ShriRanganji

Singapore Patanjali Yoga Sutra workshop - VyasaSingapore(28th and 29th Jan)

2012-02-11T04:57:00.000-08:00

Singapore Patanjali Yoga Sutra workshop -

VyasaSingapore(28th and 29th Jan)

(Write up by Shri Sivaraman)

A workshop on Patanjali Yoga Sutra was held on 28th and 29th from 9.30 am to 1.30pm on both the days , at Svyasa singapore centre conducting regular courses on Yoga. Dr Ranganji spoke in chaste English detailng the sutras of Patanjali, making us repeat the sutras and also Yoga demonstration was held under his guidance.
We were asked to perform some exercises,as per his directions,concluding with Shavasana when Dr Ranganji rendered the veda in beautiful musical voice for complete relaxation.

Singapore Youth Workshop - Science behind the culture

2012-02-10T05:54:00.000-08:00

Singapore Youth Workshop - Science behind Our Culture (23rd Jan 2012)

(Write up by Ms NithyaRamakrishnan)

Dr Ranganji’s talk was phenomenal in my perspective and I enjoyed the workshop to the extent of not realizing time going by. He covered so many different issues and problems faced by youth and made us ponder about our own interpretations and question the preconceived concepts we had.

Dr Ranganji started with Happiness. I liked how He engaged us so much in the talk by asking questions and thus enabling us to understand so much better. He spoke about how happiness does not come from an external object but is very much an internal feeling. For example, if happiness is from having chocolates (taste for example) then the 12th chocolate should give the same amount of happiness as the first.-This is because the chocolate does not change and the taste of the 12th chocolate is not any different form the first. He went deep into the concept of happiness and spoke about the different levels of happiness that might be present and how its possible for everyone to experience the same happiness if we went deep into the feeling. He did a practical experiment with us by singing a really beautiful song on Rama and asked to share our opinions on how our mindset was at the point of listening to the song. There He brought out the true meaning of being in the present moment.

He talked about focus or alertness and relaxation and how although they might not coexist together, it is important that they do. He spoke about having thoughts and how the high speed of thoughts makes it difficult to focus. He also talked about the opposite of happiness, misery and the importance of being fully in misery instead of escaping the reality and pointing fingers at others. I felt that was so important to realize and the way he delivered it made it easy to retain and apply in real life scenarios.

The youth today undergo a lot of stress and the current education system, although it does not do anything to solve this problem, aggravates it. In USA alone, there are statistics on how the youngsters suffer from depression. This I felt it was great that he
spoke about stress. He started with the meaning of stress and moved on to how the human nature is and the science behind stress hormonal secretion and the flight or fight mature of human beings. He mentioned how this state of mind prevails a lot
longer that it should in the current generation and the impact it will have in our human bodies. Not only did he stop at reasoning out stress, but he taught us how we can eradicate it by practices of Yoga and Meditation. He spoke about the three gunas in human beings, Thamas, Rajas and Satva and how the different foods items we consume can give rise to difference guans. I regarded the different festivals we celebrated and understood their purpose when he gave the scientific meaning behind all the practices of Indian Culture.

For Example: Pongal-Sun Southern part of East to Northern part of East.
Bhopal—Agnihotram an its benefits—How a particular area was saved from gas leak - reducing pollution in ozone.

There is so much more that he spoke about that cannot be summarized in this single write up. There are many amazing things about the Indian culture and I am sure that I would do my best to put whatever he has mentioned to us. Knowledge coming from
such learned people should be kept in high regard and I certainly think it is our great fortune to have him speak to us. I would certainly enroll for more such workshops and would like to thank the Sabha for giving us this opportunity.

https://docs.google.com/a/sdbbs.org/viewer?a=v&pid=explorer&chrome=true&srcid=0BwSZENxgm1oHNTIyYmZlOTktYjY5ZC00ODBjLTg1Y2MtZmZkZjFiYzI4MzM5&hl=en_US

Ramayana Lecture series Singapore - 21st to 27thJan

2012-02-02T21:23:00.000-08:00

Ramayana Lecture series Singapore - 21st to 27thJan

(KIskindha Kandam)

(Write up by Shri Prabhakar - Singapore)

First Day

After a gap of more than a year, Sri Ranganji’s Ramayana Upanyasam in Singapore continued from yesterday (Jan 21st). In fact after his conclusion of Aranya Kandam in Nov 2010 the Singapore audience is getting the opportunity of listening to him only now in January of the new year 2012. The audience had gathered with a lot of enthusiasm to relive the inspiring episodes and subtle details of Lord Rama’s epic journey walking the path of Dharma. We could see many many faces in the audience that we have been seeing regularly every year ardently following Sri Ranganji’s narration of this Adikavyam.

Sri Ranganji started off with a brief recap of Aranya Kandam. Lord’s entry into Dandakaranya along with Sita and Lakshmana, his meeting of many Rishisreshtas, his getting rid of thousands of rakshasas and bringing peace to Dandakaranyavaasis, his blessing of Mukthi to many great elevated souls in Dandakaranya including Sabari. And their reaching of Pampa Saras.

It was now the time for launching into Kishkindha Kandam. But before doing so, Sri Ranganji went into an elaborate explanation of the subtleties of Ramavathaaram in order to establish a proper perspective for understanding Rama’s very humanly behaviour of sadness, laments and display of pain in losing his dear wife to a dastardly kidnapping ---- in spite of Him being an avathaar.

Why did Rama, the All Powerful Mahavishnu’s manifestation, lament and demonstrate his sorrow like an ordinary human being? Sri Ranganji took pains to point out that the purpose of Ramaavathaaram is for God to live like a normal human being, go through all the trials and tribulations of human life, and show to the world that dharma can be steadfastly practiced even under such circumstances. He raised the question that scholars can ask as to when there is no place for “shoka” in the Omniscient Brahmam, as per Upanishads, how come there is “shokam” in Rama who is an avathaar of Brahmam? First of all Rama’s shokam is not “shokam” but “karuna”.Whenever in Ramayana Rama shows sorrow, it is for other souls depending on him such as Kousalya, Dasaratha, Bharatha .... and of course Sita. It is actually sympathy and His empathy.

At this juncture he took off into an interesting discussion on “Free Will”. Let us recall how this entered into the Ramayanam discussion. Sri Ranganji said that not only Rama even Paramatma, The Brahmam, has this sympathy (karuna) for all the souls. It is not that Brahmam is without emotions. This sympathy springs from His wish for all the Souls to eventually reach Him and break from this ever continuing cycle of birth-karma-death. This can bring the question as to why can’t the all powerful Paramatma just wish and make it happen? This is where the factor of “Free Will” comes into play. While Paramatma creates all opportunities for the soul to develop an interest in reaching Him (getting away from the worldly pleasures) it is upto the souls themselves to take the steps. He quoted an appropriate Sutra from the sacred text of Brahma Sutram (“Kruta prayathna apeksha:” - Brahma Sutram ii 3.42) to support the “need for efforts of the souls”. Linking this back to the discussion of Ramayanam, Sri Ranganji submitted that God being manifested as Rama is essentially out of this feeling of “karuna” and to act as a Role Model for us to follow and thereby reach Him.

With that he moved onto the very first sargam of Kishkindha Kandam.The sargam finds Rama and Lakshmana in Kishkindha standing on the banks of Pampa saras. This long sargam of many beautiful slokas carries Valmiki’s poetic descriptions of the Spring season being experienced by Rama at the beautiful Pampa Theeram. Sri Ranganji’s narrations of these slokas and the descriptions were mesmerising. One could experience Pampa right in the lecture hall itself. The Hamsa pakshis sitting daintily on the beautiful lotus flowers, the wonderfully dancing peacocks, the gentle caressing spring breeze, the swaying trees, the soothing moonlight ........But these bountiful nature’s beauties only serve to remind Rama of Sita. He goes on describing his forlorn feelings to Lakshmana in sloka after sloka. At this point in time, Lakshmana steps in to calm down his elder brother and to divert his attention towards the actions to be taken towards regaining Sita.

This juncture saw Sri Ranganji dwelling at length on the supreme sacrifices of Lakshmana in dedicating his life for Rama. If one particular character has to be chosen from all the epics as being born purely to serve his elder brother and seeing no life beyond this, it is undoubtedly the character of Lakshmana. Sacrificing his princely life, leaving a life with his wife behind, separating from his parents and suffering all the pains of wandering around in the forest ............. just for the single purpose of taking care of his elder brother and sister-in-law. Lakshmana takes your breath away.

Coming back to the narration of Kishkindha Kandam, Sri Ranganji spent quite some time focusing on Lakshmana’s words pulling Rama out of his sorrow and motivating themselves to look to the future course to be taken. Lakshmana mentioning about a moist wick of a lamp needing extra oil to start glowing with fire and implying a parallel to the need of positive energy (utsaaham) to get them out of this slump and get them moving, was narrated very energetically by the Upanyaasakar. The further slokas which are exhortations by Lakshmana praising the attitude of determination to act as the cause of success of any venture, were well brought out by Sri Ranganji.

svaasthyam bhadram bhajasva aaryaH tyajataam kR^ipaNaa matiH | artho hi naSTa kaa.ryaarthaiH na ayatne na adhigamyate || 4-1-120

utsaaho balavaan aarya naasti utsaahaat param balam | saH utsaahasya hi lokeSu na ki.mchit api durlabham || 4-1-121

utsaahavantaH puruSaa na avasiidanti karmasu | utsaaha matram aashritya siitaam pratilapsyaam janakiim || 4-1-122

Sri Ranganji ended this sargam on a very energetic note stating that Rama and Lakshmana are now about to meet a personality who is the very epitome of positive energy and determined action. This was Sri Ranganji’s introduction of the Great Rama Bhaktha Hanuman to the audience. The sargamended with bringing in Sugreeva, the Vaanara Leader, and his Ministers ....... Sugreeva getting worried looking at Rama and Lakshmana from a distance, and taking them to be Vaali’s allies sent to kill him (Sugreeva). Here the fascinating Hanuman enters, assuring Sugreeva not to be worried. Sugreeva sends Anjaneya on a reconnaissance assignment. As per Sugreeva’s words, Anjaneya in the disguise of a sanyaasi goes to Rama & Lakshmana. On seeing them Anjaneya falls at their feet and pays his respects. The peculiarity of this scene was highlighted very well by Sri Ranganji. Here is a Sanyaasi falling at the feet of a Grahastha, which is a violation of the norms. Neither the sanyaasi is expected to do it nor the gruhastha is expected to accept it. But here Anjaneya, the sanyaasi does it and Rama nonchalantly accepts it! Why? Because Anjaneya understood who Rama is. And Rama, in His moolarupam, accepts his Bhaktha’s obeisance.

Here Sri Ranganji also brought out an interesting variance between Valmiki’s treatment of this unusual scene and that of Poet Kamban, at a much later day, of the same scene. Valmiki who takes a lot of care to portray Rama as a human being throughout most of Ramayana, in this episode portrays Rama displaying who He really is by nonchalantly accepting a sanyaasi’s namaskar. But, Kamban, who enthusiastically portrays Rama as The God very often in his Kamba Ramayanam, portrays Rama as a human being in this scene by showing Rama as being uncomfortable when the sanyaasi falls at his feet. Interesting contrast!

