7 - Sati Moh - Part 2 - Kumbhaj Rishi

From: sanjivini_ras@hotmail.com
Date: Sat, 25 Sep 2010 10:59:35 +1030

OM Shri Ganeshaaye Namaha ! OM Shri Saraswatey Namaha ! OM Bhur Bhwah Swah, Tat Savitur Vareniyam Bhargo Dewasye Dhimahi, Dhiyo yo Nah Prachodyaat ! 

Ram Ram, Namaste, Hare Krishna, Namaskaaram, Sai Ram, Bula, Salaam, Sat Shri Akaal !
 
Apne apne Mata, Pita aur Guru Jan ko yaad kar lein !


RCM Balkand Doha 48 

There is relevance of Kumbhaj Rishi’s background with this katha. A brief katha of Kumbhaj Rishi is attached at the end of this email - for those wanting some background info.

When Shiv Ji comes down from Kailash, Mata Sati is with him (Sangh Sati Jagjanini Bhawai), but in the next chowpai we see:

रामकथा मुनीबर्ज बखानी। सुनी महेस परम सुखु मानी।।

Ram Katha Munivarj Bakhaani, Suni Mahesh Param Sukh Maani (3)....no mention of Mata Sati here.

Maata saath mein aayi hay par Ram Katha sun nahi rahi hay, akele Shiv Bhagwaan hi sun rahe hay !

Tulsidas Ji puts this prasangh at the very beginning of the RCM. This is to show the relationship between Shrota (The Listener) and the Bakta (Preacher).

RCM mein Ram Ji Nar Leela kar rahe hay. Yahan Mata Jagdamba, maha Gyani, Sansaar ko sambhalne wali, Sati Leela kar rahi hay. Sometimes uninformed Preachers may call her a symbol of “Paagal Naari” which is not the truth !

Sati Mata represents us - Agyani Atma, Anuraagi Man – yane hamare jaise paaglo ki tarah, leela kar rahi hay !  

Mahabharat ka Arjun pagal darpok nahi hay – wo bhi Anuraagi Atma ki leela kara raha hay.

LESSONS

To benefit from any prachaar, Katha or Satsangh - we have to let go of our self esteem, ego, ahankaar, abhimaan. Shiv Ji comes down from Kailash (high up in the Himalayas) - this represents leaving behind your position at work, standing in society, the power you may weild because you are physically big and strong, the fame and prosperity you may have because of your assets and weatlth - we have to leave this at the door. This is the REAL reason we take off our shoes outside the Temple - leave your bad bits behind. Go in with a clear and open mind - you are more likely to enjoy the katha and get the message being presented to you.

Maata ne Kumbhaj Rishi se katha ko suna nahi. She was more concerned with his background, his family history, not wanting to hear the great knowledge he had to impart.

Mata bhi Katha mein Shiv Ji ke saath baythi hay, par sun nahi rahi hay ! The word of importance here is "sun". Sun means "hear" and "listen". Pita Ji says "Yahan Aao" ! Aap ke kaan ne suna - that's hearing. Aap Pita Ji ke paas nahi gaye - you did not listen to him.

Hindu scripture, like all other holy books, has enormous lessons for a wonderful happy life. Guru jano ki kripa se, Prabhu ki asheervaad se - whatever I understand I will try to explain in my tooti-footi words.

Please do not misinterpret this as Updesh - I'm not trying to lecture you ! This is not an Adesh - I'm not trying to order you around ! Please accept this as a beautiful Sandesh - a message of happiness, freedom and a small step towards the ultimate goal !

I am still learning, please forgive my errors. Your comments, criticisms and views are most welcome !

Muskurate Raho

Sanjivini_Ras

6 - Sati Moh - Part 1

From: sanjivini_ras@hotmail.com
Date: Fri, 17 Sep 2010 23:24:11 +1030

OM Shri Ganeshaaye Namaha ! OM Shri Saraswatey Namaha ! OM Bhur Bhwah Swah, Tat Savitur Vareniyam Bhargo Dewasye Dhimahi, Dhiyo yo Nah Prachodyaat ! 

Ram Ram, Namaste, Hare Krishna, Namaskaaram, Sai Ram, Bula, Salaam, Sat Shri Akaal !  

Apne apne Mata, Pita aur Guru Jan ko yaad kar lein !


Let us pick up the Ram Katha from Balkand Doha 48 of Sri Ram Charit Manas (RCM)...Up til now the Great Kavi Tulsidas Ji has been praying and asking everyone (and I mean everyone) to forgive him for even trying to start the great RCM. So in that tradition I beg you to pleases forgive me for trying to retell the Katha in the words of a lay person. I hear it from several sources and collate it and put some perspective to real life and retell it...some things may not make sense but please bear with us.

