Contents Page No.Editorial 2That which cannot be... 3Shad Darshan 4Yoga for Asthma 5Sri Ramakrishna’s Amrita Dhara 6Spiritual Quest 7The Brunch 8Yuvanjali 10Reflections 10What is the best feeling in life? 11The Pure and Unbounded love 12Soar High, Evolve and Unite 13Freedom and Self-restraint 14Getting the most bang of your day 15Beauty in Being New 16The Festival of Farmers 18Living with a Divine Soul 20Satyapath 21Pious Mothers 22Samskrit - Lesson Ten 24Where women are worshipped... 25Mother 26The Gift 27Republic Day 28Ashram Events 29Celebrations at Tapovan 30Sponsor Options 32An Appeal 33Invitation 34Subscriptions 35

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- Subhadra K.

At the outset, Nachiketa Tapovan wishes youa Happy, Holy and Prosperous New Year.Time flies, doesn’t it? It seemed 2010 had juststarted and here it is all over, leaving behindmany happy and sad memories. It is time wequestion ourselves if we had spent the year ina worthy manner. Have we taken at least afew steps more in our journey towards God?This, of course, is something that each individualhas to analyze for himself. Calendars can beused as milestones to evaluate our spiritualprogress.

January is a special month in the calendar ofNachiketa Tapovan. It was on January 11th2009 we released ‘Nachiketanjali’ our firstnewsletter, which evolved into ‘Nachiketanjali’our monthly magazine on January 26th 2010.On behalf of the Editorial team, I personallythank all the writers, readers, sponsors,subscribers and volunteers who have joined usin this spiritual yaga and played a major role inspreading the spiritual essence. Our specialthanks to Kala Jyothi Printers for givingNachiketanjali its ornamental look.

Nachiketanjali has received wide acclaimfrom all quarters and my role as an editor isdiminutive like that of the squirrel in theRamayana. I owe my gratitude to Swamiji forallowing me to play this role. He has personallybuilt up the team to this level of proficiencyand continues to be its sole inspiration. It iswith His grace and personal attention that wecould bring out 12 issues without any hassles.Our mission is successful if we have created astir in the inner recesses of your hearts.

The New Year brings a lot of joy to thefarmers as they celebrate Sankranti- the HarvestFestival. We pay a tribute to the Annadatas ofour country, who feed humanity while theystruggle to maintain their livelihoods. Have ablessed New Year and a Happy Sankranti!

- Subhadra K.

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Nachiketanjali - A Milestone

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- Swami Nachiketananda

The moment we hear about sannyasa, the firstthing that comes to our mind is, a person withsaffron robe and a shaven head. This might bean external identity to identify a person but notreally the truth about the person. A personmight be a sannyasi but does not wear orangerobe or one might not be a sannyasi but wears anorange robe. So a person cannot be identifiedbased on his external appearance. True personabehind the person is always hidden. That is thereason we are unable to understand the sannyasaand the true expression of sannyasa. Due to therigidity of our mind we don’t accept that whichis real and we feel that a sannyasi has totallydeviated from the guidelines set by our sages andshastras.

For me, sannyasa cannot be given nor can it betaken. Sannyasa is not something readilyavailable in the market and purchased wheneverwe want. Sannyasa means not only workingthrough hands, legs and mind but also throughheart, while giving utmost care. It is about makingeveryone around happy and joyous. It is aboutliving for others. It is about selflessness and it isall about egoless state. If we understand thatsannyasa is nothing but the higher state of mindwhere mind transforms into heart, then our veryperception about sannyasa will change. Then wewill not look at the external appearance but willpay attention to internal integrity.

There are two types of sannyasa: external andinternal. External sannyasa comes from a guru,tradition or satsanga whereas internal sannyasasprings from within. When we take sannyasafrom external source, we are prone to createboundaries around us. But when internal sannyasatakes place, the boundaries get destroyed andthen nothing can bind the soul. External sannyasademands and commands whereas internalsannyasa obeys and accepts.

The actual fact is that sannyasa happens, itcannot be created. And when it happenscreation takes place within. Somethingsoothing, inspiring and elevating takes placepermanently. We find ourselves more clearand transparent. Acceptance becomes themantra in life. Fearlessness becomes thepersonality of life. Selflessness becomes thesignature of life.

Even though internal sannyasa is the onlytruth, that doesn’t mean that there is no valuefor external sannyasa. It has its role to play inone’s life. This external sannyasa can be awonderful path to lead to internal sannyasa.In this world everything is unique, inspiring anduseful. As long as we dwell in this world, weare bound to face many problems. Temptationsare as close as our own selves. Nothingappears nearer than selfishness. But thisexternal sannyasa to some extent can keepaway all of us from those temptations. Andthat is the time when we can follow prescribedguidelines given by our gurus or sages. Whatthey have said has got truth in it andtremendous energy as well. Everything is timetested and beyond time and space.

Na aksharam mantra rahitam,na mulam aushadham,ayogya purusha nasti,yojaka tatra durlabha

Meaning: There is no single syllable whichcannot be used in mantra, there is no rootwhich cannot be used as a medicine, thereis no unchaste person, but an organizer is

difficult to find.

Hence, before working on others’ energiesit is better to work on our own energies first.Ma is merciful and compassionate. Her divinewill cannot be changed even by God Himself.Accept this truth and stop grumbling at others.Understand that nothing can be given or taken;we are Her own personal property. If werealize this, then one day this blessed landcalled Ma Bharati will see at least one sannyasiin every house.

That which cannot begiven or taken...

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The VedasAs we discussed in our last issue about Shad

Darshan: 1. Mimansa 2. Vedanta 3. Nyaya4. Vysheshika 5. Sankhya and 6. Yoga

Mimansa: Let us first understand whatMimansa is? Mimansa means enquiry, enquiry forSatya or truth. Mimansa is based on the Veda andBrahmanas, and is concerned with the practicalside of the Vedic religion. Mimansa consists of 3parts they are 1. Karma kanda 2. Upasana kanda3. Jnana kanda.

Karma Kanda: Karma kanda is the science ofaction.

Upasana Kanda: Our mind always wavers inmany directions. Upasana kanda helps in keepingmind one pointed devoid of all the disturbances.Upsana is the tool which trains the mind.

Jnana kanda: Jnana kanda explains the scienceof the Atma (soul) and Paramatma(Supreme soul).

All these three kandas- Karma, Upasana andJnana kandas constitute the complete Vedicobjective while the knowledge is called Mimansa.There are two approaches to the three kandaswhich are

1. Purva Mimansa 2. Uttara Mimansa.While Purva Mimansa discusses about Karma

kanda, Uttara Mimansa talks about the Jnanakanda, whereas the Upasana kanda is seen inKarma and Jnana kanda.

Purva Mimansa: Purva Mimansa is foundedby Maharshi Jaimini. He is the disciple of MaharshiVedavyasa. Purva Mimansa is meant for pravruttimarga(one who always dwells in the world), householders and karmayogis- the one who has passionfor action.

Karmakanda: After attaining human birth,many do not realize the importance of it. It is onlythe Karma which makes you to be born again andagain. Many of us are not aware that your ownKarma or action brings misery and happiness inthe life. Karma phala, the fruit of action is notdenied to any creature in the world. One takesbirth in rich family, the other in the family of poor,one is beautiful, the other ugly or physicallyhandicapped etc. It is all because of your ownactions. So it is the most important aspect in one’s

life to understand the science of action. KarmaMimansa Sutras is a system that discusses thesacred ceremonies and the rewards resultingfrom their performances. Holding the Veda tobe uncreated, it lays special stress on theproposition that articulate sounds are eternal,and on the consequent doctrine that theconnection of a word with its sense is not toconvention, but is by nature inherent in theworld itself. Various Vedic Mantras explain theman’s responsible duties and actions.

Various kinds of actions in Karmakanda:Karmakanda is a science which educates manin...

1. Istha Karmas (desired actions),IsthaKarmas are explained in the form of Mantras,which are concerned with ceremonies andYagyas(sacrifices).

2. Purth karmas (Social responsibilities)-Purth Karmas explains the man’s responsibleduties to be performed towards society.Example: Constructing Orphanage, Temple, andSchool for the welfare of society.

There are three different aspects of Isthaand Purth Karmas. They are 1. Nitya Karma 2.Nymittik Karma 3. Kamya Karma.

1. Nitya Karma: Regular duties like PanchaMaha Yagyas.

2. Nymittik Karma: Actions which areperformed for certain reasons. Example: Birthceremony.

3. Kamya Karmas: Actions performedaiming material or spiritual gains. Example:Tirtha Yatras, Yagyas performed for heaven.

Apart from these there are two more aspectsof Karmas; they are Nishiddha Karmas andPrayashchit Karmas.

Nishiddha Karmas: as mentioned in shastras,are Karmas (actions) which are not to beperformed.

Prayashchit Karmas: when one performswrong actions or Karmas performed againstVedic method, he goes through a process wherehis mind gets polluted. Prayashchit Karmas arethose which are means of purification. Whenactions are performed for material gains (selfishacts), to accomplish particular wish mancommits many crimes. Prayashchit Karmas makeman free from the effect of all the wrong acts.

- Swami Shivanandamayi

Shad Darshan

4

Asthma affects people of all ages, Asthma is a chronic lungdisease that inflames and narrows the airways and makesthem more reactive to certain substances breathed in. Thereare many causes for asthma. Symptoms of asthma are:aspiration, shorten of breath, wheezing, coughing gastricproblems and many more. For various reasons, duringasthma attack the bronchial tube becomes narrow, or evenblocked. As result, air cannot get in or out of the lungs easilyand patient begins to breathe heavily, wheeze or cough.Asthma is a long-term care. There is no cure for asthma inmedical science. Allopathic medicines do not cure asthmapermanently but they give temporary relief from symptoms bysuppression. Whereas the regular practice of Hata Yoga cangive permanent cure to asthma.

