Monday, July 16, 2012

COURTESY,WORLD MALAYALEE CLUB

Essence of Ramayana,Hindu epic/history.

ssages

1 RAMAYANA MASAM FROM JULY 16TH TO AUGUST 16TH 2012

Sun Jul 15, 2012 2:59 pm (PDT) . Posted by:

"Shaija v bhaskaran"

DEAR ALL,

RAMAYANA MASAM FROM JULY 16TH TO AUGUST 16TH 2012

* *

*��³Ramayanam��´ has always been an integral part of every Hindu's life.
Ramayana is a Sanskrit epic describing the deeds of Lord Rama, the seventh
avatar (incarnation) of Lord Vishnu.*

* *

*"Ramayana Masam��´ in Kerala is observed in the Malayalam month Karkkidakom
(July ��¶ August). Karkidakam month is dedicated to dead ancestors during
when Shraddh ritual or pitru tharpan are offered to them. Karkidaka Vavu
Bali (Pitru tharpan rituals) is the major ritual followed in Malayalam
month of Karkidakam in Kerala. The sacred scripture Ramayana is recited
during the whole month of Karkidam hence it is also known as Ramayana Masam.
*

*"Ramayanamasam or 'the month of Ramayana' begins on the first day of
Malayalam month Karkkidakom (July 16, 2012).On all days in the month, the
Epic Ramayana is read in traditional Hindu houses. The reading begins on
the first day of the month and is completely read by last day of the month.
In 2012, the Ramayana Masam begins on July 16 and ends on August 16.*

*
*

* *

**
*Ramayana Masam starts from the first of Karkkidakam (in malayalam era) and
will end by the 31st day. In olden days, agriculture was the main source of
income of most people in Kerala. During the month of June and July, there
used to be heavy rain in Kerala. The fields used to be flooded, and the lay
men left without job. ThusKarkkidakam got another name as "Panjamasam"
(poverty-stricken month), followed by Chingam (the first month of Malayalam
era), being the harvest month. To have a good harvest during chingamasam,
our fore fathers believed that worshipping Lord Rama during karkkidakam will
give a good yield. Thus the epic Ramayana was read in their homes. The
entire book is read in 31 days, starting the first day of Karkkidakam.*
*
*
*It is believed that Ramayana parayanam (reading of Ramayana) in the
'Ramayana Masam' ('Karkkidaka masam': July-August) is a divine way to
worship Lord Rama and attain salvation. On all days in the month, in most
of the Kerala Temples as well as in the Malayali Hindu families
(traditional Hindu houses) the Epic Ramayana is read. Some people recite in
the early hours of dawn and some after lighting the evening lamp, sit
before Lamp (nilavilakku) and recite the Ramayanam.*

*Great Valmiki completed writing the ramayana story in 24,000 verses. The
epic is divided into seven kandas(Sections).The seven sections are the Bala
Kandam, the Ayodhya Kandam,the Aranya Kandam, the Kishkinda Kandam, the
Sundara Kandam, the Yudha Kandam, and the uttaraKandam.*

*
*

* *
*

There is an elaborating unique message inherent in Ramayana. The Ramayana,
truly, is a work that holds out ideals for every home and family. It
clearly demonstrates what should be the ideal relationship between a father
and a son, a husband and wife, between sibling, and even between rulers and
citizens. It deals with various topic like Administrtation, business
management, communication skills, tips to success and family living. In the
Yudha Kandam - a dialogue between Rama and Vibheeshana on the war field-
describes the qualities that one should have to be successful in life.
*
*Ramayana has had a great impact on the culture of India. It gave form to
the values of its society, reiterating to countless generations models of
correct behaviour.The Ramayana is a store house of knowledge. One has to
transform such knowledge to wisdom by applying the principles and core
values in ones life. Reading and re-reading the Ramayana can be a rewarding
experience for people of all ages at all times.*
*

If we can make our children to read The Ramayana, it has a profound impact
on their mind; The Ramayana describes the epic battle to wipe out Evil. It
not only teaches us dharma, it also sheds light on the human predicament
and the choices that lie before us. It teaches us that problems are
inevitable in one's life, but if one is filled with wisdom and devotion one
can overcome any problem.

