Only He knows how much trouble he had to undergo, to what (great) length he had to go to pull you unto Him!

Nama Article 3rd January 2015

ஆண்டாள் நாச்சியார் அருளிச்செய்த திருப்பாவை

குத்து விளக்கெரியக் கோட்டுக்கால் கட்டில் மேல்

     மெத்தென்ற பஞ்ச சயனத்தின் மேலேறி

கொத்து அலர் பூங்குழல் நப்பின்னை கொங்கைமேல்

     வைத்துக் கிடந்த மலர் மார்பா! வாய் திறவாய்

மைத்தடங் கண்ணினாய் நீயுன் மணாளனை

     எத்தனை போதும் துயில் எழ ஒட்டாய் காண்

எத்தனையேலும் பிரிவாற்ற கில்லையால்

     தத்துவம் அன்று தகவு ஏல் ஓர் எம்பாவாய்

Excerpts from a discourse by our Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji on ThiruppAvai

Once, Ramanuja was discoursing on Vaikunta gatyam and this păsuram. A man from amongst the audience stood up and asked Ramanuja, "Swamy! After attaining Sri Vaikunta will I be sent back here?" Ramanuja asked, "Why do you raise such a question? There are only two reasons for returning here after having attained Sri Vaikunta. Either Bhagavăn should push you down or you should nurture a desire to return. Which one do you think will happen?" The man said, "No. Swamy. I will definitely not nurture the desire to return to this world. Have I not suffered enough in this world? Will I desire to return? But will Bhagavăn push me down to this earth?" Ramanuja assured him, "No, Bhagavan will do no such thing because He has undergone much more trouble in pulling you to Sri Vaikunta than you have suffered on this earth! Only He knows how much trouble he had to undergo, to what (great) length he had to go to pull you unto Him! So, unless you nurture such a desire Bhagavăn will definitely not push you back into this world!"

'Kuttu vilakeriyak Kottukkăl katinmel -- the term 'Kottukkăl' reminds them of the divine form of the Lord in Sri Vaikunta.

'methenra panja sayanathin meleri' -- The lamps are all big. Through the light from these lamps they can see the exquisite bed and the faces of Bhagavăn and Nappinai.

Chant the Mahamantra Nama kirtan :

Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare
Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare

‘Pandăr viraliun maithunan per pădach’ - “We wish to do Năma Sankirtan.

Nama Article 2^nd January 2015

ஆண்டாள் நாச்சியார் அருளிச்செய்த திருப்பாவை

உந்து மத களிற்றன் ஓடாத தோள் வலியன்

     நந்தகோபாலன் மருமகளே! நப்பின்னாய்!

கந்தம் கமழும் குழலீ! கடைதிறவாய்

     வந்தெங்கும் கோழி அழைத்தன காண்! மாதவிப்

பந்தல் மேல் பல்கால் குயில் இனங்கள் கூவின காண்

     பந்தார் விரலி! உன் மைத்துனன் பேர் பாட

செந்தாமரைக் கையால் சீரார் வளையொலிப்ப

     வந்து திறவாய் மகிழ்ந்து ஏல் ஓர் எம்பாவாய்

Excerpts from a discourse by our Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji on ThiruppAvai

'Pandăr viraliun maithunan per pădach' - "We wish to do Năma Sankirtan. Just as there is a group to support the victorious side there is one to support the defeated side, too! Nappinai, do you know who has earned our support? You, it is you who has our support. We support the victorious side. This morning our Năma Sankirtan will be different. We will not sing 'Oh! Kesava! Madhava!' but sing 'Oh! the defeated Krishna!" just to please you! Come! Open the door. This is an opportunity we will make full use of. We will all get together and tease the defeated Krishna. Come! Join us." - 'Pandăr viraliun maithunan per păda'

'cheerăr vallaiyolippa vandutiravăi' - "Come and open the door with the jingling sound of the bangles, the toe-rings and the noopur on the feet."

'Magizhndelo rembăvăi' - "We will all enjoy together."

