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1
The Vedanta
Kesari
Focus
Practising the Four Yogas
in Covid Times
page 11
1
`15
A Cultural and Spiritual Monthly
of the Ramakrishna Order since 1914
J une
2021
2
Kali the Mother
The stars are blotted out,
The clouds are covering clouds,
It is darkness vibrant, sonant.
In the roaring, whirling wind
Are the souls of a million lunatics
Just loose from the prison-house,
Wrenching trees by the roots,
Sweeping all from the path.
The sea has joined the fray,
And swirls up mountain-waves,
June 2021
To reach the pitchy sky.
The flash of lurid light
And every shaking step
Reveals on every side
2 Destroys a world for e’er.
A thousand, thousand shades
Thou “Time”, the All-Destroyer!
Of Death begrimed and black —
The Vedanta Kesari
Come, O Mother, come!
Scattering plagues and sorrows,
Who dares misery love,
Dancing mad with joy,
And hug the form of Death,
Come, Mother, come!
Dance in Destruction’s dance,
For Terror is Thy name,
To him the Mother comes.
Death is in Thy breath,
-- Swami Vivekananda
09 June - Phalaharini Kali Puja
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The Vedanta Kesari
A Cultural and Spiritual Monthly of The Ramakrishna Order
CONTENTS Vol. 108, No. 6
ISSN 0042-2983
108
th
JUNE
Year of Publication
11 2021
Practising the Four Yogas in Covid Times
Smt Lakshmi Devnath
39 FEATURES
16
8 Sri Sudarshanashtakam
On the Wings of Death 9 Yugavani Yoga for ‘COVID 19’
10 Editorial Yogacarya S. Sridharan
Swami Shuddhabodhananda
Saraswati 14 Reminiscences of Sargachhi
23 Pocket Tales
25 Vivekananda Way The Journey from
Nag Mahashay
31 Poorva: Magic, Mircles and Distress to De-stress
Dr. Ruchira Mitra
Mystical Twelve Dr. Latha Satish &
36 Lessons from Swamis Ms. Devi Shah
lls 38 Pariprasna
Ca
d 46 The Order on the March
34 19
Go
en
Wh
The Covid Code from Hanuman
Smt Uma Maheswari B
29
Editor: Swami Mahamedhananda
Published by Swami Vimurtananda, Sri Ramakrishna Math, No.31, Ramakrishna Math Road,
Chennai - 600 004 and Printed by B. Rajkumar, Chennai - 600 014 on behalf of
Sri Ramakrishna Math Trust, Chennai - 600 004 and Printed at M/s. Rasi Graphics Pvt. Limited,
No.40, Peters Road, Royapettah, Chennai - 600014.
Website: www.chennaimath.org E-mail: vk@chennaimath.org Ph: 6374213070
The Vedanta
One hundred and seven years
s u e of 1 895
ti s e r and going strong….
Firs mb
S e pte
in,
a vad He was a much-celebrated and much-feted Swami. His
h m
Bra famous address at The World’s Parliament of Religions, Chicago in
1893 had catapulted him to the status of a super star. But Swami
Vivekananda was not one to bask in chaffy glory. A letter to one of his trusted
followers, from the USA, dated 12 Jan 1895, read, ‘I want to preach my ideas for the good of
the world. …What work have you done in the way of advancing the ideas and organising in
India? …My life is more precious than spending it in getting the admiration of the world. I
June 2021
have no time for such foolery.’
Swamiji, as Swami Vivekananda was fondly addressed, loved and revered his
motherland as his own mother. Every breath of his aspired for her well being and every cell
4 in his body yearned that she regain her lost glory. She had been a beacon light for the world
until repeated invasions pillaged her ruthlessly and left her not just poverty-stricken but
The Vedanta Kesari
also psychologically drained. The latter struck at the very core, underlying the urgency for
immediate redressal. Swamiji’s panacea for this lay in India’s very own practical and
ennobling Vedantic wisdom. Vedanta recognises no weakness. It proclaims that in every
individual lies a mine of strength. All that is needed is an effort to draw from it.
Swamiji started looking for the right channel to propagate the powerful message of
Vedanta. He opted for the print medium and decided to bring out a journal, giving it the
name Brahmavadin. In February 1895, he sent from USA $100 and a letter to his trusted
disciple Alasinga Perumal. The letter read: ‘Now I am bent upon starting the journal. Herewith
I send a hundred dollars… Hope this will go just a little in starting
your paper.’
If selflessness and devotion would have a form, it would
have borne the name of Alasinga Perumal. Brahmavadin
became Alasinga’s calling and the first issue rolled out
from a press in Broadway, Chennai on 14 September
1895. The magazine included a poem of Swamiji First iss
The Ved ue of
specially composed for the occasion. It was titled, anta Ke
sari, Ma
‘The Song of the Sannyasin’. One verse ran thus: y 1914
Kesari One hundred and seven
years and going strong….
“Strike off thy fetters! Bonds that bind thee down,
Love, hate — good, bad — and all the dual throng,
For fetters, though of gold, are not less strong to bind;
June 2021
(Handwritten words in Swamiji’s own hand)
5
With this message that marked its mission, Brahmavadin made a determined entry into
The Vedanta Kesari
the strife-ridden climate of pre-independence India. The birth of the magazine was certainly
an occasion for celebration but the struggles were far from over.
One of Swamiji’s letters to Alasinga read: ‘I learnt from your letter the bad financial state
that Brahmavadin is in.’ This was followed by another letter that carried the line, ‘I pledge
myself to maintain the paper anyhow.’
Bolstered by this pledge, Alasinga Perumal braved on, surmounting many an
impediment. Sadly, Swami Vivekananda passed away in 1902, at the age of thirty-nine.
Alasinga’s intense anguish morphed into heightened devotion towards the magazine. But
the next hurdle in Brahmavadin’s journey came in 1909, in the form of Alasinga’s own
demise. In May 1914, the magazine, tottering as it was, floundered and ground to a halt.
It was at this crucial juncture, that the Ramakrishna Mission stepped in to revive it. The
Mission was itself in its nascent stages with many a teething problem but nothing could come
in its way of reviving the Brahmavadin. For, had not their beloved Swamiji repeatedly said,
‘The Brahmavadin is a jewel – it must not perish!” And so, the very same month when
Brahmavadin closed, it was resuscitated with the new name The Vedanta Kesari.