The Ramayana can be told in as many as 24,000 verses as in the valmiki
Ramayana or in just one verse as in the eka-shloka-ramayaNa which captures
all the main events of the epic such as rama's exile to the forest, killing
of the golden deer, the kidnapping of sita, the death of jatayu, the
meeting with sugriva and the punishment of vaali, the crossing of the ocean
and burning of Lanka by Hanuman, and finally the slaying of ravana and
kumbhakarna.

*

*
*

*TEACHINGS OF RAMAYANA:*
*
*
**
*Sathyam Bruyath, Priyam Bruyath,*
*Na Bruyath Sathyamapriyam*
*
*
*(Speak the truth; speak sweetly and softly*
*and never**Utter truth in an unpalatable way).*
*
*
*"Sathyam Bruyath" **Speak the truth is the moral value.*
*"Priyam Bruyath" speak sweetly and softly is the social value.*
*"Na Bruyath Sathyamapriyam" **never**Utter truth in an unpalatable way **is
the spiritual value. So, the moral, social, and spiritual values are all
contained in the above statement. The Ramayana teaches these values in the
simplest way.*
**
*
*
*The Ramayana teaches the importance of human values. The Ramayana teaches
us the threefold Dharma (code of conduct) pertaining to the individual, the
family and the society. You have to make every effort to understand the
duties of the individual, the family and the society. The modern society
needs to follow the Dharma that is contained in the epic Ramayana. Today,
children are leaving their parents in old age homes, the students are not
having regard for their teachers, and corruption is rampant in all fields
such as business, education and politics. Under these circumstances, the
principles of the Ramayana are very important. In such a situation,
everyone needs to follow the ideals of the Ramayana.*
*
*
*
*
*The Ramaayana,also teaches two lessons: the value of detachment and the
need to become aware of the Divine in every being. Faith in God and
detachment from objective pursuits are the keys for human liberation. Give
up sense objects, and you gain Rama. Sitha gave up the luxuries of Ayodhya
so she could be with Rama during His exile. When she cast longing eyes on
the golden deer and craved it, she lost Rama's presence. Renunciation leads
to joy; attachment brings about grief. Be in the world, but not of it.*
*
*
*The Ramayana demonstrates that anything can be achieved through sincerity
and devotion. Everyone should cultivate love for God, fear of sin and
morality in society. Though Rama and Ravana were equally well versed in all
forms of knowledge, Ravana did not followed the knowledge he had acquired
and on the contrary he used it for wicked purposes. On the other hand, Rama
translated all his knowledge into action and gave joy to one and all and
engaged in the welfare of all.*
*
*
*Human life is a long journey. One should lead a divine life, not a mean
life. Always be happy. Difficulties do come in life. That is the law of
nature. Never get disheartened by them. Difficulties are like passing
clouds. Difficulties come and go, and what ever be your difficulties always
keep your values positive.Being God, Lord Vishnu could have planned Ram
incarnation in such a way that he just wished something to happen and it
happened. If he had done that, then there was no way we humans could follow
in the footsteps of Lord Ram. We could say that he could do that because he
was God and we do not have the power to do all these.**Lord Ram, together
with many others in Ramayan, underwent various sufferings. They showed with
their conduct how we should behave in various situations.Rama stood as a
shining example of upholding the moral values in the society.*
*
*

*All of us live on the same earth. The same sky is above all of us. We
breathe the same air and drink the same water. Ignoring this underlying
principle of unity man visualizes multiplicity, which is a big mistake. The
Ramayana centers on the principle of unity in diversity. Today as man has
lost the ability to see unity in diversity, he is immersed in restlessness.
What we need today is to see unity in diversity and the divinity behind
this unity.*
*
*
*For divinity You do not need to undertake any spiritual practices.
Experience the innate divinity in everyone by following the path of love.
Love is God. Spend your life in selfless service. This is the teaching of
Rama. Bliss is not present in a foreign land; it is present within you. In
order to experience bliss, develop love in your heart. Your life itself
will become a living **Ramayana **.*
*
*
*Today many people read the holy **Ramayana **, but few understand its
essence. They spend their time in acquiring bookish knowledge and
superficial knowledge, but fail to have practical knowledge. There are many
people who can explain the teachings of **Ramayana ** in a beautiful way,
but very few are following and applying these values in their life. What is
the use of reading various texts, if we do not put into practice the
message contained in them? Can anyone enjoy the taste of various delicious
items by merely repeating their names? No. One can enjoy the taste only
when one eats them. Like wise we have to follow the values that contained
in the Ramayana.The good characters in Ramayan teach us the proper way not
just by preaching but by their own actions.Rather than just reading and
preaching good conduct, they lived with good conduct.let us follow.*
*
*

