TEACHINGS OF PANCHATANTRA

Panchatantra or “Five Principles” is a collection of ancient Indian popular tales written by Pandit Vishnu Sharma and it is the best guide to enroot moral values in children since its each tale has a moral lesson in its end.Each of these animal fables ends with a moral related to the story.

Panchatantra compares the winnow and sieve with the qualities of a person.

A sieve lets go and allows all the good things to pass through its pores while retaining the waste things in it. On the contrary, a winnow discards the husk, stones and dust to let go and retains only the good and useful things.

The winnow retains what is useful while the sieve retains what is useless.

One should “be like a winnow retaining the positive things of life and not like a sieve which retains all the negative aspects of life!”

5 Famous Panchatantra Quotes and teachings:-

1.  Intelligence can accomplish things more easily than army and weapons   (that is - physical power).

2.  Excellent, average, and low qualities appear in anyone or anything due   to association with person or things of the corresponding type.

3.  Truly good men are like rubber balls; even if they fall they bounce  back. A fool falls like mud and gets stuck to the ground.

4.  One should seek for the salutary in the unpleasant: if it is there, it is after all nectar. One should seek for the deceitful in the pleasant: if it is there it is after all poison.  

5.   A great man does not lose his self-possession when he is afflicted; the       ocean is not made muddy by the falling in of its banks.

A TRIBUTE TO ALL SOLDIERS OF 26/11 TERRORIST ATTACK

                           

Dedicating Hindi poem penned by Makhanlal chaturvedi “Pushp Ki Abhilasha” to all the soldiers. The soul stirring poem accurately represents the pride, passion, dedication and patriotism towards our country. This is one of the best poems I still remember from my schoolbook, not because of its contents but because of its feel.

Chah Nahin Mai SurBala Ke Gehnon Mein Guntha Jaaon
Chah Nahin Premi Mala Mein Bindh, Pyari Ko Lalchaon
Chah Nahin Samraton Ke Shav Par, He Hari Dala Jaaon
Chah Nahin Devon Ke Sar Par Chadhon, Bhagya Par Itraoon
Mujhey Tod Lena Banmali, Us Path Par Tum Dena Phaink
Matru Bhoomi Per Sheesh Chadhaney,Jis Path Jaayen Veer Anek

When Translated in English:

I do not wish to be a part of the ornaments of the daughter of Gods.

I do not wish to lure sweet love being a part of lover's garland for her.

I do not wish O God, to be offered on the dead-bodies of great kings

I do not wish to adorn the foreheads of Gods and be proud of my luck.

O Gardener! Please pluck me and throw me on the street
where the brave men offering their head for the motherland tread!

An all time childhood favorite poem, and I am sharing as a tribute to all the soldiers who lost their lives in one of the most atrocious terrorist attack in our nation, that on of 26/11 in Mumbai.An attack so brazen that left the country reeling in shock for days afterward.

They do everything for country, yet time and again we forget they too are normal people just like you and me.People who have shed their luxuries for their country and lead a tough life that is beyond our Imaginations.They are our soldiers. The protection and warmth we feel, the securityof living in our country is noticed but not the sacrifices that it cost.Unlike the politicians bureaucrats or any other common people, the solidiers cannot get away with the excuse, we try our best.They just win or they lose.

If you worship cricket idol or bollywood star think for a moment there are thousands of people who sacrificied their lifes for our country who deserve much more than them.We must salute them for their sacrifice and let their deaths not to go waste unacknowledged and unnoticed.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO JHANSI KI RANI 19-11-2013

JHANSI KI RANI was the great heroine of the First War of Indian Freedom. The life history of the Rani of Jhansi Lakshmibai is very inspiring and her defence against the British is exemplary even today. She became a widow at the tender age of 18 and by the tender age of 22, she had become a martyr in the service of our motherland. The valour and brave death she chose, which gave an inspiration to the various leaders, patriots belonging to the Gadar party in the First World War, the organization of Shahid Bhagat Singh and to all revolutionaries from Swatatntryaveer Savarkar to Subhashchandra, is magnificent. Lot of literature has been written on the life history of Rani Lakshmibai of Jhansi.

 “Khoob ladi mardani vah to Jhansiwali Rani thi” with these words by subhadra Kumari chauhan, Rani Lakshmi bai of Jhansi has been immortalised in history and she lives on in popular imagination. The fervor that she aroused gave birth to various leaders, revolutionaries who finally freed our nation from the British. “ I studied Jhansi Ki Rani” Hindi poem in my eighth class written by Smt.Subhadra kumari chauhan and I will remember Rani Lakshmibai of Jhansi forever.

