Fundamental Position Regarding Treasure In Temples

30 April 2014

To mix up matters coming within the human domain unnecessarily with that of Divine and on that ground insist on conducting Devaprashnam for matters solely resting upon human thought and discretion, is imprudent, unscriptural and uncalled for. Temple as an institution, including the shaping of the Idol, its installation and consecration, etc. are a product and outcome of human ingenuity alone. Offerings as well right handling of them is also exactly alike. It is wrong to intercept the matter with anything like Devaprashnam, in order to know the wishes of the Deity. Only in non-evident matters, such a step need be thought of at all.

Kalavaras in the Padmanabhaswamy Temple were made by, articles kept there and locked by humans. Suddenly to say for any one that the opening of the Kalavara should be subjected to devaprashnam, is to say the minimum, immature and puerile. Let us understand that the whole concept of God, of Temple, worship, the disciplines and formalities to be followed in this area are all human alone. Here too it is appropriate to think about the matter rationally, faithfully and impartially and proceed with confidence and clarity.  

The Supreme Court, on 24^th April, ordered a special audit of the Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple and its treasure trove by former CAG Vinod Rai following the report by the amicus curiae Gopal Subramaniam. The Apex Court also ordered the creation of a five-member administrative set-up under the district judge.

While all the issues raised, debated and judged were regarding Management and Administration of treasures in Temples, there is a very fundamental position everyone should understand. This relates to the four pillars –the Deity, the Devotees, Devotion and Religious Practices relating to worship, without which any effort to deal with the outcome of these will not have the required authenticity and Scriptural sanction.

1.    The Temple is first and last a public place of worship, for devotees to express their devotion and submit their various prayers seeking blessings to fulfil them. As part of this, perishable and non-perishable items, including gold, also are offered by devotees, all seeking specific blessings from the Deity in return.

2.    The large quantity of treasure present in the Temple vaults in no way enhances the divinity of the Deity. It is the taantric ceremonies performed by the Priests that always instal, imbue and enhance Divine blessings and Benedictory Power to the Deity. It is this Divine stock that Deity uses, spends, for granting the prayers of devotees, with the result that every day by the Devotees’ prayers, the Deity’s divinity is getting gradually depleted. The daily pooja will not be sufficient in the matter of retaining and preserving Divinity to the Idol.

3.    That is why periodically re-consecration (naveekarana) ceremonies become imperative in the Temple Installation practice. Divine infusion is always from the Taantric Rituals done by the priests qualified for the purpose. Such being the case, where is the question of the offerings-treasure ever becoming an integral part of the Deity’s Divinity at all, in any Temple?

4.     By hoarding ‘unmanageable’ amount of wealth in the temple, which the Scriptures strictly prohibit, the temple is only attracting thieves who constantly eye the treasure. It also warrants the complex, expensive task of managing the treasure, leading to incredible recurring e expenditure. In Padmanabhaswamy Temple, the annual security cost is Rs.23 crores.

5.   Other forms of corruption are also bound to creep in, disrupting the sublimity and sanctity of the Temple, as the attention would always be on safeguarding wealth, which in no way is part of the consecrational divinity of the Deity.

6.   By the accumulation of wealth and treasure, sophisticated arrangements to secure and manage it, like surveillance gadgets, frisking, CC TV and other measures, which are strictly not called for in the context of the Deity and its Divinity.

7.    In the past, temple assets have been used for societal welfare. His Excellency Rama Varma, the Maharaja of Cochin (1895–1914) was instrumental in establishing the Shoranur Junction–Cochin Harbour Terminus railway line. The treasury records of Kingdom of Cochin substantiate the fact that the Maharajah sold 14 gold elephant caparisons that belonged to the Sree Poornathrayeesha temple and other personal ornaments, which belonged to the Cochin Royal Family to fund the project.

8.   Another simple question to be considered to which no answer has come up in any of the debates – “what do we finally do with all the riches that are accumulating in the temple vaults – sooner or later?”

