Death Defying Acts-Part 4: Spark A Trend

Embodiments of Love! 

After Episode 3 I made an appeal in Facebook as follows:

·         Please suggest if i am conveying something!!!!

for this my Facebook friend Aniket reverted with a question; I am reproducing the entire conversation spanning 2 days:

Aniket Kadam :What abt our actions in past???
If b4 knwing all dis i have committed a crime i mean in sense of karma den what??
As long as i was unaware of all dis it was ok bt aftr cuming 2 knw all dis hw to live wid all da GUILT???
Actions of past cannot be changed!!!
how to gt rid of dis GUILT?

Rajagopal Haran :oh Great question..i will give an immediate answer..there is a remedy to unwind eventually..Repentance and giving help to the affected party or abstaining from further continuation of the mistake; more satvic activities will eventually nullify..i will talk abt this in my future episodes

Aniket Kadam :Doing anything wont undo my sins isnt it?!
Den what to do abt da guilt??!

Rajagopal Haran :

You are right Aniket

As you sow, so shall you reap!

I believe in Newton’s Law
...
III law states: To every action there is always an equal and opposite reaction
For someone who repents, Manu suggests a system of Prayashchit. And it is said that the best Prayashchit is to feel guilty and resolve to never commit such mistake again, and then start afresh.
My interpretation is like this: when we make SAMBAR, by chance salt is more and SAMBAR becomes unpalatable, what we do is steam a few potatoes without salt and add them to the salty SAMBAR; potatoes will absorb the extra salt; you see, salt has not gone anywhere; it is in SAMBAR only but we would never feel there is salt

Rajagopal Haran :Hence if we repent and surrender unto GOD we may not feel the pinch; but there will be a pinch

Avasyam anubhoktavyam krutam janma subha subham
Nabhoktam kshayate karma kalpa koti satai rapi
Poorva janma krutam papam vyadhi roopena peeditham
Tachchanthir oushadhair daanaihi japa homa surarchanaihi

It is difficult to escape from the results of the good and bad deeds of all past in life. One has to get detached from karma to reach final salvation.

The remedial measures prescribed in Vedic Astrology are aimed at getting relief from the intensity of the negative influence and to strengthen the individual to face any situation. The remedial measures will, when properly adopted, give emotional and psychological strength when one encounters a calamity in life. This strength can shield or reduce the negative impact of the event.

Every human being is bound by kamraphal and he cannot avoid this

If this accumulated karmaphal is not suffered by him in his present life, it gets stored . This is called "Prarabdha". Out of this prarabdha the person after his death would again have to take birth to suffer the remaining part.This will continue until his accumulated karmaphal gets exhausted.Beacuse in every birth he would exhaust some karmaphal by suffering at the same time in that birth he would also do some fresh karma , which would also yield result in future.When entire prarabdha is suffered, then the person would not take birth. The all mighty god is merciful. What he does is that he reduces this burden of suffering to a great extent which we can not even imagine that is what was supposed to happen and what has actually happened. Karmaphal determines three things. They are lifespan( ayue), cast/ creed/race(Jyati) and how much a person is supposed to suffer in his life(Bhog). That is where a person is going to take birth, how long he would live and how much he would have to suffer in his life( good or bad). Our life span is exactly programmed up to the last nanosecond beforehand by our Prarabdha only.

Rajagopal Haran: today being Pradosh i was in Siva Temple; i was pondering over your question; Siva gave me the reply; Nature you see Aniket is impartial; no bias; whatever we do will have an effect whether done knowingly or otherwise; Realisation and repentance will lay the cushion for us so that impact may not be fely strong but PUNISHMENT will be there; no escape!

§  Rajagopal Haran  Dear Aniket, your question and my seeking a perfect answer for that are so sincere and genuine that I got a reply from Mata Amritanandamayi, my Divine Mother!

As usual I picked an earlier issue of “ Matruvani” before going to office.

There was an article by one O.Sham Bhat; he narrates his college days; very interesting.

 He was in Vivekananda College-Puttoor, Karnataka; Prof.M.S.Appa joined as principal; Sham had picked a quarrel with Appaji on a magazine related issue and entered Principal’s cabin and tore a copy of the magazine to pieces and threw them in front of him thus insulting him.

Sham grew and became a lawyer in Mysore; he met with lots of disappointments;

he met a Spiritual practitioner( Sadhak); Sadhak told that Sham was under the spell of the curse of a Guru; Sham could not believe; Sadhak mentioned that it was a professor; Sadhak even mentioned the name of the Guru as Prof. Appa.

Now Aniket—your question comes here;

Sham asked the Sadhak about the remedy.

Sadhak replied, “ Go to Prof Appa and beg for His forgiveness”

Sham tried all addresses and contacts; could not locate Appaji as he had already retired.

