Lyrics of "manasa sancharare"

Time is flowing fast like the spring flow in northeast. Of the many things that are dear to my heart - one stands out. The timeless compositions of Brahmendra Swami. A great composition always starts in "a heart in heightened state", reaches many innocent hearts via a faithful singer. Much can be said about these rare gems of lyrical composition. I have to post my feelings and comments about these lyrics later, if and when I get time to ponder on them. For now, I want to record these lyrics in Telugu script for the benefit of many friends across the globe. Obviously the compositions are in Sanskrit. With sincere respects to the great Swami, the kind Paramacharya of Kanchi, and many others. Though I refrain from naming them, I bow to all of them, with absolute humility. May their compassionate looks, guide me like a glade, through the forest...I learnt the song from listening to Dr. Balamuralikrishna, I think there is a version by Dr. Bhanumati, and of course, the song is in the movie, "Sankarabharanam" too. I have greatly benefited from the website of Kanchi Kamakoti; my umpteen thanks to the organization and its people.

మానస సంచరరే

బ్రహ్మణి మానస సంచరరే

శ్రీ రమణీ కుచ దుర్గ విహారే

సేవక జన మందిర మందారే

మద శిఖి  ఫించాలంకృత చికురే

మహనీయ కపోల విజిత ముకురే

పరమహంస ముఖ చంద్ర చకోరే

పరిపూరిత మురళీ రవ ధారే 

maanasa samchararE

brahmaNi maanasa samchararE

Srii ramaNii kucha durga vihaarE

sEvaka jana mandira mandaarE

mada Sikhi pinchaalamkRta chikurE

mahaniiya kapOla vijita mukurE

paramahamsa mukha chandra cakOrE

paripuurita muraLii rava dhaarE 

Copyright 2012 by the author

Translation of Dewan-E-Ghalib

Dewan-E-Ghalib

Translated by Dr. Krishna Moorthy Mudigonda

The legendary Urdu poet, Mirza Ghalib, needs no introduction. Many music buffs in the Indian subcontinent and a significant diasporic south Asian community have a loyal kinship with his ghazals, biography, and his personal foibles. The bilingual poet, Dasaradhi (himself a noted Urdu poet and translator of Ghalib) once quipped in exasperation: “How come people throng to buy admission tickets to get into Urdu poetry recitations? Even if we give free admission, hardly we get a sizeable crowd for Telugu poetry gatherings.”

At any (performing) art event, a more pertinent question is: How many in the audience can really understand a poet’s intent? Or plumb into the depths of a word or phrase? A poet like Ghalib tries to encapsulate many years of keen observation (of life, nature) into a few lines of lyrical, at times rhyming succinct expression. Learned Urdu scholars and academic professionals have spent entire lives in deciphering Ghalib’s craft and musing.

Luckily, today in this modern Internet age, there are quite a few helpful tools for Ghalib fans. Several digital Urdu dictionaries and helpful devices for  Urdu-to-English transliteration are available. The avid admirer can also access numerous Ghalib songs on the Internet (both in video and audio formats). From Suraiya to Jagjit Singh, many a singer has rendered  the poet’s ghazals. Though I came late to appreciate Urdu ghazals, by sheer accident two rare cassettes landed in my lap: One contains ghazals with Talat Mahmood’s silky voice and the other has a well known song by the late Jalib (dil ki baat). 
                                         ---

            Dr. Krishna Moorthy’s recent English translation of Ghalib’s magnum opus received several encomiums both at the state level (Andhra Pradesh) and national level: It was warmly received by Kakatiya University (Warangal), Osmania University, and the Ghalib society (New Delhi). The massive 500 pages work not only contains English translation of each ghazal, it includes the original Urdu version (in Urdu script), followed by an English transliteration. Thus, it makes the Urdu ghazals accessible to a wider readership across the English and Urdu (and Hindi) speaking world, spanning several continents.

