20 Pain Killers in your Kitchen

20 Pain Killers in your Kitchen

 *Make muscle pain a memory with ginger*

When Danish researchers asked achy people to jazz up their diets with ginger, it eased muscle and joint pain, swelling and stiffness for up to 63 per cent of them within two months. Experts credit ginger’s potent compounds called gingerols, which prevent the production of pain-triggering hormones. The study-recommended dose: Add at least 1 teaspoon of dried ginger or 2 teaspoons of chopped ginger to meals daily.

*Cure a toothache with cloves*

*Got a toothache and can’t get to the dentist? Gently chewing on a clove can ease tooth pain and gum inflammation for two hours straight, say UCLA researchers. Experts point to a natural compound in cloves called eugenol, a powerful, natural anesthetic. Bonus: Sprinkling a ¼ teaspoon of ground cloves on meals daily may also protect your ticker. Scientists say this simple action helps stabilize blood sugar, plus dampen production of artery-clogging cholesterol in as little as three weeks.*

*Heal heartburn with cider vinegar*

Sip 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar mixed with 8 ounces of water before every meal, and experts say you could shut down painful bouts of heartburn in as little as 24 hours. “Cider vinegar is rich in malic and tartaric acids, powerful digestive aids that speed the breakdown of fats and proteins so your stomach can empty quickly, before food washes up into the esophagus, triggering heartburn pain,” explains Joseph Brasco, M.D., a gastroenterologist at the Center for Colon and Digestive Diseases in Huntsville, AL.

*Erase earaches with garlic*

Painful ear infections drive millions of Americans to doctors’ offices every year. To cure one fast, just place two drops of warm garlic oil into your aching ear twice daily for five days. This simple treatment can clear up ear infections faster than prescription meds, say experts at the University of New Mexico School of Medicine. Scientists say garlic’s active ingredients (germanium, selenium, and sulfur compounds) are naturally toxic to dozens of different pain-causing bacteria. To whip up your own garlic oil gently simmer three cloves of crushed garlic in a half a cup of extra virgin olive oil for two minutes, strain, then refrigerate for up to two weeks, suggests Teresa Graedon, Ph.D., co-author of the book, *Best Choices From The People’s Pharmacy*. For an optimal experience, warm this mix slightly before

using so the liquid will feel soothing in your ear canal.

*Chase away joint and headache pain with cherries*

Latest studies show that at least one in four women is struggling with arthritis, gout or chronic headaches. If you’re one of them, a daily bowl of cherries could ease your ache, without the stomach upset so often triggered by today’s painkillers, say researchers at East Lansing ’s Michigan State University . Their research reveals that anthocyanins, the compounds that give cherries their brilliant red color, are anti-inflammatories 10 times stronger than ibuprofen and aspirin. “Anthocyanins help shut down the powerful enzymes that kick-start tissue inflammation, so they can prevent, as well as treat, many different kinds of pain,” explains Muraleedharan Nair, Ph.D., professor of food science at Michigan State University . His advice: Enjoy 20 cherries (fresh, frozen or dried) daily, then continue until your pain disappears.

 *Fight tummy troubles with fish*

Indigestion, irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel diseases...if your belly always seems to be in an uproar, try munching 18 ounces of fish weekly to ease your misery. Repeated studies show that the fatty acids in fish, called EPA and DHA, can significantly reduce intestinal inflammation, cramping and belly pain and, in some cases, provide as much relief as corticosteroids and other prescription meds. “EPA and DHA are powerful, natural, side effect-free anti-inflammatories , that can dramatically improve the function of the entire gastrointestinal tract,” explains biological chemist Barry Sears, Ph.D., president of the Inflammation Research Foundation in Marblehead , MA . For best results, look for oily fish like salmon, sardines, tuna, mackerel, trout and herring.

*Prevent PMS with yogurt*

Up to 80 percent of women will struggle with premenstrual syndrome and its uncomfortable symptoms, report Yale researchers. The reason: Their nervous systems are sensitive to the ups and downs in estrogen and progesterone that

occur naturally every month. But snacking on 2 cups of yogurt a day can slash these symptoms by 48 percent, say researchers at New York ’s Columbia University. “Yogurt is rich in calcium, a mineral that naturally calms the nervous system, preventing painful symptoms even when hormones are in flux,” explains Mary Jane Minkin, M.D., a professor of gynecology at Yale University.

 *Tame chronic pain with turmeric*

Studies show turmeric, a popular East Indian spice, is actually three times more effective at easing pain than aspirin, ibuprofen or naproxen, plus it can help relieve chronic pain for 50 percent of people struggling with arthritis and even fibromyalgia, according to Cornell researchers. That’s because turmeric’s active ingredient, curcumin, naturally shuts down cyclooxygenase 2, an enzyme that churns out a stream of pain-producing hormones, explains nutrition researcher Julian Whitaker, M.D. and author of the book,*Reversing Diabetes*. The study-recommended dose: Sprinkle 1/4 teaspoon of this spice daily onto any rice, poultry, meat or vegetable dish.

*End endometrial pain with oats*

 The ticket to soothing endometriosis pain could be a daily bowl of oatmeal. Endometriosis occurs when little bits of the uterine lining detach and grow outside of the uterus. Experts say these migrating cells can turn menstruation into a misery, causing so much inflammation that they trigger severe cramping during your period, plus a heavy ache that drags on all month long. Fortunately, scientists say opting for a diet rich in oats can help reduce endometrial pain for up to 60 percent of women within six months. That’s because oats don’t contain gluten, a trouble-making protein that triggers inflammation in many women, making endometriosis difficult to bear, explains Peter Green, M.D., professor of medicine at Colombia University .

