April Rishimukh

The Art of Living Magazine
Vol - 22 | Issue - 4 | Rs. 60/- April 2021
Look Beyond the Apparent
Kitchen Ayurveda
Food as Medicine
21 -Existence has a mind of its own | 40 - The Weaver who wove Bhakti | 44 - On the Ramayana trail
Wisdom at your fingertips
Read Online
Dear Reader,
It’s time to get on with the new normal. Our ability to take the
challenges with a smile and stay determined to move ahead skilfully
will be a prized USP in the emerging paradigm of the new normal. The
Cover Story in this issue is an attempt to lay out a roadmap for you
to move ahead wisely and surely. We share Gurudev’s formulae for
staying confident and keeping the fire burning.
While learning the life lessons, let us remember that health must
remain a top priority. It is imperative to listen to our body while
making lifestyle choices. Read about how our new yoga therapy can help
in curing Type 2 diabetes and many other health disorders. Wellness is
not about knowing what pill to pop to stop the pain. It’s more about
making everything you eat work like medicine for you. Add to your
health quotient with Ayurvedic home remedies which are there right on
your kitchen shelves.
Talking of essence, in this issue Bhanu Didi throws light on the

significance behind many scriptural stories of perceived unfair
treatments of women. The tough struggles of Sita, Yashodhara or Meera,
hold timeless lessons for humanity.
And explore the beauty of the trail of the Ramayana in the Beautiful
Places feature.
To sail oneself through tough situations is an inspiring story in

itself. If one does that not just for oneself but instills the zest
for purposeful living in thousand others, it becomes a story not to be
missed. That’s the story of Reshma Parab in our ‘Making a Difference’
Section.
The April issue is a magic potion that offers inspiration, courage,

adventure, joy and wisdom on demand! And, that’s not a April Fool
prank. That’s the mission and vision of Rishimukh!
In Service,
Mamattha Kailkhura
Editor-in-Chief
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE CONTENTS
7 | Cover Story
Move Forward
14 | Q & A
16 | Wisdom from the Master

Bhagavad Gita - The Song of the Divine
18 | Didi Writes
21 | Mind matters
Existence has a mind of its own
23 | Yoga
Cure Type 2 Diabetes with New Yoga Therapy!
27 | Health
Kitchen Ayurveda Food as Medicine
Cover Story 30 | Culture & Traditions

The Bonhomie of Nenmara Vallangi Vela
MOVE forward
34 | Making a Difference
when turbulent times came, knowledge Powerhouse of Strength, Snippets
and wisdom became essential
When the emotions are calm, you 40 | Inspiring Lives

are able to think better because the The Weaver who wove Bhakti
same energy in us either functions as a
44 | Beautiful Places
emotion or as a thought process.
On the Ramayana trail
Mind Matters 53 | Humour

Laugh & be happy
55 | Healing Cuisine 
Thanda Thanda Cool Cool
58 | Films Through the Lens of Wisdom

LION - A film about celebrating courage and resilience
61 | Readers Space
The Call from Gurudev
63 | Teens & Kids
69 | Bharath Gyan
An engineering marvel
Existence has a
mind of its own 72 | Uptodate
Trying to reason out everything puts
you in greater confusion which is 74 | Star Watch
unwarranted. Definitely, the reason is
77 | Courses & events
essential in life, but it has its limitations.
18 | Didi writes
Monthly Volume 22 Issue 4
Sita was the The Art of Living Monthly Magazine
daughter of a
Dedicated to
King, exceptionally Ancient Wisdom
intelligent and well- Universal Love
read. She spent a Human Values
lot of time in the Founder:

company of saints His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar
even in her younger Publisher:

days. As Rama’s wife, K. Narayanan
she was the queen of Editor-in-Chief:

Ayodhya. Why did she Mamattha Kailkhura
have to face so much Deputy Editor:

dishonour? Indrani Sarkar
Copy Editor:
Hema Rajaraman
18 | Yoga Design & Illustration:

Prasanth P S, Madhu Chapai
Cure Type 2 Diabetes with
New Yoga Therapy! Administration:
Jayaprakash G P
Type 2
Diabetes is Printed and Published by
a lifestyle K. Narayanan for and on behalf of :
related Vyakti Vikas Kendra India, No.19,
39th ‘A’ Cross, 11th Main,
condition 4th ‘T’ Block, Jayanagar, Bangalore - 560041
which is
caused due
to an imbalance in Subscribe to Rishimukh
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load. Diabetes is not a disease; w w w. r i s h i m u k h . o r g
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Entire contents Copyright © Rishimukh.
All rights reserved. Reproduction or
translation in any language in whole or in
part without written permission is strictly
34 | Making a Difference prohibited. Requests for permission should
be directed to Vyakti Vikas Kendra India.
Powerhouse of Strength The publisher assumes no responsibility

for return of unsolicited material unless
accompanied by sufficient return postage.
Nor is it responsible for material lost or
damaged in transit. All disputes are subject
to the exclusive jurisdiction of competent
courts and forums in Bangalore only.
Opinions expressed in the articles are of
the authors and do not necessarily reflect
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the editors do their utmost to verify the
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Total number of pagess

79 (including cover pages)
@rishimukh
“A heart which has no cravings, no
aversions, but embraces them as they are
is the large heart. Stop blaming yourself,
stop pitying yourself, stop complaining,
this is the nature of tiny heart. Unless
you let go of this, you will not be able
to touch the big Self.”
www.linkedin.com/in/srisriravishankar
cover story
MOVE forward
Adversities are
I
t was in turbulent times that
the Bhagavad Gita came up.
temporary Thousands of years later, we
roadblocks are still benefiting from the supreme
wisdom it contains! It was in the war
field that Krishna started teaching
Arjuna. He didn’t teach him, when
everything was all right; nor was
Arjuna ready to listen, for he thought
Krishna was just his friend.
But when turbulent times

came, knowledge and wisdom
became essential, for that’s when it
becomes necessary to have calmness,
steadiness and the clarity of mind to
perceive things the way they are and
to act wisely. When the emotions
are calm, you are able to think better
because the same energy in us either
functions as a emotion or as a thought
process.
We’ve all heard of Intelligence

Quotient (IQ) and Emotional Quotient
(EQ), but there are two more – Social
Quotient (SQ) and Adverse Quotient
(AQ). Being socially aware is very
important to build a caring and
compassionate society. And being
able to handle adverse situations is
vital for living. People should be taught
to handle failures and look at them as
a temporary roadblock rather than a
dead-end without any recourse.
APRIl 2021
8 cover story
Readiness to learn
enhances your confidence
Many people today are lacking the soil, the situation, the environment
in self-confidence. How does one became such that the flowers did not
bring about that self-confidence? take root. But the simple villager, who
Through simplicity! I will narrate an was neither a gardener nor a specialist,
instance: A gentleman from England, could make those flowers blossom!
a horticulture specialist, came to Be ready to learn from simple
our ashram in Bangalore. He said, things, from simple people –
“Gurudev, I am going to make a flower even from a child. The readiness
garden!” He brought various different to learn can bring up creativity
seeds and saplings, many pots, and and self-confidence in you.
all the manure required. He spent a
lot of money, and he worked sincerely,
Being on the spiritual path will not
but even after 3-4 months, hardly
allow you to be shaken. Even if you
any plants came up. A villager from
Kanakapura took some of those seeds, appear to have been shaken it lasts for
just “threw” them on the ground, and a short while. As you grow in spiritual
wonderful flowers came up very soon! knowledge, turbulent times come but
leave you untouched. There is enough
In his anxiety, the specialist had put humanness in society to help and
more fertilizer and more water than support you. Have faith that you will
were actually needed. So the seeds, pull through your difficult situations.
april 2021
9 cover story
Faith holds our mind

together in times of crisis
Actually, to move towards growth in their families to overcome the pain.
life, we require faith in three things – in
oneself, in the goodness in society and Let us also be grateful for all the lives
in God. However, looking at the recent that have been saved. The passion
incidents, where so many innocent with which volunteers have come
lives were lost, one wonders if God forward to help out in this calamity
exists. If He does, why would He do stands to show that there is a lot
such things to His own people? It is on of humaneness in people. Stories
these occasions of crime and
that faith becomes corruption in the
fragile and one Without faith, we news may cloud
tends to lose it. are frightened by it, but we must
events, feeling lost and not lose our faith
However, it is also in the goodness in
on these occasions anchorless. Difficult society. If we start
that faith is most times can bring out our believing it is full of
needed too. When hidden courage and thugs and thieves,
your near and we cannot function
dear ones leave potential in more ways at all. Having faith
suddenly, your than one. Unshakable in the people and
faith is shaken but faith gives us the the world around
faith is what helps us is essential to
pull you through strength to smile even move ahead.
the tragedy. through catastrophes.
We do not stop
We do not get flying because
anything by losing our faith. In fact, of air crashes or going on the road
faith holds our mind together in times because of accidents. Without faith,
of crisis and prevents it from falling we are frightened by events, feeling
even more in despair and blame. This lost and anchorless. Difficult times
is a time for prayer. When fear takes can bring out our hidden courage
over our mind, prayer helps keep it and potential in more ways than one.
steady. Let us pray for peace to those Unshakable faith gives us the strength
whom we have lost and for strength to to smile even through catastrophes.
APRIl 2021
10 cover story
Remember You are fire

and move ahead!
You cannot separate time from an vibrations of bliss and peace much
event, but you can separate the mind longer than negative emotions. That
from both, events and time, and the is because positivity is in the centre
way to do that is meditation. of our existence. So even if you lose
everything, never mind. If you have
Life is waiting for you to smile. Our confidence, then you can recreate
body has the capacity to sustain the everything again, and that is success .
april 2021
11 cover story
Some ash gets accumulated in

the mind. Once you blow the
ash away, the fire will rise up
and shine brightly.
And most importantly, if you ever feel Often we sit and worry, ‘Oh, this is not
lonely and feel that no one loves you happening’, or, ‘That is not happening’.
and cares for you, remember me. Life is such, sometimes what you
wish won’t happen; sometimes what
Billions of years have come and gone. you don’t want happens. Never mind.
Countless events and innumerable Don’t sit and brood over it. Move
people have come and gone and you on; march ahead remembering that
who have come now, will also be you are fire. When you know you
gone.
are fire, nothing can burn you.
Wake up! You have to remember that People say, ‘I am burned out.
you are “fire”. However, some ash Oh, I am so tired!’ What burned
gets accumulated in the mind. Once out? Come on! How can anything
you blow the ash away then the fire burn fire? Take life in its totality and
will rise up and shine brightly. move on, Let go of the past and move
happily into the future. Some pleasant,
If there are too many worries in your some unpleasant experiences – all
mind, then just say ‘Hmm’ (with these things happen and then they
slight force), and all that ash that go away. Knowing that ‘I have all the
has accumulated on the mind will be blessings, I have the Grace, the best
wiped off and you will feel fresh will happen to me’, you should move
and bright. ahead.
APRIl 2021
12 cover story
Keep the cheer and

smile through the
journey of life
Spirituality is a dance
on the edge of a sword
between the opposites
of life. If you can
comprehend this space
where both yes and no
can simultaneously be
right, a new dimension
opens up within, a field
of infinite possibilities.
Life has a unique ability to heal and consciousness. Let us resolve to do

develop itself. The potentiality that something good in society, and keep
consciousness has, is amazing, the cheer, joy, and smile throughout
which has so much power to keep the journey of life.
the orderliness in all of creation, the
intelligence that knows how tall each Meditation would bring us that
stem should be and where to be green mindset that would make us care
and where to be yellow. for the planet and share what we
have with our fellow human beings.
Drop all the complaints and thank Meditate thrice everyday (morning,
all those bitter days because they noon, evening). It will help to settle
have given you strength. And also, your mind, calm your emotions, bring
thank the pleasant days that made physical and emotional strength and
you realize your true potential and boosts immunity. If you have the
helped you express the joy that you
will to survive through any adverse
are! By thanking the pleasant and
situation, it is possible.
the unpleasant, we get over victim
april 2021
13 cover story
Dance in the Rain
Every rainy season in your life has touched you deeply,