            The translator’s early life was spent in Warangal and Vijayawada. It was there during his high school days, he got attracted to the Urdu language. He continued his fascination with the language, its lyrical poetry, and Ghalib. That he has been able to keep his abiding interest in Ghalib’s magnum opus, despite his busy medical profession is itself a wonder. Dr. Krishna Moorthy bestowed the same precision and finesse to the translation, as he would (bring his professional skills) to a complex medical case.

          

Excerpts

The design of creation is the complainant of whose mischief of creation?

The outfit of every embodiment of the created picture is papery (perishable)

Delving deep through the hard times in solitude! Don’t ask me about that!

To get through from day to night is like the task of bringing the rivulet of milk through mountain of Bastion by Farhad

The emotion of lack of control on desire is only to be seen to be believed

It can be seen that the desire has finally got out of bounds

….. ….

The scope of the style of my poetry is very hard for you to find

Ghalib! Even in the state of imprisonment, my feet are restless to get out

The iron chain of imprisonment is very weak, like a singed hair that has no strength! (Page 1, Naqsh Faryadi…)

--- --- ---

For a sigh to be effective, it needs a life time!

Who is going to live, till your beautiful hair are subdued!

….. ….

I understand, that you wouldn’t ignore me

But I would be turned into dust, by the time you become aware of my message

(page 133)

---- --- ---

Oh innocent heart! What has happened to you? At least you can tell me what is the remedy for this pain?

 ….. ….

Oh God! When there is no one except you in this world.

Then what is all this tumult and uproar about?

(Page 274, Dile naadaan!)

--- --- ---

These fragrant flowers and these green meadows! Where did they come from?

What is cloud? What is air (wind)? What is the essence of the nature?

….. ….

I fully realize that GHALIB is a sort of a useless person

But what have you to lose! If you can get him as your slave without having to pay anything, What’s so bad about it?

(Page 275)

--- --- ---

This world is nothing other than an expression of uniqueness of the beloved. “GOD”

Where would we all be if beauty itself is not seeking it’s own awareness?

….. ….

Watching the spectacle with so much dejection, that I neither have an admonition nor an enthusiasm.

So helpless I am, that despite having a desire I am neither able to care for the world, nor for the religion.

(Page 395)

 --- --- ---

It is wrong boast and Bragg about one’s smartness in worldly things and nor one is aware of the benefits of worship.

The world and faith are merely sediments in the cup of unknowing!

….. …

Union with beloved is like a paint on the back of a mirror, that is essential for the mirror to give an image!

….. …

Who has seen the passionate feelings of people of the world?

Who has seen the effect in the cries of broken hearts?

(Page 396)

--- --- ---

            
        Copies are available from the author. Soon, the book will be available in digital form, suitable for reading on electronic readers. Certainly without a question, this is a valuable addition to anyone's personal library and an invaluable compendium for all Ghalib enthusiasts. The translator richly deserves kudos for expending extraordinary effort, time, and patience.The publisher, Mrs. Shakuntala and Dr. Vijay Mohan Rao must be commended for their unstinted support to the project.

Copyright 2012

Telugu Encyclopedia of Sanatana Dharma

For quite some time, I have been thinking of writing about two issues in my blogs. One, about a very rare precious Telugu resource on the Internet. Second, about an extraordinary literary multi-linguist (polyglot) – Dr. (Prof.) P.S. Sastri. The latter, I will defer to a future time, as it needs more careful study and preparation.