Considering these points, anyone sincerely concerned about the welfare of the Temple and temple institution in our Land, should implement the following to retain the sanctity of the Temple, and uphold the sublime and traditional devotional practices:

a)    Temples should not be allowed to become treasure houses, by hoarding and storing treasures in the temple, thereby, the divine abode, instead of being a place of worship tends to turn into an abode for various malpractices.

b)   Riches in Temple vaults should be deployed for societal welfare, particularly in the area of education and healthcare, in the light of the fact that there is a dearth of good schools and hospital facilities for people from the economically weaker sections of the society.

c)  The unutilized wealth from Temples should be utilized for the establishment and management of a string of Universities, which will provide specialized education in the Cultural and Scientific Heritage of our land, in fulfillment of the Fundamental Duty enshrined in the Constitution, namely ‘to value and preserve the rich heritage of our composite culture’;

d)   Such money can also be used for creating better facilities (medical care, rest houses and the like), for pilgrims in the different holy pilgrim centres of our Land, in recognition of the fact that from times immemorial, pilgrimage has been an integral cultural part of our life, whereby the unity and integrity of the Nation are upheld and reinforced;

e)   Such items in Temple vaults which have an antique value and represent and preserve the culture of our Land, should be preserved and made available in a museum for the world to see and get to know our cultural history.

Ref: Shoranur Junction–Cochin Harbour Terminus railway line. http://maddy06.blogspot.in/2009/11/kings-railway.html

For details, contact: Br. Prasanna Swaroopa, Narayanashrama Tapovanam, Trichur, Kerala.
Email: cird.delhicentre@gmail.com; Phone: 0487-2277963, 2278302, 8281519763;
Website: www.SwamiBhoomanandaTirtha.org

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Election Commission‘s order is to be heeded or flouted?

On April 8^th, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee lashed out at the Election Commission of India for having ordered transfer and replacement of officials from various districts, giving a time frame for it, with a view to ensure fair and free electoral process, that she won't 'allow' these transfers. On 7^thApril, EC had announced the transfer of five Superintendents of Police and one District Magistrate after the opposition complained of bias. 

In its letter, EC ordered transfer of the officials to “non-election related and non-field” posts by 8^th April. When the Chief Minister in a public meeting condemned and challenged the EC’s order, and declared clear disobedience to it, EC said it would have to cancel the Lok Sabha elections in West Bengal if the State Government did comply with its order.  

1.             Election Commission is a constitutional body. It has been set up under constitutional enactment of Parliament, to ensure that elections in the country are held in a free and fair manner and the Parliament itself duly comes into existence, with its power and potentials.

2.           In the matter of all elections, State and Central, Election Commission has sovereign powers, which are willingly and collectively bestowed by the people through their elected representatives.

3.       After elections are formally announced, Election Commission has supreme powers, which the State and Central Governments should willingly heed and implement, so that elections are conducted fairly and freely. Because they owe their own existence to the Election Commission and its constitutional functioning. All elected representatives, including all ministers, derive their status and power, only after EC conducts elections and announces the results. 

4.     Election Commission should be encouraged to take confidently whatever action, procedure or safeguard has to be taken,  to  conduct elections freely and fairly, without fear or favour. Only then the people can rely upon the electoral process, and accept it as faithful, truthful and effective. In this the Election Commission should receive all loyalty and support from the ruling Governments, no matter what party they represent.

5.            EC’s order on transfer of officers was occasioned by complaint from opposition party that the officers concerned were acting with partiality.  This was the best to be done in order to reassure the people about the impartial conduct of elections, which the Chief Minister’s party and its candidates are also relying upon for their getting elected. The entire country rests upon the electoral process and its destined outcome.

