Isvara, Gods, Guru and Human Being

A small clarity on Isvara, Gods, Guru and Human Beings

There is always a doubt among us on the following:

1. Who is Isvara?

2. Who are these Gods?

3. Why do we need Guru?

4. As Human Beings, what should be our attitude towards the above all?

I am not an authority to describe Isvara. Infact, I have not realized Isvara. But, if someone asks me if you believe Isvara, then, I would say, I don't believe Isvara. I know that he Exists. When I say, I don't believe, for some of you, a doubt arises. How can a person know, when he do not believe? The answer is - the word "belief" is a beaten to death word. In fact, there is in most cases - "a blind belief". A blind belief can be there for a person who do not have capacity to learn about Isvara. But, when we have the time, opportunity and right attitude, the question of belief that someone has talked very positively about Isvara and hence we have to believe is out of question. Hinduism is our way of life. Since times immemorial, we have followed a "Sampradaya" to pray God or Goddess without questioning the source. However, as the time is passing by and while India is unfortunately evolving as a Secular Country, the credibility of Hindu Legacy is doubted not by other followers of religion but by our own Hindu Millennial Generation. 

The young generation is not so comfortable to pursue daily worship or follow rituals as per the Hindu tradition. The biggest challenge for Hindu Parents is to teach the young generation the spirit of Hindu Religion not as they learned but how the young generation can learn. The Puranic stories from the Upanishads, Ramayana, Mahabharata and Bhagavatam may be treated as myths or fiction by the young generation. Hence, there is a need by the Hindu Religious Institutions to bring the essence of Sacred Texts and position them in such a way that a Young Scientific Mind will try to pursue knowing the truth without doubting the text. 

The purpose of the article is to give some of my insights on Who is Isvara, Gods, Guru and how a Human Being should know the spirit of the three eternal concepts. But, as I mentioned in the earlier paragraph that, it is our prime responsibility to teach the young scientific mind about the spirit of any Hindu Ritual. Hence, I wish to offer the insights or Dharma behind some of the rituals we experience in our Hindu way of life.

1. Why should we go to a Temple?

Discussion: Since ancient times, Temple is regarded as place of learning. During ancient times, people visited temple not just to look and pray at the idol, but, also clarified some of their personal issues from the priest who stayed in the temple for long hours. It is important to know that the Priest is not just a wage earner who stays in the temple to offer "Prasadam" to the devotees but, the so called "Priest" is a Scholarly Person who devoted time and energy to learn the Vedas from the Guru Sampradaya. The Vedas elaborates the energy permeated in the Universe. Hence, the Priest, during the 3 "Sandhyas" (Morning Sandhya, Afternoon and Evening Sandhya) offers prayers to the Supreme Energy permeated in the Universe. He doesn't think for anything else other than deeper contemplation of the supreme source of energy. He is called as "Brahmin". Brahmin is the person who wants to know "Brahman" (the supreme source of energy). Brahmin is one of the four Varna's. The other three are Kshatriya, Vaishya and Sudra. In Bhagavat Gita, Lord Sri Krishna mentioned it very clearly that, the Four Varnas did not evolve on the basis of BIRTH. But, Lord Sri Krishna emphasized that Varna is based on the "Gunas or Karma's" that a person does. 

There is a myth in the society that Brahmins by and large dominated the Vedic Learning. However, the truth is any person from any Varna is eligible to learn about "Brahman". Let me share with you a story about what Hindu Puranas authoritatively mentioned about Vedic Learning. This story is one of the many puranic stories which emphasize that Varna's are based on the Gunas and Karma (activities that a person does) and not just based on the birth. 

The Story of Satyakama Jabali

Satyakama was the son of a woman named Jabali. He had a strong wish to study and so he left home in search of a guru. He went to the ashram of sage Gautam and requested him to make him his pupil. Gautam questioned him, "Before I make you my pupil, I need to know about your family." This puzzled Satyakama, as he had no idea about his family except his mother. But to join the ashram he would not lie. He told the sage that he would ask his mother. So he went to Jabali. His mother told him, " Go to the sage and tell him that her Mother doesn't know who her Father was. 

Jabali went back to Sage Gautam bowed with respect and said - "My mother said to tell you that her name is Jabala and my name is Satyakama – and I know nothing more about my family," Satyakama explained without fear. "So I am Satyakama Jabala."

Sage Gautama was happy with the Truthfulness of the Satyakama and appreciated his mother for teaching his son to be Truthful. He agreed to teach Satyakama about "the knowledge of Brahman".

There are many instances like this which proves that our Sanatana Dharma doesn't bias people basing on birth. For example - the followers of Hindu Religion regard "Ramayana" & "Mahabharata" as sacred texts. There are legends about Valmiki who authored Ramayana. It was known from the legends that Valmiki before becoming the "Rishi" was a road-side thief. Sage Veda Vyasa has authored Mahabharata and Bhagavatam. Rishi Vyasa was born to a fisher-woman. What caste does fisher-woman represent in today's context? Did our Hindu Dharma reject the sacred texts by looking into the background of Rishis? Absolutely not! 

The word "Sanatana Dharma" means Sanatana = eternal and Dharma = Righteousness. The land of Bharat believed in the Sanatana Dharma which was there since times immemorial, which is there now and which will remain after. If God is regarded as one, then all the faiths should merge into that "Oneness". If for instance, monotheistic religions emerge out of an "Individual" who is regarded as "Saviour", even then these monotheistic religions should converge into the "Absolute". Every sacred text which comes out from the faiths, should not be the end by itself but should direct the intellect of the devotees to the "Absolute" who is beyond our sensory capacities. Hindu Religion believes that "the Purusha", the absolute, has permeated in all living and non-living beings. Hence, in Hindu Religion, mountains, trees, snakes, rivers, rocks are worshiped. People who are new to this religion or those who do not know the spirit of Hindu Religion may feel embarrassed by observing people praying a snake or a rock or a river. But, the attitude is that Hindus see the "Absolute" in all which includes "Saviours" from other religions. 

