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SrimatE Raamaanujaaya Namaha //
SrimatE Nigamaanta Mahaa Desikaaya Namaha //
SrIman! SrI Ranga Sriyam anubadravam anudhinam Samvardhaya/
SrIman! SrI Ranga Sriyam anubadravam anudhinam Samvardhaya//
KAvEri VardhathAm kAlE, kAlE varshathu vAsava: /
SrI RanganAthO jayathu Sri Ranga Sri cha VardhathAm// ===============================================================
SRI RANGA SRI VOL.03 / ISSUE.29 dated 14th May 2002 =============================================================== EDITORIAL:
Dear Bhagavatas:
IN THIS ISSUE:
1. ?SRIMAD GOPALA DESIKA MAHA DESIKA VIMSATI? ?
A POETIC TRIBUTE TO SRIMAD ANDAVAN OF SRI POUNDARIKAPRAM SWAMI ASHRAMAM (PRAKRITAM PONTIFF OF THE ASHRAMAM)
By Sri C. G. Balaji - Part 3. {Sri Balaji is the grandson of Sri N.S. Anatha Rangachar Swami of Bangalore and a Sishya of Parakala Matam}
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The first 7 Parts of the following series appeared in Volume 3 / Issues 22 to 28.
2. ?RAMAPIRANAI KARPOM? EXCERPTS FROM BOOK BY H.H. SRIMAD ANDAVAN OF POUNDARIKAPURAM SWAMI ASHRAMAM? ? Part 8 (Translation by Anbil Ramaswamy) in which we presented in the form of catechism, 25 questions raised and answered by H.H. In this Issue, we present Qns 26 to 34: and their Answers:
Qn. 26. What is the difference between man and beast?
Qn. 27. What is the difference between precept and practice?
Qn. 28. It is your life ? the long and short of it!
Qn. 29. What are the 8 kinds of marriage recognized in Saastras?
Qn. 30. What are the 4 kinds of IQs recognized in the Saastras?
Qn. 31. What do Saastras say about non- vegetarian food?
Qn. 32. When can patriotism be sacrificed?
Qn. 33. Who are ? Aatataayees??
Qn. 34. ?Friendship ? a Recipe from the cuisine!
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Copies of the book can be had from anyone of the following: - -
1. Sri Nrisimhapriya office, Mylapore, Chennai 600 004 (Phone:4611540)
2. Dr. S. Parthasarathy Desika sadanam, 24, 28th Cross, Besabtnagar, Chennai 600 090 (Phone: 490 0327)
3. Sri N.K.Ramaswamy 213 East Uttara Street, Srirangam 620 006 (Phone: 434 438)
4. Sri D. Rajagopalan, D-B/109A, DDA Flats, Harinagar, New Delhi 110 064 (Phone:5492877)
5. Dr. N. Anantha Narasimhachariar, 33 Sameerapuram 2nd cross, Chamarajpet, Bangalore 560 018 (Phone: 6511056)
6. Dr. N. Gopalachari, Sri Krishna Sabha Plot 264, J.S.Yagnik Marg, Sion East, Mumbai 400 002 (Phone: 4094 495 / 4095 582)
7. Sri N.S. Parthasarathy, 1 Raghavaiah Road, T.Nagar, Chennai 600 017
(Phone: 8280949).
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3. DESIKAMRUTHAM ? SWAMI DESIKA?S
?SRIMAD RAHASYA TRAYA SAARAM? ? Part 8
(By Sri Sadagopan Iyengar Swami)
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4 DESIKAMRUTHAM ? SWAMI DESIKA?S SIMILES ?UPAMA? ?Part 8
(Anbil Ramaswamy)
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5 ?FROM MAHABHARATA ? ?YAKSHA PRASNAM? ?Part 5
(By Sri M.K. Ramaswamy Iyengar Swami- Retired Senior Officer of Govt. of India) The first 4 Parts of the series on this subject appeared in Issues 25 to 28. In this Issue, we present Part 5 thereof.
EDITOR?S NOTE: (The ?Yaksha Prasnam? is an important topic in which very many esoteric truths are discussed in a conversation between Dharma in the form of a Yaksha and Dharma- putra-Yudishtira. Though Yaksha?s questions and Yudishtira?s replies may appear on the face of it simple and commonplace, there is deeper philosophical significance beneath them. There are about 125 Questions and Answers that reveal these in a subtle manner but with deep undercurrent of practical wisdom. The author who has done intense research on the subject brings to light these aspects in simple, clear and understandable English, for our benefit) ===============================================================
WE REPEAT OUR STANDING REQUEST:
The issues have been archived for public view at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/srirangasri.
We strongly urge you to kindly peruse the "Regular Issues" archived in the ?Files? Section and view the Contents at ?srsindex.html? (Not the individual postings allowed to encourage "Reader participation"). We are sure that you will be convinced of the quality of the contents.