The history of The Vedanta Kesari is much more than just a tale of sweat, toil and a
dream realised. It is a narrative of Swamiji’s passion for India and Alasinga’s devotion to his
master. It is a celebration of love, transcending forms.
Appeal
For the last 107 years, without missing a single issue, the magazine has
been carrying the invigorating message of Vedanta and alongside, continuously
revamping itself to meet the changing needs of the times.
The relevance of Vedantic wisdom to everyday life is all the more pertinent
today than ever before. ‘Arise, Awake and stop not till the goal is reached,’ is the
thundering motto of Swami Vivekananda. The Ramakrishna Mission, as you all
know, is a unique organisation where sannyasis and lay people come together
and endeavour for the common good. Let’s join hands in taking forward our
revered Swamiji’s vision and mission for The Vedanta Kesari.
June 2021
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Prayer
।। श्रीसुदर्शनाष्टकम्।।
।। Sri Sudarshanashtakam ।।
SRI VEDANTA DESIKA
Sudarshana Chakra is the discus weapon of Lord Vishnu and Sri Krishna held by the lord in
his right hand. In the tradition of Sri Ramanujacharya, Sudarshana is personified as the prime
devotee and called Charathazhwar. Sri Vedanta Desikacharya (1268 – 1369) composed an
ashtakam, a stotra of eight slokas, in praise of Sri Sudarshana. It is said that he composed this
stotra to help the residents of Tirupputkuzhi when they suffered from the grip of an epidemic fever.
June 2021
प्रतिभटश्रेणिभीषण वरगुणस्तोमभूषण
जनिभयस्थानतारण जगदवस्थानकारण ।
8 निखिलदुष्कर्मकर्शन निगमसद्धर्मदर्शन
जय जय श्रीसुदर्शन जय जय श्रीसुदर्शन ॥
The Vedanta Kesari
Oh Sri Sudarshana! All the enemies of your Lord’s devotees run away fearing your
prowess. All auspicious attributes find their home in you. Those, who worship you cross the
shoreless ocean of Samsara and free themselves from the cycle of births and deaths. The
entire Universe is stabilised by your mighty power. You cut asunder all the sins of those, who
approach you as their refuge. You bless all of your devotees with the knowledge about the
righteous conduct prescribed by the Vedas. Oh Lord Sudarshana of these auspicious
attributes! Glory to Thee! Glory to Thee!
शुभजगद्रूपमण्डन सुरगणत्रासखण्डन
शतमखब्रह्मवन्दित शतपथब्रह्मनन्दित ।
प्रथितविद्वत्सपक्षित भजदहिर्बुध्न्यलक्षित
जय जय श्रीसुदर्शन जय जय श्रीसुदर्शन ॥
Oh Sri Sudarshana! You are resplendent as a precious decoration on the hand of Sriman
Narayana, who has the universe as His body. Through your grace, Devas are freed from the
fear caused by the Asuras. Indra and the noble people always worship you. The Satapata
Brahmana belonging to Sukla Yajur Veda hails your glories and pays its tributes to you. The
scholars of this universe seek your help to overcome their contestants. Ahirbudhnya Samhita
states that Ahirbudhnyan (Siva) worships you and sought the boon to see your beautiful form
with His own eyes. Oh Lord Sudarshana of illustrious attributes! Glory to Thee! Glory to Thee!
Yugavani
I
n the Kaliyuga it is difficult
to have the feeling, ‘I am not
the body, I am not the mind,
I am not the twenty-four cosmic
principles; I am beyond pleasure and
pain, I am above disease and grief,
old age and death.’ However you may
reason and argue, the feeling that the
body is identical with the soul will
s o m e h o w c ro p u p f ro m a n
unexpected quarter. You may cut a
peepal-tree to the ground and think
it is dead to its very root, but the next
June 2021
PA G E D O N O R : S R I . R . C H I N T H A I A H , C H E N N A I
morning you will find a new sprout
shooting up from the dead stump.
One cannot get rid of this
identification with the body;
Bhakti
therefore the path of bhakti is best for
9
the people of the Kaliyuga. It is an easy path.
The Vedanta Kesari
But it isn’t any and every kind of bhakti that enables one to realize God. One cannot
realize God without prema-bhakti. Another name for prema-bhakti is raga-bhakti. God cannot be
realized without love and longing. Unless one has learnt to love God, one cannot realize Him.
There is another kind of bhakti, known as vaidhi-bhakti, according to which one must repeat
the name of God a fixed number of times, fast, make pilgrimages, worship God with prescribed
offerings, make so many sacrifices, and so forth and so on. By continuing such practices a long time
one gradually acquires raga-bhakti.
Vaidhi-bhakti is like moving a fan to make a breeze. One needs the fan to make the breeze.
Similarly, one practises japa, austerity, and fasting, in order to acquire love of God. But the fan is set
aside when the southern breeze blows of itself. Such actions as japa and austerity drop away when
one spontaneously feels love and attachment for God.
One can attain the Knowledge of Brahman, too, by following the path of bhakti. God is all-
powerful. He may give His devotee Brahmajnana also, if He so wills. But the devotee generally
doesn’t seek the Knowledge of the Absolute. He would rather have the consciousness that God is
the Master and he the servant, or that God is the Divine Mother and he the child.
— The Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna
Editorial
Am I Ready to Leave?
D
eath is amongst us, assailing us in How to console a bereaved friend or
the streets and in our very homes. relative?
