Tuesday, December 11, 2012

102 - Bhagvat Gita Chapter 1 Shlok 11


अयनेषु  सर्वेषु यथाभागं अवस्थिताः।
भीष्मं एव अभिरक्षन्तु भवन्तः सर्व एव हि।।

Ayneshu cha Sarveshu Yathabhaagam Awasthitaah
Bhishmam Eo Abhirakshantu Bhawantah Sarv Eo Hi

  (Cha) – Duryodhan apni sena ke Maharathiyon se bola; भवन्तः (bhawantah) – Aap; सर्व एव (Sarv Eo) – Sab ke sab log; सर्वेषु (Sarveshu) – Sabhi; अयनेषु (Ayneshu) – Morche par; यथाभागं(Yathabhaagam) – Apni Apni Jagah; अवस्थिताः (Awasthitah) – Dridhta Se Sthit rahte huwe; हि (hi) – Nishchit roop se; भीष्मं (Bhishmam) – Pitamah Bhishm Ki; एव (Eo) – Hi; अभिरक्षन्तु (Abhirakshantu) – Chaaro or se raksha kare.

Lacking self-confidence, faith and belief Duryodhan is confused. Speaking to the Generals and Colonels of his immense army, he basically orders them to support, protect and defend the Commander-in-Chief Pitamah Bhishm, at all costs. As long as Bhishm is alive the Pandavas will not be able to defeat the Kauravas.

Who or what is Pitamah Bhishma ?
Pandavas represent the good qualities in humans and Kauravas the bad qualities. Pitamah Bhishma has a Vardaan of “Iccha Mrityu” – he will die only when he WANTS to die. Iccha is Wants and Wants is Desire. Desire breeds Moh, Agyaanta and Bhram.
Bhishma represents Iccha (Desire) and Bhram (Illusion or delusion).
As long as Bhram is alive the Kaurav army of Moh, Agyaanta, Abhimaan, Kaam, Krodh etc cannot be defeated.
The entire 11 battalions of the Kaurav army are defeated but Pitama Bhishma, in the form of desire, continues to breathe on his deathbed.
Desire is the last thing to leave us. Even the elderly people, while in hospital or at home, taking their last breaths, are asked…Kuch khaana chahte ho nana ji ? Ha beta ! Dalbhari roti aur Alu Matar ke tarkaari – thoda titta waala !

Muskuraate Raho !
These are my personal notes and any anomalies in these attempted translations are not meant to confuse you, but an indication of a lack of knowledge on my part.
Please correct and use as you may see appropriate.

101 - Bhagvat Gita Chapter 1 Shlok 10



अपर्याप्तं तदस्माकं, बलं भीष्माभिरक्षितम
पर्याप्तं त्विदमेतेशाम, बलं भीमाभिरक्षितम

Aparyaaptam Tadasmaakam Balam Bhishmaabhirakshitam
Paryaaptam Twidameteshaam Balam Bhimaabhirakshitam


अस्माकं - हमारी तत - वह बलं - सेना (पांडवों पर विजय करने में),अपर्याप्त - असमर्थ है (क्योकि)भिराक्षितम - उसके संरक्षकभीष्म - पितामह भीष्म है। तु - परन्तु एतेषां - इन पांडवों की इदं - यह बलम - सेना (हमपर विजय करने में)पर्याप्तं - समर्थ है (क्योकि)भिराक्षितम - उसके संरक्षकभीम - भीमसेन है 
Asmaakam - hamaari, Tat - wah, Balam - sena, Aparyaapt – asamartha hay, Bhiraksitam – uske sanrakshak, Bhishma – Pitamah Bhishma hay. Tu - parantu, Eteshaam – In Paandavon ki, Idam -yah, Balam – sena (Ham par Vijay karne mein), Paryaaptam – Samarth hay (kyoki), Bhirakshitam – us ka sanrakshak, Bhima – Bhim Sen Hay.

This shlok has been translated in two opposing ways by various great commentators.

1. Duryodhan thinks his sena is unable to be defeated (ajay) and Pandav sena is able to be defeated - most kings would think this way about their army !