Why is this păsuram very close to Ramanuja's heart? Ramanuja had six Ăcchăryăs. Of these, one was Perianambi. We have already spoken of Kacchaiappanambi. Of these six Ăcchăryăs, Ramanuja showed the highest importance ('pradănam') to Perianambi. Ramanuja visited Perianambi every morning to offer his pranăms. Ramanuja, as we have already seen, sang Thiruppăvai every day. And on this day it so happened that he was singing this with deep bhăva. Perianambi had a little daughter by name Athuzhăi. She was five years old and was a very beautiful looking child. On this day, she was, as usual, beautifully dressed up.

When Ramanuja knocked at the Ăcchărya's doors this little girl came running 'chal chal' - the jingling sound of the anklets on the feet and bangles on the hands - to the door to see who was knocking at it. As soon as she opened them, Ramanuja fell in a swoon! The frightened child ran inside and reported to her father, "Father, 'Anna' (brother-the child always addressed Ramanuja as brother) seems to have come for Bhikshai. As soon as I opened the door he fell in a swoon!" Sadhus possess 'Eka hrdaya' (hearts that entertain the same feelings). Perianambi at once guessed what indeed must have happened. Ramanuja must have come singing Thiruppăvai. He must have come singing the păsuram 'Undu madakallitrran' (18th păsuram) in deep bhăva, and as he reached their doors he must have been singing the line 'chendămaraikkaiyăl cheerăr valaiyolippa' (describing Nappinai) that means 'the tender red tinged palms, the jingling sound of the bangles'. And the little girl who opened the doors fitted the description. On seeing the Nappinai like child Ramanuja must have swooned. The child was beautifully dressed and seemed 'suchiruchi' (endearing) like Nappinai that Ramanuja mistook her to be Nappinai herself! Ramanuja, therefore, fell in a swoon!

'Chendămaraikkaiyăl cheerăr vallaiyolippa

Vandu tiravăi, maghizhndelo rembăvăi', The Teacher asks Ramanuja when he regains consciousness, "Undu madakallitrran anusanthănamo? (Were you singing 'Undu madakallitrran'?) Nappinaiyo?(Was it Nappinai?)" and comforts and sends him back."

Thus, today's Păsuram is a special păsuram of Ramanuja. "

Chant the Mahamantra Nama kirtan :

Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare
Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare

Since Ăndăl has sung ‘Kămam ellăm Kannanidathil’ (All desires are only ‘for Krishna’) Ramanuja was totally drawn to Thiruppăvai.

Nama Article 2^nd January 2015

ஆண்டாள் நாச்சியார் அருளிச்செய்த திருப்பாவை

அம்பரமே தண்ணீரே சோறே அறஞ்செய்யும்

     எம்பெருமான் நந்தகோபாலா எழுந்திராய்

கொம்பனார்க்கு எல்லாம் கொழுந்தே குல விளக்கே

     எம்பெருமாட்டி யசோதாய் அறிவுறாய்

அம்பரம் ஊடு அறுத்து ஓங்கி உலகளந்த

     உம்பர் கோமானே! உறங்காது எழுந்திராய்

செம்பொற் கழலடிச் செல்வா பலதேவா

     உம்பியும் நீயும் உறங்கேல் ஓர் எம்பாவாய்

Excerpts from a discourse by our Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji on ThiruppAvai

Every morning Ramanuja would chant Thiruppăvai. Not a day went without his chanting Thiruppăvai. He would chant Thiruppăvai as he went round the temple. He enjoyed Ăndăl's descriptions of the Lord. 'Krishna Krishnaih' - Since Ăndăl has sung 'Kămam ellăm Kannanidathil' (All desires are only 'for Krishna') Ramanuja was totally drawn to Thiruppăvai. He would say, "How charmingly Ăndăl has sung the Lord? "

'Ambara mudarut thongi ulagallanda

Umbarko mane! Urangădu ezhundirăi! Here 'ambaram' means sky - One whose Lotus Feet reached upto the sky/space and measured it ('Ulagallanda')! Since they are singing the praise of 'Trivikrama avatar'-(the praise of the Lotus Feet of the Lord is being sung here) it is understood that they have entered His room and are standing at the Lotus Feet end of the Lord. They are, thus reminded of the great feat of the Lotus Feet! That is the reason they are singing about the Lord's Lotus Feet.

Chant the Mahamantra Nama kirtan :

Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare
Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare

Ramanujar says, “I know that I will end up in hell for this. But all these people will go to Vaikunta!”

