Narayana - My All Pervading Lord

||Sri Ramakrishna Sharanam||

Aum Namo Narayanaya

My salutations and humble Pranaams to that divinity that you all are. An exquisite thought emanated from the depths of the caves and forests of India, which in a non-complex way cognisized the inconceivable and abstract thoughts of God. The great seers said:

Aum Poornamadah Poornamidam

Poornaath Poornam Udachyate

Poornasya Poornamaadaaya

Poornameva Vasishyathe

This means: God is perfect (infinite). This Universe is also perfect (infinite). If perfection (infinity) is taken from anything perfect (infinite) what remains is still perfect (infinite). The Upanishads state that this universe is truly the Divine Person only. Therefore it subsists on Him:  the self-effulgent Divine Being – who has many heads and many eyes, who is the producer of joy for the universe, who exists in the form of the universe, who is the master and the cause of humanity, whose forms are the various Gods, who is imperishable, who is the all-surpassing ruler and saviour, who is superior to the world, who is endless, who is the goal of humanity, who is the destroyer of sin and ignorance, who is the protector of the universe and the ruler of individual souls, who is permanent, supremely auspicious and unchanging, who has embodied Himself in man as his support (being the indwelling Spirit), who is supremely worthy of being known by the creatures, who is embodied in the universe and who is the supreme goal.

Narayana is the Supreme Reality designated as Brahman. Narayana is the highest (Self). Narayana is the supreme light. Narayana is the infinite Self.  Whatsoever there is in this world known through perception (because of their proximity) or known through report (because of their distance)- all that is pervaded by Narayana within and without.

One may get bored by looking at the same scenery, one may tire at hearing the same stories, or even show dissent at eating the same meal; however in contrast, one can only revel in the glory of the Lord. Such is His brilliance that seers, poets and devotees have poured out millions of words in His praise that have yet to fatigue anybody.

Yesterday I was indeed blessed through an invite by Revered Swami Vimokshananda to attend the 5th Vishnu Sahasranama Hawan which was hosted by the Shree Gopalal Temple in Verulam. It was encouraging to see families and young devotees participate in what Swamiji termed as a very auspicious pooja; that in India at one stage almost every household used to chant the Sahasranama and the benefits of it were exhaustible.

The question that may start to irrigate your curiosity at some point, is if we have come out of the perfect being, why do we have so many defects. This enquiry can be immediately extinguished by the potent words of Swami Vivekananda. Swamiji proclaimed:

Each soul is potentially divine. All is the Self or Brahman. The saint, the sinner, the lamb, the tiger, even the murderer - as far as they have any reality, can be nothing else, because there is nothing else. All knowledge that the world has ever received comes from the mind; the infinite library of the universe is in our own mind.

All power is within you. You can do anything and everything. Believe in that. Do not believe that you are weak; do not believe that you are half-crazy lunatics, as most of us do nowadays. Stand up and express the divinity within you.

What we need to understand is that each one of us is perfect in our own way. Lord Narayana took 10 Avatars, which are most widely recognised and documented, for the benefit of mankind. Each one of them in its unique way has exposed a lesson to help mankind find his way. We refer now to the second incarnation known as 'Kurma Avatar" (tortoise). Here is an excerpt taken off the internet:

Kurma Avatar

It is an interesting story involving both the Gods (Devtas) and asuras (demons). In the ongoing saga of battle between them - on one occasion the Gods suddenly lost all their strength due to a curse by the short-tempered sage Durvasa. The sage had once presented a garland of flowers to Indra, King of Gods, who carelessly gave it away to his elephant which trampled it.

The Devtas approached Vishnu for help. Vishnu then asked them to churn the ocean of milk after adding medicines into the ocean. Mt. Mandara could be used as the churning stick, he said. He requested them to ask help of the Asuras in lifting the mountain in exchange for offer of the share of nectar of immortality that would ensue from the churning. Both the Devtas and the asuras churned the ocean using the serpent Vasuki as the rope. But as churning was proceeding, the mountain was sinking and then Lord Vishnu took the form of the tortoise KURMA and kept the mountain afloat.

