Tag Archives: spiritual

POEM: MY HEART–MY JESUS OF TIMES

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MY HEART—MY JESUS OF TIMES

He had a straightforward and kind heart whereas she had a sweet but slimy and cunning tongue

In the eternity of a lifespan,

There was hardly a downtime,

When the kind heart stopped blessing,

And the cunning tongue stopped maligning.

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For heart was naïve,

Heart was kind,

And it was caring and forgiving,

Just like the Jesus of his times.

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And it had a straight tongue,

To remind about the tough times,

Likely ahead,

In the journey of a lifetime.

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Where sadly,

the cunning tongue was sweet but vicious,

And had imbibed all the sickness,

From the seeds of wickedness,

And it had a cunning mind,

That wanted to outlast,

The Jesus of his times.

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And all along in the merry-go-round of life,

Whenever the slimy tongue,

 Remained unsung,

healthy heart,

Kept helping,

Kept aiding,

And kept forgiving,

Which the maligning tongue, kept accepting,

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But even with all the rapturous showers of life,

Tongue had her own designs,

Of the wretched kind,

And so,

It kept cribbing,

Kept maligning,

The Jesus of his times.

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Yet the heart kept overlooking,

Kept forgiving and forgetting,

Tongue’s misadventures,

In all its rigours.

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But for the Jesus of times,

It was now only heartfelt regrets,

That it had a heart of gold,

Laced with a straight soul,

Not appreciated by the other soul.

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Even when it spoke for values,

For goodness,

And for virtues,

But now time was running out.

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For kind heart had nowhere to go,

In this world of rogues,

When the Jesus within,

Made a comment.

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Fear not my child,

Of the slimy tongue,

So continue to woo,

The wisdom of truth.

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And come with me son,

Leaving behind that maligning tongue,

To its audience,

That lives in abundance.

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For remember,

What you sow you reap,

And slime can never bring sweet.

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By Kamlesh Tripathi

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https://kamleshsujata.wordpress.com

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Share if you like it

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Shravan Charity Mission is an NGO that works for poor children suffering from life threatening diseases. Should you wish to donate for the cause the bank details are given below:

NAME OF ACCOUNT: SHRAVAN CHARITY MISSION

Account no: 680510110004635 (BANK OF INDIA)

IFSC code: BKID0006805

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Our publications

GLOOM BEHIND THE SMILE

(Archived in 7 prestigious libraries of the US, including, Harvard University and Library of Congress. It can also be accessed in MIT through Worldcat.org. Besides, it is also available for reading in Libraries and archives of Canada and Cancer Aid and Research Foundation Mumbai)  

ONE TO TANGO … RIA’S ODYSSEY

(Archived in Connemara Library, Chennai and Delhi Public Library, GOI, Ministry of Culture)

AADAB LUCKNOW … FOND MEMORIES

(Launched in Lucknow International Literary Festival 2014)

REFRACTIONS … FROM THE PRISM OF GOD

(Co-published by Cankids–Kidscan, a pan India NGO and Shravan Charity Mission, that works for Child cancer in India. The book is endorsed by Ms Preetha Reddy, MD Apollo Hospitals Group. Book was launched in Lucknow International Literary Festival 2016)

(CAN BE BOUGHT FROM ON LINE BOOK STORES OR WRITE TO US FOR COPIES)

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SHORT STORY: A FRIEND’S ADVISE

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    Durga was a rich farmer, but an extremely lazy one. Who, neither looked after his fields nor his granary. Nor did he ever bother to keep a regular count of his cattle and the health of his dairy. That apart, he did not even bother to look after his own household belongings. Anything and everything, he just left it on his servants to accomplish. His laziness gradually led to mismanagement and soon the situation at home became adverse when he started losing money, both in his farm and even in his dairy.

    One day Harish a friend of Durga came visiting him. He noticed the situation in his house to be extremely deplorable. But he knew well, Durga won’t accede to his valuable sermons.  So he decided to play a noble trick to help him tide over the situation. He said—‘Friend! I’m disheartened to see you in such a deplorable condition. But I have a sure and easy way, to pull you out of your miseries.’

