ITC Grand Chola Experience – A tryst with Chola dynasty

It was like a dream come true when I read the venue for the Indi blogger meet on 27^th October, 2012. The Grand Chola! Wow!  I registered for the same without any second thought. The D day dawned and I was on cloud nine even as I entered the Gates of the Grand Chola.

The very fact that I was about to enter Grand Chola filled me with pride. From the very end of the road towards the grand Chola my eyes were thirsting to catch a glimpse of it. And I should add that when cars passed by this hotel you could see a number of heads vying to peep out through the windows to catch sight of the hotel’s splendor, not wanting to miss the captivating structure, tracing its origin to Chola regime .Before entering this hotel I thought it was a typical replica of the old Chola Sheraton maybe with some updates. I was not prepared for what met my eye. My jaws dropped. The sheer magnificence of the architectural splendor in front of me stunned my senses. The intricately carved elephants on the wall near the entrance and the fascinating colour combination magically transported me to the Chola kingdom and of course I felt like a king. This was evident when I was warmly welcomed by Renie, the convener of Indi blogger. The hotel staffs were hospitable and cheerful and shared the values behind building such a great hotel which we thought was a seven Star category but were told that it is a 5 star super deluxe luxury hotel to be reckoned with. Each and every executive of the Grand Chola including the Area Sales & Marketing Manager, Mr.V.Prakash, Mr.Baldev Dhir, Manager E-Marketing and Ms.Meghna rao Asst. Sales Manager were most hospitable. As I entered the lobby, my eyes were basking in the beauty of the interior of the hotel. It was a mind blowing experience. The grand marble staircase brought to our mind the grandeur of the bygone chola era. Cameras clicked incessantly with people posing by the staircase. The lighting, the ambiance and the temperature inside was really perfect .The huge chandeliers in different shapes drew the attention of all. The escalator which took us to the second floor was a surprising feature. The 45000 sq.feet pillar-less Rajendra hall inspired from the great kingship of Rajendrachola Deva is an architectural wonder. The fact that Rajendra chola constructed the one and only temple for the wind god in the 12^th century must have been taken note of by the architects of the hotel, who did not compromise on the air-conditioning which was on the dot. Not too cold, not very hot, perfect just like I prefer my coffee. There were about 10 round tables inside the hall (Rajendra) where the event took place, each ornate with flowers and an ipad which I thought was classic .They were also accompanied by an appetizing bowl of chocolates and a jar of mouth-watering cookies. There were two big screens, one updating us on the tweets by the bloggers .The other screen showed the agenda for the day. Not only were the ipads kept to be exploited to our hearts content but so was Wi-Fi. Apart from this we also had free electricity provided by them incase our cell phones or laptops were dead. This was like “kanna rendhavdhu ladoo thinga asaiya?”

The events unrolled. Anoop Johnson, the master of ceremonies, was spontaneous and endeared himself to one and all with his cheerful demeanour. We were showered with a lot of treats from the generous Grand Chola, who awarded redeemable gift coupons worth Rs500 to the people who had arrived first and to those who won a few games conducted by the Indiblogger committee. Then we were briefed upon the tweets for treats game which evoked enthusiastic participation from the bloggers. Then we had an introductory session where each one of us had a minute to introduce ourselves and talk a few words about our blog. Then all of us both young and old played the GANGNAM STYLE musical chair.

                                                                                                         

ITC GRAND CHOLA has the unique distinction of holding the Indi bloggers meet in their hotel for their hotel!

Then we dispersed for high tea. I drooled over the sumptuous spread in front of me. This included items like samosa, kachodi, vada and bonda with the red, white and green chutney and also saunth. Different kinds of cookies, cakes, salads, bread and desserts set our taste buds tingling. It was really scrumptious and lips smacking. And of course I cannot fail to mention the rejuvenating fresh fruit juices served along with aromatic coffee and tea. I must really thank Mr. Amit bangera the chef, who undoubtedly won all our hearts with his awesome culinary skills.

Thereafter came the highlight of the day – THE GUIDED TOUR OF THE HOTEL.  We were so full that we welcomed the idea of walking around the hotel and savour the experience. We were introduced to a group of girls and boys clad in traditional sarees and suits. They were the guides who split us in groups of ten each to take us around the hotel. Ms.Meghna Rao, Asst. Sales Manager was our guide. Every group had to choose a group-name for themselves and also a team leader with four people who should tweet their experience continuously while on tour and then spin all the information collected into a story, ‘A story of the tour’. The generous ITC wanted to spread joy among all of us by doling out more gift coupons - for the best story and the best photo click of the day .Each and every one of the guides was well versed with the history of the hotel and could answer to all the queries put forth to them without hesitation. We began our guided tour from the lobby. We all had our Kodak moments (photo taken). That was really enjoyed by all and then we also clicked a picture along with the friendly staff of ITC. Then all of us were lead by our guide and were explained about the lobby in detail. From the embossing on the floor, (which was really interesting and had much historical reference) to the self-play piano everything was awesome. The stylish Bar which was not yet opened to the public spelt luxury. The high backed chairs looked chic and elegant. The sofa sets were so soft that I could sink myself in it and for those who didn’t like the soft ones could settle for the firm leather-finish chair.

