- जय श्री कृष्ण!Krishna, Kishan, Madhav, Banke Bihari, Gopala, Kanhaiya, Ranchhod, Parthasarathy, Ishvara…the many names and the many facets of the personality of the most loved God in the Hindu pantheon – Sri Krishna. God is all-powerful, controls the Universe – fear God, they say – since He is looking at all your bad deeds and will punish …
- Tirukkural – on good conductமறப்பினும் ஓத்துக் கொளலாகும் பார்ப்பான்பிறப்பொழுக்கங் குன்றக் கெடும். Marappinum Oththuk Kolalaakum PaarppaanPirappozhukkang Kundrak Ketum (134) If a learned man forgets the scriptures, he can relearn them. But if he forgets right conduct, there is no redemption. अधीतविस्मृतं वेदं प्राप्नोति पठनात् पुन: ।विप्रो नषकुलाचार: पुनर्नाप्नोति विप्रताम् ॥ (१३४) संभव है फिर अध्ययन, भूल गया यदि वेद ।आचारच्युत विप्र के, होगा …
- Tirukkural – on self-restraintசெறிவறிந்து சீர்மை பயக்கும் அறிவறிந்துஆற்றின் அடங்கப் பெறின். Serivarindhu Seermai Payakkum ArivarindhuAatrin Atangap Perin (123) If one exercises self-restraint with knowledge and intent, he will be counted among the wise. ज्ञातव्यं तत्वतो ज्ञात्वा संयमी यो भवेन्नर: ।महात्मनां गुणाज्ञानां कृपया स सुखी वसेत् ॥ (१२३) कोई संयमशील हो, अगर जानकर तत्व ।संयम पा कर मान्यता, देगा उसे महत्व …
- Tirukkural – on justice and impartialityதக்கார் தகவிலர் என்பது அவரவர்எச்சத்தாற் காணப்ப படும். Thakkaar Thakavilar Enpadhu AvaravarEchchaththaar Kaanap Patum (114) The just and unjust shall be known by the reputation that they leave behind. अयं माध्यस्थ्यवर्तीति विपरीतोऽयमित्यपि ।सदसत्पुत्रजन्मभ्यां ज्ञातुं शक्यं विशेषत: ॥ (११४) कोई ईमान्दार है, अथवा बेईमान ।उन उनके अवशेष से, होती यह पहचान ॥ (११४) ಸಮಭಾವವುಳ್ಳವರೆ, ಅಲ್ಲವೆ ಎಂಬುದನ್ನು ಅವರವರ ಮಕ್ಕಳ …
- Tirukkural – on gratefulnessசெய்யாமல் செய்த உதவிக்கு வையகமும்வானகமும் ஆற்றல் அரிது. Seyyaamal Seydha Udhavikku VaiyakamumVaanakamum Aatral Aridhu (101) The gift of heaven and earth is not an equivalent for help that is given where none had been received. अस्माभिरकृते साह्ये यस्तु साह्यं करोति न: ।लोकद्वयप्रदानेऽपि तस्य नास्ति प्रतिक्रिया ॥ (१०१) उपकृत हुए बिना करे, यदि कोइ उपकार ।दे कर भू …
- Tirukkural – on pleasant speechபணிவுடையன் இன்சொலன் ஆதல் ஒருவற்குஅணியல்ல மற்றுப் பிற. Panivutaiyan Insolan Aadhal OruvarkuAniyalla Matrup Pira (95) Humility and sweetness of speech are the ornaments of man; everything else is secondary. विनयो मधुरालाप: द्वयमाभरणं नृणाम् ।ताभ्यां द्वाभ्यां विहीनस्य किमन्यैर्भूषणै: फलम् ॥ (९५) मृदुभाषी होना तथा, नम्र-भाव से युक्त ।सच्चे भूषण मनुज के, अन्य नहीं है उक्त ॥ (९५) ವಿನಯಶೀಲನಾಗಿರುವುದು, …
- Tirukkural – on serving guestsவிருந்து புறத்ததாத் தானுண்டல் சாவாமருந்தெனினும் வேண்டற்பாற் றன்று. Virundhu Puraththadhaath Thaanuntal SaavaaMarundheninum Ventarpaar Randru (82) It is not fit that one should wish his guests to be outside the house, even though he were eating the food of immortality. प्रियातिथिमसम्मान्य गृहे यद्वस्तु भुज्यते ।साक्षादमृतमेवास्तु न तच्छ्लाघ्यं कदाचन ॥ (८२) बाहर ठहरा अतिथि को, अन्दर बैठे आप ।देवामृत …
- Tirukkural – the virtues of loveஅன்பிற்கும் உண்டோ அடைக்குந்தாழ் ஆர்வலர்புன்கணீர் பூசல் தரும். Anpirkum Unto Ataikkundhaazh AarvalarPunkaneer Poosal Tharum (71) Can love be hidden? It will reveal itself in the tiny teardrop that forms when a loved one is in distress. अर्गलं नास्ति हि प्रीते: प्रीतानामश्रुबिन्दव: ।प्रकाशयन्ति सर्वेषां प्रीतिमन्त:स्थितामपि ॥ (७१) अर्गल है क्या जो रखे, प्रेमी उर में प्यार ।घोषण करती …
- Tirukkural – on the role of childrenதந்தை மகற்காற்று நன்றி அவையத்துமுந்தி இருப்பச் செயல். Thandhai Makarkaatrum Nandri AvaiyaththuMundhi Iruppach Cheyal (67) The best thing parents can do for their children is to prepare them stand foremost in the assembly of the learned. पितृदेवातिथीपिता विद्याप्रदानेन पण्डिताग्रेसरं सुतम् ।यदि कुर्यात्सुतस्यैतत् महत् साह्यमुदीर्यते ॥ (६७) पिता करे उपकार यह, जिससे निज संतान ।पंडित-सभा-समाज में, पावे अग्रस्थान …
- Tirukkural – the virtues of a spouseமனைக்தக்க மாண்புடையள் ஆகித்தற் கொண்டான்வளத்தக்காள் வாழ்க்கைத் துணை. Manaikdhakka Maanputaiyal Aakiththar KontaanValaththakkaal Vaazhkkaith Thunai (51) She is the helpful wife who possesses the fullness of domestic virtues and spends within her husband’s means. दयादिगुणसम्पन्ना भर्तुरायानुसारत्: ।करोति जीवनं याऽत्र सैव भार्येति कथ्यते ॥ (५१) गृहिणी-गुण-गण प्राप्त कर, पुरुष-आय अनुसार ।जो गृह-व्यय करती वही, सहधर्मिणी सुचार ॥ (५१) ಮನೆಗೆ …
- Tirukkural – on the householderதென்புலத்தார் தெய்வம் விருந்தொக்கல் தானென்றாங்குஐம்புலத்தாறு ஓம்பல் தலை. Thenpulaththaar Theyvam Virundhokkal ThaanendraanguAimpulaththaaru Ompal Thalai (43) A good householder has five duties to perform – towards God, his ancestors, guests, family and himself. पितृदेवातिथीनां च बन्धूनामात्मनस्तथा ।सत्कृतिर्धर्ममागेंण गृहस्थस्य वरा मता ॥ (४३) पितर देव फिर अतिथि जन, बन्धु स्वयं मिल पाँच ।इनके प्रति कर्तव्य का, भरण धर्म है …
