhi Gurisina Vanalivi"

'Vaana in Vananidhi' - Rainfall in Ocean!

Om Shanti!

SEE THE 'SILVER LINE' !

Assessment of the form and nature of a tree is not proper by observing it only in a particular season and generalize conclusively; since the form changes from season to season in a year.  It grows fresh leaves, blooms with flowers, bears fruits;  then leaves dry up  and fall off denuding the once majestic form with lush green leaves  and vibrant flowers.  Springing up of fresh foliage continues the cycle year after year. so if the life on this earth is assessed in  any one particular mood, it is not comprehensive.  We know well that our life is the way we take it. More and more divine awareness makes you look at the life as pleasant one.

We can have a glimpse however, of this life as seen through the eyes of a weary and dejected being as described by Annamacharya in his sankeertana, "Eti Bratuku Eti Bratuku".....

'What sort of life is this?  To express in a word, 'it is so worthless; it is so painful!'

'We feel happy about and regard in our hearts the transitory acquaintances in a shandy (weekly market place) as if they are permanent relations.  Every act of ours in this life is fraught with doubts and fears.  Life of congestion on account of meager, inadequate resources like bathing the whole body with one tiny pitcher of water.  Dwelling in endless worries and problems.

'Its hateful; its tied up with the flirting mind; Day after day it is dragged wearily; Overwhelmed by endless desires and passions, which can never be satiated. It is frightful to even to turn back to see the past.

'It is such that the bitterness in truth deludes to be a sweet one. being in helpless condition, one may even have to become subservient to one's foe.    And misfortune is such that it does not even permit me to think about the Almighty.  Like the hidden fire without smoke, the dangers  fraught with in this life are also not perceptible!'........


It is true ups and downs are but natural in every one's life. It is meaningless to think that one shall always be blessed with cozy pleasant pleasure ridden life through out ! It is in fact utterly boresome! If you remember well,  I had mentioned in one of my previous posts that, in Mahabharata, when Lord Krishna insisted on  Kunti Devi to ask for a boon, she preferred, to the surprise of all present at the place, 'Difficulties' to be blessed with! Why difficulties ? Because, she explained, it is only in 'difficulties' that  one remembers and ardently seeks the Almighty!

So having become aware that even the 'difficulties' are integral part of the Play of Illusion of the Almighty, it is proper for us to patiently wait for the 'silver line' to shine in the dark cloud; to lead a bold and courageous life by leaving everything - all our acts and their results -  by way of surrender (offering) to the Almighty;  'Daivarpanamastu' !

"Eti Bratuku Eti Bratuku"

"Every Cloud Has A Silver Lining !"

Om Shanti!

ORDAINED BY FREE WILL

Almighty is Omniscient, Omnipresent,Omnipotent !  Everything in this entire creation happens at His Free Will since, He is absolutely independent to act  in any manner just as per His whims and fancies. (They are utterly incomprehensible for the mortal beings who are part of His creation only).

The theme of everything being ordained by free will of the Almighty is reflected in the sankeertana, "Ni Vetu Dalachina Nikhilamu Natlou", by the poet savant Annamacharya.......

'O My Lord! Everything in this entire creation happens as per Your wish only, since You are the only one with absolute independence to act in any manner.

'What are all these Karmas (Prarabda, Sanchita and Agami - accumulated actions  in the previous births, in the present birth as well as in the near future)?  Is it not easy for us to overcome these in case  You shower Your grace on us?  Since all our 'Karmas' are after all outcome of Your own Play of Illusion, is it not possible for You to mitigate them by a mere 'wish'?

'If at all You decide to bring to a grinding halt, where would be the cycle of countless births and deaths for me any more?  Since You are ruler of all beings of this entire creation, I devotedly surrendered to You only. Where is the necessity for me to think and opt about other forms of deities and austere execution of rites and rituals laid down in  sacred scriptures in pursuit of salvation?

'Where  would  be at all, all our actions of pious and sinful nature, when You take our responsibility and decide to drive them off?  Both of the sorts can't do any harm  to us anymore. You are so kind to lend your helping hand towards me which made  me  wholeheartedly surrender to You !'.....

Very notion that - Jantunam Manava (Nara)  Janma Durlabham! - and as a prime part of the Maya Lila (Play of Illusion) of the Almighty only,is the driving force behind in  our mission  in this life, shall be relaxing  and refreshing for us to indulge in noble living and derive the cherished goal of liberation!