*Soothe foot pain with salt*

Experts say at least six million Americans develop painful ingrown toenails each year. But regularly soaking ingrown nails in warm salt water baths can cure these painful infections within four days, say scientists at California ’s Stanford University . The salt in the mix naturally nixes inflammation, plus it’s anti-bacterial, so it quickly destroys the germs that cause swelling and pain. Just mix 1 teaspoon of salt into each cup of water, heat to the warmest temperature that you can comfortably stand, and then soak the affected foot area for 20 minutes twice daily, until your infection subsides.

*Prevent digestive upsets with pineapple*

Got gas? One cup of fresh pineapple daily can cut painful bloating within 72 hours, say researchers at California ’s Stanford University . That's because pineapple is natually packed with proteolytic enzymes, digestive aids that help speed the breakdown of pain-causing proteins in the stomach and small intestine, say USDA researchers.

 *Relax painful muscles with peppermint*

Suffering from tight, sore muscles? Stubborn knots can hang around for months if they aren’t properly treated, says naturopath Mark Stengler, N.D., author of the book, *The Natural Physician’s Healing Therapies*. His advice: Three times each week, soak in a warm tub scented with 10 drops of peppermint oil. The warm water will relax your muscles, while the peppermint oil will naturally soothe your nerves -- a combo that can ease muscle cramping 25 percent more effectively than over-the-counter painkillers, and cut the frequency of future flare-ups in half, says Stengler.

*Give your back some TLC with grapes*

Got an achy back? Grapes could be the ticket to a speedy recovery. Recent studies at Ohio State University suggest eating a heaping cup of grapes daily can relax tight blood vessels, significantly improving blood flow to damaged back tissues (and often within three hours of enjoying the first bowl). That’s great news because your back’s vertebrae and shock-absorbing discs are completely dependent on nearby blood vessels to bring them healing nutrients and oxygen, so improving blood flow is essential for healing damaged back tissue, says Stengler.

*Wash away pain injuries with water*

 Whether it’s your feet, your knees or your shoulders that are throbbing, experts at New York ’s Manhattan College , say you could kick-start your recovery in one week just by drinking eight 8-ounce glasses of water daily. Why? Experts say water dilutes, and then helps flush out, histamine, a pain-triggering compound produced by injured tissues. “Plus water is a key building block of the cartilage that cushions the ends of your bones, your joints’ lubricating fluid, and the soft discs in your spine,” adds Susan M. Kleiner, Ph.D., author of the book, *The Good Mood Diet*. “And when these tissues are well-hydrated, they can move and glide over each other without causing pain.” One caveat: Be sure to measure your drinking glasses to find out how large they really are before you start sipping, she says. Today’s juice glasses often hold more than 12 ounces, which means five servings could be enough to meet your daily goal.

*Heal sinus problems with horseradish*

Latest studies show sinusitis is the nation’s number one chronic health problem. And this condition doesn’t just spur congestion and facial pain, it also makes sufferers six times *more* likely to feel achy all-over. Horseradish to the rescue! According to German researchers, this eye-watering condiment naturally revs up blood flow to the sinus cavities, helping to open and drain clogged sinuses and heal sinus infections more quickly than decongestant sprays do. The study-recommended dose: One teaspoon twice daily (either on its own, or used as a sandwich or meat topping) until symptoms clear.

*Beat bladder infections with blueberries*

Eating 1 cup of blueberries daily, whether you opt for them fresh, frozen or in juice form, can cut your risk of a urinary tract infection (UTIs) by 60 percent, according to researchers at New Jersey’s Rutgers University. That's because blueberries are loaded with tannins, plant compounds that wrap around problem-causing bacteria in the bladder, so they can’t get a toehold and create an infection, explains Amy Howell, Ph.D. a scientist at Rutgers University .

*Heal mouth sores with honey*

Dab painful canker and cold sores with unpasteurized honey four times daily until these skin woes disappear, and they’ll heal 43 percent faster than if you use a prescription cream, say researchers at the Dubai Specialized Medical Center in the United Arab Emirates . Raw honey’s natural enzymes zap inflammation, destroy invading viruses and speed the healing of damaged tissues, say the study authors.

 *Fight breast pain with flax*

In one recent study, adding 3 tablespoons of ground flax to their daily diet eased breast soreness for one in three women within 12 weeks. Scientists credit flax’s phytoestrogens, natural plant compounds that prevent the estrogen spikes that can trigger breast pain. More good news: You don’t have to be a master baker to sneak this healthy seed into your diet. Just sprinkle ground flax on oatmeal, yogurt, applesauce or add it to smoothies and veggie dips.

*Cure migraines with coffee*

Prone to migraines? Try muscling-up your painkiller with a coffee chaser. Whatever over-the-counter pain med you prefer, researchers at the National Headache Foundation say washing it down with a strong 12- ounce cup of coffee will boost the effectiveness of your medication by 40 percent or more. Experts say caffeine stimulates the stomach lining to absorb painkillers more quickly and more effectively.

 *Tame leg cramps with tomato juice*

At least one in five people regularly struggle with leg cramps. The culprit? Potassium deficiencies, which occur when this mineral is flushed out by diuretics, caffeinated beverages or heavy perspiration during exercise. But sip 10 ounces of potassium-rich tomato juice daily and you'll not only speed your recovery, you'll reduce your risk of painful cramp flare-ups in as little as 10 days, say UCLA researchers.

Let God fight your battles for you....

