Most Beautiful Quotes by Rumi

Power of Sound to Cleanse the space

Traditional South Indian, Hindu temples have a brass metal bell hanging inside the temple and devotees ring the bell after entering the temple as a part of darshanam. Bells in some temples were also made to produce "Aum" sound.

Back when I was a child, whenever I visited the temple, my father would lift me high to ring the temple bell, as I was very much enchanted to do that. Everyday Pooja routine in my house, is followed by Mangala Harathi along with ringing the small brass bell. I always enjoyed that reverberating sound, without understanding the significance of it. Once I have grown up, some random days it would be my turn to perform the Pooja, Mangala Harathi and the brass bell rings. Then those times I began to contemplate why I was ringing the bell and tried to explore the significance of it.

According to my understanding, I found interesting facts about the power of sound. Ringing the temple bell, produces the auspicious sound, that cleanses the negative energy and welcomes the positive energy. While performing Pooja ritual, ringing the bell while chanting mantra indicates the invocation of the divine positive force and departure of evil forces. It was also said that the insects, bacteria and virus coming across the vibrations created by the bell's sound get killed.

" Creation is sound. The creator is stillness. " ~ Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev

Most of the people could have heard of the 7 chakras. It was said in Kundalini yoga sastras, they are the energy focal points, exists in our subtle body. Balance in these chakras results healthy body and mind. So as per Kundalini Yoga, bell's sound heals, activates the chakras and ease them to balance. The moment we listen to the ringing bell's sound, all our thoughts vanish and  automatically we enter into a tranquil state. It's a state of mind, awareness and receptivity is more. So to create an awaken and focused  mind and receptivity of positive energy is the primary reason behind ringing the temple bells.

It was also written in Vedic scripts that, the first form of creation is sound. The part of sound in our daily life is predominant, as it plays a crucial role in Vedic chants, music, bhajans and speech.

Not only temple bells, chanting, Chinese chimes, singing bowls, clapping also carry sound throughout a space and cleanse the negative energy.

" A chant is not a cultural but existential thing. It is about the sounds, not the meanings. "  ~ Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev

It's time for Solidarity

As individuals, families and citizens of a nation, we are facing a big trouble now. This is a unique time in the history, where the whole world is fighting with an invisible enemy, COVID-19. It's time for solidarity. 

Since no vaccines have come out yet, quarantine is the only way to confront the enemy. As a responsible human being, to protect ourselves and to prevent the spread, let's cooperate with the government and self quarantine, up to the epidemic is under control. Certainly few sacrifices are a part of it, but being alive is more valuable than anything else. Though we are taking unusual steps to deal with the pandemic, let's be bold and face courageously. 

We all should be a part of the solution, not a part of the problem and create a natural disaster into a man made disaster. We must think unite and stay in social distancing for a while. Before the good times, things usually go worse. So we should play our part well, till the things become neutral.

" We don't need unity in theory, we need solidarity in practice. "

My Dream Land!

That's my secret dreamland, filled with full of embraces and joys..

It's a place where moon talks to me and stars walk with me..

Hearty cuddles with my cully creepers and chirps by my playmate chicks..

Brimful laughter with my sister blossoms..

Heartfelt talks with my chum fairies..

My space is chattels with wonder, but beyond plunder..

There, I savor my girlhood by setting aside my worries, fears and forlorn..

I visit my clandestine space, graceful not to leave a trace to discover the space..

It's my space! mine alone, where no one else can push me away..

I cherish the moments spent in this realm.. anything is possible in this helm.

This is my dream land! off from the duality, logics and selfishness.

" Out beyond the ideas of right and wrong, there is a filed. I will meet you there. "

~ Rumi 

Image source: http://www.howarddavidjohnson.com/fairies.htm 

Ilayaraja's impact in my life

Ilayaraja, my all time favorite music composers ever... its really difficult for me to express my love for his music. I don't remember when I was introduced to his music, but his catchy melodies always captivated me.