"Ni Vetu Dalachina Nikhilamu Natou"

Tiny Blooms of Creation!

Om Shanti!

SOURCE OF SALVATION - MIND !

Uddhare datma natmanam, natmana mava sadayet | 

Atamaiva hyatmano bandhuh, atmaiva ripu ratmanah ||

-Bhagavad Gita 

Mind is the source of all; whether like a friend and relative to engage in ennobling acts or like a foe, stoop into ignominious deeds. As the awareness of this dawns, one must caution oneself  by dissuading the mind from unholy thoughts and deeds which might land in disgraceful life.

The foregoing theme, in a gesture of mild chiding of the mind, is brought forth by Annamacharya in his sankeertana, "Viduvumu Manasa Viridi Chetalu".....

'O My Mind! Posthaste you shall relinquish all foolish deeds (resorted to all along) and without further delay brood about the Almighty seriously.

'I alone passed off my 'being' by taking births in eighty four lac wombs so far. But never contemplated on the Almighty even in any one of the past births. Those were passed in earthly pleasures only.  Even in this present birth the spiritual awareness is not in sight.  How can I think of improvement in  my spiritual being ?

'Perhaps, I might have entered in, lived and exited from  all the fourteen lokas (planes; from the top rung - Satya, Tapa, Jana, Mahar, Svar, Bhuvar, Bhu, Atala, Vitala, Sutala, Talatala, Mahatala, Rasatala and Patala Lokas) umpteen times.  I am in utter ignorance of what good things or bad things I might have amassed in all those births.  I am at loss in knowing about why I had to undergo  all these travails of births.

'Now as I reflect on the present mundane life, I would frankly admit that I have committed certain scrupulous and pious deeds indeed as well as certain baneful deeds.  And in effect, I bore the 'karma phalas'- consequential fruits (results) of my actions too. However, I am thankful for having come under the benevolence of the Almighty. I am happy in  His grace'..... 

One who reached the highest mountain peak, forgets about all the hardships and tribulations faced; vagaries and vicissitudes of weather conditions encountered in the teeth of fatal end up while overjoying about the ultimate destination reached.  Thus, what if lacs and lacs births passed off in the past;  we are thankful to the Almighty for having turned our mind, in this very precious birth, towards the Destination of Ultimate Reality!

"Viduvumu Manasa Viridi Chetalu"

Fourteen Lokas !

Om Shanti!

BREAKING OFF BONDAGE

As you sow, so you reap!  'Arishadvargas' (emotions and passions like lust,greed, anger etc.) are the root cause for all worldly bondage haunting birth after birth without respite.  Way out?  Waking up from slumber and realize the divine path that breaks off all shackles making one's way easier to obtain the ultimate state of liberation.  Bringing under control all passions, like the devotees of the Almighty, with grit and determination is the best panacea which is sure promise for salvation  within this existence.

This is the subject matter in the sankeertana of Annamacharya, "Tegaka Paramunaku Teravu Ledu"......

'There is no way out to salvation without unshackling the bondage of this earthly existence. Without discarding mental aberrations, disorders like animosity, grudge, hatred, revenge, vindictiveness, the worldly entanglements with recurring births and deaths will not come to an end.

'As long as there is passion for the glittering gold ornaments (wealth) before one's eyes, salvation can't be realized.  Food is to be consumed just for satisfying hunger and thus sustaining life; not more than that.  But if one is slave to the palate and craves for relishing in diversity of tastes. the hard earned supreme knowledge can't be retained properly.  One has to despise all such longings for the sake of one's liberation.

'As long as one is engrossed in the lustful thoughts about the women around, devotion in the Almighty can't become steadfast.  So long as there is overwhelming involvement and attachments in the family life, thought of righteous path does not come up in to the fore.  Trekking unholy, ignoble paths only lead into quagmire of more and more entanglements.

'Unless one puts an end to the various desires and passions, attachments and constant brooding of one's mind, in the correlated anxieties, the strong sense of detachment can't be obtained.  In essence, overcoming emotions and passions, discarding cravings, growing sense of detachment in the worldly relations, fetch the ardent seeker, much sought after salvation like the astute devotees (assured of salvation) of the Almighty'...

