April 8, 2016
Speeches of HH Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Swamiji - Ugadi - April 8, 2016 - Dundigal Ashrama, Hyderabad
Compiled by Smt Hira Duvvuri
Ugadi message
Every festival conveys to us a special message. Many times, the name itself indicates what to expect. Durmukhi, the name of this New Year may suggest something unfavorable, but it is not so. In a manner of speaking it is a name for Sun ***.
Keeping universal wellbeing in mind, *** forewarns us to our great benefit, about future events through the means of this yearly celebration called Ugadi or Yugadi, New Year’s Day as per lunar calendar. *** teaches about what we should do, and what we should not do, what we should grieve about, and what we should not grieve about, how far we should rejoice, and how far we must restrain ourselves, and what the effect of difficulties is upon our minds, He tells us ahead of time what to expect in the coming year.
*** is extremely compassionate. That is why he teaches us what is right and what is wrong. He gives us the freedom to choose and experience the consequences of our deeds. We determine by our behavior the fruits we obtain.
The five features of each day are spelled out in the almanac, the Panchaanga, namely, the lunar phase, the day of the week, the star that rules the day, the yoga, and the karana of each day. One should know the nature of each day, based on these five aspects, and act accordingly to remain in harmony with time. Only when one steps forward each day, as per the indications of these five aspects, life will proceed smoothly and comfortably. Those who reject these rules of conduct, who deny the credence of our Sastras (ancient sciences) will inescapably suffer the consequences. Their life’s journey will be turbulent.
It is wrong to reject the teachings of our Sastras. To say that you have no belief is wrong. The Sastra is eternal. You are not. You leave your body in no time at all. After all, your lifespan is only about 80-90 years. Sastras endure. If you were also imperishable as the Sastras, then, your arguments may hold water, but you and your capacity are miniscule compared to the power of the Sastras. The principles laid out in the Sastras are invulnerable through all time. Since your existence is insignificant in the face of the steadfastness of the Sastras, you have no eligibility to criticize them or to deny the existence of ***. You have no right to deny the existence of a future and to call it all a lie. You cannot dismiss everything as blind belief. Yes, false beliefs should be shunned, but what is prescribed in the Scriptures must be followed. Therefore, no one has the right to deny the veracity or authenticity of our Sastras.
Just because ***, who has answered some of your prayers, has not fulfilled a certain desire of yours, to say that *** has no existence, is wrong. Without ***, you have no existence. You would not have been born. Even the demons came into existence because of ***. They also have a spark of divinity in them, perhaps. It is better to be careful. To ignore the edicts of Sastras is not good. It does not bode well. It causes great harm to the individual, to the family, and to the country. That is why we all have to bow down and surrender to the rules laid down by *** in our scriptures.
On Ugadi Day, we must rise early, take a head bath, wear clean clothes, and maintain a pure mind. When the body, clothes, and surroundings are clean and tidy, the mind and the family also tend to be clean. We must always maintain cleanliness. If we do, other paraphernalia for warding off evil are not required. The very looks of a home and how it is kept indicates whether the environment there is calm or troubled. Mind the place where you reside and keep it clean and tidy. Keep it uncluttered. Attired in clean clothes, approach Guru and elders for their blessings. Offer worship to *** and consume the Ugadi Pacchadi. It is actually Prasadam, a gift from ***, from the presiding deity of the Ugadi festival, Time incarnate.
As you consume the Ugadi Chutney, chant the prayer:
“Sarvaarishta… bhakshanam.” You pray for a life full of vigor and strength.
You must listen from the elders, the foretelling as per the almanac, the events to expect during the coming year and plan the year accordingly.
Ugadi is the first day of Chaitra month, which occurs in the Vasanta Ritu, the spring season, the first and the most pleasant of all six seasons. It lifts the hearts of all in joy and merriment. It helps one to forget all bitter experiences of the past.
