As I shared the information on the Social media (Facebook and Twitter) that we are headed to our 61st Gurupuja and Satsang of 2013 this evening, I received a few queries (I assume they were genuine ones) primarily centered around 2 questions:
What is in it for you?
What is in it for others/Society?
Though we never thought about this on lines of question above, I was pleasantly surprised to find that each one of my co-passengers in this blissful journey, pretty much had same reasons for the above questions when I spoke to. This blog is a summary of Why we do what we do 🙂
What is Satsang?
Googling for technical definitions of Satsangs will give you many descriptions: And I found this one pretty close to what has been our experience. Satsang is a Sanskrit word that means “gathering together for the truth” or, more simply, “being with the truth.” Truth is what is real, what exists. So all there is, is Truth.
A few quotes on Satsang from the Founder of The Art of Living Foundation, His Holiness Pujya Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar ji who is the inspiration and the guide for this journey of ours:
“Satsang, the company of the Truth, is the resting place for the mind and the spirit.
Give quality time to the divine, it will be rewarded. Give Satsang and meditation your highest priority.”
“Why do people need homes? Can they live like animals in the forest without shelter? Even intelligent animals make their homes. Man needs protection from changing nature. So, he builds a shelter for physical comforts. In the same way, for spiritual and mental comfort – Satsang is the shelter.”
“Satsang is the nest in which you can rest.”
If we were to define experientially, On the outside, Satsang is the worldly version of an e-group, an opportunity & platform for us with some common interest to gather, enjoy, share and care.
Considering what a Satsang has done for each one of us, this is a very simplistic (and too limited definition). It is those moments when we just get together, sing, dance, meditate, share knowledge “SPONTANEOUSLY” Yes, the key here is “spontaneous”. We have never had a template (except the Sampradayic/traditional sequence, though not prescribed has become a feature), we never plan or design a Satsang. It just Happens, the theme or mood gets set spontaneously based on needs of “that moment” A fellow Satsangi added, this clarity and overtness happens due to dissolution of Ego.
It is an expression of the inner joy that we experience, our way to share and show that we care. To summarize, we often refer to such Evenings (we do have Satsangs during the day too) as an evening of Gaana, Dhyana, Gyaana and “Khaana” – a time when it touches our heart and douches our mind, fills our heart and stills our mind.
This also answers “What is in it for us” Everything” 🙂 is a single word answer. We do it for our own joy and growth. On the material level, an opportunity for whole lot of us to hone our talents, improve confidence – we have been in Satsangs with participants from 30 (at homes) to 2800+ (Brahma Chaitanya Mandira in Chintamani on Vaikunta Ekadashi day), enhance our state of mind when we are able to give those moments of smile and joy to others, better our public speaking skills, network with like minded individuals and groups and the usual perquisites of Gossip (no vile ones though) and of course, the Food 🙂
It is pertinent to also touch upon a question that someone asked – Isn’t this a Hero Worship or Vyakti Puja?Even for a moment assuming that this argument was true, our answer was “So what? Why not, if it enhances our state of mind, does it matter?” It anyway is an essential part of our culture, revering and honoring those who have added value to our lives. Our Satsangs or Gurupuja is not about worshipping the photo or any individual, it is an expression of Gratitude and acknowledging their role in our spiritual quest from a state of fullness.
A few words on the significance of Gurupuja (almost always an essential part of our Satsangs these days) maybe pertinent here. Guru Puja is a thanksgiving ceremony remembering all the ancient rishis, seers, sages in the Holy tradition of Masters, who have brought this knowledge of self. Puja means that which comes from the fullness and the five elements, which are used & one of the highest expressions of devotion and gratitude to the Master. Chanting the Guru Puja unites our minds with the Holy tradition of Spiritual Masters.
