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.

My broadband link to God

||Sri Ramakrishna Sharanam||

Aum Namo Narayanaya

The week that passed was decorated with a mosaic of activities which added much flavour to my birthday which I celebrated on Wednesday. I cannot but smile to myself as it unfolds in my mind as a festival. The festivities galloped over six days starting with Swamiji’s visit home, Deepavali and culminating with the South Africa vs Australia cricket match at the Sahara Kingsmead Stadium. Indeed these activities released much joy and colour into what can be termed a memorable and blessed birthday.

It was rather disappointing that South Africa could not capitalise on the atmosphere and support created by the “die hard” fans who went to all extremes to cheer South Africa to victory. As the match progressed, I observed very intently a group that were seated in front of me, whose dedication to South Africa was very admirable. My mind at once trounced for a six out of the ground to the Indian Premier League which was played recently. I recalled how one very devout fan of the Mumbai Indians was engaged in prayer for the entire duration of every match for them to win.

I noticed the gaping lacerations in the hearts of these fans who were also engaged in communication with God for South Africa to emerge victorious on Friday. The questions that barge into my thoughts as I relay this incident are: “Is it okay for one to pray for such things?”; “What is the purpose of prayer?” and “Is it a bargaining tool to satisfy our desires?” 

 I recall a beautiful incident from the life of Swami Vivekananda. After the death of His father the family was thrown into financial difficulties due to poor financial management by His late father. In this state of despair, Swamiji approached Sri Ramakrishna for assistance. He asked Master to advocate to the Divine Mother on His behalf to mitigate the difficulties that plagued Him. Master explained that He should ask the Divine Mother Himself as She has never failed to please Her children.

On three occasions Swamiji failed to ask the Divine Mother for material wealth but instead asked for divine knowledge. We should not falter in our understanding that at the level of devotion that Swamiji was constituted in, even if He asked for money the Mother would have poured fourth unceasingly unto Swamiji crores and crores of Rupees.  Swamiji’s life therefore comes to us as a compass to navigate the stormy seas of life in search of the calm waters of moksha.

Sri Sri Swami Yogananada Paramahansa very authoritatively explained that our lives are a dream of the supreme consciousness.  If the Lord is the creator of the dream that is this world and life, then it is He alone who is in control of all activities in the dream. The dream cannot be changed or interfered with by anyone of us. As much as you may try, it will be impossible to alter any part of this dream.

Logic then tells us that the only way this dream can be altered is through the dreamer itself. But we are faced with a severe dilemma – because through our own actions we have marooned ourselves by not maintaining our connection to God through constant prayer. We have neglected to maintain this link on account of material and worldly pleasures.

Swami Chidanand Saraswati of the Parmath Ashram beautifully explained that when someone breaks his arm, wherever you touch on that arm will induce pain. Likewise when the connection to God is broken, whatever you do devoid of this connection will induce pain.

We need to reconnect this link with God immediately by invoking prayer for His love and grace alone. By calling His name and singing His glories every moment, and constantly inundating our mind and thoughts with His form, there is no doubt He will respond to the sincere prayer of His devotee as declared by Sri Krishna in the Bhagavat Gita:

Mam mana bhava mad bhakti.
Mad yaji mam namaskuru.
Mam evaishyasi satyam te.
Pratijan priyo si me.

Always think of me become my devotee, worship me and offer your homage unto me, you will come to me without fail. This I promise thee.

The Lord always protects His devotees

 Like how a DSL connection gives you access and freedom of the internet, the connection of prayer will allow you the access to God’s grace and love. He will then alter His dream to ensure that you have a life that is free from pain and suffering.

This can be seen in the life of Prahalada who because of His intense devotion to Narayana alone, felt no pain or misery of this material world. If this may seem a bit puranic for you, we can look at the life of Swamiji who lived in our era not so long ago. While Swamji was wandering through India he felt the ignorance and arrogance of a man who ridiculed him at renouncing the world. The man thought ‘why couldn’t He just work like everyone else to feed Himself and not resort to begging for His food.’ Through all this, the man did not find any compassion in his heart to offer Swamiji even a morsel of food. 

