Going down the memory lane - Silver Jubilee

This post is in remembrance of the miracle called "Silver Jubilee".

The photo which you can see is from my mobile (I wish I had a camera during that time :-) ).

The occasion being that it was the last day of the Art of Living Part -1 mega course we had in Bangalore before Silver Jubilee and more than 20,000 people were present in the Ashram that day. We had booked 12 BMTC buses from Koramangala to take the participants to Ashram and Koramangala is one out of thirty odd centers where the course had happened, so just imagine the euphoria in the atmosphere.

The venue being Ashram amphitheater. I still don't believe how so many people fitted in there.

It was just mind-boggling and believe it or not, every one who came was fed till he was full in every sense. Kudos to Ashram team and specially Sundar bhaiya and the kitchen team for managing this spectacle.


P.S. I have lots of experiences to share regarding Silver Jubilee and will keep them rolling in future posts.

Shivoham Shivoham

Mano Buddhi Ahankara Chitta Ninaham Nacha Shrotra Jihve Na Cha Ghrana Netre Nacha Vyoma Bhoomir Na Tejo Na Vayu Chidananda Rupa Shivoham Shivoham

Na Cha Prana Samjno Na Vai Pancha Vayu Na Va Saptadhatur Na Va Pancha Koshah Na Vak Pani Padau Na Chopastha Payu Chidananda Rupa Shivoham Shivoham

Na Me Dvesha Ragau Na Me Lobha Mohau Mado Naiva Me Naiva Matsarya Bhavah Na Dharmo Na Chartho Na Kamo Na Mokshah Chidananda Rupa Shivoham Shivoham

Na Punyam Na Papam Na Saukhyam Na Dukham Na Mantro Na Teertham Na Vedo Na Yajnaha Aham Bhojanam Naiva Bhojyam Na Bhokta Chidananda Rupa Shivoham Shivoham

Na Me Mrityu Shanka Na Me Jati Bhedah Pita Naiva Me Naiva Mata Na Janma Na Bandhur Na Mitram Gurur Naiva Shishyah Chidananda Rupa Shivoham Shivoham

Aham Nirvikalpo Nirakara Roopaha Vibhur Vyapya Sarvatra Sarvendriyanam Sada Me Samatvam Na Muktir Na Bandhah Chidananda Rupa Shivoham Shivoham

Meaning:

1) I am not mind, nor intellect, nor ego,
nor the reflections of inner self (chitta).
I am not the five senses. I am beyond that.
I am not the ether, nor the earth,
nor the fire, nor the wind (the five elements).
I am indeed, That eternal knowing and bliss, Shiva,
love and pure consciousness.

2) Neither can I be termed as energy (prana),
nor five types of breath (vayus),
nor the seven material essences, nor the five coverings (pancha-kosha).
Neither am I the five instruments of elimination,
procreation, motion, grasping, or speaking.
I am indeed, That eternal knowing and bliss, Shiva...

3) I have no hatred or dislike,
nor affiliation or liking, nor greed, nor delusion,
nor pride or haughtiness,
nor feelings of envy or jealousy.
I have no duty (dharma),
nor any money, nor any desire (kama),
nor even liberation (moksha).
I am indeed, That eternal knowing and bliss, Shiva...

4) I have neither merit (virtue),
nor demerit (vice). I do not commit sins or good deeds,
nor have happiness or sorrow, pain or pleasure.
I do not need mantras, holy places,
scriptures (Vedas), rituals or sacrifices (yagnas).
I am none of the triad of
the observer or one who experiences,
the process of observing or experiencing,
or any object being observed or experienced.
I am indeed, That eternal knowing and bliss, Shiva...

5) I do not have fear of death,
as I do not have death. I have no separation from my true self,
no doubt about my existence, nor have I discrimination on the basis of birth.
I have no father or mother, nor did I have a birth.
I am not the relative, nor the friend, nor the guru, nor the disciple.
I am indeed, That eternal knowing and bliss, Shiva...

6) I am all pervasive.
I am without any attributes, and without any form.
I have neither attachment to the world,
nor to liberation (mukti). I have no wishes for anything
because I am everything, everywhere, every time, always in equilibrium.
I am indeed,
That eternal knowing and bliss, Shiva...

Happy Onam (ഓണം)

Onam is the biggest and the most important festival of the state of Kerala. It is a harvest festival and is celebrated with joy and enthusiasm all over the state by people of all communities. According to a popular legend, the festival is celebrated to welcome King Mahabali, whose spirit is said to visit Kerala at the time of Onam.Onam is celebrated in the beginning of the month of Chingam, the first month of Malayalam Calendar (Kollavarsham). This corresponds with the month of August-September according to Gregorian Calendar. Carnival of Onam lasts from four to ten days. First day, Atham and tenth day, Thiruonam are most important of all. Elaborate feasts, folk songs, elegant dances, energetic games, elephants, boats and flowers all are a part of the dynamic festival called Onam.

The Legend
Story goes that during the reign of mighty asura (demon) king, Mahabali, Kerala witnessed its golden era. Every body in the state was happy and prosperous and king was highly regarded by his subjects. Apart from all his virtues, Mahabali had one shortcoming. He was egoistic. This weakness in Mahabali's character was utilized by Gods to bring an end to his reign as they felt challenged by Mahabali's growing popularity. However, for all the good deed done by Mahabali, God granted him a boon that he could annually visit his people with whom he was so attached. It is this visit of Mahabali that is celebrated as Onam every year. People make all efforts to celebrate the festival in a grand way and impress upon their dear King that they are happy and wish him well.

Wish you all a Happy Onam!

Meditate upon this ... it is out of this world !