The Eighteen Puranas

The Eighteen Puranas

Sri Paramacharya camped in Chennai for several months. From there the Swami shifted to a tile kiln (Brick Factory) premises in Mambalam area on the Poonamalle Road. One evening I went to see the Swami with a Seth from Kolkata. The Seth was a very rich individual and a generous one too. As usual I prostrated at Paramacharya. The Seth too did the same and offered his salutations. We stood there for a while with folded (clasped) hands (as a gesture of respect).

The Swamiji lifted his head and enquired: “Once you’ve mentioned about someone. Is this the person?” Swami’s memory skills and his penetrating talents of insight are extraordinary. I nodded in agreement saying, “I had to bring him here due to lot of pressure.”

Now, I must recount certain facts about the Seth. He was a sincere religious (dharmic) person. He used to attend my daily discourses on Ramayana and Mahabharata. I used to speak and intersperse with Hindi during my commentaries and that attracted a good following. After the initial invocation (sloka reciting), I would tell the audience about (Kanchi) Paramacharya, his tapas-sakti (devotional energy), and his boundless intellect. Tell I used to with specific examples. Only then I would begin my discourse. I’ve been following this activity for many years. 

God blessed the Seth with all types of riches and luxuries. But with such opulence he also suffered from a major ailment. Not able to take food through mouth was the Seth’s terrible misfortune. His esophagus (the tube that connects mouth and stomach) did not work. They had to make a perforation into the stomach and send food through it. What a hell it was? He was patiently eking (dragging) out days like that.   

The Seth tried everything to find a cure. He met all the world famous doctors. Visited many temples and paid penances. Prayers, pujas, yantras, chanting – you name it he did everything. But there was no improvement in his condition. Once he heard me mention Kanchi Swami in one of the discourses. Since then he started pinning hopes on Paramacharya. Perhaps the Swami might provide a relief from the terrible painful condition.

One day the Seth was very insistent to accompany me to Chennai. But how could I take him to Paramacharya without the Swami’s (explicit) approval? Once I mentioned that I would go to Chennai and seek the Swamiji’s approval. Immediately he gave me a plane ticket to Chennai. Upon reaching Chennai I approached Paramacharya and sought permission for bringing the Seth with me. The Swami enquired about my discourses but he did not say anything about my request. When I reminded the Swami, he simply deferred the matter saying “not now.” Not to offend the Seth I simply said I would take him to Paramacharya once my discourses come to an end – thus dodged the issue temporarily.

So, now without Swamiji’s permission I brought the Seth here to Chennai. No doubt it was an infraction on my part but I did it purely out of altruistic motive. Whatever good or bad befalls on us it is all due to the past (previous births’) karma. Every man (person) must experience the fruits (of past karma). Only by experiencing the effects of karma, can we diminish (whittle away) the accumulated (bad) karma. Therefore, if we experience serially painful difficulties that means all our sins are getting eroded slowly. If we simply bear such difficulties with full trust in Eswara then their effect will get moderated. In such matters about good and bad, often Swami’s elucidations are very clear and revealing.

People often ask for the elimination of difficulties in life without realizing their root cause, without true heart felt repentance. Perhaps that was the reason for Paramacharya’s reluctance to meet such aggrieved persons. I stood farther from the Swamiji and tried to remind about (the Seth’s) the matter. Still Paramacharya did not respond. As the night was approaching I wanted to seek Swamiji’s permission for leaving. I planned to return early the next day. Of course Paramacharya understood my thoughts (predicament) and commented thus: “We cannot do anything in his situation. Take him with you. Tell him to abide his full trust in Eswara and continue doing good things (acts). Eventually only God can come to his rescue.”

I ventured and said, “For many years he has been doing lots of good deeds (charitable acts). Is there no solution for his problem? For every thing (sin) there is recompense, a suitable punishment. Don’t our sastras and canonical texts specify punishment for sinners and hapless cursed individuals? In God’s creation there must be a way for rectifying (remedying) erroneous behavior. Please you must kindly show a way for the Seth.” Thus I tried my best to argue on behalf of the ailing Seth. 

After listening to everything Paramacharya observed silence for a while; the Swami beckoned me close and asked, “Will he obey and do whatever I say?”

“Definitely he’ll obey your instructions. I’ll ask him to comply.”

“If he doesn’t implement..”

“If the Seth obeys things will turn for better. Otherwise he must bear the aching burden.”

“It will cost lot of money to implement what I suggest. Can he spend that much?”

“He is a multi-millionaire. Will spend his entire wealth for health.”

“Ok. If that’s the case, let him print all the eighteen Puranas on good stock of paper, in attractive legible print in Sanskrit, and distribute all the books (volumes) to qualified Vedic Pundits freely. Will he do it? Can he do it?”

“He’ll. I will urge him to do it as per your words.” I said.

“Do you know the names of the eighteen Puranas? Tell me”

I narrated all the names. I was happy somehow my arguments worked.

I called the Seth and explained all the details. He got excited and gave his commitment. With tears rolling down he prostrated to Paramacharya. The Swami blessed him and instructed his disciples to distribute prasad to the Seth. 

As soon as he reached his place he started to get the books printed. He set up the operation (office) in one of the floors of his palace. He summoned Vedic Pundits and scholars from many states for advice. After consulting numerous scholars and experts he got the books printed with large font on high quality paper. The books were distributed to eligible pundits. All the books carried the insignia “with love” in lieu of “cost”.     

Would his disease status improve? Would it really retrograde, lessen or not? He did not entertain any doubt and he got fully immersed in the project without the slightest disbelief. As per Swamiji’s instruction the seventeen Puranas came out in print. But his ailment did not see any change, of course. Even in the midst of such a humongous work he continued taking food as before (via stomach hole).