- Tirukkural – On virtueமனத்துக்கண் மாசிலன் ஆதல் அனைத்தறன்ஆகுல நீர பிற. Manaththukkan Maasilan Aadhal AnaiththuAranAakula Neera Pira (34) A mind free of impurity, is the basis of all virtue. Everything else is empty show. यत् कृतं शुद्धमनसा स धर्म इति कथ्यते ।हच्छुद्धिरहितं कर्म केवलाडम्बरार्थकम् ॥ (३४) मन का होना मल रहित, इतना ही है धर्म ।बाकी सब केवल रहे, ठाट-बाट …
- Tirukkural – on control of the sensesஉரனென்னும் தோட்டியான் ஓரைந்தும் காப்பான்வரனென்னும் வைப்பிற்கோர் வித்தது. Uranennum Thottiyaan Oraindhum KaappaanVaranennum Vaippirkor Viththu (24) One who has the strength to control his five senses, paves the way for a higher experience of life. धैर्याङ्कुशेन् संयम्य गजान् पञ्चेन्द्रियात्मकान् ।य: पालयत्ययं मोक्षफलकृद्वीजवद्भवेत् ॥ (२४) अंकुश से दृढ़ ज्ञान के, इन्द्रिय राखे आप ।ज्ञानी वह वर लोक का, बीज …
- Tirukkural – In praise of rainதுப்பார்க்குத் துப்பாய துப்பாக்கித் துப்பார்க்குத்துப்பாய தூஉம் மழை. Thuppaarkkuth Thuppaaya Thuppaakkith ThuppaarkkuthThuppaaya Thooum Mazhai (12) All food is produced because of rain, which itself is food again. आहारापेक्षलोकस्य भोज्यं धान्यादिकं बहु ।उत्पाथ पेयतामेति स्वयं वर्षे जलात्मना ॥ (१२) आहारी को अति रुचिर, अन्नरूप आहार ।वृष्ति सृष्टि कर फिर स्वयं, बनती है आहार ॥ (१२) ಉಣ್ಣುವವರಿಗೆ ತಕ್ಕ ಉಣಿಸನ್ನು …
- Tirukkural – on non-attachmentஇருள்சேர் இருவினையும் சேரா இறைவன்பொருள்சேர் புகழ்புரிந்தார் மாட்டு. Irulser Iruvinaiyum Seraa IraivanPorulser Pukazhpurindhaar Maattu (5) Those who are content in God’s praise, are not affected by the delusions caused by good deeds and bad. माहात्म्यमप्रमेयस्य ज्ञात्वा तं भजतां नृणाम् ।अज्ञानमूलकं कर्म द्विविधं चापि नश्यति ॥ (५) जो रहते हैं ईश के, सत्य भजन में लिप्त ।अज्ञानाश्रित कर्म …
- Tirukkural – In praise of Godஅகர முதல எழுத்தெல்லாம் ஆதிபகவன் முதற்றே உலகு. Akara Mudhala Ezhuththellaam AadhiPakavan Mudhatre Ulaku (1) The alphabet begins with the “A” sound, so does the Universe begin with the universal consciousness. अकारादेव निर्यान्ति समस्तान्यक्षराणि च ।चराचरप्रपञ्चोऽय मीश्वरादेव जायते ॥ (१) अक्षर सबके आदि में, है अकार का स्थान ।अखिल लोक का आदि तो, रहा आदि भगवान ॥ …
- The wisdom of Tirukkuralஎண்ணித் துணிகக் கருமம் துணிந்தபின்எண்ணுவம் என்பது இழுக்கு enni thuniga karumam thuninthapinennuvam enbathu izhukku (467) कार्यनिर्वहणोपायमादौ ज्ञात्वा क्रियां कुरु ।प्रविश्य कार्ये नोपायचिन्तनं कार्यसाधकम् ॥ (४६७) होना प्रवृत्त कर्म में, करके सोच-विचार ।‘हो कर प्रवृत्त सोच लें’, है यह गलत विचार ॥ (४६७) ಆಲೋಚನೆ ಮಾಡಿದ ಮೇಲೇ ಕೆಲಸವನ್ನು ಕೈಗೊಳ್ಳುವ ನಿರ್ಧಾರಕ್ಕೆ ಬರಬೇಕು. ಮೊದಲೇ ಕೆಲಸ ಮಾಡಲು ನಿರ್ಧರಿಸಿ ಆಮೇಲೆ ಆ ಬಗ್ಗೆ ‘ಆಲೋಚನೆ …
- Ivu mūru tannannē kollavuvu Sarvajña…Read Part 1 here… ಕೊಟ್ಟು ಹುಟ್ಟಲಿಲ್ಲ, ಮುಟ್ಟಿ ಪೂಜಿಸಲಿಲ್ಲ, ಸಿಟ್ಟಿನಲ್ಲಿ ಶಿವನ ಬೈದರೆ ಶಿವ ತಾನು ರೊಟ್ಟಿ, ಕೊಡುವನೆ Koṭṭu huṭṭalilla, muṭṭi pūjisalilla, Siṭṭinalli śivana baidare Śiva tānu roṭṭi, koḍuvane Sarvagna Neither did you care to give, nor did you pray with a pure heart…and now you scolding God for being indifferent to you, doesn’t make him serve you …
- If I am not for myself…If I am not for myself…who will be? If I am for myself alone…who am I? If not now…when? And if not you…who? Four phrases that shook me when I heard them. Hillel the Elder was a Jewish philosopher who lived over 2000 years ago. While I have not read his teachings extensively, I am …
- Vidyea parvathave aadha Sarvajña…ಒಲೆಗುಂಡನೊಬ್ಬನೇ ಮೆಲಬಹುದು ಎಂದಿಹರೆ ಮೆಲಬಹುದು ಎಂಬವನೆ ಜಾಣ , ಮೂರ್ಖನ ಗೆಲುವಾಗದಯ್ಯ Olegundanobbanaee maelabahudhu yendhihare Maelabahudhu yembavane jaana, Murkhana geluvaagadheyaa, Sarvagna Arguing with a fool is a foolish act in itself. If a fool says that iron can be chewed, one must reply – yes, it can be chewed, and allow the fool to win! Sarvajña (Kannada: ಸರ್ವಜ್ಞ) was a Kannada poet, pragmatist and philosopher of …
- What is the point of the Panchatantra?उदीरितोऽर्थःपशुनापिगृहतेहयाश्चनागाश्चवहन्तिचोदिताः।अनुक्तम्अप्य्ऊहतिपण्डितोजनःपरेङ्गित–ज्ञान–फ्जलाहिबुद्धयः॥४४॥ udīrito ‘rthaḥ paśunāpi gṛhate hayāś ca nāgāś ca vahanti coditāḥ |anuktam apy ūhati paṇḍito janaḥ pareṅgita-jñāna-phjalā hi buddhayaḥ || 44 || Even animals can sort of make out the meanings of the words uttered. Horses and elephants do as directed. Learned men can even understand the meaning of words not spoken aloud. True intelligence lies in …
- The introduction…कथामुखं The introduction In a city called Mahilaropya, very far away from here, lived a king named Amarashakti (the ever-powerful). He took very good care of his kingdom and his subjects, and was loved and revered by all. He was a master of all the sciences and the art of politics and negotiations, of ethics …