Maharanyam Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji's Mass Prayer and Mahamantra Kirtan on Jan 1^st - Kalpatharu day at GK Shetty Vivekananda Vidyalaya, Ambattur, Chennai at 5 pm. All are welcome

Nama Article 31^st December 2014

ஆண்டாள் நாச்சியார் அருளிச்செய்த திருப்பாவை

நாயகனாய் நின்ற நந்த கோபனுடைய

     கோயில் காப்பானே! கொடித் தோன்றும் தோரண

வாயில் காப்பானே! மணிக்கதவம் தாள் திறவாய்

     ஆயர் சிறுமியரோமுக்கு, அறைபறை

மாயன் மணி வண்ணன் நென்னலே வாய் நேர்ந்தான்

     தூயோமாய் வந்தோம் துயில் எழப் பாடுவான்

வாயால் முன்னம் முன்னம் மாற்றாதே அம்மா நீ

     நேய நிலைக் கதவம் நீக்கு ஏல் ஓர் எம்பாவாய்

Excerpts from a discourse by our Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji on ThiruppAvai

Ăndăl has sung the ten Ăzhwărs. Now, in the 11th păsuram She sings, 'Năyaganăi ninra' (held the center stage). Who is this Năyagan? 'Here, by the term Năyagan she means Ramanuja, Bhashyakkăra', explains the Swamy. A necklace ('hăram') may be made of ten gems on one side and another ten on the other side with a pendant in between. In the same manner great Ăchăryăs like Kacchiappa Nambi, Ălawandăr, Nădamuni might have been there in times earlier to Ramanuja and many other Ăchăryăs like Parăsarabhattar, Koorathăzhwăr might have come after Ramanuja. Ramanuja forever remains in the center ('nadu năyagamăi'), like the pendant, of this great lineage of Ăchărayăs (Great Masters)! Ăndăl, therefore, sings Ramanuja as 'Năyaganăi'!

Ramanuja stays for a month in Tirupati. He stays in a 'chatram' (rest house) with his disciples, doing dhyana. An 'idaichi' (milk vendor) provides him with milk, curd and butter everyday. On the day of departure Ramanuja tells his disciples, "Ask the 'idaichi' the money to be paid for the milk, curd and butter that she has been providing me with and settle her accounts". So, the disciples ask her, "What is the amount that you demand for the milk, curd and butter that you have been providing us with all these days?"

On hearing this she begins to cry loudly! She laments, "Did I provide him with milk, curd and butter expecting money from him?"

The astounded disciples ask, "What is it that you want?"

"I thought that he would give me Moksha. This is the reason that I provided him with all these. Instead he is offering me money!"

When Ramanuja learns this he comes out to see her. He was so surprised, "Though an asura, Vibhishana had knowledge, Prahlăda also had knowledge but this one is a mere shepherdess. Yet, she has understood my 'Prbahava' (glory)!"

Ramanuja asks her, "What do you want?"

She requests, "Please write me a chit and I will take it to Venkatamudaiyăn (Lord Venkateswara-Perumal)!"

At once Ramanuja writes on a piece of paper (chit), "Provide this shepherdess with Moksha ('inda idaipennirkku Veeduperu alliyum')!"and signs it.

She takes it to Perumal and offers it along with flowers.

The Lord accepts it. She immediately falls down and in 'Ărtapprapatti' mingles with the Lord!

Due to her 'sambandam' with Ramanuja this shepherdess attained Moksha, says the Swamy.

When his Guru initiated him into the Ashtăksharamantra, he warns him, "Do not tell this Mantra to anyone. If you do so, you will go to hell!"

At once Ramanuja goes to Tirukottiyur and climbs the temple tower from where he shouts out the Mantra. His Guru asks him, "Do you not believe my words?"

Ramanujar says, "I do. I know that I will end up in hell for this. But all these people will go to Vaikunta!"

The Swamy pours forth the glory of Ramanuja. Thus, through the term 'Năyaganăi', he describes Ramanuja.

