SANDYAVANDANAM AND ITS IMPORTANCE

 

Dear Family,   

Subhamasthu! 

Dear Bandhus,

On this sacred occasion of Upakarma or Avani Avittam, let us pause and reflect upon the mahātva – the profound significance – of the Yajnopavītam, the sacred thread that adorns every Dwija (twice-born). 

 *Why do we wear the Sacred Thread – the Yajnopavītam*?  The Upanayanam samskāra is not merely a social function, but a spiritual rebirth (Dvitiya Janma), wherein the child becomes a Vatu, initiated into Brahmavidya – the knowledge of the Self. The sacred thread symbolizes readiness to pursue the path of knowledge, purity, and discipline.  🧵 The thread (sutra) is placed across the left shoulder and under the right arm – not arbitrarily, but precisely across the hridaya-sthāna (heart region) and mārga of vital energies.  As prescribed by the Smritis:  > “Yajnopavītam paramam pavitram, prāṇa-swarūpam, prabhum īśam avyayam…” (It is supremely pure, representing the life force, the divine Lord Himself.)

🕉️ *The Three Strands – What do they Mean?*  Each strand in the Yajnopavītam carries rich symbolic value:  1. ऋजुता (Rujutā) – Purity of Manas (mind)  2. वाच्यता (Vāchyatā) – Truth in Vāk (speech)   3. कायशुद्धि (Kāya Shuddhi) – Discipline in Karma (action)  Alternatively, they represent the three debts (Ṛṇa-trayam):  Pitru Ṛṇa – Debt to ancestors  Rishi Ṛṇa – Debt to sages  Deva Ṛṇa – Debt to deities  Wearing the thread is an acceptance of these Ṛṇas and a pledge to fulfill them through righteous living.

🔬 *The Subtle Science and Energy Connection*  The Yajnopavītam is no mere thread – it is an energetic harness.  It passes through key nāḍis and marmasthānas, promoting alignment of prāṇa.  The pressure across the left shoulder and chest subtly regulates the Ida-Pingala nāḍis, balancing mental and physical energies.  It acts like a yantra – a sacred geometry placed on the body, promoting harmony, mindfulness, and spiritual alertness.

🔁 *Why is it Changed Annually – Significance of Upākarmanam?*  During Avani Avittam, we change the thread and recite the Mahā Sankalpam, where we declare:  > “Yajnopavītadhāraṇam karishye” (I shall now adorn the sacred thread again.)  The old thread is discarded with humility, recognizing the doshas (flaws) accumulated over the past year. The new thread represents:  A fresh resolve to pursue Satyam, Shivam, Sundaram.  A spiritual renewal akin to chaitanya (recharging the life force).  A cleansing of karma and thought patterns, as we recommit to our nitya karmas like Sandhyāvandanam.  This ritual is timed with the movement of the sun in Dakshinayana – a phase for inner growth and austerity.

🙏 *Beyond the Ritual – Understanding the Spirit*  In the rush of modern life, many perform these rituals mechanically. But as Rishis taught:  > “Na karmaṇām anārambhān naiṣkarmyaṁ puruṣośhnute…” (One does not attain perfection by mere non-performance or blind ritual.)  Let us therefore:  Understand the intent behind the practice.  Live the values it signifies: humility, learning, service, and devotion.  Be proud torchbearers of our paramparā, not just by outer symbols but inner chitta-shuddhi (purity of mind).  🕉️ Yajnopavītam na tu kevalam dhāranam, kintu jīvana-sutraḥ – The sacred thread is not merely to be worn — it is the thread of life, purpose, and Dharma.  Let us wear it with reverence, maintain it with purity, and live by the light of the Gayatri. 

Gayatri māta ki jaya!  Vedamāta Bharati ki jaya!

Hari Om 🕉️ Tat Sat

Be blissful. 

