PUSHPA ALANKARAM JUN 24 2015

DURGA & MANI

VENNAI ALANKARAM JUN 20 2015

DURGA & MANI

WHAT WILL SET US FREE?

OMNIPOTENT SAYS:-

In our country, there is a peculiar method of trapping monkeys. This process consists of bringing a big pot with a small mouth and putting some material which is attractive to the monkey inside that pot. A monkey, out of curiosity would put its hand inside the pot and get a handful of that material. It will be trapped, unable to pull its hand out! The monkey imagines that someone inside the pot is holding its hand. Then it will attempt to run away along with the pot! No one is holding the monkey. The monkey trapped itself, due to its own attachment. The moment it lets the material go, it will be free. Similarly in this big pot of the world with narrow mouth of temporal pleasures, people are tempted! When they are lost with involvement in those pleasures, they think that someone or something is binding them down. No one is responsible for this bondage. The moment you give up the pleasures and detach yourself, you will be free! 

DURGA & MANI

ARE THE PRACTICES SUCH AS BHAJANS AND MEDITATION SUFFICIENT TO GIVE US SPIRITUAL BLISS?

OMNIPOTENT SAYS:-

If a person is ill or if his mind is immersed in something else, the taste of food cannot be grasped. So also, if the heart is full of ignorance (tamas) or is wayward, no joy can be experienced even if one is engaged in remembrance of the Lord, devotional singing, recitation of the name, or meditation. The tongue will be sweet as long as there is sugar on it. Likewise, if the pillar of light called devotion continues to burn in the corridor of the heart, there will be no darkness. A bitter thing on the tongue makes the whole tongue bitter. Similarly when greed and anger enter the heart, the brightness disappears, darkness dominates the scene, and one becomes the target of countless griefs and losses. Therefore, those who aspire to attain the holy presence of the Lord must acquire certain habits, disciplines, and qualities. The usual ways of life won't lead to God. They have to be somewhat modified by means of spiritual discipline.

DURGA & MANI

VENNAI ALANKARAM JUN 13 2015

DURGA & MANI

WHAT SHOULD WE DO TO INCREASE OUR VALUE

OMNIPOTENT SAYS:-

God is All-pervading (Sarvavyapi). He loves His devotees (Bhakta-Vatsala). Make your heart the Seat of the Lord. Soil which has veins of mica is valuable, but that which has veins of gold is even more precious. The soil is valued according to the preciousness of the metal in its fold. So too, hearts are evaluated by its contents. Keep God in your hearts; then they will become precious possessions. If God is implanted in the heart, you will see only God everywhere. For, Sarvam Brahmamayam (All is Divine) is a fact. Resolve this day to engage only in virtuous deeds, good thoughts and good company. Let your mind dwell on elevating thoughts. Do not waste a single moment of your waking time in vain boasting or idle gossip or demeaning recreations. While life persists, do good things, speak softly and sweetly, never injure or insult another, serve those in need and keep the image of God ever before the mind's eye.

DURGA & MANI

WHY SHOULD WE REMAIN HUMBLE AND TRUST THE LORD'S WISDOM

OMNIPOTENT SAYS:-

 Egoism is the most dangerous illusion that has to be exploded and destroyed. Even Arjuna had it! One day, after the battle when Krishna brought the chariot back to camp, he wanted that like all charioteers, Krishna should get down first! The Master must get down later, after the charioteer opened the door for him, isn't it? Krishna refused, and insisted that Arjuna should alight before He Himself did. At last, Krishna won. Arjuna got down and then as soon as Krishna left His seat and touched the ground, the chariot went up in flames! If only Krishna had got down first! The fact was that the various fiery arrows that had the power of burning the chariot had hit the target, but due to the presence of Krishna, their powers could not manifest themselves. Seeing this Arjuna was humbled; his egoism received a rude shock. He realised that every action of the Lord was full of significance.

WHO IS DEAR TO THE LORD?

OMNIPOTENT SAYS:-

Those devoted to the Lord are full of love; they always stand by righteousness (dharma); they speak the truth; their hearts melt with mercy; they are devoid of wrong; they avoid sin; their nature is well-founded; they will renounce everything gladly; they eat in moderation; they are engaged in doing good to others; they have no selfishness; they aren't worried by doubts. They won't lend their ears to flattery but are eager to listen to the praise of the good nature of others. They have beautiful, strong, and holy character. True spiritual aspirants will endeavor to acquire the above qualities and possess a good character. Anyone who is engaged in repetition of the name (japa), penance (tapas), and sacred vows (vrata), anyone who has self-control (samyama) and discipline (niyama), anyone who has faith, patience, comradeship, kindness, and joy as well as unalloyed love (prema) towards the Lord — such a person is very dear to Me.

