HAPPY CHRISTMAS

Christmas is the historical encounter, the decisive encounter, between God and mankind. The real spirit of Christmas is not a time nor a season, but a state of mind, to cherish peace and goodwill, to be plenteous in mercy. It remembers me a giving heart, a wide open heart that thinks of others first. He who has faith knows this truly; let him rejoice. Christmas is all about god and love. Love is the key to peace among all mankind and happiness within all creation.

I am not a Christian in the conventional sense but I find very good values and message in this festival. Christ was born as a human being and lived throughout as GOD'S beloved child and he sacrificed his life for uplifting the sinners. He did not despise even the worst sinner but took him in to him and refined him. From this festival especially one can know to love selflessly and do something positive for others. Somehow, not only for Christmas, but all the long year through, the joy that you give to others, is the joy that comes back to you. And the more you spend in blessing the poor and lonely and sad, the more of your hearts possessing, Returns to you glad.

Christmas is a time of reflection and thanks. Remembering the true meaning of Christmas can be done in a variety of ways. This might mean taking time to pray and read passages from the Bible with your family. Regardless of how you choose to celebrate this wonderful holiday and this miraculous event, I hope it is a time that is full of joy and love with the ones you care about. I trust that your Christmas will be filled with warmth and meaning as you gather with your loved ones and reflect on the true meaning of this blessed day.

May the good times and treasures of the present
become the golden memories and moments of tomorrow.
Wish you lots of love, joy and happiness.
Merry Christmas and Divine Love to all of you

RESPECT LIFE(WORTH READING)

One morning, a monkey got seriously injured after getting hit by a speeding car on road. One autorikshaw driver stopped and shifted the injured animal from the road to footpath. Few poor labourers gathered around it, without knowing what to do. Blood was flowing from the injuries in the abdomen and neck. One person brought bread and water to feed the animal. They shifted monkey to a safe place, into the campus of a nearby hostel, which accommodated students pursuing their M.Sc. and Ph.D. in veterinary science. The hostel watchman who had a mobile phone, contacted the Animal Welfare department and requested for an ambulance for picking up the injured animal for treatment.

After people dispersed, a Ph.D student came out of his hostel room with a glass of water. He was looking for an appropriate place having sunlight. He came to a place, just a few feet away from where the injured animal was lying in pain, performed 'surya namaskar' facing the sun and went back to his room.

The student did not even care to give a look at the monkey lying near, crying in severe pain. The monkey also existed on this earth by the grace of Sun, the ultimate source of energy, to whom he had just prayed to.

He may definitely complete his Ph.D. with flying colours and be successful in life as a Veterinary Doctor. But, a doctor without a heart! Would you like to be one like him?

'Life' in any form, whatever it may be, is a gift from the Almighty. Let HUMANITY (Respect & compassion) towards Life be our first religion. Humanity is the highest religion.

(THIS IS A REAL INCIDENT THAT HAPPENED IN BANGALORE AND ONE OF MY FRIEND FORWARD THIS TO ME)

DHANURMASA THIRUVADHIRA ON 22 DECEMBER 2010.

The Thiruvathira Festival falls in the Malayalam month of Dhanu (December, January).In 2010 Thiruvathira is on December 22. The festival is mainly dedicated to Lord Shiva. The people of Kerala celebrate this festival with great Joy and respect. Thiruvathira is essentially women's festival and it is considered very auspicious to worship Lord Shiva on this day and pray for conjugal harmony and marital bliss. The other very interesting facet of the festival is the enchanting “Thiruvathirakkali” dance performed by women on this day. Oonjalattom, swinging on an oonjal (swing) is an item of amusement on this occasion. At night the women keep vigil for Siva and perform Thiruvathira kali or Kaikottikali.

Significance:-
Thiruvathira is being celebrated for ages now but there is no clear theory about the origin of the festival. There are numerous myths associated with this thiruvadhira fast. But the origin of this festival is obscure.

Some legends says that it is the birthday of Lord Shiva.

Some legends says that Lord Shiva merged all nine powers into him before initiation of creation, on this day.

Some legends says that Lord Shiva’s return to the world after ending the harsh austerities and tapas that he was performing after the death of Goddess Sati.

Some legends says that Parvathi performed rigorous penance to win the Lord Siva’s heart and after a long penance on the Thiruvathira day Lord Siva accepted her as his wife. Therefore, it is the holy day of marriage of God Shiva and Goddess Parvathi.

Some legends say that it is the day when Kamadeva, the mythological God of love was reborn. He burnt to ashes in the fatal flames of fire from the third eye of Lord Siva. The Lord pardoned him, on request of Sree Parvati and Rathidevi, later.

Another legend associated with this festival is that in tune with Narada Maharshi’s advice, Rukmini followed the fast following Sree Parvati, to become Lord Krishna’s bride.

Another legend associated with this festival is In accordance with Narada’s advice, Gopikas in Vrindavanam also opted for Karthiyayani fast during this dhanurmasa season. They longed to have Lord Krishna as their husband, made an idol of Goddess Karthiyayani and prayed for a mandala season. For this, Gopikas took early baths in river Kalindhi, singing hymns and tapping on the water, splashing rhythmically; praising the Lord. They conducted worship with flowers, submitted “naivedhyam” swinging and fasting, which yielded result in merging of their spirits and souls into the Lord on the moon lit night of Thiruvathira. Lord joined them and with Lord as the centre; they danced on the banks of river Yamuna. Gopikas attained eternal bliss on this thiruvadhira day. All these rituals have later become the customs of Thiruvathira.

Another legend associated with this festival is Long ago during the Mahakalakalpa, there was a severe war between Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu. Lord Shiva took an immobile form and from that emerged a Shiva Linga. As per advice of Lord Shiva, Brahma and Vishnu paid homage to this Linga with Omkaram and Panchakshari (OM NAMASHIVAYA). The Lord Mahadeva emerged and blessed them both. From then, devotees who worship the Lord on this Thiruvathira day receive immense blessings that are most precious. As per shivapurana this thiruvadhira day is remarkable than what is received by worshipping for over a year.

Whatever might be the true legend; Thiruvathira is holy day and devotees worship Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathi, submitting them to seek their blessings.

The festival of Thiruvathira is extremely popular among the women of Kerala and the Customs are based on age-old traditions. This festival begin a week before, commencing from Aswathi. The second last day is Rohini. On this day, fasting is done for overall welfare of the family and wellbeing of all members. The previous day is Makayiram. On this day, mothers observe fast for the well-being of their children. Married women who have difficulties in conceiving fast and spent this day praying Lord. They long for blessings in the form of a kid of their own.

In some places the previous day of thiruvadhira i.e. on the day of Makayiram, women/girls put mehandi on the palms which is considered as highly auspicious. The fact behind this ritual has a deeper significance. One such notion goes that the darker the color of the Mehndi, the more her husband will love her, and this darker colour indicates more love from her husband and inlaws.

On Arudra day, last day of the festive week, wife fast for the welfare of her husband. This encompasses prayers for his life longevity, togetherness, quick reunions or fame of their beloved husband; as the case may be, which would ensure simultaneously long and happy married life.

However, there is no compulsion on any of these fasting whatsoever. In generally, the procedure is different from place to place.

My maternal grandmother’s place is Kurrkampara, a small village of kunnamkulam.In this place one most famous ancient shiva temple "KANNESWARAN" Temple is there which has background of more than 500 years. Here thiruvadhira and shivrathri are the major festivals that are celebrated very grandly. Even in our father's side "SREE PANTHALLUR SHIVA BHAGAVATHY KSHETRAM" Chowannur, kunnamkulam, this thiruvadhira is celebrated grandly.

On this thiruvadhira day waking up by 4 A.M, after bath, have to visit Shiva temple at early hours, if possible before sunrise. This is Arudra Darshan. Unmarried girls fast on Thiruvathira aspiring for a compatible groom in future. Married woman fast on thiruvathira with a faith that it would bring long life to the husband and thereby prosperity and good life to the family. No food or drink till will be taken till the completion of 24-hours. Generally those who can’t fast fully can take tender coconut. Other items of their food include plantain fruits, tender coconuts, wheat etc. Once again I am reminding that the procedure is different from place to place.

