Krishnam Vande Jagatgurum: 01/05/2009

SRI MADHUSUDANA SARASVATI - No Ordinary Poet!!!

MADHUSUDANA SARASVATI's commentary on the Bhagavad Gita set forth a philosophy of life which also recognized other ways of spiritual development - Yoga, devotion to God and the analytical penetration of Samkhya. Here Madhusudana gave the highest place to the cultivation of devotion. According to him, devotion is the most effective means of God realization and Sri krishna is the highest manifestation of the divine. Krishna is the source of all blessedness, his heart's sole resting place and his life's joy. Once Madhusudana wrote that those who can worship the inscrutable unmanifested may well do so, but for him there is nothing greater than the thought of surrender to Sri Krishna and nothing sweeter than the love of Sri Krishna. The work of Madhusudana, the Gudhartha Dipika (an Annotation revealing the true import of the Gita) is probably the greatest of his many literary works. Though there are many classical commentaries on the Gita, this work stands next only to Sri Sankaracharya's commentary as regards depth, clarity and originality.

Sathguru Maruthaanallur Venkatarama Saastrigal

- known as Sathguru Sri Sri Marudhanallur Sadguru Swamigal

The impetus and the inspiration for the Bhajan Tradition of Saint Thyagaraja came from a great Bhagavatha revered as Maruthaanallur Sathguru Venkatarama Sasthrigal. He was born in Thiruvisanallur, which had another Mahaan known as Sridhara Iyaavaal, who made Ganga waters rise out of his house well. Sathguru Venkatarama Bhagavathar

Unchavruthy Dharma

Archaryas follow the Unchavruthy Dharma. During the Brahmamuhurtham with the parivattam (turban), Yoga Vastra and Askshaya Pathra, chanting Hari Narayana !!!, Hari Narayana !!! the Unchavruthy Dharma is performed by Bhagavathas. It is the most sacred dharma for all Bagavathas. It is also an age old practice which finds mention in the Mahabharata and Bhagavatham. According to Vedic tradition, the practice of seeking alms (Biksha) constitutes the fundamental requirement for Brahmacharya life.A student following the path of Sanatana Dharma has to procure his food by begging alms from the residents of his locality.

HH Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamigal Birth Anniversary Message (Jan '98)

We are all really fortunate...

This world is so vast; millions live in this world. While their life is going on somehow, our life is a lot different from theirs. The reason?... Our Lord Sri Krishna has taken us all as his very own folk and that is the reason. So for us this divine company (Sath Sangam) is indeed a boon and good fortune. But can we just be complacent with this?

When we see someone without hands, we do feel, "Thank goodness, we are healthy and our hands are intact! We should take good care of this, else we may be reduced to his state." True, but over and above this, a intelligent person would also strive to use his healthy hands to do as much good deeds possible when it is still healthy. Right?

Similarly, realising that getting into a Sath Sangam (and a Sathguru, of course) is indeed a rare stroke of good fortune, one should strive to utilise this god' s gift wisely. But what is 'utilising' a Sath Sangam?

In spite of being a part of a Sath Sangam, if we still lead a life of lust, anger and laziness; if we still lead a life different from what is prescribed by the scriptures, what is the difference between a person in a Sath Sangam and one who hasn't had the good fortune of being a part of a Sath Sangam? We should lead a life that is a role model to others; a life, seeing which others should feel envious with blatant appreciation and wonder; and not a wanton life subject to world's mockery. When we tell others that we have taken refuge in a Sathguru or a Sath Sangam for so many years, we should reflect on our level of maturity to face this world, we should do some soul searching to find if we have really progressed spiritually. Our age is rolling on, but if we are still struggling without spiritual progress and mental peace, what is the use?

Devotee first and singer second, Murugadas is one of a kind

Murugadas is already on stage getting ready as we arrive. The spotlight brightens his yellow bandanna and reflects a gleam off his black sunglasses. For an instant, his painted, red-nailed forefinger catches the light as it strikes middle C on his old, battered harmonium. Finding his pitch, he clears his throat and begins to chant "Om." In the shadows behind him, an exquisitely dressed lady gracefully positions herself with a tambura (a stringed instrument) and begins strumming a drone. To her right, Saroja, Murugadas' wife, busily lays out a collection of percussion

Who was Kak Bhusundi?

In Uttarkanda, the last chapter of Ramacharitamanas, we find the teachings on bhakti yoga delivered by Kaka Bhusundi, who was an enlightened sage in the body of a crow, to Garuda, the celestial eagle and vehicle of Lord Vishnu. Kaka Bhusundi is a great bhakta of Sri Rama and teaches all the feathered folk who flock around him about the path of devotion to Sri Rama. Kaka Bhusundi first relates the story of Sri Rama's life, but it is more than just a story. What he is really conveying is the path of bhakti yoga.