IF you are satisfied with the quality and contents of ?Sri Ranga Sri?:
Tell your friends to join by sending an email to ?
"SriRangaSri-Subscribe@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx"
IF not:
Tell us, as to how we may improve.

II. INDEX OF FILES: We invite your kind attention to the Index of Files for Volumes 1, 2 and 3 of ?Sri Ranga Sri? (uploaded and maintained by Sri Diwakar Kannan from California, USA
Volume 1 (Issues 1 to 27): http://groups.yahoo.com/group/SriRangaSri/files/SrirangaSri%20Index/srs-vol1-index.html
Volume 2 (Issues 1 to 15): http://groups.yahoo.com/group/SriRangaSri/files/SrirangaSri%20Index/srs-vol2-index.html
Volume 3 (Issues 1 to 26 Current): http://groups.yahoo.com/group/SriRangaSri/files/SrirangaSri%20Index/srs-vol3-index.html


Kindly also peruse the following files at the sites indicated:
http://members.tripod.com/~sriramanujar
(Maintained by Sri Madhava Kannan from Singapore) ?
For Biography of Bhagavad Ramanuja - Biography of Swami Desika - Acharya Vamsa Vriksham and Srimad Rahasya Traya Saram and other links,


http://www.srivaishnava.org/sgati/
(Maintained by Sri Venkatesh Elayavalli from California, USA)
SDDS Volume 1 / Issues 1 to 33
SDDS Volume 2 / Issues 1 to 26
SDDS Volume 3 / Issue 1
SaraNAgati Vol. 1 / Issues 1 - 24
SaraNAgati Vol. 2 / Issues 1 - 04
For ?Hinduism Rediscovered? and other links

http://www.srivaishnavam.com
(Maintained by Sri R.M. Venkat from Bahrain)
For Dasavatara Stotram meaning ,?Srimad Rahasya Traya Saaram? in the ?Philosophy? section and other links. (More to follow)
Dasoham
Anbil Ramaswamy,
Editor & Publisher,
?Sri Ranga Sri?
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1. ?SRIMAD GOPALA DESIKA MAHA DESIKA VIMSATI? ?
A POETIC TRIBUTE TO SRIMAD ANDAVAN OF SRI POUNDARIKAPRAM SWAMI ASHRAMAM
By Sri C. G. Balaji - Part 3. {Sri Balaji is the grandson of Sri N.S. Anatha Rangachar Swami of Bangalore and a Sishya of Parakala Matam}
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Sri Swamy Deshikan
The mother adored him as a Lion of poets and dialecticians
The father adored him as a master of philosophy
He who made a name as Deshikan, made his titles worthy of all praise
Strode he as a master of one and all, with arts and skills none to spare
Beseech we the holy feet of Sriman Nigamantha Maha Deshika - 6


Swamy Deshikan is acclaimed as the third kootasthar of Srisampradayam. He was born as the very incarnation of the Bell of Thiruvenkatam Udaiyaan (Ghanta-amsham) in Vibhava varsham, month of Purattashi in the constellation of Shravana in the year 1268 ACE at Thuppul, Kanchipuram. His father was Anantasuri.

Swamy Deshikan studied all the Veda Vedanta at the feet of his maternal uncle Vaadihamsambuvaahaacharya and shone as a master in the superlative sense. He received initiation into the sacred Hayagriva mantram from Garudan and achieved Hayagriva sakshatkaaram by means of its meditation. He worshipped the archa vigraham of Lakshmi Hayagriva that came down to him from Ramanuja through the preceptor lineage.

Periya Piraatti embellished him as, ?Kavitaarkikasimha? meaning the Lion of poets and dialecticians. His Vedantic prowess fetched him the title Vedantacharya meaning the preceptor of Vedanta from Paraman, Sri Ranganathan Himself. He lived for one hundred years and established the philosophy of Ramanuja on an irrefutable footing and was a master of all skills and arts with none to spare.

He toured many of the holy divya deshams and propagated Ramanuja siddhantam very ably. He has authored works in Sanskrit, Tamil and Prakritam. These include thorough masterpieces like Tatva mukta kalapam, Nyaya Siddhanjanam, Srimath Rahasya traya saaram etc. His works exceed a hundred and twenty. Though the word ?Deshika? only means a preceptor, after the time of Swamy Venkatanatha Deshikan the word ?Deshika? meant him alone and none else. Many scholars and saints have celebrated his glories. His taniyan composed by his son Sriman Varadacharya is as follows ?

?May the glorious Venkatanatha, the greatest of teachers of Vedanta, and the lion among poets and dialecticians, reside forever in my heart.?

Sri-Munithraya-Sampradaaya-Kootashthaanaam Vandanam
This section salutes the munithraya sampradaaya kootasthar, Srimath Thirukkudanthai Gopalaarya Maha Deshika.