Doha 48:
एक बार त्रेता जुग माहीं। संभु गए कुंभज रिषि पाहीं।।
संग सती जगजननि भवानी। पूजे रिषि अखिलेस्वर जानी।।

Ek Baar Treta Jug Maahi, Sambhu Gaye Kumbhaj Rishi Paahi .
Sang Sati Jagjanani Bhawani, Pooje Krishi Akhileshwar Jaani.

One day Bhagwan Shiu goes to the great Sage Kumbhaj Rishi. With Him is His beloved wife Mata Sati, who is also Jagjanani (Sansaar ki rachna karne wali) & Bhawani (Bho is Shankar Ji, Bhowani is His wife).
Knowing Shiu Ji is Akhileshwar (Lord of the universe), Kumbhaj Rishi pays respect to Shiu Bhagwaan. Prays to Him, washes His lotus feet, gives Him appropriate food and drinks, appropriate place to sit and other respectful cermonies reserved for the revered Lord.
Pretty similar to what we would do to some respected members of our society, even some respected or rich members of our families. Isn't it common that we treat our rich relatives, or those in higher positions a bit different to the rest of the relatives ? Some will get special meals prepared for them, others will be happy with a 777 meal !

First let us see who Shiv Bhagwaan is. According to our granths, He lives in Kailash, very high up in the Himalayas, very cold.  Shiv Ji is Sadguru, ocean of knowledge, Gyani. He was the first person to recite the Ramayan to Mata Parvati !
Kailash hamare sir (head) ka prateek hay. Shareer mein sab se uncha. Jab tak Sir thanda hay tab tak gyan us me rahti hay. If we want Gyan, Budhi, Vivek to reside in our head/brain then we have to keep it cool, not with ice !
As soon as we get angry, temperature rises (we say Garmay Gay !) and all sense of reasoning (that is what Vivek is) goes out.

Then let us look at Mata Sati. She is one of the many incarnations of Maya. Sati refers to Pativrata ! Now this is a word (Pativrata) that has been poorly described and ill explained over the centuries. I might get into trouble explaining it myself, but I'll try anyway !
Pativrata does not mean being subservient to your husband ! All our granths are full of references to Pativrata, and at many Ramayan prachaars we hear that it's always about the poor woman who has to love, respect and obey the husband.
My reasearch has not found this to be true. My sources can talk on these subjects for hours, so I'm just trying to get you the nectar of it !
One meaning of Sati is Daasi, which is a state lower than a servant. Servants have rights, but a Daas or a Daasi does not have any rights. They are similar to slaves. So why would our great Kavis use such a word ? Because there are other meanings of the word Daasi that is seldom explained.
Daasi (or Daas) is a state of mind where you give yourself unconditionally to someone you love. For one to attain that state there must have been (although not necessary) a reciprocating of affection from the other side. 

To understand this we have to go to Doha 1/101 :

दो0-नाथ उमा मम प्रान सम गृहकिंकरी करेहु।
छमेहु सकल अपराध अब होइ प्रसन्न बरु देहु।।101।।

Nath Uma Mum Pran Sama, Grah Kinkari Karehu !  (Grah Kinkari means house servant)

After Parvati Mata is wed to Shiv Ji, Mata Mayna says to Shiv Ji, "Uma mujhe praano se bhi pyaari hay, Aap unhe nowkrani bana kar rakhna" - Does this make sense ? Why would a loving mother say that ? For the same reason as above. Mayna Rani requests Shiv Ji Ki Itna prem dena, itna sukh dena ki meri beti Aap ko chordh ke kisi aur se prem, khushi, sukh ti tamanna hi na kare !

That is what (I Think) true PATIVRATA means, an equal exchange of love and affection. Not subservient, servant or Daasi in the usual sense of the words.

Hey you don't have to agree with me, but if you like it then please incorporate in future prachaars.

We'll discuss Kumbhaj Rishi next time, hopefully soon !

Exams are coming up, have to spend some time for that,  so I may not be able to send you much , but I'll try....Hari Itcha Balwaan !

May good health and happiness keep you company !

Muskurate Raho
Sanjivini Ras

5 - An Apology !

