Author's Note: Please visit - The 'Real' Ramayana/ Ram-Rajya - to read the other
parts of this series, so as to be able to fully understand or grasp the contents
of this one.
Thoughts on: the colour green (Hari-Hara/Prakriti); red (Lohith or Rohitah); Neelamber, Neelesh, 'dark' (Ghanshyam) and the peacock allegory;
Shri Krishna and some verses from the Srimad Bhagavad Geeta. Notes on: dark blue (Shyam); vigjnana; Kara-puṣkara or lotus-palm; Mahiruha and Mahidhara; Samudra
manthanam, Sagar manthan, Kshirsagar manthan and Halahala; Brahma's Days (Kalpas); Brahma's
Years; Brahma's Life span; Maha Yugas and Manvantaras; Overview of the Yugas,
our position as of 2008 A.D. and the beginning of the current Kali Yug. *Continuing* with our *discussions* on the "Ardhanarishvara".
The Srimad Bhagavad Gita, Chapter 5, Text
18:
|| vidya-vinaya-sampanne
brahmane gavi hastini
suni caiva sva-pake ca
panditah sama-darsinah ||
brahmane gavi hastini
suni caiva sva-pake ca
panditah sama-darsinah ||
Meaning:
Vidya: true knowledge, wisdom,
enlightenment; vinaya: humility; sampanne: bestowed with, blessed
with; brahmane: in the Brahmana/ the Supreme Being (Parameshwar) or the
Supreme Spirit (Paramaatma); gavi: in the cow; hastini: in the
female elephant; suni: in the dog; ca: and; eva:
certainly; sva-pake: in the dog-eater (Mlechcha); ca:
respectively; panditah: a truly enlightened or wise person; sama-darsinah:
do see with equal vision, consider as equal, does not differentiate.
Translation:
One who is blessed with
wisdom and humility (i.e. one who is truly wise, enlightened) see the divine -
the Brhamana (variously known as: the Cosmic Energy, the Supreme Being - Parameshwar, the Supreme Spirit - Paramaatma, the Ultimate Being, the
Ultimate Knowledge or the Ultimate Reality) - in the cow, in the female
elephant, in the dog... as well as in the dog-eater (Mlechcha). The wise one sees all beings as equal.
[Note:
"the dog-eater" is sometimes mistranslated as 'outcaste'. But in Dvapar (during
Shri Krishna's time) there was no concept of 'caste'... and hence, there was no
such thing as 'outcaste' either. "Dog-eater" refers to Mlechcha, those
who are somewhat barbaric and uncultured in nature as well as intemperate in their eating habits.
However, one must understand what Shri Krishna meant by "barbaric and uncultured". This is different from Pisacha. Shri Krishna indicates Mlechcha; he does not mean Pisacha. The ones that indulged in heinous acts including the lowest form of union, by rape (i.e. a forced union), were the most barbaric of all beings and were associated with the Pisacha. [Refer: Part-XX. In fact, Duryodhan and Dushshasana too displayed paishachic tendencies: Part-XV.] Misbehaviour against women was considered as the lowest of the lowest of paap (terrible sin) that one could ever commit. [Refer: Part-XVIII.] These Pisachas are condemned to the most despicable/lowliest place of all - which we will talk about when we discuss the Lower Planets.
However, one must understand what Shri Krishna meant by "barbaric and uncultured". This is different from Pisacha. Shri Krishna indicates Mlechcha; he does not mean Pisacha. The ones that indulged in heinous acts including the lowest form of union, by rape (i.e. a forced union), were the most barbaric of all beings and were associated with the Pisacha. [Refer: Part-XX. In fact, Duryodhan and Dushshasana too displayed paishachic tendencies: Part-XV.] Misbehaviour against women was considered as the lowest of the lowest of paap (terrible sin) that one could ever commit. [Refer: Part-XVIII.] These Pisachas are condemned to the most despicable/lowliest place of all - which we will talk about when we discuss the Lower Planets.
As
to: Why the cow is worshiped, do read: Part-XIII.
For elephant and what Sri Ganesh represents, do read: Part-XI.
For the truly wise or enlightened see "jeevan mukta" - Part-XVII.]
Shri Bhagavan says, there is nothing that is
"evil" in this world (Bhuvan), in nature (Prakriti), in our universe
(Brhmaand) or in creation (Srristi, cosmos). And this is commensurate with the
wisdom of our ancients... as per the philosophies of the "Sanaatan
Dharma" or "the eternal way of life" - rooted in Vedic wisdom. [Sanaatan = timeless or
eternal, Dharma = path or the
'way of life'. For Sanaatan Dhama and Vedic, do read: Part-XI.]
Therefore, even when the miscreants (duskrtam/negative/aasuric
forces or entities) are dealt with (by some or the other great human), it is not punishment, but an opportunity for redemption - provided to these aasuric
entities by these great humans.
Both 'Sur'/'Sura' (i.e. positive forces
or entities) and 'Asur'/'Asura' (negative forces or entities) are
required for creation, and they are present everywhere: in the cosmos, in our
universe and in this world; they are present within us (as traits), within society
and within civilization as well - so as to sustain it, or rather, so as to maintain
the balance. Else it will result in stagnation.
Imbalance is also part of nature. ['Vikriti' is also part of 'Prakriti'.]
It is only when the 'balancing factors' reach an
alarming stage that civilization is threatened and cannot progress well. Meaning:
only when there is great imbalance, there is cause for alarm. However:
the complete absence of 'balancing factors' will result in civilization itself
stagnating!]
The above verse contains such noble thoughts, right?!
