Voice of God (Volume-5)

$60
Item Code: IHJ026
Author: Sri Kanchi Mahaswami Peetarohana
Publisher: Sri Kanchi Mahaswami Peetarohana Shatabdi Mahotsava Trust
Edition: 2006
Pages: 765 (4 B/W & 5 Colour Illustrations)
Cover: Paperback
Other Details 9.2 inch X 6.5 inch
Weight 1.15 kg
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Book Description
Introduction

Location: Kalavai, a small town in the Vellore district of Tamil Nadu, India.
Date: February 13, 1907.
A young boy of thirteen is chosen to become the 68th Pitadhipathi of Sri Kanchi Kamakoti Pitam, in the illustrious parampara of Acharyas who adorned the Pitam established by Sri Adhi Sankara more than 2500 years ago.

That boy is none other then His Holiness Jagadguru Sri Chandrasekharendra Saraswathi Swamigal. To millions of devotees he was simply ‘Periyava’- the revered one or Maha-Periyava. ‘Periyava’ in Tamil means a great person. That term however has acquired a special meaning because it has come to refer to His Holiness. It is a term that at once conveys endearment, reverence and devotion. It would never be mentioned in a casual manner. Mahaswami and Paramacharya are his other well-known appellations.

The Paramacharya was the Pitadhipathi of the Mutt for 87 long years. During this period, Sri Kanchi Kamakoti Pitam acquired new strength as an institution that propogated Sri Adhi Sankara’s teachings. The devotion, fervour and intensity with which the Paramacharya practised what Adhi Sankara had preached, is unparalleled. He lived a Spartan life. Throughout his life, the main focus of his concern and activities was rejuvenating Vedha adhyayana, the Dharma Sasthras and the age old tradition which had suffered decline. ‘Vedha rakshanam’ was his very life breath and he referred to this in most of his public discourses and private conversations. His prodding regular support to Vedha Patasalas through the Vedhic scholars, holding regular sadhas which included discussions on arts and culture- these led to a renewed interest in Vedhic religion, Dharma sasthras and Sanskrit. His long tenure as Pitathipathi was the golden era of the Kanchi Camelot Pitam.

Paramacharya was a walking university. Scholars of all sects, not only from all over India but also from countries abroad came to him and deemed it a blessing and a privilege to go back enlightened after meeting him. His regular visitors ranged from the most ordinary village fold to the highest in the land. Presidents and Prime ordinary village folk to the highest in the land. Presidents and Prime Ministers, Kings and Queens, Highnesses and Excellencies came to spend a few moments with him and seek his blessings.

That the Paramacharya was an extraordinary phenomenon can be seen from this incident. When he was in his late eighties he left Kanchipuram and undertook a padha yathra through Karnataka, Maharashtra and Andhra. Before he returned to Kanchipuram he made all arrangements for the construction of an exquisite Nataraja temple at Satara (Uttara Chidambaram). The uniqueness about this temple is the fact that the states of Tamil Nadu, Pondicherry, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Maharashtra came together to build the 5 doorways to the temple. The state of Kerala supplied the entire wood required for the temple. It was only his grace and moral influence that made this possible.

The Paramacharya’s catholicity of outlook was extraordinary. He was the Advaitha Acharaya. He was the authentic spokesman of Hindu religion and its Dharma Shastras and of Sanathana Dharma. He even believed that it was Vedhic religion that had prevailed all over the world in ancient times. But, just as he had high regard for the Acharyas of other philosophical doctrines like Ramanuja nnd Madhva and the Nayanmars of Saiva Siddhanta, he had great respect for Jesus and Mohamed Nabi, the prophet. He could be so considerate as to express the view that those who indulged in proselytisation did so out of their conviction that their religion alone could secure redemption.

February 13, 2006 marks the beginning of the 100th years of the Paramacharya’s Sanyasa Swikarana (entering the ascetic order) and Pitaarohana (becoming the head of the Sri Kanchi Kamokottipitam). Sri Kanchi Mahaswami Peetarohana Shatabdi Mahotsava Trust has been specially formed to celebrate this significant milestone in the spiritual history of India.