How to face this death? Facing One day as Sri Ramakrishna sat in his
death has two aspects to it. First is our own room speaking with the devotees, Manimohan
death, and second the death of relatives and Mallick of Sinduriapati, came and sat in a
friends. corner looking pale and haggard. He told Sri
Speaking of death, we use the phrase ‘life Ramakrishna that his son died that morning
and death’ which is a wrong association of facts. and he was coming directly after finishing the
It should actually be ‘birth and death’. Life is ceremonies of cremation. The devotees poured
without beginning and continues until Self- out hackneyed phrases of consolation. Then, Sri
realisation. Birth and death are two repeatedly Ramakrishna stood up in an ecstatic mood, and
occurring related events in life, one following with the pose and energy of a wrestler, struck
June 2021
the other as certainly as day and night. his left upper arm and sang with great vigour:
Therefore, “it is good to prepare for death.” “O man, prepare yourself for battle / There, see
How? — By the constant practice of thinking of Death entering your house in battle array; /
God. The aids to this are japa, meditation, (Therefore) ride on the chariot of great virtue, /
10 Harness to it the two horses of devotion and
worship, and singing his glories. If we are
earnest in these practices — like the woman spiritual practice, / Stretch up the bow of
The Vedanta Kesari
who while ‘husking the paddy’ keeps 75% of her knowledge, / And set the unfailing arrow of the
mind on the pestle — then, even while doing our love of God ….” The vigorous singing and the
duties in life and experiencing the joys and “spirit of heroic renunciation and strength
sorrows of artha and kama, we can, before “the coursing from Sri Ramakrishna’s eyes” raised
pestle of death” strikes us, remove the husk and the devotees’ hearts from the realm of grief and
attain the rice — i.e., attain the Reality masked delusion and filled them with a palpable
in the manifested world. current of wonderful hope and energy.
If this is not achieved, then by the Truly, it is our inner awakening, our
strength of constant practice we should calmness, and our spirit of renunciation, that
remember the Lord at the moment of death. subconsciously assuages the other person’s
The Lord assures us in the Bhagavad Gita that grief of death born of ignorance.
we attain whatever we are absorbed in at the “Day after day countless creatures are
final moment of leaving the body. So, even if our going to the abode of Yama, yet those that
mind is still not free from vasanas, if we but remain behind, believe that they will live for
give up the body “praying to God and ever. What can be more wonderful than this?”
meditating on Him”, then He will take us to his says Yudhishthira. So, let us engage with this
abode — just as the mahut takes the elephant world holding on to the Lord within, worship
to the stable without allowing it to again Him in the people around us with selfless
smear its body with dust and mud after a service, and once in a while ask ourselves, ‘Am
bath. I ready to leave?’Focus
Practising the Four Yogas in Covid Times
SMT LAKSHMI DEVNATH
“S
wamiji, how can I best help than not, a blend of the four traits. However, the
you?” A Western disciple, choice of yogic path could be based on his or
motivated by a sense of deep her predilection, he said and added that
indebtedness, asked Vivekananda. “Love irrespective of the choice, the goal of the path
India!” was his spontaneous answer. On was, Atmano mokshartham jagat hitaya ca, ‘for
another day, addressing his countrymen, he one’s own personal upliftment and the good of
said, “My life’s allegiance is to my motherland; the world.’
and if I had a thousand lives, every moment of
PA G E D O N O R : S R I C H A L A PAT I R A O K . V. , H Y D E R A B A D
The 21 st century is witnessing an
the whole series would be consecrated to your onslaught of unprecedented magnitude by a
June 2021
service, my countrymen, my friends.” virus called Covid-19. As if travestying the all-
As a Vedantin, Swamiji viewed the entire inclusive spirit of yoga, it has cast a calamitous
universe as Brahman, but Mother India was shroud over the entire human race, sparing no
amongst his chosen personal Gods. His love for one be they king or pauper, worthy or
her was deep and unconditional, one that he worthless, literate or illiterate. This is a time for 11
experienced as Bhakti Yoga. When expressed mankind to come together in the spirit of yoga.
The Vedanta Kesari
through the medium of yoga, emotions and This is a time for demonstrating our kindred
activities become all-embracing and selfless. spirit. Yet this is also a time for self-isolation.
Swamiji’s multi-faceted personality radiated This is a time for us to unite with a common
with the many dimensions of yogic wisdom that ideal. This is a time for expressing abundant
were all his own. love, pure and unselfish. Swami Tapasyananda
In an incisive recognition of the potential writes, “Bhakti in its highest sense means
of yoga as a guiding star for everyday life, spontaneous and continuous attraction of the
Swamiji endeavoured to make the yogic path mind to God under all circumstances,
accessible to the entire humanity at large. favo u ra b l e a n d u n favo u ra b l e .” S u c h
Reckoning with the diverse personality types unconditional love elevates bhakti to the status
that mark the human race, he organised the of Bhakti Yoga.
vast corpus of Yogic knowledge into four Mother India, the guardian deity of all
categories. They were: Karma Yoga for the man Indians, is not in an enviable position today.
of action; Bhakti Yoga for the emotional; Jnana Therefore, it is the duty of each one of us,
Yoga for the intellectual; and Raja Yoga for the without exception, to express our bhakti
dispassionate. The four were not water-tight towards her in a manner that will fortify her to
divisions, for any human being, is more often continue executing the daunting task of
Lakshmi Devnath is a researcher and writer with several books and articles to her credit on different aspects
of Indian cultural heritage. She holds a Masters degree in Yoga and is currently working on her Ph.D based
on the Yogasutras. lakshmidevnath@gmail.comprotecting us. It is on her soil that we build our virus; let all individual actions be faithful to that
lives, day after day. It is on her bosom that we pledge. Let the ‘I’, the ‘me’, and the ‘mine’
rest our heads, night after night. She is our very submit to the ‘you’, ‘us’, and ‘ours’. ‘Little drops
sustenance. Therefore, when she suffers, we of water make the mighty ocean.’ The power
suffer and the reverse holds true in equal that gets generated from singular mindful
measure. Selfless love offered by each and activities will converge to generate a vibrant
every individual is the only elixir that will avalanche of healing energy that will revitalize
nourish her back to health. For, actions the 1.38 billion people that we are. This is
stemming from this fount are performed in an Karma Yoga.