Advaitha (no second), is the philosophy offered by Adi Sankara. The principle of Advaitha says that there is no second but everything boils down to "Oneness". From that "One", "Many" are manifested. "Avidya" or "Ignorance" hinders us to know that Truth. It is our Duty to know the Truth by conquering "Avidya".  

Let's come back to our mainstream question about "Why we need to go to Temple". We discussed that the Temple Priest is a scholarly person and always contemplates on "Brahman". His mind is filled with the "Truth" and nothing else. In his Prayers, he invokes the Gods and seeks the Almighty to Save his Country and Countrymen from Evil and Bless the Country and King with Prosperity. 

The Vedic Prayer after invoking all the God's goes like this --

"Sarve sujana Sukhino Bhavantu

Sarve jana Sujano Bhavantu"

&

Loka Samastha Sukhino Bhavantu!

The prayer meant that - All men (both genders included) who are practicing Dharma or struggling while practicing Dharma should be protected and allowed to be safe. Alternatively, All men who are going away from practicing Dharma or moving away from being Dharmic should be transformed to be Good. Finally, the prayer ends by saying - "The entire Loka and beyond should be Safe and Protected by the Grace of Almighty". 

Isn't it profound to know that Hindu Dharma extends its prayer not just for the safety of its own members but the safety of all people on the land and elsewhere in the universe? Hindu Dharma embraces all people from different sections of the society. There should not be any doubt from any other community that their religious interests will be at stake. If we look at the world right now, Christians are not safe in USA due to Terrorism from ISIS. Muslims cannot peacefully follow their religious rituals in communist countries like China. The Dalai Lama, a Buddhist Monk, who earned Nobel Peace Prize, is banned in China. Likewise, many ethnic sections may not have the privilege to exercise their Freedom of Religion safely in other countries except in India, the Land of Bharat. 

The Constitution of India made it very clear that India follows "Secular" principles for Religious Harmony. A Hindu in Pakistan cannot get justice in Pakistan court due to his minority status in Pakistan. A Muslim cannot offer his prayers in public places in China. Yet, a Buddhist, a Jain, a Christian and a Muslim can preach and practice his religion just like any majority religion practices. The Supreme Court in India protects the interests of minority religious institutions. 

As Jiddu Krishna Murthy, a great philosopher from Madanapalli, Andhra Pradesh said - "Truth is a pathless land". Which means that there may be many faiths, but finally, the destination is "One". Hence, Bharat is the only place in the world where religious harmony is assured. However, due to softness in the laws of constitution there are times and even now when people from outside took interest to disturb the rich secular fabric of India. Missionaries from the West are engaged to convert as many people as possible to Christianity. The question is - Is India short of religions? Or is it true that Christianity is failing in West? The goal of a missionary is to help the weaker sections of the people recognizing their needs. There is no need for conversion from one faith to another. A simple question is - by converting we assure that "God is not that...But, God is this..." It is foolish to say that God is only that "Single Person". When a God is not that, How can a God be this? It means that by few ignorant people for fulfilling their vested interests or to disturb the rich fabric of Bharat, they resort to such kind of cheap tricks. Why can't the individual be left to his judgment with regards to his Spiritual Interests? Why can't people be left alone to their own Conscience to know the Truth?  By offering commercial incentives with an assurance that innocent people get converted, is it right on the part of concerned religious heads to encourage conversion? What does the Sacred Text say? Does it say that - Let all people believe "Me and only Me"? If those who do not believe me, I order, "Convert them or kill them"? If the religious text says the same, then we should doubt the basic philosophy of that religious text. And, I am confident that no religious texts say anything like that. Hence, the problem is not in the religious texts, but, in the people who are involved to disturb the secular fabric and the institutions that support for the undesirable cause.

So, a Hindu Priest, while always contemplating on the almighty and seeking for peace is gifted with the knowledge of "Vivekam" (discrimination between right and wrong). Hence, people approach the priest in the temple to take a decision that favours the family interest. 

The Second reason for visiting a temple is to know its Archaeological Significance.  How the temple was constructed?What material was used? What special features are there in the temple to appreciate the craftsmanship of the sculpture. Not only that, the temple is a representation of the culture of the region and temple expressed the value and significance of the king through "Sasanas". Hence, there is more than the religious sentiments to know from a temple. There is no doubt that an Idol of a specific God is installed by following Agama Sastras. People visit to offer their prayers to the Idol in the Sanctum Sanctorium. The prayer offered to the God is in a way showing gratitude to the invisible force which is taking care of the devotees well being.

2. Who are these Gods?
Discussion: The Shastras mention that after the creation, the One Absolute, has appointed Gods such as - Indra, Mitra, Varuna, Agni, Yama, Rudra's, etc to manage the creation. Hence, devotees do Yagnas or Homams to please the Gods and seek "Phala" for healthy living in the society. Unlike Monotheistic Religions which disregard "Idol" worship, Hindu religion follows Idol Worship but doesn't stop there. Worship in Hindu Religion is a Process. To know and experience the "Absolute" requires deeper contemplation of the "Truth". It's not so easy given the fact that Human Being's Mind is engulfed with Manas (Mind), Buddhi (Intellect), Chittam (consciousness) and Ahamkaram (I'ness). Proper training of these faculties to know the "Absolute Truth" will result in "Yogam" (the relationship with the absolute). Ancient Rishis or Sages moved away from the daily living (distractions), wandered in forests and established Ashrams to have solitude and achieve the state of "Yogam". Rishis could achieve Yogam but, in the current worldly affairs, its not possible to still our mind for a minute. When a Mind cannot be stilled without any thought, how is it possible to imagine the "absolute" by an ordinary person. Man is not just Rational, but also an Emotional Human Being. He loves to speak and express his desires. Hence, for the sake of devotees who could not pursue 'meta-thinking" capabilities to know the Brahman, Hinduism came out with "Forms" that characterize the "Divinity". Every name that is meant to a God is not just a name but an important quality of the God. When we say, Vishnu Sahasranama, it doesn't mean that Lord Vishnu has 1000 names. Sahasra not only indicates 1000, but also means unlimited. Every "Nama" is a quality of the Diety. By chanting the name of the diety, the Devotee is trying to gain the quality of the Diety in himself. As a matter of Truth, Sanatana Dharma says - "Aham Brahmasmi", I am Brahman. Every individual born on this planet is "Brahman". The individual has to discover this truth in his life time. Hence, when we chant the qualities of the Deity, we are actually knowing or recognizing our own qualities. Once, we fully become aware of the divine inherent qualities within, we cease to exist. Our life ends, but our living continues. 