                                                                                 

The fine art work on each floor and the number of artifacts arranged in a very pleasing manner and also the detailing, lighting and the understated elegance of the rooms set this hotel apart from the others. The icing on the cake was the plush and luxurious presidential suite. ITC has followed the pure room concept which offers you the best business and luxury services in a completely allergen-free environment. The building stands tall amidst many other structures around and nearby with an imposing chola traditional look. It is amazing to know that there are 600 rooms built on a 2.5 acres area consisting of 10 floors. The sprawling complex redefined the concept of space with a combination of luxurious accommodation. The aesthetically designed rooms reflected the rich heritage of the Chola dynasty.

This made me draw the conclusion that ITC Grand Chola was Chennai’s Burj Dubai. I could sense the same kind of lighting effect and aesthetic sense. But our ITC is different in its own way owing to its desi theme.

We also had the privilege to see the different restaurants which displayed an array of delectable dishes both continental and intercontinental and trust me our experience with food was exquisite. The Ottimos, Madras pavilion, Café Mercara, Nutmeg the Gourmet shop, Royal Vega, Peshawri, Pan Asia are the restaurants we came across. Some are functioning while the others are yet to open. Then we headed to The Cheroot, Malt and Cigar lounge. On our way to the Cheroot, we were enlightened with a very interesting piece of information by our guide. She threw light on the hotel’s detail to its acoustical features reminiscent of the Chola era. There was an embossing of a lotus flower on the ceiling which I had thought was just another architectural splendor but soon realised that it was acoustically tuned to echo sounds when one stood under the centre of the flower. As one stepped back the echo faded away. Another interesting stop drawing everyone’s attention was the famed Louis XIII and the famous Armenteros brand cigars. The tables were carefully arranged keeping in mind the Chola theme. There were old coins of the chozhan era displayed under a sealed glass table which also displayed different cognacs. There was a mini bar too which was yet to open. The small room dedicated for smoking purpose was a thoughtful addition.

We had the time of our lives at the Tranquebar where we were served with a variety of thirst quenchers to the extent that our stomachs would burst. The hospitality of our host, the ITC Chola stole my heart.

The room we were shown by our guide was more tech savvy than me. The rooms would be a haven to all the lazy people who prefer not to move their ass from their couch or bed as all that one wanted to do could be achieved in one click of the ipad. From the lights to the blinds and the door, everything would be under the control of the person in the room. It also helps one to see the person outside the room and to reach the receptionist very soon. The sliding wall sized mirror in the room concealed the bathroom behind it. The use of sliding doors a space saving feature blended well with the traditional décor.

Then we were lead to the techno gym which lived true to its name. The treadmill had access to face book and twitter and one could also watch TV while working out. The pool could be viewed from the Gym as also a partial view of the hotel’s front side grandeur. Wasn’t that awesome? I think a hotel couldn’t give more to please its customers.

And oh I must not fail to mention Kaya Kalp, the royal spa, inspired from the Turkish bathing sense which is called Hamam. The entrance to the spa had a small pond with many lotuses’ floating in it.  This was the most prominent flower during the Cholan period.

Our next stop was the Gentleman’s barber shop which was a class apart from a normal saloon. The ladies could make use of the state-of-the-art manicure and pedicure saloon. The last lap of our tour ended with a visit to the Cauvery. This was not the river but a room where board meetings and other important official meetings could be held. Again ITC did not fail to surprise us with its unique feature. Any piece of written matter kept on the table would be scanned and could be projected and viewed by all. It also had very effective audio detailing. A small cloak room adjoined the main meeting room.

Then we headed back to the Rajendra hall where we were in for a pleasant surprise. The meeting came to an end with every participant getting an invite for a complimentary dinner for two at Café Mercara or Madras Pavilion or Ottimos or Peshawri.  The event was a memorable one for me and I am sure for others too.  My experience was indelible and will remain in my mind for ever. The chola dynasty is a legend and has been portrayed in this building by way of art work and the building structures.

Centuries ago the Cholas took India to the world. Today, the Grand Chola invites the World to Chennai…

SEKAR SAPTHARISHI

Contact: sekrajc@yahoo.com

SUMMARY OF THE THIRD CHAPTER OF BHAGAVAD GITA

The 3^rd chapter of Bhagavad Gita comprises 43 verses and can be classified into 5 portions.

Verse 1 to 7: This topic talks about Arjuna’s question and Lord Krishna’s answer.

Verse 8 to 20: Krishna elaborately discusses the spiritual aspect of Karma yoga.

Verse 20 to 29: Krishna deals with the topic of Lokasangraha (responsibilities of a Gnani in the society).

Verse 30 to 35: Krishna summarizes the topic of Karma yoga.

Verse 36 to 43: Problem or the obstacle of Kama and Krotha (desire and anger) in the path of spirituality is discussed here.

Verse 1 to 7: (Anuprashnaga). Arjuna asked the question based on the previous teaching. In the 2^nd chapter Krishna talked about two special disciplines in the form of karma yoga and Gnana yoga. Gnana yoga is the final means of liberation. Krishna starts with Gnana yoga and ended with Gnana yoga and in the middle portion karma yoga was mentioned. Arjuna wants to skip karma yoga and do Gnana yoga as karma yoga is uncomfortable. Krishna gives answer from 3^rd to 7^th verse. There is no choice between karma yoga and Gnana yoga. Every spiritual seeker has to do karma yoga and Gnana yoga. Should they be practiced simultaneously or sequentially is the question? Krishna told that they be followed sequentially. You start with karma yoga and end with Gnana yoga. Karma yoga is for junior seeker and Gnana yoga for senior seeker (sankya). By doing Gnana yoga you get liberated.