While there are many festivals in India during which women fast for the welfare of her husband, this Thiruvadhira fast is observe for the lord Shiva. Lord Shiva is the god, to whom most Hindus turn to for good spouse and for a harmonious family life. Of all the gods of the Hindu pantheon, it is Shiva and Parvati who have the ideal family life. There are many stories of Shiva's passion and devotion for Parvati and their harmonious relationship. It is believed that those people who observe fast on this Thiruvadira day will have their desires fulfilled and will be blessed with Good family life and wisdom. In some areas, on this Thiruvadira day single girls keep fast for an ideal husband because Hindu mythology tells us that Parvati, Shiva's consort, won him over by meditation and fasting. This vratam is considered quite auspicious to please the God. This fast is called the King of fasts in Hindu Mythology.

Karacharana Kritham Vaa; Kayajam
Karmajam Vaa; Shravana Nayanajam Vaa;
Manasam Vaa Aparadham; Vihithama
Vihitham Vaa; Sarva Medha Kshamasvaa;
Jaya Jaya Karunabdhey ; Shree Mahadeva Shambo

Meaning: Oh Lord! Please forgive me for all the wrong actions that I have commited knowingly or unknowingly with my hands, feet, speech, body, ears, eyes and mind. Victory to you, Oh Lord of compassion and Mercy.

THE GENTLE ART OF BLESSING

On awakening, bless this day, for it is already full of unseen good which your blessings will call forth; for to bless is to acknowledge the unlimited good that is embedded in the very texture of the universe and awaiting each and all.

On passing people in the street, on the bus, in places of work and play, bless them. The peace of your blessing will accompany them on their way and the aura of its gentle fragrance will be a light to their path.

On meeting and talking to people, bless them in their health, their work, their joy, their relationships to God, themselves, and others. Bless them in their abundance, their finances ... bless them in every conceivable way, for such blessings not only sow seeds of healing but one day will spring forth as flowers of joy in the waste places of your own life.

As you walk, bless the city in which you live, its government and teachers, its nurses and street sweepers, its children and bankers, its priests and prostitutes. The minute anyone expresses the least aggression or unkindness to you, respond with a blessing: bless them totally, sincerely, joyfully, for such blessings are a shield which protects them from the ignorance of their misdeed, and deflects the arrow that was aimed at you.

To bless means to wish, unconditionally, total, unrestricted good for others and events from the deepest wellspring in the innermost chamber of your heart. It means to hallow, to hold in reverence, to behold with utter awe that which is always a gift from the Creator. He who is hallowed by your blessing is set aside, consecrated, holy, whole. To bless is yet to invoke divine care upon, to think or speak gratefully for, to confer happiness upon - although we ourselves are never the bestower, but simply the joyful witnesses of Life's abundance.

To bless all without discrimination of any sort is the ultimate form of giving, because those you bless will never know from whence came the sudden ray of sun that burst through the clouds of their skies, and you will rarely be a witness to the sunlight in their lives.

When something goes completely askew in your day, some unexpected event knocks down your plans and you also, burst into blessing: for life is teaching you a lesson, and the very event you believe to be unwanted, you yourself called forth, so as to learn the lesson you might balk against were you not to bless it. Trials are blessings in disguise, and hosts of angels follow in their path.

To bless is to acknowledge the omnipresent, universal beauty hidden to material eyes; it is to activate that law of attraction which, from the furthest reaches of the universe, will bring into your life exactly what you need to experience and enjoy.

When you pass a prison, mentally bless its inmates in their innocence and freedom, their gentleness, pure essence and unconditional forgiveness; for one can only be prisoner of one's self-image, and a free man can walk unshackled in the courtyard of a jail, just as citizens of countries where freedom reigns can be prisoners when fear lurks in their thoughts.

When you pass a hospital, bless its patients in their present wholeness, for even in their suffering, this wholeness awaits in them to be discovered. When your eyes behold a man in tears, or seemingly broken by life, bless him in his vitality and joy: for the material senses present but the inverted image of the ultimate splendor and perfection which only the inner eye beholds.

It is impossible to bless and to judge at the same time. So hold constantly as a deep, hallowed, intoned thought that desire to bless, for truly then shall you become a peacemaker, and one day you shall, everywhere, behold the very face of God.

And of course, above all, don't forget to bless the utterly beautiful person YOU are!

DECEMBER 17TH VAIKUNTA EKADASI

Ekadasi means 'the eleventh' in Sanskrit.Vaikunta Ekadashi is the major festival celebrated in Dhanur Masam in South Indian states like Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka. This festival Vaikunta Ekadasi or “Mukkoti Ekadasi” and “Geeta Jayanthi is dedicated to lord Vishnu. It occurs in the month of Marghazhi (Dhanurmasam mid December to Mid January) and is observed on Dhanur Masa Shukla Paksha Ekadasi or on the 11th day of bright fortnight during Dhanur Masam. In 2010 it falls on December 17th, and it is also known as “Mukkoti Ekadasi” and “Geeta Jayanthi”.

There are 24 Ekadashis in a year, according to Vishnu Purana (the primary text among the 18 Puranas) observing fast on Vaikuntha Ekadasi day offers equal benefits of observing all the other 23 Ekadashis during the year. However, if it is not possible to fast completely, one can consume fruits and milk. Food made from rice is to be avoided during the day. The fast is to be broken on the following day Dwadashi.

Vaikunta Dwara Darshanam, visiting the Lord through Vaikunta Dwaram (Entrance to Heaven), is the main highlight during Mukkoti Ekadasi day in Vishnu temples. Vaikunta Dwaram is opened on only Vaikunta Ekadashi day which lies at North side to the temple. On this day, in Vishnu temples, Vaikunta Dwar or Vaikunta Dwaram or Vaikunta Vaasal (entrance to Heaven) is opened for Darshan of Lord Vishnu. This gate is open only on Vaikunt Ekadasi day in the whole year. The Vaikunta Dwaram or the gate to the heaven is opened on this day. This is the passage encircling the innermost sanctum of the Lord. Scores of devotees queue up to pass through the Gate of Vaikunta in the temples. In Kerala, this Ekadasi is celebrated as Swarga Vathil Ekadashi at Trivandrum Padmanabha Swamy Temple. In North India, it is known as Putrada Ekadasi.

The Padma Purana says:

"ekadasi vrata samam vrata nasti jagattrayeanicchaya'pi yat krtva gatir evam vidha'vayoh
ekadasi vratam ye tu bhakti bhavena kurvate na jane kim bhavet tesam vasudeva anukampaya",

Which translates as:

In the three worlds, there is no kind of fasting which is even comparable to the Ekadasi fast. Even if one performs this fast without a proper attitude, he achieves the Supreme Abode. If one fasts on Ekadasi day, with full devotion, what happens to him by the mercy of the Supreme Lord, I cannot say (the merit he achieves cannot be described).

Significance of Vaikunta Ekadasi:

Of all Ekadasis , The one connected with Dhanur Maasa Sukla Paksha Ekadasi is the most exalted and is known as Sri Vaikunta Ekadasi .There are number of reasons Assoicated with the special significance of this Ekadasi:

According to Padma Purana, the female energy of Lord Vishnu killed demon Muran in the form of a damsel named “Ekadashi” to protect Devas. This occurred during the month of Marghazhi (Margashira or Margashirsha) (mid December – mid January). Hence anyone who worships Lord Vishnu on this Ekadasi day would reach Vaikunth.

Hindu Puranas say that it was on this day that the churning of the ocean occurred and the Amrit (nectar of immortality) emerged out of the ocean and Bhagavan Dhanvanthri appeared thereafter with the Amrutha Kalasam (Nectar Pot) and Was distributed to the Gods. Hindus believe that those who die on this day are freed from the cycle of birth and death and that they would directly reach Vaikunta.

The most exalted of auspiciousness that happened on this day is the appearance of Maha Lakshmi.She appeared with the golden color.

Another importance of Vaikunta Ekadasi is that the Bhagavad Gita Upadesh of Lord Krishna to Arjuna during Kurukshetra War is said to have done on this day.