A story from Panchatantra: Our eyes become blind when fate is ready to strike its blow

Our eyes become blind when fate is ready to strike its blow. A story from Panchatantra of Vishnu Sharma

There was a city named Mahlaaropya in the Southern Region. Not far away from the centre of the city there grew a huge banyan tree and it was a virtual city for various kinds of birds who built their comfortable nests in various branches of the tree . The fruits of the tree and the worms that hid in the holes between branched provided sumptuous food for the birds.

It is wisely stated. “A tree is worth its existence only if worms live in their crevices, birds built their nests in the foliage, the wayfarers and animals rested in their shadows, monkey jumped from branch to branch and beetles drank honey from its flowers. Other trees are only waste loads for the mother earth.”

A crow by name Laghupatanaka stayed in the tree. Once when he way on his foray for food, he saw the fearful figure of a fowler with hair tied up, pitch dark in colour with flat feet, holding a trap for the birds in his huge hand walking along the jungle path. He feared that the fellow was heading towards their tree and immediately flew home, called a conference of the birds and informed them that there was a Fowler on the prowl, and the inhabitants should not get hoodwinked by the antics of the fellow. He would come near the tree, spread his invisible net with many catches on the ground and spread fulsome granis of rice and corn in plenty to attract the birds.

“ My dear friends, even if you see the entire ground filled with rice and other grains, you should not move from your nests. Stay close to your kin and confine yourself to the safety of your nests.” The crow warned.

The birds who had heard this from the wise crow obeyed his advise in letter and spirit. The fowler spread the net and the grains and waited in vain.

As luck would have it, the king of doves, Chitragreeva with his subjects numbering one thousand flew that way. All of them had been in flight for quite some time and were tired. They saw the grains spread over the ground but could not see the net spred with so much of cunning by the fowler. Laghupatanaka sitting in the banyan tree was shouting warning words to the doves not to come to ground to eat the grains. But greedy were the doves, and they were tired too. They suspected that the crow was trying to drive them away because he wanted to have all the grain for himself. And fate was definitely working against them, and greed and hunger took the upper hand.

Even otherwise who can answer the questions like, why did Ravana who knew that it was a sin to steal the wife of someone else commit the sin? Why did the most knowledgeable Rama believe that there could be a deer made of gold? How did Dharmaputra, fully knowing the dangers and evil results of playing dice, perform so many bids opposed even to dharma and got defeated and went to forest in disgrace? The only answer could be that when one is about to fall prey to a dangerous situation, his good senses will take leave of him, and he will do silly and dangerous things. Once tied by the rope of fate even the greatest of people will lose their good sense. Such fate befell Chitragreeva and his team.

With competitive avarice and greed the descended upon the ground to gobble up all the grain and the wily fowled released the catch of his net and every dove was trapped with iron fetters. The fowler was quick on his heels running towards the trapped birds with a huge stick to beat them all to death. The ingenuity in Chitragreeva started working. He told his colleagues.”We are trapped, and than man is going to beat us to death. Let us all work together and fly in unison carrying the net along with us.” The doves flew away with the net along with them. The fowler cursed his fate.

Chirtagreeva was telling his friends.” Let us fly as far away from the fowler as we could. We can land in some safe ground and try to untie the traps on our legs and fly to liberty. When our destruction is almost sure, we should not lose our heart. We should do our best in us to survive. If we die meekly, we will have no peace even in the netherworld.”

Once out of the eye-range of the fowler, Chitragreeva said.. “Friends, in the town of Mahilaropya, I have a dear friend, a rat named Hiranyaka. He is very wise. He will definitely find some method to release us. “ So the doves flew toward Mahilaropya and landed before the wide living hole of Hiranyaka the wise rate.

Hiranyaka was always conscious of his safety. He would take extra care to avoid cats and snakes. So his hole was a virtual fortress with hundred doors for exit. He could escape through one hole at the face of any danger.

He lived upto the dictum, “ A snake without its poison fangs, an elephant without rut, and a leader without a fortress can be defeated by anyone.” So he was careful.

Chritrgreevaa knocked at one of the doors of the fortress and shouted, “ My friend, come out and help us. Hiranyaka, this is your friend Chitragreeva the king of doves facing in utter danger".

Hiranyaka recognized his friend through his voice, and came out eager to help. He said. “ A dear friend is always welcome to my house. My existence has found its meaning by the visit of my bosom friend and his companions.” Chitragreeva explained to his friend his predicament. The rat came out and started to cut the knot at the feet of Chitragreeva first with his sharp teeth. Chitragreeva did not agree. “ If you are a true friend, you should release all my dependents first and then alone I will think of my liberty. If you start cutting my trap and your teeth get broken, then the fate of all who are dependent on me would be miserable".

Hiranyaka was pleased beyond measure. “ You are a real king and a real friend. The welfare of others are more important to you than that of your own. An ideal king should be like that.”

Saying this, he gradually cut the traps of all the doves and gave them a sumptuous feast in honour of his friend.

However, the rat could not help wondering to himself, “ A bird sees its food from hundreds of feet away but does see the trap which is very near it. The sun and moon get eclipsed. The cunning elephants, snakes and other animals fall into traps. How does it happen?’

Chitragreeva replied, “It is fate that is at work. Our eyes become blind when fate is ready to strike its blow.”

The Secret of Pray

One day, one friend asked another, 'How is it that you are always so happy? You have so much energy, and you never seem to get down.. '

With her eyes smiling, she said, ' I know the Secret!' 'What secret is that? ' To which she replied, I'll tell you all about it, But you have to promise to Share the Secret with others.'

'The Secret is this: I have learned there is little I can do In my life that will make me truly happy I must depend on God to make Me happy and to meet my needs. When a need arises in my life, I have to trust God to supply According to HIS riches. I have learned most of the time I don ' t need half of what I think I do. He has never let me down. Since I learned that ' Secret ' , I am happy.'