            Today, I would like to dwell on this rare Telugu treasure. I came to know about it, just by pure chance when I was leisurely browsing the Kanchi Kamakoti organization’s website (http://www.kamakoti.org/telugu/). I cannot comment about their Tamil section as I can barely read the Tamil script. But the Telugu section is just superb – it is beyond any description, only superlatives (or hyperboles) can convey about its content, range of topics, and very (though I would not use the adjective, esoteric) rare works. Sitting in Northeast, continents away, in a remote place, how lucky am I to avail such works? At this site, I can read about Sri Ramana Maharishi, the Upanishads, puranic stories about Radha, Adi Sankara, and many more. I can read the original Sanskrit verses, their meaning in Telugu, and some very illuminating, one of a kind works in Telugu. I got to read about Sri Sadasiva Brahmendra Swami and his great musical compositions. Such a site is very rare indeed. If I am waxing eloquent, a bit rapidly typing sentences, it is because only a true aspirant (i.e., a sincere devotee) knows how difficult it is to get even a copy of Dakshinamurti Stotra or its faithful translation in a remote corner of the world. Even in India, in small places it is very difficult to get authoritative books on Sanatana Dharma, commentaries, or elegant helpful (lucid) translations in vernacular. Of course, publishers like Gita Press (of Gorakhpur), Gollapudi, and others are doing their best to promote awareness in Sanatana Dharma in all major Indian languages. Many publishers go out of their way to satisfy customers, as they would normally mail books to anywhere. Still, the exorbitant international shipping charges discourage many foreign readers; not everyone can splurge hundreds of dollars on books, CDs, or audios. Spiritual path may be strewn with many a hurdle, but (lack of) money is never one of them.

            A sampling of some works at the Kanchi Kamakoti website: Ramana Maharishi by Suri Nagamma, Mahayogam (enunciated by Sri Ramana Maharishi), Na Ramudu ( = My Rama) by Viswanatha Satyanarayana, Sri Sri Sri Prabhudattaji, Biography of Sri Seshadri Swami, Bhakti Rasayanamu by Madhusudhana Saraswati, translated by Potukuchi Subhrahmanya Sastri, Ph.D. Obviously, there are many more gems of Bhakti literature, expositions of Hindu scriptures, and Hindu philosophy embedded in this Telugu section. I have not exhausted reading all of the books (or headings) in this vast repository. I do not think I will be able to read all of its content; life is too short. (I will elaborate on this point towards the end.) I do visit this site whenever I have a difficult question, when I am desperately searching for clarification of a tricky issue. Usually I come away with a clear(er) insight.

            To understand Hindu mythologies properly [let us leave aside for a moment -mistranslations, distortions, intentionally warped commentaries – because there is no time for “stupid, bad arguments”; there are lots of pseudo works parading in the garb of modern anthropological (abhorring interpretations – often they highlight the author’s ignorance rather than scholarship!) insights as great original books. One must exercise extreme caution in selecting “what to read”, otherwise one will be thrown off the track! ], we have to either learn Sanskrit a bit or be fully equipped in a regional language (Telugu, Gujarati, Bengali, etc.). Only the local language has an organic bonding with the (subcontinent) Indian soil, its ancient culture, and its ethos. English, sad to say this, does not have the required vocabulary. Besides, English words lack the proper etymological underpinnings to support Sanskrit. It cannot translate karma, dharma, punya, or maya (a point often emphasized by commentators like Sri Chaganti, Sri Pratyag Bodhananda, and others). Sure, there are some aborted attempts to find approximations for such profound words. But the translated English word (idiom) will not communicate the force (punch) of the original.

            Here, in these web pages, among these forests of thought provoking, very gentle meditative discourses, I am lucky to come across many names of my forefathers, great commentators, and numerous benedictory sermons of Paramacharya. Even in India, it is nearly impossible to come across such a wide range of books. Maybe, I can browse or borrow a few books from a local Rama Krishna Mission library. Still even such a task requires physical transportation and healthy body. Just with an Internet connection, any reader can access these works in her home, at all hours, across all continents.

            With much humility, I pay my gratitude and thanks to the Kanchi Kamakoti Peetham for gifting such an invaluable treasure of wisdom (and knowledge) to many remote devotees. It is like a blessed “distant learning” portal. Many people must have contributed to this effort, to make it fully functional and successful. Computer (software & hardware) professionals, librarians, liberal donors, and certainly, lots of dedicated supervisory staff. From a far off place, I do not know their names. Yet, I feel as though they are helping me to progress on my arduous journey. I salute them with all my heart. Specially I must mention my gratitude to the Sadhana Grantha (Grandha) Mandali of Tenali (Sri Bulusu Suryaprakasa Sastry garu), who have graciously contributed many volumes to the Kanchi Kamakoti Peetham.

