A Bi-monthly bulletin of Vivekananda Kendra Vedic Vision Foundattion

Edito s pe
FOUR TIME TESTED FORMULAE FOR PERSONALITY DEVELOPMENT

SURYA KIRAN GANAPATHI PRATISTHA DIVAS YOUTH CAMP BHAGAVATHA SAPTAHAM VIVEKANANDA CLUB ANNUAL DAY OF SANDEEPANI SISUVICome summer there is a plethora of Personality Development Camps. Each organization conducts programmes which they think are best to expand the personality of the candidates. Pondering over that, we came across four formulae from our treasure house of spiritual heritage to help Personality Development of an individual. Chidlren usually think that eating good food, putting on weight, wearing good dress and ornaments are all ways of developing their personality. This has to be modified with a new programme. Our great rishis with their deep insight into the personality of the human beings have given us these formule for a wholesome expansion of the human being. Sareeramadhyam khalu dharma sadhanam Children should be made to understand the glorious idea of making use of the body as an instrument to carry out Dharma. Truth must blossom into dharma through their lives. So all those activities centred on Truth like recognising others as our own, serving them, giving up selfish desires and motivations, carrying out activities for the propagation of good, etc. can be brought under dharmic activities which will bring spiritual strength and vigour to

It Is Culture That Withstand Shock , not a simple mass of knowledge

Swami Vivekananda VOLUME 2 - ISSUE 5
1

Feb-March 2013

the body. Our youth are totally unaware of this blissful expansion which they can effortlessly achieve. Vasudhaiva kutumbakam The above concept centered in the awareness of one Truth, visualizing the whole Universe as ones family leads to an unparalleled expansion of human mind which provides a homely remedy for all the ills which are creeping into ones mind spoiling our interrelationships with people and the environment. The statement says that the whole universe is one family. The welfare of the family rests on the proper exercise of the rights and responsibilities by all its members individually and collectively. Respect, regard, love, sacrifice, service manifold are the expressions through which those rights and responsibilities are exercised in real life. In the togetherness, mutuality, each member responsibly carrying out ones duties remaining as part of the whole and ever keeping at bay his individualistic egotism, lie the wholesomeness of a family. To get at this magnificent cohesiveness what else, but the awareness of the spiritual solidity of the whole, could be the basis? This formula works at the mental level and is the most important factor in deciding the total health of a person including his outlook on life. Here the mind is made to expand absorbing unto itself everything around with a feeling of ones own. This helps to eliminate all the negative vibrations and bad qualities like jealousy, hatred, etc. from the mind which obstruct the expansion of ones personality. With such an expansion one finds the whole universe as ones friend aiding and also bestowing blessings. Peace, happiness, achievements are all by-products of ones attunement
VOLUME 2 - ISSUE 5
2

with the cosmos.

Unity in Diversity The third level of expansion concerns the intellect which is presently used by us to gather only information for achieving material benefits like name, power and pelf etc. Intellect should be used for better purposes, to detect the Infinite in the finite, to see God in everything, living and non living. To see Unity in diversity is the formula ideally suited for this expansion in our understanding at the intellectual level. That automatically keeps one aligned on the path of seeking Truth. Intellect becomes subtler and sharper and it starts, like a torch light, revealing knowledge deeply hidden or long forgotten in the depths of our being. Each soul is potentially divine Last but not the least guidance for expansion comes from Swami Vivekanandas famous observation Each soul is potentially divine. This is the ultimate source of knowledge and energy which can illumine all the layers of human personality from body to the Self within. This formula brings into the grasp of every human being that he is Divine and the goal in his life is to manifest that divinity. This can be done only by controlling nature external and internal and the first three formulae are ideally suited to bring about the control of nature external and internal which in turn leads to real expansion of the human personality. Such an expanded personality is a blessing unto himself as also to the whole world.

