As It Strikes Me

WHO IS THE AUTHORITY?

Even though we feel some of our views on some specific issues are correct and acceptable to our conscience, we may not come forward to express it openly because of the following reasons: 1. Our views may not be appreciated by the majority or the ruling government 2. Further, it may create
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ETERNAL LAW

Throughout history, we see that in various times, the society has been mass hypnotized by powerful speakers, eloquent poets and enticing artists towards bravery, freedom, independence, communism, capitalism, rationalism, casteism, social ethics, so on and so forth.But the eternal law is the only
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FORWARDS OR BACKWARDS?

The world is advancing fast. Science and technology is growing by leaps and bounds. Every day we seem to become more and more intelligent and civilized. But lo! What a paradox! It is the reverse in our country alone! Our forefathers, the great Rishis were more intelligent than us in all
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FEED THE CROW

Many of us would be aware of the common practice in our homes wherein a handful of rice is placed in the backyard for the crows to take before we take a meal. It is believed that the crow represents our forefathers and by offering rice to the crow we are offering to them. Elders would often say
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SACRED ASH

Traditionally, Saivaites(those who worship Lord Shiva) wear vibhuti(sacred ash) on their forehead as a religious mark. Vibhuthi is nothing but ashes from burning cow dung. Why then is it given so much significance? One may think ” after all , its just ash.” There is a very deep meaning
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A HOMONYM FOR HIS COMPASSION

Sanskrit is a ‘Deva Bhasha’ (Divine Language of God). There are two beautiful words in this language which have almost identical pronunciations but with two different meanings. CharaNam – चरणम् (Meaning: Foot) SharaNam – शरणम् (Meaning: Surrender) The sea of compassion
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ABLE ADMINISTRATION

An able administrator thinks well, plans his course of action and executes it meticulously, irrespective of criticisms of the onlookers, be they positive or negative. Many a time, we see people around us chiding God for their misfortunes. “If God were merciful, such a thing would not
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SILENCE OR EXPRESSION

Silence, not expression, is the highest state many would claim, while comparing the path of Vedanta and Bhakti. But, had a liberated one such as Ramana Maharshi chosen to remain in silence, would the world have known of the path of Atma Vichara? As the Maharshi had to expound the technique known
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HEIGHTS OF ESCAPISM

It has been said that a person can attain Jnana through any of the following means: – by practicing ‘Atma Vichara’ (contemplating the Self) – by renouncing the world and taking to the jungle, acquiring determination and dispassion and meditating – by performing various rituals
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SERVICE TO RELIGION

Though there are 63 ‘Nayanmars’ and innumerable great devotees of Lord Shiva, 4 of them namely, Appar, Sundarar, Sambandar and Manikavasagar are singled out and are accorded special status. What can be the reason for this? The work done by these four constitutes ‘complete seva to
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