Thirukkudanthai Srimath Gopalaarya Maha Deshikan

With His ?Bell? is he held in parity
Preacher was he to an ascetic trinity
His lyrics are of nature so dainty
With austerity and erudition was he rich plenty
Beseech we the holy feet of Thirukkudanthai Gopaalaarya Maha Deshika - 7

Thirukkudanthai Deshikan was born as the amsham of Vedanta Deshikan in Royampettai Agraharam near Tirukkandiyur on the northern banks of Kaveri in the year 1701 ACE, month of Purattashi constellation of Pooraadam in Athreya Gotram. He was the 14th generation of Vaadihamsambuvaahar, the uncle and Acharya of Swami Vedanta Deshikan. His father was Sri Krishna Suri. Thirukudanthai Gopalaarya Maha Deshikan, also known as Apara Deshikan is considered the re-incarnation of Swamy Deshikan. He was the disciple of the great Vedanta Ramanuja Maha Deshikan, also known as Saakshaat Swamy considered as the re-incarnation of Bhagavad Ramanuja. It is said that Swamy Deshikan had a great desire to be a disciple of Bhagavad Ramanuja. It may be through the Avatara of Thirukkudanthai Deshikan as the disciple of Saakshaat Swamy, that this wish of his was fulfilled.

He received his Pancha Samskaram and early vedantic instructions from his father and later he sought the feet of Sri Saakshaat Swami, and received instructions in all our religious lore. Paduka Sevaka Sri Ramanuja Swami, another celebrated scholar of the day instructed him in Bhagavad Vishayam. Thirukkudanthai Deshikan is held as the kootasthar of munithraya sampradaayam. He had great resemblance with Swamy Deshikan. Just like Swamy Deshikan, even he had three disciples, all three of whom were ascetics. His scholastic distinction drew to himself a wide circle of Sishyas of whom special mention may be made of three Sanyasis - Sri Srinivasa Maha Deshikan (amsham of Sriman Nathamuni), Sri Ranganatha Maha Deshikan (amsham of Sri Yamunamuni) and Sri Vedantha Ramanuja Maha Deshikan (amsham of Sri Bhashyakaara).

He completed the unfinished work of his Acharya, Sri Saakshaat Swamy?s Poorva Saara Swaadhini with his own Uttara Saaraswatham. His Acharya was greatly pleased with him and conferred on him the title Thirukkudanthai Deshikan. Sri Thirukkudanthai Deshikan has authored several works of which the ?Aahnika? which lays down the daily routine of a Srivaishnava in minute detail is a very useful composition (regarded as a Reference manual by succeeding Achaaryas). He also wrote commentaries on Tiruppallandu and Kanninun Siruthaambhu. His other works include Aparyaapta-Amruta, Bhagavad-Dhyaana Sopaanam, Srimath Aahnikam, Nigamaantha Deshika Sahasranamam, Nikshepa Chintamani, and Saaraswaadhini. (Saakshaat Swami had done only about 12 chapters of this. Our Swami completed the rest as ordered by his Acharya), Uttara Saaraswatham, Jayanthee Nirnayam etc. His lyrics are highly delectable in nature. His erudition and austerity knew no bounds.

?Let us take refuge at the feet of Sri Gopala Deshika, the crown jewel, the Acharya for the three great Sanyasis, who was like the bee surrounding the lotus feet of Sri Krishna Deshika and who was the recipient of the grace of Vedanta Lakshmana Muni.?
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2. ?RAMAPIRANAI KARPOM? EXCERPTS FROM BOOK BY H.H. SRIMAD ANDAVAN OF POUNDARIKAPURAM SWAMI ASHRAMAM? ? Part 8 (Translation by Anbil Ramaswamy) in which we presented in the form of catechism, 25 questions raised and answered by H.H. In this Issue, we present Questions 26 to 34 and their answers.
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Qn. 26. WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN MAN AND BEAST?
ANSWER (Page 35 of book)
Aahaara nidraa bhaya maithunaani Saamaanyam yetath pasubhi: naraaNaam /
Jnaanam hi tEshaam adhikO visEsha: JnaanEna heena: pasubhi: samaana: //
MEANING:
?Eating, mating, sleeping and fearing are common for man and beast; what differentiates man from beast is the additional faculty of discerning good from bad. In the absence of this faculty, man is no better than the beast?


Qn. 27. WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN PRECEPT AND PRACTICE?
ANSWER: (Page 27 of the book)
Na aachchEdayati koupeenam na damsa masaka aapaham /
Suna: puchchamiva anartham PaaNDithyam Dharma vivarjitam //
MEANING:
? However much of Jnaanam (knowledge) one acquires through learning of Sastras, such knowledge will be useless if not backed up by Aachaaram and AnushTaanam prescribed in the Sastras and put into practice in one?s daily life. This is like the tail of a dog that is of no use either in hiding its private parts or in driving away flies and mosquitoes tormenting the dog?


