A Beautiful Bond Between the Generations
This beautiful short video captures the magic of a true bond between the generations; between grandmother and grandson
, and the circle of life that bond must go through, in joy and sorrow. All of it without a word spoken. A gentle and wonderful reminder of one of life’s greatest gifts.
SOURCE:::::You Tube and babamail site
Natarajan
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Human life is the combination of body, mind and soul. Body is the basis to attain wisdom. Therefore it should not be misused. You must purify your body and mind by undertaking sacred actions. Do not underestimate the potentialities of the human body. In fact the human body is the basis for attaining the goal of life. Work for the redemption of your life by chanting the Divine Name and undertaking sacred activities. You need not make any special effort to acquire the human values – they are latent within you, right from your birth. You have forgotten them, as you failed to practice them. Instead of giving tons of speeches, practice at least an ounce of what you have learnt. Humanity is on the decline only because people are not practicing human values. You are developing desires (asalu) forgetting ideals (adarsalu).
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Control your desires. Cultivate love for God. That love will confer on you everything you need. There is no need for you to ask anything from God. Did Rama not give to Shabari what she needed without her asking? Did He not bless Jatayu with His Grace? Dasharatha had prayed for so long that his son should perform the last rites for him. But he did not get it, while the bird Jatayu got the privilege of a few drops of water from Rama before its death and attained liberation. Rama even performed his last rites. Mother Shabari was eagerly waiting for Lord Rama’s arrival with sweet fruits for several years. Her intense devotion to the Lord fetched its reward – God confers His Grace (anugraha) according to each one’s deservedness and it cannot be secured by agraha (force or power).
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Kanda Sashti which falls in the Tamil month of Aippasi (Oct-Nov) is a very auspicious day in the calendar of Muruga devotees. The significance of Sashti is that it falls on the 6th day (thidi) of the lunar month, starting from Ammavasya (full moon day); the number six signaling the six faces of Muruga. In 2014, Kanda Sashti falls on 29th October. Skanda Sashti marks the triumph of good over evil. It was on this day; Lord Kanda, pronounced as Skanda in Sanskrit, destroyed the demon Sooran who represented ego in its full measure. Kanda Sashti gives us the message that the Lord of Tiruchendur would spontaneously reach out those who follow the path of truth, devotion and humility and grace them.
As a result of the extreme penance undertaken by Soorapadman, Lord Siva appeared before him and granted him the boon of life for 108 yugas or eons, or one full age among the four age cycle. Armed with this power, he and his brothers, Tarakasura and Simhasura started terrorizing the Devas. Soorapadman had received the boon that no one born to any human or even divine personality could destroy him. It therefore became necessary to create a bigger power, not naturally born, to be able to annihilate Sooran.
Thus, six sparks of fire came from the third eye of Lord Siva. These flames were deposited in the marshy lake called Saravana Poigai. Goddess Parvati came to Saravana Poigai along with Lord Siva and saw her son, Kumara. The face of the child was brilliant like a thousand rising suns. As she embraced the six children, they merged into one and transformed into one beautiful child. The word Skanda means ‘integrated into one’. As the six babies were integrated into one, He became known as Skanda.
Having received the powerful Vel (lance) from his mother Parvati, Kanda waged a fierce battle with Soorapadman. Soorapadman adopted deceitful methods by taking different forms like mountain and trees. Ultimately, Kanda vanquished Sooran by hurling His Vel (lance) into the tree in which form Sooran was fighting. As the Vel pierced the tree, it was split into two parts. But Muruga, the Lord of infinite compassion, pardoned Sooran. The Lord took one half of the tree, transformed it into a peacock and accepted it as His transport, and transformed the other half into a rooster and accepted it as his banner or ensign. It was victory day for all the Devas. They celebrated the day as the day of victory of right over wrong, victory of light over darkness and victory of truth over deceit. This victory day is celebrated as Kanda Sashti.
