The Magic of Creativity

Our little shimmering stars of Nachiketa Tapovan love to express

themselves in the form of drawings, paintings and poems. Here’s a NACHIKETA TAPOVAN
glimpse of the magic of two of our stars!We love them all dearly! Plot No.70, Phase I, Kavuri Hills, Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad – 500 033
Phone No. 040 – 23113887 Mobile No. – 9849168937
Lavanya, 2nd Class. Sushma, 4th Class. Regd. By Govt. of A.P. (Regd. No. 53/IV/99)
Lavanya is a very Sushma is a bright Volume: 1 10th August, 2009
Issue :15
Nachiketanjali Monday
sweet and calm girl. eyed, happy-go-
She expresses lucky girl. She adds
herself through her life to the class and
pretty drawings. enjoys drawing.

Pranasyedam vashe sarvam Tridive yat pratisthitam,

For Private Circulation only
BOOK-POST
TO,
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The self inflicted miseries of ignorance are greater
16
than what can be inflicted by enemies.
Mateva putran rakshasva shrischa prajnam cha vidhehi na iti.
Whatever exists in the three worlds, is all under control of Prana;
(O Prana) protect us like a mother protects her sons.
Give us prosperity and wisdom.
-Prashna Upanishad (Chapter 2, Verse 13)
NACHIKETA TAPOVAN ASHRAM
Gairan Tanda, Kodgal Village, Jadcherla Mandal, Mahaboobnagar Dist-509301
Ph: +91-40-23113887 • Mobile: 98491 68937• www.nachiketatapovan.org
E-mail: admin@nachiketatapovan.org • n_tapovan@rediffmail.com
One can make up for many natural defects through
1
industriousness.
 EDITORIAL SWAMIJI'S MESSAGE it. He will help overcome the thin layer
‘’Water, water everywhere but not a drop that separates knowledge from
to drink!’’ This aptly suits the Tsunami days
wisdom. Once you know how to
when water devastated many lives having
remove that barrier there is no
caught people unawares. Those were the
stopping!
days when people pined for a pot of water
When wisdom comes into the picture
for their very sustenance but when they
Spiritual journey becomes smooth.
were ruthlessly woken from their sleep to
What you gain with effort is knowledge;
find themselves engulfed by water they were
what comes to you effortlessly is
aghast as water challenged their very
wisdom. And that indicates you are
existence.
We perform many actions every day. advancing in your spiritual journey. In
If this is the effect of Tsunami created by
Action is going on constantly even when this entire journey someone appears;
nature, what about the Tsunamis happening
sitting quietly. One follows the other. an inside voice- the Guru, your Inner
in our lives? Almost every human being born
You cannot stop the action. You might Self. When your heart speaks and you
on earth would have experienced at least
get involved with one. An action can be follow it, it results in pure action. Sixth
EDITORIAL BOARD one Tsunami in their lifetime. Who is to be
called a good action when it is supported sense is always working. But you don’t
Editor blamed? When we opt to function through
Subhadra K. by a noble cause. The action which is know how to use it. This is your Guru.
the mind and not the heart Tsunamis tend
Editorial Consultants: to occur in our lives. In grueling moments not acceptable as a noble cause, by the Swami Vivekananda says that everyone
Annapurna R. world, by the society and not even by is divine. Your Guru also might tell you
Sowja A. we realize the mind is not enough to make
you is bad. Then how to translate such that you are divine but YOU have to
right decisions and it is then we feel the need
CONTENTS Page No. action into proper knowledge? How to experience that. You have to express
to reach the source of all knowledge - our
heart - and draw from there the required transform that knowledge into wisdom? it and you can do that only through
Message by Swamiji 3
Mataji's Message 4 solution. If we listen to the voice of our This is where the Guru comes into the silent and invisible actions. Only actions
Live & Let Live 5 conscience when confronted with picture. Guru will not stop you from that make an encounter with life are
Spiritual quest 6 doing that action. Guru will not stop you true actions. Wisdom can never be
challenging situations all our problems could
Celebrations 7
be solved. When our entire life is in disarray from doing anything. A guru will let you expressed externally. It has to be
Health Camp 8
Prashna Upanishad 10 let us be firm like a rock and follow our express. expressed internally.
Annapurna 11 virtuous principles. Truly it is in the times of Guru will never ask you to drop anything. Bring wisdom in life and life in wisdom!
Publications 12 crisis that we discover who we really are! Even if a disciple has some bad habits, a
Upcoming Events 13
Let us take the ethical course of action real Guru will try to transform
Sponsor Options 14