Lakshmibai, the Rani of Jhansi, is a great source of inspiration to all human beings of the Indian Subcontinent for her patriotism, heroism, sense of self-respect,discipline. She is embodiment of sacrifice,valour, strategy, womanliness, kindness, deathlessness, martyrdom. She was young in years, but her decisions were mature. Such an confident and dominant women will not be find any where! The words of the British General Sir Hugh Rose who fought against the Maharani several times and was defeated time and time again stated: "Of the mutineers the bravest and the greatest commander was the Rani".

On this day, let’s remember those who died for this country and remind ourselves that we are safe and breathing free air because of their sacrifice.I wish everyone to remember the sacrifice of our great freedom fighters and try our best to fulfil theirs dreams of the Independent India they dreamt of. The freeness what we breath today comes from such great people, who actually sow the seed of revolution which in turn helped every Indian to saw the dawn of independence. Let us all be grateful to all those great men and women of India who made the supreme sacrifice while defending our Motherland!

Jhansi ki rani is a symbol of commitment,passion and love for the country.Its not about being a man or a woman,she symbolises that when a person has a purpose in life and the courage to pursue it no matter the body is of a man or a woman,no matter what the conditions are and no matter how hard life is on you,the soul gives you the strength to carry on.So stick to your commitments and nobody can stop you.

A SMALL PRAYER TO MY MOTHER

Mother is the one who is willing to give us endlessly love without getting back in return.  I am one of the lucky ones. I truly did have a great, good mother. She had passed away on 04-07-2013. It is extremely a sad day of my life when my mother left abode for eternal peace.When I was child I saw my mother crying when my grand mother passed away.That day I could not understand what happened to her but today when I am facing the same I am unable to control. she is my best and good mother, why because she faced so many bitter experiences but her courage to stand against that odd times brought to this present good position in my life. My mother showed me how to just be myself and face the odd times with the same strength as she did. Her strength is what keeps me here. I Can’t tell what type of pain is involved in losing a mother, I hope no one wont for many year's. It's overbearing. There is no greater education or love than that of mother’s love. There is also no greater degree than love.

This post I am dedicating to my amma.

DHANTERAS OR DHANATRAYODASHI OR DHANVANTARI TRAYODASHI

Wealth without health is meaningless.Health without wealth will not give fine life. Both health and wealth without long life means what is the use?Therefore Bharathiyya dharmam given equal importance to a contented state of being happy , healthy and prosperous long life. For the fulfillment of above three in life people will pray god and celberate Dhanteras or "Dhanatrayodashi" or "Dhanvantari Trayodashi".

Dhanteras is the first day festival of the great and famous Hindu festival, 

Diwali which is the five-day festival and celebrated traditionally all over the India. The festival, also known as"Dhanatrayodashi" or "Dhanvantari Trayodashi".The word Dhan means wealth and Teras means 13th day as per Hindu calendar. It is celebrated on the thirteenth lunar day of Krishna paksha (dark fortnight) as per the Hindu calendar in the month of Ashwij. It is an Occasion to worship Lakshmi Devi (Goddess of welath), Lord Dhanwantari,  (the deity of health and the spirit of knowledge), Lord Kubera  (the Lord of Wealth and the god-king of the semi-divine) and Ganesh the 'Remover of Obstacles' or the 'Lord of Beginnings. People will buy silver coins (having picture of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesh) on this day.

Legends of Dhanteras:-

As per one legend on this day Shri Maha vishnu released lakshmidevi from the imprisonment of Naraksura and did Abhishekam with Panchajanyasankam by pouring seven holy waters, cow milk, sandalwood paste and did coronation by giving the powers of the  Goddess of Wealth. So on this day people invite Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, prosperity (both material and spiritual), fortune, and the embodiment of beauty.It is believed that she will  bring good luck and protect her devotees from all kinds of misery and money-related sorrows.

Another legend says, in the cosmic battle between the gods and the demons when both churned the ocean for ‘amrit’ or divine nectar, Dhanavantri – the physician of the gods and an incarnation of Vishnu – emerged carrying a pot of the elixir. So, according to this mythological tale, the word Dhanteras comes from the name Dhanavantri, the divine doctor.That’s why any new discovery of medical science field starts at this day.

Another legend goes, the horoscope of King Himavantha’s sixteen year old son read that he would die on the fourth day of his marriage by a snake bite. On that particular day, the prince's young wife laid all her ornaments and coins in a big heap at the entrance of her husband's chamber, lighted lamps all over & starting singing. When Yama arrived in the form of a snake, his eyes got blinded by that dazzle and he could not enter the prince's chamber.In a trance-like state, he sat on top of the heap and spent the whole night listening to the melodious songs, thus missing his deadline and sparing the prince's life. As the intelligence of the young wife saved her husband from the clutches of death, Dhanteras is celebrated as a reminder that ills in a horoscope (fate) can be corrected by the right actions (karma). One is encouraged to do good deeds all the time to strengthen his fate. For this reason, this is considered an auspicious time to buy jewellery.

