[Advaita-l] Teachings on the Vijaya Yatra - The Oneness of All

[Murali k]

Thanks for sharing this wonderful write-up. It contains  many nuggets of
wisdom.

On Mon, 7 Oct 2019 at 19:30, S Jayanarayanan via Advaita-l <
advaita-l at lists.advaita-vedanta.org> wrote:

> (Around the beginning of the month, a nugget of Wisdom from the Jagadguru
> may be posted
> on the Chaturamnaya list :
> http://lists.advaita-vedanta.org/cgi-bin/listinfo/chaturamnaya )
>
> http://vijayayatra.sringeri.net/vijayayatra/mysuru-march-11-13-2017/
>
>
> MYSURU: MARCH 11-13, 2017
>
> Jagadgurus at Mysuru
>
> Jagadguru Shankaracharya Sri Sri Bharati Tirtha Mahasannidhanam and
> Jagadguru Sri Sri Vidhushekhara Bharati Sannidhanam
> arrived at Mysuru in the afternoon of March 11, 2017. The Ubhaya
> Jagadgurus were received with Poornakumbha Swagata at
> the entrance of the Sri Lakshmi Ramana temple inside the Mysuru Royal
> Palace. Rajamata Her Highness Pramoda Devi Wadiyar
> respectfully welcomed the Jagadgurus.
>
> Sri Mahasannidhanam then proceeded to Abhinava Shankaralaya in Mysuru and
> had Darshan at the shrines of Sri Mahaganapati,
> Sri Adi Shankaracharya, Goddess Sharadamba, Sri Abhinava Shankara (the
> epithet of the 33rd Sringeri Acharya,
> Jagadguru Sri Sacchidananda Shivabhinava Nrisimha Bharati Mahaswamiji) and
> Sri Satyanarayana.
>
> Sri Sannidhanam had Darshan of Sri Lakshmi Ramana Swamy and was led to the
> silver Ratha belonging to the Mysuru Royal Family.
> Gracing the silver Ratha, Sri Sannidhanam was joyfully led in a procession
> from the palace to the Abhinava Shankaralaya.
> On arrival in the premises, Sri Sannidhanam also had Darshan at the
> aforementioned shrines.
>
> In a public function organised on the occasion, Dharmadhikari Sri H
> Ramachandra performed the Dhuli Pada Puja and welcomed
> the Jagadgurus.
>
> SRI MAHASANNIDHANAM’s ANUGRAHA BHASHANAM
>
> The Sringeri-Mysuru Bond
>
> In His Anugraha Bhashanam, Sri Mahasannidhanam said that the city of
> Mysuru is very dear to Him as it is the birthplace
> of His Parameshti Guru, Jagadguru Sri Sacchidananda Shivabhinava Nrisimha
> Bharati Mahaswamiji. Just as Kalady being the
> birthplace of Sri Adi Shankaracharya is sacred, Mysuru too being the
> birthplace of Sri Abhinava Shankara is sacred.
>
> Recounting His first Yatra to Mysuru immediately after His own Sannyasa
> Sweekara, Sri Mahasannidhanam said that His Guru
> (Jagadguru Sri Abhinava Vidyatirtha Mahaswamiji) had started on a Yatra in
> early 1975 and had planned to travel via Hassan,
> Mysuru, Sathyamangalam, Karur and Madurai en route to Rameswaram to
> conduct the Kumbhabhisheka. At that time,
> Sri Mahasannidhanam had started on the Pushya Krishna Pratipat with the
> Kumbhabhisheka at Rameswaram set for
> Pushya Krishna Dashami. Consequently, he had decided to stay only for a
> couple of days in Mysuru, and had conveyed the
> same to the then Dharmadhikari, Sri P R Hariharan.
>
> Likewise, Sri Mahasannidhanam stated that in a repeat of events that had
> unfolded 42 years ago (in 1975), He was now
> travelling into Tamil Nadu with His Shishya, and that due to the
> activities planned during the Yatra, He too had decided
> to stay only for a couple of days in Mysuru, and had conveyed it to the
> present Dharmadhikari, Sri H Ramachandra.
>
> Speaking about Abhinava Shankaralaya, Sri Mahasannidhanam said that His
> Parama Guru, Jagadguru Sri Chandrashekhara Bharati Mahaswamiji,
> had consecrated the Murti of His Guru (Sri Abhinava Shankara) in 1924;
> that His Guru, Jagadguru Sri Abhinava Vidyatirtha Mahaswamiji
> had consecrated Goddess Sharadamba and Sri Adi Shankaracharya; and that
> the Prathishta of the Padukas of His Parameshti Guru were
> performed by Himself.