Chant the Mahamantra Nama kirtan :

Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare
Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare

Through ‘Elle! Illankilliye!’ păsuram is shown the qualities of a Vaishnava

Maharanyam Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji's Mass Prayer and Mahamantra Kirtan on Jan 1^st - Kalpatharu day at GK Shetty Vivekananda Vidyalaya, Ambattur, Chennai at 5 pm. All are welcome

Nama Article 30^th December 2014

ஆண்டாள் நாச்சியார் அருளிச்செய்த திருப்பாவை

எல்லே! இளங்கிளியே இன்னம் உறங்குதியோ

     சில்லென்று அழையேன் மின் நங்கைமீர் போதருகின்றேன்

வல்லை உன் கட்டுரைகள் பண்டே உன் வாய் அறிதும்

     வல்லீர்கள் நீங்களே நான் தான் ஆயிடுக

ஒல்லை நீ போதாய் உனக்கு என்ன வேறு உடையை

     எல்லாரும் போந்தாரோ? போந்தார் போந்து எண்ணிக் கொள்

வல்லானை கொன்றானை மாற்றாரை மாற்று அழிக்க

     வல்லானை மாயானை பாடு ஏல் ஓர் எம்பாவாய்

Excerpts from a discourse by our Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji on ThiruppAvai

Through 'Elle! Illankilliye!' păsuram is shown the qualities of a Vaishnava and through the păsuram, 'Chitranchiru kăle' the qualities of Bhagavăn. "

The Swamy says how a Vaishnava should conduct himself. What is Vaishnavatatva? What is Sadhu 'lakshana'(quality)? When you are accused of some wrong act just own it up quietly even if you have not done it.

There once lived a Sadhu in Vrindăvan. Many people performed Păda Puja (worship of the Feet) to him. After the Păda Puja he went around the streets with his sishyas (disciples), performing Krishna Kirtan. As he moved along the streets one morning, there was this woman who was at her doorstep wiping it clean and drawing 'kolam'. The Sadhu who was in the Krishna kirtan reverie did not notice her and tripped on her. She took it to be an intended mischief on his part and picking up the bucket containing the water mixed with cow dung and poured it on him! And taking up the broomstick beat him with it and called him names! The Sadhu felt very happy and thanked her for it! He said, 'Mother! Everyone praised me and attributed to me high qualities, that I do not possess. It is only you who speak the truth and I thank you for it." Mahătmas are of this calibre. The Swamy shows that true Vaishnavatatva is to take the blame for even those mistakes not committed by one. Does any glory lie in accepting the mistakes committed by one?

Chant the Mahamantra Nama kirtan :

Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare
Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare

‘Pangayak kannanaip pădelo rembăvai’ - How could you still be in bed without joining us in singing the praises of the Lotus-eyed Bhagavăn?

Nama Article 29^th December 2014

ஆண்டாள் நாச்சியார் அருளிச்செய்த திருப்பாவை

உங்கள் புழக்கடைத் தோட்டத்து வாவியுள்

     செங்கழு நீர் வாய் நெகிழ்ந்து ஆம்பல் வாய் கூம்பின காண்

செங்கல் பொடிக் கூறை வெண்பல் தவத்தவர்

     தங்கல் திருக்கோயில் சங்கிடுவான் போதந்தார்

எங்களை முன்னம் எழுப்புவான் வாய் பேசும்

     நங்காய் எழுந்திராய் நாணாதாய் நாவுடையாய்

சங்கொடு சக்கரம் ஏந்தும் தடக்கையன்

     பங்கயக் கண்ணானைப் பாடு ஏல் ஓர் எம்பாவாய்

Excerpts from a discourse by our Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji on ThiruppAvai

'Chengal podikkoorai, venpal thavatavar' - Only through dispassion ('virakti') one attains the highest state. Without dispassion it cannot be attained. Where does this dispassion begin? Destruction of senses ('indriya nigraha') is only dispassion. One who has physically renounced his home cannot be called dispassionate. One should renounce mentally. One should keep away from the worldly affairs mentally. Even Bhagavăn says that 'Sarva sangha parityăga' (sacrificing everything) does not refer to adorning a saffron robe but one should keep away from everything mentally. That is being totally detached ('patratru') wherever you are, physically. This is the highest state. This is how the Mahătmas wander about in the world. What is the basic requirement for attaining this state? 'Jihva' - one should control the tongue. If we could control the quality and quantity of food consumed all the other senses come under control very easily. One should not indulge in eating to satiate the tongue. As long as one is unable to control his taste for food he will not succeed in controlling his 'indriyăs'. This is because food rouses rajasic, tămasic and sattvic senses.

