Bhagavan Seshadri Swamigal’s ways and means of conveying the quintessence of our philosophy and shedding light on the ultimate reality of existence have been as profoundly simple as they have been unique. “When the physical frame withers away”, according to his cryptocrystalline tattva nirupana, “The sesha or what remains following the fall of the body... Continue Reading →
Adi Sankara
If one reaches the appropriate spiritual level, it is entirely possible to come face to face with Sankara. A small group of spiritual aspirants was exchanging notes and sharing personal experiences in a satsang in a Nadi (palm leaf) astrologer’s house in Bangalore more than two decades ago. The subject of their conversation was Adi... Continue Reading →
Universe glows from the glowing Arunachaleswara
"Great Nandikeswara!" said Sage Markandeya, “I had the pleasure of listening to your narration of the legend about Vidyadharas (Kantishali and Kaladhara) - a legend which can be likened to the lunar disc throwing light on the ocean of greatness called Arunachaleswara. However, how did King Vajrangada attain salvation? How did he worship Arunachaleswara? How... Continue Reading →
Iswara
The legendary description of Iswara’s leela is wonderful, according to all the Rishis who had first-hand knowledge of the vignettes of Iswara tattva and Vedanta. It inspires bhakti even in an atheist! Great Rishis like Vyasa and Sanatkumara, all-knowing as they were, had displayed rare knowledge of Shiva tattva. Vyasa Maharshi met Sanatkumara once and... Continue Reading →
Gautama
There is a legend attributed to Vyasa Maharshi about the great Gautama – a legend, the knowledge of which helps to redeem one from the karma of past sins. Gautama Maharshi had performed penance for 10,000 years at Brahmagiri in the South. His spouse was the well known repository of dharma, namely, Ahalya. Once a... Continue Reading →
Chandrasena
Once the Rishis wanted to know from Suta Maharshi, the repository of the vignettes of Vedanta, the secret about any jyotrilinga kshetra (apart from Arunachala) the knowledge of the greatness of which would promote the quality of bhakta in one. The repository replied that the jyotrilinga of Mahalinga which had the reputation of being the... Continue Reading →
Sangira
Long ago, there was a Brahmin called Sangira stepped in ignorance and bereft of faith in Vedas as a result of sins committed by him in his previous incarnation: “Puraa kashcin-mahaa-murkhah-Sangiro namma baadabaha, Poorva-janma-kritaath-paapaath-Veda-shraddha vivirjithaha”. He was interested in Logic; he tried to know the transcendental principal of the Brahman and the pictures of good... Continue Reading →
Shashivarna & Shubhaga
“Suspecting devotees of God”, said Iswara, addressing Vishnu, and doubting Brahma, you and me bring about major impediments to rise of jnana in a person. Displaying total lack of understanding of those on the dharmic path and causing harm to the reputation of those who have understood the Vedas also impede one’s progress towards Atma... Continue Reading →
Durghata
Durghata, born of poor parents, was a well-known legendary figure with notoriety for having committed more sinful deeds than others. He was not afraid of his vicious record nor of the results of his inglorious past. Flaunting his cruel hands, he dared to indulge freely in devilish deeds. He had killed many virtuous men, destroyed... Continue Reading →
Andal
A great devotee of Vishnu called Vishnuchitta, a resident of Srivilliputtur, had developed a flower garden mainly for the purpose of offering everyday a garland chiefly to tulasi leaves to the temple in the vicinity. His labour of love behind the offering was intense. His faith in God was equally unique and unwavering. One day,... Continue Reading →
Alchemy!
In the heart of a thick forest, stood a small hut. In front of the hut there was a platform of stone and a deer-skin adorned it. Seated in half-padmasana posture radiating peace was one whose body had grown thin with thapas. An emaciated exterior, a far reaching forehead, a pair of eyes glittering with... Continue Reading →
Nityananda
“Yogananda! Your idea appears to be well-founded indeed. It may well be that Gurudeva’s view is also identical. Adhyayana may demand two people being present in a place but it is in the fitness of things there should be only one person for thapas, namely the tapasvi alone!” “Nityananda! I have also been thinking over... Continue Reading →
Devadevi
The inner frame of mind that has surrendered itself at the Lotus Feet of Sri Hari who is a repository of soundarya (beauty) should not be carried away by delusions of female beauty. Your idea of capturing him to gratify your earthly desires is, therefore nothing but a mirage”. “How is that? As if this... Continue Reading →
Sadhu Nischaladas
Vittalapura was a village. Range Gowda was the Patel of the village. God had been quite merciful to him; for, he had a number of servants to help him. He had been remitting a land revenue of three hundred rupees every year. Irrespective of the distinctions between the poor and the rich, everyone in the... Continue Reading →
The Glory of Indian Motherhood
(Immediately after the royal wedding, Kashiraja was ushered into Queen Madalasa’s chambers. The Queen bowed and started an interesting conversation with the King. “Madaalasaam manjula vaagvilaasam”, was the poetic tribute which Kalidasa gave. ) “I want to spend my time in Brahmacharya.” “Then why did you get married?” “I was not interested. My view was... Continue Reading →
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