3. Why do we need Guru?
Discussion: When Isvara, created this Universe by providing all the necessaries of life sustenance. We know this fact, people in stone age lived their life as wanderers, living in the jungle and eating whatever then could get from the nature. But, the conditions have changed. Yet, there is enough in the nature to be offered to the mankind by the grace of Isvara. Isvara, when he created human being, he was given all the necessary abilities for our own development. Philosophically speaking, Isvara made us understand that - What we sow, so shall we Reap! Which means that if we do good, we receive good and if we do bad, we receive it as well. Good or Bad are called "Punyam" and "Papam". Whatever Man, enjoys in this material world, is because of his Good Deeds (Punyam) and the suffering is because of ill deeds (Papam). As Hindus believe in re-birth, hence, the suffering that I experience today, might not be from the same time period of existence, however, the suffering can also because of accumulated from previous birth. Hence, by knowing the cause of suffering, we should not attribute the cause (good/bad) to Isvara. He left us free and we can determine our own fate. 

If Isvara is not the cause of our actions, then for what is he meant for? This needs a better understanding. Every being on Earth carries his life in fulfillment of his desires. But, if any being thinks beyond the normal desires of life and contemplates on supreme knowledge in an anticipation that life for him is trivial and curious to  know above the materialistic living, then the role of Isvara is essential. Isvara, will now has to incarnate himself as a "Guru" at a right time, at a right place, and thus offer the Wisdom of Life and Beyond to those beings who are qualified enough to know about life, living and beyond. The Guru, who is none else than Isvara, will take a human birth and live an ordinary life. He with his discourses and activities will set an example to the ordinary about the Art of Living. The Guru can recognize the being's internal state of preparation on the spiritual aspects and will set a path that will help the being to finally achieve the Truth. The Guru also recognizes the factors that hinders the spiritual journey and offers the devotees the essential wisdom to understand the factors and take control over them. 

To summarize, We Need a Guru, to raise our spiritual awareness and lead us to the Truth. We should Pray Isvara to grant us such Guru. In our normal prayers to Isvara, we should pray about something what Isvara has the capability to offer us. It is our ignorance that we seek in our prayers - a house, a bride/groom or job or house and the list goes on. But, is Isvara who has created the Universe of Universes to help us with a job or a hourse? Absolutely not. Hence, our prayers should be more than what we are capable of doing. So, according to my Guru, Sri Sivananda Murthy Garu, we should pray Isvara like this -

Oh Isvara, Let People of Bharat Live in Peace and Harmony
Let Bharat achieve Prosperity
Let the people of Bharat follow the Dharma 
Let the people of Bharat Unite towards safeguarding and protecting its country from negative internal and external forces
Let the people of Bharat protect the Nature (also the natural beings in the nature such as trees, animals, rare species etc)
Let Bharat be the Moral Leader of the World.

The above is a small prayer which only Isvara can bestow us. At an individual level, I cannot think of achieving it. I can do a Dharmic activity at a micro level. But, can I get assurance that all will follow the way I am doing! Hence, let me do my duty and seek the support of Isvara at a Macro level. Once, an individual prays for the good of Society, Country and World, automatically, Isvara will take care of our responsibilities. Hence, our prayers should be at a higher level that will support Isvara's objective.

With this I end this elaborate article.

Sarve sujana sukhino bhavantu
Sarve jana sujana bhavantu
Om Santi Santi Santi

The RSS Guruji - Sri Madhav Sadashiv Golwalkar on "Matrusakthi"!

Remembering RSS Guruji - Sri Madhav Sadashiv Golwalkar!

Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) was founded by Keshav Baliram Hedgewar, a Doctor in the city of Nagpur on 27th September 1925. The organisation promotes the ideals of upholding Indian Values and Culture and thereby spreads the ideology of Hindutva. After reading V. D. Savarkar's Hindutva, published in Nagpur in 1923, and meeting Savarkar in the Ratnagiri prison in 1925, Hedgewar was extremely influenced by him, and he founded the RSS with the objective of strengthening the values of Hindutva in the society.

Hedgewar apparently began grooming Golwalkar for leadership and he was placed in charge of the All-India Officers' Training Camp from 1937 to 1939. Golwalkar's abilities (managing complex details of the large camp, public speaking, reading and writing) were appreciated. In 1938, he was asked to translate G. D. Savarkar's 1934 Marathi language Rashtra Mimansa (Nationalism) into Hindi and English. The resulting book, We, or Our Nationhood Defined, was published in Golwalkar's name and regarded as a systematic treatment of RSS ideology. Golwalkar made RSS one of strongest religious-political organisations in India; its membership expanded from 100,000 to over one million, and it branched out into the political, social, religious, educational and labour fields through 50 front organisations. The RSS extended to foreign countries, where Hindus were recruited into organisations such as the Bharatiya Swayamsevak Sangh or the Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh. 

There was a subtle, important shift in the RSS worldview. One of Golwalkar's major innovations was an anti-communist, anti-socialist ideology, with the slogan "Not socialism but Hinduism.