So befitting of Krishna - the Delight of Yashoda; the Pride of Dvarka;
Bliss of the Bharatas; Friend and well-wisher of the Marginalized and the
Disadvantaged; Friend to the Good-hearted (dharmic); Foe to the Malicious
(adharmic) and perhaps most humanly, Soldier-Statesman par excellence.
[For Soldier-Statesman par excellence, do read: Part:
XXII.]
It is a small wonder then
that the Srimad Bhagavad Geeta is a treasure-trove of immense
wisdom and illumined knowledge... and is therefore, regarded as the jewel
of ancient India's spiritual wisdom, one that is not constrained by time and
space. And this is because of Karm Yog. One rarely
finds books (including spiritual texts and discourses by various Gurus) laying
emphasis on doing one's duty (i.e. upholding one's dharma) - irrespective of
the outcome.
|| karmaNi eva
adhikaaraste maa phaleshu kadaachana
maa karma phala
hetuH bhuH maa sanghaH astu akarmaNi ||
[To know
the meaning of the above verse, do read: Part:
XII. In other words, Shri Bhagavan says: remember, the journey is more important than the destination... just as our business is with the action (karm) only,
never with its fruits (result, outcome). Note: The verse [Chapter 5, Text 18] is best understood in light of what we have discussed in Part:
XII.]
But have we really understood the essence of Shri Bhagavan's
message? What say you? And he wasn't even saying anything new, merely
distilling the wisdom of our ancients (as manifested in the Sanaatan Dharma).
Our ancients left us many
gifts, we - the moderns, have squandered almost all of them, thanks to our
arrogance and petty-mindedness. While our forefathers revered and preserved
nature (Prakriti) in all her beauty and glory, and made her essential part of
their being, we - their so-called descendents have excelled in destroying nature,
thanks to our relentless greed. Our ancients gave us many lessons: not to
destroy, over-exploit or denude nature's gifts to mankind. We have done - for
several generations now - the complete opposite. We must reflect on our actions
and try to make amends - collectively. Or else, we shall all perish. Together.
Yet unfortunately: Our
environment is being ravaged, our mountains are being desecrated, our hills are
being razed to the ground, our trees (Mahiruhas) are being indiscriminately massacred, our
birds and animals are struggling to survive, our water-bodies are being
polluted beyond recognition: faecal matter, factory effluents and even nuclear
waste are dumped into them; civilizations are being decimated and there is a
competition to grab the resources of the world. No tactics is considered too
low - in order to achieve this. Nations and people are being torn apart: in the
name of 'faith', 'charity', 'history', culture, language, 'friendship',
'research', media, commerce, sports and what have you. But with what result?
"Trees are the earth's endless
effort to speak to the listening heaven," so said Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore.
"Trees are poems that earth writes
upon the sky, We fell them down and turn them into paper, That we may record
our emptiness," said Kahlil Gibran.
But then, Robi Thakur and Kahli Gibran may speak all they want about trees and Prakriti, we
are super-gods, right?! :)
In Part-XXI
we discussed the concept of "Ardhanarishvara" in some detail. Let's continue from where we left off.
In this syncretic form,
Shiv is also representing/personifying humanity (manav-jaati), while
Parvati/Devi Durga represents/personifies Prakriti (Mother Nature).
[As per
our ancients and as per the philosophies of the Sanaatan Dharma, humanity is He/masculine, while
nature/Prakriti is She/feminine.]
Humanity (manav-jaati)
needs and will always need Prakriti (Mother Nature) - in order to survive. She/Nature/Prakriti does not need Him/ Humanity.
Unfortunately, we - the
modern humans - have forgotten this valuable lesson, and are bent on
'conquering'/'subjugating' nature. But will that ever happen? What will be the
outcome?
Here's the answer:
Without Prakriti (Nature/ personified by Parvati/Devi Durga), Shiva
(humanity/manav-jaati) will become Shava (corpse).
Hence: It is best to
learn or rather re-learn the lessons and imbibe the wisdom of our
ancients. [We should not follow in the footsteps of the Mlechchas who regard
Prakriti as inanimate... and are bent on exploiting (read: plundering) her
riches. Remember: Sanaatan Dharma did not regard Prakriti as inanimate, hence the imagery of Parvati/Devi Durga.]
Prakriti is draped in
green. [Therefore, the colour green/Hari also symbolizes Parvati/Devi Durga.] Vishnu and
Shiv - the other cosmic forces/energies are also known as Hari
and Hara respectively, and as Hari-Hara in their syncretic form.
Hari and Hara, means green and green is the colour draped by Prakriti -
during the day.
Dark, dark blue
(Ghanshyam, Shyam), green (Hari-Hara), red (Lohith or Rohitah) and golden yellow (peet) are the colours of the universe,
cosmos and Prakriti; rather they signify creation per se. Our ancients'
understood this and revered nature. They also worshiped the water-bodies: the
oceans (samudra), the rivers (nad and nadi) and the lakes (sarovara). They worshipped the Mahidharas (the mighty mountains) too. Mahidhara etymologically
means: the one who holds the earth or the one who sustains the earth. Our
ancients respected the mountains, the mahidharas, as the sustainers of
the earth. So great has been our reverence for the Himalaya that in the
Sanaatan Dharma (rooted in Vedic wisdom), it is not just a chain of mountains,
He is divine. Himalaya is not only the 'father' of Devi Parvati, but is also
the 'father' of the sacred Ganga, Yamuna and the Sarasvati. This reverence for
the mightiest mountain-range is due to the acknowledgement of the central role He has
played in preserving and sustaining our glorious mother-land.
But what have we been
doing?
It is important
that we become aware that the mountains play the singularly most important role
in sustaining the environment in the Indian sub-continent. And we must
also realize the importance of regenerating the mountains in order to revive
the environment. [Do also read: Part-XXI.]