2^nd Topic Verse 8 to 20: An analysis of Karma yoga.                                                            

The four principles of karma yoga may be represented by the term RIDE.

R – Gradually reduce all adharmic actions. Adharma means what you don’t want others do to you, you don’t do to others. {Unethical behavior, improper behavior (Asuri sampath 16^th Chapter)}.

I – Gradually increase Dharmic activities in five different areas in the form of fivefold contribution. Selfless contribution to the cosmic world in the form of pancha maha yagna is necessary.

Deva yagna: Do daily pooja or prayer. Never seek any personal or family favour from the lord. You can do sandyavandanam or Siva manasa pooja.

Pithur yagna: Do reverential contribution to your family. We should never be ungrateful to our family, to our parents, grandparents and fore fathers. Reverential contribution to the preservation of our scriptures. If somebody is doing you may help them. This is Brahma yagna. Manushya yagna: Reverential contribution to the fellow human beings. Bear in mind that without society’s support we can’t survive. Bootha yagna. Animals and plants are important for our survival.  Reverential contribution to animals also by way of pongal and mattu pongal.

  

D – Dedicate all the actions as an offering to the lord. Treat work as worship. Even mundane work has to be done happily. Never do any job half heartedly.

E – Experience everything in life. Good or favorable or unfavorable. I go through the experience as a prasada from the lord. Every experience in our life is the result of our own past action. This is the law of Karma. Past action belongs to this janma or past action may belong to purva janma. Baghavan is karma pala Dadha. Give me the strength to go through and the intelligence to come out of the situation. Accept every experience as Baghavan’s prasada.

Agna, Yagna, Yoga and Dharma angles are explained.

Agna angle: Pancha maha yagna is not given by Baghavan as an activity. It is a compulsory duty. It comes under nithya karma. Ex: Paying Tax is not an optional one. Omission of pancha maha yagna is a papam (punishable).

Yagna Angle: Expression of gratitude to the lord.

Yoga Angle: Pancha maha yagna will help in faster spiritual growth which is called yogaga.

Dharma angle: Pancha maha yagna is extremely important to keep balance in the universe. Imbalance is the ill health of the Cosmos. If the world is not healthy we will have to pay the price. Whole universe has a symbiotic relationship.

3^rd topic Verse 20 to 29: Whether a Gnani or a Gnana yogi requires Karma yoga or not?

Krishna says even a Gnani has to do pancha maha yagna as long as he is a house holder. Krishna quotes himself as an example. Krishna tells Arjuna that as a Charioteer I am obeying your commands. The motive is for serving as a model for others to follow. Society will always look out a successful one as a model. A Gnani remembers his higher nature. Adult members are observed and imitated by younger ones in the society. Krishna tells Arjuna that Mahabharata is your duty and don’t run away.

4^th topic Verse 30 to 35: 30^th Verse is the most important of 3^rd Chapter and also the entire Bhagavad Gita. 

Offer all your actions to Baghavan and perform well. Give top priority for spiritual growth. A Moksha pursuer may give importance to material prosperity also. Never vote for material prosperity at the cost of spiritual growth. In short earn legitimately. May you be humble in success. Whenever success comes we tend to be arrogant. (Reference:  kenopanishad Devas and Asuras fight). Humility is the hallmark of spirituality. Use Bhakti as an emotional / mental shock absorber. Pray to Baghavan to give you the strength to maintain Samatvam as much as possible. Krishna tells that those who do not follow karma yoga will fall down materially and spiritually.

5^th topic Verses 36 to 43: Krishna talks about karma yoga in the form of Kama and Krotha (Desire and anger). He highlights Kama as a major problem. Unethical desires alone are to be condemned. May you encourage only healthy desires. Desires are generated by three organs in the body. Sense organs get tempted and is a founder member. Mind becomes the next member nourishing the Kama. The next is Buddhi which justifies unethical desires. Sense organs initiate the desire. Control sense organs by avoiding temptations. Say no to drugs, no to liquor, cigarette etc. Once you take to them thereafter coming out is difficult. Sense control is the best method of mastering Kama. Ethical Kama will become non binding desires. You will feel complete fulfillment.

Be blissful.

S.SEKAR

Contact: sekrajc@yahoo.com

DESIRE TO NON BINDING DESIRE

Desire is a choice less faculty of human beings. We are born with desires. Animals have no freewill of their own. They do according to their nature. Anger is directly proportional to the desire of the obstacle. The problems we face are due to Kama (desire) and Krotha (anger). We have to learn to handle desire. Anger is the cause of impulsive responses. Impulsive responses are risky and lead to unwanted consequences (3rd Chapter of Gita).

Anger is an enemy if it leads to impulsive action (violent action) especially for a karma yogi. It brings you down spiritually. Unethical desires when obstructed will get converted into anger. When fulfilled, it will get converted into greed. Unethical desires suppress discriminative power. Mirror has the capacity to reflect my face. When it is coated with dust its reflecting power is suppressed. Our buddhi has the power to reflect the Atma. Buddhi is suppressed when it is coated with the dust called Kama.

