Deivathin Kural Series - 35

Om Namah Sivaya.
Deivathin Kural # 35 of 26 & 27 July 2006.




1.These e-mails are translations of talks given by the erstwhile Pontiff of Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam, over more than sixty years, published by Vanady Padippagam, T.Nagar, Chennai, India, in ten volumes, in the Tamil language. The english version is likely to be available very soon. These e-mails are simply an effort on the part of the sender, to share some of his bliss, as it is said, 'Yam perra peru peruga ivvaiyagam'. When he adds any personal observations he uses the phrase, 'KTSV adds'.

2. To-day's e-mail is the translation of what is given in pages, 169 to 176, in volume I, under the heading, 'Kariyathil Bedamum Mano Bedamum,' ie., 'Division of Labour & Division of Minds'. (As you know, Man herein includesWoman and vice versa except when specially mentioned.)
3. I said, 'Caste came into being, to carry out a particular set of works, & accordingly were evolved, the necessay rules and observances, for that set of people'. 'This is wrong. There is no caste for work or work for caste. Do not connect them like this. Why and how were the twigs tied in to small bundles? Who decided as to, so and so caste should do so and so type of work?'
4. In the world till date, it is observed that despite years of struggle, both in democratic and non-democratic and communistic countries; this division of labour, has not been successful. Neither has it been possible to do away with the division of the society in to a number of classes. There is a pecking order among birds. Within a 'pride' of Lions, there is an order in which they devour the prey. For a society to function effectively, different types of work / jobs, have to be done. So there has to be a devision of labour.
But how to match the demand for work to be done with demand for employment? Everyone competes for easy jobs and more remuneration. So what we find is that everywhere, there is; more work-more competition-more dissppointments-more complaints of favouritism- and more un-employment! This is the state of affairs not only in poor, developing countries, but also in, so called advanced countries.
5. In our country, where the division of labour was based on hereditory, till such a system was un-interfered with; there was, peace, happiness, satisfaction and mutual respect. Even a shoe maker was not a dis-gruntled man. (Actually one of the shoe maker was a Nayanmar, ie., a Siva Baktha, who used to do his business only after offering a pair of Pada-rakshai, to some Siva Baktha, free of cost every day!) Then we talk of advancement. Having instigated every body's ill-founded desires, everyone has been pushed in to dissatisfaction and dis-gruntlement. Then everywhere there is talk of more progress on the same lines. Those days, there was no over-ambition. People found more happiness in mutual trust and love, in smaller communities. Belief in religion, devotion to God and pride in having their special devotional functions, enabled them to lead a satisfied life. Most importantly, they did not have the dissatisfaction that arises out of consumerism and indulgence.
6. Though devided into a number of castes and communities, in the name of God, they were united. Though each had their
Kula-Deivam, there was a big temple in the village/town. Life in that village or town was centered around the daily and periodic activities in the temple. All the people were children of that God. When the Idol of the God was kept in a huge chariot of mammoth proportions; all the people joined hands to pull that chariot. At that time, caste and creed did not prevent rubbing of shoulders. To think of those days is to feel bad with nostalgia. No heart-burn, no cursing. You did your job and were happy in heart.
7. When we think of all this, it is clear that it is wrong to conclude that, 'despite the division in to a number of castes and sub-castes, the Hindu Society managed to withstand many onslaughts.'! The fact is that, it is because of it's division in to a number of communities, that the Hindu Society, has remained ever alive, not only for years but ages and eons. When we look at, the destruction out of reckoning of those big and huge religions, which talked of only general moral principles and had one unitary society;
and also observe that similar religions to-day are looking at their own future with fear and apprehension; it becomes clear as to why-
'All the twigs were not made in to one bundle; but, divided in to smaller ones of smaller bundles; and each individually and collectively tied by the cord of Devotion to God, in Varna Dharmam. And it is that, which has kept the Hindu Society live and ever re-juvinated.'
8. The religions that had only a common code of conduct, when influenced by other religions from within and or without, fell to pieces and disintegrated. But the Hindu - Sanathana - Vedic- Varna - Dharma, has had to face many such contingencies, from within and without. Buddhism, Jainism and Sikkhism have evolved from within. Parsi, Jewism, Christianity and Islam, have come from without. We accept whatever is good in them and ignore what does not suit. We have not only accommodated all of them; but rever Buddha, Maha Vira and Sikh Gurus. This is the only country in the world where, the Jews who landed here during the exodus, were not hounded, but found a, 'home away from home'. Parsis have thrived in India as a community, without any inter mingling. Muslims are the biggest minority, with a major say in politics and Christians are the second biggest minority. Their total populations may exceed that of many countries. Sufi Sants, Kabir Das and Sai Baba, are clear indications of a confluence of Adwaita Philosophy and Muslim beliefs. The effect of Hinduism on Christianity is an area for research and analysis. Buddhism and Jainism have evolved out of some aspects of the Vedic Hindu Religion. Sikhism was evolved to make the Hindu fight against the Muslim Marauders. What does it all prove?
9. Understand, accept, if possible absorb, has been the response of the Hindu, towards other religions and belief. Live and let live has been their attitude. This tolerance and acceptance, is in-built, in the Hindu Philosophy as well as in the procedural and practical aspects. Moghul influence in India was more noticeable in, dress, music, sculpture, architecture, and literature. This happened more in Northern India, than in the South.
10. After the Britishers came, (some French and Portughese included), the belief in Vaidik Dharma has reduced, slowly and steadily in the entire India. Why? Why do all political leaders talk about Varna Dharma as, 'CASTE-ism', as though, removal of that is a panacea for all social evils of the society? Why is there a wide spread belief that, Jaathi is the biggest stumbling block, preventing the Nation's progress!? It has become a phobia, that if you mention, 'Jaathi', in passing, you may be put in Jail! (KTSV adds. In the five or six decades since when Periyaval must have spoken this, we know, that this has become a tool in the hands of narrow minded vested political interests.)
11. I will tell you the reason why, and also point out as to who is responsible,a little later. First let me tell you as to why, there are people out to destroy the Varna Dharma. Possibly they feel that, in Varna Dharma, the disparities between the different Varnas are too much. Possibly they are sincere about wanting to remove the disparities and bring everyone on equal footing and therby, lift up the whole society. But is this possible? Is it practical? To get an answer to these questions, we need to look at world. We have to look at societies, who do not have such gradations. The sad fact is that, almost the world over, almost every country and every religion, claim that they have caste-less creed-less societies. If their claim is true, there should be no class conflicts. Right? But what is the ground reality? The whole world is a hot-bed of confrontation, between; the haves and have-nots; rich and poor; developed and undeveloped; the patroleum-haves and patroleum-have-nots; nuclear-haves and nuclear-aspiring and nuclear-have-ots; Muslims and Jews; shias and sunnis; Catholics and Protestants; Blacks and Whites; Capitalists and Communists; ad infinitum, ad nauseum.
12. But, if we try to understand, the Hindu Varna Dharma, it is not meant as a Higher / Lower differenciation. But somehow, such a wrong opinion seems to have formed in the minds of both, locals as well as outsiders. Locally people have exploited this, for their narrow-sectarian-advantages; while outsiders have exploited this, for propoganda value, to keep us divided during colonialism and or to spread their own religion. But whatever it may be, our response should be, to try and remove such misconception; and not do away with the time-tested system.
13. For the sake of discussion, even if we accept, that there is upper and lower castes, in India; my question is as to, where is it not there in this world? As already mentioned in para 11 above, gradations cannot be avoided in a world, that is relative. Money and access to power, makes all the difference, everywhere. Even in United States of America, where everybody has enough of everything, the one-car household is jealous of two-car household, and so on. Millionaires feel jealous of multi-millionaires. Communist nations have not been able to avoid, conflicts and confrontations, between the Ruling-Elite and the Common lot. The Governments may keep such internal tensions bottled-up. Such conflicts happens at the highest levels, in communist countries and we see that, the only way a man in power can be removed, is by being toppled. To-day's Supreme Leader, is not heard of, the next day! Even his statues are removed!
14. Instead of such man-made differentiation, which leads to competitiveness and hatered, isn't it better to keep it hereditory? Comparatively the bitterness and hatered levels may be less. We may take it as fate or ordained by God! In truth all jobs are essential for the society's well being. Whatever the work, if we can do it efficiently and offer it to God, there is no better medicine than that, for inner cleansing!
15. Being devided by Castes, we have developed our culture and civilization, to wonderful levels. Other civilizations, thinking that they are one, have fallen to pieces and disappeared. Here, differences were at functional level and duties. When there was, 'Unity in Diversity', we have thrived. We have suffered, when some amongst us have exploited the situation, with narrow minded selfishness.
But the innate resiliency, has enabled us to overcome, such temporary aberrations. It is neither possible nor practical to place everyone at par, by rule or law. It is the attitude and perspective, that has to be changed, to look at everyone as one. You can neither make everyone equal, nor can we work in total different compartmentalisation. The well established Varna Dharma, has provided the via media. For that purpose, I have come as a representative of Dharma Sastras. Functional differenciation and oneness of Heart is the necessity. Please do not mix the two.
16. Howevermuch, the differences in the operational and functional areas, if there is Love in the Heart, there will be peace in the land. For ages, it has been like that in our country. Without a sense of superiority and narrow minded selfishness, with the intension that,'I am doing this for the common good,' if we carry out our hereditory duties, there will be no higher and lower feelings. We can face the world with confidence and certainity of success, as long as we carry out our collective samanya dharma and individual varna dharma.
Sambhomahadeva

Deivathin Kural Series - 34

Om Namah Sivaya.
Deivathin Kural # 34 of 25 July 2006.




1.These e-mails are translations of talks given by the erstwhile Pontiff of Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam, over more than sixty years, published by Vanady Padippagam, T.Nagar, Chennai, India, in ten volumes, in the Tamil language. The english version is likely to be available very soon. These e-mails are simply an effort on the part of the sender, to share some of his bliss, as it is said, 'Yam perra peru peruga ivvaiyagam'.

