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Volume 1

A Family-Magazine from SevA dArShAn KuwAit

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Issue 4

15th July, 2011

Namostutey Vyaasa Vishaala Buddhe Phullaaravinda Yatapatra Netra Yena Twaya Bhaarata Tailapoorna Prajwaalito Gyaana Mayah Pradeepaha

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Sopanam E-Magazine - (For members circulation only)

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Sopanam - July 2011

Editorial
very spiritual month for the Indians. It is the month of Ashada where the whole nation pays reverence to the Guru. Also called Vyasa Purnima ( Full moon day in the month of Ashada ) It honours the great sage Ved Vyasa who compiled the four Vedas, wrote the 18 puranas and gave us the epic Mahabharata. This day is also celebrated as Guru Pooja. During this month the nation also adheres to the reading of the Ramayana during the 31 days of the month of karkidakkom as per the Malayalam calendar. In this very spiritually charged month when most of us would be engaged in devotion, it is also important for us to look beyond the rituals. While we celebrate Vyasa Purnima, it is important for us to study the eagerness for knowledge and the resolve to give this knowledge to the entire human race, is why we consider Sage Vyasa as the Adi-Guru of all Indians. We need to understand that it is us, who needs to find our Guru. In this contemporary world when we face so many obstacles and as immorality looms ahead of us, the need of the right guru to guide our civilization and our coming generations forward is becoming very evident. Every individual, all societies, every nation needs a Guru to guide them on the right path.

Our fourth edition comes on the occasion of a

The importance of Guru in Bharath is evident from the fact that the Indian philosophy holds the Guru in a higher pedestal than even God. The Guru is supposed to have great knowledge and wisdom. He guides his disciples and society to live as per the laws of Dharma. The Sanskrit meaning of the word Guru is GU for darkness or ignorance and RU denotes the remover of such darkness. So, the remover of our ignorance is true Guru Finding your Guru is necessary to attain self realization. In the Bagavad Gita, Sri Krishna advices his disciple Arjuna, "Acquire the transcendental knowledge from a Selfrealized master by humble reverence, by sincere inquiry, and by service. The wise ones who have realized the Truth will impart the Knowledge to you". Arjuna with the blessings of Sree Krishna, Sri Rama with the blessings of Sage Vasishta, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj with the blessings of Saint Tukaram and Samartha Ramdas Swami re-established and built righteous kingdoms. These are examples before us from our epics and history. The guidance of a Guru is very essential in todays world to clear our minds of great confusions created by our civil systems in our lives. From equating spiritual devotion of deities to simple treasures and hailing of religious defamation in the name of cultural and artistic renaissance, our society is being lead into darkness by forces of anti national elements. Our chosen Guru need not be a fully realized human soul alone. We may seek our knowledge and blessing in our scriptures, epics, sages, ideals. The saffron depicting the rising sun is our inspiration for the further quest for knowledge. It depicts the never ending power of time and it dawns on us every day to remind us that we still have the opportunity to educate our self for the nation and to live the righteous lives shown to us by our great ancestors. Upon chanting the Ramayana, it is also important to understand the message within. Each of the characters depicts our daily lives and how the revered ones lived through conflicts and misunderstandings. Sri Rama paved for us the way to live correctly. Being an embodiment of God himself, he considered serving his motherland as most important Guru and quoted the famous lines for us to remember. Let us all take to heart the ways laid before us by Lord Rama and work to serve our nation. "Janani janma bhoomischa swargadapi gareeyasi"
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editorial Board

Krishna Kumar Paliath Manoj Nair Vibheesh Tikkodi Redhish Chandran Gayatri Raveendran

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Creative & design

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Sopanam - July 2011

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Cultural

Guru Concepts of India

Gayatri raveendran

Guru is verily the representative of Brahma, vishnu and Shiva. he creates, sustains knowledge and destroys the weeds of ignorance. i salute such a Guru.

Kalaris, still maintain the tradition. Recently several gurukulas have begun, driven both by a desire to uphold the traditions and monetary gain. Examples of these new schools are the Ananda Marga Gurukula. It is not a religious school in the Hindu tradition but rather a secular academic institution based on universal spiritual principles. Vivekananda College near Madurai is an NAAC accredited `A' grade autonomous college that is run under a Gurukula system. In the vedic period, the students made their guru as their role model. Guru become the second father for the students. He guided them how to lead a successful life. He taught subject matter of Vedas, art of using weaponry, music and self defense, etc. He taught the students what is the aim of human life. What are the moral values that one has to imbibe to be a successful person in the human society. Spiritual guru teaches how can one disentangle himself from the complexities of material existence and how can one achieve the ultimate success. The guru gives this knowledge to his disciples through his own example. Thus, guru is one who has a flawless character and he imparts the same flawless character to his students through his constant association.

Learning by Serving
A guru is one who is regarded as having great knowledge, wisdom, and authority in a certain area, and who uses it to guide others. In the Vedic period, students went to the guru's home to learn by serving him. This was the gurukulam. A gurukulam was a type of residential school, with disciples living within the same house. The shishyas resided together as equals, irrespective of their social standing, learned from the guru and helped the guru in his day-to-day life, including the carrying out of chores such as washing clothes, cooking, etc. This guru shishya - parampara was a hallowed tradition. A guru would not receive fees from a shishya studying with him. At the end of his studies, the shishya would offer the guru dakshina or offering before leaving the ashrama. The gurudakshina was a traditional gesture of acknowledgment, respect and thanks, which may be monetary, but may also be a special task the teacher wants the student to accomplish. The Guru observed the character and temperament of each student and imparted knowledge accordingly. He considered all students as equal. One student may be a Kings son and one may be a cobblers son, but for guru what mattered was the character of the student. In this way, there was no discrimination against caste, creed and family status of the student. The gurukuls were supported by public donation. By the colonial era the gurukul system was declining in India except in a few regions, such as Kerala, where
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Sopanam - July 2011

kmwkvImcnIw
Cultural
Indians attach paramount importance to spiritual gurus. Gurus are often equated with God and always regarded as a link between the individual and the Immortal. Just as the moon shines by reflecting the light of the sun, and glorifies it, all disciples can dazzle like the moon by gaining from their Gurus. true Indian knows that the Guru is the only guarantee for the individual to transcend the bondage of sorrow and death, and experience the Consciousness of the Reality." Even today, the position of the Guru is undisputed in the Indian psyche.

What is Guru Purnima?

The full moon day in the Hindu month of Ashad (July-August) is observed as the auspicious day of Guru Purnima, a day sacred to the memory of the great sage Vyasa. All Hindus are indebted to this ancient saint who edited the four Vedas, wrote the 18 Puranas, the Mahabharata and the Srimad Bhagavata. Vyasa even taught Dattatreya, who is regarded as the Guru of Gurus.

"Gurur Brahmaa Gurur vishnu Gururdevo Maheshvarah Guru Sakshath Para brahma tasmai Shri Gurave namah"
Salutation to the noble Guru, who is Brahma, Vishnu and Maheswara, the direct Parabrahma, the Supreme Reality.

Significance of Guru Purnima

On this day, all spiritual aspirants and devotees worship Vyasa in honor of his divine personage and all disciples perform a 'puja' of their respective spiritual preceptor or 'Gurudevs'. This day is of deep significance to the farmers, for it heralds the setting in of the muchneeded rains, as the advent of cool showers usher in fresh life in the fields. It is a good time to begin your spiritual lessons. Traditionally, spiritual seekers commence to intensify their spiritual 'sadhana' from this day. The period 'Chaturmas' ("four months") begins from this day. In the past, wandering spiritual masters and their disciples used to settle down at a place to study and discourse on the Brahma Sutras composed by Vyasa, and engage themselves in Vedantic discussions. Swami Sivananda says: "Do you realize now the sacred significance and the supreme importance of the Guru's role in the evolution of man? It was not without reason that the India of the past carefully tended and kept alive the lamp of Guru-Tattva. It is therefore not without reason that India, year after year, age after age, commemorates anew this ancient concept of the Guru, adores it and pays homage to it again and again, and thereby re-affirms its belief and allegiance to it. For, the
Sopanam - July 2011

kmwkvImcnIw
Cultural

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Spiritualism

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Pithrukarma
What is the importance of Pithrukarma?
Indian culture and civilization is the only one which survived for the last not less than 10,000 years and it is due exclusively to the family relation, and social bondage we maintained during this period. Pithru karma is not merely for the deceased parents, it is for one and all those who have been associated with us in this janma and past janmas and also those who are connected with us directly and indirectly. What we offer to our forefathers and all those who were responsible for our existence to on this earth cannot be explained but merely physical words. Pitrhukarma is a part of Pithru Yangyam. Our Indian culture has great importance for such karmas.

