Did the love affair of Prithviraj and Samyukta change the fate of the Nation?

Did the love affair of Prithviraj and Samyukta change the fate of the Nation?.

Prithviraj Chauhan (Rai Pithora), the famous King of Delhi lived a life of 43 years (1149-92) and died in a war of Taraori in 1192, but his life was the turning point in the history of India.

His mother Karpuri Devi and  maternal aunty (mausi) Roop Sundari were daughters of King of Delhi Anangpal III of Tomar dynasty. The son of Karpuri Devi Prithviraj became the King of Ajmer at 13Y of age. The son of Roop Sundari, the cousin of Prithviraj, Jaichand Rathore became the King of Kannauj, the kingdom of present days UP and Bihar.

Both wanted the throne of Delhi as their maternal Grand Father Anangpal III had no son. It had been turned into fights between the cousins. Finally, Anangpal selected Prithviraj for the throne of Delhi looking to his bravery and victory in wars.

Jaichand had a beautiful daughter named Samyukta (Sanyogita). She being attracted with the bravery of Prithviraj, fall in love with him. He in turn also fall in love with her. Jaichand insulted Prithviraj by erecting a statue that depicted him as a door keeper during the Swayamvara of Samyukta. But Samyukta placed garland on Prithviraj's statue and Subsequently, Prithviraj (26Y) (uncle) eloped and married Samyukta (?Y) (niece) against her father's wishes. Thus, Prithviraj and Jaichand became sworn enemies. It was a popular love story of that time but his elopement with Samyukta in 1175 changed the fate of the Nation.

Now imagine the story from Jaichand side. Can you accept such relation in 21st century? It was a public insult of King of Kanouj Jaichand Rathore. He was unable to fight war with Prithviraj but it is said that he allied with Ghori or didn't help Prithviraj in the war with Ghori.

As the borders of Ghori and Prithviraj domains were clashing near Bharinda, In the first battle of Tarain in 1191, Prithviraj defeated Muhammad Ghori but released him on mercy. But Muhammad Ghori rebuilt his strength and defeated him by attacking before Sun rise in the second battle of Tarain in 1192. He was arrested and executed in Afghanistan. Samyukta performed Jauhar. In 1193, in battle of Chandwar, Muhammad Ghori defeated and killed Jaichand Rathore also.

Instead of going away from the country, Muhammad Ghori stayed and gifted the throne of Delhi to his slave Kutbuddin Aibak, the founder of Slave dynasty. It was an unfortunate event of history of India that has established Muslim rule over the country for 665 years.

Rajputs were brave but disunited, fought wars with bravery, did kesariya, their wives performed Jauhars, but couldn't save the country from going under the foreign rule. However, it is also necessary to note that they saved the country for 600 years (7-12 century) from many attacks and invasions of Muslims from the west.

It is difficult to conclude that India might not had Muslim rule if Prithviraj didn't fall in love with Samyukta, but their love affair did matter changing the fate of India.

Beware while falling in love.

Punamchand
29 January 2015

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Why Republic Day on 26 January? Happy Republic Day.

Today is 66th Republic Day of India. Happy Republic Day.

The Constitution was passed by the Constituent Assembly on 26 November 1949 but was adopted on 26 January 1950 replacing the Government of India Act 1935 as the governing document of India. The Chair Person of the Constituent Assembly was Dr. Rajendra Prasad but Dr. Bhimjirao Ramji Ambedkar, the first Law Minister and the Chairman of the Constitution Drafting Committee, has been recognized as the principal architect of the Constitution of India due to his outstanding work in drafting and defending it.

The Constitution of India declares India to be a Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, Democratic Republic, assuring its Citizens of Justice, Equality, and Liberty and endeavors to promote Fraternity among them. (The words "Socialist" and "Secular" were added to the definition in 1976 by constitutional amendment during Emergency). People of India are the Supreme Power here.

India became independent on 15 August 1947 but continued its Dominion status under the British Crown of King George VI till 26 January 1950. When the Constituent Assembly passed the Constitution on 26 November 1949, why was the delay of 61 days in getting rid of the Dominion Status under British Crown?

26 January was selected for this purpose because it was this day in 1930 when the "Declaration of Indian Independence (Purna Swaraj)" was proclaimed by the Indian National Congress in Lahore under the Chair of the then INC President, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru (40Y old). Indian freedom struggle revolving around demanding dominion status took a tiger leap of demanding "Complete Independence".

Lahore, witnessed another historical event when "Lahore (Pakistan) Resolution" proclaimed on 24 March 1940 by All India Muslim Leage, demanding creation of autonomous, sovereign, and independent states for Muslims in North-Western and eastern British India.

India, a democratic republic is growing with justice, equality and liberty; orbiting successfully around Mars, will go in person to Moon and will lead as "Knowledge Guru" to the world with its Vedas, Yogas and Vendanta philosophy.

IT and Yogas have put the country in line light in the recent world and as the knowledge of Indian philosophy spread among people of the world in its true meanings beyond idol worship, all will respect the Sanatan Umbrella of "Vashudhaiv Kurumbkam".

President of US, Barack Obama is the Chief Guest of our Republic Day 2015.

Happy Healthy and Prosperous Republic Day to All.

Punamchand
26 January 2015

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Why we look up when pray or wish?

Why we look up when pray or wish?

Lord Krishna in Adhyay 15 of Holy Geeta, described the world of attachment with an imperishable banyan tree that has its roots upward (urdva moola) and its branches down. 

The earth rotate on its axis, therefore what is up for me is down for a guy in US at the same time. But up is not limited to a point in the sky but up high from everywhere. 

All of us know that because of bigger gravity than planets, all planets revolve around Sun. And the Solar system and other Stars systems orbits around the centre of the Galaxy. And the Galaxies are orbiting around the center of the Universe. And the Universes are orbiting around the heavier centre of the Existence. The lighter object orbits around the heavier object. And all revolve and rotate in the Pure Existence, the Brahmn, the Self, the Almighty, the GOD; Generator, Operator and Destroyer. 