2. To-day's e-mail is the translation of what is given in pages, 158 to 164, in volume I, under the heading, 'Varna Dharmam',
'ie., Duties of Varna'. (As you know, Man herein includesWoman and vice versa except when specially mentioned.)
3. In olden times, for cooking food in the house, all sorts of inflammable materials such as waste paper, dry twigs, and leaves of plants around the house, were made use of. On rainy days, it used to be a great problem to get the fire going. But once a few sparks were there, they would fan it quickly into a blazing fire. Similarly, I am trying to light up the Sanatana Dharma, from a few sparks left in some of the elders and spread it in the whole society. That is my ambition. That is why I am telling you all this.
4. In our Sanatana Dharma, because this Varna Dharma, is a special asset, the so called Reformists, are keen on doing away with this Varna Dharma as un-necessary, and bring us at par with other religions. OK. What is a religion for. It is meant to cure Man of his disease. It is the prerogative of the doctor, to do prognosis and diagnosis. It is not the job of a person, with no medical knowledge. The great Rishis of yore; who lived a life of absolute self negation; avoided materialistic acquisition; and devoted their effort and energy in identifying the ways and means of common good; are the Doctors who suggested this medicine of Varna Dharma, for us. In other countries, other doctors have adviced certain other methods and medicines. You cannot tell a doctor, to give you a particular treatment, because some other doctor is doing so! Ther are many medicines. Some are easy. Some may be bitter. Some diseases may need surgery. Methods may also vary, depending on the approach, such as Allopathy, Ayurvedic, Unani and Homeopathy, disciplines. If we follow one, we may get cured. But if we make a mix, we may never get cured.
5. Other religions talk about the general principles. These are already available in Sanathana Dharma, as Samanya Dharma, as applicable to all sections of the society. Ahimsa or not-being-cruel to all living things; truthfulness; purity / cleanliness of mind and body; control of senses, that is, not indulging in sensual pursuits; Devotion to God; respect to Parents, yelders and teachers; honesty, integrity, loyalty and such noble virtues; treating all living beings with love; and such are, part of Samanya Dharma, in our religion. In addition some special Rules and Regulations, have been evolved, for the people of the four Varnas; that is known as Varna Dharma.
6. Had these special Dharmas, been made applicable to all, it might have ended up, in no one following them. I will give You an example. In Buddhism, vegetarianism was a general Dharma. But what do we see in Buddhist Nations. Everybody is a
non-vegetarian there. Our Rishis were aware of human nature. So they kept vegetarianism as a requirement for only some; and seeing them many others too may and do give up eating non-vegetarian food.
7. Wherever, all the restrictions have been kept as general requirements, old such religions have either disappeared or in the dying throes. The Hellenic in the West, in Greece; the Hebrew religions of Central Asia; Shinto and Confucious religions of the East; are all in bits and pieces here and there. In their place, are the Buddhism / Christianity / Islam. They have some common rules and regulations, as applicable to all the followers of their religion. But strict adherence to these are going by default, almost everywhere. Either they are becoming non-practicing religionists or non-believers. Or many unhappy with their own religion, are turning to Yoga, Bakthi Marg, Gnana Vichara etc. How long is this state of affairs going to last, is anybody's guess. Religion seems to be more a cause of quarrels between Nations, than, the purpose for which the religions came in to being! I am not saying this because, I am a Hindu Religious Leader and I want to put down other religions. I wish that all people should progress intrinsically, from within their own religion. I am not calling anybody to come to our religion. I believe that such calling is against the basic tenets of Hindu religion. I also believe that nothing happens by accident.
8. Depending on the maturity level of each, God causes people to be born into various religions; and they can and should progress, through their own religion; is my belief. When I point out some some special concepts and principles of Hindu Religion, it is not being done to decry them, or invite them to join us. The purpose is three fold. One. So that they can understand us better and show them as to how some of their criticisms are invalid. Two. To tell some of our co-religionists, not to go at a tangent and believe the criticisms of people from other religions, without knowing the ground realities. Three. By accepting some of these, other religions too could benefit. Whatever the religion, what is the basic, priority one idea? To believe in God and to be devoted to God. Since in those religions too, Devotion or Bakthi, is of equal importance, accepting some of these ideas cannot be hurting them.
9. I am not saying that these religions are in a bad shape. Arnold Toyenbee, Paul Brunton, Coestler, are some famous thinkers, who have opined the way I have spoken. What they have said is that, world over, there is a general disbelief in God and Religion; and day by day, there are more people becoming Atheists. We are also seeing that Religion to day, is more of a political platform; than a personal procedure for self ennobling. Even in India, this trend is noticeable. But what other foreigners say, after observing many countries, is that, comparatively, in India still, religion is more in practice, than elsewhere. That is why, people from all over the world, still flock to India, if they have religious aspirations.
10 When we look into it more closely, what we see, is that, in India too, there is a decline in the level of belief and understanding. Doubtlessly, this dibelief, is concurrent with the increased demand for doing away with, Varna Dharma. This is surprising! Let me explain. One would expect that, a religion in which, the general populace is subdivided into smaller parts, may lose cohesion and integrity. It has not been so in our case. From the time of Alexander the Great, India has been subjected to repeated invasions by marauding hoards of many other religionists and that ended with India becoming a British colony. Had the Hindu religion gone out of existance; it would have been a natural historical fact. But the reality is different. While religions in which, all were required to observe a common protocol, have disappeared, this Hindu religion, has survived and is flourishing! In addition to disbelief and atheism, we often hear of a fear psychosis being expressed, that their religion, 'is in peril'. We should logically analyse this, without becoming too sentimental.
11. What is the 'secret of success', of this nameless religion, (recently known as, Hindu Religion,) that it has thrived in all these millenniums, despite following Varna Dharma? Were the Brahmins who had the unenviable responsibility, to self abnegatingly, protect the Vedas and Sastras, in majority? No. Did they have the power of the Sword or Gun on their side? No. Were the Brahmins having money power? No. (That some Brahmins started becoming rich, is a recent aberration, within the past three centuries. As per Sastras, Brahmin is required to be poor only.) Then how is that, the Varna Dharma, said to be imposed by the Brahmins, without, majority, without power of the sword and wealth; acceptable to rest of the people? Where all the people duped? Even if they were duped, for thousands of years, why didn't they wake up, when a person like Buddha or Jina came along? These two Religions told them, quite convincingly, 'Let us do away with Varna Dharma. Let us stop this Yagas and Vedas. All people need to have only one common Dharma. Let us do away with Sanskrit. Let us use the common man's language of Pali. Let us pioneer a new path with new sastras.' Some people did join the new religions. Then again slowly, these two religions of Buddhism and Jainism, declined. The old Vaidika madam, again flourished, holding it's head high!
12. One great man said, 'in the human body with nine holes, dying is not a surprise, living is!' Similarly, subjected to attacks from within and without, over all these years, had this Vaidika Sanatana Dharma died, it would not have been a surprise; the fact that it is thriving is a surprise! What do we understand from this, if we analyse this dispassionately? When in this and other countries, religions have come and gone, the longevity of Hinduism, indicates that there is something in this religion, not available in others. What is that? At the interactive level, it is Varnasrama Dharma. Though the Reformists, claim that this Varna Dharma is the reason for the decline of the religion; opposite seems to be the case. Contrary to the much trumped about 'Equality', there is some inherent logic in the Varna Dharma, which is the cause of the Religion's longevity and 'never say die' attitude.
Sambhomahadeva

Deivathin Kural Series - 32

Om Namah Sivaya.
22 July 2006.

1.These e-mails are translations of talks given by the erstwhile Pontiff of Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam, over more than sixty years, published by Vanady Padippagam, T.Nagar, Chennai, India, in ten volumes, in the Tamil language. The english version is likely to be available very soon. These e-mails are simply an effort on the part of the sender, to share some of his bliss, as it is said, 'Yam perra peru peruga ivvaiyagam'.