If we look for lower material things then we lose our discriminative power. Buddhi is a knowing power and can discriminate. Money will never satisfy a human being.  As long as a baby is in the womb it cannot do anything. (Not able to fully operate). When Kama covers the Buddhi, the buddhi is not able to fully operate like a baby in the womb. Hardened desires cannot be removed easily like a baby can’t be removed from the womb at all. We have to wait until it comes out. Similarly some of the desires can’t be removed easily. We have to wait for a long time.

An Intelligent person is one who is ready to learn from any source. Krishna tells Arjuna that karma yoga is the best way of life. It is the best win-win way of life prescribed by Vedas. Success of one requires the failure of the other. Everybody can taste and enjoy victory by following karma yoga way of life. It is useful for spiritual growth also. A person should choose a lifestyle in line with his temperament. Every one of us is a combination of a proportion of 3 Gunas. Satva guna a quiet contemplate life style. Rajo guna active life style. Tamo guna freedom from activity. This will determine our temperament. If our lifestyle and personality are not compatible with one another there will be a lot of anxiety, stress, strain, health problems both physical and Psychological. Try to move with the flow always. Never resist your personality. If you have a lot of energy use it and work. Remember that choice must be based on the personality.

Five principles of karma yoga:

1.    Dedicate all your activities secular and sacred to the lord. Show reverential attitude towards the activity. Commitment to work.

2.    Do your action with a spiritual motive. Think that through this action I want to grow spiritually. Give priority for spiritual growth.

3.    You gradually reduce expectations in life. We have a contributing freewill. We do not have a controlling freewill. Stronger the expectation more intensive will be the anxiety. Stronger the courage lesser the expectation. (Nivasi).

  

4.    Suppose my action leads to success. Success may lead to arrogance. Failure may lead to frustration. Always maintain humility in success.

5.    You have to be free from mental fever. Maintain Samatvam. Equanimous mind (in pair of opposites) when facing results.             

We have to learn to be peaceful in spite of situations rather than because of situations. That is wisdom.  Material body and material world will constantly interact. Satva, tamas, Rajas personalities are the three Gunas in a person. Our body is a temporary make up. We don’t have a control over material world. We don’t have control over our family members and when our children grow up. Aim of Grihastasanam is serving the family and grooming and not controlling the family. You should know how to be detached like a lotus remaining in water without getting wet.

Personality expresses in the form of my likes and dislikes. Choice must be based on Raga-Dvesha (love and hatred). For natural desire ask another question. Is it Dharmic or not to do a thing? If it is immoral, I should use my freewill to say I have the desire but will not act according to that. I will follow Dharma (rules and regulations). Respect your passion. Don’t be enslaved by your passion. Learn to say no to do a wrong thing. Mental pressure and Raga-Dvesha makes me do impulsive action/ response in every situation. See whether it is right or wrong thing to do which is to be taken care of by Buddhi. Buddhi must stop impulsive activity and filter the same. In spite of having the knowledge people are violating Dharma which Arjuna asks Lord Krishna (BG Ch 3 verse 36). Adharma will lead to papam and naragam (hell).

Final part of 3^rd chapter of Gita Lord Krishna talks about 2 obstacles for spiritual growth. Two internal enemies of a spiritual seeker which obstructs Karma yoga and Gnana yoga are Kama (desire) and Krotha (anger). Krishna talks about desire only though anger is introduced. Anger is a different version of desire. By handling Kama thereby one can handle Krotha effectively as per Krishna. Desire is available for human beings only. It is called icha Sakthi. Even Moksha is possible only through desire. We cannot blindly condemn desire. Desire should be noble and healthy and finally spiritual. Remove unethical, immoral desires.

We have a physical body. Superior to the body is the sense organs as we are aware of the body because of the sense organs. Mind is superior to the sense organs as mind alone decides which sense organ should function. Superior to the mind is Buddhi/ intellect. One faculty of mind is doubting. Buddhi has got thinking power. By clear knowledge the intellect can clear the doubt. Buddhi is Vignanamaya kosa. Mind is manomaya kosa. Superior to all these is Saga which is “Atma”. Atma the spiritual principle is superior to all these layers of personality. All these layers are made up of matter. All kosas are material in nature (Tatva Botha). Body, mind, sense organs don’t have consciousness of their own. They get consciousness from the “Atma”. “Atma” is the nature of consciousness.

Before I conclude, you should know that you are not a human being seeking spiritual experience. You are a spiritual being temporarily having a human experience. Human experience will last only as long as the body lasts.  ‘I’ (atma) as a spiritual being am eternal.

This is referred to the principle of electricity. Everybody is like an electrical object. “Atma” is like electricity. That which makes the bulb glow is electricity. “Atma” makes the body to function. We should know the terms Shravanam, Mananam, Nidhithyasanam.

Shravanam: It is the consistent and systematic study of vedantic scriptures for a length of time under the guidance of competent and a live acharya.

Mananam: seeing the body as part of the body should be practiced. Pancha bootham from outside come together like a wave in the ocean. I want to use the body but I don’t want to get attached to the body. I don’t claim to be the owner of the body. This exercise I practice under Mananam and Nidhidhyasanam. Fix body and mind with the help of mind claiming I am the “Atma”. Convert unethical desire into ethical desire. Convert ethical desire into a non binding desire.