even state of mind, consciously, and with the Vasudaiva kutumbakam—The whole world
right motivation. Such actions earn the epithet, is one family.” Strong conviction in precepts like
Karma Yoga. these will give us the realisation that we are
Belying the usual yardsticks of grandeur inter-related. Notwithstanding the blatant and
and scale, Karma Yoga describes actions as lofty stark discreteness that stares us in our face, we
or small only on the basis of the presence or are progenies of a single life source and it is into
absence of these qualities. “Each is great in his this inexhaustible wellspring that we ultimately
own place,” says Swamiji, enthusing us to merge into. This knowledge generates kinship at
June 2021
perform our respective duties with pride and all times and a shared emotion during periods of
confidence. However, providing an objective calamity, resulting in people uniting to mitigate
and universal definition of duty is impossible the misery and obtain deliverance from the
12 for what is good for the goose need not be for situation. The practice of Jnana Yoga will lead us
the gander or even for that very goose in to this realisation that culminates in wisdom. A
altered circumstances. Recognising the simple analogy will help further drive home this
The Vedanta Kesari
probability of such confusions surfacing, point. The inter-relationship with our fellow-
Swamiji helpfully provides a simple barometer beings is somewhat akin to that which exists
to self-assess our actions. He says, “That which amongst the different elements that make up the
is selfish is immoral, and that which is unselfish human frame. If the little toe gets hurt, the
is moral.” Unselfishness is the distinguishing entire body reacts in pain and the hands
feature of Karma Yoga. instinctively reach out to comfort the injured toe
In the context of Corona our duties range even as cells within reorient themselves to heal
from adhering diligently to Covid-specific it. In these trying times, the practice of Jnana
behaviour, down to avoiding the temptation of Yoga will have us experience this undeniable
exploiting the situation for personal gains. connectivity that exists amongst us. Affinity
Wearing of masks, restraining ourselves from spontaneously gives rise to empathy and
reckless spitting on the roads, avoiding of supportiveness. As a corollary, Covid-
gatherings, staying at home, getting vaccinated, appropriate behaviour becomes self-regulated
not hoarding oxygen or medicines, not rather than a mere compliance to stern
overcharging for ambulances … . Karma Yoga in impositions. But it is only a fine and clear mind
Corona times envelops all these and much, that can think thus, directing our attention to the
much more. The burning need of the hour is a relevance of Raja Yoga.
truly nationalistic spirit. Let all Indians vow Raja Yoga is about disciplining our
jointly to heal Mother India of this tortuous thought-processes to facilitate conscious livingeven when involved with everyday life. A sharp maximum and the medical fraternity is being
brain is an asset but a good mind is a necessity. tested to the hilt. It is nothing short of
History is replete with examples of brilliant irresponsibility to fall sick either out of
leaders making horrendous decisions. The irrational bravado or sheer negligence in these
mind is a bundle of thoughts. Thoughts are tortuous times.
those that we generate consciously and In 2020, we were largely defenceless
unconsciously. Thoughts form the basis of our against the assault of the virus. Thankfully, in
words and actions. And, herein, the importance 2021, scientists have come forth with a little
of thinking deeply and dispassionately. The basket of vaccines to choose from, which if
pandemic has succeeded in making each day a taken can provide us with a protective shield in
rough terrain to negotiate. Its challenges are the form of increased immunity. A vaccine can
many and their repercussions go beyond the be likened to the locked front-door of our
physiological to impact our psychological houses. They provide security at all times
health. except against very aggressive break-ins.
One such widely-experienced emotion is However, in the unfortunate situation of us
PA G E D O N O R : A D E V O T E E , M I S S I O N R D. , B E N G A LU R U
fear. Paradoxically, there is fear of both the contracting the disease, despite all precautions,
disease and the vaccine. One need not stand in we are uncompromisingly duty-bound to
June 2021
judgment of the feeling, because Raja Yoga restrain ourselves from becoming a link in the
accepts all emotions as being real for the person horrific chain. Reason and responsibility are
experiencing them. However, Raja Yoga, has its the hallmarks of Raja Yoga.
goal, freedom from such depleting emotions and Distinctive problems require distinctive 13
this calls for judicious thinking. Cause and effect solutions. Covid-19 has provided us with one
relationship is a fundamental tenet of yoga. such situation. Right emotion, right action, right
The Vedanta Kesari
Ignorance is the cause of fear. It is only light that analysis and right perception underlie
can dispel darkness. It is only knowledge that Swamiji’s approach to yoga as being four-fold.
can expel ignorance. Equipping ourselves with It is to dispel the notion that yoga is purely
empirical knowledge about the disease and the physical or exclusive to the domain of mystics
vaccine is the only sheath that can protect us and renunciates that Swamiji expounded
from the negative impact of thriving elaborately on the four yogas and concurrently
superstitions and fear-mongering rumours. emphasised that yoga is an integral part of
Taking responsibility for one’s overall everyday life.
health is the primary duty of every individual. As India braves Corona, a yogic approach
Even in the days of yore, Patanjali, a notable to combative and healing solutions is an
exponent of Raja Yoga, devised the Ashtanga absolute necessity irrespective of whether one
Yoga, a regimen to ensure the well-being of is a leader or layman. Regardless of our
every aspect of our psycho-physical system. individual faiths, the spirit of Yoga should be
Covid-19, a highly infectious and contagious our beacon light for now and all times to come.
disease, has catapulted ‘personal health’ to also Let us all jointly put our shoulders to the wheel
being a societal responsibility and a civic and use the universal tools of yoga with all
discipline, for, the nation’s medical genuine intent to checkmate the virus, if not
infrastructure has been stretched to the vanquish it completely.Reminiscences
Reminiscences of Sargachhi
SRIMAT SWAMI SUHITANANDA JI
(Continued from previous issue. . .)
61
28.2.61
Maharaj: In 1909 I went to see Holy Question: When somebody gets the
Mother at the Udbodhan House. Satyakam experience of Brahman, does he become inert?
Maharaj was there. Hearing that I come from
Maharaj: One who experiences Brahman
Sylhet, he said, “Once I went to Sylhet to do
can never say what Brahman is. Others get to
relief work.”
know from him only what Brahman is not.
I sat down in the room where Sharat Suppose someone has realised Brahman.
Maharaj was seated. Vaikuntha Sanyal was Another person asks him, “Do you become non-
June 2021
sitting beside Sharat Maharaj. He started existent at that time?” The man who has
enquiring about my name, where I came from, perceived Brahman says, “No.” Again, he is
and other such things. From the manner in asked, “In that case, do you exist?” The
which I replied, he probably guessed perceiver of Brahman doesn’t respond to this.