An Appeal 15 though we have to live with repercussions differently. If needed, He would not
on the worldly plane when Tsunami hits our mind going to the pub with him and
Quotes from
THIRUKKURAL lives. Subhadra K. discuss what enjoyment he derives from SWAMI NACHIKETANANDA
Should a fool fall upon a great fortune, strangers will One who has realized by himself his soul’s Self
2 3
feast while his family starves. will be worshiped by all other souls.
 chakras are activated through different
ADHYATMIK PRANETA
mantras and postures.
‘Ravaye Namaha’ is invoking the Sun's
grace to shine in life like the Sun God.
Suryaya Namaha is salutation to Sun
God riding on a chariot drawn by 7
horses which represents the 7 lokas.
SURYANAMASKARAS - MANTRAS
Sun is the head of all these lokas. Seven
Suryanamaskaras or salutation to Sun
horses represent seven rainbow
God are a part of Yoga. In ancient
colours.
culture Sun is worshiped as God. There
‘Banave Namaha ‘is praying to the Sun
are 12 Suryanamaskaras. When we do
God to rise and remove the darkness in
Suryanamaskaras we chant particular
our lives to lead us from mortal to
Mantra. Mantra is a combination of
immortality.
alphabets. Our sages during their deep
‘Khagaya Namaha’ we offer our
meditation have perceived and heard
homage to the Sun ,by whom time is
the sounds of certain alphabets which
measured.
turned out to be Mantras. Mantras
‘Pushne Namaha’ is salutation to Sun
impart knowledge and give us insight.
God, who nourishes us.
While doing Suryanamaskaras, for every
‘Hiranyagarbhaya Namaha’ is
posture a different mantra is chanted.
salutation to the Sun who appears like
When we chant the first mantra Om
a Golden egg of cosmic energy.
Mitraya Namaha- Om is the Pranava, it
‘Marichaye Namaha’ is praying the Sun
is the Janani of all the mantras. In the
God to remove the mirage and show
traditional way of chanting after Om and
us the reality.
before Sun Mantras we have Bija
‘Adityaya Namaha’ is salutation to Sun
Mantras. Sun is our friend.
who is the son of Aditi.
We have seven chakras or psychik centers
‘Savitre Namaha’ - We pray the rising
in our body called Muladhara,
Sun for stimulation of our
Swadistana, Manipura, Anahata,
consciousness.
Vishuddi, Ajna and Sahasrara. The Bija
‘Arkaya Namaha’ is praying for energy
mantras pertaining to these chakras
to function properly in this world.
might not be decipherabal, yet they are
‘Bhaskaraya Namaha’ is salutation to
very powerful. While chanting Om Hram
the one who reveals the Truth.
mitraya Namaha, we have to
It has always proved to be beneficial
concentrate on Anahata Chakra. We fold
when Suryanamaskaras are chanted
our hands in front of our heart where
mentally.
the chakra is located. Similarly other Swami Shivanandamayi
It is the nature of asceticism to patiently endure hardship
4 5
and to not harm living creatures.
LIVE AND LET LIVE!
There is more than one way of doing
things right. If everyone did things in
one single fashion, this world wouldn’t
have been this colourful and interesting
enough for us to look forward to waking
up every morning! If we look at our lives
from this perspective, we can cherish
this life in this world manifold.
Many parents get all worked up about
their children being not
interested in Science or
Math adding stress and
limiting joy. Would the
world be the same place
if there were no artists,
linguists, chefs,
journalists, sports
persons etc? We are reaping the
consequences of over enthusiasm in the
area of computer technology. Not to
mention the dire job situation of
computer professionals, the country is
experiencing dearth of expertise in
other professions.
The more judgmental, opinionated and
critical we are, more prone are we to
increased levels of stress and a cause of
pain to our neighbors. Open mind,
flexibility and acceptance are the
qualities we should strive for if we want
to move towards Spirituality. In some
The lotus flower rises to the level of water. Greatness of men
rise with mental strength.
situations it helps to think ‘why a person
had to do a thing’ than just seeing
‘what the person did’ that earned our
displeasure.
Many times I hear people sing glories
of yester years whether it is about
music, movies, literature, friendships,
education …that the beauty and
achievements of today go unnoticed! I
agree that they are different, might not
appeal to us, but don’t mean they are
bad. As long as we don’t
compromise on values
that string our lives,
families, country and
world together, the best
way to face these life
style changes is to
accept them. In nature,
when population of one minute
organism like a mosquito decreases, the
entire food chain and the ecological
balance of the whole habitat are
affected. With so many changes in way
of life shouldn’t we be prepared for
some changes in areas encompassing