One is well aware of the impossible feat of riding two horses or rowing two boats at a time. Either this or that but not both. Clinging to the worldly pleasures on one hand  and dreaming for salvation on the other is just the same! Hence this awakening clarion call from Annamacharya to break off all shackles of mundane bondage and become one with that one and only one Supreme Being!

"Tegaka Paramunaku Teravu Ledu"

Feast to Palate!

Om Shanti!

WINNER OF THE PLAY

Seeking the Savior is generated in one's mind when the vanity of one's pursuit about illusory nature of life lived is realized. Turn back and  assess the various stumbling blocks impoverishing our zeal and strength in the journey towards salvation. We find that it is the Eternal who only can take care of us in the present earthly life and in the other worlds by liberating us.

This subject we find in the sankeertana of Annamacharya,  "Evvaru Naku Dikku Emani Cheppudu Nika"......

'O My Lord! When I  look forward  to You as the Savior in the other worlds as well as in the present world, how can I say to others that there is some one else to protect all?

'The emotional attributes of Kama (lust) and Krodha (anger) are harassing impediments for me  from times immemorial. They are following me through birth after birth. I don't  know in which castes or clans I was born into in my previous births but the emotional attributes of Mada and Matsara (sensuality and envy) followed me to any places I went.

'I don't know what sort of indebtedness I owe to the sensual pleasures  but they are following me wherever I go. I don't know what sort of Karmas (misdeeds) I performed undeterred, but now they are, in the form of pious and sinful deeds, haunting like experiences in dreams and causing me embarrassing problems.

'I don't know how many people's vengeance (of previous births) is dangling on me but  I am at present in the grip of obstinacy due to the domination of Rajo guna and Tamo guna in me. Despite all these happenings, I still am happy to know that I have come into the shelter  and grace of the Almighty, He made me the winner!'....

When you are in that, the realization of the true 'driving force' within, positive energies pervade in you and make your life wonderful and enjoyable experience in this world and 'persona grata' for liberation !

"Evvaru Naku Dikku Emani Cheppudu Nika"

The Winner!

Om Shanti!

  

BITTER IS SWEET FOR DELUDED!

This worldly existence itself is encircled in all pervading Illusion.  Trapped in this, the earthly beings remain bound to its dictates throughout their life.  A situation where even if they become vexed up and try for exit, they can't.  Such is its overwhelming 'net' work.  More over the beings, with their minds being turned in  madness, remain in  complacency of semblance of pleasures in their otherwise gloomy and painful leading of this life in reality.

The play of Illusion on the beings is well described by Annamacharya in his sankeertana, "Mayala Kagapadi Matigedi Pranulu".......

'All the beings of this earth are ensnared in the net of Illusion and at the same time do not feel it as shackles to be broken; that is also being on account of the overwhelming Illusion.

'The worldly ignorant beings, like lads, are attracted towards shiny fruit of the tree 'mushti manu' (might be 'nux vomica'?) and gather in with the thought of immense sweetness of the fruit.  Once they eagerly consume it and find to their dismay that it is utterly bitter, can they retrace back from their plight?

'Beings caught hold of and are playing with  the highly venomous snake in ignorance of the inherent potential danger.  They are playing in all  four sides far and wide.  The snake is continuing the hisses called 'desires and passions'.  Even after becoming aware of the 'quick sand' state engulfed in, still they are unable to extricate themselves from the rut.

'Beings have brought sweet honey and anointed it to a sharp knife and started to lick it in all sorts of ways and directions, undeterred by the sharpness of the knife that could cut and bleed them.  O Lord! You are the only one who could alleviate their dire condition.  You are very near them like ripe harvest at hand, ready for showering prosperity.  But they are not prepared to take advantage of it. What a pity My Lord!'.....

Being wrought upon time and again with these copious, richly simile-embedded sankeertanas, it is the ardent wish of the great seer to make us realize the inherent traps of the Illusion and cautiously steer our life boat through  to safe shores of liberation!

"Mayala Kagapadi Matigedi Pranulu"

Nux Vomica!

Om Shanti!

PERCEIVING THE DIVINITY !

Perceive the Puppeteer ! The Plot of Play revealed ! But before that many doubts and half-hearted attempts with lot of dilly dallying of mind and intellect! However  the culmination of our search is in happy ending. How?

The answer is readily found in the spiritual itinerary embarked upon by the poet savant Annamacharya in his sankeertana, "Ettunnado Ni Chitta Medurada Ne Veratu".....