When I was a child, I observed songs on hero's names like "Chiranjeevi's song", "Nagarjuna's" or "Venkatesh", later I understood the face behind such an alluring composition. I am immensely fond of that earthiness, encapsulated with typical south Indian native hymn, in his music. I am endeared anything that is grounded and also being a south Indian, I effortlessly get jolted by his music. Perfect harmony and balance between the music and lyrics is the typical mark I behold and relish the most of his compositions.

Ilayaraja

 His compositions touch almost all emotions we could ever feel. His music and background score certainly elevates the movie to the next level. He is one of the finest musicians and so consistently affluent boon to the filmmakers to showcase nativity, romance and freshness in their movies and that fascinates me a lot. Geethanjali, Rudraveena, Sindhu Bhairavi, Vasantha Kokila, Swathi Muthyam, Nayakudu, Aradana, Dalapathi.. many such irreplaceable and incredible movies came out with his combination. Out of all, somehow I always get mesmerized by Raja's "Mouna Ragam" movie(directed by Mani Ratnam). I think, along with an elite story content and actors, compelling back ground music has made me to watch that movie countless times since my college days. I still do :)

I feel Ilayaraja's music is like celebrating in solitude, pure music that restores sanity, sanctum of emotion's amalgamation. I enjoy the pleasure of listening to his music to the core, while watching rain or moonlight and stars in the sky. I know it sounds a bit fantasy and quite unlike to the city folks! Its fact too, but I try to make it possible occasionally, of course nature's cooperation indeed. 

Some of my all time favorite Ilayaraja songs that stir my soul:

1. "Maaterani chinnadani.." song from "O papa lali" movie.

2. "Karpoora bommavu nuvve" song from "O papa lali" movie.

3."Lalitha priya kamalam.. " song from "Rudraveena" movie.

4. "Kathala kalpanala.." song from "Vasantha kokila" movie.

5. "Neelala kanullo.." song from "Nayakudu" movie.

6. "Mallepoola challa gaali.." song from "Mouna ragam" movie.

7. "Singarala pairullona.." song from "Dalapathi" movie.

8. "Alupannadi vunda.." song from "Gaayam" movie.

9. "Challa gaali.." song from "Yevade Subramanyam" movie.

10. "Ma papalu tholaginchu.." song from "Shirdi Sai Baba Mahatyam" movie.

" Music and rhythm find their way into the secret places of the soul. " ~ Plato

Connection between the lines - SOLITUDE

Everyone knows what solitude is, but I try to put my point here: It's a state of being alone not lonely. Though it looks similar to the outside world, there is a huge difference between the both. Enjoying our own company without external entertainments and dependencies is solitude whereas missing someone else's company or depending on other stuff is loneliness. In brief, solitude is a choice and loneliness is by force.

Sometimes I like to be in solitude. At that point of time, I practice meditation or just sit in silence or I talk to myself as if I am my own best friend or have a cup of coffee. It helps me to connect with my inner self. Our inner self is what we actually are, not the personality we carry. Personality means a mask, we choose to project to the outside world and it depends upon our ego. Inner self depends on our consciousness. Connection with inner self favors me to understand my being better and aids to improve my perceptions. That makes me feel and experience the true joy. This refreshment forges me to align with life, radiate love and peace.

" You are born alone. You die alone. The value of the space in between is trust and love."

~ Louise Bourgeois 

           

The WAIT with patience

Nothing worth having comes easy, no matter how much the struggle might be. This has always been a tough time with me. If the wait is inevitable, then its our choice to perceive the phase in optimistic way or pessimistic way. In case of optimism, patience and faith are the virtues that strengthen us and retain to our inner self. Patience controls the impulses and boosts the self control whereas impatience shoots up irritation and temper.

My artwork

It's really hard to maintain patience all the time and isn't always easy, as we want things to happen according to our own plan. But God's timing is always perfect, better and higher than our own. God just tests our perseverance. Having patience for whatever we are waiting for without give up, is the key I count on.