The Kanda Sashti celebrations start six days in advance. Some devotees start observing austerities, penance and strict discipline in conduct. While some devotees follow the practice of silence, others engage themselves in rituals and worship. Most of the people observe fast during this period. There is no doubt that those who worship the Lord after observing the austerities would get the benign blessings of Lord Muruga. There were many instances of those deprived of the joy of having children being blessed with children after observing fast during Sashti and worshipping Lord Senthil Andavar.
There is a popular saying in Tamil Chattiyil Irundhal Aappayil Varum. (chattiyil = in earthern pot, irunthal = if available, aappayil = the hand instrument by which one draws the contents from the vessel, varum = could get). If the pot has some contents then only one will be able to draw from it. This is said in order to highlight the fact that there should be a deposit before one tries to withdraw. Now Muruga devotees have given a new interpretation to it. They said: “Sashtiyil (vridham – assumed) Irundhal Agappayil Varum (sashtiyil = during Sashti, irunthal = if abstinence is observed’, agapayil varum = life will come in the internal cavity of the belly).
This means that if the women aspiring to become mother undergo penance during Sashti they would soon find their pot (womb) brimming with life. By worshipping Muruga, the women’s aspiration of motherhood would soon be fulfilled. But it is not just the grace of motherhood that Lord Kanda grants to those aspiring for it by observing Sashti ritual (vritam). Devotees observing Sashti Vritam with devotion and dedication would be free from all consequences of karma and elevated to a state of peace, prosperity and happiness.
Devaraya Swamigal, an enlightened saint, has given beautiful expression to the importance of Kanda Sashti in his hymn, Kanda Sashti Kavacham. While Devarayar was engaged in business at Bangalore, he happened to meet Sri Meenakshi Sundaram Pillai, an erudite scholar in Tamil. Association with Pillai transformed Devarayar into a great poet. When the inherent devotion in Devarayar got combined with his literary knowledge, it gave birth to beautiful verses of hymns in praise of Lord Muruga. Residing at Palani, he used to worship Palani Andavar daily.
Once, on his way to the hill, he was pained to notice a group of persons suffering from various ailments in a medical camp. He then went to the shrine, bitterly poured out his emotion and prayed for their recovery. Lord Muruga then appeared in his vision and said: “Your prayer is heard and it would be fulfilled. Compose your songs in your beautiful Tamil in a way that would be acclaimed by all.”
Devarayar then started composing his songs. He then proceeded to Tiruchendur. As he saw Tiruchendur Muruga in His splendour and glory, he was deeply moved and songs started coming from him spontaneously and effortlessly. He composed his remarkable works, Kanda Shasti Kavacham in six chapters. The song beinning with the wordsThudhipporkku Val Vinai Pom describes the different types of Vel and the way it protects devotees from different adverse influences. Sashti Kavacham also describes the magnificence of Muruga, His infinite grace, His compassion and beauty. The Soorasamharam is also described in vivid details. In the passage: Ethanai Kuraigal the poet says:
There may be wrongs, shortcomings on my part,
Misdeeds I would have committed out of ignorance
It is your duty, Oh Lord Muruga, to pardon me and forgive me
Just as a loving mother would do to her children
And lead me to the correct path.
Going through Kandar Sashti Kavacham, one admires literature and devotion blending beautifully. Going through the range and depth of the song, it is clear that no ordinary mortal could have composed such an outstanding work and only one who has been blessed by Muruga could achieve this feat.
The word kavacham means shield. To those who chant Kanda Sashti Kavacham, the grace of Kanda serves as a shield against all possible threats, all diseases and evil effects. Neither the effects of karma nor any adverse effects arising out of planetary influence can harm these devotees. The Kanda Sashti Kavacham not only shields them from all possible dangers but also gives them confidence, strength, courage and power to sail through this turbulent ocean of life.