inside somewhere it has made you grow, given you strength.
Rains bring a rainbow, they stream colours into your life.
And you come out as gold.
When dark clouds gather, the end has not come.
You will pass through this time.
As you are passing through it,
There are two ways you can experience it.
Either, You can groan and cry,
And pass through it.
Or, You can sing and dance through it!
And when you can sing and dance in the rain,
You get so soaked,
In joy!
- Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar
APRIl 2021
14 Q&A
Q&A
with Gurudev
What is the significance of the Kumbh Mela?
Gurudev: Once every 12 years, all rather when the head meets the
the seers, saints and aspirants of heart, Saraswati, symbolic of wisdom
spiritual knowledge congregate at and the fine arts emerges from the
the confluence (sangam), of the three union. Millions of people of all age
holy rivers- Ganga, Yamuna and groups and nationalities mingle
Saraswati. The duration is of 12 years effortlessly with only one purpose
because that’s the time Jupiter takes - to find the deep inner self. Kumbh
to complete one cycle around the is a confluence of people, idea and
Sun. While the Ganga is a symbol of spirituality.
knowledge and self-inquiry, the banks
of the Yamuna is where events of When a tiny atom explodes, the
love have been immortalised. When radiation lasts for a long time. The
knowledge and love come together, mind is even more subtle than one
april 2021
15 Q&A
millionth of an atom. When the mind merit when they take a dip in the
explodes, that is Enlightenment. And rivers.
it is meditation that changes people’s
mindset- perceiving things from a Space by itself cannot be bought and
closed perspective to bringing more a lump of clay has no value. However
clarity in perception and expression. when space is enveloped by clay, it
gains value. This is Kumbha (pot).
Over the centuries, thousands of
sages who have meditated, done Spirit is all over in Nature, but when
penance and have been enlightened it dawns in the human body as an
come to the Kumbha Mela and bathe elevated state of consciousness, then
in the rivers to relieve themselves it gains immense value. An embodied
of the burden of the merits gained and elevated spirit is usually referred
through sadhana. Water has the to as ‘Kumbha.’ This is why the
quality to absorb the energy, the enlightened age is also called the
sages radiate. The seekers, who come Aquarian age. Kumbha denotes a pot,
from all corners to be in the company which is symbolic of fullness
of the seers and saints, gain that and perfection.
Gurudev: Yes, it is indeed

Do thoughts and correct. One’s thoughts and
feelings affect our feelings both determine one’s
karma. People will appear to
Karma (actions)? you the way you perceive them
to be. If you see someone
as your friend, the person
will come across as friendly.
However, if you consider
someone as your enemy, the
person will behave like one.
Even if they do not cause you
any harm, they will appear
so. It is said – ‘Yatha drishti
tatha srishti’ (Meaning: As is
one’s vision, so does the world
appear to him).
APRIl 2021
16 Wisdom from the Master
- The Song of
ita t he
G D
d
ivi
va
n e
Bhaga
s b ring anger.
s i re anger.
De behind
i re
d e s
c a n n o t ex i s t .
r
There is a ange
,
Without desire
Bring your senses inwards analogy. When there was chaos all
How to get to the centre? The five around, Lord Krishna was very coolly
senses draw you out into the world. giving one analogy after another
When you see anything nice, your to make Arjuna understand. Your
eyes get glued to it. They take your understanding can only flow from
attention, your mind to that object. what you already know. An analogy
You hear something good and you’re helps in such cases. Lord Krishna
lost. Sight, smell, taste, touch, and said, a tortoise moves slowly, but
sound- each of these take your when it encounters danger, it pulls
mind outward, and if your mind is its limbs and face inside. In the same
spread out thin in the outer world, it way, when you face misery in the
indicates your weakness. When you world, turn inward. There, you find
become weak, retrieve your senses, strength. Your consciousness is
bring them inwards. stabilised there, you are established.
You become free. Only when you are
Lord Krishna gives a beautiful free can you become happy. When
april 2021
17 Wisdom from the Master
you hear about something good, won’t be focused, you can never be
your mind wants to have it; you see happy. When you hear too many
something good, your mind wants to things, read too many books, you
have it. You have a desire to possess. will be scattered all over the place,
This wanting to possess things, you can never achieve anything. I
somewhere, somehow, makes you remember one person; he used to
miserable. Desires bring anger. There buy books on investment, like, ‘How
is a desire behind anger. Without to do a business’, but he never did
desire, anger cannot exist. And if you any business. He would read every
are angry at somebody, your anger business magazine and he would sit
brings delusion and attachment. You and dream about it. He would come
shout at somebody, you get angry up with all possibilities, dream all
with somebody, you cannot get over the time. He had suitcases full of
them. And if they do not react, it’s business magazines, and he didn’t do
worse. If they react - tit for tat, eye a thing. I told him finally, “If you really
for an eye, then at least there is a want to do business, stop reading all
chance to forget them. If they don’t these magazines. Take up any one
react, you can never forget them, and thing, at least start working.” It’s the
that lingers on in you. Then you get same with many scholars.
more attached to them and delusion
develops. They go on reading books, day and
night, spending time in the library,
dhyāyato viṣayānpuṃsaḥ but they never sit and contemplate,
saṅgasteṣūpajāyate saṅgāt saṅjāyate nor dive deep into even one principle
kāmaḥ kāmātkrodhoʼbhijāyate (2.62) that is written in the books. Reading
krodhādbhavati sammohaḥ is one thing, and experiencing it is a
sammohātsmṛtivibhramaḥ totally different thing. Many times,
smṛtibhraṃśād buddhināśo people read just to prove to others
buddhināśātpraṇaśyati (2.63) that they are well-read, just to show-
off to others. I know of a scholar who
Then delusion and attachment arise would just quote numbers and verses
and you lose the awareness of who of all that he read, even from other
you are. religious books, so that a layman who
listens to him will say, “Oh, this man
Buddhi Yoga
is so well-read, he knows it all.” But,
Buddhi Yoga means the yoga of the
look at his face. You can tell that he
intellect. Lord Krishna says, if your
has not developed, not experienced
mind is scattered all over the place,
you won’t find your centre, you even a bit of what he speaks.
APRIl 2021
18 Didi Writes

by Bhanumathi Narasimhan
The question is a path - not the means

for just an answer
april 2021
19 Didi Writes
A
girl recently asked me probing father. He lamented so much when
questions about Sita and Sita was abducted and this eventually
Yashodhara. She was of the led to the downfall of Ravana. Life was
view that what happened to them not a bed of roses for him. Neither was
was unjust and unfair. How does one it for Krishna. But Krishna considered
understand and accept the gender everything as leela. In a leela, there are
disparity and the trials and tribulations ups and downs and unexpected twists
they had to undergo? I was touched by but you take it all as if it is a play.
the sincerity of her questions. We say Krishna leela but Ram katha.
Rama moved through unpredictable
Sita was the daughter of a King, circumstances and complexities like a
exceptionally intelligent and well-read. normal human might have to do.
She spent a lot of time in the company
of saints even in her younger days. Sita took up the role of an ideal
As Rama’s wife, she was the queen of woman, the ideal wife. She was the
Ayodhya. Why did she have to face so embodiment of humility even though
much dishonour? she was so intelligent. Her faith in her
husband and respect for his words
We have to look at this issue from a were unshakeable. Rama recognized
bigger perspective. Many scriptural this strength in her. That was perhaps
stories of perceived unfair treatments why he accepted the Agni Pariksha
have profound underlying significance. for her. He knew she would not be
Be it about Sita, Yashodhara or touched by it - physically or in spirit.
Meera, what they seemingly went When he sent her to the forest a
through have left timeless lessons for second time at the behest of a dhobi
humanity. Any logical explanation will - clearly the washerman was much
neither suffice nor come close to the weaker. Sita is the manifestation of
truth. Goddess Lakshmi herself. She had all
the powers available to her yet she
We worship Rama as a God but chose not to use them. Her devotion
in his incarnation, he came with and love for the divine helped her
just 12 Kalas. He wanted to be a sail through. Irrespective of all the
simple human. In his teens, he was challenging circumstances in their life,
despondent not knowing the purpose Rama and Sita are worshipped and
of his life and his conversation with honoured as the ideal husband and
Sage Vashista gave birth to the most wife even seven thousand years later.
mind-blowing scripture. - the Yoga Their faith and love for each other
Vashista. He went through all the transcended the events in their life and
emotions of a son at the loss of his is exemplary.
APRIl 2021
20 Didi Writes
If Buddha had stayed When Buddha left Yashodhara, all the

comforts were provided for her, but
on, he would have been the moral responsibility of a husband
another King Siddharth and a father were not fulfilled. But
who we may not even when they met again after several
years she remarks that she learnt that
remember now, nor a woman is complete on her own!
anything about his wife. Perhaps Buddha knew her strength
His compassion for before she discovered it.
humanity propelled him To uplift humanity, sacrifice is
into such an action. necessary. On the path to the Self,
towards true love, there is space for
only one. There cannot be duality.
If Buddha had stayed on, he would
Take the story of Meera. Her father have been another King Siddharth
and brother promised the hand of who we may not even remember
her sister in marriage to two different now, nor anything about his wife. His
kings. When they were about to compassion for humanity propelled
wage war over this predicament, she him into such an action. But his
powdered and swallowed a diamond sacrifice has paved a spiritual path for
ring from her father and sacrificed millions and even today continues to
her life to save thousands of lives and inspire people.
stop the war. When this happens,
the Bhoja raja, one of the two kings, In Gurudev’s case, he was the only
demanded that Meera’s hand be given son and very loving. His mother had
to his brother. Meera was so young. aspirations for him, that he will marry
She was stunned by her sister’s death and settle down and have a beautiful
and married off while she was still in family. But Gurudev very gently but
a daze. But she trusted her mother firmly chose this path. She was upset
and honoured the sacrifices that she and unhappy for some time but she
and her sister made. She faces greater accepted it and was very grateful later.
trials after marriage too but the
strength of her devotion was so much I have heard her say, “he has made
that she was so untouched! Even the whole world my family”. Because
though she sacrificed so much in her of his decision, millions have found
life, she reached her goal, Krishna, the peace, joy and solace through Him.
divine, with her faith and devotion.
april 2021
21 mind matters
Existence has a
mind of its own
Wisdom from Gurudev on the Powers of your Mind
Heart transcends reason.