" All good comes to those who wait.. " ~ Sri B

As everything happens for a reason, it's wise to utilize the waiting period for good. Because every moment and situation we face in our life, favors to understand the Self, our purpose and to grow as a person, which indirectly helps us to radiate more love and peace.

" Nothing in the world is worth having or worth doing unless it means effort, pain, difficulty.. I have never in my life envied a human being who led an easy life. I have envied a great people who led difficult lives and led them well. " ~ Theodore Roosevelt

Gratitude mindset makes us to live life the way it is, instead of thinking about the future or what we don't have now. The present is what we have in our hands, not past or future. It's our option to create heaven or hell out of it. Once Swami Rama asked a mantra for "Happiness" to his Master. His Master smiled at him and said, "Create your own happiness wherever you are and whatever your circumstances might be. If this is what you are, you can walk even hell as though its heaven! This is Happiness mantra my son."

" Sita, wife of Lord Rama, an important character from a famous Indian epic Ramayana, has been given the highest respect in Indian mythology and she was one of the "Panchakanyas". It's all because of her patience, faith and commitment. 

She not only undergone a lot with patience during the exile period, but unveiled the extreme patience and steadiness during her abducted period by demon Ravana. The strength behind her is, faith on her husband Lord Rama. She believed that Rama would come and save her from that tantrum. Finally, what she believed came true!! "

So rather than thinking about our petty disappointments and  impatience, its beautiful to handle the present as joyful as possible with what we have and what we can do, to make the waiting period a sensible journey.

" The fruit falls from the tree when it gets ripe. So wait for the time to come. Do not hurry. Moreover, no one has the right to make others miserable by his foolish acts. Wait, have patience, everything will come right in time. "  ~ Swami Vivekananda  

Conversation between Guru and Shishya - Ramakrishna Paramahamsa and Swami Vivekananda

" A guru is an amalgamation of two words GU and RU. GU means darkness and RU means light: that which dispels the darkness of ignorance is called guru. He has no other desires but teaching those aspirants who are prepared without expecting anything in return. Guru and shishya is such a pure relationship that no other relationship is even comparable. " ~ Swami Rama

Narendra, later took renunciation and named as Swami Vivekanada was an extraordinary intelligent man with curiosity to see God. As a part of his search, he met many preachers and God followers, but he did not convince by anyone.

After a quite long time, he was informed about yogi Ramakrishna Paramahamsa by one of his lecturers. Then he met Ramakrishna Paramahamsa in Dakshineswar and raised his inner quest to him. Ramakrishna told Vivekananda that he could not only see god, touch and talk to her as close as he was talking to Vivekananda. But he did not believe Ramakrishna and thought that he might be suffering from mental hallucinations, that made him to imagine so. But Vivekananda was not able to resist not to meet Ramakrishna. Ramakrishna too showered lots of love and affection over Vivekananda, whenever he met him.

Ramakrishna Paramahamsa and Swami Vivekananda

Once a rare conversation happened between Ramakrishna Paramahamsa and Swami Vivekananda:

• Swami Vivekananda: I can't find free time. Life has become hectic.
• Ramakrishna Paramahamsa: Activity gets you busy, but productivity gets you free.

• Swami Vivekananda: Why life has become complicated now?
• Ramakrishna Paramahamsa: Stop analyzing life that makes complicated. Just live it.

• Swami Vivekananda: Why are we then constantly unhappy?
• Ramakrishna Paramahamsa: Worrying has become your habit. That's why you are not happy.

• Swami Vivekananda: Why do good people always suffer?
• Ramakrishna Paramahamsa: Diamond cannot be polished without friction. Gold cannot be purified without fire. Good people go through trails, but don't suffer. With that experience their life becomes better, not bitter.

• Swami Vivekananda: You mean to say such experience is useful?
• Ramakrishna Paramahamsa: Yes. In every term, experience is a hard teacher. She gives the test first and the lessons later.