our lives? Every single moment that we
are experiencing is the consequence of
a seed we have sown ‘sometime’
earlier. Keeping in mind that today is
tomorrow’s yesterday, let us not wait
till tomorrow to appreciate today!
Annapurna R.
 TULSIDAS JAYANTI RAKHI CELEBRATIONS
SPIRITUAL QUEST At Nachiketa Tapovan, on July 28 th Rakhi was celebrated at Tapovan on
Starting from this issue, Swamiji will answer questions from the afternoon at 1p.m. Goswami Sant the morning of Wednesday the 5th
seekers. Questions are welcome from everyone. They can be Tulsidas’s Birthday was celebrated with August in a very simple yet hearty
e-mailed to us at nachiketanjali.newsletter@gmail.com humble reverence to the realized Saint mood. All the children colorfully
poet who sung the glories of Sri Rama in dressed and adorned with smiles and
1. Does a Guru give the same Mantra mouna cannot be practiced by just common man’s language as Ram excitement, gathered at the
to all his disciples? setting certain rules. It demands Charitmanas and handed us all the assembly hall. Swamiji, Mataji and
Swamiji : One needs to have clarity greater understanding towards our powerful Hanuman Chalisa. Vasundhara Ma presided over the
about his relationship with God before own mind and fine tuning of higher All the children, teachers and volunteers gathering. Mataji addressed the
deciding to take a mantra from his energies to the divinity. Simply keeping assembled in honor of the poet. The children and talked about the
Guru. He has to choose his Ishta Devata mouth shut will not make much
program started with one of the significance of Sravan Pournima. She
and should not waver from his choice.. difference when our minds are
He should not be influenced by someone volunteer teachers lighting the lamp explained how the day is called Triveni
chattering. The true expression comes
in his decision of taking a mantra. out when our minds are still or and narrating the life story of the Sangamam because along with
Everybody is not entitled to give experiencing equipoise. Right now you Valmiki-incarnate, Rama Bhakta, Sant Raksha Bandhan, Change of
mantra. He has to experience himself might be speaking or listening or Tulsidas with Swamiji’s blessings. Mataji Upanayanam thread and Worship of
before giving initiation. If not, the addressing gathering or writing or Swami Shivanandamayi conveyed the Sagara, God of Ocean is also
mantra given by him will be a mere helping or supporting the noble cause, message of His life and its Spiritual performed on this day. The children
statement without having any effect. but it is not true action as it is coming significance to the children as a simple were all distributed Rakhis made by
A Guru knows his disciple’s past, present from chaos and not from silence. That and appealing story that the listeners them which they joyously tied on one
and future and gives mantraaccording which comes from the silence is true experienced the bliss of the Bhakti another’s wrist and also on their
to their nature and Ishta Devata when action. Therefore when we start Bhava of Sri Hanuman and Sri Rama favorite Swamiji’s and Mataji’s wrists.
the time is ripe. It is not necessary for a practicing Mouna, especially Aantar appearing to Tulsidas. Swamiji sang Ram After enjoying the Payasam made by
Guru to give the same mantra for all his mouna we encounter with our ‘Self’.
Bhajans with whom children sang along Jyoti Didi, a skit and some mingling
disciples. Any action that leads to divinity comes
and we all had the taste of the nectar of and fun everyone left home with
from Silence and has greater impact
2. What is ‘Mouna’? What are the on every life. What we need in today’s Rama rasam. renewed bonds that will last forever!
benefits of practicing Mouna? so called developed world is action
Swamiji: There are two types of Mouna. from Mouna. Mouna brings life into
One is Aantar mouna and the other is life. Mouna when practiced brings
Bahya mouna. Bahya mouna is easy to revolution in life and transforms
practice but Aantar mouna is very hundreds and thousands of lives. You
difficult as it demands no thought or a feel more calm and composed, devoted
state of thoughtlessness. In English we and dedicated towards every action.
call it “Silence or Silence State”. Bahya When understood and experienced
mouna can be practiced by imposing Mouna brings clarity in every action!
few rules on ourselves. But Aantar
‘A’ leads alphabets; the Ancient Lord Leads and lords A help rendered in hour of need, though small,
6 is greater than the world. 7
the entire world.
 At Nachiketa Doctors and other
Tapovan, special health professionals
health check-up have regularly
and awareness visited the campus
programs have and shared their
been going on invaluable
the first Sunday expertise and
of every month. services.