6.       Instead of appreciating and acting upon the order, which was the faithful task of any Government, the West Bengal Chief Minister, apparently courting political and administrative pride, openly challenged the Election Commission’s order, and declared refusal of compliance. If election is the means to install a Ministry, this act of the CM is a clear affront to the Constitution, constitutional machinery and the entire electoral process.

7.            The Chief Minister has come into power and position only on the basis of the fair election held by the Election Commission. Being so, how can any Chief Minister ever think of flouting the Election Commission’s orders, which have made State and Central Ministers what they are?

8.              This is like Bhasmasura, having gained a boon from Shiva, wanting to try it and kill Shiva Himself! Our epic narrations are always portraying the intricacies of human mind and how destructive it can be, thus warning all people to safeguard themselves against such pitfalls and destructive moves. I think the elected representatives as well as the electorate must have regular classes on the message of our epic literature, which deals with characteral elegance, behavioural majesty and interactional excellence of the humans.

9.           It is clear and open that what is needed is to strengthen Election Commission, CAG, CVC and such other , so that the democratic processes and democratic governments can function with full representation, confidence and clarity, commanding respect, allegiance and adherence from the people, who elect them to give an effective Administration.

10.        Nothing should be done to dislodge, weaken or thwart the democratic processes in the country, of which the electoral process and the Election Commission are supreme and sacrosanct.

11.       What is the harm if some officers are transferred and replaced? The real prestige of any Government is to prove its innocence and reliability by implementing the order, and not vice versa.

12.       When a Chief Minister openly speaks about flouting the order of Election Commission, forcing the Commission to go a step further saying that it will be forced to call off the election, what credibility will the Chief Minister and the Government have in the minds of faithful citizens? None would like any Government elected by them to be discredited with indiscretion, tall talk or disobedience to the Constitutional procedures and practices.

13.     Though the Chief Minister of West Bengal, has now accepted the EC’s orders, no well-meaning citizen of the country would be happy at the way the stern refusal and subsequent submission have come to be.

14.           We have to become wiser and more discreet to run the Democratic Government and help in ensuring the health and wellbeing of the democratic processes in the country.

15.          Let this National Higher Call be cherished and nourished by all concerned, so that our great country will rise to the characteral refinement and behavioural sublimity, which constitute our real cultural glory.

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Spirituality is fully scientific

31 January 2014

[On the 7^th day of the Aatma Tattva Sameeksha Discourse Series
based on Ashtavakra Samhita in Thrissur, Kerala.]

Life is experiential. I exist and the world also exists; I am awake, I slept; I dreamed. I do not remember, now I do remember; I am old. I am sick. All these are one’s own experiences. Our life is a stream of experiences.

Spirituality, adhyaatma, is self experiential not external perceptible; that is spirituality is self experiential. It is recognizable by anyone else.

In the study of external objects instruments and gadgets are unavoidable. But these are merely instruments to help us in the study. It is our eyes, mind, intellect, which perceive the objects through these instruments and learn about them.

In the study of one’s self no instrument or accessory is needed. Spiritual knowledge is to be gained through the direct employment of one’s mind and intellect.

The information that comes through the senses is analyzed using the mind and intellect and conclusions are arrived at with conviction. Spiritual knowledge which is also similarly arrived at through self introspection and self analysis and is self experiential is thus unquestionable; this has to be acknowledged and accepted.  

Ashtavakra Mahrshi makes the process of Self-realization facile and certain. The entire world is gross and insentient. All the objects around are modifications of the five ‘elements’ namely earth, water, air, fire and sky. I am not any of these objects; I am the one seeing them, perceiving them. It is common knowledge that the one who is seeing cannot be the seen. One is the subject and the other is the object. The subject cannot be the object and vice versa.

I who am the witness of the pancabhootas am separate, different from them. Since I am able to include the vast expanse of the sky in my perception, I have the spatial dimension. The extent of ‘I’ is infinite!

It is the same eye that sees a mustard as well as the vastness of the sky as well as all the planetary bodies hovering in the sky. It is when all these are imprinted in my mind that I begin to experience them. Imagine! What could be the expanse and potential of such a mind that can imprint the entire cosmos within itself?

