Fw: ARUNACHALA GRACE NEWS -- JULY, 2008 - excerpts

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ARUNACHALA GRACE NEWSJULY, 2008

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Arunachala Grace Network

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sing to the Mountain

 

 

"This is the working of the ceremony to save the green ants, the aboriginal people and the dreamtime that holds the world together. The white people are too young to know this and too old to understand. Yet, you must listen to these words now and hear with your hearts, the singing of the mountain.

 

The mountain sings. It sings like it has never sung before; it is singing now for you, for us, for every living creature on this beautiful Earth. The mountain sings its first and last song. The music comes from far, far away yet; it is inside you, inside the mountain, inside the trees, inside the rising sun, inside the stars, inside the little pebbles in the river, inside the kangaroo, inside the green ants, inside your mother, inside your father; the song is singing by itself inside every living thing. Now, the mountain sings to keep the world alive. When you hear the song inside your hearts, sing back to the mountain. Sing back to the mountain ... sing back to the mountain."

[invocation of a Chief Uluru Aboriginal Elder]

 

 

 

 

 

Pearls from the Guru

 

 

"The syllable gu means shadows

The syllable ru, he who disperses them,

Because of the power to disperse darkness

The guru is thus named."

[Advayataraka Upanishad 14-18, verse 5]

 

"A real guru is like an ice cube. He cools your consciousness and then disappears without a trace."

[Chitrabhanu-ji]

 

"Everyone has his own path, his mission, and even if you take your Master as a model, you must always develop in a way that suits your own nature."

[Aïvanhov]

 

"My Guru became my all-in-all, my home, mother and father, everything. All my senses left their places, and concentrated themselves in my eyes, and my sight was centred on him. Thus my guru was the sole object of my meditation and I was conscious of none else. While meditating on him my mind and intellect were silent and I had thus, to keep quiet and bow to him in silence."

[sri Sai Baba of Shirdi]

 

"Everything in the world was my Guru. Don't you know that Dattatreya, when he was asked by the king which Guru had taught him the secret of bliss, replied that the earth, water, fire, animals, men, etc., all were his Gurus and went on explaining how some of these taught him to cling to what was good and others taught him what things he should avoid as bad."

[Ramana Maharshi]

 

"This beggar prays to his Father to bless you all who have come here. My Lord Rama blesses you, My Father blesses you. Arunachaleswara blesses you. It doesn't matter to me what name it is. All the blessings of my Father for all of you! Well, that is the end. That is all."

[Yogi Ramsuratkumar]

 

 

 

 

Hymn to the Guru

 

 

One's body may be handsome, wife beautiful, fame excellent and varied, and wealth like unto Mount Meru; but if one's mind be not attached to the lotus feet of the Guru, what thence, what thence, what thence, what thence?

 

Wife, wealth, sons, grandsons, all these; home, relations,the host of all these there may be; but if one's mind be not attached to the lotus feet of the guru, what thence, what thence, what thence, what thence?

 

The Vedas with their six auxiliaries and knowledge of science may be on one's lips; one may have the gift of poesy; and may compose good prose and poetry; but if one's mind be not attached to the lotus feet of the Guru, what thence, what thence, what thence, what thence?

 

"In other lands I am honoured; in my country I am fortunate; in the ways of good conduct there is none that excels me," thus one may think; but if one's mind be not attached to the lotus feet of the Guru, what thence, what thence, what thence, what thence?

 

One's feet may be adored constantly by hosts of emperors and kings of the world, but if one's mind be not attached to the lotus feet of the Guru, what thence, what thence, what thence, what thence?

 

My fame has spread in all quarters by virtue of generosity and prowess; all the things of the world are in my hands as a reward of these virtues; but if one's mind be not attached to the lotus feet of the Guru, what thence, what thence, what thence, what thence?

 

Not in enjoyment, not in concentration, not in the multitudes of horses; not in the face of the beloved, nor in wealth does the mind dwell; but if that mind be not attached to the lotus feet of the Guru, what thence, what thence, what thence, what thence?