Nidhidhyasanam: Picture in the mind about what you have studied and do contemplation. What you picture will get fructified.

Lastly tell yourself I am not the body, mind, intellect. I am poorna atma. By discovering the fact that I am purnaga I am complete and have fulfillment. I have total fulfillment.

Be blissful

S.SEKAR

Contact: sekrajc@yahoo.com

                

    

LIVING IS A TECHNIQUE

The art of living is a technique to be learnt. If you have the will and the skill you will have the way to know what it is all about. Brahman the imperishable truth has created plant, animal and humans. Of all these only the human beings have been given the Buddhi and intellect and they have the option to tear the veil of ignorance and experience the everlasting truth and the fullness of permanent bliss.

What a person gets from going to a school or college is information and knowledge and thereby you get intelligence. To use your intelligence you need intellect (thoughts and ideas). You have to question things right from your formative years and thereby develop your intellect. To develop your intellect you have to question everything and not take anything for granted.

Enjoyment, happiness and peace are in your state of mind. You are in stress when your mind is agitated since mind has no direction. Only the intellect monitors the mind and controls it and when the mind is in control there is no longer agitation. Pleasure or pain is not in the external objects and it is how you relate to it.

What is the purpose of my Life? Bhagavad Gita presents to the humanity the ultimate truth of life and explains what is living is all about. Every human born has to die one day as life is given to us for a limited period of time.  We have to use the equipment Buddhi or Intellect to the fullest extent. You should have Buddhi to sharpen the intellect. Intellect is the capacity to reason and understand and not using your intellect will cause worries, stress and strains. For any human being who faces any difficulty in life, the fault lies within himself and never outside. We have to use our intellect in accepting this.

You gain what you pursue in life say the scriptures. Every scripture has the same theme. Everybody is engrossed in this world. To pull the mind from material entanglement and engrossed on god is impossible. Through steadfast yoga and meditation you reach Brahman which means you have got to be consistent in your efforts. A clear understanding with a proper plan of action and consistency will enable you to reach your destination.

The supreme Brahman is beyond the manifest and unmanifest world. What you see in the world is an expression of truth. There is a substratum (Brahman) of everything which is unseen that supports the world. You can see waves on the ocean big and small and a constant display which never stops. It is the vast sheet of water that supports the waves. You focus on the manifest waves alone rather than on the vast unmanifest sheet of water that supports the waves. The unmanifest truth which is the reality (Brahman) is the one which supports the truth. If you are determined to get to the truth you can reach the goal. You have to set the right direction without which you can’t get Peace, Happiness and contentment.

You have a Physical body, Mind and intellect which are the three equipments given to everyone. The body acts, mind feels and intellect thinks. All of us have not used the equipments fully and accordingly we can rate ourselves as not developed and fully developed by measurement between 0 and 100. As you move to the higher your understanding gets better and better and you will realise the path. By this way when you move higher, you can never fall back in life.

When a person drops off all his desires viz. vasanas which are nothing but unmanifested desires coming from the past and has successfully dealt with his vasanas he will come to know the truth. When the last thought or desire is dropped you merge with the truth. This is the theory of reincarnation.

Phenomenon of death is that your resultant thought decides your movement. Thought determines your movement. Your destiny your fate is in your own making because of your own feelings and your own actions. You are whatever you are consciously or unconsciously. The beauty of human life is that you can alter whatever way you want if you decide. The present life is the result of our past actions. A human alone has the ability to alter his being to change and take control of himself. You have to take responsibility for your own life. You are whatever your thoughts are. Whatever you perceive.

You have got to act in this world. Think of reality Brahman and do whatever you ought to do and not looking for any benefit. You have got to move from self centeredness (inability to accommodate anything beyond your own interests). Let your home become the centre of happiness. Your home should be the centre, not the boundary of your affection. Then the world compliments whatever you do. You are the architect of your fortunes. You are the architect of your misfortunes.    

Eradicate your vasanas (unfulfilled desires) so that the mind and intellect is absorbed in the truth. You merge with the reality. For example if you determine to be healthy your mind will think about being healthy. Mind and intellect get absorbed in this reality and you merge with the truth.

Physical body is your outer personality. Mind and intellect are your inner personality. Beyond the outer and inner personality is your real personality (your own dharma). Who you are.

What are you doing to discover who you essentially are? You desperately try to find happiness. At every level of your personality you chase it. Religious books and discourses by themselves cannot bring about spiritual development in you. You have to take effort in reflection and contemplation upon the knowledge received. The truth is you have got to lift yourself by yourself.

Human life is unique. To be born a human is very rare. It is a God given opportunity. Human beings about 99.9% have no clue what is beyond regular, mundane, repetitive, routine work that has to be done. A small percentage suspect this is not everything. These infinitesimal numbers think that there is something missing in my life. I feel a sense of incompleteness. This thought comes but you dismiss it and carry on in your life. Those who pursue are spiritually inclined. It takes them to the truth. Karma, Bhakti and Gnanam are required to realise the truth.

The entire creation is called Prakriti and is made of the three gunas – Satva (pure and balanced attitude), rajas (Dynamic and action oriented) and tamas (Inactive and inert). These three attributes are responsible for the subtle varieties in creation and upkeep of the cycle of life in nature – causing birth, growth, old age and decay. Human behavior is also based on these three gunas which is the tendency inherent in individuals.