What is Pitrukarma?
Pitrukarma is the karma (deeds/rituals/offering) for Pitrus (ancestors/deceased relations) who are associated with us during this Janma. It is a sacred ritual performed to remember them once in a year.

How it is performed?
Pithukarma is performed on the Ammavasi day (Karutha Vaavu) of the month Karikadakam (the start of Dakshinayanam) the last month of the Malayalam calendar. One day fasting is kept on the previous day. People gather on the banks of holy rivers/sea shore. After taking a dip in the river, the rituals (bali) are performed under the supervision of a Acharya (karmi). After the Pithrukarma, dakshina is offered to the acharya. It is believed that the offering are accepted by the pitrus and blessing given to protect the family. This is an important occasion to remember all our ancestors. On the ammavasi day the pitrus are believed to visit their homes at the Sandhya time, to see their family members and bless them. During that occasion the family offers

them Daha- favorite food for the pithrus. One of the important items is Vaav Ada. After receiving the offerings the pitrus bless the family and return to their heavenly abode. Such rituals are performed in different manners throughout India. Banks of river Ganga and Triveni Sangamam are holy places to perform such rituals. Pithrukarma can be done by anyone who wants to offer Pithru Tharpanam, without violating the rules and regulations of their country of residence, with the available resources and facilities. It should be done with great devotion with a pure mind and body. Performing such karmas protects the family and leads them to prosperity. This year Karutha Vaav (Amavasi day in month of Karkidaka) falls of 30th July, 2011.
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Sopanam - July 2011

Education

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The Power of Reading

Sindhu Sanjith

Books have always been a mans best friend. Books open a wide world in front of us - a world of various characters, stories, traditions and life styles. Through reading, we get new ideas and thoughts and learn many lessons which can shape our characters and mould us into better human beings. Reading is a habit that needs to be inculcated from childhood. In this fast moving world, the habit of reading is on the decline. Even daily news papers and magazines remain untouched. Needless to say about books. They remain on the shelves as show-piece, without even page being over-turned. Who is to be blamed for this? Indeed its our daily routine to be blamed. Reading must be included in our day to day life. Reading habit is essential for the all-round development of an individual. A few decades ago, when there was no other means of entertainment, books and news papers used to find its way to its readers. But now, with the ever growing technology and use of highly advanced gadgets, there are only a handful of voracious readers. Many among the young generation are either glued to their phones, laptops, video-games or their TV sets. The habit of reading must be initiated at the childhood. There are many types of books and magazines available in the market. The parents must select the right kind of articles and books for their children. They must be encouraged to read biographies of great legends, good stories and novels and most importantly the daily news papers. This will keep them updated with the current affairs and also have a good command over language. It will also help them to have a good knowledge of various topics and will help them to be good decision makers. Their wide knowledge will help them in facing difficult situations in life. It also helps in preparation for competitive exams, interviews, group discussions and elocutions.
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Mothers should take initiative to develop this habit in their children. They should find out some time from their busy schedule to read out some good stories to their little ones before the bed-time. The stories can also be from holy books which will help children to know about the mythological characters. This will not just help in a good bonding between the mother and the child but also in good character development. A book is the most effective weapon against intolerance and ignorance A good book is a good teacher, a guide and a true friend. It has a vital role in shaping a man into a good human being. It is the reader who has to decide which book suits his taste and choice. Now the books are available in the form of E-books. They can be easily downloaded and be read on the go. We all must make it a point to read as much as possible. As well said: To acquire the habit of reading is to construct for yourself a refuge from almost all the miseries of life. As Bharathiyans, the books and granthas are considered divine. They remove the darkness of ignorance from our minds and spread the light of knowledge. Such books are like intellectual gurus. The more you read, the more you learn and the more you learn, the more wise you become. Indeed it is necessary to make the right choice of the books which will help in all round development of an individual. Let us all try to make reading a part of our daily routine.

Sopanam - July 2011

hoWw
Views
Po-hn-Xhpw- P `q-an-bpw sI.- ctaivtZhn-bp-sS cq-]n P `q-an-sb tkhn-p-I FXns-d- A-sam-Wv?-- AXn-s\ D]m-kn-p-I Fp-shmsem-Wv- sNtWv-SX? - tIhew- P]w- sNbv-Xm- am-Xr`q-an-bn-p- D tkh\am-Ip-n-.- P `q-an-sb ihpw khp-am-b ]cassh`hn-s-d DXp-w-K in-JcfnteXn-s\ Fn-p-I FXv- AXn-se Hm-tcm- ]p-{Xsdbpw- I-hy-am-Wv.-- Acw- ]p-{Xm-cp-sS kaq-lam-Wv- \ ap-v- thWv-SXv.- `m-cXn-s-d DXn- FXn-\-w- AXns-d Hm-tcm- Aw-Kfp-sSbpw- kam-Pns-dbpw- DXn-bmWv.-- AXmWv- cm-jv-{Sn-s-d hf-.cm-jv-{SsaXn-\-w,- tIhew- `q-an- im-kv-{X]ca.- hy-Xykv-X Xp-Ifn- Po-hn-p-hsc cm-jv-{Ssav- ]dbn-.- kaq-lam-bn- Po-hn-Xw- ]p-e-p-hscbm-Wv- cm-jv-{Ssav- hn-fnp-Xv.- cm-jv-{Sw- Hcp- AXym-n-I Ip-Spw-_amWv.-- \p-sS kaq-lw- cm-jv-{SPo-hn-Xw- \bn-p- hcn-Ibm-Wv-.- CXn- A_m-ly-am-b Hcp- GIXbpWv-Sp-v-.-- Bcm-[y- tZhXbmb `m-cXmw_\p-sS am-Xr-`q-an-- \m-\m-cXv-\ hkp-cbm-Wv.- AXv- \ s- Du-n- hep-Xm-p-p.- AXp-sIm-Wv-Sp- \p-sS Abm-Wv.AXn-s-d XWen- e`n-p- cI-r-Xzw- F{Xtbmalz-cam-W-.v- kr-jv-Sn-bp-sS bYm- kz-cq-]sam-Wv?- a\p-jy\v- t{ijv-Thpw- im-iz-Xhp-am-b kp-Jsan-s\ e`n-p-p?Ccw- Dcw- In-m- At\Iw- tNm-Zy-sf kq-v-aambn- hn-iIe\w- sNbv-XXp- a\p-jy-\v- t{ijv-Tam-b kp-Jw- {] m-]v-Xam-m-\m-bn- hn-hn-[ am-K- \ap-v- Im-Wn-p- X -{iaw-- ]hn-{Xam-Wv-,- \p-sS `m-cXw- tam--I-Xym-K]pWy-`q-an-bm-Wv-; "Kp-cp- Xp-ey-am-Wv'.- Kp-cp- in-jy- _n-eq-sS am-{Xsa `m-cXs ssh`h]q-am-b Ahbn-senm- km-[n-p-Ibp-q.- "km-[\m- \mw- At\IXm'- F \ym-ba\p-kcn-v- F{Xbm-fp-I-v- F{X Xs D]m-k\ co-Xn-I- DWv-S-n-epw- AXn- Hm-tcm- hyn-pw- ]q-W {i -thWv-SXp-Wv-Sv- AXn-eq-sS am-{Xsa- Abm- AJ hpw- Nn-c\hpw- L\o-`p-hp-am-b kp-Jw- {]m-]n-p-Ibp-q.Cu- Xcn- Hm-tcm- hy-n-bpw- ]q-W hn-Im-kw- {]m-] n-tWv-SXp-Wv-Sv.- Xs-d kz-Xz-hn-Im-kn-\pthWv-Sn-bp- ho-Wn- {]h-n-m- Xm-dm-hWw.- AXv- km-[nWw.- Hcp-hy-n-bp-sS kp-J {]m-]v-Xn-bn- asm-cp-hy-nvXSkap-Wv-Sm-Im- Xcn-ep- km-aq-ly- ASw- ssIhcp-Ibpw- AXv- kp-jv-Sam-p-Ibpw- sNWw--.- Acw- `n- kaq-l- tZio-b kam-Php-am-bn- klIcn-v- ap-gp-h- am-\ hcm-in-bp-sSbpw- ka{K Nn- Fp-Xv- \ap-v- {]m-] n-m- Ign-bp- Hm-Wv.- Ccn- Hcp- km-aq-lyASapff hy-n-I- BWv bYm- am-Xr-`q-an-bp-sS in-jy-KW.-- AXm-Wv- Kp-cpam-Xr-`q-an- B{Kln-p-Xv.tem-I cm-jv-{Sn-s-d ap-n- `m-cXw- Kp-cp-m-\w- Aecnn-cp-p-.- Fm- taJebn-epw- Hmw- m-\w- `m-cXn\v- Bbn-cp-p.- Hm-tcm- hy-n-pw- Bhiy-ap-Xp- am{Xw- FSp-p-Ibpw- _mn- ap-gp-h- cm-jv-{Sn-\v- thWv-SnDXm-Wv- Fv- co-Xn-bn- ka-n-p-Ibpw- sNbv-Xn-cp- Hcp- Im-ew,- ho-Wv-Spw- Xn-cn-p-htcWv-SXpWv-S-v.A[m-n-I aq-ey-fpw- A\m-im-ky-hpw- ISp- IbfpsS- AXn-{]kchpw- aq-ew- aq-ey-Nyp-Xn- kw-`hn-p-sIm-Wv-Sncn-p- kaq-ln- k\m-X\am-b \p-sS `m-cXo-b kw-kv-Im-cs \n-e\n-p-Ibpw- AXv- km-[m-cW P\fntev- Fn-p-Ibpw- sNtWv-SXv- Cu- Im-eLn-s-d
Sopanam - July 2011