    Durga was now eager to know what his friend had in mind. He politely said—‘kindly tell me know what you have in mind and I’ll surely follow.’

    Harish said—‘my dear friend, before all the birds wake up in the morning. A white swan that lives in Mansarovar lake comes to earth and returns by noon. One cannot exactly say when it comes. But it is generally believed that anyone who is able to have his darshan is considered very lucky. For you’ll have no problems in life thereafter. And you’ll roll in riches.’

    Durga replied—‘Is it so. Then, come what may, I’ll ensure, I have his darshan.’

    After the conversation, Harish left for his home. Next day, Durga got up early in the morning. He came out of his house, in pursuit of the white swan, and walked towards the granary. There he saw one person pilfering his grain out of the heap. But when he saw Durga coming. He started apologizing.

    From the granary Durga returned home. Then he went to his cow ranch. There he saw the milker, milking his cow. But to his surprise, he was only filling his wife’s pot with the milk. Durga reprimanded him. Thereafter, he had something to eat. And then he left his home again in search of the white swan, when he went back to his fields. There he noticed, the labourers had not even come. He patiently waited for them. When they finally arrived he scolded them for coming late. And in this manner, wherever he went, he curtailed his losses.

    Thereafter, in search of the white swan, Durga started getting up early in the morning every day, and started roaming around. With this change of habit, his servants started working honestly. All the pilferage stopped in his granary and even in his dairy. Earlier, he used to be a sickly person. But now he had become healthy because of the long walks and exercise. The fields from where he was getting poor yields, suddenly started giving high returns. And even his cow-ranch started giving milk aplenty that gave him rich dividends.

    One day after a long time, Durga’s friend Harish came to his house again. When, Durga said—‘friend! I couldn’t find that white swan you spoke about last time. But in his pursuit I started making profits.’

    Harish started laughing and replied by saying—‘friend! To toil relentlessly, is the white swan I was talking about. The wings of labour are always white. People, who don’t work and leave everything to their servants, always suffer losses. But, people who toil themselves, and look after their servants, earn fortunes and respect.

    The story is from our mythology.

Posted by Kamlesh Tripathi

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Share if you like it

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    Shravan Charity Mission is an NGO that works for poor children suffering from life threatening diseases. Should you wish to donate for the cause the bank details are given below:

NAME OF ACCOUNT: SHRAVAN CHARITY MISSION

Account no: 680510110004635 (BANK OF INDIA)

IFSC code: BKID0006805

*

Our publications

GLOOM BEHIND THE SMILE

ONE TO TANGO … RIA’S ODYSSEY

AADAB LUCKNOW … FOND MEMORIES

REFRACTIONS … FROM THE PRISM OF GOD

(CAN BE BOUGHT FROM ON LINE BOOK STORES OR WRITE TO US FOR COPIES)

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DOCTRINE OF KARMA AND REINCARNATION

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    Why do Hindus believe in these two doctrines? One being karma and the other being reincarnation. Because these doctrines not only explain the unusual occurrences logically. They also shed light on day-to-day events of life. Hindus do not consider life and death to be mutually exclusive. But intertwined and inseparable. Like the two sides of the same coin. If there are disparities between two individuals at the time of birth, and if these disparities can be seen. Then the cause for these disparities must have preceded their births.

  • Karma: The word karma means “action.” In accordance with the cosmic laws of karma. Each individual reaps the fruits of his actions, performed in this lifetime or in former lives. This logically explains the disparities in creation, between various individuals, environments and situations. No deed, small or great, good or bad, can be without an effect—this essentially is the law of karma, the law of casualty. In fact one begins to feel as if it is Newton’s 3rd law of motion—‘to every action there is an equal and opposite reaction’ was drawn out of the doctrine of karma.
  • Karma is no fate. Fate implies helplessness in a human being, to determine his own destiny. The law of karma states that the individual is the creator of his own destiny, because his conscious choices in life determines his actions and the fruits thereof.
  • Reincarnation: Hindus believe that the jiva, or the individual being, travels from life to life. Acquiring bodies and environments best suited to exhaust his vasanas (vices) or innate tendencies that are expressed as desires, emotions, and actions. The exhaustion of vasanas allows the jiva to reach his ultimate goal: complete freedom from the cycle of birth and death through the realization of his true nature as the Self, or Brahman.