A sea of humanity converges in Tiruchendur on the occasion of Kanda Sashti to witness enactment of the scene of Soorapadman being defeated. Here, there is no difference of caste, class or creed. All those congregated on the seashore are united in their devotion towards Muruga. They have all come from far and near to witness this rare event called Soorasamharam. The wedding of Lord Muruga (Tiru Kalyanam) is also solemnized on the next day after the Soorasamharam. After the worship, they all return with the supreme satisfaction of having the blessings of Muruga. They have full faith that the Lord they worship with reverence would always stand by them, provide them guidance and grace and ensure them happiness and prosperity.
SOURCE:::: www.thiruppugazh.org ….Murugan Bhakthi
Natarajan
A new teacher was trying to make use of her psychology courses.
She started her class by saying, “Everyone who thinks you’re stupid, stand up!”
After a few seconds, Little Johnny stood up.
The teacher said, “Do you think you’re stupid, Little Johnny?”
“No, ma’am, but I hate to see you standing there all by yourself!”
SOURCE:::::jOKE A DAY.COM
Natarajan
Every being passes through the stages of birth, youth, old age and death. Childhood is spent in playing, youth in family life and old age in discharging responsibilities. One way or the other, there is mental suffering associated with each of these stages. Our attitude to life is akin to that of a tamarind. The tamarind is made up of three parts – the seed, the skin and the fruit. Similarly a human being has the gross body, the subtle body and the causal body. Suppose a raw, young tamarind is hit with a stone, the outer layer as well as the inner layer will be hurt. On the other hand, when a ripe tamarind is hit with a stone, only the outer skin breaks and the juice is available for consumption. The one with worldly associations is similar to a raw tamarind. Gradually, give up all desires, as the nature of desires is to multiply.
Dave Kan in Noosa, Queensland, Australia: ‘I was finishing up a photo shoot when a wild kangaroo appeared out of nowhere and bounded onto the lake, as if walking on water. This, along with the picturesque sunset combined to create an absolute visual treat!’
Rick Loesche on Sanibel Island, Florida: An island bird gulps down a tiny crab for a meal
Hendy MP in Sambas, West Kalimantan, Indonesia: A lemur species gets ready to fly in this photo captured in the early afternoon
Source::::::ASHLEY COLLMAN FOR MAILONLINE www.dailymail.co.uk & National Geographic
Natarajan
காஞ்சிப்பெரியவர் 1932ல் ராமேஸ்வரம் வந்தார். கடலில் ஸ்நானம் செய்த அவர் சிறிதளவு மணலைச் சேகரித்துக் கொண்டார். அதை அலகாபாத்திலுள்ள பிரயாகை திரிவேணி சங்கமத்தில் சேர்ப்பிக்க வேண்டும் என்பது அவரது எண்ணம். அது மட்டுமல்ல! தீபாவளி கொண்டாடப்படும் அக்டோபர் மாதத்தில் காசிக்கு சென்று கங்கா ஸ்நானம் செய்யவும் அவர் முடிவெடுத்திருந்தார். இதற்காக, அவர் வாகனங்கள் எதுவும் ஏற்பாடு செய்யவில்லை. நடந்தே செல்ல திட்டமிட்டார். அப்போது பெரியவருக்கு வயது 39 தான்.
இந்த திட்டத்தை செயல்படுத்தும் பொறுப்பு, தென்காசியைச் சேர்ந்த அனந்த கிருஷ்ண சர்மாவிடம் ஒப்படைக்கப்பட்டது. அவர் முன்னதாகவே காசிக்கு நடந்தே புறப்பட்டார். எந்தெந்த ஊர்களில் பெரியவர் தங்கிச் செல்ல வேண்டும் என்பதை செல்லும் வழியில் குறித்துக் கொண்டார். அவ்வாறு அவர் நடந்து செல்ல ஆறு மாதங்கள் பிடித்தன.