• Swami Vivekananda: Because of so many problems, we don't know where we are heading..
• Ramakrishna Paramahamsa: If you look outside you will not know where you are heading. Look inside, eyes provide sight and heart provides the way.

• Swami Vivekananda: Does failure hurts more than moving in the right direction?
• Ramakrishna Paramahamsa: Success is a measure as decided by others. Satisfaction is a measure as decided by you.

• Swami Vivekananda: In tough times, how do you stay motivated?
• Ramakrishna Paramahamsa: Always look at how far you have come rather than how far you have to go. Always count your blessings, not what you are missing.

• Swami Vivekananda: What surprises you about people?
• Ramakrishna Paramahamsa: When they suffer, they ask, "why me?". When they prosper, they never ask, "Why me?"

• Swami Vivekananda: How can I get the best out of life?
• Ramakrishna Paramahamsa: Face your past without regret. Handle your present with confidence. Prepare for the future without fear.

• Swami Vivekananda: One last question. Sometimes I feel my prayers are not answered.
• Ramakrishna Paramahamsa: There are no unanswered prayers. Keep faith and drop the fear. Life is a mystery to solve, not a problem to resolve. Trust me. Life is wonderful if you know how to live.

Vivekananda, was still in an uncertain state of mind even after multiple meetings with Ramakrishna. Then to dispel Vivekananda's dilemmas and confusions, Ramakrishna placed his feet on Vivekananda's chest and revealed him a brief insight of the power of his inner self which had left Vivekananda in a trance. Then he decided to renounce and started his journey as a monk. 

" All that I am, all that the world itself will someday be, is owning to my Master, Shri Ramakrishna. " ~ Swami Vivekananda

Image source: http://adhyatmikta.com/author/admin/page/5/

Shirdi Sai miraculous prevention of cholera epidemic

It's a truth by evidence that Shirdi Sai Baba is a miraculous healer. There were many people of his time who got healed from stubborn deadly diseases. One of such cases was the prevention of a cholera epidemic.

Shirdi suffered from cholera epidemic in 1910 AD. The administration of those days tried and did everything to control the people's sufferings, but the efforts were not sufficient. Later, some people approached Sai Baba and pleaded for help. Then Baba picked up a grinding stone and began to grind wheat. His devotees surprised by his acts, as Baba was a person who possess nothing, store nothing and live on alms. The villagers came to see Baba's act, once the new spread in the village. Four women, absolute devotees of Baba, came forward from the crowd, pushed Baba aside and started grinding. At first Baba was angry at them, but on seeing the women's love and devotion, he was pleased and began to smile.

While grinding, those women thought, Baba's will was to distribute the grounded flour among them. Because he was renounced man, had no house to store, live on alms. Once the grinding work was finished, they started dividing the flour into four portions. Baba, who was quiet and calm till now, started scolding them and ordered them to sprinkle the flour on the village borders. Those four women obeyed Baba's orders. Miraculously from then, the cholera epidemic started to subside, patients recovered and Shirdi village was completely free from cholera.

" The sages find pleasure in suffering to help others. This is beyond the conception of an ordinary mind. Human history has provided many instances of spiritual leaders who healed people and suffered for them. When individual consciousness expands itself to cosmic consciousness, it becomes easy to feel delight in suffering for the sake of others.

Pain and pleasure are a pair of opposites experienced when the senses contact objects of the world.  Those whose consciousness has expanded beyond the sensory level get freedom from this pair of opposites. All such healing powers flow through the human being from the one source of consciousness. The moment the healer becomes conscious of his individuality, that spontaneous flow of healing power stops.
  
Healing is a natural power in man. A human being is fully equipped with all necessary healing powers, but does not know their usage. The moment he comes in touch with the healing potentials within, he can heal himself. All the powers belong only to one God. A human being is only an instrument. " 
~ Swami Rama

Referring to the current scenario, the whole world is suffering from COVID-19 now. I am desiderating and how astonishing it could be, if such miraculous healing is done! But I believe miracles may not always be visible, they could be done by bright beings beyond this physical sensory world.