When the train had stopped, Swamiji alighted the train and sat on the platform hungry and tired. It was then that a man ran towards Swamiji saying that he had a dream that he must provide meals for Swamiji. It was at that point that the ignorant man realised that God provides all the needs for the devotee who has surrendered to Him.

We must realise that our prayers should not be for specific material things in life. Our prayers should be solely for the grace of God. Then, He alters the course of life to ensure that your life is comfortable, free of pain and miseries and conducive for the attainment of liberation.

May we all restore this connection is my sincere prayer.

With love and prayers always.

From Darkness to Light

|| Sri Ramakrishna Sharanam||

Aum Namo Narayanaya

Sri Ramachandra, Sita, Lutchmana, Hanumanaki  Jai


As I sit now and reflect on the day that has been, I cannot but draw a parallel between my residence and Ayodhya in the time of Lord Rama's return from exile. The festoons were out and every street was bursting with excitement at the arrival of the Lord to his rightful palace.



Swamiji speaking to devotees



Today, as I installed the pictures of Master , Mother and Swamiji in my home, the devotees and guests awaited with the same kind of enthusiasm and delight for the arrival of revered Swami Vimokshananda who blessed the occasion with His divine presence.

 Sri Ramakrishna said in the Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna: ”a thousand years of darkness is dispelled in one instant of light". That is the power of light and no doubt in His discourse and presentation revered Maharaj was able dispel the darkness that has plagued many for so long.
I offer my sincere pranams to Maharaj and thank Him sincerely for taking the time to grace my home with his presence and lighting the lamp of hope and divinity in all present. That is the message essentially that Swamiji relayed to all.

I always wondered why the festival is called Deepavali and not that just 'deepa'. 'Deepa' means light and 'vali' means row. If this is a festival of lights then it could have  been called just deepa. We find that if we scatter the diyas all over the shore then the intensity of the light emanating is rather low.  However, if we co-ordinate the diyas in a row the illumination is much stronger. In the same manner if we can summon and co-ordinate our thought and action on God then his presence in our life becomes intense. If we scatter our thoughts and actions on worldy matters then the manifestation of the divine is lessened. Like the rows of lights had to be lit so that the Lord can be seen as He returned , let us prepare for the home coming of the Lord within us.

Let this Deepavali be more of a personal celebration of the victory of all the vices within us and may the lamp of knowledge be lit with the candle of devotion. I take this opportunity in wishing all of you a spiritually rewarding Deepavali. May this festival bring with it hope, prosperity and the grace of God.

With Love and prayers always

Strength is life Weakness is death

|| Sri Ramakrishna Sharanam||

Aum Namo Narayanaya

The greatest benefit of life is struggle declared Swami Vivekananda. Clearly a deviation from our conventional thinking wherein everything we do is to avoid challenges and approach this journey with a nonchalant attitude. In fact it is this very behaviour that has been the catalyst and driver of the electronics industries which has devised every possible gadget to ensure that very little physical effort is needed in most of our daily activities and chores.

It takes one of immense inner strength and courage to pray to God for inspiration and strength to face and overcome challenges rather than the mediocrity of asking for them to be removed. I was deeply moved and inspired by one such devotee of the Lord. Queen Kunti was an ardent devotee of Sri Krishna. Upon the victorious culmination of the battle of Kurukshetra Lord Krishna was preparing for his return to Dwarika.

At this point he had placed before this great devotee the opportunity to ask for any boon she desired in view of all the pain and suffering she had undertaken. Sri Krishna was displaying his compassion to his devotee to assist in ameliorating her pain. Without a hint of hesitation she asked, “Dear Lord give me pain “The Lord was surprised as he was giving this boon to remove her from miseries yet she intentionally wanted to be in the very same predicament.