Then Sri Ranganji moved on to the “Rama-Anjaneya sambaashanaa (dialogue)”. He very enthusiastically narrated how wonderfully Anjaneya spoke with Rama-Lakshmana. Even though his apparent purpose, per Sugreeva’s words, was to find out who they were in reality he went on praising them in a very genuine way highlighting everything that was magnificent about them. And, along with every superlative description of their qualities, simultaneously he expresses his wonderment about who they in fact were. Here Sri Ranganji drew our attention to the fact that all the praise and description of Hanuman included Lakshmana along with Rama. And at the end, when he still does not find Rama-Lakshmana answering him, he reveals who he is (not a sanyaasi but Hanuman, the Vayu putra and Vaanara sreshta). Sri Ranganji eulogised Hanuman’s wonderful manner of speaking by showing that Rama was enjoying himself immersed in Hanuman’s “Vaagsamudram” that he did not even reply him. And then Rama turned to Lakshmana and started a fascinating monologue in praise of Hanuman’s competence in expressing himself. Rama commences by telling Lakshmana to answer Hanuman, who is Sugreeva’s Minister.Here Sri Ranganji elaborated on a beautiful commentary by one of the ancient Vyaakyaanakarthas on a subtle point. Rama addresses Lakshmana as “Soumitre” in this slokam. The spontaneous meaning that word brings to us is “Son of Sumitra Devi”. But this Commentator gave a new meaning to that word in this context ..... as “Mitra bhavena (Friendly)” . The context is one of establishing an alliance with Sugreeva through Hanuman. It is meant here that Rama entrusts this task to Lakshmana who can discuss in a friendly manner, with Hanuman. Somewhere later on in Valmiki Ramayana Valmiki indeed is referring to Lakshmana as “Mitranandana” thus endorsing the interpretation by this Commentator. This was a sweet moment in the discourse today.

tam abhyabhaaSha saumitre sugriiva sachivam kapim | vaakyaj~nam madhuraiH vaakyaiH sneha yuk{}tam arindama || 4-3-27

Due to the paucity of time this evening, Sri Ranganji restricted himself to discussing the first few slokas of Rama’s words to Lakshmana, leaving the rest to be covered the next day. First Rama says to Lakshmana that from his speech it is clear that Hanuman is an expert in the Vedas. Unless he has mastered Rig, Yajur and Saama Vedas he could not have spoken so well. And Rama points out that in spite of speaking so long in samskritam Hanuman did not commit even a single mistake (“kinchith api apashabdhitham na”). It shows that he has learnt Vyaakaranam many times over. His body language, while speaking, was blemishless (“dosha: na samvidhitha:”). He went on to elaborate the next two beautiful slokas. Hanuman’s pitch was perfectly medium neither high nor low. It was precise. Very credible. Neither drawn out nor too fast. Came out from his heart. Very educated in the art of forming the words. Clear diction. Very auspicious words. And importantly his way of speaking pleases the one who listens to it. One would feel like going on listening to it.

na an Rigveda viniitasya na ayajurveda dhaariNaH | na asaama veda viduSaH shakyam evam vibhaaSitum || 4-3-28

nuunam vyakaraNam kRitsnam anena bahudhaa shrutam | bahu vyaaharataa anena na kimchit apa shabditam || 4-3-29

na mukhe netrayoH ca api lalaaTe cha bhruvoH tathaa | anyeSu api cha sarveSu doSaH samviditaH kvachit || 4-3-30

avistaram asandigdham avilambitam avyatham | uraHstham kaNThagam vaakyam vartate madhyame svaram || 4-3-31

sa.mskaara krama sampannaam adbhutaam avilambitaam | uccaarayati kalyaaNiim vaacham hRidaya harSiNiim || 4-3-32

With this ongoing superlative from Rama being showered on Anjaneya the discourse ended for the day. This divine episode of Rama-Lakshmana’s discussions with Hanuman will continue the next day in the discourse.

Second Day

The second day’s pravachanam continued on from where Sri Ranganji had left off the previous day. The scene was the majestic Rama addressing Lakshmana talking about the beauty of Hanuman’s calibre, Lakshmana intensely listening to Rama and Hanuman standing in front of the two divine beings, with respect and devotion radiating from him. Let us pick up the upanyasam from here on.
Very interestingly Sri Ranganji started with the puzzle of “Why did Rama stand quiet without responding to Anjaneya, inspite of Vayuputra’s detailed questions?”. Logically speaking there are many possibilities. One could be that Rama feels a superior status compared to the Vaanara Hanuman. Hence he speaks to Hanuman through Lakshmana. For example, in Sundara Kandam when Hanuman is taken as a captive to Ravana’s court, Ravana does not address Hanuman directly. He does it through his Minister. But, Sri Ranganji hastened to point out that this is not at all Rama’s nature. To even a Rakshasi Surpanaka when Rama takes pains to explain who they were (in great detail), certainly this kind of superiority complex is alien to Rama’s gunaas.
Another possibility is that Rama is stunned by the very high level of scholarship displayed by Hanuman and does not feel equally knowledgeable. Hence his silence. This is preposterous and unimaginable since Narada clearly says to Valmiki that Rama is very well versed not only in all the vedas and shastras but also their inner meanings (tattvajna:).
veda vedaaNga tattvajno dhanur vede ca niSThitaH || 1-1-14
sarva shaastra artha tattvajno smRitimaan pratibhaanavaan |
The answer lies, as Sri Ranganji pointed out, in a wonderful interpretation by one of the ancient Commentators. Hanuman’s slokas seem at a surface level to be just praising Rama & Lakshmana and enquiring as to who they were. But in reality they are all vedic words of eminent descriptions of the Supreme Universal Personality (Paramatma). Through these slokas Hanuman is actually implyingthat he has understood Rama to be that Paramatma and is implicitly asking Rama to confirm the same.
raajarShi deva pratimau taapasau saMshita vratau || 4-3-5 desham katham imam praaptau bhavantau vara varNinau | traasayantau mR^iga gaNaan anyaam cha vana chaariNaH || 4-3-6
This puts Rama in a spot. If he confirms it, which is the truth, he will be breaking his own sankalpam not to show his divinity during this avathaar. If he denies it, it will be false and he will be breaking his principle of sticking to the truth. This Commentator concludes that this was the reason Rama stood still after listening to Hanuman and then turned to Lakshmana to speak. Not only this, but this sumptuous meal was to continue with another dessert. Let me now try to capture Sri Ranganji’s rendition of this final beauty in this topic.
Lakshmana takes immense pleasure in discussing Rama’s kalyana gunaas with others. But he can discuss these only with like minded people, who are in awe of Rama’s qualities. Not with any and every one. In Ayodhya he had many such people with whom he could enjoy sharing his experiences with Rama. Even after he came to the forest, initially he had Sita Devi with whom he could discuss Rama and experience happiness. But from the time Sita Devi was lost, Lakshmana is without any such person to share these with. And Rama knows this. Rama feels finally Lakshmana got the right company (in Hanuman) which he needs to discuss about Rama gunaas. Hence he triggers and facilitates the discussion between Lakshmana & Hanuman, and stands by watching with a lot of happiness. Two of the greatest devotees of Rama in discussion about Rama and Rama himself is standing there as the “Sakshi (witness)”. It is a great scene to visualise! This was a very interesting and subtle interpretation which was sweetly narrated by Sri Ranganji.
Lakshmana goes onto explain who Rama is in good detail and Lakshmana identifies himself too. Hereabouts there was another interesting interpretation in the Lakshmana-Hanuman sambhashanathat Sri Ranganji highlighted. In the course of this discussion Lakshmana mentions “lokanaathaH puraa bhuutvaa sugriivam naatham icChati”. This can be taken as to mean that Rama is ready to accept Sugreeva as his superior or that Rama is desirous of making Sugreeva the master of Kishkindha. And Hanuman’s oblique answer “vaanareindreNa diSTyaa darshanam aagataa:” clearly implies that they are God sent Saviours of Sugreeva and Sugreeva should come to have their darshan. It clarifies where Rama and Sugreeva stand with respect to each other in Hanuman’s mind.
Then Hanuman takes his natural huge vaanara shape, carries Rama and Lakshmana on his back and brings them to where Sugreeva is. Hereabouts Sri Ranganji explained that Hanuman carried them on his back (“pRiSTam Aropya tau virau”), and not on his shoulders as sometimes portrayed. Sri Ranganji continued on with his narration of the establishment of friendship pact between Rama and Sugreeva. Interestingly, Sugreeva literally offers his hand and Rama takes it as a sign of friendship (“gRihyataam paaNinaa paaNi:”)! Hanuman, ignites a fire and makes Rama and Sugreeva make a friendship pact with agni as the witness (agnisakshi). The interpretation is that Hanuman, the Acharyan, unites Sugreeva, the aggrieved soul, with Rama, the Paramatma.

Sugreeva on hearing Rama’s charithra mentions that he indeed saw a woman being carried away by a Rakshasa through the sky and the Lady had dropped some of her jewels near Sugreeva. Sugreeva shows those jewels to Rama and Rama is grief stricken on seeing them and identifying them to clearly belonging to Sita.
At this point in the pravachanam, Sri Ranganji spent quite a length of time emphasising the “sakya” nature of bond between Rama and Sugreeva and about “Sakya Dharmam” itself.
At this juncture a famous demonstration of Lakshmana’s devotion to Rama & Sita comes about. Wonderfully recorded by Sage Valmiki and beautifully related to the audience by Sri Ranganji. Rama shows the jewels to Lakshmana expecting that Lakshmana would also relate with them and get reminded of Devi. Here Lakshmana says, “I cannot recognise the bracelet or earrings but I can certainly recognise the anklets, the jewel on Devi’s feet, since I used to see it every day when I used to offer my pranams at Devi’s feet (‘nityam paada abhi vandanaat’)”. It is a famous slokam which was emotionally brought out by Sri Ranganji.
na aham jaanaami keyuure na aham jaanaami kunDale || 4-6-22
nuupure tu abhijanaami nityam paada abhivandanaat |
Now we can also recall Sri Ranganji’s narration of the way Lakshmana introduced himself to Hanuman earlier. Lakshmana introduces himself as the younger brother of Rama and his Daasa purely because of his qualities (‘asya avaraH bhraataa guNaiH daasyam upaagata:’ ) ! What a great character Lakshmana is!
The narration continued on with Sugreeva’s issues with Vaali and a promise by Rama to kill Vaali, to help Sugreeva. Sri Ranganji did spend some delicious moments on the episode of the ignorant Sugreeva anxiously testing Rama’s prowess to check whether Rama was a match for Vaali. The day’s pravachanam ended with Rama giving confidence to Sugreeva about his prowess and emphasising his promise to kill Vaali.