2. To-day's e-mail is the translation of what is given in pages, 139 to 153, in volume I, under the heading, 'Nam Madathin Thani Amsangal' ie.,'The Special Charecteristics of Our Religion'. (As you know, Man herein includesWoman and vice versa except when specially mentioned.)
Karma.
3. There are some concepts of our Religion, not ot be found in other Religions. One of them is the Theory of Karma. Buddhism and Samanam, having evolved out of Hinduism, incorporate this theory and others do not. What is Karma Theory? For every action there is a reaction. Modern Physics, calls it the theory of cause and effect. It says that for every Action, there is an Equal and Opposite Reaction. The same principle has been applied to Human Life also by our ancestors. In the Universe, are contained, both inanimate and animate worlds. Things with life and things seemingly without life. The rules, regulations and restrictions, (ie., Dharma, in one word,) applicable to one part, should equally be applicable, to the other part too. Karma theory says that for every one of Man's actions, there has to be, good or bad effects. 'If He sins, He has to undergo the punishment; and for a noble act, the good effects, will reach Him', says our Religion. He gets many lives, so as to reap the effects of His actions, both good and bad. Though, other religions, do encourage Punyam and caution against Papam; they do not lay so much emphasis on the Cause and Effect connection. The Re-birth or Reincarnation Theory, is not mentioned by any Religion, other than those, which sprouted from India. So those religionists strongly oppose the Karma Theory. What they say is something like this; 'There is only one life for man. After this life is over, his birth and death is over. His soul goes some where and awaits the Judgement Day, when God will give His decision. His Sins and Good deeds will be accounted for. He will then be sent to Heaven or Hell. Permanent Heaven or Eternal Damnation.
4. There was an European Christian among my visitors. (Many foreigners used to visit him.) He mentioned self depracatingly, (though he was a famous Author), that he used to write some books. He said that, 'In the Bible it is stated that, 'God is Love', in a number of places. But he felt that punishment should be commensurate with the seriousness and gravity of the sin. Then, how can it be that any sin can lead to Eternal Damnation?' It seems that He asked a Priest to clarify his mind. The Priest reportedly told him, 'Yes it is true that there is a permanent Hell, but it is permanently empty!' If You think deeply, neither can we accept Eternal Damnation nor that Hell can be permanently empty. If God because He is Love, does not send a sinner to Hell, as per their philosophy, where else can the sinner's soul be sent? Since as per their beliefs, there can be no re-birth, the soul cannot be sent to Earth, either. So he has to be sent to Heaven?! So, it means that, in this world, do what you want. Any sin. Anyhow, God will send us to Heaven?! Then there will be no need for morality.
5. As per our religion too, God keeps track of our good and bad actions and He is the giver of effect for our actions. He is also Love personified. So what does He do? So as to experience the good and bad effects of our actions, He gives us another Life. We are born again. This repeated giving of Life is out of His Ineffable Love. This is so that, we not only undergo the good and bad effects, but also have the chance to mend our ways. Heaven and Hell are not somewhere else, but here in this world. Since we have done a mix of good and bad actions, we under go a mixed series of effects. If we have done a lot of bad actions in the past, we suffer more. Those who have done a lot of good actions, get a lot of opportunities to enjoy. The majority of people are those who have a mixed effect bag. Since majority of people claim that they suffer a lot and there is hardly any one who truely claims that he is happy; without a complaint, or demand: we can infer, that we all must have done more sins than good deeds.
6. So, it means that, God, out of His Love, gives the Man, who thinks of himself as a seperate entity, an opportunity to wash off his past sins. He also facilitates the Man, by providing, a suitable Teacher or Guru; Sastras,and Kshetras, at the right time in his life; to be able turn the corner. In other words Man is facilitated to give full play to his Free Will. Thereby Man can raise himself to the highest level, when, Man's Free will and Fate and God's Grace, become One. God gives Man the opportunity to grow out of his Animalness to Humaneness to Divinity. Is not this better than, 'God's thinking that this Man is beyond redemption, totally good for nothing; so out of His Grace, God puts Man in Heaven, despite his sins?' Contrary to this, it is true that, when Man comes to the understanding that, after all is said and done, it is best to surrender to God; God lifts him up in one go to the highest level! Till Man has some belief in Human effort, God should give Man, Yet another chance. God putting trust in Man's capacity to grow and learn; seems more Graceful, than; God's belief in Man's utter helplessness.
7. The statement by that Priest that, out of God's Love, the permanent Hell is permanently empty, is a one man's view. You can not think it to be the Conceptual Tenet, of the religions which believe in, 'one-life-only theory'. For the good-bad actions of The One Life, the soul is sent to Heaven or Hell, is their general belief. Since we all end up doing more bad than good, we are more likely to be consigned to Hell. The day of Judgement has been given a dreadful name, Doomsday. To me it sounds rather a poorer understanding and opinion of God's Grace.
More Than One Life.
8. I am reminded of an incident, about the Re-birth / Re-incarnation theory. A western lady visited me and asked me to clarify some doubts about re-birth.S She asked for some proof. I did not argue with her. There was an English speaking Pandit in the camp. I asked him to accompany the lady, to the nearest Hospital, which cares for Mothers and babies. I asked them to collect data about new born babes and bring the data to me. She came back with the all the collected information. She had come across, some babies which were, very healthy / puny / beautiful / ugly / lying in the corridor / born in a/c room / and so on. My purpose was served. I told her, "Forget about God sending You to Heaven or Hell, at the end of one's Life. That is all not known to us. Now you saw the start of many lives. Can you give me the logic of so many differences, at the START? I quote 'healthy / puny / beautiful / ugly / lying in the corridor / born in a/c room / and so on'. If we are to believe and accept, your religion's, One - Life - Only, theory, why are there so many differences to start with? If that, 'One Life', can and does start with so much of handicaps and favouritism, then it reflects poorly on Your God's Grace, Intelligence, and Impartiality. Then how to believe in that God? How to be devoted to Him? It is not His mistake. It is inYour understanding, where the mistake is. The only recourse is to believe that, the new life is formed, based on the merits/demerits of the past life." She went away very happily.
9. But, for the modern man such explanations are not enough. They will ask for scientific proof. From that angle too, now-a-days, para-psychologists, after much research and analysis, quote many instances the world over, in support of the re-birth theory. Many persons, talk about persons they have met, in some far corner of the Globe, without any apparent chance of having met them in this, present life. The para-psychologists have visited them and checked the veracity of their claims, by visiting the places and people referred. Not one or two rare cases. Many. They are flabberghasted by the accuracy of the claims. The only plausible explanation is that, these people are able to remember or recall the experiences of their past life. Generally, they are people, who have not had a peaceful, natural death, in their previous life. They had been either murdered or died in accidents, say the para-psychologists.
Avatara or Incarnation.
10. This is another belief prevalent in Hinduism, not available in other's, ie., similar to re-birth of Man, we believe in God's Incarnation. Sadvasthu is one only. It is that which has become everything. So, that One God, is-was-and will be, all the Jeevas of this world. Other than being all, It still remains being God, the ruling, protecting God. Easwara, means, the Ruling Protector. Easwara is not bounden by Karma. Man is born to undergo the Karma, (that is the effect of past actions). God does not have to be born to offset Karma effects, as He is not subject to the Karma. But in new and yet newer lives Man, instead of washing off his sins, covers himself in the mire of further sins. To lift Man from the mire, God, out of His ineffable Love, comes in to the world, in some Human form, and that is called, Avatara. He does so many times. Whenever, Adharma becomes more dominant and Dharma is on the wane, To destroy the sinful propencities and re-establish Dharma, to save the Sadhus,( ie., those already on the path of recovery), and teach the Dushtas, ( ie., those on the path of wrong), God comes down to the Earth. In Bagawath Gita, Krishna Paramthma says:-
"yada yada hi dharmasya, glanir bavathi Bharatha,
abyuthanamadharmasya tadamanam srujamyaham".
11. At one stage is that the entire universe, is God; that is not a stage which can easily be absorbed by our minds. Next, is the stage, in which, as He says in Vibhuthi Yoga, in Bagawath Gita, to see God in all things wonderful, astounding and great, in thought, literature, art, music, power, might, beauty, delicacy, hardness, toughness, sweetness, capablity, and so on. To lift Man to greater and greater abilities, are born, Acharyas, Savants, Rishis, Mahatmas, Gnanis, Yogis and Devotees. Another stage is one in which, He Himself comes down, as one amongst us. What is beyond the beyond, comes down, as a Human being, so as to re-establish Dharma. That is Avatara.
12. Saiva Siddhantis, do not agree to the idea of Avatara of Siva. If we say that, Adi Sankara is Easwara Avatara and Gnana Sambandar is Muruga Avatara. Saiva Siddhanthis, do not agree. To be born as a Human, one has to endure life in the uterus as a foetus and then be in fleshy body. This is all unacceptable to their idea God. For Adwaitins there is no such problem. For them God is the whole world, which includes, all men and women and their bodies too. So, they have no objections to Easwara Avatara. At the conceptual level, Vaishnavites and Saivites, have a lot of areas of agreement, (despite Vaishnavites, not agreeing to the idea that Jeevatma and Paramatma, are essentially one), when it comes to the idea of Avatara, the ten Avataras of Maha Vishnu, are accepted by all. Because, it is believed, that Baghawan can demean Himself to any lower level, out of His Infinite Love. Knowing fully well inwardly that He is God, outwardly He can play act as a Man. By this, He sets an example to show Man as to how Man could inwardly think no end to himself and outwardly be humble. So, in total, it can be said that, the Hindu believes in the concept of Avatara. This is the third point that sets this Religion apart from other Religions.
Vigraha Aradhana and Multiple Gods.
13. God who is One, Nameless and Formless, also, comes as Many, with different Names and Forms; is a concept special to the Hindu Religion. But the criticism that we believe in many Gods, is baseless and completely wrong. The One God being prayed to in many forms is, Not taking them to be many Gods. In the same vein, when the Hindu does Idol worship, he does not think that only his idol is God. The God who is everywhere, is considered to be, for a short period, present in an idol. This could be an Idol in a temple, or a statue, or a formless piece of stone, or even a spoonful-heap of turmeric powder.When the Hindu sees God in all of God's creations of animate and inanimate things, He is entitled to see the God in an idol too. His is an all inclusive belief and not an exclusive idea. What the Hindu uses as a convenience, becomes a laughing matter to others. To laugh at these noble ideas; having given it names as Polytheism and Idol Worship; shows lack of understanding, intolerance and ignorance.
Broadmindedness.
14. One of the most important concepts of Hinduism, is the belief, that every man is entitled to his beliefs. This can be said in a different way. Hinduism is the only religion which does not say that, if you want to improve yourself to the ultimate, we only can provide you the means. "Akashat patitam toyam yada gatchathi sagaram, sarva deva namaskarah kesavam prthigatchati'. As all the water that falls from the sky, goes to the same oceon, all the devotion and worship reaches the same God! We Hindus have that Catholic outlook! So there is no need to convert anybody into Hinduism.
15. Those that do not follow Jesus Christ will land in Hell, believe the Christian. If You do not follow the teachings of Prophet Mohammad, You will have No hope in Hell too, believes the Muslim. We should not get annoyed. They may sincerely think so. They may sincerely believe, that using whatever means; for Your sake, they should convert You to their religion. We cannot doubt the sincerity of the Crusaders, when they invaded the deserts of Arabia, along the banks and across the Mediterranian. To a large extent, Islam spread across Asia by the power of the Sword. The Europeans, went across the Oceons to many parts of the Globe during the colonial period. Trade and commerce went hand in hand with Grab as Grab can with Missionary Zeal. The Tactics used to be, 'bring them under your power, by rule as well as religion'. The powers might have found it convenient to encourage the Missionaries, for purposes other than spreading religion. But we do not have to doubt the Missionaries, their zeal and sincerity.
16. But was their belief correct? Is it so, that if you do not follow Christ or Allah, Hell is the only destination? If we think deeply, we will know that, this exclusivity is not valid currency. Only two thousand years have gone by, since Jesus Christ was born. Mohammad Nabi, 1400 years back Then what happened to all the people who were born and died earlier than that? They could not have had either Jesus Christ or Mohammad Nabi, as their Saviour. So all the crores and crores of people, from time immemorial, should have gone to Hell. Even the ancestors of those who now believe in their Saviours, could not have escaped. These two religions do not believe in re-birth. So you cannot even claim that, they were later born as Christians or Muslims and saved. Can a God let thousands of generations, go uncared for? ( KTSV adds. Note carefully that, there is nothing against either Jesus Christ or Mohammad Nabi. Periyaval very clearly brings out the untenability of the beliefs of the two religionists. It is also quite easily possible, that by now, as You are reading this translation, some new concepts might have been evolved or found, as a counter arguement. Let us get back to Periyaval)

