My Lord Where Art Thou

||Sri Ramakrishna Sharanam||

Aum Namo Narayanaya

 “Sir, have you seen God?” That’s the one question that initiated a relationship that continues to inspire millions to this very day. The burning desire to speak and associate with someone who has seen God, took Naren (Swami Vivekananda) to different people. He returned from each of them dejected as they could not positively and assertively answer His simple question.

However, when He met Sri Ramakrishna, He was taken aback by the command with which He replied:  “Yes, I see God as clearly as I see you.” If you have the opportunity to read the Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna, you will be able to see on various occasions the interactions the Master had with the Divine Mother.

I was also inspired to read how even Sri Sri Yogananda Paramahansa in his book Mans Eternal Quest on numerous occasions makes reference to the times when he saw and spoke to God like he was communing with another human being.

This leads me to question how and why Sri Ramakrishna and saints like Sri Yogananda were able to see God and have these beautiful relations, yet we who undertake our prayers and attend satsangh are not able to. Sometimes when you speak to people about all the adharma and negativity in the world they always lay blame to the age of Kali Yuga. However, the saints that we speak off lived amongst people in this very age. So we cannot allude to the argument that God could only be seen in the Satya Yuga, Thretha Yuga etc. No doubt it was easier in those ages but it is also possible in this age. So, what is the secret?

Arjuna sees the Universal form

I am reminded of an incident in the Ramayan which could help us understand and clear this doubt. After Mother Sita was abducted, Lord Rama and Lutchmana started to make their way through the forest in search of Her. In their pursuit they came across Hanuman. He came to their assistance and took them to Sugreeva who fled Kishkindha in fear of his brother Vali. It is said that Vali was an extremely powerful King of the apes who had once even defeated Ravana.

 As it happened, a demon Mayawi once challenged Vali's supremacy. Vali accepted the challenge and a fight broke out between the two. They entered a cave and continued their fight inside. Vali specifically told Sugreeva to remain stationed at the entrance of the cave and wait for him for fifteen days. He said: "I will kill this demon and return”.

But, after fifteen days, nobody returned. One day, blood was seen flowing from the cave and Sugreeva assumed that Vali was killed, and it was likely that the demon would kill him too. So Sugreeva ran away to his kingdom and waited for Vali. But Vali did not return even after a few weeks. Therefore he declared himself to be the new King in place of Vali.

 A few months passed.  Vali recovered from his wounds and returned to his kingdom. He was trembling with rage when he found that his unfaithful brother had usurped his throne. He beat Sugreeva to near death.  Sugreeva escaped and ran for his life to the Risyamuk mountains. Further, Rama was told that Vali had also forcefully taken  Sugreeva's wife as his new Queen. Sugreeva and Hanuman pleaded that Vali be killed as he was brining about immense pain to the people of Kishkindha.

Rama realised that Sugreeva was a humble soul and was not wicked. He had not occupied the throne intentionally or through a plot to oust Vali.  He really believed that Vali was killed in fight. Therefore, Rama accepted him as his friend and promised assist him. Under the instructions of Rama, Sugreeva challenged his brother to come out and fight for the final decision as to who should rule Kishkindha.

During the ensuing fight Rama who hid behind a tree fired an arrow which brought the mighty Vali down. It was in his last breath that he had the opportunity to see Sri Rama and speak to him. This incident of the Lord shooting Vali from behind the tree, if taken literally, can be misunderstood as many people question how a great warrior like Sri Rama can shoot someone with whom He was not directly engaged in a battle with, from behind.

The spiritual significance of this episode provides a suitable answer to the question I raised earlier. Because of his prowess, certain qualities like anger, ego, hatred and deceit started to flourish within Vali. In his last moments he asked Sri Rama: “Why didn’t you come to me for assistance? I have even conquered Ravana. I would have helped you”. You see how big his ego had gone. He thinks that he is the doer. The Lord did not meet him at all until that time.