—synopsis from a book on Hinduism—by Chinmaya Mission Trust—

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By Kamlesh Tripathi

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https://kamleshsujata.wordpress.com

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Share if you like it

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Shravan Charity Mission is an NGO that works for poor children suffering from life threatening diseases. Should you wish to donate for the cause the bank details are given below:

NAME OF ACCOUNT: SHRAVAN CHARITY MISSION

Account no: 680510110004635 (BANK OF INDIA)

IFSC code: BKID0006805

*

Our publications

GLOOM BEHIND THE SMILE

(Archived in 7 prestigious libraries of the US, including, Harvard University and Library of Congress. It can also be accessed in MIT through Worldcat.org. Besides, it is also available for reading in Libraries and archives of Canada and Cancer Aid and Research Foundation Mumbai)  

ONE TO TANGO … RIA’S ODYSSEY

(Archived in Connemara Library, Chennai and Delhi Public Library, GOI, Ministry of Culture)

AADAB LUCKNOW … FOND MEMORIES

(Launched in Lucknow International Literary Festival 2014)

REFRACTIONS … FROM THE PRISM OF GOD

(Co-published by Cankids–Kidscan, a pan India NGO and Shravan Charity Mission, that works for Child cancer in India. The book is endorsed by Ms Preetha Reddy, MD Apollo Hospitals Group. Book was launched in Lucknow International Literary Festival 2016)

(CAN BE BOUGHT FROM ON LINE BOOK STORES OR WRITE TO US FOR COPIES)

*****

 

THE SPIRITUAL SIGNIFICANCE OF JOINING PALMS OR ‘NAMASTE’

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    The ancient and traditional greeting of ‘namaskar’ or ‘namaste’ is for one and all. It is done reverently by joining the palms at the chest and humbly bowing the head. Namaskar or Namaste is a form of prostration and salutation and has profound spiritual and ego bearing significance.

    In Sanskrit, namah + te = Namaste. It means, ‘I bow to you along with my prostrations and salutations.’ Namah can also be interpreted as na mama, which in the literal sense would mean, “not mine.” The purpose of saying Namaste is thus to negate one’s ego. Rather separate yourself from your ego and recognize the Divine in every person we greet. And, as we feel the Lord God resides in us. In the same manner we feel, it resides in others too. The joining of the palms depicts this sense of oneness. When we know this significance. Our greeting paves the way for a deeper and divine communion, complete with love and respect.

    Translated from a religious text.

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Posted by Kamlesh Tripathi

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                                                    https://kamleshsujata.wordpress.com

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Share if you like it

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Shravan Charity Mission is an NGO that works for poor children suffering from life threatening diseases. Should you wish to donate for the cause the bank details are given below:

NAME OF ACCOUNT: SHRAVAN CHARITY MISSION

Account no: 680510110004635 (BANK OF INDIA)

IFSC code: BKID0006805

*

Our publications

GLOOM BEHIND THE SMILE

ONE TO TANGO … RIA’S ODYSSEY

AADAB LUCKNOW … FOND MEMORIES

REFRACTIONS … FROM THE PRISM OF GOD

(CAN BE BOUGHT FROM ON LINE BOOK STORES OR WRITE TO US FOR COPIES)

*****

 

 

SUPPORT CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS

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By Kamlesh Tripathi

1
Participants waiting for the flag to unfurl
2
flag hoisting area

 

SUPPORT CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS

 

 

RAMANUJAN DIVYANG REHABILITATION & SKILL DEVELOPMENT CENTER- A NOBLE EFFORT

children attending Independence Day function
Children getting ready for their item

 

My mother’s birthday falls on the 15th of August—that happens to be our Independence Day. She is now no more, but I continue to remember and celebrate her birthday each year in a virtuous manner. And, pursuing the cause as ever, I wanted to do something different again this time, when I came to know that Ramanujan Divyang Rehabilitation & Skill Development Center—located in Palwal is celebrating the Independence Day in a noble manner, so I decided to visit them on that day. The center works for children with special needs. And on the occasion of the Independence Day they had planned for a musical extravaganza where all the protagonists were children who were hearing impaired.