Lokah Samasthah Sukhino Bavanthu.
17. There are in this world, many countries, and in them a variety of geo-physical environments, with suitable floura and fauna. The cultures have evolved to suit these environs. In all of them, suitable Veda Madam, was there everywhere. As peoples desires and expectations changed, the Madam or Religion there flexibly changed. That is why in all religions,old and new, some elements of the Vedic culture,symbols, indications, remained. Only in India, that is Barath Desh; the Vedic remained deep rooted and deeply understood. When other religions came to our shores, those were looked upon as suitable to its followers. 'Live and let live', has been the noble perspective of people of this religion. "Sarve janah sukhino bawanthu. Lokah samasthah sukhino bawanthu', meaning, "let all people be happy.let all the worlds be happy", has been in the lips of Hindus for more than thousands of years. In addition, having begotten Buddhism and Jainism and Sikhism, it has offered it to the worlds. Parsis and Jews, when chased from elsewhere, due to natural or man-made catostrophies, found sanctum, only in India.
Indivdual and Sociological.
18. Till now I have been talking to you about some of the special charecteristics of the Hindu Religion, on the grounds of Philosophy and Theology. In the Social field too, there is a big special. In all religions, there will be philosophy and theology. There will be some thing on individual morality, ethics and social norms, such as, 'Love thy neighbour. Treat the enemy as a friend. Do unto others as you would do like to be done unto yourself. Be loving to all life forms. Be truthful.' All this to some extent only. They never go into the logic of it based on any theoretical or conceptual analysis, except God wishes You to be so. Only in the Hindu religion, there is very clear directions for individual behaviour and social behaviour. Only in the Hindu Religion, there is strong basement, with Directions, Regulations, Restrictions and Logic of Why, for both Individual and Social Rights and Responsibilities. The Individual Dharma is based on Ashramas, such as, Brhmacharya, Grhastha, Vanaprastha and Sanyasa, covering, Student life; Married life; Retired life and Mendicants life. The Social Dharma is based, on the much-mistakely-maligned, Varnasrama Dharma.
19. Ashrama Dharma. Ashrama Dharma is what is required of the Man at different times in his life. After being a small baby, in the household, He goes to a Guru or a Teacher, and spends his time in learning. This is Brhmacharya. After he finishes his education, he is to adopt Grahastha, when he gets married to a suitable Girl, earns his livelyhood and sires children. Then He is to leave the house and live in a forest, without getting involved in the worldly life. In this period, he is to continue his daily and periodical rituals. This is Vanaprastha. Then leaving everything, he is to live the life of the Renounced. This is Sanyasa.
20. Varna Dharma. This is meant for the whole society. Now-a -days, it is subject to much misunderstood-motivated-criticisms. This is not Jadhi Pirivinai. This is not Casteism. Actually, varnam is not the same as caste. In reality, varnam are only four. Castes are many. Within Brahmin as a Varnam, there are Iyers, Iyengars, Rao, and further divisions among them such as, Smartha, Brhacharanam, Vadakalai, Thenkalai and so on. Within the fourth Varnam, there are, Mudali, Pillay, Reddy, and so on. In to-days world, there is a plethora of Castes / Kulam, etc. There are people who say that this Varna Dharma, is the biggest shameful aspect of Hindu Religion. Contrary to this, in fact, if we analyse it without taking sides, we will know that, it is the greatest means for Social order. More about this later.
Sambhomahadeva.

Deivathin Kural Series - 33

Om Namah Sivaya.
Deivathin Kural # 33 of 24 July 2006.

1.These e-mails are translations of talks given by the erstwhile Pontiff of Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam, over more than sixty years, published by Vanady Padippagam, T.Nagar, Chennai, India, in ten volumes, in the Tamil language. The english version is likely to be available very soon. These e-mails are simply an effort on the part of the sender, to share some of his bliss, as it is said, 'Yam perra peru peruga ivvaiyagam'.

2. To-day's e-mail is the translation of what is given in pages, 154 to 157, in volume I, under the heading, 'Darmangalin Pagupadu' ie.,'Religeous Division of Work'. (As you know, Man herein includesWoman and vice versa except when specially mentioned.)
3. For the society's well being, a lot of work is to be done. Some by brain and some by brawn. In them, many varieties are there. All of that is for the society as a whole. It is completely wrong, to consider some as higher and some as lower. All the families need many items, such as food, grocery, clothes, furniture, medicines, electronics, communications, roads, rail, automobiles, air-crafts and so on. For this, all of us cannot be manufacturing everything. Can all of us be involved in, agriculture, trade and commerce, defence, and administration and management? The farmer works for everybody's sake. The cloth manufacturer is not making clothes for his own sake only. Some are in the Police, for the sake of law and order. Some work in the Defence Forces, for the Nation. Similarly, it is essential for some people to be involved in, prayers and devotional activities, for everyone's sake. This mutual sharing of work, has been beautifully streamlined, for the sake of social amity, by our Dharma Sastras.
4. How to do the distribution of work? If it has to be based on capabilities, every one thinks of his or her own capability as very high indeed. If it is to be based on their aptitudes, then every one would prefer to have positions of high status. Then what happens to the jobs not so preferred? How to distribute the human - resources all over the society, and fit them to the jobs? It is not enough to do it once. It has to be done and up-dated, constantly, from generation to generation, ad infinitum. (A big H R D problem, of inhuman proportions!) How can the assessment of worth and aptitude of any person be done from outside? Even if we make an assessment, how correct is it going to be. If everyone can compete for all jobs, how can this be possible? Who to assess? Who should do the distribution of work? So the works were distributed based on heriditory capabilities and aptitudes; thus Varna Dharmam was created.
5. Whatever the work, that work that we get, by heridity, if we take it as God given order, and do it with the understanding that it is for the general welfare of the the Society at large, the same work becomes the most appropriate for our personal benefit also.
The job content, in each type of work, is such that, it will automatically cater for the double requirement of His own and the Society's
Well being. If we tell a man who has to work in the fields, to fast, it will not be appropriate. As against this, a man who has to use his brains more than his brawn, should have more restrictions, requiring Him to fast. He is required to bathe, observe fasts or subsist on less, etc., aimed at making him, less and less dependent on bodily identification. The point to clearly understand is that, all the religious observances are in relation to the type of work the individual is required to do. In this connection, one may recall as to how, Narada's bloated self esteem, was deflated by Baghwan Vishnu, by pointing out that His greatest Devotee was, not Narada but a farmer whose only act of devotion everyday, was to utter, 'Narayana', sincerely once while going out for work and once before going to sleep
6. Even when we do not understand the reason why, if we sincerely observe the minimum duties as required of us, in that particular Varna Dharma, later with understanding, we will find them very useful. We should observe our Dharma as enjoined and assisst others to do so. Instead of leaving our own Dharma, or joining others in their's; we should be enabling others to stick to their own.
7. In work. we are equal. For the smooth functioning of the society, the work has been distributed. Sticking to Varna Dharma, can and does contribute towards general welfare, while simultaneously aiding self cleansing. If everyone goes about doing his own thing, the public works will suffer. Because, to-day everybody wants others money to flow in to their own purse. 'More the merrier', is the motto. In the name of reform, we should not deform the society.
8. Whosoever does whatsoever work, the Government is duty bound to make available the essentials such as, food, clothing and living space. But, if we keep on increasing our needs, it leads to competetiveness and jealousy. The present situation is complicated because of the fact that all sense of satisfaction has somehow been interpreted as money based. Instead, if we look forward to self-satisfaction through doing ones duty, we will have the feeling of being Master on one's own destiny. Then ther will be peace everywhere.
9. There are many eatables. There are many Ragas. Same way, there are many works. Because there is salt in Rasam, we cannot add salt, to other dishes meant to be sweet. That will become Rasaabasam, (ie., incongrous monstrosity). If we mix ragas, or use one swara even, not meant to be in that Raga, it will become Rasaabasam. Now-a-days, people have lost taste for Rasa. Learned Pundits, in between serious talks on Puranas, tend to add jokes and people laugh and appreciate. When there are many healthy things to partake, people use the unhealthy, tasteless, tobacco for nasal inhalation, or chewing, or smoking. These are small Rasaabasams. The biggest Rasaabasam is to make a meaningless mix and mockery of Varna Dharmam, which in real fact is the best arrangement for common welfare.
10. KTSV adds. To-days topic, is the first one on Varna Dharmam. When I think of the present day situation, as related to the conditions obtaining about five to six decades back, my blood starts boiling. With Cine actress affronting the entire masses of devotees, to go and do the stupid thing of touching Ayyappa Statue, at Sabari; Tamil Nadu Government actively trying to make the Priest's job in all temples, open to Non-Brahmins; as Periyaval says in para 7 above, they are deforming the society in the name of reforming. I do not know whom to get annoyed with. Then I remember hearing or reading somewhere, that only five thousand years of Kali Yuga is over. Balance is three lac 27 thousand years. That means that we are going to witness much more Rasaabasa. In the meantime, I am going to keep reading and translating and sending You these e-mails.
Sambhomahadeva.

Deivathin Kural Series - 31

Om Namah Sivaya.
Deivathin Kural # 31 of 20 July 2006.


1.These e-mails are translations of talks given by the erstwhile Pontiff of Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam, over more than sixty years, published by Vanady Padippagam, T.Nagar, Chennai, India, in ten volumes, in the Tamil language. The english version is likely to be available very soon. These e-mails are simply an effort on the part of the sender, to share some of his bliss, as it is said, 'Yam perra peru peruga ivvaiyagam'.