Qn. 28. IT IS YOUR LIFE ? THE LONG AND SHORT OF IT!
ANSWER: (Page 645 of the book)
Sareeram saaswatam manyE vidhyabhyaasE DhanaarjanE /
Asaaswatam Dharma kaaryE RuNavaan asmi SankaTE //
MEANING:
? In acquiring learning and amassing wealth, one should consider life in this body as going to be permanent. That is, the acquisition should be slow, steady and solid. In carrying out moral and religious duties, one should consider that life in this body could come to an end any moment soon and one should act as fast as one would in discharging a debt. That is, there should be no laxity in adhering to religious practices and moral rectitude?


Qn. 29. WHAT ARE THE 8 KINDS OF MARRIAGE RECOGNIZED IN SAASTRAS?
ANSWER: (Page 672 of the book)
Eight types of marriages have been enumerated in the sacred texts.
1. Brahmam: marriage of a duly dowered girl to a man of the same caste by the ceremony prescribed in the Sastras.
2. Deivam: when a Grihasta gives a daughter to a sacrificial priest as part of his fee.
3. Aarsham: in place of dowry, a token bride price of a cow and a bull are taken from the would-be-groom.
4. Praajaapatyam: in which a father gives the girl without dowry and without demanding any bride price.
5. Aasuram: marriage by purchasing the consent of the bride and her family.
6.Ghaandharvam: marriage by mutual consents of the bride and groom and solemnized by plighting fidelity to each other.
7. Raakshasam: marriage by capture, using force against the bride and her family.
8. Paisaacham: cannot be called a marriage at all: Abduction of girl while asleep, mentally deranged or drunk.


Qn. 30. WHAT ARE THE 4 KINDS OF IQs. RECOGNIZED IN THE SAASTRAS?
ANSWER: (Page 701 of the book)
There are 4 kinds of IQs. They are: -
(i) ?THAILA BUDDHI?: When oil is poured on the surface of water, it spreads. Likewise, in some people, their learning would not only benefit them but will also spread for the benefit of those who come in contact with them.
(ii) ?GRIDHA BUDDHI?: When ghee (clarified butter) is put on the surface of water, it would not spread but remain stay put. Similarly, the learning of some might benefit only them but will not be useful for others.
(iii) ?KAMBALA BUDDHI?: When a woolen fabric spread on sand is shaken, all the sands would fall off the fabric. So also, the knowledge of some will not be useful to anyone, not even to the person himself.
(iv) ?MRITTIGA BUDDHI?: A clod of clay would not let in any water to seep in. So also, this category of people would never acquire any knowledge either by learning from an Acharya or by reading books or by listening to well meaning peers.


Qn.31. WHAT DO SAASTRAS SAY ABOUT NON- VEGETARIAN FOOD?
ANSWER: (page 40 of the book)
? Sva maamsam para maamsEna yah pushNaati naraadhama: /
RuravE Bhakshayishyanti tasya maamsam yamaalayE? //
MEANING:
? In the hells, ferocious dogs would pounce upon, tear to pieces and eat away the flesh of one who nourishes his own flesh with the flesh of other living beings?


Qn.32. WHEN CAN PATRIOTISM BE SACRIFICED?
ANSWER: (Page 372 of the book)
TyajEth ekam kulasyaarthE graamasyaarthE kulam tyajEth /
Graamam janapadasya arthE AatmaarthE prithveem tyajEth // (Mahabharata)
MEANING:
? An individual can be sacrificed for the sake of protecting one?s kulam (family); A kula can be sacrificed for the sake of protecting one?s village; A village can be sacrificed for the sake of protecting a nation; All these and more can be sacrificed for the sake of protecting one?s soul (Aatma)?


Qn. 33. WHO ARE AATATAAYEES?
ANSWER: (page 377 of the book)
?agnida: garada: chaiva sustrOnmatha: Dhanaapahaa /
KsEtra Dhaara hara: cha yetaan shad vidhyaath aatathaayina: //
(Manu Smriti)
MEANING:
The following people are called ?Aatataayees?:
(i) One who wantonly indulges in arson to others? properties
(ii) One who clandestinely administers poison to another
(iii) One who is obsessed with wielding weapons of destruction for attacking others without any provocation.
(iv) One who steals others? properties/wealth.
(v) One who tries to forcibly dispossess others? property and grabs them for his own enjoyment and
(vi) One who seduces / abductsanother?s wife for his own sexual gratification.
It is said that one who kills his preceptor, children, Brahmins well versed in Saastras. also belongs to this category. No sin would accrue, if these are killed says Manu.


