Category Archives: Spirituality

The Echoes of Communication: Lessons from Lord Hanuman 5 (1)

Generated using Bing

In the early 80s, when Doordarshan was the sole television channel in India, the airwaves were a far cry from today’s multimedia landscape. News bulletins were a rarity, and the All India Radio (AIR) was a trusted source of information. However, amidst the limited programming, Doordarshan managed to captivate audiences with exceptional shows, one of which was a program featuring Ushasri garu and the enigmatic discussion on ‘Dharma Sandehalu.’ What made this program truly exceptional was the participation of luminaries like Viswanadha Pavana Sastry, the son of the legendary Kavi Samrat Viswanadha Satyanarayana, who posed thought-provoking questions to Ushasri garu, sparking engaging discussions.

In a stroke of luck, I stumbled upon a brief video where Ushasri garu extolled the exceptional communication qualities of Lord Hanuman.

Generated using ideogram.ai

Within this discussion, we find profound insights into the art of effective communication and the principle of sound, both of which have timeless relevance.

The Five Principles of Effective Communication:

In the excerpt, Ushasri garu elaborated on the concept of ‘Shabdha Brahman,’ focusing on Lord Hanuman and the ‘Shabda Tatva,’ the Principle of Sound. Here are the five principles of effective communication that he derived from this:

  1. Avistaram – Just say what happened: In the world of communication, clarity is paramount. The first principle, Avistaram, urges us to convey information straightforwardly without embellishment or distortion.
  2. Asandigdham – Say it clearly without being embarrassed or confused: Confusion or embarrassment can muddle the message. Asandigdham encourages us to speak with confidence and certainty.
  3. Avalambitam – Say it without digressing or stretching beyond context: Staying on point is crucial. Avalambitam advises us to avoid unnecessary tangents and focus on the relevant information.
  4. Avyadham – Say it audibly and pleasing to ears: Audibility and clarity go hand in hand. Avyadham reminds us to articulate our thoughts audibly and in a manner that is pleasant to the listener.

These principles offer a timeless guide for effective communication in any context. They remind us that communication is not merely about speaking but also about how we convey our thoughts and ideas.

In summary, these principles emphasize the importance of knowing when, where, how much, with whom, and how to speak. They discourage the use of unacceptable language or expressions, highlighting that as humans, we possess the unique gift of speech, which should be wielded responsibly and thoughtfully.

Generated using Stable Diffusion Xl (Segamind)

Lord Hanuman: A Divine Example of Humility and Service

Beyond his communication prowess, Lord Hanuman stands as a profound symbol of humility and service. Despite possessing the power and capacity to be a king, he remained in the background to assist Sugreeva and Angada. And when he met Lord Rama, he chose to serve him selflessly. These decisions reflects his unwavering commitment to a higher purpose and his willingness to play a supporting role rather than seeking personal glory.

It’s worth noting that Lord Hanuman is revered as Chiranjeevi, an immortal being, and is considered a deity who is perpetually in meditation. This divine meditation signifies his eternal connection to the spiritual realm, a testament to his unwavering devotion.

In today’s world, where political leaders often prioritize personal gain over public service, the example of Lord Hanuman’s humility and selflessness serves as an inspiration. His devotion to a higher cause, combined with his exceptional communication skills, offers a blueprint for leaders who aspire to serve others before themselves.

In conclusion, the echoes of Lord Hanuman’s wisdom on communication and his profound lessons on humility and service continue to resonate across generations. In a world filled with noise and distractions, we can draw inspiration from these timeless principles and strive to communicate effectively and selflessly, just as the revered Lord Hanuman did.

Shirdi Sai Baba’s Wisdom: The Spiritual Lesson of Living Within Your Means 0 (0)

Generated using Ideogram.ai

In the bustling town of Shirdi, there lived a revered saint known as Shirdi Sai Baba. His teachings and divine grace have inspired countless devotees over the years. One of the intriguing aspects of his spiritual guidance was his approach to money and material wealth, emphasizing the importance of living within one’s means.