>
> Sri Mahasannidhanam blessed one and all, and expressed happiness over the
> devotion of the Mysuru residents towards the
> Sringeri Jagadgurus.
>
> Sri Mahasannidhanam said that just as His Guru had great regard for Him,
> He too has great regard for His Shishya, Sri Sannidhanam.
> Sri Mahasannidhanam added that Sri Sannidhanam is a profound scholar, a
> fine orator and is well-equipped to explain the
> Dharma-tattva to all.
>
> SRI SANNIDHANAM’S ANUGRAHA BHASHANAM
>
> Birthplace of Sri Sannidhanam’s Parapara Guru
>
> In His Anugraha Bhashanam, Sri Sannidhanam expressed happiness at the
> large gathering of devotees. He said that the citizens
> of Mysuru deem it their blessing to have Darshan of the Sringeri Jagadguru.
>
> Speaking about the lineage of His Parapara Guru (Jagadguru Sri
> Sacchidananda Shivabhinava Nrisimha Bharati Mahaswamiji),
> Sri Sannidhanam remembered the latter’s father (in His Poorvashrama), Sri
> Kunigal Rama Shastri. Sri Shastri was a reputed
> scholar in the Mysuru Royal Court and such was his scholarship that he was
> the first person in South India to write
> Kroda-patras or research articles in abstruse topics of Nyaya Shastra.
> These include his famous work called “Shata Koti”
> that is read by all students of Nyaya to this day.
>
> Sri Kunigal Rama Shastri had performed great Tapas to obtain a son. This
> son took Sannyasa at the tender age of 8
> (the same age as Sri Adi Shankaracharya took Sannyasa), received the Yoga
> Patta “Sri Sacchidananda Shivabhinava Nrisimha Bharati”
> from His Guru, became the 33rd Acharya of Sringeri and lived a life
> underlined by Vedantic ideals and great achievements.
> It is natural that His birthplace in Mysuru is now home to the “Abhinava
> Shankaralaya”.
>
> Greatness of Serving Mahatmas
>
> Sri Sannidhanam then underlined the importance of serving Mahatmas. The
> Mahatmas are ever-calm and compassionate and bring about
> the welfare of all, like the fresh season of spring – शान्ता महान्तो
> निवसन्ति सन्तः वसन्तवल्लोकहितं चरन्तः.
>
> Sri Sannidhanam then narrated a simple story to underline the greatness of
> serving Mahatmas. Once fingers in the hand had an
> argument as to who is superior, with each one putting forth its importance.
>
> Thumb: Without me, none of the other fingers can function properly.
>
> Index finger: I command all people.
>
> Middle finger: I am at the centre and am the tallest.
>
> Ring finger: I am the most wealthy! All rings reach me first.
>
> Finally the little finger said, “I have no such unique utility or
> greatness as the other four. However, whenever someone
> puts up their hand in the Anjali Mudra in reverence to God or Mahatmas, it
> is me who is fortunate to have their Darshan first.”
>
> The moral here is that irrespective of status, one’s power, position, or
> wealth, we have to take refuge in a Mahatma and serve.
>
> What stops us from serving are our inner foes such as Ahankara or ego.
>
> Overcoming Inner Foes
>
> In Puranic times, when Hiranyakashipu proclaimed that he had conquered all
> his foes including the Devatas, his son, the
> great devotee Prahlada, softly questioned him, “O Father, have you
> conquered your inner foes?”.
>
> Inner foes such as Ahankara or ego must be overcome. Even if we have power
> and command authority, we must function with
> politeness and kindness.
>
> It must be realised that wealth can be volatile. It is best to engage in
> charity when wealthy, for only wealth that is
> donated truly becomes one’s own.