Finally, at last as soon as he started work on ‘Skanda Purana’, suddenly he began eating from mouth like all people. His palate got back the taste sense. A wonder, wonder of wonders – a rare surprise in this life happened against all odds! That excruciating pain he suffered every moment, every day suddenly vanished with the benediction of Paramacharya. 

Upon hearing his progress I met Paramacharya and said, “Swami’s power is the mother of all powers. It is solely due to your grace the Seth got (another) a rebirth. This is purely due to your blessing. You’ve saved him. You are the God.” Thus saying I started getting teary eyed.

But then when I heard Paramacharya’s (the great sakti) words I realized I was witnessing none other than the Eswara. “Our own (country’s) dharmic texts’ power saved him. Isn’t it?”

Neither anyone nor I heard the Swami ascertaining his instrumentality in this benevolent episode. After hearing this miraculous (healing) account many foreigners made a beeline to see the Swami. (From “Paramacharyar” book by Mukkur Srinivasa Varadacharyar Swamigal, Ashtalakshmi Temple, Chennai.)

[Note: It seems the original for this narrative is in a Tamil book. I did the English translation here from an account in Telugu, which I got from a relative. I think these accounts of Sri Paramacharya teach us a lot about Hindu faith, Sanatana Dharma, and the precious value of our canonical texts.] Copyright 2021 by the author 

Meaning of "Brahma kadigina" Song

Brahma = One of the principals of the Tri-murthi (Brahma, Vishnu, and Maheswara), the One assigned with the sole responsibility of creation; kadigina = washed; paadamu = foot;

celagi = blossoming, sprout, with joy; vasudha = the earth; kolichina = measured; nii = your; bali tala = the head of King Bali, emperor Bali; mopina = placed; talapaka = without even deliberate intent; gaganamu = the sky; tannina = hit, struck; balaripu = Lord Indra, the king of all the devas; gaachina = protected;

Kamini = the lady, here referring to Ahalya Devi, the wife of sage Gautami; paapamu = the sins; kaDigina = washed; paamutala = the head of Kalingi serpent; niDina = filled, spread over; paamiDi = Garuda; turagapu = swift moving vehicle, horse;

parama = best, relates to the other (matters like ‘Brahman’); yogulaku = for those in pursuit of higher yoga, those who meditate, those who do penance for the benefit of all beings; pari pari = different times; vidhamula = many diverse ways; varamosage = giving boons, acceding to their valid requests; tiru = Sri; venkata-giri = the Tirumala hills collectively, also the main Tirumala hill; tiramani = as fixed, immovable, an unshakable; chupina = shown, pointed to;  

The first stanza describes elegantly and succinctly the entire Vamana avatara of Sri Maha-Vishnu. In that avatara, Emperor Bali granted (donated) three feet to the new bachelor (vatuvu). First He measured the entire earth with His (one) foot. Then Sri Maha-Vishnu spanned the entire sky with the other foot. Then, in that instant immediately Brahma put a hold on His creation. He poured the water (Ganga) from His sacred pitcher on Lord Narayana's foot. That foot looked like a freshly bloomed pink lotus with smudges of mud. We must note here that Vamana is none other than Vishnu, who is the father of Brahma. (For the last measure of one-foot space, Sri Narayana placed His foot on Bali’s head. The emperor relinquished all his belongings and went to the lower world (patala-loka, పాతాళ లోకము). Thus Vishnu fulfilled His promise to Aditi and restores the kingdom to Lord Indra. Children may ask, “Why did not Vishnu fight with Bali?” He wanted to keep the word given earlier to king Prahlada. Sri Maha-Vishnu said thus: “Prahlada, henceforth I will not indulge in any war with your future generations (i.e., children, grand children, etc.).” Therefore, the only other alternative left now is “through amicable means like begging, asking for a donation”. Thus, Sri Maha-Vishnu descends to the earth and gets born as the child of Aditi and sage Kasyapa. It is a very short avatara barely spanning ten years. Right after the sacred thread (marriage) ceremony, Vamana goes for seeking alms. Devi Annapurna gave the first “biksha” to Lord Narayana. The next stop was at the gates of King Bali. Who can take a measure of His form really? Earlier He balanced the entire planet earth on His tusks (in the Varaha-avatara. (Some had remarked – it was not a boar, it could be a rhino.)

Obviously Annamayya had a clear insight into the scriptures and puranas. Perhaps, he had vivid visions of Lord Narayana performing His miraculous acts in various avataras (do not get mixed up with the latter day corrupted word in the English movie ‘avatar’. Go to a reputed Sanskrit dictionary/reference and try to understand the antecedents of these millennia-old culturally refined words. A picturesque way of understanding the word is to visualize a star descending to the earth.) Due to an accidental infraction, lady Ahalya (the wife of Gautama rishi) gets transformed into inert matter (i.e., the consciousness gets hidden) – as if temporarily she went into a deep penance state. When a speck of dirt from Rama’s feet hit the sleeping (one might say a comatose state) Ahalya, she transformed back into her original unblemished form. Then the composer sees Krishna’s feet dancing on the serpent Kalingi (Kaliya). How can we visualize the scene of Lakshmi softly pressing Lord Narayana’s feet? He came to Her for a brief respite from standing all day at Tirumala hilltop. Those feet are softer than the freshly opened rose-tinged lotuses. They will get rashes if you press them hard. Those feet adorn the hearts of great devotees. And, when Maha-Vishnu wanted to help the desperate Gajendra (the elephant struggling to pull away it’s foot from the wicked crocodile) – all He had to do was to beckon the superfast jet, Garuda. In an instant, at the flick of a thought He was there near the pond and released His devotee from the jaws of death. Of course, the ultimate release (salvation, moksha) for the two warring animals followed soon. 

