MAN'S BEST FRIEND AT VARANASI

I AM THE BOSS

Have you ever been to a place where man's best friend is indeed a best friend where they roam freely without any inhibition.  Well, then welcome to Varanasi (aka Kashi and Banares), the land where dogs are the Boss.

Yeah we know you are doing the Tarpanam (ritual for the deceased), but were you kind to the deceased when Alive?

Have any one wondered why dogs have such privilege at Varanasi? Legend has it that Lord Kala Bhairava's companion was a dog. Who is Kala Bhairav  According to the Hindu Puranas, Kala Bhairava is another representation of Lord Shiva in the most terrifying form. In the Skanda Purana, the Lord Kala Bhairava emerged out of Shiva's third eye to subdue the egoist tryst that Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu had in claiming who is the most superior being. The Skanda Purana concludes that Brahma's 5th head was severed by Kala Bhairava to subdue Brahma's ego, resulting in  Kala Bhairava incurring the sin of Brahmahathya, where it is stated that the Brahma's head got stuck in Kala Bhairava's hands. Kala Bhairava was advised to walk through the 3 worlds to seek a place where his sins could be washed off. Finally arriving at Varanasi or Kashi, Brahma's head dropped off from Kala Bhairava's hand and ever since then, Kashi or Varanasi has been the spot where Hindus believe, by virtue of immersing oneself in the Ganges river at Kashi,  one's sins will be washed off so that the person could reduce their cycle of birth and death and eventually attaining liberation.

My Bed of Roses 

Over My Dead Body

We Need Our Tan

Kama (lust), Krodha (Anger) Loba (Greed), Moha (Temptation), Mada (Pride) and Matsarya (Jealousy or Envy) are all the manifestation of ones ego, hence the rise of Kala Bhairava within the philosophical context of Sanathana Dharma (Hinduism) was to destroy all the six enemies that inhibit one's spiritual growth which ultimately leads to one's liberation.

The Wretched Body Has To Go

So where does the dog come in this equation?  Well the dog represents undivided love. Although the story of Kala Bhairava was narrated differently in various literature, but one thing that was consistent in all was the companionship of the dog with Kala Bhairava, which stood steadfastly with Kala Bhairava in his journey through the 3 worlds.

So what shall we do Now?

Interestingly dogs play a significant role in Sanathana Dharma (Hinduism). Dogs have senses that can detect illness in people (medical science has already proven this) hence it is stated that even Lord Yama (Lord of Death) will be careful in taking away someone's life if the beholder has a dog in his home. 

Ok Hurry it up Bro, I can't be Waiting the whole Day

Saint Manikavasagar uses the word 'dog' 72 times in his composition of Shivite hymn, Thiruvasagam, to describe the concept of devotion towards divinity.

The Vedas mention that it is compulsory that one leaves a handful of food for the dog before going to bed, otherwise it is deemed that the house dweller is living in an incomplete house.

And I am sure all of us have heard about the chivalry of dogs throughout history and its bonding with children and adults alike.

Hence it is not surprising that dogs are referred to as man's best friend.

Hey whats Happening?

Is it any surprise that the reverse of dog is "GOD"?

Is it a coincidence?  I don't know.

My first encounter with a dog friendly environment was at Thiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu. It was not surprising since Tiruvannamalai was the home to Ramana Maharshi, a Saint who had lived all his life who practiced compassion to all beings, and in particular to dogs and especially towards Karupi the dog who had been his constant companion. Even up to today his values on compassion is evident at his Ashram, where dogs, peacocks, monkeys roam around freely in the grounds. 

For us our late KRYSTAL and ABBY (Abhirami) had always been our boon for comfort and love, and when they died it was indeed traumatic for our family.  Today we are blessed with ATHENA and ARYAAN, who came into our lives about 11 months ago, and happily chewed the front door, the wooden shoe rack, the brick wall and of course the innumerable foot wear. These are our everyday haunting, but the the siblings are still adorable.

The Majestic Krystal 

The Heart Melting Abhirami....Abhirami....

The Adorable Rascals Aryaan & Athena 

Back in Varanasi, everyday seems to be a "DOGS"  day out. As the photos describe, they come in all shapes, sizes and colours. To me it was a sight to behold, never saw so many dogs roaming free without a care or concern.