- The conclusion…Read the previous part here… चौरब्राह्मणकथा The story of the Brahmin thief In a city not so far away, lived a highly-learned Brahmin. Unfortunately, due to his past karma, he lived as a thief. One day he saw four Brahmins who had recently come to his city, selling some wares…. The thief thought to himself …
- Of wise enemies and foolish friends..Read the previous part here… “And that is why” said Karataka, Where one unusual incident can take place, another unusual incident can also take place. “You did all this because you could not tolerate Pingalaka favouring Sanjeevaka. It is rightly said…” प्रायेणात्र कुलान्वितं कुकुलजाः श्री-वल्लभं दुर्भगा दातारं कृपणा ऋजून् अनृजवो वित्ते स्थितं निर्धनाः ।वैरूप्योपहृताश् च …
- The iron balance and the merchant’s sonRead the previous part here… Where rats can eat a huge and heavy balance made of iron , O king, the hawk can easily carry off a child; there is no doubt about it. Damanaka said “How did that happen?” Karataka replied… लोहतुलावणिक्पुत्रकथा The story of the iron balance and the merchant’s son In a city …
- The crane and the mongooseRead the previous part here… A wise man should think of a good plan to get out of danger; but he must be also be aware of the danger that can arise due to his plans. All the cranes were killed by the mongoose, because of the foolishness of one crane. Dharma-Buddhi said “How did that …
- Dharma-Buddhi and Paapa-Buddhi – part 2Read the previous part here… When they reached, they started digging. When they took out the vessel in which the money was kept – they found it to be empty. Paapa-Buddhi started to wail loudly, slapping his forehead, and with tears in his eyes, shouted at Dharma-Buddhi “You cheat! No one else could have stolen …
- Dharma-Buddhi and Paapa-BuddhiRead the previous part here… I know both Dharma-Buddhi and Paapa-Buddhi. It is due to the stupidity of the son that the father nearly died from smoke.” Damanaka said “How did that happen?” Karataka replied… धर्मबुद्धिपापबुद्धिकथा The story of Dharma-Buddhi and Paapa-Buddhi In a city, not so far away from her, lived two friends named …
- Of advice, and stupidity…Read the previous part here… Advice should not be offered to anybody and everybody. Learn from that incident where a person with such a nice home, was rendered homeless. Damanaka said “How did that happen?” Karataka replied… वानरचटकदंपतीकथा The story of the money and the sparrow couple On a big tree in a forest not …
- Soocheemukha and the monkeysRead the previous part here… A crooked and mean person only knows how to cause ruin; he cannot resolve anything. A rat is strong enough to make the rice-pot fall down; not to keep it back straight.stand it back up. Karataka continued venting at Damanaka. “Maybe this is not your fault alone. Pingalaka is also to blame …
- Karataka scolds DamanakaRead the previous part here… Seeing them fight from a distance, Karataka looked at Damanaka angrily and said ” You fool! Look at what you have done! This enmity that you created between two friends is wrong. You claim to know politics, but you don’t. The learned say…” कार्याण्य् उत्तम-दण्ड-साहस-फलान्य् आयास-साध्यानि ये प्रीत्या संशमयन्ति नीति-कुशलाः …
- The final fight!Read the previous part here… A wise man who hides his intentions can get away without being noticed, even after harming his enemy, much like Chaturaka the jackal was able to get his way, defeat his enemy and yet not get caught. On the other end of the forest, Sanjeevaka was lost in deep thought. …
- The lion and the jackal- part 2Read the previous part here… Shanku-karna immediately replied “Please go ahead Chaturaka. Tell me what needs to be done so that I can get it done fast, and save the master and all of us. One such good act, will bring me the merits of a hundred good acts.” Chaturaka said… “My dear Shanku-karna, offer …
- The lion and the jackal…Read the previous part here… Prosperity always favours men who are brave, and who work diligently. “Whatever happens is due to fate”, so say the lazy and the cowardly. One should leave the reliance on fate, and continue to work sincerely, as per one’s capabilities and talent. Even after working to the best of your …
- Damanaka rests his caseRead the previous part here… “And that is why”, concluded Damanaka, “If one starts a fight, without knowing the strength of his enemy, he will surely be defeated. like the mighty ocean was insulted by a small Tittibha bird. “ Hearing his arguments, Sanjeevaka replied “Damanaka, how can I know for sure that Pingalaka has evil …
