Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Happy Diwali!

It's been so long since I have blogged, that I don't have words to express what I feel. And. that's not because of joy or surprise, it's just sheer inability. :)

Today, I can hear the crackers being burst outside my house even as I type this. To all my friends, bloggers, readers- Here's wishing you a very happy and prosperous Deepavali, or Diwali (or, whatever it is that you choose to call it).

















Sunday, October 16, 2011

What are Your Plans for Kanha this Kaartik?

Yes yes yeeeeessssss!!!!! It is Kartik maas once again! Yaaaayyyyy! Truly the best month of the year, filled with love, fun, festivity, and cute little baby Kanha!

I should have written this post earlier actually. My apologies. Kartik maas started on the 12th of October. What is so special about this month is that the Lord performed many many miracles during this month in His infancy. Also, this is the last and final month of Chaturmasya. Another important reason is that Rama returned to Ayodhya during this month (Diwali).

The most famous leela of the Lord during this month is the liberation of Kuvera's sons.

Mother Yashoda was cooking but Kanha was getting hungry. So she left the milk to boil on the stove and went to feed Kanha. However, the milk started to spill and Yashoda Maiya left Kanha to tend to the boiling milk, thus angering Him. Terribly annoyed with his mother for having left him like that, Kanha started to break pots of yoghurt and began eating churned butter. After Yashoda had tended to the milk, she came back to look for Kanha. To her surprise, she found broken pots and saw that Krsna had turned the grinding mortar upside down and was distributing butter to the monkeys!

Yashoda Maiya chased after Kanha, who was trying to run as fast as his little legs could carry Him. Yashoda caught him and he was backing away in fear, with tears in his little eyes. As punishment, she decided to bind him to a grinding mortar with rope. But the rope was 2 inches too small. She got another piece of rope and attached it yet it was still too small. Again and again this happened until finally after expressing her exasperation, Kanha agreed to let himself be bound and the rope miraculously fit. The 2 inches signify that in order to reach Krishna, 2 factors must be considered: (1) our individual efforts and (2) His divine will.

Yashoda Maiya then left to tend to other household affairs but little Kanha was up to something. He tugged and the grinding mortar fell from its vertical position, lying flat on the floor. With barely any effort, this little baby boy crawled pulling the grinding mortar along with him by the rope he was bound with. Krsna crawled between two yamala-arjuna trees and the grinding mortar got stuck between them. With a gentle tug, Krsna was able to use the mortar to break the trees down. From these two trees emerged Nalakuvera and Manigreva, the two sons of Kuvera. In a previous birth, the two were found by Narada Muni engaging in indecent behavior with girls in the river, fully intoxicated and unclothed. Narada Muni cursed them to live the life of trees and upon being merciful as a devotee of God always is, his curse was actually a blessing. He said that they would be freed only when the Supreme Personality of Godhead would free them with His grace and presence. Now finally that time had come. They had achieved liberation, having seen the face of God and being freed by him. They offered obeisances to Krishna and set off to their heavenly abodes.

So that's the story of Damodar Leela. But how do we celebrate this month of Kartik?

We must offer a diya or lamp to Krishna everyday while reciting the Damodarastakam. If you have not experienced the Damodarastakam yet, oh you are definitely missing out! It is the most beautiful, soul stirring experience! Every single devotee I know absolutely loves Damodar aarti! I remember last year Ekalavya Dasa Prabhu was here shortly after the month of Kartik ended. And he conducted a damodar aarti saying, "For those of you who thought it was over, it's not! It's extended now!" He then told us how he cried once when he found out the month of Kartik was over because he just loves Damodar aarti so much!

The scriptures say any religious activity done during this holy month reaps 1000 times more merit and absolves thousands of karmas and sins. It is an auspicious month for increased spiritual activity, and a month of charity. The other day, a preacher explained the hierarchy of charity: it is good to give a horse in charity, but it is better to gift an elephant. On a higher level is donating a cow. Donating food or giving one's daughter in marriage is on the same level. But the highest of all is vidya-daan. Giving knowledge. So we were advised to donate scriptures like Bhagavad Gitas and share our knowledge, especially during this month.

So what are you going to do for Kanha this month? Maybe you could study the Gita again. Or read some other scripture. Perhaps you could chant extra rounds. Maybe do some preaching or conduct damodar aarti in your friends' houses. I personally have decided to light a diya everyday and perform damodar aarti in my house. I would like to invite all of you to light a lamp and perform damodar aarti everyday as well. To make it extra special, you can make a lamp of ghee, and tulsi sticks covered in cotton. This is said to be very auspicious and reaps much more merit. The aarti can be done at absolutely any time, morning or evening!