When our ego and negative qualities overwhelm us, the Lord does not abandon us, He is there in the background helping us to remove these tendencies, much like how he was behind the trees. He ensures that He aims arrows of His grace at us to enlighten us. When all our negativity is defeated by His hands, He reveals Himself to us, much like how we remove all the fibre of the coconut first before the pure insides are revealed. Bhagawan helps us from behind the scenes to annihilate these coverings of maya before we can see him.

I pray that His divine grace acts swiftly upon us, so that we too will be able to see Him soon.

With Love and Prayers Always

My Life is my Message

||Sri Ramakrishna Sharanam||

Satya Sai Baba

Aum Namo Narayanaya

It was indeed a long time since I saw the land inundated with so much of rain. Many river banks in Tongaat were taken by surprise as their banks compromised, turning many areas into lakes. The unrelenting rain, having a huge influence and power over the geography, also extended its control over my mind.

It was around 13:30 on Saturday afternoon when the weather injected a huge dose of tamas over me, bringing forth an overwhelming motion to cancel satsangh and cuddle under my duvet for a pleasant afternoon siesta.

The infinite grace of Master could not be so easily diluted, when He sent a thunder jolt of energy and thoughts my way summoning me to His residence.  All at Ashram were dished out a wonderful feast when Swami Vimokshananda presented another inspirational class on the Gospel of Ramakrishna and garnished the evening with a wonderful surprise when He himself performed the aarti.

At once, I was transported to Belur Math where a packed shrine assembles each evening to witness the aarthi being performed by senior monks of the order. With such grace, devotion and love they wave the brilliant light whilst the harmonious aarti is sung in unison. We were indeed blessed to receive such a treat yesterday.

Swamiji’s discussion centered and expounded on the conversion between Sri Ramakrishna and Vidyasagar (a pundit) of Calcutta. The Master felt a great need to meet Vidyasagar who was very knowledgeable and performed very good work in Bengal. He is accredited to building over 300 schools in rural villages and had a great passion to liberate women through education and removing certain traditions which prevented them from being equally active economically and socially in the community.

The discussion was about the three gunas which influence man. When one is very lazy and does not want partake of any activity, more like a sleepy state, it is said to be tamas (inertia); whilst activity is regarded as rajasic; and the state between the two where one seems to revel in peace is satva.

Master explained to Vidyasagar that although his work would normally be regarded as rajas, because his actions were motivated by compassion and love with no consideration for the rewards it found its basis in satva. Swamiji also explained that in the writings of Swami Vivekananda, we extract clearly that any act must be fuelled by selfless motives expecting no reward and recognition.

Sai baba

Such beings are very rare amongst us in this age of materialism and selfishness. But, on the23rd of  November, the world  will celebrate the birth anniversary of such a divine being who shared the soil with us in this very time. I speak of Sri Satya Sai Baba who left His mortal coil on Easter Sunday 2011. Being born of humble beginnings, He renounced the world in His teens to carry out His mission of transforming the world.

His renaissance was simple yet effective, proved by the millions of people who came from far and wide to the parched, ant hill infested village of Puttaparthi. This dry unheard of village sprang into an oasis of spiritual energy. Many who had bathed in its glory refused to enter back into the world and were quite content spending the rest of their lives there.

What was His renaissance based on? He repeated from a very early age that His life was His message and the foundation of all His teachings is firmly rooted in just 4 words: “help ever hurt never”.

Those prophetic words: “my life is my message” has become an eternal beacon of guidance and navigation. Satya Sai Baba during His lifetime, built many institutions that removed people from abject poverty and gave them dignity and strength to pursue their lives with confidence. He provided clean running water to hundreds of thousands in Chennai, free education, medical treatment and prepared food to hundreds of thousands of people without receiving a single cent or expectation for people to follow or worship Him.

As Sri Ramakrishna explained, this type of activity is purely based in satva. The work is done with pure love and sincerity because each of these institutions is built of the highest quality and care. Even at the time of His ill health, He was admitted to the Satya Sai Super Speciality Hospital.