'Pangayak kannanaip pădelo rembăvai' - How could you still be in bed without joining us in singing the praises of the Lotus-eyed Bhagavăn?" "

Chant the Mahamantra Nama kirtan :

Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare
Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare

When those who go out in the dark remembers these courageous acts of the Lord then he/she feels emboldened and courageous.

Nama Article 28^th December 2014

ஆண்டாள் நாச்சியார் அருளிச்செய்த திருப்பாவை

புள்ளின் வாய் கீண்டானைப் பொல்லா அரக்கனைக்

     கிள்ளிக் களைந்தானைக் கீர்த்திமை பாடிப்போய்

பிள்ளைகள் எல்லாரும் பாவைக் களம் புக்கார்

     வெள்ளி எழுந்து வியாழம் உறங்கிற்று

புள்ளும் சிலம்பின காண்! போது அரிக்கண்ணினாய்

     குள்ளக் குளிரக் குடைந்து நீராடாதே

பள்ளிக் கிடத்தியோ பாவாய்! நீ நன்னாளால்

     கள்ளம் தவிர்த்து கலந்து ஏல் ஓர் எம்பாவாய்

Excerpts from a discourse by our Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji on ThiruppAvai

'Pullin vãi keendãnai' – Lord Krishna slit open the mouth of the Bakãsura who came in the form of crane.

'Pollã arakanai' - the wicked asura.

'Killi kallaindãnai' - The Lord, as Rama, plucked out the heads of Ravana (Ravana had ten heads), one by one. That is the greatness of the Lord.

If the above two pãsurams are taken together, here 'Pull' means a bird. Jatãyu - the big eagle who was killed by Rãvana in its attempt to retrieve Sita from his (Rãvana's) clutches. Here, it is read as Rama killed the one who slayed the bird Jatãyu! - 'Pulllinvãi keendãnai polla arakanai'. 'Killik kallaindãnai' - Rama killed Rãvana not because he carried away Sita but because he had killed Jatãyu who was of his father's age and also a friend of his father.

'Pulllinvãi keendãnai polla arakanai

Killik kallaindãnaik keertimaip pãdipoip'

'Bhagavãn has played all these lilas only so that we will be able to sing His praises and bathe in the Yamuna without any fear. Bhagavãn has done all these to give us courage. When those who go out in the dark remembers these courageous acts of the Lord then he/she feels emboldened and courageous.

Chant the Mahamantra Nama kirtan :

Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare
Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare

Lord Rama, because of his ‘gămbiirya’ (dignified carrying) everyone including his enemies praise him

Nama Article 27^th December 2014

ஆண்டாள் நாச்சியார் அருளிச்செய்த திருப்பாவை

கனைத்திளங் கற்றெருமை கன்றுக் கிறங்கி

     நினைத்து முலை வழியே நின்று பால் சோர

நனைத்து இல்லம் சேறாக்கும் நற்செல்வன் தங்காய்

     பனித்தலை வீழ நின் வாசல் கடை பற்றி

சினத்தினால் தென்னிலங்கைக் கோமானைச் செற்ற

     மனத்துக்கு இனியானைப் பாடவும் நீ வாய் திறவாய்

இனித்தான் எழுந்திராய் ஈதென்ன பேருறக்கம்

     அனைத்து இல்லத்தாரும் அறிந்து ஏல் ஓர் எம்பாவாய்

Excerpts from a discourse by our Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji on ThiruppAvai

'Manatukk kiniyănai' - Rama has one 'răsi'- so to say, he is one up on Krishna! Because of his 'gămbiirya' (dignified carrying) everyone including his enemies praise him. 'Văli's wife sings his (the slayer of her husband) praise! Soorpanaka whose nose he cuts off sings the praise of his beauty! Even Mandodari, wife of the slain Ravana praised him! Whereas, Krishna is abused by his own creed as he was very ('sowlabya') friendly. He was easily available and approachable!