Like how we can never expect the tortoise to beat the cheetah, or draw a chariot, its hard shell and ability to float became useful in salvaging the churning of the ocean from failure… like that, each and every person has a unique contribution to make in this perfect creation.

We should never look down upon anybody, as the very same Lord Narayana who we worship in the shrine is pervading this entire cosmos. Every form He has taken has an intrinsic role to play in our survival and spiritual evolution. Can you ever imagine a world without the butcher, baker and candle sticker maker?

As soon as you know the voice and understand what it is, the whole scene changes. The same world which was the ghastly battlefield of maya is now changed into something good and beautiful. These were the profound words of Swami Vivekananda.

May we see Narayana in all of this creation, and unearth the divinity within us so we also can play our role and part in this perfect creation, is my sincere prayer.

May Narayana bless us all.

With love and prayers always

Yogan

Pitru Devo Bhava

|| Sri Ramakrishna Sharanam||

Aum Namo Narayanaya

It leaves me bewildered when I see flocks of domestic and international tourists arrive in Durban scantily clad whilst we Durbanites sleeve as many garments as we can to avert possible hyperthermia. While our city is branded as the ‘warmest place to be’ – this winter it begs my curiosity if our Creator intentionally created us with this defect of ‘chill intolerance’ so we desert our city for others to enjoy the warm, loving winter hospitality.

Indeed it is a testosterone-dominated weekend, giving Father’s Day a special twist with the much talked about and anticipated Top Gear Festival. Roaring engines, screeching tyres and exhaust fumes leave maternal emotions and feelings standing at the start line, as our fathers’ egos race from zero-to-top in no time. For once, they have the rare opportunity to stroll and browse without clashing into handbags, high heels and a hundred different fragrances.

Today, like Mother’s Day - time has been set aside to pay homage to the role that fathers have played in our lives. It is not always a joyous occasion when some have only memories of their fathers who have passed on. However, one cannot immunise oneself against the nostalgia that runs havoc in your brain as fond and beautiful memories inundate you about the times you spent growing up with your dad.

Until recently, dads have always been the ones who ‘brought home the bacon’ - a termed coined in the 21^st century - referring to the bread winner of a family - a sort of Kalpatru (wish fulfilling tree) for us children. If we wished for new clothes, shoes or toys we had to merely stand and cry before him. Despite challenges, there would always be a way for him to satisfy our needs. In their wisdom the great sages have therefore proclaimed that reverence should be given to our Mother, Father, Guru and then God. A colourful puranic episode explains how Lord Vinayaga beat His brother Muruga to the fruit of wisdom in a race around the universe. Lord Ganesha circumambulated His parents, instead of trying to circumambulate the eternal universe; quintessentially saying that our parents are everything to us.

Shiva Shakti as one

There is a misconception that has perpetuated through time that fathers are tough and hard whilst mothers are compassionate and loving - bringing to life the ‘tough cop, nice cop’ scenario. In Hindu iconography, there is the most intriguing concept of ardhanarishvara, showing Shakti and Shiva sharing one form. This form essentially speaks to the fact that besides carrying a baby to term, both male and female are equal and have the same potential of expression with regards to love and compassion.

I had the blessed opportunity to be in the holy company of Revered Swami Vimokshananda last Friday. After some discussion and a welcoming cup of coffee, I attended His Friday class. The class is mostly attended by the mothers who perform seva at the Ashram but does not exclude the uncles who try to extract some of Maharaj’s grace and words of wisdom. As I sat in the class, I became a child again as Swamiji’s dulcet voice abound with motherly love cajoled all assembled, giving us a sense of security and well being.

But in this world of maha maya, we all have to face the ultimate reality that our fathers and mothers will one day have to leave us. The sentient beings that we are, we need to feel this love and affection, and when the ones we love leave us, we are found wanting. 

