Thiru aadipuram 2017 Sri Villiputtur

Sri Villiputtur, 23rd July 2017

Sri Andal is one of the best-loved poet-saints of India. Pious tradition holds her to be the incarnation of Bhūmi Devi,Mother Earth, to show humanity the way to Lord's lotus feet.

Devotees in extra-ordinary numbers gather each year to celebrate and commemorate her appearance on earth. Panch Garuda Seva is one of the major festive highlights when deities on Garud vahanas in procession appear in best attire, flower garlands and jewels, each trying to outshine the other! 

We thought of availing darshan of Sri Andal-Rangamannar before ascending the stage.With co-singers in tow, some 20 of us got to the spot only to be daunted by the colossal numbers already awaiting darshan. Out of the blue, emerged a kind soul who understood our dilemma with a benign smile “just follow me”. He took upon himself to first guide us through temple features and eventually paved the way for darshan at the inner sanctum!

Before he left we thanked him and enquired about his current vocation. “Caretaker of Go- shala” was his reply! Before long following lines dawned on me: Engirundho vandhaan, idai jaathi naan endraan!!

Guru Purnima tidings

Guru Purnima at Vishakapatnam (Vizag)

​9th July 2017​

The sea (Bay of Bengal) stands for dynamism, change and adventure; the mountain stands for permanence, tradition and values. Geographically nestled in this dialectical process, Vizag has grown out of its humble origins. Once known as Waltair, the fisherman’s village, is all set to become a Smart city.

Guru Purnima afforded an opportunity to visit this City of Destiny after a hiatus especially post-tsunami. The transformation in the panorama was quite visible. For instance, some 1.2 million yatris thronged Simhachalam at the outskirts of Vizag on the Guru Purnima night. Movement of traffic and the attendant cleanup operations were astonishingly swift. Swachh abhiyan has clearly taken roots here.

There was a meaningful interaction with the Faculty and Students of the University Business School on the theme of Science and Spirituality.Seen in pic: the MBA aspirants.

An interview with a leading National Daily in English followed and carried in this link:

http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Visakhapatnam/calm-mind-can-think-better/article19248886.ece

Let the Guru Purnima tidings bring waves of happiness in your lives.

Arunji

‘Calm mind can think better’

AOL teacher talks about stress-free life

He believes in the theory ‘life is a sojourn on the planet and service is the rent you need to pay’. Arun Madhavan, a former banker, a singer, a trainer, a writer and a motivational speaker who has been associated with the Art of Living (AOL) for over three decades, says that engaging in community service has been an integral part of his life ever since his childhood.

In a chat with The Hindu, the Bengaluru-based trainer talked about his journey and the significance of leading a stress-free life.

For many, bidding adieu to a plush job and dedicating to the community service was not an easy task. When Mr. Madhavan discovered his true calling, he did not think twice to give up his 27-year-long career. “As an employee of Standard Chartered Bank, I had an opportunity to travel across the world and be a part of the special committee, contributing to a model village development programme taken up by the Government of India,” recalls Mr. Madhavan, who was the first chairman of the AOL.

When Mr. Madhavan met spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar in 1986, he decided to contribute to the spiritual landscape by becoming the founder trustee of Vyakti Vikas Kendra, India. “The kendra primarily aimed at educating the children by setting up free schools in tribal areas and empowering the unemployed youth in a range of soft skills which eventually changed millions of lives,” says the advanced meditation course teacher who did his MBA at IIM-Ahmedabad and recognised as a Dynamic Indian of the Millennium by the KG Foundation. He also bagged an award for the project that promoted India as an investment destination.

Advice to youth

About the younger generation, Mr. Madhavan says that life has become more complex for the youth. “Technology addiction and substance abuse continue to impact the youngsters’ life adversely. Parents’ role plays a crucial part to shape the youth’s future and direct them on to the right path. When I interact with students during seminars conducted as a part of achieving personal excellence programme, I try to explain the link between science and spirituality, offering tips to enhance their emotional quotient and steer clear of bad habits,” he says.

He says that to cope with an increasingly stressful environment, techniques such as ‘Bhastrika pranayama’ and ‘nadi shudhi pranayama’ (alternate nostril breathing) will be of immense help. “Our mind needs to be de-cluttered as a calm mind can think better and makes others life easier,” he adds.

This article was contributed by 

Rani Devalla

rani.devalla@thehindu.co.in

Kind courtesy The Hindu 

The Hindu Article.