In the meanwhile Sham met Amma ( Mata Amritanandamayi; he mentally prayed to Amma to forgive him.

After a month when he was in office he heard a familiar voice calling him , “ Sham Bhat!”

It was Appaji; Sham immediately got up and greeted Appaji reverentially.

Appaji said that he had an urge to forgive Sham; invited Sham to his house and left after a few minutes l

A few days later Sham visited Prof. Appaji’s house with his wife; Sham earnestly pleaded with Appaji to forgive him for his mistakes; Appaji’s eyes became wet with tears; Appaji blessed Sham whole heartedly; Appaji forgave him and presented a memento.

Tell Aniket, if I have answered your Question!

धन्यवाद:

See you in the next episode

With lots of love

श्वस्ति , मङ्गलं भूयात्

राजगोपालः

rajagopal

31.07.2012

Death Defying Acts-Part 3 : The propulsion after Death

Embodiments of Love! 

Hope you all understood from “Death Defying Acts Part 2” wherein it was mentioned that after death the physical body remains on earth for the relatives to perform the last rites and start the fight for the property if at all anything is left , the Vital energy which has helped in sustaining life on earth, is released into the Universe!

This Vital Energy is the propellant for the Rocket of our Subtle Body to move out of the influence of Earth Region!

Now let us focus on the differences that makes a person reach one of the other 13 planes of existence, whether Heaven or Hell!

Simple mathematics and Simple Physics

1)      Higher body weight and lesser propellant power—Lesser Distance coverage

2)      Lesser body weight and higher propellant weight—Longer Distance coverage and could be a great Leap also!

Let us talk about the Factors that contribute to the Subtle Body weight:

Sattwa : Purity and Holiness

Rajas: Activeness

Tamas: Laziness, Inertia

We will go into details of the above components later on; to keep the tempo of the topic, I continue with the major point “weight of the subtle body”.

The two sides of the balance will be like this: on one side we have Sattwa and on the other side we have Rajas and Tamas

Imagine that on one side we have the Sattwa Factors-

Love, compassion, devotion to God (Bhakti), ahimsa (non-injury), truthfulness, non-stealing, discrimination (viveka), dispassion (vairagya), daya (compassion), thyag (sacrifice), kindness, soft-speak, control over senses, non-jealousy, honesty, non-covetousness, patience, forbearance, mercy, humility, guilelessness

And on the other side we have Rajas :

Activeness, boisterousness, hurry, action, impatience, passion, drive, ambition, motivation, power-mongering, manipulation, desire for leadership, domination, self-promotion, rule-breaking, pushy, love for coterie, love for subjugating others, love for grandeur, competitive instinct, workaholism, exhibitionism, strenuous effort, fighting spirit, strong belief in self-will, love for spending and extravaganza, materialism, loud mouth, assertiveness, avarice, authoritativeness, pride.

Combined with Tamas:

Laziness, dullness, sloth, greed sans effort, lack of motivation, fatalism, negativism, excess sleep, jealousy, envy, miserliness, pessimism, perverted desires, hatred, lust, obsession, deceit, vengeance, day dreaming, bashfulness, covetousness, gluttony, stealth, treachery, possessiveness, aversion, rumor mongering, back biting, dishonesty, laxity.

I understand your question that Rajas equally has the some weight and it would just balance Rajas and Tamas as Human mind is a mixture of the three Gunas( characteristics); we will have a separate session on this balancing act!

Coming back to our Topic on propulsion, See what Krishna has to say:

yada sattve pravrddhe tu pralayam yati deha-bhrt
tadottama-vidam lokan amalan pratipadyate-----14

rajasi pralayam gatva karma-sangisu jayate
tatha pralinas tamasi mudha-yonisu jayate-------15

“If one meets death when Sattwa is predominant, he/she attains the spotless higher worlds of the great Gnyanis( wise people). If one dies when Rajas is predominant, he/she takes birth amidst people who are attached to action. The one dying when Tamas is predominant, takes birth off the wombs of the irrational.” (14.14-15).

In a nut shell following characteristics which add to our ‘weight’ and impact which plane of existence we go after death:

·         More attachment to worldly things

·         Selfishness

·         Unfulfilled desires

·         Feelings of revenge

·         Higher amount of demerits or wrong-doings

·         Higher amount of personality defects -- Anger, Greed, Fear, etc.

·         A higher amount of ego: By ego we mean how much a person identifies himself with his body, mind and intellect as opposed to the soul within

·         Resultant lower spiritual level

Okay let us talk about the propellant—Vital Energy:

What is vital energy?

It is the vital life sustaining energy of both the individual body and the Universe.