 

Not in the forest, nor even in one's own house, nor in what-is-to-be-accomplished, nor in the body, nor in what is invaluable does my mind dwell; but if my mind be not attached to the lotus feet of the Guru, what thence, what thence, what thence, what thence?

[Adi Sankara]

 

 

Links:

 

Arunachala Website

 

Arunachala News

 

Arunachala Birds

 

Arunachala Land

 

Navagrahas

 

Ramana Ashram Official Site

 

Indian Pond Heron Photographs

 

Shantimalai Trust Official Site

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Arunachala Tidbits

 

 

 

 

Arunachala Grace News

This month's Newsletter is dedicated to the Guru in relation to the upcoming Guru Poornima on the 18th of July; there is a section of 'Pearls from the Guru', 'Arunachala Reflections', and the lyrical Hymn to the Guru by Sri Sankaracharya. The Guru is represented by the planet Jupiter and this month we feature the corresponding Navagraha; Brihaspati, and explain how it may affect your life.

 

To send a personalized copy of this Newsletter, click on 'send to a friend' at the bottom right corner of this Newsletter, and you will be given access to an easy to use facility enabling you to send copies of Arunachala Grace News direct to friends' email inboxes.

 

Salem and Tiruvannamalai Districts

Farmers and environmentalists are fighting an iron-ore mining project at Kanchamalai in Salem. According to official sources, TIMCO and SISCOL joint venture wants 1,000 acres of mineral-rich hills in two places in Tamil Nadu. While 638 acres is sought at Kanchamalai, revered for the indigenous medical practitioners and rich herbs, 330 acres has been asked for at Tiruvannamalai District (Vediappanmalai, Kauthimalai). Around 90,000 trees at Kanchamalai and 200,000 trees in Tiruvannamalai District will be felled if the project is cleared by the Forest Department. A Committee’s report is currently with the Supreme Court.

 

"Thiruvannamalai"

Filming has started at Kumbakonam on the new movie entitled 'Thiruvannamalai', directed by Perarasu and starring Arjun and debutante Sania. The director says, 'there are no sentimental scenes in the movie. It is an out-and-out commercial venture, but quite different'.

 

The story has Arjun (reportedly displaying Shiva-like qualities) playing a local television cable operator who has a troubled relationship with politicians. The narration delves into the animosity with corrupt politicians and follows the hero's struggle to victory. Filming will occur later at Tiruvannamalai.

 

Solar Fencing

The Forest Department has started to erect solar fences in parts of Reserve Forest areas in an effort to prevent wild animals, particularly elephants, from straying out of forest areas. The move is also aimed at protecting agricultural crops such as sugarcane, paddy (rice), mango and banana from being damaged by animals. So far, the department has erected a fence for about 22 kilometres, in Tiruvannamalai (at Mulakadu and Thamarai Reserve Forest areas) and Vellore Districts.

 

Sugar Complex

The State Government has approved, Bannari Amman Sugars plan to set up an integrated sugar complex at Kolundampattu Village, Tiruvannamalai District which will comprise a sugar plant with a capacity of 5,000 tcd, a co-generation plant, distilleries, ethanol plant and bio-compositing units.

 

Loyola Academy

The Arunachala Education and Environment Development Trust (AEED) has been gifted 41 acres of land at Ayyampalayam on the Pondicherry-Bangalore National Highway (about 5 kms from the base of Arunachala) by the Shantimalai Trust for the purpose of setting up a residential school. Construction is currently underway on the educational institution which is to be called Loyola Academy.

 

Ramana Maharshi Official Site

Make sure to bookmark the new web address of the official Ramana Ashram website, (linked below) which is offering some excellent new features, one of which is ALL old issues of the Ashram Mountain Path magazine will be available for download as online e-books. The next function to be celebrated at Ramana Ashram will be Lakshmi (the cow) Ardhana on the 14th July.