At one stage, when Gandhi was Assasinated, in January 1948 by Nathuram Godse, there was widespread apprehension (despite Golwalkar's condemnation of the murderers) that the RSS was involved. Golwalkar and 20,000 swayamsevaks were arrested on 4 February, and the RSS was banned for promoting "violence" and "subversion". Godse said that he acted on his own initiative, and no official connection between the RSS and Gandhi's assassination has ever been made. Golwalkar was released on 5 August, after the six-month statutory limit expired. The RSS ban continued, and Golwalkar tried to negotiate with Home Minister Vallabhbhai Patel about having it lifted. The mass arrests, violence against members and the ban by an independent Indian government of what was understood as a patriotic organisation was a shock to the RSS membership.

Although Patel asked the RSS to join the Congress, Golwalkar disapproved. Patel then demanded, as a precondition, that the RSS adopt a written constitution. RSS leaders Eknath Ranade, Bhaiyaji Dani and Balasaheb Deoras suspended the satyagraha in January 1949 and, in collaboration with liberal leader T. R. Venkatarama Sastri, wrote an RSS constitution of which Patel approved. The ban was lifted on 11 July 1949. The government of India issued a statement that the decision to lift the ban had been made in view of Golwalkar's promise of loyalty to the Constitution of India and acceptance of India's national flag explicitly in the RSS constitution. Organisations founded and supported by RSS volunteers became collectively known as Sangh Parivar.

Important Note:

Sardar Vallabhai Patel, a Hindu Nationalist, served as the first Deputy Prime Minister of Independent India. He brought together 565 self-governing princely states by the Indian Independence Act 1947. His commitment to national integration in the newly independent country was total and uncompromising, earning him the sobriquet "Iron Man of India". It is Patel who insisted Golwalkar to adopt a written constitution of RSS that should respect and follow the spirit of Constitution of India. The purpose of mentioning this point is that, Indian Heritage and Culture is deep rooted to Vedic Times. The essence of sacred texts is to follow "Dharma". By Dharma, we mean "Righteousness". According to Sanatana Dharma, the ruler has to uphold the Dharma for maintaining law and order. In Ramayana, Sri Rama accepted the doubt expressed by a washer man on the integrity of Sita. Sita, entered the fire to be proved that she is pure. The rest of the story is history. Let's not doubt why Sita has to enter into the Fire and why Rama did not stop her. I can explain the insight of Rama in a different article of "What is Dharma?" Similarly, Vallabhai Patel, also made it a point that RSS abide by the constitution. He was not biased to the Hindutva. This clearly shows that Nationalist Leaders believed in Unity of India and there is no room for prejudice or discrimination. Today, we can see that there is un-rest in some sections of the society. There are lot of forces which are working against the Country Norms. Sometimes, we doubt that the enemy lies inside than outside. Its difficult to identify an enemy who appears to be an Indian but working for outsiders ulterior motives. There are communities in India, who have problem to accept any Hindu Leader at the Center. This is a big disappointment given the fact that India is a Hindu Rashtra. 

When I say Hindu, I mean not only to the "Religion", but the way of life that dates back to "Aryans" and all the descendents who lived alongside Sindhu River. India, which was once called Bharat is not just a Country but a Great Civilization. Our's is the only Civilization that could preserve the richness of its ancient civilization till today. The World is turning to India to learn the concept of Inward Learning. The West might have mastered "the art of living", but, it is India, and in India, the highest form of knowledge called as "Yoga" evolved. We, Indians, believe in "Art of Leaving". We believe that Material prosperity is just an outcome of ego satisfaction. However, the refinement of "Jeeva" inside can be acccomplished by following the principles of Sanatana Dharma.

I remember my Guru "Sri Kandukuri Sivananda Murthy Garu" who taught how to pray to God for wanting of a Leader. His thought process is insightful and worth to share. We should pray to God not to select a particular party or an individual basing on our community feelings rather, we should pray God as follows:

Oh Lord Eshwara! I bow in front of you with utomost humbleness and respect for a desire to be accepted and granted. We Indians need a Leader or a Political Party which understands the richness of Indian Heritage and Culture. We need a Leader who is Dharmic in his thoughts, actions and has the intellectual power to discuss, debate and convince opposition for the sake of upholding peace and harmony in the society. We need a Leader, who is a true representation of Indianness to the outside world. We need a Leader who can instill patriotism among members of the country. We need a Leader, who can discipline our countrymen and channelise the energies of young generation to work for their motherland. We need a Leader who works for reviving the lost glory of Bharat. Hence, we need a Political Party, which consists of members that share similar characteristics of the Leader.  

The above prayer is only a small fragment of our noble intentions towards our country. Afterall, we are children of a great land called Bharat and because of our vested interests, we should not allow dis-equilibrium in the country.   

Lets come back to the mainstream topic about Sri Madhav Sadashiv Golwalkar, one of the founders of RSS. Before, any outsider comments on RSS as a radical institution, there is a need to bring out the spirit of founders who established RSS. 

By knowing the spirit of the founders, we can estimate or value the purpose of the organization. 

I tried to summarize the essence of Sri Madhav Sadashiv Golwalkar talk on "the Greatness of Women in the Indian Society". 

1. According to Vedic Indian tradition, Women is regarded as Matrushakthi. Lord Shiva has offered one half of his body as a representation of Sakthi. This indicates that every Man is able to perform due to the grace of invisible Sakthi operating within the personality of human being. The outer manifestation of Sakti is in the form of Mother, Sister or Wife in our house or society. The disrespect or oppression on women means the weakening of ones own personality at a micro level and weakening of integrity and character at a macro (country) level. In the West, Women are observed as products. Hence, they are always looked upon to be exploited. There is a need in the West for Women to raise their value. 