14 something, and so asked, “Are you an Assami?” Then it is presumed that in that state, Sat, or
(In Bengali a person belonging to Assam is Existence, remains. But wood and stone also
The Vedanta Kesari
called an ‘asami’, which also means ‘accused’). exist. Is the perceiver’s existence at that time
Hence, Sharat Maharaj retorted, “Why should like that of wood and stone? Does there remain
he be an ‘asami’ (accused)?” any awareness? The knower of Brahman says,
After that I had the darshan of Mother – I “No, not like wood and stone.” Then it is
didn’t see her face, it was covered with a veil. I assumed that Chit, or Awareness, remains. But
don’t remember whether I touched her feet or awareness remains even when one cannot
not. Later I got prasad also. Mother used to sleep at night; that state is one of considerable
cover herself with a veil at Udbodhan. At suffering. The perceiver of Brahman says, “No,
Jayrambati she usually would be without a veil. there is absolute bliss, supreme bliss.” When
Sri Ramakrishna used to address Rajani, someone gets a taste of that bliss, nothing else
a prostitute, as “Mother”. She even used to feed can attract him or her. This is what is called Sat-
him grams and beans. One day she went to Chit-Ananda
Udbodhan, and started peeping into the house
3.3.61
from outside, as she dared not enter inside.
Question: Did spirituality manifest itself
Happening to see her, Holy Mother took her
in the other incarnations to the extent that it
hand and brought her inside, saying, “Sri
did in Sri Ramakrishna?
Ramakrishna called you ‘Mother’.”
The author, one of the Vice-Presidents of the Ramakrishna Order, presents here his conversations with Swami
Premeshananda (1884-1967), a disciple of Holy Mother Sri Sarada Devi.M a h a r a j : R a m a d i d n’ t b e c o m e when philanthropic work is done with the
Ramakrishna. The one who became Rama, the intention of acquiring dispassion. The rationale
one who became Krishna—it was he who for doing good to others is to feel the happiness
became Ramakrishna. Some say Ramachandra and sorrow of others and thus expand one’s
was not a full manifestation. However, we know sense of self. And the meaning of service is to
Rama, Krishna, Chaitanya, and Ramakrishna as serve the conscious entity present in man.
fully manifested incarnations (Purṇa-Brahma). What happens if one is ignorant of this
All of them used to experience nirvikalpa rationale can be seen in the case of Vidyasagar.
samadhi. But there are no records. He served people a lot, but in the end he
Chaitanyadeva too used to merge in samadhi became disgusted with their ungratefulness
every now and then. But it must be mentioned and turned into a misanthrope.
that in Vaishnavism there was over-enthusiasm There are three stages. The first is that of
about Saguna Brahman, or Brahman with ignorance, where I feel I am the doer. The
attributes. second is that of knowledge, where I realise
Everything takes place as per the need of that everything happens by the will of God. The
PA G E D O N O R : A D E V O T E E , M I S S I O N R D. , B E N G A LU R U
the age. I have heard that Chaitanyadeva third is the state beyond knowledge, where I
punished even Advaitacharya for propagating perceive that He doesn’t do anything; he just
June 2021
the Advaita philosophy. Sri Ramakrishna too remains aloof.
kept Swamiji at a level lower than nirvikalpa न कर्तृत्वं न कर्माणि लोकस्य सृजति प्रभुः।
samadhi. He did not promote the path of न कर्मफलसंयोगं स्वभावस्तु प्रवर्तते ।।
Knowledge in the presence of devotees. “The Lord creates for this world neither 15
Chaitanyadeva kept Knowledge within himself. agency nor actions, nor (does He bring about)
He had to inundate the land with the flood of the union with the fruit of action. It is nature
The Vedanta Kesari
devotion because that was felt suitable for that that does it all.” (Bhagavad Gita 5: 14)
age. If Advaitacharya had not had a feeling of This verse is very important. Whatever
devotion, who would have intoxicated the happens in your life is all due to your nature.
region lying to the west of the river Bhagirathi The will of the Lord is not involved in it. In
in West Bengal? The unique contribution of Queen Victoria’s kingdom, somebody receives
Nityananda and Advaitacharya can be sensed punishment. We can say that Queen Victoria is
even today. responsible for that; but at the same time it is
Question: If we engage in work, our also true that she is not responsible. Similarly,
rajoguna increases; and if we withdraw from God has laid down some injunctions. As a man
work, our tamoguna increases. What should we conducts himself, he experiences happiness and
do? misery, virtue and vice, accordingly. People
Maharaj: When rajoguna dominates, a don’t know this truth.
man desires to work and becomes assertive. We Qurban Sheikh says, “By the will of Allah,
need vairagya or dispassion to check this I have seven sons.” But he doesn’t know
impulse. This dispassion doesn’t come unless anything about Allah. If a person doesn’t know
we have the desire for liberation. Furthermore, the truth about God, we call him an atheist; if he
dispassion comes through philanthropic work. knows, we call him a theist—let him be a
But note that merely doing good to others Hindu, a Muslim, a Christian.
doesn’t bring dispassion. Dispassion comes (To be continued...)Article
Yoga for ‘COVID 19’
YOGACARYA S. SRIDHARAN
Q
uestion: COVID 19 is a disease of illness is the result of imbalance in the three
very recent origin, but the humours, bodily fluids and the organs of the
discipline of Yoga is more than human system. Patanjali offers nine solutions
3000 years old. What is the link between these in the first chapter of his work. They are more
two which stand divided by thousands of years? like models of meditation and include total
Answer: COVID 19, which is the talk of surrender to the Supreme Being, described by
the town now, is an infectious disease caused him as Ishvarapranidhana. Another of the tools
by a newly discovered ‘Coronavirus’. The is a particular type of Pranayama involving
spread of the disease, the fatality, and the extending the exhalation. Later texts like
June 2021
damage it causes to the internal organs is the Hathayogapradipika elaborated on the
cause of concern. The entire medical fraternity therapeutic aspect of yoga and particularly
all over the world is singularly concentrating prescribed different methods of Pranayama.
on finding a therapeutic solution to stop the Over the centuries, the therapeutic part of Yoga
16 disease from spreading and to contain the was further developed extensively by great
damages it causes that can range up to death. yogis and continues to progress.
