Bhakti-Prapatti

Greatness of India

2008-07-27T19:13:00.000-07:00

Is god partial?

2008-06-11T06:28:00.000-07:00

Srimad Bhagavatham 1.7 (This excerpt is written by Smith Nellutla as an email to the Jeeyar group)

He is undoubtedly known as partial to His pure devotees, but in fact He is never partial, as much as the sun is never partial to anyone. By utilizing the sun rays, sometimes even the stones become valuable, whereas a blind man cannot see the sun, although there are enough sun rays before him. Darkness and light are two opposite conceptions, but this does not mean that the sun is partial in distributing its rays. The sun rays are open to everyone, but the capacities of the receptacles differ

Those who are completely against the service of the Lord are considered to be in abject darkness, those who ask for the Lord's favor only at the time of necessity are partial recipients of the mercy of the Lord, and those who are cent percent engaged in the service of the Lord are full recipients of the mercy of the Lord. Such partiality in receiving the Lord's mercy is relative to the recipient, and it is not due to the partiality of the all-merciful Lord.

When the Lord descends on this material world by His all-merciful energy, He plays like a human being, and therefore it appears that the Lord is partial to His devotees only, but that is not a fact. Despite such apparent manifestation of partiality, His mercy is equally distributed. In the Battlefield of Kurukshetra all persons who died in the fight before the presence of the Lord got salvation without the necessary qualifications because death before the presence of the Lord purifies the passing soul from the effects of all sins, and therefore the dying man gets a place somewhere in the transcendental abode. Somehow or other if someone puts himself open in the sun rays, he is sure to get the requisite benefit both by heat and by ultraviolet rays. Therefore, the conclusion is that the Lord is never partial. It is wrong for the people in general to think of Him as partial.

Jai SrimanNarayana

Ugadi

2008-04-07T20:31:00.001-07:00

Ugadi

My list for TyagaRaja Krutulu - I want to collect these songs

2007-09-23T18:13:00.000-07:00

TyagaRaja Krutulu

1. SriGanapathini Sevincha
2. Jagadaananda Taaraka
3. Duduku gala nanne
4. Saadhinchene
5. Kanakana Ruchiraa
6. Endaro Mahanubhavulu
7. Anaadhudanu gaanu
8. Anupama Gunaambudhi
9. Alakalalla Laadaga
10. Itara Daivamula
11. Undedi Raama
12. Etula Brothuvo
13. Paluka Vemi?
14. Evarini Nirnayinchithiraa
15. Enta ne varninthunu
16. Enta Nerchina
17. Enta Vedukondu
18. Etaavunaraa
19. Ela ni daya raadu
20. Ennaga Manasuku
21. Oka Maata
22. Kaddanuvaariki
23. Kanugontini
24. Kanna tandri Naapai
25. Kaala Harana Melara?
26. Koti Nadula
27. GiriRajaSuthaa
28. Giitharthamu
29. Chakkani Raaja Margamu
30. Chala Melara
31. JnanamosagaRaada
32. TeraTiyagaRaada
33. TeliyaleruRaama
34. Telisi Rama Chintanatho
35. Nagu Momu
36. Nanu Palimpa
37. Nannu KannaTalli
38. Naadathanu
39. NaadaSudhaaRasam
40. Naadu Pai Palikeru
41. Narada Gaana
42. Nidhi Chaala
43. Ni Daya Raadaa
44. Nenedu Vetukuduraa?
45. Patti Viduva
46. Prakkana Nilabadi
47. Bantu Riithi
48. Brova Bhaaramaa
49.
50. Bhajana Parulakela
51. Manasa Etulotune?
52. Marugelaraa?
53. Maa Jaanaki
54. Mokshamu Galadaa
55. Raaga Sudhaa Rasa
56. Rama Bhakti Samrajyam
57. Rama Ninne Namminaanu
58. Raara Ma inti Daaka
59. Vinatasutha Vahana
60. Santamu Leka
61. Sri Rama Jaya Rama
62. Sangitha Jnanamu
63. Sarasa Saama Daana
64. Saamaja Varagamana
65. Sitamma Maayamma
66. Sogasugaa Mrudanga Taalam
67. Ksheera Sagara Sayana
68. Koluvai Unnaade
69. Naapali Sri Rama
70. NaguMomu Gala Vaani
71. Patiki Haarathire
72. Darini Telusukonti
73. Dorakuna Ituvanti Seva
74. Appa Rama Bhakti
75. Rama Kodanda Rama
76. Rama Nannu Brova
77. Raaga Ratna Malikache
78. Vidamu Seyave Nannu
79. EmiChestenemi
80. Giri Pai Nela Konna Raamuni
81. Giitaarthamu Sangitaanandamu
82. Ni Bhakti Bhaagya Sudhaa Nidhi
83. Ne Pogadakunte
84. Rama Kadhaa SudhaaRasa Paana
85. Rookalu Padivelunnaaa
86. Smarane Sukhamu RamaNama
87. Sogasu Chooda Tarama
88. Upacharamu Chese
89. Ni Naama Roopamulaku