2. Duryodhan thinks his sena is unable to defeat Pandav sena - Why would he think that way?

After consultation with various sources and extensive research we have come to the conclusion that more renowned commentators agree with the second translation. Duryodhan is apprehensive, worried and nervous. He names more famous warriors in the Pandav army than in his own army. (1.5 & 1.6)
Although the most renowned and legendary warrior of them all, Pitamah Bhishma, is the Commander-in-Chief of the Kaurav army, his attention and affection is divided between the Karavs and the Pandavs.
On the other hand, the Commander of the Pandav army, Bhim Sen, is solely concentrating on defeating the Kauravs.
He seems confused and is losing faith in his own army, even before the war has begun.
His wavering self-confidence and lack of faith in himself will be further visible when we discuss 1.12
Special thanks to Deepak Prabhu for his input.
Muskuraate Raho !
These are my personal notes and any anomalies in these attempted translations are not meant to confuse you, but an indication of a lack of knowledge on my part.
Please correct and use as you may see appropriate.

Tuesday, November 6, 2012

100B - Asato Ma Sad Gamaya, Hindi & English explanations



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

Guru Jan Ko Sadar Pranaam !! 




This little, but powerful, prayer sums up the essence of Diwali (for me).
असतो माँ सद गमया 
तमसो माँ ज्योतिर गमया 
मृत्योर माँ अमृतम गमया 

हे माता ! हे प्रभु !
हम को असत्य से बचा कर सत्य का  मार्ग दिखा !
हमारे अन्दर के अन्धकार और अज्ञानता को मिटा कर ज्योति और सच्चा ज्ञान प्रदान करो !
हम को ऐसे शुभ कर्म करने में समर्थ बना की हमारे संसार से जाने के बाद भी लोग इन कर्मो का फल सदियों तक लेते रहे। यही अमरता है (मेरे लिये ) !


Asato Ma Sad Gamaya
Tamaso Ma Jyotir Gamaya
Mrityor Ma Amritam Gamaya

He Mata ! He Prabhu !
Hum ko asatye se bacha kar satye ka marg dikha.
Hamare andar ke andhkaar aur agyaanta ko mita kar jyoti aur saccha gyan pradaan karo.
Hum ko aise shubh karm karne mein Samarth bana ki hamare sansaar se jaane ke baad bhi log in karmo ka phal sadiyon tak lete rahe. Yahi Amarta hay !

Dear God:
Lead me away from fraud and deception to a life based on truthfulness.
Help me get rid of the darkness, the bad qualities within me that prevent me from associating with and appreciating the good values of my friends, families, neighbours and associates.
Guide and assist me to achieve great legacies that I could leave behind for future generations to enjoy. This is what immortality means (to me).

Prabhu aap ko, aap ke sundar pariwaar ko, is Diwali par khushi, anand aur man ka shanti pradaan kare !

Muskuraate Raho !
These are my personal notes and any anomalies in these attempted translations are not meant to confuse you, but an indication of a lack of knowledge on my part.
Please correct and use as you may see appropriate.

100A - The Diwali Diya – Meaning & Significance


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

Guru Jan Ko Sadar Pranaam !! 

It is so appropriate that the 100th email goes out on this auspicious Diwali week. 

The Diwali Diya – Meaning & Significance

The traditional Diwali Diya comprises of an earthen bowl, a cotton wick and ghee or oil as fuel.
Nowadays, the market is full of crafted and designer Diyas. Some are very attractive, both in presentation and in price.

The traditional Diwali Diya represents humbleness, selflessness, thoughtfulness, and above all unity.

Humbleness comes from the humble earth it is made from. It does not matter how much you spend on a designer Diya, one cannot produce any more light than a traditional Diya.
The Diya suffers extreme heat and burns to provide light to others – selflessness.
Light can only be produced if the earthen bowl unites with the cotton wick and the ghee. Without this cooperation there cannot be any light. This represents the unity of the family unit, the harmony of the neighbourhood and the coherence of the Mandali & Mandir membership.

Light represents happiness, hope, knowledge, cheerfulness, optimism, etc.

If each one of us could be a bit more humble, a bit less selfish, and a bit more thoughtful of those around us, irrespective of their religious preferences, their colour, race, sex etc, then the message of Diwali will be truly and correctly achieved.