Asthma needs to be understood and diagnosed throughyogic point of view. In asthma patients, more mucusaccumulates in lungs and nasal passage. The regular andsteady practice of Yogic techniques can cure asthma forever.

Various Yogic programmes for asthma:1. Cleansing techniques2. Asanas3. Pranayama1. Cleansing techniques or shat karmas, works more

effectively in asthma like Jala neti, Sutra neti, Vamana dauti,Vastra dauti etc. All these shat karmas have to be performedunder the expert guidance of a Yogic practitioner.

2. Asanas: Asanas are very useful in asthma. There areparticular asanas that help in toning lungs and all the bodymuscles.

1. Hasta uttanasana: Stand with feet together and armsbeside the body. Inhale raise arms above the head, inter lockfingers, palm faces sky. Try to lift toes along with the handssimultaneously. Hold thebreath as long as youcan, while exhaling bringdown hands beside thebody. Repeat this four tofive times.

Second variation of thisHasta uttanasana : Standwith feet apart and arms beside the body. Inhale and withfingers interlock, bend right side, exhale; bring back handsbeside the body. Repeat the same thing with left side. Repeatthis four to five times. Relax for some time

Ardha kati chakrasana, Hands in and out and Marjari asanaare also useful in asthma.

Pranayama is also very beneficial for treatingasthma .

Pranayama technique:Deep BreathingSit in any comfortable position- Padmasana,

Vajrasana, Siddhasana or Sukhasana with the spineerect.

Adopt any Mudra, Chinmudra or ChinmayaMudra, with eyes closed.

Now inhale through your abdomen deep and longinhalation and exhalation for six to ninetimes. At thesixth or ninth time, inhale and hold the breath as longas you can. This makes one round.

Repeat the same but this time at the sixth or ninthtime of inhalation and exhalation, exhale completelyand hold the breath. This is another round. Do fourrounds. After four rounds, relax for some time.

Now take breath through you chest, inhale andexhale deep and long for six to nine times. At thesixth or ninth time, inhale and hold the breath. Thisis one round. Repeat the same thing but this time,after sixth or ninth time exhale and hold the breathas long as you can. This also can be performed for4-6 rounds.

Here one very important thing that needs to beunderstood is, after every round when you hold thebreath, the changes in the body need to observed.See that you are completely relaxed before you gofor the next round.

After deep breathing, you can end this pranayamawith Bhramari pranayama. Inhale and while exhalingcreate sound like humming bee. Observe all thechanges in the body.

This Pranayama is a very simple yet effectiveand helpful against asthma. The regular and steadypractice of this pranayama and asanas bringsharmony in mental and physical level and helps inkeeping the body healthy and mind strong. Wheneveryour physical and mental bodies are in harmonythere will not be any disease.

- Swami Shivanandamayi

Yoga for Asthma

5

-Compiled by Geetha K.

Direct disciples of Sri Ramakrishna- Swami ShivanandaSwami Shivananda was born Taraknath Ghoshal

on 16th December 1854 to RamkanaiGhosal. His father was a legal advisor toRani Rasmani and had met SriRamakrishna during his visit toDakshineshwar.

From his childhood, SwamiShivananda was inclined towardsrenunciation and sought holy company.But he was married in his teens as wasthe custom in those days but lived avery chaste life. The purity of his lifeearned him his popular nameMahapurush Maharaj given by Swami Vivekananda.He completed schooling and took up a job as thefamily was financially constrained.

He saw Sri Ramakrishna in Ramachandra Datta’shouse in May 1880 and was immediately drawntowards him. Later he visited Him in Dakshineshwaras he felt that he had known the Master for a long time.He saw in Him his tender loving mother andsurrendered to Him placing himself under His care.

In his words, ‘During my second or third visit I wasserving Him and He suddenly touched my chest in anecstatic mood. That touch made me lose outerconsciousness and sent me into a deep meditativestate. As a result everything became revealed to me.I realised that I was the Atman, eternal and free andthe Master was the Lord born as man for the good ofthe humanity, and that I was on earth to serve Him.’

After the death of his wife he took permission fromhis father and lived with the Master for the last threeyears of his life. At Cossipore garden, he along with hisbrother devotees, took care of the Master night andday and often did not realise the passing of time.

During the Master’s illness, he along with SwamiVivekanada and Swami Abhedananda had gone on apilgrimage to Bodhgaya without informing Him. On hisreturn he asked if the Master had commented on theirjourney. The Master moving His finger in a circle and

shaking the thumb said, “No spiritualityanywhere!” Then pointing to Himself Hesaid “This time all is here. You mayroam about wherever you please, butyou will not find anything anywhere. Hereall the doors are open!”

Even after the Maha Samadhi of theMaster, he along with SwamiAbhedananda, continued to stay atCossipore garden until the tenancy wasover. He was the first to join his brothermonks at Baranagar Math.

He spent several years in intense contemplation indifferent parts of north India, and returned to the Mathin 1896. When the Ramakrishna order was foundedin 1897 he was assigned to Sri Lanka to spread themessage of Vedanta and his Masters teachings. In1902 he started the Advaita Ashram in Varanasi andwas the head of the centre for seven years. In 1910he was elected the Vice president of the Order. In 1922after the passing away of Swami Brahmananda, hebecame the second President of the RamakrishnaMath & Mission.

Like his predecessor, he stressed on meditationand prayer along with working for humanity. He wasfull of love and compassion. His message was: ‘AtHis door everything is available- enjoyment, liberationand even knowledge of Brahman. But, my child youwill have to seek, you will have to ask longingly. Thisseeking is what is called Spiritual practice. If onesincerely longs for the vision of Him, He is sure tobless you. When once out of compassion, He opensthe gate and awakens the kundalini- the latent spiritualpower- you realise that everything is within. But nothingcan be achieved without the awakening of the kundalinithrough His grace’.

In April 1933, he suffered a stroke and developedparalyses of one side. On 20th February 1934, a fewdays after the Master’s birthday, Mahapurush Maharajleft the body for the heavenly abode.

Sri Ramakrishna’s Amrita Dhara

6

- Swami Nachiketananda

Swamiji answers questions from the seekers.Questions are welcome from everyone.

They can be e-mailed to nachiketananda@gmail.com

Swamiji: When we say ‘Spiritual’ then there cannotbe any rigid rules but there need to be certain basic andsimple tenets based on which the organization functions.Spirituality doesn’t belong to any one religion, sect, cast,creed or gender. But when this Spirituality getsassociated with organisation, it shall follow certain norms.

First ‘you’ then ‘I’! If we draw the sketch of a tenet,then it would turn out to be the picture of the squirrel -half of whose body gets transformed into gold becauseit rolled on the floor of the Brahmin’s house. This wasthe Brahmin, whose family doesn’t get food for manydays and when on one day with great difficulty, he getsa little food for all, he finds himself in a situation wherehe chooses to give it all away to a hungry guest. Andthe entire family dies out of starvation but with totalhappiness and satisfaction. Therefore ‘you’ shouldcome before ‘I’.

Not to expect! When we look at the needy andunderprivileged ones, one thing we should understandis that they need from us, not we from them. Thereforegive but do not expect anything in return.

Work is worship! In a Spiritual organisation workis given utmost important after sadhana. Through workwe can channelize our energies in the right directionand get a better perception of life while interacting withothers. When work becomes worship, not only doesit elevate the society but also the individual.

Transformation not conversion! When we aretalking about a Spiritual organisation, transformationstands above all. Transformation is the internal changewhereas conversion is the external change. Spiritualitynever demands conversion but asks for transformationof the society and individuals.

All are equal! No matter what kind of society, nomatter who is making the society, no matter what theyeat or wear, we should have the same formula for all.So working for all should be the real motive.

Universal principle! Universal principle is acceptedeverywhere, doesn’t belong to any religion. It is likehow medicine works on everyone without discriminatingpatients.

Respecting every religion! This is a very importantaspect of every Spiritual organisation. Respect shouldbe given to every one’s religion. People should havethe freedom to practice their faith without disturbing theactual functioning of the organisation.

Freedom of expression! In a Spiritual organisationfreedom of expression is a must. People shouldunderstand and express their healthy feelings when it isnecessary. Expression can be conveyed throughdifferent ways.

Sadhana! Sadhana is the most important for all.Without sadhana, we may get entangled into worldlyactivities. The main person who is looking after Spiritualactivities should take care of every individual by givingthe right sadhana. Once the sadhana path is clear thenpeople who are rendering their services will never haveany downfall.

Purpose of life! Without purpose neither organisationnor individual can survive in the world. Without apurpose, life is like a bird without wings. It is notnecessary that our purpose should match with that of theorganisation, but similar purpose of sacrificing life for thesociety will lead to a healthy and prosperous society.

Spiritual Thought! Without direction nothing ispossible. Similarly without thought an organisation maynot inspire people. This Spiritual thought will bindeverybody together. Organisation should revolve aroundSpiritual thought, not around a person.

Dropping Individuality! It is very important for allof us to drop our individual identities while working in anorganisation. Organisation is solely based on Spiritualthought and a band of true workers who have understoodthe real purpose of serving society. We have to leaveeverything aside while working together, in order to bea great sevaka like Sri Hanuman.

What are the tenets of atrue Spiritual organization?

Spiritual Q

uest

7

It is an hour before noon. The Restaurant sits contentedly at the edge

of a dark green-blue lake. There is almost nowind today, making it hard to see any movementin the trees lined up thickly on the other side.

A narrow, wooden bridge pokes out from theside of the Restaurant leading to the lake andcoming to an abrupt stop somewhere near theedge. The water in the lake is uncannily calm,almost motionless. There is only a hint ofmovement, given away by the sunlight sparklingmischievously at its surface now and then. It islike a pink baby dreaming with her soft eyelidsclosed, indulging in only so much of a shy smileevery few minutes. And like her little fingerswhich curl and uncurl slowly, perhaps reachingout to touch some unfathomably beautifulthought high up somewhere.