S.Sekar - On a Spiritual path; Cat has nine lives but I have only one Blogsite: ssekar.blogspot.com

*BLESSINGS OF A GURU*

 

*BLESSINGS OF A GURU*

 Sri Adi Shankara, known as Jagadguru, has been one of the most divine Gurus we have ever had in our country who preached the Advaita philosophy. Today we are going to discuss how a Guru's blessings can change the life of a person. 

 Adi Shankara had a shishya by name *Giri* who was always with him. He was serving as a true shishya, by taking care of his Guru Adi Shankara by washing his clothes, cleaning his room, etc. But compared to all other shishyas whom Adi Shankara had, Giri was not very intelligent. He had an average intellect and would take a lot of time to grasp anything taught to him. 

Once Adi Shankara was about to begin his discourse with his Shishyas and all except Giri were present. He decided to wait for Giri who had gone to wash the clothes of his Guru in the river. Other shishyas joked on Giri and mentioned to Adi Shankara that anyway Giri is a slow-learner and does not understand much, so let us not wait for him and let us start the class. However Adi Shankara saw the ego and pride exhibited by others because of poor intellect of his shishya Giri. *Adi Shankara through his divine powers instantaneously blessed Giri with intellect while he was washing his Guru's clothes at the river* 

 *IMMEDIATELY GIRI RETURNED RUNNING FROM THE RIVER, HIGHLY ENERGETIC (WHICH HE WAS NEVER BEFORE) AND FELL ON THE FEET OF ADI SHANKARA, DID NAMASKARAMS TO HIM AND LOOKED INTO HIS GURU’S EYES AND STARTING SINGING! TO EVERYONE'S SURPRISE, HE STARTED FLUENTLY CHANTING SANSKRIT SLOKAS AND THAT TOO SOMETHING WHICH OTHER SHISHYAS HAD NEITHER HEARD NOR THEIR GURU HAD EVER TAUGHT! What he was chanting was something TOTALLY NEW, SOMETHING SPONTANEOUS which he composed on his Guru INSTANTANEOUSLY then and there and he sang a total of 8 slokas in praise of his Guru, in the Totaka chandas (Totaka meter, which has exactly 12 syllables per verse*). An amazing feat which others could not believe. He was then christened the name *TOTAKACHARYA* by his Guru and his 8 slokas composition in praise of his Guru came to be known as *TOTAKASHTAKAM*. *He then became so empowered because of his Guru’s blessings that he then composed a 179 sloka composition called 'Sruti Sara Samuddharana' in Totaka Chandas, and went on the become the Peetadhipati for Jyotir Math at Badri.* 

*Such powerful are the blessings of the Guru. A Guru’s position is equivalent to one's father, mother and God* 

Jaya Jaya Shankara ! Hara Hara Shankara !

Be Blissful.

S.SEKAR

Contact: sekrajc@yahoo.com

VEDANTIC TEACHING

 

Vedantic teaching PART- II

Katopanishad says,

1. Uthistatha (wake up spiritually) 

2. Jagratha (be aware).

3. Pragyavaran nibhodhata.

It says, May you understand your still higher nature. This is Spiritual awakening. After understanding You are “Brahman”, may you understand your higher nature. The fifth capsule of Vedanta says, by forgetting my nature, I convert life into a struggle and by remembering my nature, I convert life into a sport/ entertainment.

I have to get rid of Raga Dvesha especially towards other people. I should not spend time in judging others. I should focus on myself. I should try to uplift myself by myself. I should never allow the world to become powerful enough to control / overpower me. I should not slip anytime from Vedantic teaching.

Sridara Swami refers to Mandukya Upanishad approach.  When Waker is over powered by sleep, two things happen. Either he goes to dream experiencing a projection or he goes to sleep with no projection. In both state, he doesn't know his waker's nature. It is Aggrahana Or Anyathagrahana in Mandukya Upanishad. Either ways, I lose sight of my super waker's nature.  Finally, never disregard the world.  Give the world sufficient importance. Alert living is Nidhithyasanam. Don't allow Raga Dvesha to over power you. Transact with the World with alertness.