Here, I wish to draw your attention on Betty Freidan, a Feminist and Founder of Women Liberation Movement in USA.  Throughout her life, she raised her voice on improving the quality of women's life. In her publication called "Feminine Mystique", she spoke of the problem that “lay buried, unspoken” in the mind of the suburban housewife: utter boredom and lack of fulfillment. Women who had been told that they had it all—nice houses, lovely children, responsible husbands—were deadened by domesticity, she said, and they were too socially conditioned to recognize their own desperation.

Note: In India, urban women may have nice house. But, I doubt whether they have responsible husbands and lovely children. When I say responsible husbands, I do not mean responsibility to be...... taking to shopping malls and spending pleasurable time with wife. But, how much responsibility the Husband takes towards bridging the gap between parents and children. Why do children look upto their peer group to solve their problems? Can we imagine that our children can solve their own problems without discussing with parents? Will parents be happy if children take irrational decisions? The problem is while parents are busy shaping their careers, who cares for understanding the thought process of their children? Can we be so confident on schools which are busy burying the syllabus without acknowledging the differences in the learning capabilities of the children? Who cares for the next generation society? It's history, when houses consists of grand parents. Now that couples are eager to spend their lives in cities, the grand parents find it difficult to adjust to the culture in the cities. Hence, they distant themselves from their children. Hence, there is no scope for the Grand Parents to teach young kids some moral values or life lessons. By the way, in many homes Young Couple are also not so comfortable to have old parents in the house. They feel their privacy is disturbed. Grand Parents according to them is a summer destination to relax and enjoy, but, they do not feel the fact that society is breaking into fragments due to family distancing. Hence, there is a need for the Parent(s) in the house to teach their children:

a. What is not taught in schools?
b. How to learn, unlearn and relearn?
c. Make children learn self-control
d. Importance of family, values and character formation
e. Goals of life
f.  How to deal with loss / failure?
g. Pro-social behaviour etc.,

Can you recollect, whether, all the above aspects are taught to us in schools or by our parents? Yes, may be in some homes. But, in majority cases, its not. Should we leave our children with a hope that future is going to be good? Or are we not responsible to shape our children to deal with uncertainty, complexity and risk. This is only possible, if either of parents learn the above important aspects, then only then can teach to their children. By staying indoors, nobody can take the merit of women's identity. A teacher can mould the student for better careers, whereas, a mother in the house can make a better holistic personality which can enable healthy society.

2. Golwalkar ji was not against Women working. But, the problem is to define "Work". When the husband works for living, a Wife has a much higher responsibility of working for higher ideals of life. What are these ideals of life? What did our Sanatana Dharma speak of our Ideals? If both, husband and wife compete to work out and leave children for toss, what kind of society is being designed for the next generation to sustain for a harmonous living? A doubt arises - Why can't nurturing of children be the work of husband? The answer is simple. The Women are designed by God in such a way that they have the best inherent quality to be soft and convincing. Women also has the greatest gift of having the deeper levels of patience as compared to men. Hence, nurturing the children for best results is only possible by Women in the society. Hence, the highest job, that Women can do where Men fail is to nurture next generation for highest ideals of living such as preparing the mind for higher order functioning and character formation. 

3. A mother can mould the children as heroes, cultivate in them devotion to God and love for country and an inclination to serve the society.

4. Mother in the house should not limit her role to her home only but in her individual capacity should care for the less fortunate women and the children in the vicinity.

5. Women can and should also work in an organized way. Organized work alone can increase the pace of work in the society. 

This is only a glimpse of attitude of Golwalkar ji on Matrusakthi. The Spine of RSS is the Matrusakthi. Every member of RSS are trained to respect Women in the society. Their minds are conditioned to work for superior values of society and country. 

In the process of working for the country, RSS tries to imbibe the values of Dharma and Karma as essentials in all RSS members. Unfortunately, today, whenever we hear about RSS, we hear a complaint against them from left wings or liberals of this country. RSS members are trained to possess highest levels of patience and tolerance which are the most important characteristics of Sanatana Dharma. However, the tolerance has its limits. When, the Country is being pulled by hidden forces that work for breaking the spine of this country, then every member of RSS comes forward to protect its motherland from the negative forces. 

JAI HIND, BHARAT MATA KI JAI, LONG LIVE BHARAT!

References:

1. "RSS to abandon politics" (PDF). The Hindu. 24 May 1949. Retrieved 14 October 2014.

2. Jaffrelot, Hindu Nationalist Movement 1996, p. 88-89.

3.  Curran, Jean A. (17 May 1950), "The RSS: Militant Hinduism", Far Eastern Survey, 19 (10): 93–98, doi:10.2307/3023941, 

JSTOR 3023941

4. Noorani, The RSS and the BJP 2000, p. 43.

Mana Kavi Gurajada Apparao Garu

         Om Sri Devebhyo Namaha -- Om Sri Rishibhyo Namaha -- Om Sri Gurubhyo Namaha

Once Sri Kandukuri Sivananda Guruji while addressing people in United States was asked by a Women - How India is Different from United States of America? No doubt the questioner knew the fact that US is an advanced country with state of art technology and ruling the entire world. She, was curious to know how a representative from India would deal with this question at a time when India is struggling with its own challenges like poverty, unemployment, religious disharmony etc. Very few knew that Sri Kandukuri Sivananda Murthy Guruji is a True representative of Guru Parampara and knew in Original the greatness of the Land called Bharat. Sri Sivananda Guruji took the question as a very good foundation to let the world know the Uniqueness of India with the Rest of the World. I may not exactly translate what he said but, I can try giving the essence of what he spoke in the august gathering. Guruji says - to compare India with USA in terms of material development, yes, there exists partial truth that India is still a developing economy. On the other side of the coin, India is the largest exporter of Software Engineers and today in the best IT companies, Indians occupy the Leadership roles. 