Baba, as he was lovingly called by his followers, had a unique perspective on money. He believed that wealth could be a stumbling block on the path to spiritual progress. His teachings were not just about receiving blessings in terms of material gains, but also about what he chose not to provide. This distinction sets him apart from other spiritual guides, as he tested his devotees’ intentions through their relationship with money.

In the case of Bhagat Mhalsapati, we see a vivid example of Baba’s philosophy. Mhalsapati was a humble man who struggled to make ends meet. Despite his financial hardships, Baba never allowed him to accumulate wealth or accept money as a solution to his problems. Even when a generous merchant offered Mhalsapati a substantial sum of money in Baba’s presence, the saint firmly denied it. This act may seem puzzling at first, but it reflects a profound lesson in financial wisdom.

Baba’s refusal to let Mhalsapati accumulate wealth was not an act of deprivation but rather a spiritual safeguard. He understood that the allure of money could easily distract one from their spiritual journey. By preventing Mhalsapati from amassing riches, Baba ensured that his devotee remained focused on the pursuit of higher truths and self-realization.

Generated using Bing AI

This teaching of living within one’s means holds a significant lesson for all of us. In a world driven by consumerism and the pursuit of material wealth, it’s easy to lose sight of the importance of managing our finances wisely. Just as Baba guided Mhalsapati to live a simple and content life within his limited means, we too must learn the art of prudent financial management.

The core message here is that before aspiring for a better lifestyle or seeking credit, one must first master the art of living with their earnings, much like spending cash rather than relying on credit. By learning to manage our finances responsibly, we not only ensure our financial well-being but also create a solid foundation for our spiritual growth.

Shirdi Sai Baba’s teachings serve as a timeless reminder that true wealth lies not in the accumulation of material possessions but in the richness of our spiritual connection. His wisdom encourages us to live in the present moment, appreciating what we have, and using our resources wisely to pursue higher revelations and inner peace.

In a world filled with financial complexities, let us take inspiration from Shirdi Sai Baba’s simple yet profound message – to live within our means, manage our earnings wisely, and ultimately, find the path to spiritual enlightenment.

Neethi Satakam Poem: 40 and ‘Ranidi Radu’ 0 (0)

యద్ధాత్రా నిజఫాలపట్టలిఖితం స్తోకం మహద్వా ధనం

తత్ప్రాప్నోతి మరుస్థలే-పి నితరాం మేరౌ చ నాతో-ధికమ్‌ ।

తద్ధీరో భవ విత్తవత్సు కృపణాం వృత్తిం వృథా మా కృథాః

కూపే పశ్య పయోనిధావపి ఘటో గృహ్ణాతి తుల్యం జలమ్‌ ॥ 40


తాత్పర్యము: విధాత నుదుట వ్రాసిన కొంచెము ధనమైనా అది ఎడారి యందున్నా లభించును. నుదుట వ్రాయకున్న ఎదుట ఎంత ధనరాశి యున్ననూ లభించదు. కావున ధనవంతుల గాంచి దిగులు చెందకు. కుండను నూతిలో ముంచినా, సముద్రములో ముంచినా దాని నిండా నీరు మాత్రమే లభించును. సత్యమును గ్రహించుము. అనగా నుదుట యెంత రాసివుంటే దానితోనే తృప్తి చెందాలి గాని దురాశకు పోయినా ఫలితము వుండదు.

Ranidi Radu

ప. రానిది రాదు సురాసురులకైన

అ. పోనిది పోదు భూ-సురులకైన (రా)

చ. దేవేంద్రునికి సు-దేహము పూర్వ
దేవులకమృతమభావమే కాని
ఆ వన చర బాధలా మునులకే కాని
పావన త్యాగరాజ భాగ్యమా శ్రీ రామ (రా)

Meaning:

Related Links:

Thyagaraja Blog

Wikisource