Be blissful. 

S.Sekar - On a Spiritual path

                Cat has nine lives but I have only one

Vedantic Teaching

Vedantic Teaching

 

I give you in two parts.

PART - I 

Three cardinal lessons/teachings of Vedanta:-

1. Brahma Satyam

2. Jagat Mithyam

3. Aham Brahmaiva Na Paraha.

Further Vedanta says “Satyam Gnanam Anantham Brahma”. There is only one truth called “Satyam” and there is no second.

This is for my own growth. Brahman alone is Satyam (absolute reality). The World is Mithya (relative reality). The world is Real under certain conditions only.  We can take the example of a Dream.

Whether the dream is real Or unreal?  For whom, we should ask?

Dream is unreal only. It existed in my Mind only. When I woke up, it resolved into my mind only. It is from a Waker's standpoint.  For a dreamer, a dream is not a dream in his dream. He looks upon a dream as Waking only.  He looks upon himself as a waker and not a dreamer.  For a Waker dream is within.  For a dreamer the dream is outside.  The waker's world is very much outside.  The World has ETU - Can be Experienced - Is Transactable - Is Useful.  WORLD has a Utility for a waker. Vedanta says the world is real for a waker. Vedanta considers world as another type of dream, mistaking ourselves to be awake. Waker's World is outside and it has got ETU also. This world is real only from a waker's standpoint. Both dreams are real from the Observer's standpoint.  We have to wake up (uthista) says Vedanta by acquiring Spiritual knowledge.  To be contd in Vedantic Teaching Part – II.

Be blissful.

 S.Sekar – On a Spiritual Path

                  Cat has Nine Lives but I have Only One.

Contact: sekrajc@yahoo.com

 

  

THE CHOSEN GOOSE

A goose with strong wings and steady instincts longed to lead the group. He flew with purpose, honked with confidence—yet others took the lead while he remained in formation.

 

Frustrated, he asked an elder, “Why am I never chosen?”

 

The elder watched the sky. “Leading isn’t about wanting the front. It’s about being ready when the wind calls your name.”

 

So the goose prepared—not by pushing forward, but by steadying others. He guided the lost, strengthened the weary, learned the currents, and flew with quiet certainty.

 

Then, one crisp morning, as the lead bird faltered, the wind called his name. The flock echoed it, their voices lifting him skyward. Without hesitation, he surged forward—not because he demanded it, but because he was ready when the moment arrived.

 

Don’t just help you be seen— ensure you’re prepared when opportunity calls.

Strengthen your wings. Listen for your name. The sky is waiting.

Be blissful.

S.Sekar

Contact: sekrajc@yahoo.com

 

SCHOLAR IS REVERED EVERYWHERE

 

SCHOLAR IS REVERED EVERYWHERE

 

Introduction:

Knowledge is called wisdom. It takes many forms based on the subject matter. It can be categorized as worldly and otherworldly. All knowledge related to worldly matters perishes with time, whereas knowledge of the otherworldly, such as divine wisdom, transcends time. 

In Indian culture, worldly knowledge is considered necessary for practical life, while spiritual wisdom is regarded as a means to attain divine experience. It is established that both types of knowledge are essential. The term ‘Vidya’ (knowledge) is synonymous with wisdom.

 A knowledgeable person is honored both in his homeland and in foreign lands. Even kings seek the guidance of scholars in matters requiring special expertise. A wise person, through his profound knowledge, educates and benefits society by sharing his wisdom in various places.

Thus, for the betterment of society and the upliftment of individuals, knowledge plays a vital role. A learned person is respected not because of wealth but due to his intellectual capabilities. Knowledge, when widely shared, brings great benefits. 

