Significance of Sastram 2

  A brahmin has been reduced to a mere vegetarian nowadays.  They have moved far away from swadharmam, running behind materialistic desires. I feel pathetic when i see the eaten plates (echal plates) are happily washed in kitchen sinks.  

Many customs and rituals followed by older generation are followed only on occassions. Otherwise, our daily life is divorced from any sort of religious restriction or requirements.

Ladies were the guards of dharma in earlier generation. With the men folk abandoning Sandhyavandanam and other nithya karmas and running behind money, women still held on to sastram.

They considered kitchen as a divine place. Definitely it was place of worship. Entry without bath was a strict no no. Previous days left over were carefully kept in a corner, removing them from fresh items.  Provisions and oils were separated from cooked food. Food was never tasted while cooking. 

Also women observed three days of seclusion during their periods. Now this practice is often discouraged by all parents.  While a muslim woman happily wears a parda, a hindu finds it backward to follow these injunctions.

 

These nithya karmas and sasthram followed by men and  women had an adhrishta palan. It lays the basic step for spiritual cleansing.  Because, these duties are not transactional in nature. Other dharmic rituals like shrardham, marriage etc are transactional and with some purpose and expectation. But with nithyakarmas, we do not attach any such expectation. Tberefore, they are purer and takes us closer to God.  

These customs along with daily pooja to chosen deity, increases the quality of a human being.  Makes us more sharper and clearer. When we leave all these rituals, quality of our offsprings will decline invariably.

Hindu religion is not for individuals with only materialistic ambitions. It is for those who want to go closer to God. There is no meaning to our religion  if these subtle practices are lost.  

 

  

Sashthram and significance 1

 We use the term sashthram loosely in our day to day life. If we analyse, we will know that we do not know the meaning of this term.  Because, it has lost its relevance in our daily life. 

Though there may be many books about various shathrams, Manu Dharmam is main book on shathrams.  But the prescribed rules can hardly be followed in this time.  Then when we say sashthram, what do we mean, why should we follow?

We progress spiritually using two things.  Faith and knowledge.  Faith is the foremost quality one must earn to be nearer to God.  That is the qualification for gaining knowledge.  Till a man is materialistic, i mean with materialistic goals and needs, he is denied the path of knowledge.  Faith is the path in which he has to travel.  

Qualities required to obtain knowledge can be acquired by doing the shastric karmas with faith.  Without performing shasthric or dharmic karmas, it is difficilt to grow qualitatively. Materialistic success is quantitative in nature.

To understand anything, one way is to question.  Another way is to simply practice.  Practice gives perfect understanding of our religion. Currently, though we stick on to the frame work of sanatana dharma, we hardly practice it.  

Shasthram sets out the rules which we should follow to understand our religion.  Without sashthram our religion is meaningless. 

That said, what can we follow? Having lost all our practice to our materialistic desires, can we revive it?   

We just need to follow that which was passed on to us by our parents and grand parents. Those old rituals, which were forgotten, should be dusted and brought back to life. 

Will continue....

Thoughts

 உணவு ஆக்கி,

உணவாய் ஆகி, 

இன்பம் வாங்கும் பெண்ணே,

உணவாய் ஆகும் கீழ்மை விடுத்து,

உலக இன்பம் சற்றே விடுத்து,

அன்பை மட்டும் மனதில் தேக்கி, 

சேவையாக வாழ்ந்து விட்டால்,

இவ்வுலகம் உந்தன் பின்னே!!

Religion, Veer Savarkar and Gandhiji.

I visualise Sarvarkar as a warrior.  Veer Savarkar though belonging to Brahmin community, was a kshatria in thought word and deed. Gandhiji on contrary, though belonging  to Vaishya community, was a brahmin, in his words thought and deeds.  

Gandhiji looked at the morale paucity in Indian community. He understood clearly that it was fall of dharma among Indian masses that caused invasions. These barries should be countered only by establishing dharma. Hence Gandhi advocated fighting with ahimsa.  He thought  as a typical sadhu and not as a political leader.  Though he understood problems in muslim community and their inability and unwillingness to get along with Hindus,he supported them. 

Even during Khilafat movement,he was successful in motivating Muslims leaders to fight in a non violent way. In fact, no one could have induced that feeling among muslims,but for Gandhiji. Ultimately, violence erupted in Khilafat movement. But a change was brought in muslim leaders thought. This encouraged Gandhi to think that he will be able to make changes in muslims thought. 