Can you imagine the revolving speed? The Solar system is orbiting at 230 km/second (8,28,000 km/h), takes approximately 225-250 million years (= 1 Cosmic/Galactic Year) to complete one journey around the center of Milky Way Galaxy. 

And the centre of all objects may reach to zero speed at infinite level. (zero doesn't mean death, it is alive beyond yocto level).

Big Bang happened 61 Galactic years ago and modern humans appeared on earth 0.001 Galactic Year ago! We are still babies!

If we look at the live creatures on earth they are urdva moola, connected to the life from the head, not from the legs. The life energy and commands come from the top as well from the centre of existence. Therefore, when we wish some help, wish to pray, wish to thank; we always look up in the sky for connecting with that Almighty for pray or wish.

Punamchand
Gnr. 25 January 2015

NB: Newton's law of gravitation states that the mutual attractive force between two point masses**, m1 and m2, is proportional to one over the square of the distance between them. 

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All are equal. Yatha Mati Tatha Gati

All are equal. Yatha mati tatha gati (As You Desire, You Act)

In spirituality, a story of worm and black bee is narrated to enlarge the thinking of a Sadhak to attain the Self. When the worm after getting wings is unable to understand that it can fly the bee disturbs it with sting repeatedly till it flies.

It suggests that thinking matters in making the individual big or small. Acharya Vishnu Gupta selected Chandra Gupta Maurya when he was playing a game as King. Jijabai and Jaivantabai made Shivaji and Pratap big by teaching lessons of bravery. 

When we go to vegetable market of Sector-21 and come across to people of many castes and creeds, we see how mother/parents make their children small or big. Sometimes, we see children from lower caste (vegetable vender) beg and many a times see the mother pushing the child to beg. The children of certain castes can't even think of begging. 

The trading community teaches their children to increase "vakaro" (sale) and an art to tell a lie. The farmers will teach farming. The artisans will teach artisan work. The politicians will teach politics. The industrialists will make them industrialists. We have seen Darbars family pumping superiority-ego to their children by calling them respectfully and naming them Singh and Baa. Brahmins will feed the children with superiority of their caste and social status. And lower castes grow with inferiority in mind.

Boss will make them boss and servants will make them servants unless the education institutions, friends and surroundings add some new inputs in those individuals. 

An NGO in US is propagating a theory of "all children are equal at birth". But the parents, society, surroundings, food, education, teachings, culture, etc make them unequal in terms of physical and mental abilities and output. DNA has a limited roll. It was insisting on to the parents, society and government to take care of the child from the very first day to make him/her a personality of their dream. 

Researchers have proved that human brain can grow up to 1 kg in first 2 years of age, thereafter the addition can be 200 to 300 grams during the entire life. If the parents teach lessons of life to each child properly to make them healthy and productive citizens, the entire population can rise up. 

The caste divisions and their characters grew from the teachings of their parents, siblings, friends, and environment where they live in or interact. Therefore Indian caste system and its characters survived for centuries till education and urbanisation entered into the stream.

There is a big role to play by parents, schools, colleges, govt, Ngos, etc, to make each one of them bigger in mind. Once this is done, the dignity will make the culture of the country big. Thereafter we shall not see beggars, criminals and people living with inferiority complex. World Peace can be attained through this path.

Therefore think Big and Make them Big, at least in thinking, as all are born equal at the time of birth.

Punamchand
Gnr. 24 January 2015

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Radish, the high pran (life) energy food of winter

Radish, the high pran (life) energy food of winter

Do you have small kitchen garden full with Radish plants? You are lucky to have such a wonderful plant to peek it and eat it everyday in your salad. Others can buy from the market. 

Radish (Raphanus Sativus) is the cheapest vegetable of winter but carrying high value for human health. It is an instant energy booster, raises the pran (life).

It is a very good medicine for kidney, liver and stomach. It's diuretic nature increase production of urine and cure kidney disorders and UTI. The juice of its leaves are great detoxifier improves the function of liver and cure jaundice. If cooked with ghee and eaten, it soothes the digestive and excretory system, relieving the symptoms of poles and cure constipation. As good source of potassium, it regulates blood pressure. It's detoxifying and anti-carcinogenic properties and vitamin C are useful in the treatment of cancer, leucoderma. It strengthens the immune system. Help in removing congestion of respiratory system and of ENT.

It is full of juice, keeps the body hydrated.

Overweight and feeling hungry, better to prefer Radish to Chicken!

Good to eat with salt if have pain, piles and heart problems. Good to eat with sugar (sakar) if have Acdt (amlapitta). If eaten before meal, it increases pitta and burning sensation; but if eaten with meal, gives strength.

In Gujarati we say, Mulo (radish), Mogar, Dahin (curd); bapor pachhi nahin (not to be eaten after noon).

Enjoy the sweet and juicy fresh Radish, the high energy food of winter. 

Punamchand
Gnr, 23 January 2015

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Chittorgarh, the witness of bravery, sacrifice and devotion

Chittorgarh Fort, the witness of Bravery, Sacrifice and Devotion.

Chittorgarh, the largest fort (70² miles) of India was constructed by Chitrangad Maurya in the ancient time. It was occupied by many kings but the occupancy of Sisodia Kingdom of Bappa Rawal in 8th Century and his heirs were full of important historical events of bravery, sacrifice and independence. Solanki's gave the fort to Bappa Rawal in dowary.  

The tourists may visit the fort, the Vijaystambha, the Kirtistambha, Palace of Rana Kumbha, Palace of the famed Padmini, Jaimal palace and Patta palace, Trimurti Shiv Temple, Kumbha Shyam Temple, Kalika Mata Temple, Saas-Bahu Temple, Meerabai Temple, etc.

The Shiva Trimandir in the fort is unique with three postures of Shiva and the middle one is for "tratak sadhana". King Bhoj of Malawa used to do sadhana in this temple.

The fort Chittor was under siege thrice and each time the Sisodia Rajputs fought bravely and thrice Jauhar was performed by the ladies and children, first johar led by Rani Padmini (1303 AD), second by Rani Karnawati (1535) and third time by wives of Jaimal and Patta and other soldiers (1568 AD). 