Let me also add another important thing here. In more than a decade & a half that I have known and got inspired by this Master Sri Sri Ravi Shankar ji, there has been no attempt on His part to create thought-clones of Himself. He keeps emphasizing that everyone is equally endowed with the capacity to discriminate the Truth and the true teacher, or Sadguru, is within us. Guru Puja thus is more, a recognition of the Guru Tatva or Essence of Master that is within us than a chant in praise of anyone else. In any case, Praising is a quality that we should nurture because that broadens our thinking – we always praise that which we aspire to become (or which we value)
What is in it for Others? Nothing that we really plan for. We do it for our joy, our growth and our well-being. Anything else as the goal of our Satsang would be a lie 🙂
While there, I would like to also mention that many things in life is infectious. Benefits of Satsangs like our Joy, Growth and General Well-Being (both physically and mentally), we believe is infectious too. It rubs off on those around us. A time when everyone turns inwards and realize the temporary nature of our temporal pursuits. A time to realize that real Joy is within us, A time to disconnect our Joy from the Events. Do we need any other benefits that we can be to others and society through this route!
Incidentally,we do also address “Annadata Sukhibhava, Godaaana/Goraksha, Organic Farming, Education, Cleanliness/Hygiene, Women empowerment and Self help Groups, Rural-Urban partnership (on equal terms) and so on. But then these are mundane stuff compared to the Unerasable “Smile” that we put on peoples’ face.
Translation of the Tribute piece written in Malayala Manorama on August 22nd 2013 by HH Pujya Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar of The Art of Living. Responsibility is completely mine, for any errors in this translation from Malayalam to English. Kindly notify me for corrections. This tribute piece was written on the occasion of Birth Anniversary of the Guru (August 20th)
Sri Narayana Guru took birth in the 19th Century for the sake of development and progress of Human race. He was a great proponent of Humanism. He was responsible for the extra-ordinary awakening in the Kerala of those days, both by his action and deed. This Great Maharshi, was responsible for bringing Advaitadarshana as means of salvation to the entire Human race, which otherwise was exclusive preserve of Scholarly debates
His effort was towards unifying and equalizing the entire human race across the world by exposing the futility and meaninglessness of differences and differences caused by Caste, family and religion. He expounded that everyone is a part of same Divine & composition of humans across the world both physically and mentally is the same. This great Guru who described Characteristics of Indivual Human as “punarnnu perum ellamo” (All that are born of sexual union of humans are same species), “Oru yoni oru aakaaram Oru bhedavum illa ithil” (One yoni – womb, one form, there is no differences between them), Manushyanam Manushyathvam (humaneness is the quality of a human being) – says primary needs of all human beings are the same. Everyone desires Food, Clothing, Health, Water & Shelter. He also made people aware of the fact that – the recognition & position earned by someone is also desired by others is good for a better world & Unending and selfish desires & acts sows the seeds of disharmony in the community.
Guru exhorted Keralites to reject discriminating people based on limited comprehension of Caste, which gave rise to differences and conflicts. His words and life was devoted to obliterate non-Dharmic thoughts and deeds of fellow human beings. He preached that “it is not other human beings who make one impure but one’s own thoughts, words and acts”. His dreamt of a humans who made understanding, love and compassion a basis of their lives
He rejected the belief that those who adapted Panchashuddhi (5 types of Cleanliness) & Panchasheela (5 practices) are the protector of generations. Instead he directed people to make unselfish nature a way of life.
While the birds and animals with its limited needs co-exist harmoniously with nature, He warned that it is dangerous when humans who destroy nature and earth to satisfy their greed.
Personal traits like purity in words, thoughts, senses, country, home etc along with community benefiting traits like Non-violence, Truth, Asteya (Non-Stealing), Fidelity, Prohibition (intoxicants) – were his dreams for realization of a Modern Kerala. Guru’s preaching that a Pure Divine thought on part of individual and family is inevitable, gave rise to a new culture of temple ritual system. Consecration of Lord Shiva temple in Aruvippuram in 1888 was a beginning of a big Revolution. It was a proclamation that God and Supreme Knowledge is birthright of everyone irrespective of caste and religion. Guru in fact set in motion a powerful & impactful mass movement through this temple. These temples established all over became a place for a devotee to seek knowledge, skills and solace and had Educational, Library, garden and some vocational training centres associated with it.
Guru’s message Freedom via Education was an invitation for an flood of scientific thinking. Guru made people aware that rebuilding Kerala – which was then beset with ignorance, misdeeds, superstitions & poverty – was possible through education alone. His goals for Education was for creation of a Modern Kerala. Guru who encouraged an educational system with equal prominence to Malayalam, Sanskrit and English, Study of Shastras, Vocational/Technical study, Women education also set aside funds for those willing to study abroad and also set up evening schools.