>
> द्वारं द्वारमटन् भिक्षुः शिक्षते न तु याचते ।
> अदत्त्वा मादृशो मा भूः दत्त्वा त्वं त्वादृशो भव ॥
>
> We must also keep our desires in check. One must remain contented and also
> have the faith that God takes care even in the
> most trying situations. Instead man sometimes tries in vain to fulfill his
> unjust desires. During the Mahabharata war,
> the first General of the Kaurava army was the great Bhishma. Though he was
> the senior-most amongst the Kurus and was
> respected by the Pandavas, he ended up in a bed of arrows. Dronacharya,
> the Guru of the Pandavas and Kauravas, who became
> the next General of the Kaurava army also met with his fate. The valorous
> Karna, who despised the Pandavas was made the
> General thereafter. Yet he too lost his life. Even then, Duryodhana did
> not give up his desire of winning the war;
> he pinned his hopes on Shalya to conquer the Pandavas and made him the
> General of the army!
>
> गते भीष्मे हते द्रोणे अङ्गराजे दिवंगते ।
> आशा बलवती राजन् शल्यो जेष्यति पाण्डवान् ॥
>
> Now, if only he had been contented with what he had, Duryodhana would
> never have had to meet such a fate. In truth,
> God takes care of all the needs of the one who is contented.
>
> Likewise, anger must always be controlled. Anger without a proper reason
> is akin to a stone in the hands of a madman.
> Even when there is a justifiable reason to be angry, we must only feign
> anger until the task is accomplished. When we have
> control over inner foes such as anger, others feel happy in our presence.
> This, along with the service of Mahatmas,
> brings about our Shreyas.
>
> Sri Sannidhanam ended His Anugraha Bhashanam by offering His prostrations
> to His Guru, Sri Mahasannidhanam, and blessing one and all.
>
> Later that night, Sri Mahasannidhanam performed the Sharada
> Chandramoulishwara Puja.
>
> The following day, the Jagadgurus gave Darshan at Abhinava Shankaralaya
> from 10 am to 2 pm as devotees came in huge numbers.
>
> AT THE MYSURU PALACE
>
> In the evening, Sri Mahasannidhanam and Sri Sannidhanam were received at
> the Amba Vilas Palace of the Mysuru Royal family.
> The royal scion and titular Maharaja of Mysuru, His Highness Sri Yaduveera
> Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wodeyar, and
> Rajamata Pramoda Devi Wodeyar reverentially offered a traditional welcome
> to Sri Mahasannidhanam and Sri Sannidhanam at the
> entrance of the palace, and led Them in.
>
> Digital Version of Jayachamarajendra Grantha Ratnamala Offered
>
> On the occasion, the royal family submitted, as an offering, a digital
> version of the Jayachamarajendra Grantha Ratnamala.
> The Grantha Ratnamala contains the Kannada translation of a number of
> Vedic and Puranic texts that were published under
> the direction of the Mysuru Maharaja, His Highness Jayachamarajendra
> Wodeyar. The Rajamata handed over a copy of the texts
> in digital form to the CEO of the Math, Dr V R Gowrishankar.
>
> GURU VANDANA PROGRAMME
>
> At around 7 pm, Sri Mahasannidhanam and Sri Sannidhanam graced the Guru
> Vandana event organized in the precincts of
> Abhinava Shankaralaya. The royal scion and titular Maharaja of Mysuru, His
> Highness Sri Yaduveera Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wodeyar,
> was the chief guest. The program began with Veda Ghosha followed by a
> rendition of “Sri Shankaracharyam Bhaje Re Maanasa Advaita-vidya-gurum”
> (a composition of Sri Mahasannidhanam). Vidwan H V Nagaraja Rao read out a
> Sanskrit citation in honour of the Jagadgurus.
> A Kannada citation (binnavattale) was read out, and was offered by the
> Mayor of Mysuru, Sri MJ Ravikumar. This was followed by
> Phala Samarpanam by various dignitaries, and representatives of various
> institutions and Maths, as well as people of different communities.
>
> Sri Mahasannidhanam then released a Kannada book titled “Janapriya Sri
> Valmiki Ramayana” penned by Sri HLN Shastri of Mysuru.
> Sri Mahasannidhanam also released a documentary DVD made by Sri Prashanth
> Sringeri and titled “Sringeri Jagadgurus and the Royal
> dynasties of India”. Vidwaan H V Nagaraja Rao was then felicitated for his
> contribution to Sanskrit over a span of many decades.
>
> Royal Scion Speaks
>
> The royal scion and chief guest of the occasion, Maharaja Yaduveera
> Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wodeyar spoke about how the royal family
> of Mysuru, over many centuries, has always sought and received the
> guidance of the Sringeri Jagadgurus. The administration of the
> Mysuru kingdom too had been conducted with such able guidance from the
> Acharyas. The Maharaja stated that he too, like his predecessors,
> held the Sringeri Jagadgurus – Sri Mahasannidhanam and Sri Sannidhanam –
> in great reverence and would continue to seek guidance
> in upholding tradition and culture.