Minister arriving at the podium
Glimpse of song and dance

The programme commenced with the chief guest Shri Vipul Goyal, a cabinet minister in Government of Haryana, in charge for Industries, performing the flag hoisting in the presence of these noble yet daring children, followed by a spell of bright and colourful cultural programmes of dance and music performed by the same children.

Needless to say it was a tough task for these children to have stepped, toed, and danced to the soothing rhythms of the gentle music that was being played, that provided no hearing stimulus to them, yet the show went off as immaculate.

7
Minister handing over awards

 

Apart from the chief guest the programme was also well attended by Shri Tek Chand Sharma M.L.A.; Shri Deepak Mangla—political secretary to the chief minister; Shri Ashok Kumar Sharma—deputy commissioner Palwal; Shri Rahul Sharma—superintendent of police Palwal; Shri Bijender Saroth—President, District Red Cross Society and Shri Jawahar Singh—district president, BJP. As a kind gesture an amount of Rs 50,000 was announced as donation by the honourable minister who was too moved by the spirits of these children.

At this august moment Dr Rajeev Mohan Kukreja—founder Chairman, and Dr Sujata Tripathi—Director of the center were also present.

Children receiving awards
Children receiving awards

There isn’t much need for me to describe the function anymore as the pictures will say it all. But what should not go unnoticed is the glimmer of hope in the eyes of both the children and their parents. We all do enough for ourselves and our children but it requires something extra in you to step out and do something for others and especially children with special needs.

Below is a synopsis of what the center does and you could join the cause by donating liberally.

Ramanujan Divyang Rehabilitation & Skill Development Center

 

About Us

 

 

    We are a self sustained educational society of great repute located in one of the backward districts of Southern Haryana, where we are running a ‘facility center’ for children with special needs since 2013. Through this facility center we are imparting specific therapies along with training and education for their overall betterment, as we want all such children to be cognitively and financially self-reliant. And as a first step towards this goal we are providing them with vocational and computer training. Our center, vow’s for good benchmarks and keeping in line with that we have evolved the values of three “S” that we are currently pursuing: a. Self Confidence b. Skill Enhancement c. Self dependent.

 

  1. FACILITY FOR CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS

 

The center has identified more than 100 children with special needs from nearby villages & Palwal town, and has started a facility center in order to provide them with therapies, together with training & education. It has two sections namely MR (Mentally Retarded) & HI (Hearing Impaired). And we are happy to inform you that today over 30 such students are training under this noble and demanding mission on a regular basis. The center has also appointed two special educators & a speech therapist registered with RCI having required qualification, along with other support staff.

 

  • VOCATIONAL TRAINING AND SKILL DEVELOPMENT

 

We intend to cover as many Divyang children and adults to bring them under the central umbrella of ‘mainstream earning members’ in the family and society, by imparting vocational & computer training that they are capable of learning. We also intend training rural women who are unable to travel to towns or cities away from their homes. And for the purpose, the center runs the following programs and has simultaneously applied to (NIOS) National Institute of Open Schooling, for affiliation and accreditation of the following courses:

 

  • Cutting & Tailoring
  • Indian Embroidery
  • Basics & Advance Computer Training

 

  • Project ‘SWAVALAMBAN’ — FOR WOMEN & DIVYANGS

 

Rural women and Divyang persons are often exploited since they are financially not independent. Project Swavalamban is a brain child of Ramanujan Foundation to provide employment exclusively to rural women & Divyang

persons. Swavalamban means ‘Self Dependent’ or “Having Freedom of Action or Initiative/Decisions.” Under project ‘Swavalamban’ our center inculcates and develops skills as per capabilities of the learner & subsequently provides them with raw material to work with. Produced artifacts thereafter are retailed in the market under the brand name “Swavalamban”. This makes it convenient for them to work out of their homes and simultaneously facilitates them to even look after their families. Thus: people involved in project Swavalamban will no longer be a liability for their family and society and will earn their livelihood with self respect.