'Eka simhăsana' (occupy the same throne) sevai for Lord Ranganătha and Thăyar is performed in Sri Rangam on 'Panguni' (the name of a Tamizh month) 'Uthram' (the name of a star). This is the only day that Perumal and Thayăr sit together on the same throne. On that day 18 kinds of dishes ('Taligai') are prepared. 18 kinds of worship ('Tiruvărădanai') performed and 18 kinds of garlands offered to the divine couple. Ramanuja asks Perumal (Sri Ranganătha), "Will you give Vaikunta to all who have sought me?" Perumal gives a positive response. But Ramanuja enquires of the Lord, "Are you Rama or Krishna? If you are Rama I tend to take your words but if you are Krishna I cannot believe your words because Krishna has two mothers, two royal queens and two kingdoms. Hence, his words might also have dual meaning! If you are Rama I will believe your words." Perumal confirms that He spoke only as Rama. Ramanuja astounds him with the reply, "As Krishna you may be bluffing that you are Rama. So when you speak thus, my suspicion is raised!"

Ăndăl tells the Gopi inside, in bed, "Here we are, having forsaken Krishna's Name, singing the praises of Rama. Does this not provoke you to wake up and question us about it?"

'Manatuk kiniyănaip pădavumnee văitiravăi;

Inită nezhundirăi, eedenna perrurakkam!

Anaitillat tărum arindelo rembăvăi." "We are standing outside and singing the praises of Lord Rama. Due to the slushy ground we are unable to step in and as the mist of early dawn is falling on our heads we have crouched ourselves in the space close to the courtyard pillars. Moreover, now the whole town knows that you are asleep because of our cries trying to wake you up! At least now wake up. Wake up fast!" "

Chant the Mahamantra Nama kirtan :

Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare
Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare

We know what can draw you out. It is Nãma Sankirtan (the names of the Lord).

Nama Article 27^th December 2014

ஆண்டாள் நாச்சியார் அருளிச்செய்த திருப்பாவை

கற்றுக் கறவைக் கணங்கள் பல கறந்து

     செற்றார் திறல் அழியச் சென்று செருச் செய்யும்

குற்ற மொன்றில்லாத கோவலர் தம் பொற்கொடியே

     புற்று அரவு அல்குல் புனமயிலே போதராய்

சுற்றத்துத் தோழிமார் எல்லோரும் வந்து நின்

     முற்றம் புகுந்து முகில் வண்ணன் பேர் பாட

சிற்றாதே பேசாதே செல்வப் பெண்டாட்டி நீ

     எற்றுக்கு உறங்கும் பொருள் ஏல் ஓர் எம்பாவாய்!

'Sutrratut tozhimãrellãrum' - 'All our friends are here. All of us have been calling out to you since long. But you have not responded'.

'Vandunin mutrram pugundu mukilvannan perpãda,' - We know what can draw you out. It is Nãma Sankirtan (the names of the Lord).

'Mukilvannan perpãda' - singing the Names of the Lord.

Chant the Mahamantra Nama kirtan :

Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare
Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare

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‘Vyãkyãna Chakravarthy’ says it is unique (‘sreshtam’) only if Bhagavãn takes us in His fold instead of our going and holding on to Him

Nama Article 25^th December 2014

ஆண்டாள் நாச்சியார் அருளிச்செய்த திருப்பாவை

நோற்றுச் சுவர்க்கம் புகுகின்ற அம்மனாய்!

     மாற்றமும் தாராரோ வாசல் திறவாதார்

நாற்றத் துழாய் முடி நாராயணன் நம்மால்

     போற்றப் பறை தரும் புண்ணியனால் பண்டு ஒரு நாள்

கூற்றத்தின் வாய் வீழ்ந்த கும்பகருணனும்

     தோற்று முனக்கே பெருந்துயில்தான் தந்தானோ?

ஆற்ற அனந்தலுடையாய் அருங்கலமே

     தேற்றமாய் வந்து திற ஏல் ஓர் எம்பாவாய்!