- The bird and the ocean – part 3Read the previous part here… “And that is why I say that if you really want to fight the ocean, then call the other birds and your close friends as well – let them join you in battle, like the sparrow joined the woodpecker; the bee joined the frog; and they all got together and killed …
- The sparrows and the elephantRead the previous part here… The sparrow joined the woodpecker; the bee joined the frog; and they all got together and killed the elephant.” “And how did that happen?” asked her husband. His wife replied… चटककुञ्जर कथा The story of the sparrow and the elephant In a forest not so far away from here, lived a …
- गुरु पूर्णिमा – Guru Purnimaगुरुरेव परा काष्ठा गुरुरेव परं धनं । यस्मात्तदुपदेष्टाऽसौ तस्माद्गुरुतरो गुरुरिति ॥ १८॥ gurureva parā kāṣṭhā gurureva paraṁ dhanaṁ | yasmāttadupadeṣṭā’sau tasmādgurutaro gururiti || 18|| Advaya Taraka Upanishad, Śukla-Yajuveda, Ślok 18 A Guru is the culmination, the zenith, a Guru is the greatest wealth you can possess. A Guru teaches you the ultimate truth, and that …
- The bird and the ocean – Part 2Read the previous part here… Her husband, who patiently listened to her speak, said “My dear! Do you think I am Yad Bhavishyahah? You will now see how intelligent I am. I will dry this wicked ocean, with my beak. His wife replied ” Do you really want to fight the ocean? It is not …
- The three fishes…Read the previous part here… “Far-sighted” and “Quick-witted” both survived and lived happily, while “Whatever happens is inevitable” died. Her husband asked “How did that happen?” The female replied… मत्स्यत्रयकथा The story of the three fish In a lake not so far away from here, lived three fish – Anāgata Vidhātā (The Far-Sighted One), Pratyutpanna …
- The foolish turtle…Read the previous part here… The Tittibha flies with it’s feet spread out, thinking that it will hold back the falling sky with its feet! And like this, who does not feel proud of his own imagined superiority? “I am also curious to know what he would do to save his eggs and prove himself, …
- The bird and the ocean…Read the previous part here… If the king is like a vulture, but is surrounded by swan-like courtiers, he should be served well. But, if a swan-like king is surrounded by people who act like vultures, then he should be discarded. Sanjeevaka continued ” It seems like some wicked-hearted person has poisoned Pingalaka’s mind, and …
- The camel and the crow – Part 2Read the previous part here… Madotkata thought for a moment, and then said “If this is so, then you have my permission. Go ahead.” The jackal bowed, and quickly rushed back to the others. The jackal reached his three friends, who were waiting nearby. Catching his breath, he said “Listen to me. Master is serious …
- The camel and the crowRead the previous part here… When those who scheme, who are mean, and who cheat, all get together, they are capable of anything, however proper or improper it may be. Much like the crow and the others who cheated the camel. Damanaka said “How did that happen?” Sanjeevaka replied… उष्ट्रकाकादिकथा The story of the camel …
- The lament of SanjeevakaRead the previous part here… Damanaka lowered his voice. “Sanjeevaka…Pingalaka is conspiring against you. He spoke to me privately today, and said “I will kill Sanjeevaka early tomorrow morning, and feed him to all the animals who have been hungry for so long”. “I was shocked!”, continued Damanaka, but I quickly gathered my wits and …
- The conspiracy continues!Read the previous part here… “And as far as proof goes, know this- in the morning when he comes to see you, his face and eyes will be red; his lips will be trembling; he will look restlessly in all directions; he will sit in a place that is not normally allotted to him; and …
- The blue jackal…Read the previous part here… He who rejects his own people, and makes friends with outsiders, definitely perishes like the foolish Chandarava.” Pingalaka said “How did that happen?” Damanaka replied… चण्डरवशृगालकथा The story of the jackal named Chandarava In a forest, not too far away from here, lived a fox named Chandarava (the one with …
- The louse and the bug…Read the previous part here… One should not offer shelter to a person,whose character is not known. It was due to the Matkuna’s fault, that Manda-Visarpinee got killed.” Pingalaka said “How did that happen?” Damanaka replied… मन्दविसर्पिणीमत्कुणकथा The Story of the slow-moving louse and the bug In a palace not so far away from here, …