On the contrary, Veer Savarkar was clear that Muslim mind cannot be ment. It was clearly agai st his logics for  India  to be a part of Khilafat movement. Because it was a religious demand by muslim community.  He saw it as a move which does not go well with our freedom struggle.

Also, the soft corner of Gandhi towards muslim was a matter of concern for Veer Savarkar.  Definitely it was against the welfare of Hindu community.  But Gandhiji, was confident of his ability to influence mankind.  He thought that his selfless way of working will change others heart. 

Even now, Gandhiji is blamed for the appeasing policy followed by congress. It is definitely correct that Gandhiji was responsible. But, whatever Gan dhiji did was based on his Aaathma balam or his dharmic confidence.

While Veer Savarkar fought for Hindu unity, he did not accept all hindu customs.  He questioned various rituals and also did not mind giving up the religious injunction of being a vegetarian in his London days.  While he accepted cow should be protected as she feeds us, he did not think that cows needed to be worshipped.

Thus  though he fought for Hindu people and despite his clear understanding that only a Hindu can be a nationalist,he could not be a good Hindu. Or that is what i think.

Similarly, overdose of ahimsa by Gandhiji too did  not yield much result after some point t of time.  That was why he was sidelined by his own party in later years.

In conclusion, a kshatria unguided by a guru or a saint without the practicality of a Kshatria cannot bring success. Only when they function together as a unit,complementing each other, can success be reaped. Like Chanakya and Chandragupta.  

Study of Indian freedom movement clearly gives the idea about Hindu religion. If God permits, wil write more.

 

Religion

 While the purpose was to write about Veer Savarkar and Gandhi, I thought that there is a need to write about our religion first.  The way in which our religion is built is so unique.  

It is a roof for all kinds s of people. Islam speaks about formless God. Bhuddism teaches non violence and detachment. 

But no religion dissects the concept of God like Hinduism does.  We have Gods with form, we have advocates of formless nameless God,  we have people who worship God by offering alcohol and meat, we have people who worship God by fasting and by offering fruits.  

Hinduism does not tell the whole world about how God is.  Instead it teaches each community to worship God in a particular way,according to their varnam or  தொழிற் குழு.  

According one's life style and habits, one perceives God. According a persons' evolution, he  moves from one belief to another.  

Caste system helped the community to flourish spiritually and economically.  

When we have faith in God, caste system is not at all a problem.  Our journey in earth is a continuous one.  It does not end with this one incarnation. 

A person born as kshatria in one incarnation may become a soodra or vysya in another incarnation.  That means, the only way to grow is to accept the given birth as it is and to make use of it wisely. If materialistic growth is the only motive of human birth, caste system is not needed. But grooming people characteristically according to their capabilities can happen only if we follow varnashrama dharma.  

Brahmin was respected by all in Hindu dharma because he lived for religion and God.  He is prohibited by religion to flourish materialistically. He cannot indulge in dense pleasures.  He has to live for others.  Definitely,  when a person with capabilities,  restrains himself from worldly pleasures and lives for the society,  he will be respected.  

Today's brahmins are nowhere close to that.  Though most of the cruel practices manifested in caste sysrem are almost done away with,still we fail to accept brahmin as a respectable person because we hardly find any such selfless person.  

But the very few brahmins who study veda and are willing live a dharmic life should be encouraged tremendously even though they lack selfless motive. Because upholding dharma is very backbone of Hinduism.  Anyone who is willing to live for veda needs encouragement despite their very low standards.

Every Hindu should understand about the caste system.  Every Hindu should know about dharma. Every Hindu should start reading our glorious history.

Hinduism is not just about bad uppercase people bullying so called lower caste people. It is about sharpening the people through rituals and beliefs.  

Though lot more can be written,I am keeping it short to catch Veer Savarkar.

Veer Sarvarkar and Mahathma Gandhi

 Veer Savarkar and Mahathma were poles apart ideologically. But they both did their best for the nation. Savarkar was bitterly critical of Gandhijis approach.  Gandhijis secularism and the so called Muslim pleasing attitude irritated Savarkar.