This day is also observed as “The Bhagavad Gita” Jayanthi. The Bhagavad Gita (in Sanskrit, "Song of the Lord") is the most famous poem in all of Hindu literature and part of the Mahabharata, the Indian epic masterpeice. The Gita consists of a dialogue between Lord Krishna and Prince Arjuna on the morning of a climactic battle. The main teachings of Bhagavad Gita are it teaches us the theory and values of path towards God. The Bhagavadgita teaches how to escape from this predicament, not by escaping from the burdens of the worldly life, or avoidance of responsibilities.

In his Gitopadesam to Arjuna, Sri Krishna describes the threefold path of austerity and says

"deva -dvija-guru-praajna-pujanam-shauchanam-arvajanam-
brahmacharyam-ahimsaa-cha-shariram-tapuchyate",

Which means one must worship the Supreme Lord, the Brahmans, the spiritual master, and superiors like the father and mother. Cleanliness, simplicity, celibacy and nonviolence are also austerities of the body (Bhagvada Geeta 17.14).

Truthful speech, which is not offensive to others and the regular recitation of scriptures, is austerity of speech (Bhagvada Geeta 17.15).

Serenity of thought, compassion, gravity, self-control, purity of purpose, are all austerity of the mind (Bhagvada Geeta 17.16).

This threefold path of austerity, practiced by men whose aim is not to benefit materially but to please the supreme, leads to a nature of goodness. Sri Krishna finally says that penances and austerities which are performed foolishly, by means of obstinate self-torture, or by destroying or injuring others, are the approach of the ignorant. It is also recommended that one must not perform austerities beyond his capabilities, lest the austerities become mechanical or offensive.

Yatra Yogeshwarah Krishno, Yatra Partho Dhanurdhara:
Tatra Shreer Vijayo Bhooti:, Dhruvaa Neetir Matir Mama. "

Where there is Yogeshwar Krishna and Dhanurdhar Arjuna,
there exists prosperity, success and justice.

Sarvam Sreekrishnaarpanamasthu

DHANURMASAM FROM 16-12-2010 TO 14-01-2011

Dhanurmasa, the coldest month of the year begins on December 16 and ends on January 14, 2011. Dhanurmasam or Dhanumasam is known as Margazhi month as per the Tamil calendar. Dhanurmasa which falls from mid December to mid January is considered as Shooonya Masam. Dhanurmasa is not an independent month in any Indian calendar except for the Malayalam calendar followed in Kerala – in this calendar the month during the period is known as Dhanu Masam. The start of the Dhanurmasam is marked by the entry of the Sun in the Dhanur Rashi (Sagittarius) called the Dhanuh Sankramana; hence the name Dhanurmasa for the period. The period is considered inauspicious in some regions. It is considered as inauspicious to do any good things other than Godly functions.

In South Indian states Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Kerala, vaishnavaite sect of people celebrate the Dhanurmasa month with worshipping Lord Vishnu and Andal (Godadevi or Neela devi). Thiruppavai, a divine text written by Andal, is recited by all devotees. The Tiruppavai, also spelt as Thiruppavai, is a collection of thirty paasurams or stanzas written and compiled by Andal. All the pasurams are written in Tamil praising Lord Tirumal or Vishnu or Perumal. Goda Devi Kalyanam is the major event celebrated during Dhanurmasam in Tirumala Tirupati.

Worship of Lord Vishnu during the morning hours in Dhanurmasa is considered highly auspicious. There is a belief that worshipping Lord Vishnu on a single day during Dhanurmasam is equal to worshipping him for thousands of years. Vishnu Sahasranama is chanted during the period. Other important mantras chanted are those dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi and Thiruppavai the most popular offering made to Lord Vishnu in the month is Rice added with Moong dal.

The `Suprabhatham,' which is synonymous with the temple of Lord Venkateswara all over the world, would be replaced during the Dhanurmasam with an equally sacred compendium of verses— `Tiruppavai' composed in Tamil by Goda Devi (Andal), celestial daughter of Periyalwar (Vishnu Chiththa). This has been the practice from time immemorial in the Venkateswara temple and in other Vishnu temples as well as a mark of reverence to Goda Devi.

Kayena vacha manasendriyairva
Buddhyatmana va prakrite swabhavath
Karoomi yadyad sakalam parasmai
Narayanayeti samarpayami

Whatever I do with my mind, body, speech or with other senses of my body,
Or with my intellect or with my innate natural tendencies
I offer everything to Narayana

11TH DECEMBER SUBRAMANYA SASTI

“Subrayana Shasti” December 11th 2010 it will be celebrated on Margashira Shukla Shasti. Subramanya likes this day very much, because it is on this day that he killed Tarakasura.

Lord Subramanya is a ray born of the Divine Consciousness of Lord Siva.They represent the power of action and the power of knowledge respectively.He is Godhead easily accessible in this dark age of ignorance and lack of faith.He gives material and spiritual prosperity and success in every undertaking of His devotees, even if they show a little devotion to Him.He is worshipped with great devotion in South India.

Lord Subramanya's other names are Kumaresa, Kartikeya, Shanmukha, Guha, Muruga and Velayudhan.
He is called as Kumaresa– as he always looks like a small boy
He is called as Shanmukha as he has six faces
He is called as Kartikeya as he was brought up by six sisters named Kruttika.

Lord Krishna says in the Gita: "Among the army generals, I am Skanda".

Lord Subramanya holds a spear in His hand, just as Lord Siva holds the trident. This is an emblem of power.It indicates that He is the ruler of the universe.

His vehicle is the peacock. He rides on it. This signifies that He has conquered pride, egoism and vanity.

There is a cobra under His feet, which indicates that He is absolutely fearless, immortal and wise.

Valli is on His one side, Deivayanai on the other

The six heads represent the six rays or attributes, namely, wisdom, dispassion, strength, fame, wealth and divine powers.
They indicate that He is the source of the four Vedas, the Vedangas and the six schools of philosophy.

They also indicate His control over the five organs of knowledge as well as the mind.
Subramanya Shashti celebrates the day when a great demon called Taraka was defeated.It falls in December. It is the day on which Lord Subramanya defeated the demon Taraka.

BACKGROUND:-
Tarakasura is the son of Vajranga (Son of Kashyapa-Diti) and Varangi. He did severe penance to Brahma and pleased him and sought the boon that no one shall be more powerful than him and with the second boon was that his death could come only from a son born to Shiva. Tarakasura knew that lord shiva had already lost his wife Satidevi and he was in deep penance and he thought the shiva can’t have son all of a sudden.

After getting the great boons, Taraka was killing all the kings and spoiling the hermitages of sages. All sages, celestials, unable to sustain the hindrance by Tarakasura, went to Brahma, who in turn sent Bruhaspati to negotiate with Tarakasura, but he refused and there was a war in between Gods and demons, in which Gods were defeated. All the gods then went to Brahma to appeal for help Brahma said to the gods, "O Devas, I cannot destroy Taraka, as he has obtained My Grace through severe penance.But let me give you a suggestion. Get the help of Manmadha, the God of Love. Induce him to tempt Lord Siva, who remains absorbed in His Yoga Samadhi.Let Lord Siva unite with Parvati. A powerful son, Lord Subramanya, will be born to them. This son will destroy the demon that harasses you."

Indra, the chief of the gods, thereupon requested Manmadha to go with his wife, Rati, and his companion Vasanta (the season of spring), to Mount Kailas, the abode of Siva and to stop the meditation of Shiva. Manmadha arrived in front of Shiva alongwith Ratidevi, and shot five arrows of flowers at the heart of Shiva. His intention was to make Shiva look at Parvathi and enable their marriage, which in turn would result in a son for the killing of Tarakasura (as per boon).
But when lord shiva’s penance was broken, he was terribly angry the Lord opened His "third eye", the inner eye of intuition, and manmadha was burnt to ashes by the fire that emanated from it.After burning manmadha, the Lord ascertained by His Yogic vision that the birth of Lord Subramanya was absolutely necessary to destroy the powerful Taraka.