- The conspiracy…Read the previous part here… “If you give your permission, I will go and break their friendship.” said Damanaka as he rested his case. Karataka replied-“Damanaka, if this is so, then you may proceed. May you have an auspicious journey.” Damanaka waited for his chance, and got it soon enough. One day, when Pingalaka was …
- The lion and the hare – Part 2Read the previous part here… Hearing this, Bhāsuraka said “Nonsense! Show me that fraud of a lion. I was furious at all of you; now I will take it all out on that other lion.” It is said… भूमिर् मित्रं हिरण्यं च विग्रहस्य फल-त्रयम् ।नास्त्य् एकम् अपि यद्य् एषां न तं कुर्यात् कथञ्चन ॥ २४९ …
- The lion and the hareRead the previous part here… Only he who has intelligence is strong; a foolish person can never be strong. Because, the arrogant lion, king of the forest, was killed by a mere rabbit.” “How did that happen?”, asked Karataka. Damanaka replied… सिंहशशककथा The story of the Lion and the Hare In a forest not too …
- Of crows, serpents, cranes and crabs – part 2Read the previous part here… The small creatures believed the crane, and agreed immediately. They all lined up, jostling for space and trying to be the first to climb onto the crane’s back. The wicked crane started to carry them one-by-one. He would fly to a nearby rock, throw them on it and then eat …
- Of crows, serpents, cranes and crabs…Read the previous part here… The secret of a well-thought-of conspiracy is not even known to the Gods. It is due to his well-hatched plan that the weaver enjoyed the company of the princess, in the form of Vishnu. Hearing this, Karataka said… “What you have said makes sense, but I still feel apprehensive. Sanjeevaka …
- The weaver and the princess..Part 2Read the previous part here… In a few days, the king’s armies crumbled under the combined might of his enemies -they drove him back and entered the kingdom as well. The king and his guards were now locked in the fort, and unable to step out. Unaware of his true identity, the king kept sending …
- The weaver and the princess..Read the previous part here… The secret of a well-thought-of conspiracy is not even known to the Gods. It is due to his well-hatched plan that the weaver enjoyed the company of the princess, in the form of Vishnu. Karataka was curious. “How did that happen?” Damanaka replied… विष्णुरूपधृक्कौलिककथा The story of the weaver who …
- Gunākshara NyāyaRead the previous part here… “And that is why I said”, concluded Damanaka, “that sometimes we have ourselves to blame for our misfortunes, much like in the case of the jackal, the monk and the messenger-girl. Karataka nodded his head. “So what should we do now, in this situation?” Damanaka replied -“Even in this difficult …
- of judgements…Read the previous part here… Some soldiers, who were close by, saw this, and rushed to her side. They beat the barber and tied him up, and then dragged him to court, with the barber’s wife closely following them. In the presence of the judge, the soldiers said ” Lord! This barber has disfigured this …
- Of broken noses…Read the previous part here… The weaver’s wife gladly agreed, and her friend untied her. After tying the barber’s wife in her place, the weaver’s wife went to meet Devadutta. Everything went as planned…but suddenly, after a few minutes, the weaver woke up… He was a bit sober now, and his anger had also cooled …
- Of illicit affairs…Read the previous part here… The wife started walking towards her house along with Devaśharman. She was very pleased, and as she walked, her thoughts turned to her lover Devadutta… It is rightly said… दुर्दिवसे घन-तिमिरे दुःसञ्चारासु नगर-वीथीषु ।पत्युर् विदेश-गमने परम-सुखं जघन-चपलायाः ॥ १८४ ॥ durdivase ghana-timire duḥsañcārāsu nagara-vīthīṣu |patyur videśa-gamane parama-sukhaṃ jaghana-capalāyāḥ || 184 || On …
- The lament of DevaśharmanRead the previous part here… Hearing this, Āshādabhooti held Devaśharman’s feet tightly and begged him” Oh great saint! Please accept me as your humble disciple!” Devaśharman said… “I will gladly accept you as my disciple; however, it is late in the evening, and you should not enter the monastery at this time, since ascetics are …
- Āshādabhooti and DevaśharmanRead the previous part here… The difficulties encountered by the fox which went in between the fighting rams, and by Āshādabhooti, and by the messenger girl, were all self-made. Karataka said-“How is that?” Damanaka replied… दूतीजंबुकाषाढभूतिकथा The story of the messenger-girl, the fox and Ashaadabhooti There existed a monastery a little far away from a …