 

Currently on a pilot basis following products are being produced by these people:

 

  1. Hand Knitted Sweaters for ladies, gents, kids and infants.
  2. Embroidered home furnishing such as bed-sheets, pillow covers, table cloths etc.
  3. Handmade dari (rug) from waste wool.

 

BUT WE NEED HELP

 

Most children enrolled in the facility-center are from a very poor background. They are unable to pay any fee for such facilities. Till date Ramanujan Foundation and its team were bearing all the expenses. But due to down turn in education sector leading to severe downturn in our own revenues the foundation for now is finding it difficult to bear the cost of center. Hence the humble request, to all our well wishers, patrons and like-minded people to kindly donate as generously as possible for the noble cause.

 

 

 

Our website: www.ramanujan.edu.in

E-mail: info@ramanujan.edu.in

 

 

 

 

 

 

Special significance of number 18 in Hindu scriptures

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    Number 18 unquestionably has a great significance in Hindu scriptures. Apart from the fact that there are 18 Purans, 18 major Up-purans, and 18 Dharm-Shastras. The importance of number 18 is best explained in the great epic of Mahabharat, which is divided into 18 parvas or sections. The great war of Mahabharat was fought with 18 divisions of army. And out of this 11 were on the side of Kauravas and 7 on the side of Pandavas. The war lasted for 18 days. Finally, it is said that only 18 persons survived the war. The treatise Shrimad Bhagwad Gita is a part of Mahabharat and has 18 chapters. In Gita, Lord Krishna describes the ideal man in 18 verses at the end of Chapter 2, in which he lists the 18 traits that constitute the man with a steady wisdom.

    The central theme of all scriptures of all religions in the world are the same: Prime being the victory of the higher being over the lower one, or righteousness over unrighteousness, or of good over the evil, of dharma over adharma. Ved Vyas had originally titled Mahabharat as Jaya (victory). The word Jaya is in the opening stanzas of both Mahabharat and Gita.

    In the Katapayadi–System (numerical notation system) of Sanskrit numerology, each letter has a formula-based numerical value, where the numerical value of the word Jaya is 18. To stress on the importance of the word Jaya, number 18 is given a prominent place not only in Mahabharat, but also in various other Hindu scriptures. Thus, number 18 is repeatedly used as an auspicious reminder, to be alert in our constant battle, for inner spiritual victory.

(taken from Hindu scriptures)

By Kamlesh Tripathi

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POEM: RIGHT OR WRONG

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I was right and he was wrong,

And that brought about the storm,

No! she was wrong and I was right,

And that brought about the enduring strife.

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In the race of life,

I always made my wrong look like right,

And, his right look wrong.

But all that required,

 A lot of treacherous brainstorm.

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For no one could realize,

 In the rhythm of life,

Right and wrong,

Were only the two sides of the golden coin.

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And what mattered in the cruise of life,

Was, the proud possession of the coin,

And, not the two deadly sides,

In the spiral of right and wrong.

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And as my life meandered along,

There came a day when I turned blind,

Is when I lost the coin,

And what was left with me,

Were only the two sides without the coin,

My right and his wrong.

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I then realized,

In the speed and greed of life,

When my wrongs outweighed my rights,

God took away whatever I liked.

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And when I began entering my twilight,

I painstakingly realised,

Neither was right and neither was wrong,

As it was only a lethal battle of ego, rage and the storm.

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Then sadly one day,

The ego eclipsed,

Storm vanished,

Rage retired,

As my partner expired.

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And that made me realise,

He too was right,

And I too was wrong,

And that had brought about the blazing storm,

But by then it was too late for a new dawn.

***

Man is born with zero balance of ego but during the journey of life he accumulates ego like no one’s business. That happens to be the main reason for most clashes that doesn’t even spare loving couples.

by Kamlesh Tripathi

Our NGO works for poor children suffering from life threatening diseases. If you wish to contribute for the cause. The bank details are below:

NAME OF ACCOUNT: SHRAVAN CHARITY MISSION

                                  Account no: 680510110004635 (BANK OF INDIA)

                                  IFSC code: BKID0006805

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‘MANVANTARA’—THE METHOD OF TIME CALCULATION

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    Hindu calculation of time is based on ‘manvantara.’ Antara means “space” or “duration between.” Manvantara is therefore a period of time or duration, during which a Manu (the archetypal human being) rules the entire creation. Hindus developed the skill of calculating time based on manvantaras. Western scientists and archaeologists later discovered. That these manvantaras are based on accurate astronomical calculations.