On the contrary, we find politicians will provide services to the citizens but will fail to send their children to public schools or receive treatment from public hospitals, indicative of the lack of faith they have in the very service they are providing to the masses.

That was Swami’s (as he is affectionately known by many of his devotees) credo – “to help ever and hurt never”. That is why all His projects were done like they were a service or offering to God and all of this reflected one single thread that was the core of his renaissance, that is love. He indeed gave that unceasingly and like a bee searching for the pollen, millions who have not experienced this pure love of such a divine magnitude swarmed to Him.

Dear readers, such love can only radiate from one who is constituted in satva, who is devoid of self interest and prepared to sacrifice his life breath for the upliftment of humanity. The legacy of such satvic beings still strongly influences many in the world, even today.

May the life of Satya Sai Baba continue to inspire us.  At this point, let us also remember the words of Swami Vivekananda: “ They alone live who live for others; the rest are more dead than alive"

With Love and prayers always

Happy Birth Anniversary Sai Baba.

With love and prayers always

Faith and Devotion the Panacea for weakness

|| Sri Ramakrishna Sharanam ||

Aum Namo Narayanaya

In these dark days of Kali Yuga when adharma seems to flourish over dharma, man because of his inflated ego sometimes tends to even question the influence of god in his life. There is an anecdote about a man who was late for an interview and as he approached the office building started to panic at the lack of parking. He immediately summoned the help of god and said dear lord if you organise me a parking I promise to buy you ladoo with the first pay cheque. As soon as he completed his prayer a vehicle started to back out of the parking. At this he immediately replied, dear lord not to worry I sorted myself out.

I really do not see a problem with testing god as I believe that it strengthens ones faith and devotion, but it is important that we do not continuously dwell on this, but used that faith gained to evolve spiritually. Swami Vivekananda on a few occasions even tested the Master. Swamiji has taught us that we must not blindly follow things , we should test and experience things for ourselves. Spirituality is not something we can gain from merely reading books or listening to discourses but it must be experienced.

Being the spiritual scientist I also decided to run a small experiment.  Merisha not so long ago spoke to me about the dependency she had on pain killers. She took pain killers daily and found it very difficult to pass a day without taking any. Upon hearing this, my first response to her was to seek proffessional counselling. As in most cases the dependency proved too strong and dissuaded her from seeking such help.

At that very time I had received a mail from the Divine Life Society about the 40 day Hanuman Chalisa Recital. I persuaded her to undertake this with firm faith in Sri Hanuman and Lord Rama. I advised her to  focus solely on the lord to give her strength and determination to give up her weakness and overcome her dependency. I asked that she write a diary of the 40 days and present her experience on this blog. She happily agreed.

It was truly remarkable to read how Lord Hanuman and Sri Ram had intervened in her life and gave her the power to overcome her weakness. Please find below her account for the month reproduced for you to read and be inspired.

Merisha – Hanuman Chalisa Diary Starts here:

Durgama kaaja jagata ke jete, Sugama anugraha tumhare tete.

The burden of all difficult tasks of the world become light with your kind grace.

(Hanuman Chalisa)

And, an abundance of grace I certainly received in these 40 days.

It all began on the 19th of September when I received an email about the Divine Life Society which was embarking on the 40 day Hanuman Chalisa Vrath.  I read the mail, then left it aside and thought ‘I must put this on my to-do-list’. Many things crossed my mind about why I wouldn’t want to do it now, much like the many things we procrastinate about daily. I mean how a thought like that even crosses one’s mind - when God doesn’t think twice when He gives and gives and gives to us.

So, a few days later, I mentioned to the family that I was to embark on this fast - and they all agreed to do it as well. Mum and Dad are firm believers that the family should pray together and important undertakings like this one are done together (it was a lovely feeling reciting the Chalisa together each morning). However, the first question that popped into all their minds was “Merisha, you have suggested this fast, but how will you manage eating vegetables for so long”.  I didn’t respond. I didn’t know the answer.