Shanmukha became Kumara - the powerful virile adolescent who was also the beautiful and the handsome ( Muruga). He is the Lord of War and the most handsome among gods. He is the commander of the army of the devas. "Skanda received from his mother Parasakthi an all powerful Vel (lance).Hence He is also Sakthi Velan. He engaged the armies and fought with Simhamukha, Surapadman and Tarakasura on a six day battle and vanquished all of them on the sixth day. The Asuras were annihilated and the Devas were liberated. The sixth day (Sashti) in the month of Dec) is celebrated as Subramanya Sashti.

If one does the pooja or visit subramanya temple, on this day, he will be free from all his sins. If one performs skanda shasti prayers, then they will be relieved from difficulties from snakes, they will free from the malefic effect of the all evil planets, get free from skin diseases and the devotee will also be blessed with good children.

DECEMBER 6TH MARGASHIRSHA MASAM

Today is december 6th, starting of Margasirsha Masam, favourite month of lord
shri Krishna. Margashirsha Maas or Margashira masam is the ninth month as per traditional Hindu calendar. It is believed as one of the auspicious months for Hindus. In Puranas, Margashirsh Maas is mentioned as ‘Maasonam Margashirshoham’ which means there is no auspicious month as Margashiram.

The significance of Margashirsh month has mentioned in the Bhagwad Gita by Lord Sri Krishna. The below slokam tells about the significance and spiritual importance of margasheersha maas.

”Bruhatsama thatha samnam
Gayatri Chandasamaham
Masanam Margashoham
Ruthunam Kusumakarna” Bhagvat Geeta 10 chapter II 35 II
Meaning:-
“I, myself, stay in Bruhathsama in the Samaveda, Gayatri in Chandassu or literature, Margashirsha or Margashira in months and Vasant rithu in rithus or seasons”.

In 2010 Margasira Masam starts on December 6th and ends on January 4th 2011.Other important days in the month include Vaikunta Ekadasi/Geeta Jayanthi.Margasira Month (comes during December) is the favorite month of Krishna (as said in BhagavadGita and other Puranic/ancient verses).

It is said that performing ritual bath in the Ganga River during Margashirsh month gives the result of ten million grahan snan. Vishnu Puja during the month is highly auspicious. Lakshmi puja is observed on Thursday during margashira masam.
Vishnu Sahasranama parayana and visiting Vishnu temples in the month is most preferred deeds.

MAY LORD SHRI KRISHNA BLESS YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

GOOD THOUGHTS

Faith is the ability to not panic.

If you worry, you didn't pray. If you pray, don't worry.

As a child of God, prayer is kind of like calling home every day.

Blessed are the flexible, for they shall not be bent out of shape.

Silence is often misinterpreted, but never misquoted.

Laugh every day. It's like inner jogging.

The most important things in your home are the people.

There is no key to happiness. The door is always open.

A grudge is a heavy thing to carry.

He who dies with the most toys is still dead.

We do not remember days, but moments. Life moves too fast,
so enjoy your precious moments

Surviving and living your life successfully requires courage.
The goals and dreams you're seeking require courage and risk-taking.
Learn from the turtle -- it only makes progress when it sticks out its neck.

Be more concerned with your character than your reputation.
Your character is what you really are, while your reputation is
merely what others think you are.

Do the math. Count your blessings.

God wants spiritual fruit, not religious nuts.

Dear God: I have a problem. It's me.
When we get tangled up in our problems, be still.
God wants us to be still so He can untangle the knot.

QUOTES TO REMEMBER

1) “Be more concerned with your character than your reputation, because your character is what you really are, while your reputation is merely what others think you are.”


2) "Ability may get you to the top, but it takes character to keep you there.”


3) “The greatest barrier to success is the fear of failure.”


4) “Success means having the courage, the determination, and the will to become the person you believe you were meant to be”


5) “Take up one goal. Make that one goal your life - think of it, dream of it, live on that goal. Let the brain, muscles, nerves, every part of your body, be full of that idea, and just leave every other idea alone. This is the way to success, that is way great spiritual giants are produced.”


6) “Don't wait until everything is just right. It will never be perfect. There will always be challenges, obstacles and less than perfect conditions. So what. Get started now. With each step you take, you will grow stronger and stronger, more and more skilled, more and more self-confident and more and more successful.”


7) “Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful.”

--

LIVE A LIFE THAT MATTERS

Ready or not, someday it will all come to an end. There will be no more sunrises, no minutes, hours or days. All the things you collected, whether treasured or forgotten, will pass to someone else.

Your wealth, fame and temporal power will shrivel to irrelevance. It will not matter what you owned or what you were owed. Your grudges, resentments, frustrations, and jealousies will finally disappear.

So, too, your hopes, ambitions, plans, and to-do lists will expire. The wins and losses that once seemed so important will fade away. It won’t matter where you came from, or on what side the tracks you lived, at the end.

It won’t matter whether you were beautiful or brilliant. Even your gender and skin colour will be irrelevant. So what will matter? How will the value of your days be measured?

What will matter is not what you bought, but what you built ; not what you got, but what you gave ? What will matter is not your success, but your significance .
What will matter is not what you learned, but what you taught. What will matter is every act of integrity, compassion, courage or sacrifice that enriched, empowered or encouraged others to emulate your example. What will matter is not your competence, but your character .

What will matter is not how many people you knew, but how many will feel a lasting loss when you’re gone . What will matter is not your memories, but the memories that live in those who loved you . What will matter is how long you will be remembered , by whom and for what .

Living a life that matters doesn’t happen by accident. It’s not a matter of circumstance, but of choice . Choose to live a life that matters.

EVERYONE CAN BE HAPPY

Even stones have a love, a love that seeks the ground."
-Meister Eckhart

Happiness is the aim of life. Be happy is its motto. All human beings want to be happy. The ultimate happiness is called by various names in various religions and cultures: Bliss, Liberation, Nirvana, Paradise, etc.

We all want to be happy! We search for some magic happiness formula; some happiness secret; and the happiness mantra.

But happiness is the natural state of human kind. God has given us, free of cost, unlimited and inexhaustible sources of happiness. Life evolved on earth against tremendous odds. This life itself is the greatest happiness. To be alive is the greatest happiness. To have a sound body and mind is a privilege which we hardly appreciate. God has seen to it that we are born in a family and later acquire a family which gives us great happiness and joy. God gave us beautiful sun and moon, stars and sky, mountains and forests, rivers and oceans, fruits and vegetables, and rain and snow and sunshine—all for our happiness and to keep us happy!

Humans rival God in everything. The motive behind human progress is happiness. Humans made all things for their happiness and enjoyment. They discovered fire and wheel, made houses and tools, engaged in agriculture and crafts. They made cars and airplanes, radio and TV and computers. They developed music and dance, fine arts and literature. All these things are not only useful; they are also great source of happiness to humankind.

But the ultimate happiness lies in mind. With a happy and positive attitude human kind can be happy in very difficult circumstances too. There is no use in worrying for past things and things to come.

The Happiness Guru’s happiness formula, happiness secret, and happiness mantra, is very simple—enjoy the unlimited happiness scattered all around us in unlimited quantity in God given and human made lives and things; be happy in your mind by having a positive and happy attitude; and keep your soul in a state of perfect happiness, bliss, and nirvana in communion with the universal soul.

But don’t forget, the greatest happiness is in giving and sharing, helping and assisting, and loving and caring. Make others happy and you will be happy!

DECEMBER 2 TRIPRAYAR EKADASI

Ekadasi is an auspicious day dedicated to Lord Vishnu on the 11th day of a fortnight in a traditional Hindu calendar.Thriprayar Ekadashi is observed on the 11th day after the full moon in the Malayalam month of Vrishchikam (November – December).

In 2010, Triprayar Ekadashi date is December 2.

Triprayar Temple is dedicated to Lord Ram and is a famous temple dedicated to Lord Ram in South India. The temple is noted for its architecture and for its calm and serene surroundings including a large pond. The temple is located around 25 km from Thrissur town and is about 23 km from the world famous Guruvayur Sri Krishna Temple.

Thriprayar Sri Rama temple is located along the banks of Theerva River.The festival is celebrated for 14 days in Triprayar Sri Rama Temple near Thrissur town of Kerala. During the Ekadashi, a procession of Saasta takes place.