Qn.34. ?FRIENDSHIP ? A RECIPE FROM THE CUISINE!
ANSWER: (Page 150 of the book)
KsheerENa aatma gathO udakaaya hi guNaa: dathaa: puraa tE akhilaa:
KsheerE taapam avEkshya tEna payasaa hi aatmaa krusaanou hutha: /
Ganthum paavakamun mana: tadabhavath drishTvaa tu mitraapadam
Yuktham tEna jalEna saamyati maitree puna: tu eedrusee // (Bhartruhari)
MEANING:
When water is added to milk, milk does not feel humiliated by an unequal partner. On the other hand, it welcomes the water as its friend and shares with it its own qualities of whiteness and sweetness, lives with it indistinguishably like an inseparable mate.


When this mixture is boiled in a vessel, the water unable to bear the distress of its friend caused by the heat, out of gratitude for the help received jumps over to extinguish the fire. Now, the milk is unable to bear the pangs of separation. So, it also rises in search of its friend and attempts to fall in the fire to join its friend there.

At this stage, we remove the lid. The steam that had accumulated on the inside of the lid turns into water and falls into the vessel. Sometimes, we may even add some water to it. The milk now feels happy and regains composure on reuniting with its companion. It, therefore, gets back to its original position in the vessel.

The imagination of the poet on how milk and water have such mutual attachment and concern for each other to the point of sacrificing self for the sake of the other ? is indeed, remarkable.
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3. DESIKAMRUTHAM ? SWAMI DESIKA?S ?SRIMAD RAHASYA TRAYA SAARAM? ? Part 8
(By Sri Sadagopan Iyengar Swami)
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The Peerless Preceptor-8
We saw how it is the bounden duty of each disciple to publicly acknowledge and propagate the glory of his Acharya, as is laid down in the sloka
?Gurum prakAsayEt dheemAn, mantram yatnEna gOpayEt
aprakAsa prakAsAbhyAm ksheeyatE sampat Ayushi?


Just as there are things to be publicized, there are matters to be preserved painstakingly as a secret too - for instance, the mantra which the Acharya entrusts to the Sishya is to be kept to himself, and not to be handed out to all and sundry.

This sloka contains a caution to the Guru too, not to entrust the mantra indiscriminately to anybody and everybody, without verifying their credentials and capacity to absorb, retain and benefit from the mantra and its purport. The Acharya is supposed to preserve the mantra much like a nuclear secret, to be handed over only to the deserving and the discreet.

Swami Desikan exhorts the Acharya to protect and preserve the mantra, and not to entrust it to the fickle-minded, who do not qualify to be disciples.

Some sishyAs are wealthy, and would submit at their Guru?s feet handsome tributes. There are other disciples who are extremely influential politically, socially or otherwise: if these persons become an Acharya?s disciples, then the Acharya automatically gains reflected glory.

Swami Desikan says that the Acharya, while selecting a disciple for upadEsa, should not be guided by considerations of wealth or fame accruing to him, through the disciple. The only consideration for the preaching should be the disciple?s spiritual attainment and his eagerness to receive the mantra. ?KripayA nisspruhO vadEt?- the prime consideration for mantrOpadEsa should be the Acharya?s overwhelming concern for the disciple?s emancipation, which in turn is caused by the disciple?s devotion and endearing qualities.

And why should the Guru preserve the mantra as a closely guarded secret and not propagate it to as many as possible? Surely, the more the mantra is known to, the more that are benefited! Is it not a narrow attitude not to share one?s treasure with the multitude?

All this might be true of worldly wealth, but when it comes to Spiritual knowledge, sharing it with the uninitiated and ill qualified would result in the knowledge losing its greatness. If pearls are cast before swine, they would hardly appreciate their value: on the other hand, if a connoisseur of jewels comes across these pearls, he would be extremely impressed by their value and magnificence, and ensure that they are immediately set into a necklace and adorn the neck of a commensurately beautiful lady.

Similarly, dissemination of mantra and its purport to the spiritually unlettered would result in the mantra losing its greatness, as it would be perceived to be easily available, and therefore, cheap. The true magnificence of the mantra would be appreciated only by a disciple who has toiled hard, through service to the guru, attaining preliminary qualifications like Atma guNAs, devotion to the Acharya, an unquenchable thirst for the right type of knowledge, etc.

Equally, considering the difficulty with which he attained the mantra, he would painstakingly preserve it as a secret, and would pass it on only to the eminently qualified.

Here, Swami Desikan cites the example of Brahma, who came to grief by imparting knowledge of PAncharAtra to Indra, without checking the latter?s qualifications to receive the same. Brahma was carried away by the fact that Indra, the undisputed leader of all the dEvAs, had come to him on bent knees, seeking knowledge. Guided by considerations of the glory that he (BrahmA) would derive as the Acharya of the all-powerful Indra, BrahmA taught Indra the nuances of Sri Pancharatra. As a result of this ill-advised propagation, BrahmA?s own knowledge of the Shastra was erased totally from his mind, and he had to seek out Sri Narada for refreshing his memory.