2. To-day's e-mail is the translation of what is given in pages, 130 to 138, in volume I, under the heading, 'Ulagam Paraviya Madam', ie., 'The Religion That Covered The Whole World'. (As you know, Man herein includesWoman and vice versa.)
3. This Religion that is called The Hindu Religion was once, the only Religion throughout the World. There was no need to name it, since it was the only religion. That is why there is no such name available, in any if the basic-root-literature- books of this religion. This is my humble opinion.
4. When we look into the archeological finds of many other Nations, we find many evidences connected to our Vedas. For example, archeologists have discovered in Egypt, evidence of an agreement between two Kings, wherein it is said that it is made, as witnessed by, 'Varuna and Mithra'. This document is dated to about 1300 years before Christ's birth. Mithra and Varuna, are the Sun and Rain Gods of our Religion. Ramses as a royal name, seems to be evolved from, 'Rama'. In the cities of Madagaskar, the write ups seem to be based on the Sanskrit language, up to 75%.
5. In the Southern Hemisphere of the globe too, such evidences are found. In Mexico, during Navrathri in Sept-Oct, there is a festival conducted, which is called, 'Rama-Sita'. There, many 'Pillaiyar', statues have been unearthed. Before Spain was run over by invaders, the natives were known as, 'Aztecs'. This is derived from a Sanskrit word, 'Astigar', meaning, 'those who believe in God'. In Peru, on Tamil New Years Day, they conduct a Pooja to the Sun God, in the Sun Temple. These people are known as, 'Incas'. 'Inan', is a name for the Sun, in Sanskrit. Sri Rama of Ramayana, is also known as 'Ina Kula Thilakan', or foremost of the Sun Family.
6. I saw a book, written by Spencer and Killen, by the name Native Tribes of Central Australia, in which was depicted, the aborigines dancing naked. Pages 128 and 129, contained photos under which, it was written. 'Siva Dance'. I noticed carefully that everyone in the phptograph, had a third eye, drawn in the center of their forehead, between the eye-brows, as Siva is depicted in our mythology.
In the virgin forests of Borneo, a stone cutting was found, in which it was carved, in Grantha Lipi, that. so and so king installed a 'Yupa Sthambam', that he did a particular Yaga, that he gave a Karpaga Vruksham to Brahmins. It is called the 'Yupa Inscriptions of Mulavarman Koil.' It is the Britishers who make much fun of our religion, who have done this excavation and found all these facts.
7. More than all this, I will tell you about something very surprising and revealing. 'The sons of the King Sagara, having lost the Horse meant for Yaga, went in search of the animal. They dug the earth. The vast digging became filled with water and was called, 'Sagaram', or the oceon. Finally they found the Horse tied to a tree in Kapila Rishi's Ashrama. Thinking him to be the thief, they pestered him. By one look He burnt them to ashes.' This is a story in Ramayana. The equi-knox of India, is Americas. That can be taken as Pathala, to which, Sagara's sons dug the earth and reached. Kapilaranyam could be called California. On its side are the Horse Island and Ash Island. Another idea strikes me. They say that the Sahara desert was once an Oceon. Could be Sagaram became Sahara.
8. Like this, the indications are plenty, that this Religion was spread all over the world. The Researchers say that, 'some people went from here to other countries, and that others came from other countries here; and that a lot of changes took place'. To me, it seems that, in the olden times prior to known history, all over the world was one religion. When they come across some evidences, (in the time frame of, within two to three thousand years,) available in other countries, they say that, Indians went to those places and having erased the local culture, inserted their own civilization. But there are even older indications dating back to more than four thousand years. Wherever there was civilization, Vedas were already there, is my contention. Other religions came to hold sway in those places only much later. In Greece, an old religion came in to being, where many big temples were constructed for many Gods. There also Vedic influence is aplenty. Before Christ, in the semetic Hebrew religions too, Vedic influence is there, including, division of the society into four castes. The aborigines of Mexico had such a religion where, each and every aspect of nature, is revered as devine. They also had many rituals. Now all these have disappeared, including the Hellenic religion. It is Christianity that has spread in all of Europe and Americas. Japan and central Asia, East Asia, have Confusianism, Buddhism and Muslim religions. In South Africa, in the deep forests and deserts, some old tribal religions are there. In these too the Vaidic influence seems to be plentiful. I will give you an example of this.
9. Let me touch another related issue here. To explain principles, it has been an age old custom of human beings to give it in the form of a story. It is better understood by the common man then. Either make it a story or make it a ritual. Then the symbolic enables understanding. All rituals are symbolic. I am not saying that all Puranas are only symbolic. Ramayana and Mahabaratha are real events only. But stories make principles and concepts, easily absorbed. Out of real events, what is quoted in literature, cannot be of hum-drum / monotonous material. Day to day words used in conversation, cannot become, 'Quotable Quotes'! Similarly rituals, impart some immediate benefits, enable understanding of subtle ideas and take you to a stage beyond, the need to look for benefits. Over a long period however, both stories and rituals, may lose their inner meaning and go far away from the original intentions.
10. Let me come back to the example, referred in the last line of Para 8 above. In the Hebrew religions, you must have heared of the story of Adam and Eve. There was a tree of knowledge. It was God's order that, the fruits of 'the tree of knowledge', was not to be eaten. Adam did not eat it. Eve ate it. Then, Adam thought, 'Come what may. Whether upliftment or down fall, let it happen to me too'.
So Adam too ate the fruit. This is the story in Genesis, in the Old Testament. There is a story in our Upanishads, which is similar, and which has become this story of Adam and Eve. With the change, it has lost the original symbolic connotations too. What is said in the Upanishad? 'There are two birds on the Pippala tree. One bird eats the Pippala fruit. The second bird is looking at the other without eating the fruit,' says the Upanishad. The human body is the tree of knowledge. In it, one thinking himself / herself / itself to be Jeeva is eating the fruits of sense-gratification; this is one bird. In the same body, the Paramatma, is another bird. He does not move. He is observing the other. He is the witness. He only looks at the Jeeva's actions. He neither eats the fruits nor undergo the effects of Jeevas actions. The one who eats is the Jeeva. The non-eating witness is Atma.
11. Jeeva in Hebrew parlance has become Eve. 'Jee', becomes 'ee', as it happens in Yamuna becoming Jamuna, and Yoginder becoming Joginder, and vice versa. Jeeva became Eve and Atma became Adam. Pippala fruit is the Apple. The tree of knowledge is the Bodhi tree. Remember, that Buddha got his Gnanam under a Bodhi Vruksha. Even before Buddha, the Arasa Maram of Tamil Nadu is known as Bodhi tree. The Upanishadic story, has changed shape and lose the original symbolic message too. The Atma which is not subject to sense-gratifications, as Adam is depicted as having eaten the fruit, in the story of the Bible. While the Bodhi tree is symbolic of Awareness, the subjective sense involvement, has been termed the tree of knowledge. Don't You think that there is enough evidence here, that all over the World, there was only this nameless religion? OK. I think I will have to give you yet another example, to prove the point that, despite all the wear and tear of Time and Space, the original will somehow out itself.
12. Our Thiruppavai and Thiruvembavai, are not as old as the Vedas. They are supposed to have originated within the past 1500 years or so. Andal and Manikkavachagar, are anyhow, people of much later times than the Vedas and Itihasas. After their times, many of the Hindu Kingdoms came into being across the oceons. Cholas did expand their sovereignity, abroad. More than that, the South Indians influence spread across the Bay of Bengal and Indian Oceon, due to trade and commerce. Impressed by these traders, Hindu civilization, religion and culture did spread in many of the East Asian countries. Pali became a Hindu kingdom. The influence spread to Cambodia, Thailand, Indo-china, Manila, Philippines, collectively known as the Vijaya Kingdom.
13. So, at Stage-1, in the past, all over the Earth, there was only one Religion based on Vadas; then Stage-2, when many new religions came into being in various places; then Stage-3, when Christianity, Islam and Buddhism spread all over the world, submerging the older beliefs; then is Stage-4, when Hindu civilization and culture again revived in South East Asia. This fourth Stage is the period, when (World History came to be recorded though still only haphazardly, and) big South Indian Temple complexes came into being, in places such as, Angkor Wat, Perabuthur, Prambanan, etc. This is the period when, our Thiruppavai and Thiruvembavai, went to Siam, now known as Thailand. Now I will give you that example I talked about in the last line of Para11, above.
14. In Thailand, every year, in the month of Mrigasirsha, they have a festival. In the Month of Margazhi in Tamil, (ie., Dec15 to Jan15), Tamilians do daily chanting of Thiruppavai or Thiruvambavai, or both, There are 30 songs in both Thiruppavai and Thiruvembavai, one for each day of the month. Young unmarried girls, go for a bath in the River or Pond, early in the morning, singing these songs. It is followed by a fast, and austerities. It is believed that the girls will find a suitable husband as a boon. In Thailand, the festival seems like a combined mix of Saivism and Vaishnavism. What they do is Dolotsavam, in which the Gods are depicted to Swing in a Oonjal, which is a Vaishnavite tradition. But the God depicted is Siva. If you asked them as to whether they know the Pavai songs, their answer is, 'No. Not a single word'. Then why am I connecting this, to the festival in South India? Because, this festival is known as, Tryambavai -Tripavai.
15. Now. Those who read the Bible, have a story fron the Upanishads, without any apparent access to the same. Similarly, in Thailand, where the chanting of Thiruppavai and Thiruvembavai has completely stopped, they have a festival in the Dhanur month, in which they decorate a man as Siva and conduct Dolotsavam and call it Triyambavai-Tripavai!! When such can be the aberrations, in a symbolic festival-tradition-ritual, within the period of recorded history, then imagine what can happen over three to four thousand years. But whatever the changes, Veda-sampradaya truths will come out, saying, 'here we are'.
16. What is the meaning of saying that, there are signs of our Hinduism in the Religions of the Natives of various parts of the world? I t is to say that, in times of hoary past, when most of the world was no where near being called a civilization, we did not go to those countries, on Expeditions of Adventure or Venture, and imposed our Religion or Culture, there. In the whole world, all over the Globe, it must have been Veda Madam only, a Religion Without a Name. Then they progressed or regressed in to local set of beliefs and traditions, wherein Christianity, Buddhism and Islam spread.
Sambhomahadeva.

Deivathin Kural Series - 30

Om Namah Sivaya.
19 July 2006.


1.These e-mails are translations of talks given by the erstwhile Pontiff of Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam, over more than sixty years, published by Vanady Padippagam, T.Nagar, Chennai, India, in ten volumes, in the Tamil language. The english version is likely to be available very soon. These e-mails are simply an effort on the part of the sender, to share some of his bliss, as it is said, 'Yam perra peru peruga ivvaiyagam'.