Beginning the first day of the year, we step forward with a clear determination for a bright future. New goals sprout to pave the path of the future. This festival destroys inertia and fills one with vigor. This is the day Brahma began Creation. Ugadi is a good day to make fresh, positive resolutions. We must learn what lies ahead, and placing complete faith in the way shown by ***, we must all fulfill the purpose of our lives by following His instructions.
The name of this New Year is Durmukhi. During this year, everyone must beware of thieves and robbers. Robberies will increase. I urge womenfolk to wear only fake jewelry and not to carry valuables in their purses. When repeatedly the thieves find useless articles that they have stolen, perhaps they will get discouraged and will give up their wicked activity. Normally it is women’s jewelry, cash, and watches which get stolen. To be successful in life, we must learn to deceive deception with deception.
People have a tendency to accumulate more things than required. They buy clothes and footwear they do not even have the time to wear. People try to show off their possessions which they have never used. This must be avoided. Even during this time of inflation, many people, not realizing the value of food or grains, cook excess amounts and throw away left overs. You must stop that. Those who go hungry weep at the wastage you indulge in. So much food is wasted.
I warn you, hereafter, I will make you keep the rotting uncovered food in your own homes for a few days to endure the stink it emanates. It is an order for the people living in the ashram. I will show no mercy. If you act irresponsibly and refuse to pay heed, I am forced to impose punishment. Daily wastage in the trash bins is excessive. It is devotees who volunteer to help in waste disposal. The bins are getting too heavy for them to lift. This is just an example.
This is happening not just in the ashram, but in many families. You may keep the leftover rice and eat it the next day, by adding some seasoning. We never used to waste food during the early days of the ashram. That is why I am strong. Today, if you are leading happy, comfortable lives, it is because we led responsible lives earlier. Please do not throw away food either in homes or in temples.
This year, lies and deception will be on the rise. Provocative speech will lead to quarrels, divorces, and break up of relationships. Even those who have been married for forty years will contemplate divorce. This is due to the escalation of the influence of Kali, since we are now in Kali Yuga. After bearing ten children, people break up. I caution all spouses, children, siblings, and parents to avoid unnecessary arguments and discussions, which will lead to the spoiling of relationships. You will otherwise face enmities even amongst family members. You will create ill will by talking too much. Refrain from retorting or responding to provocative speech. Control your speech. Instead of ten words, speak only one word or remain silent.
During this year, rulers and leaders will be good and cooperative. This is a good sign.
Everyone should be very careful in following and maintaining traditions. We must not change our good habits and family customs. Then you will have a good life. Obtain the benefits offered by such practices during this year.
Food will be plentiful. Please do not waste it. Please conserve.
Nine presiding deities for this year: Venus is king. Mercury is both minister and army commander. Saturn rules the flora and vegetation. Venus rules grains. Mercury presides over water and rains. Moon presides over Rasa and Saturn presides over Neerasa. So we have to be careful. Seven are favorable and two are unfavorable.
Cattle and agriculture will flourish. Timely rains will occur. We are right now suffering from drought, and shortage of water.
Overall, good prevails over bad. Sometimes we are afraid of controversial statements. If a man is on his deathbed and is wished a long life, what does it mean? The doctor has declared that the person is about to die. Yet, the priest blesses him with long life. Even in death, blessings are received. Perhaps in the next life, he will live long. Elders always wish well and bless even wicked persons.
By the blessings of Kaala Purusha, the presiding deity over Time, may everyone be blessed with strength to endure with balance both pleasure and pain.
Jaya Guru Datta
Sri Guru Datta
Speech in the evening
Ugadi songs
Hearing the name Durmukhi (‘evil face’- is the meaning of the name of this New Year) many are afraid. Only the name is unpleasant, the rewards the year gives are good. Therefore, there is no need for anyone to entertain any fear.
***, who always protects us, is not going to punish us. If He should punish, we must understand that it is only for the purpose of protecting us. We hear of global warming. It is very hot. No rains. People are anxious and afraid. Men’s minds are troubled, we may think. In every eon, such changes occur in nature. There is no need to fear. ***’s Creation is such.