Life transcends reason.Truth
transcends reason.
APRIl 2021
22 mind matters
Trying to reason out everything

puts you in greater confusion
which is unwarranted. Definitely,
the reason is essential in life, but
it has its limitations.
A
ccommodate the opposites in limitations. It has its perfume; it has its
your life - health and sickness. dimension, its area.
When you are healthy you never
ask the question, “Why am I healthy?” It should be used only there and
When you fall sick, then you say, “Oh, not everywhere. Like if you want to
why am I sick?” There’s no point in measure the temperature in the body,
analysing it too much. Just see what a thermometer has to be kept only
you need to do. in certain, particular spots of the
body, not everywhere or anywhere.
Too much analysis gets you caught You cannot keep your thermometer
up in your head. Heart transcends on your hair and say okay I have a
reasons. Life transcends reasons. Truth temperature or I don’t. So, reason has
transcends reason. So, someone who a place, recognize its place and give it
is trying to reason out everything all its due place but don’t make it enter
the time can never find the truth. Do into all areas of your life. If you just
you see what I’m saying? Why this, understand this one point, you’ll be
why this, why this, why I’m not there, so free.
why I’m not here, why I should be this,
why I should be that, why that person This present moment has a mind of
is like this, why this person is like that. its own. The existence has a mind of
That is how things are. That is it! its own and it knows. And it is running
the show. Even now and then if you get
Trying to reason out everything puts reminded of this fact, you’ll experience
you in greater confusion which is deep peace. You’ll be at such ease
unwarranted. Definitely, the reason from your wanting, your craving, that
is essential in life, but it has its you long for.
april 2021
23 yoga
Cure Type 2 Diabetes

with New Yoga Therapy!
By Jitendra K.P., Head of Department, Yoga Therapy, Sri Sri Ayurveda Hospital
Now you need not worry if you are suffering from

Type 2 diabetes. A 7-day unique and intensive
yoga therapy started by Sri Sri Ayurveda can cure
the ailment and help you regain optimal health
and well-being.
Type 2 Diabetes is a lifestyle related condition which is caused

due to an imbalance in handling a glucose load. Diabetes is
not a disease; it is a disorder. Though factors such as heredity,
overweight, sedentary lifestyle, stress, autoimmunity, age and
others primarily contribute to Type 2 diabetes, the signs and
symptoms of the disorder often develop slowly. One can be living
with it for years and not know. That’s why it is said that diabetes
is a silent killer.
APRIl 2021
24 yoga
Signs and Symptoms body including the beta cells in the

However when symptoms show up, pancreas that produce insulin.
they may include increased thirst,
frequent urination, increased hunger, What is Yoga Therapy?
unintended weight loss, fatigue, The Yoga Therapy is a 7-day, 8 - hour
blurred vision, slow healing sores, intensive program designed to give
frequent infections, numbness or you an integrated approach to health
tingling in the hands or feet, areas and healing, while working on each
of darkened skin usually in the of the five koshas or layers of being.
armpits and neck In recent times we Thus the Yoga Therapy is a blend
are witnessing an alarming rise of of yogasanas, pranayama, personal
diabetes in young adults and children. consultations, yogic kriyas, unique
Yogic therapies based on the ancient yoga called as krida yoga, meditation,
principles of Ayurveda have great naturopathy, physiotherapy,
potential to curb the growing menace customised diet, focus on daily
and build a strong sense of confidence parameters, yogic counselling, deep
and self- esteem that will pave the way relaxation techniques and few special
for build a robust and sound system. techniques that are characterised
by quick dynamic movements that
The five koshas of the human body are performed with deep internal
Modern Science has gained insights awareness. They provide a good
into many aspects of the human body exercise to muscles, burn out the
by studying its structure and functions. excess fat reducing obesity and utilize
According to Yoga, the complete the right amount of energy without
knowledge of the highly complex demanding extra insulin.
anatomy and physiology of different
organs refers to only one fifth of the How does Yoga Therapy work?
mind body complex, which comprises The different yogic kriyas are meant
of five layers or sheaths of the body. to cleanse the inner cavities and
They are: passages. They not only strengthen
the will power but also help in
• Annamaya Kosha - physical body developing voluntary mastery over
• Pranmaya Kosha - vital energy body involuntary reflexes.
• Manomaya Kosha - mental body
• Vignanamaya Kosha - wisdom body Yoga therapy is a conscious process
• Anandamaya Kosha - bliss body that helps us to rise from our
animal instincts to a level of normal
The aim of yogic practices is to provide discrimination, thereby elevating
deep rest to each and every cell of the our consciousness and allowing our
april 2021
25 yoga
dormant potential to manifest to So, overall this therapy offers us a

the fullest. It not only works to bring holistic lifestyle of bliss, efficiency,
fitness and vigour to the physical emotional equipoise, mental clarity,
body, but also harnesses our will intellectual sharpness and physical
and emotions as well as expands our well-being.
power of insight, vision and analysis.
A science that can balance your The intensive yoga therapy is also
emotions and keep you intellect sharp available for treating gastro intestinal
is the key to human progress. disorders and a host of other health
challenges provided in the schedule.
Regular practice of specific techniques Here’s the 7- day schedule that will
will ease your dependency on give you an elaborate understanding of
medication and you can lead a the whole program.
diabetic-free life.
7 Days Tentative Yoga Therapy Schedule

Every Friday 5.00 PM: Snacks & Kashaya
Admission from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and 5.15 PM: Tuning to nature (Walk)
Doctor Consultation and Parameter etc. 7.00 PM: Dinner
(at Naturopathy Section by Dr. Sneha/
Dr. Vikasini) Purchasing of Kit etc. (at Every Sunday
Pharmacy/Reception) 7.00 AM: Special Technique- 3 (Kriya-1)
9.00 AM: Breakfast (Only Khichidi &
Every Saturday Ghee)
6.00 AM: Blood Test (Pathology Lab) 10.00 AM: Parameter-2
7.00 AM: Lighting the lamp, Parameter-1 11.00 AM: Pranayama-2
& Special Technique-1 (Tattwam) 12.00PM: Lunch
8.00 AM: Breakfast 2.00 PM: Yoganidra/DRT -1
9.00 AM: Lecture-1 at Tattwam OR New 3.00 PM: Yogic Counseling/Naturopathy
meditation Hall & Blood Test Treatment/Ayurveda Treatment/
10.00 AM: Pranayama-1 Physiotherapy/Acupuncture etc.-2
11.00 AM: Lecture-2 at Tattwam OR new 4.00 PM: Special Technique-4
meditation Hall 5.00 PM: Snacks & Lemon honey juice
12.00 PM: Lunch 5.15 PM: Tuning to nature (Walk)
2.00 PM: Krida Yoga/Happy Assembly -1 7.00 PM: Dinner
3.00 PM: Yogic Counseling/Naturopathy
Treatment/Ayurveda Treatment/ Every Monday
Physiotherapy/Acupuncture etc.-1 7.00 AM: Special Technique-5
4.00 PM: Special Technique-2 8.00 AM: Breakfast
APRIl 2021
26 yoga
9.00 AM: Parameter- 3 5.15 PM: Tuning to nature (Walk)

10.00 AM: Lecture-3 at Tattwam OR new 7.00 PM: Dinner
meditation Hall
11.00 AM: Pranayama-3 Every Thursday
12.00 PM: Lunch 6.00 AM: Blood Test
2.00 PM: Krida Yoga/Happy Assembly -2 7.00 AM: Special Technique-11
3.00 PM: Yogic Counseling/Naturopathy 8.00 AM: Breakfast
Treatment/Ayurveda 9.00 AM: Parameter-6 & Blood Test
Treatment/Physiotherapy/ 10.00 AM: Lecture-5 at Tattwam OR new
Acupuncture.-3 meditation Hall
4.00 PM: Special Technique-6 11.00 AM: Pranayama-6
5.00 PM: Snacks & Lemon honey juice 12.00 PM: Lunch
5.15 PM: Tuning to nature (Walk) 2.00 PM: Krida Yoga/Happy Assembly -3
7.00 PM: Dinner 3.00 PM: Yogic Counseling/Naturopathy
Treatment/Ayurveda Treatment/
Every Tuesday Physiotherapy/Acupuncture etc.-6
7.00 AM: Special Technique-7(Kriya-2) 4.00 PM: Special Technique-12
9.00 AM: Breakfast (Only Khichidi & 4.30 PM: Emotions Culture at
Ghee) amphitheatre
10.00 AM: Parameter-4 5.15 PM: Snacks & Kashaya
11.00 AM: Pranayama-4 5.30 PM: Valedictory at Tattwam OR at
12.00PM: Lunch Meeting Hall, Free to Move
2.00 PM: Yoganidra/DRT -2
Treatment/Ayurveda Treatment/ • Every month first Friday: -
Physiotherapy/Acupuncture etc.-4 Pulmonology: Bronchial Asthma,
4.00 PM: Special Technique-8 Nasal Allergy, and Chronic Bronchitis.
5.00 PM: Snacks & Lemon honey juice • Every month second Friday: -
5.15 PM: Tuning to nature (Walk) Spinal disorders: Acute and Chronic
7.00 PM: Dinner Back Pain, Lumbar Spondylosis, Disc
Prolapse, Scoliosis, and Neck Pain.
Every Wednesday • Every month third Friday: -
7.00 AM: Special Technique-9 Metabolic disorders: Diabetes Type 2.
8.00 AM: Breakfast • Every month forth Friday: -
9.00 AM: Parameter/Consultation-5 Gastroenterology: Gastritis, Peptic
10.00 AM: Lecture-4 at Tattwam OR Ulcer, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS),
new meditation Hall Ulcerative Colitis.
11.00 AM: Pranayama-5 • If there is a fifth Friday:
12.00PM: Lunch - Endocrinology: Obesity,
2.00 PM: Yoganidra/DRT-3 Thyrotoxicosis.
Treatment/Ayurveda *Time Table may change according to the
situation and availability of Faculty
Treatment/Physiotherapy/Acupuncture-5 For more details you may contact:
4.00 PM: Special Technique-10 Mob: +91-8884698882 / +91-7353552299
Email : [email protected]
5.00 PM: Snacks & Kashaya
april 2021
27 health
Kitchen Ayurveda
Food as Medicine
By Dr. Kalpita Vilas Thakre, Department of Shalya Tantra,
Sri Sri College of Ayurvedic Science and Research Hospital
Your kitchen can be your best medicine

cabinet, if you know how simple spices,
condiments and other essentials are
excellent sources of remedy for many
illnesses and health disorders.
Please read through to understand the

significance of the Ayurvedic Approach to
optimum health and well-being.
APRIl 2021
28 health
Most of us do know that Ayurveda is a way of life and not just a medical
science. Yet how many of us are able to practice it regularly? Ayurveda
advocates on how we must incorporate a set of practices like abhyanga
(body massage) nasya (nasal oil instillation) and others into our dinacharya,
maintain a healthy and disease- free life. However our fast paced lifestyle and
hectic schedules makes it difficult to adhere to a strict regimen. Reason, why
we are constantly in search of quick fix solutions to to get us going through
the day.
Our Indian kitchen is a great treasure trove of medicines that can keep you
in good spirit. Here are some remedies which can be easily stirred up in the
comfort of your kitchen to bring good health and positivity in your life.
Cough? in one spoon of ghee and taken

Dry cough: Frequent along with honey or milk early in
licking of little ghee the morning helps in controlling the
and chewing 2-4 dry allergic reactions.
grapes 1-2 times a day
helps combat the vata dosha that is Headache ?
responsible for the cough. Cotton soaked with
medicated oil (better
Wet cough: Taking a spoonful of tulsi known as Shiro pichu in Ayurveda)
juice along with a spoon of honey placed on the center of the head
twice a day will provide great relief. brings immense relief.
Loose stools with

Acidity/gastritis? flatulence?
Half a spoon of jaggery Consuming methi seeds
mixed along with one (fenugreek) with curd
spoon of ghee brings before food will help reduce
adequate relief from burning pain and episodes of diarrhoea.
sensation and bloating.
Burning sensation
during urination?
Allergic to dust, Sipping barley water
pollen? taken throughout the day
A half spoonful of will bring temporary respite
turmeric powder roasted from acute burning sensation.
april 2021
29 health
Daily regimen
to maintain
the health
DO’S :
• Abhyanga: Body massage with • Food habits: Having red rice (rakta
lukewarm oil before bath or exercise sali) and moong (green gram) along
helps improve immunity, complexion with ghee will enhance strength,
and attain a sturdy physique. increase digestive fire and aid in
weight loss. It is also important to
• Vyayama (exercise): As per eat while the food is hot and fresh
individual capacity, doing yoga, with a thankful mind and body.
cardio or any other form of exercise Regular practice of Sudarshan
everyday, helps increase digestive Kriya and meditation will keep your
capacity as well as provide strength system in equilibrium.
to the body.
DON’T’S :
• Nasya (Nasal oil instillation): • Avoid curd at night.
Taking drops of anu taila (oil) • Avoid packed, refrigerated, and
everyday in the morning will improve preservative laden foods.
functioning of the eyes, nose, • Refrain from overusing gadgets,
improves memory power and help especially during early hours of the
induce good sleep. morning and before bedtime.
There is a beautiful verse in Ayurveda which states the importance of

pathya (correct regimen). It emphasises on how you do not need any
medicine at all, if you stick to the right regimen. On the other hand,
no medicine can cure you, if you do not follow the pathya.
So let us pay more attention to the ancient philosophy and practice

of Ayurveda with a focus on diet and daily regimen to bring vibrant
health and harmony to life.
APRIl 2021
30 culture & traditions
The Bonhomie of
Nenmara Vallangi Vela
By Deepa Vaitheeswaran
The season beckons to rejoice in the festive spirit and soak in

the beautiful milieu of colours, fireworks, light and art forms
for a mesmerising and unforgettable experience.
A
round the time when spring 20th day on the Meenam month,
arrives and the searing heat which is the time after the paddy
of summer is a month away, harvest. Meenam Month is the 8th
several temples in South India month in the traditional Malayalam
organise their annual festival with calender followed in Kerala. In 2021,
great pomp and grandeur. One of the Meenam month starts on March
these celebrations is the Nenmara 15th and ends on April 13th. Vela,
Vallangi Vela, a popular annual or hoisting of the flag, is a common
festival of Kerala which coincides practice in the temples of the South
with the birthday of Nellikulangara marking the start of the celebrations.
Bhagavathy Amman, the presiding This is done on the 1st of the Meenam
deity of the village temple in month and the celebrations continue
Palakkad. It is held in accordance with for the next twenty days.
Malayalam calendar and falls on the
april 2021
Legendary tales way for celebrating the festival every

