Press Statement
25 January 2014
After the Gita Tattva Sameeksha, conducted every year for the past 18 years in the cultural capital of Kerala, which boasts of the Thrissur Pooram Festival as well as the ancient Sri Vadakkunathan Shiva Temple, Swami Bhoomananda Tirtha has now commenced a new series of lectures, exposing the supreme spiritual Truths, under the title Aatma Tattva Sameeksha. The lectures will be between 6.30pm and 7.45 pm everyday from January 25th to 1st February, in the Sreemoolasthanam of Vadakkunathan Temple.
The opening ceremony on 25th January 2014 was presided by Sri MP Bhaskaran Nair, President, Cochin Devaswom Board. Justice P Ravindran of the Kerala High Court inaugurating the programme said that apart from those engaged in social activities, even the common folk should strive to lead a virtuous life. Sri Therambil Ramakrishnan MLA, and chairman of the Aatma Tattva Committee, welcomed the gathering.
When Arjuna who had prepared himself for 13 years for the great eventful battle, saw those standing in the enemy lines, he lost his poise and became totally crestfallen.
However the instructions on the deep spiritual truths and values Krishna instantly gave at the spur of the moment revived the illustrious fighter.
These spiritual principles and values are still most relevant and applicable in today’s strife-stricken world, Swami Bhoomananda Tirtha declared in his benedictory address. Sri Krishna had embarked upon instructing Arjuna on spiritual Truths and values, as he found that none of the other moral or ethical codes would be able to provide the necessary enlightenment and uplift Arjuna’s morale in that critical juncture. The supreme truths of Spiritual Wisdom are the ultimate essence and remedy for anyone, anywhere, to face the stress of life and living, Swamiji said.
In his exposition in Kurukshetra, Krishna had inspired Arjuna with the example of Janaka Maharaja. The situation which prompted Janaka to seek spiritual instructions from Sage Ashtavakra, is very instructive.
The King was holding court in the erudite assembly of scholars, when Sage Ashtavakra, with eight distortions in his body, entered there unexpectedly.
Seeing that odd figure walking unsteadily, the entire assembly of learned ones broke into derisive laughter. Instantly Ashtavakra too laughed in return! This embarrassed the great King Janaka. Being a wise person, Janaka asked the Sage as to what was the reason for such a response from him.
Ashtavakra Maharishi told him candidly: “Instead of showing sympathy, your learned assembly has ridiculed me for the congenital defects in my body. I could not help wondering: is such a body of scholars advising the Great King that you are, in the conduct of your kingdom and ensuring the welfare of the subjects!” This jolted awake King Janaka.
Conceding the folly of his advisors and accepting his own ignorance, Janaka fell at the feet of the Sage, in all humility, and sought true enlightenment. This should serve as an example and lasting insight to our modern day government and its ministers, Swamiji added.
Ashtavakra-Janaka conversation which reveals with exceptional clarity, the Dharmic values based on spiritual truths that enable the governing authorities to function fearlessly, with conviction, should be read, grasped and followed by the Ministers and Bureaucrats equally.
Such cultural, literary treasures, composed in the eternal undimmed Sanskrit language, are an inseparable part of India’s great history. They continue to inspire and motivate our people for ages since.
How is Knowledge, Jnaana, gained? What is the source of dispassion, vairagya? And how does Mukti, inner freedom, result?
These brief questions posed by Janaka and the succinct answers Ashtavakra provides, are enlightening for all - students, teachers, the young and the elderly equally. Parents should endeavour to instill spiritual and cultural values in children right from young age.
The single instance of rational enquiry being instigated in Newton when he saw an apple falling, is enough for anyone to understand and appreciate the depth and relevance of truthful contemplation. Newton’s analysis led him to the discovery of Gravity, emphasized Swamiji.
On the concluding day of this eight day exposition Yajna Prasada will be distributed in the form of a booklet ‘moksha sadhana’.