Bhiy-am-Wv-.- Hcp- bYm- `m-cXo-b- Fp- \n-ebn\p-sS Hm-tcm-cp-cp-sSbpw- [m-n-I Dchm-Zn-Xz-amWnXv-.Kpcp \p-sS- Am-\w- AIn,- PRm-\w- \-Ip-p.AXm-bXv- kXy-am-Kn- kcn-p-hm- thWv-Sn-bm-WvCXv Kp-cp-hn-s-d ap-n- kq-Wam-b ka-Ww- thWw.\fp-sS a\kn- sXm-b Nn- DZbw- sNm- Xp-Snbm- AXp- B kabv- Xs am-dWsan- am-KZ-inbm-bn-,- hgn-Im-n-bm-bn- \p-sS ap-n- Hcp-Kp-cp- k-] w- DWv-Sm-hWw.- sNdp-n- am-Xm-hv,- ]n-Xm-hv- Chcm-WvKp-c-am-.- ]n-s am-Xm-]n-Xm Kp-cp- ssZhw- As\ acWw-hscbpw- \p-sS ap-n- AXv- DWv-SmIp-p.- AXvHcp- hy-n-bm-hmw.-- {]Xo-Iam-Imw.- AXn-eq-sS am-{Xta \ap-vap-tm-p- t]m-Im- km-[n-pw.- Hcp- Im-ev- Kp-cp-\m-Ys-d ]q-h \m-aw- BNm-cy- Fm-bn--cp-p.-- BNcn-p- Im-Wn-psIm-Sp-p-I FXm-bncp-p BNm-cy- [-w-.- ]n-s Kp-cp\m-Y- ho-Wv-Spw- tem-]n-p.-- AXv- Aym-]I,- Aym-]n-I Bbn-. ]n-sbpw- tem-]n-p am-jv- Bbn.-- Ccw- amn-eqsS BNm-cXz-fpw- am-dp-Xn-s-d ^eam-bn- [m-cmfw- A] Nb- kw-`hn-p-p-Wv-Sv.- DZm-: ]ckv-]cw- hn-izm-khpw- kv-t\ lhpw- _lp-am-\hpw- \jv-SsSp-Xv- - Zr-iy-am-[y-afn-eqsSbpw- \ap-v- Im-Wm\pw- tI-m-\pw- km-[n-p\p.- kz-w- ] n-Xm-hv- ]p-{Xn-sb Acm-PIn-tev- Xn-hn-Sp-p.- kz-w- amXm-hv- Ip-n-Isf kw-cn-p-n- adn-v- kp-J ku-Icy-tXSn- t]m-Ip-p.- km-aq-ly- {]Xn-_X C.- adn-p- kaqlw- \- BWv- Fv- t_m-[w- \jv-SsSp-p.- Cs in-jy-am- \m-fs Kp-cp--amcmsW F DZm- `m-hw- \jv-SsSp-p.- F{X hen-b hn-Zym-`ym-kw- t\Sn- DX m-\fn- Fn-bm-epw- icn-,- bYm-Y tZi`n-,- cm-jv{S`n- Xp-Sn-bh Csn- B m-\am-\- Zp-hn\n-tbm-Kw- sNp-sa Im-cy-n- kw-iban-. h-am-\ Im-eLn- cm-Py-v- \Sp- Agn-aXn- CXn-s-d Ghp-w- hen-b DZm-lcWam-Wv- ]s,- [-n-,- kwkv-Im-cn,- tZi`n-bn,- Kp-cp-`n-bn Ign-bp- alm-am- t{X Z-i\n- t]m-Ip-tm- Ahn-Ss aW-Xcn-t]m-epw- Im-en- DWv-Sm-hcp-Xv- Fv- Nn-n-p-p.As\ Po-hn-p- Hcp- kaq-lw- Cv- \p-sS \m-n- DWv-Sv.AXpsImWv-Sp- am-{Xam-Wv- \m-S,-v- \m-Smbn- \n-p-p.k-hpw- Cu-iz-c\p-thWv-Sn- ka-n-p- Po-hn-Xw.-- tImSn-Wn-\v- kz-v- `Khmt-dXm-Wv- AXv- P\ kaq-ln\v- thWv-Sn- DXm-Wv- Fv- Icp-Xn- Po-hn-p-p.- Ccw am-Xr-II- \ap-v- thWw-. adn-p kaq-ln-s-d - tIm-SnIWn-\v- kv- sIm-bSn-p- hy-n-I,-- kw-LS\ I- Fn-hsb kaq-ln- \n-p- AIWw-.- kXyw- [-wFXv- - kq-cy- {]`in-tbm-sS ap-tm-p-t]m-Ipw-. AXm-WvbYm- cmjv-{S Kp-cp-`n. -"cm{mb kzml CZw \ aa:' Cu Po-hn-X am-Kn\mw- A\p-Zn-\w- kcn-Ww-. Fm-- am-{Xtam- bYm- cm-jv-{S`n- DWv-Sm-hpIbp-q-.-- Hm-tcm- hy-n-bpw- cm-jv{Sn-\v- Hcp- Zn-W sIm-Sp-Ww.-- B ZnW- kv-t\ lam-b kXytm-sS- X\a\[\ ]q-w- A-n-m- \ ap-v- km-[n-Ww-.- \m-fs Xeap-d Cu- hgn-bn- bm-{X sNm,- Cs Xeap-d Cu- hgn-bn- kcn-m- Cuiz-c- A\p-{Kln-s.- Kp-cp-m-\o-bam-b am-Xr-`q-an-bp-sS ]m-ZNcWfn- tkh\w- sNp-hm- \ap-t-pw- km-[np-am-dm-Is.- AXn-\m-hs C\n-bp- {]h-\.

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Views

Twilight Zone of Life

Cushioning the

often about their needs and comforts, taking them to visit other relatives and friends when meeting up with them etc. A little thoughtfulness on our part and our physical presence in their lives goes a long way to give them a feeling of re-assurance and comfort. Wrapped up in our busy, everyday lives, we at times, do not find the time for our elders. Children, who are known to imitate parental behaviour, would pick up this careless attitude from us without our realising it. The result would be that when we are helpless and down, our children would behave in just the manner we did with our parents. If we are sincere and caring in our behaviour towards our parents, our children too would pick up the right attitude from us early in life. Our elders are also a storehouse of moral and puranic stories, traditional practices, cultural values etc. In the busy modern world it would benefit our children greatly if they could imbibe all this from their grandparents. Western concepts of family values are fast eroding. The value we give to relationships and out concepts of family bonding is being reviewed world over as a direction to look to. We have also started being influenced by these western liberties. Live in relationships, divorces and other unhealthy relationships are on the increase. Along with this, children have started mimicking what they see on screen and read in books. Elderly members in the family are beginning to be ignored in India too. More frequently a new phenomenon of calling the parents by their first name is also on the increase. In a country that have elevated the status of parent to be more pious that ones own Guru and even God, these kind of indiscipline is bound to cause major discomfort in our society. It is very important that we take of our elderly people with all the care and love they have given us while we grew. They are responsible for who we are today. Even in our busy daily life, we need to ensure that we remain by the side of our elderly generation. They need to be properly looked after. It would be of great solace to every son and daughter to be sure that they have met with all their parents wishes. They should have proper communications with their elderly parents and grandparents at all times. The elders should not feel the generation gap and feel uncomfortable in sharing their needs and wishes with their children. Meals together, calls every day, trips together, fulfilling of wishes, pilgrimage trips together are some of the basic things every son and daughter needs to ensure they do. Doing these things will surely give you moksha and a peace of mind that you have fulfilled your roles perfectly.
Sopanam - July 2011