There are a couple of legends year with great fervour.
associated with the Nellikulangara
Bhagavathy Amman temple. It is Twin celebration
believed that a man named Kodakara Southern Palakkad in a beautiful,
Nair from Nenmara was travelling scenic place where one can see
in this area, when he sat down to the Nelliyampatty Hills and lush
rest with his umbrella. (Nemmara green valleys with paddy fields. This
and Vallanghy are two neighbouring celebration is held in the two villages
villages in the south part of Palakkad of Nemara and Vallagi which are in a
district, located in the valley of valley, and both of which have their
Nelliyampathi hills) Without realising own temples with their own legends.
it, Kodakara placed his umbrella on The rituals performed in both the
the abode of the Goddess and she temples are the same and on the
attached herself to it. The Goddess final day, the Gods are escorted to
went back with him and his umbrella Nellikulangara. These two villages
to Nenmara! The villagers realised compete with each other to celebrate
this when none of them were able to the festival with greater grandeur.
move their umbrella after they put it This friendly competition adds to the
down. The temple was built at this flavour of the festival.
place to worship this divine power.
The magnificent elephant show
The reincarnation of Kannagi Every year, the ‘aanapanthal’ or the
It is also believed that Goddess enclosure for elephants is built
Bhagavathy is a reincarnation of with bamboo, wood and lit up
Kannagi. Kannagi is the famous decoratively. This houses the
character from the epic literature magnificent elephants that are
Silapaddikaram. She was the wife of brought from many parts of Kerala
the story’s main character Kovalan. for the festival. The lighting of the
According to legend, Kannagi burned aanapanthal is so grand that it can
the city of Madurai after her husband be viewed from miles away. It is
was sentenced to death unjustly. believed that these elephants will
While returning home, she stopped accompany the Gods, when they go
at Nelliyampathy, a hill station and to meet Nellikulangara Bhagavathy.
threw a gooseberry. This gooseberry
landed in Vallanghy where the temple The cacophony of fireworks
has been erected. Since then, the The other highlight of the
traditional story has been passed celebrations is the vibrant display of
down through generations, making fireworks. Each village tries to outdo
APRIl 2021
the other while competing for noise firework and temple celebrations,
and beauty! The fireworks are so loud, truly coming across as the cynosure
that it is believed to be one of noisiest of all eyes.
celebrations in the whole world.
They light up the whole sky offering Timeless harmony
a spectacular view of brilliance. The best Panchavadyam (orchestra of
Enthused by the sight, every year, the five instruments) and Pandi Melam (a
villages find newer and innovative percussion ensemble) artistes form
ways to make this display more an integral part of the procession.
extravagant and unforgettable! They enchant the audience with
the harmony of their beats. So the
The pinnacle of splendour coming together of two villages to
Both the Nemara and Vallagi celebrate the occasion makes it very
embark on the procession to the special. Several traditional art forms
Nellikulangara Bhagavathy temple like Kummatti, Karivela and Andivela
led by tuskers who have been are also performed during this period.
beautifully decorated and gorgeously Which is why, this is a wonderful
adorned. The decorated elephants
time to visit Palakkad and enjoy the
are paraded in front of the crowd
traditional performances along with
amidst the symphony of drum beats
the birthday celebrations of the
and fireworks at the Trissur Pooram,
Goddess!
referred to as the mother of all
april 2021
march 2021
34 making a difference
Powerhouse of
Strength
She rose from the sprawling shanties of Dharavi to build the

lives of over 15000 people, sex workers and jail inmates and
give them a reason to live with a renewed sense of self- worth
and purpose. Reshma Parab shares her poignant story.
L
iving and surviving in Mumbai’s experienced a sense of rejection and
famous Dharavi, is a sheer hopelessness while witnessing many
adventure by itself. Nobody incidences of crime and corruption
knows how and when you could unfold before her eyes. Days passed
lose your way in the maze of dusty and she continued with her routine
narrow lanes among teeming people, life until she chanced upon the Art of
open sewers and cramped huts. living program.
When young Reshma was growing
up, she was clueless about her The dawn of realisation
future prospects. Wondering if she A meditation workshop called
was destined to be a loser, Reshma Navchetna Shibir was organised in
april 2021
our area for adults,” says Reshma. achievement to start with,” smiles
“However most of them being daily Reshma.
labourers opted out. Interestingly
children turned up and I attended Getting people to be a part of a
the workshop by chance. It was a positive change was an arduous
new and soothing experience for challenge for Reshma and her team.
me and I realised that it is possible Most of them resisted, shut doors
to find peace even amidst the dust and even drove them away. Instead
and din.” watching the daily soap was a better
option for the slum dwellers. Reshma
For the first time Reshma felt a worked harder but was soon struck
shift within herself. She wanted to with tuberculosis. The unhealthy
explore better ways of leading a environment and lack of awareness
happy, productive life. Inspired by of precautionary measures worsened
this new change, Reshma underwent her condition and Reshma was
the Youth Leadership Training almost battling for life.
Program. “It was simply magical.
It’s hard to describe in words. By The presence of a higher
the completion of the program, my power
mind was sharp, composed and It was then the Art of Living teachers
stable. My perception and outlook came forward and took her under
of life had completely changed.” their wing. “My condition started
improving once I regularly started
The big challenge doing the Sudarshan Kriya. The
Slowly Reshma joined a dynamic deep breathing techniques helped
team of dedicated volunteers and me a lot, much more than the
started working to bring change course of medicines, which I had
in people around her. Their barely started,” reveals Reshma.
earnest efforts bore fruit when If the ailment tested her resilience,
they successfully managed to spiritual practices brought her inner
start a free school for the lesser strength and reinforced her faith in a
privileged children. “We must have higher power. What’s more, for once,
approached around 400 homes her parents felt moved and humbled
and tried our best to convince by her one-pointed devotion towards
parents and make them see sense her Master.
about the importance of their
child’s education. Eventually, Remand Home Underworld
50 students got admitted in the and Rehabilitation
school. Nevertheless it was a big Soon Reshma was back on her feet
APRIl 2021
and her activities started in full meditation. Though communicating

swing. She got an opportunity to and interacting with them was
conduct the prison rehabilitation a daunting task, Reshma was
program (Prison SMART program) unwavering in her resolve to bring
for women’s remand home at them to the spiritual path and reform
Mankhurd, Mumbai. Many of these them.
girls were young and inexperienced
yet well -educated. While some For a better tomorrow
of them fell into wrong company Inspired by her Guru’s vision to
and resorted to illegal activities for create a stress- free and violent
money, others were simply dumped -free society and bring a smile on
by their boy friends. every face, Reshma went on to do
programs for sex workers, outcasts,
Reshma was emotionally moved and women inmates and misguided
felt a strong sense of compassion for youths – all who had lost direction
them. Besides when the program in their lives, facing rejection
commenced, the young girls found it and humiliation. From slums
difficult to sit through the program. across Mumbai to many villages
of Marathwada in Maharashtra,
They were so overcome by pain and Reshma surged ahead with her spirit,
trauma that Reshma had to work dedication and commitment to bring
hard to win their heart and attention. hope and succor to all those who
Slowly things started looking better. were either fighting defeat or waiting
The techniques and group processes to be absolved of their wrongdoings
created an atmosphere of love and and take recourse to spirituality.
belongingness and the girls cooled
down completely after an outpour Year after year, Reshma continued
of emotions. They had an incredible with the Art of Living rehabilitation
experience. “Along with them, and empowerment programs,
I too experienced a 360 degree motivating youth to give up
transformation. We all together had alcohol, smoking, drugs and
found a new lease of life. I felt as helping them envision a better
if I lived so many lives in those six tomorrow for themselves.
days,” she adds, beaming with joy.
Bringing sex workers to
As days progressed, Reshma spirituality
encountered hardened criminals Going further, Reshma has also been
from Mumbai’s underworld who instrumental in bringing 200 sex
were most eager to learn yoga and workers from Kamathipura, Mumbai
april 2021
to undergo the Art of living’s breath of food for people under Parel bridge
and meditation program. The and relatives of cancer patients
participants couldn’t thank enough outside Tata hospital, Rashmi
as they let out their angst, agony and ensured that no one really went
suppressed emotions. One of them begging. She also conducted online
cried out, “Nobody wanted anything stress relief workshops and people
from me except that they wanted from Dharavi simply lapped up the
me to be happy. I feel feather-light opportunity.
as if all tension, pain, and sorrow
have left my body.” And the journey continues…
By far, Reshma has reached over
Standing with humanity 15,000 people and has inspired
during lockdown change in their lives. “I have lot
Even during lockdown, Reshma did more to do. I will keep going and
not sit quiet. Along with her team of keep doing. It’s Gurudev’s grace
volunteers she was always leading that I could become his instrument
from the front and doing as much to serve humanity. After all, if you
as she could to bring respite to grief have faith in yourself and faith in
-stricken people. Whether it was the Divine, life itself becomes a
distributing grains and food packets miracle,” she smiles and signs off.
at Dharavi or taking large quantity
APRIl 2021
SNIPPETS
Queens curate heirlooms from the looms
I
ndia’s rich and diverse handloom This was the unique selling
heritage is known all over the proposition of the ‘House of
world. But ninety per cent of Heritage’ initiative: the elegant
weavers’ looms went quiet for six handloom sari you were buying
long months during COVID-19, was a particular weave-and-pattern
making it impossible for many of creation that could be treasured as
them to even buy vegetables for an heirloom because it had been
their children. Weavers had unsold personally selected by a member
stock. Fortunately, the festive season of Indian royalty with expertise in
was nearing, and Madhurya, The Art handlooms!. Weaver-clusters from
of Living boutique that showcases Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan, Madhya
traditional Indian handicrafts and Pradesh, Maharashtra, West Bengal
handlooms at the International and Andhra Pradesh took part in this
Center in Bengaluru, felt something innovative and timely project.
could be immediately done to help
the weavers tide over the crisis. A novel multi-party platform, the
‘House of Heritage’ seamlessly
And so was born the ‘House of brought together distressed weavers
Heritage’ online project to assist from across the nation, India’s royal
discerning buyers with their festival families, the prospective buyers
shopping during Dussehra and and the experience and expertise
Deepavali, while helping weavers of Madhurya. The boutique’s
present their stocks online. Now committed teams, that had worked
the question facing Madhurya was day and night to transform this
how to convert the prospective idea into a replicable success story,
customers into buying customers, helped 64 families get back to the
who themselves were just emerging pride of their lives – their looms. This
out of the COVID situation,. That is story also illustrates the use of the
when Bharathy Harish, Coordinator, power of curating without fanfare
Madhurya, thought of inviting the and with a low-key sense of purpose
support of Queens from twenty-five - to achieve a social objective. Take a
Indian royal families to curate the bow, Madhurya!
collections that were in stock with (With inputs from Ravi Indoria, Sevak, Madhurya)
the weavers.
april 2021
Yuvacharyas create Sakhi