Feb-March 2013

On 17th of February, which fell on Ratha Saptami day, 900 children from class VII to class X representing fifteen different schools gathered in the Gurushree Public School ground, Chapara at 630 a.m. in the morning, to participate in the Samuhika Surya Namaskar programme Surya Kiran. Circle Inspector of Kodungallur Shri M. Surendran was the Chief Guest. S.N.D.P Youth Secretary Sri Baby Ram and Sri Pavitranji, wellwisher of Vivekananda Kendra were on the dias along with Lakshmi Didi. The programme started with prayer by Kum Radhika followed by Deepa prajwalan by the Chief Guest. Didi related the significance of Samuhika Surya Namaskar in her introductory address. Sri Surendran also spoke to the children regarding the benefits of Suryanamaskar. Inspite of his busy schedule Sri Surendran stayed on to watch the students programme. After 12 consecutive rounds of Surya namaskar, there was a beautiful demonstration of vote of thanks. After the programme, all the children and their parents were treated to a sumptuous breakfast. The local yogasanas by the students of the Gurushree Public school. Sri Pavitranji delivered

VOLUME 2 - ISSUE 5

Feb-March 2013

branch of State Bank of Travancore sponsored the breakfast. Every participant received a book on Swamiji and a certificate of appreciation. Cost of the books was borne by Canara Bank, Kodungallur. Best three schools got awards for performance in Surya Kiran and every school was given the book Incredible India, Love India As Swami Vivekananda Loved Her on Swamijis thoughts compiled by Lakshmi Didi, for their library, as a token for their active participation in the programme. SAMUHIKA SURYA NAMASKAR Sri Ramakrishna Jayanthi Day, 18th February, was selected for Samuhika Surya Namaskar throughout India. In Anandadham too, forty-five yoga yoga varga participants, 20 of them ladies and 25 gents took part in Samuhika Surya namaskar. Sri Bhanuji, all India General Secretary of Vivekananda Kendra , attended the programme and took part in the Samuhika Surya namaskar. Shri Bhanuji briefed the participants about the Sarda Shati Programme, in his benedictory address

GANAPATHI PRATISTHA DIVASAM

Ganapathi Pratistha Divasam was celebrated on the 20th February, Wednesday. Early in the morning there was Ganapathi Homam followed by Kalasha puja and Abhishekam. Puja was conducted by the Karumatra Gurupadam group. Except for the inmates, only few devotees could attend as it was a day of bandh. Ganapati Homam was performed in the temple premises.

VOLUME 2 - ISSUE 5

Feb-March 2013

YOUTH CAMP
In association with Sri Ramakrishna Mission and Department of Sports and Youth Affairs, Govt of Kerala, we conducted a full day Youth Camp as part of 150th Birth Anniversary Celebrations of Swami Vivekananda, for the age group of 18 to 30 years, on 24th February. 104 students from 8 different institutions participated. Resource persons were: Dr Harisankar, well known parenting specialist Smt Rema Principal of a Teachers Education College, Poyya, Sri P.N.Easwaranji and Dr N.M. Vijayan, well-wisher of Vivekananda Kendra. Sri Sudhakarji who was the coordinator of the camp and Mananeeya Lakshmi Didi who is also a member of the State Coordinating Committee, were also present. The Village Officer, Kodungallur Smt.Shyamala, inaugurated the camp. Sri Pavitranji, delivered the welcome address. All the students were provided lunch and snacks during intervals. The following topics were covered during the camp
Dr. Hari Shankar Sri . Sudhakar Smt. Rama Menon Sri Eswaranji P.N Dr. M. Lakshmi Kumari Concluding session, Subject : Subject: Subject: Subject: Subject : The Need of an Idealogy The Goal of Life Personality Integration Personality integration Dr. N.M Vijayan and Dr. M. Lakshmi Kumari Integration Youth and their role in National

Each

student received a participation certificate, a T-shirt with

Swamijis logo and a book on Swamiji.

VOLUME 2 - ISSUE 5

Feb-March 2013

The annual Bhagavatha Saptaha jnana yajnam began on 2nd of March with Mahatmya Parayanam and continued till 9 th of March with distribution of Yajna prasadam by the Acharya. KoPlace Photo Here, Otherwise Delete Box

zhikode Vasudeva Prasad Namboothiri who was the main Yajnacharya. On the fourth day, Sri Krishna Avataram was recreated with a little Krishna decorated and kept in a cradle so that after the session devotees could make their obeisance to Him. Next attraction was Rukmini evening Swayambara of the on the day. fifth

Rukmini s idol, well decorated was carried by a young girl towards Krishna the altar where Sri was already kept.