Rani Padmini was the most beautiful queen of Rana Ratan Singh. Attracted by her beauty Aladdin came to Chittor with army. To avoid bloodshed, a compromise reached and accordingly, the sultan went up the hill and glimpsed Rani through mirror. Rana Ratan Singh courteously escorted Allauddin down to the outer gate-where he was taken in hostage. Aladdin demanded Rani Padmini. One of the brothers of Padmini dressed up as Padmini and the soldiers entered into Aladdin camp wearing women clothes and carrying swords. Rana was rescued but 7000 warriors died. Chittor could not hold out Sultan's attack. Rana and his brave brothers-in-law legendary Gora and Badal were killed. The rani and her entire entourage of women, singing ancient hymns, boldly entered the mahal and performed jauhar.

Rana Kumbha (7 feet height) was the famous King of Sisodia Dynasty of Mewar. He constructed Vijay Stambh in the fort in memory of victory of Malawa and Gujarat. Vijay Stambh is known for its architecture design of broad narrow broad; broad at bottom and top and narrow in the middle. It looks little tilted towards left. He was killed by his son Rana Uday Singh 1 (1468 AD).

Rana Sanga, the most powerful King of the dynasty won many battles. Under Rana, the Rajputs scored several victories, capturing some key strategic assets in the process, including the fort of Ranthambore. He ordered Babar to quit India, but lost the war of Khanva in 10 hours against Babar due to defection of his general Silhadi and cannon guns attack of Babar in 1527. Rana Sanga died shortly afterwards from his wounds.

It has also been a land of worship for Meera. Meerabai, daughter of King Ratan Singh Rathod of Merta, married to Rana Bhojraj Singh the eldest son of Rana Sanga of Mewar. She was Sri Krishna Bhakta. Mirabai took no interest in her earthly spouse, since she believed herself to be married to Krishna. Her husband died in a battle in 1521. She made Dalit Saint Rohidas her Guru. A small temple with charan paduka of her Dalit Guru was constructed in front of Krishna temple in the fort where she used to pray Guru everyday along with her Givind. She merged with her Lord Krishna in Dwarka (Gujarat) in 1557.

After the death of Rana Sanga, the weak administration of Chittor was looked after by Raja Baghsingh and his wife Jodha. Both died in a war with Gujarat Sultan Bahadurshah in 1535. Rani Karnavati (grand mother of Rana Pratap) sent a Rakhi to Mughal Emperor Humayun addressing him as brother and asked for the help but till the help arrives, the war was lost. She with other women performed Jauhar in front of Trimurti Shiv Temple in the fort on 8 March 1535. 

Rana Sanga had 7 sons but infighting amongst them made them vulnerable. Finally, Rana Udesingh (father of Rana Pratap) took over the kingdom. He shifted the capital from Chittor to Udepur. During the attack of Badshah Akbar, Udesingh left the fort before the attack and the war was fought by his Generals Jaimal and Patta. The generals wives along with other women performed third jauhar in the fort. The sacrifice of Jaimal and Patta, two brave army chieftains of Mewar, in the war against the Mughals was so great that the Mughal Emperor Akbar installed their statues in the fort of Agra. 

Rana Udesingh's son Rana Pratap took over Kingship in 1572 but lost war of Haldighati against the imperial army of Badshah Akbar lead by Raja Mansingh in 1576. He didn't surrender and harassed Mughals through gorilla warfare for 20 years till he died in 1597 at 49Y. (He was born in 9th May the period of Exalted Sun!) He couldn't get the fort back from Mughals but rules as a King without capital. Sheth Bhamasha funded all his experiences and set an example of "Swami Bhakti". Maharana Pratap's fights, struggle and independence still motivate us for bravery and nationalism for mother land. 

Maharana Pratap made his descendants vow that they would not sleep on beds, nor live in palaces, nor eat off metal utensils, until Chittorgarh had been regained. In fact, right into the 20th century the maharanas of Mewar continued to place a leaf platter under their regular utensils and a reed mat under their beds in symbolic continuance of this vow.

The fort was returned to Rana Amarsingh by Badshah Jahangir for limited purpose of maintenance and holding.  

When King George V visited India in 1911, and invited all the kings in Delhi Darbar, the chair of King of Mevar remained vacant as the Rana of Mewar didn't attend the meet. 

Chittorgarh, the fort will be remembered for centuries for Beauty of Rani Padmini; bravery of Gora & Badal, bravery and sacrifice of Jaimal & Patta; 3 Jauhars of Rani Padmini, Rani Karnawati and wives of Generals; Bhakti of Meera, Bravery and Independence of Maha Rana Pratap, and Swami bhakti of Bhamashah.  

गढ मे गढ चितौरगढ, और सब गढैया;
राजा मे एक रामचन्द्र, और सब रजैया;
तालो मे एक भोपाल ताल, और सब तलैया;
रूपमती तो रानी पदमीनी, ओर सब पदैया ।

"Garh mai garh Chittor garh, aur sab garaiya; Raja to ek Ramchandra, aur sab rajaiya; Taal to ek Bhopal Taal, baki aur talaiya; Rupmati to Rani Padmini, aur sab padaiya."  

Must visit Chittorgarh, the witness of Bravery, Sacrifice and Devotion. 

Punamchand
Chittorgarh
15 January 2015

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Bhasma Aarti of Mahakal Ujjain

Bhasma Aarti of Mahakal Jyotirlinga, Ujjain

Many poojas are performed in Mahakaleswar Temple of Ujjain but the most significant is "Bhasma Aarati". The belief goes that those who are fortunate to watch this ritual will never die a premature death. It is a belief that anyone who comes to the temple does not go back empty-handed. Mahakaleshwar Temple is the famous Tantrik centre of Ujjain. 