An Eco- Friendly Sanitary Pad
It was just a chance of fate that
both these young women found
themselves in the same workshop of
The Art of Living’s Youth Leadership
Training Program. This program is
curated to empower each participant
to rise as a community leader.
Here both of them found the right
motivation, the right tools, skillsets
and what more – they found each
N
ibedita Mondal was working other!
as a menstrual hygiene
trainer. Day in and day out With a shared vision, they set out
she first hand witnessed the harm on their mission and Sakhi, an
that women were incurring upon ecofriendly sanitary pad was born.
themselves with the use of synthetic Both the women put in their personal
sanitary pads laced with Dioxine. savings and Sakhi started taking
Dioxine is not just an environment shape. The pads, made of cotton and
pollutant; it also leads to cancer, silicon are sewn on home sewing
PCOD, abnormal childbirth and a machines. Each pad can be washed
lot more. She was restless to do and used for 5 years. Now these
something about it. Arpita Das, a women go door to door to educate
home maker not far from where women on the hazards of synthetic
Nibedita lived, too one day learnt pads and market Sakhi. Nibedita and
about the hazards of synthetic Arpita now look forward to begin
sanitary pads. She also felt an urge selling through online platforms to
to do something concrete. reach more women.
Rishimukh www.rishimukh.org
Digital magazine
APRIl 2021
40 inspiring lives
The Weaver
who Wove
Bhakti
By Bhavesh Parekh
In the fifteenth century, in a family

Body is the finely woven of weavers, near Varanasi, was
cloth, every pore permeates born a boy. As was the custom, the
Ram Naam. local Qazi opened the Holy Koran
The spinning wheel was the randomly to find a name for the boy.
8-petalled lotus, the yarn His finger rested on the word ‘Kabir’
were the 5 elements. – meaning Great.
It took 9-10 months to knit,
yet O fool you soiled it. Kabir remained a humble weaver all
When my sheet came to me, I his life. Apart from weaving cloth,
gave it to the Dyer (Guru) Sant Kabir devoted his life weaving
It was dyed so that it was soulful melodies that have inspired
totally red. the Bhakti Movement for centuries
Dhruv Prahlad and Sudama together.
wore it, Shukdev made it
pure. The Child of Allah and Ram
Das Kabir wore it, and left it If God be within the mosque,
as he received it. then to whom does this world
belong?
Chadariya jheeni re jheeni, Re ram If Ram be within the image
naam ras bheeni, Chadariya jheeni re which you find upon your
jheeni… pilgrimage,
april 2021
41 inspiring lives
then who is there to know a foot on the prostrate Kabir. Startled

what happens without? and ashamed, the Swami cried out,
Hari is in the East, Allah is in ‘Ram’.
the West.
Look within your heart, for Kabir had received his bija
there you will find both Karim mantra – Ram.
and Ram;
All the men and women of Kabir was beyond all faiths. For him,
the world are His living forms. Ram and Rahim were one, Kabaa
Kabir is the child of Allah and and Kailasha were one. Kabir was
of Ram: He is my Guru, He is unlettered. Yet, he had intuitively
my Pir. hit upon the intellectual sublimity
of Advaita, which is today finding
(Translated by Rabindranath Tagore) an echo in Quantum Physics! All
is One. All is God. God is beyond
Even as a youth, Kabir realised that all divisions of religion and caste.
God was beyond all differences of Kabir challenged the superstitions
religion and caste. Kabir wished followed by the two dominant faiths
to become a disciple of a then of medieval India. Kabir united faiths
renowned Guru, Swami Ramananda. and castes. He united Advaita and
Kabir sought his bija mantra – the Bhakti.
vibration that would resonate with
the Cosmic Vibration. The bija Kabir received no education. Kabir
mantra has to be given by a Guru sang the songs of the poor and
– even if the recipient is spiritually powerless. He composed his songs
more advanced than the giver. in the language of the people –
However, Kabir’s caste and faith songs that have echoed down the
barred him from the Swami’s circle. centuries and all over the world.
Literary works with compositions
Kabir hit upon a solution that reveals attributed to Kabir include Kabir
the humility that only a great Soul Bijak, Kabir Parachai, Sakhi Granth,
can possess. He knew the Swami Adi Granth (Sikh), and Kabir
came early morning to bathe in the Granthawali. There are two temples
Ganga. There are steps leading down dedicated to Kabir located in
to the river. Kabir went and laid Varanasi. One of them is maintained
down on one of the steps. It was pre- by Hindus while the other by
dawn and still dark. The Swami came Muslims. Both the temples practice
for his daily bath and walked down similar forms of worship where his
the steps. By mistake, the Swami put songs are sung daily. The followers
APRIl 2021
42 inspiring lives
of Kabir are vegetarians and abstain

from alcohol.
Kabir’s verses were incorporated

into the Holy Adi Granth, with verses
attributed to Kabir constituting the
largest non-Sikh contribution.
O SERVANT, where dost thou

seek Me?
Lo! I am beside thee.
I am neither in temple nor
in mosque: I am neither in
Kaaba nor in Kailash:
Neither am I in rites and
ceremonies, nor in Yoga and
renunciation.
If thou art a true seeker, thou
shalt at once see Me: thou occasion for joy, not grief.
shalt meet Me in a moment
of time. After he left his body, Hindus and
Kabîr says, “O Sadhu! God is Muslims began to quarrel over his
the breath of all breath.” body, each claiming the right to
perform the last rites as per their
(Translated by Rabindranath Tagore) customs. However, when someone
lifted the shroud, there was no body
The Heroic Sant – only petals! The flowers were then
Sant Kabir was often slandered and divided between the two faiths and
even attacked for his challenging the funeral rites were performed
the orthodoxy of faith and caste. using the petals.
However he always forgave such
men. A Glorious Legacy
Kabir’s teachings influenced many
The Saint’s Passing individuals and groups spiritually.
When Sant Kabir was on his death- Guru Nanakji, Dadu of Ahmedabad
bed, his family and friends were who founded the Dadu Panth,
weeping. The Sant admonished Jiwan Das of Awadh who started
them gently, saying that this was an the Satnami sect, and the people
april 2021
43 inspiring lives
of Kabir Panth (the path of Kabir) The sea of blue spreads in

have had great reverence for Sant the sky,
Kabir. His poems are the source and The fever of life is stilled, and
inspiration for some of the most all stains are washed away;
glorious music created. when I sit in the midst of that
world.
Sant Kabir is revered by Hindus, Hark to the unstruck bells
Muslims, Sikhs, by rich and poor, by and drums! Take your delight
scholars and uneducated and by all in love!
castes. Kabir is the Voice that India Rains pour down without
and the World need to heed. water, and the rivers are
streams of light.
The Lord is in me, the Lord is One Love it is that pervades
in you, as life is in every seed. the whole world, few there
O servant! are who know it fully:
put false pride away, and seek They are blind who hope to
for Him within you. see it by the light of reason,
A million suns are ablaze that reason which is the
with light, cause of separation -
The House of Reason is very
far away!
How blessed is Kabîr, that
amidst this great joy he sings
within his own vessel.
It is the music of the meeting
of soul with soul;
It is the music of the
forgetting of sorrows;
It is the music that
transcends all coming in and
all going forth.
(Translated by Rabindranath Tagore)
APRIl 2021
44 beautiful places
Find yourself on a new

spiritual high as you set
foot on the fascinating
land of Sri Lanka to
eulogise and celebrate the
glory of Lord Rama…
T
he story of Ramayana
continues to be a source
of inspiration to millions of
On the
people around the globe through
music, literature, art, historic
lore, legend and other forms of
Ramayana symbolism. Sri Lanka is replete

with sites that bear testimony
to the episodes and events that
occurred in Ramayana, centuries
ago. Let us explore this enriching
landscape of the island country
and relive the tales of the ancient
epic through a memorable
journey.
Close to Sri Lanka International

Airport, Negombo is a
fascinating city that has
a charming touch with its
magnificent beaches. The
Negombo Lagoon, the remains
of the 17th century Dutch Fort
and the St Mary’s Church are
few of the best attractions that
capture your attention as you
brace yourself to embark on the
Ramayana trial after an overnight
stay at Negombo.
april 2021
45 beautiful places
Munneswaram & Munneshwaram temple and prayed

Mannawari temple to Lord Shiva for a remedy.
He then proceeded to the nearby

Mannawari temple and carved a
linga out of sands. The linga is called
A beautiful temple complex at Chilaw,

in the North Western Province of Sri
Lanka, Munneswaram Temple is a
cluster of five temples, one of them
being a Buddhist temple. While the Ramlingam and is the only one in
main Munneshwaram temple is the the world other than the Shivlingam
biggest temple dedicated to Lord at Rameshwaram, named after Lord
Shiva, the other temples are adorned Rama.
by the deities of Ganesha, Ayyanyake
and Kali. While two main festivals Kanniya Hot Springs,
of Navaratri and Shivaratri are Koneswaram temple &
celebrated here with great splendor, Shankari Devi temple,
the temple is also known for its four- Trincomalee
week long Munneswaram festival One of the ancient cities in the
that is largely attended by people of eastern province of Sri Lanka,
different faiths and religion. Trincomalee, has delightful wonders,
of which are Kanniya Hot Springs,
The Ramayana Connect: There Koneshwaram temple and Shankari
is an interesting episode from Devi temple, to name a few.
the Ramayana surrounding the
Munneswaram Temple. After killing Kanniya Hot Springs, a popular
Ravana, Lord Rama was heading to tourist site with seven square hot
Ayodhya in Ravana’s vehicle called water wells are in close proximity to
Pushpak Vimana. During the journey, each other. Around 3-4 feet deep,
he felt enveloped by Brahma dosha, a the wells are quite shallow but local
curse for killing a pious Brahmin and people believe that the hot water has
an ardent devotee of Shiva. To get rid curative properties and is good for
of the dosha, Rama alighted at the the skin. Going by the ancient ruins
APRIl 2021
46 beautiful places
ancient temples of the island country.
The Ramayana Connect: According

to legend, originally it was Sage
Agastya who had built the
Koneshwaran temple, instructed by
Lord Shiva, as he was pleased by
Ravana’s devotion. The temple is
that are visible around these springs, also recognized for the lingam that
these wells were perhaps a part of was installed by Lord Rama to get
a pond complex used by Buddhist rid of the curse of killing Ravana,
monks of Velgam Vehera Buddhist the Brahmin, After Mannawari
Monastery. temple, this was the second lingam
established by Rama.
The Ramayana Connect: It is said
that Ravana dug up these hot springs Shankari Devi Temple: Located
to do the last rites of his mother. within the premises of the
Since then, in Sri Lanka, the waters Koneshwara temple, Shankari
of Kanniya Hot Springs are utilized
for doing last rites of any deceased
individual.
Koneshwaran Temple: Located at

an idyllic spot at the edge of a cliff,
the Koneshwaran temple is a sight
to behold. The temple is dedicated
to Lord Shiva and is one of the five
april 2021
47 beautiful places
Kandy, Sri Lanka
Devi temple has Adi Shakti (the beautiful Sri Dalada Maligawa temple
consort of Shiva) as the presiding which has preserved the tooth relic
deity in a standing position with of Lord Buddha. The city also attracts
four arms. However the temple has a lot of visitors when the annual holy
greater significance as this is the festival, Esala Pereshera is celebrated
first Shakti peeth mentioned by with great enthusiasm.
Adi Shankaracharya in his stotra,
describing the 18 shakti peethas in The Ramayana Connect: Close to
Indian subcontinent. Kandy is Sita Kothwa, the place where
Sita spent her few days of her exile
The Ramayana Connect: Ravana before moving on to Ashok Vatika.
performed severe penance to
convince Goddess Parvati to stay in Dambulla Cave Temple &
this place. The Goddess was pleased Sigriya Rock
and stayed back as Shankari Devi.
Kandy: Surrounded by beautiful hills

covered with tropical vegetation,
Kandy is Sri Lanka’s second largest
city, and 115 kms from Colombo.
Known best for being a UNESCO
world heritage site, it is one of
the most sacred destinations
for Buddhists. Kanda houses the
APRIl 2021
48 beautiful places
At the north of Kandy, is the dense fortifications, ponds, alleys,