With tears in her eyes she said,Lord it is through this very pain and suffering that I am closest to you. In the absence of such my mind will be engaged in some other fruitless activity. This answer is the defining boundary between being religious and spiritual. Our revered Swami Vimokshanadaji Maharaj on many occasions highlighted the difference between these two. Religious he said was a routine with which we approach or participate in our activity. For example we daily get up at 4am every morning take a bath, perform meditation and japa and upon our return from work at 4pm take bath again and perform sadhanas , read  literature and take supper and sleep. It is thus said you are very religious about your pooja and reading.  Spiritual is when you are faced with challenges in life, it is how effectively you utilise all that you have read and learnt in ensuring the challenge is dealt with in a responsible manner.

In the case of Queen  Kunti  we see how she has developed such devotion and love for God that even the obstacles and pain in her life have become conduits to god’s love and affection.



Prahalad fearlessly facing the torture by his father



That is what our revered Swami Vivekanada projects through his statement that the Great benefit of life is struggle. It is as certain as the sun shall rise in the morning that were it not for some sort of pain or struggle in some peoples life they would not entertain even the smallest thought of god. Yes indeed there are some because of their good past deeds and karma are born with the Lords name on their lips , this is clearly illustrated through the life of Prahalada who despite all the torture his father lunged at him, he continuously and involuntarily called Sri Hari’s name.

Many are constituted such today, that at the mere sight of a challenge, welcome defeat so graciously within the folds of their lives. This chronic refusal to exploit challenges and obstacles to our advantage has created a generation of vegetables obsessed with bread winning education as a means to their peace and joy. On the contrary we find that the more affluent man becomes the more maladies he incurs and as a result makes no significant approach to real joy.

Face the brutes thundered Swamiji. Let these words vibrate in every cell and inch of your body to awaken the inexhaustable strength that lies within you. Let it amass you like a tsunami and give you a clear understanding of the divinity that you are. So long as you think you are weak you are as good as dead. Strength is life said Swamiji.

Harness this strength and concentrate your efforts in finding that state of eternal bliss. For that is our true nature. From the time we awake in the morning, if we closely analyse the purpose of all our activities, we conclude it is to bring us some kind of comfort and joy.

We have however fallen short of the objective as these joys and comforts are of a very transient nature. The secret to our success therefore lies in making every activity in our lives a pathway to god. Do whatever we do as a form of worship or offering to him alone as a result we will fail to see these as obstacles or challenges but utilise them as our daily sadhana.

Our lives will be so full of strength and joy as the mirrors of our minds will be constantly reflecting the divine. Why should you ever think you are weak, you are the prince or princess of the world. Your father is the King. Lift your head up high and take this journey with the confidence and knowledge that you travel in the kingdom of thy father and at a mere call you have the backing and support of his Majesties protection. If you have his strength then you have his life.

May we all approach life with this attitude of strength is my sincere prayer.

Climbing the rungs of spirtual consciousnes

|| Sri Ramakrishna Sharanam||


Aum Namo Narayanaya


Flag Post(Kodi Maram) at Arunachalla Temple



It became quite lucid to me as I started to pen this blog that the intention behind creating festivals and prayers to constantly engage the mind on God was an extraordinary and  successful concept. I cannot speak for other countries and towns but can proudly proclaim that Tongaat has kept the Hindu torch ablaze despite the tumultuous history and religious and cultural isolation from India for many decades.
It portrays an essentially unique Hindu characteristic where at regular intervals, the town sprouts with excitement and colour over an impending festival. I must add they are quite strategically positioned to ensure that the devotee is never robbed of his dose of spiritual inspiration throughout the year. Even in the midst of the seasoned holidays like Easter and Christmas,  temptations fail to lure the 'bhaktas' from chanting the Lords name.


I recall vividly growing up in one of the Tongaat Sugar Housing schemes,  how households would be abuzz with excitement and preparations awaiting the arrival of the Lord mounted on his gloriously decorated chariot, parching the thirst of his devotees with his enchanting 'dharshan'. Seasons and landscapes may change but I remain confident that these wonderful  traditions will continue to add flavour to our lives till our last breaths.