Categorization of Vedic Scriptures

2007-09-21T20:02:00.000-07:00

Vedic-scriptures are the authority to the people who profess Sana:thana-dharma in all spiritual matters. These Ve:dic-scriptures are broadly divided into six categories based on the nature of these scriptures. They are: -

1 ) SRUTHI - Sruthis are also called as Ve:das. The term Sruthi literally means that which is heard. These scriptures were initially revealed to Lord Brahma
at the beginning of the creation. It is said that the great sages perceived these scriptures as the result of their austere penance and passed it on to the posterity by the word of mouth, hence these scriptures are known Sruthis. Sruthis are considered to be the most authentic and authoritative scriptures.
There are 4 vedas.
-Rig
-Yajur
-Saama
-Adharvana

Vedas are divided into two parts, Poorva Bhagamu(Karma Bhaagamu), Uttara Bhaagamu(Jnana Bhagamu). Poorva Bhagamu is also called Samhita which describes how
you could attain happiness in this life and in OordhvaLokaalu. This part prescribes and describes how to perform Yagnas and Yaagas.

Uttara Bhagamu has upanishaths. It is said that this is the part that imparts Jnanamu. These upanishats answer questions like "What is Aatama? Whos is paramaatma?
What is relationship between these two? ". I will write about the categorization of upanishats in future. There is a good book by "HH Chinna Jeeyar Swami" on Isaavaasyopanishath. This would be an excellent starting point for diving in to the holy spiritual waters.

2 )SMRITHI - Smrithis are also called as DHARMA-SA:STHRAS. The term Smrithi means that, which is recollected. The great sages imparted the science of the Sruthis to their disciples. Few of those disciples recollected and reflected on those teachings and recorded them; hence those scriptures are known Smrithis.

3 )ITHIHA: SA -Ithiha: sas can be called as the recorded histories. Ithiha:sa literally means that which is recorded as it occurred (by the great sages who
witnessed them). There are only two Ithiha:sas namely SRI:RA:MA:YANA and MAHA:BHA:RATHA.

4 )PURA:NAS - The teachings of the great saints, which have the incidents of the past as their basis is recorded in the form of pura:nas. Though the details
of the described incidents vary from a Pura:na to Pura:na the moral values taught in the Pura:nas are applicable at all the times. There are only 18 primary
and 18 secondary recognized Pura:nas. I have already posted the list of 18 puranas earlier on this blog.

5 )A:GAMA:S - These scriptures deal with the science of the deity worship and the rituals connected with the deity worship. This is the science of temple
construction and making deities also.

6 )DIVYA-PRABANDHAMS - Many great saints have eulogized the deities they adored. These eulogies are known as Divyaprabandhams.

I have taken the excerpts from the "BhaktiNivedana Dec 2002 edition" for this categorization. I will add more information to these categories as I learn more about them in future. In the mean time, if you have any questions, mail me at Praveena.Jayanthi@gmail.com.

Jai SreeRam!

AshtaaDasa Puranamulu - 18 Puranaalu

2007-09-21T19:06:00.000-07:00

We have 18 Puranamulu. They are

1. Matsya Puranam
2. Markandeya Puranam
3. Bhagavata Puranam
4. Bhavishyath Puranam
5. Brahmaanda Puranam
6. Brahma Puranam
7. Brahma Vaivartata Puranam
8. Vaamana Puranam
8. Vaayavya Puranam
10. Vaishnava Puranam
11. Varaha Puranam
12. Agni Puranam
13. Narada Puranam
14. Padma Puranam
15. Linga Puranam
16. Garuda Puranam
17. Koorma Puranam
18. Skaanda Puranam

There is an excellent sloka in sanskrit with mnemonics for memorizing the list easily. It goes like this...

Ma Dwayam (2 start with Ma)
Bha Dwayam (2 start with Bha)
Chaiva Bra Trayam (3 start with Brah)
Va Chatushtayam (4 start with Va
Anapalingakooska ni puranani prudhakh prudhakh
( A, Na, Pa, Lin, Ga, Koo, Ska are the rest...)

