Miscellaneous Facebook posts & comments in April 2019
When author of post or comment is not mentioned, it should be assumed that it is me (Ravi S. Iyer).
https://www.facebook.com/ravi.s.iyer.7/posts/2473895026160393
Fascinating to see this video about ISKCON community in Scotland: Hare Krishna Scotland, vrsabhanu dasa, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9zNHvNojKS8, around 30 mins, published on Aug. 2016
I love the Scottish accent. My first exposure to it was during my stint in Brussels in 1985-86 when I became friends with Liz from Glasgow who too was in Brussels then. Through Liz, I had a short interaction with a couple of other Scottish persons who had come over to Brussels on a visit. There were decent, straight-forward and good folks.
Therefore I am very happy to see this ISKCON community in Scotland. I am amazed at the dedication of some of these community members (some of whom are white Scots) towards Krishna and ISKCON. May God bless these folks.
A great thing about such a community that has been functioning for decades is that it shows a way for youth in and around the place the community is located, that one can lead an alternative lifestyle and be at peace and happy.
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https://www.facebook.com/ravi.s.iyer.7/posts/2473711659512063
I will go by the court verdict unless an appeal overturns the verdict. So Asaram's son too has got ***convicted*** of rape!!!
The rape victims and their families would naturally feel happy as they would feel that justice has been finally served and that may reduce the continuing pain & sorrow & anger from the horrible suffering they had endured (earlier it was alleged suffering but now with the court verdict I will view it as proven beyond reasonable doubt that the victims were raped and so endured horrific suffering).
What a devastating blow such convictions deal to spiritual ashram institutions!
Ashram leaders should take great care to avoid such situations. I have to say here that I am broad-minded on this outside-marriage sex stuff. So long as it is ***consensual*** sex between adults even if it is done by ashram founders and leaders, I am not that bothered about it. If they claim to be perfect in sexual morality then they become known as (sexual) hypocrites but that's not a crime in India, and in many democratic countries of the world!
My prayers to God to help the large following of Asaram Bapu as well as the people who live and work in the ashrams associated with Asaram Bapu and his son. What a blow these convictions, first of Asaram and then of his son, would be to them, most of whom would be innocent followers of ***teachings*** of Asaram Bapu where I am sure there would be no support for matters like rape.
My considered view is that the teachings of Asaram Bapu which, I am sure, never condone rape or encourage rape, may still be powerful and have relevance to his following. I think that many times, the teachings of a spiritual master are more powerful than the example of his/her life. Innocent followers of good teachings of such Indian spiritual masters (who are convicted of crimes and spend time in Indian jails) will still benefit from the good that they do - I am sure of that.
I am really saddened when I think of how Asaram's followers in his ashrams will be handling this double blow. But I do support the Indian justice system. A case was made, tried in a court of law, and the person was judged guilty. I respect the judicial process in India and the verdict. Of course, the verdict may be appealed right up to the Supreme Court and so it could get overturned in higher courts. But till then, I will go by the trial courts having judged both Asaram and son as guilty of rape, a heinous crime under the Indian Penal Code with a minimum rigorous imprisonment term of 7 years, if I recall correctly.
[Shared article: Gujarat court convicts Asaram's son Narayan Sai in rape case, https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/ahmedabad/gujarat-court-convicts-asarams-son-narayan-sai-in-rape-case/articleshow/69056369.cms, 26th April 2019.]
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https://www.facebook.com/ravi.s.iyer.7/posts/2472787649604464
Interesting! Hopefully, I will get to read her work someday.
[Shared article: When the south was one; Historian Vasundhara Filliozat on distortions of history, and how the Karnataka empire ruled over most of south India and fought Muslim invasions. https://fountainink.in/qna/when-the-south-was-one, 15th Mar. 2018.]
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In FB post, https://www.facebook.com/sundaram.hammond/posts/10217141109574225 about "Muddenahalli group in Fiji is soliciting money in Swami's name, asking for contributions of $20,000 per year!", I made the following comments:
I think now Muddenahalli group is very open about soliciting money for their service activities (medical and educational mainly). They also say the donors would get special mention as sponsors in Muddenahalli group's media statements. This seems to be a typical NGO model.