 

Ramana Ashram official site

 

 

 

 

Cassia Auriculata

 

 

 

 

Cassia Auriculata also known as Tanner's Cassia is commonly found throughout Tiruvannamalai District. Parts used of this shrub are: flowers, leaves, roots, seeds and barks. It is specially famous for its attractive yellow flowers, which are used in treatment of skin disorders, itching and body odour (the dried flowers are used as an external scrub). An extract of the flowers have been found to have a laxative effect. Leaves and fruits are used in the case of eye treatment and skin problems with a compound syrup prescribed for uses such as sore eyes and chylous urine. This shrub is an antioxidant.

 

Cassia Auriculata controls blood sugar and is famous for its rejuvenating properties. It establishes good control on sugar levels and reduces symptoms like Polyurea and thirst in Diabetes. Oral administration of the aqueous extract of the flower results in reduction in blood glucose and an increase in plasma insulin.

 

The bark of Cassia Auriculata is a rich source of Tannin and is used in tanneries. Infusion of bark is used for enemas and gargles. The plant yields a yellow dye. Coffee made from powdered seeds or leaves, is a good substitute for coffee made from seeds of Coffea Arabica, and is also usefully prescribed in giddiness due to heart disease.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Indian Pond Heron

 

 

 

 

The Indian Pond Heron (Ardeola grayii) is a very common species throughout Tiruvannamalai District, where it is often quite tame and easily approachable. It can often be seen foraging around rubbish heaps in rustic areas outside villages, as well as in more natural habitats. Found wherever there is water; river, jheel, roadside ditch or Temple pond.

 

Its an egret-like marsh bird chiefly earthy brown when at rest, but with glistening white wings, tail and rump that flash into prominence immediately it flies. Its flight is heron-like; steady wing beats with neck pulled in. This bird at rest is quite drab, and the contrast when it takes flight and suddenly becomes a blur of white, is really spectacular.

 

Its normal way of feeding is to stand hunched up at water's edge waiting patiently for movements and jabbing at the quarry when opportunity offers and its diet consists of freshwater molluscs, amphibians and insects.

 

Its breeding habitat is marshy wetlands nesting in mixed congregations of crows and other birds in large leafy trees. It nesting season in South India is November to January and it lays 3-5 pale greenish blue eggs. Its call is a harsh croak when flying off and a low conversational note, waku and a variety of peculiar mumblings are produced by nesting pairs.

 

Indian Pond Heron photographs

 

 

 

 

Guru Purnima

 

 

 

 

The day of full moon, in the month of Ashadh is traditionally observed as Guru Purnima and this year falls on Friday, July 18th. This event historically celebrates the anniversary of Sage Vyasa’s birth. (Vyasa is believed to have edited the four Vedas, written the 18 Puranas, Mahabharata and Srimad Bhagavata). Consequently spiritual Gurus are revered on this day by remembering their life and treachings.

 

A period of 'Chaturmas' (four months) begins from Guru Poornima. In the past, wandering spiritual masters and their disciples used to settle down at a place to study and discourse on the Brahma Sutras composed by Vyasa, and engage themselves in Vedantic discussions.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Brihaspati, Jupiter

 

 

 

 

Graha (from the Sanskrit 'seizing, laying hold of'), is a 'cosmic influencer' on the living beings of earth. In Hindu Astrology, the Navagrahas (i.e. nine realms) are living energies which put out waves of energy that affect our awareness. They are personified as celestial beings and worshipped as deities and are addressed personally in order to gain their help in their respective areas of influence.

 

Brihaspati (Lord of Light) is the personification of piety and religion, the chief offerer of prayers and sacrifices, and represented as the Purohita (Priest) of the Gods with whom he intercedes for men. He is the Lord of planet Jupiter and of Sattwa Guna and represents knowledge and teaching.