Doesn't this make perfect sense since health is the greatest wealth of all? By worshipping the lord Dhanvanthri we symbolically seek the favour of Nature which is the ultimate source of health and wealth. Also, knowledge is the greatest key to both material & spiritual wealth, making Dhanteras the perfect occasion to celebrate the pursuit of knowledge and contentment. So, this Dhanteras the message is simple – be good to one and all, stay true and healthy, protect nature and pursue happiness! Be content!

SIGNIFICANCE OF FESTIVAL DEEPAVALI

Deepavali or the Festival of Lights is an important and popular festival and one of the four main festivals celebrated In India. Deepavali. “Deepavali” derived from Sanskrit Deepa = 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, prosperity and wisdom, but also to God Ganesha, the 'Remover of Obstacles' or the 'Lord of Beginnings'. Deepavali is associated with many legends.

Legends of Deepavali:-

There are many festivals in India. Some festivals are celebrated in certain regions, like Holi in Northern India, Onam in Kerala. However, Deepavali is the only festival that is celebrated across the country, by everyone without distinction of class and creed with slightly different set of rituals and customs. This slight deviance in the set of rituals and celebrations of this festival is due to the prevalent legends of the specific regions and states. The reason for celebrating Diwali in North India is based on the return of Lord Ram from exile to Ayodhya. But in South India the legend is of Krishna defeating demon Naraka with the help of Satyabhama.And an another legend says that Goddess lakshmi emerged from Ksheera Sagara (Ocean of Milk).

CELEBRATIONS:

The festival is actually celebrated over a period of five days. First Day - Dhanatrayodashi" or "Dhanvantari Trayodashi" in south and Dhan Teras in North India. Second Day - Narak Chaturdashi, Third Day- Diwali, Fourth Day - Govardhan Pooja in north India and Bali Padyami in south India, Fifth Day - Bhai Dooj in north and Yama Dvitiya, or Yam Dwitiya in south India.

The first day is called the Dhanatrayodashi" or "Dhanvantari Trayodashi" or Dhan Teras. The word Dhan means wealth and Tera means 13th day as per Hindu calendar, wherein people buy a new utensil or gold or silver because as it is considered auspicious to spend money (for goddess Lakshmi) on this day. The day is also dedicated to Dhanavantri, the Hindu God of medicine, and therefore special Dhanvantari Puja is held on the day.  

The second day is called Narak Chaturdashi. Demon named Narakasur who had managed to acquire such awesome powers that he began to terrorize the three worlds. He was killed and defeated by Lord Krishna. As a symbol of that victory Lord Krishna smeared his forehead with the demon king's blood. Krishna returned home early morning on the day of Narakachaturdashi. The womenfolk massaged scented oil on his body and gave him a bath to wash away the demon’s blood. Since then the custom of taking an oil bath before dawn on this day has become a traditional practice especially in Maharashtra and in the South. Normally according to dharma shastram, one is not supposed to take an oil bath before sunrise on any day. But on Deepavali, there is an exemption. People get up early in the morning and have an oil bath in hot water especially before sunrise. This is equated to having a bath in the Ganges. On Deepavali chathurdashi day, Mahalakshmi resides in gingelly oil and Ganges resides in water until sunrise. So we get the blessings of Mahalakshmi as well by doing this.This is clearly mentioned in Tula puranam.

The thrid day is called Diwali. On this day Mother Lakshmi emerged from the ocean of milk called the Ksheer Sagar. She brought with Her wealth and prosperity for mankind. On that day, Lakshmi Pooja was performed to honour Her and as such, every year on Diwali day, Hindus perform Her prayer and worship. On this day, Lakshmi Pooja was performed and the making and distribution of various sweets and total vegetarian foods are the special of the day. Many people believe that Lakshmi, the Goddess of wealth and good fortune, visit the homes of devotees on this day. Worship of Lakshmi is performed in the pradosha time of the deepavali which is considere as very auspicious.