Master Sri Ramakrishna reminds us where to find this paternal love eternally. He said: “As a nurse in a wealthy family brings up her Master's child, loving it as if it were her own, yet knowing well that she has no claim upon it, so you also think that you are but trustee and guardians of your children whose real father is the Lord Himself.”

Knowing this as the truth of the universe, we should all begin the connection with our eternal father who pervades this entire Universe. In Chapter 14 Verse 4 of the Bhagavat Gita, Shri Krishna declares: “It should be understood that all species of life, O son of Kunti, are made possible by birth in this material nature and that I am the seed-giving Father.”

Holy Mother also gives us an assurance by saying: “Whenever you are in distress, just say to yourself I have a Mother.” By taking confidence in these words, we know that our eternal father is waiting to take us by the hands safely home, away from the pains and sufferings of this world.

Let us understand that this birth and life is about this reconnection with our father and mother. Any other goal in this life is futile; all our actions should be a means to this ultimate goal of finding God.

Swami Vivekananda speaks of a very profound incident:

Many years ago, I visited a great sage of our own country, a very holy man. We talked of our revealed books - the Vedas, Bible, Koran and of revealed books in general. At the close of the talk, this good man asked me to go to the table and take up a book; it was a book which among other things contained a forecast of the rainfall during the year. The sage said “read that”. And I read out the quantity of rain that was to fall. He said, “Now take the book and squeeze it”. I did so and he said “Why, my boy, not a drop of water comes out. Until the water comes out, it’s all book. So until your religion makes you realise God, it is useless”.

Dear fathers, mothers and prospective parents, may you take the opportunity you have to enlighten your children about their true Father / Mother and their real goal of life. When such days come upon us like today; they will reflect upon what you did for them and lift their hands in prayer to you for the priceless gift you have given them: showing them the way home.

May the blessings of Narayana our dear Father be upon all on this Father’s Day is my sincere prayer.

With love and prayers always

Yogan

Youth – The leverage for change

||Sri Ramakrishna Sharanam||

Aum Namo Narayanaya

I stand on the acres of Africa that is Mother to the cradle of mankind; home of the Bushman, Khoi-Khoi and San. The keeper of the African Sun cajoled and embraced by the enchanting oceans sprawling with life and energy, contradicted intensely by the parched Kalahari sporting the social weaver perched on the arthritic branches of the Baobabs, exhausted from the day’s heat. This ancient land of great kings and warriors whose blood once spilled on the banks of the mighty Tugela River flows with gold and diamonds. Captured, colonised and enslaved - she survives through the indomitable spirit of her children born to fly free like the regally plumaged blue crane. Deep in the heart of every son is a spirit that roars like the majestic lion; quick as the cheetah, strong like the Drakensberg, resilient as the Kalahari, nimble like the springbok and beautiful like the blooming Protea.  Irrigated by tears, blood and tyranny – today, the forecast for storms of joy and prosperity loom on the horizon; clothed with the clouds of respect, dignity, education, tolerance and perseverance.

The Picture of June 16 upsrising that shook the world

16 June 1976: As much as it shook the world, was an impending and unavoidable eruption of youth power against any enslavement of their free African spirit. It is impossible by any means to cork a volcano fuming with the fury of middle earth. It was foolish of the apartheid government to interfere with the mother tongue - core to the indigenous culture and heritage -  and expect them to remain docile and unresponsive. 

Although this day will sulk our hearts and draw copious amounts of tears in memory of the fallen heroes of Soweto, who unarmed, stood no chance against the brutal security forces of the time - that acre of Africa shall forever remain holy ground for youth of our country, continent and world. A pilgrimage of thoughts and events of the day shall inspire youth for eternity, of their innate potential and power to leverage change in the world.

A wonderful parable comes to mind at this point. -from internet

The wise old man travelled from village to village, from town to town - and along the way, people would line up to ask him their most difficult questions. One day he noticed a young boy, barely in his teens, buried in the long queue and his curiosity was aroused. He approached the boy and asked: “Son, what question do you have for the old man?"