Yellow-golden sunlight streams in generouslythrough the French windows of the Restaurant,highlighting a rare speck of dust that mighthave escaped the stringent eye of themorning cleaner. It floats about hitherand thither, enjoying being hopelesslylost in the big, big Restaurant.

I walk into the Restaurant, lookingaround with mild interest. It feels likeI’ve been here before. I just can’tremember when, though. It must havebeen a lifetime ago.

The place is quiet, but not quite. Thereis a muffled clink of shining steel cutleryon warm silica plates. From the far end of theRestaurant, the soft notes of a Piano mix intothe sweet air like a shameless intoxicant. I aminvited in. I come in.

I am ushered to my place by a pleasant manin a white uniform and I choose a nice chairfacing the window, overlooking the lake. I amjust about to park myself when I change mymind. I shift over to the other side, now facingthe Restaurant.

I am here for Brunch. Twenty minutes later, I am almost halfway

through. I’m not quite full yet, but not starving

either. I’ve chewed and swallowed up thepancakes and honey with almost uncouthenthusiasm. I’ve dug into the Quiche deepenough, to proclaim it belongs to me. I sip onthe orange juice in between bites, enjoying theslightly sour tinge trickle down my throat.

Appetite somewhat satiated, I put down myspoon and fork. Pausing for a moment to clearmy throat, I look around once again. And I’msurprised at what I see. The scene’s almostentirely changed!

The old couple dressed in a dull orange andbrown is no longer there.

The family of four that was sitting in the tablediagonally opposite me now has two people.

The young married couple that was cuddlingand cooing some time back is now squabblingand hissing in hushed voices. The woman isclose to tears. The man wears a disgustedexpression on his face.

Seeing me looking around curiously, the manin the uniform walks up to me again. He asks ifI would like to have something else. Shaking myhead, I indicate that I would help myself. And Icontinue to look around.

An old woman sitting alone catches my eyeand smiles dotinglythrough her thickspectacles.

She thinks I amthe son she neverhad.

A baby boy looksat me with interestas his mother wipescrumbs off thecorner of his lips.

He thinks he has met me before. Well, me too. Why do I suddenly feel I’ve been here before?The setting seems so familiar. The food, though

fresh, seems like it’s been eaten earlier. And the people, well, that’s the strangest

part…I’m about halfway through my meal when I

stop, in between a particularly fulfilling bite. Alittle thought suddenly gets hold of me. I narrowmy eyebrows and look around. Then I push itaway to the back of my mind and chew. But Islow down and stop again. It’s that thought. It’s

The Brunch

8

gripped me good. I can’t stop thinking about it.Because with every passing second, I realize howtrue it is.

In that sixty-odd minute meal, I was going tolive my whole Life in short. Minute by minute.

I only began realizing it when I was past twenty,but that really didn’t matter. There were stillforty-odd minutes to go.

It started when I was out there, strolling in thelobby. I had almost walked past the door to theRestaurant. Then, I can’t explain why, I back-tracked my steps and made an impulsive choiceto dine here today. A lucky coincidence, I thinknow. And I have no regrets about that.

I vaguely remember the first few minutes as ifthey were my first ever. Well, they were, in away.

I remember the bright streams of golden-yellowsunlight, the sweet mix of intoxicating music inthe air and the scent of a freshly baked something.This was my welcome into the Restaurant.

And all the while, something kept prodding mesoftly at the back of my mind. ‘You’ve been herebefore,’ it said. Now I know what it meant.

Again, the white-uniformed man helped mechoose a seat by the window. I had almost satdown, but something stopped me mid-way and Iturned. I sat facing the people in the Restaurant.Well, it wouldn’t hurt to look around at thepeople while I was here, would it?

There were glances. Some stealthy and swift,some warm and lingering.

I smiled a few smiles and got a few more inexchange.

I waved out to those I knew, and they wavedback.

I ignored some completely, and they let me be.I am here for Brunch. So are they.And while we’re at it, I really don’t think it

would hurt to get to know a few of the people-the old couple dressed in a dull orange andbrown who would no longer be there in a fewminutes; the family of four that was sitting in thetable diagonally opposite me, which would laterhave only two people; the young married couplethat was cuddling and cooing right now, butwould later be squabbling and hissing in hushedvoices; the old woman sitting alone, who thinksI am the son she never had; the baby boy who

looks at me and smiles, for no real reason. Icannot help it. I smile back at them all, warmly.There’s a connection, I think.

Occasionally, the uniformed man keeps comingup and I refuse politely. I prefer to go andchoose for myself. I’ve got a lot of choices hereat the Restaurant. I wasn’t going to let someuniformed man make them for me.

I steer my way through the Brunch, sometimeswolfing it down, sometimes savoring every littlesliver of a bite. Sometimes I’m distracted.Sometimes I’m all attention.

The crackling cereal, the spongy cakes, thewarm milk, the sour juice and the honey Isweeten it with. It’s all here. Whatever I want.Whatever I choose.

And now, here I sit. Chewing mechanically,the nerves in my forehead pulsing.

But I’m lost in thought. Where was I?Ah yes, I’ve sat for about twenty minutes.

Another forty to go, I’m assuming. I might sit here till late afternoon, staring

into the lake and sighing contentedly, if I feellike it.

Or I might be spilled upon by a fellow diner orthe uniformed man and leave early in a huff.Who knows?

I am here for Brunch. It’s no special occasion today. But then, I

think I should make it one. After all, I’ll be here in this Restaurant

for this Brunch only once. I better make it worth my Life.

Avinash Agarwal is a student of St.Xaviers College, Mumbai and has adeep flair for writing. He has writtenmany thought provoking essays.

9

Yuvanjali

Source: The Complete Works ofSwami Vivekananda Vol.6

CONCENTRATIONThe main difference

between men andanimals is the differencein their power ofconcentration. Allsuccess in any line ofwork is a result of this.

We should put ourminds on things; theyshould not draw ourminds to them…To

control the mind, to place it just where we wantit, requires special training.

In training the mind the first step is to beginwith the breathing. Regular breathing puts thebody in a harmonious condition; and it is theneasier to reach the mind. In practicing breathing,the first thing to consider is Asana or posture.Any posture in which a person can sit easily ishis proper position. The spine should be keptfree, and the weight of the body should besupported by ribs. Do not try by contrivancesto control the mind; simple breathing is all thatis necessary in that line.

In the training of the mind, it is easier to reachit through the body. The body is easier tograpple with than the mind.

The science of breathing is the workingthrough the body to reach the mind. In this waywe get control of the body, and then we beginto feel the finer workings of the body, the finerand more interior, and so on till you reach themind. As we feel the finer workings of the body,they come under our control. After a while, youwill be able to feel the operation of the mind onthe body. You will also feel the working of onehalf of the mind upon the other half, and alsofeel the mind recruiting the nerve centers; forthe mind controls and governs the nervoussystem. You will feel the mind operating thenerve currents.

Thus, the mind is brought under control- byregular systematic breathing, by governing thegross body first and then the fine body.

Noman

shouldbe

judgedbyhis

defects!-Swami Vivekananda

ReflectionsThe earth is beautifulThe trees on the earth

are beautifulThe flowers on the trees

are beautifulThe petals on the flowers

are beautifulWith beauty we look so cuty...

V. Mahesh Raj5th Grade, Nachiketa Tapovan

Vidya Mandir, Hyd.

10

As a child, I remember to have beenattention seeking and to have ran here andthere seeking love. I always felt happy to bethe one to be looked at and to be cared byeverybody. When my mother came runningto see if I were all fine on hearing me cry , tryto console me and make me smile when shesaw me fall on my knees and cry for somethingI wanted, I enjoyed the attention. I lovedwatching people run to pull my cheeks, takeme in their arms and give me a hug. The bestfeeling I always knew was being loved. As Igrew, I realized that I am no more the onewhom people would pull cheeks, hug or playwith; no more the one whom people wouldsurround and ask to dance or sing and feelcontent seeing me do any foolish thing. Irealized that growth made me different. Ifgrowth is what makes me different, then Imust admit I haven’t grown at heart. I havegrown as years passed by but my heart alwayswanted the attention people gave when Iwas a child. Call it innocence or ignorance, Ialways wanted to be the one whom peopleloved and adored.

My views changed slowly as I looked out ofthe window, at people who needed love. Icompared myself with those who had nothingwhile I had everything I needed; still cravedfor something I wanted. Love was a feelingthey never knew. I read their eyes that lookedfor genuine people, minds that kept askingthem to do anything to get that attentionand hearts that craved for love. Apathy wasall they knew. To impart anything like discipline

Ramya Manasa Kandala1st Year Undergraduate StudentUniversity of AlbertaEdmonton, Alberta, Canada.

I love writing poems, stories andsongs; compose them and sing.All I can write is about life becausethat is all I can experience.

wouldn’t help but only worsen it for them. Hardit was, to imagine the plight, when being as oldas I was, craved for people and their attention.Children, suffered from the feeling of beingneglected. Tender hands, they held out to holdsomeone’s hand and walk with made me movetowards them. I played with them, talked hourstogether and did all the crazy things I could. Ifelt no less a child at heart but this time thefeeling was completely new. The joy in lovingsomeone and seeing them smile is priceless.Then did I realize that being loved was not allit. The best feeling is to love.

After that, seldom did I whine about notbeing loved; because life taught me that joy isin loving the ones who needed the love. And tolove makes itself the best because being lovedalways follows it. You love and so shall you beloved. Look through the window and you shallsee many who need love. Be not the one,complaining about life. Never complain thatyou have none who cares for you, care for themand you shall receive immense love in return.Enjoy the moment as it comes; give it a try andlet the world know how it feels to be the oneto love.