- Who is to blame?Read the previous part here… In time, since Pingalaka had stopped hunting, the other animals, Karataka and Damanaka included, started to starve, and fall sick as a result. They all huddled together, with hardly any energy left to do anything else…. Karataka and Damanaka, hungry and thirsty and at present also out of favor of …
- A budding friendship…Read the previous part here… Due to his arrogance, he who disrespects persons who occupy the highest, the lowest and mid-level positions in the employment of the king, loses his respect and high position much like Dantila. Sanjeevaka, on hearing this story, said… “O Good man! You are correct. I will always act as per your …
- Dantila and Gorambha – Part 2Read the previous part here… Gorambha, who was sweeping the floor next to the bed of the king, muttered casually. “How insolent is Dantila, he now even dares to embrace the queen!” This got the king thinking… And also… अन्तः-सारैर् अकुटिलैर्नाग्निस् तृप्यति काष्ठानां नापगानां महोदधिः ।नान्तकः सर्व-भूतानां न पुंसां वाम-लोचना ॥ १४८ ॥ nāgnis tṛpyati …
- Dantila and GorambhaRead the previous part here… Due to his arrogance, he who disrespects persons who occupy the highest, the lowest and mid-level positions in the employment of the king, loses his respect and high position much like Dantila. Sanjeevaka said – “How is that so?” Damanaka replied… दन्तिलगोरंभयोर्कथा (The Story of Dantila and Gorambha) “There is a …
- of negotiations…Read the previous part here… “And so, you remain here for now; let me go back and wait for the right moment to take you there.” Sanjeevaka agreed and waited there, while Damanaka strutted back to the king… Pingalaka saw Damanaka rushing back to him, taking hurried strides and looking excited. “Master!” he exclaimed as …
- Step one…complete!Read the previous part here… Damanaka took a deep breath, and said – “Yes, I saw it by the grace of your highness.” Pingalaka wasn’t’t convinced, he asked again – “Did you really see that creature??” Damanaka was patient. “Can a lie be uttered in the presence of your highness? It is said…” अपि स्वल्पम् …
- Of dilemmas and confidence…Read the previous part here… Damanaka saluted him and started towards the place where Sanjeevaka, the bull was making the sounds that had startled Pingalaka. When Damanaka went away, Pingalaka stuck by fear started to think… “Maybe I did not do the right thing by trusting Damanaka. I should not have confided in him. Damanaka …
- The fox and the drum…Read the previous part here… I thought so in the beginning that this was filled with flesh, but after entering it I understood it to be just leather and wood.” Pingalaka looked astonished- “How did that happen?” Damanaka explained… शृगालदुन्धुभिकथा THE STORY OF THE FOX AND THE DRUM “Once, a fox named Gomāyu was wandering …
- Damanaka makes Pingalaka confident…Read the previous part here… And with these words, Damanaka rested his case. Pingalaka looked thoughtful…after a few minutes of silence, he said… “Let it be so then. Whether you are talented or not, you are the son of my ex-minister and I have known you for long. So whatever you want to say, say …
- Of good servants…Read the previous part here… Just as the sun, despite being lustrous, cannot shine without its rays, similarly, a king, even though he may be full of majesty, cannot be appreciated without capable servants. राजा तुष्टो हि भृत्यानाम् अर्थ-मात्रं प्रयच्छति ।ते तु संमान-मात्रेण प्राणैर् अप्य् उपकुर्वते ॥ ९१ ॥ rājā tuṣṭo hi bhṛtyānām artha-mātraṃ prayacchati |te …
- Damanaka presents his case…Read the previous part here… Karataka seemed convinced. “If that is your intention, then let auspiciousness accompany you. You can go ahead. But remember – you have to be very careful, because my fortunes are linked with yours! Damanaka saluted him, and went to meet Pingalaka. Seeing Damanaka coming towards him, Pingalaka spoke to his …
- The science of conversation…Read the previous part here… If a person does not get rest or even manage to satisfy his hunger by being in service of a prosperous master, he should discard such service and such a master, just as one would discard a Madar (sodom apple) tree, which is filled with flowers and fruits, but is …
- The debate continues…Read the previous part here… Karataka said- “Then, what do you want to do now?” Damanaka said- “At present, our king Pingalaka is very scared, and so are his advisers. So, first let’s approach him and find out the cause of his fear and choose one among the six ways of diplomacy (alliance, war, escape, …