Therefore, knowledge is truly great. Indeed, one who is knowledgeable is considered truly wise. Knowledgeable individuals always possess the ability to make good use of their knowledge. Even in the absence of wealth, a learned person is distinguished by their knowledge, and thus, they are able to acquire the necessary resources. Unlike wealth, which may not always bring honor, knowledge always earns respect.

 A wise person enjoys various kinds of pleasures, while a wealthy person experiences only materialistic enjoyment. The knowledgeable, by virtue of their wisdom, gain immense happiness. Just as a guru (teacher) is honored by everyone, a knowledgeable person is respected everywhere.

Thus, it is said: “Knowledge is the guru of gurus.”  This idea is supported by Bhartrihari, who states that those devoid of knowledge are comparable to animals.

The benefits of knowledge are many and universal. A truly wise person understands all its advantages. Unlike material wealth, which can be stolen or lost, knowledge always remains with the person and cannot be taken away. 

A king, without his kingdom or wealth, may not always receive respect, but a wise person is always honored, whether in their own country or abroad. This statement clearly highlights the significance of knowledge.

This passage emphasizes the supreme value of knowledge over wealth and power, asserting that wisdom ensures respect, prosperity, and lasting benefits in all circumstances.

Be blissful

S.SEKAR

KRISHNA AND ARJUNA; WALK THE TALK

One day Krishna & Arjuna were taking their usual walk, when they came across an old Brahmin begging, taking pity on his condition, Arjuna gave him a bag of gold coins. The man was overjoyed. On his way home, he was robbed by a thief in the forest. He cursed his fate and the next day set off to beg again. Arjuna & Krishna saw him again & got to know his story. Arjuna once again took pity and gave him a large diamond.  The man took it home and kept it in an old pot which had been unused for many years inorder to keep it safe and went to sleep. The next morning before he could wake up, his wife went to fetch water from the river & on her way back, she slipped and her pot broke. She immediately remembered the pot at home which lay unused and brought it to fill it with water. Just as she dipped the pot in to the river the diamond escaped the pot and went in to the river. When she returned home the Brahmin was desperately searching the house for the pot & when he saw it in his wife's hands, he got to know what had happened.

 

Dejected with what had happened, he once again left to go begging.  Once again Arjuna and Krishna saw him and when Arjuna heard of the unfortunate incident that had happened, he told Krishna, " I don't think this man is destined to be blessed at all, I don’t think I can help him anymore". Krishna then gave the man two pennies and the man took them and walked away. Arjuna then asked Krishna," My Lord, if gold coins and diamond could not change his condition, what good can two pennies do to him?". Krishna smiled and replied, "let us see". As the man walked home he was cursing his fate when he saw a fish that had just been caught by a fisherman and was struggling for its life, he took pity on it and thought to himself, " these two pennies cannot fetch me food anyway, let me at least save the life of this creature" and he purchased the fish and was about to throw it in the river when he saw that the breathlessness of the fish was caused due to some large obstruction in its mouth and when removed it , it was the very diamond he had lost in the river. He was overjoyed and started shouting "Look what I found! Look what I found".  At this very time the thief that had robbed him in the forest was passing by and heard his shouts, he recognized the man and thought that man too recognized him and was thus shouting. Fearing that the Brahmin may take him to be executed, he rushed to him and begged for his forgiveness and returned all the gold coins he had stolen from him. The Brahmin was happy and walked away joyfully with all his wealth. He went straight to Arjuna to narrate the turn of events and thanked him for all his help and went away.  Arjuna then asked Krishna, "My Lord, how is it that my gold and diamond could not help him but your meager two pennies did?.  Krishna replied," when he had the gold and diamonds he was only thinking of himself and his needs, but when he had the two pennies he put the needs of another creature before his and so I took care of his needs. The truth is Arjuna when you think of the pain and needs of others and work to help them, you are doing God's work and hence God Himself takes care of you".

Be blissful!!!

S.Sekar - On a Spiritual path; Cat has nine lives but I have only one

Email: sekrajc@yahoo.com ; Blogsite: ssekar.blogspot.com