There are five types in relation to a person:

·        Energy for the activity of inhalation (Pran)

·        Energy for the activity of exhalation and speech. (Udan)

·        Energy for the activity of the stomach and intestines. (Saman)

·        Energy for the voluntary and involuntary movements of the body. (Vyan)

·        Energy for urination, excretion, ejaculation, childbirth, etc. (Apan)

If any Brahmin is reading this article he/she  can recollect that before having food they are supposed to do Parisheshanam in which all these five energies are addressed and given food and finally Brahman which is otherwise Atman, residing inside the body and sustained by these energies is also called and offered food; after this process only, one is supposed to take his/her food.

• praaNaa is the principal breath coursing through our nostrils and lungs; you can use it to control and regulate your mind and thoughts.

• apaana is responsible for the excretory activity.

• samaana circulates around the navel and plays a vital role in digestion.

• vyaana is diffused through the body and is responsible for circulatory activity.

• udaana is the wind that goes upward in respiration.

Okay friends; it is a big topic; we will continue to talk;

My mission is to propel higher at least a few of you; we will have some practical Tips to reduce the weight of the subtle Body and increase the efficiency of the Propellant, Vital Energies.

धन्यवाद:

See you in the next episode

With lots of love

श्वस्ति , मङ्गलं भूयात्

राजगोपालः

rajagopal

28.07.2012

The Outsider's Journey

Embodiments of Love! 

Got to read the following wonderful piece by Shri Ratnakar Narale

अनुकम्पा ह्रृदि धरणीया I

सेवा मनसा करणीया I

शारदा सदा स्मरणीया I

स्वरदा वरदा स्तवनीया I

This is a song in the form of prayer; the nearest meaning is:

Let the Heart behold compassion;

Let Service be done with full mind and heart;

Let Sarada Devi be remembered always;

Let the bestower of Music and boons be praised!

The beauty is not only this sloka.

I had to go to Ahmedabad last week for some work; the flight from Indore reached Ahmedabad at 10.15 pm; one person was assigned for my pick up from airport to guest house; when I landed, I started walking like Billa Ajeet (part I) and came out of the airport security area in no time.

There was no play-card; no person was waiting for me; I have a common contact whom I dialed from my cell (mobile) phone; he sent me an SMS immediately; I just opened the message and could see driver name and number; before I could register that number, the contact called me to get confirmation on the receipt of the sms/number; that moment my battery which was already in its death bed due to non charging, blacked out my mobile phone.

The beauty was I do not know any other phone number by heart. I never bothered my small brai with this task.

(I remember only 2 phone numbers by heart-

My Dharma Patni’s number( wife’s number)

and

My residence number.)

The ordeal started….

 I approached the Coffee/soft drinks outlet shop with a request to get my mobile charged for just 2 minutes; he refused stating that he would be fined Rs 1500 by Airport authorities.

  I approached the Airport security authorities; they kindly suggested that I should have charged my mobile before coming out of the airport premises; I felt stranded.

 Even I could have telephoned my wife from a public telephone booth which was not possible again for 2 reasons;

1) There is no public telephone booth; the concept is out of place with the advent of mobile phones.

2) Wife does not have my contact person’s number.

Now comes my Savior!

One auto Rickshaw person was behind me with the hope of getting a customer; I kept telling him that one person was to pick me up; after watching my predicament he understood.

Here comes the noble act of a seemingly very ordinary person!

He offered his mobile for calling anybody; I said none of those numbers were registered in my brain; after this clue, he saw my mobile; it is a Samsung handset; he also had Samsung; he just removed the battery and exchanged for mine.

My cell phone got another lease of loaned life; just I dialed the number of the driver; he said he was also loitering in the corridor and said he would be waving his hand as identification; I looked around; that driver was just a few feet away from me.

 I thanked the auto person who did not accept anything for his this mobile service (of course I returned his battery)

Tell me

Does education elevate a person?

Does a high standard of living elevate a person?

No, I asked my Mother Abhirami…..She gave me a different Message!

I wanted to go on record to register the services of this rickshaw person and it warranted a grand introduction; My Mother Sarada Devi offered Herself as a backdrop for this episode!

I always remember a few lines from the Kamal Movie ANBE SIVAM

“Idhayam enbadhu sathaithaan endraal

  erithalal thindruvidum,

  Anbin karuvi idhayam endraal

  saavai vendruvidum”

If the heart is just flesh, the burning fire could destroy it

if the heart is a tool of compassion, it would defeat and transcend death

Sarada Devi’s message—Do something to fellow human beings before your DEATH!

Dear Sarada Devi, my Dear Mother, make me transcend Death, with you as my everlasting companion!

धन्यवाद:

See you in the next episode

With lots of love

श्वस्ति , मङ्गलं भूयात्

राजगोपालः

rajagopal

29.07.2012

Death Defying Acts-Part 2

Embodiments of Love! 