It is the only Rama temple which has a river adjacent to it. The greatness of Lord rama cannot be explained in words. Lord Rama was the one whose thoughts and words never went astray.The chanting of Rama’s name is so powerful and it itself soothes one’s entire soul and grants liberation. 'Ra' is taken from the Astakshari Mantra ‘Om Namo Narayanaya’ and 'Ma', from Panchakshari Mantra, ‘Namah Shivaya.’The word Rama has the triple power of destroying sins, conferring peace, and dispelling ignorance. .“Syllable ‘Ra’ in the word Rama cleanses all our sins and ‘Ma’ ensures that the wiped away sins do not dare to return to us.” Everyone should recognize the sweetness, sacredness, and divinity enshrined in the name Rama. It is good to utter the name Rama with full understanding of all that it signifies. But even without that understanding the chanting of the name has the power to destroy all sins.Even without knowing the importance of Rama Nama, even by chanting the Rama nama, in the reverse way like ‘Mara’, a notorious bandit Ratnakara got liberated of all his past sins and became known as Valmiki.

Lord Shankara Himself enlightened Goddess Parvati the significance of this mantra.

“Sree Rama Rama Ramethi Rame Raame Manorame
Sahasranama Tat Thul-yam Rama Nama Varanane.”

The essence is that it is only Rama nama which is equal to a thousand names of Vishnu. This mantra can be chanted anywhere, anytime and by anyone.

The experience of Rama Nama can only be felt but cannot be explained.

We must learn to chant the sweet name of Rama with a pure, unsullied heart, in a spirit of selfless devotion. Wholehearted chanting of the name of Rama even once can destroy mountains of sins. But the chanting should not be done mechanically, like a gramophone record. It should emanate from the depths of the heart. You must seek to redeem your lives, by living up to Rama's ideals and proclaiming them to the world. Remember the name of Rama with love. God can be realized only through love and by no other means.

BE GENEROUS

Be generous with your time …

Stay fully present with each encounter, as if this moment, is the most important, and nothing else exists.


Be generous with your words …

Never miss an opportunity to tell someone how you feel about them, or something they have done. A word of encouragement, a note of appreciation, a sincere compliment, can brighten someone’s day and even change a life.


Be generous with your thoughts …

Think the best of others, and see them as they would like to be, and not as they are now.


Be generous with your money …

Find an occasion to share what you have with others. Money is like love, the more you give away, the more returns to you.


Be generous with your heart …

Keep it open, no matter how frightening that may be sometimes. An open heart will heal every ailment and restore peace to your soul.


Be generous with your smile …

Give it away to everyone you meet, and see the world reflected back to you, in joyous celebration.


Be generous with your love …

It is who you really are, and why you came here, and in the end, it is all that really matters anyway.

LAW OF ATTRACTION(AN INSPIRATIONAL MESSAGE).

The Law of Attraction is an inspirational video inspired by the teachings of Gandhi, Martin Luther King, and Mother Teresa.

Each one of us on earth has it The ability to lead.and inspire.Sometimes our work feels small and insignificant. But remember, a small ripple can gain momentum...
and built a current that is insurmountable.

Begin with a small step.
Don't let others stand in your way.
Walk your own path.
Some may laugh.. So What.... Many WILL follow.
Don't ever give up.
Success...seems to be largely a matter of
Success...seems to be largely a matter of
HANGING ON after others have let go.William Feather.

Fear... keep people small
Run towards your fears.
Embrace them.
On the other side of your greatest
fears lives your greatest life........(ROBIN SHARMA)


Get out of the stands.
Get on the court.
Play the game of life.

Take Risk.
Leap, and the net will appear.


BE POSITIVE,What you think, is who you become.

Dream. Dream big. Feel it. Believe it.Achieve it


Whatever your dreams are.... GO FOR IT!
You will inspire others.


Extend your hand.Care.Be kind.
When someone does something good, applaud!
You will make two people happy.(samuel goldwyn)


Be a positive role model.

Be the change you want to see in the world.(GANDHIJI).

MAKE A DIFFERENCE NOW .

If you know someone who is going through a difficult time, make sure you forward this.It will brighten their day.

IF LIFE IS A GAME, THESE ARE THE RULES.

Author:Chérie Carter-Scott,

I found this ten rules to be most thought-provoking and I think this will be helpful to all.

Rule One:
You will receive a body. You may love it or hate it, but it
will be yours for the duration of your life on Earth.

Rule Two:
You will be presented with lessons.
You are enrolled in a full-time informal school called "life."
Each day in this school you will have the opportunity to
learn lessons. You may like the lessons or hate them, but
you have designed them as part of your curriculum.

Rule Three:
There are no mistakes, only lessons.
Growth is a process of experimentation, a series of trials, errors,
and occasional victories. The failed experiments are as much a
part of the process as the experiments that work.

Rule Four:
A lesson is repeated until learned.
Lessons will repeated to you in various forms until you have
learned them. When you have learned them, you can then go on
to the next lesson.

Rule Five:
Learning does not end.
There is no part of life that does not contain lessons. If you are
alive, there are lessons to be learned.

Rule Six:
"There" is no better than "here."
When your "there" has become a "here," you will simply obtain
a "there" that will look better to you than your present "here."

Rule Seven:
Others are only mirrors of you.
You cannot love or hate something about another person unless
it reflects something you love or hate about yourself.

Rule Eight:
What you make of your life is up to you.
You have all the tools and resources you need.
What you do with them is up to you.

Rule Nine:
Your answers lie inside of you.
All you need to do is look, listen, and trust.

Rule Ten:
You will forget all of this at birth.
We are all born with all of these capabilities - our early experiences lead us into a physical world, away from our spiritual selves, so that we become doubtful, cynical and lacking belief and confidence.

The ten Rules are not commandments, they are universal truths that apply to all. When you lose your way, call upon them. Have faith in the strength of your spirit. Courage resides in all of us - use it when you need to do what's right for you. Trust your instincts and your innermost feelings, whether you hear them as a little voice or a flash of inspiration. Listen to feelings as well as sounds. Look, listen, and trust. Draw on your natural inspiration.

Aspire to be wise - wisdom the ultimate path of your life, and it knows no limits other than those you impose on yourself. Support others, and by doing so you support yourself. Where you are unable to support others it is a sign that you are not adequately attending to your own needs. If you are interested in making the most of your life, and helping others forward this to all your friends.

LIFE IS LIKE A TRAIN RIDE

Life is like a train ride. We get on. We ride. We get off. We get back on and ride some more. There are accidents and there are delays. At certain stops there are surprises. Some of these will translate into great moments of joy; some will result in profound sorrow.

When we are born and we first board the train, we meet people whom we think will be with us for the entire journey. Those people are our parents! Sadly, this is far from the truth. Our parents are with us for as long as we absolutely need them. They, too, have journeys they must complete. We live on with the memories of their love, affection, friendship, guidance and their constant presence.

There are others who board the train and who eventually become very important to us, in turn. These people are our brothers, sisters, friends and acquaintances, whom we will learn to love, and cherish.

Some people consider their journey like a 1)jaunty tour. They will just go merrily along. Others will encounter many upsets, tears and losses on their journey. Others still, will linger on to offer a helping hand to anyone in need.

Some people on the train will leave an everlasting impression when they get off. Some will get on and get off the train so quickly, they will scarcely leave a sign that they ever travelled along with you or ever crossed your path.

We will sometimes be upset that some passengers, whom we love, will choose to sit in another compartment and leave us to travel on our own. Then again, there’s nothing that says we can’t seek them out anyway. Nevertheless, once sought out and found, we may not even be able to sit next to them because that seat will already be taken.

That’s okay …everyone’s journey will be filled with hopes, dreams, challenges, setbacks and goodbyes

We must strive to make the best of it… no matter what. We must constantly strive to understand our travel companions and look for the best in everyone.