After the session there was a traditional Thiruvathira group dance by Smt Padmaja and her troup. On the 9th was the concluding day. Over a hundred devotees attended the programme on all the seven consecutive days .

VOLUME 2 - ISSUE 5

Feb-March 2013

VIVEKANANDA CLUB

Vivekananda

Club

of

150

registered in the club. Three of their school teachers, allotted specially for the club activities along with the Vivekananda Kendra Vedic Vision team of workers, will meet once in every fortnight. Subject will be based on Swami Vivekananda literature.

children from Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan Vidya Mandir Irinjalakuda, was inaugurated by Didi and Sri Sudhakarji on 14th March. From the next academic session in the month of June, it will become a regular fortnightly programme. Selected children from classes 6,7 & 8 have been

DIDIS PRABHASANAMS DURING FEBRUARY-AND MARCH

7th February 9th February 17th February 20th February 24th February SV Jayanthi Celebration, MG University Kottayam National Teachers Union-Annual conference; Topic SV & Education. Suryakiran -Kodungallur and Samvardhini Ernakulam Sri Krishna Temple Mukundapuram. Topic SV His Life and Mission Vidya Gopala Puja Chandrapini and Satsangh at Sangameswara Yogam 1st March Varuna Yaga - Valapad Irinjalakuda

3rd to 9th March Bhagavatha Saptaham AnandadhamKodungallur

VOLUME 2 - ISSUE 5

Feb-March 2013

13th March

SRK Jayanthi at Sri Ramakkrishna Sarada MathErnakulam. Prabhasanam on Sri Rama krishna and release of Didid book Incredible India Love India As Sw Vivekananda Loved Her, by Pravrajika Avyayaprana Mataji.

14th March

Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan-IJK Inauguration of Vivekananda Club

14th March 24th March

Dhanwantari Temple- Konnatthukkunnu Book Release ProgrammeBy Bharatiya Vichar Kendram in Thrissur.

30th March 31st March

Samvardhini-Kishori Shibiram Thuravoor Nivedita Kishori CampSamvardhiniTripoonithura

VIVEKANANDA KENDRA VEDIC VISION FOUNDATION

ANANDADHAM, SRINGAPURAM KODUNGALLUR,
PIN 680664. KERALA Ph. No : 0480-2803349, 2805780, 2812780

Email ID : vkvvf@vkendra.org
VOLUME 2 - ISSUE 5
8

Feb-March 2013

Each year the

Annual Day celebration of Sandeepani Sishuvihar coincides with the

birthday celebration of Sri Ramakrishna. This year it was celebrated on 23rd March, Saturday. Smt Radha Teacher, Vice President of Bharatiya Vidyaniketan, Thrissur, presided over as the Chief Guest. She inaugurated the programme lighting the lamp. A short prayer was chanted by the UKG children. Mini Convocation of the kids followed when certificates, shawl, a book and a tiny lamp were given to each outgoing child. Five children received certificates, calling upon them to grow as Karma Veeras Dharmaveeras in the service of our Motherland. This was followed by cultural program and prize distribution.

VOLUME 2 - ISSUE 5

Feb-March 2013

REGULAR ACTIVITIES IN THE CAMPUS

Yoga Satras
6 gents and 10 ladies attented yoga satras for men in the morning ( 6am to 7:15 am ) and ladies in the afternoon (11am to 12 noon) and evening ( 4.30 pm to 5.30 pm). 10 ladies consisting of students and their lecturers of the Maliankara College Yoga Club are attending the yoga satras held twice every week on Tuesdays at the college premises

Yoga Varga
10 gents and 5 ladies separately attend yoga varga daily in the morning and after noon respectively. Once a month the gents have planned to have their varga on the sea beach near by.

Yoga for children

Regular Saturday morning classes for children were conducted during the months of February and March. On an average 10 children participated.

Pranayama and meditation

Pranayama classes for men were conducted in the early morning from 5:15 am to 5:45 am and for the ladies from 10:30 to 11am.