A rose is beautiful and yet, it is surrounded by thorns. It is not easy to access and hold. Similarly, a lotus is lovely, yet, it is stationed in mud, and not easy for us to access. Many fruits are also like that, such as Sitaphala, Jack fruit, and tender coconut water. They are not easy to access and consume. If everything is too easy to obtain, it makes it difficult for us to know the truth about ourselves or about ***, to understand the nature of the Soul. All this is as it should be. We have to accept and follow. We have to move ahead. Just because it is too sunny outside, we cannot just sit at home. Similarly, just because there are rains, we cannot avoid going out.
Without sunshine, we cannot survive. We may think that artificially we can create comforts. But ***, in His measures to balance things in Nature will keep adjusting conditions. In so many eons, so many calamities and deluges have occurred. Untimely rains, drought, and such have occurred. We must adjust to the varying conditions and continue to survive. *** has taught us how to do it. He has given us the strength to endure hot, cold, and wet weather. He has given us the strength to face difficulties. He has given us the capacity to enjoy comforts without succumbing to ego.
Every year, some changes will occur. Scientists tell us that gradually the oceans are encroaching upon land. Let it be. None of this is ours. It is all ***’s Creation. It is His will. We are merely puppets in His hands. But we act independently, and within one century, feel that we have the capacity to reverse the conditions on this planet earth. Despite all your strategies, inventions, and manipulations, everything has to eventually merge in the flow of Time.
In some areas, they have conserved and saved enough water in one day to meet the needs of a thousand people. When there is excessive rain, they save the water in large sumps. They use the water for an entire year. Farmers use this method. Today farmers face problems with lack of rains and with excessive rainfall.
With proper strategy we have to manage to live with these vagaries of nature. People complain that there is no water in the bore well. But we have the capacity to increase ground water supply. A bore well may be revived. A second well can be dug and made to fill up with rain water.
Today we know that solar energy can easily be tapped and used. When there is shortage of electricity, with the solar power harnessed in one day, for some years we can keep our homes lit. Cooking can be done with solar power. The rockets we send out into space are self-propelled. With solar energy, scientists are able to make vehicles move. *** is the greatest of all scientists. He has made this Creation that runs by its own power. But we are not making good use of our resources.
Today, farmers who are pious souls, are committing suicide. Those who provide food for us are in dire straits. There is no need for them to go to such extremes. Life once lost cannot be reclaimed. One must strive to protect life and never consider giving it up. *** has taught us how to protect lives. Out of laziness we fail to make proper efforts. We have seen how in barren, rocky soil, harvests are produced. In five acres of land where it never rains, farmers have produced a bumper crop.
Money lenders will never take lives. Out of cowardice, we take our own lives. Yes. We borrowed for creating crops. Crops have failed. We are unable to pay. Just say so. Even the government is helping. They are doing twenty per cent. They should do more. We will make an appeal. But we will also try to come up with better strategies to succeed.
Students are spoiling their studies by getting involved in revolutionary activities. They are losing valuable study time in their lives. After completing studies, there is plenty of time to engage in chosen activities. Now life has been prolonged. You can prevent wastage of time. We must first complete what we have set out to do, with focus, without getting side-tracked and fulfill our life’s purpose.
In this Durmukhi year, follow the almanac. Where difficulties are indicated, search for solutions. If one persists, solutions will be found.
May all devout persons understand that Durmukhi is another name for the Sun who gives life to all beings on earth. It means a glowing flame. He never takes lives. No need to fear Durmukhi. I reiterate. I pray to Lord Datta and to Lord Hanuman that students will thrive, businessmen will succeed, the sick will remain courageous and will get healed, the farmers will produce good harvests, and people will develop good minds and will turn more towards spirituality.
The moment the name of Hanuman is chanted, we gain confidence. We must become mentally strong. We must not give in to doubts and hesitation. Keep praying. Do not keep worrying about problems.