According to Gurudev, final goal of every religion was the same. and those who did not realize were like the blind men who touched elephant and imagined things. Religious bigots will see nothing in other religions and also sees a separation. Guru insisted on a creation of culture of acceptance and respecting other faith to prevent religious animosity & conflict.
In those days, every word and deed were controlled based on the religion and caste they belonged to. The tenets, adaopted by other cultural and development organizations, he preached awakened & arose everyone towards strengthening of community & cultural bonding.
It was giving a shape to culture of Humanatrianism, co-existence and peace in Kerala. Every cultural and political organizatins included the teachings in their work. Kerala which benefited enormously walking the path advocated by Guru became an example for the whole world. Malayalis thus became capable of settling anywhere in the world. Malayalis rejected the caste system. Kerala became an abode religious harmony. People thus were able to reap benefits of this favorable situation .
But, this change could not be sustained by Keralites. This enviable material prosperity, especially those of middle class gave rise to commodification. Without their knowledge the culture of humanism got ejected out. Malayali community who are ever ready to accept any change, without any second thoughts or analysis adapted this commercial culture. Today we see a community that has slipped away from the path prescribed clearly by Sree Narayana Guru
This culture of excessive greed & uncontrollable commercialization changed a Malayali to an unthinking, highest polluter. Unstable family, violence against women and children, extremism, alcoholism, disrespect towards Nature & corruption and such characteristics that are against human values, reminds us of the importance of adhering to Guru’s vision.
The teachings and path of Guru, which is relevant beyond any generation is the mantra of hope. We have to be prepared to imbibe it mentally and convert it into our life-style. It is not a world devoid of natural diversity, terror or insecurity, we should leave a world more beautiful than what we enjoyed, to our future generations. Humankind should ensure that valuable gifts like smile, amicability, compassion, broadmindedness etc that nature has bestowed on us is never forsaken. We need variety, material comfort and progress. At the same time, let us not forget to be human or humanism.
Bheemana Amavasye is Amavasya (New Moon Day) of the month Ashada of Hindu Calendar, also the last day of the month. It is believed to be the day Lord Shiva was overcome by the devotion of Goddess Parvati and accepted her as his wife. It is celebrated as Bhimana Amavasya in Karnataka (and many other states). It is also referred to as Pati Sanjeevini Vrata or also as Jyothi Bhimeshwara Vrata. It is celebrated for the well being of all the males in a family.
The festival is dedicated to Lord Shiva and Parvathi. Unmarried women pray for the well being of their brothers, father, generally for all male members of the family. Married women observe the vratham for the long life of their husband. Married women observe the vrata for nine consecutive years after marriage and in the ninth year, a pair of lamps is given to their brothers or a Brahmin.
Traditionally, two lamps are made of Red Clay (supposed to be made of Kalikamba) or Thambittu (Wheat Flour) – one symbolizing Lord Shiva and another Goddess Paravati who is considered the Supreme Mother and every other Devis as a form of Parvati. They are first installed on grains (typically Rice) facing east
Traditional Red Clay Lamps replaced with Silver ones
The Puja starts going by tying a Turmeric Root to the right lamp of the Deity’s Picture (one on the left as we face) that signifies Parvati. The puja installation also has Surya (Sun), Chandra (Moon) and Kumbha (Pot).
Lamp with Turmeric Stick on the Lamp Pic Courtesy: Agnya on Twitter
The lamps are then lit and 9 stranded Gejje Vastra, Gandha (or Sandal) is an essential offering used in this puja. The tambula includes 9 Betel leaves and 9 Betel Nuts (Bettada adike) and a coconut
Gowri dara (also called Rakshe) or Thread smeared with Turmeric paste (9 stranded with 9 knots for Married and 5 stranded with 5 knots for the unmarried) is placed along with Samagri. Granthi puja – for each Strand a puja is performed with an offering, which is subsequently tied by females of the family around their wrists.
Please note that there are variations depending on the region & family practices to the above
After the mandatory Ashotttara Puja of Lord Ganesh (to remove any obstacles), Lord Shiva & Parvathi is worshipped. Uma Maheshwara Ashtottara puja is performed and the Gowri dara is tied around the wrists.
