Voice of God (Volume-3)

$65
Item Code: IHJ022
Author: Sri Kanchi Mahaswami Peetarohana
Publisher: Sri Kanchi Mahaswami Peetarohana Shatabdi Mahotsava Trust
Edition: 2009
Pages: 786 (6 B/W & 7 Colour Illustrations)
Cover: Paperback
Other Details 9.2 inch X 6.5 inch
Weight 1.22 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 Kamakoti 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, Karanataka, 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
Gurustuthi v
Introduction ix
Acknowledgements xiv
Guidance to Pronounciation xvii
1.Mangalarambham1
The pillaiyar symbol3
Vinayakas connection with writing7
Let us go around (Circumambulate) Valampuri Vinayakar10
2. Guru10
Giri, (Teacher)15
Guru, Acharya (Preceptor)17
Definition of ‘Guru’20
External relationship of ‘Guru’ with inner glory23
Dhikshai27
Dhikshais bestowed by Ambal31
Several paths for the one final bliss35
Non-Distinction between Guru and Acharya37
Regard the Acharya as Iswara40
Follow the traditions of the clan42
Guru bhakthi displayed by great souls Gods as Sishyas44
Adhi Sankara’s Acharya Bhakthi46
Ramanuja’s Guru Bhakthi47
The Sishyas of Sankara48
In Ramanuja Sampradhayam51
Guru Bhakthi of the Sikhs58
3.The Rules of Conduct for the Society and the Individual59
Charity (Paropakaram)
Aswamedham to which all are entitled61
‘My duty is to keep serving without any expectation’64
Inner purity is essential69
Vedhic religion and service to the world71
Randhi Devan74
The strange mongoose82
Charity is the highest Dharma87
The significance of Karthikai dipam92
For the good of those in hell too95
Charity as extolled in Vedha Sasthras98
Those who are exceptions105
Gift away the thought of charity also107
Sacrifice by A dove 109
When Yama (The Lord of death) Himself was afraid111
The great donors (philanthropists) of Tamil Nadu112
The essence of Sanathana Dharma114
‘Purtha Dharmam’: Public service by collective action115
Service to god and service to humanity120
The intrinsic worth of service122
The scheme of ‘Mudhradhikaris’129
Weekly worship135
Spending money-need for extreme caution137
Both with money and body140
Service not influenced by caste factor is the need143
Make the means for a living, The means for ‘Dharma’144
How to help preserve the traditional religious discipline (Achara)148
Ancient Sasthras along with school education152
To earn respect without a degree154
Service by ladies155
Ladies and Sramdhan157
Hard work and progeny158
Manliness through bodily labour160
The need for both physical and spiritual accomplishment161
Co-operation between husband and wife163
Charity begins at home- A new interpretation164
The great cruelty of dowry166
Simple living169
Kindred and relatives170
To help the growth of vedhic ways172
Duty towards the dead173
Cremation/Burial of the dead- The greatness of a Human body174
Unclaimed corpses179
Hindu society’s blemish180
This is Asvamedha182
The path shown by Rama and Krishna184
The distress of some is a test for many185
When life leaves the body189
What is practised throughout life will come at the moment of death192
Remembering the Lord193
The thought at the last moment- Its importance195
Remembering God while going to sleep197
Shortcut to Moksha198
Noble service when life departs200
What needs to be done203
Why ‘Divasam’ (Annual ceremony) when soul has reached The Lord206
Purification of body and mind207
A day without service is a day wasted208
This is Vedha Dharma209
Self help is the best help- Praise and criticism216
Public service and duties towards the family218
Hindu religion and the individual219
How it differs form other religions220
The object of temple worship221
Reasons for contradiction224
Why I do not speak about one’s own mundane affairs227
I have been a bit less careful228
Fraud, Hypocrisy231
The injunctions of the sasthras233
The example of the great234
Matters pertaining to parents236
Matters pertaining to wife and children237
Adverse effect on the objective itself238
First the home, Then the rest239
The highest state cannot be the example241
Punishment for failing in duty242
The quality of service- Mindedness243
Condemnation is itself praise245
Thrift and service to others object of thrift is service to others260
Debt is harmful for all262
Service to others is itself a ‘debt’!265
How to save267
Established rules of discipline and conduct (Acharam)268
The Achara of the clan is the way of redemption 271
The weight of experience 274
Decline in discipline due to reforms 275
What the Gita commands 276
Reformist leaders 277
The leaders and the followers 279
Practical evidence 282
A single test is enough 283
Purity of mind and external activities 284
Modern superstitions 287
God, religion and Dharma 290
The duty of a leader; What the Gita says 291
Three different ideologies 293
Reform for achieving worldly goals 294
Reforms with spiritual goals 297
Heads of the modern religions which have not become a separate sect 299
The modern vedanthis 306
Net result 308
The one who knows and those who do not know 309
Sugar- Coated pill315
The development of those times and the deterioration of these times 316
A narrow pathway 319
Mental discipline ruling over nature’s laws 320
The internal division of religious Achara (Madhacharam)
(This is an explanation of the earlier talk) 324
The great ones who are exceptions 345
The duty of religious enthusiasts 348
Matters relating to Acharam the characteristic of Acharam 350
From the external to the internal 352
Ordinary Dharmas in Acharam 354
The relationship between Dharmam and Acharam357
Containing everything 358
Rewards- Seen and Unseen 359
Relating all activities to Iswara 362
The subtleties of science In Acharas Sasthras 364
Not subordinate to science 367
Acharam is for spiritual satisfaction 375
The division of Achara; The Verdict of Kural 378
Acharam and Varnasrama 382