The main objective of the Trust is to spread the thoughts and the message of the Paramacharya across the world, not just to his devotees, but even to others who might never have had the opportunity to have his dharsan. With this objective in view the Trust has undertaken on priority the translation into English and other major Indian languages of his discourses in Tamil (upansayam). To begin with, we have chosen ‘Deivathin Kural’-Voice of God in Tamil. It is a collection of the Paramacharya’s discourses starting from 1932. These are seven volumes each of about 1000 pages. His talks cover a wide range of topics apart from all aspects of Vedhic dharma and Hindu religion which is the main focus. It is a veritable encyclopedia of Hindu religion and dharma to which people refer for authentic information on these aspects.

‘Deivathin Kural’ is a monumental work by Sri Ra Ganapathy and it occupies a special place among many books written about Paramacharya. Sri Ganapathy painstakingly collated all of Paramacharya’s talks, conversations, casual comments, answers to questions etc covering several aspects of our ancient religion, dharma and culture. Sri Ganapathy not only collected the material but also collated and organized under various subjects everything that the Paramacharya had spoken about a subject over many years at several places.

The purpose of the English translation is two fold. One is to reach Paramacharya’s thoughts and message to a wider audience. The second is to use the English translation as the basic text for translation into other Indian languages. The original in Tamil portrays in large measure the simplicity and clarity of thoughts and expressions and the unique story telling style of the Paramacharya. It has been our attempt to capture it in English. As readers will know this is not an easy task. In one of his talks, while explaining the need to protect the Vedhas in their original form, the Paramacharya himself has, in his characteristic style, referred to the limitations of any translation.

The Paramacharya’s observations are a warning to us and we are deeply conscious of our responsibility. Effort has been made to address the average reader through this work in simple language. Since the English version is to be the base from which translation into other Indian languages will be done, suitable diacritical markings have been used for Sanskrit and Tamil words. Wherever necessary the actual Sanskrit words and Slockas have been given with diacritical markings and the meanings are also given along with the words. This should make it more convenient for the reader than a separate glossary at the end.

It is usual to share one’s good and memorable experiences with others. When two devotees of the Paramacharya meet, it turns out to be an occasion for sharing of experiences. Entire train journeys could be spent talking only about him and his various qualities. He has indeed created a huge family, truly a Vasudaiva Kutumbhakam. It is the hope and wish of Sri Kanchi Mahaswami Peetarohana Shatabdi Mahotsaa Trust that readers will experience the Paramacharya through these pages, which in itself would be an elevating experience.

His talks do more than providing insight into Vedhic Dharma and Hindu religion. There is indeed hope that inspite of the declining moral values all around, dharma will prevail. It should also be clear that mere wishful thinking will not make that happen. All of us have a duty and responsibility towards making it happen. The many schemes which the Paramacharya introduced are simple and effective. If any thing, we have to revive many of his practical ideas and implement them.

The blessings of H.H. Sri Jayendra Saraswathi Swamigal and H.H. Sri Sanara Vijayendra Saraswathi Swamigal, the 69th and 70th Acharyas of Sri Kanchi Kamakoti Pitam have provided encouragement to this Trust to embark on a project of this magnitude. It is their Sankalpa that the Paramacharya’s message should reach every Indian wherever he may be. We are overwhelmed by the responsibility they have placed on us.

Millions of the Paramacharya’s devotees sincerely believe that He is alive even today and He is guiding us on the path of dharma. It is his spirit that acts as the beacon in these troubled times. It is through his grace that this work is being published.