All set. The main part of Puja done. Respects to this Lady
Daughter gets her Rakshe tied. Along with Blessings that None else can give her
Naivedya includes Karjura (Dates), Cosambari & other usual fruits. Traditional Kadubu filled with coins, staple food grains, & dry fruits is prepared (It is called Bandhara or Treasure Chest) to signify the wealth. Post puja this is placed on either side of the Threshold (Hosilu) and crushed with their elbows by the males of the family to signify abundant flow of material and spiritual wealth into the home.
Wife performs an Arati to her husband for health and long life.
I get an Arti today 🙂
And then is the much awaited part of the festival – the food. Here is what was on offer at home today.
Traditional Fare, (except Pappad & Fried Curded Chillies) which is usually not made on this festival
A Brahmin couple in Saurashtra decided to go on a pilgrimage to Kashi since it was considered a must during one’s life time to pray to Mahadeva there. In those days it was a tough journey with associated risks and hence they did not want to take their young daughter, Susheela. Those were the days when no one was even sure that they would return back from Kashi safely. They leave their daughter under the care of their married son and embark on their pilgrimage.
Their son also was not so well off and parents left their daughter Susheela under his care and asked him to get her married and settled well just in case they don’t return from the Pilgrimage to Kashi. Years roll by and there were no signs of parents returning. Son and his wife did not want to spend any money to get his sister married but he was greedy to possess the property. In those days it was a moral obligation and societal norm that the son who inherits the property would also shoulder the responsibility of getting his sisters married off.
During the same period, Saurashtra was ruled by an able and righteous king Vajrabahu. He had a son Prince Jayasheela who suddenly dies of strange illness. King was worried as to who will now fulfill the ritualistic requirements of tilodaka of his forefathers (The importance of the ritual at the end of the article – applicable for any occasion). The Palace astrologer discovers a remedy – marry the dead prince off before cremation, to keep Pitrus satisfied.
The king makes a proclamation across his Kingdom that whoever is ready to marry his prince, would be given rewards in terms of riches – gold coins, a palatial home, agricultural land, enough food grains for 3 generations.
Greedy son and his wife with no concern for his sister convinces her to agree to it since she will anyway be a Princess, even if widowed right from the time of marriage. It would also help the family financially and improve their status in the society. Though Susheela resisted and pleaded with her brother, he forced her to agree and took her to the King. Marriage was solemnised between the hapless Susheela with the dead Prince Jayasheela. Girl’s brother collects all reward given by the King and leaves the palace.
Immediately thereafter the King, the newly wed Susheela, the army and all the courtiers, takes the Prince’s body for cremation to banks of River Bhagirathi. Susheela decked in all bridal glory with Haridra-Kumkuma (Turmeric and Vermillion) was asked to light the Funeral pyre. Praying to Maa Parvati and Bhagwan Parameshwara, she lights the fire (called Agni-sparsha). Providentially, it begins to rain heavily as soon as the pyre is lit. It rains incessantly and slowly it gets dark with no signs of rains subsiding. Vajrabahu then tells Susheela to come to palace since is the princess now. But Susheela refuses saying her place is with her husband and stays back with the body.
The king and rest of those who accompanied them leave the bride all to herself and return to the palace. Susheela grieving looking at the husband’s body and with fearing setting in, she begins to pray to Shiva-Parvati. She curses her fate and thinks this would not have happened had her parents been around. She beseeches, “O Parameshwara! you have blessed Markandeya with immortality, restored life to Agni Manmatha, blessed with long life to Shwetavahana and Brighu Putra Chyavana Rishi. What sin have I committed to undergo this terrible situation? Please show some compassion towards me”
Shiva, the one who is always on the side of Devotee appears before her along with Paravati. Susheela then seeks “Sowbhagya/Sumangali and Wealth”
Shiva then tells her, “We would let you know a vrata that you have to observe diligently and with utmost sincereity. On the Amavasya Tithi (New Moon day) of Ashada month, have a ritualistic bath and clean the Puja sthala (place) and install Uma-Maheshwara on a Peetha (pedestal). On a heap of rice, install two Ghee Lamps to worship me. On such a lamp, I shall remain as Ashtamurti (8 attributes of Bhagwan Shiva – Sharva, Bhava, Rudra, Ugra, Bhima, Pashuupati, Ishaana and Mahaadeva)”
Ashtamurti as in Shiva Purana Sharva(Earth) that holds the entire universe of the mobile and immobile beings; Bhava(Water) that is lifeline of the entire world; Rudra(Fire)is those attibutes that is symbolic of Perfection, source of fire that destroys all imperfections; Ugra(Air)is that form holding the outer and inner universe and throbs by itself; Bhima(Ether) form that pervades everything and affords space to all & decomposition of which results into group of elements; Pashupati(Soul) which is the support of individual souls, and abiding therein splits the bondage that encircles them;Ishana(Sun) is the form that brightens the entire universe in the form of the sun & moves about in the heaven; Mahadeva(Moon) is form where nectarlike rays that strengthens and fattens the universe to satiety.