In whatever I saw in my stint in Prasanthi Nilayam system (Jan. 2003 till Mar. 2012 in Sai university as free service), I have never seen such open and blatant soliciting of money along with words of assurance of the sponsorship being mentioned in media statements.
So it is very clear that it is NOT Sathya Sai that is the spiritual power behind Muddenahalli group.
But I think this is creating a big challenge to official Sathya Sai orgn. Muddenahalli group is using such methods and acquiring corporate and other donations, which helps them to open free hospitals and free educational institutions. And such free institutions will attract support from the community and from political and business leaders!
What a dilemma!
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Perhaps one can say that Corporate donation money (CSR money) is being used by Muddenahalli group to distort and dilute the legacy of Sathya Sai.
This just goes to show how dangerous improper use of money can be for spiritual movements.
I think the Fiji Sai orgn. should have a counter campaign aimed at corporate donors which educates them about the real Sathya Sai and the principles he followed for establishing and running free service institutions in medical and educational fields. Corporate donors to MDH group in Fiji should be made aware that their donations are contributing to corruption of Sathya Sai principles and legacy in Fiji.
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In FB post, https://www.facebook.com/ananda.craxi/posts/10156175072917031, I made the following comments:
Madhusudan Rao Naidu is a spiritual fraud. He is misusing and abusing the name of our beloved Lord Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba. I am glad that you did not fall for his outrageously false claim. ... The not being pure enough thing is one big joke for those of us who know what happened in Puttaparthi/Prasanthi Nilayam after Mahasamadhi. It is Madhusudan Rao Naidu who is impure. It is Narasimhamurthy who is impure spiritually as he is promoting this spiritual fraud Madhusudan Rao Naidu. Jai Sai Ram!
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I must also add here that Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba had specifically warned Narasimhamurthy to reject claims of mediums sometime around 2000 or so. Narasimhamurthy ***went against*** that divine command given to him by Swami by promoting Madhusudan Naidu after Mahasamadhi. It is Narasimhamurthy who is impure spiritually and not people who see through the fake Madhusudan Naidu and realize that it is not Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba who is speaking through Madhusudan,
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I would like to share what an old student (from 70s) of Swami shared with me on Swami's words regarding violence. Note that this person was around in Prasanthi Nilayam when the horrible and violent incident in 1993 took place.
He told me that Swami would say, "Cheyi etha kudadu" meaning: Don't raise your hand (indicating violent intent).
These are Swami's words to Swami students. Howsoever angry we may get with Muddenahalli Group's misguidance of thousands of Sathya Sai devotees across the globe, I have no doubt whatsoever that Swami will expect us to never raise our hand with violent intent towards Muddenahalli Group (let alone talk about much more horrific violent things).
We must follow the law of the land in whichever country we live in our efforts to inform Sathya Sai devotees about Madhusudan Rao Naidu spiritual fraud. And I am sure that the law of the land in most countries including India for sure, will take a dim view of any serious physical violence words.
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https://www.facebook.com/ravi.s.iyer.7/posts/2470300816519814
Fascinating views of Sadhguru Vasudev on how curses and blessings work, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MjGH_aik_LI, 13 min. 24 secs, published on 9th Jan. 2019
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https://www.facebook.com/ravi.s.iyer.7/posts/2468621676687728
Interesting view about efforts to know past lives and the business around such matters, from Sadhguru Vasudev: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TOFes5OtbB8, 8 min. 26 secs.
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https://www.facebook.com/ravi.s.iyer.7/posts/2468492330033996
I was looking on youtube for a lovely Telugu song on Sathya Sai which, if I recall correctly, starts with:
Sai Mahadeva nannu kapadai deva. I think that means Lord Sai protect me.
Note that this is different from the "Sai Mahadeva Sathya Sai Mahadeva" bhajan.
I was not able to locate it. I think I will have it somewhere on a backup hard disk. Perhaps I should locate it and upload it to youtube.
In general, I find that old Telugu songs on Sathya Sai are not so easily available on youtube. That I think is a great pity! These old Telugu songs were full of meaning, very pleasing to the ear, and full of devotion.
In contrast, the Telugu Christian song genre has a big presence on youtube. Here's one song about Kapadu (protection) request/prayer to the Lord.