Dambulla Golden Cave Temple, which canals, vast gardens and fountains.
is also a UNESCO World Heritage
site. Along with this rock, towering The Ramayana Connect: At the
160 m over the surrounding plains, entrance of the Sigiriya Rock, there
there are over 80 documented caves are deep pools that appear shallow,
in the neighbouring areas. However, thereby creating an illusory effect.
the five caves that attract your Apparently Ravana, invoked his
attention are the ones which contain special powers to use these illusions
paintings and statues depicting the to flood the entrance and prevent
life of Gautam Buddha. outsiders or intruders from entering
his palace.
Near the town of Dambulla, the
Sigiriya Rock, a major tourist Nuwara Eliya
attraction, is an ancient and unique Located in the central province of Sri
fortress complex located on a Lanka, Nuwara Eliya also known as
massive rocky plateau, 370 meters City of Lights looks breathtakingly
above the sea level. Recognised for beautiful with its array of lush valleys,
its mesmerising appeal, the Sigiriya mountains, meadows and greenery.
Rock has great archeological value Some of the best sites of interest
and is one of the most important and include the tea plantations, golf
cherished monuments of Sri Lanka. course, the Victoria Park and Lake
The complex comprises of remnants Gregory, a beautiful reservoir in the
of a ruined palace, surrounded by heart of the hill city.
Nuwara Eliya
april 2021
49 beautiful places
Hakgala Botanical Gardens
The Ramayana Connect: On the

hills of Ramboda in Nuwara Eliya, a
temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman
symbolises the place from where
Hanuman started his search for Sita.
The temple is thronged by millions of
devotees on full moon days. During
this occasion, the panoramic green
jungles and waterfalls surrounding spent her days after being abducted
Ramboda, give you a taste of by Ravana. Ashok Vatika signifies the
exquisite beauty. place where Hanuman meets Sita and
gives her Rama’s ring. A part of this
Hakgala Botanical Gardens: majestic garden still exists though
Located on the Nuwara Eliya - Badulla Hanuman had destroyed most of it,
main road, Hatgala Botanical Garden in a bid to prove his power and ability
is the second largest botanical garden to Ravana. Now a temple has been
in Sri Lanka. It has an awe-inspiring built, that is located at a distance of
collection of orchids along with 1 km from Ashok Vatika, known as
a wide variety of flowers in a rich Seeta Amman dedicated to Rama,
medley of colours. Lakshmana, Sita and Hanuman.
Located approximately off the
The Ramayana Connect: This is the town square of Nuwara Eliya, is
exotic pleasure garden popularly the Buddhist temple known as
known as Ashok Vatika, where Sita Divurumpola temple. The highlight
APRIl 2021
50 beautiful places
Kelanya Temple, Colombo
of the temple is the site, where The Ramayana trail ends with your
Sita is said to have undergone the return to Sri Lanka airport but the
agnipariksha (trial by fire). enriching experiences during the
journey remain etched in your
Kelanya Temple, Colombo memory and continue to inspire for
Located 11kms north east of Colombo, generations to come…
is the Kelaniya temple. The murals
enshrined at this temple is a classic
example of the sculptor’s art that
beautifully depicts the story of this
place.
The Ramayana Connect: According

to Ramayana, Vibhishana, was
crowned as the new king of Lanka
after Ravana’s death. Kelaniya temple
is the site that was once ruled by
Vibhishana, the younger brother of
Ravana.
Courtesy : www.sumeruholidays.com
april 2021
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53 humoUr
laugh & be happy

The reluctant speaker
Mullla Nasrudin was always Several members of the audience

boasting about how wise he was. He shouted, ‘No!’.
proclaimed to all he met that he was
a Hodja – a highly knowledgeable ‘Since you do not know what I am
scholar. Now, it so happened that going to say, I will say nothing.’ Mulla
some people actually believed him, then calmly left the stage and went
and organized a public talk for Mulla home.
– no specific topic was mentioned.
Mulla was nervous about Mulla’s disappearing act
speaking on stage, as his astonishingly enhanced his
knowledge was in reality reputation. The public began
zero! He could not back to believe he had great
out though, having secrets to unravel,
promoted himself so and within a few days
excessively. Mulla was compelled
to appear once more
On the scheduled on stage.
day, a large audience
gathered, eager to receive Mulla asked the
wisdom from the famous same question.
Hodja! Mulla Nasrudin This time the
climbed onto the audience was wiser.
stage, and received a Around half the
thunderous ovation. audience members
immediately shouted.
Mulla gave a big smile, ‘Yes!’
and spoke, ‘Friends, thank you for
coming to hear my talk. I am honoured. Mulla then spoke, ‘those of you who
Before I start, I have one question for know what I am going to say tell this
you all. Do you know what I am going to the others who don’t know.’ He then
to say?’ climbed down and went home!
APRIl 2021
54 humoUr
If only they had presence of mind
There were three friends who were ran after the train. Two managed to
highly intellectual. They would spend board the train. The third was too
hours discussing the meaning of life, fond of jalebis and rasgullas - he
death, the nature of reality, and other could not catch the train. He sat on
such esoteric subjects. the platform, looking at the train
speeding away and started weeping.
Once, they went to a railway
station. The train was late. They The station master was a kind man.
sat on the platform and soon got Having seen the entire incident, he
deeply engrossed in philosophical came to the weeping thinker, and
discussions. spoke, ‘Brother, don’t worry. Another
train is due in two hours. It’s off-
The train arrived and halted for a season and I will get you a berth. You
good ten minutes. The friends were can rejoin your friends within a few
oblivious to the train - being focused hours. Missing trains is part of life -
on solving the mystery of Life! happens sometimes.’
The train horn sounded and it The thinker looked crestfallen. ‘Sir,
started moving. At that moment, thank you. The problem is only I was
one of the thinkers noticed the train supposed to travel. My two friends
and alerted his friends. All three had come to see me off!’
april 2021
55 Healing Cuisine
Thanda Thanda Cool Cool

By Kaushani Desai
As the mercury keeps rising, ride on a cold

wave with Kaushini Desai and quench your
thirst with fresh seasonal coolants. Leave
everything aside and just chill!
MIXED FRUIT SMOOTHIE

Ingredients
1/2 Avocado
7 Strawberries (whole pieces)
1 tbsp Brown Sugar
1 cup water
Method
1. Gently scoop out the avocado flesh.
2. In a blender, add the avocado, strawberries and water.
3. Mix in the brown sugar and refrigerate for a while.
4. Remove and serve chilled.
APRIl 2021
56 Healing Cuisine
ROSE MELON
Ingredients
250g water melon.
1 tbsp rose water.
Few scooped pieces of
watermelon for garnish.
Method
1. Blend the water melon
and rose water.
2. Sieve the mixture and
pour it in a tall glass.
3. Garnish with the
scooped watermelon
pieces and serve chilled.
PUMPKIN LEMON GRASS

Ingredients
250g yellow pumpkin
1 tbsp. lemon grass
1 tbsp lemon Juice
1 tbsp raw sugar
(bura chinni)
1 cup water
Method
In a grinder, grind the yellow
pumpkin, lemon grass, lemon
juice and raw sugar.
Strain the mixture through a
muslin cloth.
Serve chilled.
april 2021
57 Healing Cuisine
TANGY TANGO
Ingredients
2 passion fruits (whole)
2 glasses water
3 tbsp honey
½ tbsp. subja seeds
Method
1. Soak the subja seedsin water for
15 minutes.
2. In a blender, add the passion
fruits, honey and water and blend
to a smooth mixture.
3. Place the sabja seeds in a glass
and pour the prepared mixture.
4. Serve chilled.
APRIl 2021
58 Films Through the Lens of Wisdom
Miracles happen! The film Lion is a

beautiful depiction about joy and hope
winning over desperation and doubt
A film about celebrating

courage and resilience
By Ruchira Roy
april 2021
O
ne year back, we were holed station, Guddu asks Saroo to sleep
up in our homes, trying to on the bench, and not move from
figure out the chaos that had there until his return. After a while
descended on mankind. Along Saroo gets curious, lonely and
came the anxiety, stress, sense of nervous without his brother and
loss and uncertainty. But on the goes looking for him in the train that
path, the Master became our GPS is standing at the station. Saroo is
helping us navigate these rather tired. He decides to take a nap in the
unchartered territories, finding a way train until his brother arrives, only
back to the source. Meditations and to wake up 1600 kms away in the
knowledge sessions with Him every unknown city of Kolkata.
day reassured us that everything was
going to be OKAY, eventually. The scenes here portray the
resilience of a 5-year-old boy
“Life moves in the direction of the best. in surviving amidst predators,
On the way you may find rough roads, sometimes even stealing Prasad
but it is towards the better.”- Gurudev. from a temple nearby and sleeping
on the station along with other street
A film that holds out a similar urchins. He is soon adopted by an
promise is the Oscar winning Garth Australian couple, Sue (played by
Davis-directed 2016 film - Lion, Nicole Kidman) and John Brierley.
based on the true life story of Saroo But the question of ‘Who am I?’
Brierley, who found his way back never leaves Saroo. One day, in
home after almost losing hope that a group meeting at his college
he will. in Melbourne, while people are
introducing themselves, Saroo says
The 5-year-old Saroo (originally he is from Kolkata but not really from
Sheru meaning ‘lion’), played there. The confusion about his own
impeccably by the very endearing roots gnaws at him, while externally
child actor Sunny Pawar, is shown Saroo seems to have a set of very
hailing from Khandwa in India, loving and doting parents, and a
from a poor but happy household. slightly troubled younger brother,
His mother Kamla is a laborer in a Mantosh who is also adopted
quarry nearby, with two sons and a from India.
daughter-Sheru, Guddu and Shekila.
Saroo is very close to his brother Saroo opens up to his partner about
Guddu who works at the railway how he feels that he may have
station at night. Saroo insists on left an entire life back in India. “I
going to work with Guddu. At the had another family. A mother. A
APRIl 2021
brother. I can still see their faces,” desire has to be intense. The greater
he tells Lucy, his partner. He realizes the intensity of desire and the later it
what he does not remember was gets fulfilled, then greater will be the
comparatively pretty basic to who he
gratitude. Often people think that they
is as a person. Saroo soon becomes
obsessed with his goal of finding are unfortunate if their desires don’t
out his birth home and his roots. It get fulfilled quickly. Intense desire can
seems nearly impossible given that frustrate you or make you prayerful.
a human remembers so little from In prayerfulness, there is gratitude and
such an early childhood. Saroo only devotion. Any intense experience makes
has his muscle memory to count you whole.” - Gurudev
on. His obsession starts affecting
his relationships too, as his partner Saroo is ready for the next step.
starts feeling left out and eventually
she leaves, at least then. The film speaks flawlessly through
scenes with moments of discovery,
Saroo holes himself up in his when Saroo, played deftly by Dev
apartment trying to work his way Patel, looks at the water tank…
around Google Earth to find his exact again, enters his birth home, looks
birth place. All he remembers vividly overwhelmed trying to beat back his
is a water tank that he used to climb the tears when he confronts his birth
as a child. “Faith is giving the divine a mother, as they become one in an
chance to act” - Gurudev embrace that seems eternal, after an
eternity of separation.
After spending months on Google
Earth, researching and geo-tagging The scenes are raw, moving and
various locations, and trying show the finality of hope, victory
out different permutations and of faith, even though seemingly
combinations, having almost given insurmountable. After all, opposites
up, suddenly one night, Saroo ARE complementary-grief (of losing
stumbles upon an image of a blurry his elder brother Guddu) and joy (of
rustic structure. He knows he is on meeting his birth mother and sister),
to something. As he is closing in, the not knowing and knowing, coming
memories of Saroo happily running from nothing to having it all.
through the gullies of his home come
rushing. Saroo leaves a message for Sue and
John- “I’m safe and all the questions
Intensity and prayerfulness have been answered. There are no
“For your prayer to be answered, the more dead ends.”
april 2021
61 Readers space
The Call from Gurudev