Here is the video including lyrics of the Damodarastakam:


Sunday, October 9, 2011

A discussion about Ekadesi!

                                            Happy belated Ekadesi to ALL!

Ekadesi is really an important day dedicated to our sweet lord VISHNU.
It is believed that observing Ekadesi vratham(fasting) would remove all kinds of  unlimited and abominable sins one has committed in the current birth or previous births.

Acharyas - great spiritual teachers have recommended that if one is unable to observe a complete fast, he/she should at least fast from grains on every Ekadesi. It is said that by fasting on this day and remembering the pastimes of Lord Krishna, all of one’s sins are eradicated and one is purified.

Everyone is aware about the merits of fasting on Ekadesi. This particular blog is basically a discussion forum for each one of us to understand the concepts better. Like I have N no of doubts about ekadesi and people who read this blog might know the answers for the questions am going post below…..and all of us can share whatever little we know about “ekadesi” (in the comments column for guests) & all of us can together try to do a better job from the next ekadesi onwards. You know everyday is a learning day when we are on our way to reach our Sri Hari!

I did read about Ekadesi from various websites & heard a little from elders. I shall collate the information from little that I have heard & read.

Basic Info on Ekadesi :-

~ Ekadasi literally means "the eleventh day."  
~ There are two Ekadasis in a month: on the eleventh day after the new moon and on the eleventh day after the full moon.

History of Ekadesi:-

This is explained in the Padma Puranam (the second amongst the eighteen puranas), which tells us about the beginning of Ekadasi. During the Krita Yuga, also termed the golden age, an asura called Muran harassed both devas and mortals. Unable to bear his tyranny, the devas sought refuge in Shiva. He directed them to approach Vishnu. Vishnu agreed to help the devas and went out to battle with Muran. During the long battle, which lasted one thousand celestial years, Vishnu needed to rest for a while. He entered a beautiful cave called Himavati in Badarikashrama to sleep. Muran wanted to strike Vishnu while he was sleeping. However, Shakti - Vishnu's female energy - emerged out of his body and assumed the form of a beautiful damsel who fought Muran and vanquished him. When Vishnu awoke he was very pleased and named this maiden as “Ekadesi” and granted her a boon. The maiden said, "O Lord, if you are pleased with me and wish to give me a boon, then give me the power to deliver people from the greatest sins if they fast on this day". Vishnu granted her the boon. Thus was born the first ekadasi, which was a Dhanurmasa sukla paksha ekadasi. Sages and devout people have been observing the ekadasi vrata regularly since then. Here, the demon Muran represents the tamasic and rajasic qualities in us. The import of the ekadasi vrata is that one can conquer rajasic and tamasic tendencies in us through fasting. This helps us reach our ultimate destination, Vaikuntha, which is the place or stage of no 'kuntitha' or dullness.

Courtesy given to tamilbrahmins.com for the percept.


How Devotees generally observe this fast:-

~ Some fully fast they even refrain from drinking water (this is called nirjala vrata)
~ Some devotees consume only water or other liquids.
~ Certain devotees have only fruits & milk of course other liquids like juices excluding grains, rice and other cooked recipes.
~ Few ppl who are patients or who cannot observe a strict fast consume Rotis, kichadi excluding rice.
~ I have as well heard of devotees who exclude cooked rice in particular but have dosas, idlies or anything that is not steamed rice.

These are the patterns that I have seen or heard in which people observe ekadesi fast.  Now am not sure which is right or wrong for me to prescribe to you guys (ppl who are new to ekadesi fasting). Which ever or whatever type suits one’s health can be followed but I would strongly recommend fasting on ekadesi (any suitable kind) for our lord as it is a gift for us to get rid of sins, clear our obstacles in our way to reaching Hari & ultimately observing Ekadesi fast shall take us several huge steps nearer to our Sri Hari and what more merit can we ask for?

Very often when Ekadesi fasting is talked about, many have several questions including me. Although we fast, we tend to have doubts about Ekadesi fasting. I got few doubts clarified from certain authentic vaishnavaites but still the info could be wrong. I have penned few FAQs with whatever little I have heard & read about Ekadesi fasting. Please correct me if any of the provided information is wrong.

FAQs
~ Can I offer Neyvethyam(offerings to our lord like fruits, dry fruits, milk, etc) on ekadesi?