NINNU KAPADU VADU KUNUKADU || Heart touching song in telugu || by BLESSIE WESLY, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zMkPlLu1h6o, 6 min. 4 secs.
I think Sathya Sai Telugu fraternity should put out Telugu songs about Sathya Sai devotion on youtube like the Telugu Christian groups. That's how you reach out to local Telugu population.
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https://www.facebook.com/ravi.s.iyer.7/posts/2468472960035933
Lovely Telugu song about Sathya Sai with great pics over the lifetime of Sathya Sai, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E2cCGz2-ha8, 4 min. 39 secs.
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https://www.facebook.com/ravi.s.iyer.7/posts/2467753463441216
One of the things I have learned over the past few years (after Swami Mahasamadhi) as I have tried to understand contemporary rural South Indian society (which I think would apply to other rural parts of India too) is that in most cases it is the wives and the mothers who keep the home going. The burden they bear is just awesome. As a man, I am humbled and blown away by the nurturing and self-sacrifice they do.
I have the firm belief that Bhagavan knew this society, in and out, and across the ages. And his words on this topic are vital words to address the current weaknesses of society and raise it to good health again.
Om Nama Shivaya!
Om Namo Narayanaya!
Jai Sai Ram!
[Shared FB post: https://www.facebook.com/groups/223054021158990/permalink/1517188845078828/ titled "ONLY WOMEN CAN RESTORE THE GLORY OF THE LAND"]
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https://www.facebook.com/ravi.s.iyer.7/posts/2466815843534978
Om Namo Jesus mantra-song, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xVPXxkV8K7U, 5 min. 25 secs, published by Ben Bigelow on 7th May 2018
I loved it!
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https://www.facebook.com/ravi.s.iyer.7/posts/2463431263873436
Hare Krishna Temples, Philadelphia, Vrsabhanu dasa, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KtUxtosDopg, 28 min. 35 secs, published on 25th Feb. 2018 by vrsafilm
I was very happy to see this video. This is an ISKCON temple in Philadelphia (Philly), Pennsylvania, USA. It was wonderful to hear people associated with this temple speak about Bhagavad Gita, Bhagavatam, Krishna and devotion to Krishna. I was particularly happy to hear a person who seems to be a veteran African-American ISKCON devotee speak about these topics.
I had visited Philly in 1980s (a day trip) but had not known about an ISKCON temple being there.
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https://www.facebook.com/ravi.s.iyer.7/posts/2464588993757663
Hmm. It will be interesting to see how this plays out in the Indian Supreme Court and within the larger Indian Muslim community and the many separate sects of Islam that this larger Indian Muslim community is comprised of. I wish all concerned all the best and hope that the matter is resolved in a peaceful and harmonious manner.
Allah Maalik! Sabka Maalik Ek! [Allah is the Lord. The Lord of all (religions) is One.] - Shirdi Sai Baba.
Muslim couple moves Supreme Court seeking women's entry into mosques, https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/muslim-couple-moves-supreme-court-seeking-womens-entry-into-mosques/articleshow/68893119.cms
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https://www.facebook.com/ravi.s.iyer.7/posts/2461612167388679
This is why I have huge respect and adoration for Pope Francis. How many spiritual leaders in the world will do this?
Pope Francis kisses feet of South Sudan leaders in bid for peace, https://www.euronews.com/2019/04/11/pope-francis-kisses-feet-of-south-sudan-leaders-in-bid-for-peace. The link has an around 2 minute video dated 11th April 2019 showing Pope Francis kissing the feet of (rival) South Sudan leaders. Pope Francis seems to have to struggle somewhat to bend and kiss their feet, and needs help to get up again. So it is clear that Pope Francis is pushing his aging body to do such actions in the hope that they will usher in peace.
May God bless Pope Francis and give him a long life so that he can be a beacon for peace across the whole world!
I have to say that as a spiritual aspirant and a social media writer on spirituality & religion, it is when I see such actions of spiritual leaders like Pope Francis that I know how much more I have to travel on my spiritual journey. As of today, I simply don't have it in me to even contemplate doing, let alone do, such an action.
I find Pope Francis to be one of the most inspiring spiritual and religious world figures alive today. In particular, I find his concern as expressed by actions of his like in this case, for well being of the whole world, as against individual spiritual well being of himself, to be very, very inspiring.