 

Jupiter is considered to be the most auspicious of the planets and is an indicator of fortune, wealth, fame, luck, devotion, faith, spirituality, charity, morality, meditation, mantra, children, magistrates, ministers, lawyers and leaders in government and religion. Jupiter represents sacred scripture, wisdom, benevolence and philosophy. His nature is Kapha, or watery, gemstone Yellow Sapphire or Yellow Topaz and metal Gold. Jupiter's direction is Northeast and His day is Thursday.

 

Worship of Brihaspati or Guru (Jupiter) Devata results in a cure from ailments affecting the stomach and helps ward off sins and gain strength, valour and longevity. Brihaspati is revered as protector of the worlds and is very kind-hearted. He is considered to be the dispenser of justice. Brihaspati can be known only by a study of the Vedas.

 

Navagrahas

 

 

 

 

Humble (By Nasruddin)

 

 

 

 

My beloveds, I remember a time long ago when I was still a Mulla. I lived in a small town, just big enough for a real mosque, with a beautiful mosaic wall. I remember one evening, we had finished our prayers. The stars were clear and bright, and seemed to fill the sky solidly with lights. I stood at the window, gazing at the lights so far away, each one bigger than our world, and so distant from us across vast reaches of space. I thought of how we walk this earth, filled with our own importance, when we are just specks of dust. If you walk out to the cliffs outside the town, a walk of half an hour at most, you look back and you can see the town, but the people are too small to see, even at that meagre distance. When I think of the immensity of the Universe, I am filled with awe and reverece for power so great.

 

I was thinking such thoughts, looking out the window of the mosque, and I realized I had fallen to my knees. "I am nothing, nothing!" I cried, amazed and awestruck. There was a certain well-to-do man of the town, a kind man who wished to be thought very devout. He cared more for what people thought of him than for what he actually was. He happened to walk in and he saw and heard what passed. My beloveds, I was a little shy at being caught in such a moment, but he rushed down, looking around in the obvious hope someone was there to see him. He knelt beside me, and with a final hopeful glance at the door through which he had just come, he cried, "I am nothing! I am nothing!"

 

It appears that the man who sweeps, a poor man from the edge of the village, had entered the side door with his broom to begin his night's work. He had seen us, and being a man of true faith and honest simplicity, his face showed that he entertained some of the same thoughts that had been laid on me by the hand of Allah (wonderful is He). He dropped his broom and fell to his knees up there in a shadowed corner, and said softly, "I am nothing...I am nothing!"

 

The well-to-do man next to me nudged me with his elbow and said out of the side of his mouth, "Look who thinks he's nothing!"

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Arunachala Reflections

 

 

 

 

"This beggar wandering here and there, tired of wandering but having no home, Arunachalesvara, in the form of this hill, had mercy on this miserable sinner. So he gives thanks, a thousand thanks, to this Holy Hill, this Holy Temple. Oh, the magnanimity of the Lord! He has given me shelter for twenty long years. Whereas others who come are enabled to stay only days or weeks . . . For thousands of years the Hill has given shelter to so many dirty sinners like me, and Arunachala will give us shelter for thousand of years to come."

[Yogi Ramsuratkumar]

 

"There is a magnetic mountain which attracts all living beings. The moment one thinks of it, it controls the actions of all beings who think of it and attracts them towards itself. Not only it attracts to itself but makes them motionless. How wondrous is the power of this magnetic mountain which takes such sacrifices. Oh! Jivas! Attain liberation by realising the nature of Arunagiri."

[Arunagiri Yogi Vijayathe]

 

"This is Siva Lingam. It is enough to worship this. One can become spiritually enlightened and attain liberation."

[sri Seshadri Swamigal]

 

"In this world though sacred shrines may be in all the four directions yet can they be equal to Arunachala? For a good deed done in this Arunachala will yield benefit a thousand times. Similarly although there might be thousands of sins they will be reduced to one in this place.

[Guhai Namasivaya]

 

"This Hill only waits to respond eagerly and tenderly to even our weakest yearnings towards It."

[sri Ramana Maharshi]