Third Day
Every religious discourse has a noble goal. That of uplifting the listener. Some discourses touch your heart, make you melt with the pure emotions of the episodes. Some discourses kindle your mind and send you home with bubbling thoughts. Occasionally, once in a while, there come discourses which simultaneously move you at an emotional level as well as trigger in your mind many pathbreaking thoughts. I think I won’t be wrong if I say that today’s discourse was one such rare one.
Rama has made a promise to Sugreeva already to kill Vaali. And today it would take place in the discourse. The setting was perfect for the audience to get a good understanding of the dharma behind this act, which has been debated by the Hindu world since time immemorial. Hence there was an air of special expectation in the hall.
Sri Ranganji started off saying that the most important characteristic of God is His Karuna. His Grace is driven by His nature of Karuna (compassion). In Kishkindha Kandam Rama comes across two major characters viz., Sugreeva and Hanuman. Hanuman is an absolute gnani (Poornapragyan) and he understands who Rama is just at his very first sight of Rama. On the other hand, Sugreeva is someone who starts off wondering whether Rama is his enemy sent by Vaali, then gradually with Hanuman’s assistance takes Rama as a friend, still doubting his prowess, tests him and assureshimself of his strength and valour ....... thus gradually Rama grows inside Sugreeva. Eventually he understands who Rama is in reality and has by then accepted him fully as his Master. Sri Ranganji was highlighting that God was gracious enough to accept Sugreeva’s tests and slow generation of faith, out of His Karuna. And that we the ordinary human beings are akin to Sugreeva in our faith in God. But just like in the case of Sugreeva, there is always a hope that God in His compassion, will accept us.
Moving on, he soon came to the episode of Sugreeva calling Vaali for a duel and in the first round getting soundly beaten. Rama blames it on the identical appearance of both Vaali & Sugreeva. And Rama asks Lakshmana to adorn Sugreeva’s neck with a garland to distinguish him differently from Vaali. For this Sri Ranganji brought out a vyaakyaanam which was very interesting. While Hanuman addressed both Rama & Lakshmana with respect from the first time he set eyes on them, Sugreeva apparently ignored Lakshmana all the time addressing only Rama till this episode. Hence it was poetic justice that Sugreeva had to face Vaali’s physical beatings in the first round of the duel and symbolically Rama chose Lakshmana to garland him (not just as a distinguishing mark) but also as a blessing for his victory in the second round of the duel. Interesting!
This time when Sugreeva gives a call for the fight, Vaali is surprised that a soundly beaten Sugreeva has the gumption to call for another round of fight. And he rushes forward in his anger. Hereabouts Sri Ranganji elaborated on the wonderful advice of Taara, Vaali’s wife. Taara, the wise queen, cautions Vaali about the new ally of Sugreeva. Sugreeva might be a weak orphan without power, army and wealth but he has got Rama, who is the refuge of the helpless people (“Aapannaanaam paraa gathi:”), as his ally. It may not be advisable to fight Sugreeva.
nivaasa vRikSaH saadhuunaam aapannaanaam paraa gatiH | 4-15-19 aartaanaam sa.mshrayaH caiva yashasaH ca eka bhaajanam |
Instead, she advises Vaali, to bring in Sugreeva and crown him as the Prince. Very wise words indeed! But, Vaali, in his fierce anger, does not give much value to her words. And then Taara performs her rightful duty of sending Vaali to the battle appropriately. And then this time in the battle, as Rama sees Sugreeva once again at the receiving end, decides to shoot his arrow at Vaali.And so he does. Vaali falls on the ground with the arrow struck in his chest. Rama comes out of the woods and stands before Vaali.
Sri Ranganji quoted the very first sloka in Vaali’s address to Sri Rama, to point out the extraordinary nature of this dialogue. Here is the great Vaanara King down on the ground mortally wounded by Rama, that too from a hidden place while he was engaged in a battle with someone else. He must be extremely angry with Rama, rightfully so. But instead surprisingly Vaali addresses Rama as Priyadarshana ( “tvam naraadhipateH putraH prathitaH priya darshana:”). He strings a set of auspicious adjectives to describe Rama (born in a great dynasty, gathering of good qualities, glorious and having a great character of leading principled life.
kuliinaH sattva sampannaH tejasvii caritavrataH | raamaH karuNavedii ca prajaanaam ca hiterataH || 4-17-17 saanukrosho mahotsaahaH samayajno dRiDhavrataH | iti etat sarva bhuutaani kathayanti yasho bhuvi || 4-17-18
Here Sri Ranganji moved into an inspired bout of sharing some very deep insights. First of all, he accorded a huge honour on Vaali by pointing out the fact that Vaali must be extremely strong for stopping Rama’s arrow midway through its journey through his body. The arrow which in the hands of Rama had earlier pierced through seven strong trees, went through different worlds and came back to Rama ........
Then he went out of Valmiki Ramayana to narrate an interesting scene of Vaali, even while mortally wounded, still able to exert an unbelievable amount of strength to pull out the arrow and reads the name RAMA inscribed on it. This stage of the episode inspired Sri Ranganji to go into the magnificent aura around the two Tharaka Mantras that the world knows about. One being “Om” and the other being “Rama”. He started off with Mimamsa philosophy of seeing the entire universe as waves leading to “Om” the pranava manthram & tharaka manthram, which is the creational cause of the Universe, quoting Mandukya Upanishad. The ability of the sound waves of “Om” to bring anextraordinary sense of peace to one who is chanting it and how the word “Rama” has a similar effect was well brought out by him. In fact he cast a spell on the audience with his rhythmic chanting of Rama ... Rama ... Rama ..... for about 30 seconds. The entire hall vibrated with peace. It may sound odd that I am combining “peace” which implies calming down of actions with the strong act of “vibrations”. But yes, the hall indeed did reverberate with peace!
And Sri Ranganji brought the discussion back to Vaali after a very philosophical half an hour, and said how blessed Vaali must be to see that Tharaka Manthram on the arrow that shot him down and then to find the very personification of the Tharaka Manthram to be standing in front of him with the grand Kothandam by his side.
Then Sri Ranganji moved onto the questions that Vaali poses to Rama as to why he shot him down when he was not fighting with him but someone else, when he did not belong to his kingdom, when he is not a human but an animal to whom the human ethics do not apply, why shoot him when his flesh is not fit for eating etc ............. and as to how Rama would be able to justify it to groups of good people (“kim vakshyasi sathaam madhye”).
Sri Rama starts answering Vaali. Here Sri Ranganji expanded beautifully on the slokam:
suukSmaH parama durhjneyaH sataam dharmaH plavamgama | hRidisthaH sarva bhuutaanaam aatmaa veda shubhaashubham || 4-18-15
Rama points out that it is very difficult to understand dharma in a particular context. What looks like dharma can be deceptively a wrong course. What looks apparently llike adharma can be the right course and indeed dharmic. That is where the deep sakshi (witness) inside each one of us has the most neutral and objective answer. Even manas is not the right judge. Manas is biased by likes and dislikes as well as by anger and jealousy. But the sakshi inside, in fact the Paramatma who is residing in the heart as the manasakshi, is the one who can be the judge to decide on what is dharma and what is not. Here Sri Ranganji connected very well with the entire audience when he gave theexample of how universally a Hero and a Villain in a Movie or Novel are identified as Hero and Villain, without being tagged so by the author/director. It is because universally deep inside everyone follows a universal code of Right and Wrong. And further universally there is a same hope that the hero who is a good human being should live happily.
With this Rama continues on with his response to Vaali, which spilled over to the next day.

Upcoming Programs for the month of February - 2012

2012-01-31T23:26:00.000-08:00

Upcoming Programs for the month of February - 2012

Date : 5th February, 2012

Venue : Sringeri Sankara Mutt,

By- Pass Road,

Madurai - 16.

Time : 6.30P.M to 8.30P.M

TOPIC : “Kurayondrumillai”

Organiser: Sri Krishna Sweets & Sri Sringeri Sankara Math, Madurai.

Date : 6th to 10th February, 2012

Venue: Sringeri Sankara Mutt,

Time: 6.30P.M to 8.30P.M

TOPIC : "Hanumath Prabhavam - Sundara Kandam"

Organiser: Rama Samajam - Madurai.

Date : 23rd to 26th February, 2012

Venue: Sri Ardhanareeswarar Temple, Nanganallur

Time: 6.30P.M to 8.30P.M

TOPIC : "Sundara Kandam"

Organiser: WEBOLIM - Nanganallur.

Date : 27thFebruary to 2nd March, 2012

Venue: Sri Rama Temple, Goregon(East)

Time: 6.30P.M to 8.30P.M

TOPIC : "Sundara Kandam"

Organiser: Sri Ramakrishna Bhajan Samaj, Goregon.

Vibhishana Sharanagathi Camp - (5th to 8th Jan)

2012-01-24T18:34:00.000-08:00

WEBOLIM Camp - Vibhishana Sharanagathi
(Write Up by Shri Srikanth)

Dharmaadarthah prabhavate dharmaatprabhavate sukham I

Dharmena labhate sarvam dharmasaaramidham jagat II

Out of Dharma springs wealth; Out of Dharma springshappiness; Through Dharma, one obtains everything. This world has Dharma as itsessence. (Ramayanam, 3.9.30)

Dharma is the most coveted word in the Vedas and more so inRamayana. Dharma is the reflection of the cosmic orderliness in human life.Dharma is the heart of Ramayana. Dharma which means righteousness is nature. Dharmais the combination of social development and spiritual progress. To be dharmicis the purpose of life. To lead a Ramayana way of life is to be in nature andto be in Dharma. These are few of the teachings of Dr. R. Ranganji during the Ramayana camp conducted by Web of Life Makers (Webolim) atNanganallur from 5^th January 2012 to 8^th January 2012.

“New” always signifies freshness and hope. The dawn of thisNew Year through this camp has brought the much needed freshness to life and atrue ray of hope to lead a peaceful, truthful and contended life. Dr. Ranganji,the founder President of Webolim, a well known speaker and an expert in Vedas,Upanishads, Yoga and Ramayana, delivereddiscourses on Vibheeshana Sharanagathi(unconditional self surrender of Vibheeshana), one of the key events inRamayana. He elucidated the importance of Sharanagathi and the qualities of oneto be a truthful Sharanagathan. He stressed the importance of trying to be inthe will of God (Aanukoolasya SankalpaH - the first rule for one to attain selfsurrender), which is to be Dharmic and to support Dharma at whatever cost.Citing quotations from the literary work “Abhaya Pradhana Saaram” by Shri.Periya vachan Pillai as his primary reference, Dr. Ranganji brought out thenuances in the discussion between Rama and primary Vanaras including the Lordof Vanaras, Sugriva. The episode also highlights the precedence of Dharma evenover love for family or for a friend. Dharma has to be basis for everything,says Dr. Ranganji. He also explained how Rama establishes Dharma throughout theepic and particularly in this sequence of events. Apart from statingtraditional references, Dr. Ranganji also intuitively explained many conceptsand philosophies behind self surrender and how to live a Dharmic life.

The discourses of Dr. Ranganji were interspersed with discourseson Yuddha Kanda (Canto of War, the final Kanda of Srimad Valmiki Ramayana) byhis students. The mornings started with Yoga and meditation practices followedby traditional Puja. This was followed by Ramayana Parayanam. The afternoonsessions were bustling with high energy as the participants of the campexhibited various skills – skit, presentations, songs, dance, etc. Majority ofthe skills were focused on events from the great epic Ramayana. Somepresentations discussed about the relevance and practical application ofRamayana to present day life and work situations. A few games were also played to help relax themind. To put it in a nutshell, the 4 day camp was a truly holistic learning forone to try to lead a very successful and righteous (Dharmic) life.

To know more about Dr. Ranganji and Web of Life Makers,please refer to the website www.webolim.org.Webolim conducts weekly classes on Ramayana at many places across Chennai andalso in a few cities in India and abroad. Refer to the link http://www.webolim.org/Contribution.htmfor more details.

http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-downtown/article2841302.ece#.TyVqlGSBKN0.gmail

Upcoming Programs - January 2012

2012-01-04T03:38:00.000-08:00

Upcoming Programs - January 2012

Date : 5th to 8thJanuary, 2012

Venue : Sri Dwaraka,

Nanganallur,

Chennai.

