Swamiji's message on the occasion of Ugadi.

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Dear Haribhaktas,

 

Here is an excerpt of the message from Sri Sri Sugunendra Theertha Swamiji on the occasion of Ugadi......

 

 

" Today is Ugadi, beginning of a New Year. The year begins with expectations (‘Sa-apeksha’) for good. The word Yugadi is derived from root words “Yuga” and “Adi”.

 

The start of a new year is based on certain astronomical calculations. One based moon’s movement (‘Chandramaana’) and the other on sun’s movement (‘Souramaana’). Today we celebrate the ‘Chandramaana’ New Year – “Parthiva” (King).

 

On this occasion, the custom is to listen to the ‘Panchanga’ being read - (‘Panchanga Sharavana’). A practice done to invoke the grace of the lord through the coming year. And also, to learn the important days and dates of the year.

 

According to Mahabharata Tatparya Nirnaya (by Sri Madhvacharya), Kaliyuga started when Dhuryodhana fell. Another thought, suggests that we are currently in the twilight year between Dvaparayuga and Kaliyuga which spans about 4320 years. Which means, actual Kaliyuga has not yet started. This thought scares many people considering the current day scenario! However there is no need to be scared. The reason being, unlike any other yuga, in kaliyuga, the benefit of the good deeds are multiplied by many folds. Just like low investments and high returns! In this view Kaliyuga is greater than any other yuga. Contrary to this in Krutha yuga, it is the law of diminished returns. So, in kaliyuga we should all do good deeds, since the benefits are many folds!

 

Panchanga-Sharvana consists of predictions for different rasis and nakshatras. The predictions are generic for many people who share their nakshatra and hence rasi. However, a natural doubt may arise in the minds of many : How can these predictions be same across many thousands of people who share the nakshatra ? The answer is, the realization of predictions depend on the thought process of the individual. The good thoughts are attributed to punya. Even when the planetary positions are not favorable, the effects are minimized if the individual has earned enough punya. While, bad thought enhance the effect of unfavorable planetary positions. This can be understood by the following example. Smoking is injuirious to health. But it is not necessary that every smoker suffer the same level of injury. Some suffer a lot while others may not at all. This depends on their health condition (resistance power of

their body). So if a person has not accumulated punya, the effects of unfavourable planetary positions are pronounced.

 

The effects of unfavorable planetary positions can be minimized and even eliminated by constantly and sincerely remembering and praying lord. . All the planets are ultimately controlled by the lord himself. Hence, remembering his lotus feet is the universal solution.

 

Happy Ugadi all of you. May Shri Krishna bless you all through the new year......"

 

In the service of the Lord..

Kiran Kumar

Sri Venkatakrishna Kshetra

Chandler, AZ. USA