2. To-day's e-mail is the translation of what is given in pages, 124 to 129, in volume I, under the heading, 'Peyarillada Madam', ie., 'The Nameless Religion'. From page 124 to 284, Periyaval has grouped them under the Heading, Vaidika Madam. (As you know, Man herein includesWoman and vice versa.)
3. What we call the Hindu Religion, nowadayas, actually does not have this name. Hindu means Love. The one who hates cruelty, is a Hindu. This is an interesting statement, but not the meaning of the word. In our olden literatures, there is no such word as, 'Hindu'. Hindus is a name given to the people of this country by foreigners. Foreigners coming in to India, from the North and West, came across the Sindu river. The river was called the Indus, and accordingly, the country came to be called India and it's people the Hindus. It is a funny thing, as to how these names come in to being. You call a place a name and then, places beyond that, also get the same or a derivative name. In North India, whenever a Bairagi begs, people used to give alms. Bairagis had a crib that South Indians do not do so. They sing a song, in which there is a line, that goes like this. 'illa po po kahe telungi'. The song coveys that the Telugu speaking people, chase Bairagis away, saying, 'illai po po'. This is to say in Tamil, 'no alms, go go'. From North India, the Bairagis evidently came down South to Tamil Nadu, through, the Telugu speaking Andhra. The Bairagi must have been told to go away, in Tamil. Understanding neither Tamil nor Telugu, he ends up calling the Tamilians as Telungi. A similar case is one in which, the people of Andhra Pradesh, call Tamil speaking people as, 'Aravam vadu'. The lower portion of Andhra Pradesh, towards South is called, 'Arva desh'. So Tamil Nadu located further South also gets to be called 'Aravam vadu'. Similarly, the foreigners ended up calling the vast sub continent beyond the Indus river, as India and their religion as Hindu.
4. But Hindu is not our original name. What we call, 'Vaidika or Sanathana Madam', is also not our real name. When we search in the Vedas, Upanishads and Puranas, this religion has no name whatsoever. When I thought about this, I felt very bad! Let it be kept aside.
5. One day some one told me, that 'Ramu has arrived'. Slightly absent minded, I asked, 'which Ramu?'. The counter question came, 'Are there many Ramus, that You have to ask, Which Ramu?'.
I got it. In our village, there were four boys of the same name. For identification, they were called, 'black Ramu, small Ramu, big Ramu and white Ramu'. Absent mindedly I had asked, 'which Ramu?',
even when there was only one person being referred. I immediately also understood as to why, there is no name for our religion. When there are many of a kind, there is a need for identification. When there is only one there is no need for a name!
6. Other than our Religion, all other Religion's names have evolved from some Great Being. Buddhism has come from Budda. There was no Buddhism before Buddha. Jainism is from, Maha Vira Jina.
Christianity is fron Jesus Christ. So thus,every Religion has come into being, from some Great Soul and there was no such Religion before Him. Before the evolution of any such religion, our religion was there. No one man created this Religion. Before the advent of any other religion, this was spread all over the Globe. Since there was no other religion, it had no name. There was no need to name it. I was not feeling bad any more and I had more respect for my own religion.
7. OK, OK, let us accept it to be the oldest of Religions. But the question arises as to who is the original founder of the Religion? It has been impossible to find out as to who could have been the original founder of this nameless religion, however much one may search. If we ask the question as to whether, we should call Veda Vyasa, who organised the Vedas in to four parts and wrote the Brhma Sutra, or Sri Krishna who gave Bagawat Gita, or some one like that, the answer promptly comes to mind that, they are all talking about or quoting Vedas,already existing prior to them. Then if we try to identify the Great Sages or Brhma Rishis, who were the First ever people quoting the Veda Mantras; again, we come to noughts. The Rishis invariably, emphatically, have said that, they are not the authors
of those Mantras. When we chant Each Mantra, we touch the Head with a particular Rishi's name. But they say, that they are only those to whom, the Mantra was revealed. The Mantras were made available through them and not composed by them. 'When we subdued our minds and sat in Meditation, the Mantras were seen by us in the Akasa. We are only Mantra Seers and not Creators,' they say. Mantra Drashtas and not Mantra Kartas.
8. All sounds are originated in Space only. The sight evolves out of that. Modern Science says that the Universe is created by vibrations in space. By the power of their 'Tapasya', the Rishis saw the Mantras and their sounds, in space. But the mantras are not their creations. The mantras are, 'apourusheyam', or not-man-made. The Vedas are Devine breaths. The Rishis found them and gave them to the World. When we get to know this, the regret that our religion is nameless, becomes a matter of pride and pleasure. We will feel happy that we are heir to a religion, which has the Devine Breath as the Vedas, from which the rest of the religion has evolved.
Sambhomahadeva.

Deivathin Kural Series - 29

Om Namah Sivaya.
18 July 2006.

1.These e-mails are translations of talks given by the erstwhile Pontiff of Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam, over more than sixty years, published by Vanady Padippagam, T.Nagar, Chennai, India, in ten volumes, in the Tamil language. The english version is likely to be available very soon. These e-mails are simply an effort on the part of the sender, to share some of his bliss, as it is said, 'Yam perra peru peruga ivvaiyagam'.

2. To-day's e-mail is the translation of what is given in pages, 116 to 122, in volume I, under the heading, 'Mada Bodagarin Yogyathamsangal', ie., 'The Essential Qualifications in a Religious Teacher'. (As you know Man herein includesWoman.) In the last e-mail, in para 9, in the first line, for, '....in their being......', read, '.......in there being......'.
3. In to-day's world, in all countries, many Religious Leaders and philosophical analysts, accept Adwaita as the foremost principle. The idea is catching on. You call me your Religious Guru. So you are likely to hold the view that, the reason for the popularity for Adwaita is due to the innate greateness of the principle of Adwaita, and You are likely to expect me to say so. No. I am doing some loud thinking here. Is Adwaita the foremost Principle followed by a majority of people? No. There are many Ideas, Concepts, Religions, Principles, followed by people. There have been occassions, when the whole lot of people from one nation, have shifted their allegiance from one religion to another. In Budda's time, many Vaidikas joined the Buddhist religion. Later many Hindus of India have joined, Christianity and or the Muslim religion. People of Jainism have become Vaishnavites, calling themselves as, 'Pushti Margis', in the past. During Sri Ramanujacharya's period, many turned, 'Visishtadwaitis'. In Madhva's time, many followed and accepted his, Madhva Siddhantha. During Adi Sankara's time, the Jaina and Buddhist religions were adversely affected, in terms of followers. In his time, many Karma Margis, shifted to Adwaita Siddhanta. So the known history is full of examples that, a one time majority religion, becomes a minority some times. Why does this happen? The question is, do people analyse the principles and concepts, before accepting a religion? Some intelligentia may do that. But the mass of people does not do that. The common man does not have either the capability or time to do that.
4. If it is true, that people accept or discard a religion, based on an understanding of the principles and intricacies of dogma, when you ask someone to explain the basics of their religion, they should be able to give a cogent description. They should be able to say why they prefer their religion, over other religions. But, in relity, mostly the general public will not be able to say so. They do not know the delicate points, to be able to argue about it, other than that, they happen to belong to a religion because, they are born in it. If others know a little, many Hindus know even less. Leave aside the illiterate, the so called learned, know even less, amongst the Hindus. They are rather ashamed of the caste system and idol worship, as they are more aware of the criticisms levelled against their religion and have not made an effort to learn the answers to such criticisms.
5. So, it is my opinion, that religions do not grow, based on an understanding of the guiding principles. The common man is not interested in knowing the principles. Faith generated, by the good behaviour, good habits, love and kindness, is more the reason, why people adopt a religion. When a great saintly person, evolves amidst them, they become ready to follow Him, and listen to him in the belief that, whatever he says must be for their good. As against this, whatever the erudition, if that man misbehaves, that religion starts to decline. While we are not able to identify the reason why, a religion flourishes, despite apparent cotradictions in principles and dogma; the reason for a religion's decline, is easy to identify. From this one can also get to know as to why it flourished orginally. That is, when we know why a religion, goes down; we can understand as to how, it lives and grows. In any country, at any time; when the religious leaders and their organisations have shown moral turpitude; there has been a steady decline.
6. Buddha came. As we hear his story, see his statues with it's graceful countenance, we develop a respect and admiration. To see Him in life, must have been awe inspiring. In later times, there has been occassions when Buddha Viharas, became ill famous, as evidenced by the Drama, 'Maththa vilasa Praharanam', written during the time of Mahendra Pallava. This is around the time, when Buddhism underwent its decline. The growth and decline of religions is dependent on the quality of it's leaders.
7 After Buddha, Adi Sankara, came as an adorable and admirable man, and people flocked to him. Then Ramanujacharya and Madhva in turn, captured peoples imagination and respect..Their ideas were absorbed and they could inspire great following. In recent times, Gandhi, came as a man of peace, sacrifice and total self negation. He could inspire the whole nation, and his followers could be motivated to give their life, for Truth, Ahimsa and Satyagraha. Crores of people adopted, what was called, 'Gandhiyam'. If the following were to be based on the high principles only, Gandhiyam should
have had a tremendous following, even now. But we know that, as the subsequent leaders of the Congress Party, did only lip-service to Gandhiyam; it went out of reckoning.
8. The question here is not about, the religions which are spread by, force or the pull of money. If some religious leaders, do a variety of social service and assistance, the poor may get attracted. In the period after 1930, this is how many joined the Christian ranks, in India. Similarly, many joined the Muslim religion, under compulsion, during the period, the Muslims were the rulers in India, prior to the arrival of the Britishers. Here too, the point is that, people were not attracted by the pull of noble principles. Another important point. It is the poorest people, living in slums, who were so attracted, by the christian missionaries, during the British period. 'You are down trodden. Your religion has degraded you. If you join our religion, we will lift you to higher economic and social status. We will give you free education, free medical aid'. This is the promise, supported by the then Government, which was the basis of their propoganda. But not all did so. Despite their poverty, despite the promised allures, they were ready to bear with themselves and their religion. Why? Their own inherent sense of loyalty and integrity and greatness is one reason. More than that, for generation to generation, there have been, an abundance of great religios leaders, who have come in to being, in this country, more than any other place on Earth. This is an inviolabe fact. Despite whatever handicaps, if people have stuck to the Religion called, The Hindu, the reason is that, they felt, 'come what may, I am not going to leave this Religion, which has sprouted so many Mahatmas!'.
9. We need not be critical of the Missionaries of other religions. We need not hate them. Let us not think that the reason for their efferts, is for hegemony. Let us attribute the noblest of reasons for their trying to attract others to in to their own religion, to be due to their love of their own religion. So accordingly, they may think that, there is nothing wrong, in using force and or allure. So conversion may be justified, in their view as, 'the end justifies the means'.
10. But when a religion, does not believe in conversion of other religionists, and does not believe in use of force and lure of lucre; then how does it grow? The answer is simple. Only by highest level of Humaneness, in it's leaders and its followers. By the highest levels of Integrity, Honesty, Truth, Love, Kindness and all the values that Human beings love, adore and admire. You can't play-act these qualities. You have to be truely so. Whatever the nobleness of principles, such a leader can have no selfishness. He or she can have no hatered. Innate peace and love of all, including animals and birds and insects and all animate and inanimate things as devine. They should be so pure, that the impurities of anyone approaching them should automatically get sanctified. Even now, this is the only way that Hinduism can thrive. No need for counter propoganda. We need representatives, who will be living embodiments of the nobility of Hindu religious beliefs. It is by such people, that Hinduism has survived, not for generations, but for Yugas. In the hereafter too it will have to depend on such people.
11. If someone comes to use force to convert us, I cannot mobilise an army and fight. If somebody wants to open hospitals and schools, using crores of rupees, for converting us, I do not have access to such finances. Even in case I could raise an army and had access to such money, I still won't do it; because such conversion by any religion, is not a genuine change. It will not be permanent. Because the same thing can be done by, yet another party, richer and more powerful. So instead of believing in these outside powers of force and money, we should believe in the Inner powers of 'Atma Shakthi', by raising ourselves by ourselves. Then no propoganda, no money-power, no force, can touch us. Without fighting, without propoganda, without the 'lure of lucre', Hinduism can and will thrive. The philosophers of other countries may praise Adwaita, to high heavens, because of its innate superiority and relevance. They have come to that understanding, by analysis and meditation. But that is not important to the common man. For him the nobleness of principles is irrelevant. He is looking for noble souls as ' friends, guides and philosophers'. All my lectures are aimed at, with the prayer that such a person may come in to being amidst us. No other greater acievement can there be, than that.
12. KTSV says, periyaval was one such.
Sambhomahadeva.