Remember that at any moment during our journey, any one of our travel companions can have a weak moment and be in need of our help. We, too, may vacillate or hesitate, even trip. Hopefully, we can count on someone being there to be supportive and understanding…

The bigger mystery of our journey is that we don’t know when our last stop will come. Neither do we know when our travel companions will make their last stop. Not even those sitting in the seat next to us. Personally, I know I’ll be sad to make my final stop… I’m sure of it! My separation from all those friends and acquaintances I made during the train ride will be painful. Leaving all those I’m close to will be a sad thing. But then again, I’m certain that one day I’ll get to the main station only to meet up with everyone else. They’ll all be carrying their baggage, most of which they didn’t have when they first got on this train.

I’ll be glad to see them again. I’ll also be glad to have contributed to their baggage and to have enriched their lives, just as much as they will have contributed to my baggage and enriched my life.

We’re all on this train ride together. Above all, we should all try to strive to make the ride as pleasant and memorable as we can, right up until we each make the final stop and leave the train for the last time.

THE POWER OF CONSCIENCE

The Power of the Conscience [Thoughts for the Day] By Dunn, Chuck

It has been said, “if we put off repentance another day, we have a day more to repent of, and a day less to repent in.” I sometimes marvel at the difference between my children. For example, Peyton has a heavy conscience. He can’t do anything without feeling badly about it. Katie on the other hand, is quite the opposite. Sometimes I wonder if she even has a conscience at all.

The other day, after homework, baths, dinner, etc. it was play time. Peyton wanted to play the Xbox 360 while Katie wanted to watch her Tinker Bell movie. It was headed for a major sibling “disagreement” when Peyton suddenly said with great conviction, “Okay Katie, you can watch your movie because I played my game after I did my homework.” I thought that was very admirable that he owned up to it being Katie’s turn.

It was still early in the evening. So the deal was Katie would watch her movie and Peyton could play the game once the movie was complete. Unknown to Peyton and to myself, (until I caught her) Katie was taking the remote and repeating segments of the movie she liked. The movie that is a little over an hour long was now closing in on two hours of air time. Katie saw nothing wrong with it.

Actually, she thought it was quite humorous that Peyton wouldn’t get to play his game. Matthew 6:23 tells us, “But if your eye is unsound, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the very light in you [your conscience] is darkened, how dense is that darkness!” I think this tells us that we should always strive to have a clear conscience that is void of any offense toward God especially; but also toward man. There is nothing that can complicate our lives as much as a guilty conscience.

It pressures us and keeps us from enjoying any and everything. We can try to ignore it. But it is always whispering to us and reminding us that what we have done is not right. The guilty conscience also interferes with our faith and our worship. I had to talk to Katie. I had to help her see that what she had done was wrong. Today, take an honest self-examination of yourself and work to remedy those broken relationships. I think your conscience will thank you and I know God will be proud of you.

REMEMBER THERE IS HIGHER COURT THAN COURTS OF JUSTICE AND THAT IS THE COURT OF CONSCIENCE.IT SUPERCEDES ALL OTHER COURTS

STORY OF APPRECIATION

One young academically excellent person went to apply for a managerial position in a big company.

He passed the first interview, the director did the last interview, made the last decision.

The director discovered from the CV that the youth's academic achievements were excellent all the way, from the secondary school until the postgraduate research, never had a year when he did not score.

The director asked, "Did you obtain any scholarships in school?" the youth answered "none".

The director asked, " Was it your father who paid for your school fees?" The youth answered, "My father passed away when I was one year old, it was my mother who paid for my school fees.

The director asked, " Where did your mother work?" The youth answered, "My mother worked as clothes cleaner. The director requested the youth to show his hands. The youth showed a pair of hands that were smooth and perfect.

The director asked, " Have you ever helped your mother wash the clothes before?" The youth answered, "Never, my mother always wanted me to study and read more books. Furthermore, my mother can wash clothes faster than me.

The director said, "I have a request. When you go back today, go and clean your mother's hands, and then see me tomorrow morning.*

The youth felt that his chance of landing the job was high. When he went back, he happily requested his mother to let him clean her hands. His
mother felt strange, happy but with mixed feelings, she showed her hands to the kid.

The youth cleaned his mother's hands slowly. His tear fell as he did that. It was the first time he noticed that his mother's hands were so wrinkled, and there were so many bruises in her hands. Some bruises were so painful that his mother shivered when they were cleaned with water.

This was the first time the youth realized that it was this pair of hands that washed the clothes everyday to enable him to pay the school fee. The bruises in the mother's hands were the price that the mother had to pay for his graduation, academic excellence and his future.

After finishing the cleaning of his mother hands, the youth quietly washed all the remaining clothes for his mother.

That night, mother and son talked for a very long time.

Next morning, the youth went to the director's office.

The Director noticed the tears in the youth's eyes, asked: " Can you tell me what have you done and learned yesterday in your house?"

The youth answered, " I cleaned my mother's hand, and also finished cleaning all the remaining clothes'

The Director asked, " please tell me your feelings."

The youth said, Number 1, I know now what is appreciation. Without my mother, there would not be a successful me today. Number 2, by working together and helping my mother, only I now realize how difficult and tough it is to get something done. Number 3, I have come to appreciate the importance and value of family relationship.

The director said, " This is what I am looking for to be my manager. I want to recruit a person who can appreciate the help of others, a person who knows the sufferings of others to get things done, and a person who would not put money as his only goal in life. You are hired.

Later on, this young person worked very hard, and received the respect of his subordinates. Every employee worked diligently and as a team. The company's performance improved tremendously.

A child, who has been protected and habitually given whatever he wanted, would develop "entitlement mentality" and would always put himself first. He would be ignorant of his parent's efforts. When he starts work, he assumes that every person must listen to him, and when he becomes a manager, he would never know the sufferings of his employees and would always blame others. For this kind of people, who may be good academically, may be successful for a while, but eventually would not feel sense of achievement. He will grumble and be full of hatred and fight for more. If we are this kind of protective parents, are we really showing love or are we destroying the kid instead?*

You can let your kid live in a big house, eat a good meal, learn piano, watch a big screen TV. But when you are cutting grass, please let them experience it. After a meal, let them wash their plates and bowls together with their brothers and sisters. It is not because you do not have money to hire a maid, but it is because you want to love them in a right way. You want them to understand, no matter how rich their parents are, one day their hair will grow gray, same as the mother of that young person. The most important thing is your kid learns how to appreciate the effort and experience the difficulty and learns the ability to work with others to get things done.

COURTESY FROM MR.HARSHA FROM WORLD MALAYALEE.COM

LOVELY LIFE WORDS OF WISDOM

A short walk is so difficult,
when no one walks with you.
But a long journey is just like few steps
when you walk with someone
who loves and cares for you.


We always look and care for the person
whom we love the most.
But we fail to look back at those
who love us the most.

Death's not the greatest loss in life..
The greatest loss is when
relationships die inside us while
we are still alive...

Life is not about the people
who act true on your face.
Its about the people who
remain true behind your back.

Time decides whom you meet in life…
Your heart decides whom you want in life..
but your behaviors decides
who will stay in your life.

You can win life by all means..
Yes.
If you simply avoid two things...
1. Comparing - with others
2. Expecting - from other

Life will be more beautiful!!

WHEN YOU SAY GOD TELLS

When you say, I can’t solve this
God tells you, I will direct your path.

When you say, it’s impossible
God tells you, everything is possible

When you say, I feel alone
God tells you, never will I leave you,
Never will I forsake you

When you say, I can’t do it.
God tells you, I can do everything through
him who gives me strength.

When you say, I don’t deserve forgiveness
God tells you, I have forgiven you

When you say. I am tired
God tells you, come to me, all you who are weary
burdened and I will give you rest

When you say, no one really loves me
God tells you, I LOVE YOU.

When you say, I don’t know how to go on
God tells you, I will show you the path.

When you ask,what path does u (god) have for me
God tells you,to adopt the path of humanity.

TEACH YOUR CHILDREN WELL

ABRAHAM LINCOLN WITH HIS SON

Abraham Lincoln, the 16th president of the united states of America (1861 – 1865) is one of the world’s great statesmen for all time.
(This is an extract of a letter written by Abraham Lincoln to the headmaster of his son's school. A letter so typical of the man who bore malice towards none and had charity for all.The values and ideals he speaks of continue to be relevant to this day and for all times).Today is childrens day so posting this valuable message in my blog: I liked the beauty of expression and the gravity of the essence.