Ok I have been Marked

Don't you want to be my friend, I am the new kid on the Block?

With so much cruelty towards animals which  we see around us, perhaps Varanasi is a dogs paradise. Looking at these dogs, it gives hope on humanity, ie. KINDNESS. 

So the next time if you are in Varanasi and do come across a dog, feed it, perhaps you may wash your sins away........or at least you will have the satisfaction of feeding a stray.

ravi varmman

Subang Jaya

14.32

4th February 2019

        

FREEDOM II

FREEDOM IS NOT A REACTION;

FREEDOM IS NOT A CHOICE,

FREEDOM IS FOUND IN THE CHOICELESS AWARENESS

OF YOUR DAILY EXISTENCE 

AND ACTIVITY

Imagined Control

As expounded by Jiddu Krisnamurti, the state of unpremeditated, complete awareness of the present without preference, effort or compulsion.

Is this even possible today when we are hogged by a consumerist culture. A new world of quick fixes, even spirituality is seen as a commodity. 

The state of stillness would be impossible for distraction comes in all shapes and forms, and the most destructive one comes virtually. The virtual realm exposes one to an infinite probability of choice, which in it self becomes stifling, that strangulates our very own existence . 

Perhaps freedom of choice only expresses the ability for one to choose freely within a given choice in a particular boundary.

In one of my social networking group, someone proposed a view that man's ability to describe GOD seem very reflective of himself. My reply was, isn't it logical, where man's ability to imagine is determined as far as his faculties permits. So as much as he tries, his imagination is still boundered by what he is exposed, hence the concept of limitless is a misnomer within this perspective.

Imagination

Freedom should give the beholder the capacity for self knowledge and the ability to make free as well as rationale choices. Some say that with the advent of technological advancement with greater access to information people may embrace greater freedom. But this in fact is an oxymoron because what goes in the virtual world has its own conspiring theories. The internet has the capacity to magnify propaganda and politicize issues both at individual and societal level. Case in point is Cambridge Analytica and its alleged role in the US presidential election.

The paradox of boundered freedom can be clearly seen none other than in the US where Americans are spending more money trying to defend their right to free speech than benefiting from it.

So is there real freedom as aspired by Jiddu or have we been conned to believe in an assumed utopia that we are living with free will, just because we believe that we are an independent and rational thinking consumers.

But then again what about the bombardment of advertising that constantly hounds us ...........

Bounded Mind

Confined Mind

Abraham Lincoln and Mohandas Gandhi had their tryst with freedom and we all know the consequences, neither the proponents lived to see their efforts nor the benefactors fully realized its outcome.


ravi varmman
Subang Jaya
18.36
29 January 2019

My Tryst With KumbhMela

It was my inner calling that brought me to the Triveni Sangham (Meeting of Three River's) the merging of river Yamuna, Ganga and the mystical Saraswati, to be here exactly on the auspicious period of Kumbh Mela at Prayargh, Allahabad.

Wanted to be at the exact point of the Sangham, boatman Kaka made sure of that. I was accompanied by Mr & Mrs Sushil from Varanasi, strangers who were destined to share my experience.

I took a dive from the platform, almost breast level, the freezing water had a numbing effect for a few seconds, but slowly I felt a calming sense.

After taking the third dip head in the water there was this feeling of nothingness which I have never felt. I guess the fusion of being overwhelmed by being at the Kumbh, the Triveni Sangham, and the freezing water gave this adrenaline rush that I have never felt before.

At that fleeting moment everything stopped, but I know I was there, I was conscious, but there was nothing.

I liked that feeling.

After that, experience, I had the most colourful sight visiting the Baba's tents, they are the most eccentric people that I have ever seen.

India has always been an enigma. For many these Baba's could be a "Tamasha", for others it could be a photography feast, and to the faithful, a blessing is hoped, but very few, really attempted to understand this way of life. From the interaction I had with a few of them, their purpose seems as diverse as they are.  But to me they are not only intriguing but very inspiring too. 

And of course what is a festival without traders. They come in all shapes and sizes. Amazing entrepreneurial talent. This in it self is feast to the eyes.

I am still recovering from the overwhelming effect of this experience, truly humbling. 

These Siberian seagulls are migratory birds, who travel thousands of miles from the harsh winters of the Siberian hinterland. They will be a common sight till March.

The entire event has shown me how small the 'i' is. 

The more I seem to know, the more I realise how much I don't know. 

My dear friend Harish, from Varanasi shared a quote yesterday, he said "We are so obsessed of using a telescope to see things afar but failed to see within oneself using a microscope." A simple analogy but with profound wisdom. 

The search continues..............

ravi varmman

26 January 2019

21.51

Varanasi

India.

Note:
My friend Harish and wife run a Homestay at Varanasi. Great people, wonderful hospitality.
Contact: homestayvaranasi.in 

BEYOND FAITH

Like in many previous years I had fulfilled my pilgrimage this year at Velayuthar Temple Batu Caves. It felt good, reinvigorating, inspiring, and highly motivating. This has been an annual event for my family, where the youngest to the oldest, participate in carrying Paal Kudam (Milk Pot) up the 272 steps to energize mind and body.

Many reasons have been given to this ritual, but the most common would be to thank the Lord Muruga for his divine intervention in our lives.

For the sick, beyond the hands of a skillful doctor, faith gives them courage and strength to go through a particular treatment.

For a student, beyond his or her effort in preparing for an examination, faith gives clarity of focus to achieve the desired outcome.

To a job seeker beyond equipping oneself with the necessary skills and knowledge faith gives hope for a better job.

Thus there could be many reasons why the "faithful" perform such or any other act to thank the divine for the believed intervention.

But the philosophy behind the "VEL", Lord Murugan's lance embodies great value as a guide to one's journey called life.

The shape of the lance "Vel" which has a broad 'head' representing the need for broadness of the mind, followed by the sharp pointed edge representing sharpness of knowledge and the long length of the shaft depicting the depth of thought. In totality the VEL represents WISDOM, something that many lack. 

The entire act of fasting and preparing both mentally and physically for the pilgrimage definitely requires greater discipline, which in itself is an act of detoxification.

Ultimate human progression leads to the development of higher consciousness, as such a disciplined articulation of body and mind would pave the way for clarity of pursuits. 

Many look for happiness and peace via religion and religious practices, hoping for a divine intervention either for the present or even for an eventful afterlife. Unfortunately many are so focused on embracing religion and religious rituals that they fail to see within on how to be a good human being.  

An act of "Kavadi" bearing (carrying the milk pots balanced on a wood or sugarcane) gives a sense of humbling to the bearer making one realize that the cosmos is definitely bigger than one's ego. 

I have found solace in many places of worship, be it a Mosque, Church, Synagogue, Gurdwara, Temple or even the Mausoleum of Spiritual Masters.  In all of them, I have  experienced positive vibrations or energy that gives a good feeling. I have come to the realisation that Religion is merely a means to higher consciousness but religion itself is not the end. Hence there are many spiritually enlightened masters who do not belong to any specific boundered philosophies. 

If only more people understand the logic of their actions, the world will be a better place.

Vetri Vel, Veera Vel

Lance of Victory, Lance of Bravery

Bravery to face all challenges, and Victory To all Pursuits

Ravi Varmman
21 January 2019
Subang Jaya. 

The Cosmic Dance

Today is 2nd January, a new day like any other day just began. 1st January will be a memory and eventually will be forgotten. All the celebration and merry making from Christmas till New Years Eve would have ended, some with hangovers, others with bloated food binge, and many others would have just slept through the New Year.

Some may have promised new year resolutions, and for many, it's just another year, like many others that they have crossed.

Reflecting on Shiva's Cosmic Dance, 'Anandatandava,' meaning the Dance of Bliss, symbolizes the cosmic cycles of creation and destruction, as well as the daily rhythm of birth and death, should remind us of our responsibility as a human being.

photo@chennaidomesticairport

Another year, another period of borrowed time, let us strive to be a better human being.

May we be guided in the righteous path.

Have a Great Year Ahead.

Ravi Varmman
2nd January 2019
Subang Jaya.

Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening

BY ROBERT FROST

Whose woods these are I think I know.   

His house is in the village though;   

He will not see me stopping here   

To watch his woods fill up with snow.   

My little horse must think it queer   

To stop without a farmhouse near   

Between the woods and frozen lake   

The darkest evening of the year.   

He gives his harness bells a shake   

To ask if there is some mistake.   

The only other sounds the sweep   

Of easy wind and downy flake.   

The woods are lovely, dark and deep,   

But I have promises to keep,   

And miles to go before I sleep,   

And miles to go before I sleep.

In remembering Robert Frost whose treasures have now been officially deemed public.

A very inspiring poem that has changed many lives, including that of yours truly.

The seeker's thirst is never quenched, with every mile seemingly just a precursor to the next. Some miles may seem longer than others, without a realization that a mile is just a mile, although to the feeble mind it stretches according to one's imagination.

To rise above the duality of mind would give a better comprehension of existence, hence a better grasp of the mile, which in turn inspires persistence and conviction in facilitating one's passion and pursuits.

Thank you Robert Frost for keeping the flame in me constantly burning.

Ravi Varmman
2nd January 2019
Subang Jaya.

The Dawn Of A New Beginning - MALAYSIA TANAH TUMPAH DARAH KU

Malaysians of all walks of life woke up in the early morning of 9th May with a zest, determined to change their well being as a citizen of Malaysia Tanah Tumpah Darahku (The Land I Spilled My Blood). 

Feeling of uncertainty was definitely in the air, especially recalling back the last two General Elections where it ended with big disappointments. Nevertheless the young and old, the rich and poor, the educated and the not so academically endowed, all made their way to their respective polling stations, waiting patiently to do their duty as a citizen of this country to casts their votes to determine the future of this country. Everyone was helping each other, the young giving way to the elders, the physically challenged were accommodated by the abled, and giving way to someone who was already late to catch a flight. I observed the presence of a sense of humanity and citizenry amongst the people who had to endure long queue under the intense heat  and humidity.

Everyone had clear objectives as to who they want them to be represented in the legislature, but like in any elections, there can only be one entity winning over the other.

But this time the composition of Gen Y representing 41% of the total population made the difference in the outcome of the election. This generation basically do not have specific ideological leanings but totally operate on existentialism. What they see and experience determines their decision rather than having any political party based emotional underpinnings.

The wrongs of the incumbent's governance was not only glaring but with information accessibility by the digitally savvy generation became the game changer in determining their mindset. 

Secondly the web of digital coverage unlike in the past had also permeated rural Malaysia, giving rural folks alternative information as against contradictory propagation made by the incumbent government. Coupled with the fact, many policies of the incumbent government created hardship to the man on the street, which caused much frustration because it started to affect the well being of these folks. 

One significant decay owing to 62 years of a single alliance rule, was that there seem to be a blurred boundary between the civil service and the ruling government. It became almost synonymous that members of both entities crisscrossing jurisdictional boundaries which often frustrated the Rakyat (Citizens) in terms of the services expected out of them. 

It is hoped that with the formation of the new government, greater transparency is afforded so that there is clarity in accountability of roles by the members of the civil service and the governing political entity. Definitely there is going to be discomfort amongst the members of the civil service, working under a new master with a totally different ideagogue. 

This entire event is going to be a new experience to all stakeholders. But I believe with patience and perseverance we all can triumph to create a better MALAYSIA.

To the new government, I say the Rakyat have spoken and given you a mandate, it is up to you to meet the expectations that you yourself have promised. We are watching you. Do follow a righteous path towards good governance.

You have seen the power of the RAKYAT,  if you miss your step, absolutely without hesitation we can throw you out.

"Mistakes are committed unintentionally, but misdeeds are committed knowingly, 

The ones who commit mistakes must strive to mend it, while the ones who commit misdeed must repent." - quoting from Poet Vaali.

A New MALAYSIA is BORN, it is not a time to celebrate, but its time to work even harder to rebuild a frayed governance and citizenry. 

For the FUTURE of OUR CHILDREN and the GENERATIONS thereafter.

Ravi Varmman Kanniappan
10 May 2018