[To know more about the colours
red (Lohith or Rohitah), dark blue (Shyam) and golden yellow (Peet), do read: Part:
XXII.]
... Hence, we must
understand and accept this, and bow to Prakriti.
[Dark-blue is Shyam;
the colour of dusk - the colour Prakriti wears after sunset and during the predawn hours. Dark is Ghanshyam,
the colour of Prakriti - at night. Red is the colour of Prakriti during pre-dusk and early morning. Rohit or Rohitah signifies the colour red, it means the "First rays of the sun". The early morning sunlight usually has a lot of reddish tint. Lohith also refers to the colour 'red'. It indicates the power of Devi Durga/Parvati. Lohitagni is red flame (to symbolically sacrifice/burn one's negative traits). Hari (green) is the colour that
Prakriti drapes - during the day. As for dark or Ghanshyam, we'll discuss that in greater
detail - in our later posts.]
Therefore, Prakriti
(personified by Parvati/Devi Durga) is Shyam, Ghanshyam, Peetamber, Lohith (or Rohitah) and Hari-Hara - all together.
Bhagavan Shri Krishna is also Shyam,
Ghanshyam, Peetamber... and Hari - since he is revered as the human manifestation
(sagun swaroop) of Vishnu - the balancing or preserving force behind the
cosmos. This is the measure of Shri Krishna's karm - nishkam karm... as
well as his stature, his magnificence, his grandeur and his immeasurable
greatness. Rohit is also one of Shri Vishnu's many names.
[As for the colour red/Lohith or Rohitah: Krishna is also compared to Maa Parvati/Durga/Shakti - due to the grandeur of his Karm and Nishkam Karm. Maa Shakti - the divine mother and her human 'manifestation' - Devi Durga - has 108 names, one of which is 'Padmapatrakshi' or 'eyes like the lotus leaf'. Shri Krishna too is the possessor of 108 names and is known as the 'lotus-eyed-one' (with eyes as broad as the petals of the blue lotus). The dark-blue complexion of Krishna is compared to that of the Neel-kamal - the Blue Water-lily (Utpala) or the Blue Lotus (Pushkara or Indivara). Hence, this flower is also called: 'Krishna Kamal'. Devi Durga, the human 'manifestation' or the sagun swaroop of the divine cosmic feminine energy (Shakti) - is worshiped with 108 'Neel-Kamal' or Blue Lotuses. Do read Part-XIII - to know more about the Blue Lotus and the Blue Water-Lily.
[As for the colour red/Lohith or Rohitah: Krishna is also compared to Maa Parvati/Durga/Shakti - due to the grandeur of his Karm and Nishkam Karm. Maa Shakti - the divine mother and her human 'manifestation' - Devi Durga - has 108 names, one of which is 'Padmapatrakshi' or 'eyes like the lotus leaf'. Shri Krishna too is the possessor of 108 names and is known as the 'lotus-eyed-one' (with eyes as broad as the petals of the blue lotus). The dark-blue complexion of Krishna is compared to that of the Neel-kamal - the Blue Water-lily (Utpala) or the Blue Lotus (Pushkara or Indivara). Hence, this flower is also called: 'Krishna Kamal'. Devi Durga, the human 'manifestation' or the sagun swaroop of the divine cosmic feminine energy (Shakti) - is worshiped with 108 'Neel-Kamal' or Blue Lotuses. Do read Part-XIII - to know more about the Blue Lotus and the Blue Water-Lily.
Human
manifestation or sagun swaroop is not literal. It essentially means that
through him we can "see" the balancing or preserving force/energy
behind the cosmos: Vishnu. And this is because of the greatness of Krishna's
Karm - that helped preserve the noble principles of Sanaatan Dharma, restored
balance in society and prevented its degradation/decadence + stopped the
disintegration/demise of civilization.]
BTW, though we mentioned
earlier that green/Hari is one of the colours of Prakriti (nature) and is to be found
everywhere, yet given our relentless 'efforts', perhaps it is not, what say?
As for dark blue or Shyam: The dew-covered grass,
the predawn hours, the mist-covered hills and the cloud-kissed forests seem dark
blue. The pristine snow on the mountains, the Pārijāt, the Banyan tree
(Sanskrit: Vata vrksha), the Peepal tree (Sanskrit: Ashvatha), the Tulsi
(Sanskrit: Tulasī), the Aparaajita, the Palash, the Atasi, the Akund (Sanskrit:
Arca), the Ashok, the Bel (Sanskrit: Bilwa), the Champak (Sanskrit: Campaka),
the Yuthika (Juhī), the Kadamba vana (the Kadam forest), the Japāa kusuma
(Hibiscus rosa-sinensis), the Bakulah (Maulsari), the Karnikār (karnayoh karnikāram, Kanak Champā), the
Tamāl (Tamala, Himalayan Garcinia), the Mālatī, the Punnāg (Punnaga, Sultan Champa), the Mādhavī
(Atimukta, meaning: completely liberated), the Kovidār (Kovidara, Purple orchid
tree), the Ketakī (Kewdā), the Pātal (Paral), the Gunjā (Gunjaa, Gunj), the
Kund (Kundo, Star jasmine), the
Bandhook (Midday Flower) - all appear
to be dark blue, draped in the morning mist or in the evening twilight. Even
the elegant deodars (Sanskrit: devadāru) have dark bluish-green leaves.
So, Shyam is indeed Sundar, no? And Krishna is Shyamsundar :)
Here is Robi Thakur's ode
to the Shyamalo-Sundaro - Esho Shyamolo-Sundaro - based on raaga Desh and
rendered by Srikanto Acharjo:
The new moon (also
referred to as Neelesh) appears to be dark or deep blue in colour.