Ans: Yes certainly.. one can offer offerings to our lord Hari. (I got it clarified from one of the priests as well in vaishnava temple near by) Hari doesn’t have the need to attain anything. He is the ultimate! Only we have to reach our lord. Only we have sins to be washed-off. HE IS ALL PERFECT! we can offer him our offerings with love, he would accept it. That’s just my view….Even if it is Ekadesi we offer fruits or milk to our Lord.


~ Can WE have the prasadam offered to Hari on Ekadesi? (maha-neivedhyam or whatever)
Ans: what I read on this context- On Ekadasi, everything is cooked for Vishnu, including regular grains and dhal, but it is enjoined that a Vaisnava should not even take visnu-prasadam on Ekadasi.
It is said that a Vaisnava does not accept any eatable that is NOT offered to Lord Vishnu, but on Ekadasi a Vaisnava should not touch even maha-prasadam offered to Vishnu, although such prasadam may be kept for being eaten the next day.
It is strictly forbidden for one to accept any kind of grain on Ekadasi, even if it is offered to Lord Vishnu.

Courtesy given to ISKCONdesiretree.net for the percept. 


~ Can I sleep in the afternoons on ekadesi?

Ans:- Ekadesi just comes for 2 days in a month. It is better not to take a nap during afternoons again there are exceptions when it comes to one’s health conditions.
To add to the point, the primary idea is to think about Sri Hari our Narayanan as much as possible and not waste time on other stuff. Already our many essential hours goes wasted when we are asleep during nights….why to waste time during day esp on the day of Ekadesi. Lets atleast try not to nap if we are fit enough to do so (with his grace)

~ Can I have just Tiffin items excluding rice?

Ans: Again it depends on one’s health condition and even their work pattern like for some might have strenuous physical activity and might require more calories and stuff.
But my personal answer would be- A STRICT “NO” to any grains (rice, wheat, cereals and any kind of pulses)

People observing this particular fast emerge out of this world of sin and march towards salvation.


If you have any health problems or if you are on medication, please consult your doctor before deciding on fasting! You can also opt for a partial fast by avoiding food made of rice the bottom line is that these are practices to remember HIM, stay close to HIM and experience HIM always. He would be pleased with even minimum efforts taken


My Doubts: - I request my dear friends to share what you know about ekadesi so that all who read this piece can be benefited from the valid information provided. Am sure my friends would have a lot of info on Ekadesi. I kindly request you guys to participate. You may as well post your doubts if any & we all can try to find out together.

  1. What about offering prasadam to Gurus? Like for many, Sri Ramanuja achar is guru. Sri Ragavendra swamy of mantralaya is my beloved Guru. Can we offer offerings like milk or fruits to him on ekadesi?

  1. Generally it is always better to offer food to some other living organism before we consume food. Like many draw rangoli(kolam) outside their houses (in order to feed ants and as well to beautify their houses). Since am not capable of drawing rangolis, I go to terrace and offer rice & little dhal to crows & then only consume my food but what about on Ekadesi? My in-laws say its ok to offer rice to crows but I do not know it for sure. Do u guys have any answer to this? (might be a silly question though... but my frnds can’t hit me….well, they don’t know where I am hehe)
  2. What about observing fasting when one has periods? (In my experience, I refrain from having grains) but I hear this question often so thought of seeking all your views.
  3. What if the female is pregnant? Because one will have to have some proportions of everything like proteins, vitamins & stuff….and will have to consume certain amount of necessary calories. what about on Ekadesi?

I don’t recollect many doubts. However just penned whatever came to my mind at present. Lets ALL discuss guys! Let us make our Ekadesi vrathams more perfect to please our lord Hari.



Please note the below Ekadesi calendar for 2011

DAY
MONTH
YEAR
07 (already over)
Oct
2011
23
Oct
2011
06
Nov
2011
21
Nov
2011
06 (Mokshada or Mukkoti or  Vaikunta ekadesi)
Dec
2011
21
Dec
2011

*All dates are as per Indian Standard Time*

Saturday, October 1, 2011

A silly episode!

Hello All,

Happy Navarathri to ALL:-))

I was not in a position to visit our blog-space for a long time yet I kept thinking about our dear "All About Krishna" site yes only because its ALL ABOUT HIM & my dear friends who love HIM more than anything!

I feel like sharing an episode which is happening at present in my home....ya well how can anything be NOT about him???

As you all know am married and settled here in Chennai & I have a sister-in-law who lives in Chennai ofcourse she lives quite away from our place. She is hmmmm a nice person but at times it takes quite a lot of effort to make things work. However I Love her & ALL sincerely. When my lovable Lord resides in my heart how can my heart not Love anyone?