Time : 6.30P.M to 8.30P.M

TOPIC : “Srimad Valmiki Ramayanam - Vibhishana Saranagathi”

Organiser: WEBOLIM

Date : 21st to 27th January, 2012

Venue: Geylang Sivan Temple

Time: 6.30P.M to 8.30P.M

TOPIC : "Srimad Valmiki Ramayanam - Kiskindha Kandam"

Organiser: Akila Bharatha Sadhu Sangam - Singapore.

Date : 28th to 29th January, 2012

Venue: Vyasa Yoga, Little India, Singapore.

Time: 9.30A.M to 1.30P.M

TOPIC : "Patanjali Yoga sutras"

Organiser: Vyasa Yoga - Singapore.

Srimad Bhagavatha Sapthaham - 25th dec to 1st Jan 2012

2012-01-03T08:16:00.000-08:00

Srimad Bhagavatha Sapthaham - 25th dec to 1st Jan 2012

Mulund Bhajana samaj organised varsheka Sapthaham of Shri Hariji and Dr Ranganji inVaniVidhyalaya school. The Sapthaham was asusual Udhayasthamana sapthaham. The program started at 7.00A.M in the morning and ended at6.00P.M. Shri Hariji covered Jatabharathopakyanam, Gajendra Moksham, Puranjanopakyanam, Prahlada Charithram,Balai leelai, Rukmini Kalyanam, Astamahishi Kalyanam etc. Dr Ranganji covered shristi leelas, Kunthi sthuthi, Bheesnma sthuthi DhruvaCharithram, Pruthu charithram, AmbarishaCharithramRamopakyanam, UdhavaSandesham, Navayogi upadesam etc. Some new topics this time were Shruthi Geethai, SanthanaGopalopakyanam etc. The Sapthaham was attented by 1000's at the last day.

Bangalore Malleshwaram Navaham - 25thNovember to 4th December

2011-12-22T10:21:00.000-08:00

Bangalore Malleshwaram Navaham -

25thNovember to 4th December

(Write up by Kum GayathriRaghuraman)

SHRI GURUBYO NAMAH

The Navaham held at Shri Kanchi Mutt,Bangalore, was an outpour of Shri Rangan Anna’s immeasurable Anubhav of Bhagwan Rama’s Gunas. All of us swam together effortlessly under the leadership of Sri Rangan Anna in the ocean of Shri Rama’s Gunas.

The feelings of happiness,ecstasy,vibrations of Shri Valmiki’s Ramayana through Shri Rangan Anna’s Pravachan is beyond words. Shri Rangan Anna picturised the entire Ramayana through Shri Valmiki Lens . I could feel Shri Anjaneyar’s power,ecstasy,vinayam in Sundarakandam,Sita mata’s deep agony,pain,Prabhu Rama’s Kripai,Shri Bharath Alwar ‘s Bhakthi all in Shri Rangan Anna ‘s Pravachan. Shri RamaKatha with prime focus on Shri Rama Gunas also had a touch of science, Indian History,Technology,our cultural values, the importance of Vedas,a unique way of showing the importance of Ramayana in our daily life . Shri Rangan Anna’s Pravachan was simple,sweet,lucid that even a child’s attention would be easily drawn. Shri Rangan Anna’s Pravachan echoed Prabhu Rama’s Gunas not only in Pravachan Hall but in all people’s mind & heart.

The Chanting of Rama Nama was like filling colours to portrait of Shri Rama’s in our Heart’s. That is the vibrations the Sacred Taraka Nama had in Shri Rangan Anna’s Voice. The entire scene of Shri Rama spearheading an army of Devotees towards Lanka & crossing the ocean of Samsara symbolically was picturised before us.

Shri Rangan Anna sowed the seed of Bhakthvatsala Rama’s Devotion in everyone’s Heart which would flourish with his divine blessings.

Hey Dayaluva Rama, Hey Kripaluva, Hey Dayaluva Sathya Swami Raghava!

Hosur Ayodhya Kandam Navaham - 17th to 25th September

2011-12-22T10:04:00.000-08:00

Hosur Navaham - 17th to 25th September

(Write up by Shri Ramanujam)

Ayodya Kaandan- Valmiki Ramayana – a detailed look - Upanyaasam by Dr.Ranganji at the Venugopalaswamy Temple – Rangopanditha Agraharm in Sept 2011-12-14
As part of the 2011 temple programmes, Dr.Ranganji delivered the Upanyaasam in the temple premises and was attended by a large gathering . The Upanyaasam was a “navaagam” spread over 9 days with an introductory beginning capturing the sequence of events leading to the beginning of the Ayodya Kaandam and the last day of the Upanyaasam captured the events ending with the triumphant return to Ayodya after the “War in Lanka” and the subsequent Pattabhishekam.
While, traditionally the Ramayan Naavaagam is associated with an Upanyaasam of the complete Valmiki Ramayana ( the six Kaandaas ) , a departure was made in setting up this Uppanyaasam exclusively for the Ayodya Kaandam considering its importance and the intricate details that are usually not explained in a standard Ramayana Navaagam Upanyaasam. Dr.Ranganji vividly took the audience through the detailed explanation of the great qualities of Rama and why Valmiki pronounces his as “Lokae Lokotharaiyee Gunaihii” as detailed in the Ayodya Kaandan and the events leading to his exile to the forest. The essential features of Dharma as explained in the various discussions between Rama & Dasaratha, Rama & mother Kauslaya, Rama & Sita, Rama & Laksmana were dealt with in detail.
Special focus was given to the “Kaschit Sargam” where the important points of nation administration is elucidated by Rama to Bharata and to the “Jaabali Vaakyaam and Reply Sargaas” where Rama shows the importance of not getting trapped in “Lokaayatam” – a modern problem in society. In his own vivid and exclusive style, Dr.Ranganji linked a number of negative aspects of current Indian and world social happenings and how the discussions and events in the Ayodya Kaandaam precisely warn of these and establishes importance of the hierarchical sequence of Dharma – Arthaa – Kama which if altered ends up causing ir-repairable damage to society and social structures.
The Uppanyasam ended with the recital of the “Rama pattabishekam” as per tradition in every Ramayana Navaagam.

Guruvayoor Sapthaham - 31st July to 7thAugust

2011-12-22T09:42:00.000-08:00

Guruvayoor Sapthaham - 31st July to 7thAugust

Srimad Bhagavatha sapthaham was conducted at Guruvayur from July 31st to Aug 7th at Rukmini Kalyana Mandapam, East Nada. The audience sat spell bound from morning 7 am to evening 6.30 pm. They enjoyed the flow of nectar throughout the day by hearing Bhagavatam and having darshan of Guruvayurappan. Sri Ranganji dealt in detail with Bhishma-stuti in which Bhishma meditates on Lord Krishna’s grandeur on the chariot of Arjuna. He also explained the parental love and grace that Lord Vishnu showed to Dhruva. While he explained the lord’s servitude to his devotees in the story of Ambarisha through various incidents happened in the devotees’ life histories the listeners shed tears. He explained in detail the qualifications of devotees while he dealt with the upadesha of nine yogis to the king Janaka. The Vedantic messages were conveyed in depth when Sri Ranganji talked on swan-incarnation of the Lord.

Ayodhya Mandapam Sapthaham - 22nd to 29th July

2011-12-22T09:30:00.000-08:00

Ayodhya Mandapam Sapthaham - 22nd to 29th July

Vaidika Paripalana Sabha conducted a Bhagavatha sapthaham fron 22nd to 29th at Ayodhya Mandapam, chennai. SrisriKrishnapremi swamigal started the Bagavatha Mahathmiyam on first Day. SriRanganji delivered discourses every day four hours. This was attended by more than 500 devootees who sincerely listened the talks. Shri Ranganji quoted from the Vedas and explained that the ultimate purpose of puranas should be the wisdom of Vedas.

Tirupathi Sapthaham - 14th to 21stJuly

2011-12-22T09:16:00.000-08:00

Tirupathi Sapthaham - 14th to 24th July

(Write up by Shri Sundaresan & Smt SudhaSundaresan)

SRI GURUBHYO NAMAH

For world peace and awareness of our culture Sri Panduranga Bhajana Mandali, Bangalore conducted SRIMAD BHAGAVATHA SAPTHAHA SATHAKKRUTHU and RADHA MADHAVA KALYANA MAHOTSAVAM at ALL INDIA ARYA VYSYA SAMAJAM, YETHEENDRA SRIRAMANUJA KOOTAM, TIRUMALA from 14^th July to 24^th July 2011. This was also to celebrate the 118^th Jayanthi of His Holiness Sri Chandrasekarendra Saraswathi Swamigal (Maha Periawal) of Sri Kanchi Kamakoti Mutt.

In this Maha Yagna 137 Bhagavatha’s participated in the daily parayana in Chorus under one platform, under the leadership and guidance of Brahmasri. Dr. Ranganji of Paranur.

On 14^th July 2011 evening, this Maha Yagna started with eminent bhagavatha’s carrying Bhagavatham on their head admist veda ghosham and nama sankeertham from Tirumala Temple to the Parayanam hall filling the Tirumala air with extraordinary ambience.

Next was the inaugural ceremony. The dias was shared by Executive Officer of Tirumala Tirupathi Devastham who himself gave beautiful upanyasam on hindu dharmic values. Dr. Ranganji and others were felicitated in Karnataka Paddathi of adorning Pagadi and Ponnadai.

During the Yagna period all of us had the previlege of Garuda Vahana and Pushpa Pallakku Darshanam (i.e. on 15^th and 16^th July 2011) with Sri. Ranganna,

The Pravachanam was for two sessions and we were enlightened with some more details which Sri. Ranganna had covered during his discourse at Sapthaha Sathakkruthu held at Canara Union, Bangalore, May 2010.

Krishna Jananam was celebrated with much ferver with children dressed as gopikas and running in the hall around the bhagavathas chanting GOVINDA GOVINDA. We all had the feeling of staying in Nandagaon. There was GO Dhanam everyday on all the days and Vastra dhanam offered to orphanages and the seva karta’s of TTD Devasthanam.

On all these days there was also Chathur Veda Parayanam side by side by Rithwiks coming from various places.

Such was the positive vibration that we can’t thank our guru’s less for making us feel so lucky.

Our shastanga Namaskarams to the entire ANNA family, which is toiling day and night, throughout the year, to give us a taste of SANATANA DHARMA for which we are all indebted for life.

Upcoming Programs for November and December

2011-11-21T01:35:00.001-08:00

Date : NOV 25 to DEC 4, 2011

Venue : Sri Kanchi Kamakoti Mutt,

5th Main Road

(between 9th and11thcross),Malleswaram,Bangalore-3.

Time : 6.30P.M to 8.30P.M

TOPIC : “Srimad Valmiki Ramayanam”

Organiser: Sri Panduranga Bhajan Mandali &

Sri Sri ChandrasekharendraSarawathi

Sanathana Dharma Prachara Sabha.

Date : DEC 25 to JAN 1, 2011

Venue : Vani Vidhyalaya,

Mulund, Mumbai.

Time : 6.30A.M to 6.30P.M

TOPIC : “Srimad Bhagavatham”

Organiser: Mulund Bhajana Samaj.

Date : JAN 5 to JAN 8, 2012

Venue : Sri DWARAKA,

Nanganallur.

Time : 8.00A.M to 10.0P.M

TOPIC : “Srimad Valmiki Ramayanam Sathsang”

Organiser: WEBOLIM.