 

Contents

 

  Srimukham i
  Gurusthuthi v
  Introduction ix
  Acknowledgements xiv
  Guidance to Pronounciation xvii
1. Mangalarambham 1
  The deity worshipped even by the devas 3
  Success in efforts due to the elephant-faced God 3
  The flower and the mind 3
  Anaikka Anaimugan 4
  Who is Vagisar? 6
  One who removes the obstacles of even the Devas 8
  Thath-Heathu Nyayam 12
  The lotus feet 14
  What is done by those who know ‘nyayam’ and those who do not know it 16
  Even if he does not grant all the fruits 18
  The need for several Gods 19
  The one who has two mothers (Dwaimathurar) 23
  One who has six mothers 24
  The dispute about Ayyappa’s mother 24
  May Vigneswara protect Us 30
  When Pillaiyar playedwith ‘Chandrakala’ (One sixteenth part of the moon) 32
  May he lighten the burden and bless us 37
2 Guru 41
  Iswara and the Guru 43
  The wealth that Guru gives and other types of wealth 43
  Bhakthi to God and to the Guru 44
  Jnana gained by experience 45
  The intellect and the heart 48
  Sruthi-Yukthi (reason)- Experience 49
  Are there two kinds of Bhakthis? 51
  Iswara only grants the fruits 52
  All obeisance go to the only one 53
  Only one Bhakthi; Only one Krupa 55
  Change in the meaning of the Sloka 57
  If only one is enough, is it Iswara or Guru? 57
  Human nature likes changes 58
  Boundless Bhakthi: Means to the Ideal 60
  Boundless Bhakthi: Practical difficulties 60
  Iswara is Guru and ‘Guru is Iswara himself 62
  How to consider the Guru as Iswara? 62
  The special aspects of worship of Guru 64
  Yadhokthakari 65
  Perumal who did what he was told to do 65
  The ‘Divya Desa’ within Kanchipuram 67
  The Pallavas and Saivism-Vaishnavism 67
  The origin of the Pallavas 69
     