VOLUME 2 - ISSUE 5

10

Feb-March 2013

Samskar Varga
Samskar Vargas were conducted at four places, the regular Sunday class in the campus, once in a month at Vinayakapuram on Sundays and once a week on every Saturday at Pullut and twice a week at Konnatha kunnu. 10 children were present in the Sunday class, 15 and 20 and 25 children attented the other three Vargas.

Swadhyaya Varga
Every Second Sunday there is a Swadhaya Varga. On an average 10 people attended. Topic was on Swami Vivekanandas Raja Yoga.

Pournami Puja
Ganapathi Homam and Sri Chakra Puja were conducted on Pournami days, on 25th February and 27 th March. Inmates of Anandadham attended.

Lalitha Sahasranama study

Sri Girishji conducted Sri Lalitha Sahasranam classes on 16th and 17th of March. Fifty devotees attended

Kala Sadas
During the months of February and March a musical evening by Kunjunni Tamburan Smaraka Kala Sadassu, Kodungallur, in collaboration with Vivekananda Kendra Vedic Vision Foundation, conducted a Kathakali programme Karta Veeryarjuna Vijayam on 17th February. The artists were Kalamandalam Balasubramanian as Ravana, Kalamandalam Kasinatham as Mandodari and Kalamandalam Sajan as Narada. 150 people attended

VOLUME 2 - ISSUE 5

11

Feb-March 2013

On the 31st March there was a Karnatik Vocal Recital by the Kumari Parvathy Narayanan and Kumari Pooja Narayananan (Students of VII th and Xth standard) with Sudha Marar on the violin and Kallekulangara Unnikrishnan on the Mridangam.

A SEARCH FOR SRI SRI MA IN THE GOSPEL OF SRI RAMAKRISHNA

Dr. M. Lakshmi Kumari

indeed a difficult task, but was delightful In the Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna we hardly come across Sri Ma in person nor is there any mention about her except once or twice. At the same time in the mega stage of Bhavatarini Temple at Dakshineswar, standing behind the curtain there She is, either engaged in her own plays or leading the plays of others. Searching for the Divine presence of Sri Sri Ma in the pages of the Gospel was
VOLUME 2 - ISSUE 5
12

also. Like Sri Hanuman searching for Sita in Lanka this search started from the very obvious. The first place of search was Sri Ramakrishnas room, where naturally one expects to find her occupying a venerable seat beside him, as his Sahadharmini. No, she was not to be found there. May be she could be in the temple of Bhavatharini, where Master spent most of his times, helping him in his priestly duties. No she was not there too.
Feb-March 2013

She must be with him in the wonderfully elevating boat journeys he undertook along the Ganges No chance at all. Was she with him in the very many visits he paid to the great souls in and around Calcutta? Not possible. How can she, a newly married woman in purdah go about with her husband, in the orthodox society of Calcutta! Would she be in Panchavati, keeping silent watch over her Lords, meditations no, there also she was not present. It was obvious that Master never projected his consort in front of the public. Most of the people who visited him did not even know that Masters wife was staying in the nahabath. So very meek and humble she was and unobtrusive was her presence at Dakshineswar. Continuing the search, taking it from the visible to the invisible levels, from the coarse to the subtle Mother was very much there as a Divine Presence which slowly led to the most unusual revelation that it was She who filled up his thoughts, words and actions, and made Vachanamrita such a heavenly compilation .The lines from an old hymn sprang up in the mind Archanakale rupagatha when Master was worshiping the Mother, She was present as the object of his worship and accepted his offerings. Samstuthikale sabdagatha when he sang in praise of Her she was there in his voice producing the superfine effect which
VOLUME 2 - ISSUE 5

