Ayodhya Should Become an International Spiritual Centre

The Influence of Lord Rama on the Indiannes i.e. Bharatheeyatha

Everybody names their children as Rama whether it is north or south, without any exception. Even the areas which we consider backward and the sections that we consider that are not really economically sound, are all also devotees of Lord Rama. Everybody puts His name because that name has got a great value. It represents the human values, Indian ethos and also ideals. Not only that, it reflects and grants a particular energy that is spiritual energy which has to be properly put to use. The Bharatheeya dharma i.e. Indian ethos, teach us a lot of self-relaince and also self-control. That also grants the power of discretion, what to do, how much to do, when to do...these are the values that one has to cherish. This is real Dharma. Indianness is nothing but ideal human life. This Dharma or sanathana Dharma or Hindava Dharma or Bharatheeya dharma is an ideal that bestows us absolute bliss. It is sanathana and very ancient, impregnated with (samskruthi), culture and (samskara) refinement. To such a Dharma, Rama is replica.

'Ramo Vigrahavan Dharmah'

If Dharma has to have any form it is Lord Rama.

During these times some people are denouncing the idol worship, which is not correct. In our Dharma, idol worship is very paramount. Not only that the inert which is consciousness or the universal consciousness or the cosmic energy is embedded in this. For that the people who have got this consciousness have always responded to Dharma which has been practised over years. We should not be inert always. We should be very active and conscious, for removal of poverty. Then medicare. Taking care of the elders and also young - children. In fact, it is social responsiblity. If the wife and husband are away from children, they lose their mental balance. They become mentally weak. We have to understand these problems and try to address them whenever it is required. Not only that they should also get into the society and awaken the society, inspire the society, illuminate the society, illustrate to the society and make it awaken to the fact that the whole concept of consciousness or Dharma starts from home. It is from the child vis a vis parents. This is called civilization. Civilization has got nothing to do with citizenship. Citizenship is only identity. Civilization is a continuity of Dharma. If we understand the Bharatheeyatha, that is Indianness, it can be understood in the current perspective. We are not really concerned about the personality or persons. It is the personalities to be respected and not the persons alone. From that particular angle of Rama, the history of Rama, the sojourn of Lord Rama on this planet earth, give lot of self-confidence. His valour laced with humility, he is very humble. He is candid and it is laced with wisdom also. Viveka, wisdom, discretion and inquiry, Vichakshana, Vichara...these three constitute vikrama. Vikrama means valour. If we utilize this particular valour based on Dharma, humility, etc will enhance the personality of an individual.

What Rama did? He worshipped maharshis. He offered prayers. In fact, he honored them. That is why for the entire human race, his history is inspirational. Karma, Bhakti and Gnanam...these three are the confluence. Karma is proper action. Bhakti is concentration, contemplation and devotion. Gnana is viveka and vichakshana. Lord Rama represents all the three. In fact, he is the confluence. In Sanskrit, we call it Triveni. When he met the maharshis during the journey through the forest he followed the Gnanamarga, the absolute wisdom. When he met personalities like Sabari he demonstrated the Bhaktiyoga. When he met and addressed his council of ministries (amathyaas). He has beautifully demonstrated karmayoga with cohesion, pride and growth. He has proved to the world that this is the only way to actualize the three yogas and that is why his life is history and inspirational.

The Ayodhya movement for hundreds of years

We have to learn so many things. The strength of the society is paramount. We have so many Governments. We have so many classes.

Societies... these are to be redefined again. Sasthra nirmanam. We have to evolve a beautiful science/sasthra... social science. We call it as social engineering. This is very important. In this, Government is doing a bit out of it. A Government, a law, a leader, an officer...this is the ladder. It has been happening as concentrated and institutionalisation this is called 'vyavasthikrutha'...institutionalised. In this also a lot of good is to be done quickly. Rajyam means Sarkar, Government. But it has limitations. Swamy means leader. Amathyas are good ministers, good friends, good treasury...these are all the effective institutions. They have to have an improvement over years. The ambience, the climate around and the whole thing has to be strengthened further and further. This is very important. The relations between the Central Government and the several states should be cordial, amicable, polite, candid, productive and must be proactive. In borders of the nation, several layers of security which is called as protective mechanism for the nation. For this nation, we have 'saptanga'...7 states where one has to work very efficiently. If this is implemented in respect of the health, it is called as astanga...8 ways. Then for worship for panchanga sasthra, we must always check where we are whether we are, really in it and what we are searching for?... all these are to be thoroughly understood in a democratic set up. As always each individual is a part of the whole body. It is like a human body consisting of various organs. This is called Government. Then what is social engineering and social evolvement? If we say their education, their houses, their income, etc..But there will be some differences among the individuals, and also among the sects. But in our opinion the family is very important and pivotal. It is the central point and you have to take care of the family and the environment in which the family is functioning, it is very important. Such people are to be redefined under this structure. Today we have several CCTVs etc. They are not that important. The character, the attitude, the aptitude..these are all important and we need to have a contact, interpersonal relations culture, confidence, tolerance, talent, values..these are real CCTVs. Not the which catches the images. In the past in the sasthras were released or broadcast through temples. There are some charitable institutions and the gurukul vidya vidhan. That is how the knowledge is imparted through vedas. For this purpose, they established Gurukula system.