Cautioning Acharyas about unquestioningly accepting all and sundry as disciples, Swami Desikan quotes from the Manudharma shastra: -
?RagyO rAshtra kritam pApam, RAja pApam purOdhasa:
Bhartu: sva stree kritam pApam, sishya pApam gurOrapi?.


Elaborating on the concept of moral responsibility, Manu declares that the King is responsible for the wrongdoing of his subjects, as it is his duty to guide them in the right path. The King?s sins are laid at the doorstep of his PurOhita, whose duty it is to tender correct and timely advice, and ensure its adherence. The husband, under whose protective umbrella the wife lives, is responsible for the latter?s acts of commission and omission. Similarly, the Acharya has to bear the cross for the sins of his disciple, for it is the former?s sacred duty to provide guidance and instruction to ensure that the disciple treads the path of virtue and righteousness. Thus, by accepting unquestioningly all and sundry as disciples, the Acharya lays himself open to the dangers of reaping the fruits of the sinful seeds sown by his errant sishyas.

It is the Acharya?s responsibility to impart the mantra only to the eminently qualified disciple, just as a valuable heirloom should be bequeathed only to the most responsible of the sons, who would protect and preserve it. Hence the Acharya is entitled to severely test the sishya?s patience, to ensure that he is indeed worthy of the treasure he aspires to acquire. Swami Desikan cites the example of Raigva Maharshi, to demonstrate the point that even to the qualified disciple, Acharyas should not part with the mantra that easily: -

JAnashruti was a model king, good to his subjects, philanthropically inclined, and known for his charity and benevolence. One night, two swans, flying over JAnashruti?s palace, conversed among themselves to extol the praises of Raigva, declaring him to be the repository of all that is to be known. The good king, ever thirsty for knowledge, went in search of Raigva, whom he found living beneath the shelter of a dilapidated cart, scratching his itching sores. JAnashruti knelt at the feet of the unprepossessing Raigva, offered him a tribute of 600 cows, a chariot, and innumerable jewels, and requested him humbly to impart scriptural secrets. However, Raigva, unimpressed by the substantial wealth lying at his feet, rejected it outright, saying that he didn?t need all that, and also refused to teach the king even a word. The king, unfazed by the rejection, persevered, and through prolonged, devoted service to Raigva, managed to win the latter?s heart and confidence. Raigva, impressed by the king?s absolute lack of ego and his thirst for knowledge, initiated him into the esoteric path of Brahmavidya.

And more recently, to demonstrate this point, we have the example of Sri Ramanuja, whose efforts to acquire mantra and mantrArtthA, are legendary. Sri Peria nambi instructed Sri Ramanuja to learn from Sri TirukkOshtiyur nambi, the SampradAyic secrets, which were bequeathed by Sri Alavandar. When approached, Sri Tirukkoshtiyur nambi, intent on measuring the depth of Sri Ramanuja?s eagerness and eligibility for the mantra, kept putting off the latter, with one excuse after the other. Sri Ramanuja, undaunted by the Acharya?s repeated refusal, walked between Srirangam, where he himself resided, to Tirukkoshtiyur (a distance of around 200 km) 17 times, tirelessly beseeching the Acharya to part with knowledge. At last, moved by Sri Bhashyakara?s tenacity and thirst for sampradayic knowledge, Sri Tirukkoshtiyur nambi relented, took the former as a disciple, and imparted in full whatever he had learned from Sri
Alavandar.
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3.DESIKAMRUTHAM ? SWAMI DESIKA?S SIMILES ?UPAMA? ?Part 8
(Anbil Ramaswamy)
CHAPTER 17: SAASTREEYA NIYAMANA ADHIKARAM
(S: Sanskrit T: Tamizh M: MaNipravaaLam (Mixture of Sanskrit and Tamizh)
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56. ?Itil anukoolaraik kaNDaal chandana kusumaadigaL pOlavum, nilavu thenral pOlavum abhimatha vishayangaL pOlavum ugandhu varthippaan. Prathikoolaraik KaNDaal sarpa agnigaLaik kaNDaar pOlE veruvi varthippaan. Anubhayaraik KaNDaal kaashTa- lOshTaadigaLaik kaNDaar pOlE thrunvat karithu varthippaan? (M)
MEANING
? Like enjoying the fragrant Sandal wood paste, fresh flowers, the cool moonlight and the pleasant southern breeze, the Prapanna would rejoice on seeing suitable ones (anukoolar); Like dreading the serpent and the fire, the Prapanna would abhor the friendship of the unsuitable (Pratikoolar); Like treating as no more than worthless straw, wood or stone, the Prapanna would view those who are neither anukoolar nor pratikoolar?