We are not ‘seeing’ the world; the world shines, is revealed as an imprint in us! This light does not belong to the external objects. It is from the inner power. None of the external objects can or do ever enter our within. All of them are merely imprints made by our mind in our mind.

It is only through vichara, introspection and analysis that we can understand the magnitude and power of this ‘I’ in us.

‘I’ who is the witness of the universe exceeds the universe itself! The universe floats in ‘I’ like bubbles in water. ‘I’ am the basis of these bubbles; and so this perceptible universe also resides in ‘me’ and is dependent on ‘me’.

He who knows this will not have any fear or concern about the universe. He will have no attraction or dislike for the Creation. That is why a spiritual knower, knower of truth, is able to function magnificently. He will always be competent, skillful and glorious in his actions.

The world is a servant in the eyes of a Knower, a Jnaani. ”I” am the Lord.

It is such self conviction and self confidence that is gifted by spiritual knowledge and realization.

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Enrich the greatness and sweetness of Malayalam!

29 January 2014

[On the 5^th day of the Aatma Tattva Sameeksha Discourse Series
based on Ashtavakra Samhita in Thrissur, Kerala.]

Each and every Malayalee, each and every Keralite, has the obligation and onus to  nourish and embellish the mother tongue Malayalam and make it more relishing. This should be reflected more in speech than in Literature. However when the usage of Language becomes greater and greater there may occur a decrease in norms of usage. Constant vigilance against this tendency must be shown.

Clarity of the spoken word must be ensured. For instance the Malayalam word ‘Irinjaalakuda’ becoming ‘IrinjaalakuDa’ results in loss of melodic sweetness. So also it must be ensured that sounds such as क ट त प (ka,Ta, ta,pa); ख छ ठ थ फ (kha ccha THa, tha pha); घ झ ढ ध भ (gha Dha dha bha) are emphasized correctly with appropriate force and resound and practiced. Only when one is able to look and write as also listen and write, will the usage of language become meaningful. There should never arise a need to ask if the word Daśaratha has ‘tha’ (थ) or (ध) dha in it! These distinctions and nuances must be mastered well.

Such a practice calls for close attention to speech  and regulation of the organs of speech. Regulation of the senses and sensory organs are of utmost importance in Spirituality.

We often find the word ‘bhayankara’ (Malayalam) being used indiscriminately. This word which should mean ‘fearful’ is now being liberally used by Malayalees to express just the opposite emotion – namely high appreciation of anything. Such oxymoronic usage of words create confusion of meaning and intention in Malayalam, apart from insulting the language itself.

Similar is the error in usage of soft and hard consonants combinations which often result in total distortion of pronunciation. For example the Malayalam word for Lotus is Padmam. This is seen to be corrupted as ‘Palmam’ which carries no meaning really speaking. In the same way Valmiki cannot be written as Vatmiki as is being done even by the News papers. Valmiki originated from Ratnakara being reborn from anthill called Valmeekam in Sanskrit.

It is said in the Mahabharata that even before 5152 years, the people of Kerala had acquired the nature and stature of ‘Arya-hood’. When considering classical status for Malayalam this fact was not taken into account it seems. How can such a slur on Malayalam be allowed in this State which claims 100% literacy and excellence in education?

We should not delay anymore in employing words according to their pronunciation.

Teachers alone can with love for the language and close attention raise the language from its downfall. It is the learning done in the first four classes of a child’s schooling that determines its language skills. The authorities and teachers should wake up to this fact. The parents can do little in this matter.

The audio-visual media too must take great acre to ensure purity of the usage of language. These may need a separate regulatory mechanism. Constant vigilance is called for in media broadcasts.

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Protection of Dharma unavoidable in code of Law

28 January 2014

[On the 4^th day of the Aatma Tattva Sameeksha Discourse Series
based on Ashtavakra Samhita in Thrissur, Kerala.]