Have a lovely year ahead!

What is the best feeling in life?- To love or to be loved?

11

Most of us are so caught up in our families;our kith and kin, our blood; that our vein of‘Unrestricted Love’ is often constricted to onlyour immediate family members. It is only verynatural for most of us to feel, experience andlove, the ‘Unbounded Love’ for something thatis ‘Ours’. But, there are also some ordinarysouls like us, who live among us and feel andspread this kind of ‘Unbounded Love’ beyondtheir own family.

Let me tell you about an incident that tookplace about six years ago, about a dear friendof mine. This couple was already blessed withtwo beautiful sons. However, they felt that adaughter would make their perfect family evenmore complete. They had spent many a dayand night, many discussions and muchcontemplation before arriving at a conclusion.Finally, they had decided to adopt a girl child astheir ‘daughter’. Their boys were thrilled tohave a sister to share their lives, which is veryunusual for kids of ages nine and seven. But theimmediate family was taken aback and shockedwhich was very natural because the couplecould have had another child of their own. Inspite of that, the brave couple went aheadwith their bold decision and approached areliable Adoption Agency. Within six months,the beaming couple with their two sons walkedinto their house welcoming ‘The little bundle ofjoy’ into their home, their hearts and their livesforever.

It was now a perfect, complete and happyfamily. The parents adored their daughter noless than their sons. The brothers took to theirsister with warmth and affection. One wondershow kids of that age can be so mature becausekids at that age are often so possessive aboutparents, about toys and almost abouteverything at home. But these kids were sopossessive about their sister that they despisedanyone else taking care of her other than theirparents. The immediate family members tootuned into the new arrival at their own pace.

Six years later, now, the love of the parentsfor their daughter still remains unchanged,unbounded and ever-growing. Many a time,one feels that she gets a lot more attentionthan her siblings; of course I mean this in avery positive way. The brothers too, now intheir teens still adore and dote on their sisterthe same very way they did earlier. Do youever see or hear older brothers letting a smallsister play a game of cricket with them? Butthese teen brothers let her play with them inall the so called ‘boy’ games, enjoying everymoment with her. Oh! The parents take suchpride and burst with joy and affection whenthey talk about their little angel. This child isindeed ‘Blessed’ to be a part of this wonderfulfamily and so is the rest of the family ‘blessed’to receive that love.

I admire and salute these parents for givingthis child a beautiful life. They have given hera new lease on life. I admire their courage andsteadfastness in taking this initiative in spite ofthe challenging social implications. I do not tellthis because they are good friends of mine.But because, every time, I get a chance tointeract with the family, this ‘Unbounded Love’moves me.

I am sure there are many people who havedone this and will continue to do so. NachiketaTapovan started by Vasundhara Amma is nodifferent. These are people who have movedbeyond, ‘I… Me…Myself’ and become ‘Us’.This is an ‘Ode’ to all such people out there inthis world who welcomed children; not theirown blood, with open arms and spread this‘Unbounded Love’ and made them ‘theirs’.May God be with them and my sincere prayersfor all of them. -Anuradha Kalidindi

12

When we do not aspire for anything, thereis nothing that we need to renounce. Whennothing belongs to us what is it that we aregoing to lose? Once we understand this aspectwe can lead a peaceful life filled with happiness.But what is life without desire? Having adesire to live is life! In the true sense desireis our breath.

Life is not all about controlling our sensesand sitting idle. Each one of us will have adistinct attitude, perception, purpose and goalin life and we should strive to achieve ourgoal. The efficacy of a person lies in selectinghis goal. We should lead a life filled withvalues and only then our life’s purpose isfulfilled. Our life should be like that of aflowing river carrying the spiritual fragrance.Our inner life is filled with nectar and when wedo not make an attempt to drink this nectarwe just lead a superficial life wasting the goldenopportunity given to us. God has given us theintellect to understand our true self. But dowe utilize this?

Time and again, our Scriptures, Puranas,Sages and Gurus have tried to remind us ofour true goals. But it is really unfortunatethat we have ignored their messages. Leavealone the ignorant people who are entangledin the worldly life, at least the fortunate oneswho have awakened from their deep slumber,should make their lives fruitful by realizingtheir true self. Our good deeds of past birthshave played their role in giving us this precioushuman birth. So let us utilize it and live life tothe fullest. Let us leave behind the thoughtsof ‘I’ and ‘Mine’ and realize that ‘I’ does notexist and it is only BRAHMAN that pervadesthis universe. It is in this process that werealize that there is nothing to desire andnothing to abandon.

- Subhadra K.

This body is given to us by our parents. Exceptfor the breath what is it that we have broughtwith us and what is it that we are going to lose?Whatever came to us later are additional benefitsand do not belong to us. We should look at it inthe same perspective. But if we think everythingbelongs to us, they become shackles which aredifficult to get rid of. Instead of clinging todelusions, let us break these shackles of ignoranceand emerge into light and freedom. We can soarhigh and experience the abundance of happinessthat God has made available for man. Intensesadhana will help us in removing the veils ofignorance and realizing our own potential. Letour lives glow in the divine light hidden behindthe veils. Evolve and unite with SATCHIDANANDA.

13

experience and indulge? Doesn’t havingfreedom entail you to enjoy everythingthere is? We might ask.

Absolute freedom, that is our fundamentalnature, is a state in which one does notsavor being told what to do. In indulging ineverything that is “pleasant” or avoiding allthat is “unpleasant” to the senses, we arecultivating a deep habituation of likes anddislikes. Unconsciously, this leads to abondage in itself, by running after the“pleasant” and running away from the“unpleasant”. Thus, freedom is truly lost inthis bondage.

Hence, the scriptures logically state thatliving a life while practicing intelligent andintentional self-restraint, is essential tomoving towards a state of true freedom.Many accidents on the road can be avoidedby simply following the traffic rules andspeed limits.

It is an effort to free ourselves from ourown self! This does not mean that life willbecome a grim and a depressing affair.With the right effort, we will actuallyexperience and savor the creation withmore zest and enthusiasm. Don’t we relishthe first spoon of our favorite ice creammuch more than when we have had helpedourselves with too many servings?

This New Year, let us try to taste everydollop of our existence, with all our senses,with awareness, to completeness, in orderto satiate ourselves, experiencing His grandcreation.

- Harini Nandakuru

Showing great impatience at the rushhour traffic, my four year old asks, “Whycan’t our car just race past others and go”.She also wondered why we must mind thethree lights at the signal. Not an unusualquestion at that age and not a complicated“why” to answer at my age.

But I started to wonder how grown-upsoften tend to argue and discuss the samequestion when it comes to regulating themad traffic of desires, within. Many of usscoff at the spiritual advice to practicesome amount of self-restraint in our lives.At first, it is difficult to find a directcorrelation between discipline and ultimatefreedom.

Human beings have evolved from cavesand hunting to glorious heights ofachievement in every field. The comfortswe indulge in today are close to ‘heavenly’and yet, amidst the material prosperity, lifestill seems full of worry, stress and anxiety.The spiritual Masters have been analyzingand investigating this irony and discoveredthat all the agitation caused is a result ofover indulgence of the senses. Ourphilosophy proclaims that everythingultimately is the wonderful creation of theSupreme and so isn’t it there for us to

14

We have all heard, read about ‘living in the moment’,‘getting the most out of life’, ‘find your passion beforethe grim reaper arrives’, etc. But, here is a differenttwist to that...

Now, if you think our average lifespan is about 70years (Current World Average is 70 as per wikipedia andthere are variations by gender, race, etc and all thatis beside the point anyway).

This translates to ~25,500 days in all. That soundslike a lot of days.

Now, the first 6-7 years which translates to ~2500days we are mostly happy and have a pretty goodtime in general.

It’s from about the age of 7 years or so that we startexperiencing moods and seem to somewhat understand

and experiencedifferent emotions andstart to form our ownoutlook towards life.(Disclaimer: I am surethis definitely variesfrom individual toindividual and I am noexpert in the area ofhow the human brain

develops through the years and this is just purely frommy observation of my boys)

So, it’s really about 63 years translated to ~23000days that we have to play with and can choose to dowhatever we want with these days.

Now, let’s say we use this comparison: What if weare given a total of 23,000 rupees for our entire lifeand we are asked to live our life with it. For most ofus, the natural instinct would be to try and maximizewhat we can get from these 23 thousand rupees. Wewill do all kinds of research and bargain hunting to getthe most ‘bang for our buck’. We will try to invest itto stretch that pool and so on.

What if we view our days the same way too and tryto get the most ‘bang for each day’… find our passion,do something each day that will make you truly happy,invest it so you can stretch your days and stretch thequality of those days…

- Vasantha Gullapalli

When I must leave youfor a little while

Please do not grieveand shed wild tears

And hug your sorrow to youthrough the years

But start out bravely with a smileAnd for my sake and in my name

Live on and do allthe things the same

Feed not your lonelinesson empty days

But fill each waking hourin useful ways

Reach out your handin comfort and in cheer

And I in turn will comfort youand hold you near

And never, never be afraid to dieFor I am waiting for you in the sky

- Helen Steiner Rice

Getting the most bangof your day

WHEN I MUSTLEAVE YOU

15

The New Year is at the threshold and it istime to usher in the New Year with new hopesand new dreams. The year that wore the newlook last time had given way to the presentyear. We had welcomed the old year withenthusiasm and gaiety last time. Similarly weare passing through the same time now. It isthe same day, same atmosphere but what makesit so special and exciting? It is the time andoccasion that drives our lives towards futurewith optimism. This is the occasion wherein weenter into unwritten agreement with ourselvesto act, to plan and achieve. The starting pointis the New Year, as it appears bright andencouraging. The day rolls into months andultimately culminates into the year, exactly stopsat where we are now. The future becomespresent and present becomes past. The courageshown to do or achieve great things slowlystarts declining and appears bleak at some point.The resolutions made during this beautifuloccasion start playing on our minds and maymake us feel inferior before ourselves, ultimatelyend up consoling that “thebeginning of New Year is justround the corner so let me givea try again.” Are the samedecisions taken again and againor we made it just a formalityto resolve on every New Yearday, and reluctant to keep it?