From: sanjivini_ras@hotmail.com
Date: Thu, 9 Sep 2010 00:52:24 +1030

OM Shri Ganeshaaye Namaha ! OM Shri Saraswatey Namaha ! OM Bhur Bhwah Swah, Tat Savitur Vareniyam Bhargo Dewasye Dhimahi, Dhiyo yo Nah Prachodyaat ! 

Ram Ram, Namaste, Hare Krishna, Namaskaaram, Sai Ram, Bula, Salaam, Sat Shri Akaal !  

Apne apne Mata, Pita aur Guru Jan ko yaad kar lein !


Firstly, please accept my humble apologies for sending you these emails, without first asking for your permission !

I must admit there are some email addresses that I have collected from the various emails, but a vast majority of the email addresses have been sent by your friends and colleagues who think you may be interested in these material.

If you want me to remove you from the mailing list please advise in kind and gentle words. Some requests for removal have been bordering on rudeness :-)

On the other hand, if you think you wish to dob in your colleagues, friends, family, please feel free to send me their email addresses and I'll add to this ever-growing mailing list.

These words are not mine. I go to various satsangh groups and listen to many learned speakers on these subjects. Sometimes my friends pass on information they hear at other Satsangh sessions.

Whatever makes sense, in a contemporary way, I try and present in a different view to that has been presented to us over these years.

As you can see from my earlier emails, that I am not doing a great job in relating the thoughts.....I'm learning and will get there someday...will keep trying !

Today I wanted to throw some light on the first Prasang in Sri Ram Charimanas - Sati Moh !

Shankar Bhagwan, with Sati Mata, come to Kumbhaj Rishi - to listen to Ram Katha. Shiu Bhagwan gets the nectar  from the Katha but Sati Ma's thoughts are entangled with who Kumbhaj Rishi is, about his past and his family history - which is so bad that it is often not possible to tell to the public when reciting Ramayan in front of a live Sant Samagam. With the internet as a cover, I will try and tell that story - in the next email !

It is human nature, that we judge the Pracharak, Pandit, Purohit, Brahman - based on the deeds they may have done in the past. (It's OK to judge someone on current deeds, I suppose). So when we go to a Ramayan Recital, A Sat Narayan Katha or other religious functions, it is very normal for people to say that the Pracharak, Pandit, Purohit, Brahman is no good because their family background is no good, they may have comitted some bad deeds, made some poor choices in life.

This is what Kavishreshta Tulsidas is trying to tell us in the begginning of the Ramayan ! By making Sati Mata play the role (Sati Leela) of an ignorant soul, like most of us.

Only a Gyani like Shiu Bhagwan could see beyond the bad deeds of Kumbhaj Rishi's father and obtain the full enjoyment of the Katha.

My FOFOF's Guru Ji says that :

1. Do NOT Prachaar in front of people who have no respect for the Katha Vaachak - they will not fully understand the Katha, will not benefit from it.
2. Do not call a Brahmin to pray at your functions, if you have no respect for him/her - your mind will continuously focus on the bad deeds of the person.

All religious scriptures present to the people choices they could make to improve their life, obtain happiness, ANAND, and be free - NIRVANA !

The choices today are:
Do we want to be like Gyani Shiv Ji, look beyond the imperfections, and benefit from the great knowledge hidden in our great granths;
or
Do we want to be like Sati Mata, dwell on the past, and spoil the bright future !

Prabhu aap ke hriday mein unjala bhar de, prem bhar de, Khushi Bhar de !

Muskuraate Raho
Sanjivini_Ras

4 - Shabri Ka Bayr ! Part 2

From: sanjivini_ras@hotmail.com
Date: Wed, 25 Aug 2010 15:09:45 +1030

Ram Ram, Namaste, Hare Krishna !

So...after waiting for so long, one day Prabhu Ram & Lakshman Ji do arrive...Shabri Ji is soooo happy that she washes their feet with her tears ! She remembers the words of her revered Guru ji !

She welcomes Them in the best way she new and offers them "Joothe Bayr" to eat !  And Prabhu Ji eats it with great taste, great enjoyment ! I won't even go into Nowdha Bakti, as my knowledge on the topic is very little....maybe someday !

You know rest of the story so won't bore you with it....

The reason this topic was chosen was to discuss the choice of Bayr by Tulsidas Ji. If you sit calmly and think carefully, why did Tulsidas Ji choose Bayr over other fruits ? He could have chosen any fruit. There is  a very good reason for this great choice and that is because Tulsidas Ji was a great philosopher. 

 The whole Ram Charitmanas (aka Ramayan) and all our Books of great knowledge and immeasurable wisdom, are full of symbolism.