The questioner's first thought was, ' That's too simple! ' But upon reflecting over her own life She recalled how she thought a bigger house Would make her happy, but it didn't! She thought a better paying job Would make her happy, but it hadn't. When did she realize her greatest happiness? Sitting on the floor with her grandchildren, Playing games, eating pizza or reading a story, A simple gift from God.

Now you know it too! We can't depend on people to make us happy. Only GOD in His infinite wisdom can do that. Trust HIM! And now I pass the Secret on to you! So once you get it, what will you do?

YOU have to tell someone the Secret, too!

That GOD in His wisdom will take care of YOU! But it ' s not really a secret... We just have to believe it and do it.. Really trust God! I just did and hope you will too.

LETS PRAY QUICKLY

Oh God, I pray you open doors for the person who sent me this as well as those I am sending it to. Only you can open doors no man can close and for that we honor you today. Thank you for the open doors of life, health, strength, prosperity, wealth, and love. Also, thank you for closing the doors of death, sickness, weakness, despair, poverty, and bitterness. We love you today Lord and give you all the glory and all the praise.

If you need God to open a door, pray this prayer for the person who sent it to you and for those you are sending it to.

Believe in your heart and you shall receive what God has for you.

I need a door to open... God closes doors no man can open & God opens doors no man can close.

Even if you do not need God to open some doors for you pass it on anyway.

"To have God in our side doesn't mean sailing on a boat with no storms, it means having a boat that no storm can sink!"

OM

It is also known as Pranavam, the most sacred symbol and first found in the Vedic scriptures of Hindu philosophy. 

OM has been seen as the first manifestation of the unmanifest Brahman (the single Divine Ground of Hinduism) .

Indeed, OM is so sacred that it is prefixed to all Hindu mantras and incantations. It is undoubtedly the most representative symbol of Hinduism.

Pranavam means: 

"there is no world for you"

"That which leads to salvation"

"that which leads to new knowledge"

The symbol OM means an excellent boat to cross the ocean of worldly existence.

Pranavam or Om does not represent any particular god, but Parabrahmam not having any form.

The wonder plant NEEM

The wonder plant NEEM

The Neem tree is a fast growing evergreen that is native to Pakistan, India, Bangladesh and Myanmar. This amazing tree is claimed to treat forty different diseases. All the parts of the tree is used for treating illness, the leaves, fruit, seeds and even the bark all contain medicinal properties. The use of neem as a medicinal herb dates back over 5,000 years. Today it’s benefits have been proven by scientific research and clinical trials. And, although few of us have access to a neem tree, it can be purchased in the form of oil, powder and pills. To give you an idea of the healing powers of the neem tree, here are a few names that the people of India have given it, “Divine Tree”, “Village Pharmacy”, “Heal All” and “Nature’s Drugstore”. With the almost ending list of uses for neem, I think it could be called, ” The Tree of Life”! In treating diabetes, neem has been found to actually reduce the insulin requirements by as much as 50% without altering the blood glucose levels. Take 3 to 5 drops internally each day. Neem cleanses the blood, stimulates antibody protection and strengthens the immune system which improves the bodies resistance to many diseases. Used as a mouth wash it treats infections, mouth ulcers, bleeding sore gums and will even help prevent tooth decay! For pink eye the juice of neem leaves can be used as eye drops, warm 5-10 ml and apply several drops. To treat jaundice, mix 30 ml of neem juice with 15 ml of honey, take on an empty stomach for seven days. If you suffer from burning sensations and excessive sweating, add 5 to 10 drops of neem oil in a glass of milk before going to bed. Proclaimed the best product available in treating psoriasis, 2 capsules should be taken three times daily after meals with a glass of water. Another way to treat psoriasis as well as eczema, skin ulcers, fungal conditions, cold sores and athletes foot, is to mix 1 tablespoon neem oil and 4 ounces of olive oil. This should be applied at least twice daily to the affected areas. For acne problems take 2 capsules twice daily, you will start to see results within a few days. To remove moles and warts, one drop of undiluted neem oil should be directly to the mole or wart and then covered with a small bandage. The procedure should be repeated daily using fresh oil and clean bandage. For sinusitis, plain pure neem oil can be used as nasal drops. Use tow drops twice daily, morning and evening. For athletes foot, soak feet in warm water with 15 ml of neem oil. Neem oil will quickly stop earaches, just warm some oil and apply a few drops into the ear. For hemorrhoids, apply some neem oil to a cotton ball and gently rub for about a week. If preferred a paste can be made by adding a small amount of olive oil or Aloe Vera oil until desired consistency is reached. To prevent hair loss and enhance growth, mix a few drops of neem oil with coconut or olive oil and massage into scalp. This will even prevent your hair from graying! Neem oil can be applied to cuts and abrasions to help them heal quickly. Neem increases blood flow which aids in creating the collagen fibers that helps the wounds to close. As a treatment for burns and even sunburn, neem oil can kill the bacteria, reduce the pain and stimulate the immune system. By stimulating the immune system it speeds up the healing process and there is less scarring. To kill head lice, neem oil should be massaged into the scalp and left on over night. Shampoo your hair as usual the next morning. Neem detoxifies the body and helps maintain healthy circulatory systems, digestive and respiratory systems and helps to keep the urinary tract free of infections. Scientific evidence has shown that neem is valuable in boosting the bodies immune system. A healthier immune system helps your body in fighting off many illness and diseases. Laboratory studies have proven neem to be effective in treating the symptoms of food poisoning associated with both salmonella and staphylococcus. Neem extracts kill the salmonella bacteria and flush it out of your system, reducing the severity and length of the ailment. A neem paste applied directly to the sores caused by chicken pox, will relieve the itching and reduce scarring. Neem tea drank once or twice weekly can even help prevent colds. If you already have the symptoms associated with a cold they can be lessened by drinking neem tea three times a day. It will help alleviate the fever, cough, aches and pains, sore throat, fatigue and nasal congestion. Neem also contains powerful anti-fungal properties that have been shown to aide in the treatment of athletes foot, yeast infections, thrush and even ringworm. In it’s use of treating hepatitis, 80% of test subjects showed a significant improvement. The neem extract can actually block the infection that causes this virus. Drinking neem tea during an outbreak of influenza will help alleviate some of the symptoms and speed up the recovery time. Neem has an amazing ability to literally surround viruses and prevent them from even infecting the cells. Use of a neem based powder for jock itch will reduce the itching, dry the area and kill the fungus. For severe cases a neem lotion may be more effective. The length and severity of an outbreak of mononucleosis can be decreased by drinking neem tea twice a day for two weeks. For shingles, neem cream should be applied to the affected area at least three times per day. Severe cases should also be treated with neem tea after each meal, but tea should not be consumed for more than two weeks at a time. Thrush can be effectively treated with neem tea, it will reduce the inflammation, reduce the pain and speed healing. Children under the age of 12 should not drink neem tea, for children this young it should only be used to gargle. Secondary bacterial infections in the nasal passages and respiratory system can be decreased by inhaling steam from boiling the leaves. In a recent study neem was shown to lower cholesterol levels when taken for a month in either the capsule form or the extract. Scientific studies have proven that neem will reduce blood clots, heart irregularities and even reduce blood pressure. Results can be seen within one month on a regimen of extract or capsules. Neem will increase the bodies production of T-cells, which will attack infections. The use of neem oil on the skin is known to actually rejuvenate the skin, it also promotes collagen and will work in the treatment of many skin conditions including acne. Acne can be cleared up with a few day by taking two neem capsules twice daily. It is reported that neem will help in fighting chronic fatigue. For headaches neem powder should be applied to the forehead, neem oil should also work in combating headaches when used the same way. The inflammation, pain and swelling of the joints associated with arthritis can be greatly relieved with the use of neem. Neem changes the immune systems response to arthritis and can halt the progress of this disease. For centuries neem has been used to reduce tumors. Clinical research has shown remarkable effects in the reduction of tumors and cancers and also in treating leukemia. Neem is highly effective in treating gastritis, indigestion and heartburn. Blood disorders such as blood poisoning, kidney problems and poor circulation have been benefited by the use of neem. With all of the countless medicinal benefits that are already provided with the use of neem, it is also being studied very closely for a treatment for AIDS, cancer, allergies, diabetes and both male and female forms of birth control! Neem oil should be stored in a cool dark place, if the oil solidifies it can be placed in warm water to bring back to liquid form.