One has to apply one day prior with photo ID and get the permission letter thereafter next day to wake up at very early in the morning and stand in a queue at 3.45 AM. Men to wear Dhoti and women in Saree, blouse, Ghagra (they check!) to enter center Sanctum Sanctorum for first jalabhisek over the Jyotirlinga. After jalabhisek by devotees, the Pujaris do panchamrit abhisek and pooja and draw face of Mahakal in different look every day. Thereafter Aghori Sadhu beautify the Jyotirlinga with bhasma (ash of corpse brought from smashan) through bhasmabhisek. The women are told to not to see this part (spreading banana) of the aarti. Now it is said that the bhasm is prepared in the room by burning cowdung cakes. But during our visit we saw Aghori Sadhu with ash! The Jyotirlinga thereafter tied with crown, ornaments, garland, etc, followed by deep aarati with chanting Mahamrintinunjay and other Vedic mantras and Eulogies, with deep aarti and jalabhisek by temple ladies and pujaris the 'Bhasma Aarti' ends at 6 AM. 

It seems, a narration of a life cycle of a human being, who passes through the same cycle from birth to death. We born, grow, cherish, die and the body put on pyre for cremation. It is a 'Bhasma Yatra' from birth to death.

Mahakal is one of the oldest temples established by Brahma as per mythology. The coins and appointment of Prince Kumarsena for looking after law & order are references of 4-6 century BC. Meghdutam of Kalidas, Kadambari of Banbhatta, Naisadhcharit of Sri Harsa, etc described the ancient glamour of the temple. It is to note that the temple had flat roof when Kalidas described it in Meghdutam. (May compare it with the building of Kaba).

We did visit Shipra river and Gandharva Smashan, Bhairav and Batuk Bhairav temples and met Tantrik Dabral Baba (A Bhardwaj Brahmin from Uttarakhand) to satisfy our curiosity on Tantra. His Guru "Mahovtar" (300+ years old) lives in Himalayas.

If get a chance or make a plan to visit Ujjain, do attend "Bhasma Aarati". It is a memorable experience.

Punamchand
Ujjain 16 January 2015.

NB: All Jyotirling temples have 'akhand deep jyot".

 

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All are alive in the Universe

All are alive in the Universe.

We generally identify life with activity. But in spirituality, life is everywhere, seamless, like all flowers exist in honey or earth in all pots or gold in all ornaments.

Not only you and I or the animals, birds, insects, plants, trees, etc, the creatures around us are the live elements but all, whatever we see the Sun, the Moon, the Earth, the Planets, the Stars, the air, the fire, the  the rivers, the oceans, the mountains, etc, all are live.

Remember, Ram Krishna Param Hansa was talking to Kali through the same idol that exists today. We are not. Such great was her devotion to Shri Krishna, that Meerabai merged with the lord in his temple at Dwarka in Gujarat. There are many stories in Hindu mythology regarding Mountains, Rivers, Seas, giving bless.

"You will say to this mountain, Move from here to there, and it will move"... Jesus. (faith that moves, the mountain)

Surprised?

They are all live. Their manifestations of chetana/life in different intensity differentiate each of the element.

All are in existence in the principle of life (Prana). Intensity of your connectivity connects with them. The Earth, the Sun, the Moon, etc are also the live performance of Brahman, like us.

Sat (supreme being), the pure Being wiped, 'May I be another." May I reveal Myself in this multiform of creation. The Being (eternal existence), due to life/chetana in it, with a will of eko aham bahusyam bhavati, manifesting it through mixture of five basic elements and it's tanmatras. These are Space, Air, Fire, Water and Earth.

The only difference between the live creatures and non live objects are the manifestation of life/chetana in it. There are four categories of chetana/life described in Yog Vashishtha. Ghan susupti, Kshin susupti, Swapana susupti, Jagrati. Earth, mountains etc are in ghan susupti. Plants and trees are in kshin susupti and live creatures including humans are in swapana susupti. Only humans have chance to progress in next stage of jagriti by knowing self. Therefore, saints have given more importance to human life considering it as a rare opportunity of salvation.

All are substance of the Being, the eternal. Those who see the Universe with this vision they are seeing the right.

सर्वं खल्विदं ब्रह्म’ (All this is indeed Brahman)

Punamchand
15 January 2015

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Uttarayan the Path of Light

Uttarayan the Path of Light

ॐ सूर्याय नमः I

14 January, 'Uttarayana', the northward movement of Sun on the celestial sphere for six months (14 Jan - 14 Jul). There after Dakshinayan (Kark Sakranti) for 6 months (Jul-Jan). Uttarayan is also called 'Makar Sakranti' because Sun moves from sign Sagittarius to Capricorn. Uttarayan is a 'Day' and Dakshinayan is a 'Night' of God as per Hindu tradition. Bheeshma waited for Uttarayan to discharge his soul from the body. If person dies during Uttarayan months, he gets Brahm/Cosmos, doesn't come back (Shrimad Bhagwad Gita (Ch-8, verse 24).

Uttarayan months are considered good for human health as it consists of winter, spring and summer. Diseases decrease. 

Chhandogya Upnishad described Uttarayan marg as the path of light; path of freedom; path of liberation. The Jeeva pass through higher up ultimately landing in Brahm Loka. The Jeeva travel to the path of Dakshinayan move to Pitri Loka, Chandra Loka and then return to Mrityu Loka. However, it is referring the Uttarayan path as living spiritual life and meditation like Vaishvanara, the Universal Self (ultimate Consciousness).   

Gujarat will be mad after kite flying. E.e.e...kapyo chhe..  Save birds and don't give them uttarayan mukti by killing through kite threads. 

Other States are also celebrating it as Magh parva, Loheri in Punjab, Makar Sakranti in AP, Magh Bihu in Assam. Whole of India will celebrate the festival.  

Dhanark (Sun in Sagittarius) is over and "Band Baja Barats" on road with Shehnai the mangal vadya of marriages.

कन्या वरयते रूपं माता वित्तं पिता श्रुतम् । 
बांधवाः कुलमिच्छंति मिष्टान्नमितरे जनाः ॥ 

Enjoy the sweets.

