ச வ த த ந த மன றம மல ய ANBE SIVAM, SATYAME PARAMASIVA

Transcription

1 ச வ த த ந த மன றம மல ய ANBE SIVAM, SATYAME PARAMASIVA PRACTICE, PRESERVE & PROMOTE THE RELIGION, CULTURE & TRADITIONS

2 Advisor Editor Published by : Sanga Ratna, Thondar Thilagam N. Thiruvasagam M. Counseling (Hons) UM, B.B.A (Hons) Bolton University, UK Dip. in Psychology, IHCA, Chennai Dip. in Saiva Siddhanta, Annamlai University, India Prof. Cert. & Trg & Dev, Sheffield University, UK Dip. In Counseling, UM, dip HRM, University New Castle, Australia Certified Trainer for PBSM, Pranic Psychotherapist Healer : Kailai A. Tamilarasi : Saiva Siddhanta Mandram Malaysia 83A, Jalan Bangsar Kuala Lumpur Malaysia Tel: / Fax: ssmmalaysia@gmail.com SSM STRUCTURE HEAD QUARTERS SAIVA SIDDHANTA MANDRAM MALAYSIA 83A, Jalan Bangsar Kuala Lumpur Tel: / Tel: Fax: BANK A/C NO: (CIMB BANK) ANBU ILLAM (Home for under privileged boys) No 2258, Jalan Permata 22, Taman Permata, Ulu Kelang, Kuala Lumpur Tel: , Fax: BANK A/C NO: (CIMB BANK) KARUNAI ILLAM (Home for under privileged girls) No 1033, Jalan E4/ 8, Taman Ehsan, Kepong, Kuala Lumpur Tel / Fax: BANK A/C NO: (MAYBANK) BRANCH Saiva Siddhanta Mandram Malaysia, Klang No 55A, Jalan Temenggong Off Jln Sg. Jati, Taman Sentosa Perdana, Klang, Selangor D.E. Tel: (Bala) Tel: (Anumanthan) SUPREME COUNCIL MEMBERS President : N. Thiruvasagam Vice President : M. Tarmothran Secretary : G.P. Uvaraj Asst. Secretary : A. Tamilarasi Treasurer : T. Murugan Asst. Treasurer : R. Sundralingam Committee Members : K. Sarkunamalar : K.S Manickam : Madam T. Vasantha : Dr. S. Jaya Purany : S. Mahaletchumy : M. Jaya Sangker : B. Murugaya : R.K. Anumanthan : V. Nithya Seelan

3 CALENDAR MAY 2018 (Chithirai/ Vaikasi) 03 Sangatahara Sathurthi 07 Ashtami 09 Thirunavukkarasu Nayanar Guru Pooja 13 Sivarathiri 13 Pradosham 15 Kartigai Fast 15 Amavasai 19 Chaturthi Viradha 20 Sashti Viradha 27 Pradosham 29 Pournami 31 Thiruyana Sambanda Nayanar Guru Pooja CONTENT 1. Calendar 2. Editorial 3. Events 4. Feature The Scientific Tamil Vedic Calendar 5. Insight Benefits of Meditation 5. Greetings 6. Sayings for the Month 6. Recipe 7. Activities JUNE 2018 (Vaikasi/ Aani) 02 Sangatahara Sathurthi 06 Ashtami 11 Pradosam 12 Sivarathiri 12 Kartigai Fast 13 Amavasai 17 Chaturthi Viradha 19 Sashti Viradha 25 Pradosham 27 Pournami

4 EDITORIAL The month of April/May represents a very important festival for Hindus. The time of Chitra Pournami is regarded as the time to try and satisfy Chitragupta, the chief accountant of Yama, who is believed to record the commissions and omissions by men in order to punish or reward them after their death. Chitra Pournami is said to be conducive to human happiness in general. Further, if the occasion happens to fall on a Thursday, Saturday or Sunday, it is considered specially auspicious and important. Chitragupta is the God responsible for tracking people through their lives to determine where they go after they die. He is the son of Lord Brahma, the creator of the Universe. In one version of the creation myth of Chitragupta, it is said that Lord Brahma gave the land of the dead over to the god Yama. Yama confused at the number of dead souls that came to him, would sometimes send the wrong soul to heaven or hell. Lord Brahma commanded Yama to keep better track of everyone, and Yama explained that it was not possible for him to keep track of all those born of the eighty-four different life forms in the three worlds. Lord Brahma, determined to solve this problem for Yama, sat in meditation for many thousands of years. Finally he opened his eyes, and a man stood before him with a pen and paper. As Chitragupta was born of Lord Brahma s body, Brahma declared that his children would forever be known as Kayasthas. As he was first conceived in Brahma s mind, or "chitra", and then made whole in secrecy, or "gupta", away from the other gods, he was named Chitragupta. Chitragupta is sometimes also referred to as the first man to use letters. He is known as being meticulous, and tracks with pen and paper every action of every sentient life form, building a record of them over the course of their life so that when they die the fate of their soul can be easily determined. At the time of birth and death of an individual, adjustments in his accounts are made, either in the shape of fresh entries or by the removal of certain entries already in existence. The consciousness controlling this adjustment is Yama, the god of death and his accountant Chitragupta stands figuratively for the cosmic ledger of the accounts of jivas commissions and omissions physical, emotional or mental. These perfect and complete documents are referred to in mystical traditions as the Akashic records, and as they contain the actions of each person from birth to death, they can be said to contain every action taken in the Universe. Items associated with Chitragupta in his puja include writing paper, pen, ink, honey, betel nut, matches, mustard, sugar, sandalwood and frankincense. A puja is often performed to Chitragupta in reverence of the four virtues he is seen to embody: justice, peace, literacy, and knowledge. Part of the Chitragupta puja also includes writing down how much money you make in your household, and how much you need to make to survive in the following year, while making offerings of turmeric, flowers, and vermilion. Next all Malaysians are anxiously waiting to decide the fate of this country of May 9 th It s a day the destiny of the Indians and in particular the Malaysian

5 Hindus will be decided. As I have mentioned in my early articles, the Indians I general are taken for a ride by every political party. Promises made are only a dream and it never happens. It has been mentioned that some of the constituents decision likes in the hands of the Indian voters. Being a minority race we have been kicked like a ball all around. I am sure the Hindus in particular are facing the greatest threat because, the Indians in Malaysia are divided by various religions, unlike in other races where they are well represented in politics. Although there are some Indians who claim to represent the Indians, they need not represent the Hindu community. Whereas, if you are a non- Hindu they can seek help from various political parties because they have very dynamic and committed leaders to represent them. The Hindu community must ensure that they must only vote for those Indian representatives who will speak for the Hindus and their issues to seek solutions. Some of the urgent issues faced by the Hindu community are as follows. Shortage of priest and musicians in temples. Land issues faced by temples, to help the Indians who do not have birth certificates or Malaysian ID card due to the mistakes done by their parents. Basically they were at one time living in estates where no political parties or Government agencies went to help them. These kids are today being unemployed, being considered stateless, the introduction of Hinduism to be taught in National primary and secondary schools during school hours, and to make Tamil language a compulsory subject for all Indians from standard one to form six followed by doing their studies at the university. To curb gangsterism among the Indian community, religious education must be made compulsory like how Islam is taught in schools. With these words, I hope and pray that the Indians will come out and vote, so that we can bring about a change for the Indians and Hindus in particular. N. Thiruvasagam, President EVENTS Keep yourself free for the following activities/ events organized by SSMM. SIVARATHIRI Sunday, pm VENUE (1) SSMM HQ, Bangsar (2) SSMM Klang Branch, Klang Puja, Ritualistic Worship, is an effective sadhana (Spiritual practice) to purify our mind. Employing our body, speech and mind, we perform puja for inner development. Physical action like offering flowers and ringing the bell, vocal actions like chanting mantras and singing hymns and mental actions like feeling the presence of God, constitute the procedure of ritual. As we sincerely do it day after day, our devotion to the Lord further increases and flows as an undercurrent all through the day's activities. We shall in fact find that God is with us at all times.