Over the last few decades, scientific research Question: Which aspects of Yoga
The Vedanta Kesari
has validated the therapeutic value of Yoga Therapy addresses the Covid issue?
making the discipline an authentic tool for Answer: The primary cause behind
therapy. Of course, Yoga Therapy is considered Coronavirus affecting a person is low immunity
a part of ‘Integrated Medicine’, a branch that level. One source explains the role of Immunity
combines more than one form of Therapy along thus: “Immunity is the balanced state of the
with ‘Allopathy’. Therefore, the link between body wherein the body has adequate biological
Covid 19 and Yoga is at the level of ‘Therapy’. defences to fight infection, disease, or
Question: Yoga is generally understood unwanted biological invasion. It is also a state
to be one of the Sad-darshanas, philosophical where the body has adequate tolerance to avoid
systems, whose aim is Kaivalya, liberation. allergy, and autoimmune diseases. The immune
How does Therapy find a part in this? system helps the body to protect you from
Answer: Yoga-Sutras of Patanjali, the infection.” In Yoga this immune system is called
most authoritative text on Yoga, mentions Prana. Swami Vivekananda says in his book
‘illness’ (vyaadhi) as one of the nine Raja Yoga: “The Prana is the vital force in every
impediments (antaraayaas) in the path of Self- being. It is by the Prana that real curing
realisation. Vyasa, the commentator, says comes.”
The author a senior mentor and Yoga Therapist, former Managing Trustee, Krishnamacharya Yoga Mandira
and member Yoga certification board of AYUSH lives in Chennai. laxmidharan@gmail.comQuestion: How is this Prana the cause titled Jyotsna says that Suryabhedanam,
and cure of illnesses? primarily puts down the Vaata Dosha, Ujjaayi
Answer: To quote Swamiji again, puts down Kapha Dosha and Shitali puts down
“Sometimes in your own body the supply of the Pitta Dosha. Regular practice of Bhastrikaa
Prana gravitates, more or less, to one part; the will ensure that the three Doshas remain in
balance is disturbed, and when the balance of balance. As illnesses are caused by the vitiation
Prana is disturbed, what we call disease is of the Doshas, knowledge of the relationship
produced. To take away the superfluous Prana between the illness and the related Dosha, as
or to supply the Prana that is wanting will be per Ayurveda, is essential.
curing the disease. That again is Pranayama – to Before proceeding further, it is essential
learn when there is more or less Prana in one to know that Yoga treats each individual as a
part of the body than there should be. The unique entity and does not group them
PA G E D O N O R : S U B R A M A N I YA B H A R AT H I YA R R . , K A N C H E E P U R A M
feelings will become so subtle that the mind according to illnesses. In fact, it is the individual
will feel that there is less Prana in the toe or the who is treated rather than the illness per-se.
finger than there should be and will possess the Each patient’s individual Prakriti, the basic
power to supply it. These are among the characteristic, depends on the predominance of
various functions of Pranayama. They have to two of the three Doshas.
June 2021
be learnt slowly and gradually, and as you see, Asana and Dhyana have a prominent role
the whole scope of Raja-Yoga is really to teach to play in therapy. Asanas help deal with
the control and direction in different planes of illnesses at the physical level, particularly body-
the Prana.” related ones such as back pain, neck pain, etc. 17
Question: How does Yoga Therapy work? Dhyana is used largely in dealing with mental
Is Pranayama sufficient or do other Yoga tools illnesses. These three tools work together
The Vedanta Kesari
such as Asana and Dhyana also play a part? complementing and supplementing the work of
Answer: In Therapy, Yoga and Ayurveda one another.
share certain common concepts. Amongst other Question: How can Yoga be used in the
things the most important are the three Doshas, present context of Covid 19?
i.e., Vaata, Pitta and Kapha. They in turn are Answer: In dealing with Covid 19, three
related to the three Gunas, which are Sattva, stages can be identified. Firstly prevention,
Rajas and Tamas. According to Yoga, diseases secondly treatment when affected, and thirdly,
are caused by Rajas and Tamas. If we go by the the convalescence period.
authoritative text, Hathayogapradipika, Covid 19 is an infectious disease caused
Pranayama finds a place as a primary tool for by a very minute virus. It passes through air, or
therapy. There is a list of eight Pranayamas the droplets from those who carry the virus
popularly known as Ashta Kumbhaka. They are either symptomatic or asymptomatic. That is
Suryabhedanam, Ujjaayi, Sitkaari, Shitali, why at the basic level, social distancing,
Bhastrikaa, Bhraamari, Murcchaa and Plaavini. wearing mask and following guidelines of
Detailed instructions for practice and the personal hygiene of washing hands, etc., are
benefits for each of these Pranayamas are given. insisted upon. Here, Pranayama with emphasis
List of illnesses that are combatted by these on exhalation (Recaka Pranayama) helps in
Pranayamas are also given. Commentator throwing out impurities. Nadishodhana
Brahmananda in his wonderful commentary Pranayama helps in keeping the Nadis clean.When the Nadis are clean Prana flows freely Question: How does immunity improve
inside the system and thus full immunity is with Pranayama?
achieved. Answer: The aim of Pranayama as the
Covid primarily affects the breathing very word suggests is to extend and retain the
system (lungs). When the disease becomes Prana. The extension is achieved by making the
intense, the patient is unable to breath properly, breath deep, long and subtle. The retention is
resulting in low oxygen levels in the blood. Such attained by holding the breath after inhalation.
conditions may require intervention through The very process of Pranayama helps in
oxygenation or ventilation. In such situations, removing the impurities from the body by
Shitali Pranayama will help as it also has the kindling the fire in our system. With the
potential to deal with fever apart from other removal of impurities Prana will find its way
illnesses of the abdomen, spleen, etc. through the Nadis and fill the system which
In the convalescence period Sitkaari enormously strengthens our overall immunity.
