My brother kalyan found this rendition of one of the awesomest Tyagaraja kritis I ever heard till date by Prince Rama Varma . Loved it!
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
Tyagaraja at his awesome best
My brother kalyan found this rendition of one of the awesomest Tyagaraja kritis I ever heard till date by Prince Rama Varma . Loved it!
The story of Kakabhushandi and the Path of Bhakti
I glanced upon an interesting character recently while reading about maha bhakt Goswami Tulasidas. I am always fascinated about Tulasi das's meeting with Hanuman near Varanasi. Another very important character who moulded Tulasi das's life by explaining the truth about Rama is Kakabhushandi.
Kakabhushandi is an enlightened soul in the form of a crow residing near Manas Sarovar Lake. He is an ardent devotee of Lord Rama. Importance of Kakbhushandi can be understood by looking at these two deeds :
(i) He explained to Garuda the greatness and true meaning of Rama avatar( More on that little later).Garuda was doubtful if Rama is Vishnu after Rama was tied and rendered motionless by the Nagapashas(Sons of Khadruv) shot by Meghanadha,
(ii) He is one of the five teachers(reciters) of 'RamaCharitmanas' to Tulasidas and thus helped in the spread of Bhakti Shakha ( Remember Surdas and Tulasidas are pioneers of Bhakti movement).
His Previous life:
In the Kaliyuga of an older kalpa, Kakabhushandi was born as a Sudra in Ayodhya. He was a devotee of Siva but he used to intentionally denigrate vishnu and other forms of supreme. Later, facing a famine in Ayodhya, he moved to Ujjain, where he worked for a brahmin. The brahmin took pity on him and taught him Shiva maha mantra. Kakbhushandi grew proud of this and started insulting the other forms of supreme even more. The brahmin tried to explain kakbhushandi and asked him to refrain from such acts. One day kakabhushandi abused the brahmin for correcting him. Lord Siva got angry on Kakabhushandi for he insulted his guru (brahmin taught Kakabhushandi the Siva maha mantra) and cursed( as akasa vani) him to take birth in lower forms than a venomous snake for 1000 lifes. Brahmin also heard the curse and prayed to siva to show mercy on his pupil. Siva pleased by the karuna of the brahmin blessed kakabhushandi that he will not be touched by the pain of birth and death during these 1000 lifes and he will forget his past while his soul migrates bodies. He also blessed him with Rama bhakti.
After migrating through 1000 lifes without the pain of birth and death, with awareness of all his previous births and with great devotion towards Rama, Kakabhushandi took the life of a brahmin. He went to sage Lomesha and asked him about the ways to reach Lord Rama. Lomesha explained the virtues of Rama but stressed that supreme has no attributes. Kakbhushandi entered into a long discussion with lomesha and emphasized his need of finding the tangible form of God. Distraught with arguments and counter arguments, Lomesha cursed the brahim that he will become a crow. The brahmin humbly accepted the curse without any sign of vengeance. Lomesha took pity on the brahmin and taught him the Srirama mantra and also gave the boon of 'Ichha Mrityu' ( Death by wish). The brahmin was so attracted to the form of crow as he got the SriRam mantra immediately after he got the shape of a crow that he continued in that form. That brahmin turned crow is Kakabhushandi.
Another important thing to note here is why Kakabhushandi is interested only in the 'Saguna' form of the supreme ( the tangible form or the form with which one can associate himself with)?. The answer to this question is key to - What kakabhushandi could have told to Garuda to clear his doubt on Rama ?.
Rama is the human form of supreme. If humans were just preached of a nirguna parabrahman( one without attributes), it will be very difficult for the human mind to hold on to that form, let alone concentrating and praying on that form. If this will be the case the how can souls be liberated from this ocean of birth and death. The merciful lord came down as Lord SriRam to teach the content of vedas in a easily understandable way. He dwelled as human and faced all the problems any human might face but never left the path of righteousness. He showed way for other humans - the rightful path to trod. The way Rama trodded - Rama Aayana - gives the word Ramayana. My dear friend and fellow blogger Anand Kunde has many pieces on hidden meanings of Ramayana.
The preachings of kakbhushandi about Lord Ram as Saguna parabrahma show us the way to Lord through the easiest way of Bhakti or complete devotion.
Kakabhushandi is an enlightened soul in the form of a crow residing near Manas Sarovar Lake. He is an ardent devotee of Lord Rama. Importance of Kakbhushandi can be understood by looking at these two deeds :
(i) He explained to Garuda the greatness and true meaning of Rama avatar( More on that little later).Garuda was doubtful if Rama is Vishnu after Rama was tied and rendered motionless by the Nagapashas(Sons of Khadruv) shot by Meghanadha,
(ii) He is one of the five teachers(reciters) of 'RamaCharitmanas' to Tulasidas and thus helped in the spread of Bhakti Shakha ( Remember Surdas and Tulasidas are pioneers of Bhakti movement).