Every human on this earthhas 24 hours a day, but whyonly few people get noticed fortheir outstanding success? Thedifference is simple. Theyplanned according to their willand wish and most importantlystayed focused till the end. Theyset their goals right and striveto achieve it. They neverallowed the circumstances todictate them, rather they controlled thecircumstances. There is a popular saying, “it isquite easy to quit and I had quit 100 times”, thisis nothing but ridiculing our ability. When the

very intention is to resume one day or theother what is the necessity to quit. Why onlySachin is considered as the best batsman? Thesecret is that he hits the ball better than mostof the players. Similarly why is Abdul Kalamgiven so much respect? Not because he is overlytalented but the commitment he had shown inhis selected field had made him so. Unlike mostof us, they kept their cool during troubled times,while we thought of quitting or had lost hope.They also resolved like us, the only difference iswe resolve to do every year and they resolvedto do for their lifetime. These rare breeds ofpeople do not work according to season or yearbut commit themselves to excel in the field.The New Year is not just the time to turn a newpage in the diary called life. It is the rareopportunity of adding color to it. Just ensurethat we are adding the color of our choice. Thebeauty lies in the things that appear NEW forus, a NEW baby coming into the family iswelcomed with enthusiasm by one and all, alongwith the would-be parents. A student entering

into college after so many yearsin school wearing the samedress, though not interested,carrying a heavy load of books,becomes excited once hefinishes the school, as he knowsit takes him to a new levelwherein he can dwell in anatmosphere which is NEW tohim. A fresher taking up a NEWjob or a decision to buy a NEWvehicle or to construct a NEWhouse or for that matter goingto a NEW place, sends a freshsense of hope and happiness.The only difference is thatNEWNESS is wrapped and weare not sure what kind ofchange it brings, to look upon

with confidence that results in a bettertomorrow. Once that mystery of newness isunwrapped and becomes older day by day, itpushes to realize what it is all about and no

BEAUTY IN BEING NEW

16

more does it remain NEW. This isthe beginning of losing interestover it. Our perspective changesbut the subject is always the same.How to keep these things alwaysNEW and exciting? The only remedyis to go for a paradigm shift and tryto perceive in a NEW angle. It issaid, “For the wise every day is anew beginning.” Likewise, if weadopt this principle and allow it toact upon us, it would help inreformation. We can begin the daywith more passion. We need notwait one whole year to make anew resolution! As we know, it isnot the occasion but ouridiosyncrasy that moves us to act.Let us gear up to take a NEW lookon life and we will find no reasonwhy success would not become areality. It is said, “Sow a thought, itreaps an action. Sow an action itreaps a habit. Sow a habit it reapsdestination.” When the seed ofwillingness is sowed deep into thesoil called determination, wateredby dedication and hard work, itwould surely bear the fruit calledSuccess. “Success has hundredfathers and failure is an orphan.”Our attitude should be such thatwe must be ready to adopt anorphan and breathe life into it, thenfathers would come calling. Theseed of resolution or willingnessneed not be sown again and againevery year, to remain a seedforever. Instead let the seedgerminate and bear the fruit bythe next year and be enjoyed byone and all.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

- M. Koti Rajasekharkoti.rajsekhar@gmail.com

In the depths of the interiorThere is no guarantee that there will be progress within man’s mind ifthe progress only results in discoveries about the external world. Tounderstand the principle of the progress within, we have to grasp thenature and structure of the interior of the mind. We should getacquainted with the precious stones hidden in the ocean of each man’smind. We should be able to know and understand the universalprinciple which underlies the progress and welfare of all human life. Weshould be able to discover the guiding principle which, based on truth,gives us the power of guiding oursevles too.

To weed out inferiority complexThose who tend to believe that they are culturally, socially andintellectually inferior should, first of all, shake of their inferiority complex.Though it might be deep-rooted, it should be possible to weed it out.Of course, it is not so easy as throwing away an unwanted article. Ourfirst and foremost need- nay, duty, is to develop confidence in our ownimmense power, which is latent. In the past, seers and men of spiritualinsights tried to impress upon us that behind the apparently limitedpowers of man are hidden unlimited mysterious powers, if only we hadthe skill to discover them. Today, psychologists are reafferming thesame fact with the help of their experimental observations. To arousethe powers, nothing more than self-confidence is required. We striveto rise from the state in which we are right now. We should graduallyattain success, scaling each step through effort.

Forming a good habitIn order to form a good habit and retain it firmly in one’s physical andmental make-up, one should begin with a firm determination.Instabiltiy and indecision mark the state of mind which is not subjectto any discipline. The energies of an undisciplined mind are scatteredin many directions and are wasted. A person with an unsteady mindcannot achieve anything worthwhile. By doing all work, big or small,with concentration and methodically, one gathers the ability to work withefficiency and ease.The practice that you have started should not be given up, even fora day, until the new habit has become a part of your mental andnervous system. If you skip the practice even for a day for somereason, the next day your mind invents some excuse for postponingit further.willing compliance with rules!

Source: Learn to live, Vol. OnePublisher: Sri Ramakrishna Math, Chennai

17

Every gesture, rite, ritual and festival promote the welfare of society. If we undthem, each one strikes a melodious nobecomes a mindless monotonous exercisesuch celebration.

The eve of Makara Sankranti is the Bhfamily wakes early in the morning, lightswith waste. The cleaning and burning of rThis fire also symbolizes the departure ofLakshmi, because, during this time the faAlso on this day, an assortment of small sthe heads of their children to bless them

The second day, Makar Sankranti holdsnorthward journey from Dakshinayana (sand enters from ‘Dhanu rashi‘(SagittariuCapricorn). It is said that death on this deceased. After being wounded, Bhishlingered on till the auspicious Uttarayana abode.

The third day, Kanuma holds specialbackbone of India’s economy. On this datreat them with deep respect as a gesturharvest the crop.

Agriculture in India has a long history, Although agriculture contributes only a fcountry’s economic, social, and politicalAgriculture provides livelihoods to 60 perwhom are poor, and remains vital foIndia ranks second worldwide in farm out

Annadata S

The Festival

18

has been very thoughtfully designed toderstand the spiritual significance behindote of spiritual harmony but otherwisee. Sankranti, the festival of farmers is one

hogi. Traditionally, on this day the entires up a big Bonfire called “Bhogi Manta”ubbish symbolizes the destruction of evil.f poverty and the welcoming of Goddess

armers sell their produce and get money.seasonal fruits known as ’Bhogi Pallu’ on

m with prosperity and good health. special significance as the Sun begins his

south) to Uttarayana (north) hemisphereus) into the sign of ‘Makara rashi’ (the

day brings Moksha or salvation to thehma Pitamah in the Mahabharata war

set in, so that he can attain the heavenly

l significance for farmers who are theay, the farmers decorate their cattle andre of their appreciation for helping them

dating back to ten thousand years ago.fifth of India’s GDP, its importance in thel fabric goes well beyond this indicator.rcent of the rural people, the majority ofor the country’s food security. Today,tput. Sukhibhava!

l of Farmers

19

Expression of Divinitythrough work

We all have learnt that Work is Worship andwe need to apply our heart and soul whileworking. One of the ways to realise God as perthe Bhagawad Gita is through Karma. Butunfortunately all of us pass our everyday lives ina blur and expect something grand to come ourway to showcase to the world that we arecapable of great work. But work per se cannever be great it is only the doer who canelevate it to that level.

I generally accompany visitors in Tapovancampus and explain the activities undertakenand also give an idea about the functioning ofVidya mandir our school run in our premises. Onone such occasion while I was showing somevisitors around, I saw Swami Nachiketanandacarrying a small boy studying in LKG who hadsoiled himself andwas also smelling asa result. Everyonearound waswatching Swamijibut none dared gonear the boy forfear of spoiling theirclothes. Swamijiwent straight to the toilet and washed the boythoroughly and gave him a pair of clean clothesto wear. All this I noticed, was done without anyhesitation on his part.

Through this simple and spontaneous act heconveyed a great message; that one need notwait for a grand opportunity to work. Even doinga simple work expresses your Divinity. Every workis sacred. I never saw him doing work in acalculated manner. A real Karma Yogi approacheswork, never as drudgery but always as a yagna.Blessed are those who can see such yagna beingperformed! By living with great souls we canlearn how to express our Divinity in our work.Swamiji says again and again: “your Divinityshould express in your work.”

- Vasundhara P.

“While working, you are not onlyworking but also expressing yourpersonality in work. In work when youexpress your personality, it is a wonderfulspiritual experience. Even the simplestwork, you can find joy in it, because youhave put spiritual value into the work.”

- Swami Ranganadhananda

20

We are all going and we keep going and onlygoing without even knowing where we areheaded to.

The Sanathana Dharma has been there evenbefore our existence, to guide us where andhow we should go. It has been there to show usvery clearly the goal as well as the path to reachit. Assuming that we are following that samepath, we have started our journey. But everytime we faced a hurdle we have deviated fromthe righteous path, very conveniently cheatingourselves, justifying that it was ourApatdharma. Incidentally we found the detourso very luring, attractive and beautiful that wemade this illusionary path our real path andcontinued our journey.

Just like a mother who keeps an eye on herchild learning to walk and runs to him when hestumbles, He, by taking many avataras likeRama, Krishna, Christ, Prophet Mohammed,Buddha, Gurunanak made attempts to bring usback to the right fold from the illusionary path.But we foolishly try to outsmart HIM. Initiallywe choose the path laid by Him but onlyto gradually slip into our Swadharma (nowApathdharma has attained the status ofSwadharma) by giving different meanings to hispreachings and resorting to illusionary path.