Anger

धन्यास्ते पुरुषश्रेष्टाः ये बुद्ध्या कोपमुत्थितम्।

निरुन्धन्ति महात्मानो दीप्तमग्निमिवांभसा॥३

क्रुद्धः कार्यं न कुर्यात्क क्रुद्धो हन्यात् गुरूनपि।

क्रुद्धो परुषया वाचा नरः साधूनधिक्षिपेत्॥४

वाच्यावाच्यं प्रकुपितो न् विजानाति कर्हिचित्।

नाकार्यमस्ति क्रुद्धस्य नावाच्यम् विद्यते क्वचित्॥५

यः समुत्पतितं कोपं क्षमयैव निस्रस्यति।

यदोरग्स्त्वचम् जीर्णाम् स वै पुरुष उच्यते॥६

श्रीमद्वाल्मीकीये रामायणे सुन्दरकान्डे सर्गं ५५

dhanyāste puruṣaśreṣṭāḥ ye buddhyā kopamutthitam|

nirundhanti mahātmāno dīptamagnimivāṁbhasā||3

kruddhaḥ kāryaṁ na kuryātka kruddho hanyāt gurūnapi|

kruddho paruṣayā vācā naraḥ sādhūnadhikṣipet||4

vācyāvācyaṁ prakupito n vijānāti karhicit|

nākāryamasti kruddhasya nāvācyam vidyate kvacit||5

yaḥ samutpatitaṁ kopaṁ kṣamayaiva nisrasyati|

yadoragstvacam jīrṇām sa vai puruṣa ucyate||6

śrīmadvālmīkīye rāmāyaṇe sundarakānḍe sargaṁ 55

Hanuaman reached Lanka and successfully met sita and conveyed to her the well-being of Rama. Then he fought with demons and especially Indrajit and was captured and taken to the court of Ravana. The angry Ravana first decided to decapitate him but following the sage advice of his brother Vibhishana, desisted from killing of an emissary. But it was decided that the monkey's tail would be set on fire. But the fire at the tip of the tail of Hanuman did not burn him because of the blessings of  Sita and also the god of fire and air. Then he jumped out and started setting fire on all parts of Lanka. For a moment he forgot, in his rage that Sita was also living in Ashoka Vanika a part of Lanka and so the action would inundate that place also;  He is remorseful .He exclaims "Indeed greatly fortunate are those great persons who simply put a stop to anger using their intellect like dousing fire with a stream of water. 

What is impossible for a man in anger not to do? The enraged man may kill his preceptors and parents.  

The man with blind anger will insult even the greatest of men with very dirty and cruel words.  

The man in a fit of anger does not know what he is talking and what he should not talk.  