Now coming to the last stanza, this exquisite ‘sacred foot’ yields all the desires (boons) of His earnest devotees. Any number of examples can be given: Those tender feet danced to the lyrics of bhakta Jayadeva and Sri Narayana Tirthulu. When Bhadradri (Bhadrachalam mountain) prayed, the Lord took residence there with Sita and Lakshmana. So what, if He holds His arms clumsily transposing left and right? Sita is gracefully seated on His left side, making sure the errant seekers get full dose of His compassion. If these Tirupati hills came to the rescue of my parents and others, if the Sri Venkatesa’s feet offered inspiration to Annamayya, Sri Amaranarayana, and countless other composers – who can doubt the healing powers of Tirumala? This one song alone can teach children Telugu language, its sweetness, Carnatic music, and the vast lore of Hindu religious scriptures a lot. (Occasionally there may be a little mixing up of tenses, here in my writing. I did not care that much about strict adherence to 'pedantic grammar rules'. The reason is simple: We are trying to visualize the scene now as it happens. The four yugas (కృత, త్రేతా, ద్వాపర, కలి) happen again and again cyclically. Those periods occurred earlier and will repeat again. We should look at the sequence of events and figure out the English tense. These tense troubles are absent in Telugu and other languages!) Copyright 2021 by the author

Lyrics of "Brahma kadigina"

"Brahma kadigina" Song Audio

An Exceptional Maha-Sivaratri

An Exceptional Maha-Sivaratri

I thought of sharing some old time stories with young children, who are the spark and promise of next generation. Somewhere, either in India or abroad in a remote place in Africa or Australia, there may be a child curious about the traditional Hindu festivals. That youngster may have access only to Internet, perhaps in a school, library or (neighbor’s) house. In certain places, there may not be even a Hindu temple nearby. How to encourage such a child’s imagination, confidence, and knowledge about Hindu traditions? Though many urban (I mean Indian city dwelling) children have access to plethora of TV channels, they too lack the good fortune of earlier generations – i.e., close kinship with grand parents, elder uncles, and aunts. So, without a single color photo, I try to depict a Sivaratri night, as it happened once.

Numerous stories, books, and songs adorn the Hindu religion. In principle, one can start from any single work (Ramayana, Mahabharata, Srimad-Bhagavatam, or a devotional song) and initiate an innocent enquiry in earnest. My own understanding (very infinitesimal, at best) mostly originated from my family, school lessons, college texts, temples, and free public discourses. Sivaratri is celebrated in our family, in many ways. Our parents used to go to Srisailam (AP) just for that one auspicious night. Looking back, I really envy my parents and grand parents. They had strong motivations and great endurance; they could bear enormous difficulties and make trips to Varanasi, Rameswaram, Kalahasti, Annavaram, or Puri on a shoestring budget. They used to cook meals on the way without ever stepping into a diner. 

With finals in April, February or March is usually a busy month for all studious kids in Andhra Pradesh. In high school days, I used to join my mother in the festival observance, with a prayer and fasting. Mother would indulge me with her unbounded affections, so she would keep plenty of fresh bananas, guava, and sweets like rava laddu or chalimidi for me for this special day. One year I came home during February from university. I was reading about Aurobindo then. How did it occur to me? What triggered that unique journey to Mummidivaram village? I cannot recall now. Of course, many in the Godavari district(s) were aware that Sivaratri was a special day for one small village. A saint, known to many as Balayogi (not to be confused with a later day politician), had gone into silent meditation several decades back. Only on Sivaratri night, visitors were allowed to go near and watch him in total silence. I sought my father’s permission for the short trip. We were living just twenty miles away from the village. Sivaratri, being a very dear day for father, he readily agreed.

I believe I started around 3:00 p.m. from home. There were frequent buses between Narasapuram and Doddipatla. Probably I bought two bananas on the way. I boarded the red yellow RTC bus and soon landed almost near the bank of Godavari (Doddipatla revu/wharf). Back in the village, my mother had to struggle hard to make our coconut trees productive, bear fruits; she had to pamper them with fertilizer, salt, mulch, etc. But here, right next to Godavari waters, these stately trees with their outstretched necks to heaven were so happy with head loads of fruits. And why would they not be happy? Every day they get fresh coastal breeze and every night they sleep listening to sweet lullabies from the river water. That is why, coastal Andhra coconuts contain such delicate sweet (coconut) water - the inner creamy coconut so, so delicious.

I got into a small sailboat and crossed the river. Crossing Godavari, Krishna, or Ganges – the act itself is purifying. Mother used to offer marigolds, ganneru (Oleander) and copper coins every time we crossed Godavari in a train. I sat close to the side, with my hand touching the waves. On land it would have been a bit hotter in the afternoon sun, but on the river, it was cool with gentle breeze. I felt the pleasant rhythmic oscillations of waves. Upon landing, I walked up to the bus stop and boarded another RTC bus towards Amalapuram. It was only a standing room for most of the journey; it did not bother me, as it was a short half an hour ride. 