Guruji says - it is very easy to escape the question by giving this kind of reply, however, the fact remains visible that still Indians are not valuing cleanliness, rules & regulations and working for societal development. But, if an Indian is randomly picked and compared with another American and observed the differences, clearly, American may win over Indian in terms of outer civilized aspects of behavior and intelligence but fail in the concept of "Personality as an Organized Whole". We are proud to say that Indians spiritual roots are strongly organized! Our Personality is integrated with a timeless principle of "Sanatana Dharma". If a question is asked to an American - what he is prepared to sacrifice and not to sacrifice, in morals or money? Another question when asked, for how long an average American can retain his moral strength? But, We Indians are so rich in our remote past that we are finding it difficult to avoid them even after 5000 years of existence of this great Civilization. Indians are inspired from Sri Rama, who lived flesh and blood and established Rama Rajyam (righteous living) in this great land of Bharat. Sri Rama according to Mareecha is "Ramo Vigrahavaan Dharamaha", which means Rama is a personification of Dharma in human form. Which means Rama never left righteous living. Rama for the sake of his Father's vow to her beloved wife sacrificed kingship and left to forest to lead a normal life. According to Indian culture, Parents are next to God. Hence, in the prayer to them we Indians say - Matru Devo Bhava, Pitru Devo Bhava, Acharya Devo Bhava and finally Athiti Devo Bhava. Which means, Mother, Father, Teacher and Guest are observed to be the Gods and are highly respected. Any word of instruction from the above are accepted without any conditions and without an iota of suspicion instructions are carried with utmost respect. Indians believe that their personal comforts are secondary than observing the principles of Dharma all throughout life. This act of Rama is observed in a great epic called Ramayana which is written by a great sage called Valmiki. Even though this greatest epic happened 5000 years before, still in this 21st Century, any typical Indian will observe this "Value" of following instructions of "Parents". For example, almost all of us regard Parents decision for Marriage. Still, we Indians are proud of Joint Families. We like to be in a group unlike Westerners who want others to respect privacy. All family members love to eat together and festivals are the most important occasions when all relations in a family come together to spend time with lots of enthusiasm. The feeling of oneness in the most complex country with many castes, creeds, sects, religions is what makes India a unique in the world. The value of Tolerance is what is the most significant characteristic that India had since times immemorial. Indians never conquered any country. On the contrary, we shared our space with Dutch, Portuguese, British, French etc. When, British traders in the name of East India Company came to do business in India, we Indians regarded them as Athiti, meaning Guests. We shared them the space, the resources, the people and everything we could to make them happy. Indians believe that we seek happiness in making others happy. However, this Virtue of healthy co-existence is not understood righteously. And the rest is history as the world knew how India is looted by the Europeans and left nothing to scratch. Yet, Indians struggled for their own rights and secured what they deserve to be Independent. There is nothing to celebrate as we did not achieve what is not there with us but, what we lost due to our "tamas" qualities.

By the time India realized that British administration took over India from East India Company, we are too lazy to fight our rights. Yet, India produced great leaders from time to time who could inspire and perspire the masses to fight for Independence. The fight for Independence is not just political but the fight came from all sides in different methods. There were poets, social activists, spiritual leaders name them they are always working as under currents to revive the lost glory of India. The richness of India can be found in the literary works of great persons like Kalidasa, a famous poet.

Arthur W. Ryder, one of Kalidasa’s translators, also paid his homage:

The best proof of a poet’s greatness is the inability of men to live without him; in other words, his power to win and hold through centuries the love and admiration of his own people, especially when that people has shown itself capable of high intellectual and spiritual achievement.(Arthur W. Ryder, Kalidasa: Translations of Shakuntala and other works, Everyman’s Library Series, Poetry and The Drama, Ernst Rhys ed., London and New York, 1912, xvii).

The German naturalist, traveler and statesman Alexander von Humboldt (1769-1859) wrote about Indian poetry and observed that Kalidasa, the celebrated author of the Sakoontala, is a masterly describer of the influence which Nature exercises upon the minds of lovers. This great poet flourished at the splendid court of Vikramaditya, and was, therefore, contemporary with Virgil and Horace. Tenderness in the expression of feeling, and richness of creative fancy, have assigned to him his lofty place among the poets of all nations.(quoted in the Introduction, Monier Williams, Sakoontala: or the Lost Ring, Hertford, 1855, x).

In 1789 Sir William Jones opened his career as one of the greatest Indologist by translating Kalidasa’s Shakuntala; this translation, re-rendered into German in 1791, profoundly affected Herder and Goethe, and through the Schlegels- the entire Romantic movement.(The Story of Civilization, 391-2).

Like wise, the pages will turn to books and volumes of knowing the greatness of noble souls India has ever produced. Whenever we talk about any country, we recognize the country with few names but, in India, the great men and women are born whenever there arises a need for social change and political transformation.

One such person, who belongs to Andhra Pradesh State who was born for Social transformation is Sri Gurajada Apparao.

One poem which introduces the birth of Sri Gurajada Apparao can be found in the following lines:

Sri Gurajada Apparao was born on Bhadrapada Suddha Traiodasi (Bhanuvaram, September 21, 1862). He was born to Smt. Kousalamma & Sri Venkata Ramadasu Garu. It was known that Smt Kousalamma did not complete 9 months of holding the womb for delivery but pre-conceived the baby boy. Family members thought that the birth was un-auspicious but the design of the God was different from the perception of the family. It was delight to note that Sri Rabindranath Tagore also born in the same year. The story of Sri Gurajada Apparao is the story of all of us. To know about Sri Gurajada means to know about our rich fabric of telugu language, literature and culture. He is recalled as the Modern Maha Kavi.

"దేశమంటె మట్టి కాదోయి, దేశమంటె మనుషులోయి"(Country is not identified by soil but it is made up of great men). He made it very clear not to devote in creating false impressions of patriotism. Even after completion of 55 years after his death, still his works on poetry occupy the Modern Society Needs and Challenges. In one occasion he mentioned that ageing is related to body and our hearts are always filled with youthful energy. 