The beautiful 9 day festival of Navarathri began on 28th September, and as is customary at home, we go on a fruit and milk fast during this time. The Chalisa Vrath started concurrently on Sunday, 2nd October at the beautiful Ganga Rani at the Sivananda International Cultural Centre in La Mercy, and also eventually coincided with the auspicious month of Karthik. As I sat cross legged and looked at Gurudev (Swami Sivananda), I thanked Him, then asked for the strength for the remainder of my Navarathri fast and then for the 40 days ahead. It’s been a difficult year - juggling work, studies, relationships, friendships, family responsibilities, cultural and religious work… we also lost a very special person in our lives at the beginning of the year... but there was much to be appreciative for as well, and I could think of no better way to offer thanks. Thank You Gurudev!

Navarathri went off beautifully - I couldn’t have asked for a better time of self-introspection and singing Mata’s glories nightly…. but, one of the most numbing experiences I’ve ever had in my life was on the 9th day. I visited the Sri Sarada Devi Ashram in Asherville for the first time. As I entered, I approached a life size murthi of Master (Shri Ramakrishna) - I immediately just fell in prostration. I was then taken to meet a most friendly and humble soul, Mataji. She requested I stay for aarti and was given the song book to follow the words. I’m generally able to follow bhajans easily, but, about 3 lines into the aarti, I put the book down as I could not follow for some reason. I then closed my eyes, put my hands together and decided to just soak in the amazing atmosphere.

After a while - I couldn’t move… my body went tight… I almost froze… I couldn’t even part my hands or feel my legs. Then I could feel water on my face so I thought my eyes were strained. Before I knew it, tears were streaming uncontrollably from both my eyes (note, I went in with only my phone and car keys - no tissue or bag). I attempted to wipe my face and continued to pray. After aarthi, chanting began - but I only caught the end of it as I didn’t even realise chanting was on. We then proceeded to the Shivling where Mataji requested that I stand next to Her. Shiva, being my ishta-devtha - I was blown away at being able to do pooja at the Lingam. I left after having the chance to speak to Mataji, receiving Her darshan and persadh that she personally packed. I feel heart-sore at not being able to translate my experience properly in words - because it was just that - an experience! Thank You Master, Mother and Swamiji! Thank You Mataji!

I figured that merely reciting the Chalisa 11 times every morning will bring minimal benefit - and I must at least attempt to read some spiritual literature and give up some pleasures. I thought long and hard about all the sacrifices I was about to make and remembered reading Master’s words: Just imagine Hanuman's state of mind.  He didn't care for money, honour, creature comforts, or anything else.  He longed only for God.

I needed to give up my very bad habit of “popping painkillers” much like a drug addict, together with the things I daily cannot do without like cooldrink, bubblegum, ice-cream, chips, sweets, chocolates, television, Facebook, Twitter, eating out, getting up late, etc (I did not succeed in surrendering my BlackBerry though). I also needed to read more spiritual literature. But one of the true victories for my family was that I started eating fruit and vegetables - including the once unheard of brinjal, karela, calabash, lentils and others.

But, no doubt, the Lord in all His mercy also puts you through tests to test your bhakth (devotion). And the tests came in both standard grade and higher grade levels. There were days when my head and body ached so much; when work and study stress got me so down; when I couldn’t control my emotions.  The nature of human beings dictates that when times are tough, we question a lot and feel despondent. When Hanumanji’s devotion is questioned - he tears his heart opened to reveal Ram and Sita inside. A lighter ‘test’ included missing both live and televised cricket matches (I’m a huge cricket fan) - so I joked with Hanumanji that he owes me a live game in India next year.

Sri Hanumanji tears his chest

Much like how Hanumanji positioned himself in the flag of Arjuna's chariot to secure and stabilize the warcraft (the flag stands for equilibrium, sense-control and mind-control... and a sure sign of victory), I too believe that I will attain my victory. Swami Vivekananda reminds us that: Everyone on the spiritual path must worship Hanuman first. He is a perfect bhaktha (devotee).