To put it shortly, it does not matter what you do in life. It matters how you do it. Whatever you do, you change your attitude. By changing the attitude towards the world you can condition the mind. Happiness is not dependent on what you have but dependent on what you are. The five senses should be under your control. Have a value system. You should uphold your values. Keep in mind that your thoughts always should be on something higher. The law of life is that the mind should be at rest while the body engages in action. You do everything for success. Be prepared in all respects for a possible failure. Do what you are supposed to do. Learn to be peaceful inspite of situations rather than because of situations. That is wisdom. Always remember that you get what you deserve, not what you desire. Aham Bramasmi is the essence of all Upanishads. We get to know this through Shravanam, Mananam and Nidhithyasanam. Can we use this knowledge in solving day to day problem is the question? To receive the teaching, assimilate and implement is difficult. It requires a lot of preparation and internal refinement in a person. Always remember! “Pain makes man think. Thought makes man wise and Wisdom makes Life endurable”. After all life is for living and try to enjoy your life by having an equanimous mind accepting success and defeat on the same level and doing what you ought to do with a desire less mind.

Be blissful

S.SEKAR

Contact: sekrajc@yahoo.com

MORE ABOUT “ATMA”

‘Atma’ is consciousness principle and is everlasting and changeless and all pervading.  Consciousness is indestructible and is not affected. The ultimate knowledge that we should get is; I am Brahmasmi.

We can see that the light is spread over the hall but we cannot scrape it or cut it. The light enables us to see (proof). Space cannot move from one place to another because it is all pervading.  Space is all pervading and is not accessible to all elements. Material or matter is not self conscious and also not conscious of others.  

‘Atma” cannot be perceived and cannot be seen by physical eyes. Non perceptibility doesn’t prove non existence. It tells only the limitation of the sense organs. God alone is another name for ‘Atma’.

Nature cannot be changed because what cannot be changed is called nature. Wisdom (intelligence) is preparing the mind to accept the choice less (helpless) situations without any resistance. By repeating to ourselves that I am willing to undergo the choice less situations in life, will I get freedom from stress. One should not grieve about the death of anyone.

Brain is a machine through which the mind operates. Electricity operates through the visible Fan. Mind operates through the visible brain. Brain perishes. Mind survives.

One cannot conquer physical mortality. Once I claim that I am the immortal spirit, my instinctive urge for immortality is fulfilled. I will be able to accept the mortality of the body. Grief is avoided by willingly accepting choice less situations and mentally telling yourself that I am willing to go through the situation. Pray to bhagawan; lord give me the serenity to accept what cannot be changed. The only one person who can be changed by me is myself. O lord give me the courage to change what can be changed which is myself. O Lord give me the serenity to know the difference. i.e., others cannot be changed and I should change myself which is the only option.

Matter cannot be created or destroyed. When a carpenter creates furniture it existed even before he did the work and made the furniture. The furniture existed in another form i.e., wood form. Wood was already there. Carpenter worked on the existing wood and converted it into the furniture form. Thus wood was converted from one form to another. Earlier this was called a piece of wood and now we call as furniture after conversion. Creation is nothing but a form of change from one state to another. This can be extended to death or destruction. The world where we live is anadhi. Also the world is ananthaga. There is neither creation nor destruction. For example Water exists in 3 states Viz. solid (Ice), liquid (Water) and Gas (Vapour) which is invisible. Invisibility is called as avyaktha avastha. It is an eternal process. Nothing is born. Nothing is dying. No one should be crying if they understand the above thatvam (Truth).  

Be blissful.

S.SEKAR

Contact: sekrajc@yahoo.com

KARMI Verses KARMA YOGA

A Karmi reacts violently if results are not as per his expected level. He starts questioning god. His faith in god and prayer is often challenged. A Karma Yogi is an intelligent person. He also wants Success in his activity. He uses his Bhakti and prayers intelligently. He will tell himself; I work for success in life. But I pray for Samatvam (equanimity) whatever be the type of result. The very prayer increases his immunity of mind. If failure is his destiny he will have to face that. Life is a series of success and failures. No one can avoid it. Lord Krishna fails in his attempt to make peace with Duryodhana. Pray to god to give the mind to accept failure. This is the best method of reducing stress before the result comes.

Rama is ready for being crowned as an emperor by king Dasaratha and the entire Ayodhya was celebrating. An assistant Mantara of Kaikeyi could turn the whole situation different. Rama gets the news that he will not get the empire. Losing empire is one thing. Secondly he can’t live in ayodhya but live in a forest for 14 years. He was calm and composed on hearing the news. In our lives also many plans are bound to go haywire.  We should pray to lord to strengthen our mind to accept the situation as it comes as per the law of Karma. We should use our buddhi in such circumstances. Buddhi means right attitude which is the Karma Yoga attitude. Indication of Saranagadhi is lowering your anxiety level. Mental equanimity is spiritual growth.

World is unpredictable, uncontrollable and unsustainable. World has got beauty, Variety and Novelty but no stability. Since nothing is under our control relying upon the world for my peace, security and happiness is a risky proposal because I am relying upon the unreliable. Thus dependence on the world is risky. Self reliance is alone the best thing. We can learn to draw peace, security and Happiness from our own self. Self reliance is the success in life. I have to discover my higher self by self reliance in myself. A Gnani gives emotional support in a relationship. Agnani seeks support from relationships.