When there was only one Sanathana dharma,we created only one illusionary path. But nowwe have many righteous paths and we createdmany swadharma paths. And we started givingnew meaning to Jihad or Satyapath in our ownways, just as in the legendary example:“Aswatthama hathaha (kunjaraha)”. As a result,we now have many illusionary paths to take toand that we are treading on...

When there are many illusionary paths, everyone of us started thinking that his path is therighteous path and others are going in thewrong or illusionary path. So people startedinfluencing others about their paths. As aresult we started fighting and tugging eachother to make our path most powerful.

We are still going and going without knowingthe destination… But, let us stop for a whileand question ourselves. Where are we going?How are we going? Is this the same way thatour Lord or Guru asked us to go? Are wefollowing the preachings of our Lord or Guruor the religion which was set up by HIS closeshishyas? Before stepping again, let us takean oath that we shall make our every moveconsciously towards our destination. And thenwe can answer our every movement withpride. So,

…Arise, awake and stop not tillthe goal is reached!

Satyapath

by a devotee

21

Bhuvaneshwari Devi was the only child of herparents, who were very well known in northernCalcutta. When she was only ten years old,Bhuvaneshwari Devi was married to VishwanathDatta, who was sixteen. Vishwanatha Datta andBhuvaneshwari Devi’s first twochildren: a son and a daughter, diedin childhood and the next threechildren were daughters. That leftBhuvaneshwari Devi longing for ason. Bhuvaneshwari Devi observedsomvara vrata, fasting and prayingon Mondays, praying to Lord Shiva.An elderly aunt of the family whowas living in Varanasi was asked to“make the necessary offerings andprayers to Vireshwar Shiva that ason might be born to her.”Bhuvaneshwari Devi observed all theinjunctions meticulously. Her whole-souled devotion to Lord Shiva wasfulfilled through His grace. Onenight, she had a vivid dream: “She saw the LordShiva rouse Himself from His meditation and takethe form of a male child who was to be her son.”On Monday, 12 January 1863, Makara Sankranti,their son Narendranath was born at a veryauspicious time. The boy who was to become thegreatest man of his age, whose influence was toshake the world, and who was to lay thefoundation of a new order of things was noneother than Swami Vivekananda. He inherited hismother’s melodious voice, taste for sacred musicand extraordinary memory.

If we look at the people who have becomegreat in history, one feature strikes out veryconspicuously. That is, they all have had greatmothers; the mothers who were very pious,austere and devoted to God. Every mother can

have great children if she knows how to cultivateher mind while the baby is in her womb. In caseshe is not spiritual and not interested to lead avery austere and prayerful life, at least for thesake of the child in the womb, if she takes to a

life of prayer, worship anddevotion to God, that willbe for her ultimateadvantage. Instead of

working hard day and night almost for thewhole life to earn money to put children inbetter schools and colleges and strugglingceaselessly to provide for them, as the modernmothers are doing, it would be sufficient if sheprays to God and begets a child. Children born

of prayer will have tremendous willpower and purity and they willachieve everything on their own.Even if put in most difficultcircumstances they will come up inlife.

Swami Vivekananda says thatman is born God or born demon.Prenatal influence is very powerful.A mother can have God as herchild, if she is sincere and has faithin prayer and purity. It is not justthe physical food that the mothertakes, the baby absorbs; it absorbsthe mental food as well. So it isvery important to see what mental

food– the thoughts, a mother entertains andimbibes while she has a baby in her womb. Ifshe takes positive thoughts, pure thoughts,thoughts of God she will have a child born withSattva- a quality which gives knowledge, wisdomand power.

If we read the lives ofChatrapati Shivaji,Swami Vivekananda,Mahatma Gandhi andgreat ones like them, wefind that it is thegreatness of theirmothers that madethem great. The storiesof legendary peoplementioned in our

Pious Mothers

22

Puranas like Prahlada, Parikshit, Abhimanyu andLava Kusha show us the power of devotion toGod and holy company. All these people havebecome great because their mothers lead a lifeof prayer or service to holy people. SwamiVivekananda also says, “It is only in the homesof the educated and pious mothers that greatmen are born.” The five Pandavas Yudhishtira,Bhima, Arjuna, and Nakula & Sahadeva wereborn of prayer of Kunti to the gods Sun, Vayu,Indra and Ahswins respectively.

Even if parents are weak in physicalconstitution and are not well educated it doesn’tmatter much; if they have spiritual culture theywill have physically strong children withsuperhuman genius. Everything is possible withthe Lord, the Supreme Spirit. No law works withHim. He is beyond all laws. Only one shouldhave faith in the All Merciful Providence.

- A Devotee

Excerpt (paragraph one) fromSwami Vivekananda’s Devotion toHis Mother Bhuvaneshwari Devi

By Swami Tathagatananda

In India themother is thecentre of thefamily andour highest

ideal. She isto us the

representativeof God, asGod is the

mother of theuniverse.

- Swami Vivekananda

23

Let us turn to numbers and their symbols in Samskrit.1 - 1 LMüqÉç ekam 2 - 2 ²å dve 3 - 3 §ÉÏÍhÉ trINi 4 - 4 cÉiuÉÉËU catvAri5 - 5 mÉgcÉ pa~jca 6 - 6 wÉOè ShaT 7 - 7 xÉmiÉ sapta8 - 8 A¹ aShTa 9 - 9 lÉuÉ nava 0 - 0 zÉÔlrÉqÉç SUnyam

10 SzÉ daSa, 11 LMüÉSzÉ, 12, ²ÉSzÉ, 13 §ÉrÉÉåSzÉ, 14 cÉiÉÑSïzÉ, 15 mÉgcÉSzÉ,16 wÉÉåQûzÉ, 17 xÉmiÉSzÉ, 18 A¹ÉSzÉ, 19 lÉuÉSzÉ, 20 ÌuÉÇzÉÌiÉÈ viMSatiHFor reference and memorization, I am giving the numbers upto 100below:21 LMüÌuÉÇzÉÌiÉÈ, 22 ²ÉÌuÉÇzÉÌiÉÈ, 23 §ÉrÉÉåÌuÉÇzÉÌiÉÈ, 24 cÉiÉÑÌuÉïÇzÉÌiÉÈ, 25 mÉgcÉÌuÉÇzÉÌiÉÈ,26 wÉÎQèuÉÇzÉÌiÉÈ, 27 xÉmiÉÌuÉÇzÉÌiÉÈ, 28 A¹ÉÌuÉÇzÉÌiÉÈ, 29 lÉuÉÌuÉÇzÉÌiÉÈ, 30 ̧ÉÇzÉiÉçtriMSat,31 LMü̧ÉÇzÉiÉç, 32 ²Ȩ́ÉÇzÉiÉç,33 ̧ÉrÉÎx§ÉÇzÉiÉç, 34 cÉiÉÑÎx§ÉÇzÉiÉç, 35 mÉgcȨ́ÉÇzÉiÉç,36 wÉÎOè§ÉÇzÉiÉç, 37 xÉmiȨ́ÉÇzÉiÉç, 38 A¹Ì§ÉÇzÉiÉç, 39 lÉuȨ́ÉÇzÉiÉç, 40 cÉiuÉÉËUÇzÉiÉçcatvAriMSat,41 LMücÉiuÉÉËUÇzÉiÉç, 42 ̲cÉiuÉÉËUÇzÉiÉç, 43 ̧ÉcÉiuÉÉËUÇzÉiÉç, 44 cÉiÉѶÉiuÉÉËUÇzÉiÉç,45 mÉgcÉcÉiuÉÉËUÇzÉiÉç, 46 wÉOècÉiuÉÉËUÇzÉiÉç, 47 xÉmiÉcÉiuÉÉËUÇzÉiÉç, 48 A¹cÉiuÉÉËUÇzÉiÉç,49 lÉuÉcÉiuÉÉËUÇzÉiÉç, 50 mÉgcÉÉzÉiÉç pa~jcASat,51 LMümÉgcÉÉzÉiÉç, 52 ̲mÉgcÉÉzÉiÉç, 53 ̧ÉmÉgcÉÉzÉiÉç, 54 cÉiÉÑwmÉgcÉÉzÉiÉç,55 mÉgcÉmÉgcÉÉzÉiÉç, 56 wÉOèmÉgcÉÉzÉiÉç, 57 xÉmiÉmÉgcÉÉzÉiÉç, 58 A¹mÉgcÉÉzÉiÉç,59 lÉuÉmÉgcÉÉzÉiÉç, 60 wÉÌ¹È ShaShTiH,61 LMüwÉÌ¹È , 62 ̲wÉÌ¹È , 63 ̧ÉwÉÌ¹È , 64 cÉiÉÑwwÉ̹È, 65 mÉgcÉwÉ̹È,66 wÉOèwÉÌ¹È , 67 xÉmiÉwÉÌ¹È , 68 A¹wÉÌ¹È , 69 lÉuÉwÉ̹È, 70 xÉmiÉÌiÉÈsaptatiH,71 LMüxÉmiÉÌiÉÈ, 72 ̲xÉmiÉÌiÉÈ, 73 ̧ÉxÉmiÉÌiÉÈ, 74 cÉiÉÑxxÉmiÉÌiÉÈ,75 mÉgcÉxÉmiÉÌiÉÈ, 76 wÉOèxÉmiÉÌiÉÈ, 77 xÉmiÉxÉmiÉÌiÉÈ, 78 A¹xÉmiÉÌiÉÈ,79 lÉuÉxÉmiÉÌiÉÈ, 80 AzÉÏÌiÉÈ aSItiH,81 LMüÉzÉÏÌiÉÈ, 82 SèurÉzÉÏÌiÉÈ, 83 §rÉzÉÏÌiÉÈ, 84 cÉiÉÑUzÉÏÌiÉÈ, 85 mÉgcÉÉzÉÏÌiÉÈ,87 xÉmiÉÉzÉÏÌiÉÈ, 88 A¹ÉzÉÏÌiÉÈ, 89 lÉuÉÉzÉÏÌiÉÈ, 90 lÉuÉÌiÉÈ navatiH,91 LMülÉuÉÌiÉÈ, 92 ̲lÉuÉÌiÉÈ, 93 ̧ÉlÉuÉÌiÉÈ, 94 cÉiÉÑlÉïuÉÌiÉÈ, 95 mÉgcÉlÉuÉÌiÉÈ,96 wÉhhÉuÉÌiÉÈ, 97 xÉmiÉlÉuÉÌiÉÈ, 98 A¹lÉuÉÌiÉÈ, 99 lÉuÉlÉuÉÌiÉÈ, 100 zÉiÉqÉç SatamThe other popular numbers arexÉWûxÉëqÉç – sahasram - ThousandsÉ£ÉqÉç – lakSham - LakhMüÉåÌOûÈ – koTiH - Crore