'Adhyathma Vidya Vidyanaam'.

Of all the education of all the learning, Adhyathma, the spiritual knowledge, spiritual approach, spiritual outlook..these are very paramount. It is already told in Bhagavathgitha. So we have to have the traditional art and the cultural part of the music, the literature, natyasastra are to be sustained and nourished from time to time. In this background there is sabdhaartha, the meaning through the words or the meaning of the word. Then also Bhavaartha the very essence of it and then Paramartha..the purpose of this knowledge. These are all to be comprehended into the correct perspective. Then in the Ayodhya war, as you said, it is not a real war. It has been continously aspired for. This long battle has occured for only one reason because people who were involved in it and people who are against, it were not well informed. They have no exposure to sasthraas. That is why it took such a long time. There is no candid approach in them also. Even the Government has not responded to the problem. It has not attempted at any point of time to find any solution, hence, the long battle.

So let us talk about Dharma..the righteousness - that's what we call. Absolutely there is no knowledge about it. The elementary knowledge is missing that is why the people could not understand the very nature or the national character of the country. That is how foreigners have taken it as a political or a commercial issue. They have used it for their own convenience. That was the reason. If we understand or maintain a balance between the aspiration and the achievement is imminent. The sankalpa that is the resolve and the final result. There is no place for such long battle. But it happened.

The 'atmabirbhar' is now much talked about in this country. How this atmanirbhar will come? By cherishing and celebrating the family values, honesty of purpose, patriotism and devotion to God. Everybody should celebrate. Now we have about 140 crores. The country may be looking big. But if we assidously follow the Indianness, it is very easy to run this country. We lack information, commitment and that is why there is some problem. At the same time ours is a divergent country and heterogenous society in which several languages, several traditions, several cultures tend to live together. This is the essence of this Bharatheeya culture, Indian culture.

Ayodhya movement has happened at several stages. One has to deeply understand what for it happened and why it happened and why it took so much of time...this is to be thoroughly examined and investigated. Every individual has to think about the welfare of this country. There must be a mutual cooperation.

Cooperation, coordination and conciliation and confidence..these constitute the inner strength. Now we have several divergent thoughts. Now time has come. This is called bahumathi (many minds), sahamathi...(togetherness) from sahamathi we should move to ekamathi. (One unified mind) One nation, one thought, one approach one result. This should be the order.

The role played by Jagadguru Jayendra Saraswathi Swamy

Jayendra Saraswathi Swamy played a critical role, a real key role. He always felt that the Janmabhumi should be free from the shackles. Janmabhumi means it is not our birth place, it is Rama Janmabhumi, the birthplace of Lord Rama is in the shackles. It should come out of the shackles and He was very confident that will happen. That is why in Ayodhya, the Kanchi peetam has purchased the piece of land also long back. He opened the door, opened the window and inspired many people to get into this movement. He played His part extremely well and in the old structure he got permission from the Central Government. Swamy played very important role in that. Directly or indirectly, he has conducted several programs. Not only that. He made many people to indulge in Dharmika Anushtana.. that is called the method of actualization of Dharma. What all has to be done to achieve the result, he did all that. He undertook several visits all over. In order to inculcate the awareness, he followed preaching and then imparting knowledge through sevveral seminars. Some inspirational aspects where the subjects were deliberated and debated and he has also conducted many conferences to achieve peace. In fact he has conducted many conciliatory meetings with others meaning who follow other faiths, including Muslims. This is what Jayendra Saraswathy Swamy did. In 1986 Febraury, the second week-long programme was conducted that was when Jayendra Swamy first entered. There was nobody around, then Kalyana Krishna, a South Indian, who was the chief secretary of Uttar Pradesh. In those days Mahaswamy Chandrashekarendra Saraswathy Jayendra Saraswathy Vaaru and I was also there. Mahaswamy sent the umbrella for Rama. Jayendra Saraswathy Swamy used to stay in Prayagraj in those days. From Prayagraj Aliyambalam Neelakanta Deekshithar and Mandakuluru Ramamurthy Sastry conducted Parayana..continous reading - of Valmiki Ramayana and also Tulsi Ramayana. Mahaswamy blessed Jayendra Saraswathy Swamy to do the first puja first worship to Rama in 1986. Because it is a shakthipeeta. For those 9 days of Navarathri I was also there in Ayodhya. On Ekadasi day, we all had the darshan of Lord Rama. Ayodhya, in fact, is a Sakthipeeta, the Prithvi Kshetra meaning Earth.

'Ayodhyadishu peeteshu Prudhivaa Dhimaanukrama' so says Soubhagya Chintamani, which is a great work. This particular work has prescribed certain procedures and in Kanchi also several worships are conducted as prescribed. With relevance, reference and reverence. The kuladevatha, the family deity, is nothing but Devi Mangala. It means people belonging to Surya lineage and Ayodhya kingdom, there is a kula devatha. Deva Kali. All of them worshiped that kula devatha. Jayendra Saraswathy Swamy's (sankalpam) resolve, the (prakalpam) the plan of action has resulted in the formation, construction, reconstruction of Rama mandiram and it gives us all happiness.

War waged against Sanatana Dharma is very alarming.

It is very unfortunate. This is the sad state of the nation. We have to come out of it. We have to take others also out of this thought process. For that what we need is self-confidence, trust in Eswara, trust in God. We also need mutual coordination, cooperation and understanding among the people. These three will constitute a real spiritual strength. That is Eswara vachanam..means as per Upanishad Mathrudevo Bhava, Pithru Devo Bhava, Acharya Devo Bhava. We must inculcate lot of faith in them. From grassroot level, the Dharma is to be propagated. For that what we suggest is that the donar and the leader (dhata and the netha) have to come out with charity at micro level called Sukshma Sthayi. If the dhata and netha are together all the temples will receive proper attention and reverence. Small yagnas are to be conducted, 'Yagno danam thapaschava pavanani manishinaam'.

Yagna means havans, dathruthva means charity. Kramasikshana is discipline. Among all these are very important. That itself is Hindu Dharma. Ours is athmadarsana not pradarsana. It is not exhibition. It is an experience. All faiths should have common minimum programme. No! No! Not minimum. Common maximum programme is very essential. In this country even state, family, service - these are all highly respected. If somebody indulges in a good service activity, the society is respecting them and they are venerated also. There may be a difference in the form and name but in bhavana it is the same.

Even today the sanathana culture is being respected, regarded, followed and actualised in many a way. This is how this much of peace is prevailing in this country. It is all because of this. It is there in the very soil of India, in a natural way. It is good nature which we all have to protect it, preserve it, perceive it, interpret it and then execute it. This is very important. In history something happens and something happened too let the bygones be bygones. They have gone. It has no relevance today. Then what is that we have to do today? In the present context we have to have the nijarupa, that is we have to understand the reality with correct perspective. Then in between over a period of time so many changes take place good or bad. Some hatred is also seen. So we have to come out of all that. Unshackle ourselves and become free from it. We all have to pray for the wholistic blooming of the society. That is secondary. We have two things...one is prayer. It is not enough. Along with prayer we have to put a lot of effort. It must be continous effort. This is the message of Lord Rama.

'Balam Vishno Pravarthitam'

That is already said. This reflects 'Saha Anubhuti'..the experience of all put together..that is what Rama says.