For an man in rage there is nothing that is beyond his misdeeds, and there is no control over the foul words he will use.  

A man who throws away the anger generated in him with the weapon of patience, like a snake gradually throwing out its old decomposed scales  to come out with a new coat of skin, the the real man."

Yes anger knows now limits.

But fortunately for Hanuman the Ashoka Vanika was not gutted and he could meet Sita once again before he left Lanka.

Narayana

ఆర్తా విషణ్ణాః శిథిలాష్చ భీతాః
ఘోరెషు చ వ్యాధిషు వర్తమానాః
సంకీర్త్య నారాయణ శబ్దమాత్రం
విముక్తదుఃఖాః సుఖినో భవన్తి


आर्त्ता विषण्णाः शिथिलाश्च भीताः
घोरेषु च व्याधिषु वर्तमानाः।
संकीर्त्य नारायण शब्दमात्रं
विमुक्तदुःखाः सुखिनो भवन्ति॥

ārttā viṣaṇṇāḥ śithilāśca bhītāḥ
ghoreṣu ca vyādhiṣu vartamānāḥ|
saṁkīrtya nārāyaṇa śabdamātraṁ
vimuktaduḥkhāḥ sukhino bhavanti||

Those who are in trauma, those who are sad, those who are shattered mentally and physicall, those who are in the grip of terror, those who are afflicted by severe maladies, all of them get relived immediately  of their sorrows just by chanting the word  Narayana

వినాశకాలే విపరీత బుధ్ధిః

न निर्मितो वै नच द्रुष्ट पूर्वो
न श्रूयते हेम मयम् कुरंगः
तथा2पि त्रुष्ह्णा रघु नंदनस्य
विनाशकाले विपरीत बुद्धिः

Have we ever seen or even heard of a golden deer anywhere? Even though, Sri Rama, at the behest of his sweet heart Sri Sita, runs after to fetch it. When circumstances are against, one tends to act and react carelessly without a thought, because any mount of persuasion or the intellectual reasoning refuses to work at that time.

న నిర్మితో వై నచ దృష్ట పూర్వో
న శ్రూయతే హేమ మయం కురంగ:
తథా2పి తృష్ణా రఘు నందనస్య
వినాశ కాలే విపరీత బుద్ధి:

బంగారు లేడి ఉన్నదని ఎన్నడయినా విన్నామా ? ఎప్పుడయినా ఎక్కడయినా చూసామా ? అయినప్పటికీ రాముడు తన చెలి కోరిందని ముందు వెనుకలు యోచించ కుండా బంగారు లేడిని తెస్తానని వెళ్ళాడు. వినాశ కాలం దాపురించిన నాడు ఇలాంటి విపరీత బుద్ధులే పుడుతూ ఉంటాయి. చెడ్డ కాలం వచ్చి నప్పుడు తర్కం పని చెయ్యదు. బుద్ధి మందగిస్తుంది.

Shāstram - Introduction to Vedanta - 2

 Shāstram

Lecture series: Introduction to Vedānta

Acharya: Pujya Swāmi Paramārthānanda ji

___________________________________________________________

2. Shāstram Scriptures

In this lesson we will be getting a bird’s eye view of our vast scriptural literature, especially the literature available in the Sanskrit Language. Our entire scriptural literature is generally called Shāstram. The word Shāstram is derived from the root Shās which has two meanings – one to command and the other to teach. So Shāstram means a literature which commands the human beings in the initial stages and then teaches the human beings in the later stages. And by way of commanding and teaching, the scriptures saves a person from all human problems and since it teaches, commands, and thus saves the humanity, it is called Shāstram. Shās means to teach and Trā means to save. ‘Shāsanāt Trāyate Iti Shāstram’ – that which saves the humanity from problems by commandment in the initial stages and by enlightenment in the later stages.

Shankarāchārya compares the Shāstram to a mother. A mother commands the child initially because the child is not mature enough to understand the significance of the commandments. The mother has to even threaten the child. When someone is at a grosser level, the language of commandment and threat is used but when one has grown up sufficiently gradually we remove commandments and threats and they are replaced by teaching, convincing, enlightenment and elevation. Since our scriptural literature does that job, it is called Shāstram. And this vast scriptural literature can be presented in six layers. These six groups.

2.1. Vedas

The first and foremost are the Vedic literature called Vedas in general. The Vedas themselves are a very vast literature consisting of 20,000 and odd mantras. It is a very vast literature and the entire Vedic literature is divided into four books known as Rig Veda, Yajur Veda, Sāma Veda and Atharvana Veda.

Rig Veda consists of Rig mantras which are in the form of metrical composition, poetic compositions or Padya compositions. Yajur Veda consists of Yajur mantras which are prose compositions in the form of prose or Gaddya Rupena. Sāma Veda consists of Sāma mantras in the form of music – Gīti Rūpa Mantra – and it is said that Indian music is derived from Sāma Veda. Hence only the chanting of Sāma Veda is called Sāma Gānam. Atharvana Veda consists of mantras mostly given out by two well known Rishīs – Atharva Rishi and Angiras Rishi. Therefore also called Atharva Veda. The word mantra is used only for Vedic compositions.

More than 20,000 such Vedic mantras are available and they are known as mantras because they are meant for enquiry, analysis and assimilation. Mananāt Trāyate Iti Mantra. Mananam means analytical study. Trāyate means it will protect us if we enquire into that. According to our tradition even mere repetition of the mantras, the meditation on the mantras is capable of helping a person. And the very word Vedas indicates a source of knowledge. It is derived from root Vid to know and the word Veda means a mine of information, a treasure house of knowledge.