His Previous life:
In the Kaliyuga of an older kalpa, Kakabhushandi was born as a Sudra in Ayodhya. He was a devotee of Siva but he used to intentionally denigrate vishnu and other forms of supreme. Later, facing a famine in Ayodhya, he moved to Ujjain, where he worked for a brahmin. The brahmin took pity on him and taught him Shiva maha mantra. Kakbhushandi grew proud of this and started insulting the other forms of supreme even more. The brahmin tried to explain kakbhushandi and asked him to refrain from such acts. One day kakabhushandi abused the brahmin for correcting him. Lord Siva got angry on Kakabhushandi for he insulted his guru (brahmin taught Kakabhushandi the Siva maha mantra) and cursed( as akasa vani) him to take birth in lower forms than a venomous snake for 1000 lifes. Brahmin also heard the curse and prayed to siva to show mercy on his pupil. Siva pleased by the karuna of the brahmin blessed kakabhushandi that he will not be touched by the pain of birth and death during these 1000 lifes and he will forget his past while his soul migrates bodies. He also blessed him with Rama bhakti.
After migrating through 1000 lifes without the pain of birth and death, with awareness of all his previous births and with great devotion towards Rama, Kakabhushandi took the life of a brahmin. He went to sage Lomesha and asked him about the ways to reach Lord Rama. Lomesha explained the virtues of Rama but stressed that supreme has no attributes. Kakbhushandi entered into a long discussion with lomesha and emphasized his need of finding the tangible form of God. Distraught with arguments and counter arguments, Lomesha cursed the brahim that he will become a crow. The brahmin humbly accepted the curse without any sign of vengeance. Lomesha took pity on the brahmin and taught him the Srirama mantra and also gave the boon of 'Ichha Mrityu' ( Death by wish). The brahmin was so attracted to the form of crow as he got the SriRam mantra immediately after he got the shape of a crow that he continued in that form. That brahmin turned crow is Kakabhushandi.
Another important thing to note here is why Kakabhushandi is interested only in the 'Saguna' form of the supreme ( the tangible form or the form with which one can associate himself with)?. The answer to this question is key to - What kakabhushandi could have told to Garuda to clear his doubt on Rama ?.
Rama is the human form of supreme. If humans were just preached of a nirguna parabrahman( one without attributes), it will be very difficult for the human mind to hold on to that form, let alone concentrating and praying on that form. If this will be the case the how can souls be liberated from this ocean of birth and death. The merciful lord came down as Lord SriRam to teach the content of vedas in a easily understandable way. He dwelled as human and faced all the problems any human might face but never left the path of righteousness. He showed way for other humans - the rightful path to trod. The way Rama trodded - Rama Aayana - gives the word Ramayana. My dear friend and fellow blogger Anand Kunde has many pieces on hidden meanings of Ramayana.
The preachings of kakbhushandi about Lord Ram as Saguna parabrahma show us the way to Lord through the easiest way of Bhakti or complete devotion.
Thursday, December 22, 2011
North Korea & India: Drawing parallels between the two worlds
Happened to revisit a old you tube video on North Korea. Very long documentary but worth watching
I feel sorry for the poor souls who are starving because of a regime that wants tight control on its people. Now that their 2nd great leader, Kim Jong Il is summoned by Gods to help them in their heavenly abode(well propaganda machina can create and destroy any thing out of blue) , I pray that those tormented souls in North Korea get some food to eat, place to live and basic medical facilities in the new regime.
Assuming you watched this video and understood the propaganda work, let us consider a more Indian scenario. Our very own great leader , first prime minister of India loves children very much and hence we celebrate 14th Nov every year as 'Children's day'. Out of the 7 years of my schooling, I have never read a instance of our beloved leader being interested in Children's business. These are the very textbooks our government prepared to educate the future of India carefully editing out the unwanted and uncomfortable history. Then why isn't even a single instance of how our beloved leader loved kids elucidated in those books. The way this propaganda machinery deviced this beautiful tale makes me wonder : Are we any different from those people living their lives cut off from the world , believing the words from the books on their face value?.
May be I know too little ! Any comments and references to this are most welcome.
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Beauty of Brotherhood: Lessons from Ramayana
Bhadrachalam is a small temple town on the banks of river Godavari. The town is known for 'Kondanda Ramalayam', a temple dedicated to Sri Rama. One striking feature of this temple is that Lakshmana is on the left side of Rama. A small background story for this elucidates how much Rama cared for his brother Lakshmana.