The boy looked up shyly, fixed his eyes on the wrinkled brow of the wise man and carefully stretched out his arm. Inside his small closed fist was a beautiful butterfly he caught the previous day.

"Sir, if indeed you are as wise as everyone believes you to be, please tell me whether the butterfly in my hand is dead or alive," the boy challenged the wise man. For a minute or so the wise man was lost for words. You could have heard a pin drop as the crowd waited in bated breath for what seemed like the ultimate ‘David versus Goliath’ showdown.

The small boy thought he had finally cornered the wise old man. If the wise man said the butterfly was alive, the boy would squeeze his fingers and squash the butterfly to death. If the wise man said the butterfly was dead, he would slowly open his hand and the butterfly would happily fly away.

The old man stared straight into the boy's wide expectant eyes, then glanced at the little closed hand and slowly shook his head from side to side. Then he said, “Son, whether the butterfly is dead or alive, it depends on you."

The profound message that emanates from this simple story is that the way we view the world is totally dependent upon us. If we sit back and make no positive contribution in the world, then like a scavenger, we must accept what is there for the taking.  But, Swamiji abhorred laziness and weakness, citing them as the achilles tendon of our progress and prosperity.  His most famous and quoted words “Arise Awake” speaks directly to the attitude of being a predator for your destiny. These eclectic words of His also give one inspiration and motivation to overcome obstacles and challenges that obscure our vision and path to freedom and self development.

Brothers and sisters, the long night is at last drawing to a close. Miseries and sorrows are disappearing. Ours is a sacred country. She is gradually waking up, thanks to the fresh breeze all around. Her might no one can overcome.

Are you prepared for all sacrifices for the sake of our motherland? If you are, then you can rid the land of poverty and ignorance. Do you know that millions of our countrymen are starving and miserable? Do you feel for them? Do you so much as shed a tear for them?

Have you the courage to face any hurdles, however formidable? Have you the determination to pursue your goal, even if those near and dear to you oppose you? You can be free men only if you have confidence in yourselves. You should develop a strong physique. You should shape your mind through study and mediation. Only then will victory be yours.

I loved my motherland dearly before I went to America and England. After my return, every particle of the dust of this land seems sacred to me.

As our country prepares for the commemoration of Youth Day, let us all remember this day and light a flame in our hearts that will show the way and inspire us all to work for a country that is free and fair to all citizens  - and ensure that a day shall never return when we see oppression of one by another.

May Swamiji give us good guidance and support always, is my sincere prayer.

With Love and prayers

Yogan

When I Asked God for Strength, He Gave Me Difficult Situations to Face
When I Asked God for Brain & Brawn, He Gave Me Puzzles in Life to Solve
When I Asked God for Happiness, He Showed Me Some Unhappy People
When I Asked God for Wealth, He Showed Me How to Work Hard
When I Asked God for Favours, He Showed Me Opportunities to Work Hard
When I Asked God for Peace, He Showed Me How to Help Others
God Gave Me Nothing I Wanted, He Gave Me Everything I Needed

-Swami Vivekananda

In Vogue

||Sri Ramakrishna Sharanam||

Aum Namo Narayanaya

Speculation is rife that the petrol price may take a downward journey this month as the oil price dipped after a sustained upward trajectory. Huge smiles shall adorn many faces when budgets become relaxed to accommodate a little splash-out on some self-indulgence. Priority on the wish list would be to renew the tired wardrobe which took a backseat during the economic crunch.

As we speak, fashion houses must be abuzz - sampling swatches; designers with office pins in mouth adorned with tape measure around the neck trying to find the perfect fit; cuts and hues for the changing season. All eyes will be on the catwalks of the London Fashion Week, eagerly searching the latest trends and colours that will adorn our streets for the next few months.