led to the ecstasy of all who listened to him Chintanakale pranagatha during the hours of his deep meditation She was his very prana invigorating each and every cell in his body with Divine Energy. Tatwavichare sarvagatha when he was elaborating the intricate principles to the never ending stream of curious visitors She personified as the substance, meaning and relevance of his utterances. Ujjwalaroope nritakari when in ecstasy Sri Ramakrishna forgot himself and took to dancing, bubbling with bliss within, She was there as his sruthi, laya and thala. Nishprabharupe suptakari when on rare occasions he appeared asleep it was in the lap of the Mother whocomforted him as the Goddess of sleep. Gopitharoope siddhakari She kept Herself hidden within him as infinite miraculous siddhies which none could fathom. Gochararoope bandhakari in the visible living form She kept him, for the sake of the well being of the entire humanity as Sri Ramakrishna in the temple of Dakshineswar as the establisher of Eternal Dharma, as an embodiment of all Dharmas and as the Best among avatars. There as his consort Sarada Devi, she was ever at his service. * * * * * * * When we study the life of Sri Ramakrishna often a doubt crosses the mind. Did Sri Ramakrishna incarnate to do Mothers work or did
13

Feb-March 2013

Mother take birth for Masters work ! Prakritim svamavashtabhya sambhavamyatmamayaya or Karanguli nakhotpanna Narayana dasakriti which is more valid? More acceptable? It is up to the Bhakta to choose. Coming back to the Gospel, the corridor opening into the Sanctum Sanctorum of the Gospel is the first visit of Mahendra Nath Gupta (M) to the Master. M felt deeply attracted to the Master which prompted him to go again and again to meet him. It was during the second visit that the very enlightening conversation took place, which serves as a clue to unearth the presence of the Holy Mother in the Gospel. After some preliminary enquiries Master asked M if he was married and if he had children. His positive answer somewhat disappointed the Master and he expressed it to his nephew Ram Lal who was standing by his side. M was shocked and his pride received a blow. After a few minutes Sri Ramakrishna looked at him kindly and said affectionately: You see, you have certain good signs..Tell me, now, what kind of a person is your wife? Has she spiritual attributes, or is she under the power of avidya? M replied She is all right. But I am afraid she is ignorant. Master (with evident displeasure): And you are a man of knowledge? Ms ego was again badly shaken. However in the above words of the Master is hidden a great revelation and warning to all men who feel superior to their wives.

M could understand the implications of these observations only much later, when, after being accepted as a close disciple he came to know of Sri Ma and how reverently Master treated her. No wife is to be taken as granted as an ignoramus. All women have in them sparks of Divinity hidden deep within, which becomes manifest in her married life with the help and understanding of her husband, especially through her attainment of Motherhood. In fact, Motherhood is a manifestation of the Perfection or Divinity which is already in her. Unfortunately most of the men are not sensitive or sensible enough to understand it. Unfortunately women themselves are ignorant of it. The world will be a much better place to live in if this ignorance and illusion of both men and women are removed, a pointer to which we find in this second meeting of M with the Master. It is here that Sri Ma makes her first subtle appearance in the Gospel. After receiving the blessings of Sri Ramakrishna when M himself started ascending the steps to real knowledge then only he could understand the real significance of Masters words. It is through a mother that the crest jewel of human thought, Advaita, manifests itself in human life as love, sacrifice, surrender, service and a host of such human feelings which make a mother one with

VOLUME 2 - ISSUE 5

14

Feb-March 2013

her children and make her family a mini universe. She then moves from avidya to Vidya and becomes the positive force which decides the destiny of her family. Sri Ramakrishna could evoke in the apparently ignorant village girl, Saradamani the best of Divine attributes and transform her into Goddess Sarada. Only he could have transformed a simple child into a mother par excellence, as well as an embodiment of all wisdom and spiritual knowledge. Whenever, wherever and in whatever way Sri Ramakrishna extolled the Glory of Motherhood in the Gospel, it was this Mother that shone in and through his utterances. To provide for such an expansion in their wives is the responsibility of every husband. Therein lies Sri Ramakrishnas message to all householders to discover in their wifes the essence of Sri Vidya Herself. A woman, who is not getting an opportunity for expansion turns into an embodiment of Avidya, with false ideas, desires and aspirations. Such a wife would then drag her husband into the abyss of misery. Sri Ramakrishna wants everybody to keep away from such women. At the same time his own life was a magnificent example of how blessed life becomes if one recognizes and nurtures Vidya sakthi in his wife. He used to cry out again and again to Mother Kali who can fathom the depths of Your Being, but as a child with a grief stricken heart when one calls to Mother, without hesitation She takes him on Her lap.
VOLUME 2 - ISSUE 5
15