'Neelesh' means 'god of the blue sky' and refers to the moon. Dark blue skies
and a glowing moon exude peace and serenity. Shri Krishna is much admired for
his radiance, calm and serene disposition even in the face of adversity. He is
without ego (ahamkara). [Shri Ram
(also: Ramchandra) comes from the Sanskrit Rāma, which means: black,
dark; Chandra means: moon (in Sanskrit). Therefore: Ramchandra means:
the Rāmamoon. It can also mean: as gentle as the moon (which distills
the brilliant rays of the Sun).]
The planet that we inhabit - Mother Earth, has several Sanskrit names - given to her by our ancients. One of these
names is: Go-loka. This is because: the earth is round in shape. But
'Go' also means: cow.
Go-loka is interpreted as Shri Krishna's
abode in the spiritual sky (Goloka-Paravyoma). Methinks: it perhaps refers to
the entire cosmos. Mother Earth (Prithvi-Loka or Bhu-Loka)
appears as 'Krishna-loka' i.e. dark or dark blue in colour - in and from space
(Vyoma).
[Shri Krishna is also known as 'Hrishikesa'
and 'Gopala', meaning: 'Master of the senses'; since He had not only gained
mastery over his own senses (indriyas), but also over those of others.
Refer: Part:
XXII. Krishna is also a teacher and guide (Gopala) to his flock.
Here: Go = humanity; pala = guide, master, caretaker.
Gopala = Go + pala; Go = cow.]
Gopala = Go + pala; Go = cow.]
Therefore, dark or dark blue is all pervading,
is omnipresent, is everywhere. Yet it is maya, illusion - transient,
ephemeral - and is a manifestation of the deep, unfathomable aspect of Prakriti
(nature) and Srishti (creation/cosmos).
'Neel' means blue and 'amber' means sky,
therefore 'Neelamber' means 'the blue sky'. 'Neelesh' means 'the
Blue God', and is one of the many names of Shri Vishnu - "The Balancer" or
"The Preserver." This name is a combination (sandhi) of two words:
Neel (Blue) and Ish (Master, Lord or God). Ish or Esh is also a
Sanskrit word for head. Hence, this name can also be interpreted as 'Blue Head,'
and is a reference to Shri Vishnu as well. Shri Vishnu too is often described
as the 'Lotus-Eyed One'. [See Part:
XXII - to know the meaning of 'lotus-eyed'.] 'Neelesh' also means 'the destroyer of adharm'.
Shri Krishna is a friend to the wise and the good-hearted (the dharmic),
a foe to the wicked and the malicious (the adharmic); he fought the
latter in order to restore balance in society. He is therefore considered as a
manifestation (avatar) of Shri Vishnu - "The Preserver" or "The
Balancer" - i.e. the preserving or the balancing force/energy behind the
cosmos. [There is yet another Shri Vishnu - the one who resides in the other Vishnu-Loka, also known as Vaikunth. We will discuss Him later.]
Krishna also means 'dark' (Ghanshyam). Krishna's grayish
to dusky-blue complexion is similar to the colour of a newborn's skin
immediately after birth. However, the word 'Krishna' (dark, Ghanshyam) has yet another meaning,
that of the all-absorbing one.
During his lifetime, (it
is said) he was the target of malicious attacks. Accusations, abuse and
insults were hurled at him; several small-minded people orchestrated these. But Krishna never stooped low nor responded back in kind. He simply absorbed
them all - with his characteristic grace, and hence is also known as Ghanshyam - the
all-absorbing one.
He is a "Neelkanth"
remember? He absorbs poison (negativities, profanities, etc) and brings down adharm
- through his Karm Yog. He does not sow them. [Do also read: Part-XIII,
Part-XX
and Part:
XXII.
For "Neelkanth", do read Part-XVII. The
palms of such great humans remain: kara-puṣkara or lotus-palm, in a manner
of speaking, that is.
While their feet remain 'lotus feet'. This is because: A
lotus grows in muddy water yet remains untouched by it. Similarly: These
greats 'absorbed' several poisonous/negative aspects of society - due to their
Karm Yog, thereby cleansing society of various ills + bringing down the
negative content. Whatever they did was for the greater good - Loka-sangraha or Loka-Kalyana.]
As for the peacock allegory: The Hindi word for peacock is Mor while the Sanskrit word is Mayur. The peacock is a regal bird, royal
blue in colour, interspersed with black, peet, red and a brilliant green; it is graceful
and a sight to behold. It is a bird that dances when dark clouds gather in the
sky... signaling the arrival of the rains. [In short: the peacock is Manmohan. It
mesmerizes. Just like Krishna, who too possessed a
magnetic personality and an enchanting smile... and who played the flute, the
notes of which filled others with joy. Refer: Part:
XXII.]
The peacock is a bird that eats reptiles, and therefore
helps humans, cattle and other animals - especially during the rainy season.
[Sort of the "Neelkanth" imagery.] The peacock is a king among birds, has a
regal bearing and is the vaahan (vehicle, transport) of Shri Kartik (the Devasenapati or the commander-in-chief of the Deva army and the son of
Shiv-Parvati). It is also the 'vaahan' of Skandah - Shiv-Parvati's grandson. [Do read: Part:
XXII - for more info on Kartik and Skandah.]
Krishna's head is
bedecked with peacock feathers. He is also known as Mayur - due to his
magnetic personality, handsome appearance, grace and splendor.
Krishna, as we know,
plays the flute, but:
"When
there are clouds of hypocrisy and when the sins turn into a storm, then my
melodious flute takes the form of a small spear."