Deivathin Kural Series - 28

Om Namah Sivaya.
Deivathin Kural # 28 of 17 July 2006.

1.These e-mails are translations of talks given by the erstwhile Pontiff of Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam, over more than sixty years, published by Vanady Padippagam, T.Nagar, Chennai, India, in ten volumes, in the Tamil language. The english version is likely to be available very soon. These e-mails are simply an effort on the part of the sender, to share some of his bliss, as it is said, 'Yam perra peru peruga ivvaiyagam'.

2. To-day's e-mail is the translation of what is given in pages, 112 to 115, in volume I, under the heading, 'Madangalin Orrumaii' ie., 'Oneness of Religions'. (As you know Man herein includesWoman.)
3. All religions have come in to being, for the purpose of praying to God. All of them say that God is one. That One God will accept your prayers, whatever be the Religion, through which You approach Him. So, there is no need for anyone to leave his religion and convert to another religion. Temple, Church, Masjid,Vihara, etc, can differ in their structure, the Idol or symbol, procedures, ceremonies and approach. But there is no difference in the God, who answers Your prayers. Depending on various habits, cultures and compulsions of the environment; of different Nations and Societies, various Religions have evolved. They are all meant to bring Man closer to God. So, it is clear that, there is no need to change your religion. Those who convert to another religion, somehow insult the religion in which they were born, the one converted to and God!
4. You may say, "Why is Swamiji saying this? Anybody leaves the religion to which born, only because, they would have found some deficiencies, in their own religion. Why is he saying that such people insult the religion to which they are converting?" Let me answer. Without the understanding that God is universal, only a narrow perceptive, can lead to convertions. Thinking their own God to be useless, they leave one religion and change to another. Do they think of the God to whom they are now getting attached to, as encompassing all? No. Because, if they think of the New God, (let us call Him New God! for ease of understanding,) again ther is no need for convertion. Because they think that their New God will protect them, only if they leave their old religion and come to the new religion, they decide to convert. So they have made the New God, a parochial fanatic. So, they have now constructed a wall between the old and new religions. Despite wrongly assuming that religions have a sense of respect, they end up disrespecting the new. ( To say that, 'Islam ko khatra ho gaya or Hinduism ko khatra ho gaya or your religion is at peril!', is all rabble rousing only.)
5. I must point out, an important difference, between Hinduism and other religions. This is the only religion, which does not say, that this is the only religion! capable of taking you to God. The Sanathana Vaidika Dharma, does not believe in convertion. There have never been any instances, in the recorded history, of any forcible convertion, in to Hindu religion. Because a true follower always respected the fact that there is not only one route to truth. The great thinkers of this religion always believed that, there are more approaches to the same goal. They believed in 'emmadamum sammadame'. Everyone born as a Hindu can be proud of this broad and liberal mentality. Veda declares, 'the one truth is spoken about by the learned in many ways'. In Gita, Krishna Bagawan says, 'Whosoever prays in whatever form or method, I reinforce his concentration, in that process'. One of the Alwars says, 'avaravar tamadama darivari vagaivagai avaravar iraiavar', meaning, everyone to his own understanding and methods and God. So Hindus have never resorted to conversion, but inversion. They have never come down to Proslytisation, Crusades and Jehads. This is a Historical fact. The Vijaya,
Chera, Chola, Pandya and Pallava Kingdoms did foray into portions of South East. Some of them were trade and commerce, while some of them were military adventures. But never on religious grounds.
There have never been any forcible conversions. Many have been attracted towards Hindu beliefs and doctrines.
6. In my opinion, in olden times, the Vaidika Madam, was spread all over the world. Later other religions have come in to being in the past 2000 years. The fact that Hinduism was there, is available as relics or ruins, in many parts of the world. Even researchers, who may not agree with me totally, do agree that, Hindu religion and culture, have spread to many parts of the world, not by force, but by the acceptance voluntarily.
7. To convert a Man to a new religion, there has to be a ritual. Some ceremony such as Baptism, has to be there. But it is interesting to note that, in a religion well known for having many 'rituals',
more than other religions, there are no rituals, for convertion. This is proof enough to show that, we do not believe in conversion.
8. When we get down from the Train in a Railway Station, it is but natural, for some drivers of Riksha / Jatka / Taxi / drivers to approach us to give us a lift, at a price. In whosoever vehicle we may get in, we will anyhow reach the destination. There is nothing wrong in their competitiveness, to earn their living. But to compete with each other, in trying to expand one's own Religion, and do convertion through offer of financial benefits, is completely objectionable and meaningless. While the aim is to take us closer to God, this competetiveness in convertion, is only an effort to dominate at the cost of free will. Anyone can believe in any God. That is free will. Luring people from other religions, for the sake of hegemony is what is not required and objectionable.
9. Among religions, there is nothing wrong, in their being some differences, in procedures and functions and rituals. But there is no need to make them in to one. Between people of different religions, Uniformity is not required. Unity is essential.
Sambhomahadeva.

Deivathin Kural Series - 27

Om Namah Sivaya.
1 July 2006.


1.These e-mails are translations of talks given by the erstwhile Pontiff of Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam, over more than sixty years, published by Vanady Padippagam, T.Nagar, Chennai, India, in ten volumes, in the Tamil language. The english version is likely to be available very soon. These e-mails are simply an effort on the part of the sender, to share some of his bliss, as it is said, 'Yam perra peru peruga ivvaiyagam'.

2. To-day's e-mail is the translation of what is given in pages, 108 to 111, in volume I, under the heading, 'Sakal Madangalukkum Poduvana Bakthi'. (As you know Man herein includesWoman.)
3. As I said before, all the Religions of this world, have come into being to relieve him of all worries. While he has a monopoly on worries; if only he tries, he also has a special capability to attain to Gnanam, not available to any other type of beings, including Angels or Devas. All the Religions of the world proclaim , that Man can be relieved from all worries and fears, if he surrenders to God, who is the creator-sustainer-destroyer. Adwaitam, Visishta-adwaitam, Dwaitam, Saiva-Siddantam, Islam, Juism and Christianity, are all, of one view, on this issue. For all of them, Bakthi or Devotion, is a common platform.
4. Though Buddaha, did not talk about Bakthi, Buddhists have not been able to avoid this. That is why, they have considered Buddha as the God and do Pooja to him, by installing huge statues of Him in their shrines. Even in recent times, many Saints have solely emphasised the importance of, 'Atma-Vichara'. Their followers have invariably,come to consider these Saints as God and direct their Devotion,
towards that Saint. Devotion is such a natural tendency.
5. As per Adwaita, when you pray to God, You are to get over the idea of seperateness. Pray or do the Pooja, as though, He and You are One and the same. In Pooja Vidhanam, You will see this injunction:- 'Deho Devalayaha. Proktho Jeevo Sanathanaha. Tyajeth Andhakara Nirmalyam. Soham Bhavena Poojayeth', meaning, 'this human body is God's temple. The Jeeva is forever. Throw away darkness of agnana, as you would, the used flowers of yesterday, and start the process of Devotion, with the idea, that You and Him are One. Similarly, in the Sandya Vandanam, (that is required to be done by, Brahmins, Kshatriyas and Vaisyas,) is a Mantra, 'Brhma eva aham asmi', meaning, 'I am Brhma'. This is not meant for telling others or for boasting. This is meant to be told to yourself. Here is an apparent paradox. We have an Idea of God, as omnipotent, omnipresent, and so on. The Devotee is known to be limited in all capabilities. How can the two be one?
6. Listen carefully to the answer. If the opposite were true, ie., If God and the Devotee are two different entities, it would mean that there could be things, other than God! Where did they come from?
If their source of origin is different, how could He have control over them? Deep thinking on this will lead to the conclusion that, the One Oceon of Ishwara, is also the water, in the steam, cloud, rain, rivulets, rivers, wells, lakes, utencil, glass and spoon. There can be differences in size, shape, name and capabilities. But basically we are one. Acceptance of this reality is Adwaita Mukthi.
7. It is not enough to say this intellectually. This should become the experience in the mind, heart and being. Till there is an iota of the idea of seperateness, in us, this Anubhava-siddhi, can happen only with God's blessing. Even to be devoted, we need His blessings. As Manikkavachagar says, 'avan arulale avan tal vanangi'. To stop running from piller to Post, and to develop an attraction towards Adwaita, we need His blessings:- 'Easwara anugrahath eva pumsam adwaita vasana'. In the early stages, though feeling of seperateness cannot be avoided, we must tell ourself, 'whatever is God, is also the world, is also me. I am not different. I am not contrary to God. I am not anti God.' Since we all love ourself, our love for Him can only increase in the process.
8. The God who grants the fruit-effect of all our actions, will also fruition our devotion. You take a step towards Him and see Him responding with many steps. We do not have to analyse Him. No need for comprehension. We will be given the necessary understanding, for which He will get down to our level. In Bagawath Gita, He says, 'bakthya mam abhijanathi yavan yachami'. To know him is to Love Him. The Devotee loves to talk about Him in all His Glories. Gnani on the other hand, concentrates on the aspectless-aspect of the potential, and gets dissolved in it entirely. Even that starts from Devotion/Bakthi only.
9. This saguna-upasana or idol worship, has given raise to the concept of individual's special-favourite-god, or 'ishta-devata'. Other religions stop at One God. But our Hindu Religion known as Sanatana Dharma, has given the freedom to pray to God, the way the individual wishes. After all the fact remains that it is the same God, who exhibits Himself in so many forms. The One God only has revealed Himself to so many Great Saints, in so many forms. These forms are not just imaginary. The Saints have inter acted with their God, played with Him, spoken to Him, Realised Him and have also indicated the procedure for prayers and given the Mantra, for the use by the followers.
10. Whatever the procedures, systems, principles, ie., whatever the differences in approach, to Jesus Christ or Allah or Ishta-Devata or Kula-Devata or Grama-Devata or Rama or Krishna or Shiva-Vishnu-Brhma, Bakthi or Devotion, is central to all.
Sambhomahadeva.