*
*

* Eka Shloka Ramayana*

* *

*Adau Rama-tapo-vanaadi-gamanam Hatva Mrugam Kaanchanam*

*Vaidehee-haranam Jatayu-maranam Sugreeva-sambhashanam*

*Balee-nigrahanam Samudra-taranam Lankapuri-daahanam*

*Paschaat Raavana-kumbhakarna-hananam Etatdhi Ramayanam.*

* *

*Lord Rama went to the forest in order to fulfill the promise his father
had given to one of his wives (Kaikeyi). In the forest, Seeta was
attracted by the golden deer and Rama went after it. At that time, the
wicked Ravana kidnapped Seeta. Jatayu tried to defend Seeta and save her,
but was killed by Ravana. Lord Rama then befriended Sugriva and killed
Vali, the unrighteous. He crossed the ocean and entered the city of
Lanka. He then destroyed the city of Lanka, killed the wicked demons
Ravana and Kumbhakarna and set Seeta free. This is the story contained in
the Ramayana.***

*
*

--
*Aano bhadra krtavo yantu vishwatah.(- RIG VEDA)
"Let noble thoughts come to me from all directions"

REGARDS
Miss.Shaija Vallikatri Bhaskaran*

Courtesy,WORLD MALAYALEE CLUB.

Sunday, May 20, 2012

AMIR KHAN & SATHYAMEVAJAYATE ,SENSATIONAL.

There has been many TV shows and anchors around the world with sensational stuff,but nothing matches the latest show embarked by none other than our dear and most decent guy of bollywood Amir Khan,for having selected the most relevant subjects in India since the last few decades.Female infanticide ,subjugation of our women folks for dowry and the greedy people making it a lucrative business by doing abortion of female babies and marrying for money alone and cheating the innocent girls and their families. These are the subjects which can be termed as the most shameful activities of the so called modern Indian culture rather culture-less behavior of modern India.

Many many thanks to Amir for doing it for the country and its people at these difficult times, let the conscience of our populace realize these cruelties happening in our society , he has also brought out the best qualities of some brave girls who underwent horrifying life experiences and by sharing it with our audience Amir has grown in stature as a person with such good character and gentleness, unlike so many so called super stars doing shows only for the profit side and money in such episodes, rather than substance while doing shows for the society as a whole.

Amir is a great personality and above all a very nice gentleman with a good heart,which stood out in his selection of movies and the present show called "Satyame Vajayathe". It could not have been better timed because for the last few years we have only been witnessing negative happenings, such as the volume of corruption and the extend to which our politicians,corporates and leaders go for the power and money.

After getting disgusted by witnessing such episodes for years, here is some thing very refreshing and with the power for great changes,we might witness in the near future. Due to much more awareness of these facts among our innocent populace who are poor.It is not their fault that they are born poor ,it is due to the incompetence and corruption of our political class ,the rulers who brought it up on our trusting and innocent populace.

Thanks Amir we have great admiration and respect for personalities like you, otherwise we would have thought, life in not worth living at all.Such is the morale of the poor people born in India.We should be feeling ashamed of ourselves for the snobbish elements in our society killing our people slowly.Now at least we see light at the end of the tunnel with people like you making all the difference.

Thursday, July 2, 2009

ADVENTURES OF NEELAVARNAN -PART - VI

ADVENTURES OF NEELAVARNAN. -PART-VI.

Morning sky brought him joy of the unexpected urge to be alive and doing things rather than sleeping, he came to the mouth of the cave and saw the water which was as clear as crystal, he quickly undressed and dived in to the river hundreds of feet below, but deep enough to accommodate him and the dog jack too followed suit. They both swam across the river many times and got on to the other side of the river. Though the current was heavy and taking them ashore if one dives in to the current and crosses by the force of the river it self but an angular way, as you have to walk up stream a few hundreds of feet against the current and then dive and cross over with the current helping you in your forward motion, only thing is to swim towards the other bank while you can make it hundreds of feet down the stream.

They both came ashore after a few hours of playing in the river and took out the fish and food out of their bags and had a full stomach full and also found other animals too coming for a drink from the river. He took as many photos as possible so that he can show his friends after the vacation is over. The dog Jack has joined him in his endeavors with out questions or conditions, that why he always liked dogs for their unwavering support and loyalty towards man. Cats on the other side is not very loyal and only wants to purr their way inside house and need not be playing with you always as they have their own kind of play which is observing birds and mouse nearby and they are always alert towards such a chance to grab one of those to eat.