Excerpts from a discourse by our Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji on ThiruppAvai

Whether we should hold on to Bhagavãn or Bhagavãn should take us in His fold. 'Vyãkyãna Chakravarthy' says it is unique ('sreshtam') only if Bhagavãn takes us in His fold instead of our going and holding on to Him. It is no doubt a matter of high standing that Bhagavãn should take us in His fold on His own. Yet we should not remain quiet (indifferently) just awaiting Bhagavãn. However, if this does take place (Bhagavãn taking us in His fold even without our seeking Him) it is a rare and highest blessing, indeed! The Swamy cites the examples of Guha and Sugreeva whom Lord Rama goes in search of and brings them in His fold. He is willing to do anything sought by them. Whereas in the case of Bharata who comes in search of the Lord the same feelings are not evinced by the Lord.

The two are different, indeed - Our seeking Him and Bhagavãn embracing us on His own. The reason for this is that we should show deep love ('premai') for Bhagavãn. It is this that comes back to us from Him. What is bhakti? When someone asks the son, pointing to his father, "Who is this?" the son says, "This is my father": When the same question is put to the father, pointing to the son, he says, "This is my son". Similarly, the love that we have for Bhagavãn is known as Bhakti; and the same returns to us from Bhagavãn as 'kripai' (Grace). Well! Is the 'Return' of the same degree as shown by us? No! The 'Return' is multifold! The depth of devotion shown to Bhagavãn returns multifold. The Grace thus depends on the depth of devotion shown. Even if we show just a little, 'pint of ' love for Him, it returns from Him in multifold - in an incalculably large proportion. 'Bhakta' (devotee) and Bhagavãn compete with each other to see who is bigger (!) Seeing the devotion Bhagavãn feels, "Ah! How devoted he is!" and showers His Grace on the Bhakta. What does the bhakta do? He feels, "The depth of devotion shown does not justify the Grace/Love received" and so he deepens his bhakti! So there is a competition between the bhakta and Bhagavãn.

When all the others are living meaningless lives we are here uttering the name of the Lord, "Krishna! Rama!' - this is how we tend to think. And seeing/feeling the love of Bhagavãn we feel our sadhana is not enough and feel egged on to deepen it. So, we increase our japa, dhyana, etc. And what does Bhagavãn do? Seeing us strive hard Bhagavãn thinks, "Ah! This child is striving so hard. I must make things easy for him ('anukoola')! So, both the 'bhakta' (devotee) and Bhagavãn compete with each other in 'giving'!

Chant the Mahamantra Nama kirtan :

Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare
Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare

You should not be asleep while singing (the Names/praises of) such a great magician as the Lord. Wake up and join us for Bhagavat ‘anubhava’

Nama Article 25^th December 2014

ஆண்டாள் நாச்சியார் அருளிச்செய்த திருப்பாவை

தூமணி மாடத்துச் சுற்றும் விளக்கெரிய

     தூபம் கமழ துயில் அணை மேல் கண் வளரும்

மாமான் மகளே! மணிக்கதவம் தாள் திறவாய்!

     மாமீர்! அவளை எழுப்பீரோ? உம் மகள் தான்

ஊமையோ அன்றிச் செவிடோ அனந்தலோ

     ஏமப் பெருந்துயில் மந்திரப்பட்டாளோ?

மாமாயன் மாதவன் வைகுந்தன் என்றென்று

     நாமம் பலவும் நவின்று ஏல் ஓர் எம்பாவாய்.

Excerpts from a discourse by our Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji on ThiruppAvai

'Mãmeer avalai ezhuppeero' - Ãndãl pleads with the girl's mother to wake up her daughter and then questions the aunt,

'Un magaldãn oomaiyo anri sevido, anantalo' - Is your daughter dumb that she has not responded to a single cry of ours? Or is she deaf that she has failed to hear our cries? Even the Nãma Sankeertan seems not to have been heard by her nor has the loud chanting of Lord Hari's Name (She does not appear to have heard our loud Nãma Sankirtan).'

'Ananthalo' - Is she in a state of samadhi?'

'Emapp perunthuyil mandirap pattãlo?' - Or is she under the influence of some mantra?

'Mãmãyan mãdhavan vaigundan nenrenru' - How could she sleep even while Bhagavat Nãma Sankirtan is going on? Should she not at least respond to the Nãma Sankirtan? She does not seem to respond even to the praises being sung on Madhava! Why don't you wake her up to sing the Names of the Lord?

'Nãmam palavum navinrelo rempãvãi'.