  The glory of the Thruvekka Perumal 72
  Kanikannam: The heart with grace and the fearless heart 75
  When perumal did what he was asked to do 77
  The Guru who brings Iswara himself 83
  Somasi Mara Nayanar 84
  The great man who could take liberties with the Lord 85
  Actions of great men which are beyond our understanding 86
  The green (climbing brinjal) (called Thuthuvalai in Tamil) Which acted as an emissary 88
  The test that the Lord gave 92
  Even if the Guru has drawbacks….. 95
  The benefits of Guru Bhakthi 96
  Three different attitudes 104
  The Lord’s grace in return for Guru Bhakthi 105
  The Guru and the disciple- Personification of two Dharmas 107
  Iswara’s grace cab be obtained by any attitude 108
  The greatness of knowing through a Guru 108
  Gurumurthi and The Thrimurthis 110
  Not treating the Thrimurthis as the supreme one 110
  God without a festival 110
  God without temple 111
  Reason for absence of Puja 111
  Murthis in Vaishnava Temples 116
  Brahma in Agamas 116
  Brahma’s function is only compassionate 117
  Rudram- Sivan (Sivam, Nataraja)- Maheswaran 118
  In Vaishnavam 120
  Gurave Namah 121
  Worship is not because three functions are performed 121
  Murthis who are functioning as the supreme 129
  Why the exception only for Brahma? 130
  The reason why Thrimurthis came to include Brahma 137
  Why is there no temple for Sarasvathi? 141
  Matter concerning Narada, Savithri and Gayathri 143
  Brahma in Guru Parampara (tradition) 144
  Narayanam Padmabhuvam 145
  No reason for doing Namaskaram 146
  Three functions with a difference 147
  One who is entitled to Namaskaram 152
  As Parabrahmam 153
  One who has reached the Shore and Takes us to the Shore 154
  Characteristics of an acharya according to our Acharya 154
  The Guru is worthy of Namaskaram even if he is Brahmam 159
  Namaskaram is wealth: What the Acharya says 160
  Amba, Matha: Amman, Thayar 162
  Benefits of Namaskaram 163
  A correction: Dhuritha Uddharanam 164
  Seeking the benefit of the other world 167
  To which word should ‘eva’ be joined? 168
  The Guru of the three worlds 170
  Guru Vandana- Nindhana: Amrutham- Poison 171
  Guru’s efforts have in view uddharanam only 173
3 The life history of Sri Sankara 177
  Pravruthi-Nivruthi 179
  Two different paths for two different types of people 181
  The two fruits of karma Marga 185
  Decline of Karma Yoga with the passage of time 190
  The upadesas of two margas 192
  Bhakthi 194
  The Yagas dealt with in Gita 196
  Advaitha which is the permanent Yoga 198
  The resurgence brought about by Lord Krishna 199
  Krishna and Sankara 203
  Avatharas of earlier times 204
  Kaliyuga: In the early stages and later 207
  The great danger of kali: The deceitful make-up 208
  Founders of New religions 209
  Buddhism- Jainism and Hinduism 210
  Not for condemning other religions; only to oppose condemnation of our own religion 213
  Is Kali ordained only for Adharma? 218
  Sankara Vijayam 222
  Seventy two religions 223
  Acharya’s wonderful achievements 225
  It is Acharya’s religion which is Vedhic and inclusive of everything 226
  About other religions 227
  The principle of Godhead 235
  Buddhism-Jainism and the attitude of the common people 238
  Absolute materialism 241
  Religions which accept Vedhas but not Vedantha 242
  Forms of worships in those times 243
  Vaidhikam means total acceptance of Vedhas 246
  Revolutionary religions 251
  Circumstances which necessitated the Avathar 252
  The principle (Thathva) of Avathar: 253
  Indication of the secret of Avathar 257
  Human nature and divinity in Avathar 262
  Also because of the desire to move with people 264
  There should be no doubt about Avathar 267
  Decline of Dharma as never before 268
  Implementing the assurance given in Gita: The problem and the Solution 269
  Why the Avathar as sanyasi? 271
  In Brahmacharya Asramam also 276
  Avatharam in Brahmin family 279
  Vishnu Avatharam and Siva Avatharam: Similarities and differences between Siva-Vishnu: 280
  Jnana Siva taking the Jnana Avathara 292
  Dakshinamurthi’s Avatharam holding Sakthi within 295
  Acharya who is Saktha, Saiva and Vaishnava: 296
  Preliminaries to Avatharam 299
  The compassion of the one who is actionless 300
  Adhvaitha is the disappearance of the duality of mind 301
  It is not Sunya; It is the perfect Sachithanandam 302
  There is no distinction between Jivathma and Paramathma 305
  Even if Iswara is with Maya, He is Jnani 308
  There is no Unmixed good 312
  Disservice even in service 313
  Avathar to preach the actionless state 320
  The benefits of good Karma in practical life 321
  Activities are meant to take one to actionless state 322