Also: || yada yada hi
dharmasya glanir bhavati bharata abhyutthanam adharmasya tadatmanam srjamy aham
||
And: || paritranaya sadhunam vinasaya ca duskrtam
dharma-samsthapanarthaya sambhavami yuge yuge ||
[Do read: Part:
XXII - to know the meaning of the above verses.]
The name 'Neelesh' is also used to refer to
Shiv, who too is known as "The Destroyer of Adharm." Shiva is
said to have "drank"/"held in his throat" the lethal poison (Halahala) generated
due to the 'churning of the ocean' (samudra-manthan) - resulting in his
throat turning blue in colour. And hence, he is also known as "Neelkanth" - the blue-throated one. [Neela = blue, kantha = throat in Sanskrit.]
Apparently: his action protected mother
Earth (Prithvi-loka, Bhu-Loka) and/or Nature (Prakriti) from destruction.
But all this is clearly camouflaged language. Let us make
an attempt to de-code/interpret it, meaning: let us try to understand what
"samudra-manthan" was all about - as best as we can, that is:
Samudra Manthan is also
known as:
- Samudra manthanam: Manthanam is the
Sanskrit equivalent of Manthan, meaning 'to churn'.
- Sagar manthan: Sagar is another word
for Samudra, both meaning an ocean or large water body.
- Kshirsagar manthan: Kshirsagar means the ocean of milk. Kshirsagar = Kshir (milk) + Sagar (ocean). Ksheera Sagara Mathanam, Churning of the Ocean of Milk. [Ksheera = milk, Sagara = ocean, Manthan = churning.]
There are three dimensions
to Samurdra manthanam or Sagar manthan. And two dimensions to Kshirsagar
manthan:
The three dimensions to Samurdra manthanam
or Sagar manthan are as follows:
- The celestial 'churning' of the Andromeda
(Constellation) resulting
first in the 'birth' of the Andromeda Galaxy and other binary stars, then in the 'birth' of the 'Akash Ganga' (the Milky Way), followed by the 'birth' of our Solar System, besides other planets and stars,
gas and dust, et al. [BTW, it could even be the 'churning' of the Orion Constellation resulting in the 'birth' of the Andromeda and so on.]
[Remember: the cosmos is constantly increasing in size - thanks to the efforts of Shri Brahma (who we have sort of discussed... later in this post). But at the time of the first "samudra-manthan" (the 'churning' of the Andromeda Constellation or (maybe) the Orion Constellation), the cosmos was far more compact than what we find today.
This
phenomenon (the 'churning' of the Andromeda Constellation or the Orion Constellation) can be referred to as Samurdra manthanam or Sagar manthan, as well as
Kshirsagar manthan. In fact, this (probably) is one aspect/part of Kshirsagar manthan.]
- The Earth - at some point in time - was completely covered with water (due to the melting of gigantic chunks of ice perhaps). The turbulent waters: due to strong currents + underwater rocks, etc - gave the impression of a bubbly, or aerated and unstable current - due to vast amounts of air bubbles mixing in it. All of these culminated in frothy waters... that appeared white; and hence the metaphor of "milk"/Kshir.
(Hence, this too can be referred to as Samurdra
manthanam or Sagar manthan, as well as Kshirsagar manthan. And it is (perhaps) the other aspect/part
of Kshirsagar manthan - one that happened much later than the 'churning' of the Andromeda Constellation and/or the Orion Constellation.)
The Mount Mandarachala, also
known as Mount Meru - that was used as the churning rod is NOT a reference
to any mountain, but instead is an allegory for
the Earth's Axis of Rotation.
- In literal terms, this tale (samudra-manthan or sagar-manthan) is an allegorical description of what transpires during a kundalini awakening process. Kundalini is a latent energy that lays dormant in the spine. Upon awakening, it rises in a sensation akin to a slithering reptile, up the spinal column (Meru-danda, also represented by Mount Meru in the story).
[Sanskrit: kund
- "to burn"; kunda - "to coil or to spiral".
Kundalini = a concentrated field of intelligent, cosmic, invisible energy
absolutely vital to life; beginning in the base of the spine when a man or
woman begins to evolve as wisdom is earned. Kundalini has been described as
liquid fire and liquid light. The ultimate outcome of kundalini is the union
of Will (sakti- kundalini), Knowledge (prana-kundalini) and
Action (para- kundalini).]
However, there can (perhaps) be a fourth dimension to samudra-manthan or sagar-manthan as well: it can also refer to the (constant) tug-of-war happening within a person - in one's mind and heart, and in society - between negative (aasuric) and positive (daaivic) thoughts, feelings, forces and entities. This samudra-manthan or sagar-manthan (in our minds and hearts and in society) gives rise to new discoveries, thoughts, philosophies, literature, culture et al.
Here is Robi Thakur's Aloker Ei Jhorna Dharaye Dhuyiye Dao - sung by Kishore Kumar:
Here is Robi Thakur's Aloker Ei Jhorna Dharaye Dhuyiye Dao - sung by Kishore Kumar:
We will discuss Samudra manthanam/Sagar manthan/Kshirsagar manthan in
greater detail in our next post.
In
"Sri
Yogavasishtam", while talking to
Shri Ram, Maharshi Vashisht tells him what Yogi Bhusunda once
shared with him:
"I remember that once upon a time there was
nothing on this earth, neither trees and plants, nor even mountains. For a
period of eleven thousand years the earth was covered by lava. In those days
there was neither day nor night below the polar region: for in the rest of the
earth neither the sun nor the moon shone. Only one half of the polar region was
illumined. Apart from the polar region the rest of the earth was covered with
water. And then for a very long time the whole earth was covered with forests,
except the polar region. Then there arose great mountains, but without any
human inhabitants. For a period of ten thousand years the earth was covered
with the corpses of the asuras who roamed the world."