A brahmin by birth, Savarkar was fiery like a Kshatriya. He was intelligent and honest and full of confidence.  He thought of practical ways to achieve freedom while ignoring the base in which Hindu religion is built.  For example, he did not care about eating a veg. meal and believed that non veg. is essential for being fit. Similarly, though he felt grateful towards the cows, he still could not a accept worshipping them. Ofcourse he was against caste system. 

At that time and even till now,caste system remai s as a  burden to Hindu religion. But at the same time it should be understood that materialistic mindset of Brahmins and other communities who supported them was the main reason for all the  anarchy which caste system manifested.  

We should analyse our religion deeply and without any bias to understand the caste system. No doubt brahmin is the backbone of Hindu religion. He is expected to live a life of a renunciate without expecting anything in return. It was the other three communities which supported Brahmin, who was not expected to accumulate wealth or live with materialistic desire.  

It is hard to find such a brahmin  today.  That is why people fail to understand the difference between a brahmin and non brahmin.  The way of life prescribed for him allowed him to be closer to God a d a person in touch with divinity, he was in a position to guide others. People revered him.  

Brahmin became materialistic, used his intellect to earn money. It is a great sin.  When one gives up everything for the sake of God, great knowledge is bestowed upon him.  Because knowledge given to him will be used by him for the societal good. It should not be used for materialistic reasons. 

But as Mughals and Britishers invaded India, he became materialistic, used the knowledge gained by following dharma for petty reasons. He lost his own nobility.  Just as he degraded himself, other people who looked upon him also degraded themselves,bringing all the corrupt and cruel practices in the name of caste.

But for the greediness which crept in,caste system is highly valuable to the community.  

Caste system developed highly skilled and sharp individuals.  The temples which stand tall in South India could not have been built,but for the caste system.  

The knowledge of local physicians about the medicinal herbs is long last. Highly knowledgeable farmers with intuitive knowledge are no longer seen.  

We do not have a king like Rajaraja Cholan now. On the contrary,we are corrupt politicians.   Neither we see  great brahmins like Saint Ramadoss who guided Chatrapathi Shivaji.

Great kings like Rajaraja Chola, Saint Ramadoss ,the great sculptors,were all gifts of caste system. 

Caste system trains people to be best, in whatever they do.  

Will continue..

 

  

All rants about being woman

 Can a woman live alone? Being a woman is more mental than physical. That is,a person who is a woman physically,may not feel feminine at heart.  

Being woman means being vulnerable and being committed. Only then feminity in a person can be understood.   

Woman is bodily fragile. It is easy to hurt a woman just by touching her wrongly. Any  woman can be abused that way.  

When a woman commands respect, she  becomes safe, to some extent.   She may be respected because of her conduct or position or both.  By position here I mean becoming someone's wife. 

Marriage is the safeguard which society provides a woman.  But again  just the vulnerability  changes from onething to other. Instead of being bodily abused, she is  used and exploited in many other ways.  Probably by demanding in laws. Probably by mean husband.  

Modern times give choice to a girl to come out of that vulnerability.  She may choose to enjoy life by coming out of a  relationship.  

But allowing oneself to be vulnerable is the only way to grow as a human being.  By being vulnerable,we are given an opportunity to learn. 

Many old generation woman have withstood dominating inlaws.  Duty came first to these women. Marriage was never seen as a way to enjoy life.  They saw it as shouldering responsibilities.  They made themselves vulnerable to the situation. They did not try to meddle with the relationships. They underwent hardship in their early days of life. It was their later part of life that provided them leisure and happiness.   

Only when we are vulnerable,we grow and earn wisdom.  It is ok to get exploited.   

I know no one will see eye to eye with me. But let me pour put my feelings. 

  

Nurturing feminity

All of us want to enjoy life.  Surrendering obeying or submitting our will to someone is not at all a problem if only we get a superior partner. Superior not in terms of money, but in terms of quality. So in case of Amaravathy Ambicapathy love story surrendering is not an issue.

But real life is different. Marriage is for convenience. Adjustment is expected and not surrender. 

Marriage happens between two economically viable beings who value material pleasure as everything in life. Is there any question of humbleness also in this relationship? Equality is proclaimed in every action,killing the mildness of relationship. Taking care of elders in the family is definitely viewed as a great sacrifice one does for the other partner.

While in olden days obedience was forced on a woman for family welfare ,in modern days, we thrust equality in marriage there by destroying the delicateness in relationship. 