Hanuman is also called sankat mochan. Sankat means problems and mochan means the remover. So sankat mochan is someone who frees you of the problems. My time reading also sent me to the Sundar Kaand of the Ramcharitmanas - it’s tales of Hanumanji’s prowess, devotion and love for Shri Ram are nothing short of inspirational. Hanumanji is quite the figure across many pieces - even cited in the Durga Chalisa: Kehari Vahan soh Bhavani, Langur Veer Chalat agavani (Reposing gracefully upon your vehicle, O Goddess Bhavani, You are welcomed by the brave Langur - Lord Hanuman).

Fasting and reading aside - as a female, there was one issue really bugging me.  I recall growing up listening to discourses at temples about how Hanumanji is a Brahmacharya and therefore females should not perform Hanumanji’s pooja, touch the jhunda at home etc. After research by many learned and respected leaders in the community, I’m happy to say this is just but a myth. In the Bhagavad Gita, Shri Krishna  wonderfully reminds us of God’s impartiality: The same am I to all beings; to me there is none hateful or dear; but those who worship Me with devotion are in Me and I am also in them.

Yogan Unna wrote in a previous blog about the beautiful day when Revered Swamiji Vimokshananda visited his home. I always enjoy Swamiji’s talks, so I was anticipating a beautiful afternoon - and He definitely did not disappoint. I almost felt like Swamiji was speaking to me during the talk, allowing me to walk away feeling like I was again ‘touched by an angel’. Thank You Swamiji!

The Lord always embraces his devotee

Hanumanji is described to be one for whom nothing is impossible and whom is the embodiment of faith, devotion, fearlessness, self-confidence, and loyalty. Both authors Valmiki and Tulsidas point out that success is the outcome of such an attitude. I certainly triumphed over my ‘addiction’!!! Thank You Hanumanji for giving me faith as strong as the sanjivini mountain; devotion like yours to Shri Ram; and bravery and courage symbolic of your gada (mace) - I couldn’t have done it without you!

And I conclude as I started…

Lord Rama praised Hanuman when the latter returned to Him after finding Sita in Lanka. Hanuman was not a bit elated. He fell in prostration at the holy feet of Lord Rama.

Lord Rama asked him, “O mighty hero, how did you cross the ocean?” Hanuman humbly replied, “By the power and glory of Thy Name, my Lord.”

Again the Lord asked, “How did you burn Lanka? How did you save yourself?” And Hanuman replied, “By Thy Grace, my Lord.”

With that in mind, the last week dawned, and the hawan completed at DLS headquarters on the last day, I felt somewhat lost already. Right now, just a day after the vrath has ended, I feel like something is missing. I bask in my renewed and refreshed spirit and energy... I feel like a new person - motivated and inspired to face anything. I am well aware that the good habits need to be sustained… but, I learnt to have hope, faith and an outpouring of love for the Lord. Thank You to everyone for your love, support and encouragement during this time. Readers, I hope you too have been inspired.

Swami Sivananda says: Where Hanuman is, there are Shri Rama and Shri Sita. And wherever Shri Rama and Shri Sita are praised and their deeds recited, there Hanuman
is.

Cheer Ke Chaathi Bole Apni Pawan Putra Hanuman - Mere Man Me Base He Ram, Mere Tan Me Base He Ram… May Lord Rama reside in your heart, mind and in every cell of your body.

Jai Shri Ram, Jai Hanuman!

Merisha Lalla

Lord Muruga - Essence of Beauty

|| Sri Ramakrishna Sharanam||

Murugan - essence of beauty

Aum Namo Narayanaya


Dear readers, inspiration for this week’s blog was not hard to come by as I virtually tripped over it since the previous writing. As devotees were engaged in daily prayer and 'sadhana' in light of the Skanda Shasti festival which commenced on 27th October 2011, I tried to journey inward to make some sense and relevance of this festival in my life’s journey. Our life at times is very much like a “thiruthu vcd” a term used by Tamilians to refer to pirate movies sold on the streets before it is released. Governed by our ego and senses, we have left the pure path and prefer the cheap non-quality thrills off this world.