I will write a short note on what each puranam is about in future.

What is the difference between Bhakti and Prapatti?

2007-09-19T14:59:00.001-07:00

What is the difference between Bhakti and Prapatti?

Bhakti is devotion and Prapatti is sampoorna saranaagathi(yielding to god, surrendering to god completely)by the devotee.

Bhakta is the one with bhakti - Devotee
Prapanna is the one who is with prapatti (I don't think there is an English word for this).

HH.Chinna Jeeyar gave a very nice example of Bhakta and Prapanna calling it Marjala Nyayam and Markata Nyayam(Style of Cat and Monkey). He says
"When You become Bhakta, God becomes Prapanna
When you become Prapanna, God becomes Bhakta"

If you are a Bhakta it means that you believe in GOD but you want to take of things on your own and God exhibits "Prapanna" characteristic by leaving things to you since you want to be in charge. Ex:- Monkey and her kids. Look at any mother monkey with her kids jumping from one branch to another. The monkey happily jumps from one tree to another. It is up to the kid to tightly clasp her/his mother around her stomach. The little monkey holding her mother is the Bhakta here and mother monkey is the prapanna.

If you are a Prapanna it means that you surrendered yourself completely to GOD and it is up to him to take care of you. God here has no choice but become your savior and look after you. God exhibits "Bhakta" characteristic by taking good care of you since he is in charge now. Ex:- Cat and Kitten. Look at the kitten. They exhibit the characteristic of a Prapanna where they leave everything to their mother. The cat takes the responsibility of the kitten and it moves those kitten by carefully grabbing them and holding with her teeth.

In the journey of the spiritual world, the fruit of the journey is the journey itself . The first step to start your journey is to become a Bhakta and you would get a promotion to be a prapanna when your punya-phalam is ripe enough that you deserve a place in God's abode.

Following are the 9 types of Bhakti Lakshnamulu(Bhakti Nava Ratnala laaga nava vidhamulu)
1)Sravanamu(Listening to holy talks, music, chantings, hymns etc )
2)Kirtanamu (Singing holy songs, bhajans, chantings, hymns etc )
3)Smaranamu (Constantly remembering/memorizing GOD)
4)Paada Seva (Serving his holy feet)
5)Archanamu
6)Vandanamu (Greeting God)
7)Daasyamu (Serving God like a slave - no worries here...God is a very good Master :)
8)Sakhyamu (Befriending God)
9)Aathma Nivedanamu (Prapatti - Culmination of Bhakti and you surrender yourself completely to GOD)

Archanamu(5th step above) ashta vidhamulu - (Performing puja with any of the following 8 things
1.Muggu/Rangavalli(designs - Generally Tamilians follow this style by offering a deepam on top of a muggu)
2.Fragrance(gandham/sandalwood)
3.Akshtalu(yellow rice)
4.Pushpam(flowers)
5.Dhoopam(holy smoke)
6.Deepam(lighted candle)
7.Upaharama(offering food/oblation)
8.Tamboolam(3 beetel leaves, some nutmegs and some currency coins)

Rama Krishna Paramahamsa says you could choose god to be your mother, father, master, teacher, lover(like the gopikas), friend, philosopher or guide. I find "befriending" him is easy because god is "SUHRUTH"(From Vishnu Sahasra Namam) which means "the one with pure heart/a good friend. He would always stand by your side. We have two lovely examples from our itihaasaas that he is a great friend. Rama befriended Sugriva and was his constant companion in happiness and sorrow also. Krishna and Kuchela(Sudhama). We know the story of what happened to Kuchela when Krishna accepted the atukulu(fluffed rice) with affection.

That is all for now...Let me know if you have any questions...

What is Aachamanam?

2007-09-18T19:56:00.001-07:00

Aachamanam - Telugu dictionary(SriSabdaakaram) defines Aachamanam as the style of sipping water 3 times by pointing your "pointing-finger" upwards and taking water in your palm.

The general mantras that go with Aachamanam are (3 sips with three names of Lord Vishnu )

Om Kesavaaya Swaaha
Om Naarayanaaya Swaaha
Om Madavaaya Swaaha

Followed by cleansing your hand with little water uttering "Om Govindaaya Namaha"

"Aachamaneeyam" is generally followed by the upachaaraas that have to do with WATER like Paadyam(Washing Swami's legs with water), Arghyam(Washing Swamy's hands with water) and Snanam(Holy bath for Lord). I think this is a way for us to meditate that the water that Swamy has used becomes holy(Tirtham) with his touch and we sip that water for Aachamanam.(I need to confirm this by talking to a purohit)

The following are the rules that need to be observed while performing
aachamanam:

1. One should sip water "3" times to perform aachamanam

2. The amount of water taken for sipping should be only the size of pea.
One should not consume more just because it feels comfortable or quenches
the thirst.