6 All members, family and friends are invited to participate in this very auspicious pooja. For those wish to partake ubayams or donate items are welcomed to contact SSMM (HQ) Bangsar at: or SSMM Klang at: FEATURE The Scientific Tamil Vedic calendar Do you know why the Tamils or Hindus celebrate April 14 th as the New Year? It s notable generally all practices or ancient Hindu civilization are very scientific. We have been taught in schools by our Macaulay s System of English man s education that the SUN RISES IN THE EAST and we have been following them blindly for a few hundred years. We THINK that the Sun Rises only in the EAST everyday NO! The Sun doesn t always RISE in the EXACT EAST every day. Only on one PARTICULAR DAY it raises at the EXACT EAST point and thereafter it moves gradually towards SOUTH EAST again. The Sun s journey from East to North-East, South-East and back to East takes exactly ONE YEAR! 1) The day the Sun starts from exact EAST is the 1 st Day of the Tamil Month of Chitra called as Vernal Equinox in scientific parlance in the month of March/ April. It s celebrated as NEW YEAR by the Tamils and every Hindu. In Sanskrit it s addressed as Mesha Sankrati. 2) The extreme North-East points falls on the 1 st Day of the Tamil Month of Aadi. This day is termed scientifically as Summer Solstice in the month of July/ August. It s celebrated as Aadi-Perukku Festival 3) The Day the Sun returns back to its original exact EAST point once again falls on the 1 st Day of the Tamil Month of Aipassi. This day is scientifically termed as the Autumnal Equinox in the month of September/ October and on this day we celebrate by taking bath in Kaveri Thula Snanam. 4) The day the Sun reaches the extreme South-East point falls on the 1 st Day of the Tamil Month of THAI. This day is scientifically termed as Winter Solstice in the months of January/ February and is celebrated as the Thai Ponggal or Makara Sankranthi by all Hindus. Thai Ponggal is never a new year but celebration of a new season. Strong reasons:- a) The month Thai is not the first month of the Tamil Calendar but the 10 th month of the year. b) Chittrai is the first month of the Tamil Calendar. c) Chittrai 1 st is the only day the sun appears from exact East point. d) The propaganda of celebrating Ponggal as Tamil New Year was a political move by the atheist movement Dravida Munnetra Kalagam to separate Tamils from the larger Hindu community for their ill motives. These are the celebrations of the four seasons Spring, Summer Autum and winter. Our Hindu Vedic calendar are perfectly based on the movement of the Sun

7 without even possessing any Scientific Equipments like the Bubble Telescope or Super Computers noted the Climatic changes that occur due to these solar and earthly Movements, labeled them as FESTIVALS and celebrated them so that their significance could be grasped and understood even by the common man. Is there anyone calendar in the world which can match our Hindu panjangam? So do you think January 1 st is a scientific New Year? Input by Sryas D. Murali, Bhattachariar, Tamilnadu Greetings Birthday Wishes to all Members who are celebrating their Birthdays this MAY Insight Benefits OfMeditation Keep you stress-free Improves functioning of your brain Reduces ageing Increases your attention span Increases immunity and helps you fight diseases Helps you appreciate life more Helps you feel more connected Makes you and those around you happier Helps you have a good night sleep Improves metabolism and helps you lose weight May Lord Siva grant his loving, unfailing protection and may your heart be filled only with pure thoughts. Wish you a very Happy Birthday

8 Saying for the Month Today morning, when having breakfast in a coffee shop, I shared the table with an elderly man. He seemed like around 80 years old. After finish eating, I had coffee. He was having coffee too. I as usual was going online on my phone.. He started the conversation, Thambi where you working? I replied, I do my own business. Then he continued, That s good. Can I ask you something? I said Yes sure, ayya. He asked me, Can you support me buying food daily for me? And I replied, Ayya, what I m earning is just enough for everything. I have to pay for all my commitments, my bills, etc. Then how to support you? He laughed and said, I won t ask your money. Just whatever you are eating, give me a quarter from it to me. That will be enough for me. After you eat, you pack the balance quarter from it and give it to me. I was kind of surprised with what he said and replied him, Ayya, that won t be nice to do like that. Whenever I can, I buy for you if you want. He told me back while laughing again, Thambi, I was joking. I just wanted to tell you that this life we are living, we are not being true. We human being most of being too selfish. We only think about ourselves and our needs only. We always forget about people around us. For your information, I have lots of money. My son and daughter are having a good life. I was doing scrap metal business which I handed over to my son now. I m just relaxing myself and living myself. When I had energy and time, I was selfish and never helped those who need help. I only wanted my family and me to have good life. Now, my son has no time for me too. I am nothing to him and his family now. But it is my fault. I have money but I can say I have nothing since I forget to live my life. Now I have limited time but I regret a lot. The reason I asked whether you can support me or not is to test you. By giving a quarter from your food won t make you lose anything. But will make a person who need feed for his stomach. Live your life that way always. I already paid for your breakfast and coffee. Take care, Thambi. And he left. I was shocked to listen him. He went out and drove his old BMW. RECIPE Lotus Root Curry Ingredients Lotus Root - 1/2 lb (I used half of the frozen packet) Small onions - 6 (Sliced) - If you do not have small onion add 1/2 of a big onion. Garlic - 6 cloves (chopped) Green Chillies - 2 Tomato - 1/2 (chopped) Tamarind - lemon sized (soaked in 1/2 cup warm water) Corriander Powder - 1 tsp Sambhar Powder (or Kuzhambu milagai powder) - 2 tsp Red Chilly Powder - 1 tsp (optional, add if you like it extra spicy) Turmeric Powder - a pinch Salt - to taste Cilantro - for garnish For Tempering Gingelly Oil - 2 tblsp