By Sonal Varhadpande
I
had turned 59 and was doing Breath Workshops for adults and
my Guru Puja course at the children. Now I was all the more
Bengaluru ashram. As the confused. ‘How do we get people
program neared its end, many to meditate online?’ I muttered
thoughts crossed my mind. Travelling under my breath. I wasn’t good at
back and forth from Mumbai to connecting with people through
Bengaluru was getting cumbersome. digital mediums. Or at least I
I was growing weary and tired with thought so.
age and time. Yet deep down, I
nursed a strong desire to travel all It now seemed totally impossible to
over the country and teach Art of align with my Master’s vision. I wept
Living courses. Doing seva was my a lot. I really wanted to spend every
first prerogative. moment of my life in HIS service.
Unable to suppress my turmoil any
Few months later, lockdown was more, I shared my angst with my
announced and I was confined at daughter-in law. She offered to help
home. My heart sank. ‘What do I do me find a way to enroll people for
now’, I wondered. Whatever little meditation program. With a gnawing
I was doing, also stopped. I felt a feeling in my heart, I prayed to
sense of emptiness from within. Gurudev from every cell of my being.
Soon Gurudev, while addressing an
online teachers’ meeting proposed I declared an Online Happiness
on initiating Online Meditation and Program and along with my
APRIl 2021
62 Readers space
daughter-in law created a plan to doing seva but couldn’t I be close

reach out to people. However we to him and keep up the good work?’
could not get any participant for I told myself. I brushed my fancies
the program. While everybody aside, knowing too well that we were
suggested, I postpone the program, in lockdown period. Yet I felt a sharp
I was firm and geared myself to pull from within.
teach the course even if there was
no one. Well, just few hours before I started getting visions about
the course was to commence, working and spending time with
participants stated pouring in. And Gurudev. And then what followed
with it, my tears were pouring down was unbelievable. We got a call
my face. from Ashram saying that Gurudev
had called for my son to work for a
Everything just happened as if it certain project in Ashram. He also
were some magic! I completed told my son to bring his entire family
my first program. After this, there to Ashram. I was speechless! My
was no looking back. My longing wish was coming true? Within eight
to teach courses intensified and days, we packed our bags, vacated
people started getting connected our room in Mumbai and landed in
to me. I had no time to rest as I Bengaluru.
was busy teaching online, morning
and evening. What was most Now I am here staying near the
touching was that, I was reaching to Ashram, enjoying life, waiting to
people from all over India. I had an catch a glimpse of him every now
ardent desire to travel across India and then. Recently I celebrated
and here it was! I was travelling my 60th birthday in his presence
virtually! People were joining from and was also on a day long trip to
Uttarakhand to Himachal Pradesh Mysore.
and other regions, where I absolutely
had no contact. During Guru I just want to spend the rest of my
Purnima, large number of people did life at his feet, doing his work and
the Happiness Program and I could spreading love. After going through
become an instrument of my Master all these beautiful experiences, I just
for transforming so many lives. want to share that – “The Divine
is waiting to listen to you. You just
Days passed and I started feeling have to call him from the bottom of
restless. I developed an intense your heart. And then life becomes a
longing for Gurudev and wanted to celebration in the true sense of the
just be in his presence. ‘Yes, I was word”.
APRIl 2021
63 Teens & Kids
you o w
DI D k n
Rabbits and
parrots have the
ability to see completely
behind themselves without
even turning their heads. Their
eyes are located on the side of
their head and hence and can Brown Box
rotate 360 degrees. So now
you know how they can
spot all their predators!
The word chocolate is said to Heard about brown box? It

Chocolate
have derived from the Mayan was the first ever home video
word ‘Chocol’, meaning a hot game console developed in
Mayan
drink. The fragrance of chocolate 1967 by Ralph Henry Baer, a

word
stimulates and enhances the German-born American

theta brain waves thereby game developer, engineer
triggering a sense of relaxation. and inventor.
april 2021
64 Teens & Kids
Air Supply
to cornea
The cornea (transparent
part of the eye) is the
only part of the body with
no blood supply. You will
be amazed to know that
it gets its oxygen directly
from the air.
Major Grey’s chutney

Have you heard about ‘Major Grey’s
chutney? The savoury condiment was
much sought after in pre-independent
India. The Englishmen were so fond of
chutneys that a 19th-century British
Army officer called Major Grey created
delectable sweet and tangy mango
chutney. The chutney was made with
raisins, vinegar, lime juice, onion,
sweetening and a variety of spices.
30 feet tall plAnt

At over 30 feet tall, Puya
Raimondii is the world’s
largest Bromeliad (plant).
Its massive flower stalk can
exceed 25 feet long and bear
over 8000 white flowers.
APRIl 2021
65 Teens & Kids
backwards Kangaroo
Kangaroos cannot walk backwards.

Surprised? They can move fast from
side to side with unbelievable speed
but interestingly, cannot go backward
because of their long feet and thick,
muscular and heavy tail that prevent
them from walking backward or forward.
Rajma & Mexico

first hand-held Can you believe it? Our
mobile phone famous and favourite Rajma,
Motorola Company was the one to kidney bean is originally a
develop the first hand-held mobile staple diet of Mexico! Rajma
phone? Sounds interesting? On was first grown in Mexico,
April 3, 1973, Dr Martin Cooper, an taken to Europe by the
engineer with Motorola placed the Portuguese, and then finally
first mobile phone call to Dr Joel brought to India, via its south-
Engel who was also an engineer western coast.
with Bell Labs.
april 2021
66 Teens & Kids
m e ssage
v ’s to
e y
ou
ru
n
Gu
gsters on…
Technology
Technology is meant
to bring you comfort.
Meditation also is a
technology that brings you
inner comfort. Technology
is not anti-spiritual but it
is upto you how to use it.
If you are obsessed with it,
it takes a toll on health. So
the way out is use it but do
not let it use you. Mischief
Do not lose the spirit of
enthusiasm. You should be
mischievous all throughout
without hurting anyone.
Lord Krishna is known for
his mischief but he did not
Materialism vs cause hurt to anyone.
Spirituality
Being fashionable does not
make you less spiritual. Spirit
loves fashion; it will not stop
you from being spiritual. Have
a compassionate heart, and if
you do not do what people do
to you, you are spiritual.
APRIl 2021
67 Teens & Kids
The Drowning Seeker

By Bhavesh Parekh
A
Seeker wished to meet the The Seeker was walking
wisest man in the world. He absentmindedly on the banks of a
travelled far and wide. He river, pondering on all the wisdom he
attended lectures by a thousand self- had received. It’s perhaps not very
professed philosophers and was very wise to walk while looking at the sky,
impressed with them. But he could but none of these philosophers had
not decide who was the wisest. They told him to look at the ground while
all spoke wonderfully. They spoke walking. He stumbled over a stone
on the meaning of life, on life after and fell into the river.
death, on how by donating to them,
the Seeker would book a seat in The Seeker was so obsessed with
Heaven. the quest for wisdom that he had
forgotten to learn swimming. He
There was one exception. The struggled to stay afloat and started
Seeker came across a Saint. When
screaming for help. A large crowd
he asked the Saint, the Saint smiled
collected.
enigmatically, and spoke, ‘Go spend
time with children. They will reveal
A government official came forward.
the highest wisdom.’
He said, ‘Sir, do you have a valid
What a strange Saint! As though ID card? If not apply for one. It’s
children could give him wisdom! mandatory.’
april 2021
68 Teens & Kids
The drowning man screamed, ‘I need Then they started arguing with each
a life-jacket, not an ID card.’ The other as to the best way to repent,
government official shook his fist and forgot about the drowning
angrily and walked away. Seeker.
Then a group of people came with The man was now at the end of his
cameras. They told the drowning strength. The end was approaching.
man, ‘We will organize a live chat on ‘I am drowning. No one is helping.
social media.’ God, if You do exist, do something.’
The drowning man coughed out A little girl came forward. She was
water, and gasped, ‘I need a life- about five or six. ‘What are you
jacket, not social media!’ The group doing there? Are you catching fish?’
shook their heads and walked away,
cracking jokes on the drowning ‘I am drowning.’
Seeker.
The girl clapped her hands. ‘Sounds
Then a philosopher came and said, like fun.’ The Seeker groaned.
‘Your ego is dragging you down.
Drop your ego.’ ‘Before you drown, I need a small
favor from you. Can you get me that
The drowning man gasped and white flower on the branch above
screamed, ‘To hell with my ego. And you?’
to hell with you. I need a life-jacket.’
The philosopher shook his head
The Seeker looked up. There was
sadly and walked away.
a branch over his head, with a
A temple priest came forward.
beautiful flower. The Seeker cursed
‘Chant this mantra. Repeat after me.’
himself for his supreme stupidity.
Before the priest could begin, the
He reached up, caught hold of the
Seeker coughed out water, and
branch, and pulled himself to safety.
screamed.’ I need a life-jacket, not
He brought the flower to the girl.
your mantras!’ The priest muttered
to himself and stormed away.
With tears in his eyes, the Seeker did
And then a Mullah came, followed a full-length prostration before the
by a Church priest, and both spoke girl. He had found the wisest person
at the same time, ‘Repent your sins.’ in the world!
april 2021
69 Bharath Gyan
Ram Setu
An engineering marvel
By Dr. D.K.Hari & Dr. D.K.Hema Hari, Founders, Bharath Gyan
According to Ramayana, on
Aerial image of Rama Setu
Nala’s advice, after surveying
the sea and identifying a natural
and undulating outcrop (visible
exposures of bedrock) from the
sea bed, theVanara, leveraged the
outcrop and piled different varieties
of trees on it, some which were in
bloom during that period, to create a
wood cushion and then he put large
boulders followed by smaller stones
to create a causeway over the sea.
(Nala was a vanara of the Rama
army and had great technical
capabilities in designing and
constructing the bridge.)
The steps in constructing the
A
dam’s Bridge, also known bridge seem to be no different from
as Rama Setu, is a chain of those employed by modern day
limestone shoals, between civil engineering and construction
Pamban Island, also known as companies.
Rameswaram Island, off the south-
eastern coast of Tamil Nadu, India, How was it possible to build a 35
and Mannar Island, off the north- kilometer bridge in just 5 days?
western coast of Sri Lanka. Rama Setu was built in five days, as
mentioned in the Ramayana. The
The question is whether this bridge execution was carried out with a 3-
is a natural formation or is it a point approach: Foundation, Linear
manmade construction? Let’s take Alignment and Use of Topography.
(Topography is the study of the
a closer look at Rama Setu, from
forms and features of land surfaces)
a rational, scientific and logical
The Linear Alignment of the bridge
perspective.
APRIl 2021
70 Bharath gyan
Bridge Construction - A graphical

representation of wood cushion
over aatural sea ridge
was an important aspect of the BCE and 2000 CE, the bridge has
construction, of Nala Setu, and was gradually been covered by shoals /
a planned effort on the part of the sand bars, due to several millennia of
Vanara team. wave action and sedimentation.
The question now is, whether, under
Any civil engineer, when the layers of, centuries of, hardened
constructing a Bridge or a Dam, sands, do there exist, layers of this
uses the topography of the place. bridge, showing remnants of the
Similarly, the vanaras also used trees and rocks as placed there by
the topography of the place, while the Vanara, as described in the text?
building this bridge. They identified a The answer is shoveling the sand
linear chain of islands and connected away will reveal bridge structure
them with landfills, a literal ‘fill in the layers.
blanks’.
Dr. S. Badrinarayanan, Geologist
What is the proof for this? - former Director of Geological
A study on the Adam’s Bridge by Survey of India and Consultant at
the Space Application Centre, the National Institute of Oceanic
Ahmedabad speaks about the Technology (NIOT), has done
topography around the bridge as extensive geological research of the
being comprised of 103 small patch bridge and this is what he has to say:
reefs laying in a linear pattern “Geological and geophysical studies
with reef crest, sand cays and of Ram Setu reveal the presence of
intermittent deep channels. loose marine sand below the coral
layer, clearly indicating that the coral
The moot point layer in the form of boulders are not
For 7000 years between 5000 natural and formed there on their
april 2021
71 Bharath Gyan
the bridge was constructed, it was