[Now, whether this
period of eleven thousand years and ten
thousand years is based on how we calculate in
modern times - my guess is as good as yours. Meaning: whether this was in
Brahma Years, Deva Years or Human Years - my guess is as good as yours.]
According to our ancient sastras, the life span of
Brahma is 100 Brahma years, or 72,000 kalpas, or 311.04 trillion human years
(311,040,000,000,000 or 311.04E12 human years).
The Brahma is 50 Brahma years old now. [This is the Shri/Lord Brhma of the other Brahma-Loka, also known as Satya-Loka, elsewhere in the cosmos. It is the highest planet in the Material Realm and is the abode of Lord Brahma and his consort Sarasvati. This Loka (Brahma-Loka or Satya-Loka) is the highest amongst the Urdhva-Loka or the Higher Planets. Above this (beginning at 26,200,000 yojanas above Satyaloka) is the other Vishnu-Loka, also known as Vaikunth. Vaikunth represents the eternal planets peopled by highly advanced spiritual beings. They are way advanced in every way, including technologically and spiritually, than us.
The Brahma is 50 Brahma years old now. [This is the Shri/Lord Brhma of the other Brahma-Loka, also known as Satya-Loka, elsewhere in the cosmos. It is the highest planet in the Material Realm and is the abode of Lord Brahma and his consort Sarasvati. This Loka (Brahma-Loka or Satya-Loka) is the highest amongst the Urdhva-Loka or the Higher Planets. Above this (beginning at 26,200,000 yojanas above Satyaloka) is the other Vishnu-Loka, also known as Vaikunth. Vaikunth represents the eternal planets peopled by highly advanced spiritual beings. They are way advanced in every way, including technologically and spiritually, than us.
The Brahma-Loka and Vishnu-Loka - on earth (in the current four-yug cycle) - we have discussed in Part-XXI. Our universe or Brahmaand (the one we
inhabit) is different from the Lord Brahma we are talking about now. Our
Brahmaand is just a part of the cosmos - within a larger Multiverse or Superverse.]
Lord Brahma is 155,521,972,949,110 human Years old now!! [He does not have four heads though, that is allegorical - to indicate his wisdom + to depict that he is omnipotent, omnipresent and omniscient.]
1. Brahma's Days (Kalpas):
A kalpa is a single day time period in the life of Brahma, the creator god/Deva. Two kalpas are a day and a night of Brahma.
Each kalpa is composed of 1,000 maha yugas. A kalpa is thus equal to 4.32 billion human years.
The smallest cycle is called a maha yuga. A maha yuga
is 4,320,000 human years. Each maha yuga is subdivided into the following four
ages, whose lengths follow a ratio of 4:3:2:1.
Satya or Krita Yuga: 1,728,000 year.
Satya or Krita Yuga: 1,728,000 year.
Treta Yuga: 1,296,000 years.
Dvapar Yuga: 864,000 years [Bronze Age]
Kali Yuga: 432,000 years [Iron Age]
Total for Maha yuga = 4,320,000
Kalpa or day time of Brahma = 1000 X 4,320,000
That is the total Time for One Cycle or Manvantara: 4,320,000,000 years
This is called "A Day of Brahma" and is followed by a night of equal length.
One complete day and night of Brahma: 8,640,000,000 years
2. Brahma's Years:
A year of Brahma is composed of 360 day/night cycles of Brahma, or 720 kalpas, or (8.64 billion X 360) human years.
Thus 360 of these days is called "One Year of Brahma": 3,110,400,000,000 years.
3. Brahma's Life span:
The life span of Brahma is 100 Brahma years, or 72,000 kalpas, or 311.04 trillion human years.
Thus 100 of these years constitute the life of Brahma called a Maha Kalpa: 311,040,000,000,000 years or 311.04 trillion human years.
Dvapar Yuga: 864,000 years [Bronze Age]
Kali Yuga: 432,000 years [Iron Age]
Total for Maha yuga = 4,320,000
Kalpa or day time of Brahma = 1000 X 4,320,000
That is the total Time for One Cycle or Manvantara: 4,320,000,000 years
This is called "A Day of Brahma" and is followed by a night of equal length.
One complete day and night of Brahma: 8,640,000,000 years
2. Brahma's Years:
A year of Brahma is composed of 360 day/night cycles of Brahma, or 720 kalpas, or (8.64 billion X 360) human years.
Thus 360 of these days is called "One Year of Brahma": 3,110,400,000,000 years.
3. Brahma's Life span:
The life span of Brahma is 100 Brahma years, or 72,000 kalpas, or 311.04 trillion human years.
Thus 100 of these years constitute the life of Brahma called a Maha Kalpa: 311,040,000,000,000 years or 311.04 trillion human years.
[At the end of the life-span of (each) Brahma, all the worlds
(excluding Vaikunth, but including Brahmaloka/Satyaloka and the other Shiv-Loka/Kailash + the Devi-dham) are completely dissolved (maha-pralaya) - resulting in the
balancing/preserving Cosmic Energy (also) known as Vishnu to go into the (metaphoric) 'big sleep'
(ghum/maha-nidra). This Vishnu 'awakens' only after a NEW Shri/Lord Brahma appears/is created (after a day and a night of Brahma has elapsed or in other words: after 2 kalpas) - in order to take over the task of creation all over again. That is: to begin the cycle of creation all over again. This is the Ultimate Truth/Satya. Hence the first yug (of each maha yuga or a four-yug cycle) is also known as Sat/Satya Yug.]
4. Our position as of 2008 A.D.:
50 years of Brahma has elapsed and we are in the first Day of the 51st year. That is: We are located in the fifty-first Brahma year of the life of our Brahma. This Brahma's day, Kalpa, is named as SVHETAVARAHA Kalpa.
