104 - Bhagvat Gita Chapter 1 Shlok 12B

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

Guru Jan Ko Sadar Pranaam !! 

Bhagvad Gita 1.12B

What does Shankh Dhwani (sound of the conch shell) mean ?

What does Singhnaad mean and signify ?

This chapter is pretty significant as we see the various political parties forming, or reforming, in preparation for the elections in Fiji next year.

The two mighty armies are facing each other in the battlefield of Kuru Kshetra. One after another, the great and valiant warriors start to blow their respective conches producing huge Shankh Dhwani – sound or speech.

Shankh Dhwani is the equivalent of the political speeches of the various contestants. Just like the speeches of our modern day political leaders, each of the brave and noble warriors blow their Shankh (Conch Shell). Each Shankh has a name and the meanings of the names will determine what each one is promising, should their party win.

Pitamah Bhishma’s shankh is called Singhnaad. Singh means lion and naad means roar. So Singhnaad means roar of the lion. If we’re in a jungle, whether alone or in a group, and we hear the roar of a lion, our heartbeat will increase rapidly, sweat starts to form and hairs stand on all parts of the body. We feel fear even though the lion may be several kilometres away.

Lion signifies fear. Pitamah Bhishm signifies, among many things, bhram – delusion, confusion, fantasy, disbelief.  He chose to stand in opposition to Sri Krishna.

By blowing his conch named Singhnaad, Bishma is promising fear (bhay) and confusion (bhram) - should his army (party) win.

Bhishma kahta hay ki agar may jeetunga to aap ko aur bhi gahri bhay aur bhram mein fasa loonga.

Prabhu to abhay pradaan karta hay. Prabhu is knowledge. He is the light that allows us to differentiate between good and evil. Know why we do what we do. Don’t just do it for the sake of doing it. Knowledge is power, knowledge is freedom.

Very early in the Bhagvat Gita, and very early in our life, we have to choose which side do we want to be on, what kind of a person we want to be, what sort of life do we want to lead – full of fear or free of fear !

Until next time....

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.

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103 - Bhagvat Gita Chapter 1 Shlok 12A

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

Guru Jan Ko Sadar Pranaam !! 

Bhagvad Gita 1.12 A

तस्य संजनयन हर्षम कुरु वृद्धः पितामहः।

सिंह  नादं विनद्योच्चै: शंखं दध्मौ प्रतापवान।।

तस्य = उस (दुर्योधन) के; हर्षं = (ह्रदयमें ) हर्ष; संजनयन = उत्पन्न करते हुवे; कुरु वृद्धः = कुरु खानदान में सब से बड़े; प्रतापवान = प्रभावशाली; पितामहः = पितामह भीष्म ने; सिंघनाद = सिंह के गरज के सामान; विंद्य = गरज कर; उच्चैह = जोर से; शंखं = शंख को; दध्मौ = बजाया।

Tasya Sanjanyan Harsham Kuru Vriddhah Pitamaha.

Singha Naadam Vinadyochchaiha Shankham Dadhmau Prataapvaan.

Before we discuss Shlok 1.12, let us attempt to summarise the story so far.

The valiant, powerful and extremely skillful warrior, Duryodhan, who has so far lived a very carefree and worry free life as a prince, is now faced with war and possible death.

When we are surrounded by opponents bearing guns, spears or knives and our lives are in danger, somehow and from somewhere, the thought of the Almighty God, penetrates our thoughts. Before that we may seem invincible, protected by our immense wealth, power, beauty, etc. – the falsehoods of materialism.

In this moment of truth, faced against the mighty Pandava’s army, Duryodhan recognises Sri Krishna as God. He knows he cannot defeat Him (1.10). His confidence and self-belief starts to waver. His only chance is cowering behind the might and power of Pitamah Bhishma. In 1.11 he orders his generals to protect the Commander-in-Chief, Pitamah Bhishma, at all cost.

Like any skilful leader and king, he sounds optimistic and talks up his chances. Ravan does the same to his army when faced against the mighty monkey army of Sri Ram.

Guru Dron recognises the fear and distress in Duryodhan’s speech to the Generals. He keeps quiet because he is the Guru and their relationship is based on gyan.

Pitamah Bhishma also recognises the pain and anguish is Duryodhan’s discourse. Being the grandfather of the clan he is not able to keep quiet. His relationship is based on love and affection. To uplift Duryodhan’s (and his army’s) morale Pitamah blows his conch shell (Shankh) called Singhnaad.

What does Shankh Dhwani (sound of the conch shell) mean ?

What does Singhnaad mean and signify ?

We have heard the Shankh Dhwani at various Katha and Hawan functions – we will try and see what that means !

Until next time....

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.

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102 - Bhagvat Gita Chapter 1 Shlok 11

अयनेषु च सर्वेषु यथाभागं अवस्थिताः।

भीष्मं एव अभिरक्षन्तु भवन्तः सर्व एव हि।।

Ayneshu cha Sarveshu Yathabhaagam Awasthitaah

Bhishmam Eo Abhirakshantu Bhawantah Sarv Eo Hi

च  (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.

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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 संरक्षक, भीष्म - पितामह भीष्म है। तु - परन्तु , एतेषां - इन पांडवों की , इदं - यह , बलम - सेना (हमपर विजय करने में), पर्याप्तं - समर्थ है (क्योकि), भिराक्षितम - उसके संरक्षक, भीम - 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.

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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

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

Guru Jan Ko Sadar Pranaam !! 

Gita 1.9

अन्ये च  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  अतिरिक्त; बहवः  – बहुत  से; शूराः – शूर  वीर  है, जिन्होंने ; मदर्थे  – मेरे  लिए ; त्यक्त जीविताः  – अपने  जीने  कि इच्छा को  भी  त्याग  कर  दिया  है ; च  – और ; नाना  शस्त्र प्रहरणाः  – जो अनेक  प्रकार  के  अस्त्र -शास्त्रों  को  चलाने  वाले  है, तथा  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.