- The debate…Read the previous part here… “Sounds interesting. Why don’t you tell me what happened to the monkey,” pleaded Damanaka. “Now, listen,” said Karataka and began narrating the story of the monkey… कीलोत्पाटीवानरकथा The story of the monkey who removed the wedge A merchant once started building a temple in the middle of his garden. Many …
- Introducing…Karataka and Damanaka!वर्धमानो महान् स्नेहः सिंह-गो-वृषयोर् वने ।पिशुनेनातिलुब्धेन जम्बुकेन विनाशितः ॥ १ ॥ vardhamāno mahān snehaḥ siṃha-go-vṛṣayor vane |piśunenātilubdhena jambukena vināśitaḥ || 1 || The increasing true friendship between the lion and the bull in the forestwas destroyed by a deceitful greedy fox. Long, long ago, a merchant named Vardhamānaka (he who is prosperous) lived in a town in …
- The road aheadIt’s been a long series – I don’t know when I started and how many posts I made since then. I don’t like to count. All I know is that I have been writing everyday, practising everyday and learning everyday. Yesterday, was the last post on the series of the 21 exercises that followed the …
- Preparing for rebirthExercise 21 Discovering your swara Difficulty level – 1 (easy) Time commitment : As indicated throughout the day We spoke about knowing the breath, through a preliminary exercise, and we practiced Chandra-bhedana prānāyāma as well. We spoke about preparing for death, and today, the last day of the sadhana exercise series, we will speak about …
- Preparing for deathExercise 20 शवासन – Śavāsana Difficulty level -3 (very difficult) Time commitment : 10-15 minutes, after every yogic practice The standing joke in yoga classes, is that everyone’s favourite pose is śavāsana. Most people think of this āsana to be easy, but nothing could be further from the truth. Yoga Guru Shri B.K.S. Iyengar has …
- Udyana AvagāhanExercise 19 उद्यान अवगाहन – Forest bathing Difficulty level – 1 (easy) Time commitment : One hour every week We spoke about connecting with nature in an earlier post. This exercise is an extension of the “walk in the park” aspect of that exercise. A few points to note: No devices – Not even a …
- The masculine and the feminineExercise 18 Chandra-bhedana pranayama Difficulty level – 2 (moderately difficult) Time commitment – 10 minutes, thrice a week in Week 3 This is the first cross-nostril prānāyāma that we will practice. While the prānāyāma has many levels, our attempt here is to get familiar with the process of breathing through one nostril, and observing the …
- Two fishes and a frogWe had some good exercises this week. We deserve a story! As the frog said, “the one with thousand tricks sat on the head of the fisherman, the one with hundred tricks is hanging by the fisherman’s arm and I with only one trick am happily swimming in the water.” Two fish named Sahasrabuddhi and …
- Freeing up your timeExercise 17 Freeing up your time – Part 2 Difficulty level – 3 (difficult) Time commitment : (-45) minutes everyday A few days back, I had spoken about freeing up your time. This is the second part of that exercise. The first thing we need to do is to be aware of how we spend …
- You are what you eatExercise 16 Rediscovering food Difficulty level – 3 (difficult) Time commitment : At every meal and throughout the day We have spoken about perspectives, basic breathing exercises, āsanā practice, meditation and mantra japa. All these steps are beneficial, but they don’t amount to much if you don’t take care of what you eat. We are …
- Melt with the universeExercise 15 Jñāna Mudra and Chin Mudra Difficulty level – 1 (easy) Time commitment : 5 minutes everyday Today, we will practice our second mudra – the jñāna Mudra. I have made a lot of references to this mudra in my earlier articles, and a lot of you requested for a more detailed look into …
- Seeking peaceExercise 14 Sukhāsana Difficulty level – 1 (easy) Time commitment : 10 minutes thrice a week This is a meditative āsanā, and among the easiest sitting āsanās. It can be performed without any strain, and by anybody, regardless of their level of flexibility. We had practiced Tāḍāsana earlier, which is the simplest of the standing …
- The wedding of the mouseToday, let me tell you another story. There was a beautiful hermitage on the bank of river Gangā, where a group of hermits lived in peace. The hermits were disciples of a Guru Yadnyavalkya, who was always absorbed in meditation, and followed rigorous self-discipline. One day, while he was bathing in the river, a hawk flew …