    One manvantara is calculated as follows:

  • 360 human years make one divya varshs (celestial year)
  • 4,800 divya varshas make one Satya Yuga, or Krita Yuga.
  • 3,600 divya varshas make one Treta Yuga.
  • 2,400 divya varshas make one Dvapara Yuga.
  • 1,200 divya varsha make one Kali Yuga.

    All the yugas together total to 12,000 divya varshas. This one cycle of all the yugas makes one Maha-Yuga or Chatur-Yuga. One Manvantara=71 Maha-yugas, or 306,720,000 human years. One Kalpa, or cycle of creation, preservation, and destruction=14 manvantaras. and thus the cycle of time continues.

    At the beginning of each manvantara, a Manu appears and codifies all ethical and social regulations to be followed during the manvantara. The Manu whose code is currently being followed is Vaivasvata Manu, who is the seventh in the line of the cycle of 14 Manus. The six Manus who preceded Vaivasvata Manu were: Svayambhuva, Svarochisha, Uttama, Tamasa, Raivata and Chakshusha. The seven who will follow Vaivasvata Manu are: Savarni, Daksha-savarni, Brahma-savarni, Dharma-savarni, Rudra-savarni, Deva-savarni and Indra-savarni.

Extracted from a Hindu holy granth.

*

By Kamlesh Tripathi

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https://kamleshsujata.wordpress.com

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Share if you like it

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Shravan Charity Mission is an NGO that works for poor children suffering from life threatening diseases. Should you wish to donate for the cause the bank details are given below:

NAME OF ACCOUNT: SHRAVAN CHARITY MISSION

Account no: 680510110004635 (BANK OF INDIA)

IFSC code: BKID0006805

*

Our publications

GLOOM BEHIND THE SMILE

(Archived in 7 prestigious libraries of the US, including, Harvard University and Library of Congress. It can also be accessed in MIT through Worldcat.org. Besides, it is also available for reading in Libraries and archives of Canada and Cancer Aid and Research Foundation Mumbai)  

ONE TO TANGO … RIA’S ODYSSEY

(Archived in Connemara Library, Chennai and Delhi Public Library, GOI, Ministry of Culture)

AADAB LUCKNOW … FOND MEMORIES

(Launched in Lucknow International Literary Festival 2014)

REFRACTIONS … FROM THE PRISM OF GOD

(Co-published by Cankids–Kidscan, a pan India NGO and Shravan Charity Mission, that works for Child cancer in India. The book is endorsed by Ms Preetha Reddy, MD Apollo Hospitals Group. Book was launched in Lucknow International Literary Festival 2016)

(CAN BE BOUGHT FROM ON LINE BOOK STORES OR WRITE TO US FOR COPIES)

*****

 

THE TWO MAJOR HISTORICAL EPICS IN HINDUISM-VALMIKI, TULSIDAS AND VED VYAS

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    Had it not been for the ultimate epic writers and sages such as Valmiki and Tulsidas who wrote Ramayan, and Ved Vyas who wrote Mahabharat. Hinduism would have remained incomplete and perhaps in the confines of God alone. It is only because of these great all time writers. The history of Hinduism has spread so comprehensively all across the world since inception.

    Ramayan and Mahabharat are the two historical sagas referred as Itihas (history) in Hinduism. That serves as the eternal inspiration for humanity and is considered as the putative and exemplary realization of the four … purusharthas (efforts): Dharma (righteous and dutiful) Artha (wealth) Kama (desire and fulfillment) and Moksha (liberation).