Prabhu Ji is - Anand, sukh, sukoon, happiness - the ultimate goal of any Karma !
Mata Shabri is the humble Bhakt - just like you and me !

Bayr in hindi means - Chota mota jhagda, dushmani, jalan, Eersha, discrimination, harrassment

Kha Liya - finished, ended

By eating the Bayr, Prabhu Ji symbolises that this choti moti jhagda between humans should now be finished. The biggest problems with human society is that we (wrongly) believe that we are somewhat higher, greater, better than the next person or the other community. Jo is Bayr se upar uthega wahi Prabhu (Anand) to payega !

Joothe Bayr indicates that these segregations & discriminations are baseless, without any authority from God.  No where in the holy books will you find any basis for these. Deeds is what values your worth ! Karam Pradhan Viswa Kahi Rakha !

नव महुँ एकउ जिन्ह के होई। नारि पुरुष सचराचर कोई।।
सोइ अतिसय प्रिय भामिनि मोरे। सकल प्रकार भगति दृढ़ तोरें।।

No mahu ekau jinh ke hoi, Nari Purush sa charachar koi
Soi atisay priye Bhamini More, Sakal Prakar Bhagti Dridh Tore !

Nari & Purish - no sex discrimination
No mention of any favouritism for any particular caste or hatred of the other !

Bhakti is the key - the ability to be fair, not judgemental, respectable to others - chota and bada both ! Bhakti isn't about praying only ! (you know that - why am I boring you then ?)

Something really interesting happens after that ! Prabhu asks Shabri Ma if she knew where He could find Sita Mata ?
जनकसुता कइ सुधि भामिनी। जानहि कहु करिबरगामिनी।।
Janak Suta Ke Sudhi Bhamini, Janahi Kahu Karibar Gamini !

Shabri Mata had never met Sita Ji, Nowhere in the Ramaya is it mentioned that she knew anything about where Sita Mata may be.

Why did Prabhu Ram ask Shabri Mata of Sita's whereabouts ? Someday we'll discuss this !


Stay away from the JHOOTHA BAYR, enjoy the beautiful bayr fruits from the mountains of Nukuloa, hills of Tua Tua, flowing valleys of Kavanaqasau, and everywhere else they may be found...yummmm!


Happy Krishna Ashtami to All of you and your lovely families !

Prabhu ki kripa aap par, aap ke pariwaar par, aap ke chahite waalo par bani rahe.

Keep smiling....
Sanjivini_ras

3 - Shabri Ka Bayr !

From: sanjivini_ras@hotmail.com
Date: Mon, 23 Aug 2010 11:08:52 +1030




Pyare Sant Jan, Sadar Namaskar !

A friend of my friend's Friend (Friend Of Friend of Friend - FOFOF) goes to to a Guru Ji for spiritual refreshment. Prabhu us Guru Ji ko swast rakhe !

The knowledge is passed on and reaches me after some time. So the authenticity of the information is not guaranteed.

Whatever makes some sense to me I blabber on and send out....

Shabri Ka Bayr !


Shabri Ji Ki katha is pretty long to write in an email without boring you all !!! In brief....

Matang Rishi had a very big Ashram with quite a few learned Brahmins and lots of bhakts serving the Guru Ji.

You already know the story why she left home, so won't bore you with that.

When Shabri Ji arrives at Matang Rishi's Ashram, the great Sage could see the aabha (halo) on her face and knew she was a great person, but her illiteracy and poor background was not acceptable to other high self-esteemed students who did not want to associate with a person of lower standing in society. (Somewhat familiar in today's world :-))

They approached their revered Guru Ji and requested that Shabri be sent away from the Ashram. The great Rishi told them that he will not ask ANYONE to leave, but if anyone is not happy they are free to leave. So ALL the "learned" students left the Ashram.

Shabri ji continued with her selfless dedication to the Ashram and her untiring service to her beloved (purely platonic) Guru Ji

Extremely happy with her dedication and service, Matang Rishi told Shabri Ji that one day Ram Ji will come to visit her, and Matang Rishi Deo Lok ko chale gaye !

Shabri ji stayed alone at the Ashram, very convinced, that her Guru Ji's words will come true.

With just one wish in her life she waited, and waited and waited and waited and waited.....for Shri Ram Ji to arrive !

....Let's wait here too, for Ram Ji to arrive and see what the Bayr was all about...


Jiyo mere FOFOF ke Guru JI !


Keep smiling.....