Anuradha Sundara raman

"Mathru devo Bhava, Pithru devo Bhava

These verses show the importance accorded to parents in our society. Parents are equated with the Divine Lord. They are the first teachers in a child's life. A child learns his mother tongue, behaviour in society, culture, traditions and values by observing his parents. These form the most important part of a person's education as these are skills for life and no school will ever teach him this. For the unconditional love which parents shower on their children, they donts not expect much in return expect for some basic respect and a little love and care when they are no longer able to look after themselves. In our country, older family members were given respect and care, and hence not neglected, even in difficult times. With the breaking up of the old systems, we have seen the cropping-up of old-age homes, a concept that is totally alien to our culture. There are numerous old-age homes across our country. A visit to these homes reveals that while the people residing here don't lack any material comforts and are well taken care of by the staff, what the elders long for and acutely feel the lack of, is the comforting presence of their near and dear ones during their twilight years. Their physically weak condition along with their mental insecurity makes them feel very sad and depressed. It may be argued that these old-age homes are a necessary evil of the times and the conditions we live in, where many couples share the burden of earning the family bread and butter. Many youngsters also migrate abroad and are unable to take their parents with them. Under such extreme conditions they are left with no choice but to take such a difficult step. Even then the discomfort of the parents can be reduced with caring gestures from the children like telephoning them or writing to them regularly, visiting them as often as possible, allowing them to spend enough time with their grandchildren, sending them small gifts, enquiring
10

imkv{Xw
Science

Science originated in India.

from the Sanskrit word NAVGATIH. - The value of pi was first calculated by Budhayana, and he explained the concept of what is now known as the Pythagorean Theorem. British scholars have last year (1999) officially published that Budhayana's works dates to the 6th Century which is long before the European mathematicians. - Algebra, trigonometry and calculus came from India. Quadratic equations were by Sridharacharya in the 11 th Century; the largest numbers the Greeks and the Romans used were 106 whereas Indians used numbers as big as 1053. - USA based IEEE has proved what has been a centuryold suspicion amongst academics that the pioneer of wireless communication was Professor Jagdeesh Bose and not Marconi. - Chess was invented in India. - Sushruta is the father of surgery. 2600 years ago he and health scientists of his time conducted surgeries like cesareans, cataract, fractures and urinary stones. Usage of anaesthesia was well known in ancient India . - When many cultures in the world were only nomadic forest dwellers over 5000 years ago, Indians established Harappan culture in Sindhu Valley ( Indus Valley Civilisation) . - The place value system, the decimal system was developed in India in 100 BC. - It was rishi Bharadwaja who invented the science of aeronautics. We have only one indication that illustrates the greatness of this science. It is said that the aircraft Pushpaka Vimanam, advanced aeronautical machine, had glass windows which neither explosives nor arrows could break. By modern science, you often have in mind the various products of applied science: gadgets, machines, warheads, rockets and so on. Because of this alone we cannot say that the West has invented science. As the different eras passed, India's scientific knowledge passed into the hands of outsiders who came here to study. The ancient universities of Nalanda and Taxila had foreign students. They translated our texts into their languages. As the knowledge spread to other parts of the world many people came forward to claim the discovery as their own. Because Indians practiced a philosophy that, Knowledge is for the whole World, they never bothered to stake claim. But written evidences are hard to refute. On the occasion of Guru Purnima it would be ideal for all students to pay homage to these Gurus who gave the world such important discoveries and inventions.
11

The greatest contribution of India to the world is her material and spiritual science. No civilization, however old it is, has ever attained the level of sophistication, reached by the great ancient Siddhas, Yogis and Rishis of India in material and spiritual science. What they had was not just intelligence but intuition. They could see, hear or feel beyond the realm of the five senses. They did not need telescopes, microscope or other scientific equipments to unravel the mysteries of the cosmos. They only relied on the most powerful instrument in the world the human soul which has it in a latent sense, omniscience and omnipotence. The earth plane was actually designed as a laboratory for the evolution of souls, so the GOD send us His reprsentatives in the form of Siddhas, Yogis and Rishis to show us the way. These great souls are in every part of the world, but particularly in India. In India all scientific truths are imbibed in routine life, by explaining them through Puranic Stories. Through tradition or custom, all scientific truths are brought to the stage of implementation in day-to-day life. Education, which cannot give peace to the soul or cannot give the knowledge of the Self and the inner satisfaction, is not education. Education, which cannot wipe the tears of others, known or unknown, is not education. Education is understanding the situation - leading the life that can make the life, the Life Divine, where the ultimate goal of the life is the God- India invented the Number system 0 to 9. - The world's first University was established in Takshila in 700BC. More than 10,500 students from all over the world studied more than 60 subjects. The University of Nalanda built in the 4 th century BC was one of the greatest achievements of ancient India in the field of education. - Ayurveda is the earliest school of medicine known to humans. - Although western media portray modern images of India as poverty striken and underdeveloped through political corruption, India was once the richest empire on earth. - The art of navigation was born in the river Sindh 5000 years ago. The very word "Navigation" is derived

Sopanam - July 2011

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Bharath Dharshan

RAMAYANAThe Enchanting Epic of Bharath

rani B. Basker

Valmikis Ramayana, the holy book of Bharath depicts the life of Sri Rama,icon of dharma.It consists of 24,000 verses organized into 7 cantos - Baala, Ayodhya, Aaranya, Kishkindha, Sundara, Yudhha and Uttara which chronologically describe the stages in life of Sri Rama. It is doubtful whether there is any other spiritual work which can surpass the beauty of Ramayana. The story of Lord Rama is brimming with many moral and deep spiritual truths whose proper understanding will make a persons present and after lives also fruitful. Its recitation with true devotion is believed to absolve one from all sins and grants good fortune. So, it has an eminence far above that of an epic. It profoundly fascinates the hearts of spiritual aspirants and will always be a perennial source of inspiration to humanity. The story of transformation of a fierce dacoit, fiery words in the form of a curse escaped his lips. They took the form of a verse, the very first born in the world. It was the seed from which the mighty, many branched tree of Ramayana has sprouted and grown. This verse contained the whole story of Ramayana and its significance. Directed by Lord Brahma, Sage Valmiki elaborated the theme into an epic poem by getting a vision of the events in Ramayana with his inward eye. Thus, sage Valmiki came to be known as Aadi Kavi and his work became the primary epic in world literature. Sri Rama is the absolute reality. In Treta yuga, in the month of Chaitra,at the conjunction of the star,Punarvasu and the day,Navami,when five planets were on the ascendant, Lord Sri Narayana incarnated Himself as the son of Kausalya devi and King Dasaratha in Ayodhya. Sri Rama is one of the perfect incarnations of God other than Lord Krishna.
12 Sopanam - July 2011

Ratnakara into Sage Valmiki illustrates that with devotion and dispassion even a savage can attain divinity. Ratnakaras encounter with seven sages (Vashistha and others) was a turning point in his life. He realized his sins and as advised by them, he recited the name of Lord Rama and received enlightenment after a long penance. He began living on the banks of river Tamasa and spent his time in austerities, spiritual studies and meditation. Once the sage saw a hunter killing a male crouncha bird. His heart was overwhelmed with grief on seeing the female bird crying with sorrow on losing its mate. Unknown to himself but impelled by some divine force,

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Bharath Dharshan
Ramayana was written not merely to sing the glory of Sri Rama, the Prince of Ayodhya, but to present a practical philosophy of life, a vision of the supreme reality and the functional aspects of dharma. Through the interplay of several characters it brings out certain moral and ethical principles following which man can attain oneness with God; the supreme goal of human life. Valmiki presents Sri Rama as the very embodiment of dharma in action (Ramo vigrahavan Dharmah). Truth is dharma i.e. dharma is established in truth. Sri Ramas strict adherence to truth in all circumstances makes Him an exemplary character. Throughout the Ramayana, the importance and pragmatic value of dharma is stressed. Sri Rama never wavered in performing his dharma as a son, husband, brother, father, friend and king. Dharma assumes different roles in different situations. Steadfast righteousness, compassion to fellow-beings and self control are three great pillars of success which we should copy in our lives. Some other virtues which are exhibited by Sri Rama are-forgiveness, renunciation, gratitude, equanimity, purity of mind, chastity, courage, nonviolence, charity , patriotism and divine love. Sri Rama is the supreme self, the witness of all and Sita Devi stands for nature, the power inherent in Him which causes the whole universe to come into being. Lanka is the symbol of an agitated and unstable mind. Ravana, Kumbhakarana and all the demons stand for adharma and represent the two gunas called Rajas(lust and passion) and Tamas (malice,ignorance). Vibhishana stands for Sattwa guna. The war between Sri Rama and Ravana has great philosophical significance. Symbolically, it is a war fought between knowledge and ignorance, between dharma and adhrama and between the individual soul and the delusion called world. The ocean stands for the material world and its crossing symbolizes withdrawal from the world in search of the inner Self. The slaying of Ravana symbolizes destruction of the qualities of Rajas and Tamas. Only when these are destroyed, worldiness and ignorance are destroyed. What then remains is the quality of Sattwa which is brought out by preservation of Vibhishana, later crowned king of Lanka. When ignorance is removed by knowledge, the difference
Sopanam - July 2011 13