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https://www.facebook.com/ravi.s.iyer.7/posts/2454936138056282
Nice video about ISKCON rural community in New Vrindaban, West Virginia, USA.
Hare Krishna, New Vrindaban, part 1 (vrsabhanu dasa), https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AX9f8nYqGD0, 37 min. 18 secs, published on 9th May 2018.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Vrindaban,_West_Virginia is the wiki page for the New Vrindaban. It was established in 1968 but went through some ups and downs (including some very controversial period when it was removed from ISKCON but later readmitted).
Good to see that now the community seems to be doing quite OK. I wish them all the very best. Hari Bol!
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https://www.facebook.com/ravi.s.iyer.7/posts/2452051048344791
Hmm. The message on the floor says, "It is by God's Grace that you think of God."
I think there is a lot of deep truth to this statement, especially when the "think of God" is interpreted as "worship of God or prayer to God". It is a calling, in a sense. God calls the devotee to him when the time is ripe!
It has been my personal experience that till I faced some huge challenges in my life in my late twenties and early thirties, in my adult life till then, I was not into worship of God or prayer to God. [As a minor I was into Hindu rituals but sometime while I was studying science in college, I think I lost faith in prayer and worship of God and moved away from active participation in Hindu rituals, except ones that I simply had to perform due to family traditions.] I was into philosophy stuff including Bhagavad Gita and Upanishads but not into prayer to God to help me. The huge challenges I faced in my late twenties and early thirties were perhaps God's way of making me realize the limitations of worldly life and of mere philosophy that does not have faith in Divine power. These challenges were part of God's call to me to turn to Him. I think I can say that these challenges were part of God's Grace to make me turn to Him, pray to Him and worship Him resulting in me enjoying the wonderful fruits of such prayer and worship of God.
[Shared pic has Ramana ashram room with message on the floor: https://www.facebook.com/RamanaMaharshi/photos/a.10151536385544631/10157001960299631/]
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https://www.facebook.com/ravi.s.iyer.7/posts/2452018968347999
"REPENT SINNER" vs Hare Krishna singers (and dancers) in Glasgow in 2018
The "REPENT SINNER" preacher's voice is not clear in the video but it seems that he is preaching that his way is the right way and that the Hare Krishna way is the wrong way (way of Satan?). But from the audience point of view, the "REPENT SINNER" message guy was quite unattractive as against the singing and dancing Hare Krishna folks!
Instead of Hare Krishna if it had been a more loving Christian group singing songs about Christ's love and God's love for humanity, I think the outcome would have been similar.
'Repent Sinner' message does not work in this early 21st century when there are groups singing and dancing about love of God for man.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vpcR5L5WMnc, around 5 mins, published on 4th Nov. 2018
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Update: The "Repent Sinner" preacher should try out this way to preach about Lord Jesus Christ and his love for man: Selah - "Wonderful Merciful Savior" (Official Video), https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fK6sYVQCqhs, 3 min. 47 secs.
...
I think love and fear are two important emotions/approaches used by preachers over history of millennia. My personal preference is a mix of love of God and fear of sin (hurting others with bad intent) with fear being qualified with the prospect of God's mercy for the repentant sinner.
I have heard Sathya Sai say in public discourse which I heard live sitting in Sai Kulwant Hall, "Daiva Preethi, Paap Bheeti and Sangha Neeti" [English: Love of/for God, Fear of Sin and (following) ethics of the community] as a way of living for good people. I think that is a great teaching for social well being.
So I am not against usage of fear of sin by preachers (irrespective of religion they preach). But to start with a premise that the audience is composed of sinners who must repent for their sins and find Jesus/God through that repentance, I think is going too far. Especially in today's 21st century world and when dealing with youngsters. It is too much of a fear-mongering based approach for me or most 21st century people who live in democratic countries with freedom of speech and freedom of religion.
However, I would not be surprised if this fear-mongering approach would have been highly effective in past centuries and millennia across all religions. Hinduism of the past surely had fair amount of this fear-mongering.
In conclusion, I think earlier approaches of fear-mongering by preachers (of various religions) should be kept aside for preaching in our times. Note that I do not view preaching of bad effects of sins (actions done with bad intent to hurt others) as fear-mongering if it is balanced with preaching of love of man for God, God's love for man, and God's great mercy for the sincerely repentant sinner.
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https://www.facebook.com/ravi.s.iyer.7/posts/2473895026160393
Fascinating to see this video about ISKCON community in Scotland: Hare Krishna Scotland, vrsabhanu dasa, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9zNHvNojKS8, around 30 mins, published on Aug. 2016
I love the Scottish accent. My first exposure to it was during my stint in Brussels in 1985-86 when I became friends with Liz from Glasgow who too was in Brussels then. Through Liz, I had a short interaction with a couple of other Scottish persons who had come over to Brussels on a visit. There were decent, straight-forward and good folks.
Therefore I am very happy to see this ISKCON community in Scotland. I am amazed at the dedication of some of these community members (some of whom are white Scots) towards Krishna and ISKCON. May God bless these folks.
A great thing about such a community that has been functioning for decades is that it shows a way for youth in and around the place the community is located, that one can lead an alternative lifestyle and be at peace and happy.
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https://www.facebook.com/ravi.s.iyer.7/posts/2473711659512063
I will go by the court verdict unless an appeal overturns the verdict. So Asaram's son too has got ***convicted*** of rape!!!
The rape victims and their families would naturally feel happy as they would feel that justice has been finally served and that may reduce the continuing pain & sorrow & anger from the horrible suffering they had endured (earlier it was alleged suffering but now with the court verdict I will view it as proven beyond reasonable doubt that the victims were raped and so endured horrific suffering).
What a devastating blow such convictions deal to spiritual ashram institutions!
Ashram leaders should take great care to avoid such situations. I have to say here that I am broad-minded on this outside-marriage sex stuff. So long as it is ***consensual*** sex between adults even if it is done by ashram founders and leaders, I am not that bothered about it. If they claim to be perfect in sexual morality then they become known as (sexual) hypocrites but that's not a crime in India, and in many democratic countries of the world!
My prayers to God to help the large following of Asaram Bapu as well as the people who live and work in the ashrams associated with Asaram Bapu and his son. What a blow these convictions, first of Asaram and then of his son, would be to them, most of whom would be innocent followers of ***teachings*** of Asaram Bapu where I am sure there would be no support for matters like rape.
My considered view is that the teachings of Asaram Bapu which, I am sure, never condone rape or encourage rape, may still be powerful and have relevance to his following. I think that many times, the teachings of a spiritual master are more powerful than the example of his/her life. Innocent followers of good teachings of such Indian spiritual masters (who are convicted of crimes and spend time in Indian jails) will still benefit from the good that they do - I am sure of that.
I am really saddened when I think of how Asaram's followers in his ashrams will be handling this double blow. But I do support the Indian justice system. A case was made, tried in a court of law, and the person was judged guilty. I respect the judicial process in India and the verdict. Of course, the verdict may be appealed right up to the Supreme Court and so it could get overturned in higher courts. But till then, I will go by the trial courts having judged both Asaram and son as guilty of rape, a heinous crime under the Indian Penal Code with a minimum rigorous imprisonment term of 7 years, if I recall correctly.
[Shared article: Gujarat court convicts Asaram's son Narayan Sai in rape case, https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/ahmedabad/gujarat-court-convicts-asarams-son-narayan-sai-in-rape-case/articleshow/69056369.cms, 26th April 2019.]
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https://www.facebook.com/ravi.s.iyer.7/posts/2472787649604464
Interesting! Hopefully, I will get to read her work someday.
[Shared article: When the south was one; Historian Vasundhara Filliozat on distortions of history, and how the Karnataka empire ruled over most of south India and fought Muslim invasions. https://fountainink.in/qna/when-the-south-was-one, 15th Mar. 2018.]
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In FB post, https://www.facebook.com/sundaram.hammond/posts/10217141109574225 about "Muddenahalli group in Fiji is soliciting money in Swami's name, asking for contributions of $20,000 per year!", I made the following comments:
I think now Muddenahalli group is very open about soliciting money for their service activities (medical and educational mainly). They also say the donors would get special mention as sponsors in Muddenahalli group's media statements. This seems to be a typical NGO model.