The ideal state and what is practicable 383
The drawbacks of not differentiating functions 391
Absence of Exception- The consequences 394
Flexibility in Acharam 397
Complete Acharam to the extent possible 400
Types of bath 402
Involvement and faith (Sraddha) 407
Some rules of Acharam 409
Karmas laid down by Sasthras and synthetic materials 413
The evil that befalls due to personal pollution 415
Matters emotional/ sentimental 416
Activities to be conducted with the thought of God and with Manthras 417
The original sasthra and contrary traditions 418
Without questioning 422
Gives worldly benefits too 423
Acharam and office routine 425
Let us all become orthodox (Vaidhikam) 427
What needs to be done urgently 429
Benefits of being bound by discipline 431
Books on Acharas 433
The greatness of those days and the fallen state of these days 434
Sasthras which evolved by the examples of those who practised 436
Acharam and the food we take 439
Food and all those connected with it 444
The three qualities (Guna) 448
Food and qualities (Guna) 450
Purity of materials 455
Distinction in the rules 458
When the ideal agrees with the practical 459
‘Saiva’ food 464
Is there not violence involved in eating vegetables? 466
The virtues of vegetarian food 470
Ancient customs and the practices of kali Yuga 474
To progress step by step 477
Vegetarian food is of greater need now than before 478
Prohibition480
Smoking: An anti-social act 482
Coffee and other soft drinks 483
Milk based products 486
Chewing pan 488
The goal of peace should not be spoiled 489
Quantity is important 490
Rules to suit the times 491
Chathurmasyam and rules for food 492
Avoiding salt 495
Cooking one’s own food 496
Swayampakam, A new tune 497
The divine ‘Rasa’ In ‘Anna Rasam’ 498
Those taking food with Us 501
The way to nurture vedhic learning 504
Bikshai and Swayampakam 506
The superior customs of the northern parts 508
Cookery in the scheme of education 512
True reform of food preparation 515
How to extend hispitality 517
Nivedhanam (Worshipful offering to God) 518
Benefits which are the essence 519
The importance of food in the enjoyment of senses 520
Upavasam does it mean eating twice on Ekadasi day? 522
The need for upavasam524
Upavasam as deal with in the Upanishads 528
Mederation, The right way- Acharya and Krishna 529
Days of household festivals, Vrathas and the glory of Ekadasi 533
High Status of Ekadasi 537
Upavasam and hard work 539
Very strict observance by Madhvas 540
Exalted status accorded by people of all divisions 542
The names of Ekadasi 543
Let us have the sense of fulfilment 545
Mounam (silence) to reduce work for the mouth 547
Silence is the nature of a muni 549
Days Suitable for Mounam 550
Keeping Awake 551
The beginning and the state of ending 552
Arresting the thoughts 555
Thought of Iswara 557
Will help also social good 560
Silent Prayer 561
The lesson that I have learnt 562
Know the limit and act- Extremes are intended to lead to moderation 563
Being Calculative in all kinds of income and expenditure 570
Aparigraham 572
4. Vaithika Aspects of Religion 577
What for upa Vedham? 579
The subsidiary (Upa) and the main (Mulam) 582
Vasthu Sasthra583
What for should the body be nurtured? 585
Spiritual goal even in medical treatment 587
Mani (Gem)- Manthra- Aushadham (Medicine) 592
Ayurvedham and Religious observances 596
Surgery 600
Other sciences in Ayurvedha 604
Regulation of deit when taking medicine 605
Reasons for following the ayurvedha system606
Let all be blessed with long life 608
Dhanurvedham why it was evolved 610
The code for Punishment 612
What is Dhanur? 614
Asthram, Sasthram 615
The bows of Gods 618
Three types of weapons620
The classification of the army 622
Fort 623
Fight by wrestling 625
Dharma Yuddham 626
Gandharva Vedham- The utility of something Which is of no Use! 629
Why the name? 633
The sixty-four arts 634
Entertainment and control of senses 635
Aesthetic sense and experience of self 637
Capable of making a deep impression 641
Thevaram and Divyaprabhandham traditions 643
The Dharma appropriate to jathis 645
The glory of Nadham (Music) 648
Sound which is expansive and sound that is limited 651
The knowledge our ancients had about sound engineering 654
Reaching through the senses what is beyond sense 656
Kinds of musical instruments and dances 659
The divine link 660
Love and peace through music 663
Creation and release through Nadha and Natya 665
The great and divine masters of fine arts 667
Folk songs and songs related to day to day life 669
Art that enhances national pride 671
Ideal should not be forgotten 672
Artha Sasthram673
Artha Sasthram and Dharma Sasthram676
The eternal law and temporary changes 680
The constraints and discipline to which the king was subject 682
Two important duties of the king 691
Criminal jurisprudence applicable internally 692
Is there partiality to the Brahmin? 695
Nurturing of Dharma is the foundation; Ensuring the observance of varna Dharma 696
Laws of Punishment in respect of other countries 705
Noble aspects even in punishment 708
Six policies to be followed in respect of other countries710
The Various organs of a government 711
This is the substance 712
5 Culture 715
Poetic genius- Play of words 717
A bharatha ‘Guttu’ 719
Siva-Sakthi as Siva-Vishnu 726
Fantastic change by removing a single letter 728
One dot more 732
Exchange of garlands
The holy feet (Of Kamakshi) and the planets 735
The mosquito and Kesava 737
6 The Principle of Divinity; The Gods 739
Can nature function without Iswara? 741
Navanitha Krishnan: Vatapathrasayi 744
The glory of the name of Siva; The glory that Siva Bestows 752
The place of Siva Nama in the Vedhas 758
Nama which is for all 759
A vaishnava’s acclaim 760
Minakshi 766
7 Mangalaraththi 779
A Tower of strength to Sita and Rama 781
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