            Reading a single poem, a single sentence, or one good book can change entire life. The innocent boy Dhruva (Pole star) and the more recent Balayogi (of Mummidivaram) episodes come to my mind. At a minimum, by reading these books, I may, at least partially, discharge my debt to the great eternally living rishis of India (Bharata-khanda).

            The modern impatient English-only (semi) literate youth greedily wants these things translated into English. Hold that terrible ugly thought! Only great scholars like Dr. P. S. Sastri or Sister Nivedita can attempt such a task. Now, due to our misfortune, we do not have them among our midst anymore. Each age must bear its burdens and curses – and bear one must patiently, with a sense of total surrender to the Lord Venkateswara.

            A last word – we, I mean, most of us can read only so much. Very few (bless them, such great souls) can read all the eighteen puranas, the three epics (Ramayana, Mahabharata, and Srimad Bhagavatam), and the Bhagavad-Gita; ideally, one has to read each purana at least three times. But, mere reading can lead to other troubles: a false sense of pride, scholarliness, the weight of erudition, unnecessary ego, etc. So, since time is of essence (on this earthly planet), one should read only a modest number of books (This is not my original idea, I am paraphrasing here). And then, absorb the real “meaning” behind each text (verse, sentence, word, or syllable) and hastily move on to the real task at hand. And the real task, is, implementation (practice and more practice) with utmost care. Practice, patience, and extraordinary care, i.e., attention to the detail – all that matters finally.
Copyright by the author 2012

Lyrics of "manasuloni korika"

manasulOni kOrikaa telusu niiku prEmikaa

manasulOni kOrikaa, telusu prEma maalikaa

priyuni paTamu paaDuTaa 

vinta vinta vEDukaa 

paDati chEti mahima valana  

paTamu paaDe giitikaa 

cheliya niidu prEmayE viluvalEni kaanukaa

manasu tiira haayi, haayi

mana sudhaa kathaanika

మనసులోని కోరి(క)కా తెలుసు నీకు ప్రేమికా

మనసులోని కోరి(క)కా, తెలుసు ప్రేమ మాలికా

ప్రియుని పటము పాడుటా 

వింత వింత వేడుకా 

పడతి చేతి మహిమ వలన  

పటము పాడె గీతికా 

చెలియ నీదు ప్రేమయే 

విలువలేని కానుకా

మనసు తీర హాయి, హాయి

మన సుధా కథానిక

Lyrics: Arudra

P. Susheela and P.B. Srinivas

Movie: Bhishma (1962)

Transliteration generated by Lekhini 

Music: S. Rajeswararao

Telugu lyrics of "Sarasa sama dana"

raagam: kaapi naaraayaNi

taaLam: dESaadi

sarasa saama daana bhEda danDa catura

saaTi daiva mevare brOvarE

parama SaambhavaagrEsaru( Dagucu 

balku raavaNuDu taliyalEkapOye

hitavu maaTalentO baaga balkitivi

satamugaa nayOdhya niccE nanTivi

nata sahOdaruni raaju jEsiraaka

hatamu jEsitivi tyaagaraajanuta

రాగం: కాపి నారాయణి

తాళం: దేశాది

సరస సామ దాన భేద దండ చతుర

సాటి దైవ మెవరె బ్రోవరే

పరమ శాంభవాగ్రేసరు( డగుచు 

బల్కు రావణు(డు తలియలేకపోయె

హితవు మాటలెంతో బాగ బల్కితివి

సతముగా నయోధ్య నిచ్చే నంటివి

నత సహోదరుని రాజు( జేసిరాక

హతము జేసితివి త్యాగరాజనుత

(These lyrics were taken from a song book published by Gollapudi publishers, Rajahmundry. The Tyagaraja kirtanas were compiled by Ms. Syamasundari. I am extremely thankful both to the publisher and the Telugu scholar. The efforts of such earnest people are truly commendable; they've made the works of Tyagaraja and other classic Carnatic composers immensely accessible to many music fans, often of limited financial means. Once  I came across a Tyagaraja song book at Pittsburgh - it was priced at $ 25 or more. I was aghast!) 