Vedana Sādhanatvāt Vedaha

Pramānatvāt Vedaha.

Who is the author of the Vedas? In our tradition we look upon the Vedas as a revelation from the Lord himself. We do not look upon the Vedas as human composition, they are not products of human intellect. They are revelations from the Lord himself, and therefore if you want to talk of the author, God is the author of the Vedas. God does not give out the Vedas directly to humanity, but reveals the Vedas to the humanity through the media called Rishayaha (Rishīs). Thus Rishīs are the intermediaries, the pipelines through whom we receive the Veda mantras. So if you take God as the transmitting station, Rishīs are the receiving centres. The word Rishi is derived from Sanskrit root Rish – to know. Rishati Jānāti Iti Rishihi. In our context we take the Rishīs as the receiving set of the teaching transmitted by the lord exactly like the television. Our minds cannot receive the waves because they are not equipped for that. But if our television set is tuned to a particular channel, then we receive the desired channels. Same way with ourselves. The Lord has transmitted the Vedic teachings in the creation, along with the creation itself, but we do not have the equipment to receive but the Rishīs are considered special beings because of their extraordinary medium. This is because of their Sattva and Vishesha Upādhi, they are able to receive and therefore Veda mantras transmitted by the Lord and received by the Rishīs.

There are many Rishīs who have received the mantras. Hence in tradition when a Veda mantra is chanted, they start by remembering the Rishīs first as an expression of gratitude. Even in the daily Sandhyāvandanam we call upon Savitriyā Rishihi Vishvāmitraha (saying and touching the head indicating remembering the contribution of the sage). Then the meter in which it is composed Nichrut Gayatri Chandaha – touching the mouth, then Savitā Devatā – the deity which is talked about through the mantra. So Rishi – Chando - Devatā Smaranam is compulsory before chanting any Vedic mantra. This indicates that this particular Rishi has received this mantra. Hence Rishīs are called mantra Drashtāraha – those who have seen and received the mantras. They are not the producers or creators of the mantras.

These Vedas were primarily received and transmitted in Shabda Rūpa alone. They were not written. For a long very long time, the Vedas existed only in Shabda Rūpa and not in the form of script and that is why we don’t have a specific script for Sanskrit language. Because it was never written the Rishīs also transmitted to their disciples only verbally and the Shishyāhā have to hear and learn. It was a Karna Paramaparā not a Hasta Paramparā. And since Vedas came down in the form of Karna Paramparā, it is also known as Shrutihi. Guru Sakāshāt Shrūyate Iti Shrutihi. Guru Upadeshena Shrooyate Iti Shutihi – that which is received by hearing. Thus it is called Vedas, Mantra, Shrutihi. Since it is not born out of human intellect, it being of supra-human origin, it is known as Apaurusheya Pramānam. Apaurusheya means not born out of human intellect. Pramānam meaning source of knowledge. So these Vedas form the first foremost and primary scriptural literature. And all the other scriptural literature are based on this Vedic foundation only and that is why our culture is called Vedic culture – Vaidika Sampradāya and we are all called Vaidikas. Hindu is a name given by somebody else. This is layer one.

2.2. Sūtra

The second layer is known as Sūtra literature. This is a literature which is in the form of Sūtra or aphorism - A short pithy instructive saying. Aphorism refers to a cryptic statement which contains lot of ideas in capsule form – nutshell statement or capsule statements.

Alpāksharam Asandigdham Sāravat Vishvatomukham.

This Sūtra literature consists of Vedic teachings only in a codified form. So the function of Sūtra literature is codification and clarification of the Vedic teaching.

Codification means classification and rearrangement based on topics. While Vedas is a vast literature containing several topics strewn all over in an unorganised manner, in Sūtra literature the ideas are culled from various places and they are arranged topic wise, hence a topical classification. E.g. all teachings dealing with individual values, duties and responsibilities, we call it Dharma Sūtrāni. Gruhya Sūtrāni deals with family values, family responsibilities. In Gruhya Sūtrāni there is a slight expansion from individual to family. Then comes literature called Shrauta Sūtrāni where bigger activities meant for welfare of entire society are talked about. This deals with big prayers, rituals and functions not for individual wellbeing but for universal harmony. And one cannot isolate himself from any one sect – a person is an individual, a member of a family and a social member also.

Thus we have a very vast Sūtra literature written by several Rishīs. Gautama Sūtrāni, Āpastambha Sūtrāni, Parāshara Sūtrāni are other examples. These compositions are not given out by God. While the Veda is supposed to be authored by God Himself, the Sūtrāni literature comes out from the human intellect only – Paurusheya Shāstram. The difference is that words belong to the authors but the content is borrowed from the Vedas only.

Clarification is yet another function of the Sūtrāni. If there are certain vague statements in the Vedas, the Sūtrāni will clarify. Similarly if there are seemingly contradictory statements, then the Sūtrāni will resolve the contradictions. Hence codification plus clarifications are done by the Sūtra literature. The very word Sūtram has ‘thread’ as one of its meanings. The literature is called a thread, because it threads the topics contained in the Vedas.

Veda Vākya Kusuma Grathanārtattvāt Sūtrānām.

The Vedic topics are like flowers which are loose flowers strewn all over. These flowers are collected (classification) and are tied and presented in the form of wonderful garland.