So our part as a responsible citizen is self quarantine till the pandemic and epidemic is under control. Because it's not deadly to young people, but the sheer risk to older people. Youngsters may become carriers of the virus and older people the victims. However, I pray God from the bottom of my heart, to calm down the pandemic as early as possible.

Minimalist living - a way of life

Recently I came to know about a concept, Minimalist living. It's a life style based on the quote "Less is more".

Origin of the word Minimalism:
Minimalism was a movement in the visual arts and music, originated in America in the late 1960s. Its aim was to explore the essential objective and pure visual elements of an art form by stripping away gestural and personal elements. 

My sister's living space

Minimalist living is purposefully living with the things that are really needed. A minimalist's core philosophy is choosing the things they value most and removing the unnecessary stuff that distracts them. It is believed that materialistic possession is directly related to the mind. Removal of excess possessions makes mind focused on those things that really matter the most. So the mind will be more clear and focused.

Minimalist life is against an ideology that good and happy life is all about possessing and accumulating more and more things. They believe happiness lies within, not in needless possessions. Once the outer mess has been removed, there will be a space to emphasis on and spend time with the self. It makes to value relationships and life experiences rather than a marathon to consume as much things as possible. They apply the same concept in all aspects of their life like finances etc. It gives content and abundance in life.

A minimalist life is free from a modern race as they keep only the essentials. They aspire for the commodities that add value to their life. Their lifestyle works in all situations and circumstances.

Clean and clutter free space, more confidence, fearlessness, more happy and content, more peace of mind, good health, better relationships, more freedom and focus on important things are the advantages of being a minimalist.

Most of the highly successful and productive people are minimalists.

Example:
The late Steve Jobs who was a Zen Buddhist, self made billionaire, creative genius lead a minimalist lifestyle. He lived with his wealth like a water droplet on the lotus leaf.

"Deciding what not to do is as important as what to do."
~ Steve Jobs

"Simplicity, clarity, singleness: These are the attributes that give our lives power and vividness and joy as they are also the marks of great art." ~ Richard Holloway

Though I am not a minimalist, I believe in "Live simple and think high". As a point of fact and based on my limited experience, minimalism concept makes sense to me. Because whenever I clear unnecessary things, clean and organize my space as a part of my daily routine, I instantly feel positive vibes like refreshment, relaxation and ease. It truly impacts mind.

Oneness love

This is one of the beautiful pictures I have come across that depicts Oneness love!!

Oneness love is a highest of love that includes peace, harmony with no fear and equality with all forms of life around us.

" How deeply you touch another life is how rich your life is. " 

~ Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev

Image source: https://www.reddit.com/r/hinduism/comments/fj1h1k/this_is_what_true_love_looks_like/

Inner conflicts between good and bad

"A native American elder once described his own inner struggles in this manner: Inside of me there are two dogs. One of the dogs is mean and evil. The other dog is good. The mean dog fights the good dog all the time. When asked which dog wins, he reflected for a moment and replied, The one I feed the most."

~ George Bernard Shaw

In this dual world, everyone of us is a ratio of good and bad. We experience thug of war between that good and bad very often in our minds. In case of good's victory, then labelled as a good person and bad vice versa.

According to the textbook definitions, something that's of high standard and approved by a majority of the people is good and the opposite is bad. But in my opinion, both are mere perceptions based on the group of people, place, time and situations. Someone's bad is good for someone else. For example, someone who lose his job is bad for him, but someone who get replaced in the same job position is good to him. Whatever we do, it yields certain consequence. That consequence might be good for someone and bad for someone else. Of course the example is on individual radius circle, but the same applies to any vast radius circle too, like society etc.

So in my point of view, as long as the consequence of our deed is not harming majority of the people linked to it is good. It's always an individual decision to choose good or bad and face its effects.

Beyond Astrology

Well! We all know astrology is the way we respond to our life because of the influence of other planetary movements. Some people may deny though, considering it as a superstition. But it's a vast and deep subject, one of the ancient Hindu sastra's, mentioned in Vedas. 