Pranayama will help as its chronicled benefits According to Yogayajnavalkyasamhita, one of
include gaining strength of the body. the authoritative texts on Yoga, “He/She is
Question: What are the different kinds of considered as Yogi/Yogini whose Prana is
within his/her body”, i.e., flowing inside the
June 2021
Pranayama?
body as there are no impurities in the
Answer: 1) Recaka Pranayama: This can
system.
be done in lying position or seated position
with the back erect. The Exhalation to Question: How does Kapalabhati and
18 Inhalation ratio is maintained at 2:1, i.e., for 10 Bhramari help in this situation?
seconds of Exhalation, Inhalation will be 5 Answer: Kapalabhati in Hathayoga, is
classified under the category of Kriyas which
The Vedanta Kesari
seconds. The rate of breath will vary from
person to person. are totally six in number. The benefit of
2) Nadishodhana Pranayama: This is done Kapalabhati, according to Hathayogapradipika,
in a seated position. Inhale through left nostril, is that it destroys phlegmatic diseases. It can
Hold, Exhale through right nostril, and Inhale help in this situation in removal of impurities
through right nostril, Hold, Exhale through left caused by phlegm. However, one has to be
nostril (Classical style). The Hold must be done cautious in practice of this Kriya as it can cause
with care. People having cardiac problems will light-headedness/dizziness, etc. The technique
do well to avoid the Hold. Also, the ratio can be of Kapalabhati is “to perform Recaka
equal. The rate of breath will be based on the (exhalation) and Puraka (inhalation) rapidly
capacity of each individual. like the bellows of a blacksmith.”
3) Shitali Pranayama: Inhale through Bhramari Pranayama involves inhaling
protruded tongue, Hold the breath and Exhale and exhaling with a resonance resembling the
through nostrils. The ratio is to be according to sound of a bee. The benefit of the performance
individual capacity. of this Pranayama as given in
Hathayogapradipika is “there arises an
4) Sitkaari Pranayama: Make a hissing
indescribable bliss in the heart.” The need of
sound with the mouth (while inhaling the air)
the hour is to get rid of anxiety and fear and
and Exhale through nostrils.
t this Pranayama will help achieve that.
tArticle
The Journey from Distress to De-stress
DR. LATHA SATISH & MS. DEVI SHAH
T
he current pandemic will prove to frustration and stress, especially since there are
be a prominent historical event no definite answers to these queries at
wherein the most powerful and present.
dominant human species, considered to be the While these questions and concerns are
crown of creation has been humbled by an
PA G E D O N O R : S U B R A M A N I YA B H A R AT H I YA R R . , K A N C H E E P U R A M
very natural, it would be unwise to constantly
invisible parasitic germ that is merely a dwell upon them as they would only lead one to
microorganism, not belonging to either the drown in a whirlpool of anger, sorrow, depression,
plant or animal kingdom. Such a nonentity has dejection and self-defeat. Rather, a more adaptive
weakened the enormous amass of coping approach would be to make a simple but
June 2021
mechanisms, traumatizing the entire humanity significant shift from being problem focused to
by posing the greatest challenge of survival solution focused, which serves as a cushion to fall
itself. All efforts to curtail the situation appear back on while dealing with the taxing emotional
to have fallen short and seem to be inadequate clutter, thereby reducing reactivity and bringing
to overcome the unpredictability and about regulation and stability. 19
uncertainty that underlie this malady. The first and foremost step in handling
The Vedanta Kesari
Unfortunately, the impact of this these surging emotions, is to become aware of
pandemic situation is not limited to the health them and acknowledge them instead of
aspect alone. Instead, it endangers the overall suppressing or rejecting them. Acknowledging
l ive l i h o o d , e n c o m p a s s i n g e c o n o m i c , emotions means identifying and aptly labelling
educational, social, religious and cultural facets them and mindfully observing how they affect
as well. Altogether, these can increase the peril the mind and body, and hamper daily
of mental health crises among people. functioning. When this self-understanding
Recurring questions such as “How to protect dawns, it illumines the path to further progress
ourselves from being afflicted by this disease?”, towards acceptance and endurance.
“How do we take care of ourselves or manage Apart from this form of introspection,
everything if we get affected?”, “How long will there are other practical techniques that can be
this pandemic last?”, “What will be the end of helpful in managing one’s thought and
this?”, “For how long will I be able to dodge or emotional patterns.
escape from this disease?”, “What will be my
future and of my near and dear ones?”, and so 1. Relaxation
on and so forth, cause tremendous emotional There are several ways to relax the body
turmoil due to helplessness, insecurity, worry, and mind, and each person can choose a
Dr. Latha Satish is a senior psychologist and Technical Advisor at Krishnamacharya Yoga Mandiram,
Chennai. lathamesha@gmail.com. Ms. Devi Shah is a psychologist, and Research Associate at
Krishnamacharya Yoga Mandiram, Chennai.For e.g., sleeping for 8-9 hours in the night is
regarded as a healthy lifestyle practice.
However, the same is viewed as detrimental if
it is done during the day. Thus, the time and
duration of relaxation practice also determine
its effectiveness.
2. Planning daily activities
suitable method depending on their ease and
With isolation, lockdown, masking and
convenience. The simplest form is to lie down
social distancing becoming the new normal,
comfortably with the head placed in a slightly
communication and entertainment with friends
elevated position, and taking slow and deep
and family have become highly restricted.
breaths. While breathing smoothly, every
Although technology and social media have
muscle of the body starting from the forehead
been in great vogue particularly in the last
up to the toes, must be kept supple and loose,
decade, reducing the world to a much smaller
relieving the body and mind of all tension. Any
place, it was never sought as a replacement for
thoughts arising in the mind during this
in-person contact and interactions with near
course must be treated like passing clouds in
June 2021
and dear ones. However, in the present
the sky.
circumstances the physical distance and
This technique can also be supplemented
seclusion can be compensated using the same
with soft instrumental music like the flute or
technology and social media gadgets by
20 sitar, or even the sound of waves. The audio can
scheduling regular virtual group meetings with
be accompanied by visualisations of expansive
loved ones, giving a sense of togetherness and
natural sceneries like the rising or setting sun,
emotional bonding, and alleviating loneliness.