Mãmãyan' - Great 'Mãyavi' - magician! The Lord who has performed magical/supernatural feats.

'Madhavan vaikunthanenru nãmam palavum navinrelorembãvãi' - You are a gopi! You should not be asleep while singing (the Names/praises of) such a great magician as the Lord. Wake up and join us for Bhagavat 'anubhava' (experience)."

Chant the Mahamantra Nama kirtan :

Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare
Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare

When we chant His Nãma all the verbal sins are erased out. Verbal sins are those impure words that were uttered by our tongue.

Nama Article 23rd December 2014 

ஆண்டாள் நாச்சியார் அருளிச்செய்த திருப்பாவை

 

கீழ்வானம் வெள்ளென்று எருமை சிறு வீடு

     மேய்வான் பரந்தன காண் மிக்குள்ள பிள்ளைகளும்

போவான் போகின்றாரைப் போகாமல் காத்து உன்னைக்

     கூவுவான் வந்து நின்றோம் கோதுகலமுடைய

பாவாய் எழுந்திராய் பாடிப் பறை கொண்டு

     மாவாய் பிளந்தானை மல்லரை மாட்டிய

தேவாதி தேவனைச் சென்று நாம் சேவித்தால்

     ஆவாவென்று ஆராய்ந்து அருள் ஏல் ஓர் எம்பாவாய்.

 

Excerpts from a discourse by our Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji on ThiruppAvai

 

'Devãdi Devanaich chennru nãm sevithãl' - Or is it that you are waiting for Him to come searching for you? Don't! You go in search of Him. Only then will you get Him. You have to take the trouble of finding Him out." Slog! Struggle! Suppose we desire to grow a garden. We have to till the soil, sow the seeds, water it regularly, trim the plants, etc. Great joy is indeed experienced when these flowers, grown out of such arduous labour are offered to the Lord. Is this not true? There is a special joy in offering such flowers and fruits, born out of our labour, to the Lord. Instead can this joy be experienced when we buy some flowers with money? We will not be involved deeply in things bought for a price. Is this not true? The joy is multifold when a mother attends to her child herself, like waking up the child from bed, bathing and dressing the child, feeding it, taking the child out, etc. But if someone else (a servant) does all these while she loiters around can she experience this happiness? Where is the joy in it? It means that she has no 'rãsikya hridaya' (soft, enjoyable heart).

 

In matters relating to God we should tire out our body. We should perform Giri Pradakshina, climb Tirupathi mountain by foot. Go in search of Bhagavãn's place, fall down in prostration; When our body is made to endure such troubles it removes our bodily sins. Mental trouble taken removes sins committed mentally. Mental trouble means 'tapas', Bhagavan Nãma, the thought of Bhagavãn. When we chant His Nãma all the verbal sins are erased out. Verbal sins are those impure words that were uttered by our tongue. 'Devãdi Devaniach chenru nãm sevithãl' - Ãndãl says, "So, come, let us all go in search of Krishna. Only then can we enjoy Him."

 

'Ãvãven trãrãindu arulelorembãvãi.' - Bless us enthusiastically. Remember to bestow us with what we seek, with the words, "Did you not seek these from ME? Here, I give them to you!" And to the friend, Ãndãl informs, "Do you know what Krishna has promised us? He has promised to hold Tirupãvai competition while we perform the 'nonbu' and reward us!"

 

'Pãvãi! Pãdip paraikondu' - "Some reward has been assured. If you fail to join us Krishna will refuse the reward on the pretext that you had not joined us on the eighth day of the 'nonbu'! So, please come out. Join us."

 

Later, Ãndãl is going to plead with Krishna, 'Yãm vanda kãriyam ãrãindu arulelormebãvãi' - "Krishna! I am not an intelligent person. I may demand something foolishly. Analyse my prayers and grant only that which is good for me" But, here 'Ãvãven trãrãind darulelo rembãvãi' - she warns Him, "The performance of 'nonbu' for rains is the excuse given to the world. Please do not consider this as the truth and blessing the land with rains do not say that you have answered our prayers! Do not disappoint us. You know our intention. Kindly understand our heart's desire ('manoratham') and fulfill it!"

 

Chant the Mahamantra Nama kirtan :

 

Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare
Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare