About Two Mothers

With Bishop Swing, Mary Swing and Rita Semele at Santa Clara University

It is not Mother's Day, yet I would like to write a note on these two mothers who are with Bishop Bill Swing and myself. Any man would draw a blank, however big his dreams are, if his better half is a block on his way, and vice versa. Bishop Swing founded the URI and is still steering this Global Initiative from the front and there is Mary, always on his side with a beaming smile. Her smile speaks volumes.  All of us know how much she struggled during the brief period of unsound health, and there is hardly any one in URI circles who has not prayed for her in those days. They have a long way to go, as the Cosmic Over Soul has assigned them greater responsibilities to be fulfilled.

Rita Semel, the second mother in the picture was the first Global Council Chairperson of URI, who continued in office for many years. She played an exemplary role in binding multi-farious Faiths together and I often wondered at the ease with which she chaired the GC sessions, which is not an easy sailing always. We bow down to you Rita. We have learned a lot from you.

I am we'll aware of the fact that we have so many fathers and mothers in the URI President's Council who make this extraordinary Movement possible. It was sheer joy to meet most  of them yesterday at the banquet and we are all grateful to you for presenting us again an unforgettable evening. Thanks to all who  joined hands to help realising this.

Together let us weave the web of URI, for the wellness of the Earth and all living beings.

Abraham Karickam

Mrs. Deepa Tankachan receiving best teacher award from Rt. Rev. Dr. Euyakim Mar Coorilos Episcopa

Distribution of tree saplings at KIPS as part of Environmental Day Programme

Delhi became first kerosene-free city in India

The Delhi Government on 17 June 2014 announced that the national capital has become the first 'kerosene-free city' in the country.

• This was achieved after implementation of the Delhi: A Kerosene-Free Scheme launched in 2012 under which no subsidized kerosene were being issued in Delhi.
• The scheme was launched in 2012 in collaboration with three Oil Marketing Companies and Union Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas for which Delhi Government had incurred an expenditure of Rs 62 crores.
• Under the scheme, free gas connections along with LPG filled cylinders, two burner gas stove, regulator and suraksha pipe were issued to the Jhuggi Ration Card (JRC), Below Poverty Line (BPL) and Antodaya Ann Yojana (AAY) ration card holders who were using kerosene oil for cooking.

C Radhakrishnan selected for Moortidevi Award

Eminent Malayalam writer C. Radhakrishnan has been selected for theprestigious Moortidevi Award for 2013 for his novel “Theekkadal Katanhu Thirumadhuram”.

• He has been selected for his novel Theekkadal Katanhu Thirumadhuram.
• The novel is a biographical account of Thunchat Ramaanujan Ezhuthachan, the person who is regarded as the father of Malayalamlanguage.
• The Moortidevi Award is an annual literary award in India presented by the Bharatiya Jnanpith organization.
• Moortidevi Award carries a cash prize of Rs.4 lakh, a plaque and a statue of goddess Saraswati.

KIPS KARICKAM- at the Roman Colosseum

It is a miracle of Trust

These adults who come to Taize Community in France, will at some stage perform that miracle, Which  I experienced in Rome during my first visit in 1988 January. We were doing our graduate school in Bossey Ecumenical Institute, Switzerland. They were closing for 10 days due to Christmas holidays. I spent one week in England and then came to Rome to attend a Taize meeting. And the number of participants were forty thousand! Meeting was for three days. I remember Pope John Paul II and brother Roger embracing each other in the St. Peter' s Basilica.

The miracle was that all  of  these 40,000 people were accommodated in families in Rome. People of Rome opened their houses for us, who were totally strangers for them. That is trust. I was with a family, who knew no word in English, but they gave me everything I wanted. Later they invited a relative, who was a student at Oxford, to help know one another a bit.

Taize conducts meeting all over the world, and the style is the same. We did the same in Madras two times later. If we can build trust, we can win over the hearts and minds of people, who are essentially good. This year Taize is going to Prague and the result will be the same.

Abraham Karickam

People's Pope

It was a happy coincidence today that we arrived at 12 noon at the Vatican, when Pope Francis suddenly appeared at the Vatican Square, greeting thousands of people who had assembled for the public audience. It was surprising that he was moving through the Square in his cart shaking hands with hundreds of devotees coming from all corners of the world.

 Whole Rome is in a jubilant mood as new signs of hope glitter in the Middle East because of the mediation of the Pope.

My last visit to the Vatican was in 1988 when we had the privilege of a private audience with the then Pope John Paul II, which we cherish for long. We were a group of 64 students from Bossey Ecumenical Institute, Geneva, being special guests at the Vatican for two weeks.