between individual soul and God disappears. Whenever Dharma starts to have a downfall, God manifests Himself in human form for the preservation of righteousness. Sri Rama is to be seen and known as the indweller with whom one is to seek identification and mergence. One who has known this has nothing else to know. So we must surrender ourselves to Him with true devotion and receive his blessings to get freedom from the vicious cycle of birth and death. The essence of this holy book must be understood and imbibed into our lives. It shows how to live in an ideal manner in present circumstances. Through various chapters and stories, it shows the value of relations.In this short life, man has to play many roles of a child, brother, adult, husband/wife, parent, friend, leader etc. Ramayana inspires each one of us to strive to be a perfect human being and thus achieve perfect happiness and fulfillment in life. Sri Valmiki, is a true spiritual guru as he has guided us on how to live a pious life in the path of truth and performing our duties that we are bound to do as human beings.

`mcX Zi\w
Bharath Dharshan
Ncn-{Xam-Wv `m-cXn-t-dsXv- sIm-n-tLm-jn-p-hp- Hmw-Xcw- adp-]Sn- Iq-Sn-bm-Wv- ap-p-h kv-{Xo-bnP\n- ssZz-]m-b\s-d Ncn-{Xw.bap-\m- \Zn-bp-sS Xo-cp- Zz-]o-em-bn-cp-pP\\w-. AXp-sIm-Wv-Sm-Wv- ssZz-]m-b\- Fp- hn-fnsXv- Idp- h-tm-Sp-Iq-Sn-bXn-\m- Ir-jv-W ssZz-]m-b\- Fpw- hn-fn-p.- _Zcn-Iv- t{XvB{iaap-Wv-Sm-bXn-\m- _m-Zcm-bW F t]cn-epw]n-m-ev- Adn-bsp._m-ey-n- Xs-d Po-hn-X eyw- Fm-sWvam-Xm-]n-Xm--vt_m-[y-sSp-nsIm-Sp-p- Xcn-em-bn-cp-p- Ir-jv-WssZz-]m-b\s-d {]h\.- AJam-b X]kn-\m-bn- h\m-cfn-tev_m-ey-n- Xs ssZz-]m-b\- t]m-bn-cp-p.- BZywam-Xm-hm-b kXy-hXo- tZhn- FXn-sn-epw- Hcp{][m-\ \n-_\{]Im-cw- kXn-p.- am-Xm-hv- FtmIm-Wm- B{Kln-p-p-thm B kabw- Abp-sS ap-n- {]Xy-sSp-I Fm-bn-cp-p \n-_\.- CuHcp- hkv-Xp-X am-{Xw- aXn- ssZz-]m-b\-dbpw- am-Xm-]n-Xmfp-sSbpw- A]m-cam-b Zn-hy-Xzw- a\kn-em-m.bm-PRyh-,- k\I,- k\m-X\- Xp-Sn-b BNm-cy-m-cn-\n-pw- hn-hn-[ taJeIfn- hn-Zy- t\Sn-b Ir-jv-W ssZz-]m-b\- ]n-o-Sv- ln-am-ebn-se _ZcnIv- B{ian- ITn-\am-b X]kn-epw- ]T\n-epw- apgp-In-sm-Wv-Sv- Zn-hy-am-bk\m-X\am-b Adn-hp-I- t\Sn]n-o-Sv- AXv- tem-I tan-\m-bn- ka-n-p.{_m-hn- \n-p-hn- thZ- Ejn-am- {ihnp-Ibpw- Z-in-p-Ibpw- sNbv-XXn-\m- Ahsb {ip-Xn-Isfp-w hn-fn-p-p.- thZw- F hm-n-s-d A-w- Adn-hv- Fm-Ip-p. -Kp-cp- injy-\p- D] tZin-v- lr-Zn-am-p- Xcn-em-bn-cp-p- thZm-ymb\w.- Fm- [-im-kv-{Xfp-sSbpw- ASn-m-\am-b thZ- tem-In-se BZy-s hn-m-\ t{im-XkmWv.- Ah {Km-ly-fm-bn-cp-p- ]s km-[m-cWm-c\vA{]m-]y-hpw-. Ir-jv-WssZz-]m-b\- Ahsb Im-tem-NnXam-bn,- hn-jbkw-_am-bn- t{Im-Vo-Icn-p.- thZsf \m-em-bn- "hy-k\w' {hn-`Pn-p- IasSp-)- sNbvXXp-sIm-Wv-Sv- Ir-jv-WssZz-]m-b\- {io- thZ hym-k\mbn Adn-bsp.EtKz-Zw- ss]e\pw,- bpthZw -sPbv-an-\n-pw,kma thZw sshiwmb\\pw, AY- thZw- kp-am-phn-\pw- D]tZin-p.Sopanam - July 2011

am-Z-in-bm-b `Khm{io- thZ hym-khn`ojv XntmSn

BjmVam-kn-se ]u-an- \m- "hym-k]q-Wn-a'Fm-Wv- Adn-bsSp-Xv.- Cu- Zn-hy- Zn-\n-em-Wv- temIKp-cp- m-\v- thZhym-ks\ Ir-jv-WssZzm-]m-b\ al-jn-bp-sS P\\w.]u-cm-Wn-I Im-ew- ap-X- `m-cXn-s-d ]q-hnIcm-b Ejo-iz-cm- Nm-Xp-am-ky-hr-Xw- A\p-jv-Tn-n-cpp.- Bjm-Vam-kn-se ]u-an- \m- Xp-Sn- \m-epam-km-ew- ITn-\am-b X]n-\pw- tam-Zm-bIam-b m-\m-p-\n-\pwthWv-Snam-n-shn-cp-p.Zn-Wm-b\ ]p-Wy-Im-en-s-d Bcw-`w- Iq-Sn-bm-b Cu- thfbn- ico-ca\kp-Isf ip-am-n- Kp-cp]q-Pbn-eq-sS Kp-cp- ]ccbp-sS Ir-]m-ISm-- t\SpXn-\m-bn- `m-cXo-b- hym-k ]q-Wn-asb "Kp-cp-]q-Pm-Zn-\' am-bn- BNcn-p-p.- hym-k al-jn- {_kq-{X cN\ \ n-ln-Xpw- Cu- Zn-\n-em-Wv.Kp-cp- k-]w- `m-cXn-s-d am-{Xw- {]tXy-IXbm-Wv,khn-tijXbm-Wv.- Kp-cp-hn-s\ {]Xy- ssZham-bn-Wv-Svkv-t\l `n- _lp-am-\m-Zchthm-sS hn-Zy- A`ykn-p- ]m-ccyw- k\m-X\ [-n-s-d Ax-kbmWv.- AIm-cam-Ip- Am-\n-s-d tem-Ip-\npw,- in-jy-\v- Xs-d Adn-hp- ]I-psIm-Wv-Sv- m-\ ]q-Wam-b {]Im-in-tep- \bn-p- am-Z-in-bmWv- Kp-cp.hn-jv-Wp- ]p-cm-W{]Im-cw- Zzm-]cbp-Kn-se Ir-jvWssZz-]m-b\- F al-jn-p- ap-m-bn- Ccp-]nFp- hym-km- DWv-Sm-bn-cp-p.- ]cam-m-hm-b {io- almhn-jv-Wp- Xsbm-Wv- hym-ks-d cq-]n- Adn-hn-s-d AbJ\n-Isf hn-hn-[ Ln- t{Im-Vo-Icn-XvFm-Wv- hn-izm-kw.({_-jn- hkn-jv-Ss-dbpw,- Ejn-hcy-\m-b inbp-sSbpw]u-{X\m-bm-WvIr-jv-WssZz-]m-b\s-d P\\w.- hkn-jv-Ts-d ]p-{X\m-b ]cm-ic al-jn-bpwkXy-hXn-sb Acb (ap-p-h) -kv-{Xo-bp-am-bn-cp-p- am-Xm]n-Xm-.- kh-W Pm-Xn-tm-acfp-sS A[o-in-s-d
14