In whatever I saw in my stint in Prasanthi Nilayam system (Jan. 2003 till Mar. 2012 in Sai university as free service), I have never seen such open and blatant soliciting of money along with words of assurance of the sponsorship being mentioned in media statements.
So it is very clear that it is NOT Sathya Sai that is the spiritual power behind Muddenahalli group.
But I think this is creating a big challenge to official Sathya Sai orgn. Muddenahalli group is using such methods and acquiring corporate and other donations, which helps them to open free hospitals and free educational institutions. And such free institutions will attract support from the community and from political and business leaders!
What a dilemma!
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Perhaps one can say that Corporate donation money (CSR money) is being used by Muddenahalli group to distort and dilute the legacy of Sathya Sai.
This just goes to show how dangerous improper use of money can be for spiritual movements.
I think the Fiji Sai orgn. should have a counter campaign aimed at corporate donors which educates them about the real Sathya Sai and the principles he followed for establishing and running free service institutions in medical and educational fields. Corporate donors to MDH group in Fiji should be made aware that their donations are contributing to corruption of Sathya Sai principles and legacy in Fiji.
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In FB post, https://www.facebook.com/ananda.craxi/posts/10156175072917031, I made the following comments:
Madhusudan Rao Naidu is a spiritual fraud. He is misusing and abusing the name of our beloved Lord Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba. I am glad that you did not fall for his outrageously false claim. ... The not being pure enough thing is one big joke for those of us who know what happened in Puttaparthi/Prasanthi Nilayam after Mahasamadhi. It is Madhusudan Rao Naidu who is impure. It is Narasimhamurthy who is impure spiritually as he is promoting this spiritual fraud Madhusudan Rao Naidu. Jai Sai Ram!
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I must also add here that Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba had specifically warned Narasimhamurthy to reject claims of mediums sometime around 2000 or so. Narasimhamurthy ***went against*** that divine command given to him by Swami by promoting Madhusudan Naidu after Mahasamadhi. It is Narasimhamurthy who is impure spiritually and not people who see through the fake Madhusudan Naidu and realize that it is not Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba who is speaking through Madhusudan,
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I would like to share what an old student (from 70s) of Swami shared with me on Swami's words regarding violence. Note that this person was around in Prasanthi Nilayam when the horrible and violent incident in 1993 took place.
He told me that Swami would say, "Cheyi etha kudadu" meaning: Don't raise your hand (indicating violent intent).
These are Swami's words to Swami students. Howsoever angry we may get with Muddenahalli Group's misguidance of thousands of Sathya Sai devotees across the globe, I have no doubt whatsoever that Swami will expect us to never raise our hand with violent intent towards Muddenahalli Group (let alone talk about much more horrific violent things).
We must follow the law of the land in whichever country we live in our efforts to inform Sathya Sai devotees about Madhusudan Rao Naidu spiritual fraud. And I am sure that the law of the land in most countries including India for sure, will take a dim view of any serious physical violence words.
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https://www.facebook.com/ravi.s.iyer.7/posts/2470300816519814
Fascinating views of Sadhguru Vasudev on how curses and blessings work, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MjGH_aik_LI, 13 min. 24 secs, published on 9th Jan. 2019
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https://www.facebook.com/ravi.s.iyer.7/posts/2468621676687728
Interesting view about efforts to know past lives and the business around such matters, from Sadhguru Vasudev: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TOFes5OtbB8, 8 min. 26 secs.
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https://www.facebook.com/ravi.s.iyer.7/posts/2468492330033996
I was looking on youtube for a lovely Telugu song on Sathya Sai which, if I recall correctly, starts with:
Sai Mahadeva nannu kapadai deva. I think that means Lord Sai protect me.
Note that this is different from the "Sai Mahadeva Sathya Sai Mahadeva" bhajan.
I was not able to locate it. I think I will have it somewhere on a backup hard disk. Perhaps I should locate it and upload it to youtube.
In general, I find that old Telugu songs on Sathya Sai are not so easily available on youtube. That I think is a great pity! These old Telugu songs were full of meaning, very pleasing to the ear, and full of devotion.
In contrast, the Telugu Christian song genre has a big presence on youtube. Here's one song about Kapadu (protection) request/prayer to the Lord.