English Translation of "Sarasa Sama Dana"

Sarasa Sama Dana

You - are adept in

Jovial talk, benevolence, creating differences,

And meting out just punishment

Who, among the gods is equal to you?

The mighty Ravana, who used to

Boast (himself) as the foremost

Devotee of the transcendent Lord, Siva

Could not know  You (decipher You)!

You’ve spoken many well-wishing words

(via a messenger before the war)

Gave away Ayodhya permanently (to brother Bharata)

Rather than just returning (to Ayodhya)

After crowning the dejected brother (Vibhishana)

You - totally destroyed …

(O Rama) praised by Tyagaraja.

[Salutations to the great grandfather of Telugu lyrical poetry, Annamayya. Who, except Annamayya – could really describe the anguish of a soul (ఆకటి వేళల అలపైన వేళల)? At such sorrowful desperate times, only Hari nama is the sole solace. So, to recover a bit of  mental tranquility, I give here the translation of a well-known Tyagaraja kirtana.

This is a faithful translation of the famous song, “Sarasa sama dana”. Detailed commentary will be given later. I learnt the song from an old cassette;  the legendary Sri Maharajapuram Santanam did an excellent rendition, except for the phrase: “ parama sambhava-agrEsa..”. The Telugu lyrics were taken from Syamasundari’s compilation. This was originally scheduled for Rama-Navami festival. As usual, I am always running late!]

Swapnika - Telugu Poem

స్వప్నిక

ఏ సుందర ప్రేమానురాగాల ఊయలలో

ఏ మధుర స్వప్న సుందరిగా పుట్టావో

పట్టుమని పదిహేను సంవత్సారాలైనా

నిండుగా ఆనందించలేదేమో

ఎక్కడికి వెళ్ళిపోయావు?

వ్యాఘిరాలా ఏ ఏరులోకి వెళ్ళిపోయావు?

లూసీ గ్రే చిట్టడుగులు కనిపించాయి ఆనాడు

నీ జాడలు ఇప్పుడు

ఏ వీధుల సందులలో చూసేది?

ఆనాడు ఆమ్లములు క్షారములు అంటే

రసాయినిక ప్రయోగశాల

ఈనాడు ... ...

ఇదేనా నా రుద్రమ దేవి, మొల్ల జనించిన

తెలుగు గడ్డ ఇదేనా?

మళ్ళీ జన్మంటూ వుంటే

నీకు - నాకూ

రా మా ఇంట్లోకి - 'దివిలో విరిసిన పారిజాతంలా'

దత్తతైనా చేసుకొంటా

మోనకో రాకుమారిలా చూసుకొంటా

ఉంచుతా నిన్ను

అపరిపక్వ మూర్ఖ మగ జల్సారాయలకి దూరంగా

సుదూరంగా ఒక స్వర్గతుల్య కోనసీమ ద్వీపంలో

సహృదయుల పొరిగింట పెద్దల సంరక్షణ చూపుల డోలలో

- అత్రి

Copyright 2009

(December 31, 2011 is the tragic third anniversary of Swapnika)

Ganesa's Grace (గణేశానుగ్రహం)

Ganesa'a Grace

గణేశానుగ్రహం

శుక్లాంబరధరం విష్ణుం శశివర్ణం చతుర్భుజం

ప్రసన్న వదనం ధ్యాయేత్ సర్వ విఘ్నోపశాంతయే (1)

అగజానన పద్మార్కం గజానన మహర్నిశం

అనేకదం తం భక్తానాం ఏకదంత ముపాస్మహే (2)

Anna used to teach Hatha Yoga and meditation in a New York City yoga center. ‘I thought of including a sloka reading into the practice, but often I would stop upon a little reflection. Americans get easily confused if god has (is imparted with) numerous names. How to explain this aspect of Indian philosophy to Americans?’, she asked the philosopher Diani.