`mcX Zi\w
Bharath Dharshan

"btYm- [-x XtYm- Pb'- F A\iz-c ktihp-am-bn,hy-n,- kaq-lw,- cm-Pyw,- cm-P[-w,- aXw,- cm-P\o-Xn- XpSn-b hn-jbsf Xn-fam- co-Xn-bn- "alm-`m-cX'sa CXn-lm-k cN\bn-eq-sS `m-cXn-s-d ]q- Ncn-{Xm-Jym-\am-Wv- thZhym-k\m- \n-ln-sXv.k- im-kv-{Xfp-sSbp-w- km-cmw-ihpw- k- Zpx-Jsfbpw- \n-hm-cWw- sNp-Xp-am-b "`KhXvKo-X' F {io-Ir-jv-W `Khm-s-d D]tZiw- hym-ks-d alm-`m-cXn-s-d `m-Kam-Wv- FXv- Cu- CXn-lm-k {Kn-s-d alXz-am-Wv.- Kp-cp-in-jy- kw-hm-Zam-bn,\c\m-cm-bW kw-hm-Zam-bn-m-Wv- `KhXv- Ko-tXm-]tZiwChn-sS Kp-cp-m-\v- {io-Ir-jv-W\pw- in-jy-\m-bn- Ap-\\pw-. [-hpw- A[-hpw- Xn-ep- Ax-kw-Ljn-s-d hym-Jym-\w- Iq-Sn-bm-Wv- alm-`m-cXw-.{_am-Wv- Cu- {]]n-s-d aq-eIm-cWw,{_sp-dn-p- Adn-hm-Wv- bYm- tam-amKw FXn-s\ Bkv-]Zam-n- {ip-Xn-Isf s]sv- a\ kn-em-p-Xn-\p-thWv-Sn- kq-{X cq-t]W thZhym-k"{_kq-{Xw' cN\ \Sn-. {_kq-{Xs thZm- kq-{Xsap- hn-fn-sSp-p.{io-aZv-`m-KhX cN\ \nln-Xpw- `Khm- thZhymk\m-Wv-. {_-jn- \m-cZs-d D]tZi{]Im-cw- Xs-d a\kn-s-d Akz-XIAIpXn-\p-thWv-Sn]cn-]m-e\ aq-n-bm-b hn-jv-Wp-hn-s-d AhXm\- ]p-Igv-p-Xn-\p-thWv-Sn- Fgp-Xn-b {Kam-Wv{io-aZv -`m-KhXw.- AXv- Xs-d ]p-{X\m-b ip-I{_\v- D] tZin-p-Ibpw- sNbv-Xp.""hym-tkm-ivNn-jv-Tw- PKXv- k-w-'' Fm-Wtm- {] am-Ww.- hym-k `Khm-s-d kw-`m-h\I- AXn-itbm-nDfhm-p-Xpw- A]m-chp-am-Wv.- A\am-b Adn-hv- Bn-sSp-v- AXv- tem-I \m-bn- ]I-p- \-In-b am-KZ-in-bm-b BNm-cy- t{ijv-T\mWv- {io- thZhym-k.Nn-cPv-Ro-hn-bm-b hym-k-, alm-b `m-cXo-b Kp-cp]ccbp-sSbpw- ss]Xr-In-s-dbpw- aq-n-aZv-`m-h am-Wv-, {]Xo-Iam-Wv-. Kp-cp-hn-s-d Ir-]m-ISm--m-bn- Kp-cp-]m-Zfnam-\k ]q-P A-n-p-sIm-Wv-Sv- m\m-am-Kn-eq-sS \ap-v- ap-tdmw.15

thZ- tem-Iv- \n-e\n-p-Xn-\pw- am-\hcmin-bp-sS tan-\p- DXIp-n-h[w- ASn-m-\ ineI- ]m-In-bXn-\m- thZhym-k- tem-IKp-cp-hm-bn- BZn- Kp-cp-hm-bn- am-dn.thZfn-sebpwD]\n-jp-fn-sebpwAXypXfm-b Xz- Nn-Isfbpw- Z-i\sfbpw- IYmcq-]n- km-[m-cWm-v- a\kn-em-n-cp- hn-[w- AhXcn-n-n-p-Xm-Wv- ]p-cm-W.- {_hnjv-Wpatliz-c- Fo- {Xo-aq-n- k-]sf ASnm-\am-b 18 ]p-cm-Wfp-sSbpw- cN\ \n-Nn-Xpwalm-a\o-jn-bm-b {io- thZhym-k- Xs.- ]p-cm-Wfp-sS cN\p-tijw- Ah Xs-d in-jy-\m-b tcm-al-j\v- D] tZin-p- \-In.[-m-Im-a tam-sf D]tZin-p-XpwIYm-bp-hp-am-b ]q- Ncn-{Xam-Wv- CXn-lm-kw.Sopanam - July 2011

`mcX Zi\w
Bharath Dharshan
God and instill mercy in the heart, strengthen the will and develop patience and power of endurance, which are the pre-requisites for God-Realization. Modern day concepts of secularism can be found in the Vedas as the mantras are meant to be for the whole humanity and the Mahabharata is in the form which helps us to identify the message of the Vedas in everyday life. It is amazing how one of the greatest philosophical discourse of all humanity could be narrated at such a venue and time as the start of a great battle. The main point to take into consideration is not simply what was originally there to start with, holding its stamp of historical authenticity. We have to consider that the narrations must have gone through lots of moulding through the ages and assumed authenticity through traditions and culture. The Mahabharata compliments the Gita. The Gita is looked upon as so important an interpretation of the Upanisads. The interpretation of all of the Vedas is to be found in the Mahabharata; the interpretation, however, of the Mahabharata is to be found in the Gita in its entirety. The discourse narrated to Arjuna on the battlefield. It must be read and understood in light of the happening that brought about this war and the circumstances Arjuna finds himself in. The discourse starts off with Lord Krishna explaining to Arjuna the duties of an individual. Each individual has his own duties to perform. The discourse teaches mankind on how to overcome the difficulties he faces while doing his karma to reach his moksha. We may face various hindrances while we are performing our duties. We can have lot of mental agony in our daily life while we go about these duties. The Gita gives a comprehensive solution to this. Mankind has his limitations. When we understand our limitations and perform our duties accordingly we will be able to realize the Godly presence within ourselves. This is ultimate goal of our lifetime and the Gita helps us achieve this. The Gita proclaims us to overcome all adharma in this world and to live a life of righteousness. Many modern management theories are based on the message of the Gita and practiced widely around the world. It is not an exaggeration to say that the persons and incidents portrayed in the great literature of a people influence national character no less potently than the actual heroes and events enshrined in its history. The Mahabharata has moulded the character of the oldest civilization of the world. The Mahabharata as also influenced many famous literary works around the world.
Sopanam - July 2011

The Mahabharata

Krishna Kumar Paliath

Mahabharata is one of the two great epics of our time. The Sanskrit word Itihasa comes of it-ha-asa, meaning so indeed it was or historical event. The message of the Mahabharata is the message of Truth and Righteousness. It urges us to good deeds, in the right path of Dharma. The Mahabharata deals with eternal values and truths, making its message relevant today too. The Mahabharata recites the story of the Bharat War which narrates the story of the Lunar Dynasty in the form of tales. The epic is narrated by Lord Vyasa and written by Lord Ganesha. Mahabharata is one of the two greatest epics of India, the other one being 'Ramayana.' The Mahabharata is said to contain the message of the Vedas written in the common mans language to make the society in general understand the concepts of our Vedic philosophy. Economics, sociology, politics, accountancy, the art of war, chemistry, astronomy all this is included in here along with philosophy and spirituality. This Itihasa combines both old happenings, as well as words of advice regarding the four ends of human life dharma, artha, kama and moksa as per the Indian philosophy. In its all-comprehensive dimension the Mahabharata compares with, and owes its existence to, the Vedas. It underlines the important message that wherever there is Dharma there will be victory Yatho dharma tatho Jaya In the Mahabharata we see examples of tolerance not only regarding the other ways of spiritual pursuit, but even in actual war situation where violence is supposed to be practiced. Perfect justice and fairness in everything was rigidly observed on both sides. There was no fighting during nights; when the enemy had no arms in his hands, no arrows were aimed at him. The sufferings of the Pandavas and Draupadi, Nala and Damayanti, Savitri and Satyavan, clearly explain to us the fact or hard truth that the goal of life or perfection can only be attained through pain and suffering. Pain is the means through which man is moulded, disciplined and strengthened. Just as impure gold is turned into pure gold by melting it in the crucible, so also the impure and imperfect weak man is rendered pure, perfect and strong, by being melted in the crucible of pain and suffering. Therefore, one should not be afraid of pain and sufferings. They are blessings in disguise. They are eye-openers. They are silent teachers. They turn the mind towards
16

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News

hope you have enjoyed reading the previous three editions of the e-magazine Sopanam. we are happy to publish the fourth edition and look forward to your valuable comments and suggestions. the upcoming 5th edition which will be released on Aug 15th will be a special edition. As indians, Aug 15th is a golden letter day in the history of india. we are proud to celebrate the 64th independence day this year!! Many young soldiers, freedom fighters and patriots have given their lives to earn freedom for our motherland. Let us salute the martyrs on this occasion. Let us all pledge to secure the hard earned freedom and keep our tri-color flag fluttering higher and higher. every little good act from each one of us will help our country to be a name to be reckoned. On the light of independence day we will be including various relevant articles for our fifth edition. this year August 22nd marks the most auspicious Sri Krishnajayanthi!! it is the birthday of Lord Sri Krishna. who does not know the peacock feather and flute playing epitome of perfection? For centuries we have enjoyed hearing his tales of stealing butter and naughtiness in Brindavan. On this occasion of Sri Krishnajayanthi, the August issue of Sopanam is completely dedicated to the little ones in our families. we invite all to contribute articles, poems, information, photographs.... anything you would like to share. we request all the parents to encourage their children to contribute for this childrens special e-magazine, which is to be released on Aug 15th. we welcome your comments and suggestions. regards, Editorial team.