It includes and grapples both mathematics and philosophy together. Astrology's was primarily used for spiritual developments in the ancient days. Now a days, it has turned its shape to something else.

The human mind is related to the stars in a subtle manner. 6 energy centers in our spine, also known as Chakras(the power house of energy), which become 12 by polarity are associated with 12 signs in the astrology. So such a human body and the mind linked with it is strong, vibrations from the other plants can be dispelled. But if the body and mind are weak then planetary movements will influence us.

It's not wise to depend on the external forces to seek guidance for auspicious times and many other stuff and wait for changes in the astrological influences to shape our destiny. Instead, its always bright and favorable to seek in own inner self, directly connected to the God. God's influence is the supreme influence, anything done with deep faith will blossom. Because He is the eternal truth.

If we can hold our happiness during all the difficult phases in our life, then we will begin to rise above the influence of other planets and stars. That's a sign of awakening of the consciousness of divinity within. As a result, other bodies like planets and stars will begin to smile upon us.

Real life experience of Swami Rama:
When Swami Rama was 7 years old, very profound astrologers of Banaras predicted that he would die at his 28th year. While he was terribly upset, his master came and said "There is something beyond astrology. Do not believe in that! You will live a long life. But you will experience death face to face on that fateful day."

When he turned 28, one fine day, he almost had an appointment with death.  While climbing a mountain, 11,000 feet high, he suddenly slipped and roll down the mountain. But fortunately be was caught by a small thorny bush. A sharp branch pierced in his abdomen and blood started flowing heavily. After chanting almost all mantras he is known but in vain, he gathered all his courage, remembered his master's words "whenever you need me, remember me, I will be there in one way or another." and prayed. Then he was saved by some local tribal women, but he was almost on his death bed. Suddenly his master appeared, brought some leaves, crushed and put them on the wound. He took him to a nearby cave and asked some people there to take care of him. He said to Swami Rama, "Nothing is going to happen to you. Don't you remember that this is the time and date predicted for your death? You need to face death, no more today. You are alright now. Even death can be prevented!" and left. Then he gradually recovered over the few weeks. 

" Astrology and all these mystical things are generally signs of a weak mind." 

~ Swami Vivekananda

Though we cannot change the outer planetary influences, we have the power to change the way we receive them inward. Daily meditation, deeply connects us with God. Ultimately we will get influenced by God alone.

~ extract from the teachings of Paramahamsa Yogananda

The Gift

Even a gift is just a material if you don't see the heart behind the material.

"Recognizing the heart behind the material makes it a gift."

A gift is not a material, but an outlook. In that sense 'Today' is an eternal gift. While there can be several sources for every gift, 'Today' is that precious gift that you either get from Him, or it just means that you have already lived your last day. Not everyone who went to sleep last night woke up this morning. Some force above still thinks you are worthy of another 'Today'.

Buddha said, "Let us rise up and be thankful, for if we didn't learn a lot today, at least we learned a little, and if we didn't learn a lot today, at least we learned a little, and if we didn't learn a little, at least we didn't get sick, and if we got sick, at least we didn't die; so, let us all be thankful."

~ extract from the book Unposted Letter by mahatria Ra.

Real relationships, real purpose and real connections take time.

Just like it takes time for a flower to blossom.. meaningful, purposeful and fulfilling relationships take its own time to bloom. ~ Jay Shetty

A loving relationship is all about giving.... taking care, make them smile and nurturing our loved ones daily to experience an ocean of love forever.. instead of trying to extract from each other for momentary pleasures. Such pleasures neither last long nor gives satisfaction.

The Mother - Sindhutai Sapkal

Sindhutai Sapkal

"If death is what you choose, then die for others.." ~ Sindhutai Sapkal


Biography of Sindhutai Sapkal by Radhanath Swamy
Sensible and empathetic presentation.