Some of the important aspects of Sri Gurajada Apparao are as follows:

1.  Since childhood, Sri Gurajada Apparao displayed fearlessness. He showed resistance to slavery. He used to observe the village life and nature curiously. He used to get up early and read books thoroughly. 

2. When Gurajada was studying matriculation in Vijayanagaram (in Andhra Pradesh), he wrote a poem titled "Kokila". His school inspector, Sri Nagoji Rao was so enthralled on the poem that he took that poem to Sri Ananda Gajapati and read it to him. By observing the healthy intellect of Gurajada, Sri c. Chandrasekhara Sastry, the then School Principal took Gurajada to his home and taught him the telugu language nuances. Once, Sri Chandrasekhara Sastry spoke about Sri Gurajada like this - Gurajada Apparao is one of the few students who possess enormous amount of intellect. He was always the best sample of a student who was admired by all his teachers. Gurajada was always addicted to learning and speaking about telugu literature. He has the rare natural intellect towards Poetry. By exercising it frequently, the poetry manifested from him and forcasted that one day Apparao will achieve the highest recognition in poetry and literature. The best Virtues that describe Gurajada are Modesty and Social Maturity. The opinion of the Principal Sri Chandrasekhara Sastry was proved to be truth in the later years of Sri Gurajada Apparao.

2. During the year 1883, Dr. Sambhu Chandra Mukherjee for some time worked as Deewan in Tripura Sansdhan.  In the year 1885, Mukherjee started "The Mukherjee Magazine". This magazine is responsible for awakening economic and political nationalism and later the magazine was modified as "Reis and Rayyet", a weekly journal and became famous for his competence in english language publication. Mr. Mukherjee was very critical in evaluating the errors of British publications. In fact, the Governor General was always cautious about Mukherjee's competence.  While Gurajada was a student, he wrote a poem titled "Sarangadhara". Mr. Mukherjee learned about the greatness of poetic expression of Gurajada and convinced him to get them published in his journal. There was lot of correspondence between them. God knows where the documents went. But, few very recovered. in one of the letters dated January 27, 1884, to Gurajada, Mukherjee wrote -

"How long your are going to stay in Madras? Please mention about the social conditions and your observations on them. I want to understand about the political developments in Madras. How is Widow Re-marriage problem? What is the perspective of localities on this social evil? Did you start the poetry on politics that you have earlier contemplated? Please write about folk songs and poetry on different meters". All these questions were asked by a very senior person to a 22 years young boy called Gurajada. We can imagine the amount of Wisdom Gurajada possessed on Poetry and Literature and his works to challenge the social evils that were prevalent during those years.

3. From the way Gurajada dealt the issues, his close companions observed that Gurajada showed rare skills such as - Fun during most adverse conditions, happiness during struggles, ability to see good in bad situations and critical skills of inquiry. Unfortunately, the current academic system is not addressing these soft skills that are very important for any individual to deal with social issues in life. Our current academic system is preparing the person for a job only. But, there is a big vacuum in our education policy that was not bridged to deal with life problems by the students. 

4. Gurajada used to say that he always contemplates on the work that he has initiated and nothing else. He says belief in work is very important and he does not have sympathy on those who look for shortcuts to be successful in life. 

5. Gurajada was I think is the pioneer in bringing methodological changes in Teaching. While he was in teaching profession between 1887 and 1896 for almost 9 years, his teaching learning sessions have influenced his life perspectives. As a teacher, his learning never had any boundaries. The concept of Thinking and Practice are like inhalation and exhalation to Gurajada. He used to prepare detailed notes before going to any class. He did not like to spend time casually with students. He loved doing research, inquiry and invented methodologies for teaching learning aspects in class. He travelled to Madras, Bangalore, Calcutta and Bombay to gain knowledge about the topics that he dealt in the class. He had in several occasions discussed with experts on various fields about the subject matter that he dealt in the class. In this occasion his discussions with Kellet was worth remembering. Kellet,  Professor  of History, Christian  College,  Madras  asked  Gurazada to write the "History of Greece  and Rome" in the  comparative  method  and  Gurazada  said  that  it  was  beyond  his  capacity.    But  Kellet  said  Oh!  you can"!

In this connection  it  is noteworthy  as to how Gurazada  was  humble  and how   Gurazada   impressed   even   the   foreigners   as   a   person   of superior capabilities. Some  entries  in  his  diaries  throw  a  flood   of  light about  the interviews he had with eminent  people.  One  interview relates to his interview with Skinner, Professor  of the Christian  College, Madras.  Another entry reflects  his  interview  with  Tait,  Professor  of  English,  Bangalore Central  College. One more entry  mentions  his  interview  with  Cowper Oakley,  Professor,  Presidency  College, Madras, yet  another  interview  with W.  Kaine,  Principal,  Agricultural  College, Madras and  with the  Directors of public  instruction  during the days of language  controversy  were mentioned. He  could  assert  his  importance  by  virtue  of  his  innate  merits  and literary  talents.  On  30th  January   1913  he  received   an   offer   of  the Fellowship  of  the   Madras   University   from   the Governor  of  Madras,  and as  a  Fellow  of the  Madras  University,  he  came  into contact with  scholars and educationalists  of the higher echelons of society.

The highly acclaimed work of Sri Gurajada is "Kanyasulkam", (money in lieu for a girl). Sri Apparao Garu wrote this play-let to raise awareness about what he felt was a scandalous state of affairs in society. Exploitation on female gender was prevalent during those days and along with Kandukuri Veeresalingam, Sri Gurajada Apparao took the responsibility to eradicate the social evils. I never saw this movie "Kanyasulkam", but, while I am going through Sri Gurajada books, I came across the context of directing the movie "Kanyasulkam". After watching the movie, I was speechless. without a word, I was meditating as to how a person of a great virtue took the social issue to masses in a satirical way yet received many accolades for the spirit of "Kanyasulkam". I felt guilty about watching the movie when I am 39 years, yet I feel fulfilled that I could get to know the greatness of Sri Gurajada Apparao.