I expected a large crowd at Mummidivaram. As I was reaching the small temple precincts, I could feel people gathering all around, the crowd getting bigger. There were two or three tourist buses from Tamilnadu parked in the grounds. It was in the middle of vacant rice fields. The local collector used to keep the building open on Sivaratri day for visitors and then the temple was closed (doors locked with seals) for the entire year, with Balayogi(s) inside. I cannot stay without meal for six hours, how can anyone stay years without bath, food, or rest? That too in just one yoga-asana? Prior to joining the queue, I washed my face, hands, and feet. I fasted that night, skipping supper. We had to walk through empty rice fields in long lines before we could get a glimpse of the elder Balayogi. I now apologize, after all these years, to the local farmers for trampling their fields. I think I got into the line around 9 p.m. Many in the line were very quiet with folded hands, we were just thinking about Siva and the yogi. For some reason, I felt a bit feverish while standing in line for hours. There was nothing to hold on to, no bench to sit either. Just a rope, perhaps, to guide the line. I had heard about the place and the saint earlier, but it was the first time seeing anyone anywhere in such a long uninterrupted meditation. Around two in the early morning, suddenly there was a brief cool shower. All of us got wet, but no one, not a single person moved from the line. We had no umbrellas. We just endured for our ‘darshan’. 

Soon, we were right in front of a peaceful embodiment of purity and absolute silence. They, the guards, had warned us earlier: be absolutely calm and no talk in the presence of Balayogi. Once our crawling queue abruptly came to a standstill. Later we came to understand why it had happened. The saint had just exhibited annoyance, no, not by speech or stern looks. No, he moved slightly, a small jerking motion, his body had felt some external disturbance.  The presence of a large crowd, I guessed. A sudden perturbation in a pond of silence!  He was extremely sensitive. Only after half an hour of patient waiting and peace, only then, the guards let the line move again. There were no cameras, no flashes, and no microphones. (to be contd.) Copyright 2010 by the author

English Translation of "E peruto ninu" Song

By what name

Will I beckon you? (O Sai)

How will I

Pray to you, in what form?

Your threshold -

Always shines with

(Shines everyday with) 

(Garlands of)

Newly bloomed white lotuses

(Our persistent)

Small small wishes,

Sundry demands

Endless are our anguishes

If we ever get a respite

Even for a minute

It’s only due to your grace

Burdensome and difficult 

Are our lives

Filled with wants and riches

(We’re encumbered with)

A long life with daily crises

(I don’t know)

Whether it is due to a curse

Or, accrued (bad) karma

Ravaged are our bodies 

With disease

Innumerable crores of living beings

Struggling 

And

Dispersed thro’ the continents

Do not, do not forget us

Please do not ignore us –

We are your faithful servers

All my chants and penances -

Are they all fruitless?

Will only a pure heart

Can discover you?

Why pine to reach you?

Why make a fruitless (useless) effort?

Aren’t all my endeavors, music, and poems

(Are) due to the mist

Out of your flower-like miracles!  Copyright 2020 by the author

(This is an English translation of the Telugu lyric "ఏ పేరుతొ నిను" on Sri Sai. The original Telugu song came out spontaneously without my deliberate effort. The Guru came to me in a very strange circumstance ( as if to rescue a lost child). Faith is not easy for most (bookish) learned people because they are burdened with too much knowledge – both useful and useless. This writer too had a very trying and testing set of incidents; they attempted to teach me gently the value of “true and time tested original Sanatana dharma”. Though I could have edited and modified some of the phrases – I deliberately refrained from doing so. I let the original inspiration be my infallible guide. I hope the Telugu song will help others in their path to spiritual progress.)

Lyrics of "e peruto ninu" - Original Devotional Song

ఏ పేరుతో నిను పిలిచెదనో
ఏ రూపమున నిను కొలిచెదనో, సాయి
తెల తెల్లని నవ తామరలతో
నిత్యము వెలిగే నీ ద్వారములు  |ఏ పేరుతొ| 

1. చిన్ని చిన్ని వరములు, చిల్లర కోర్కెలు
అంతములేని మా ఆవేదనలు
నిమిసమైనా మది నిలకడ నొసగే
చల్లని నీ కృపయే కాదా 

2. కలిమిలేముల కష్టపు బ్రతుకులు
దినదిన గండపు దీర్ఘాయువు
ప్రారబ్ధమో లేక పరుల శాపమో యిది
రోగ పీడిత తనువులు మావి
ఖండ ఖండములలో తల్లడిపోయే
అగణిత కోటి ఈ జీవరాసులు
మరువకు మరువకు మరి మమ్ములను
మరువకు సుమా నీ దాసులము 

3. (నా) జపములు తపములు వ్యర్ధములా
స్వచ్ఛపు హృదయమె నిను కనుగొనునా
నిను చేరుటకై తపనేల
నిష్ఫల యత్నము సేయనేల
(నా) సాధన సంగీత కవితలెల్ల
నీ మహిమల సుమ నిహారమె కాదా

ae paerutO ninu pilichedanO

ae roopamuna ninu kolichedanO, saayi

tela tellani nava taamaralatO

nityamu veligae nee dvaaramulu  |ae paeruto| 

1. chinni chinni varamulu, chillara kOrkelu

aMtamulaeni maa aavaedanalu

nimisamainaa madi nilakaDa nosagae

challani nee kRpayae kaadaa 

2. kalimilaemula kashTapu bratukulu

dinadina gaMDapu deerghaayuvu

praarabdhamO laeka parula SaapamO yidi

rOga peeDita tanuvulu maavi

khaMDa khaMDamulalO tallaDipOyae

agaNita kOTi ee jeevaraasulu

maruvaku maruvaku mari mammulanu

maruvaku sumaa nee daasulamu 

3. (naa) japamulu tapamulu vyardhamulaa

svachChapu hRdayame ninu kanugonunaa

ninu chaeruTakai tapanaela

nishphala yatnamu saeyanaela

(naa) saadhana saMgeeta kavitalella

nee mahimala suma nihaarame kaadaa

(When I get a chance I will record the song and upload it to my YouTube channel. Still, people can add their own tune and utilize it as a bhajan song. It suddenly came to me out of a sudden inspiration. Obviously there are many beautiful, moving, and profound devotional songs on the Guru. Hope people will add this to their repertoire of devotional songs. Years ago I posted the lyrics at Sulekha, if I remember correctly. English translation will be given in the next post here. Copyright 2020 by the author.) 