Diani: In the west, the Almighty is referred to by only one word, ‘god’. In India, god has many names. That does not mean there are so many gods. In truth, god is only one. The varied names refer to god’s distinct characteristics, rather attributes. Ganesa – His name means: Remover of difficulties (obstacles) in life. In a forest, an elephant (like a big earthmover) removes obstructions in its path and proceeds ahead without any fear or distraction. Thus, the elephant head of Ganesa signifies the following: He, too efficiently removes all insurmountable barriers in a devotee’s life. Praying to Ganesa means, we pray to invoke (certain specific) god’s qualities: His compassionate commitment to a devotee, His unwavering willingness to ease His aspirant’s earthly problems by eliminating prickly obstructions in ones path. Even now (since times immemorial) that is how we pray to Ganesa. (Ganesa in special situations also introduces difficulties into a project; when such a project may do more harm than good)

Anna: Why pray to Ganesa only? Isn’t it enough if we pray just to god?

D: For executing (the three universal tasks) creation, sustenance, and dissolution (cf. destruction), many types of energies are needed. Have you ever observed closely at big organizations (corporations or governing bodies)? Have you looked at their organizational structures, directories? Who heads what department, what section? Who oversees whom, etc.? For running this entire cosmos (universe) with all its myriad worlds, we need many divisions and subdivisions. In this, there are many worlds, different levels of living (sentience?), and many kinds of living beings.

A: Generally, while reading (reciting) slokas, mantras, what kind of energy is invoked? What do they propitiate? What (benevolent) actions?

D: Knowledge (= Sarada), Prosperity (= Lakshmi), Love ( = Krishna), Victory ( = Durga), Fate ( = Brahma), Compassion ( = Siva), Fearlessness ( = Hanuman), Protection ( = Parvati, Vishnu), Equanimity = Dakshinamurti.

A: When we pray to these embodiments of qualities, do we get that energy (quality)?

D: That is the intent. By uttering that name (quality/characteristic), by reciting that stotra, by singing that song (hymn), we can open (tune) our channel to receive that energy. There is a possibility – whatever we meditate upon, it (i.e., that energy) becomes ours.

A: If we are truly (evidently) that ultimate (transcendent) reality, isn’t it enough if we just pray to ourselves?

D: We do pray to ourselves, we worship ourselves. But not in a proper way. Look how we worship our bodies. How we drape our bodies in expensive clothes. Attach costly ornaments (jewels), how we spread the body with scented creams, cold creams, talcum powders – look at such things we indulge. See, how we feed it (body) with rich food. See, how we lay the body on soft comfortable beds – notice how we treat the human body. If we feel that we are doing all this (treatments, services) to the (internally dwelling) god, if we feel our body as a form (envelope, embodiment) of god, a representation of god, then these indulgences (or gentle services) in our body upkeep – this itself will transform into a great spiritual pursuit (instrument)!

A: By uttering all these attributes (energies), by reciting prayers (stotras), can we receive, can we obtain definite help or do we just stay (trapped) in that emotional euphoria (feeling)?

D: I heard about a lady, a lady without any college education (3). She computed the product of two thirteen digit numbers in half a minute. On top of it, she produced a perfectly correct answer. When asked how she got such an extraordinary talent, she said it was due to Ganesa’s blessing. I say: This evidence is incontrovertible and specific.