Dogs on the other side will accompany you where ever you wish to go be it a dangerous place or a forests with cruel animals , they don’t care and will be on your side to fight the evil any time any place, hunter dogs just as jack leads the way and smells it back to where they started from, they came across wild deer’s and monkeys all playing and in jovial mood, they also made sure not to bother any species by their invasion in to their territory, and so walked on silently forward followed by Neelavarnan and the dog leading the way out of dangers way as they have a sixth sense to take us out of troubles way.

Suddenly there was a clearing of bushes and they saw through the trees the lake in front calm and sedate, with the birds flying above the waters looking for fish and the big fishes coming out of the water jumping out and back to water. Neelavarnan and the dog realized to take rest near the lake and started to unpack and put on a camp fire with tents for their cover from the wild animals and snakes etc, they had net to put around the tent so as to be safe with out any creatures poison affecting them.

Neelavarnan was thinking about a lake known as ‘lock ness’ and wondered whether it was the same lake with a big creature living inside the waters to come out occasionally and scare the people around. Any way they decided to spend the rest of the day and night there it self to watch over the lake and the sun was about to set as they could see the shadows becoming longer. They made their tents to watch out towards the lake and the dogs post too was on the entrance to give an alarm if some animals come near to the tent and to scare them away.

They realized they will have a long wait in front of them, Neelavarnan wondered whether Jack know of the monsters in the water. And slept off and took a nap by dosing off on the tent and his bag kept as a pillow.

More to follow from ‘solitairebalaforchildren’ in Google.

ADVENTURES OF NEELAVARNAN -part-5

NEELAVARNAN’S ADVENTURES/part 5

He saw it in the moonlit night above the rivers’ flow, and the same fear engulfed him, of the night when he slept alone in the castle. The figures where just as he remembered and were dancing with the tune of the river gush and the current, so forceful and running towards the valley, down below. He could again hear the cries of the ‘bat’ or emanating from the figures dancing just like the tantrik dances of Lord Shiva. But the dog has stopped to bark and too was curiously looking at the figures, shadows which were dancing to some unknown tune, but he could hear the music notes as well from far away , the dog also stood still and Neelavarnan pinched him self to feel whether he is still awake or was he dreaming.

The shadows were in tantrum playing with each other as dogs would, when they get a ground and a lot of dogs to play with at times even making the cats join them. On this occasion Neelavarnan lost all the fear which engulfed him, and was sure that he is safe as the figures have not seen him or the dog, which too had stopped to bark as the figures appeared on the river hanging on threads not seen by our naked eye. He then realized it must be the angels or ghosts In either case he knew deep inside that they will not be harming him, due to the very reason that he had prayed to the lord just before he slept off, secondly the dog’s presence also made him more at ease and fearless for he has a companion to fight the devils together.

Neelavarnan took out the cross and kept it in his right hand, while he prayed in his mind to god for helping him come out of the fear and he did not regret for having come out in the open jungle.

It must have been tow to three hours and the shadows disappeared and the dog too relaxed and was lying now on his legs with his ears poked out and listening intently, while he was trying all the time to smell for the ultimate and Neelavarnan knew he would be able to smell the danger kilometers away. As time went by they both relaxed and slept off ultimately to open eyes to the sound of morning birds and the wild chicken prompting the sun to come out by calling out again and again. This was the experience he had longed for many years the river flowing in front and the birds calling out to each other, and all the animals waking up to the morning sun and life around looking forward to another fresh day in front to do all the things they like to do.

The fire was almost out, but Neelavarnan again put fresh logs in to the fire and made its surroundings warm. His aunt must be looking out for him, and then he remembered the cell phone which was switched off and regretted having not informed his aunt about his stay in the jungle and the dog companion he got. He immediately switched it on and was welcomed by a inward message sent by his aunt asking him to call back. He immediately and urgently called his aunt and told her that he was ok with his dog and would make it back by the evening or the night as they would now start as soon as the sun comes out and towards the east they could see the glare of the sun rays behind the trees covering the sun.

To be followed by ‘solitairebalaforchildren’ pl visit Google blog. for more.