2.3. Smrutihi

The Smrutis are generally in the form of poem. It is a metrical literature. As the word Smrutis shows it is remembered wisdom i.e. the Rishīs study the Vedas, Sūtrāni and having gathered all the teachings in the Shruti and Sūtrāni, they again present it in a very elaborate form. In Sūtra literature it is only cryptic presentation, but in Smruti literature it is slightly elaborated. The function of the Smruti is also codification and clarification. Thousands and thousands of verses are written by several Rishīs e.g Manu Smruti, Parāshara Smruti, Yāgnavalkya Smruti. If you take a Smruti book and see the topics, you will see that they are very beautifully arranged. They talk about cosmology – how the creation arose, the duties and goals of life – student, householder, citizen, male and females. The difference between Sūtrāni and Smruti is that the Sūtrāni are cryptic and therefore there can be vagueness whereas in the Smruti, they have got a wider elbowroom to explain. In Sūtra literature, many ideas are implicit. The implicit ideas are made explicit in the Smruti. Hidden ideas are brought to light – Āvishkāraha. This is also an equally vast literature.

Generally our scriptural literature has three different forms.

· Prose : If it is a prose form as in the Vedic literature, there is svara or intonation, which will be useful for chanting.

· Verse : If it is not chant-able prose, then it is in the form of cryptic statements or verse form. This is so that we can learn them by heart. If we want to memorise the entire Vedas we can do that. Sometimes it is in the form of Sūtrāni which is cryptic and short, it is in capsule form to remember.

· Poems : The other form is poems. The entire philosophy is presented in Gītā which we can chant. Philosophy can be chanted. Here philosophy is composed and presented in poetic form.

This is the third layer of literature Smruti Granthaha and this also comes under Paurusheya Shāstram. The composition is human but the content is divine. But in the Vedas the composition and content are divine.

2.4. Purāna

The fourth layer of teachings are Purāna. They are a literature which are in a further expanded form. Purāna are still more magnified that Smruti. The very word Purāna means though it is a very ancient literature, it is relevant even now. It is ancient but not obsolete. Purā Api Navaha. Ancient and ever Fresh and relevant even for the 21st century. You cannot ignore or discard them without losing something. This Purāna literature is also in the form of poems and they also codify, clarify and magnify the topics from the Vedic teachings.

Another important and unique job of the Purāna is that the abstract ideas contained in the previous literature are all concretely presented in the form of stories. Stories written in a very vast canvas. E.g. one value given in the Vedas which will be highlighted in the form of a story and presented in thousands of verses – Harishchandra Purānam whose essence is Satyam Vada – speak the truth. Abstract things are concretised. Audio things are made audio visual. And many of the abstract ideas are symbolised in the form of beings. In Bhāgavata Purānam, Kāma, Krodha, Ahankāra become Rākshasa – personification of ideas. Language of symbolism is used. Hence concretisation, symbolisation, personification and magnification are all done in the Purāna so that the impact of the teaching is intense. Similarly respect for father – Pitru Devo Bhava is elaborated as the story of Rāma or Nachiketa.

Thus we have in the form of stories or elaboration the Vedic teachings clarified, classified and magnified. And most of the Purāna have been written by Vyāsāchārya himself and that is why he is greatly revered by us. Eighteen Purāna running to thousands of verses and eighteen Upa-Purāna running to another thousands of verses. The most popular is Bhāgavata Purānam or Bhāgavatam

2.5. Itihāsa

The next layer of literature is Itihāsa. It means history based literature. The contents of Itihāsa is supposed to be based on what really happened. Derived from Iti – Thus, in this way, Evam; Ha – definitely, doubtlessly; Āsa – it occurred, happened, took place. Even in the Purāna stories, many are supposed to be actual events and the Itihāsa is also supposed to be based on actual events. The Itihāsa are also in the form of poems. Many Pauranikās know them and study by heart. The two main Itihāsa are Rāmāyanam (24,000 verses)– written originally by Vālmīki , and the other Mahābhāratha (1 lakh verses) written by Vyāsāchārya.

Rāmāyana is the life led by Rāma. Rāma is presented as a model of Vedic way of living. Rāmasya Ayanam Mārgaha Jīvita Rītihi. Because models have powerful impact, hence when some teaching is to be given it is given through models.

Mahābhāratha means the story of Bharata Vamsha Rājā. Mahā indicating a vast literature dealing with stories of Bharata Vamsha and through the stories, the Vedic teachings are presented. Here, even though the literature is based on history this should not be taken as pure history. Presenting history is not the primary purpose of the literature. If it were the purpose, all the details should be given exactly. History is taken as a support, the primary purpose is Vedic teaching and therefore history is mixed with fiction also. Some are facts and some are fiction. E.g. Did Rāvanā have ten heads ? The ten heads are representative of multiple personality syndrome – ruler, Rākshasa, arrogance etc. Hence sometimes, fictitious characters are introduced, sometimes symbolic language is introduced.

2.6. Bhāshyam

The sixth and final layer of literature is Bhāshyam literature. This refers to commentaries written in Sanskrit on all the above forms of literature. There are commentaries on Vedas, Sūtrāni, Itihāsa. We also have sub-commentaries and sub-sub- commentaries.

Commentaries are required because our scriptural literature has to be unlocked in an appropriate manner. If you do not know how to extract the teaching, you will have problems with the scriptural literature – develop negative opinion, have misunderstandings. There is a key to unlock this – called Sampradāyaha - the method of opening, unlocking. Hence we generally don’t recommend the translation written on the literature especially by the western people or western educated Indian because by simply going to a Sanskrit dictionary, the true meaning cannot be obtained. There is a special methodology called Sampradāya. Using this Sampradāya, our traditional Āchāryas have written Bhāshya Granthās and Vyākhyāna Granthās. These commentaries are in forms of prose or verse.

Thus all these six layers put together are called Shāstram and the entire Shāstram is meant for only one purpose – helping us in the accomplishment of Purushārtha