Meditations on Life III

Meditations on Life (Contd.)

We study history and listen to grand parents’ stories for a reason. Such readings help us develop character and give us a broad perspective on life and the world. Often we tend to confine our thoughts and analyses to our own limited circumstances; and thus unknowingly we dwell too much on our own situation, at times bordering on self-pity. But even in the best of conditions, “life is a predicament (George Santayana)” – you might say it, the essence of “modern diagnosis”.  When we are young, everything and everybody influences us; mostly such an influence acts to our detriment. The Sanskrit quote warns us thus: “Your own intellect will give happiness. The guru’s advice (intellect) will lead to a better path in life. But other’s advice (cf. peer pressure in modern societies) can lead to disaster.” We should keep such ancient words of wisdom close to our hearts and carefully examine (evaluate) them in real life. At least much of the teenage angst (or call it the youth’s crisis/alienation) can be avoided if one has a ‘holistic view’ of the individual experience in the larger context.

I was then in the rural upper elementary school (here it would be middle school). The day started like any other normal day with the morning classes of Telugu, science, and math. But right after the Morning Prayer (or Pledge), the normal routine got suspended for small pox vaccine shot. As per the district health officer’s orders, the entire school need to be inoculated – all the kids with no exception. So, there were peons, teachers, and senior students watching every exit, bathroom, and compound (border) wall. The visiting male nurse rapidly set up his operation on the table in front of us. It was a very sparse setting – a small alcohol lamp, few clean ceramic-coated pots for sterilizing, a pair of rotary lancets, and the vials of vaccine. Some of the children were a bit apprehensive, scared of the vaccination. In those days many children never got any shots (injections) and were protected from doctors, nurses, the accompanying needles, lotions, gauges, and Dettol smelling dressings, etc. Suddenly I was the sacrificial goat from the front row with my outstretched hand for the puncture. He started to ease my fears by asking about breakfast. I sheepishly replied, “Nothing much, just mango pickle, rice, and a little curd.” “That must be yummy!” Before I knew it, he gently scratched the forearm skin with the sharp lancet and administered the vaccine. We’re all advised to keep the two spots dry, away from water. But children are children! And of all the things, itching and scratching are involuntary natural reactions to “dermatological injury”.

Then the painful saga ensued. Some how a crazy idea got into my little mind. It was not mother’s advice. Either one of my classmates or the neighbor’s child planted a strange thought: “Put a bit of cow dung on the spot, rub it, and then wipe it off with top soil. Then wash it thoroughly with soap and water. Then you won’t get any bad reaction like fever or topical scar due to the vaccine.” Of course, who wants fevers or pus filled wounds? Besides children are very keen not to miss school or games with fellow kids. For happy children, there are more things to play than twenty-four hours in a day. So, immediately after coming home I did exactly that and washed the wound after putting all the muck on the spot. Within a day or two I was awfully sick with high fever and sore lesions and blisters on my arm. We’d never know whether I could’ve avoided the serious reaction by adhering to proper hygiene. The subcutaneous injection of small pox vaccine did produce serious adverse reactions in children. Mother did all the prayers, penance, vows, and care. But it took almost two weeks. I was in the bed with fever during the pleasant rainy season, barely surviving on milk. Certainly the divine help came through to pull me out. Even after several weeks I used to apply a coconut paste (made from baby coconut fruit acorns) on the quarter-sized pockmarks to relieve the pain and itching. Many years later I learnt to handle the skin. In most cases the skin heals itself. It needs no medicine other than pure petroleum jelly or oil (coconut, sesame, castor, mustard, or olive). Most interventions (on skin growths) with scalpel, needle, or abrasion will lead to disastrous results. Even the herbal doctor (Tata/Grandfather) of Sri Ramana shed tears at the horrible surgeries done to the great rishi. At least most of the (Maharishi’s) pain and discomfort could have been avoided – so it appears now. 

Why me? Why did I get all the childhood ailments? There is no answer. Perhaps, those were some precious lessons, lessons to instruct me in faith and discover my own “Swa-dharma”. Maybe, it was all part of the search for the Guru.

Our life in the village was hard but our loving parents acted as shock absorbers. They provided us with plenty amidst extreme penury. They hid all the troubles from our eyes. During Diwali festivals father helped us in making firecrackers. At home we fabricated our own stuff with raw ingredients. I still remember storing all the materials under the bed and drying them in the open sun in the front yard. There was one terrible accident involving my eyes. On the new moon day, we put on clean clothes, and gorged on mother’s sweet dishes. In the evening we lighted all our firecracker collection. That means two or three dozens of sparklers, half a dozen spinning wheels, handful of tiny bombs, several flowerpots, and we lit the dark star-studded sky with many rockets. Ideally, that should have satisfied most children. Mother secretly hid some firecrackers for future use, for the coming festivals. 

Next morning when I looked at the street I noticed lots of unexploded firecrackers (ordnance). There was one Lakshmi brand 4-inch bomb looking pitiably at me, telling me, “They did not play with me. See, I got left out!” Immediately after returning from school I hurriedly finished lunch and rushed out into the garden. Daily I used to volunteer for making hot water for the family on wood stove outdoors. The embers were still there hot and I inserted the firecracker (explosive) into the fireplace. As there was no bamboo blower pipe around, I went on blowing air with mouth puffs. Then suddenly, there was a big explosion and my eyes went totally dark. Somehow I walked blindly towards the front porch, crying for mother. We rushed immediately to our local doctor’s (Dr. P. V. Rao) clinic. His quick diagnosis and tight gauge bandage saved my vision. The topical ophthalmic gel cream eventually cleared the aluminum oxide smoke; but I had to anxiously wait till the evening, about four hours counting every minute. By then my tuition master (word had spread at lightning speed in the village) came around to see me. He tested my sight from six feet distance with three out-stretched fingers, teasingly asking me, “How many digits?” 