Muskuraate Raho !
These are my personal notes and any anomalies in these attempted translations are not meant to confuse you, but an indication of a lack of knowledge on my part.
Please correct and use as you may see appropriate.

99 - Bhagvat Gita Chapter 1 Shlok 9


99 - Bhagvat Gita Chapter 1 Shlok 9


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

Guru Jan Ko Sadar Pranaam !! 

Gita 1.9

अन्ये   बहवः  शूरा मदर्थे  त्यक्त  जीविताः 
नाना  शस्त्र प्रहरणाः सर्वे  युद्ध  विशारदाः

Anye cha bahvah Shuraa Madarthe Tyakt Jeevitaah
Nana Shastra Praharnaah Sarve Yudh Vishaardaah

अन्ये  – इनके  अतिरिक्तबहवः  – बहुत  सेशूराः – शूर  वीर  हैजिन्होंने ; मदर्थे  – मेरे  लिए ; त्यक्त जीविताः  – अपने  जीने  कि इच्छा को  भी  त्याग  कर  दिया  है   – और ; नाना  शस्त्र प्रहरणाः  – जो अनेक  प्रकार  के  अस्त्र -शास्त्रों  को  चलाने  वाले  हैतथा  जो ; सर्वे  – सब  के  सब ; युद्ध  विशारदाः – युद्ध कला  में  अत्यंत  चतुर  है 


Anye – Inke atirikt; Bahvah – Bahut se; Shuraah – Shuur Veer hay, jinhone; Madarthe – Mere liye; Tyakt Jeevitaah – Apne jeene ki itch aka bhi tyaag kar diya hay; Cha – Aur; Nana Shastra Praharnaah – Jo anek prakaar ke astra-shastron ko chalaane waale hay, tatha jo; Sarve – Sab ke sab; Yudh Vishaardaah – Yudh kala mein atyant chatur hay

Duryodhan says to Guru Dron….Apart from those great warriors mentioned in Shlok 1.8, there are other brave soldiers who, for me, have abandoned their desire to live, and these great warriors are well versed in how to use various weapons, and all of them are extremely talented in the art of warfare.
Although these soldiers are pretty talented and brave they are not worthy of mention by Duryodhan.

Then he proceeds to describe the Commanders-in-Chief of the two armies.

Muskuraate Raho !
These are my personal notes and any anomalies in these attempted translations are not meant to confuse you, but an indication of a lack of knowledge on my part.
Please correct and use as you may see appropriate.

Tuesday, October 16, 2012

98 - Durga Chalisa in Hindi & English


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

Guru Jan Ko Sadar Pranaam !! 

A very happy Nav-Ratri to all !!!