Breath in like Vaishvanar so that whole existence breath in with you. Eat like Vaishvanar that each morsel became an ahuti of yagya of "Prana-agnihotra",  Pranaya Svaha, Vyanaya Svaha, Apanaya Svaha, Samanaya Svaha, Udanaya Svaha:. 

Let we  feed and satisfy the poor and hungry people who are part of our Vaishvanar stomach. 

Til-Gud laddu khao aur sab ko khilao. 

Shubham Bhavatu Kalyanam.  

Punamchand
14 January 2015

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I am the projector of my world

I am the projector of my world.

There are approximately 7 billion people on earth. How many of them do you know personally? Whom we know, we have images of them in our mind. Parents, siblings, relatives, teachers, friends, enemies, wife, children, peers, seniors, juniors, caste group, religion group, state group, country group, visitors, traders, customers, some known through movies, media, etc. We have developed their images in our mind depending upon the experiences we had with that person-community through direct indirect interactions or information. Same about other creatures, places and about Nature, etc. And that is our world. Rest is unseen, only visualize through other means or through imaginations.

The image comes on our mind screen when we see or hear about that individual or object. And we are the director of our film. We see what we desired-wished-presumed to see in that person or object and accordingly we express our relationship, behaviour, or opinion about that person or object. And accordingly, we have developed our likes and dislikes.

"The Deity asked the disciple: Sir, He that is perceived in the water, and He that is seen in the mirror which of these is That?
He said: He himself indeed is seen in all these."

We see our mind and thoughts in the world and carry good or bad images. Otherwise the world is nothing but "you", the Self, the Brahman, the God itself. We are living in Brahman.

I am the screen. I am the film. I am the projector. I am the director. I am the spectator. If I simply change my film, I see the world of reality. 

 ’सर्वं खल्विदं ब्रह्म’ (sarvam khalvidam brahma’) ‘All this is indeed Brahman’. (Chhandogya Upnishad 3.14)

Punamchand
13 January 2015

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Celibacy and Spirituality

Celibacy (Brahmcharya) and Spirituality

“The man of genius is frigid. When he tries to lead both lives, the intellectual life and the love life, the man of genius dies". -Balzac (French Novelist)

"A man practicing unbroken Bhattacharya for 12 years, a new inner nerve grows in him. When he succeeds in the conservation of his sexual energy, his intellect reflects the image of Brahman. - Sri Ram Krishna Param Hansa

Hindu Spirituality stands on Brahmcharya and western world stands on arousal. Most of the Hindu saints have preached for celibacy for speedy progress in spirituality; a Conversion of 'Retas' (sex fluid) into 'Tejas' (heat) and into 'Ojas' (spiritual heat).

Gandhi learned (probably) from Shrimad Rajchandra, the importance of Brahmcharya for magnetic impact over masses to transmit messages. He practiced celibacy from the age 36 Y. I read about Gandhi's worry (expressed before Jawaharlal) about reduction of his impact over public due to night discharge at one night at age 63. 

Following Gandhi, Jai Prakash Narayan and many leaders and workers of Gandhian days practiced celibacy for years. 

As per Ayurveda, 'virya' is the 7th and the purest dhatu (matter) of food. Food become Ras, Rakta, Mans, Med, Asthi, Majja, Virya. The first 6 dhatu generate waste but the last Virya is pure. It has capacity to generate new world. 

The sex-energy can be controlled and diverted from the sex-purpose and used for aesthetic and artistic or other creation and productiveness or preserved for heightening of the intellectual or other energies. 

Spirituality demands, energy flow in the chakras above navel. As the Sadhak succeeds in pulling up the energy upward, his aura get expanded. The mind is then withdrawn from the three lower centres of anus, sex organ, and navel; it attains a spiritual consciousness. When the kundalini awakens, it crosses muladhara, svadhisthana, manipura, anahat, vishuddha, agya and reach Sahstrar in Samaadhi, bliss, an union of Shiva and Shakti. 

Ancient Rishis were able to see and understand things beyond the physical world through this energy conversion.

The lower centres/chakras make an individual a follower of worldly desires and following upper centre making him a living in brahman, free from lust and greed. Living in lower centres he lives for himself and living in upper centres he lives for others. Therefore, those who wish to serve others or create impact over others or to expand his circle of consciousness aura, he has to follow celibacy through mind, speech and action. Even a thought of sex can destroy the strength of his eternal power. To become "Jitendriya" is the most difficult task. There are ways, asanas and thought processes to attain.  

It is because of celibacy culture of Indian religions, many women feel safe in religious ashrams, surrender to Guru and become victims of sex.

Many argue that Brahmcharya is a thought process to remain in Brahman thoughts (aham brahmasmi), not the physical celibacy. But thoughts are the most micro form of the food therefore the final dhatu generated after 7 stages of digestion is also important to protect inside. It definitely helps in improving concentration and memory power. Therefore, the study years fall in Brajmcharyasram (0-25). 

From physical health point of view, celibacy may increase Cholesterol! Lol.

“There is no liberation as long as you nurse some desire for enjoyment. From brahmacharya comes intellectual conviction and then comes faith in the power of Brahman. Without this faith, one cannot feel that he is living in Brahman. Sri Ram Krishna Param Hansa

Punamchand
12 January 2015

NB: My batch mate Willis (Manipur) was asked a question about celibacy of Gandhi in his UPSC interview in 1985. Gandhi had enough as he married at very early age, Willis replied and the Board Members laughed out loudly!

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152nd Birthday of Swami Vivekananda

152nd Birthday of Swami Vivekananda

12 January 1863, Narendra Bath Datta born in a Bengali Kayastha family. Bhuvaneshvari Devi and Viswanath were his parents. His grandfather became a monk at 25 Y.

He was in search of God became a disciple of Swami Ram Krishna Parama Hansa and became Swami Vivekananda. He attained "Nirvikalpa Samadhi" in 1885 when Swami Ram Krishna Param Hansa transferred his spiritual energy in him.

1893 was an unique year for India. In April 1893, Mohandas Gandhi went as a civil barrister to South Africa to mediate a civil case of Abdullah cousins. And in September 1893, Swami Vevekananda went to Chicago (US) as a Saint pleaded so well that Hinduism was considered as the mother of all religions.