Tedx Talk by Sindhutai Sapkal
My heart full salutes to amma, especially for the way she had chosen her journey.

Compassion is the only solution.. never the revenge!! 

What is the highest state of Enlightenment? - extract from the book Living With Himalayan Masters

When the senses are well controlled and withdrawn from the objects of the world, then sense perceptions no longer create images in the mind. The mind is then trained in one pointedness. When the mind no longer recalls thought patterns from the unconscious, a balanced state of mind leads to a higher state of consciousness. A perfect state of serenity established in sattva is the highest state of enlightenment.

The practice of meditation and non attachment is the key notes. A very firm conviction is essential for establishing a definite philosophy of life. Intellect intervenes and blind emotion misguides. Though both are great powers, they should be known first, analyzed and then directed towards the source of intuition. Intuition is the only source of true knowledge. Whatever appears in the world is unrel because of its constantly changing nature. Reality is hidden beneath all these changes.

Why Rama seeked help from Sugriva instead of Vali?

Rama killed a demon named Kadamba while wandering in the forest with his brother Lakshmana in search of his kidnapped wife Sita by Ravanasura. Then Kadamba freed from a curse and advised Rama to seek help from Sugriva to find Sita.

On his way to meet Sugriva, Rama met Hanuman, dear friend of Sugriva and got amazed by his talents, skills and intelligence. Hanuman took Rama and Lakshmana to Sugriva. Sugriva asked Rama's help to kill his elder brother Vali, in return, to defeat Ravana and rescuing Sita and explains his story of how Vali became his enemy:

The demon bull Dundubhi was killed maliciously by Vali. Later Maayavi, son of the Dundubhi decided to take revenge for his father's death. His body structure was many more times bigger and stronger than his father. 

One fine day he came in front of Vali and provoked to fight by his haughty words. Vali told him that if he did not bow to him that instant and flee forever, he would be given no mercy in the brewing fight. But Maayavi stood stubborn and challenged.

Vaali put on his battle armor and ordered Sugriva to accompany him in the battlefield but not to interfere. The battle continued for months with no break, then fatigued Maayavi ran into a cave to hide himself from Vali. But Vali spotted his stash, instructed Sugriva "you stay outside the cave entrance, if I lose the battle, run the kingdom and continue my son Angada as an in charge of the military" and entered the cave.

Sugriva faithfully followed his brother's orders for two years. But one day, Sugriva saw the heavy flow of red blood raging out of cave. Then agonized Sugriva shouted for Vali, but of no response. His family and soldiers convinced him about Vali's death, then all returned to the castle.

Then the elders advised Sugriva to take in charge of the kingdom, because Maayavi might come out of the cave and claim to include Kishkinda as his own acquaintance. Sugriva obeyed their advice.

After many days, amazingly Vali came and stood before Sugriva. Sugriva went to hug Vali out of busted happiness. But mistaken Vali yelled that "you tried to trap me in the cave for your own selfish reasons. I will kill you for your betrayal". Sugriva tried to explain, but Vali least bothered his words and attacked.

Sugriva understood the mess he was in, remembered Matanga's curse to Vali and escaped to his mountain. Later, con minded Vali lived in with Sugriva's wife without her interest in him.

After listening to the Sugriva's story version, Rama soothened him with his kind words and promised him he would kill Vali. As advised by Rama, Sugriva decorated himself with a garland and challenged Vali to a fight. Because brothers were identical twins and Rama needed clue to differentiate. Both started wrestling furiously with each other, after a while Rama emerged from the forest and killed Vali with an arrow from the back of a tree, as Vali was blessed with a boon that his opponents would instantly loose half of their strength before him.

Vali asked Rama while dying that "I could have helped you to find your wife Sita, whoever your opponent would be and brought them to your feet! Sugriva made my wife widow and stole my kingdom. What is my crime? Even if I committed a crime, what is your right to kill me?"

Then Rama replied to Vali, "Despite of mistakes, younger brother should be treated like a son, especially when he promised to respect you for your whole life. He took permission from the elders about his authority, you did not show any interest to know back and forth facts, raised to kill your own brother. Dharma is on Sugriva's side, so I supported him".