Now looking back I again humbly pay my gratitude to mother and Lord Subrahmanya Swamy. She was a regular devotee of Lord Kumara Swamy and every year she would observe a fast for Him. After several decades I got a chance to visit Lord Skanda at two sacred hill temples. Grace is like the gravitational pull - always keeping its children close to its bosom.

Meditations on Life

Meditations on Life (Grace Contd.) 

Those were the days of carefree play and stress-free studies. Luckily I developed a longing for studies early on. Yet in the elementary school itself I ran into major setbacks due to lackadaisical schooling or lax discipline. And on top of that we moved from a charter (sort of one room school) parochial school to a village school administered by a rich agrarian district (Zilla-Parishad). Our parents were very well organized with all the routine paper work like TC (Transfer Certificate) and other documents. But when I was taken to the village middle school, the new Head Master refused to admit me into 5th grade as per the TC! I had to take a spot evaluation test – a surprise hurdle. It was very brief; I had to take dictation of fifteen or twenty Telugu words with paper and pencil. I flunked the test. I made a common mistake – the word is “కత్తి పీట” ( త్తి not తై) (A cutting knife with attached wooden plank). I messed up the double consonant sign. I do not remember whether I took any math test. That trouble would come later towards the yearend. So, the Head Master demoted me to one class lower and I was placed in 4th grade. I had to bear this upset for three or four months, till the final (summer) exams in April (A lesson well learnt in hindsight!).

 

I was determined to make up for my deficiencies through regular homework exercises, i.e., hitting the books right after coming home. I was not bad in Telugu language but for many years I used to trip up or stumble on the nasal consonants: ఙ,ఞ. Whenever the teacher asked me to recite the whole Telugu alphabet, I would utter all the letters both vowels and consonants without any mistake. But suddenly I would get stuck at those nasal consonants – they would act as speed breakers (I got even punishment - the teacher made me stand on the bench). Yet I knew them intuitively and could read whole passages in prose and poetry without a hitch. In math, I had trouble with long divisions by hand - the long computations (iterative operations) with divisor, dividend, remainder, and quotient (ex: 10,756 ÷ 13). And then we just started learning decimal numbers (ex: 31.25 ÷ 23). India was entering the decimal (metric units) era – gone were those archaic foot, pound, and seer units. Division is nothing but repeated subtraction, now I know this elegant fact. Then, I was alone at home with no maths help. I was too timid in the new village environment with no elderly friends (brothers, friends, or uncles) and my parents never received formal education. They were proficient with mother tongue, bits of English, and basic math, enough for grocery shopping. Interest (particularly compound interest) calculations, algebra, or trigonometry was beyond them. Then in the fourth grade annual exam I again failed, this time in math. Already I was getting behind by a year and now this crisis for an innocent elementary school kid. That was when our parents (mother was the prime moving force) took charge of my studies. I was urgently put in a free remedial course (tuition) down the street a few houses away, under the wings of a smart high school senior. Within two summer months I learnt the necessary basic math – enough to secure admission into sixth grade at the local high school. That was a real miracle. Though I took many advanced math courses later I never needed any extra external help. The Mother always helps Her ward, though at times in Her own inscrutable ways. The path could be circuitous at times; but that is Her prerogative or play. May we say: "She has her own plans".

 

        This writer had numerous childhood problems and afflictions. They always came in rapid succession, giving no respite to my busy loving mother. There was no break; it could be a viral hepatitis (A), boils, stomach upsets, or prolonged fevers. Always crisis after crisis. There were no routine pediatric vaccine shots (or oral drops) back then and we were left to our own devices. Once I contracted a debilitating whopping cough. It sapped all my reserve energies and I started losing weight. Mother would make some tasty dish (like coconut chutney or cucumber dal) but I could not enjoy even few grains of it. Entire throat got irritated and nothing could soothe it. She went around looking for a cure. Finally we got some herbal medicine from a local Ayurvedic doctor. Of course, money was tight and mother did not want me admitted to any government or private hospital. Two capsules of erythromycin would cost an arm and leg in those days. Then she hit upon a potent solution: “Let me tie a talisman around this child’s neck to ward off all evil diseases.” She really took it seriously and purchased a silver coin with Pavana-putra (ఆంజనేయులు)  for me. One morning she did all her routine prayers and made me sit on a wooden pedestal. After lighting oil lamps around me she tied the talisman while chanting a sacred mantra. That did wonders for my health. For many years I had the amulet and it really boosted my spirits. I became confident about my physical prowess; sure occasionally there would be a minor cold or stomach upset but I never lost sleep over them. Her affectionate watch protected me from a distance and no evil thought/gaze could trouble me in the least. Of course, with the amulet necklace I looked a bit queer to my classmates but I just shrugged it off.