- Divinity through conscious repetitionExercise 13 Mantra Japa Difficulty level – 2 (moderately difficult) Time commitment : 10 minutes thrice a week We have, so far, practiced an āsana, a form of prānāyāma, a mudra and basic meditation. Bringing this all together is mantra japa, or meditative repetition of a mantra. The mantra that I have chosen is Aum, …
- I respect the divinity in youExercise 12 Anjali Mudra Difficulty level – 1 (easy) Time commitment : 5 minutes everyday Today, we will practice an introductory mudra – the Anjali Mudra. I have made a lot of references to this mudra in my earlier articles, and a lot of you requested for a more detailed look into the mudra. While …
- I am HeExercise 11 Soham Meditation Difficulty level – 1 (easy) Time commitment : 10 minutes thrice a week As we enter the second phase of our sādhanā, it’s time to introduce to you our first meditation exercise. A few points to note: Time to practice – Ideally before sunrise or during sunset. However, for beginners, early …
- A story a day, keeps worries away…Today, let me tell you a story. The great emperor Kṛṣṇadevarāya (Krishnadevaraya) had a lot of wise ministers in his court. The wisest of them was Tenali Ramakrishna. One day, a merchant came to the king’s court from a foreign kingdom. He saluted the king and then said, “Your Majesty, I have heard from many …
- Cultivating steadfastnessExercise 10 Tāḍāsana Difficulty level – 1 (easy) Time commitment : 10 minutes thrice a week We are nearly halfway through the course, and it’s time to introduce you to our first āsanā. A few points to note: Time to practice – Ideally before sunrise or during sunset. However, for beginners, early morning or late …
- Celebrate small achievementsExercise 9 Tracking accomplishments Difficulty level – 1 (easy) Time commitment : 10 minutes everyday This exercise will help you reflect upon your daily tasks, and take the first steps to move from being busy, to being productive. A few points to note: Consistency – It will take a bit of effort to get into …
- Rediscovering eatingExercise 8 Rediscovering Eating Difficulty level – 2 (moderately difficult) Time commitment : 15 minutes per day – week 1, 30 minutes per day – week 2, 45 minutes per day – week 3 You know that things are bad, when someone has to remind us how to eat. When we were kids, we were …
- Saptarishi – seven areas of your lifeExercise 7 Saptarishi Difficulty level – 1 (easy) Time commitment : 45 minutes every week Those who are familiar with financial planning know the importance of diversification of assets – allocating monies to different asset classes (property, mutual funds, stocks, gold etc.) in different proportions and monitoring the overall performance of your portfolio. You also …
- Freeing up your timeExercise 6 Freeing up your time – Part 1 Difficulty level – 3 (difficult) Time commitment : (-45) minutes everyday Till now, we discussed 5 exercises that can take up anywhere between 30-45 minutes cumulatively each day. Exercise 6 helps you provision for that time. Hence the time commitment of (-45) minutes each day. An …
- Amani-bhava – the bliss of no-mindExercise 5 No-Mind Difficulty level – 3 (difficult) Time commitment – 10 minutes every alternate day From observing, to observation. From total involvement, to no involvement. The no-mind exercise has a simple procedure – DON’T DO ANYTHING FOR 10 MINUTES. You may think that this is the easiest exercise of the lot. It isn’t. On …
- Know your breath, know your selfExercise 4 Breathing Difficulty level – 1 (easy) Time commitment – 10 minutes everyday Breathing is a fundamental life process. Our life is a collection of breaths – and we live between our first inhalation, and our last exhalation. The objective of this exercise is to help you connect with your breath, and introduce you …
- Connect with NatureExercise 3 Connect with nature Difficulty level – 1 (easy) Time commitment – 10 minutes everyday – ideal. Else every alternate day. Chances are that you already practice this exercise. If yes, then you can try to add a bit more to it. If no, well, it’s a good time to start! The exercise involves …
- A small step towards tapasyaExercise 2 Wake and sleep Difficulty level – 2 (moderately difficult) Time commitment – 10 minutes everyday This exercise is simple – after all, we do this everyday. The catch is that you have to do this AT THE SAME TIME EVERYDAY, FOR 21 DAYS. Choose a waking time and a sleeping time. I wake …