1. For the meaning, see one of my earlier blogs: http://tenneti-rao.sulekha.com/blog/post/2007/06/prayer-to-vinayaka-suklambaradharam.htm

2. Meaning of this sloka will be given in a future post.

3. Reference to Shakuntala Devi, the famous Indian mathematician.

[Translator’s Note: This is taken from an excerpt of Neelamraju’s Notebook (a Telugu work). I pay my sincere heartfelt thanks to the writer(s). Deliberately, I have added extra comments and explanations for the benefit of an aspirant. For every aspirant (patient), ‘time is of essence’, there is no extra time, life is fleeting very fast. Sri Seshendra Swami would often say and exhort: “Do not sleep, Yama is lurking in the shadows, He will come and take you away. Just hold on to the feet of Siva, do not forget for a moment even. Get up, get up now, it’s urgent.” Though I am confident of the fidelity of translation, I can only hope – that no distortions have crept into the original words of Diani. Often, minor misunderstandings will vanish upon careful inner examination and meditation.

When I come across a person or youth, estranged from his ancient (organic) roots, traditions, or culture – I feel saddened. That is why, all the masters proclaim: Even the urge to meditate can only happen when there is ‘grace’ (or remnants of past good karma). Whether it is yoga, Ayurveda, meditation, or religion – there is so much precious material in the hidden treasures of Sanatana Dharma. It is a pity, if the modern seeker just blindly searches under “the false search-lights of modernity” – like the proverbial drunken fellow looking for his lost car keys beneath street lights. Only a sober, humble mind can see the truth. And one must remember always this – I (or you) am not the first seeker. There were many great souls before and there would be many more in future. To all, I pay my humble respects and bow to them all.]

Copyright 2012

Toe Pain

Toe Pain

There is one tough toe problem that bothers adults. And this one needs urgent intervention and tender care.

Symptoms

“The subject wakes up at 1:00 a.m. with excruciating pain in the big toe, with no apparent cause or injury. Upon close examination under bright illumination, a slight swelling is found around the joint between big toe and foot (metatarsal-phalangeal joint), very tender to touch. The pain is often unbearable and the usual technique of hot/cold compress is of little use. At times even walking becomes extremely painful.”

The disease, known as gout has been around for hundreds of years. It affects mostly men and predominantly it is prevalent in cold climates. Though often associated with alcohol and rich (animal) protein food, anyone can get it - due to the evil coincidence of many factors. Some association is found between the use of diuretics and gout. Its sister (affliction) is kidney stones.

Key factors

Extreme cold climate, low levels of fluid intake (water), and high levels of uric acid are the main contributing factors. Human body needs uric acid, so at normal levels it poses no problem. Often, a vicious confluence of all these factors leads to an acute attack. So, if possible avoid extreme cold. Try to take one extra glass of water before going to bed (or spread around the day). Take vitamin supplements daily – particularly vitamin C. Cut down a little on protein rich foods during winter times or at least during the acute phase. High doses of fructose and fasting are also contributing factors.

Cure and Management

Vitamin C helps in eliminating excess uric acid from the system. A dose of 500 mg per day is enough to yield promising results. Rose hips contain high levels of vitamin C; perhaps, this is one of the most inexpensive sources of vitamin C (ascorbic acid). Towards the end of summer season, I have often seen bunches of rose hips hanging idly on the thorny bushes. The Indian gooseberry (fresh fruit) also seems to be a rich source of vitamin C. Grandmothers used to say that gooseberry pickle has many medicinal properties (for warding off ulcers in the mouth, etc.). Ascorbic acid is rather a delicate vitamin, can easily be destroyed in cooking. Cranberry juice (and cranberry pickle) is another source of vitamin C.

Fructose, particularly in large quantities, seems to aggravate the ailment. So, it is better to avoid very sweet (over ripened) bananas or other sugary fruits. Also, honey (invert sugar) too should be avoided during the acute stage. Moderation is the key word. Once the disease is well under control, occasional indulgences in a small piece of ripe banana or chocolate cookie will do no harm. High fructose corn syrup – is the real culprit here. So, read carefully ingredients of cookies and other confectionary items. Always look for juices without high fructose corn syrup or sugar.