>
> Mayor of Mysuru, Sri MJ Ravikumar also spoke briefly and expressed his
> devotion to the respectful Jagadgurus of Sringeri.
>
> Sringeri Jagadgurus and the Mysuru Maharajas
>
> The CEO of the Sringeri Math, Dr. V R Gowrishankar, speaking on the
> occasion, stated that it was the first time that the
> Ubhaya Jagadgurus had undertaken a Vijaya Yatra to Mysuru and it was quite
> fitting that the young Maharaja of Mysuru was the
> chief guest. He stated that the relationship between the Sringeri Math and
> the Mysuru Royals stretches back many centuries.
> He underlined the reverence of the Royals towards the Jagadgurus by
> mentioning that the Maharajas of Mysuru have always deemed
> it a blessing and received Mantropadesha from the Sringeri Jagadgurus. Sri
> Gowrishankar recalled the Mysuru Royals’ administration
> of the Sringeri Math back in the day and stated that their administration
> is regarded to this day as exemplary. He also stated that
> all denizens of Mysuru regard the Sringeri Jagadguru as their Guru. In
> conclusion, The CEO mentioned that the Advaita Sharada Project
> containing Vedantic works (currently the principal works of Sri Adi
> Shankaracharya) has been hosted online by the Sringeri Math.
> Likewise, the digital version of the Jayachamarajendra Grantha Ratnamala
> collection of Vedic and Puranic books will be hosted by the
> Sringeri Math.
>
> Sri Sannidhanam’s Anugraha Bhashanam
>
> Scholars of the Mysuru Region
>
> In His Anugraha Bhashanam, Sri Sannidhanam talked about the scholars of
> repute who have adorned the royal court of Mysuru and
> their respect towards the Sringeri Jagadgurus whom they regarded as
> “Sakshat Saraswati Swaroopa”. Sri Sannidhanam mentioned the names
> of erstwhile scholars such as Sri Kunigal Rama Shastri, Sri
> Lakshminarasimha Shastri (the elder son of the former), and
> Sri Mandikal Rama Shastri (who had witnessed the historic Kumbhabhisheka
> of Goddess Sharadamba in Sringeri in 1916 and had penned the
> “Kumbhabhisheka Champu” in Sanskrit).
>
> Sri Sannidhanam also talked of the faith in the Shastras that scholars
> such as Sri Kunigal Rama Shastri had. Sri Sannidhanam recounted
> how the scholar had no doubts that a son would be born to him, because he
> had performed the Pumsavana Samskara. It was this second
> son of the scholar who went on to become the 33rd Acharya of Sringeri,
> Jagadguru Sri Sacchidananda Shivabhinava Nrisimha Bharati Mahaswamiji.
>
> Sri Sannidhanam also mentioned that Sri Kunigal Rama Shastri had written a
> historic research article or Krodapatra in Nyaya Shastra,
> named “Shatakoti” that contains 50 Akshepas or objections and 50
> Samadhanas or replies. This work became so popular that scholars
> even wrote a critic on it. This critic was replied to in the work
> “Shatakoti-Mandanam” by Sri Lakshminarasimha Shastri (elder son of
> Sri Kunigal Rama Shastri) so as to establish the correctness of
> “Shatakoti”. Once again, this text too received another critic,
> which was again replied to by a disciple of Sri Lakshminarasimha Shastri.
> Such is the profoundness of the original work, “Shatakoti”
> that is studied to this day.
>
> Sri Sannidhanam expressed joy at the fact the Royal Court of Mysuru had
> nurtured such scholars of repute.
>
> Anugraha Bhashanam of Sri Mahasannidhanam
>
> In His Anugraha Bhashanam, Sri Mahasannidhanam said that many today,
> despite having wealth, comforts, and a good status in society,
> complain of a lack of peace. This is because of the attitude of people who
> have begun to feel, “Whatever I say must happen”,
> “Why should I listen to another?”, “How is anyone superior to me?” or “In
> what way am I lower than you?”.
>
> A magistrate of a high court had said that he had been presented with
> strange lawsuits such as one wherein the daughter-in-law
> had complained that she was being asked by the mother-in-law to observe
> the Ekadashi Vrata, and another where a tiff between a
> married couple over cleaning vessels had brought them to court!