The seeds of freedom of thoughts and freedom of expressions sown by Swami Vivekananda and Mohandas Gandhi respectively on foreign lands become the light houses for many.

He lived a short but powerful life of 39 years. His thoughts are living for more than a century. His Ram Krishna Mission along with educational activities, is spreading the spiritual teachings of Swami Ram Krishna to masses for more than a century. Swami Vivekananda will be remembered for giving pride to our mother land India and for building self confidence in millions of Indian youths. His famous quote still moves many who are in puzzle or depression.

"Arise! Awake! and stop not until the goal is reached".

Punamchand
12 January 2015

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Where is our Heart?

Where is our Heart?

"The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched. They must be felt with the heart". - Helen Kellar

Our 'pran' (life) lives in our Heart. Hindustan ka Dil Delhi and our's is our Heart pump? Lovera-loveria exchange heart signs when connect their hearts. People express their emotions, love, romance, passion, mercy, etc through heart. Gujarati bhajans sing.... mara Ram Rudiya ni mahya rei.. Spiritual Disciples greet Guru brothers touching hand to the location of physical heart, a symbol of connectivity. 

Is our Heart in the heart pump? When heart surgeon removes it for repairs, where the 'pran' (life) goes?

Our physical shape developed from the Naval centre from union of chromosomes and multiplication of cells. A journey from a centre full of existence. All organs developed from this centre. Heart beats develop after.....

Our real heart is not our Heart pump. Because the pump is pumping till it's terminal switch board Brain is in order. It is true that the heart pump is getting immediate reflections of the events (happy, unhappy) happening to us. The bits become slow, faster or unstable. But this is the result of the reaction of our Heart. 

If heart pump is not our Heart then where is our Heart?

We are a live wire of God energy. The centre of existence. If we forget the physical body for a while, the "jyotirlinga (light house)" can be experienced instantly. Our heart rests in our Jyotirlinga. It is a centre of our "Consciousness" that carry all virtues of heart. Perfection of wisdom comes from the heart.

It is expansive and extensive. The whole of Universe can be found inside the heart. It is true representative of the ultimate Reality. All our experiences are internal and not external.

Our desires are in our Heart. This heart neither get old nor destroyed when the body is destroyed. It gets contaminated with association with the externals, exploding our desires. But in its purest form, deeper and inward into our own self, it has a capacity to fulfill all our desires if filled with 'Truth' (satyakamas). 

If two hearts connect in their purity, they beat the same. Then no need of mobile to talk or no need to remember the name. The two become one, feel each other from any distance of the world or beyond the world. Feelings are passing between both. Or in all if a Guru United with his disciples in a relationship of "pure love".

Dil mil gaya to sab mil gaya.

Khojoge Aapka Dil? AAP is searching in Delhi..LoL.

Punamchand
10 January 2015

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Pravasi Bharati MK Gandhi

Pravasi Bharati MK Gandhi

9th January 1915, 100 years ago Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi returned to India from South Africa, landed at Port Apolo, Mumbai at 7.30 AM.

After 21 years (1893-1914) of stay in South Africa, a Public Barrister landed to his mother land and changed the mode of freedom struggle from a movement of elite to a movement of masses. Not only political freedom but he addressed the social and economic freedom too. He placed "Khadi Sena" against "Khaki Army". He focused more on the weaknesses of Indian society and tried to transform them through living a simple life as his message. He advised the mankind on all issues of humanity and equality.

Did we walk on the path, he advised us? A time has come for introspection. A run for GDP and growth is leaving the Gandhi behind, increasing economic disparities. Our march past for lights and colours are leaving peace and happiness of Gandhi behind. India has still to do much making the barber equal to doctor and a sweeper to feel equal in the society. The dignity of labour yet to achieve. 

A century has passed, Gandhi and his values still relevant and will remain relevant forever. After Gautam Buddha, he was our "Yug Purush". Gandhi Vichar will light us as light house for centuries.

Satyamev Jayate. Truth is God. Let Truth wins.

Punamchand
9 January 2015

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Last Breath is not the Death

Last Breath is not the Death.

Last breath is not a death. There are examples that many people returned to life after taking the last breath, most probably the people suffered heart attack. Many survived after the electric shock treatment. 

Hindu religion identified jiva's place in heart. But till brain is alive, person can be brought back to life. 

Hindu Sadhus used to try stopping heart bits in Samadhi and live for many years. The stop watch can be stopped and restarted when they wish to be in Samsaar. Some of you may know the story of Kalyavan, who was burnt to ashes by Muchukund who was in a sleep of thousands years had been woke up through a kick of Lord Krishna. 

Doctors succeeded in bringing my Mother back to life after her last breath because her brain was yet to die. 

With last breath, the body may stop moving but the brain has life. Some organs live for few hours. Therefore, eyes are donated after death. 

If some spontaneous treatment applied, there is one more chance to get back the person in life even after the last breath. 

Life is a visible live transmission of God in us. Let it live longer till we get the new cloth/body or a merger in the origin.

Punamchand
7 December 2015

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Do you know the breath cycles?

Do you know the breathing cycles?

The Buddhist, the Lamas, the Tapaswis, the Sadhus, they control their brains through the breaths. The soldiers, the police, the shooter also hold their breath for a while while firing the object.

Do you know our breath works in a rhythm and cycle. The rhythm of sea waves and cycle of Ida-Sushumna-Pingala.

Ida-Pingala-Sushumna? 

These are 3 major nadis. Each individual breath approximately 1.5 hrs through left nostril (more force in left nostril), then 108 breaths through both nostrils and 1.5 hrs through right nostril. Then again the same cycle. 

Left stronger is called Ida (Ganga) and it is cold in nature. Right stronger is called Pingala (Yamuna) and it is hot in nature. Centre (equal breath from both) is called Sushumna and it is balance in nature.

If you are feeling hot and inhale-exhale through left nostril, there is no need of AC. If you are feeling cold and inhale-exhale through right nostril, there is no need of blanket. 