    Ramayan in the real sense is the ‘abode of Lord Ram’ and is smaller of the two great works. The tireless epic mirrors the highest ideals of Hindu tradition, culture and civilization. The story relates to Treta Yug (one of the four ages of the world) and centers on Ram. The prince of Ayodhya and the incarnation of Lord Vishnu, and his wife Sita as the incarnation of Mother Lakshmi. Ramayan sings the glory of Lord Ram and advises humanity on how to lead a fulfilling life and attain the four purusharthas. The epic is profound and timeless in its popularity. It teaches with the analogy of symbolism. As to how an individual can evolve into greatness and perfection.

    Sage Valmiki’s Ramayana has been translated into most Indian languages, as well as several foreign languages, including Russian. It consists of 24,000 stanzas in seven cantos, and depicts Rama as the ideal king, son, brother, friend, and husband. In Bharat, Lakshman, and Shatrughan, we see exemplified ideal brothers. In Sita, we have the purest flower of Indian womanhood. Who is devoted to her Lord in thought, word, and deed.

    Ramayana is an ideal textbook of morals and values. That inspires nobler dimensions of character and conduct. Other noteworthy and famous versions of Ramayana include Sage Veda Vyasa’s Adhyatma Ramayana, Goswami Tulsidasa’s Shri Ramcharitamanas (Tulsi Ramayana), and Kambar’s Kamba Ramayana.

    Mahabharat on the other hand is an epic. That is more than eight times the size of Homer’s Iliad and Odyssey combined. In philosophical content it is unparalleled to any other literary work in the world. This grand book of knowledge contains more than 100,000 stanzas in 18 chapters and is the work of the renowned Sage Veda Vyasa.

    The underlying theme of Mahabharata is yato dharma tato jayah, “where there is dharma, there is victory.” Indicating the ultimate triumph of good over evil and the establishment of righteousness.

    The story unfolds toward the end of Dvapara Yuga and describes the genealogy and events leading up to, and after, the familial war between the royal cousins.

    The story is used as a vehicle. To convey eternal philosophical truths of the highest order. It is said, “that which is in Mahabharata can be seen elsewhere, but that which is not there cannot be seen anywhere else.” This gives an idea of the comprehensiveness of subjects in the epic. Which is full of lofty instructions on all aspects of human life and endeavour—an inspiring saga of India’s past glory, portraying all that is great and noble in humanity.

    The guiding spirit throughout the epic is the divine figure of Lord Krishna. Who brings the pure and the righteous to Himself, and destroys the evil and the evildoers. Shrimad Bhagwad Gita or the “Lord’s Song” is part of Mahabharata.

 

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Posted by Kamlesh Tripathi

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                                                   https://kamleshsujata.wordpress.com

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Shravan Charity Mission is an NGO that works for poor children suffering from life threatening diseases. Should you wish to donate for the cause the bank details are given below:

NAME OF ACCOUNT: SHRAVAN CHARITY MISSION

Account no: 680510110004635 (BANK OF INDIA)

IFSC code: BKID0006805

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Our publications

GLOOM BEHIND THE SMILE

ONE TO TANGO … RIA’S ODYSSEY

AADAB LUCKNOW … FOND MEMORIES

REFRACTIONS … FROM THE PRISM OF GOD

(CAN BE BOUGHT FROM ON LINE BOOK STORES OR WRITE TO US FOR COPIES)

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STORY: MAHABHARAT-DRONACHARYA AND EKLAVYA

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Copyright@shravancharitymission

 

 

     Once while Dronacharya was imparting astra-shastra (Astra– is a fierce form of mantra that comprises of destructive frequency. Shastra– is essentially a physical weapon) training to Kurukul children (Kauravas and Pandavas) in Hastinapur, a black and tough appearing Bheel (tribal) child came up to him. He first bowed and said ‘pranam!’ (greetings) and then said—‘Acharya! (teacher) my name is Eklavya. I have come with the hope that you will be kind enough to teach me astra management, as you are teaching these children.’

    Acharya, though, he appreciated the humbleness of the child. He couldn’t have given permission to a Bheel to stay with the Rajkumars (princes). He therefore said—‘Son! For mere knowledge of weapons to hunt animals you can ask your Guru to teach you. But as far as learning of astra is concerned it is not a must for you, as the same is required only when you have to rule a kingdom or fight a war.’