        Just through pure luck (I'd call it a benediction) I met many (more than I can count on a hand) holy persons in my life. I think it happened due to my parents' devotion; and also due to the extraordinary "penance" of my grand and great grand parents. Many times I wandered aimlessly when faced with difficult and desperate insurmountable situations. I patiently bore the burdens and waited for the "karma" to wear itself out. But once a sincere knowledgeable palmist examined my hand and commented: "Sir, why are you feeling bad? Why are you depressed? There is nothing to worry. You've bright future ahead and better prospects await you. Your current troubles are very minor. Do not lose your heart." I can never forget his soothing words. I never paid a penny for his prediction; a payment would be an affront to the affable elderly gentleman. (To be Continued) Copyright 2020 by the author

 

Something To Ponder Upon (Grace)

    Something To Ponder Upon (Grace)

    There are a few things I would like to share with youngsters. Currently all over the world times are hard and very trying; there is no assurance that the near future will be any better. Though this writer is biased (in a positive sense) towards the Indian subcontinent, he is fully aware of his readership across continents. Now, in this post and some future ones I would like to narrate close encounters with “grace”. This I do with utter humility – not to bloviate. Perhaps some distraught youth may get inspiration from my humble experiences and overcome imminent despair. Like “freedom”, we need the guru in the beginning, at the start. Alas, life does not work like that. Our ignorance (or burden of past ‘karma’) is so great, it overwhelms every instinct to do good acts, follow basic norms of decency (dharma), and be generous to others and us. Grace is accessible to everyone; it is there for all genuine seekers. No one is rich or poor in the eyes of “grace”. We’ll be unnecessarily harming ourselves if we ignore this important aspect in life. There will be times when we lose friends, companions, and close relatives in the long journey of life. Or, when we encounter incurable disease. At such times one has to draw on inner strengths. Our rishis have great inner strengths. Personally I’ve known or seen several such great austere personalities with utter inviolability and authentic inner energy. Nothing would perturb them in the slightest.

 

    These narrations are not in any temporal sequence. I just follow my thoughts and the quick fingers do the rest. It is like catching the falling (spiraling) maple seeds or colorful autumn leaves. You have to gather fast and not let any one beautiful leaf escape your grip.

 

    It was during a severe snowstorm. Normally we try to avoid driving during heavy snowstorms/blizzards. Even with excellent snow ploughs (salt and road cleaning) one may get stuck on the road. The traffic gets jammed and often you see cars skidding, hitting the curb or sliding off the highway into shoulder. I was returning from a short shopping trip and was just barely two miles away from home. A slight mistake and the front tire went over the six-inch high sidewalk (curb). Everything came to a standstill and I got stuck. No amount of maneuvering would work. It was a front wheel drive vehicle and the front wheels were skidding. Of course, eventually I would be rescued or towed to the nearest gas station. But before the AAA rescue vehicle came, a strange intervention happened. Someone came out of nowhere and lifted my van with bare hands and put down the passenger side wheel on road. Instantaneously everything got solved efficiently and before I could express thanks, the Good Samaritan miraculously disappeared without a trace. Now, one could surmise such an event as just fluke, sort of a random event. But this writer would only count it as “pure grace”. (The writer would not like to boast but he has studied deeply logic, sufficient and necessary conditions, delved more profoundly into mathematical topics such as various types of infinities, real and imaginary numbers, transformations, and probability theory – certainly had more exposure to science and mathematics than many in the world.)

 

    With the same vehicle earlier I ran into another dangerous situation on the highway. Once I went to the dealer to find a part to fix the bonnet (hood) prop rod. It is a small plastic clip that is held firmly to the body. Due to age and extreme cold weather the original plastic part got cracked (broken) and I had to improvise with a twist tie. Finally I got the part from the dealer and installed the piece right in the parking lot. But I made a serious (tragic) blunder; I forgot to drop the hood from two feet high and forcibly shut the spring-loaded latch. What was I thinking? Or, just being utterly careless and absent minded? We laugh and blame surgeons for leaving a scissor or scalpel in a patient’s body. But here I made a deadly stupid mistake. I let the hood rest loosely and hurriedly got on to the expressway at full speed (50 - 60 mph). The house is barely five miles from the car dealer. Now you can guess what happened. Bang! The unlatched hanging hood got swung out (like a loose door during strong wind) with a massive force and hit my front windshield – while I was driving at 60 mph. When I opened my eyes, the entire front (windshield) glass got broken into hundreds of one inch pieces, with cracks all over the viewing area, and I was literally shaking in my driver’s seat. Luckily, not a single glass shard came loose. Nothing hit me, truly thanks to some unknown grace. Now, in retrospective how could I’ve saved myself in such a dangerous situation? I could’ve hit a vehicle, a tree, or median. It was beyond my limited human ability, beyond my skills. There was no time even for a prayer. Fortunately I got everything repaired professionally to a flawless perfection. Luckily I escaped the accident unscathed both bodily and fiscally.

 

    A more recent accident happened near an ancient temple. (This writer did not do any special act to deserve any grace or reprieve for any infraction or unkind act in life!) I was trying to wade into the river waters and do an abbreviated “ablution” (మార్జనము) as part of the temple visit. I am always attracted to water, rivers, lakes, ocean, or even swimming pools. Perhaps I’ve developed this aqua-instinct due to living my formative years next to the Godavari canal. I learnt swimming a bit late in life but I never had the fear of water. The steps to the river were covered with green glistening moss and I was fully aware of the danger while entering the waters. Still, without any warning I momentarily slid and fell into the river. When you are young, falling is no big deal. At the most a few bruises, a little bleeding, or perhaps a snap of bone is all that occurs. But it is entirely a different situation when you are a grownup, thousands of miles away from home, and among strangers. On top of that, my doctor expressly advised me to avoid all falls due to valid reasons. Now, here in the shallow waters (near the bank) I got totally wet and I had to change. Changing of clothes and drying water dripping freshly pressed shirt and trousers – that was no problem, no big deal in the larger scheme of things. Again, some thing intervened and I was fully saved. I just landed gently on the smooth sandy layer over the concrete river steps. When I stood up there was not a scratch on the body. It was as though some hand (or something) was protecting me all along. Perhaps, the “grace” wanted to give me a full bath in the sacred river. Why an “abbreviated” act? It was as though some voice was speaking to me thus: “Earlier you bathed in this river and showed me your devotion and innocence. Why are you hesitating today? You brought spare clean clothes, didn’t you? Have a nice ablution facing the divine couple. They are none other than your loving parents. Do not miss this unique opportunity.” The same Lord Narayana watched over us through all the tiring travels and took us around many holy pilgrim places.