Within this Day, six Manvantaras have already elapsed and we are in the seventh Manvantara, named as: VAIVASVATHA Manvantara.
Within the Vaivasvatha Manavantara, 27 Mahayugas (4 Yugas together is a Mahayuga), and the Satya/Krita, Treta and Dvapara Yugas of the 28th Mahayuga have elapsed. Hence, we are in the Kaliyuga of the 28th Mahayuga. [This would place us at about the 454th maha yuga of the 1,000 maha yugas that comprise this day of Brahma.]
4. Our position as of 2008 A.D.:
50 years of Brahma has elapsed and we are in the first Day of the 51st year. That is: We are located in the fifty-first Brahma year of the life of our Brahma. This Brahma's day, Kalpa, is named as SVHETAVARAHA Kalpa.
Within this Day, six Manvantaras have already elapsed and we are in the seventh Manvantara, named as: VAIVASVATHA Manvantara.
Within the Vaivasvatha Manavantara, 27 Mahayugas (4 Yugas together is a Mahayuga), and the Satya/Krita, Treta and Dvapara Yugas of the 28th Mahayuga have elapsed. Hence, we are in the Kaliyuga of the 28th Mahayuga. [This would place us at about the 454th maha yuga of the 1,000 maha yugas that comprise this day of Brahma.]
This Kaliyuga began in the year 3102 B.C. in the
proleptic Julian Calendar. Since 50 years of Brahma have already elapsed, we
are in the second Parardha, also known as DVITHIYA Parardha.
The time elapsed since the current Brahma has taken over the task of creation can be calculated as:
432000 x 10 x 1000 x 2 = 8.64 Billion Years (1 Kalpa and Pralaya of Brahma)
The time elapsed since the current Brahma has taken over the task of creation can be calculated as:
432000 x 10 x 1000 x 2 = 8.64 Billion Years (1 Kalpa and Pralaya of Brahma)
8.64 x 10E9 x 30 x 12 = 3.1104 Trillion Years (1 year of Brahma)
3.1104 x 10E12 x 50 = 155.52 Trillion Years (50 years of Brahma)
Brahma's First Day of 51st year:
6 x 71 x 4320000 = 1,840,320,000 human years elapsed in first six Manvataras.
7 X 1.728 X 10E6 = 12,096,000 for Adi Sandhi and 6 Sandhi Kalas.
27 x 4320000 = 116,640,000 human years elapsed in first 27 Mahayugas of the current Manvantara.
1.728 x 10E6 + 1.296 x 10E6 + 864000 = 3,888,000 human years elapsed in current Mahayuga.
3102 + 2008 = 5,110 human years elapsed in current Kaliyuga (as of 2008 A.D.)
Total human years in this Brahma's day is:
1,840,320,000 +12,096,000 + 116,640,000 + 388,000 + 5,110 = 1,972,949,110
Therefore, the time elapsed since current Brahma is:
155.52 x 10E12 + 1,972,949,110 = 155,521,972,949,110 human years, or 155.521972949110 E12 human years.
Hence, Lord Brahma's current age of 50 Deva
Years (~155 Trillion Human Years) + Half a Day (~1.85 Billion Years)
amounts to the massive figure of 155.521852 Trillion Solar Years which would also be the Age of OUR
Universe (the current Brhmaand) approximately.
The current Kali Yug began: at midnight of 18 February in 3102 BC in the proleptic Julian calendar.
The current Kali Yug began: at midnight of 18 February in 3102 BC in the proleptic Julian calendar.
This is because Bhagavan Shri Krishna departed on 18th February 3102 B.C. The
period after his departure marks the beginning of Kaliyug. [Krishna's departure should not be interpreted as 'death', 'coz he is a Chiranjeevi, he has Eternal Life; this was just the end of yet another eventful chapter. That's all. We will discuss Chiranjeevi in our later posts.]
Overview of the Yugas:
- Satya Yug (Krita Yug): 1,728,000 Human years
- Treta Yug: 1,296,000 Human years
- Dvapar Yug: 864,000 Human years
- Kali Yug: 432,000 Human years. 5,115 years have passed - as of 2013 A.D., in the current mahayuga/four-yug cycle; how many of the remaining 426,885 years are left - my guess is as good as yours. How many Satya/Krita, Treta or Dvapar Yugs are yet to come - my guess is as good as yours. Maybe: it all depends on our karm. So, the length of each yugs in a maha-yuga may not be uniform or may not remain the same - over all maha yugas. Who can say? The current Kaliyug though started in 3102 B.C.; CE 2013 corresponds to the 5,115th Year of the Era of Kaliyug - in the current mahayuga/four-yug cycle. [And perhaps: the key as to when this Kali Yug should begin to wither away is in our hands - based on our actions, our Karm Yog. What say you? Kali = bud; the best era of all. And this was indeed a very good era... until the demise of the Gupta era.]
Now, do all these years in a Yug come all together?
The answer is no, they do not.
Instead: They are spread over multiple maha yugas (and each of these maha yugas have a four-yug cycle viz., Satya/Sat/Krita Yug, Treta Yug, Dvapar Yug and Kali Yug).
[50 years of Brahma has already elapsed and we are in the first Day of the 51st year. That is: We are located in the fifty-first Brahma year of the life of our Brahma.]
[50 years of Brahma has already elapsed and we are in the first Day of the 51st year. That is: We are located in the fifty-first Brahma year of the life of our Brahma.]
We are currently in the Kaliyug of the 28th Yug Cycle of the 51st Day of Brahma.