Camp Schedule:

January 5th
8am to 8.30am: Prabodhana
8.30am to 9 am: Break fast
9 am to 10 am: Setu bandhanam by Sri Srikant
10am to 10.15 am: Discussion
10.15 am to 10.30 am: Break
10.30 am to 12.30 am: Vibhishana Sharanagati by Dr. R.Rangan
12.30 am to 1 pm: Puja
1 pm to 2 pm: Lunch
2pm to 5 pm: Skill session
5pm to 6pm: Break
6pm to 6.30pm: Meditation
6.30pm to 7.pm: Bhajan
7pm to 9 pm: Vibhishana Sharanagati by Dr. R.Rangan
9pm to 9.30 pm: Dolotsavam
9.30pm to 10pm: Dinner
January 6th
5.30am to 6.30 am: Yoga
6.30 am to 7.30 am: Bath and wash
7.30 am to 8 am: Prabodhanam
8 am to 8.30 am: Parayanam
8.30 am to 9 am: Breakfast
9 am to 10 am: Ravana Prathama Yuddham by Smt. Dhrushya Rangan
10am to 10.15 am: Discussion
10.15 am to 10.30 am: Break
10.30 am to 12. 30 am: Vibhishana Sharanagati by Dr. R.Rangan
12.30 am to 1 pm: Puja
1 pm to 2 pm: Lunch
2pm to 5 pm: Skill session
5pm to 6pm: Break
6pm to 6.30pm: Meditation
6.30pm to 7.pm: Bhajan
7pm to 9 pm: Vibhishana Sharanagati by Dr. R.Rangan
9pm to 9.30 pm: Dolotsavam
9.30pm to 10pm: Dinner
January 7th
5.30am to 6.30 am: Yoga
6.30 am to 7.30 am: Bath and wash
7.30 am to 8 am: Prabodhanam
8 am to 8.30 am: Parayanam
8.30 am to 9 am: Breakfast
9 am to 10 am: Kumbhakarna vadha by Sri Varadaraja sharma
10am to 10.15 am: Discussion
10.15 am to 10.30 am: Break
10.30 am to 12. 30 am: Vibhishana Sharanagati by Dr. R.Rangan
12.30 am to 1 pm: Puja
1 pm to 2 pm: Lunch
2pm to 5 pm: Skill session
5pm to 6pm: Break
6pm to 6.30pm: Meditation
6.30pm to 7.pm: Bhajan
7pm to 9 pm: Vibhishana Sharanagati by Dr. R.Rangan
9pm to 9.30 pm: Dolotsavam
9.30pm to 10pm: Dinner
January 8th
5.30am to 6.30 am: Yoga
6.30 am to 7.30 am: Bath and wash
7.30 am to 8 am: Prabodhanam
8 am to 8.30 am: Parayanam
8.30 am to 9 am: Breakfast
9 am to 10 am: Ravana vadha by Sri Giridhar
10am to 10.15 am: Discussion
10.15 am to 10.30 am: Break
10.30 am to 12. 30 am: Vibhishana Sharanagati by Dr. R.Rangan
12.30 am to 1 pm: Puja
1 pm to 2 pm: Lunch
2 pm to 3 pm: Agni pravesha Smt Gayatri
3.pm to 4 pm: Sri Ramapattabhisheka

Ramayana Lecture Series - (Thayar Perumai) - Kadayanallur (5th to 9thJune)

2011-09-01T03:51:00.000-07:00

Ramayana Lecture Series - (Thayar Perumai) - Kadayanallur (5th to 9thJune)

There was Ramayana Lecture series of ShiRanganji organised by Shri Chellam Mama. It was a five day series where ShriRanganji dealt in deep the importance of SitaDevi( Seethayaha charitham mahat). He explained about her chastity. Character sketch of SitaDevi was dealt in detail.

Samrajya Pattabhishekam - CheddaNagar (11th to 19thMay)

2011-09-01T03:31:00.001-07:00

Samrajya Pattabhishekam - CheddaNagar (11th to 19thMay)

Samrajya Pattabhishekam was conducted by KrishnaPriya - Mumbai, which is headed by Mrs Jayalakshmi. The program was held at Subramaniyan temple basement hall located at CheddaNagar. This year Shri Ranganji covered Aranya kandam and Kishkinda Kandam in Particular as a special topic. He dealt with deep concepts of prakruthi (Nature) and also war between Kara dhushana and Rama elaborately. He also emphasied importance of Rishis who were the back bone of vedic and Ramayana society. The program was a grand success attended by many people and ended with Sri Rama Pattabhishekam.

Srimad Bhaghavatha Sapthaham - Palakkad (23rd to 29th April)

2011-09-01T03:29:00.000-07:00

Srimad Bhagavatha Sapthaham - Palakkad (23rd to 29th April)

There was a bhagavatha sapthaham of Shri Ranganji at Kalpathy LakshmiNarayana perumal temple. A team of youngsters headed by Shri Mahesh conducted the sapthaham. Shri Ranganji covered all the important topics in two sessions of discourse each day till Rukmini Kalyanam. The last day ended with Abhishekam of Krishna in Bharatha Puzhai (Avabrutha Snanam). Audience enjoyed the lecture sessions with silent gestures.

Srimad Valmiki Ramayana Navaham - 14th to 22nd April

2011-09-01T03:19:00.000-07:00

Srimad Valmiki Ramayana Navaham - 14th to 22nd April

(Writeup by Shri Sundaresan - Nanganallur)

Sri Ranganji’s Discourse on Srimath Ramayanam – From Kishkindha Kandamto Pattabishekam

First and foremost I should thankSmt. Gayathriji for giving me an opportunity to present a write up of Great SriRanganji’s discourse recently held at Padma Seshadri School, K.K.Nagar duringthe period 14^th of April 2011 till 22^nd of April 2011 onSrimath Ramayanam.

In fact, this is the first timein my life revealing my views of the great discourse given by Sri Rangani. I request each and every one to forgive me ifI may be wrong in some areas and I also give you the freedom to correct andupdate me where I went wrong.

On 14^th of April 2011,Sri Ranganji started his discourse from KISHKINDHA KANDAM. It’s a great opportunity for me and for thepublic who gathered there for the discourse. There are no words in English to give a write up on his discourse. Itwas a great feeling and we all felt as if the entire epic was happening beforeour eyes. We were enlightened. Henarrated the verses of Sri Valmiki in his own highly spirited high pitch andhis modulation here and there was admirable. The entire discourse by him was excellent and mind boggling.

Though everyone know the RamayanaKatha, but only a few can make the audience to take back to Rama’s era and onesuch narrator is Sri Ranganji. He tookus to Kishkindha and made us to feel the passion of love how Rama felt uponDevi Sita. In most of time, we literallywept both inside and outside alongwith Lord Rama during the narration.

He very clearly explained and narratedthe whole issues of Kishkindha Kandam and I would like to highlight the eventswhich touched us.

The introductory speech of SevakHanuman with Lord Rama and Lakshmana and in turn Lord Rama asked Lakshmana toquestion Hanuman to find his eternal wisdom and character and Hanuman’s answersto the questions were very beautifully and vividly explained by Sri Ranganji.

Later Hanuman taking Lord Ramaand Lakshmana to Sugreeva who was in exile in Rishimukha Parvatham, which isthe one and only place where Sugreeva can live in peace because his brotherVali could not reach there as he has a curse from Mathanka Muni. Here, Sri Ranganji explained that Bhagvanwill offer everyone a place to live in peace was touching one. The reality was explainedwith suitable example.

During the introduction of LordRama and Lakshmana to Sugreeva and viceversa, I would like to quote one such instance which cannot be left aside. When Sugreeva handed over the fewer Jewels toLord Rama which was thrown by Devi Sita while she was abducted by Ravana inPushpaka Vimana, Lord Rama asked Lakshmana to identify those jewels. Here Lakshmana was able to identify only the“Noopur” (Golusu) of Devi Sita which enlightens the bhakthi of Lakshmana has towards Devi Sita was narrated beautifullyby Sri Ranganji. This gives more insight of a true sevak.

During Vali’s vadha which isknown to everyone who knows Ramayana and till that day even I had a questionthat “why Lord Rama did not fight straight with Vali” ??? This was quoted by all Tamil Nadu politicianswho were God Botherers. Here I wish todifferentiate between God Botherers and God Fearers. God Botherers are a set of people who alwaystend to find fault on Lord Rama and say that it’s a story and not an epic. God Fearers are a set of people who use Godthen and there according to their wish and need. One has to be God Admirer to attain wisdom,in turn attain Saranagathi, which will lead us to Mukthi.

A beautiful answer andexplanation was given by Sri Ranganji to the above question raised by Vali toLord Rama.

Lord Rama who hails from Ikshvagu Vamsam, and has the right to punish the Adharmic persons, so he punished vali for his adharmic activity of abducting one’s wife (Sugreevan’s wife).which is not dharma.
Lord Rama is going to utilize the entire Vanaras to wage a war against Ravana. If suppose, Lord Rama comes to fight with Vali straightly, Vali, being a king would order the Vanara force to fight against Lord Rama. To avoid such a situation, he punished Vali from behind.

Lord Rama is Dharma and Dharmamis Lord Rama – they are one and the same. He has taken birth only to destroy the people who adore Adharma and toprotect the people who practices Dharma.

This explanation given by SriRanganji was very touching and was a remarkable one and gave a clarity to meand to everyone.

If I recollect and ponder theentire discourse of Sri Ranganji, I may try to make a replica only, so I triedmy best to cut short but it’s only a vain. I fear I am not doing justice, but I have to do so. After Sugreeva’s Pattabishekam, Lord Ramatells him that the mission of locating Devi Sita can be started after RainySeason and to take rest. During thatseason, Lord Rama reveals the passion of love on Devi Sita. He recollects the yester days with Devi Sitaaccompanying with trees, rivers, flowers, animals, buds, insects etc. Ranjanjiexplained as if it is happening before our eyes.

This narration of entire episodeclearly shows even Lord Rama who has taken human form has to undergo the painof love and passion.. Again Sri Ranganjihas taken us to Hampi and made us to feel we all lived aside Lord Rama.

After the monsoon, the missionstarts to locate Devi Sita, the most important part of Ramayanam (i.e.)“Sundara Kandam” starts.

In this SUNDARA Kandam, SevakHanuman is the hero, it clearly shows that one who adores Lord Rama totally cando wonders in this world. Sevak Hanumanafter getting the information from Sambathi, he starts his great mission toLanka, takes the aerial route to cross the Ocean. He clearly evades all theobstacles while reaching lanka as he has the Tharaga Mantram “Jai Sri Ram” withhimself. Here, Sri Ranganji narratedeach and every part and most important part of Hanuman finally locating DeviSita in Ashoka Vanam was a vivid one.

Here the most important point heinsisted upon in Sundara Kandam is that Lord Rama is Paramathma and Devi Sitais Jeevathma longing to unite with Paramathma and Hanuman is Guru who acts as abridge between them by explaining to Jeevathma about Paramathma and viceversa. Sundara Kandam is considered mostsacred and important one of all kandams because of the above reason and alsothe entire Ramayana katha from Ayodha Kandam to till date is narrated byHanuman to Devi Sita. So, one who reads SundaraKandam will come across the entire Ramayanam and will come to know about LordRama, his grace, charm, path of dharma, his misson, his vision and everythingone has to adore.