'O Lord! I am imperceptible about Your 'State of Mind' in respect of disposition towards me; and about this matter , I am afraid of putting on questions to You! In spite of my serious efforts, Your Play of Illusion is insurmountable!

'O Lord! After having seen the married, indulging in earthly pleasures, I too engaged myself in family life. After seeing the free willed, unbound 'sanyasins' (recluse) I too followed their fold.  After realizing the difficulties and responsibilities inherent in both the folds, I felt wonder about that in both cases calm and peaceful mind is lacking!

'After observing the people engaged scrupulously in  performance of rites and rituals envisaged by customs and traditions, I too wish to become 'Karmishti'.  But after seeing the highly spiritualistic,I feel that Jnana Marga (spiritual path) is far better than Karma Marga (path of performance of ordained chores).  While trying to weigh merits and demerits of both, I get perplexed again. I go whole hog in my attempts enumerated above but can't find  peaceful, pristine pure mind anywhere near them.

'After seeing the travellers on their 'Kasi Yatra', (journey to Varanasi; In Indian philosophical tradition, there is a strong notion that one who ends up life at Varanasi will have assured salvation and would not be born again!  Thus, those embarking on Kasi Yatra, snap off all bondages by settling all property matters among family members, bid adieu to all kith and kin, relatives and friends as final parting!) I too start off towards Varanasi.  But after covering some distance, I change my mind and return back to my home.  O Lord! Observing all these trials and tribulations of mine in search of You, with kindness, You graced me.   This state of 'matured condition of mind' I had never seen before!'......

'Matured Condition of Mind!' How much relaxing and soothing this last expression is, particularly when you are already experiencing the divinity in it! I have no further explicit words about this state; but only can 'plead' you all, to let your perceptions be with the Divinity in you which is, all through this stage show, Really Acting!

"Ettunnado Ni Chitta Medurada Ne Veratu"

Groom's Kasi Yatra!

Om Shanti!

YEARN FOR ALMIGHTY !

'As long as one stays afloat on surface of water, nothing can be achieved; one has to dive deep unto the bed to fetch heavy and precious diamonds': Ramakrihna Paramahansa to Bankim Chandra Chatterjee ('Vande Mataram' fame).  Thus, one must have, not superficial attempt but, intensive yearning for the realization of Almighty.

'With apt similes, this subject is being conveyed by Annmacharya in his sankeertana, "Parama Sujnanulaku Prapannulaku"............

'O My Men! Is it not proper for the highly knowledgeable elite and the austere devotees to have their minds always set on the Almighty?

'Just as a very hungry person is quite eager about the food, is it not necessary to have intensive desire for the Almighty?  Just as the attention of the lusty men is always set on the women, is it not necessary for the devotees to have attention on the Almighty always?

'Just as a baby's attention is on the milk feeding breasts of the mother, a devotee too shall pay his attention towards his deity.  Just as a long distance traveller is anxious about the availability of his next resting place, is it not necessary for the earthly being to crave for the grace of the Almighty?

'Just as a wealthy man is constantly attentive on the safety of his wealth, is it not necessary for the ardent devotee to pay constant attention on the Almighty?  Just as one has passionate longing for his wife and children,  is it not necessary for one to have intensive yearning for the Almighty?'.....

To demonstrate that this 'intensive yearning' should be like one's struggling for breath in suffocation, we have a good story as told by Ramakrishna Paramahansa to Bankim Chandra Chatterjee....

"Once a disciple asked his guru, 'Guruji! Please tell me how I can see the God'.  Guruji then asked disciple to follow him for the river bath.  Once they entered into the waters, Guruji suddenly held the head of the disciple and pushed it into the water.  Just after a few seconds however he released pressure and pulled up the head over the surface. The embarrassed disciple gasped heavily for breath while raising his head.  Guruji then asked him how he felt while his head being in  water. 'Guruji! I was afraid that I was about to die and struggled for breath', was his reply. Guruji concluded, 'If you intensively yearn for Almighty just as you desperately struggled for breath now, you will realize Him within short time' ".....

Thus, relentless pursuit with wholehearted approach and devoted mind is the 'sine qua non' for the serious seeker to realize the Almighty within this existence!

"Parama Sujnanulaku Prapannulaku"

Yearn for Almighty like Gasp for Breath!

Om Shanti!