NINNU KAPADU VADU KUNUKADU || Heart touching song in telugu || by BLESSIE WESLY, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zMkPlLu1h6o, 6 min. 4 secs.
I think Sathya Sai Telugu fraternity should put out Telugu songs about Sathya Sai devotion on youtube like the Telugu Christian groups. That's how you reach out to local Telugu population.
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https://www.facebook.com/ravi.s.iyer.7/posts/2468472960035933
Lovely Telugu song about Sathya Sai with great pics over the lifetime of Sathya Sai, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E2cCGz2-ha8, 4 min. 39 secs.
https://www.facebook.com/ravi.s.iyer.7/posts/2467753463441216
One of the things I have learned over the past few years (after Swami Mahasamadhi) as I have tried to understand contemporary rural South Indian society (which I think would apply to other rural parts of India too) is that in most cases it is the wives and the mothers who keep the home going. The burden they bear is just awesome. As a man, I am humbled and blown away by the nurturing and self-sacrifice they do.
I have the firm belief that Bhagavan knew this society, in and out, and across the ages. And his words on this topic are vital words to address the current weaknesses of society and raise it to good health again.
Om Nama Shivaya!
Om Namo Narayanaya!
Jai Sai Ram!
[Shared FB post: https://www.facebook.com/groups/223054021158990/permalink/1517188845078828/ titled "ONLY WOMEN CAN RESTORE THE GLORY OF THE LAND"]
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https://www.facebook.com/ravi.s.iyer.7/posts/2466815843534978
Om Namo Jesus mantra-song, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xVPXxkV8K7U, 5 min. 25 secs, published by Ben Bigelow on 7th May 2018
I loved it!
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https://www.facebook.com/ravi.s.iyer.7/posts/2463431263873436
Hare Krishna Temples, Philadelphia, Vrsabhanu dasa, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KtUxtosDopg, 28 min. 35 secs, published on 25th Feb. 2018 by vrsafilm
I was very happy to see this video. This is an ISKCON temple in Philadelphia (Philly), Pennsylvania, USA. It was wonderful to hear people associated with this temple speak about Bhagavad Gita, Bhagavatam, Krishna and devotion to Krishna. I was particularly happy to hear a person who seems to be a veteran African-American ISKCON devotee speak about these topics.
I had visited Philly in 1980s (a day trip) but had not known about an ISKCON temple being there.
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Hmm. It will be interesting to see how this plays out in the Indian Supreme Court and within the larger Indian Muslim community and the many separate sects of Islam that this larger Indian Muslim community is comprised of. I wish all concerned all the best and hope that the matter is resolved in a peaceful and harmonious manner.
Allah Maalik! Sabka Maalik Ek! [Allah is the Lord. The Lord of all (religions) is One.] - Shirdi Sai Baba.
Muslim couple moves Supreme Court seeking women's entry into mosques, https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/muslim-couple-moves-supreme-court-seeking-womens-entry-into-mosques/articleshow/68893119.cms
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https://www.facebook.com/ravi.s.iyer.7/posts/2461612167388679
This is why I have huge respect and adoration for Pope Francis. How many spiritual leaders in the world will do this?
Pope Francis kisses feet of South Sudan leaders in bid for peace, https://www.euronews.com/2019/04/11/pope-francis-kisses-feet-of-south-sudan-leaders-in-bid-for-peace. The link has an around 2 minute video dated 11th April 2019 showing Pope Francis kissing the feet of (rival) South Sudan leaders. Pope Francis seems to have to struggle somewhat to bend and kiss their feet, and needs help to get up again. So it is clear that Pope Francis is pushing his aging body to do such actions in the hope that they will usher in peace.
May God bless Pope Francis and give him a long life so that he can be a beacon for peace across the whole world!
I have to say that as a spiritual aspirant and a social media writer on spirituality & religion, it is when I see such actions of spiritual leaders like Pope Francis that I know how much more I have to travel on my spiritual journey. As of today, I simply don't have it in me to even contemplate doing, let alone do, such an action.
I find Pope Francis to be one of the most inspiring spiritual and religious world figures alive today. In particular, I find his concern as expressed by actions of his like in this case, for well being of the whole world, as against individual spiritual well being of himself, to be very, very inspiring.