SPECIAL HEALTH CAMP

The dawn of August 2nd 2009 witnessed the noble
involvement of Dr. Mohan’s Diabetes Speciality
Centre in Tapovan’s charitable activities. Dr.N.G.
Shastri responded immediately to our request and
conducted a screening and awareness camp for
diabetes which was staffed by Coordinator
Sri Padmanabha Shastri and Lab
technicians Sri S Sayeed and
Sri Sanjeev Kumar. Over 75
patients were screened and
around 12 patients were
diagnosed with diabetes. Dr N.G.
Shastri counseled the patients on
preventive care. We thank Dr.
Mohan’s Diabetic Centre for such
a noble work and support to our
organization.
We are also extremely thankful to Dr. Sukhaveni from
Pranadha Hospital who rendered timely help by
conducting general health check-up on more than 100
patients and prescribed relevant medicines. Last but
not least we thank our enthusiastic volunteers who
actively participated in the camp by enrolling patients,
organizing queues and
rendering prescribed
medicines. The patients left the
campus only after receiving tips
on yogic cure for their ailments
by Swami Shivanandamayi and
Spiritual Prasad from Swami
Nachiketananda who filled
their hungry bellies with the
food specially cooked by our
Karma yogis.

Even if your mother is seen starving Avoid the Determined efforts result in prosperity;
8 actions condemned by wise men. idleness will bring nothing. 9
 PRASHNA UPANISHAD meditating on Prana, the aspirant can ANNAPURNA task of cooking and stocking up a part
enjoy bliss and attain liberation. of my Spiritual Sadhana. If not for the
The chief Prana, the nucleus of all encouragement and the energy I derive
activities and energy in the body is the from Him, I wouldn’t be able to do what
ego-centre. Prana, Apana, Samana, I am doing. I maintain my daily
Vyana and Udana are the forms of schedule of Sadhana ordained by
manifestations of the Chief prana Swamiji by waking up in the small hours
which from their respective provinces, of the day, perform Agnihotra at Sunrise
enable the physical organs perform and Sunset every day that help me
their functions. greatly in maintaining the clarity of
The Prashna Upanishad belongs to the At the time of death, the senses The day’s menu on the chalk board mind and purity of thought. We had lot
Atharva Veda. The Upanishad opens gradually recede from the sense welcomes you into ‘Annapurna’ the more fun on days when Swamiji used
with the story of six disciples Sukesa, organs and get absorbed in the mind. kitchen of Nachiketa Tapovan where not to be a regular part of the team in
Satyakama, Gargya, Kausalya, F inally whose fire has been only your souls but also your hungry Kitchen!”ANNADATA SUKHIBHAVA.
Bhargava and Kabandhi approaching extinguished, the soul along with the bellies are satiated with love. Swamiji
the great rishi Pippalada, seeking mind (subtle body) is carried by Udana and Mataji make sure that no visitor
clarification for the doubts lingering in out of the (physical) body. According leaves Tapovan hungry. The person who
their minds after having fulfilled the to the literal meaning of Upanishad, is behind the scenes refilling the
‘Apara-vidya’(science of world), with at the time of death, the thoughts and ‘Akshaya Patra’ is Jyoti ‘Didi’ as lovingly
fuel ( symbol of self-surrender) in their impressions of the lifetime (memory) called by the children who feeds about
hands. The great teacher after a surface as desires, form a part of the 175 or at times even more hungry people
prescription of a year’s brahmacharya subtle body that leaves with Udana at a time.
and austerities answered their and determine the course of the soul With but a few helping hands, Jyoti very
questions about Prana and illumined to the consequent Punya loka or Papa ably manages the whole scene, does the
them that this creation is spiritual and loka after death. We need to planning with Smt Vasundhara, shops for
not mechanistic. understand here that the word ‘loka’ all the provisions at the best prices,
According to the Upanishad, the first denotes the ‘field of actions’ in this stocks her kitchen, cooks the food each
entity, the Cosmic mind projected the very world and not necessarily the day as per the menu and still manages
Universe out of himself. His first mythical Heaven or Hell. By nurturing to go around Tapovan with a smile on
projection consists of the pair, Food or good and meaningful thoughts, one her face checking if a volunteer needs a
Rayi (the matter)and Eater or Prana shall not only enjoy peace in this life cup of tea or juice. I owe it to Jyoti for all
(the energy). It describes Prana as the but also the memory that goes out the hot cups of perfectly brewed elaichi
life force in the individual being. Prana, with Udana will lead to a favourable tea she treated me to on days I had colds
produced from Atman controls the five ‘loka’ in the next birth. Thus we are and Headaches.
senses of the individual body which is a the authors of our destiny! It is never In Jyoti’s words, “I love what I am doing.
result of the actions and thoughts in the too late to inculcate the right thinking I never imagined I would be cooking on
previous life. It sustains the body because intensity and purity of this scale for a noble cause like this.
through all states of existence. By thought is what matters. Credit goes to Swamiji for making this
To say If you do notthings,
unpleasant care for pleasure,
when we haveyounice ones, The great person will do things rare to do; The small cannot 11
10
is like eatingwill
unripe fruit,
not be ignoring
afraid sweet ripe fruits.
of pain. do rare things.
 Construction Committees - Co-ordinators UPCOMING EVENTS
Dispensary Temple Dear Atmabandhu
Leela N. – 9390036380 Rama Devi – 04023113887 We invite you to join these
Vasundhara P. –9849035979 Reddy P.S.N. – 9849636882 celebrations!
Vidya Mandir Ramakrishnalaya
Subhadra K. – - 9849800155 Madhukar A.- 9949299998 KRISHNASHTAMI
Annapurna A. – 04023113887 Prasad Y.V.S. – 9849913399
On Thursday August 13th 2009
Dhyana Mandir Compound Wall
Geetha Laxmi K. – 09176622884 Vasundhara P. – 9849035979 4.00 PM onwards
Mallaiah –040-23113887 Venkatram – 04023113887
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INDEPENDENCE DAY
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OUR PUBLICATIONS Antarchakshu Dhyana or Inner Eye
Meditation is a journey from dream to 10.00 AM onwards
vision. One can develop concentration and
intuition powers by practicing this Dhyana at our
which is based on an extensive research NACHIKETA TAPOVAN
done by Swami Nachiketananda.
This work released on 1st April 2007, is a Venue: Yours in the service of Motherland
part of 8 yogic CDs and is available at our NACHIKETA TAPOVAN Subha D.
Nachiketa Tapovan Campus and other Plot No. 70, Phase I, Kavuri Hills, Director
Cost of CD - Rs. 35/- leading book stores. Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad. Vidya Mandir