Shiva continues, “I also exist in the lamp in unbiased purest form. Alongside you should have another lamp to which a Turmeric Stick is attached to represent my consort, Shakti or Parvati. My favourite moon exist as part of ashtamurtis, the illuminous me is also known as Bhimeshwara. Assuming the Lamp as Myself, worship with utmost sincerity for 9 years. You have to also offer Kadubu (rice cake). Worship me with Sandalwood and flowers, and do charity for Brahmins. After 9 years there is no doubt that your husband will be back to life and you will become Sowbhagyavati “
Susheela, however had to make do with what was available around. Instead of Kadubu (rice cake) she makes cake out of mud, makes lamp out of clay, and for tambula uses Banyan leaf as Betel leaf and the Banyan fruit as Betel nut. She uses the grass as flowers for worship and sincerely begins her vrata (vows).
While she was in the process of worship, an young couple comes there and were curious to know what she was doing. She then explains her situation and misfortune that happened in her life. Since she is alone, there is no one to break the mud cake (kadubu). The man offers to break the same for her and as he breaks blesses her saying, “Dheegha Sumangali Bhava – May you be a happily married woman for a long time – meaning let your husband be alive for your entire lifetime).
With a painful and sad face she smirks and asks how is it possible when my husband is lying dead on the pyre here. The young couple pointing towards the dead husband tells her that he is in deep sleep and to wake him up. When she looks at the prince, she is shocked to see that he was slowly opening his eyes as if he was waking up from deep sleep. She could not believe her eyes and then she realised who the young couple were. When she turns around they had vanished by then.
Her puja bore fruits and Prince was back to life again. She offers her gratitude and respects to Uma and Maheshwara mentally. She also tells everyting that happened to her husband. On knowing what happened Vajrabahu was elated and he rushes to banks of Bhagirathi to see his prince alive and embaces the couple heartily. He also expresses his gratefulness to Uma Maheshwara. He also ensures that this glory and power of observing the vrata on Amavasya of Ashada, known as Jyotirbhimeshwara Vrata or Bheemana Amavasye.
On this day, married and unmarried women worship Uma and Maheshwara for happiness, propserity and health of the menfolk of the family. Those married also pray for stronger marital bond like that of Parvati and Shiva
Another tradition is the make Kadubu or Tambittu (picture below) – a sweet made out of rice, peanuts and chickpea flour with a coin or jewels hidden inside. In the evening, at the end of the vrata, they break the same and take out the coin/jewel. This process is called breaking of Bhandara (treasure chest)
Bhandhara (Treasure Chest) – Tambittu with coins inside
May Lord Shiva’s blessings be showered in abundance on everyone. It is also launches month long Shravan maasa Rudra Pujas & Satsangs by the Art of Living Pundits (founded by His Holiness Pujya Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar) in various locations.
||Mrityunjaya Rudraya Neelakanthaya Sambhave Amriteshaya Sarvaya Mahadevaya Te Namaha||
Significance of Tilodaka or Tarpana “Vasurudraditya swaroopanam asmat Pitru Pitamaha Prappitamaha aavahayami”
Forefathers are believed to live in the Pithru loka for some time after their death until they are reborn, attain Deva loka or Mukti. Pitru loka is inhabited by 3 generations of forefathers – Vasu(father), Rudra (Grandfather) and Aditya(Great Grand Father). Pitru loka is on the other side of th moon, the portion which gets exposed to the sun only on Amavasya (New Moon day), which is also the meal time for Pitrus. All the offering (their only source of nourishment) by way of Tarpana by the progeny is meant to feed the Pitrus. If they are displeased, their curse would ensure that there won’t be any further male progeny.