Convinced Vali asked his son Angada to stand by his uncle Sugriva and assist in the work of Rama.

Matanga curse to Vali

Once Dundubhi, a demon bull in gigantic size, from the world of nagas yelled and challenged Vali to prove his strength before him.

Vali was furious by his words, but his wife Tara and members of the court tried to stop him not to fight, but he was not convinced. Enraged Vali jumped over Dundubhi, wrestled with each other and grappled.

After a very long fight, the demon bull started pleading Vali on his knees for mercy. But Vali snapped Dundubhi's head, picked up the corpse by his hands and hurled the body as far as it would go.

The body landed hundreds of miles away, right next to the sage Matanga and blood splashed onto his face, who was performing a Yagna in his hermitage. Utterly disturbed and resented sage cursed that "whoever's deed it might be, his head will explode if he ever steps onto the mountain I am living now".

Lord Hanuman, dear friend of Sugriva, informed Vali about his curse and then Indra, father of Vali appeared and advised Vali never to go to the Matanga's mountain.

Ravana's first defeat by Vali

According to Ramayana, Vali was the son of Indra, king of Kishkinda and elder brother of Sugriva. He was courageous, brave, strong and always offered his services to the Gods. As a part of it, he volunteered with the gods to churn the oceans with a mountain to produce various gems and treasures with all his power. Fourteen treasures were produced as an outcome. A beautiful Apsara, Tara was one among them and married Vali. Then to thank Vali, the gods granted him a boon where all of Vali's opponents would instantly lose half of their strength before him.

One day, Narada Maharshi on his way to the festivities, hosted by Ravanasura, King of Lank, spotted Vali, while offering his prayers to Lord Shiva on the southern seashore of India. After mutual greetings Narada said to Vali, "Ravana defeated Indra and all the worlds are under his control now". Then Vali said " Ravana used his power to defeat weak clan and he dare to face me. Tell him once you meet".

Narada agreed and delivered the message to Ravana. Ravana roared with anger and accepted the challenge. While Ravana was about to call in his army, Narada exasperated his ego by saying "why do you need army to catch a monkey. The whole world may laugh at you by your deed. It's a pity you don't know your own strength". Then Ravana became prey for his over self esteem, forgot about Vali's boon and left to fight with him alone.

Ravana reached Vali's kingdom, Kishkinda, saw Vali sat in prayer and lost in meditation. Then an idea had sparkled in his head. He sneaked behind Vali and tried to catch Vali's tail with his twenty hands.  Then the tail moved a bit, rounded and arrested Ravana's body as such he could not move.

After many hours, Vali whipped and looked at bounded king Ravana and said "How dare to sneak on me while I am offering my prayers to the Lord?" and traveled three oceans holding Ravana's body in his tail, face against his armpit. Ravana tried to bargain with Vali by saying "My mistake! You can use my wife as your wife and my son as yours", but Vali did not convince for his deals.

Somehow ego satisfied Vali released Ravana after reaching to Kishkinda.

Important Philosophical Inquiries - extract from the book Living With Himalayan Masters

Indian philosophy is divided into seven systems, which attempts to answer the most basic philosophical inquiries.

These important questions are:
1. Who am I? From where have I come and why have I come? What is my relationship with the manifold universe and other human beings?

2. What is the essential nature of my being, what is the essential nature of the manifested world and its causes?

3. What is the relationship of the center of consciousness and the objects of the world?

4. What is the nature of the forms and names of the objects of the world and how do they serve the essential nature of man or universal consciousness?

5. What are the guidelines for action as long as we live in the natural body? Do we live after death?

6. What is truth and how do we arrive at rational conclusions on questions of truth?

The seven systems of Indian philosophy which addresses themselves to these issues are Vedanta, Yoga, Sankhya, Vaisheshika, Mimamsa, Nyaya and Buddhism.