    Upon hearing this Eklavya was disheartened. But his enthusiasm did not die down. He was determined to learn astra-shiksha. So, somewhere there only. Not far from Dronacharya’s gurukul (residential school) he built a cottage. Along with that he also made a bust of Dronacharya and established it in front of his cottage. And thereafter with his bow and arrow he started vigorous practice.

    One day Dronacharya along with his shishyas was roaming around the jungles. When a dog of Pandavas by mistake dawdled away to where Eklavya was practicing his targets in full flow.     The dog at the frightful sight of a dark and tough Bheel with a bow and arrow started barking. That spoiled Eklavya’s concentration and to stop the dog from barking he filled it’s mouth with arrows but without piercing it.   This frightened the dog so much that he immediately retracted and ran towards Pandavas.

Upon seeing the dog both Pandavas and Kauravas laughed at its condition. But Arjun was immensely surprised. He realized someone had immaculately aimed the arrows in such a manner that none of the arrows had pierced his mouth. Even when, his mouth was completely packed with those arrows. And it was more than evident that the arrows were shot by some proficient archer. Acharya Dronacharya was also stunned and immediately decided to discover this ace archer.

    Meanwhile, when Eklavya saw Dronacharya, he rushed towards him to pay his respects. On seeing his bust in front of the cottage Dronacharya was stunned. But just then Arjun who was right behind him slowly whispered in his ears—‘Gurudev! You had given a word to me that among all your shishyas I will be the topmost archer. But in front of him I look petty. Now how will you protect your own word?’ Upon hearing Arjun’s comment Achraya tried to reassure him. He then decided to demanded guru-dakshina (tradition of repaying one’s teacher or guru after the period of study) from Eklavya. And when Eklavya asked—‘Acharya what can I do for you that will make me blessed?’ Acharya hesitatingly replied—‘You need to give me the thumb of your right hand as guru-dakshina.’

    Eklavya, who was otherwise matchless in strength and was a stalwart, suddenly turned patient. He heard his guru and then took out his sword and cut his right thumb and placed it near his feet. After losing his thumb he had ceased to be an ace archer. Because by performing the skill with his left hand he wouldn’t have been in the list of top archers of his times. But because of the sacrifice and unquestioned loyalty towards his guru Dronacharya. He became immortal in the annals of mythology.

    There is no mention about how Dronacharya must have felt receiving Eklavya’s thumb as guru-dakshina. And at that moment did he feel small? But yes, ultimately he did bless Eklavya to immortality.

    In life there are always gaps in what we plan to do and what actually happens. And at times even a small person can make a tall personality look small in front of his proficiency and attitude.

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Posted by Kamlesh Tripathi

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https://kamleshsujata.wordpress.com

*

Share if you like it

*

Shravan Charity Mission is an NGO that works for poor children suffering from life threatening diseases. Should you wish to donate for the cause the bank details are given below:

NAME OF ACCOUNT: SHRAVAN CHARITY MISSION

Account no: 680510110004635 (BANK OF INDIA)

IFSC code: BKID0006805

*

Our publications

GLOOM BEHIND THE SMILE

(Archived in 7 prestigious libraries of the US, including, Harvard University and Library of Congress. It can also be accessed in MIT through Worldcat.org. Besides, it is also available for reading in Libraries and archives of Canada and Cancer Aid and Research Foundation Mumbai)  

ONE TO TANGO … RIA’S ODYSSEY

(Archived in Connemara Library, Chennai and Delhi Public Library, GOI, Ministry of Culture)

AADAB LUCKNOW … FOND MEMORIES

(Launched in Lucknow International Literary Festival 2014)

REFRACTIONS … FROM THE PRISM OF GOD

(Co-published by Cankids–Kidscan, a pan India NGO and Shravan Charity Mission, that works for Child cancer in India. The book is endorsed by Ms Preetha Reddy, MD Apollo Hospitals Group. Book was launched in Lucknow International Literary Festival 2016)

(CAN BE BOUGHT FROM ON LINE BOOK STORES OR WRITE TO US FOR COPIES)

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