  Practical approach: To engage in activity the goal: To remain in the actionless state 323
  Not being selfish 327
  Not engaging in action is also doing good to the world 329
  Sam-bu became Sam-kara: 330
  Authority in Vedha, Ithihasa and Purana for Iswara’s Avathara 336
  Evidence provided by Acharya himself 362
  The parampara (lineage) of old Acharya’s 364
  From Vasishta ot Vyasa 368
  Sukha Brahmam 373
  Pathanjali Charitha 381
  Siva Natanam in Maha Vishnu’s Heart 382
  Ajapa- Hamsa Natanam 384
  The Avathara of Adhisesha 386
  Serice to the three senses 388
  Wonderful way of teaching one thousand sishyas 396
  Brahma Rakshas: Rakshasa Jathi 397
  Disastrous end 398
  Gaudar; Dravidar 399
  Curse and blessing to the disciple who survived 399
  The later part of Gaudar’s history 402
  Jnani and Bhakthi 407
  Acharya’s praise 408
  The life story of Chandra Sarma 410
  Sanyasis in Guru Parampara 416
  Nirvanam 417
  Sanyasa Nama: The glory of Sankara Nama 428
  Similarity with Rmanuja 430
  The greatness of Govinda 434
  Acharya Parampara is only the line of those who have been given the authority 443
  The prayer and the boon 444
  The Avathara of Devas 447
  The help rendered by Mimamsakas in the condemnation of Buddhism 448
  The three-pronged objection of Buddhism 449
  Establishing the God Principle 450
  Acharya’s Classification 454
  The reason why those who had followed karma marga took Avathara 457
  The avatharas of Indra, Sarasvathi: Acharya’s service without help from government 458
  History of Kerala 459
  The Brahmins of ancient Tamil Nadu: Tamil in Kerela 462
  Kanchi Sri Matam and Kumbakonam: Was kumbakonam the original? 468
  The parents who had earned Punya 477
  The prayer at thrichur: Greatness of the place 478
  Granting of the boon 480
  The greatness of the Jayanthi 482
  Celebrate in a grand manner 484
  Special connection of Kanchi region 485
  Sankara Jayanthi in Kamakshi temple 486
  Dedication of the mind and silent meditation 488
  The greatness of Namakaranam 490
  Katapayadhi Sankya 491
  The day of Siddhi according to Katapayadhi 492
  The auspicious day a avatharam 495
  That which does good: Practical evidence 496
  The proper matching of Vasantha Ruthu and the month of Vaikasi 497
  Srisailam: ‘Arjuna Kshethra 498
  Determining Sri Sankara’s period 501
  Principles of Buddhism in Acharya’s Bashyam 507
  References to A.D. in Acharya’s Sthothras 508
  The ulterior motive of the westerners and their ridicule 513
  Child prodigy 555
  Upanayana at the young age 556
  Understanding the meaning of a Sloka 563
  Spirituality in Worldliness: It rained gold 566
  The seed for the later day Upadesa in the very first Sthothra 575
  The river which changed its course 581
  The world calling: Dharma of the people and the secret of Avathara 583
  Became a sanyasi 586
  Let him narrate his own story 589
  Taking leave of the mother and going in search of Guru 591
  Why doe s he need a Guru? 594
  Books called ‘Sankara Vijayam’ and other books relating to Acharya 595
  Meeting the Guru- Taking sanyasam- writing commentary on Brahmasuthram (suthra Bashyam) 616
  Preaching Vedhic religion during the stay at kasi 618
  Acharya’s literary works 620
  One who founded the three paths (Marga) 623
  The story of Padmapadha- The greatness of the Hunter 626
  Compassion even to a murderer 629
  Debate with Vyasa and extension of life 630
  Even an outcaste (Panchama) is my Guru if he is a Jnani 633
  Equal vision of a jnani and social equality are different 643
  Lord Viswanatha’s sport (Lila) 648
  The story of Kumarila Bhattar- Karma and Jnana 648
  The city of scholars where mandanar lived 657
  Acharya defeating Mandanar- Sarasawani 659
  The greatness of Srungeri 666
  The individuality and greatness of Sureswara 668
  Padmapadha’s Panchapadhikai 671
  Hasthamalakar, the mouna Jnani 672
  Thotakar: Personification of devotion to Guru 675
  Two more gems of sishyas: Sarvajnathmar and Pruthvithavar 679
  Great Dhigvijayam which achieved wonders: Spiritual unity and National unity 684
  Converting ‘Ugra’ (severe) deities into peaceful ones 687
  Removal of differences between deities: Panchayathana murthis 689
  Jagadguru who was Acharya for people at all levels 692
  A resume of religions including Adhvaitha 693
  Sri Sankara Mutts 701
  Mother passes away 703
  Pilgrimage through the entire Bharath 705
  Siva-Sakthi Dharsan: Sivalingas and Sakthi Sthuthi 708
  The greatness of Kanchi (Kanchipuram) 715
  Acharya in Kanchi 716
4 Mangalaraththi 729
  May Anjana’s son bless us with the spirit of action (Ajadyam) 731

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