DURGA & MANI

RAJA ALANKARAM JUN 06 2015

DURGA & MANI

WHEN SHOULD WE BEGIN THE SPIRITUAL PRACTICES?

What is the use in planning a well when the house is on fire? Where is the time to dig now? When will water become available? When is the fire to be extinguished? It is an impossible task! If, at the very start, a well was ready, how helpful it would be on such critical occasions! Beginning to contemplate on God during the last moments is like beginning to dig the well when the house is on fire. Therefore equip yourself right now, by contemplating on God off and on, so that it will stand you in good stead when the end approaches. Start today the spiritual discipline that has to be donetomorrow! Start now what has to be done today! One doesn't know what is in store the next moment; therefore there should be no delay in engaging in spiritual practices. For this physical stamina is also necessary, so the body has to be tended to, though over-tending causes damage. To the degree that is essential, the body should be looked after with great care.

DURGA & MANI

WHY SHOULD WE NOT POSTPONE OUR SPIRITUAL PRACTICES EVEN FOR ONE DAY?

OMNIPOTENT SAYS:-

DUThese days, people are content to visualise and experience evanescent worldly joys. People have no rest. Spending the nights in sleep and days in eating and drinking, they grow and grow, until, in old age, death pursues them. Then, they can't decide where to go or what to do; all senses have weakened. No one and nothing can rescue them, so they end as obedient meat in the jaws of death! How sad it is that this human life, precious as an invaluable diamond that can't be priced at all, has been cheapened to the standard of a worn-out worthless coin! There is no use repenting later without meditating on God or practising some spiritual discipline to realise Him now. It is the right of the aspirant (sadhaka) to have the vision of God and not the sight of death (Yama-darshan)!

RAJA ALANKARAM MAY 31 2015

DURGA & MANI

WHAT IS THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE SACRED GAYATRI MANTRA

OMNIPOTENT SAYS:-

The Gayatri mantra is the royal road to Divinity. There is no fixed time or regulation for reciting it. Nevertheless, the young celibates (Brahmacharis)would do well to recite it during the morning and evening Sandhya (twilight hours) to derive the greatest benefit. However because the Divine is beyond time and space, anytime and anyplace is appropriate for repeating God's name. The Bhagavata declares:"Sarvadaa, sarvatra, sarva kaleshu Hari chintanam - Contemplate on God always, at all places and at all times." You must learn to think of God in whatever you see, whatever you do and whatever you touch. You must realise that you are playing temporary roles on the cosmic stage. You must get back to your true Divine Selves when the play is over. By regularly reciting the Gayatri, you must purify your lives and be an example to the world in righteous living.

DURGA & MANI

VENNAI ALANKARAM MAY 23 2015

DURGA & MANI

VENNAI ALANKARAM MAY 16 2015

DURGA & MANI

RAJA ALANKARAM MAY 10 2015

DURGA & MANI

VENNAI ALANKARAM MAY 03 2015

DURGA & MANI

HOW CAN WE ACHIEVE CONSTANT COMMUNION WITH THE DIVINE?

OMNIPRESENT LOVINGLY EXPLAINS:-

Chant the name of God day in and day out. That alone will protect you at all times. Just as air is all pervasive, God is present in you, with you, around you, below you, above you. Hence, be in constant communion with Divinity. When you develop faith in Divinity, you will naturally have unity. Consequently, there will be no scope for enmity. You need not perform any rituals in order to win the grace of God. It is enough if you do namasmarana (chant the Divine Name) from the depth of your heart. Hari Bhajana bina sukha shanti nahi… (You cannot attain peace and happiness without singing the glory of God). If you incessantly chant the divine name 'Rama', no harm can ever befall you. Do not fritter away this opportunity but put it to the best use. Remember that God is always with you wherever you are.

DURGA & MANI

Can we escape the grasp of Karma?

OMNIPRESENT LOVINGLY EXPLAINS:-

Scholars say, it is impossible to escape karma. What they say is true to a certain extent. Now, you may wonder if there is a way to escape from the consequences of karma. Yes, it is possible for everyone, if they 'earn' the grace of God. Once you deserve and receive God's grace, you will not be affected by karmaphala (consequences ofKarma). Hence, strive to earn divine grace. When you earn Divine grace, even if you have to experience the consequences of karma,you will not feel the pain. Consider the example of a bottle with medicine. The medicine will have an expiry date. After the expiry date, the medicine will lose its potency. Likewise, God's grace will make the karmaphala 'expire', and nullify the effects of karma. The most important aspect here is to 'deserve' His Grace. You must cultivate necessary strength and willpower to deserve divine grace, and be free from the shackles of karma.

DURGA & MANI

RAJA ALANKARAM APR 25 2015

DURGA & MANI