Once sage Bhadra performed deep penance for Lord Rama. Pleased with his penance Vishnu in his full form came before him and asked to wish for anything he wants. Bhadra solemnly refused Lord Vishnu's form and said politely that he wasn't expecting Vishnu in Vishnu's form and that he is seeking Rama even though it is quite evident that Rama is an avatar of Lord Vishnu. Rama hurriedly appeared before him along with Sita and Lakshmana. Even when he is rushing to a demanding bhakta, Rama never forgot taking his brother with him. One could clearly note that Lakshmana is standing on the left side unlike the traditional right side of Rama, a place where Lakshmana is always seen. Even though Bhadra din't specifically ask for Lakshmana, Rama and Lakshmana are one package. They cannot be separated. Wherever Rama goes Lakshmana will be there.
A picture of the place and its history can be seen here
Once sage Bhadra performed deep penance for Lord Rama. Pleased with his penance Vishnu in his full form came before him and asked to wish for anything he wants. Bhadra solemnly refused Lord Vishnu's form and said politely that he wasn't expecting Vishnu in Vishnu's form and that he is seeking Rama even though it is quite evident that Rama is an avatar of Lord Vishnu. Rama hurriedly appeared before him along with Sita and Lakshmana. Even when he is rushing to a demanding bhakta, Rama never forgot taking his brother with him. One could clearly note that Lakshmana is standing on the left side unlike the traditional right side of Rama, a place where Lakshmana is always seen. Even though Bhadra din't specifically ask for Lakshmana, Rama and Lakshmana are one package. They cannot be separated. Wherever Rama goes Lakshmana will be there.
A picture of the place and its history can be seen here
Monday, August 29, 2011
Anna Hazare & India against Corruption
It is quite evident that Anna Hazare's movement has motivated the common man (Aam aadmi for INC). There is no denying that the Indian public in general was irritated with the corruption and seek a corruption free society . The other day I saw a BMTC vajra bus driver fancying Gandhi topi and a tricolor on the forehead like a tilak. I am quite surprised at the breadth of the campaign. I see two obvious benefits here:
1. The INC (and hence UPA2.0) which took Indian public for granted was challenged on a large scale from the sessions of parliament to the streets of India
2.People who were insensitive to issues of national importance came out in large numbers for the first time to address the corruption. Well if the proposed Janlokpal bill will have its desired ends or not is for the time to decide, what is appreciable is the participation of people from all walks of life.
The side effects caused by the movement that I hate the most are
1. Candle light protests spread to a wider group (sic). What you get of candle light protests is something I could not comprehend! But my liberal friends tell me that I am an right wing engineer and hence could not understand the soul and spirit of protest.
2. Every weekend I have to face a heavy traffic jam because of the protests everywhere
1. The INC (and hence UPA2.0) which took Indian public for granted was challenged on a large scale from the sessions of parliament to the streets of India
2.People who were insensitive to issues of national importance came out in large numbers for the first time to address the corruption. Well if the proposed Janlokpal bill will have its desired ends or not is for the time to decide, what is appreciable is the participation of people from all walks of life.
The side effects caused by the movement that I hate the most are
1. Candle light protests spread to a wider group (sic). What you get of candle light protests is something I could not comprehend! But my liberal friends tell me that I am an right wing engineer and hence could not understand the soul and spirit of protest.
2. Every weekend I have to face a heavy traffic jam because of the protests everywhere
My favorite five rides from Hollywood
1. Harley Davidson Fat Boy ( Remember Arnold Schwarznegger driving this beast in T2 \m/)
2. ShadowFax ( Lord of the horses)
3. Nazgul
4. Varactyl (AKA Dragon mount - ride of Obi wan kenobi)
5. Ghost Rider bike
2. ShadowFax ( Lord of the horses)
3. Nazgul
4. Varactyl (AKA Dragon mount - ride of Obi wan kenobi)
5. Ghost Rider bike
PS: Soon to come - Worst rides ever
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Is it worth fighting??
rendu kukkalu sandu turning lo ghoram ga aruchukuntu untayi.. 2nd kukka 1st kukka territory aina chetta kuppa marking daati vachi, chetta lo vasana chustondi.. obviously 1st kukki ki verri ekkindi.. naa chettakuppa lo vaasana chudataniki nee hakku enti ani gola gola chestondi...daniki thodu avatalapakka veedi kukkalu kuda vachi arustunnayi.. avi enduku arustunnayo teliyadu kani anni kalipi chese godava bharinchadam kante'2001 space odyessey' lo first half an hour chudatam best anipinchindi..
rendu groupla janalu kottukuntunnaru... 1st group vari swatantra telangana lo 2nd group 'migata andhra vallu' vachi untunnaru ani godava... aa taravata comparison cheppakarla.. inka doubt gaa unte edaina telugu channel petti chudandi!!
rendu scenarios lo naaku isumantaina teda kanapadatla... endoo ee pichi..
rendu groupla janalu kottukuntunnaru... 1st group vari swatantra telangana lo 2nd group 'migata andhra vallu' vachi untunnaru ani godava... aa taravata comparison cheppakarla.. inka doubt gaa unte edaina telugu channel petti chudandi!!
rendu scenarios lo naaku isumantaina teda kanapadatla... endoo ee pichi..
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