The traditional Indian Ayurveda practitioners are fully well versed in the treatment of joint pains and inflammation. The patient should strictly follow their advice about dietary restrictions. Of the vegetarian protein sources, it is advisable to avoid (or at least limit) the use of peanuts and black gram (urad dal), especially during winter months.

So, what to do during a sudden attack? A good doctor will be able to diagnose properly and prescribe modern medicines. For a full recovery and proper management, the patient has to make a few lifestyle changes. Not, very difficult, if one is a little bit flexible. Through the pain, the body is sending subtle signals. Get rid of sedentary habits, get up and take long walks, bike riding, shoveling snow, or yoga – whichever suits you.

Yoga

Sarvanga-asana, Vira-asana, and Paschimothana-asana will yield good results for this ailment. Also, Surya-namaskarams will help in reducing the severity. Swami Vishnu Devananda, in one of the pages gave excellent suggestion for all foot problems: Gently try to walk on toes and heels, do it slowly alternatively. You can practice this on hardwood floor, carpet, or on soft grass (if need be, with insulating woolen socks). Till you get proper balance, use a stick, wall, or fence for support. It promotes good blood circulation in the feet, preserves and strengthens good arches, and gives a gentle massage to the sole.

Once the acute pain has vanished, you can give gentle massage (with warm sesame seed oil, olive oil, ghee, Iodex, or Narayana Tailam) around the big toe. Regular exercise and daily massage should make the injured toe normal. During the acute phase, you cannot do any massage. But you can dip the painful toe in a bucket with cold water, then switch to a bucket with warm water. Then back to cold water. Or, you can give similar treatment while taking a shower bath.

Pain has a salutary effect on the human body. It makes the mind concentrate and slip into meditation. The great Sri Chandrasekharendra Saraswati Swamigal would go into hours of meditation during high temperature fever bouts. He would just describe it thus: It is like sitting in the midst of five fire places and doing meditation (or penance). Why not? Pain, any ailment for that matter, teaches us the fragility of human body. It imparts us much needed humility – after all even with loads of money, at times, you cannot buy immediate cure. Simply not possible. In a tera Hertz cell phone obsessed, instant gratifying world – only pain can teach some valuable lessons of life. Karma has to be depleted slowly through episodes of pain.

Lyrics of "Paranmukha" - Telugu Song

పరాఙ్ముఖ మేలనమ్మ పరాధీన పతిత నాపై

నిరాదరణ(ము) నీవే చేసితే, నే సహింప తరమా తల్లీ || పరా ||

మరాళ(ళా)నిత మందగమని

మహాదేవ మదిరంజిత వదని

నిరామయే అంబా నీరద శ్యామలే

నిత్యకళ్యాణ గుణాలయే || పరా ||

paraa~mmukha mElanamma paraadhiina patita naapai

niraadaraNa(mu) niivE cEsitE, nE sahimpa taramaa tallii || paraa ||

maraaLa(Laa)nita mandagamani

mahaadEva madiranjita vadani

niraamayE ambaa niiradaSyaamalE

nityakaLyaaNa guNaalayE || paraa ||

Film: Anta Mana Manchike

Music: Bhanumati & Satyam

Lyrics: G. N. Balasubramaniam

(The way Bhanumati rendered this great composition made me speechless. Whatever doubts I had about Bhanumati's musical skills - they were just blown away. GNB's lyrics are unique - they are nothing but a total surrender to the feet of Parvati, the supreme Mother. Bhanumati like Satyajit Ray did everything in a movie: story, script, lyrics, music, acting, and direction. For many decades to come, she will be fondly remembered by the Telugu community for her special voice, vocal talents, and flawless diction. Music just came to her as water to a duck (brook). When I watched her sing this song in the movie, immediately I was hooked to it - as I could see the fusion of two great artists.)