57. ? artha kaamangaL aDiyaaga Sree vaishNavargaLai anaadarithu irukkumaagil Saarva boumanaai iruppaan oru Rajaavin uDaiya puthiranai Raaja sannidhiyilE paribhivithaal Raaja verukkumaap pOLE emperumaan tiruvuLLam seerum? (M)
MEANING
? A person would incur the wrath of an Emperor if he should disrespect the Prince in the very presence of the Emperor himself, So also, if a Prapanna should treat a Srivaishnava with disregard or contempt (impelled by the desire for wealth or sense pleasures), he would provoke the wrath of Bhagavan?


58. ? artha kaamangaL aDiyaaga pratikoolarai aadarithu irukkumaagil Raaja Saarvaboumanaai iirukka Raaja mahishi Kshudra janthukkaL pakkalilE maDip pichai pukkaal Raajaavukku avadhyamaai athaalE avaLai avan verukkumaap pOlE emperumaan tiruvuLLam veruthu irukkum? (M)
MEANING:
? An Emperor who is all powerful will be disgusted with his Royal Queen if she should beg for alms from the mean and unworthy. So also, Bhagavan who is ready to grant whatever is needed will be disgusted with a Prapanna if he should seek favors from unworthy subordinates, (also impelled by desire for wealth or sense pleasures)?


59. ? artha kaamangaL aDiyaaga anubhuyarai aadarikkumaagil Ratnathukkum paashaaNathukkum vaasi ariyaadaap pOlE ivanukkup piranda jnaanam kaaryakaram aayitrillai enru avan aLavilE emperumaan anaadarithu irukkum? (M)
MEANING:
? A person who cannot distinguish between a gem and a piece of stone will be considered dumb. So also, if a Prapanna should treat with respect those who are neither anukoolar nor pratikoolar (also impelled by desire for wealth or sense pleasures), the Lord would have no regard for him, as his knowledge serves no useful purpose?
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To Continue: Chapter 18: APARAADA PARIHAARA ADHIKAARAM
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4. ?FROM MAHABHARATA ? ?YAKSHA PRASNAM? ?Part 5
(By Sri M.K. Ramaswamy Iyengar Swami- Retired Senior Officer of Govt. of India) The first 4 Parts of this series on this subject appeared in Issues 25,to 28. In this Issue, we present Part 5 thereof.
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PRASNAM 10:
YAKSHA:
? KASCHA DHARMA: SATAAMIVA??
? IN COMMON WITH THE SIMPLE, PIOUS AND THE DEVOUT, WHAT CODE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS DO THE BRAHMANAS ADHERE TO??
YUDISHTIRA:
? TAPA: YESHAAM SATAAMIVA?
? IN COMMON WITH THE SIMPLE, PIOUS AND THE DEVOUT, THE PENANCE THAT THE BRAHMANAS UNDERTAKE IS THEIR RIGHTEOUSNESS??
NOTES:
The discerning and the wise regard that penance means adhering to the virtues like truthfulness, non-violence, compassion etc. Penance does not mean, in any exclusive way, the practicing of such austerities like fasting, rigid postures etc. as to put the body to hardship.
There is a verse in the Saanti Parva of the Mahabharata, which conveys the point clearly:
Ahimsaa satya vachanamaanrusamsyam damO ghruNaa /
YEtat TapO vidu: Dheera: na sareerasya sOshaNam// (Ch.81.18)
? The wise men who valiantly adhere to righteousness at all times, regard t penance to mean practicing ahimsa, truthfulness, non cruelty, control of the senses and compassion and NOT putting the body to severe hardships?
Yudishtira had an occasion earlier to make this point of view and secure an acceptance and acknowledgment of its value as truth. It happened this way:


The compulsory 12-year period of sojourn in the forest for the Pandavas was drawing to a close. Arjuna had returned after a 5-year stay with the celestials. He had secured a dreaded weapon from Lord Siva and other killer weapons from many Gods. One day Bheemasena was wandering aimlessly in the forest, with his mind elsewhere. He fought fierce mock battles with DuryOdana and his brothers. He felled many trees and threw giant sized rocks.

Suddenly, he found himself reduced to total immobility. A giant python, the like of which he had not seen before, had coiled itself firmly around him and started squeezing him prior to swallowing him. Destiny had willed such an encounter in which even Bheemasena who had as much strength as 10000 elephants was bested.

The python was none other than Nahusha, the emperor in times of yore undergoing a curse. Nahusha was a great monarch. His achievements were great many and varied. His attainments were lofty and numerous. He earned the distinction of being the Lord of the celestials. Whilst in that position, he became a victim of his own conceit and passion and was cursed by Sage Agastya to fall from grace and lead a life of sloth as a python. The python had a boon that no prey, once in its clutch, would be able to escape.