The fourth day is called Govardhan Puja is dedicated to  the Govardan  Mountain near Mathura, which was lifted by Lord Krishna to save the people of Braj from heavy rains and flood created by Lord Indra. Apart from worship of Lord Krishna and Govardhan Mountain, people perform Govardhan Pradakshina, circumambulating the hill is an important event on the day.Bali Padyami in south India is the day when King Bali rules the world with blessings of Sri Hari Vishnu. It is observed on the first day of the Kartik Maasa in the traditional calendar followed in Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. On the day people remember King Bali and pray for the return of prosperity that existed during his rule. Exchanging gifts on this day is a major highlight. Bali Padyami is the half muhurta among the three and a half auspicious muhurtas in a year. One need not look for auspicious time on the day. There is a popular belief that what ever is gifted on the day will be returned manifold with the blessings of Lord Vishnu.

The fifth day of Diwali celebrations is known as Yama Dvitiya, or Yam Dwitiya - a symbol of love between brothers and sisters. The day is observed as Bhai Dhooj or in North India and Yama Dvitiya is the name used popularly in South India. The legend of Yam Dwitiya is associated with Lord Yama, the Hindu god of Death, visiting his sister Yami.

What is the Message of the festival:-

All festivals of India have an inner divine significance. In Bharat the festivals are celebrated to prove the immanent divinity in humanity. 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. It is said that before dying Naraka realized his mistakes and requested for a festival in his name from his parents which will remind people what will happen when they are overtook by inflated egos. Naraka Chaturdasi thus indicates that good and evil rises from the same root. 

Deepavali teaches a sacred inner meaning to humanity. During the night of Deepavali the little clay lamps (diyas) silently send forth message of Deepavali: "Come, let us remove darkness from the face of the earth." No other element in this world is as significant as light. It is the light that shows us the way dispelling the darkness. It is because of the light that man is able to attend to his daily duties. The flame of a lamp has two significant qualities. One is to banish darkness; the other is a continuous upward movement. The flame always points upwards. Even if we keep the lamp upside down, the flame will burn upwards. The message is that our mind should be focused on the the Self wherever we are. 

Thus the festival signifies the victory of good over evil – where the good and the evil are present in us. The religions and cultures may be different but they all share a universal principle of divine creation. 

My Message:-

People celebrate this festival by bursting firecrackers signifying the victory of good over evil. One way it is rainy season and it is good for killing of insects and mosquitoes. And in another way it is very dangerous to people which creates health problems also. Please don’t use hazardous crackers which cause health problems. Moreover bursting firecrackers was not part of our Deepavali tradition. In all festivals I like and love Deepavali very much and I used to celebrate the festival with great pomp and enthusiasm. But when I am pursuing LLB degree I studied a public interest litigation case filed by Mr.M.C.Mehta which made me tear jerking and from that time onwards I decided not to buy crackers because many kids are made to work in the fire cracker factories by giving up their golden life. So I decided I should not buy it to promote child Labour.

My appeal to all my fellow Indian’s is that on this holy day; Stop Buying and bursting crackers. Save a few children their lives and save yourself. Think about the children below 12 years and thousands of other Children involved in child labor in our Fireworks factories. For those poor kids this festival of light simply translates into more forced and hazardous work. Think about them before buying and bursting crackers. Please do not buy and burst crackers because if you do that then in a way you intend to help an industry that unethically and inhumanely employs thousands of children. Stop supporting child Labour. 

If you still want to burst, make sure to buy low decibel ones from brands which carry NCLE/NHLI (NO CHILD LABOUR EMPLOYED/INVOLVED) SEAL.

If you want to burst, make sure you don't cause trouble to neighbors, pedestrians and traffic.

Don't burst high decibel, high sounding crackers to cause panic to sick & elder people.

Don’t burst crackers from 10PM to 6AM - it is illegal as per Supreme Court orders.

As you celebrate this Diwali, spare a thought for the people of Sivakasi because they are the ones who make your Diwali sparkle. We all continuously oscillate between happiness and sorrow.  Instead of exaggerating and thinking about our own happy and sad experiences, if our action can bring a little bit of comfort and happiness to some one else we must pray and do that work. This attitude alone is the best. This is the core meaning of festivals like Deepavali. Instead of brooding that “I have problem, I have sorrow” let us pray that entire universe should be happy. Let us celebrate Deepavali keeping in view the underlying philosophy behind it and not convert it into a huge extravaganza or display of wealth and luxury. 

Wish u a very Happy Diwali!Deepavali is a festival of lights but it seems light has gone out of our lives as we witness so much violence against innocent people.While offering most sincere greetings for this festival of lights let us pray together that light of wisdom returns to our lives over coming darkness of hatred and violence. After all Deepavali symbolizes victory of good over evil. Real celebration lies in sincere efforts to bring back light of wisdom to our lives.Happy Diwali

COURTESY:VARIOUS DEVOTIONAL BOOKS.