A Karma yogi will enter Gnana yoga after going through painful experiences. People desert him. You may continue to love others but don’t emotionally lean on any one. Don’t have any self pity but believe in yourself and be confident in your actions. Learn to draw peace, security and happiness through Gnana yoga.

Tell yourself; I want success but I don’t mind failure. Hope for the best but be prepared for the worst. The only preparation is doing prayer. Through prayer you strengthen your mind.

Karma Yoga by itself cannot give moksha. One has to do Gnana yoga. The only permanent source is ‘Atma’. Relationship is also not permanent. ‘Atma’ only can give peace, security and Happiness. You can enjoy the world but hold on to ‘Atma’ for peace, security and Happiness.

Lord Krishna talks about the role of karma yoga to Arjuna. Karma is meant to prepare your mind. It does not give you liberation but indirectly helps in liberation by preparing the mind. After karma yoga everyone has to go through Gnana yoga. One has to do Sravanam, Mananam and Nithithyasanam and discover oneself. Self knowledge is a compulsory step for liberation. As a karma yogi everyone can perform all the activities including worldly activities. We don’t have control over our karma palan.  Cent percent success cannot be expected in all our karmas. Special poojas can’t give success to anyone. We have to ask our self; have I prepared my mind to face unfavourable happenings like facing a failure? We work for success and pray for success. A karma yogi will also work for success but pray for samathuvam (equanimity). He pray’s to god to give him the result according to his karma or the work he has done and not what he desire. Spiritual success is equanimity with regard to success or failure. He prays to god to give him calmness, cheerfulness and confidence to accept both success and failure without any violent reaction.

An equanimous mind can learn from life. A violent mind will not learn from experience. A karma yogi learns from life even though he feels guilty. We can’t change the world or people and situations. What is required is not the transformation of the world but the transformation of myself. Viz. instead of cleaning a city I can better wear footwear and immunize myself. I can change from Karma yoga pradana life to Gnana yoga pradana life and gain self knowledge. Gnana yoga pradana life has three levels viz. Sravanam, Mananam and nithithyasanam. All the three put together is Gnana yoga. Sravanam is the study of spiritual scriptures under the guidance of a live acharya who has acquired knowledge and practiced the same for some time. I should see my real nature and receive the knowledge which is called sravanam. Getting all the doubts cleared and converting the knowledge to conviction is mananam. i.e. until I have no doubt about the vedantic teaching (Aham bramasmi). I should realize that I am the Wave and I am Water. Assimilation has to take place by dwelling upon the teaching (vedanthic meditation) which is called nidhithyasanam. I will have to soak in the spirit of knowledge.    

Life is like MBBS which means meaningless, Burdensome, boring and struggle. If you face this situation then you are facing the problem of samsara. If you overcome samsara you become enlightened by gaining Self knowledge.

Flexibility of the mind is called sangathagaga. We should tell ourselves; I want success but I will prepare my mind (emotionally) for failure.  I work for success but I am prepared to face failure. To be a parent is to accept the actions of our children.

S.Sekar

Contact: sekrajc@yahoo.com

KARMA YOGA AND GNANA YOGA AS EXPLAINED BY LORD KRISHNA TO ARJUNA

In the 2^nd and 3^rd Chapters of Bhagavad Gita Lord Krishna tells Arjuna about the importance of doing Karma Yoga and Jnana Yoga, which enables a person to attain Moksha (Liberation).

The 3rd Chapter begins with Arjuna’s complaint to lord Krishna. Arjuna tells the lord that his teaching was very confusing. We should know that any form of communication is a tough job where a teacher has to convert his thoughts into gross words. All the most it is a tough job to convert thoughts into words on the subject of ‘Atma’ which is an abstract one. The student (sishya) has to convert the words into his own thoughts. A television receiving station has to reconvert the transmitted waves into music or a movie. From the early ages Communication was always in the form of a dialogue between a Teacher (Guru) and a pupil (Sishya). All our Upanishads are in the form of a dialogue. What is in the mind of a guru and sishya is tallied by means of a dialogue (through communication). This spiritual dialogue is called Samvada.  

As per lord Krishna every spiritual seeker has to go through Karma yoga for preparing the mind. He is called a junior seeker or a preparing seeker for preparing his mind to go through Jnana yoga. Preparing seeker is called a junior seeker who prepares himself for Jnana yoga. After sometime he will be ready for Jnana yoga pradhana life in which one turns inwards enquiring about who am I. Prepared seeker is a serious seeker of Jnana yoga who does self enquiry. Once you go through Jnana yoga, you will discover; I am not the body. I am not the mind. I am the ‘Atma’. This discovery alone will give liberation (spiritual enlightenment) called ‘Moksha’. Liberation (Jeevan mukthi) is a state of mind in which I look upon human life as an asset and a blessing and is possible even when one is alive. On the other hand Samsara problem comes when you think that life is a liability, burden and boring. You start having negative attitude towards life. You curse yourself all the time and start doubting whether Bagawan is there at all.