If the baby is conceived when the breath is left stronger, likelihood of female child. If right breath is stronger, likelihood of male child. And if conceived during Sushumna time, likely to become eunuch, as per Ayurveda.

Sushumna time is considered Golden Period for connecting Jeeva with Sheeva. A time to remember the Almighty God. Therefore Muslim Namaaj are scheduled 9 times in a day at regular intervals, probably.  

Hindu Muhurtas also prohibit Samsarik Karmas during this God time.

Arjun's matsya vedh is a symbolic story of balancing breath while standing on a balance and targeting moving fish through  the image in water. 

Those who are master of their breaths are master of their acts.    

Breath control kara..tu.

Shubham Bhavatu.

Punamchand
6 January 2015

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Early to Bed and Early to Rise, make the man Healthy Wealthy and Wise

Early to Bed and Early to Rise, make the man Healthy Wealthy and Wise.

ॐ
काममया एवायं पुरुष इति;
सा यथाकामो भवति तत्क्रतुर भवति I
यात्क्रतुर भवति तत कर्म कुरुते:
यत कर्म कुरुते तद अभिसम पद्यते II

(You are what your deep, driving desire is
As your desire is, so is your will 
As your will is, so is your deed
As your deed is, so is your destiny)
- Brihadaranyaka Upnishad (4, 4.5)

Many friends and colleagues ask me, why I wake up so early? I just smile or sometime reply too. Let me share the reasons.

My Mother was my great teacher. She used to teach me lessons of life through "Subhashitas" (eloquent saying). As child I didn't understood much but as I grew up, the messages were clear and became guiding force of my life.

She taught me, 
"Vahela je sui rahe, Vahela uthe veer; 
Bal Buddhi Dhan vadhe, Sukhma rage Sharir."  

During young age, I used to wake up early but used to extend sleeping hrs further in the bed. The freshness when woke up first and the dullness when get up in second attempt was puzzling me all the time. My US friend, a doctor, finally answered my query. The sleep is like a battery charger. When the body and mind are charged, we wake up and feel fully fresh. But if we try to take further sleep, the battery is used in pushing down the fresh body and mind, consume power. When we wake up in second attempt, the battery actually half discharged. Therefore, there is a feeling of dullness is wake up late.

You may have similar experience. Look at those, who wake up early. Their thoughts are fresh and efficiency very high.

I go to sleep at 9.30 PM and wake up after 6-7 hrs deep sound sleep. The morning hours give me great work time to meditate and write. Many a time, a puzzle difficult at night resolved in the morning.

Don't say, "O bed! O bed! delicious bed!
That heaven upon earth to the weary head," and sleep for long hours but remember:  

"Sleep is the best meditation."-Dalai Lama

"Man should forget his anger before he lies down to sleep."-Mohandas Gandhi

"Your life is a reflection of how you sleep, and how you sleep is a reflection of your life."-Dr. Rafael Pelayo

Not late at all, you may also follow the Subhashita:

"Vahela je sui rahe, Vahela uthe veer; 
Bal Buddhi Dhan vadhe, Sukhma rage Sharir."  

ॐ Shubham Bhavatu.

Punamchand
6 January 2015                  

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Shatam Jiv: Sharad: Kantkari (Kateri), a miraculous drug

Shatam Jiv: Sharad: Kantkari (Kateri), a miraculous drug

'Kantkari', called 'Bhoringani' (a small brijal type fruit carrying plant spread over earth in plenty everywhere) in Gujarat is one of the best ayurveda medicines to cure bronchitis, upper respiratory and lungs problems.

Take a teaspoon full powder of Kantkari with a cup of water and  boil it till half the water is burnt. Start the day with drinking this 'kadha' for 15 days to cure cough, pneumonic, bronchial problems. Those have chronic problems can drink for a longer period.

It was a miracle happened in October 1996. My mother,  a patient of chronic bronchitis had severe lungs infection and was admitted in Civil Hospital Ahmedabad. After two days of treatment, suddenly she had convulsions at 4am early in the morning. My nephew Suresh was in the hospital and I was at home in Ahmedabad. Understanding the seriousness of the problem I rushed to Dr. Gautam Bhagat's house at Paladi, picked him up and went to the hospital. Meanwhile I called Dr. Tejas Patel too. When we reached hospital my mother took her last breath. She died. Dr. Tejas told me that lungs failure was the primary cause of her death. Both Doctors putting their hands overmy shoulder started giving me consolations. But I was not ready to accept the departure. I asked Dr. Bhagat to check again. I said if lungs are reasons, can't we try and support her with ventilator? Dr. Bhagat checked and looking to the warmth in the body agreed to try. Blood was taken from artery of right leg to check the status of brain. Dr. Prafulla came rushing with ventilator. Team of young intern doctors started suction of cough and injecting antibiotics in lungs through ventilator pipe. The war of winning over death strated. The machine was breathing in and breathing out. There was no response from my mother. I was praying God Krishna with each of my conscious breath and requesting the Almighty to take away my life but to return my mother. Suddenly on 6th day my motherstarted responding to the machine. 5%, 10%..... the response started going up. The Doctors team continued act of suction and injecting antibiotics.

Finally on 12th day my mother returned. The ventilator was removed. We moved home next day. She survived for next 5 years thereafter. "Bolo Krishna Kanaiya Lalki Jay".

She was given 'Kantkari Kadha' for 5 years to support lungs and broncos. But tired of the taste, she stopped the medicine. When I was on earthquake duty in Kutch my father developed angina and died of heart attack in April 2001. My mother followed him by declaring her departure in a month and died of lungs failure, pneumonia developed through hospital infections in May 2001.

Do try 'kantkari' if you have lungs, broncos or respiratory related problems.

Shubham Bhavatu Kalyanam.

Punamchand
10 October 2014

NB: Those tired of wearing 'pokhraj' ring to strengthen Jupiter, can hold Kantkari roots. It will give the same result as of Pokhraj!!!