The atmosphere has tremendously changed here today, because of the people-oriented moves of Papa Francis.

Abraham Karickam

Why in Italy?

Why in Italy a Michael Angelo, a Leanardo Davinci, a Raphael is born?

Today my friend Renata Celli from Milan called us in Rome and I remembered visiting the Milano Cathedral with her during my first trip to Italy, where "Last Supper" is painted. There I understood that a Davinci can be born only in Italy. People make an artist of the world class.

Milano people knew that the City would be bombed during the Second World War. The Cathedral would vanish. And the "Last Supper"?. Large number of People came out braving the bombs and protected that wall with the painting with sand bags. As expected, the city was bombed and the Milan Cathedral gone. But Davinchi's wall remained in tact, and, of course, the painting was saved. Is it a wonder that these great artists are born in Italy?.  They love artists more than anything.

A Shakespeare can be born only during the reign of a Queen Elizabeth; a Kalidasa can flourish only in the court of a Vikramaditya. No other secret than this.

Abraham Karickam

Re-visiting Michael Angelo

Re-visiting Michael Angelo: two pictures that have captivated the minds of millions: Michael Angelo's Last Judgement and Davinchi's Last Supper. Yesterday I saw the Last Judgement again in the Sistine Chapel. Thousands of people line up here every day just to get a glimpse of this marvel. I know that MA started painting his pictures on the roof of this chapel when he was sixty and the work lasted eight long years. Sacrifice is the hall- mark of an artist. We usually don't recognise the suffering behind every classic achievement. Only long train of days with pain and patience bring glory, a lesson no one should ever forget.

Abraham Karickam

In side the Roman Colosseum

Here rests a Mahatma

Here rests a Mahatma

" Never condemn the young people; they will rise up and build". Here rests a great soul (Mahatma) in the form of Br. Roger, who always said like this. This is just in front of the ancient Roman Church in Taize, where the Community was founded 74 years ago.  With immense faith in the young, he traversed the globe, to conquer their minds and hearts. From Chile to Chittagong, Barcelona to Calcutta, he journeyed with ease, leading intercontinental teams of young people, and writing letters to the people of God.

On some evenings he used to call us youngsters for parleys in front of the residence of brothers in Taize Community. He encouraged us to ask all types of questions. On an occasion in 1980, I remember asking like this:

"Why can't we broaden the base of the Community so as to include all people from all religions?".
I had my interfaith inclinations even from younger days. He sat pensive for a while and then came the reply:

"We have done this much; you (youngsters) do the rest". That was like a command for me, personally. That strengthened my commitment.

The body vanishes, but the soul's sojourn never ends. Br. Roger is a fountain of inspiration for thousands of pilgrims like myself today  in this world of darkness and light.

Abraham Karickam

Pilgrimage of Trust

Pilgrimage of Trust

This is a usual sight in Taize in summer. Thousands of young people come to live and share the community life. They want to be effective links in the chain of the pilgrimage of Trust. We can see a long line of buses like this, bringing people from all over Europe. They live in tents and barracks all over the village. Large number of adults and children also come. What are the factors that attract them?

1. They proclaim to the world  that they want peace and reconciliation ( two key words dear to Taize).

2. They want to learn ways of simple living ( brothers of the Community don't accept any donation for their sustenance. They have their own income generating projects like farming, book stall, pottery etc.) . They don't bring even their inheritance. In the midst of plenty, they show example of   Very simple living.

3. The prayer in the chapel of reconciliation (three times a day) is an exciting experience. (There are no sermons). The songs and chantings go deep into our hearts.

4. They subscribe to the vision of Br. Roger - build a world without war and misery; accept every one as a child of God.


One week in Taize turn to be an unforgettable experience for one and all.

Abraham Karickam

Br. Roger of Taize

2015 will be very special to Taize. It will be the 75th year of the founding of the community, 10th death anniversary of Br. Roger and 100th year of his birth. A visionary non-pereil, Br. Roger founded the Ecumenical Community when the trumpets of World War II were sounding large in Europe. Ever since, it has become refuge for millions of young people from around the world, who thirst for peace. Br. Alois is leading this pilgrimage today, with the support of a vibrant band of brothers and sisters to support him. The "Pilgrimage of Trust" continues. The brothers of Taize want the Community to be a place of Trust, a safe abode for those who come to seek inner peace.

                                                                   Dr. Karickam

With Br. Thomas of Taize

With Br. Thomas of Taize

There will be many who shape our life. Br. Thomas is one of the early band of colleagues who joined Fr. Roger when he founded the Community. He hails from Scotland and it is because of his guidance and care that I got involved deeply in the life of this Community, even from my younger days. He became my Guru and his deep insights propelled me to the world of universal solidarity and to new avenues of struggle and contemplation.