Dear Readers,

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Sopanam - July 2011

17

tkhm hymw
Seva Vrithandam

{io- l\p-am"\n-kz-m- tkh\n-s-d aq-n-aZv- `m-hw'-B\cmPv, tImn

{_lv-kv-]Xn- B{ian-se ]p-n-Ikv-Xe Hcn- Kp-cp- im-]m- ARv-P\ F t]tcm-Sp- Iq-Sn-b hm-\ckv-{Xo-bm-bn.- h\hm-k Po-hn-Xn-\n-Sbn- Dam- atliz-c `bm-b ARv-P\ in-hmw-im- hm-bp-tZhs-d A\p-{Kltm-sS Hcp- ]p-{X\p- Pw- \-In- AXm-Wv -ARv-Pt\b-.- Dcp-pt]m-ep- ico-cw- DXp-sIm-Wv-SvAh- _m-es\ _{Pw-Kv- Fp- hn-fn-p. hfsc sNdp-{] m-bn-se \n-iv-NbZm-Vy-hpw- \n-`bXz-hpw- BRv-Pt\ bn-se kz-`m-hKp-Wam-bn-cp-p.- Pz-en-p- \n-p- kqcy-s\ IWv-Sv- ]Iz-^esap- Icp-Xn- ap-Ifn-tev- Ip-Xntm- AXp-IWv-S kq-cy-tZh- hym-Ip-e Nn-\m-bn{Xn-tem-Isf {]I\w- sIm-n-p.- Im-cyw- a\knem-n-b tZhKW- ]m-sn- C{- Xs-d h{Pm-bp-[w- BRPt\bs-d t\-p- {]tbm-Kn-pIbpw- ARv-Pt\bs-d l\p- (Xm-Sn)- hn-Xn- h{Pm-bp[w- sXdn-p- ho-Wp.- B _m-eI- t_m-[av- \n-ew- ]Xnp.- CX-dn-- v- Hm-Sn-sbn-b hm-bp-tZh- BRv-P\bt\ bpw-tXm-fn-seSp-]m-Xm-ftem-Iw-]q-In.-Fm-Xp-S-p-WSm-Ip-hm-v -v t]m-Ip- hn-]v- a\kn-em-n-b {Xn-aq-n-IfSwap-n-ap-tm-Sn- tZhKWfpw- ]m-Xm-fv- sNvhm-bp-tZht\m-Sv- C{\p- ]n-b A_n- ]iv-Nm- ]n-v- am-t]n-p.- {Xn-aq-n-Ifpw- tZhm-cpw- tN-vBRv-Pt\bs\ A\p-{Kln-v- I-]m-Im-etm-fw- Akv{X ikv-{Xm-Zn-Ifm-tem-, Xtam- acWtam- kw-`hn-p-Ibnspw- h{Pm-bp-[w- l\p- (Xm-Sn)- hn- n- ap-dn-th-] n-Xn-\m- lp-\p-am-\m-bn- Adn-bsSp-sap- Bio-hZnp-Ibpw- sNbv-Xp.k- {]]n-\pw,- Ncm-Nc-pw- ku-cbq-Yn\pw- {]m-W- {]Zm-\w- sNbv-Xp-sIm-Wv-Sv- \n-jv-Im-a In-bm-bn- Pz-en-p-sImWv-Sn-cn-p- kq-cy-s\bm-Wv- l\pam- Xs-d Kp-cp-hm-bn- kzo-Icn-Xv.- CXv- Po-hn-X ey-n-tep- Hcp- kp-{][m-\]cam-b Hcp- Imshm-Wv.-- kp-{Ko-h\p-am-bp- ku-lr-Zw,-- {io-cm-aevaWm-sc BZy-am-bn- Z-in-tm-gp- hn-\bw,- kw-`m-jW Nm-Xp-cyw,- s]cp-am- co-Xn,- \n-kzm- tkh\w- Fo-kZv-Kp-W- l\p-am-\n-se hy-n-Xz-s Xn-cn-dnbn-p-p.- am-\hcm-b \mw- Cu- kaq-ln- Fs\ Po-hn-Wsapw- tem-I\m-bn- Fs\ \n-esImWsap- ktiam-Wv- BRv-Pt\bs-d I-.-Nn-cRv-Po-hn-bm-bn \p-sS lr-Zbn- m-\w- ]n-Sn- BRv-Pt\b- ko-Xm-t\z-jWn-epw- ebn-tep- bm-{Xbn-epw- tZhm-cm--tm-epw- Akm-y-am-b Zu18

Xyw- \n-dthn-b \n-ch[n- kw-`h- \ap-v- Adn-hpXm-Wv.- DbtcWv-Sn-Sv- kz-bw- Dbcp-hm-\pw- Xm-tgWv-S k-`fn- Xm-gv-pw, Zp-LSLfn- ss[cy-tm-Spw,]cm-{Iatm-SpwIq-_p-n-tbm-Spw{]iv-\sf t\cn-pw- Zq-X\m-bn- ebn- Fn ko-Xm-Z-i\w- Ignv- em-\Kcw- `kv-aam-n- Im-`m-Kw- ]Sbm-fn-Isf h[n-v- Xn-cn-p-hp.- {io-cm-a kzm-an-bp-sS ap-n- hn-\bm\zn-X\m-bn- `hy-Xtbm-sS \n-p- l\p-am-s\- hm-pI- sIm-Wv-Sp-t]m-epw- h-n-m- ]n-.- cm-acm-hW bp-n-\n-Sbn- ar-XkRv-Po-h\n- tXSn-t]m-btm- am-Katy-bpWv-Sm-b XSkw- sImWv-Sp-Wv-Sm-b sNdn-b adhn-sb Hcp- ae Xs AS-n-smWv-Sp- h km-lkn-IXsb \mw- kv-acn-p-tm.\n-jv-Ima I--,- lr-Zbip-n-tbm-Spw- tkh\ at\m-`m-htm-sSbpw \n-hln- Cu- Hcp- IYm-]m-{Xwtem-tIm-c CXn-lm-kfn-tem- CXc `m-jIfn-tem- ImWm- km-[n-p-Ibn-.-

"b{X b{X cLp-\m-Y Io-\wX{X X{X Ir-Xakv-XIm-Rv-Penw_m-jv-]hm-cn- ]cn-]q-Wtem-N\wam-cp-Xnw- \aX: cm-km-Iw-'

Cs\ Hcp- tm-Iw- sNm-n-smWv-Sm-Wv- `l\p-am-s\ hWp-Xv.- Fhn-sSsbhn-sS cm-a \m-awtI-p-p-thm- Ahn-sSbhn-sS Fn- in-ckp- \anp- `n- {]l-jm- Io- s]m-gn-p- \n-p- cm-km-I\m-b l\p-am.- No-cRv-Po-hn-bm-bn-cn-mAtlw- hcw- hm-n-bXv- asm-n-\p-an-;- Xeap-dIam-dn- am-dn- t]m-Ip-tm-gpw- Ahcp-sS \m-hp-Ifn-\n-vhcp- cm-a \m-aw- {ihn-m-\m-Wv-,- {io-cm-aZm-k\m-b X\nv- Fpw-- {io-cm-a`cp-sS Iq-Sn- Zm-k\m-bn,- AZr-iy-\mbn- h klm-bhpw- sNm- Ignsn-tem- F {] Xo-bm-Wv.Cus-bm-cp- tkhm- at\m-`m-hw- \mw- hfWw.- bmsXm-n-s\bm-tWm-- tkhn-p-Xv- AXn-s-d Da\n\m-bn-- kq-W ka-W`m-htm-sS bXv-\n-Ww.kq-W kam-Psbpw- {]Xy- Cu-iz-c\mbn IWv-Sp -sImWv-Sv- Xym-K tkh at\m-`m-htm-sS kaq-l \bv{]bXv-\n-m \ap-v- {]tNm-Z\taIp- Da am-XrIbm-Wv- {io-l-\p-am.--