It fell to Yudishtira, who came in search of Bheemasena to recognize the serpent, an elevated spirit undergoing privation, converse with it and also secure the release from the curse. In the course of the conversation, Nahusha asked Yudishtira as to who can be said to be Brahmana. ?BraahmaNa: kO bhavEt Raajan? (MB Vana Parva 177.15)
Yudishtira calmly replied:
?Satyam Daanam Kshamaa seelam aaanrusamsyam damO griNaa /
DrsyantE yatra NaagEndra sa: BraahmaNa iti smrita: //
? He can be identified as a BraahmaNa in whom are seen the qualities of truthfulness, charitable disposition, tolerance, piety in conduct, nonviolence, control over the senses and compassion?


Nahusha?s encounter with the righteous Yudishtira and his conversation with him released him from the curse and restored him to his original effulgence and glory. He then ascended to the heavens. Yudishtira brought back a thoroughly shaken Bheemasena to the Ashramam.

PRSNAM 11:
YAKSHA:
? KAS CHA YESHAAM MAANUSHO BHAAVA:??
?WHICH IS THE QUALITY (IN THE BRAHMANAS) THAT IS SEEN GENERALLY IN ALL THE HUMAN BEINGS AS WELL??
YUDISHTIRA:
? MARANAM MAANUSHO BHAAVA:?
?THE COMMON THING IS THAT THEY TOO SUFFER DEATH?
NOTE:
Srimad Bhagavad Gita explains this truth about the inevitability of death to all those who take birth, as follows:
? Jaatasya hi dhruvO mrityu: dhtruvam janma mritasya cha? (BG 2.25)
That which is born is bound to die; likewise that which has died is also reborn?
?Jaatam anvEti maraNam nruNaam iti vinischaya:? (MB Saanti Parva Ch.286.22)


PRASNAM 12:
YAKSHA:
?KIM YESHAAM ASATAAMIVA??
?WHICH TRAIT IN THE BRAHMANAS MAKES THEM DESCEND TO THE LEVEL OF THE UNDESIRABLES??
YUDISHTIRA:
? PARIVAADA: ASATAAMIVA?
? IT IS BY TALKING ILL OF OTHERS THAT BRAHMANAS DESCEND TO THE LEVEL OF UNDESIRABLES?
NOTES:
Every book of morals is full of ?Dos? and ?Don?ts?. Indeed, in order to be regarded as noble and good, one has to observe only four rules. There are no ?Dos? in this list. There are only ?Don?ts?. Two of them relate to one?s attitude to others and the other two, to one?s attitude to one?s self.
?Aaatma nindaa Aaatmapoojaas chaiva Pra nindaa para sthava: /
anaacharitam aaryaaNaam vrittam etad chaturvidam //?
(MB Salya Parva ch.28.8)
For noble persons, four types of behavior are blemished. They are to be avoided at all costs. They are Self-condemnation, Self praise, Abusing others and Flattering others?


PRASNAM 13:
YAKSHA:
?KIM KASHATRIYAANAAM DEVATVAM??
? WHAT IS THE DIVINE QUALITY SEEN IN KSHATRIYAS??
YUDISHTIRA:
? EESHVASTRAM YESHAAM DEVATVAM?
? THE SKILL THE KSHATRIYAS HAVE IN WIELDING THE BOW AND THE ARROW (IN ARCHERY) AND THEIR MASTERY OVER THE MANY DIVINE WEAPONS IS THE DIVINE QUALITY IN THEM?
NOTES:
The Kshatriyas are warrior-rulers. Their primary duty is to protect people from oppression and from evil doers. Accordingly, the foremost task of a Kshatriya is to protect his subjects so that they could live in peace and without fear.
parinishTita kaarya syaath nrupati: paripaalanaath?
(MB Saanti Parva Ch. 60.20)
All the duties of a king are said to be completed when he protects his subjects and looks after their welfare.


It is said that Sri Narayana first created the Kshatriya Dharma since life has to subsist and go on and this will not be possible unless life receives full protection.
?KshatrO dharmO hi aadidEvaath pravruththa paschaath anyE?
(Saanti Parva 64.20)
?Adi deva, that is Narayana first created the Kshatrya Dharma and the rest thereafter?.


It is also said that Sri MahavishNu (another name for Sri Narayana) Himself made use of Kshatriya Dharma to vanquish evil forces which were oppressing the celestials and the penance performing sages.
?KarmaNaa vai puraa dEva rishayas cha amitoujasa: /
traataa: sarvE pramaathya areen kshatra DharmENa VishNunaa //
(Saanti Parva Ch.64.22)
Long time ago, Sri Mahaa VishNu killed all the enemies of the celestials and the effulgent sages and made life easy and smooth for them only by adhering to the Kshatriya Dharma.


Thus, if offering protection is the primary duty of a Kshatriya, then, it goes without saying that he has to be an excellent fighter. He has to be well versed in all forms of warfare. He should be particularly good in the use of all ?astras? which are deadly divine weapons, having the potential to create storms, torrential downpours, huge conflagrations and so on by invoking the appropriate deities presiding over these forces.
(To Continue)
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