Saturday, April 18, 2020

Key To Success - Dharma Chariot - Chapter 7-8



                 The Wheels and Flag  

Dharma Presentations - Ashika Anand, Saanvi Muvva, Lakshmi Warrier.


The Wheels: 

1.  Sauraja : Valor, Courage, Bravery, Heroism

Strength to face challenges in life, physical and moral
Mastery of fear of the unknown, not the absence of it
Fear vs foolishness  (power of distinction)
2. Dhiraja : Fortitude /Endurance, Patience
Ability to face challenges in life
Acceptance of the situation, of people 



The Flag:

1.Satya : Truthfulness
Maybe truthful. But not courageous to stand up
Keep your word / promise
True to yourself 
2. Sila : Good character
Good conduct, integrity, modesty
Satsang, good thoughts, good action , good habits
Right choices every time – with courage, patience

Hanuman Stories from Sundarakandam and Harry Potter 



Hanuman’s Childhood-  Only child
  • Anjana was a beautiful Apsara who was born as a Vanari- Monkey species.
  • Wind god Vayu -Hanuman’s God father.
  • Blessed with strength and vigor equal to the wind God
  • He will be the mightiest and most intelligent amongst the Vanaras.
  • You alone can help us to fulfil Rama's purpose
Jambavan's Story of Hanuman's Childhood - "When you were a child,  you imagined the rising sun to be a Mango fruit and flew towards it in order to pluck it. Seeing your effortless and fearless flight Indra, king of the gods, became concerned for the sun's safety and hurled his thunderbolt at you. Struck down by it, you fell on a, mountain and your right jaw was broken. Enraged by this, your father the Wind-God stopped his movements and stood still. All living creatures became breathless and felt strangled in the stillness. The gods begged Vayu to lay aside his anger and showered blessings on you. Brahma and Indra gave you boons. No weapon can slay you. Death can only come to you at your will and not other wise. You are immortal."

Sundarakandam – Hanuman fulfilling his mission

     When the Hanuman’s vanara group that went on the south direction as told by Jatayu and Sampathi, they saw they had to cross the great ocean. They could not figure out who could go. Hanuman was sitting quietly.  He did not realize his powers because he was cursed that only if someone reminded him at the time of need he will remember.  So huge giant bear, Jambavan told him the above story.  That revived his self confidence and courage.  And he accepted the task.

1    Story 1

     Crossing the Ocean :  Determination of his Goal to cross the ocean.  Offer Prayers to Surya, Indra, Vayu, Brahma and all creation. Took the stance of one ready to take a great leap.  And with a great roar he rose to the sky like Garuda and flew at great speed like Rama’s arrows. It looked like a huge mountain with wings was flying. 
    Mount Mynaka - A huge mountain suddenly shot up from the ocean.  Hanuman stuck it to stop it and  the Mount Mynaka said, the king Ocean wants me to help you.   Please rest on me and go. Your father Vayu helped me when I was in need and I would like offer hospitality to you.  He did not accept the invitation and politely declined as he had his goal in mind and did not have to spare.  But the mountain was happy at his politeness and his sense of purpose and blessed him  
    Surasa – Next after a little while, The Rakshasa form which had been assumed by Surasa, the Naga maiden,  a huge form stood in his way and said: "Enter my mouth. I have been without food for a long time and am eagerly waiting for you," and the monster opened its mouth wide like a cave. Hanuman answered: "I am bent on doing Rama's purpose. Do not stop me." "Impossible!" said the monster. "You must enter my mouth." Hanuman thought quickly and decided what to do. Step by step he made his body grow bigger and bigger. opened its mouth correspondingly wider and wider. When the mouth was thus enormously wide, all of a sudden Hanuman contracted his body into a speck and, darting through the demon's mouth and body, came out again and resumed his former normal shape. He then laughed and said: "You have had your wish, mother. I have entered your mouth. What more do you need?" And the Naga goddess blessed him saying: "Your effort will be crowned with success. I did this at the bidding of the gods who wanted to test you. Rama's purpose, which you seek to serve, will assuredly triumph."  What was the skill he demonstrated?   Quick thinking, Strategic thinking, determination, fearlessness, and overcome hurdles.  
   Chaya Grahini Rakshasi – Shadow sucking demoness  As he was flying in the sky, for no reason which he could discover, he found his speed obstructedand he suffered like a ship against a contrary wind. Some mighty force, he felt, was holding himand dragging him down. He looked up and down and on all four sides. Then he discovered thecause. It was a huge she-demon in the sea holding him by his shadow below, arresting his speed,and dragging him down. The demon, holding him by his shadow, said: "Come, come! Long have I been waiting for you. No longer can I bear my hunger," and she opened her mouth like a cave.At once Hanuman entered her mouth and ripped a way out through her entrails and emerged. Thedemon died and sank down in the water. Like the full moon emerging from an eclipse, Hanumanshone in the sky and resumed his journey.

