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 

“Hey friend! Don’t you hear the praises of the Lord in the Nãma sankirtana? How are you able to be in bed even after the sound of Nãma Sankirtana has fallen in your ears?

Nama Article 22^nd December 2014

 

ஆண்டாள் நாச்சியார் அருளிச்செய்த திருப்பாவை

 

கீசு கீசென்று எங்கும் ஆனைச் சாத்தன் கலந்து

     பேசின பேச்சரவம் கேட்டிலையோ பேய்ப் பெண்ணே

காசும் பிறப்பும் கலகலப்பக் கைபேர்த்து

     வாச நறுங்குழல் ஆய்ச்சியர் மத்தினால்

ஓசைப் படுத்த தயிர் அரவம் கேட்டிலையோ

     நாயகப் பெண் பிள்ளாய்! நாராயணன் மூர்த்தி

கேசவனைப் பாடவும் நீ கேட்டே கிடத்தியோ

     தேசமுடையாய்! திற ஏல் ஓர் எம்பாவாய்.

 

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

 

'Nãyaga penn pillãi' - Now, we conduct 'adhyayana utsava' here in the evenings. What will everyone do if we do not? Sit at home and watch television. A boy behaves himself when alone but in a group he behaves very badly. There has to be someone to instigate ('pravartaka') one into doing something, good or bad. Ãndal tells this gopi, "You are an enthusiastic leader who creates eagerness in us. Krishna Bhakti swells up in your company. So please come, join us and kindle our Krishna bhakti." One should seek that company which will heighten our devotion. If one joins a bad company then the belief is lost. So never seek the company that will wipe away your bhakti. Flee from such a company as if fleeing from a house on fire! Seek that company which will give you Bhakti, unflinching faith ('drida vishwãsa') and trust ('nambikkai'). She calls the friend, "Come and speak to us in your 'gala, gala' ( a figure of speech for joyful chattering) style". Ãndãl sings, "Nãyagapp penpillãi! Nãrãyanan Murti Kesavanai"- referring to the three names of the Lord - Nãrãyana, Murti, Kesava.

 

Bhagavan is also known as Kesavan because he killed the asura named Kesi who attacked Bhagavãn in the form of a horse. 'Pãdavum nee kette kidathiyo? - Ãndãl calls out, "Hey friend! Don't you hear the praises of the Lord in the Nãma sankirtana? Should you not sing the Praise of such a glorious Lord? How are you able to be in bed even after the sound of Nãma Sankirtana has fallen in your ears?

 

'Thesa mudaiyãi' - She is one with Bhagavat bhakti. There is no doubt on that score. It also means one who has bolted the door from within. Here the Swamy explains that all those who live in close physical proximity of Mahãtmas need not necessarily possess 'jnãna' (knowledge). One may wonder, "How is it that those who live in close contact with the Mahãtma and have received His 'upadesa' still remain worldly?" That is because you who are close to Him should first of all entertain such a desire - (a desire to gain knowledge). Even if all the three and thirty crore Devas and all the 'archãvatãra'gods in the world bless you unless you entertain such a desire you cannot/will not gain Knowledge. You should yearn for Bhagavãn; you should yearn for liberation. Without deep yearning from your side no amount of Grace will work. So, you are the one who has bolted the door from within.

 

Chant the Mahamantra Nama kirtan :

 

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

But will you not wake up to the loud chanting of Hari Nãma by Mahãns?

Nama Article 21^st December 2014

ஆண்டாள் நாச்சியார் அருளிச்செய்த திருப்பாவை

 

புள்ளும் சிலம்பின காண் புள்ளரையன் கோயிலில்

     வெள்ளை விளிசங்கின் பேரரவம் கேட்டிலையோ?

பிள்ளாய் எழுந்திராய்! பேய்முலை நஞ்சுண்டு

     கள்ளச் சகடம் கலக் கழியக் காலோச்சி

வெள்ளத் தரவில் துயில் அமர்ந்த வித்தினை

     உள்ளத்துக் கொண்டு முனிவர்களும் யோகிகளும்

மெள்ள எழுந்து அரியென்ற பேரரவம்

     உள்ளம் புகுந்து குளிர்ந்து ஏல் ஓர் எம்பாவாய்.

 

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

 

'Ullathhukondu munivargalum yogigalum' - Mahãns do not sleep at night. They do not get into sleep just as an ordinary 'jivas' do. The body rests and the 'Atma' ('the antaryãmi') watches this as a witness ('Sãkshi')!

 

One should wake up in the morning with the loud chanting of 'Hari'! 'Hari'! 'Hari'! 'Hari'! This will remove all the obstacles that await us during the course of the day.

 

'Ullathhukondu munivargalum yogigalum

mella ezhundu Hari yenra peraravam'

The Swamy offers an arresting explanation for this. 'Mella ezhundu' - wakes up quietly. 'Hari enra peraravam' - But calls out Hari! Hari! loudly. At night a mother falls asleep even as she feeds her baby with her milk. The baby, too, lying on her breast falls asleep. In the morning when the mother wakes up she finds the baby lying on her. Very softly and quietly she places the baby on the bed and gets up from bed. This is because if she gets up with a jerk the baby, too, would wake up and it would become difficult for her to attend to her household chores. She gets up very quietly but hurries up with the chores. In the same manner those Yogis who held the Lord all night in their hearts 'Vellath tharavil thuyilamarnda vithinai ullthhukondu' wake up cautiously so as not to disturb the Lord in their hearts! If they wake up hastily the 'dhyãna murti' within will be disturbed!

 

On waking up what do the yogis do? They chant "Hari! Hari!" louldly. 'Ullam pugundu' - It is the Yogis who thus chant Hari! Hari! loudly. When the Munis and Yogis call out the Lord's Name loudly does it not penetrate deep into you creating joy and excitement? You need not wake up either for our presence here or for the chirping of birds or for the sound of the conch or on hearing the Lilas of the Lord or even for the reason that Krishna is also accompanying us but will you not wake up to the loud chanting of Hari Nãma by Mahãns? Should you not come out and prostrate to these Mahãns who pass the street singing the Name of the Lord? How can your Bhagavat Bhakti be deemed true if you are still lying in bed? Should you not pay your respects to the Sadhus? Should you not then wake up? "

 

Chant the Mahamantra Nama kirtan :

 

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