Men of good birth graciously give, never uttering the Giving to the poor is true charity. All other
12 13
wretched excuse, ‘I have nothing.’ giving expects some return.
 AN APPEAL
SPONSOR OPTIONS
Anna daanam maha daanam; vidya daanam mahattaram.

Annena kshanika trupthihi yaavajjeevanthu vidyaya.

Vidya Mandir at Nachiketa Tapovan is currently able to accommodate a family

of about 150 children who receive all-round nourishment from man-making
education to milk-n- meals and basic health- aid in an atmosphere of genuine Dear
love. Kind-hearted Well wishers have been the unseen force behind this offering Atman
to God. We thank you for your continued support. No man is an island. To fight the good classes ranging from LKG through 6th
Vidya Daanam (Education ) Rs. 3500/ year/student fight we need help. This has been the grade.
basis for the Nachiketa Tapovan’s
It requires additional resources, both
Anna Daanam (Mid-day Meals) Rs. 2800/day inception and ensuing growth over the
monetary as well as human to fund this
last 10 years from a hut into a 3 storied-
progressive step. We hereby make a
Ksheera Daanam (Morning Milk) Rs. 600/day building onto a 40 acre spiritual
fervent appeal for generous donations.
complex. Imparting literacy to children
Please participate in this ‘Vidya Daana
Vastra Daanam (Uniforms) Rs. 600/ 2 pairs from impoverished families was the idea
Yaga’ being performed to benefit the
with which the divine project started
most deserving children and help pass
Dinnerware (Steel Plates & Glasses) Rs. 5000/ 50 sets before it grew into a multifarious
on the legacy of our Cultural heritage,
movement. All along Tapovan’s efforts
Stationery Supplies (Copier Paper) Rs. 5000/ term Social values and Religious traditions.
received great support from you all in
every way bringing fruition to the noble It may kindly be noted that donations
Festivals Celebration Rs. 1500/festival intent.. to Nachiketa Tapovan are exempted
from Income Tax U/S 80 G of IT Act,
The main focus has never shifted from
Oushadhi (Medical Supplies) Rs. 5000/month 1961 of Govt. of India. Donations in
Vidya Mandir. Nachiketa Tapovan has
the form of Cheques/Demand Drafts
become the haven for the
Celebrate your Special Days with the Children may please be drawn in favour of
underprivileged children who have
Nachiketa Tapovan. We acknowledge
at Nachiketa Tapovan! been nourished with not only milk and
the generous contributions made by
food but also good academics
donors.
supplemented by the traditional values
Yours in the service of Motherland
of India. Vidya Mandir will be taking a
big stride this June from offering
Primary Education extending onto
Secondary Education. That is, this
academic year, Vidya Mandir will offer
Swami Nachiketananda
Plan fully before launching out on action. To think of devising The wise conserve what is already gained before entering
14 15
ways and means in the course of the action is fatal. on a doubtful undertaking.