Later Hanuman coming back toRishi mukha parvatham and explaining Lord Rama about the situation of Devi Sitaby giving Choodamani and also about Lanka was elaborated beautifully by SriRanganji. Hanuman gaves a ray of hope to lord Rama and devi Sita for theirunification. This is the greatness of hanuman and the sundara gandam.

Meanwhile, Vibishana the youngerbrother of Ravana leaves the throne of Lanka and joins lord Rama since he isone and only human who tried to explain Ravana of his disgraceful act and herequested to leave Devi Sita to lord Rama but everything went hearldless. Laterlord Rama made a golden path above the sea route with the help of Nalan and theother vanaras reached lanka .

Shri Ranganji very elobaratelydescribed event by event in yudha kandam. I would like to mention only fewerpoints which were exciting. During the war there came one instance where Ravana lost all his weapons and and his ratham evenand was helpless. That was the golden opportunity to lord Rama to kill him butagain lord Rama followed the yudha dharma insisted Ravana to go back and comenext day with new chariot and all new good weapons. This enlights that lord Ramagave a chance to Ravana to surrender and his grace and solitude even towardsrakshasas also. He accepted the vibishana saranakathi, same way he would haveaccepted ravana also. But ravana did not change.

Secondly during the war indrajithwaged nagasthira against lord rama and lakshmana. Lord rama the almighty wouldhave destroyed the asthra very easily but he accepted it in good faith. Laterwhen everybody was shocked the great garuda came for rescue to save his lordand his brother. In that incident lord Rama asked gardua whom you are? This notonly shocked vibishna, sukriva, jambavan, hanuman even garuda himself andnaturally we also. This incident was beautifully narrated by shri ranganji that lord rama never showedthat he is almighty in any instance, place or to any one in the entire episode.Those who had the vision had understood and honoured him. This is greatness ofshri lord Rama Later garuda removed the venom from Lakshma’s body he was saved.

Again after this incident Indrajjithwaged Bhramashtram against lord Rama, Lakshmana and the entire vanara army.Again lord accepted the brahmaashthra with honour. Ranjanji vividlyexplains here the almighty accepted this astra not only to honour the weaponbut also to explain to this world about hanumans prabhavam. Here hanuman takesthe aerial route to Himalayas from lanka andbrings the mrithaa sanjeeveni and rescues the lord and everyone. This is the charismaof lord Rama that though he does everything with his power but he gives theimportance to everyone who took part in the dharma yudham.

Later lord destroyed each andevery rakshasa in the war between dharma and adharma. After killing Ravana andmost of rakshasas, I would like to highlight one instance when Mantothari, Ravana’s wife came to see the dead ravana inthe battle field, she cried out of pain and again she informs that she remindedRavana “n” number of times that abducting devi sita is greatest sin and Ramawho will come to rescue devi Sita is one and only lord Vishnu, and he will destroy Ravana and Lanka. Thisincident was beatifully narrated by Ranganji and told us that Rama showed histrue swayamrupa darshan to her.

After ravana vadham , lord Rama informsLakshmana and hanuman to organize the vibishna pattabishekam. After that heinforms king Vibishna to bring back devi sita . later devi sita the jeevatmaunifies with paramathma with lord Rama. The narration by Rranjanji here was sonice that we all felt that we were present during the unification and we allhailed Jai sita ram.

Then after vibishna pattabishekamthe entire vanara army with lord leaves lanka to ayodhya. Meanwhile during thediscourse shri Ranjanji gave a small crisp, brief narration of the Indian historyway back to 3500 years in which he very clearly explained how sanadana dharmawas established in the Indian soil and how lord Rama used several rishis andgurus to install. He very beautifully narrated the great great warriors who foughtwith moghuls, muslims and other entities who tried to destroy our own historicancient vedic sanadana dharma culture. He gave short notes on king shivaji,samudra gupta maurya, Krishna deva raya andother great gurus like Samartha Ramadass. This paved the foundation for agreater discourse about Samartha Ramadass on a later day in a very near future.This narration highlights Ranganji’s insight and very deep knowledge of thegreat Indian history and sanadana dharma. It very clearly shows his thirst and mission to establish the ancientvedic Indian culture to re-establish in this so called modern kaliyuga era. Ifeel it is a great start and I would request every one to be part of theongoing future programs with him.

Coming back to the last and finalday of the discourse on shri Rama Pattabishekam we were greeted by great greatvaruna baghvan who gave his attendance personally and the other entire Lord Siva,Lord Brahma and others like devendras and rishis and great grurs wereomnipresent. I appreciate the entire crowd who stood along with Ranganji duringthe last episode on Shri Rama Pattabishekam inspite of pouring. We all had a feeling that we all took part inthe Rama Pattabishekam and we all enjoyed our trip to Ayodhya and we all stayedchanting Jai sita ram in Ayodhya . subham.

Jai sita ram

Mulund Sundara Kanda Lectures - 4th to 10th April

2011-05-10T20:38:00.000-07:00

Upanyasam on Hanumath Prabhavam Sundarakandam at Mulund , Mumbai

(Write Up by Smt Seetha)

Ramanavami or the birthday of Lord Rama is a major Hindu festival celebrated all over the country by devout Hindus. Chanting the holy name of Rama and Sankirtanams and holding lectures and discourses on Srimad Ramayana is a common feature of celebration in all parts of India.

Ramanavami festival is celebrated not only throughout our country but also by other Nations. As correctly said by Sri Ranganji, Ramayana will keep going on and on till the rivers flow and till the mountains exist. He tells about the satsangam in all the kaandams and the same is briefly explained in kishkinda kaandam and sundara kaandam.

Kishkinda Kaandam is one of the important Kandams where Rama and Hanuman meet. Hanuman speaks to Lord Rama and pearls of wisdom came forth from his auspicious mouth. He spoke to Rama in wordings of all the Vedas.

From his noble thought and words Rama understood that Hanuman is a Gyani. He is Vyakaranna Pandithan and Sakala Pandithan. In the whole of Ramayana, Sundarakandam has taken place in a brief 15 hours only. But it is described in detail in 68 slokas. Compared to other Kaandams, which took place for a long time but is told in less slokas.

Hanuman went to Lanka as a Dhootan. So Lanka is explained in brief because as a Dhootan he is expected o know the nook and corner of the place he visits. So Kishkintha Kaandam is mainly Rama Lakshmana meeting Hanuman and Hanuman goes as a dhootan to Lanka. He meets Seetha there. The meeting of Seetha and Hanuman is Sundarakaandam and he comes back to Rama with victory of meeting Seetha.

In Ramayana in every sargam the experience of satsang is given importance. The Upanishads tell that Parabrahma is Sri Rama or Atma Rama. This is what he brings into our experience. The main thathvams are clearly mentioned in Ramayana i.e.:

Rama is Paramathma

Seetha is Jeevathma

Hanuman is Guru

Ravana with ten heads is dasha indriyangal (Rajo guna)

Vibeeshanan is Satva guna

Kumbakarnan is Tamo guna

Surpanakai is Prakirthi

In day to day life also we should follow Sita to achieve Unnathi in Manushya Janmam.

In Sundarakaandam Hanuman sees Sita and recognizes immediately in the Ashoka vatika. Her concentration, patience, forbearance and purity. When she was surrounded by the ogresses, she was protected by her virtue. She overcame the travails that beset Her by her virtue, wisdom, love and strength. She could handle Ravana also by this strength. Hanuman the great Bhakta of Rama tells Seetha that he is Rama’s Dhootan and assures her that Rama is safe. He also holds his hand with the Anguleeyaga to Seetha. He does not give it to her. But hold his hand for Her to take. Because if he gives it to her his hand will go up and Seetha’s hand will come down for taking. So the wise gyani that Hanuman is, he keeps his hands down and Seetha takes it and in return she gives her choodamani to Hanuman. Hanuman assures her that he will bring Rama and Lakshmana and will take her back safely.

On return from Lanka Hanuman meets Rama and offers the choodamani to Lord Rama. Again his hands are down and Rama’s hands are up to take it. Thus was the great bhakti of Hanuman to Lord Rama and Seetha. Seetha is the embodiment of purity and devotion. Here Shri Ranganji tells about the karunai of Ambal. The experience of Parashara Bhattar. Bhattar surrenders fully to the Godess with his hands folded together. Sree Lakshmi gives him Aishwaryam, Dhanam, Bhoomi and even Vaikuntha Stithi. Still the Godess feels that all this is not enough to the Jeevathma who has surrendered in front of her.

All in all the Sundara Kaandam is a fine blend of Paramatma, Jeevatma and the Bhatka.

Srimad Ramayanam is an immortal Epic and conveys the ultimate message to cultivate the positive qualities to lead a spiritual and virtual life.

Ram - Bharat Milap - 1st & 2nd April

2011-05-10T09:21:00.000-07:00

Ram - Bharat Milap - 1st & 2nd April

(Write up by Ms RadhikaVenkatraman)

Sri Sri Vittal Mandir in Delhi had organized the much awaited Hindi pravachan by Dr.Ranganji on Shri Ram Bharat Milap. It was a spectacular experience to listen to the pravachan given by Dr.Ranganji. It was truly an amazing discourse delivered by him. I hung on every word he said as did everyone else. The bhajans in the middle of the discourse added to the joyous and pomp occasion. Not only did I enjoy the pravachan, but I also gained more knowledge about Ramayana. The event spread over two days which quickly flew by.

As Dr.Ranganji took the blessings of Sri Sri Vittal Nath, I eagerly awaited and wondered what the pravachan was going to be about. After all, this chapter is quite small as compared to the others and not much of stress was ever laid on the topic. We started off by chanting Shri Ram’s name. All the spectators were looking forward to the discourse. Dr.Ranganji started off by recalling the Ramayana. He talked about the two boons given to Kaikeyi from King Dasarath. As Shri Ram sadly departed from his home-Ayodhya with Lakshman, Sita and Sumantra the people of Ayodhya wailed and wept; they all begged Shri Ram to not go. King Dasarath was heartbroken to see his children leave him and go to the forest for fourteen years. He had asked his minister, Sumantra to go along with Shri Ram, Lakshman and Sita until they had reached the forest. When they reached the forest Sumantra was heart-rendered. The fact that when Sumantra and Shri Ram parted ways, Sumantra kept turning back to see if Shri Ram would call him to join them, should be specially highlighted because when Dr.Ranganji said this there were tears in our eyes. The description was so vivid that the whole image came right in front of me.

A few days later, King Dasarath passed away due to the grief of being parted from Shri Ram. Bharat and Shatrughna were summoned to Ayodhya to perform all the rituals for their father’s cremation. This was when Bharat got to know of the evil deed committed by his mother which led to his father’s unexpected death. Bharat was grief-stricken and very angry with his mother for her act of greed. Bharat at once decided to go and meet his beloved brother Shri Ram and bring him back to Ayodhya and perform the Pattabhishekam. Bharat knew that Shri Ram was the rightful king to Ayodhya. He even thought of performing the Pattabhishekam in the forest itself and return with Shri Ram back home as a majestic king. Bharat was preparing for his departure to meet his adored brother. It was an unexpected but pleasant surprise for the people of Ayodhya when they heard of Bharat’s plans. Everyone were overjoyed and filled with pleasure and excitement. When they started the voyage to Chitrakoot the sky was so blue and clear and the sun showed its brightest colour. Bharat met Guhan on the way and spent a night at Bharadwaj Ashram. At this point, Dr.Ranganji came to an end with his pravachan for the day. All the spectators were astounded with Dr.Ranganji’s pravachan. It was hard to believe that it was his first Hindi pravachan. Everyone was eagerly waiting for the discourse held on the next day.