He will have to learn I know, that all men are not just,
All men are not true. But teach him also
that for every selfish politician, There is a dedicated leader
And for every scoundrel there's a hero,

Teach him also that for every enemy there's a friend.
It will take time, I know, but teach him,if you can,
That a dollar earned is of far more value than five found

Teach him to learn to lose,And also to enjoy winning.
Steer him away from envy; if you can,
Teach him the secret of quiet laughter.
Let him learn early that the bullies are easy to lick .

Teach him,if you can,the wonders of books
But also give him time to ponder the eternal mystery
Of birds in the sky, Bees in the flowers and sun on a green hillside.

"In school teach him it is far more honourable to fail,Than to cheat
Teach him to have faith in his own ideas,
Even if every one tells him he is wrong
Teach him to be gentle with gentle people
And tough with the tough.

Try to give him the strength not to follow the crowd
When everyone is getting on the bandwagon.
Teach him to listen to all men
But teach him also to filter all he hears on a screen of truth.

"Teach him if you can how to laugh when he is sad
Teach him there is no shame in tears.
Teach him to scoff at cynics and to beware of too much sweetness
Teach him to sell his brawn and brain to the highest bidder,
But never to put a price tag on his Heart and soul.
Teach him to close his ears to a howling mob
And to stand and fight if he thinks he is right.

"Teach him gently but do not cuddle him,
Because only the test of fire makes fine steel.
Let him have the courage to be impatient.
Let him have the patience to be brave.
Teach him always to have sublime faith in himself,
Because then he will always have sublime faith in MANKIND

PANCHATANTRA

The Panchatantra is a legendary collection of short stories from India. The Panchatantra is a Sanskrit classic, written by Vishnu Sarma around 200 BC. The purpose behind the composition was to implant moral values and governing skills in the young sons of the king. The ancient Sanskrit text boasts of various animal stories in verse and prose.

The Panchatantra is the best guide to enroot moral values in children since its each tale has a moral lesson in its end. The Panchtantra is a great book where plants and animals can speak and converse with human beings too. The etymology of term ‘Panchatantra’ suggests that it is a combination of two words, ‘Pancha’ (five) and ‘Tantra’ (practice/ principle). So, the five principles or practices illustrated by Panchatantra are

‘Mitra Bhedha’ (Loss of Friends),
‘Mitra Laabha’ (Gaining Friends),
‘Suhrudbheda’ (Causing discord between Friends),
‘Vigraha’ (Separation) and
‘Sandhi’ (Union).

Many ages ago in the kingdom of Mahilaropya, there lived a king who was ruling very ideally. He had three sons, who were not intelligent. The king was worried about the heir to the throne, as he knew that his sons were incapable of governing. He was desperate to find a good and knowledgable teacher for his sons who would teach them the scriptures and make them knowledgeable in a short span of time. His minister then pointed towards a skilled pundit, Vishnu sharman. Vishnu sharman was old and the king was worried as to how an old teacher could accomplish this as an intelligent man takes more than twelve years to grasp all the elements of scriptures. Then Vishnu sharman convinced the king that he would teach the princes about kingly conduct through a series of stories, which would be more effective than the scriptures. Thus Vishnu sharman compiled the collection in five volumes termed as Pancha tantra.

Panchatantra are a collection of five volumes of stories written by a guru or teacher to instruct the different aspects of kinghood for princes. The five volumes together serve as a guide for prospective kings, to help him on ruling, to choose fellow friends, fellow ministers, and to have good conduct in daily life etc. These collection of stories in Pancha tantra are a real boon for parents to help them guide their children towards values in human life. All stories of Pancha tantra are accompanied by a moral.

HAPPY DEEPAVALI 05-11-2010.

Deepavali A five days Hindu festival marks the beginning of the Hindu New Year according to the Lunar Calendar. “Deepavali” from Sanskrit dipa = lamp, awali = row, line, when It literally translated means “Row of Lights”. It means “row of lighted lamps” or the Festival of lights. It celebrates the victory of goodness over evil, light over darkness. During Deepavali people pray to Lakshmi, Goddess of wealth, light, prosperty and wisdom, but also to God Ganesha, the 'Remover of Obstacles' or the 'Lord of Beginnings'.

It is the day when Shri Kirshna killed “NARAKASURA” – the demon of sorrow and hell, who had kidnapped and imprisoned 16,000 princesses for his harem. 'Puranas' have it that Naraka, son of Bhudevi, acquired immense power from a blessing given by Lord Brahma after a evere penance. He soon unleashed a reign of terror in the kingdom of Kamarupa, harassing celestial beings with his invincible might. Unable to bear the tyranny of the demon, the celestial beings pleaded with Lord Krishna to save them from his torture. But Narakasura could not be easily killed as he had a boon that he would face death only at the hands of his mother Bhudevi. So, Krishna asks his wife Satyabhama, the reincarnation of Bhudevi, to be his charioteer in the battle with Naraka.

When Krishna feigns unconsciousness after being hit by an arrow of Naraka, Satyabhama takes the bow and aims the arrow at Naraka, killing him instantly. Later Lord Krishna reminds her of the boon she had sought as Bhudevi. The slaying of Naraka by Sathyabhama could also be taken to interpret that parents should not hesitate to punish their children when they stray on to the wrong path. The message of Naraka Chaturdasi is that the good of the society should always prevail over one's own personal bonds.

The second day is Amavasya when Lakshmi puja is performed. It is believed that on this day Goddess Lakshmi would be in her benevolent mood and fulfill the wishes of her devotees. One version says that it was on this day that Goddess Lakshmi emerged from Kshira Sagara (Ocean of Milk) when the Gods and demons were churning the sagara (ocean) for nectar (Amrit).

It is the day when the selfish ego, which has entrapped all the 16,000 thought varieties, is killed and all thoughts get wedded to the one infinite-blissful-consciousness-“LORD SHREE KRISHNA PARAMAATMA”. The festival gives us a glowing example of how one has to brush aside one's personal joys and sorrows in the interest of society.

Fill the heart with the oil of love. Place in it the wick of single - pointed mind. Light it with the knowledge of truth and remove the darkness of Ignorance around you.

Best wishes for the festivals of lights.May the festival stir up within you the unconquerable desire to excel in the pursuit you are engaged in.Have a sense of pride aiming at achieving excellence in what ever work you undertake.It must be your endeavour to throw your heart and soul into it and try to achieve high standards of excellence.

WISHING YOU AND YOUR FAMILY A VERY HAPPY DIWALI GLOWING WITH PEACE JOY AND PROSPERITY. HAVE A HAPPY,BLESSED AND SAFE DIWALI.

SUBHAASHITA(PART-II).

काममया एवायं पुरुष इति
सा यथाकामो भवति तत्क्रतुर भवति
यात्क्रतुर भवति तत कर्म कुरुते
यत कर्म कुरुते तद अभिसम पद्यते

Kaama maya evayam purusha iti
Sa Yatha kaamo bhavati tat kratur bhavati
Yat kratur bhavati tat karma kurute
Yat karma kurte tad abhisam padyate

You are what your deep, driving desire is
As your desire is, so is your will
As your will is, so is your deed
As your deed is, so is your destiny

कुसुमस्तबकस्येव द्वयी वृत्तिर्मनस्विन:।
मूर्ध्नि वा सर्वलोकस्य विशीर्येत वनेऽथवा॥

kusuma stabakasyeva dwayee vrutthir manasvinah
Moorndhi va sarvalokasya visheeryat vane thava

People with high self respect have only two stages like flowers
Either they should be on top of the world or just shrivel away

स्थानं उत्सृज्य गच्चंती सिम्हाहा सत्पुरुषा गजः
तत्र एव निधानं यान्ति काकः कापुरुषा मृगः

Sthaanam Utsrujya gacchanti Simhaaha satpurusha gajaaha |
Tatra eva nidhanam yaanti Kaakaha kapurusha mrugaaha ||

The lions, elephants and the virtuous people with high self-esteem quit their position immediately once their esteem is hurt. The crows, cats and the vicious people wish to continue in the same position

विद्या विवादाय धनं मादय शक्ति: परेषाम परिपीडनाय |
खालास्य: साधो: विपरीतम एतद ग्नानाया दानाय च रक्षणाय ||

Vidya vivadaaya Dhanam madaaya shaktihi pareshaam paripeedanaaya
khalasyaha saadhoh vipareetam etad gnanaaya daanaya cha rakshanaaya

Wicked person uses knowledge only for the sake of arguments.His wealth renders him egotistic and his energy is wasted merely to torment others.The opposite is true of a saintly person. His knowledge is used for good purposes His wealth is used to donate it to others and his might is used to protect the weak.