Jaya Guru Datta
Sri Guru Datta
Bhajan: Jagadapyayana Anjaneya
We have exceeded 1,800 crores of Hanuman Chalisa chanting. The Chanting continues worldwide. Only two of eleven Yajnas have been conducted so far. We plan to have one such Yajna in Hyderabad during November-December. The date will be announced later. All of you get ready to attend. In different countries, the Yajnas are being conducted.
Why not we do it here? The effect of the Hanuman Chalisa Parayana is spreading globally in many countries. It is without count. Through the Internet, Hanuman’s name is resounding everywhere. Swamiji had announced last year that Hanuman alone is our refuge. He alone protects our Mother Earth. He is the one who protects us all. When he is there to protect us, we have no fear.
Whether one has devotion or not, the image of Hanuman attracts everyone. Even those who follow other religions develop a liking for Hanuman. In China, the Monkey *** presides over this year. Swamiji will go to China this year to present a concert. He also is going to give concerts in Japan and New Zealand. In Trinidad a Yajna will be conducted. In London they are building a huge Hanuman Temple. In America, the Hanuman Temple has already been built and is gaining fame day by day. More Christians are visiting this temple, whether you believe it or not. Every week, Christian leaders are visiting the temple.
School children are visiting the temple and chanting the Hanuman Chalisa there. Their leader is Hanuman Himself. How can they remain without chanting his glories?
Hanuman has no form. He is formless. Everyone likes Hanuman. Hanuman is not only in my heart, he has pervaded the entire earth. He is in the form of air. We cannot live without air. Our breath is Hanuman. That is why he is called Prana Deva, the *** of Life Energy. Madhvas worship him as such. Without life energy, we cannot move, speak, or eat.
Tulasi Das has composed the Hanuman Chalisa which carries the essence of Sundara Kanda. It is a Mantra which protects the entire world.
Let us chant the Hanuman Chalisa now. Everyone knows it by heart. Let us sing it.
Kishkindha Moolika Bonsai Garden is like the Garden of Dwarf Trees grown by Dadhimukha, the uncle of King Sugreeva. He grew these trees in the small space between two hills. He nurtured a variety of trees. He harvested rare fruits even out of season and gifted them to the king. Later he even stopped sharing them, out of a selfish interest. When the monkey army learned that Mother Sita was seen and that she was safe, in their jubilation and desire to celebrate, it invaded this rare and precious garden, consuming its produce, and destroyed it. Dadhimukha got angry.
Sugreeva did not object. Everyone was happy about the happy news about Sita. Sri Rama at that time went to visit the garden. That is the beginning of bonsai culture of growing miniature trees. There was a treasure house of tree species in that special garden.
Now in Mysuru Ashrama, there are herbal trees grown in miniature form. There are over 400 specimens. A world conference is going to be held this December. From different countries experts are going to gather to exchange knowledge about the special growing techniques. From all over India, Bonsai enthusiasts are going to bring for display their prized specimens. Truckloads will arrive. It will be a bonsai bonanza. We will all be transported for four or five days to the days of the Ramayana, in Mysuru Ashrama.
Do not miss the opportunity to participate in this event if you are a Datta devotee or a Hanuman devotee. We will be publishing a large Souvenir. You may sponsor a page and run your greetings or photos in it. Just a handful of my devotees can run the whole show, but it is not to my liking to do it that way. I want everyone to take part, in a small or big way, as per what you can afford. I am informing everyone. Do not complain that you were not informed.
You may sponsor in different ways, by sponsoring travel expenses or transportation expenses for the trees. Hundreds of trucks will bring trees. Rooms have to be reserved ahead of time to find accommodation. I am giving you a heads up. All those who have obtained benefit from Swamiji or are going to benefit from Swamiji in the future must take this project up, and make it a grand success.
SGS Panchangam app in Telugu is now launched. You may access the almanac now on your mobile phones and obtain information in detail.
Sri Guru Datta