Is there any perfect solution? There is.

Mother is the first guru of any child.  She can impress upon her children to a great extent.  Children should be made to do household tasks including cooking and cleaning. This brings about a sweeping mental change.  This makes a child to appreciate and value others service.   

Elders of the family should be served and respected.

Both husband and wife should believe in hospitality. The house should be thrown open for all relatives and friends. They should be welcomed with warmth. The kitchens should be kept busy for feeding them and treating them like kings and queens.  The  needs of guests should be considered primary,keeping their own needs as last.

If these basic things are provided by parents, a male child grows as a person who respects woman and girl child blossoms as a person  who care for others.  They grow with a sharp judgement knowing to differentiate good and bad,thereby helping them to take a right decision to choose a good partner. 

When a good and loving partner is chosen, where is the question of surrender or obedience? It is union of hearts. 

Net net,old values should be cherished for the sake of our own kids. Consciously, we can lead a good life. 

Surrender and Marriage

 Faith plays an important place in our life.  We do not understand our religion because we neither practice the rituals nor we have faith. We want immediate results.  

So we should learn to trust and surrender. That is the great mission of everyone's life. A woman is given a chance to practice that in her life.  

To surrender means to get rid of one's ego.  Most of the times to stop thinking also.  The life of a woman a century ago was actually in line with this mission. With least or no education, she just trusted the system. Pain or pleasure she had to bear with it. No options were there.   

She was taught to respect her in laws and husband. To serve them. This is a pure spiritual training.  Having disregard to material benefits.  

We are unable to understand many aspects of Hinduism only because we see only material world and material benefits. We always equate sufferings to sin and pleasure to good deeds. Whereas, sufferings are for learning.  Since we refuse to learn, we fail to understand our religion. 

Of course material benefits which an individual yearns are sure to follow, when one does his or her dharma.

In fact a life as a woman, makes one an yearning learner.  What one learnt in ignorance, is actually a torch to knowledge.  Like byhearting tables. While byhearting we do not understand. While solving problem it becomes essential.

But when a woman understands and accepts this as her swadharma, she is no less a Gnani.  Kannagi Arundhadhi and all come under this category. They understood what was expected from them and why they have to do. And then did it.  That is why they are celebrated.  Husband is just a tool.  

Will continue. 

Equality?

 Are men and women equal?  

Women are spiritually superior to men by birth. They are instinctively connected to God. They speak the language of heart.

But no religion gives equal rights to women. They are treated inferiorly in the material world. The modern women, to offset this, are flourishing in the material world, thereby losing their spiritual superiority. 

Women come with a readiness to learn. Because there is certain degree of submissiveness in a woman.  That makes them a quick learner. But what they choose to learn makes them either to grow spiritually and really become superior or fight equally losing their originality.

Marriage brings a sea change in a woman's life. She is expected to live for others. She is expected to serve others.  A traditional woman naturally takes up this challenge and comes out successful. That is the lesson to be learnt in marriage by a woman.

Setting aside one's priorities and thinking about others is the spiritual lesson they learn.  Once such a lesson  is learnt,she has passed her first test in this world. Such a woman is infectiously happy. That is the true bliss of marriage for a woman. Our happy mothers are proof of this. Yes, it takes that long for a woman to attain marital bliss. Unlike men!!

But does that make her equal? No. She is loved and wanted. Still man is superior. Because he earns and fulfills her needs. 

When she ventures into the next step, she tastes success. 

By taking more interests in religious routines, she can train herself to reduce her wants. Routines like fasting should form regular part of her life.  When she draws her inspiration from a higher source she is constantly guided to live a simple life. Thus when she detaches herself from all the comfort which she derives from the family, she is gifted with a view of seeing people as they are. The fault and goodness of the loved ones are seen as either black or white, without attaching any shade to it. She will be in a position to guide others.

Very few ladies venture into this area unless life forces them. 

Only when she does it she grows into a superior being. 

When a woman confines herself to fulfilling the bodily needs of man and children, she is only looked down upon.  Usually in her efforts to be a good housewife, she belittles herself.  Her culinary skills and interest on good looks definitely makes her wanted but not give her the superiority or respect she craves. 

When a woman chooses to learn, she chooses home. That has the scope of even giving her enlightenment.  Just be in touch with the subtler part of you. You are uplifted. 

More to share. Will grow.