Friday, June 26, 2009

-- United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) - Search page --

-- United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) - Search page --

Shared via AddThis

ADVENTURES OF NEELAVARNAN & JACK THE DOG WHO FOLLOWED HIM. part -4

NEELAVARNAN STORIES/ADVETURES.-part -4

After dinner Neelavarnan slept with his aunt and slept off immediately, he had forgotten all about the previous night’s dreams as he preferred to think of it as a ‘dream’ only. The next day morning he got up and prepared a kit and a bag full of fruits , food and drinking water along with his fishing gear and set off to the woods and the river quite early , as the sun was only coming out , from the east. He had also told his aunt not to expect him back before darkness as he intended to explore the whole area surrounding the hill and the jungle. He took the path of the river and started to walk up stream against the current so that, he knows he can track the source of the river. He could watch all the harmless animals coming to the river to drink water, and normally he waited till they are moved away so as not to disturb them or to scare them off. He also came across a lot of monkeys all the way jumping from one tree to the other. It must have been after noon 12, when at last he found a big tree beside the river and thought he can take rest there, he started to take packets of food items and settled below the tree. Suddenly he heard the bush around shaking and was curious and scared as well for he did not want to come across a wild and dangerous animal, which might attack him thinking or taking him as an intruder to their privacy.

But he was relieved to find a dog fully grown up and wagging his tail friendly and must have been hungry; Neelavarnan took the packet containing hamburgers and gave one to the dog, who started to eat gleefully. After their meals the dog, which had b then came near to him& Sat there besides him, as if having decided to stick with him. The taste of the burgers must have been the clinching factor, in their friendship and both yearned to have a partner. Neelavarnan stood up and started to walk again and found the dog too wanted to follow him after some time the dog started to sniff around, and Neelavaran could find that he was disturbed and was trying to convey danger by barking in the direction of the bush near by. Then he found it was a snake poisonous one , but seeing them decided to go in the opposite direction back to the bushes to the relief of both Neealvarnan and the dog which wagged the tail again looking at him intently as if trying to figure out what was in his mind.

After walking for hours they became tired and decided to take rest, but to the utter surprise of Neelavarnan it was already 5pm, he had covered the distance of miles as he had started around 5am. Suddenly the truth struck him; he had been engrossed so much in the nature’s abundant beauty and has forgotten to return in the afternoon to have made it back home by night fall. Now he was trapped as he has already reached a point of no return and may have to sleep some where and try to get back home the next day evening.

He had some shortage of food for he had only prepared himself for one day [12 hours]. Now with the dog to feed as well he will have to get some thing to eat for both. He started to sit near a rock in the side of the river which had a cave like space on top while the water was flowing about 10 feet below. He decided this was the best place to spend the night as they only had to guard the front of the cave, which too was protruding to the river and they had actually jumped and climbed on to the cliff, facing the sun about to set in the evening in the west. He took out his fishing gear and was surprised by the numbers he could catch before it was too dark. Then he picked up logs from around the jungle and lit a camp fire with logs and on top he also cooked the fish with pepper powder and salt along with the help of a hook which he caught with the help of leaves folded so as not to burn his palm. With bread butter jam and the cooked and smoked fish they both had a hearty meal under the circumstances; the water of the river too was crystal clear and was enough for drinking. Then around night 9 Pm they both lied down for a long night in front of them. Neelavaran was again reminded of his dreams, but to his relief he had a companion the best a man can have under such testing times. Dogs are the ultimate friend of a man and normally can guard us, by scaring off wild animals with their barks alone.

He was most relieved that god has provided him with a watch dog, which too seems to have come from no where or some where in the middle of the forest. The sound of the water flowing down the river and a water falls, which must have been a little up the stream as they could also hear the sound of the waterfalls nearby.

Neelavarnan decided to visit there first thing in the morning and dosed off and woke up with a start as his dog was barking looking towards the opening of the cave and the campfire was almost out but Neelavarnan put more logs in to it, for it was also very cold night had it been not for the cover of the cave it would have made them ice packs as the temperatures were below 0 degree. But he was also sacred and looked towards the cave mouth to see whether there is any movement the dog went on barking with intend and purpose but Neelavaran just didn’t know what it was. He felt his hands trembling with fear as he lost all the color from the face which looked pale drained of all the blood due to fear.

To be continued - for part 5 look out in ‘solitairebalaforchildren’ in Google. [ in 2 days]

solitairebala for children