3. Water that contains foam/bubbles/suds ("nurai" in Tamil) is unfit for
aachamanam.

4. aachamanam should be performed only with cold water and not with
warm/hot water even if it is uncomfortable to the throat.

5. Scents/flavors should not be added to the water meant for performing
aachamanam.

6. aachamanam should be performed only in sitting posture and should not be
done standing.

7. One should not perform aachamanam facing the south.

8. aachamanan should not be performed in unclean places.

Source: "kurai onrum illai" (pp 277) in Tamil by Sri Mukkoor Lakshmi
Narasimhaachaaryar.

What are the 16 upacharalu that you could offer GOD?

2007-09-17T16:29:00.000-07:00

Following are the 16 steps involved in a hindu-puja.

1.Aavahanam
2.Dhyanam
3.Aasanam
4.Paadyam
5.Arghyam
6.Snanam-Abhishekam
7.Vastram
8.Yagynopavitam
9.Gandham(Fragrance-Spray, Flowers, Adornments)
10.AdhaangaPuja
11.Dhoopam
12.Deepam
13.Naivedyam
14.Tamboolam
15.Neeraajanam
16.MantraPushpam

1.Aavahanam
This is an invitation to God to come to your Mandap or Puja Mandir

2.Dhyanam
This is the meditation sloka that you would chant visualizing GOD while meditating upon him. You could ask lord to come to your house in the form of RAMA, KRISHNA, VAMANA etc...It is up to you how you meditate upon him and he would come to your place in that form for you.

3.Aasanam
You would offer him a seat generally made with 9 types of gem-stone and is fully adorned with GOLD. Again, this could be visualized or meditated upon and you are not expected to make one for him...It is well and good if you could offer him a seat like that.

4.Padyam
Give him WATER to wash his legs.

5.Arghyam
Give him WATER to wash his hands.

6.Snanam-Abhishekam
You would request GOD to take bath. Vishnu loves bath in "Panchaamrutalu(honey, cow milk, cow ghee, cow yogurt, sugar)" followed by Suddhodaka snanam(holy bath with clear water)

7.Vastram
You would offer GOD new clothes after his holy bath

8.Yagynopavitam
You give him the holy thread to wear around his torso.

9.Gandham(Fragrance-Spray, Flowers, Adornments)
You sprinkle some fragrant scent(gandham) and sandalwood on him. "Vishno: Alankaara Priyaha:".Lord Vishnu loves to be adorned and he loves it if you do it with Tulsi and flowers.

10.AdhaangaPuja
Every part in his body is praised with a mantram. So you could visualize here that he is seated in all the resplendent adornments, wearing the new silk clothes you have offered him in his majestic seat with a sweet smile filled with all the affection he has for you and eager to see what you would do next...This is when you would describe his every part of the body(useful for meditating upon him) with a hymn.

11.Dhoopam
You offer him agarbatti and Dhoopam(Fragrant smoke) from agarbatti

12.Deepam
You show him the lighted deepam. A lighted candle is the easiest form that our mind can contemplate on for meditation. So our elders have prescribed this step for letting the mind slow down a bit and meditate on god.

13.Naivedyam
You offer him food that you have prepared for him. This is when you get an opportunity to thank him for all that he has given you by offering him back from his own wealth.

14.Tamboolam
Now that GOD is full with your offering, he needs tamboolam for digestion. He is so full that he is not ready to move out of your mandap/altar even an inch.

15.Neeraajanam
You give him mangala haarathi with camphor. You would then take the najar off the lord by giving him aarathi and saying him "Managalam-May good things happen to you"

16.MantraPushpam
Pray him with mantra-pushpam "turning your manas into a flower with a hymn and offer at his feet" and bid him good bye only to invite him to your puja again.

These are the 16 steps that are followed in a hindu puja. These steps are prescribed in this order because this was how our special guests were treated at home. So it becomes easy for us to visualize our lord as a special guest who came to our home to accept our prayers and bless us. Following this prescription is just for showing our commitment to learn how to pray and another affirmative assurance for ourselves that we are heading in the right direction.

The lord doesn't demand any of these but it is for our satisfaction that we do all these steps. It is like a practice session for us to get used to this style of prayer which could later take us to "Manasa puja" which is "Puja through meditation where you do all these mentally in your mind/heart".