>
> The Oneness of All
>
> We have to remember that these problems arise out of the ego and sense of
> differences that we harbour.
>
> Sri Adi Shankara Bhagavatpada has stated in a beautiful verse that
> everyone is equal – “त्वयि मयि चान्यत्रैको विष्णुः, व्यर्थं कुप्यसि
> मय्यसहिष्णुः । सर्वस्मिन्नपि पश्यात्मानं सर्वत्र उत्सृज भेदज्ञानम्”
> – “The same divine Consciousness pervades you and me. So why do you become
> intolerant and get angry with me? Be aware of the Self in all.
> Give up the sense of duality and difference.”
>
> When Sri Adi Shankaracharya was walking towards the river Ganga at Kashi
> (for His mid-day bath), He asked a man who had come
> close to Him, to move away. The Acharya was immediately asked, “Who or
> what must move aside? Is it the body that is inert?
> Or the all-pervading Atman? How can you being a Vedantin say so?”. Amazed
> and realising that the Lord Himself had come,
> Sri Adi Shankaracharya prostrated before the questioner. Indeed, it was
> Lord Kashi Vishwanatha who had come. According to Advaita Siddhanta,
> this unity amidst us is inherent and so we have to act accordingly, living
> in amity, without feelings of inferiority or superiority.
>
> The Effect of Desires & Ego
>
> Sri Mahasannidhanam then mentioned that another reason for our lack of
> peace is our ever-increasing desires. People feel frustrated
> when their desires do not come true. Even if they do realize their
> desires, despite rightful or even unjust efforts, people lose
> interest in what has been achieved or obtained within a few days. It has
> to be understood by experience that a reduction in desires
> naturally transforms into an increase in contentment and bliss.
>
> Daivi Sampat or Divine Qualities
>
> Daivi Sampat or the wealth of divine qualities, such as speaking the
> truth, forbearance, humility etc are to be cultivated, if we wish
> to break out of this cycle of births and deaths. The purpose of Vedanta is
> to inspire people to cultivate this Daivi Sampat as a basic
> foundation for spiritual life – “दैवीसम्पद्विमोक्षाय निबन्धायासुरी मता” –
> and free oneself of Aasuri Sampat or demoniac qualities (ego, anger etc.)
> that
> bind us. This has been explained in the 16th chapter of the Bhagavad Gita.
>
> The exposition of Sri Adi Shankara Bhagavatpada is most useful for us.
> That is why the Sringeri Jagadgurus engage in Vedanta Tattva Prachara
> and Dharma Prachara.
>
> Sri Mahasannidhanam then mentioned that historical records are indicative
> of the strong relationship between the Sringeri Jagadgurus
> and the Mysuru Royals, and contain descriptions of many visits of the
> Jagadgurus to Mysuru. Sri Mahasannnidhanam said that in recent times,
> His Guru (Jagadguru Sri Abhinava Vidyatirtha Mahaswamiji) and He Himself
> had graced Mysuru. Sri Mahasannidhanam then blessed the royal scion,
> Sri Yaduveera Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wodeyar, who wishes to continue the
> tradition.
>
> Sri Mahasannidhanam also blessed the elderly author, Sri HLN Shastri who
> has been authoring books for more than half a century now.
> Sri Mahasannidhanam ended His Anugraha Bhashanam expressing joy at the
> huge numbers of ardent devotees at Mysuru and conveying
> His Blessings for all.
>
> Jagadgurus Grace institutions
>
> On March 13, 2017, Sri Mahasannidhanam graced the premises of Sriranga
> Digital Technologies, the firm that has been providing the
> technical expertise for the Advaita Sharada Project, and blessed the
> members of the firm led by Professor Yogananda and Sri Arjun Kashyap.
> Sri Sannidhanam graced the Jnanodaya Pre-University College run under the
> auspices of the Sringeri Math and blessed the staff and
> students of the college.
>
> The Ubhaya Jagadgurus gave Darshan in the morning and blessed the huge
> gathering of devotees with Mantrakshata. In the afternoon,
> Sri Sannidhanam also graced the Sriranga Digital Technologies and enquired
> about the ongoing digitization efforts.
>
> At around 4:30 pm, the Ubhaya Jagadgurus started from Mysuru towards
> Hebbasuru and enroute, blessed the devotees of Nanjangud assembled
> in the Sri Chamundeshwari temple in the outskirts of Nanjangud.
>
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