I enthusiastically waited for the pravachan the next day. Dr.Ranganji started off with Bharat reaching Chitrakoot. Lakshman saw Bharat and the people of Ayodhya serenading into Chitrakoot. He became angry because he thought that Bharat was raging against them and coming for war. Shri Ram immediately told Lakshman Bharat’s actual intentions and welcomed Bharat to Chitrakoot. On seeing Shri Ram’s condition, Bharat immediately started crying. Bharat told Shri Ram of their father’s unexpected and mournful death. Shri Ram wept bitterly and performed all the rituals for his father’s death on the Mandakini River.

After hearing the shocking story Bharat tells Shri Ram his plans for the Pattabhishekam. Shri Ram patiently listened to Bharat’s arrangements. After Bharat finished talking, he waited for Shri Ram to respond. Shri Ram refused to come since he wanted to keep his promise. At this point, Shri Ram said that if at all the promise could be taken back; the person who gave it shall take back his words. This was elucidated by Dr.Rangaji in a beautiful manner. Shri Ram, like his ancestors, desired to follow the path of Satya. Bharat, on the contrary told Shri Ram that the same ancestors also followed the path of Dharma, that is, the path of justice and righteousness. It was Shri Ram’s duty to rule the kingdom of Ayodhya being the eldest son. This was the dilemma between the path of Satya (the truth) and the path of Dharma (justice). This is known as Dharma Sankatam. Shri Ram asked Bharat to go back to Ayodhya and rule Ayodhya for the fourteen years so that Shri Ram can satisfy his father’s promise. Bharat accepted on one condition- Shri Ram had to give Bharat His Padukai so that he could do the Pattabhishekam to Shri Ram’s Padukai itself. Shri Ram accepted and Bharat performed the Pattabhishekam in Nandigram. With this, came the end of the Shri Ram Bharat Milap in Chitrakoot.

The two days flew by us and we all gained an amazing experience by listening to Dr.Ranganji’s marvelous and astounding pravachan. The description given by Dr.Rangaji was so vivid and flamboyant that it was as if the whole chapter just occurred right in front of my eyes. I hung on to every last word and was astonished by the depth gone into this episode and the joyous bhajans which took place in the middle of the pravachan. All in all, it was a mesmerizing and enthralling event and all of the spectators went home with the blessings of Lord Shri Ram and Sri Sri Vittal Nath.

Upcoming Programs - May 2011

2011-05-10T09:06:00.000-07:00

SRIMAD RAMAYANAM NAVAHA - CHEDDANAGAR

Date : May 11 to 19, 2011

Venue : Subramania Samaj Temple Complex,

Chedda Nagar, Chembur,Mumbai - 400089.

Time : 9.00 to 10.30A.M & 4.30 to 6.30P.M

TOPIC : “Aaranya Kandam & Kishkindha Kandam”

Organiser: Krishna Priya - Mumbai.

Upcoming Programs - April 2011

2011-03-15T03:18:00.000-07:00

Upcoming Programs - April 2011

1. DR. RANGAJI’S HINDI PRAVACHAN

Date : April 1 & 2, 2011

Venue : Vittal Mandir, R.K. Puram,

New Delhi 110 022

Time : 6.00P.M to 8.00P.M

TOPIC : “Shri RamBharat Milap”

2. DR. RANGAJI’S SundaraKandam Lectures

Date : April 4 to 10, 2011

Venue : Vani Vidhyalaya, Mulund,

Mumbai.

Time : 8.00P.M to 10.00P.M

TOPIC : “Sundara Kandam”

Organiser : Mulund Bhajan Samaj

3. DR. RANGAJI’S Ramayana Lectures

Date : April 13 to 22, 2011

Venue : PSBB School, Alagirisamy salai,

KK Nagar, Chennai - 78.

Time : 6.30P.M to 8.30P.M

TOPIC : “Kishkindha to Yuddha Kandam”

Organiser: SRI RAMA BHAKTHA JANA SAMAJ

4. DR. RANGAJI’S Bhagavatha Sapthaham

Date : April 23 to 29, 2011

Venue : Palakkad.

Time : 7.00P.M to 9.00P.M

TOPIC : “Srimad Bhagavatham”

Upcoming Programs - March 2011

2011-03-09T07:45:00.000-08:00

Upcoming Programs - March 2011

(S-VYASA), Prashanti Kutiram, Manchenahalli, (near Jigani Industrial Area), Bengaluru

Division of Yoga-Spirituality

Heartily Welcomes U all for

SRIMAD RAMAYANA SATSANGHA- 2011

On account of Sri Rama Navami Celebrations

Hindi Pravachana (Discourse) on Srimad Ramayana

Dr Rangan ji, M.A, M.B.A, Ph.D

9^th-15^th March 2011

Daily between 6.30 – 7.30 pm

Venue:

Sri Lakshmi Amba Dhyana Mandira, Prashanti Kutiram Campus

all are welcome to attain the blessings of Lord Sri Rama!

Mahabharatham Lecture - 19th to 28th Feb

2011-03-08T09:18:00.000-08:00

Mahabharatham Lecture - 19th to 28th Feb

(Write up by Shri Venkat - Nanganallur)

Between 19^th Feb and 28^th Feb 2011 Sri Ranganji’s gave a discourse on Mahabharata at Varasidhi Vinayaga Pravachana Mandapam, Nanganallur, Chennai. Sri Ranganji’s extraordinary narration of the eighteen parvas of Vyasa’s Mahabarata starting with Pandava Jananam from Aadhi Parva reached crescendo in the last three days with Bagavad Gita, Dharma Yudham and Yudhishtra Pattabishekam. It concluded with Pandavas abode the divine heavens for adhering to path of Dharma all their life. Everyday and with every topic Sri Ranganji brought out the essence and importance of Dharma. He also elaborated on how our Rishis, Acharyas and ancestors made Dharma part of everyone’s daily anushtanams so that it can be carried forward simply by following traditional activities of elders in the household. Listeners also got the wonderful opportunity to introspect on how we tend to associate the limited physical body with the limitless and eternal Atma and how we can liberate ourselves from this incorrect association.

Though both the greatest epics of all times Ramayana & Mahabharata epitomise the essence of Dharma, the context in which both of them protect and sustain Dharma are different. In Ramayana the battle lines are very distinctly drawn between Dharma personified as Lord Sri Rama and adharma represented by Ravana with his cruel act of abducting Sita Devi. Whereas in Mahabharata the battle is between Dharmabasam represented by Kauravas and Dharmasukshmam by the Pandavas. Sri Ranganji was profusely eloquent in describing the subtle distinction between Dharmabasam and Dharmasukshmam.

Dharmabasam is the act of making adharma appear as though it is Dharma. For instance, gambling though condemned by Vedas as adharma and Vidhurar repeatedly objecting to Kaurava’s grabbing of Yudishtrar’s kingdom by gambling, Kauravas pursued their unholy act unbecoming of Kshatriya Dharma. Further Kauravas, led by Dhuryodhana, insulted Pandavas and even more unjustifiable is the apathetic treatment of Draupathi. These adharmic acts were constantly downplayed by Kauravas and many times even justified by Dhrudharashtra as events that were anyway destined to happen.

Dharmasukshmam is exactly the reverse, the act of Dharma made to be seen as adharma. This is apparent in the defensive behavior exhibited by the Pandavas even after living, under constant intimidation from Kauravas, for 12 grueling years, as agreed, in exile. Lord Krishna, eternal protector of the universe and well wisher of the Pandavas, attempts a peaceful mediation with Kauravas asking them to duly return not even entire Yudishtrar’s Kingdom but merely 5 cities. Krishna’s mediation ends in vain due to indifferent behavior of Dhuriyodhana even after he was blessed with Krishna’s Viswaroopa Darshan. When peaceful measures fail Yudishtrar, unsure of what is the right way forward, tries to convince even Krishna and rest of the Pandavas, to avoid a large scale conflict with Kauravas (his own brothers & other elders), to continue an ascetic lifestyle and let his kingdom stay under Kaurava’s rule.

It is not easy to distinguish the Dharmic path when faced with situation involving Dharmabasam and Dharmasukshmam. Even the likes of Yudishtrar and Beeshmar got entangled in discerning the difference. But the only character in the whole Mahabharata who could speak Dharma and act with full conviction was none other than Lord Krishna.

Sri Ranganji extolled Lord Krishna at length all through his discourse. Lord Krishna is a self-sacrificing character who always toils for the wellbeing of both who seek his help and otherwise. Sri Ranganji brought to life Draupadi’s Sharanagathi scene which showed Lord Krishna’s unflinching effort to protect those who fully surrender to him.

Lord Krishna’s virtue of an unassuming person, though being the reincarnation of Lord Vishnu himself, was described beautifully by the role he played during Rajasooya yagam performed by Yudishtrar. During the yagam Yudishtrar did not assign any specific responsibility to Lord Krishna since Yudishtrar wanted to facilitate Krishna for his selfless service to the Pandavas. But Sri Krishna volunteered to take up the humble task of inviting the guests at Yagasala entrance where he would seat the elders and wash their feet when entering. Narration of this scene and the unassuming virtue of Lord Krishna brought tears to everyone’s eyes.

Sri Ranganji’s narration of exchange between Yudishtrar and Yakshan in Vana Parva as well as Beeshma’s elaboration of Dharma to Yudishtrar in Shanthi Parva were very insightful. Though each of these topics beg a ten day discourse for themselves Sri Ranganji succinctly narrated them triggering introspection in every listener.

Among a series of interesting questions posed by Yakshan to Yudishtrar one of them is ‘who is the happiest person?’. Yudishtrar’s pragmatic response was ‘Happiest person is one who prepares & eat food using vegetables grown in his/her own backyard, does not have any loans and lives in his hometown for livelihood’. Another striking response from Yudishtrar for the question on ‘Who is heavier than the earth?’ was simply ‘Mother’. Similarly Yudishtrar tells Yakshan that Father is bigger than the sky in response to Yakshan’s intriguing question. This portion of Sri Ranganji’s narration highlighted the greatness of our society’s value system by relating Yudishtrar’s answers to traditional practices in our own lives.

As part of Beeshma’s elaboration of Dharma, Sri Ranganji highlighted Pancha yagnam (Deva Yagnam, Pithru Yagnam, Brahma Yagnam, Manushya Yagnam and Bootha Yagnam) that needs to be practiced by everyone. More importantly Sri Ranganji illustrated how our great ancestors simplified practice of Pancha yagnam by incorporating them in our daily routine.

Deva Yagnam is the act of showing our gratitude to Devathas which we usually do by offering daily prayers, visiting temple etc. Pithru Yagnam is caring for the elders (parents, grand parents etc) who live with us in our households as well as performing appropriate rites for our ancestors. Brahma Yagnam is to pay our respect to the Rishis and Gurus through our daily anushtanams, learning any of the Sruthis or Smrithis or Puranas, practicing what is learnt and more importantly taking sincere efforts to pass on this tradition to future generations. Manushya Yagnam is the practice of caring and helping those people live around us. Finally Bootha Yagnam is the act of protecting other living beings and the environment around us.