அவர் திரும்பி வந்து பயணத்திட்டத்தை பெரியவரிடம் அளித்தார். பெரியவரும் சிஷ்யர்களும் 1933 செப்டம்பர் இரண்டாவது வாரத்தில் தஞ்சாவூரிலிருந்து பயணத்தைத் துவக்கினர். செல்லும் வழியில் இந்தியாவின் முக்கிய நகரங்களில் பெரியவர் தங்கினார். அங்கெல்லாம் ஏராளமான பக்தர்கள் வந்து ஆசி பெற்றனர். அனந்தசர்மா வேகமாகச் சென்று திரும்பியதால் ஆறுமாதங்கள் தான் பிடித்தன. ஆனால், மகாபெரியவர் பல ஊர்களில் தங்கியதால், பிரயாகையை அடைய 1934 ஜூலை 23ம் தேதி ஆகி விட்டது. அங்கு தான் கொண்டு சென்ற ராமேஸ்வரம் மணலை, திரிவேணி சங்கமத்தில் சேர்ப்பித்தார். அங்கேயே செப்டம்பர் மாதம் வரை தங்கி விட்டார். செப்டம்பர் இறுதியில் காசி கிளம்பினார்.
அவரிடம் பக்தர்கள்,””இப்போதே நீங்கள் வெகு தூரம் நடந்து வந்து விட்டீர்கள். இனியும் நடக்க வேண்டாம். சாலை வசதி நன்றாக இருக்கிறது. வாகனத்தில் வாருங்கள்,” என கோரிக்கை வைத்தனர். மகாபெரியவர் அதை ஏற்கவில்லை. தொடர்ந்து நடந்தே காசியாத்திரையைத் தொடர்ந்தார். பிரயாகையில் இருந்த பக்தர்கள் பலரும் அவருடன் சென்றனர். அக்டோபர் 3ம் தேதி காசி எல்லையை அடைந்த சுவாமிகளை காசி மகாராஜா உள்ளிட்டோர் பூர்ண கும்ப மரியாதையுடன் வரவேற்றனர்.
வரவேற்பு விழாவில் 25 ஆயிரத்துக்கும் மேற்பட்டோர் பங்கேற்றனர். அக்டோபர் 7ல் மகாபெரியவர் கங்கையிலுள்ள மணிகர்ணிகை உள்ளிட்ட தீர்த்தக்கட்டங்களில் தீர்த்தமாடினார். பண்டித மதன்மோகன் மாளவியாவின் அழைப்பை ஏற்று காசி இந்து சர்வகலாசாலையில் (பல்கலைக்கழகம்) உரையாற்றினார்.
ஒவ்வொரு இந்துவும் வாழ்வில் ஒரு முறையேனும் காசி யாத்திரை செய்ய வேண்டும் என வலியுறுத்தினார்.
நாமும் மகாபெரியவர் ஆசியுடன், அடுத்த தீபாவளிக்குள் ஒருமுறை காசி யாத்திரை சென்று திரும்புவோம்.
Rea d more: http://periva.proboards.com/thread/8187/#ixzz3H3oLJzUS
Source::::www.periva.proboards.com
Natarajan
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With the Lord’s name as the very breath of your life, engage in all life’s activities, with no fear of fall. When the mind weds worldly activity (pravrithi), the progeny is bondage; when it weds spiritual renunciation (nivrithi), the progeny is freedom. Nivrithi confers fearlessness, and grants strength and courage, for it is desire that weakens man and makes one cringe. Detachment endows you with self-respect, and the capacity to stand up to slander and calumny. There are some who weep at the slightest sign of defeat or disappointment. This is despicable behaviour. When the Lord is installed in the altar of your heart why should you have fear or sorrow? Do you not know He is there, guarding you and guiding you? He is in all beings, always. Remember this fact wherever you are and whatever you may do. If only you do not give up the recitation of His Name you will succeed.
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Take off with Natarajan 