The sequence is karma yoga> Preparation>Jnana yoga>Enlightenment>Liberation. Vedas existed long time ago. For a spiritual seeker Vedas are like a GPS (global positioning system as in a vehicle). In the 3^rd chapter Sri Krishna tells (Arjuna) that everybody has to go through karma yoga and Jnana yoga sequentially. A junior seeker has to become a senior seeker and prepares him for Jnana yoga. Arjuna mistakes that these two are independent paths towards attaining liberation. (Moksha, destination). Arjuna thought that Jnana yoga is superior. Karma yoga is doing one’s own duty. As an escape route Arjuna wanted to do Jnana yoga as doing karma yoga is painful. With this confusion Arjuna starts the 3^rd Chapter of Bhagavad Gita.

   

Spiritual purity comes by giving more and more and taking less and less. If Gita is told backwards it sounds tagi tagi and Thyagi (one who does not desire about the fruits of action). We have to learn to give more and more and take lesser than what we contribute. Krishna calls it as karma yoga nishta. We have to contribute in the 5 fields of pancha maha yagna. Krishna calls them as yogis or junior seekers. They are preparing their mind for Jnana yoga by following the karma yoga way of life. I should have infrastructure set up. Karma yoga sadana requires karma yoga nishta which is a conducive infrastructure (life style). It involves religious activities and social activities (Vaidiga and Logiga karmas). Vedic rituals require a man and a wife (couple). Just as an office requires different departments Vedic rituals require a family type of set up in which husband and wife should participate. Karma yoga requires earning (a person has to earn a lot) and Jnana yoga requires learning. I should work and earn lot of wealth for doing karma yoga. Infrastructure requires continuous earning and a set up.

Knowing what PORT is will help us doing our action properly.

P refers to Possession. You have to possess something in order to give it to someone. Possession is required for doing karma yoga. Starting point is your house.  

O refers to Obligation. You have to perform your obligatory duties to your Spouse, Children, Employees, employer etc; to the Priest who is helping you to perform the rituals.

R refers to Relationship. You have to maintain relationship with a lot of people like your Wife, Children, In-laws and others. You have to know as to how to maintain the relationship. Greater the relationship greater will be your contacts and you will be successful. You have to have the qualities of a PRO.

T refers to Transaction. A lot of transaction is required. I have to visit other person’s functions and also give gifts to them as reciprocation.

An expanded PORT is called Grihasta Ashrama. The 4 Ashramas are Bramachari, Grihasta, Vanapresta and Sanyasa.

Karma yoga infrastructure is not conducive to Jnana yoga. Jnana yoga requires a contemplative lifestyle. Jnana yoga infrastructure consists of: the study of ‘Atma’ (Nithya, Sathya, Akartha, Aboktha, Sarvagathaga, Nirvikara, and Aprameya). I will get to know the truth about myself through Jnana yoga and it requires study. For doing Jnana yoga PORT reduction is required. Reduce the no of relationships, no of transactions etc. PORT reduction is conducive to Jnana yoga. A reduced PORT is called Sanyasa ashrama. Jnana yoga says the whole world is in me which is ‘Brahman’. A temporary withdrawal is required from the society to assimilate the teaching and then you can come back again to your society. ‘Atma’ is also called Nishkarma.

Learn to be alone for some time now and then. Nobody is going to be with us all the time. Learn to be independent of them. Otherwise the shock will be so much that you will not be able to withstand. That requires tremendous maturity and also requires Karma yoga. Jnana yoga is impossible without Karma yoga. Karma yoga is incomplete without Jnana yoga.

While studying the nature of Brahman mankind has tried to grapple with the challenge of realising the Supreme Brahman since time immemorial. The question is; knowing the difference between the eternal truth and the unreal.  It becomes a fruitful exercise only if one has tremendous faith in one’s preceptor. Through inference we should be able to know that Truth is eternal while the universe is Maya also called “Maya Sakthi”. The observance of smoke leads us to infer fire’s presence. Similarly by inference we recognize or realise consciousness that is the cause of our existence.

Waker jevatma does 4 things.

1.    It projects the dream world.

2.    Enters the dream world.

3.    Disowns the waker jevatma status and

4.    Claims as Dreamer jevatma.

For a dreamer Jevatma the dream becomes a nightmare and not a dream. In fact I should drop the wrong notion that I am the waker Jevatma. Actually I am the Paramatma with a special power called “Maya Sakthi”. I should claim that I am the Paramatma with “Maya sakthi” and created this world, entire universe and the entire body mind complex. I am Brahman. I am Jagat Karanamasmi. Without the waker the dream cannot survive. I (waker Jevatma) am the Projection of consciousness. I am the consciousness principle. I am the Karanam. Everything else is the Karyam. Karanam alone is appearing as karyam. I am in the form of everything.

We can take wave as an example to explain Consciousness or Brahman. When a Wave mistook it as a wave it was humble, simple and worshipped the Ocean. ‘I am borne out of you. I will worship you’. Let us imagine the wave to shift its vision through Vedanta. It understands that ‘I am not a wave but I am Water’. After claiming that I am water the enlightened wave addresses the ocean and says that there is no such thing called ocean. Ocean is also the same thing called water. I the water alone am appearing as a wave and also as a large ocean. There is neither a wave nor an ocean separated from the water. Similarly Jevatma is the Bhakta and Paramathma is the Bagawan. Bagawan and Bhakta are one and the same consciousness principle. They are the same and one Ekathma. An enlightened Jnani proclaims that ‘I am everything’.

S.SEKAR

Contact: sekrajc@yahoo.com