Yesterday, two of our sister organisations, the Isinembe Shree Veeraboga Emperumal Temple and the Chinna Thirupathi Venketeshawara Devastanam held their annual chariot festivals. A colourful display of devotion that contagiously spreads a warm and inspired feeling amongst people,  having spent the entire day singing and chanting God's sweet name.


A dear friend was chatting to me after the proceedings of the prayer and asked a very interesting question. “When will people learn to elevate themselves, they come sing songs eat and go home.” A very interesting observation I thought as it quintessentially speaks to the perennial despondency, pain and suffering experienced by many. We are often so quick to point fingers at God, but have we sat and analysed what we have done to change the status quo of our lives.


Sri Ramakrishna said: “The wind of God’s grace is incessantly blowing. Lazy sailors on the sea of life do not take advantage of it. But the active and strong always keep the sails of their minds unfurled to catch the favourable wind and thus reach their destination very soon”.


The inaugural celebrations of the chariot festivities commence with a very significant practice which is pregnant with a philosophy of self evolution. The prayers involve the raising of the flag on the flag staff which is located in front the main entrance of the temple. The presiding deity of all flag poles is an animal which is the 'vaganam' (carrier) of the presiding deity of that temple. In this case it is 'Garuda', the celestial bird who is the official transporter of Maha Vishnu. Temple architectural design is governed by the scriptures which dictate that the eyes of the Garuda murthi must be in line with the feet of the Installed murthi in the inner sanctum. Above this main murthi is the dome of the temple which culminates with a gold or metal 'Kalsum'. The top of the flag post must be in line with the 'kalsum' on the dome.


Most of us although given a very important and divine gift of 'Viveka' (discrimination and intellect) in this human birth, live our lives like animals who are slaves to their senses. Animals operate purely by instinct and sense stimulation. As Paramahamsa Yoganandaji said: ”We live like sudras who see no greater purpose than the satisfaction of wants and desires of the body. Such persons eat, sleep, work , multiply and finally die.” Such an existence is plagued with despondency, unhappiness, troubles, irritation and anxiety. This mechanical way of living and even mechanical way of attending prayers and functions does nothing to release you from the fetters of this chronic misery.


Then it is understandable why most prayers or festivals at the temple commence with the flag hoisting ceremony, indicative of the first step we should all practice if we want to experience perennial joy alone. That is, to raise our consciousness from the base animal and body conscious level to the divine spiritual level - as one would see the 'garuda' on the flag is raised from the bottom to the height of the 'kalsam' on the dome. Forget that you are this body, and forget about the existence you lead, think you are divine, that very Lord that pervades this universe is in you.  And as the singing and activities go on in the temple take some time to delve inward to commune with this Lord that is within you. Start to remove the layers of ignorance and negativity from your minds activity. Use the bhajans and worship that is being done as detergents to clean the mirror of your mind. Let it shine and reflect all the positive energies inside so you can see that he who is the universe himself dwells in you as the atman. Raise that energy from down below to the topmost part of your head which will unlock the treasure of eternal bliss that you are.


Essentially that’s what beloved Swami Vivekananda speaks of when he said "Arise, Awake, stop not until the goal is reached". Raise your consciousness to that divine level. Take note though this does not come easily. One must be sincere and have steadfast devotion and faith in God. It is through His grace alone that the lubrication is provided to ease the friction of spiritual elevation.

May your journey to divinity be blessed by His grace is my sincere prayer.


With love always.

Shubh Navarathri

Aum Namo Narayanaya



|| Sri Ramakrishna Sharanam||                               

In a special hymn to the Divine Mother, Shri Shankarcharya said, Jagadambe vichitramantra kim paripurna karunasti cenmayi aparadhaparamparavrtm nahi mata samupekshate sutam.

“O mother of the Universe, there is nothing to be wondered at if thou should’st be full of compassion for me. For a mother does not forsake her son even if he has numerable faults”.