Trends show that hats have made a big comeback accompanied with boots. Evening wear seems to be the focus of many designers challenging some of the summer trends with softer pastel colours and hues of gold, red, blue and pink.  Checks, stripes, tweed and ties will also give men a chance to parade a new look this winter.  It is amazing how those who can adorn these designer masterpieces exude such charisma and confidence. Sadly enough though, some of us who are not created in the 'model class' framework cannot enjoy the spoils of the fashion world.

Thakur

I have however found a fashion house who designs for anyone - irrespective of size, race, caste or creed. Anyone can boast confidence, dignity, beauty, strength and charisma of divine proportions. I am dressed by: HOUSE OF THAKUR - infamous for a taking a simple cloth of Naren and turning out a masterpiece Vivekananda - with sharp cuts of intellect and truth; gentle curves of compassion; confidence and hues of devotion peace and love; turbaned with a burning desire to rescue mankind from the clutches of weakness, slavery and bondage.

Fitted by the House of Thakur - even when adorning a simple ochre robe of a sanyassin - you will attract the attention of the world. Evidence of this is clearly available when one reads the chapters of Swamiji's life in America. A delegate at the conference that Swamiji addressed, described how after His speech scores off woman ran over benches to be near Him. An observer  proclaimed that if the 30-year-old Vivekananda "can resist that onslaught, [he is] indeed a God". Such is the pied-piper effect of the divine fashion from House of Thakur. The fashions emanating from this label are always in vogue, and are the only apparel you can use when you enter the Kingdom of God.

Swami Vivekananda

The fashion industry is a multi-billion dollar industry in the world, but its enjoyment is conjoined with the physical body. So long as the physical body provides you with the perfect chassis to wear the garment, you will derive your enjoyment. However, the fashion of divine character will hold you in good stead eternally, irrespective of your physical characteristics.

Physical beauty has always enchanted man and his obsession with it is quite prevalent in the efforts and resources expended in trying to achieve it. Yesterday, I represented our temple at a Lord Muruga Festival in Phoenix. The occasion being the appearance day of Lord Muruga marked on the Tamil calendar as Vaigasi Visagam.  The float procession was a feast for the eyes as bright, colourful floats decorated with huge frames and statues of Muruga made their way through the streets of Phoenix, much to the amazement of the community.  The very word Murugan symbolises eternal beauty and youth, and should therefore be the "ishta-devata" of all beauty fanatics.

However, as progressive students of Hinduism, we have come to understand that everything manifest in this world must age and perish. On account of this, we should not abandon the worship of Murugan merely because we cannot remain ever beautiful and young - as he offers a beauty of divine proportions.

Lord Muruga

Lord Muruga - born off the perfect Yogi Shiva who has mastered all the senses and is a symbol of absolute purity and auspiciousness - is the Commander-in-Chief of the celestial army. In the Bhagavad Gita, Bhagwan Sri Krishna said:  "Of all the generals, I am Skanda, the God of war". Born of absolute purity, Lord Muruga's beauty lies in His character, strength, focus and intellect. This has led to Him being able to fulfill His mission of slaying the demon Tharakasura.

We as human beings are plagued by many demons that thwart our pursuance of bliss, prosperity and progress. These demons are not flying around the sky on huge chariots, but are mental obstacles and agitations.

Swami Vivekananda said: "Education is not the amount of information put into your brain and left to run a riot there, undigested all your life. We must have life- building, man-making, and character-making assimilation of ideas. If you have assimilated five ideas and made them your life and character, you have more education than any man who has by-hearted a whole library.

This is the beauty of life - no amount of fashion and cosmetics can make you beautiful. What we need is a character formed of purity and unshakable to the core. That will make you a super model of celestial brilliance.

If one is to follow this tried and tested path as outlined by Swamiji, success is guaranteed to follow you. When you make the high society invite lists and walking down the red carpet one day, and a journalists asks: "So who are you dressed by today", be proud to say "House of Thakur"!!!!!

May Sri Ramakrishna create masterpieces out of us all is my sincere prayer.

With Love and Prayers always

Yogan