Durga Chalisa in Hindi & English

Namo namooo, namo namooo
Namo namooo, namo namooo
नमो  नमो , नमो  नमो 
नमो  नमो , नमो  नमो 
Namo Namo Durge Sukh karni,
Namo Namo Ambe Dukh harni. 
नमो  नमो  दुर्गे  सुख  करनी 
नमो  नमो  आंबे  दुःख  हरनी 
Nirankar hai jyoti tumhari,
Tihun lok Faili Ujayari. 
निरंकार  है  ज्योति  तुम्हारी 
तिहुँ लोक  फैली  उजयारी  
Shashi lalaat mukh maha vishala,
Netra lal bhri-kutee vikarala. 
शशि  ललाट  मुख  महा  विशाला 
नेत्र  लाल  भ्रीकुटी  विकराला  
Roop Matu ko adhika suhave,
Darash karat jan ati sukh pave.  
रूप  मातु  को  अधिक  सुहावे 
दरश  करत  जन  अति  सुख  पावे  
Namo namooo, namo namooo
Namo namooo, namo namooo
नमो  नमो , नमो  नमो 
नमो  नमो , नमो  नमो 
Tum sansaar shakti lay kina,
Paalan hetu anna dhan dina.  
तुम  संसार  शक्ति  लैय  किना 
पालन  हेतु  अन्न धन  दिना  
Anna-purna huwi jag paala,
Tum hi aadi sundari Baala.  
अन्न-पूर्णा हुवी  जग  पाला 
तुम  ही  आदि  सुंदरी  बाला
Pralaya kaal sab naashan haari,
Tum Gauri Shiv-Shankar pyari.  
प्रलय  काल  सब  नाशन  हारी 
तुम  गौरी  शिव-शंकर  प्यारी   
Shiv yogi tumhre guna gaaven,
Brahma Vishnu tumhen nit dhyaven.  
शिव  योगी  तुम्हरे  गुण गावें 
ब्रह्मा  विष्णु  तुम्हें  नित  ध्यावें   
Namo namooo, namo namooo
Namo namooo, namo namooo
नमो  नमो , नमो  नमो 
नमो  नमो , नमो  नमो 
Roop Saraswati ka tum dhara,
De subuddhi rishi munin ubara.  
रूप  सरस्वती  का  तुम  धारा
दे  सुबुद्धि  ऋषि  मुनिन  उबारा  
Dhaara roop Narsingh ko amba,
Pragat bhayin phard kar khamba.  
धारा रूप  नरसिंह  को  अम्बा 
प्रगट  भयीं  फाड़ कर  खम्बा   
Raksha kari Prahlaad bachayo,
Hirana-Yaaksh ko swarga pathayo.  
रक्षा  करी  प्रहलाद  बचायो 
हिरण-याक्ष  को  स्वर्ग  पठायो   
Lakshmi roop dharo jag mahi,
Shree Narayan anga samaahi.  
लक्ष्मी  रूप  धरो  जग  माहि 
श्री  नारायण  अंग समाही  
Namo namooo, namo namooo
Namo namooo, namo namooo
नमो  नमो , नमो  नमो 
नमो  नमो , नमो  नमो 
Ksheer sindhu mein karat vilasa,
Daya Sindhu, deeje man aasa.  
क्षीर  सिन्धु  में  करत  विलासा 
दया  सिन्धु  दीजे  मन  आसा   
Hingalaaj mein tum hi Bhavani,
Mahima amit na jaat bakhaani.  
हिंगलाज  में  तुम  ही  भवानी 
महिमा  अमित  न  जात  बखानी   
Matangi Dhooma-vati Mata,
Bhuvaneshwari baglaa sukh daata.  
मातंगी  धूमा-वती  माता 
भुवनेश्वरी  बगला  सुख  दाता   
Shree Bhairav sara jag taarani,
Chhinna Bhaal bhav dukh nivaarani.  
श्री  भैरव  सारा  जग  तारणी 
छिन्न भाल  भाव  दुःख  निवारानी 
Namo namooo, namo namooo
Namo namooo, namo namooo
नमो  नमो , नमो  नमो 
नमो  नमो , नमो  नमो 
Kehari Vahan soh Bhavani,
Langur Veer Chalat agavaani.  
केहरी  वाहन  सोह  भवानी 
लंगुर वीर  चालत  अगवानी  
Kar men khappar khadag viraje,
Jako dekh kaal dar bhaaje.  
कर  में  खप्पर  खडग  विराजे 
जाको  देख  काल  दर  भाजे
Sohe kar mein astra trishoola,
Jaate uthat shatru hiya shoola.  
सोहे  कर  में  अस्त्र  त्रिशूला 
जाते  उठत  शत्रु  हिया शूला   
Nagar-kot mein tumhi viraajat,
Tihun lok mein danka baajat.  
नगर-कोट  में  तुम्ही  विराजत 
तिहुँ  लोक  में  डंका  बाजत   
Namo namooo, namo namooo
Namo namooo, namo namooo
नमो  नमो , नमो  नमो 
नमो  नमो , नमो  नमो 
Shumbh Nishumbh Danuj tum maare,
Rakt-beej shan-khan sam-haare.  
शुम्भ  निशुम्भ  दनुज  तुम  मारे 
रक्त-बीज  शन-खन सम-हारे   
Mahishasur nripa ati abhimaani,
Jehi agha bhaar mahi akulani.  
महिषासुर  नृप  अति  अभिमानी 
जेहि  अघ भार  महि अकुलानी
Roop karaal Kaalika dhaara,
Sen Sahit tum tihin samhaara.  
रूप  कराल  कालिका  धारा
सेन  सहित  तुम  तिहीं  संहारा  