I am proud to say that I am a native of Vizianagaram District and I felt it necessary to bring back the lost glory of the great Telugu Poet through Sri Sivananda Guruji blessings. As said by Sri Gurajada, a country is not to be remembered by its geography but by the quality of citizens who work for the greatness of the Country. His opinions and poetry is still relevant today to the youth of India who are carried away with meaningless activities. 

If for a second, the youth of today can have a sincere glimpse of what Gurajada said in his poetry, I am confident that one day, the youth of India will recollect from their collective unconscious the purpose of their birth in the sacred land of Bharat. Hence, I am placing herewith a poem that I could gather from the internet sources for inspiring the youth of India to remember their responsibilities and work for reviving the glory of Bharat.

Desamante matti kaadoy Song lyrics with English Translation

Taken from (https://www.worthview.com/desamante-matti-kaadoy-lyrics-english/)

దేశమును ప్రేమించుమన్నా
మంచి యన్నది పెంచుమన్నా
వొట్టి మాటలు కట్టిపెట్టోయ్‌
గట్టిమేల్‌ తలపెట్టవోయి
Love your country
Widen good things
Stop shallow talk
Think of strong help

పాడి పంటలు పొంగిపొర్లె
దారిలో నువు పాటు పడవోయి
తిండి కలిగితే కండ కలుగును
కండ కలవాడేను మనిషోయి

Work hard in the land
Where the fruits  of irigation
feeds all,  You will have
the muscle  only if
you eat,  People with
muscle only  can lead the  country.

యీసురోమని మనుషులుంటే
దేశమేగతి బాగుఅగునోయ్‌
జల్దుకుని కళలన్ని నేర్చుకు
దేశి సరకులు నింపవోయ్‌
When people look depressed
How can the country make progress?
Learn skills and  Fill the country with
indigenous goods.


అన్ని దేశాల్ క్రమ్మవలె నోయి
దేశి సరుకుల నమ్మవలెనోయి !
డబ్బు తేలేనట్టి నరులకు
కీర్తి సంపద లబ్బవోయి

Fill all the nations of the world,
With the finished goods of our country,
Prosperity will not dawn On those who cannot
make money.


వెనక చూసిన కార్యమేమోయి?
మంచి గతమున కొంచెమేనోయి
మందగించక ముందు అడుగేయి
వెనుకపడితే వెనకే నోయి!

Why look back?  The past has not
many good things to boast of,
Do not relax, walk with confidence,
You will be left  behind  if you walk slow.

పూను స్పర్థను విద్యలందే
వైరములు వాణిజ్యమందే,
వ్యర్థ కలహం పెంచబోకోయి
కత్తి వైరం కాల్చవోయి
 

Compete in studies, Compete in business,Do not encourage wasteful enmity,
Burn the communal clashes.

దేశాభిమానం నాకు కద్దని
వొట్టి గొప్పలు చెప్పుకోకోయ్‌
పూని ఏదైనాను ఒక మేల్‌
కూర్చి జనులకు చూపవోయ్‌

Do not boast of patriotism
Make effort to do good to
the people.


ఓర్వలేమిపిశాచి దేశం
మూలుగులు పీల్చేసెనోయ్,
ఒరుల మేలుకు సంతసిస్తూ
ఐకమత్యం నేర్చవోయి

Jealousy is eating away the country at the
roots, Believe in unity,
Enjoy the happiness of the others.


పరుల కలిమికి పొర్లి యేడ్చే
పాపి కెక్కడ సుఖం కద్దోయి?
ఒకరి మేల్ తన మేలనెంచే
నేర్పరికి మేల్ కొల్లలోయి!

Where is the peace to the
man who is jealous of the progress of
the others. Winner is the man, who
believes in helping others.

సొంత లాభం కొంత మానుకు
పొరుగు వానికి తోడుపడవోయ్‌
దేశమంటే మట్టి కాదోయ్‌
దేశమంటే మనుషులోయ్‌

Be useful to the other man,
With a bit more of selflessness,
Country is not just the mud and soil,
Country means people.

చెట్టపట్టాల్‌ పట్టుకొని
దేశస్థులంతా నడువవలెనోయ్‌
అన్నదమ్ముల వలెను జాతులు
మతములన్నియు మెలగవలెనోయ్‌ 

All countrymen-walk hand in hand with
unity, All religions-live in harmony.


మతం వేరైతేను యేమోయి?
మనసు లొకటై మనుషులుంటే
జాతమన్నది లేచి పెరిగి
లోకమున రాణించునోయి!

How does it matter What religion one
belongs? It can matter the country
If all people can unite with their hearts.


దేశమనియెడి దొడ్డవృక్షం
ప్రేమలను పూలెత్తవలెనోయి,
నరుల చమటను తడిసి మూలం,
ధనం పంటలు పండవలెనోయి!

The great tree, namely our country should
sprout more fruit of love, The country should reap
a rich harvest with the sweat of the people.


ఆకులందున అణగిమణగీ
కవిత కోయిల పలకవలెనోయి;
పలుకులను విని దేశమందభి
మానములు మొలకెత్తవలెనోయి!

The literary bird Hiding in the branches
of  the tree,should hum beautiful songs,
Hearing these songs, Patriotism should
flourish in the country.

Conclusion: I thank Sri Kandukuri Sivananda Guruji for his insights on Bharatiyata and blessing his disciples for a greater purpose to achieve.  Sarve Sujana Sukhino Bhavantu, Sarve Jana Sujana Bhavantu. Om Santhi, Santhi, Santhi!