Sri Ranganji illustrated how our tradition nurtures the practice of Pancha Yagnam even in a little child. As many of us would have noticed, when a mother feeds the child she offers a scoop of food to god (relating to Deva Yagnam), next scoop to grand parents (relating to Pithru Yagnam), next scoop to parents (relating to Brahma Yagnam), a scoop each to child’s siblings or peers (relating to Maushya yagnam) and finally offers even to a dog and crow (relating to Bootha Yagnam).

Sri Ranganji’s ten day Mahabarata discourse though dealt with a multitude of characters and a diverse set of events to stay with the flow of Vyasa’s narration, repeatedly brought listener’s attention to two key elements which are the importance of Dharma and greatness of Lord Sri Krishna. Towards the end Sri Ranganji said ‘Krishna is where Dharma is and conversely Dharma is where Krishna is’. This gives us a simple and straightforward but yet unquestionable path of Dharma which is to surrender ourselves at the lotus feet of Lord Sri Krishna.

Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare!!

Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare!!

Shri Gurubhyo Namaha

Villupupuram Navaham - 20th to 29th Jan

2011-02-27T05:06:00.000-08:00

Villupupuram Navaham - 20th to 29th Jan

Sri Ramayana navaha- discourses of Sri Ranganji were conducted
in Villupuram.Sri Ranganji sung his own composition Sri Rama-ganamrutam. His noble talks
filled with Tamil songs in several ragas captivated
the assembled audience of Vaikunta VasapPerumal Kovil. Audience filled
with devotion felt as if they were in Ayodhya and Chitrakuta. Everyday
the talks went for two and half hours.
Sri Ranganji’s effortless and melodious voice journeyed with Sri Rama
and the moods of the episodes of Ramayana in all days.

Mulund Sapthaham - 24th to 31st December

2011-02-22T01:21:00.000-08:00

Mulund Sapthaham - 24th to 31st December

Mullund Bhajan samajam of Mumbai conducted the discourses of Sri Harij and Sri Ranganji on Srimad Bhagavatam at Vani Vidyalaya for seven days. The discourses with parayanam went from 6 am to 6 pm which was attended by eight hundred people. Sri Ranganji in his unique style showed how the verses of Bhagavatam are closely connected with Vedas and Upanishads. Bhagavatam was presented by Sri Ranganji as a synthesis of pure devotion and self knowledge. Sri Ranganji showed how episodes of Bhagavatm is filled with true love to the divine and self knowledge.

Nerul Navaha - 15th to 23rd December

2011-02-22T01:02:00.000-08:00

Nerul Navaha - 15th to 23rd December

(Write up by Shri Narayanan - Chennai)

The Navaha started on 15^th December and concluded on 23^rd december with the pattabhishekam. The daily routines consists of prabhodhanam,salagrama pooja and parayanam. The morning session starts around 6.30A.M and finishes at 12.30P.M. Evening from 3.00P.M to5.00P.M Raghava shathakam and Ashtapathi singing took place. The pravachanam was from 6.30 to 8.30P.M everyday for Saturday and Sunday there were two additional sessions from 4.00 to 6.00P.M which was given by smt DhrushyaRangan.

About the parayanam, those who do it regularly did it with great enthusiasm and encouraging those who are new giving them an oppurtunity to read one or two sargams. It was made very clear by ShriRanganji that parayanam with accuracy is very important in sapthaha or navaha. One should concentrate and avoid mistakes and practice, doing it one can pick up speed automatically.

Regarding the discourses Balakandam was dealt with up to Seetha Kalyanam. AyodhyaKandam was given an elaborate treatment with five sessions, Aranya Kandam two sessions, KiskindhaKandam one session, SundaraKandam one session, and yuddhakandam three sessions.

On the first day ShriRanganji as usual spent sometime giving the mahatmiyam. Ramayanam has been translated in almost all the world languages. It is so because the almighty took the Manushya roopam and set an example as to how one has to lead his life. Rama is great because of the charithram, all that he practised virtues like Sathya nishtai, Mathru bhakthi, Pitrubhakthi and many other things Sri Ranganji said that in Valmiki Ramayana it is said that Ramayanam will exist as long as the mountains, rivers, trees, waterfall will exist.

In KiskindhaKandam the scene when Anjaneya meets Rama and Lakshmana first and Rama’s appreciation of Hanuman’s qualities and the test that Lakshmana gives to Hanuman were given elaborate treatment.

In SundaraKandam when Rama asks Hanuman to tell him how Devi is,Hanuman turns to that direction and doing namskaram gives a fitting Reply.And when Hanuman after the yuddha meets Devi to tell her about Ravana’s defeat and Rama’s Victory.Devi was in tears and when asked why she replies I do not know what I can do in return for your words.Hanuman replies even in this both are having same thought.

Shri Ranganji explained Vali Vadham and Agni pravesham in such a way that there cannot be any doubt about both the acts.

In two sessions handled by smt DhrushyaRangan, AyodhyaKandam was packed with emotion and AranyaKandam with full of events.When it was all over one left with a heart full of Rama and other characters of Ramayana and a longing to hear more and more of this.

Shri Ranganji spent a lot of time narrating the Indian and world historyand proved that many times it was Rama Nama that has preserved our religion whenever it it faced threat of extinction.

Hampi Navaha - 21st to 29th November

2011-02-20T23:20:00.000-08:00

Ramayana Navaha held at Hampi in Karnataka State from 21.11.2010 to 29.11.2010 organized by Sri Sri Satsangam Welfare Association, Mumbai

(Write Up by Shri Ramachandran - Chennai)

Sri Sri Satsangam, Mumbai organized Ramayanam Navaha at Humpi, with Dr.Ranganji heading the whole scheme. Before we go into the details of Navaha, let us know the background and the sanctity of Hampi and its present status.

Hampi is at a short drive from Hospet in Bellary District of Karnataka. History tells us that it was the glorious capital of Vijayanagar Empire, while legend identifies it thousands of years earlier as Kishkindha, the capital of the monkey kings who helped Lord Rama to rescue Sita from her abductors. With its numerous associations with the Ramayana, little wonder that Hampi is an important pilgrim center to this day. In fact, many of the temples and other structures in Hampi communicate the story of the epic. The legend says that when the monkey kings Vali and Sugriva, ruled Kishkindha, trouble arose between them and Vali drove his brother out. Sugriva took shelter with Hanuman in a hill called Matanga Parvatam, identified as a steep hill to the east of present Hampi village on the south bank of the Tungabhadra. Rama and Lakshmana, searching desperately for Sita, came to Kishkindha. Rama killed Vali, restored the kingdom to Sugriva and then stayed on the Malyavan Hill, while the monkeys went in search of Sita. This hill is located on the road to Kampili and has Raghunath temple with a large image of Rama. The ruins of Hampi are real. Virupaksha temple, the only major temple in the whole complex that is still in worship. But the present day Hampi is the popular reminiscent of the past and leftovers of heritage.

The beautiful location of the place of Pravachanam was in the precinct of Avadoota Mutt with a scenic beauty all around. The first day was an introductory day. Dr.Ranganji emphasized the importance of Hampi from the angle of Rama Bakthas who find Rama & Ramayana as one and the same. The unique way of this Navagam was that in the morning session during the course of regular recitation, Dr.Ranganji gave pravachanam only in Kishkindha Kantam, emphasing the glory of the place, for the first 4 days till the regular pravachanam in the afternoon session reached Sundara Kantam. The merging of pravachanam in 2 sessions on the 4^th day was very live and enjoyable. While handling Sundarakandam our spiritual guru as usual started giving lecture with his RAMANUVABAVAM, especially when he dealt with Seetha’s viraham. He explained extensively quoting NAMMALVAR, who has rendered nearly 1000 pasurams in Thiruvoimozhi, assuming himself the role of Seethamma, undergoing the same level of viraha bhavam.

Further in his discourse on Sundara Kantam alone for one full day, said, “While Seetha was replying only to Hanuman, the structure of the slokam expresses the mind of Seetha as if she was addressing straight to Rama”. While conveying the meaning of the slokams, he made us to enjoy each slokam as if it were happening in front of us. Also when he narrated the reply of Seetha to Ravana, he dwelt much on the sanadha dharmam when he came to the slokams dealing with celestial pairs like Arundhadhi-Vasishta, Lopamudra-Agasthya, Savithri &Sathyavan etc., He explained how our culture & traditions were in practice and were handed down by generation to generation from the time immemorial. Thanks to our elders, who only ensured the extant of the traditions and culture till today. The need for our culture and tradition being kept in tact to be handed to our next kin, was emphasized by him, by explaining the principles of certain systacharams.

He stole the audience and took them along with him when he narrated the principles of dharmic way of life for every one as an individual, as a head of the family and a member of the society, in the light of Ramayanam. By reciting the verses and the slokams with beautiful modulations and in melodious and mesmerizing voice,extensively quoting verses from Azhvars, rending kritis of Ramabadhra Dikshidar and Thiagaraja he made the audience to experience Ramayanam, especially the desparate position of Seetha & her chanting of Rama Namam, unabatedly, which only made Seetha to have solace with the appearance of Sri Hanuman.

Though, we have heard our Guru, more than once, telling the meaning of several verses, especially the one relating to Seetha devi putting a blade of grass before Ravana, this time, we heard different new & newer meanings for the verse commencing “Thruna manthratha kruthva prathyuvacha susmitha”

The way in which he narrated the Ramagunanubhavam by Sri Hanuman to Seetha, not only it was anointing the Seetha’s heart, with “Rama Oushadi” but also was melting the hearts of each srotha (Remethi Ramethi Sadaiva budhya vichinthya vacha bruvathi tharmeva…..”)

Like wise, while narrating the war between Rama & Ravana, Dr.Ranganji took us to the war field & made us to witness the war itself. Amazing. The handling of every arrow by Rama was explained superbly. The recitation of Brahma stuthi, after Rama’s winning the war, was simply great and is still ringing in our ears.

The new and valuable information that were furnished by Sri Guruji, during the course of this Navaham was that in the whole of our country wherever Rama, Sita & Lakshmana stayed & played, the places got sanctified and the sanctity still remains in all these places especially in three places namely Ayodhya, Kishkintha (the present Hampi) and Rameswaram. Rama Bakthas can easily realize the presence Rama there, unseen. While returning from Lanka to Ayodya in pushpakavimanam, Seethamma alighted in two places namely one in Kishkintha (the present Chakra theertham in Hampi) and another in Mathuranthakam (depicted beautifully in the Erikatha Raman Temple in Mathuranthakam) he informed.

Also in the case of valivadham, ‘much ado’ had been there thro’ pattimandrams, whereas, Rama himself answered Vali, on several points, which are convincing any reader. Rama told Vali that the reasons for his killing him, though there was nothing between them, were best known to the consciousness of Vali himself, where upon only Vali started praising Rama. Perhaps this will put an end to the unnecessary accusations & counter accusations on Rama in the present days’ pattimanrams.

The meticulous planning and neat execution of the whole scheme by Sri Sri Satsangam especially the efforts of Sri Mani Iyer, are placed on record with a note of appreciation.

The whole show was very nice in all respects & we all started cherishing the entire procedings, the beautiful surroundings and monumental leftovers of our heritage etc. at Hampi, while we sit for daily parayanam at our homes.

After the vote thanks, covering important features of this navagam was delivered by Sri.A.Narayanan of Chennai on behalf of all participants, the pravachanam on Pattabishekam was delivered by Guruji.

In short, we all had nice Ramanubhavam through Rangannanubhavam, in this Navagam.