Sanjivini_Ras

2 - Keikei did not send Ram out of Ayodhya

From: sanjivini_ras@hotmail.com
Date: Tue, 17 Aug 2010 11:44:11 +1030

Keikei did not send Ram out of Ayodhya
We have grown up listening to the great Ramayan and in every Katha we have heard that Keikei forced Ram Ji out of Ayodhya so she could give the Raj to her own son Bharat Ji.

When someone says Keikei did not send Ram out of Ayodhya, we are taken aback and are forced to think again, maybe sometimes snigger at the person.

We can look at Ayodhya as our own home, our neighbourhood, our community...and we can keep going on and on !

Ram Ji is Sukh & Anand
Sita Ji is Shanti
Lakshman Ji is Vairagya (Gyan, Buddhi, Vivek)

When Keikei causes trouble in the household (Ayodhya), there is disagreement with the elder of the house (Dashrath Ji), lack of respect for the elders in the community - what happens ?

When there is trouble in Ayodhya who do we see leaving for the forest ?
Ram Ji (Sukh & Anand), Sita Ji (Shanti) & Lakshman Ji (Vairagya)

When there is Jhagra, jhanjhat, lack of respect (generally Kachkach) in any household, neighbourhood or community - then Sukh, Shanti aur Vairagya khud hi chale jaate hai - unhe koi bhejta nahi, koi rok bhi nahi paata !

This is a very brief & simple explanation, that my small brain can come up with...I'm sure you can build on it and explain much better than me.

Jiyo mere FOFOF ke Guru JI !


Keep smiling.....

Sanjivini

1 - Twameo Mata Cha Pita Twameo

Sent: Sun, 15 August, 2010 1:43:06 AM

 त्वमेव   माता  च  पिता  त्वमेव
त्वमेव  बन्धुष  च  सखा  त्वमेव
त्वमेव  विद्या  द्रविणं  त्वमेव
त्वमेव  सर्वं  मम  देवदेव

Twameo Mata Cha Pita Twameo,
Twameo Bandhush Cha Sakha Twameo.
Twameo Vidya Dravinam Twameo,
Twameo Sarvam Mam Dev O Deva. 

Twameo = Tumhi Ho, Aap hi ho ( Tum Hi = Only You)
Cha = Aur (and)
Bandhush = Bhai, Saga Sambandhi, Shubh Chintak - Someone who always wants the best for you !
Sakha = Saccha Saathi - A true friend, who has unconditional love for you.
Vidya = Gyan, Vivek, Buddhi - Knowledge, light, direction
Dravinam = Arth (Wealth), Paisa nahi - Ram Rattan Dhan !
Sarvam = Sarv Shaktimaan, Sarv Vyapak - Sabhi jagha rahne wala, Omnipresent
Mam = Mera

Loosely translated:

He Prabbu !
Tum hi mere Mata Ho, Tum hi Mere Pita Ji Ho !
Tum hi mere Bhai, sage sambandhi ho,
Tum hi mere sabse pyaara dost ho, sakha ho !
Tum hi mere jiwan ko unjala karne ke liye Gyan aur Vivek ho,
Tum hi jiwan ka arth dene waale ho !
Tum hi Sarv Vyapak ho, Sarv Shaktimaan ho !

Why Mata ? Why not Mausi, Mami, Dadi ?
Only a mother has that Waatsalyata, the selfless, ever-present, having an untiring urge to fulfil all the needs of her dear child – Just Like God ! She always attends to all the needs of the whole family, never complaining, always welcoming with a smile, never wanting or expecting anything in return. She remembers all the milestones the child has passed, and eagerly awaits the approaching challenges. She doesn’t get depressed that everyone else has forgotten about her. Whenever you need her, she is always there for you – Just like god !

Why Pita ? Why not Mama, Mausa, Fuffa ?
Similarly, only a father works tirelessly to provide the best for his dear child. Never keeps records of how much he has spent on his children. Always wants to see a smile on the child.
He occasionally punishes you (just like God) so that your bad habits could be corrected and you become someone great ! That is Pita Ka Akansha !

Twameo is frequently confused with Tameo.

TAM means andhkaar (darkness), agyanta (ignorance), Bhram (Perception).
Tam So Ma Jyotir Gamyah ! ( He Mata, Mujhe Anhkaar se nikaal kar Jyoti, unjaala ki or le chalo!)

If we say “Tameo Mata Cha Pita Tameo” then it translates to :

Meri maa andhi hay, Mera pita bhi andha hay J !!!

If you hear someone saying Tameo instead of Twameo, please politely correct them ! 

Sorry I know very little, but wish to share this with you !

Keep smiling…..

Sanjivini_Ras