Upanishads of India - 13

Skandopanishad

Skandopanishad occupies a prominent place among upanishads of India. It deals with the immortality of the soul and the infinite nature of the self. It prescribes the genuine path to moksha.

The first verse states it clearly that it is by the mercy of Mahadeva (Almighty) that one becomes enlightened and equal to Siva.The following stanzas emphasize the oneness of the soul and show the ephemeral nature of the human body and everything in this world.

One who is able to perceive the eternity of the soul derives full understanding about the divine. He realizes that he himself is Parabrahma and eternal light.

 Stanza seven reads as follows:

"Evam badhasthataa jeeva: karmanaasee sadaasivaa:
Paashabandathasthataa jeeva:
 paashamuktha: sadaasiva:"

[Life is Siva, Siva is life. As the rice grain is inside the husk so is the soul. When the husk is removed the grain shines. Similarly life shows the real nature of Siva when it is freed from  the body and one who is absolved from all sins becomes Siva himself. ]

Siva and Vishnu are one and the same. In the heart of Siva , Vishnu resides and viceversa. As there is no difference at all among Sivan and Vishnu, our body remains as a temple of God. Life remains as a temple of God. Life remains in the form of Siva in itself. When the veil of ignorance is removed it displays its divinity. 

Real knowledge is to understand everything without the Dwaitha bhava or duality. This is real thapas (contemplation). Removal of all evils from the heart is the real snana and absolute self control is the total purification. 

Twelfth stanza prescribes the means for salvation:

"Brahmaamriitam pibeed bhaikshamaacharee deharakshaane
vase dekantike bhutwa chaikaanthe dwaitha varjithee
ethyevamaachareet dheemaan sa evam mukthi mapnuyat."

[ He who attains moksha is the one who drinks the amruth called Brahmavidya. He begs for bread so as to sustain his body. He abandons all evil feelings and remains in isolation.]

The last stanza makes it clear that the real devotees who are able to see the original nature of Vishnu just like the day becomes one with Brahma. That is the ultimate end of life.

Dr. Karickam

URI Special Youth Assembly at Karickam International Public School

 

 URI Youth Leaders  at Fathima Public School Punalur

URI Youth Leaders Planting Peace Tree at Fathima Public School Punalur

 

Inauguration of Surya Thejas CC at Mar Baselios School, Sooranadu

We had the official inauguration of “Surya Thejas CC” yesterday at Mar Baselios School, Sooranadu, in the presence of more than 200 students. Liam, Matthew , Krithika, Prof. John Kurakkar and Sister Emilia attended.

Inuguration of a new URI CC at Greenwoods School Nilamel (South India)

Liam Chinn, Matthew Youde and  Krithika Hareesh jointly inaugurated the new Greenwood School CC at Nilamel, Kerala on 22^ndNovember, 2013 at a special function attended by Dr. Abraham Karickam, Sajan Koshy, Sibi Kattampally and others. Principal K.C Thomas presided.

Love Poem No. 53 - IF THIS IS NOT THE TIME….WHEN?

IF THIS IS NOT THE TIME….WHEN?

Bethlehem burns,

Jerusalem moans;

Fools flock in assemblies large

To sing hosanna to satanic giants.

If this is not the time………when?

Temples crumble,

Mosques fall;

Ozone breaks,

Earth cracks

All the worlds await the’ doom.

If this is not the time…when?

Dr. Karickam

8 Rules to a better life

LOVE POEMS NO. 52 - SHOULD YOU BE AFRAID

SHOULD YOU BE AFRAID

Why left alone?

You murmur!

Why stifle thus?

You wonder!

But should you be afraid?

I know you as a tiny gene,

As a fetus in your mother’s womb,

I know you from eternity

Even from the other shore:

And be with you till breath the last,

Here to end and start anew.

Should you still complain?

Dr. Karickam

Good Thoughts

URI-BOMBAY NATIONAL ASSEMBLY

URI-INDIA 4TH NATIONAL ASSEMBLY AT BOMBAY ST. PIUS COLLEGE SARVODYA HALL

The 4th National Assembly of the United Religions Initiative was held at Bombay Pius College- Sarvodaya Center on 14th to 14th November,2013. The inauguration was at 5 p.m on 14th November, 2013. Dr. Victor Kazanjian,URI Executive Director inaugurated the National Assembly. He says” It is with profound sense of gratitude and with much anticipation with greetings to those who gather for the 4th National Assembly of the United Religions Initiative in India. I am so grateful for the honor that URI community has bestowed on me in asking me to serve as executive Director. It is a responsibility that I enthusiastically embrace as we continue the work of bringing peoples of different religions beliefs and cultural traditions together in the movement to bridge differences and create communities and cultures of peace." Mrs. Qutub Kidwai, Co-ordinator welcomed the chief guests and UI delegates from different states of India. Advocate Mrs. Kulkarni delivered keynote address. The coordinator summarized the programmes of the National Conference. After the interaction with Media, the dinner was  on 7.45 P.M.
15th November 6.45 A.M Optional Walk or Yoga. 
The opening prayer on the 2nd  day began on 9 A.M.Mr. Balakrishan, Chief Editor, D.N.A was the chief guest of the day. The URI coordinators presented the URI action plan around the country. URI charter reflection was on 12.15 P.M. The CC presentation was began on 2 P.M. Prof. John Kurakar,, Mr. Sajan Koshy and Mrs Mariamma Mathew presented the URI- South India Region CC reports. Moral Imagination session by Dr. AbrahamKarickom was at 3 P.M. The meeting facilitated Kiran Bali, the global Council chair person. She says that " I offer blessings of love and peace. Iam absolutely delighted to join you for the URI National Assembly in 2013. It is with immense pride that I celebrate my roots and my heritage from what I describe as incredible Inia”. Musical programme was at 8 P.M
The third day of the National Assembly on 16th November. Opening prayer was on 9 A.M Swami Chatur Vedi, Ramanuja Mission was the special Guest. After Swami Chaturvedi’s speech Mr. Liam, Global youth leader presented CC’s success stories. Mr Matthew,USA, and Krithika spoke on the occasion. After the Lunch the delegates visited Religious Pilgrim’s centers nearby Bombay. Share and reflections of the Pilgrim trip was at 5 P.M. URI young leaders, Mr Liam,Mathew and Krithika presented future action plans The closing ceremony was at 8 P.M Dr. Abraham Karickom presided over the valedictory function.