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In Search of God

In Search of God

Our journey "in search of God" yet to reach the final destination, but scientists have tried their level best searching him through atom, quantum, quarks and God particle. They were able to found space within the atom but still unable to identify the 'Governor' of that space and the movement of the particles and waves. They are in search of 'Purush' through 'Prakiriti'. 

Hindu religion has unified all forms in formless God and the sensory world has been described as "leela" of that God. 

Wonderful description in Brihadaranyaka Upnishad. Taking fullness from that fullness, fullness remains.

ॐ पूर्णमदः पूर्णमिदं पूर्णात्पुर्णमुदच्यते
पूर्णश्य पूर्णमादाय पूर्णमेवावशिष्यते ॥
ॐ शान्तिः शान्तिः शान्तिः ॥

The Upanishad says, "Purnam adah: that origin of all things is full; purnam idam: this entire creation that has come from that origin of all things is also full; purnat purnam udachyate: from that Full this Full has come; purnasya purnam adaya: having taken away this Full from that Full; purnam evavasisyate: the Full still remains unaffected."

Skand Puran, Guru Stotram has described the 'Guru' in following shlokas of Salutations to Guru, the same words direct the Almighty God. 

अखण्डमण्डलाकारं व्याप्तं येन चराचरम् ।
तत्पदं दर्शितं येन तस्मै श्रीगुरवे नमः ॥२॥
(an Indivisible Whole of Presence, and by Whom is pervaded the moving and the non-moving Beings; By Whom is Revealed (out of Grace) That Feet (of Indivisible Presence); Salutations to that Guru)

ब्रह्मानन्दं परमसुखदं केवलं ज्ञानमूर्तिम्
द्वन्द्वातीतं गगनसदृशं तत्त्वमस्यादिलक्ष्यम् ।
एकं नित्यं विमलमचलं सर्वधीसाक्षीभूतम्
भावातीतं त्रिगुणरहितं सद्गुरुं तं नमामि ॥१४॥

(Who is the Bliss of Brahman, Who is the Bestower of Supreme Joy, Who is the Absolute, Who is the Embodiment of Knowledge; Who is Beyond Duality, Who is Boundless and Infinite Like the Sky, Who is Indicated by Maha Vakyas Like Tat-Tvam-Asi (That-Thou-Art). Who is One without the Second, Who is Eternal, Who is Stainless and Pure, Who is Immovable, Who is the Witness of the Intelligence of All Beings. Who is Beyond the States of the Mind, Who is Free from the Three Gunas; Salutations to that Sad-Guru.

All are traveling towards that 'Sad Guru' the Eternal God of all. All have started the journey as 'Laghu' (small) (darkness) will travel to "Guru" (full) (light of knowledge).

असतोमा सद्गमय। तमसोमा ज्योतिर् गमया। मृत्योर्मामृतं गमय॥ ॐ शांति शांति शांति - बृहदारण्यक उपनिषद् 1.3.28. "

(Aum Asato mā sad gamaya Tamaso mā jyotir gamaya Mṛtyormā amṛtam gamaya Aum śānti śānti śāntiḥ " - Bṛhadāraṇyaka Upaniṣad 1.3.28) meaning of which is - "From ignorance, lead me to truth; From darkness, lead me to light; From death, lead me to immortality Aum peace, peace, peace " 

Shubham Bhavatu Kalyanam.

Punamchand
3 January 2014

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Time Dilation for Living World, All live in relativity.

Time Dilation for Living World, All live in Relativity.

There are trillions of minds on earth and quadrillions in the Universe. Each mind is an "observer", has time clock built inside, that gives feeling of the length of life. But this clock neither clicking the same all the time for all minds nor the same for each individual. Some times slower, sometimes faster. The events, environment make the clock slower or faster. Time dilate. And accordingly each life is ageing.

Late Vijay Sharma expressed his feelings about time in his farewell speech that his IAS career moved from 3 phases (10 Y each) of time speed. The first 10 Y were slower, the second 10Y were faster and the last 10Y were the fastest. The first 10 years of field posting was looking very long but the last went like an blink of an eye.

Isn't it the same for all?

When we were children, the life was looking so long, and then the speed of time caught up as we grew older and older. Each individual's clock may have different time speed depending upon the events and environment they live in.

My parents remembered their unhappy 10 years the most as they felt them the longest painful years of their life. (Clocks run slower in deeper gravitational wells. This is called gravitational time dilation. -General Relativity principle of Einstein).

Number of pleasant or unpleasant events make the clock faster or slower. In pleasing events (Sukh), time clock runs faster therefore, everyone wishes to extend the pleasure of that joy (like post retirement extension!!!). Unpleasant events (Dukh:) have more gravity to hurt deep inside, make the clock slower and therefore people do forget pleasant events-time but not the unpleasant events-time. Relatively Dukh clock is slower than the Sukh clock.

The living world is living in time dilation and relativity too.

Punamchand
2 January 2015

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Garden fresh Garlic, a Brain Tonic of

Garden fresh Garlic, a Brain Tonic of Winter

It's winter, a season for building annual storage of strength in human body. After the end of weak digestion months of monsoon, the Vaishbanaro Bhutva, Jatharagni is on top gear in winter. All houses make "rasayanas" that keep each individual of their family fit for the year.

Surprisingly, the best nerve tonic "garlic", discarded by some religious sects, has the best capacity to feel you with energy of life. Ayurveda identified it as a drop of nectar fell from the "amrit kumbh" carried away by Rahu.

Traditionally, in country side of Gujarat, in all communities, particularly adults eat 'churmu' made of garden fresh green garlic, ghee (ras bas) and Bajara rotala, early in the morning, nihar munh, at least for 15 days.

Ayurveda prohibits jeggary to eat with garlic. It is called opposite food. Therefore, don't add jeggary to add taste.

Ghee in the morning is also one of the best tonic. Don't worry, it will not add bad cholesterol, instead will add longevity. 

Hurry up, complete the course of 'garlic churmu' for 15 days before winter ends.

Shubham Bhavatu Kalyanam.

Punamchand
27 December 2014

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