Deivathin Kural Series - 26

Om Namah Sivaya.
Deivathin Kural # 26 of 13 July 2006.

1.These e-mails are translations of talks given by the erstwhile Pontiff of Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam, over more than sixty years, published by Vanady Padippagam, T.Nagar, Chennai, India, in ten volumes, in the Tamil language. The english version is likely to be available very soon. These e-mails are simply an effort on the part of the sender, to share some of his bliss, as it is said, 'Yam perra peru peruga ivvaiyagam'.

2. To-day's e-mail is the translation of what is given in pages, 104 to 107, in volume I, under the heading, 'Manidhanum Mirugamum', meaning, 'Man and Animal'. (As you know Man herein includesWoman.)
3. Animals grow horizontally. So they are known as 'thiryak', in Sanskrit. Contrary to this, Man who grows vertically, should have a higher ambition and outlook. Then He can reach higher levels of happiness. But in practice, Man seems to suffer more. Animals do not seem to experience passion, worry, sorrow and insult as man does. More than anything else, animals are not capable of committing
sins. Only Man commits sin and suffers in the bargain. In one way, it will seem that Man has not been given the facilities, as has been given to animals. If you beat a cow, it has horns to try and retaliate.Tiger has been given nails. We do not have horns or nails. To save itself from cold animals have a thick covering of hair. We do not have it. If somebody opposes, we have nothing to fight with. We cannot even
run. Horse which does not have horns, can atleast run away. But despite all this, Man is the only animal given a brain. A big brain comparatively.
4. To save himself from cold, he snatches other animal's covering. Converts it into a blanket or a coat. Not only that, to move faster, He can make use of a Horse and use it's speed, to his advantage. God has given him the brain to make use of other animals. Thus he has the brains to make use of all, 'sthavara and jungama', that is, moving and static world, for his purpose. For self defence, he has been able to make a whole arsenal of weapons, starting from the the crude knife to the much sophisticated Atomic Weapons. Thus using his brains alone, He has almost mastered all the living and non-living world. Animals live in one area of the globe, in their own habitat. The polar bear cannot survive in Chennai. The Elephant of the tropics, cannot survive in the polar regions. But Man lives all over the world with the God given power of adaptability.
5. With this superior brains, Man is still suffering. Animals do no have this problem. What is the reason for this suffering? Because of being born are his sufferings. How not to be born? Since we have to take so much whip lashes, we take a body and bear it. Having received our quota, this body goes. By that time we have booked the next quota. The sins are due to desires. Desire leads to further anger and hatered. The cycle goes on and on. Desire-less-ness is the only antidote. Action without, desire and attachments, can enable us to break this endless regression. So, to kill desire is the ultimate aim.
What is th reason for desires? To think that there is something other than oneself, is the Cause. In reality, everything, including me and you and others, are only, 'Sarvam,Satyam, Sivam, Santham.'
6. Have You seen, birds or animals, looking at their own image in the mirror? I have seen house sparrows, ritually spending a lot of time everyday, with its own image in the mirror. A buffaloe looking at a mirror tries to Head-butt its own image. Sometime we can be surprised when we suddenly come across our own image. We become quiet, once we know that it is our image. Similarly, all the people are our images only. The moment we count two, Love and Hate, both are born. Desire leads to anger. Anger leads to sin. In Tamil, "Parvaiai punidam akkik kondu parppadu anaithum Iraivan enru therindukol!". In Sanskrit, "Drishtim gnana mayam krutva, pasyata Brhma mayam jagat!". In English, "By divinising your eye-sight, see everything as an embodyment of God!"
Thus all that we see is one only. The second or other, leads successively to, desire, hate, anger, sin, next-life. Once we know that everything is one, no more desire or hate or anger or sin or next life or suffering. Do You see the logic?
7. How to get this awareness? Mother breast-feeds the baby, for physical growth. Mother Ambal feeds us with the milk of human kindness, which eventually leads us to the Awareness. Let us catch her holy feet, and sacrifice I-Me-Mine in Her Swaroopa of total Gnanam. First Man has to be made into Man instead of being an animal. Then slowly and gradually He can be raised to the level of Devinity. With this aim in view, religeons have come into being. Whatever be the differences between religions, in Principles, Concepts, Rituals, Procedures, Methods, Dogma, 'TO MAKE MAN A BETTER HUMAN BEING", is the common goal. To lead, ManFrom ignorant non-being, unto aware-being; from darkness unto light; from death unto death-less-ness; from here to eternity; is the aim of religions.
"Asato ma sat gamaya; tamaso ma jyotir gamaya; mrtyo ma amirtam gamaya." In saying this all religions speak in the same voice.
Sambhomahadeva.

Deivathin Kural Series - 25

Om Namah Sivaya.
12 July 2006.

1.These e-mails are translations of talks given by the erstwhile Pontiff of Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam, over more than sixty years, published by Vanady Padippagam, T.Nagar, Chennai, India, in ten volumes, in the Tamil language. The english version is likely to be available very soon. These e-mails are simply an effort on the part of the sender, to share some of his bliss, as it is said, 'Yam perra peru peruga ivvaiyagam'.

2. To-day's e-mail is the translation of what is given in pages, 99 to 103 in volume I, under the heading, 'Madathin Payan', meaning, 'Usefulness of Religeon'.
3. Dharma, Artha, Kama, Moksha, are the four aims of any religeon. These four are called Purusharthas. Dharma in Tamil is called, 'Aram'. Artha is 'Porul'. Kama is 'Inbam' and Moksha is 'Veedu'.
Artha also means 'meaning' and 'Need'. So Purushartha or Purushartham, means, Human Needs or wants. What are the human needs? Since in our undeveloped state, Money and Materials only are considered as needs, they are classified under, 'Artha'. That is why the science of Economics is called, 'Artha Sashtra'. But our Adi Sankara, says in Baja Govindam song, 'artham anartham bhavaya nityam'. Meaning, 'Daily think that money is the corruptor.' He said so because, these transient two, 'Artha and Kama', giving temporary satisfaction, keep us away from Dharma and Moksha.
4. (Man herein includes Woman.) Man wants to be happy allways without any lacks. Happiness are of two types. Temporary, transient happiness is one. Permanent, complete happiness without any
wants is another. This temporary happiness is Inbam or Kamam. Kamam includes all worldly desires. Instead of being transient, once reached, what is permanent, is Moksham or Veedu. Since Human beings are unaware of that permanent bliss, they run after the temporary Kamam. Actually we want that fourth Purushartha of Moksham or Veedu. Instead, in practical life, we look for the third Purshartha,
Inbam. Bharathiyar says, '..........eththanai kodi inbam vaithai Iraiva!!'. See how many varieties of Inbam are there. To participate in a feast is Inbam. To become a High Court Judge is Inbam. Money, position, power, sports, flattery, welcome address, greeting cards, love letters, possessions, landed property, sex and so on. These hapinesses are not only temporary, but also double edged. Their lack creates unhappiness. Their availabilty to others creates jealousy. And then once they are available to us, the happiness level goes down and there is something else beyond our reach, creating unhappiness.
5. After obtaining which there is no more wants or desires, that state is Moksham. That is veedu. Home. Parandham. We run from piller to post. We suffer countless inconveniences. We aspire to reach somewhere. After all, our destination is our own house. A man in jail wants out. He wants parole or freedom. When he is released, he goes home. Veedu is freedom. Now we are struck in the jail made up of flesh, bones, blood, mucus and nerves. We are thinking this meat ball to be Us. That is not correct. Body is our Jail. Moksham is eternal bliss. As a punishment for our sins, we have been condemned to this jail. By countering this with Punya Karmas, we can earn freedom. Instead of adding to our period of punishment, we should strive to reduce the same and get condoned. We should try to get release and go back to the permanent abode of our Veedu in divinity. That Veedu is limitless bliss, without any deficiency of Time or Space or Material.
6. I will now talk about, the first Purushartha, Dharmam, in the end. That action which causes other's good is Dharma. In Tamil, Auvvaiyar said, 'Aram seya virumbu'. Though Dharma stands for all good actions, 'giving alms' has become synonymous with Dharma. We often hear beggers saying, 'Dharmam podappa! or Dharmath thaye!'. Dhana-Dharmam are two words used conjointly. To give others
money and materials, not what You do not want, but what the other needs. To be able to give, one should have it, not only the material, but You should have the heart to give. The more You give, the more You get, to give. But do not give thinking it to be an investment, for more accumulation. "Na Karmana, na Prajaya, Dhanena, Thyagena ekena amritatvam anasuh". When You give not expecting a return, as an offering, we are cleansed of dirt, and it becomes a means for perennial bliss. Dharma so becomes a means of Artha and Moksha. Thus Artha earned through Dharma, becomes a means for further Artha and Dharma. Kama or Inbam is the only part of Purushartha, which does not contribute to further Dharma or Artha. You have to live. You have to live successfully, effectively. No one denies you the pleasures of life. Enjoy, knowing fully well that You are to guard against indulging and do it without resorting to Adharma. Enjoy food, music, sex, position, power, with Dharma as the guard against indulging. Step by step, gradually, free oneself from the clutches of its pull. Know that all the 'crores of pleasures,' that Barathiyar talks about, are still not even a speck of the Bliss of Realization. Religeons have come in to being, for the purpose of guiding us from the small pleasures of the world, to the greatest pleasure of existance, as a child is guided by the parents. The rules of morality, tells you how to earn and how not to earn; how to enjoy and how not to enjoy. Hving controlled us till we gain maturity, finally towards the end, the Religeons tell us to forget all this and go beyond, transcend. "Thyagena ekena amrtatvam anasuh". To relieve us from all worldly ties, to enable the human to realize his entitlement of everlasting bliss, is the aim of all Religeons.
7. It is very clear now, that we have not got permanent happiness. All the Religeons of the world, have come in to being, to take Man to permanent bliss. This eternal state of bliss is Moksham. When we stop running after the fleeting pleasures of the senses, then only we can attain to eternal happiness. Till that happens, so as to gradually overcome the pull of the senses, and to suitably organise the social life, the Dharma is needed. Thus Dharma has evolved as a synonym for Religeon. Having become Human Beings by some Maya Shakthi, we have given much importance to Materials and Sensual pleasures.
To accommodate this human nature, Artha and Kama have been included in Purushartha. So if we give priority to the first principle of Dharma, the other two, Artha and Kama, will remain under control and their potential for harm will be manageable, and take us to the fourth principle of Moksha.
Sambhomahadeva.