His ritualistic worship was centered on Mother Kali,but he reiterated again and again that the object of his worship was none other than Parabrahma. To some She was pointed out as the latent Kundalini. At another time there She was a most terrible dark form of Kali, dark, yet enchantingly beautiful, full of grace, love, compassion and blissfulness. Sometimes to emphasise the importance of worshipping Divine Mother in names and forms he would present Her as one who grants the prayers of the devotees through offerings made to Her. When Kesahab was very ill, Master offered coconut and fruits to the Mother of the Universe to relieve Keshabs suffering. Oftentimes he was mad singing Her glory, chanting Her name or just visualizing Her in the lotus of his heart. At times, identifying himself with Mother, he on Her behalf as it were, assured devotees full realisation of dharma, artha, kama and moksha, if only they would deign to call to Her as Her innocent child. During moments of utter surrender he considered Her as the Yanthri and himself as the Yanthra and fully recognized that he is nothing but a play thing in Her hands. He used to repeat You are the driver, I am Your cart; I am the home, You are the Mistress, I move as per Your wishes and commands. I talk as You order me to not I, not I, but You and You alone Neglecting the pursuit of Vidya, men
Feb-March 2013

who run after worldly desires are of ignoble behaviour according to him. He also made it clear to all that mere bookish knowledge leads nowhere, least of all to Her presence. That was the reason why he kept himself away from all shallow pursuits of knowledge. Even during his strenuous ascent to Paramahamsahood , Sri Ramakrishna never thought that his married life was an obstruction to his sadhana, he never rejected it. Here again is a great message to humanity. To a devotee of Divine Mother, Dharma and Moksha are easily available. He can enjoy Artha and Kama also if he so desires. Sri Ramakrishna harmonized all these, always praying to Mother for unadulterated Bhakti. For the sake of the welfare of the humanity he also prayed O Mother dont make me lose my consciousness through Brahmajnana. May be it is for this that he prayed to Mother to give him disciples and when they started arriving Sarada Devi became the Head, the Holy Mother and also Universal Mother. When Master became ill She undertook his service with full devotion, braving all difficulties and inconveniences thus revealing a rare facet of tapas. All this M came to understand watching Masters life in the temple of Dakshineswar and later at Cossipore. It is our good fortune that this chronicler par excellence has shared it all with us through the Gospel. As the curtain started falling in his life we find in Sarada Devi tapas personified, not the tapas which we read about in Puranas, but a total centering of all her being on the Divine Mother whom she adored and worshipped in her husband Sri Ramakrishna. What was the fulfillment of
VOLUME 2 - ISSUE 5
16

that tapas? Sri Ramakrishna conferred on her that mighty spiritual will and power making her inherit the Fountainhead of his own love and compassion for humanity from which Masters own disciples were to charge their spiritual batteries in the formative years of Sri Ramakrishna Math and Mission. On 16th August 1886 with the Samadhi of Sri Ramakrishna, the Gospel folds itself. But the Sadhanas and Tapas of the Holy Mother did not stop, but continued, providing a fitting Finale to what Master had started. The Holy Ganges of Mothers life continued to flow adding to the all round beauty and grandeur to the family that Sri Ramakrishna had left behind. As a wife, a true brahmacharini, a most devoted disciple, the head of the family and as Sanghajanani, Matrudevi continued to shower benediction to all who came to her. From where did She get the training for this incomparable work? Who gave it to her and when? It is here that the first conversation between the M and Master throw light. Every womans Wifehood and Motherhood, through spiritualization, can be raised to Universal Motherhood. If a husband recognizes that truth like Sri Ramakrishna, he can raise his wife into heights of spirituality and discover in her the embodiment of Vidya, the destroyer of samsara and make her a centre of refuge for the entire humanity. Meditating thus one often feels that the entire Gospel is an answer to this all important question of recognizing Vidya and eliminating avidya in our lives.
Feb-March 2013