- Krupalu Ogeti, Secretary, Samskrit Bharati, Hyderabad.email:okrupalu@samskritam.net

Samskrit Lesson - TenSamskrit Lesson - TenSamskrit Lesson - TenSamskrit Lesson - TenSamskrit Lesson - Ten

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Women are accorded the highest respect byour culture and scriptures. It is said,

Yatra Naaryasthu poojyanthe

Ramanethe thatra devathaha

Meaning, “Where women are treated withdignity and womanhood is worshipped, thereroam the Gods”. Nevertheless, women havebeen seen as beings confined to the household,managing the family. In the earlier times, theywere not allowed to move about in the public,worship at temples etc. Slowly and slowly theirposition deteriorated and they became agroup that demanded special protection.This is recognized by the Supreme Law ofthe land, the Constitution of India. Article14 of the Constitution recognizes the rightto equality of all citizens. Notwithstandingthis, Article 15 says that special provisionsshall be made for the benefit of womenand children. In pursuance to thisconstitutional duty, the governmentdesigns several programs and makes lawsthat redress the problems of women. TheIndian Penal Code, 1872 has provisions thatprotect the modesty of women. For instance,Section 375 of the Code deals with rape.

Also, India is a signatory to the United NationsConvention on Elimination of all forms ofDiscrimination Against Women (CEDAW), inpursuance to which the Protection of Womenfrom Domestic Violence Act, 2005 was enacted.When women were being made victims of torturefor dowry, the legislature enacted the DowryProhibition Act, 1961 and also included specialprovisions concerning the same in the IndianPenal Code. The Hindu Marriage Act, 1955gives additional grounds for women to seekdivorce. There is no dearth of legislation, which

Where women are worshipped...

Nitika Gogula, 3rd year B.A.L.L.B. student has passion for writingarticles on social issues.

is supplemented by progressive planning by theGovernment.

Yet, women continue to be exploited against,ravished, burnt and looked down upon. What needsto be brought about is an attitudinal change as tohow women and their position is perceived by thesociety. Implementation of the law needs to bemore stringent. No doubt that a lot of change hastaken place. But we still have a long way to go.

A story goes that when Mira Bai wanted toworship Lord Krishna in a temple, she wrote a

note expressing her intention and sent it tothe priest of the temple, who was infuriatedon reading the note. He said women couldnot be allowed to worship in a temple. Shethen sent another note back to the priest,which read, “There is only one Doer, rest allare women.” All the children of AlmightyGod are equal, be it men or women. It wasa woman to whom all characters in ourmythology paid adulations. It was a womanwho was a mathematical genius of worldfame. It was a woman who got us an Olympic

medal after ages. It was a woman who made usproud as a nation by taking over as the CEO of aninternational company. It is women who are leadingmany social causes. And finally it is a woman whois the Supreme Commander of our Armed Forces!So let not outdated social practices and narrowthoughts curtail the growth of women.

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MOTHERMOTHERMOTHERMOTHERMOTHERMother, a lovely Mother,

Who, does not bother.Mother works hard every day,

So that we become great someday.Mother is so nice,

She drives away the fear of mice.She is to cuddle,

She makes me tasty noodles.When I am scared of a bug,

She gives me a hug.She looks supportive in sari;She gets rid of our worries.

She fulfills our wishes,And makes delicious dishes.

She accepts our sorries,And solves our worries.She is expert in kitchen,

In winter stitches woolen mittens.She obeys our will,

She serves when we are ill.When we play in the ground,

She always roams around.When we are about to fall,

She gives us a call.She cooks very yummy,

After all she is my mummy.Mother, a lovely mother,

Who does not bother.-HaripriyaSaxena5th Grade,SecunderabadPublic School

Diwali, Christmas, New Year, Wedding,Birthdays... What do they all have in common?

Yes. Gifts! No doubt they bring joy to childrenand adults alike though their expression of thesame varies. Gift is a token of feelings of loveand care you have for someone. Gift giving isnot new to our culture. It has been practicedsince time immemorial. They came in all formsand kinds. We have heard about givers of goldand jewels, antiques and wonders, cows andelephants, lands and kingdoms, sons anddaughters, flesh and blood, promises and vows,knowledge and power and what not! Whilemost recipients accepted them happily somestrategic ones deferred using them to a rainyday. They bring to our mind so many wonderful,intricate stories to our mind.

The song of God, the Bhagavad Gita has laiddown certain criteria for the right way to givegifts:

The gift, which is given without any thoughtabout the reward, with the feeling of doing thisas a duty, at the right time and in the rightplace to a worthy person — such a gift isconsidered sattvic.

That which is given with the expectation ofrepayment or reward, or with grudge — sucha gift is called rajasic.

A gift given in an inappropriate place, atinappropriate time, to unworthy people, withdisrespect or disregard — such a gift is tamasic.

The Gift

26

It can be summarized that gift giving is notonly beneficial to the recipient but also to thegiver. However to hold that true it needs to beremembered that

♦ It is not the value of the gift, but thesincerity with which it is given, that is importantto the recipient.

♦ Gift giving should be given out of free will.No gift is always better than a stressful or areluctant one.

♦ Material gifts could increase the sense ofgratification and bondage to material lifewhereas sattvic ones nurture positive thoughts

♦ The giving of the gift of knowledge is thebest charity. The best welfare is to help othersdiscover their real nature, self-realization.

♦ Gifts given to the needy are the ones thatresult in the most pleasure at both ends.

Mother is the best

gift what God has

given to the world!

-Annapurna R.

“A gift is pure when it is givenfrom the heart to the right person atthe right time and at the rightplace, and when we expect nothingin return” -Bhagavad Gita

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Hanuman Shakti Jagaran

Swami Nachiketananda, Sri Bhagaiah, Baudhhik Pramukh and devotees offering Purnahuti at theHanuman Shakti Jagaran Yaga conducted by Vishwa Hindu Parishad at Shadnagar, Jadcherla Mandal,Mahaboobnagar. More than 5000 devotees participated in this Yaga.

Recently Vishwa Hindu Parishad has conducted a series of Hanuman Shakti Jagaran programmes at variousplaces to evoke the power of Hanuman in the society. Swami Nachiketananda graced the occasion.

Shadnagar: On the 13th December 2010, Swami Nachiketananda invoked the Hanuman within us to protectDharma while Sri Bhagaiah in his spell-binding speech said that whenever there is a threat to Dharma, it isfor all to protect Dharma by strengthening ourselves.

Jadcherla: On the 17th December 2010 in Kanyaka Parameshwari Temple in Jadcherla Mandal, Swamijiappealed people to learn from the rich heritage of our own history and once again make Bharat Ma proud.Swami Shivanandamayi whom we fondly call Mataji, enthralled the audience by asking them to take oath toparticipate in Hanuman Shakti Jagaran Yaga. Mataji said this is the right time to understand Dharma andmarch towards Spirituality. Sri Narashimhacharya enlightened devotees on Sri Rama and Hanuman andasked everyone to follow what Hanuman did for Sri Rama, Ma Sita and the blessed land Ayodhya.

Kalwakurthi: On the 21st December 2010, after receiving Swamiji’s blessings, Mataji enlightened devoteeson Indian rich culture and heritage. She quoted Hanuman’s devotion towards Sri Rama and Ma Sita and askeddevotees to develop Bhakti like that of Hanuman. Sri Lingamaiah impressed the devotees with his simpleand lucid speech. He urged the devotees to get ready to sacrifice life for the Dharma and Bharat Ma.

Han

uman

Sha

kti

Jaga

ran

Hanum

an Shakti Jagaran

Mataji, Swamiji, Sri Pratap Reddyand devotees discussing Yaga

From left: Mataji, Swamiji, SriBhagaiah and other devotees

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Swami Ranganathananda Jayanthi wascelebrated in the school on December 15th.Vasundhara ma spoke to the children on thesignificance of the day and also narrated tothem incidents from the glorious life of SwamiRanganathananda. Nutritious meals were servedto the children on the occasion.Vidya Mandir children at Nachiketa Tapovanparticipated in the Gita chanting competitionsheld to commemorate the birthday of BhagavadGita, the Gita Jayanthi. All the kids from pre-primary to the seventh grade eagerly took partin the recitation of the slokas from the 9th

chapter from the Gita (Rajvidya RajguhyaYoga).

December 17th marked the observance of threecelebrations: Moharrum, Mukkoti Ekadasi andGita Jayanthi. Three students from the sixthgrade delivered messages on the significanceof the three observances respectively. Adelightful dance was presented by Chi. Karthikand Chi. Varsha portraying mischief makingKrishna and the travails of mother Yashoda.The winners of the Gita competition from allage groups recited the slokas from the 9th

chapter.