9 Mustard seeds - 1/2 tsp Fenugreek seeds - 1/4 tsp Curry Leaves - 1 spring Method 1. Extract the pulp from the soaked tamarind and keep it aside. 2. Heat 1 tblsp of gingelly oil in a pressure cooker and temper the mustard seeds, fenugreek seeds and curry leaves. 3. Add the sliced onions, garlic, green chillies and lotus root and saute for few minutes. 4. Add the tomatoes and the dry spice powders (turmeric powder, corriander powder, sambhar powder and chilly powder). 5. Add the extracted tamarind pulp, required water and salt. 6. Adjust the seasonings, close the cooker and cook for 3 whistles. 7. After the pressure has gone down, open the cooker. By now the gravy must have thickened and the oil seperated. 8. If you want to thicken the gravy little more then let it simmer for some more time. 9. Finally add 1 tblsp of fresh gingelly oil and chopped cilantro. (The flavour of the fresh gingelly oil enhances the taste of the gravy.) Serving Suggestions - This tastes best with some white rice, poriyal and papadam. - You could also serve this with chappatti, idlis or dosa. Variations - You can also make Lotusroot Theeyal - roast some coconut, make a paste of it and add it to the gravy along with the tamarind. Source: ACTIVITIES SIVARATHRI POOJA The monthly Sivarathiri Pooja was held on Saturday 14 th April 2018 at SSM HQ. Following the recital of Thirumurai, Malar Vazhlipadu and Deepa Aarathanai Prasadam was served to all devotees. May God Siva s divine blessings enrich our lives. The Ubayam was by Mr. & Mrs. Nagarajan & family. GURU THIRUVADY POOJA Guru Thiruvady Pooja of Guru Maha Sannithanam His Holiness Seer Valar Seer Sivaprakasa Desika Paramacharya Swamigal was held on Thursday 12 th April Recital of Thirumurai, Thiruvady Prayer, Malar Vazhlipadu followed by Deepa Aarathanai was witnessed by devotees who attended the pooja. UMAPATHY SIVAM SIVACHARIYAR POOJA Umapathy Sivam Sivachariyar Pooja was held on the 28 th of April 2018 at SSMM. After the Abhishegam and Alangaram members recited Thevaram. This was followed by Malar Vazhipadu and Deepa Arathanai, prasadam was served to all.

10 Services/ Activities of Saiva Siddhanta Mandram Basic Hinduism Course Tamil/ Thevaram/ Astrology Classes Foster Home for Underprivileged Children and Senior Citizens Library on Spiritual & Religious Collection Religious Camp for Children Religious Tours (Yaathirai) Service Centre for Culture, Education, Religious and Moral Advancement Religious Seminars and Conferences Personal Counseling Religious and Spiritual Discourses Monthly Shivarathri Poojas Annual Maha Shivarathri Pooja Fund Raising Projects Needs of Saiva Siddhanta Mandram Volunteers to assist in SAIVA SIDDHANTA MANDRAM s various activities Volunteers to tutor, counsel, motivate and interact with the Foster Home s residents Monetary contribution (which are tax exempted) to manage our homes and activities Sponsor meals and host of other things required at the Foster Homes How you can help? Contact us: Tel: / / If you have monetary contribution, please issue cheque in favour of PERSATUAN SAIVA SIDDHANTA MALAYSIA And mail to: Saiva Siddhanta Mandram Malaysia PO Box Kuala Lumpur *All Donations are Tax Exempted

11 SAIVITE CREEDS Lord Siva is God, whose Absolute Being, Parasiva, transcends time, form and space. God, whose immanent nature of love, Parashakti, is the substratum, primal substance or pure consciousness flowing through all form as energy, existence, knowledge and bliss. Lord Siva is God, whose immanent nature is the Primal Soul, Supreme Mahadeva, Paramesvara, author of Vedas and Agamas, the creator, preserver and destroyer of all that exists. Three worlds: the gross plane, where souls take on physical bodies; the subtle plane, where souls take on astral bodies; and the causal plane, where souls exist in their self-effulgent form. The law of karma that one must reap the effects of all actions he has caused and that each soul continues to reincarnate until all karmas are resolved and moksha, liberation, is attained. Religion is the harmonious working together of the three worlds and that this harmony can be created through temple worship, wherein the beings of all three worlds can communicate. The Panchakshara mantra, the five sacred syllables Namasivaya, as Saivism s foremost and essential mantra. The secret of Namasivaya is to hear it from the right lips at the right time.