Sopanam - July 2011

BtcmKrw
Health

Veda of Life
Senior Consultant - Ayurmana Health Institute, Kuwait

dr. Maya Gopinath

Ayurveda, the most ancient and practical healing systems of the world evolved as part of the Vedic tradition. The ancient sages of India, believed that the most basic force underlying existence or nature is the cosmic intelligence and humans like any other being is a part of this collective intelligence. They saw the same fundamental energy in our foods and herbs. To summarize, Ayurveda consider this universe as different forms of manifested energies. Among the ancient seers of India, Sage Veda Vyasa is of prime importance, who is the author of 18 puranas, The Mahabharatha, Srimad Bhagavt Gita, and he edited all the four vedas. The full moon day of Ashad(July August) is observed as Gurupoornima and is celebrated in his name. On this sacred day all spiritual aspirants perform poojas to their respective Gurus. The four months starting from this day is of deep significance to everyone who care for their health and well being. Japa, meditation and prayers are performed religiously for spiritual and mental well being and ayurvedic detoxification techniques are done for the physical wellbeing. Ayurveda as a life science in the true sense emphasizes greatly on the preventive aspects of medicine including proper nourishment, hygiene, detoxification and cleansing along with spiritual awareness and mental clarity. The three dynamic principles, the three different forms of energy -vata,pitta and kapha governs the whole life processes of organisms from the simplest in a cell to the most complicated bodily functions. Harmony of these three bio-energy principles indicate perfect health. Any imbalance in these bio energy principles leads to ill health. Ayurveda recommends Rithucharya which is specific observance of diet and life style suitable for each season to

protect us from harmful side effects of changing seasons. In Kerala, Karkidaka(mid July to August)is supposed to be the season to take care of extremely deranged doshas. During this period atmosphere is cold and damp with the rain and people are prone to diseases of various kinds. In other words human body become extremely sensitive to pathogens. Ayurveda recommend strict routine to be followed during the rainy season to avoid the effects of the sudden transition of summer to the monsoon. Drinking water should always be boiled with cumin, ginger, etc . Personal hygiene of washing hands and regular warm water bath is recommended. A special preparation called karkaidaka kanji is recommended during this period. This is basically a rice porridge with medicinally valuable herbs added. It is easily available at any pharmacy as karkidaka kit. In a place where it is not available people can boil rice with cumin, coriander seeds, fenugreek seeds, curry leaves curcum(turmeric) etc. This preparation helps to remove accumulated toxins from the body which will improve the natural immunity of the body to fight against diseases. The rising health consciousness among people has brought back our traditional preparations back into vogue. We Indians are blessed with a wide variety of herbs which can be easily grown in our backyard which can fight almost all the illness. Herbs like Thulsi, Neem, etc are well known for its antibiotic properties. Amla(Indian goose berry) taken regularly with Haridra(curcum)counteracts all the toxic side effects of industrial pollutants like lead and aluminium. Amla is well known for its antioxidant properties. Powdered turmeric with warm milk alleviates cold, cough and chills. The responsibility of getting and staying well belong to the individual himself. We ought not to take it granted so easily that health is something which can be purchased or to blame our 'incompetent doctor' because he failed in his duty of restoring our health. Bad habits, life style full of stress and tension, repressed emotions, poor diet, overweight, unstable family, devitalized food, and a toxic environment can all cause weakness and diseases.

nityam hithaharavihara sevi sameekshyakari vishayeshu asaktha datha sama sathyapara kshamavan apthopasevi cha bhavathyaroga

One who is very particular in taking proper diet, who has a clear conscience, who is not indulgent in sensual pleasures, who is compassionate, who has patience, and he who obeys the words of the sages respectfully shall stay healthy throughout their life. Health is not an absence of disease but it is a stage of complete well being physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. The true healer is within us. This realization has always been inherent in Ayurveda.

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Story

IY

Ekalavya Symbol of Guru Bhakti

r . Sundra raman
Ekalavya is the story of a tribal lad who exemplifies the epitome of Guru Bhakti. This story is a part of the Mahabharata and is an example of a persons loyalty to the chosen Guru. Ekalavya who used to accompany his father, a tribal chief, on hunting expeditions, one day came across the Gurukula of Dronacharya who was at that time instructing the Pandavas & Kauravas in the art of warfare. Ekalavya stood transfixed as he saw the wonders that could be done with bow & arrows. He thought of the many times that he and his father had missed their aim while hunting deer while these boys never seemed to miss anything. Their teacher, Dronacharya was teaching them all the tricks. Ekalavya went to Dronacharya and asked for being accepted as a student. Drona refused, telling him that he taught only Kshatriya and Brahmin youth. A dejected Ekalavya then took a decision. He went deep

into the forest which was his home and created a statue of Dronacharya out of clay. He worshipped this clay image as his Guru and practised with his bow & arrows relentlessly in front of the clay image and over a period of time mastered the skills in the art of archery. One day, Ekalavya heard a dog barking loudly. With a view to stopping the dog from distracting him, he took his bow and shot several arrows into its mouth in such a way that the dog, though unhurt, could no longer close its mouth. The Pandava & Kaurava princes and Dronacharya who happened to be nearby saw the dog and wondered at the skills of the person who had shot the arrows in such a masterly way. After finding out that it was Ekalavya, who claimed that he was Dronacharya's student, Arjuna became upset. He reminded Dronacharya of his promise that he would be the world's best archer. Arjuna wondered as to how Dronacharya could have taken a tribal boy as his student and made him into such a fine archer. Dronacharya went to Ekalavya with his students and saw him practicing in front of his clay image with fresh flowers strewn around it. Ekalavya ran to him, fell at his feet and thanked him for coming. With his heart full of admiration for the young boy, Dronacharya said, "My boy, you have successfully completed your education. Now is the time for Guru Dakshina. Will you give me whatever I ask of you?" Ekalavya happily replied in the affirmative. Dronacharya then said, "Ekalavya, give me your right thumb as my Dakshina." Ekalavya instantly took out his knife, cut off his right thumb and placed it at the feet of Dronacharya despite fully realizing that he would never be the best archer now without his right thumb. Dronacharya and the princes were stunned at this action of Ekalavya and ran short of words in praising his Guru Bhakti. To this day, Ekalavya is the name that comes to ones mind whenever reference is made to the ultimate in Guru Bhakti.

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Sopanam - July 2011

Bala Lokam

_metemIw

If I dont do it, who will?...

same answer. I used to shout in the beginning and argue a lot. But one day something happened that changed my thoughts. We were all going to the market in Chennai suddenly from somewhere a fast bike came and hit an old man walking on the side of the road. The boy on the bike just drove very fast, leaving the old man lying on the road. We all ran to the place. People gathered around but one college student lifted him up made him sit. Another person gave water to drink, another lady gave her kerchief to wipe his face. Each one did something to help the old man. The old man sat up. He said thanks to the college boy who had helped him. The boy told, It is ok grandfather. If we dont do it, who will? The grandfather started crying. He said in this time when no one cares, it is good to see someone who thinks like this. One man answered We also have fathers and grandfathers at home. When there is a problem, we will want someone to help them. What we do to others, comes back to us at some time in life. I realized that this is the value I am learning at home. If I dont do it, who will? If each one thinks like this, then the world will be a better place. It is like a chain. When we learn to do things selflessly for others, it comes back to us. That is what we give to society and get back from society.

r Shweta Bhargavi

I am a student; so much of my time goes in going to school, studying and other things. So many times I feel that this itself is too much for me! Why should I do anything more at home? But when I get up in the morning, my mother gives me work. I have to fill my brothers and my water bottle and pack our breakfast. During weekends, I have to wash our uniforms and clean the house. My parents are strict about this. There are specific jobs for my brother and me and they dont let us escape them. Once I argued with them. Why should I do these things? I am busy with studies. People dont disturb children when they come to 11th and 12th. Do you know what they answered? They said, If you dont do it, who will? My sister told me that when she was in higher secondary, our mother would do the same thing. It was only when exams were going on that there was rest from the chores. The answer was the same at that time. My brother is the youngest so he thought that he would escape. But she gave him also some work! He got the

Sopanam - July 2011

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Bala Lokam

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Sopanam - July 2011