[Toward the end of a Kali Yug, various calamities cause a good deal of
destruction. Hence, it's something we will experience at the end of the current Kali Yug too. Given the cyclical nature of each maha-yug (a four-yug cycle: Sat/Satya, Treta,
Dvapar and Kali Yug) and its ratio of 4:3:2:1, it means: Kaliyug (the last yug
of each maha-yug) will be the shortest. Sat/Satya Yug will follow it. This
transition will be accompanied by some amount of natural calamity. But a major 'pralay' may not precede each Sat/Satya Yug. However: A
major 'pralay' will take place... after the completion of a few maha-yug.]
[Our ancient texts view history as cyclical in
character, with vast repeating series of ages. Each age has it's own specific
qualities.
The Puranas describe a number of cycles within
cycles. Discussions of these cycles can become confusing because different
cycles are measured in different types of units. For example, the cycles are
often described in units of Deva Years, each of which equals 360 Human Years.]
Manvantaras: Another cycle that overlaps the others is that of
manvantaras. Each kalpa is reigned over/overseen by a succession of 14 Manus, and the
reign of each Manu is called a manvantara. A single manvantara is approximately
71 maha yugas.
Coomaraswamy states: "Each Manvantara is followed
by a Deluge, which destroys the existing continents and swallows up all living
beings, except the few who are preserved for the re-peopling of the
earth."
Well, maybe there is large-scale destruction,
reconfiguration of the landmass even + huge tectonic shifts. Maybe... a lot of
species, flora and fauna are wiped out.
The ones who survive (people, flora and fauna - according to the Cosmic Plan?) board
some specially built ships (nao) and set-off for safer places or distant lands.
Some probably live in specially equipped caves or in settlements below the ground.
The ones who sail on the turbulent waters carry whatever provisions they can
(including water and medicines) with them. However, it is very likely that they
also carry large quantities of dietary supplement or Super Food such as
Spirulina - powder or capsule - with them. [Do they also carry cryogenically stored seeds, DNA samples,
donor eggs and sperms? Well, my guess is as good as yours.]
This journey towards the unknown... takes a lot of time
and effort; several of the ones on-board these specially built ships (nao) perish...
due to old age, health issues, etc. [Some probably are discarded - to ensure the longevity/sustainability of others (more healthier ones?) and to maintain peace and harmony. The bodies and carcuses are thrown into the turbulent waters.] Maybe: 2 or 3 or even 4 generations are born in these
ships itself!
Finally some of these ships reach their destination (meaning: others lands, when the turbulence subsides or subsides sufficiently enough), while several others (ships/nao) perish. [Some of these nao/ships probably return to their earlier/original lands or whatever is left of them, that is - with the help of information/coordinates given to them by their elders - gathered from the first/original batch of humans on the nao/ships.]
The ones (humans, flora and fauna) that survive... begin life/civilization afresh - in distant, unknown
lands (as well as in the land of their forefathers/elders or whatever is left of it).
Life/civilization starts afresh: maybe with the help of cryogenically stored seeds, DNA samples, donor eggs and sperms + the survivors (humans, flora and fauna).
Life/civilization starts afresh: maybe with the help of cryogenically stored seeds, DNA samples, donor eggs and sperms + the survivors (humans, flora and fauna).
Umm, we talked about specially built ships or "nao"
remember?
So, who do you think was Noah?
Also: Shiv is also known as Noukeshwar - the
Lord/Master of the Boats. [Nao or boats can also mean ships, is it not?]
So, are Noah and Noukeshwar one and the same? What do
you think?
Therefore, imagine the number of Shivs we have had !! No wonder there is so many stories (albeit in camouflaged language) associated with Him. And we'll get royally entangled in confusion if we think Shiv is one or
two persons. Only. These Shivs are not to be confused with the Shiv of Shiv-Sati or the Shiv of Shiv-Parvati or even the (namesake) Cosmic Energy associated with 'pralay'
or 'mahapralay' (cosmic turbulence) for that matter.
[Various human Shivs are associated with 'pralay' - times of great destruction, turbulence and flood. Hope we can now figure out why. :)]
[Various human Shivs are associated with 'pralay' - times of great destruction, turbulence and flood. Hope we can now figure out why. :)]
Also: Raja
Yayati - we all are familiar with, but who was Jyapeti?
Brahma and Abraham?
What do you think??
Now ponder over "Manu". [We will of course discuss Manu -
in greater detail - later.]
Let me end this post with Robi Thakur's - Akash Bhora
Surjo Tara - rendered by Srikanto Acharjo:
Do think of or silently repeat the words "Aham
Brahmasmi" [Part-XIV]
while you listen to this lovely song (Robindroshongeet).
And here's a fusion of Indian classical dance and
ballet to the tune of Robi Thakur's - Mor Bhabonare:
Mor Bhabonare (in a new classical flavour, raaga Gaur Malhar) by Sounok Chattopadhyay:
Enjoy !!
[We will continue our discussions in the next post...]
(Do stay tuned…)
Pictures: Illustrations of:
Bhagavan Shri Krishna; what we have done to Prakriti; the Ardhanarishvara; the magnificent peacock and close-up of a peacock feather; the gentle moon in a dark sky; Shri Krishna; imagery for kara-puṣkara or lotus-palm and lotus feet; the peacock imagery; Neelkanth and Halahala; milky white waters; the samudra-manthan or sagar-manthan within ourselves and in society; the Shri/Lord Brhma of the other Brahma-Loka, also known as Satya-Loka; Shri Krishna departs (on 18th February 3102 BC); 'pralay' or 'mahapralaya' at the end of each kalpa; a specially built nao or ship... laden with some humans besides all kinds of flora and fauna setting off for safer places/distant lands - to begin life/civilization afresh.
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