1.      The founders of Indian Constitution have not cared to mention India as our Motherland anywhere in it. Not only that, instead of displaying pride and honour for the greatness and glory of our ancient culture which is thousands of years old, they have upheld as examples the so called Western cultures which are barely a few hundred years old. This only shows the shallowness of their awareness and concern for our great culture and cultural heritage.

2.    The Law and its enforcement though unavoidable, have great sanctity, sublimity. The ultimate authority, the final word and assurance for independence and upkeep of individual, family, society and government rests with the Law and its principles. All people are subject to Law of the land, including the guardians of Law as well as the Government.

Though Law and its system of rules are supreme in their importance, it becomes meaningful only when purity and rationality is ensured in its observance and implementation; else it will be the unfortunate condition of the fence eating the crop.

Recently in case, the court found that the charge sheet filed by the prosecution, after prolonged investigations, was unfounded; the court then rejected it. In some other instances, the court ordered re-investigation finding that the investigations were not based on facts. Such instances only serve to agitate the mind and unsettle the confidence of those who are eager to abide in Dharma. The people will begin to feel orphaned coming to know of these instances. The confidence of common people is gradually declining in the nobility of Law and in the measures to implement it.

This demotes the status of the Ministers who advise the law administrators on policy.

The case charge-sheet and charges were rejected as false by the court, only after the poor innocent victims had already undergone physical and mental torture for nine long years in jail. This incident in which the upholders of Law had themselves become the accused is no credit to any civilized Nation.

Legal ideology, surely does not permit such blatant unruliness. It was right before the wide open eyes of the department secretary, the higher officials including the Minister, that such dirty actions were taken, like a cat stealthily drinking milk with its eyes shut.

In imposing untenable accusations and allegations, in the different stages of investigation, how did the senior officials choose to be indifferent, turning a blind eye? Does our system of Law permit this? Is not such a state of affairs the result of hanging on to inefficient traditionalism? This is a question that all thinkers on Dharma ask. Such lapses and mistakes are a great slur and challenge to the legal system which is supposed to protect and uphold civil rights and liberties in out Nation.

3.       It is an unquestionable fact that everyone, including the Legislative Assembly, the Government, and the courts of Law, are subject to Law. The Laws passed by the Legislative Assembly must conform to the principles of Law. The decisions of the Courts too must follow the same principles. This is an un-negotiable requirement as much as it is for the citizens.

It must be fully acknowledged that the State Legislature is the supreme authority to pass Laws and bring them into effect. Creating obstacles to this in the name of Religion and Faith is to sabotage the Rule of Law. We do not have a government based on Religion; nor do we want it. Just as we have a common criminal code, it is imperative that we have be a common civil code also to protect the rights of women and ensure their equality in society. This has been promised by the Constitution itself. Only if the commitments made by the Constitution are fulfilled by resolving all objections and reservations on this through honourable negotiations, discussions, and peaceful means, will the integrity of our Nation be secured. Any delay or indifference towards this will only be exhibition of impertinence and audacity towards the Constitution of India.

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It’s time we reestablish Sanskrit

27 January 2014

[On the 3^rd day of the Aatma Tattva Sameeksha Discourse Series
based on Ashtavakra Samhita in Thrissur, Kerala.]

It is our literary creations like Ashtavakra Samhita, that represent India’s culture more than any physical remnants in our country.

It is because the Vedas, Upanishads and allied scriptural compositions were composed in the scientific and refined Sanskrit language that we are still able to read and understand them with the same clarity, meaning and force, with which they were written ages ago. That is why Sanskrit is named Devanagari, something extraordinary and supraworldly!

All the sounds and words arising from the human mouth have been codified and sequentially arranged to form the string of alphabets in Sanskrit language. The manner of blending, like milk and water, the hard-soft, and soft-hard consonants in Sanskrit, is extraordinary and extremely interesting. Sanskrit language, which has been reigning for countless millennia without any mutilation or decay, is vibrantly alive even today.  To think of it as a dead language even in dream would only be sheer ignorance downgrading oneself.