This January 22nd a programme is on the anvil. It is going to happen. We need to have soujanyam that is good thought, good perspective. These are very important. Let there be no conflict between Sahanubhuti and Soujanyam. Sahanubhuti means all thoughts put together into one and Soujanya that is with a kind heart and positive mind. Still in the society or in the Government so much to be done. So much work is left behind. That is why we must have a positive frame of mind and positive thinking. Through that we have to participate and take part in the progress of the country. We have to maintain a key role that is (keelaka pathra) in Telugu or Sanskrit - a pivotal role but not (keechaka pathra) that is villainess and negative attitude. We should not have that. We should have confidence within us. For that our intentions must be pious. Let there be no hatred. God has given us air, water, etc. We have to use them properly. We should not misuse them and we should never abuse them.. Use, misuse or abuse. We have so much power in our hands. But we have no responsibility in equal breath. So we have to have the responsibility and the right to live must be balanced. It can happen through equanimity, equipoise and equilibrium. That is the path to achieve 'Vasudhaika Kutumbakam'. This is the only way.

This is all pertaining to the country. Coming to Hindutva first it should happen within us. It means we have to clean and set our house first. Then we have to clear our eye sight. Eye sight means, it is not the power of the eye, our approach, our viewing the things. That is why it is 'mithrasya chakshusa' that means the person who has no element of hatred is very essential. We all should have that.

'Eesavaasya midam sarvam'

We should not aspire for others' properties or others' wealth.

Ayodhya consecration is going to happen in January 22nd

'Devaanaam pura Ayodhya'

This is a line from Krishna Yajurveda describing the term Ayodhya as a pious place. That is why Lord Vishnu chose Ayodhya for his avataara. That is why temple is being built in Ayodhya. Along with the temple, many centers for charity, spirituality and dharma have to come up.

'Uttara Shakti...Dakshina Buddhi'

South and North India need to come together and synergize their strengths. We need to respect each other's capabilities. We need to act in cohesion and unity. The (kriti) work focus and devotion of the North and the (samskriti) rich cultural traits of the South need to go hand in hand.

When Vice President Krishnakant and the former governor of combined state of Andhra came to seek the darshan of Paramacharya, He had mentioned the phrase 'mera bharat mahaan'. That mahattvam, such grandiose, such purity should come to us today. Unification in thought, unification in action, unity in approach to build this country will ensure that our country reaches such great heights. Mahattva could be said to mean a strategic spiritual divine energy, Patuttva is related to alertness and swiftness of body, Kavitva means expression through language should combine together.

Following the footprints of Sri Rama each and every village of this country, every temple of the nation should come together in a cohesive manner and make this country a great nation.

Ayodhya should become an international spiritual centre

In post independent India, we got lot of expertise in the worldly education. Still, we are not fully self-reliant. Still people feel a need to go abroad to learn and for education. Keeping education aspect aside, few people visit other countries to know things that are already available in plenty in India. They end up learning things that are not contextual in our country.

Our country used to have several Dharmic spiritual centers. These need to be revived. In Ayodhya too, these have to be revived or established. Through these centers Indian spiritual practices need to be propagated far and wide. Making Ayodhya as a center, Dharmic programs should be conducted in other ancillary places like Avadh, Purvanchal, etc. Just like Dharma Prachara Parishad of TTD, Ayodhya has the potential to build a strong Dharmic organization. Panda, Pujari, Purohit, Kalyan Yojana (Welfare and Support of all Temple Archakas) is a very important need as they form the conduit between the common man and the divine. Supporting the archakas with reasonable, respectable emoluments will ensure that they perform their duties well and programs like Nada Neerajanam (Music and Cultural programs) are conducted by TTD on a daily basis are to be conducted in Ayodhya, too. These programs ensure that sufficient encouragement is provided to cultural art forms.

'Har panchayat me pundit hona, har mandir Tirupati hona' (Every Village Panchayat needs to have a well read, dharmic pundit and every temple should become a dynamic Dharmic center like Tirupati).

The Impact on Mathura and Kasi after Ayodhya

What we need, are pious thoughts, devotion, law and order and such things. The rest we will leave to God. When the right time comes, context also will emerge on its own. All development will happen in its own time.

Hindu Dharma and other Faiths

Sanatana Dharma is universal. It is beyond attachment and hatred. Sanatana Dharma has been in force for millions of years. It is all pervasive in the Jada (inert) and Chaitanya (absolute consciousness) alike. It is beyond time and space. The same divine persona is in all the beings..'Sarvaatma bhaava', 'Ekaatma bhaava', 'Sarvam khalvidam brahma'. This is the fundamental universal truth of Dharma. Our dharma has been the universal leader (viswaguru) from many centuries and generations.

We all have deham (Human Body), there is daivam (Divine). In between these two, the youth of this country need to know that there is also Desam (Country).