As aspirants are on a quest to unravel the mysteries of the universe and cajole their interpretations within the framework of science, their task becomes unattainable as the grace of God continues to mesmerise the most lettered through the process of creation, sustenance and dissolution. This concept eloquently described as Siristi, Sthiti and Vinashnam in the Devi Mahatmayam.



Mother Universal Kali



But Master Sri Ramakrishna explained in the Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna:

What is the need to know the amount of branches or leaves on a tree when you have come to the orchid to eat mangos. Will our finite mind and intellectual capacity be able to understand this great maya of the perceived world.

It is good enough for us just to have love, devotion and faith in God and according to our nature we will perceive the divine. Although many religions are quite patriarchal in their approach, Hindu Dharma is essentially liberal - allowing the devotee or aspirant the opportunity to approach God in his most comfortable form with the underlying basis that God is one.

It is no wonder then that hundreds of thousands of people throughout the world have taken the Divine Mother as their ishta (personal God). In the two branches of thought, ie. monism and dualistic - one can see God as another or one can understand that God and the self are one. In the dualistic approach which forms the underlying foundation of bhakti, a very special relationship is developed with the ishta.

While growing up we can all give beautiful accounts of the special bond and relationship that we have developed with our mothers. A mother is the reservoir of love and compassion irrespective of your character and appearance. She no doubt is the embodiment of selfless sacrifice. Mothers have lost countless hours of sleep nursing her sick child, worked extreme hours to feed and clothe her children - knowning well one day they will leave her.

Such love is beyond words. If such love is possible by imperfect human beings can you ever image what is possible by the eternal Divine mother of the Universe?  The unconditional, unrestricted river of love that embraces every part of creation is the tonic that can cure the maladies that afflict this world.

But what is the secret to get the attention of our Mother universal? There is no other life documented that has portrayed the most beautiful relationship between a mother and son than that between Sri Ramakrishna and the Divine Mother.

His life demonstrates how the intense yearning and crying for the vision of the Divine Mother culminated in the most divine experience and vision which set out to change the entire course of his life from a mad God man(as called by many in Kolkata ) to Paramahamsa. This episode clearly gives credence to and augments the thoughts of many sages and saints that God does not come to one through elaborate book knowledge; but through intense longing and love, one can then experience God. Yes, God has to be experienced not read about.

When a child is occupied with his toy in a cot, the mother is quite content with her activities and is satisfied that the child is not in need of her. But at the instant that the child starts to cry or scream the mother will immediately drop whatever she is doing to attend to the child. This is the secret to get the attention of the Divine Mother as well, said Master.

We are so intently enjoying the comforts of this world that we have not sent even a glance of a thought towards the Mother. Although She is mindful of us, She will only come to us when we call. Can the toys of the world ever equate to the loving embrace of our mother? Can all the cuisine of the world give nourishment to our soul?

As Her children we undergo many challenges in this world. They can be very overwhelming and stubborn at times. We need not undertake these challenges alone though - like how she took us to school on our first day, or saw our first dance recital or sat with us through our matric exams - in life too we can seek the comfort of our mother universal.

As Durga, She is the fort of our lives, ready to protect us against the challenges of life. Ma Kali is the remover of all our desires which is the biggest obstacle to our joy and happiness. Mother Lakshmi bestows prosperity both materially and spiritually upon us and gives us aim and direction in life. And finally, as Mother Saraswathi, She gives us knowledge of the world but most importantly knowledge of the self to know that we are divine children of her.

Then, why do we behave like beggars? When we want money to buy clothes, or are hungry and want food we go to our mother. Then why are we so shy to ask our mother universal that which is rightfully ours? Take this opportunity my dear brothers and sisters to reconnect with your Mother Divine… cry and intensely long for her… she will undoubtedly answer your call.

I pray sincerely that her love and grace flows abundantly upon all. I conclude with the most loving words of Mother Sarada, “Whenever you are in distress , always remember you have a Mother”.

With love and prayers always