The Vedanta Kesari
flowers or snowclad mountains and rivers or
For families living under the same roof, this
the sandy beach shoring a vast sea/ocean on a
situation can be regarded as an ideal
beautiful temperate day. Such practices can
opportunity to spend quality time with each
uplift the mind from mundane preoccupations,
other by playing games and singing/listening
thus granting relaxation.
songs together, and to pursue or revive hobbies
Among rigorous practices, dancing, that had been tucked
jogging or brisk walking in a park or along the away, like gardening,
beach (whilst maintaining the norms of social arts and crafts, tailoring
distancing) can enliven the mood, providing a Acknowledging
and embroidery, baking,
fresh outlook to face the challenges of life. etc. In fact, the social
emotions means
While engaging in these practices, preferably media can also be used identifying and
making them a daily habit, it is crucial to to s h owc a s e o n e ’ s aptly labelling
consciously monitor how they influence and talents or impart them them and mindfully
amend the states of the mind so that the most to others through online observing how they
appealing practices can be adopted in the best coaching classes or affect the mind
possible manner. b l o g s o r Yo u Tu b e and body.
For many people, sleeping is the best form videos, which will
of relaxation. However, this type of relaxation enable others to
may be considered appropriate if it is timely. constructively manage their spare time as well.For those who feel deprived of going on consequent behaviours and experiences like
pilgrimages or attending religious congregations, having crying spells, shunning people, shouting
various forms of religious activities can be and overreacting, turning away from duties and
conducted from home by setting up chanting responsibilities, etc. Further, the entire
groups and inviting friends and companions to physiology itself can be disrupted, manifested
participate, writing spiritual notes based on the through palpitations, shortness of breath,
discourses and talks attended, or even praying excessive sweating, loss of appetite, indigestion,
together with the whole family which can insomnia or even having nightmares. Although
provide a great amount of inner strength and this whole chain reaction may be well
courage to face any difficulties. Further, it serves understood by most people, they fail to realise
to keep all members of the family united as the that such disturbances that drive the
proverb goes, “A family that prays together stays physiological functions awry tend to
PA G E D O N O R : S U B R A M A N I YA B H A R AT H I YA R R . , K A N C H E E P U R A M
together.” compromise the immune system, thereby
Another important making a person more
aspect of planning is to vulnerable to infections and
adhere to a proper routine, Filtering one’s thought diseases.
j u s t l i ke fo l l o w i n g a process is a crucial step Therefore, filtering
June 2021
timetable, beginning right towards health and wellness. one’s thought process is a
from the time of waking up crucial step towards health
in the morning, exercising and wellness. The common
o r d o i n g s o m e Yo g a , thinking style in the present 21
Pranayama or meditation, self-grooming, scenario is to look down upon oneself as a
cooking, eating balanced meals at appropriate victim who has fallen prey to an overpowering
The Vedanta Kesari
intervals, attending classes, spending time with disease. The reason for this type of catastrophic
the family, reading or pursuing hobbies, and thinking is a lack of discernment between that
also resting. When there is proper scheduling which is controllable and uncontrollable. While
of the daily routine, it keeps the day anchored the disease which is an external condition
and also gives a sense of satisfaction of cannot be controlled, our response to it is well
meaningfully utilising one’s time. Thus, within our control. Once this differentiation is
planning and organising are conscientious clear, the overwhelming feelings of fear and
activities that reduce distractions in the mind. insecurity will be automatically mitigated.
With this background, it would be
3. Altering maladaptive thoughts
worthwhile to examine one’s own thoughts
Every action begins with a thought. Thus, which will reveal that most of the thoughts
a thought is the seed which sprouts into an revolve around the consequences of contracting
action. Therefore, bringing about a change in the disease, thus triggering the obvious chain
any action requires a modification at the reaction. On the contrary, diverting the
thought level. If the thoughts are going to be thoughts towards ways of contributing in
ruminative and pessimistic, they will generate dealing with this crisis would make one feel
unpleasant emotions like panic, anxiety, grief, more optimistic and empowered. There are
irritability, demotivation and loss of several organizations that serve those who have
enthusiasm, which will be reflected in the been afflicted and also those belonging to theunderprivileged sections of the society who restoration of your emotional wellbeing and also
suffer the side-effects of the situation in the help you unearth your own power of resilience
form of loss of employment and severe financial and discover ways to stay healthy.
crunches. Thus, one way of extending help is by These care providers may use just a few
supporting these organisations either sessions to enable you to come out of this
Monetarily or Materially or even by engaging as pandemic related distress. Thus, seeking such
Manpower (Vitamin 3M), according to one’s help is highly beneficial. There are many
capacity and capability (whilst taking all the helplines that freely provide this form of
necessary precautions). In this manner, the psychological first aid (PFA).
mental energy is refined, which in turn One such initiative has been undertaken
channelizes one’s emotions, deeds and by the Indian Association of Clinical
biological activities towards positivity. Psychologists (IACP) to extend its support to
4. Seeking help the general population through the “COVID-19
Seeking professional help is a sensible Psychological Support Group” comprising of
solution when one feels unequipped to handle trained mental health experts, which aims to
their problems. During these times of crisis, provide free telephonic/online counselling, to
June 2021
engulfed with disease and death, it is very normal help people in emotional distress cope better
for people to feel anxious and/or depressed. with this crisis.
Psychologists and counsellors who are trained to The helpline is called Paramarsh, which
listen and empathetically understand your can be reached at 91 804 719 2224, from
22 specific circumstances will facilitate the 9 am – 9 pm.
vvv
The Vedanta Kesari
Death
This life may end at any moment. No one knows when. Equip yourself for the journey
with spiritual treasures. To arrive empty-handed at an unknown place involves much
suffering and sorrow. Birth is inevitably followed by death. At death you go to an unknown
place, so you must prepare yourself for the journey. Always be ready for the great call.”
— Swami Brahmananda
At the time of death, there is a battle between the prana and an outer force. But do
not imagine that they are two different forces. They are like two concentric circles, the
bigger one trying to destroy the other. Once when I was at the point of death at Puri, I
perceived this distinctly; as if I had one foot outside the door and another inside. I could
see both sides. Death is no more terrible when there is no attachment. One must keep out
attachment. Al the trouble is due to love being centred on specific objects.
— Swami Turiyananda
At the time of death, a man loses his wits, he becomes enveloped in a sort of mental
darkness. If only once he can utter the name of God at that time, he may be saved as God
takes charge of him. Unless one has acquired the habit of constantly thinking of God by long
practice, everything becomes confused on account of the pangs of death, and one cannot
think of God even once. So, what is necessary is to constantly meditate on Him and pray to
Him. — Swami VijnananandaYou can also read