Br. Thomas played a key role in the growth of Taize. Mother Theresa was so much drawn to this community and invited an inter-continental team to Calcutta in 1976. It was Br. Thomas who asked me to join this group and we stayed with Br. Roger and experienced real slum life. "Second Letter to the People of God" was written here during our daily reflections, after work during day time in the slums and destitute homes of the Missionaries of Charity. We had the privilege of interacting with Mother Theresa on some rare evenings and for many of us youngsters it was a bolt from the blue. The willingness of Fr. Roger to live among the poor people in the streets of Calcutta, revolutionised our thinking. Br. Thomas, Br. Ghislein and many others were leading from the front.

It is four decades since I first arrived on the hills of Taize and it is with trembling heart that I stand before the tomb of that great visionary, Br. Roger. My consolation is that Br. Thomas and many stalwarts are steering the Movement forward, with Br. Alois  at the helm.

One more beautiful summer in Taize and I am refreshed and relaxed. Our world today is a better place to live because of many like Br. Roger and Mother Theresa who reduced themselves to zero so as to help others grow in fullness.

Abraham Karickam

Mahopanishad

Mahopanishad

Chapter 1

Mahopanishad is a very lengthy upanishad which can be classed among the finest lot of Indian Upanishads. It has six chapters which give us the core of Indian Philosophy.

First chapter deals with the creation story which is very interesting. In the beginning there was only Adi Narayanana. No one like Brahma, Rudra, Water, Agni, Air, Sky, Earth, Star, Sun etc. existed. And Narayanana did not like to be alone. So he went on deep contemplation which is known as Yajnastoman.

As a result of this meditation, it is said that 14 males and 1 female were born . The male category includes 10 indriyas, mind, pride, life and soul. The female one is said to be Budhi (intellect). In addition to these the five molecules and five elements evolved. When all these 25 elements combined one purusha a made being was (created). The Virat purusha entered into this being.

Stanza 3 of the first chapter tells the story of the evolution of Isaana. The Narayana went into another deep meditation and from his forehead was born a male who had three eyes.

All factors like Yashas(fame)  satya (truth) tapas (meditation),Brahmacharya, (celibacy, Aishwarya  are dependent on this ‘sidha purusha’.  So he is called  Isaana or Mahadeva.

Stanza IV gives a delightful description of the birth of Brahma. Sri Narayana entered into another stage of contemplation and as a result of this he began to sweat. From the sweat that emerged from his forehead, water was evolved and it spread everywhere. A special ball like substance evolved from this water and from that radiant sphere emerged Brahma.

Brahma turned into four directions and contemplated on the Vedas and different lore. Later he meditated on Sri Narayana and realized that, He alone is Vishwaroopa. The life of all the universe is dependent on him.

                                                                                              Dr. Karickam

When the Bells Ring in Taize

When the Bells Ring in Taize

It was in 1975, when I was a student that I first visited Taize Community in France. Ever since, it has become my second home. Brother Roger, it's founder is in the Celestial Community today, his spirit still leads the organisation, which is flourishing well. I am here with my wife Susan and my son Aby. It is their first visit.

Pope John XXIII once said: "Ah ...Taize, that little spring". I wrote a book on Taize long time back and it was sold out quickly. Taize had a big role in shaping my philosophy of universal oneness. I travelled to different parts of the world with Br. Roger and others. Incidentally, my first visit to United States in 1980 was from Taize and we had a series of meetings in the U.S and Canada.

Br. Roger was awarded the Templeton Prize in recognition of his selfless services and it was only one of the many. 

These bells invite every visitor (thousands in summer) to the large Church, which is at the centre of the village. Taize songs and prayers are very special. It is an unforgettable experience, and no wonder, Taize has become a centre of pilgrimage, dear to all.

Mudgalopanishad

This Upanishad deals with an important chanting called purusha sooktha. This subtle knowledge is imparted by Sri Vasudeva to Devendra. There are two parts for purusha sooktha. The purusha described in this is said to be free from name, image and knowledge and he is beyond the comprehension of ordinary beings. So he abandoned his unintelligible form and decided to accept an image visible to all (incarnation). The very sight of his image is enough for the salvation of any one. (This description comes very close to the incarnation theory as accepted by Christianity).

Third stanza of the second part reads like this:

“Purusho narayano bhutham

 bhavyam bhavysya chaseetth

saesha sarvesham moksha das chaseet. sa cha sarva sarveesham

sman mahimaonjyaayaan.tasmaannaako pijyaayaan.