After reading the second verse of Vivekachudamani by Adi Sankara, my confusions have multiplied.

Sankara says that 100 lives are required for Liberation that too with all qualities and qualifications intact; how is it possible for me who is inconsistent in spiritual practice and discipline?

I wonder that how many wives/children/cousins/sisters/brothers I need to remember after death.

Wife of first birth, son of second birth, his child that has taken birth in a family of my 4 th birth, marrying the grand child of a cousin of the 5 th birth…….

Hey Ram ,

I started reeling due to the gravity of the blows of the never ending confusions!

In one analysis on what happens after death, the following details are worth mentioning

There are 1+ 5 components

1)  the supra causal body ( subtle ego)

2)  the causal body ( intellect)

3)  the mental body ( mind)

4)  the vital body ( life sustaining energy of the body)

5)  the physical body

6)  the SOUL

after death only the physical body is left behind; the resulting Subtle body has the above 6 elements minus physical body

after death the physical body( stula sareeram) remains on earth

the vital energy which sustained the life in that body is released into the universe

the subtle body ( linga deha) travels to a subtle area, swarga loka ( heaven), bhuva loka ( nether land) or paathaal loka (hell) depending upon merits.

The Subtle body cannot come to earth but can visit all other 13 planes according to its merits and demerits.( so whatever you earn now cannot be claimed by the subtle body)

Let us stop here and see what Sankara has to say:

Glory Of Spiritual Life—Verse 2

जन्तूनां नरजन्म दुर्लभमतः पुम्स्त्वं ततो विप्रता

तस्माद्वैदिकधर्ममार्गपरता विद्वत्वमन्मात्परम्

आत्मानात्मविवेचनं स्वनुभवो ब्रह्मत्मना सम्थितिः

मुक्तिर्नो शतजन्म कोटिसुकृतैःपुण्यैर्विना लभ्यते

For living beings, Human birth is rare

Difficult is to attain Manhood

Rarer is the satvic attitude

Steadfastness is yet rarer

Rarer is the proper understanding of the scriptural imports

Rarer is the discrimination between the real and unreal

Rarer is the realization that self in me is the self in all

After all these comes Liberation

This kind of a perfect liberation cannot be obtained without the meritorious deeds of 100 well lived Lives!

धन्यवाद:

See you in the next episode

With lots of love

श्वस्ति , मङ्गलं भूयात्

राजगोपालः

rajagopal

28.07.2012

Death Defying Acts-Part 1

Embodiments of Love! 

जननी जनभूमिः च स्वर्गात् अपि गरीयसी I

The Mother and the Mother-earth are superior to heaven.

Before starting my blog, I have shared that the purpose was to talk about Death and what happens after Death!

I believe in telling things as flashbacks with an anti-climax element so that message reaches at least a few.

Existence on Earth is very important!

There are 2 reasons:

1)      To settle our accounts ( I do not mean taking revenge as
seen in Cinemas; the repayment by individuals.)

2)       To make rapid progress spiritually.

Scriptures and researches indicate that only in 2 places we can cut off the cycle of Cause and Effect, Give and Take, Credit and Debit; one is on Earth and beyond Svarloka( Heaven) starting from MaharLoka

For easy understanding I am sharing the worlds, in the order of increasing Merit of Higher Spiritual Level.

1. Bhoor-Loka (भूर्लोक i.e. the Earth)
2. Bhuvar-Loka (भुवर्लोक)
3. Svar-Loka (स्वर्लोक)
4. Mahar-Loka (महर्लोक)
5. Jana-Loka (जनलोक)
6. Tapa-Loka (तपलोक)
7. Satya-loka (सत्यलोक)

There are 7 Hells below

08	Atala-loka
09	Vitala-loka
10	Sutala-loka
11	Talatala-loka
12	Mahatala-loka
13	Rasatala-loka
14	Patala-loka

If you analyze, above Earth there are 6 higher

planes, whereas below us, there are 7 Hells.

Once we die according to our balance account of merits and demerits we will have an existence in the higher planes or have to go to Hell below.

Upto Heaven, we have pleasures; similarly in Hell we have

punishment and suffering.

In extreme pleasure and pain, nobody would ever think of

Spirituality or God

So the balanced state of existence is possible only on Earth!

जननी जनभूमिः च स्वर्गात् अपि गरीयसी I

The Mother and the Mother-earth are superior to heaven.

so who are old, just realise what is the time left

and who are young, think what is just and carry

on with whatever you feel right.

We will talk more on Life and Death, sorry Life after Death

and how we can defy Death!

धन्यवाद:

See you in the next episode

With lots of love

श्वस्ति , मङ्गलं भूयात्

राजगोपालः

rajagopal

22.07.2012