Couple of days back we learned from my mother-in-law that my sister-in-laws' husband has got a chance to pursue his higher studies abroad. He may have to be away from India for 2 whole yrs. The situation is such that He can't earn much when he studies there & it won't be sufficient enough for them to set a family there. Theirs was a love marriage and my SIL is not in good terms with her in-laws for her to go and stay there. So everything narrowed down to a point wherein my MIL indirectly kept saying she(SIL) might as well join us in our family for 2 yrs. I will certainly have to be honest here when I say I totally HATED that idea!!!!! My husband too finds it difficult to handle her so he was reluctant to have her here with us. He indirectly kept refusing the idea by telling my MIL.., " ASK her to leave along with her husband!! She can search for a job there...." Ya he never gave his consent for her to stay here which brought little peace in my heart.

For my MIL my husband is GOD! She can never act against his will or against his likes......so she was kind of in a pickle. All these things kept really itching me....because everyday I try my BEST to be a good DIL, good wife, good daughter over all a good human being to please my LORD. Ya its soooooooooooooooo easy to say...."Whats the big deal? invite her and live happily with her hehehehe" but you know reality isn't that easy!! perhaps had she been a sweet person situation would have been totally different. Anyway I kept discussing everything with my Krishna in my room ofcourse I always whisper am used to it now. Then I kept thinking..."What the hell am I doing? How can a female be alone for 2 years all by herself? & being a Krishna bakthai How can I let that happen?"

Lord Rama welcomed Vibishana despite the fact that he was an asura(in the rival grp) so sweetly the moment Vibhishana seeked HIS(our lord's) refuge......He din't give a second thought to it even when Jambhavan and other dear devotees din't like the idea. What is the point in reciting Ramayana with immense devotion and not following his values?

So thinking about all these factors I convinced myself to welcome her here happily and to make her feel happy here for the entire 2 years no matter what she says to me.

But then thoughts like..." Ayyoooo she'll put an end to my freedom for 2 yrs...........she'll fight with my husband in a loud voice & spoil our weekend.....She'll insult my bakthi in a very obvious manner"......ALL such thoughts kept haunting me & then I decided ......" NO!!!!!!!!! NO!!!!!!! Why would I be a stupid? Let her take-off wherever! It is her family need! They will have to figure out a better plan and not bother others for their goals."

Then again I couldn't even face Krishna....I couldn't even sit with him & have a cup of coffee....:-(

Then I thought Ok...."Its my responsibility to call her here. How can I stand the fact that one female expected our help and was refused. My lord would never forgive me for this. Whatever it is.....I shall do it for my lord and I shall be happy about it!!!"

See just imagine guys...., It was decided that Lord Rama would be crowned as king. The whole City was rejoicing that night. The kingdom was full of JOY.....everybody were busy in preparing for the GRAND occasion. Rama was obviously happy and so was Sita:-))) The very next morning that is when He was supposed to be a KING he was sent to forest!!!!!!!!!! and HE still went not with a sober face but happily.....happily he accepted his responsibility! HAPPILY he lived in forest and never did he think about missing anything there.....wow!  and are we talking about 2 yrs or 5 yrs here???? NOPE!!!!! 14 whole years!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Its lame to compare:-( I know!!!! but only for US he taught sooooooooooooooooo much.......din't he??? And he doesn't even expect us to do such Herculean things in life:-)) But little things that we do can be from his teachings right??? For whom did he teach otherwise? 

After thinking about Ramayana deeply, I was so excited about inviting her here....Yes Its my responsibility and even if it is for many years I shall do it happily....when MY LORD is with me why should I worry about anything! HE is all my pleasure!!!! Who would take that away from me??? then why on earth should I even give a second thought to anything? 

I convinced my husband for her to stay here and then we insisted my MIL to invite her here........my MIL was so relieved:-)))) & then I sat and had a wonderful cup of coffee with my krishna......ofcourse we never spoke about such things.......there were better things by then hehehe

The entire episode might be very silly but then you know such things happen in life........lets never give-up his teachings! I am not matured enough to say this....had I been matured enough I wouldn't have blogged about so many confusions that haunted me .....I would have acted matured in the first place:-( But the whole idea of blogging it was that there can be so many frnds like me who are in a dilemma to choose from options "Following his values & pleasing him" or "just acting what the pleasure bound fake mind says" .......just wanted to encourage the 1st option which would give us permanent place in his heart and what better to ask!!!