Sanskrit was the official language in our country, years ago, just as in a way, Hindi and English are today. Sanskrit was the means of communication between the Kings and Rulers of the different regional cultures and languages in our country.  Yes, it was the inter-kingdom and inter-regional language of India.

The manner in which British Rulers plucked out Sanskrit from the midst of our people and thrust their English was a governing policy, to entrench themselves in our land.

Mandarin, which is their common language, is the main strength of unity among the people of China, which has a population more than India’s.

We are happy that we have imbibed English language so well.  But we cannot agree to let our own Sanskrit, the backbone of our culture and traditions, be dislodged from amongst us.

Sanskrit language is rich in words, expressions, ideas, view points, subtle meanings, scientific outlook and in such other aspects.

Any language can survive long only if its constituents and core are preserved carefully. We should have extreme alacrity in preserving the clarity of pronunciation, the rules of conjuncting words and letters, care and attention in choice of words, attention to formation of sentences, above all adherence to grammar. 

Teachers of language and the audio-visual media must pay particular attention to this.

Our debt to Sanskrit language and Sanskrit culture, will be repaid only when we are able to build a cultural city somewhere in India, with all modern amenities, where at least about two lakhs of people who speak Sanskrit and communicate in Sanskrit in the country can live together and conduct their affairs in Sanskrit, and thus re-establish Sanskrit as the official language there!

Children, there, will learn Sanskrit in a natural way as their mother-tongue. In due course a Sanskrit University should materialize there.

People there should be able to study ancient Sanskrit texts and also produce contemporary Sanskrit Literature, Poetry, Dramas and hold competitions that will draw worldwide attention. The contemplated City of Sanskrit should be built and developed facilitating these objectives.

If the lovers of Sanskrit and the Government of India begin to contemplate on these lines, that would be the greatest tribute to their cultural patriotism and allegiance.

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Household children are the future citizens

26 January 2014

[On the 2^nd day of the Aatma Tattva Sameeksha Discourse Series
based on Ashtavakra Samhita in Thrissur, Kerala.]

The security and strength of any Nation consist in the love and feeling of integrity that arise in those born there. The effort to instill fondness for the Nation and citizenly awareness in young people should come equally from parents, teachers, people and the Government.

Food, clothes and house are the primary needs of body alone. Values and principles constitute the nourishment for the mind.

Spiritual truths alone can empower a person to act with confidence, stability and conviction, in any critical situation or circumstance, by grasping and assessing the facts and compulsions around.

The behavioural characteristics of people based on spiritual truths themselves form the cultural traits. Only the first part of this is begotten from birth; the other is developed through education and interpersonal interactions. It is necessary to establish methods for instilling spiritual values and truths through lessons and practical sessions in homes and educational institutions.

This is where Central and State Governments should discharge their individual responsibilities with discretion. However, the story so far has been of failure only.

Programmes on the lines of Five-Year Plans of the country, should be formulated and launched to educate the young students in National fondness, fidelity and cultural values. Methods to monitor the efficiency and utility of the scheme and to take timely measures of correction to make them fruitful should also be instituted. This should be taken up with the sense of immediacy.

In providing the cultural education, there should be no unnecessary religious overtones. Our culture has always been one of self refinement, self invigoration and self-empowerment, to remain devoted to the service of others. These virtues are imbibed from spiritual truths and values, all of which relate to and rest upon the emotional mind and rational intellect. So much so that they allow no rejection on grounds of religion or religious practices.

Culture itself is the artful expression of the intellectual achievement of a society, regarded and practised collectively by its members. Its strength and inevitability come from the people themselves, their thoughts, aspirations and ideals. The term ‘intellectual achievement’ instantly makes culture rational and scientific.

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