It was by His divine grace alone that I was invited by the Tongaat South Vishnu Temple to say a few words on behalf of the Tongaat Hindu Unity Forum, on the occasion of the Skanda Shasti Kavady. Never failing to invoke devotion in the 'bhakta's' heart the kavady festival is the heat that can melt even the hardest heart into some devotion.The music on the loud hailers penetrates every space in the vicinity, even drawing curious onlookers from their homes to come and sample some grace of Muruga, Kathir Vela, the commander-in-chief of the heavenly armies. The smoke and fragrance of the smouldering 'samagri' (used in hawan) dilutes and carries away with it all the despair and worry of the devotees, as they stand, body and head smeared with sandal paste inscribed with the insignoir of Shiva - the 'patta' (3 lines); palms together; eyes closed; with a serene smile on their faces calling on Subramanya to answer their prayers.

Lord Muruga on his peacock

But the answer to my  earlier enquiry came to me when I heard one of the bhajan groups on the ground burst into frenzy with the song “Aadu Mayaler  Koothadu Mayalier” which when translated means "dance peacock dance". In the Bhagavat Gita, Bhagawan Krishna declares: "Of all army Generals, I am Skanda".  We all know that when a peacock does this dancing ritual with its plumage all open, it's to attract the female. When we look at the iconography of Muruga, we find that he is seated on such a peacock. It defied my mind then how the General of the heavenly army would be able to lead an army into attack with his vehicle dancing all over the place. At the commencement of the war with the asuras, His Mother Parvathi endowed him with a very powerful weapon called the 'vel'  which is a one pointed weapon which Muruga used to vanquish Tharaksura. Hence by many he is also known as Vellan.Therein lies the beauty (Muruga means beauty) of this warrior and general; where in one hand wielding the 'vel' whilst riding his peacock was able to defeat the asuras.


Many young girls will allude to the fact that they are yet to come across a man or boy that can match the beauty of Lord Muruga. As much His physical beauty is beyond description, there is a spiritual beauty which we must emulate.The peacock represents our senses and ego which dance to the tune of the world. We have become slaves to sense stimuli and our egos have become so inflated that we believe that we are the doers and with the result have forgotten God in the equations of our lives.


Lord Murugan has taught us that we must bring the senses and ego under our control by using the weapon given by the Divine Mother. The 'vel' represents the one pointed mind which gives way for the intellect. By engaging the intellect instead of the mind (which feeds off the senses) in any situation we are able to defeat the asuras that deviate our minds from purity. A typical example is the exam season we are currently in - the night clubs and cricket matches present a better option than to sit in the room and study. If we fail to utilise the intellect which will say that we must sacrifice these pleasures and study so that our future will be better, then our minds will overwhelm us to engage in this temporary pleasure and you can be found  without a proper education struggling  to earn a living in the world.


Everybody wants to lead a pleasant and beautiful life full of prosperity and devoid of pain and suffering. This is entirely possible and it is all up to us. That beauty is born in the intellect.
Saravana, another name for Muruga because he was born in the saravana forest. 'Sara' means pointed grass and 'vana' means forest. The mind is the forest and He (Muruga) was born in the pointed grass which is representative of the intellect. So the beautiful life (Muruga) we seek is possible to us if we become masters of our senses and ego and utilise our intellect instead of the mind when making decisions in our lives. Then we become the 'Senapathy' (commander) of our destiny .


The world will see the beauty in everything that we do. Victory will come to us always when we use the intellect and we will be beautiful physically and spiritually.  In essence, that's what we mean when we all in chorus chant "Vetri Vel Muruganaka Haro Hara" (this part acknowledges and glorifies the preceding statement).


May Lord Murugan give us strength to utilise our intellect and become commanders of our lives in our journey to liberation from the cycle of birth and death is my sincere prayer.

Aum Saravana Bhavaya Namaha
With love and prayers always.