Before the creation of the universe only Narayana, who encompasses the three worlds was present in his original image. He is the most supreme and sublime being. He is the cause of salvation for all beings. There is none above him.

The next stanza states that He divided himself into four parts. And three parts (trinity) reside in the heavens. The fourth part is named as Anirudha Narayanana and he created the universe. Anirudhan first created nature in the process of creating the universe and it was he who advised Brahma to acquire the knowledge of creation. And Brahma then created the whole universe. One who knows this truth gains complete life.

The third section gives a description about the total creation process. This is the theme of Yajurveda and they call it Yajus.

Towards the concluding section we get the idea that one who reads this Upanishad everyday becomes Agniputra and Vayuputra. He will remain free from all ills and attain prosperity: he will become wise and be blessed by posterity: he will be free from all sins and all evils. He will become purusha in this life itself by absolution from lust, anger, desire, hatred and so on. And it is advised that this purusha sooktha should be imparted only to deserving disciples.

Dr. Abraham Karickam

 Head Girl- 2014. ALISHA GEORGE

 Head Boy -2014 : GIBIN GEORGE Std. 10

Students who scored 100% attendance in 2013-14 : Shino S Alexander, Ashwathy S, Haripriya .S, Robin Abraham and Ashish Babu

 Students planting tree on Earth DAY at KIPS

 To save the Earth. Students planting a tree on the EARTH DAY at KIPS campus

Mimosa Tree in full glory in front of KIPS office

WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY - 2014

World Environment Day ('WED') is celebrated every year on June 5 to raise global awareness to take positive environmental action to protect nature and the planet Earth. It is run by the United Nations Environment Programme(UNEP).

HISTORY

It was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1972 on the day that United Nations Conference on the Human Environment began.The first World Environment Day was celebrated in 1973. Since then it is hosted every year by a different city with a different theme.

World Environment Day falls in spring in the Northern Hemisphere and fall (rainy season) in the Southern Hemisphere, and midsummer in the Tropical regions.

The 2014 theme for World Environment Day will focus on 'Small Islands and Climate Change', the official slogan for the year 2014 is 'Raise Your Voice Not The Sea Level.

Niralampopanishad

Niralambopanishad

This is a fantastic version that deals with so many philosophical questions about the creator and the creation. It starts with the santhipata “Ohm purnamidam”. The first verse reads as follows “Ohm Namasivaya guravaee schidananda moorthee, Nishprapanchaya santhaya niralambhaya thejasee”. This is an oblation to the all powerful Shiva who is Sacidananda Moorty and the embodiment of peace.

The second stanza gives an idea about who a real Sanyasi is. He depends only on the paramatatwa (the ultimate principle); he discards the world and he attains moksha.

Then the author makes clear his commitments that he will describe about everything needed for the ignorant class to attain peace. Then follows a series of philosophical questions and the answers for that. There are no better questions for a student of life.

Following are the most important questions:

Ø  What is Brahma?

Ø  Who is God?

Ø  What is Life?

Ø  What is Prakrithi or nature?

Ø  Who is the Paramaatman?

Ø  Who is the real Brahman?

Ø  Who is Vishnu?

Ø  Who is Rudran?

Ø  Who is Indran?

Ø  Who is Yama?

Ø  Who is Surya?

Ø  Who is Moon?

Ø  Who is Asura?Who are the devils?

Ø  Who is man?

Ø  Who is a woman?

Ø  Who are animals?

Ø  What is caste?

Ø  What is Karma and Akarma?

Ø  What is njanam (knowledge)?

Ø  What is ignorance?

Ø  What is sugham (solace)?

Ø  What is dukham or sorrow?

Ø  What is heaven (swargam)?

Ø  What is hell?

Ø  What is bandham (relationship)?

Ø  What is moksham (salvation)?

Ø  Who is a disciple?

Ø  Who is a vidwan?

Ø  Who is a fool?

Ø  What is thapas?

Ø  What is paramapadam?

Ø  Who is a real sanyasi?

Then follows one emphatic statement. All these are part of Brahma or different dimensions of Brahma. Then we get some deep philosophical answers for the above questions. These are sublime answers that one can expect to get for such highly philosophical riddles in life.

For the first question who is ‘parabrahma’ we get the following answer: It is that force which is sublime and which is in the form of earth, water, air, fire and sky. It is unique and all powerful. It is the cause of all; without beginning and without end. It is pure and calm. It is Nirguna Brahma.