म्रुदुलं नवनीतमीरितं नवनीतादपि सज्जनस्य ह्रुत् |
तदिदं द्रवति स्वतापनात् परतापाद्र्वते सतां पुन: ||
सुभाषित सुरद्रुमा

Mrudulam navaneeta meeritam, navaneetaa dapi sajjanasya hrut
tadida dravati svata panaath, parataa paadravate sataam punaha
Subhashita Suradruma

Butter exceeds softness. But noble man's heart is more soft.
Butter melts when the temperature raises for itself.
But noble man's heart melt even when temperature raises for others

Meaning: A noble man worries for others problem also.

अष्टा दशपुरणानम सारं व्यासेन कीर्थितम |
परोपकारः पुण्याय पपाया परपीडनम |

Astadashapuranaanam saaram vyasena keerthitam
paropakaraha punyaya, paapaya parapeeditam

In all the eighteen puranas, sage vyasa emphasizes ony two moral precepts
Rendering service to people is merit and harassing them is evil

प्रियवाक्यप्रदानेन सर्वे तुश्यंति जंतवः |
तस्मात्तदेव वक्तव्यं वचने का दरीद्रता ||

Priyavakyapradanena sarve tushyanti janatavah
Tasmattadeva vaktavyam vachane ka daridrata

All living creatures love listening sweet words.
So in that case, why poverty of sweet words?


लाक्श्मीर्वासती जिह्वाग्रे जिह्वाग्रे मित्रबान्धवाः
जिह्वाग्रे बन्धनं प्राप्तं जिह्वाग्रे मरणं ध्रुवं

Lakshmir vasathi jih vaagre jih vaagre mitra baandhavaah
jih vaagre bandhanam praaptam jih vaagre maranam dhruvam

Lakshmi (Goddess of wealth) resides in tongue. Friends and Relatives resides as well
Through tongue bonding occurs. Through tongue death can also be granted.

Moral: If we speak good, we can earn wealth, friends and good relatives. But if we speak bad, even death can happen.

सुखार्थी त्यजते विद्यं विध्यार्थी त्यजते सुखम् |
सुखर्थीन: कुतॊ विद्या कुतॊ विध्यार्थीन: सुखम् ||

Sukhaarthi tyajate vidyam vidhyaarthi tyajate sukham |
sukhartheenaha kuto vidyaa kuto vidhyaartheena sukham ||

Luxury people leave knowledge, But a student leaves Luxury
No knowledge for one who seeks Luxury, No luxury for student

सन्तोषः परमो लाभः सत्सङ्गः परमा गतिः ।
विचारः परमं ज्ञानं क्षमे परमं सुखम् ॥

Santoshah paramo laabhah satsangah param gatih
vicharah param gnanam kshame parmam sukham

Happiness is the highest gain, nobel company is highest achievement
Questioning is highest knowledge, forgiveness is highest enjoyment

SUBHASHITA WITH ENGLISH TRANSLATION

Subhaashita means good speech. They are wise sayings, instructions and stories, either in poetry or in prose composed in Sanskrit language which is considered as the "Mother of all Languages". The great subhaashitas are composed by ancient saints and scholars which can be dated back to 5000 BC.Some of the well known sanskrit scholars include Bhartrhari, Subhashita Ratna bhandagara and Somadeva Bhatta. The Panchatantra and the Hitopadesha also belong to this category. This compilation draws from all these sources in addition to the Bhagvad Geetha and other Puranas, Ramayana, and Mahabharata.

A subhaashita has morals and values that are life essentials. As humans, it is not enough if we just eat, drink and exist in life. Even animals eat, drink and live life. Human beings need values and morals, as God blessed them with something very exclusive - intelligence and speech. To put those faculties to use, we need material to learn from.

"Subhaashitas" the great wisdom of the world is available in simple bite-sized two-liners act as teacher in formulating the sense of morality and character, which sums up the total of a person’s virtues including dispositions, behaviors, habits, likes, dislikes, capacities, traits, ideals, ideas, values, feelings, and intuitions.

What should one collect to flourish in life? Not real estate, not cash, not jewels nor property. A good collection of merit is what he needs. The best of them are - dharma (virtue), principles, politeness, mind captivating subhaaShitaa-s and the like. One may lead a life without money or property. But without principles, virtues and politeness, there is no life. Understand the importance of the subhaaShitas in our life. As the company of good people is essential, so is the knowledge (and application) of the subhaaShitas.

Subhaashitaas are a great heritage of Indian culture. They teach values in life, great thoughts in a convincing manner, often quoting examples. Collect and learn them;Teach your children one subhashita per day with translation will really help shaping their attitude and character.They are notable measures of directions for human life! They play an immense importance in shaping the culture and the society. By understanding the meaning and practicing one can can cultivate a strong and morally superior character and the disciplines in real life. Let's get learning! More importantly, let's start applying them in our daily lives

एतद्देश प्रसूतस्य सकशादाग्रजन्माना
स्वं स्वं चरित्रं शिक्षेरन प्रुथिव्यम सर्वमानावः

Eta desha prasutasya sakashadagra janmana
svam savam charitram shiksheran prithivyam sarva maanavaha

All inhabitants of this earth should learn about living and building character from the ancient sages and seers who took birth in this land [of India] Manusmrti.

हिमालयं समारभ्य यावातू इंदु सरोवरं
तं देवनिर्मितं देशं हिन्दुस्तनम प्रचक्षते

Himalayam samaarabhya yaavat indu sarovaram
tam devanirmitam desham hindustanam prachakshate

Starting from Himalayas and extending upto the Indu lake which borders on the Indian ocean,is the nation which god created and known as "hindustan".

FOOTSTEPS

It is not very easy to accept all the things come in our way…but, if we can do so, just imagine how beautiful we will feel the world is…Every day will be a red lettered…every moment will be a special one… but how far we can go like that…? How far we like it... may be it will become routine and we may start complaining about many things… and why not? ... That’s what happening in these days compared to our earlier generations.

I do believe that people lived in each generation can be divided into two parts. One part of the people who were not satisfied with the accessories they had, who were always worrying to do some thing new, who were rest less for some days until they get what they wanted, who might not lead a very happy life but they might satisfied with what they achieved finally. In the second part lie the people who were satisfied with their belongings and those never wanted to loose their happiness because of materialist things, who were not much worried about the untouchable things for them, who might lead a happy and peaceful life.

If we can go through further analysis, because of the first part of the people today we are very comfortable with many facilities and new inventions which are working in their own way for our safety and happy living. They stay all along with the world as inventors who helped people in giving their needs. Because of the second part of the people, we know the essentials of happy life. Whose sayings are inspiring us…whose life story is giving the training in personality development area. They stay all along with the world as persons who have shown the way to go.

All in all, every generation has its own affect on its further generations, either it is good or bad, we should accept it as it comes and what it gives. We follow some one’s foot steps and our’s will be followed by some one on a day or other. Nothing went in vain till now and each and every individual’s living will teaches us a lot so as our life. Whatever the way we choose to lead the life either peaceful or purposeful, we should be true enough to ourselves and we should not forget that our foot steps will be there even after our work is over on our earth.

The above one is truely correct and very much practical also .Now a days people running behind happiness ,but it is ultimately they are behind collecting bolongings in their life .True Values are just going away far behind ,rather nobody have an idea about what are the VALUES OF LIFE actually .So like father like son or as parents as children .All are ust living materialistic life which is not at all beneficial to anybody ,but no body has the seriousness also.

COURTESY FROM FRIENDS GROUPS.COM FROM SARASWATHI.