 

    Accidental falls can be disastrous for anyone, young or old. They may result in hip fractures, hairline bone fractures, or deadly blood clots in the brain. Simple bone fractures or joint dislocations can heal. But clots in the brain (hematoma) can be fatal if not treated immediately. Complex hip or knee joint fractures may impair ones mobility permanently. (to be continued) Copyright 2020 by the author

Holistic Approach to the Coronavirus - II

Holistic Approach to the Coronavirus -II

Faith

Faith is strange. Some are introduced to it through parents, teachers, or gurus. Often a gentle suggestion from our mothers is enough during pristine childhood. For a saint like Kabir one word from his guru was sufficient. That paved the way for his entire life. The extraordinarily ascetic (peda పెద ) Balayogi of Mummidavaram (East Godavari District in Andhra Pradesh) did not need the initiation from any master; he was well prepared right from birth. So too was his younger brother. For many others it may be difficult to imbibe faith in later stages of life. Often we are mesmerized by the glitzy show of fame, pseudo-intellectualism, bits of semi-rationality (mind not the real logic and mathematics), and a host of unexamined personal biases. Always be aware: senseless (pseudo) logic (కుతర్కము)  or argumentation is like a sharp shard of glass. It is very dangerous and can lead to tragic outcomes (grievances) later. But when a crisis hits us we are face to face with the stark reality; then nothing comes to our rescue except our own inner strength and, if we are lucky – only if we are extremely fortunate the wishes of our relatives. Then, in those rare moments of truth we must rely on ourselves. Faith is like a dear loving mother, it can be (is) our protector, if we let it. It can also happen spontaneously due to ‘grace’. In some of the posts I’ve attempted to explore this delicate topic of faith. One has to meditate on these matters dispassionately with sensitivity – armed with utter humility, totally devoid of ego.

Yoga

This writer and probably many older generations knew a thing or two about yoga when life was much simpler, sans the fancy mats and other embellishments. Still can’t believe - in high school our classmates and I did many asanas just on the cold cement plastered bare floor! If I may, I have one simple suggestion to the novice or beginner: Try to learn from someone who can really demonstrate a healing touch with yoga. If the teacher is really a consummate professional then she should be able to fix backache, obesity, or thyroid malady with yoga. Or any other simple ailments like high blood pressure, breathing difficulty, or acidity. Real yoga means much more than the physical postures in alluring tight-fitting spandex. It includes all purity – purity of body, mind, and thought. Asana/pranayama is only a fraction of the total yoga system.

Walk in the Park

One need not be a Wordsworth or Keats to enjoy nature. But, of course, “a thing of beauty is a joy forever!” Luckily even today in many Indian villages and here in most of the American suburbs there are vast stretches of (unspoiled) nature. You can walk next to Godavari, a winding stream, a banana farm, or stroll in the small streets lined with rows of devil’s tree (Alstonia scholaris). One can easily forget life’s discomforts and ignore the body’s ailments momentarily. The mind becomes clear and after many days it becomes a simple pleasant gentle exercise. There in one of those aimless wanderings one may get inspiration, a poem, a song, or an invention. Or, on some days nothing at all! We just return home with memories of lovely greetings of robins or screeching calls of blue birds. However great the modern medicines may be they cannot substitute the curative powers of nature, the lovely spring flowers, a gurgling stream, or a resplendent sunset. Our grandparents had closer relationship with nature and they could touch a prickly pear fruit or a boulder. No indoor gym can offer the fresh moisture laden oxygen ambient like the outdoors. The writer has experienced pleasures of all the six seasons – through the bone chilling subzero snowy blizzards, furious coastal storms, the boiling desert howling winds, to totally overcast glum cloudy days. There is a hidden secret impervious to our eyes in the nature. It is present everyday and every moment. Enjoy it to heart’s brim.

Mask, a Colorful Mask

Now everyday is a Halloween party day. The science, verifiable facts, and credible theories are scarce, particularly about the propagation of this virus. Can we reliably demonstrate (say with photographs) whether there is a virus footprint on park benches? Or, in train stations or supermarket shelves? The cunning virus being so extremely puny is like the Schrodinger’s Cat. Perhaps it is there or it’s not there. And the damn thing is between life and non-life (inert matter). So, out of abundant caution we wear face masks when we go out. And wash the masks weekly. For redundancy one may carry a cotton handkerchief also. Hospitalizations are not cheap and they’ll put extraordinary burdens on the family both financially and emotionally. Even successful recoveries will take a heavy toll on governments, doctors, and families.

Quick Recap

            Six things we can do keep the virus away: 1. Mask 2. Facial hygiene 3. Vitamin and mineral supplements 4. Exercise 5. Faith 6. Sleep and ample rest.

Munch on small bits of ginger, jaggery, and garlic. Drink sacred basil water (advice due to Dr. Poornachand) In moderation they will help (augment body’s immunity) without adverse side effects. Copyright 2020 by the author

(Disclosure and Caveats: This article is no substitute for a doctor’s visit. The information is given from a “holistic care” point of view of body and mind. A distillation of many decades of naturopathy, Ayurveda, and grandmothers’ remedies goes in here. The writer has no affiliation with clinics, pharmaceutical companies, or any government. Additionally he has no financial relationship to any private company or public entity. One should be very cautious even with Ayurvedic ingredients (herbs). Fenugreek, coriander (cilantro), and turmeric can have significant effects on blood thinning.)