           

When the Parabrahma enters the universe and resides in all the beings it becomes Lord of all. The same chaithanya or essence can be named as Brahma, Vishnu, Indra, Sankara and so on. For the question what is jeeva or life, the answer is that it is ahambhavam(stoolabhava). One gets a feeling that he/ she is concrete and thinks about “my body”. This feeling is the reason for jeeva or the life. All different dimensions or forms are prakrithi or nature. It is the intellect of Brahma.

Then comes the question what is the Over Soul? That which is beyond the creations is Para Brahma. It resides in everything like sun, moon and all. There is nothing that is not God. (Once we accept this, we will have to come to the conclusion that there is no devil).

Sixth stanza deals with the question of caste and we get a beautiful version of the concept of caste. It is just imaginaryand it has nothing to do with skin, blood, meat or soul.

The answer to the question what is knowledge is given in the second part of stanza VI. The understanding that all objects visible and invisible are nothing but God is the ultimate knowledge. Ignorance (ajnjana) is the illusion that rope is the serpent. Just like that when one sees duality in God and Nature it is the pinnacle of ignorance. Actually Brahma, Deva, bird, animal, man, woman, are all the same.

What is sugham or solace? It is the realization of the nature of Paramaatma and the feeling of Sachidananda (fullness of peace and joy). Then we get a very interesting answer for the question what is heaven? Heaven is sajjana samagamam (company of sublime people). This is followed by the explanation of hell. It is the company of untruth and wicked people.

What is bondage? It is the feeling that “I am living”, “I am dying” etc. Possessiveness of father, mother, brother, wife, child, house, garden, temple etc is also a kind of bondage. The consideration of varnasrama dharma is also bondage. And we get a very interesting clarification that the very craving of moksha/salvation alone is also a kind of bondage. Craving for all ashtaiswarya (8 blessings) is also considered as bondage. All kinds of prayers with the aim of pleasing people and God for personal benefits will also be classified as bondage.

Then comes the explanation for moksha (eternal life). It is the absolute freedom from all aspects of joys and sorrows. It is total deliverance from all mamata (attachment) and bandhanam (bondage).

In the ensuing stanzas we get a series of definitions about different people and concepts.

1) Upasyan: One who is able to discern the ultimate essence of Brahma in every object and a real guru who can impart  such knowledge is called upasyan.

2) Disciple: One who  is able to dispel darkness of ignorance and becoming himself like Brahma will be termed as a real disciple.

3) Vidwan (Wise Person): One who is able to understand the real nature of the soul is a wise person.

4) Fool:  One who is an embodiment of pride will be called as a fool.

5) Asuuri: One who indulges in fasting and meditation with the intension of receiving blessings from Brahma, Vishnu & Maheswara belongs to this class.

6) Thapam (Contemplation): It is the process of comprehending the meaning of the dictum ‘Brahmasatyam Jagat mitdya (Brahma is the ultimate truth and the world is maya).

7) Paramapadam: It is different from jeeva (life), indriya and mind. It is the ultimate stage of deliverance.

Towards the end of this Upanishad we are again and again given a beautiful description about the qualities of a sage or an acetic. He frees himself from all kinds of pride and attachment. He is absolutely drawn to Brahma. He realizes the truth that “I am Brahma” and “All is Brahma”. There is nothing which is not the ultimate. He is termed as Muktan (free), Poojyan, Yogi, Paramahamsan, avadootan and Brahmanan.

The last part of this Upanishad makes a big claim that one who contemplates on this Upanishad with all seriousness will become as pure as fire and air. He will not have rebirth. He will attain eternal life.

                                                      Dr. Abraham Karickam

Telangana is born as 29th state: KCR became first chief minister

K.Chandrashekhar Rao was sworn-in as the first Chief Minister of Telengana, which became the 29th state of Indian Union with Hyderabad as its capital on 2 June 2014.

• He took oath administered by the Governor ESL Narasimhan at Raj Bhavan in Hyderabad on 2 June 2014.With this formation, ten districts of the then Andhra Pradesh will now become a part of the Telangana.
• Earlier ESL Narasimhan, the Governor of Andhra Pradesh, took oath as the Governor of Telangana. Narasimhan will be the Governor of the two states till a permanent arrangement is made for Telangana.
• Along with Rao (TRS Party) eleven ministers also took oath as the cabinet ministers.
• Chandrashekhar Rao joined the TDP in 1983 and quit the TDP party in 2001.
• Under the leadership of K Chandra Sekhar  Telangana Rashtra  Samiti (TRS) was formed to demand for a separate state in 2001.

Tenth Grade students who brought laurels to our institution.

Tenth Grade students who brought laurels to our institution.