Pari bheer Santan par jab jab,
Bhayi sahaay  Maatu tum tab tab.  
परी भीर  संतन पर  जब  जब 
भयी  सहाय   मातु  तुम  तब  तब 
Namo namooo, namo namooo
Namo namooo, namo namooo
नमो  नमो , नमो  नमो 
नमो  नमो , नमो  नमो 
Amar-puri aru basav lokaa,
Tav Mahima sab rahen ashoka.
अमर-पूरी  अरु  बासव  लोका 
तव  महिमा  सब  रहें  अशोका 
Jwala mein hai jyoti tumhaari,
Tumhen sada poojen nar naari.
ज्वाला  में  है  ज्योति  तुम्हारी 
तुम्हें  सदा  पूजें  नर  नारी 

Prem bhakti se Jo yash gave,
Dukh-daridra nikat nahin aave.
प्रेम  भक्ति  से  जो  यश  गावे 
दुःख-दरिद्र  निकट  नहीं  आवे 
Dhyave tumhen jo nar man laee,
Janam-maran se so chuti jaee.
ध्यावे  तुम्हें  जो  नर  मन  लाई
जनम-मरण  से  सो  छुटी जाई
Namo namooo, namo namooo
Namo namooo, namo namooo
नमो  नमो , नमो  नमो 
नमो  नमो , नमो  नमो 
Jogi sur-muni kahat pukaari,
Yog na ho bin shakti tumhaari.  
जोगी  सुर-मुनि  कहत  पुकारी 
योग  न  हो  बिन  शक्ति  तुम्हारी  
Shankar Aachaa-raj tap keenhon,
Kam aur krodha jeeti sab leenhon.  
शंकर  आचा-रज तप कीन्हों 
काम और  क्रोध  जीती  सब  लीन्हों   
Nishi-din dhyan dharo Shankar ko,
Kahu kaal nahin sumiro tum ko.  
निशि-दिन  ध्यान  धरो  शंकर  को 
कहु काल  नहीं  सुमिरो  तुम  को 
Shakti roop ko maram na paayo,
Shakti gayi tab man pachitaayo.  
शक्ति  रूप  को  मर्म  न  पायो 
शक्ति  गयी  तब  मन  पछितायो   
Namo namooo, namo namooo
Namo namooo, namo namooo
नमो  नमो , नमो  नमो 
नमो  नमो , नमो  नमो 
Shatru naash keeje Maharaani,
Sumiron eka-chit tumhen Bhavani.  
शत्रु  नाश  कीजे  महारानी 
सुमिरों  एक-चित  तुम्हें  भवानी   
Karo kripa He Maatu dayaala,
Riddhi-Siddhi de karahu nihaala.  
करो  कृपा  हे  मातु  दयाला 
रिद्धि-सिद्धि  दे  करहु  निहाला  
Jab lagi jiyoon daya phal paoon,
Tumhro yash may sada sunaoon.  
जब  लगी  जियूं  दया  फल  पाऊँ 
तुम्हरो  यश  मै सदा  सुनाऊँ
Durga Chalisa jo koi gaave,
Sab sukh bhog param-pad paave.  
दुर्गा  चालीसा  जो  कोइ  गावे 
सब  सुख  भोग  परम पद  पावे   
Devi Daas Sharan Nij Jaani
Karahun Kripaa Jagdamb Bhavaani
देवी  दास  शरण  निज  जानी 
करहूँ  कृपा  जगदम्ब  भवानी 
Namo namooo, namo namooo
Namo namooo, namo namooo
नमो  नमो , नमो  नमो 
नमो  नमो , नमो  नमो 
Namo namooo, namo namooo
Namo namooo, namo namooo.....
नमो  नमो , नमो  नमो  
नमो  नमो , नमो  नमो 

Muskuraate Raho !
These are my personal notes and any anomalies in these attempted translations are not meant to confuse you, but an indication of a lack of knowledge on my part.
Please correct and use as you may see appropriate.