Sri Krishna Verma, special correspondent ofAndhra Prabha graced the event as the chiefguest and addressed the children on theoccasion. He spoke to them on the importanceof self-confidence and self-determination. MsValerie Leivers, an educationist hailing fromEngland also spoke to the children on theimportance of hard work; determination andgratitude. Sri Verma and Ms Leivers gaveaway the prizes to the winners of the Gitachanting competition. Chi. Durga of 7th classgave the vote of thanks. The celebrationsconcluded with everyone enjoying the sweetnessof the day with a traditional Prasadam.

Celebrations at Nachiketa Tapovan

30

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SPONSOR OPTIONSAnna daanam maha daanam; vidya daanam mahattaram.

Annena kshanika trupthihi yaavajjeevanthu vidyaya.Vidya Mandir at Nachiketa Tapovan is currently able to accommodate a family ofabout 170 children who receive all-round nourishment from man-makingeducation to milk-n-meals and basic health-aid in an atmosphere of genuinelove. Kind-hearted Well wishers have been the unseen force behind this offeringto God. We thank you for your continued support.

Vidya Daanam (Education) ` 4500/year/childAnna Daanam (Mid-day Meals) ` 3500/dayKsheera Daanam (Morning Milk) ` 700/dayAlpa Aharam (Snacks) ` 500/dayVastra Daanam (Uniforms) ` 600/2 pairsDinnerware (Steel Plates & Glasses) ` 5000/ 50 setsStationery Supplies (Copier Paper) ` 5000/termFestivals Celebration ` 1500/festivalOushadhi (Medical Supplies) ` 5000/month

Celebrate your Special Days with the Children at Nachiketa Tapovan!

The CDs comprise instructions given ondifferent yogic techniques based on anextensive research done by SwamiNachiketananda and assisted by other Swamisand volunteers. 'Om' - A divine melody is firstof the series. All the CDs are available at theNachiketa Tapovan premises at Kavuri Hills, andalso in leading bookstores.Cost of each CD is ̀ 20

PUB

LICATIO

N

A set of 8 'Yogic CDs'

Samskrita Bharati4-2-72, Badi Chowdi, Sultan Bazar, Hyderabad – 500 195

Phones: 040-2475 0111, 2475 0333, samskritabharatihyd@gmail.comAt this time, we have the following Samskrit learning centres in the Twin Cities (Hyderabad/ Secunderabad), which are planned to be run on a steady basis for the coming one year.1. Padmaraonagar – Kowtha Swarajya Vihar, Near Park/Gharoanda Super Bazar Gita Sikshana Kendram – Tue, Wed and Thu – 6:30pm to 8:30pm2. Madhapur – Nachiketa Tapovan, # 70, Phase I, Kavuri Hills, Madhapur, Hyderabad Balakendram – Thu only – 2.00pm to 3.00pm Saptahikam – Thu only – 3.00pm to 4:30pm Saptahikam – Sat & Sun – 10am to 12noon & 1.00pm to 3.00pm (Gita Sikshana)3. Yousufguda – Vivekananda Kendra, Near Sarathi Studios Saptahikam – Thu only – 11.00am to 1.00pm4. AS Rao Nagar – Tentatively at Sri VS Raju’s House, Near Poulomi Hospital Saptahikam – Thu only – 6:30am to 8:30am

Learn Samskrit

Learn Samskrit

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Dear Atman“When a person really desires something, all the universe

conspires to help that person to realize his dream.” Thisis truer when a selfless desire is pursued by a group ofardent seekers. This was proven by the multifariousgrowth of Nachiketa Tapovan from a humble hut into a 3-storeyed building in Kavuri Hills and onto a 40 acre spiritualhaven in Gairan Tanda in Jadcherla with His blessings andyour good wishes. The small group has now multiplied intoa big joint family of Karma yogis.

Imparting literacy, combined with love, care and culturalvalues to children from impoverished families was in thefore front ever since the inception of Nachiketa Tapovan.Whether this objective has been accomplished or not, canbe well illustrated by the progress being made by thechildren of Vidya Mandir who are winning accolades in allareas from academics to vocational skills to arts to yogaand chanting Vedas. The Vidya Mandir at NachiketaTapovan, Hyderabad is not satisfied with giving justbreadwinning education but is striving to create a learningplatform for each child to receive a man-making education.Thanks to the donors, well wishers, volunteers and teacherswho are making this endeavor successful.

Nachiketa Tapovan’s efforts to extend the same educationto children from the rural areas of Gairan Tanda inJadcherla, Mahaboobnagar are in full swing, with plans tostart classes from June 2011. If Nachiketa Tapovan,located in the heart of HiTec city known for its sprawlinggrowth, is benefiting 170 children, it is needless to mentionhow many will be benefited by another such Vidya Mandirin the rural areas far placed from technology, comfort andconvenience.

The Vidya Mandir being constructed is planned to coveran area of 50,000 sq.ft. around an extensive central play

ground. The building will have two floors, the ground floorconsisting of spacious classrooms (750 sq ft) and theentire top floor rooms devoted to laboratories like mathLab, Science lab, language lab etc. and a library. Thetwo floors will enclose a copious 10 ft. verandah. Thefacility has been planned to provide character buildingeducation up to X class (progressively) under theS.S.C. board. However, materialization of this progressiveproject into a reality requires additional monetary andhuman resources.

In this time and age when people are far removedfrom truth and true spiritual values, the way to build ahappy and healthy society lies in strengthening thespiritual base of the country and Nachiketa Tapovan hasbeen trying to achieve this by exposing the children ofVidya Mandir to our great heritage contained inUpanishads, Epics and Puranas. We hereby ferventlyappeal for generous donations. Please participate in thisVidya Dana Yaga being performed to benefit theunderprivileged children and thereby strengthen thecultural and spiritual values of our nation.

It may kindly be noted that donations to NachiketaTapovan are exempted from IncomeTax U/S 80 G ofIT Act, 1961 of Govt. of India. Donations in the form ofCheques/Demand drafts may please be drawn in favourof Nachiketa Tapovan. We acknowledge the generouscontributions made by donors.

AN APPEAL

Estimated cost of this project is ` 3.8 crores

Yours in the service of Motherland

Swami Nachiketananda

33

Invitation

with best complements

Infomile Solutions Pvt. Ltd.

There cannot be friendship without equality. - Swami Vivekananda

Swami Vivekananda’s Jayanti

Date: 7th January 2011

Time: 2.00 p.m.

Republic Day

&

Vidya Mandir Annual DayDate: 26th January 2011

Time: 9.30 a.m.

Venue:

Nachiketa Tapovan

Nachiketa Tapovan is celebrating

34

a) You can send articles by email tonachiketanjali1@gmail.com or by post toNachiketanjali, Nachiketa Tapovan, PlotNo.70, Phase I, Kavuri Hills, Madhapur,Guttlabegumpet, Serilingampally, RangaReddy District. A.P., with your full name,address and contact details.

b) No article is returned.c) Your article should be reader friendly with

a positive view point.d) No controversial or political issues are

published.e) Word limit for an article varies from 300

(one column) to 600 words (two columns).Writers can contact the editorial team forfurther details.

f) The styles of references should be as perthe ‘Documentation of Sources’ given atthe end of the Merriam Webster’s CollegiateDictionary.

g) Editor reserves the right to accept/ rejectarticles and edit the selected articles.

h) Unsolicited articles are not acknowledged.i) The Editor does not accept responsibility

for the author’s views.j) Articles received will be published in one

of the forthcoming issues.

A NOTE TOWRITERS:

BOOK REVIEWWe request Publishers to send two copiesof their Spiritual, Philosophical andReligious books for publishing a BookReview in our “Nachiketanjali” - monthlyMagazine.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTNachiketa Tapovan is indebted to all thewell-wishers, donors, patrons and advisorswhose immense help and cooperation inmultiple ways has helped us accomplishour goals.

with best wishesGriha Constructions, Chennai

SUBSCRIPTIONS INDIA GIFT

Single copy ` 10 ` 10

1 year ` 100 ` 100

3 years ` 280 ` 280

5 years ` 450 ` 450Subscriptions can be sent by MO/DD/Cheque/Cash in favor of ‘Nachiketa Tapovan’.(Plus ` 30 for outstation cheques)

SUBSCRIPTIONS:

WELL-WISHERS:1. K. Vijay Kumar 2. P. S. Reddy3. Y.V.S.S. Prasad 4. Rama Devi K.5. Intelligroup 6. Maa TV7. Matrix Labs

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Fourth Cover 15cm x 19cm `̀̀̀̀ 12,000 N.A.Third Cover 15cm x 19cm `̀̀̀̀ 10,000 N.A.Inside Page 15cm x 19cm N. A. `̀̀̀̀ 5,000Inside Strip 4cm x 15cm N. A. `̀̀̀̀ 2,500

We thank our patrons for joiningNachiketanjali’s Patron Scheme:

Sri C. P. Nayar - `̀̀̀̀ 10,000Smt. Sudha - `̀̀̀̀ 5,000Sri Prashanth - `̀̀̀̀ 16,000Sri Murlidhar - `̀̀̀̀ 5,605Sukanya G. - `̀̀̀̀ 5,000

Ashraydatas are encouraged to become patrons ofthe magazine by joining Nachiketanjali’s Patron’sScheme. You can become patrons by donating` 5000/- which will be deposited in the magazine’scorpus fund. We express our thanks by announcingtheir names in the following issue of the Magazineand the patron will also receive a 5 year subscriptionof the same.

AN APPEAL TO PATRONS & SPONSORS

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God has become man; man will become God again. - Swami Vivekananda

35

with best wishes

VASAVI PRINTS, HYDERABAD

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Love is always a manifesation of bliss.

Hotel Sri BrindavanNamapally Station Road, Hyderabad