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https://www.facebook.com/ravi.s.iyer.7/posts/2454936138056282
Nice video about ISKCON rural community in New Vrindaban, West Virginia, USA.
Hare Krishna, New Vrindaban, part 1 (vrsabhanu dasa), https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AX9f8nYqGD0, 37 min. 18 secs, published on 9th May 2018.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Vrindaban,_West_Virginia is the wiki page for the New Vrindaban. It was established in 1968 but went through some ups and downs (including some very controversial period when it was removed from ISKCON but later readmitted).
Good to see that now the community seems to be doing quite OK. I wish them all the very best. Hari Bol!
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https://www.facebook.com/ravi.s.iyer.7/posts/2452051048344791
Hmm. The message on the floor says, "It is by God's Grace that you think of God."
I think there is a lot of deep truth to this statement, especially when the "think of God" is interpreted as "worship of God or prayer to God". It is a calling, in a sense. God calls the devotee to him when the time is ripe!
It has been my personal experience that till I faced some huge challenges in my life in my late twenties and early thirties, in my adult life till then, I was not into worship of God or prayer to God. [As a minor I was into Hindu rituals but sometime while I was studying science in college, I think I lost faith in prayer and worship of God and moved away from active participation in Hindu rituals, except ones that I simply had to perform due to family traditions.] I was into philosophy stuff including Bhagavad Gita and Upanishads but not into prayer to God to help me. The huge challenges I faced in my late twenties and early thirties were perhaps God's way of making me realize the limitations of worldly life and of mere philosophy that does not have faith in Divine power. These challenges were part of God's call to me to turn to Him. I think I can say that these challenges were part of God's Grace to make me turn to Him, pray to Him and worship Him resulting in me enjoying the wonderful fruits of such prayer and worship of God.
[Shared pic has Ramana ashram room with message on the floor: https://www.facebook.com/RamanaMaharshi/photos/a.10151536385544631/10157001960299631/]
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"REPENT SINNER" vs Hare Krishna singers (and dancers) in Glasgow in 2018
The "REPENT SINNER" preacher's voice is not clear in the video but it seems that he is preaching that his way is the right way and that the Hare Krishna way is the wrong way (way of Satan?). But from the audience point of view, the "REPENT SINNER" message guy was quite unattractive as against the singing and dancing Hare Krishna folks!
Instead of Hare Krishna if it had been a more loving Christian group singing songs about Christ's love and God's love for humanity, I think the outcome would have been similar.
'Repent Sinner' message does not work in this early 21st century when there are groups singing and dancing about love of God for man.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vpcR5L5WMnc, around 5 mins, published on 4th Nov. 2018
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Update: The "Repent Sinner" preacher should try out this way to preach about Lord Jesus Christ and his love for man: Selah - "Wonderful Merciful Savior" (Official Video), https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fK6sYVQCqhs, 3 min. 47 secs.
...
I think love and fear are two important emotions/approaches used by preachers over history of millennia. My personal preference is a mix of love of God and fear of sin (hurting others with bad intent) with fear being qualified with the prospect of God's mercy for the repentant sinner.
I have heard Sathya Sai say in public discourse which I heard live sitting in Sai Kulwant Hall, "Daiva Preethi, Paap Bheeti and Sangha Neeti" [English: Love of/for God, Fear of Sin and (following) ethics of the community] as a way of living for good people. I think that is a great teaching for social well being.
So I am not against usage of fear of sin by preachers (irrespective of religion they preach). But to start with a premise that the audience is composed of sinners who must repent for their sins and find Jesus/God through that repentance, I think is going too far. Especially in today's 21st century world and when dealing with youngsters. It is too much of a fear-mongering based approach for me or most 21st century people who live in democratic countries with freedom of speech and freedom of religion.
However, I would not be surprised if this fear-mongering approach would have been highly effective in past centuries and millennia across all religions. Hinduism of the past surely had fair amount of this fear-mongering.
In conclusion, I think earlier approaches of fear-mongering by preachers (of various religions) should be kept aside for preaching in our times. Note that I do not view preaching of bad effects of sins (actions done with bad intent to hurt others) as fear-mongering if it is balanced with preaching of love of man for God, God's love for man, and God's great mercy for the sincerely repentant sinner.
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