100 Yojana in length and the breadth
was 10 Yojana, making it a ratio of
10:1. (A Yojana is a Vedic measure
of distance used in ancient India.
100 Yojanas are equal to 1287.48
Kilometers.)
Nala Setu covered by sand
Use of corals in bridge construction
Dimensions of the bridge
Today, in the same ratio of 10:1 as

mentioned in the texts, the bridge
own, but have been transported by from Dhanushkodi in India to
somebody and dumped there; thus Talaimannar in Sri Lanka, measures
clearly establishing the fact that Ram approx 35 km in length and 3.5 km in
Setu is very much man made in the breadth, as is the naturally available
hoary past.” sea ridge, the base beneath, on
which it was built as an accretion.
Loose sand beneath corals
Corals usually grow on hard rock
and closer to the surface of the sea
where they can receive sunlight. In
the case of the Rama Setu, what
has been found is that, beneath the
corals, there is loose sand. Thus
these set of corals on the Setu, could Rama Setu
not have grown there on their own,
but should have been transported The Sri Lankan Muslims named this
from elsewhere and deposited there. bridge after Aadhaam, because their
first Islamic leader walked over this
Perfect Match bridge by foot from India to Lanka
The Ramayana text states that when and thus this bridge has a holy
connotation for them.
APRIl 2021
72 uptodate
What’s new
With the blessings of Gurudev, the machine
Cytotron, a possible alternative to Chemotherapy
was inaugurated at the Sri Sri Ayurveda Hospital.
Cytotron is a new revolutionary technology that
facilitates holistic approach to cancer treatments
by enabling the integration of curative, palliative
& rehabilitative care aspects.
Gurudev awarded the

Kanaka Shri Prashasti by
Poojya Shri Murugharajendra
Mahaswamiji on behalf of
the Shri Shoonya Sampadana
Mutt, Gokak at the Sharana
Sankruti Utsav 2021.
“We perceive things according to the

attitude of our mind. If the mind is
pleasant, the whole world becomes
pleasant.” Gurudev during a session
with participants from Malaysia
“Peace is our very nature,

and yoga leads you to inner
peace…” Gurudev addressing the
More than 5000 people from 43 participants, at the International
European countries participated in the Yoga Festival 2021, Rishikesh,
Online Breath & Meditation Workshop organised by the Uttarakhand
with Gurudev Government
april 2021
73 uptodate
Gurudev inaugurated the new

building of SSRVM East School at
Bengaluru along with Hon. Minister
for Forest, Shri Aravind Limbavali
Gurudev launched Sri Sri

School of Cyber Peace along
with four other research
centers in Sri Sri University,
Orissa. The school is
committed to strengthen
the Global CyberPeace
Ecosystem through the
research and innovation
Gurudev, along with Hon. Minister focused educational
of Muzrai, Kota Srinivasa Poojary framework in sync with
and other dignitaries at the the ace initiative from the
Saptapadi mass wedding at the CyberPeace Foundation
Ghati Subramanya temple on the
outskirts of Bangalore.
Gurudev inaugurated
Vedabhavam, a new hall at
Sri Sri Gurukul at the Art of
Living International Centre,
Bengaluru. Vedabhavanam
signifies the foundation and
source of all dharmas.
APRIl 2021
74 star watch
The Stars Speak

Predictions as per the Vedic Moon sign
By Astrologer Usha Kumari Ramachandra
Aries/ Mesha Rashi to improve in the last two weeks and

It is better to be careful your hard work will give good results.
for the first five days You must practise surya namaskar
of the month. Be more and meditation everyday.
aware. You can donate
nava dhanya to any Taurus / Vrishabha Rashi
temple. (nava dhanya meaning nine The beginning of the
grains are offered to navagrahas during month is good for you
the puja. Nava dhanya includes black but do guard your
temper. Your temper
seasame seeds, bengal gram, horse gram, can create problems for
green gram, rice, white beans, chic peas, you. It is mandatory to meditate
black gram and wheat). It is important three times every day. Observe
to be disciplined and keep silence as silence as much as possible. Don’t
much as possible. Things are going
april 2021
75 star watch
take hasty decision. You may All the four weeks of

perform Abhishekam to Goddess the month are good for
Durga. you. Compared to first
week, your material life
Gemini/ Mithuna Rashi will be better in the
This whole month is subsequent weeks. It is
very good for you. Just compulsory to do your pranayama
relax and enjoy your and meditation to get the grace of
time. Everything moon. The other thing you could do
seems to be pleasant. is, donate some amount of wheat
From the middle of the and also perform surya namaskar.
month you can think, of giving
attention on the aspect of material Virgo /Kanya Rashi
prosperity. Pay attention to your From the second week onwards,
health in the last week of the month. start chanting Guru
As Ashtama Shani is going on, chant Puja Mantra or
the shani mantra and pray to Lord Guru Stotra. Get
Shani. involved in seva.
You will see gradual
Cancer/ Karka Rashi improvement in every
The first ten days aspect of life. Be careful while
as well as the last communicating. There are chances
week of the month of misunderstandings taking place.
are favourable for Avoid talking too much.
you. However just be
careful around middle Libra /Tula Rashi
of the month; you need to think You need to be
twice before taking any decision. Get cautious during the
involved in seva and know that the first 15 days of the
Guru Grace is with you. Do not take month while driving
any major decisions without doing or riding. Pray to lord
your meditation. However, in the Karthikeya and then
last week of April, you may use your step out of the house. Take care of
courage to take major life decisions. your health and pay more attention
Money and job aspects are good this to your mooladhara chakra. There
month. are signs of body producing too
much heat. Do not argue with
Leo/Simha Rashi anyone. It is good to chant
APRIl 2021
76 star watch
Navagraha Strotram in the last two relaxation. Spiritually, this period is

weeks and donate nava dhanyas to good for you. Yet you may worship
any temple. You may have ego Lord Shani. Take care of your children
clashes with your partner. Perform and mother’s health. Express your
Rudrabhishekam on every Monday. gratitude towards your Guru. Feed
poor people on Saturdays. Take care
Scorpio/ Vrischika Rashi of your mind during the first and last
Planets that are in week of this month. Doing
transit are not greatly pranayama and meditation will help
beneficial during the in a great way.
first 15 days of the
month. But Saturn will Aquarius/ KumbaRashi
prove favorable for you. Be humble and
Your hard work will surely bring you grateful. It will be good
great success. Perform Guru Puja for you. As Saturn is
every week. It is good to get involved transiting over your
in seva. Things seem to be better in moon sign, involve
the last two weeks. yourself in more seva
projects. Feed poor people on
Sagittarius/ DhanurRashi Saturday. Spiritually, this period is
Though Saturn is not good for you; hence focus more on
favourable; other your spiritual growth. Do not take
planets in transit will major life decisions. Take care of
bring good results. yourself as well as your mother’s
Taking good care about health. You must perform Guru Puja.
all aspects is important
for you. Be sincere in your work. Pisces/ MeenaRashi
Your truthfulness, hard work and Everything is just great
ethics will make your life more this month. Pay
pleasant. If possible, feed poor attention to your
people. Be good on your way. Chant material life. With
the Guru mantra. some efforts, you can
bring many changes in
Capricorn/ Makar Rashi your life. There are chances of
You are going to see travelling and visiting temples. Now
gradual improvement in that everything seems good, being
many areas of life. It’s grateful, all the more will fetch you
the time when you will good results.
experience deep
april 2021
77 Courses & events
April 2021 Programmes

At The Art of Living International Center, Bangalore
Weekly Programmes
Happiness Program Fri – Sun Register: aolic.org/whp
Part II Program Thu – Sun Register: aolic.org/wp2
Sahaj Samadhi Dhyan Yoga Fri – Sun Register: aolic.org/ssdy
APRIl 2021
78 Courses & events
Online Programs
Online Vedic Maths Register: aolic.org/VMaths
Online Sri Sri Natya Register: aolic.org/ssn Online
Holistic Cooking Register: aolic.org/HolisticCooking
Online Wellness Program program Register: aolic.org/wellness
Home Grown - Home Cooked Online Register: aolic.org/

Permaculture session for Beginners
permaculturelms
Spine Care Yoga & Posture Program Register: aolic.org/scyp
Online Spine Care Yoga & Posture Register: aolic.org/scypc

Program for Children
Register: online.vvmvp.org
Contact: 08067262822 / 9036005022
Note: Owing to the current scenario, participants arriving at The Art of
Living International Center, Bengaluru, from outside of the Karnataka state,
will have to compulsorily produce a negative RT-PCR (COVID-19 negative)
certificate that is not older than 72 hours from their date of arrival or check in.
Participants will be allowed to stay / attend the program in Bangalore ashram,
only upon producing the COVID-19 negative certificate.
april 2021

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The Art of Living Magazine

Vol - 22 | Issue - 4 | Rs. 60/- April 2021

Look Beyond the Apparent

Talking of essence, in this issue Bhanu Didi throws light on the

To sail oneself through tough situations is an inspiring story in

The April issue is a magic potion that offers inspiration, courage,

Our digital editions Subscibe online through To Advertise

16 | Wisdom from the Master

Cover Story 30 | Culture & Traditions

When the emotions are calm, you 40 | Inspiring Lives

Mind Matters 53 | Humour

58 | Films Through the Lens of Wisdom

63 | Teens & Kids

lot of time in the Founder:

even in her younger Publisher:

she was the queen of Editor-in-Chief:

have to face so much Deputy Editor:

18 | Yoga Design & Illustration:

Powerhouse of Strength The publisher assumes no responsibility

Total number of pagess

But when turbulent times

We’ve all heard of Intelligence

Faith holds our mind

Remember You are fire

Some ash gets accumulated in

Keep the cheer and

Life has a unique ability to heal and consciousness. Let us resolve to do

Dance in the Rain

Every rainy season in your life has touched you deeply,

Gurudev: Yes, it is indeed

Look Beyond the Apparent

The question is a path - not the means

If Buddha had stayed When Buddha left Yashodhara, all the

Heart transcends reason.

Trying to reason out everything

Cure Type 2 Diabetes

Now you need not worry if you are suffering from

Type 2 Diabetes is a lifestyle related condition which is caused

Signs and Symptoms body including the beta cells in the

dormant potential to manifest to So, overall this therapy offers us a

7 Days Tentative Yoga Therapy Schedule

9.00 AM: Parameter- 3 5.15 PM: Tuning to nature (Walk)

Your kitchen can be your best medicine

Please read through to understand the

Cough? in one spoon of ghee and taken

Loose stools with

There is a beautiful verse in Ayurveda which states the importance of

So let us pay more attention to the ancient philosophy and practice

The season beckons to rejoice in the festive spirit and soak in

Legendary tales way for celebrating the festival every

She rose from the sprawling shanties of Dharavi to build the

and her activities started in full meditation. Though communicating

Queens curate heirlooms from the looms

Yuvacharyas create Sakhi

In the fifteenth century, in a family

then who is there to know a foot on the prostrate Kabir. Startled

of Kabir are vegetarians and abstain

Kabir’s verses were incorporated

O SERVANT, where dost thou

of Kabir Panth (the path of Kabir) The sea of blue spreads in