    Reached Lanka:  Thus, surviving many trials with the help of his subtle wit, courage and strength, he flew across the ocean and approached the coast of Lanka covered with plantain and coconut trees. On the shore of the island he saw groves and mountains and forests and the mouths of rivers. Hanuman saw the wealth of Ravana's kingdom and the beauty of the fortified city. "I have reached the destination," said Hanuman to himself. "Now without letting the Rakshasas know who or what I am, I must search the place and find out where Sita is kept." He reduced his huge form to the size of a normal monkey and alighted on a hilltop in Lanka. Hanuman always did with thinking properly.  He always remembering the Lord. Success is assured.


Harry’s Childhood – Only child
  • Lilly was a muggle and James was pure blood.. Very intelligent and from Gryffindor.
  • Dumbledore was his protector; Sirius Black was God father.
  • Resist “imperious curse’, parseltongue, apparition, master of death,
  • One with the power to vanquish Lord Voldemort
Book 1 – Harry Potter – Sorcerer’s stone.
Harry Potter, a boy who learns on his eleventh birthday that he is the orphaned son of two powerful wizards and possesses unique magical powers of his own. He is summoned from his life as an unwanted child to become a student at Hogwarts, an English boarding school for wizards. There, he meets several friends who become his closest allies and help him discover the truth about his parents' mysterious deaths.
a.     Harry get into trouble because of his powers – Glass on Boa constrictor in the zoo disappears and he get into trouble. 
b.     Huge Giant Hagrid – Reminds Harry of his wizardry and give him admission to Hogwarts and take him there.  Makes friends and his self esteem and courage grows. He get Gryffindor house and he is happy.
c.     Challenges – Draco Malfoy  and Neville’s toy and discovery of Harry’s broom flying and catching skills and playing Quidditch.
d.     Defeating the Troll – in the girls bathroom with Hermione.  Hermione helps Harry’s out of control broom in Quidditch by setting fire to Snap’s clothes..
e.     Soccers stone – 3 headed dog, Save the dragon, Enchanted forest of Unicorns and attack by Voldemort.  The friendly Centaur.
f.      Quirrel – Possessed by Voldemort, burns Quirrel, saved by Dumbledore
g.     Success for Gryffindor and wins house cup. – Qualities of Harry – Courage, quick thinking and agility, Polite and helpful,

Monday, April 6, 2020

Key To Success - Introduction, Mind Maps, Dharma Chartiot



Mind and Cognitive Maps 



Cognitive maps are the umbrella term for all visual representations of mental models. All mapping techniques described in this article are instances of cognitive maps.



"A picture speaks a thousand words", and mind maps create an easily-remembered picture"of the information you're trying to remember.

Mind Map Examples

                         LORD SHIVA

         Symbolism Behind The Form Of Shiva | The Art Of Living Global

1.Third eye:Eye of Wisdom, Enlightenment. Awareness- Satyam 
2.Crescent moon: Mind under control - Indriya Nigraha
3.Ashes: Death and the pursuit of spiritual liberation - Dhriti
4.Matted hair: Not obsessed with body and looks - Shauca
5.Blue throat: Connection between head and heart.  Words can be poison or wisdom - Moral and honest - Asteya
6.Meditating yogi: In full control of self - Calm -Akrodha
7.Sacred Ganga: Knowledge of wisdom flows -Vidhya
8.Tiger skin: Wears it showing courage - Dhir
9.Serpents: Alertness , Awareness
10.Trident: Shiva's three aspects of "creator, preserver and destroyer",] or the equilibrium of three Gunas of "sattva, rajas and tamas" Dama
11.Drum: Celebration, acceptance - Kshama
12.Axe (Parashu) and Deer - Respect nature - Ahimsa
13.Rosary beads: Action - Do the right Karma; Prayerful
14.Nandī:Symbolizes Dharma - Ride on Dharma

Goddess Durga



What Does Goddess Durga Symbolize? | Best Indian American Magazine ...


Vibishana Gita 


  •        Rama and Ravana were in the battle field 
  •        Ravana’s huge Army and Rama’s monkey Army
  •        Vibheeshana was intimidated
  •        Rama’s Answer - Vibhishana Gita
  •        Internal war or Rama and Ravana
  •        Dharma Chariot (Mind Map)